Plain and Simple

Top: TJ Maxx Cardigan: Target Shorts: Old Navy Shoes: Target

So, I don't love this photo (ew, legs), but I'm all about being real on my blog...so this is what I wore today!  It's another pretty simple shorts + cardigan outfit, but when you wake up at 5:00 am and forgot to plan an outfit, it's tried and true, you know?

While most of my classmates are showing up to our summer classes in a t-shirt with yoga pants, athletic shorts, or jeans, I feel really weird doing that.  Maybe that worked in undergrad classes, but I feel like I need to look at least somewhat put together when I'm at class.  I concentrate better and am more productive when I look nice.  Thus, I wear outfits like this, and stand out like a sore thumb.  Oh well.  Is that just me?

Productivity and Purple

Shirt: TJ Maxx Cardigan: Target Jeans: Old Navy Shoes: Target

I am a far more productive person in the morning than I am in the evening.  If I wake up and get myself out of bed, I will work, work, work until everything is complete.  For instance, this morning, I woke up an hour earlier than usual and tended to some much neglected housework (laundry, dishes, vacuuming).  I wrote this blog post, had breakfast, and am on my way to the police department to get the police report from my car accident to send to the insurance company (yes, it's been two weeks, and no, my car has not been worked on at all and the insurance company won't provide me with a rental car...ugh).  I have projects for work and papers for school that need to get done, and I'm feeling highly motivated right now - best feeling ever.

I had a different outfit planned for today, but I really refused to wear tights one more day...so last night, I asked Kevin what color he loved to see me wear.  He said he loves to see me in dark purple, so I pulled out this cardigan and based my outfit around it.  Although this shade of purple is probably my all-time favorite color, I only have this cardigan, these shoes, and a dress in this color.  I better change that.

Five Days, Five Ways: Teal Pants

It's the second day of Fran and Whitney's Five Days Five Ways challenge!  Today's challenge is to find multiple ways to wear a pair of pants.  I'm choosing to remix these teal pants.

Honestly, I completely forgot that I had these pants.  I bought them a while back at TJ Maxx after searching and searching for a pair of colored denim.  I wore them once with a chambray shirt in October, and had it in my head that they didn't fit me and were not flattering.  I was searching through my closet to decide what pants to wear for this challenge, and I found these again.  I put them on, and they fit, so I decided they would be the perfect pants to use for today!

Tee: Target Sandals: Target Necklace: From Mom

This is exactly the kind of outfit I can't wait to wear!  Spring better come soon, because I'm getting antsy to wear my tees and sandals!  I thought this was a nice, casual outfit - perfect to wear on the weekends, or out for lunch with friends. 

Shirt: Old Navy Wedges: Payless Necklace: F21

I would wear this outfit out on a date.  I'm not thrilled with the way this shirt photographs - in real life, it's a great dark gray color.  I also don't like this necklace with the outfit.  I think it might look better with a shorter necklace, or more of a pendant-type necklace.  I love the way these pants look with my new wedges, though! 

Sweater: Old Navy Boots: Target Necklace: Birthday gift from parents

I would wear this outfit to work, or on the weekends.  I've struggled a little bit about what to wear with this sweater (it's a black cable knit sweater, why is it so hard to wear?!), but I think they look great with these pants!  I also think I could have worn this outfit with a scarf (maybe leopard print?) and it would look great, too.

Shirt: Old Navy Cardigan: Thrifted Eddie Bauer Flats: Thrifted new Target stock

 Here is another springy outfit - very colorful!  I'm not usually one to wear lots of colors like this, but I thought I would push myself a little bit.  I've worn this shirt and cardigan together before, but usually only with regular denim.  These jeans are colorful but not too wild, so I think they go nicely together.  I also rolled up the pant legs a little bit for a more casual vibe.

Tank: Old Navy Blazer: Old Navy Flats: Payless Necklace: Birthday gift from parents

This is an outfit I would wear to work.  I really love teal and black together, and while I could have worn a solid colored tank or blouse, the stripes add a little visual interest.  I could also swap the blazer for a cardigan for a similar (perhaps slightly more casual) look.

There you have it!  My five ways to wear teal skinnies :)  What look do you like best?

My Beloved Black Boots

Blouse: TJ Maxx Blazer: Target Pants: NY&C Boots: Target

Is it bad that I'm already mourning the loss of these boots?  I've had them for over two years now, and they're still in great condition, but I know some day they will need to be retired.  They fit me like a glove, are super comfortable, and are so simple.  I love that they can be slipped on and off without zippers, laces, or buckles.  And they were $35 from Target.  Not bad.  Not bad at all.

I was thinking about these boots, after Fran's post on investment pieces, and what the heck that even means.  As you see every day, most of what I own is from budget-friendly stores like Target and Old Navy, and I honestly wouldn't have it any other way.  I enjoy being able to get stylish and reliable clothes at places I can afford.  Sometimes, I feel that we bloggers are expected to buy, buy, buy and become walking advertisements for certain brands of clothing and accessories, but I simply cannot afford to buy clothing that costs that much.  [I think] I look good on my modest budget, and I enjoy finding great deals on clothing (thanks, Mom, for teaching me to shop the sales!).  I guess what I'm saying is, these $35 Target boots have served me incredibly well, and have been one of my wardrobe workhorses and favorite items for years.  I don't need to buy $200 boots in order to look and feel great!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Because Shanna Said So.

Toxic

Blouse: TJ Maxx Cardigan: Target Skinny jeans: NY&C Boots: Target

Back in high school and college, I dressed pretty much exclusively in bright colors.  My bedroom was bright orange, and I always had colorful backpacks, purses, and shoes.  In the past few years, I've been drawn to more neutral and muted colors.  Today, I decided to go back to my roots and grab a lime green cardigan to keep warm rather than the black blazer I originally intended on wearing.  I like to be a little bit unpredictable on occasion!

Also, you should know that I started off my day in the best possible way: dance party for one to the tunes of Ms. Britney Spears.  Sometimes, you just need to dance.