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

Punkin' Pickin'

Last week, one of my 1st graders was constantly talking about how excited he was to do some "punkin' pickin."  I guess I couldn't get that out of my head, because I had a major itch to pick some pumpkins as well!  With a bit of sunshine and warmth in the air, we hopped onto our (super amazing) new Genuine Buddy, and found a great little place in our area.  

One little pumpkin, too many nachos, and some alpaca-petting later, we rode home with the wind in our faces.  A perfect Sunday...

Sunglasses: Loft

Broach: Flea Market

T-shirt, Bag, Scarf & Flats: Gap 

Angle Zip Legging Jeans: Gap

Button Down: Urban Outfitters

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

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

At the Drive-In

I can't believe my first week of summer vacation has already come to an end!  I had a busy week, filled with teaching piano lessons, visiting the neighborhood pool, enjoying the fireworks, hanging out with family and friends, and having a fun night at the drive-in.

Apparently there is only one drive-in movie theater that remains in New Jersey, which is so sad.  Where I grew up, in rural Pennsylvania, we have several different local drive-ins, and visiting one was a regular event on summer nights.  So after years of missing out on the nostalgia, Erik and I finally made the drive to watch Brave and Spiderman on the big screen.  Fried food and warm weather put me to sleep before the end of the second movie, but it was such a great time, I'm looking forward to going back again.

So this outfit isn't terribly exciting, but it's all I have from this past week.  It was super comfortable for our movie night, and fit into my week-long red/white/blue outfits.  

Button Down: Urban Outfitters

Shorts: Gap

Espradilles: Target

Some Spring Staples

I made a quick trip to the mall last week and knew exactly what I was looking for.  I had 2 essential spring needs wants and was waiting for a nice sale.  I love my Perfect Oxford in pink, and after E recently shrunk my other favorite white shirt, I thought this one would be a good replacement.  I also had my mind set on a pair of these soft cropped pants...I'm sure I'll wear 'em to death this spring season!  

Navy Cardigan: Ann Taylor

Sunglasses: Loft Outlet

Perfect Oxford: Gap

Bracelet: Mom's

Khakis: Gap

Flats: Gap

Bear with Me

Jacket, Shirt, Leggings: Gap

Sunglasses: Loft Outlet

Scarf: Loft

Bag: H&M

Bare with me everybody, it's been a hectic time.  I've been trying hard to juggle concert time at work, constant wedding planning distractions, and all of the other commitments that have been filling my days.  I'm coming back to the blogging world soon, I swear!  I even have a few wedding ideas to share with all of you... mostly because I have commitment issues with my decisions at hand and I could really use some advice.

In the mean time, I hope you can stand a boring on-the-go weekend outfit.  I basically lived in some version of this outfit from Friday-Sunday.  Inspiration has been lacking :(

Back in the Day

I recently pulled out an old favorite of mine... this leather belt that I purchased during my first year of college.  Back in the day I was a bit more bold with my style, and even though most of my closet has changed over the years, I'm happy that I held onto this blast from the past.  

I didn't actually wear this outfit without the jacket, but here's a better picture of the belt.

 Shirt, Blazer & Dress: H&M

Belt: Macy's (10+ years ago)

Boots: Steve Madden via DSW

Don't Want to be Boring

 I'm so disappointed in myself.  I had plans to be a better blogger over this past holiday weekend, and instead, I blew it.

Last week was busy busy busy.  Long road trips, short flights, and a weekend with my family took priority over all else.  And when it comes down to it, I guess that missing out on a few blog posts was worth it.  I got to spend some quality time at home, and I loved every minute of it.  Now that I'm back to work, I'm back to business on this blog.  I swwwwear!

Speaking of back to work, I got a lot of compliments on this outfit today from my students, which doesn't always happen.  They seemed to like how busy and colorful it was.  One student actually asked why I chose to not wear a plain white shirt under the sweater... which really surprised me!  I didn't know how to answer, so I was honest.  I just don't want to be boring. :)

Skirt: Loft

Tights: DSW

Sweater: H&M

Button-Up: Gap

Broach: J.Crew

Watch: Michael Kors

Boots: Steve Madden

Pearl Earrings: Temple Street Night Market, HK