IRL

Documenting what I wear daily on this blog has been a really valuable experience so far. I'm building a workable wardrobe, I'm learning what works and what doesn't, and I've become more aware of the money I spend.

The problem with taking pictures of yourself and putting it on the internet is that I feel it has to be special/pinterest worthy/worth remembering. I would love to accessorize more, wear cuter shoes, spend more time on my hair, wear skirts. But the reality is that this is what I wear in real life. I like simple and clean, I have to wear pants, I can't wear rings that can't be worn with gloves, and after almost 25 years, I still don't know how to do my hair. I can't pretend to be something on this blog that I'm not in real life. This may not be the most special outfit ever posted on the internet, but it is what I actually wore to work today.

Shirt: Thrifted Ralph Lauren  {similar}
Jeans: Joe's Jeans  {similar}
Belt: Gap {save, spend, splurge}
Shoes: Rocket Dog (that need to be replaced...)
Necklace: 18th Birthday Present
Bracelet: J. Crew  {similar}

Fall Wish List

I know that it's such a cliche to be excited for fall...but I'm so excited!   We have finally turned off the AC (no more $200+ bills for us!), college football starts in 2 weeks, and my birthday is a month away. In an effort (ha) to stick to my budget, I've listed some of the items I want to invest in in the next couple of months. Fall is all about layering so I'm trying to buy pieces that allow for that. What part of fall clothing is your favorite?

Joe's Jeans Honey Bootcut
Flannel Scarf (a future DIY)
Frye Melissa Boots
Dorothy Perkins Open Stitch Sweater
Anne Klein Gold Watch
Urban Outfitters Flannel Shirt
Tiffany's Bead Earrings (Birthday Wish)
J. Crew Blazer (Birthday Present to myself)


And speaking of fall, and that back to school time, don't forget that you can win some awesome back to school devices by entering AT&T's Back To School Sweepstakes here. Good luck!












*Disclosure: I  was contacted by M80 to help get their word out about their Back To School Promotion. I receive a free product by participating but I do not receive anything for your entry. I'm crossing my fingers for you :)

Half Marathoners

We survived! I still can't believe we ran all of that, but I'm so proud that we did. I can't really walk today but am already excited to get back into running more now that I know I can do 13 miles. I'm not sure if a full  marathon is in my future but never say never!

My mom and sister Viktoria came to support us. Can you tell we are related?

Just after finishing...

and Chris finishing about 20 minutes before me ;)

Copy Cat

Today's weather was perfect. Now if only I got to experience it at all during the day at work - there aren't any windows in the room I sit in so I just like to pretend the weather is terrible outside so I don't have to feel bad about not enjoying it.

Luckily for me I get 2+ undisturbed hours "with nature" tomorrow as it's the day of my half marathon! It turns out that Chris doesn't have to be at the hospital this weekend so he is doing it with me. Wish us luck!

Sweater: Old Navy  {exact, splurge}
Jeans: Urban Outfitters  {exact}
Belt: The Limited
Shoes: Rocket Dog  {exact, spend, splurge}
Bracelets: Forever 21

Since buying this vest I've been playing around wearing it with different pieces in my closet. I ended up not wearing it today but will re-wear this outfit for a cooler day. Not wearing it though means that I basically copied Sarah from Small Town Catwalk exactly - I just think it means we have great taste ;)

 Hansi wanted in on the pictures...

Have a great weekend! If you never hear from me again, take that as a lesson to never sign up for a half marathon.










P.S. I have removed Disqus for my comment section. That means that all of my comments have been deleted :(  I think going back to the Blogger comment section is better for my blog as a whole so I appreciate your support in this tiny transition.

Twinkle Toes

After weeks of bright nails, I was ready for something soft. I went to Walgreens looking to buy Essie's Marshmallow but walked out with Ballet Slippers instead. I needed 4 layers to get it how I wanted but it's the perfect off white so it was worth it.

Base: Essie Ballet Slippers
Tips: Essie No Place Like Chrome
Ring: Karen Walker








12 days left to enter the Julep Maven Giveaway!

Linking up with the Nail Files and Mani Monday

Navy Blazer...ish

No, your eyes are not deceiving you - this is not a navy blazer. But last night in Forever 21 it looked like one! I've been searching for a navy blazer for a long time...and it looks like the hunt will continue because as fun as a purple blazer is, it isn't what I want to spend my limited budget on. So far this month I've spent $90 of my budget, so I'm thinking about cutting it off there and putting the rest of the money towards next month to use it to buy myself a great navy blazer as a birthday present. So far I'm considering this Topshop blazer, this Banana Republic one, and of course this J.Crew one. Any suggestions where else I can look?

Blazer: Forever 21  {exact}

Scarf: Forever 21 {save, spend, splurge}

Top: H&M

Jeans: Gap  {exact}

Shoes: Aldo  {exact, similar, similar}

Watch: Fossil  {similar}

Bracelet: J. Crew  {similar}

A few weeks ago I had my first Save/Spend/Splurge post about pink saddle bags. Kara who blogs at My Life in the Curvy Lane mentioned that she had a very similar bag that just neeeeeded to be taken off of her hands. I was kind enough to help her out with that ;)  Make sure you stop by My Life in the Curvy Lane! She has some great pieces in her giant closet, and I wish I lived closer to her so she could make me her amazing Strawberry Stuffed French Toast.

We're going to be good friends, you and I.








Linking up with Everybody Everywear, WIWW...

Invested?

You can only wear so many button ups and blazers before you get bored. I don't think I've owned a vest in about 10 years, but seeing how cute it looks on everyone (like here, here and here) I wanted in on the cargo vest. I happened upon this Old Navy version while I was there returning a top, and picked it up.

On the one hand, I can think about 10 outfits on the top of my head about how I would wear this vest. On the other hand, am I falling into a trend trap, and will regret this decision in 6 months?

On a different note, I am in LOVE with this shoes. I've been stalking them for about 2 months now, but (of course) wasn't willing to pay full price. I was watching the price on Zappos, but they never went lower than $55. I checked on the Aldo website, and they were $33 on there! While I'm disappointed I couldn't get them through Zappos and use a giftcard I have, I'm happy getting these shoes for 50% off retail.

Vest: Old Navy  {exact}
Shirt: Forever 21  {save, spend, splurge}
Jeans: Gap Outlet
Shoes: Aldo  {exact}
Belt: H&M
Watch: Fossil {save, spend, splurge}
Bracelet: Tiffanys & Co {exact}