Bright Whites

I'm spending the week on the North Carolina shore in the Outer Banks, relaxing with family.  Packing for this trip was surprisingly easy (mostly bathing suits and lounge-wear), however, I did stick a few great basics in my suitcase.  These white jeans from Loft and a white button-down from Gap are great for multiple outfits, but I love wearing a bold necklace with a monochromatic look.. so I stuck them together.

This bag is one of my favorite gifts of all time.  This past spring, my hubby came home on a regular Tuesday evening with a bag from J.Crew.  He wanted to surprise me with something, and picked this bag out on his own.  What a sweet gesture!  And even though I probably wouldn't have picked it out for myself, it's now become my favorite summer accessory... perfect with every outfit!

Necklace: Banana Republic

Sandals: J.Crew Factory

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Earrings: InPink

Bag: J.Crew

Jeans: Loft

Shirt: Gap

Navy Sheath

This sleeveless sheath dress has been a staple in my work wardrobe every single week since the summer.  I just can't stop restyling it!  

Perhaps it's because I never had to wear a school uniform, but I love the look of a plaid shirt under the navy.  I topped it with a soft vest, but often also include a blazer or cardigan.  Navy sheath, you are a dear friend.

Dress, Vest, Tights: Gap

Button-Down: J.Crew Outlet

Boots

A Warm Autumn Work Day

 On the best Autumn days, it's crisp and sunny, and we've been fortunate to have several of those days this past week.   I pulled this look together last Wednesday for work with a few things in mind: an important meeting, lots of walking, and it was fairly warm outside.  I'm thrilled with the simplicity of this outfit, but love that it feels so "me."

Button-Down and Cropped Pants: Gap

Blazer: Banana Republic

Necklace: J.Crew

Flats: Chinese Laundry

Back to Work

Finally getting back on track!  Today marks the 1 month anniversary of our wedding, and I figure that it's finally time to jump back onto the blogging wagon.  Over the past month, we said our vows in front of all of our loved ones, took our very first vacation as a couple, I had the honor of being a bridesmaid in a dear friend's wedding, and then I dove right in to a new (and busy) school year.  It feels like we've been going non-stop, but it's finally time that we return to a normal routine.  I'm ready to hibernate in our house for a while and just enjoy married life.

Soon I'll have some wedding and honeymoon photos to share, I promise!  Oh, and maybe a few fun pics of our cute new scooter!

Sweater: Talbots

Sheath Dress: Gap

Sandals: Steve Madden

Watch: Michael Kors

Once a Week, Probably

I've only photographed this this dress once before, but I've worn it many times this summer.  It's a perfect all-season find that I can't wait to carry into the fall and winter.  Basically, I'll probably wear this dress at least once a week for the rest of my life.  Would that be weird?

Dress & Belt: Gap

Necklace: Banana Republic

Sandals: Steve Madden

Panic Mode

This past week has been nothing but running errands and working on wedding projects.  All of my procrastination caught up with me, and I entered panic mode for a few days.

I'm still working on getting myself organized... and I've realized that my crazy schedule will absolutely not let up until September.   Sorry, folks, but this is the first time over the past few days that I've put on anything more interesting than a Hanes t-shirt and gym shorts.

 Button Down: Gap

Cropped Pants: Loft

Wedges: Gap

Necklace: H&M

T-Shirt Simplicity

I have to admit that as our weather has turned warmer over the past few weeks, I have seen far too many women forget about the sheerness of their clothing.  I'm talking about major see-through issues... to the point where I'm embarrassed for them.  So when I pulled out this oldie-but-goodie t-shirt dress, rest assured I remembered to add a slip!

Wearing a slip is such an easy fix for sheer dresses and skirts.  Now, if I could only find the perfect non-sheer white pants...

Dress: Gap

Wedges: Loft

Necklace: The Limited

Everybody Everywear: Nautical

I'm not sure if this is the most nautical outfit I could have pulled together, but I wasn't willing to wear anything other than this dress today.  It's comfortable and easy, and definitely a good way to avoid tearing apart your closet on a busy Tuesday morning.

My love of red/white/blue combos and stripes is clearly out of control.  If you're interested, check out a few more nautical-inspired outfits here, here, here, here and here! 

Dress: Loft Outlet

Blazer: Gap

Bag: Target

Heels & Necklace: H&M

A Few Magic Words

On our way home from vacation this weekend, Erik said a few magic (one-of-the-many-reasons-why-I-love-you-so-much) words:  "Do you want to stop and visit any of those outlet stores?"  

Although exhausted and not particularly in the mood to shop, I couldn't pass up the opportunity.  And luckily, these sandals and dress were quick finds and great staples for my summer wardrobe.  I've already managed to wear this outfit to an engagement party and work today--and I'm sure I'll wear it another few times before we even get to June...

 

Dress & Sandals: Loft Outlet

Necklace: The Limited

Watch: Michael Kors

Sweater: Talbots

Belt: Loft

Lots of Questions

We had a big day at school last week because a very important visitor came in for a tour.  For me, it was a long day of rehearsals and running around before our program, so this easy outfit worked well.  The kids were fantastic and so excited to perform.  Lots of "Will he have bodyguards?" and "Is President Obama coming with him?" questions.

So adorable.

Blouse & Oxfords: Urban Outfitters

Scarf & Pearl Earrings: Macys

Watch: Michael Kors

Necklace: Forever 21

Cropped Pants: Loft

Blazer: H&M

My Boy and Me

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  My day has been filled with running errands, and so wearing something comfy felt perfectly appropriate.  I was going to break out the summer sandals, but decided to bring my big Brown with me for the day, and this boy certainly doesn't want to walk around town with his momma in wedges.

(How cute is his John Deere bandana!?)

Jacket & Flats: Gap

Pendant: Ross Simons

T-shirt: Zara

Skirt: H&M

Everybody Everywear: Green

I definitely should have gotten a little more creative with this Everybody Everywear post, but I just needed one more excuse to wear these pants again.  

I apologize for the messy wrinkles (it's been a looong day), but I'm not sorry for the putting the pants on repeat.  These things are so soft, I just might wear them to the gym.  (And let's face it, we've probably all seen people wear stranger things on the treadmill.)

Blouse and Pants: Gap

Pineapple Necklace: H&M

Watch: Michael Kors

Heels: Urban Outfitters

Since it's March

I figured that since it's the first day of March and hitting over the 50 degree mark, it was safe to ditch the tights.  I pulled out my favorite ballerina skirt, and kept the rest really basic.

This skirt is without a doubt, one of my favorite items of clothing.  I always look at it and think about all of the options I have, but when it comes to actually wearing the thing, I keep playing it a little safe.  How would you wear this skirt?  Perhaps with a printed oxford?  Tucked or belted?  Layered?  With a t-shirt or blazer?  I need some ideas, people!

Navy Flats: Steve Madden

Sweater & Skirt: H&M

Sunglasses: Loft Outlet

Necklace: Guess Outlet

Earrings: Macy's

T-Shirt: Target

A Nice Blouse

When I wore my new H&M top to work yesterday, I had one student in particular who just loved it.  I couldn't stop laughing because he kept admiring it and asking if it was silk.  

It is a very nice blouse, I must admit.  Not silk, but oh well.

Blouse, Trousers & Scarf: H&M

Necklace: Macy's

Navy Flats: Steve Madden

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

I'm Honest

I took one look at my outfit in the mirror today and instantly knew I should be wearing black tights and heels... or at least my black boots.  But, I'm being truthful with this blog.  That's not what I wore.  

Instead, I chose the purple tights because the black ones where in the laundry.  And I wore rain boots because, well, it rained all day and it's horrible outside.  And my black boots need to visit the cobbler before I wear them again. 

That's just life.  I guess that sometimes life gets in the way of fashion.  Hey, at least I'm honest.

Belt: Loft

Dress & Sweater: Gap

Necklace: J.Crew Outlet

Boots: Steve Madden