Loop Looks

Cardigan – Target (similar) | Shirt – Gap (similar) | Skirt – The Limited (similar) | Shoes – Bandolino (similar) | Necklace – The Limited (similar)

Total outfit cost = $146

Yes, it’s Friday and yes, I could be wearing jeans. But I’m not. Instead I decided to break out my sequined pencil skirt. Why? Well, I have a luncheon to attend at the Chicago Cultural Center for my job’s Distinguished Service Awards. At first I was super excited thinking that I’m getting some kind of awesome recognition. Turns out it’s just because I’ve been at my job 5 years. Still, it’s an excuse to wear something a little out of the box, don’t you think?

Plus, this afternoon Kim and I are going to trapeze class together! It will be her first time and I’m so excited to share my new-found trapeze love with a friend. That calls for a celebration in my book!

Pairing the fancy sequined skirt with a neutral colored cardigan and nude heels helps keep it from being too bling-y or overwhelming. Just like the last time I wore it, I wanted it to be part of the outfit, not an in-your-face statement piece.

Linking up with AJ for Friday Favorites since if you click the link in the post you can see another way I’ve worn this skirt!

0

  

Sweater – Forever 21 (similar in more sizes) | Shirt – The Limited (similar) | Skirt – J. Crew Factory (similar under $25) | Shoes – Bandolino (similar) | Necklace – JF&A Show (similar)

First things first: the outfit.  Inspired by ShopGirl DC and worn on one of our first bare legs days this year (apologies for the starkness of my gams!) I am in love with this outfit. I love the pop of pink. I love that it consists of my favorite color of the moment (navy), and I love that it gives me a way to wear this shirt that I’d never thought of before.

You know what you love about it? You can recreate it with the pieces linked above for under $100.  Yes, I’m serious. And even though the Target website says that polka dot skirt isn’t sold in stores, I know I saw it at my local Target recently.  So there.

Anyway, Lauren over at Lauren Runs to Tri tagged me for one of those Liebster Awards where you list 11 random things about you and then answer 11 questions.  You all seemed to enjoy learning some random facts about me last week so why not have a few more?

11 Random Facts About Me

1. I was on the dance team as a senior in high school and also graduated with a perfect GPA. I was an odd mix of cheerleader, outcast, and nerd.

2. My undergraduate honors thesis was on the differences between male and female serial killers. Yep.

3. I’m married to the guy I started dating the summer before my senior year of high school. We had to date long-distance for four years while I was away at college but we made it! Our 10 year wedding anniversary is in May.

4. I used to hate all pies made with fruit. Now I enjoy apple pie and some berry pies but blueberry, cherry or peach pie are still on the no list.

5. I will try most foods at least twice before I make a determination about whether or not I like them.

6. I have two tattoos.  The one on my foot that you’ve probably seen in outfit photos and one on my back above my left hip.

7. I would rather read a book than watch a movie.

8. I got my first email address in 1996. I had a dial-up modem and AOL.

9. There is a birthmark on my left leg in the shape of a paw print but it has significantly faded as I’ve gotten older.

10. I’m terrified of snakes.

11. I’ve never worked in retail.  Food service, yes, but never retail.

Lauren’s Questions

1.  What time did you go to bed last night?

11:30 PM. I usually try to be in bed by 11:00 but lately it’s been 11:30.

2. How do you feel about public speaking?

I don’t mind it at all.  I’m technically an introvert but one who loves public speaking. Seems contradictory, but it’s really not. I like being in control of when I talk and public speaking is one way to do that! Good thing I don’t mind it, too. Part of my job involves leading training courses for other staff members!

3. If you were invisible, where would you go?

Skinny dipping in an infinity pool overlooking some gorgeous view somewhere

4. What do you want to do for your next birthday?

My birthday is in January so I always have to think of indoor things to do. I had a really good time doing a wine and painting class for my birthday this year, though, so I’m actually thinking of making it an annual event!

5. Where would you like to live when you retire?

It would be great if I could have a place in Chicago and a place somewhere warmer.  Just so that when I get tired of cold I could escape for a week. Now that I live in an apartment building and don’t have to shovel, I don’t care about the snow but sometimes the cold and the gray just gets to me.

6. What’s your favorite strength move that is quick to do?

I hope straight-legged deadlifts count because those are my favorite.

7. What is your favorite pair of shoes?

Either my nude heels or my brown riding boots.

8. What type of art do you like best?

Not knowing enough about art to be able to describe it, I guess I’d have to say in terms of paintings or photography I like geometric designs, urban landscapes, and colors.

9. Sweet or salty?

Both?  Although I more often crave sweet than salty. And if I eat too much salt I DEFINITELY want something sweet afterward.

10. Who is the last person you talked with on the phone?

Um….does leaving a voicemail count? No? Then I guess it was Kim. On Sunday. No, wait, I made a hair appointment yesterday over the phone. Yes, seriously, I can go entire days without talking to someone on the phone even at work.

11. What is your mousepad like?

At work it’s a plain purple pad. At home it’s a random mouse pad I stole from my husband YEARS ago. It’s an underwater photo of a dolphin. Told you it was random.

I’m not going to tag anyone, but feel free to answer those questions above in the comments or on your own blog. Or just tell me something random about yourself!

0

  

Shirt – H & M (similar on sale!) | Sweater – Gap (similar) | Jeans – Express | Shoes – Lucky Brand via Marshall’s (similar) | Necklace – JF&A Tradeshow (similar)

I bought this shirt because I wanted something in pink gingham.  I got this sweater as a gift and never knew what to wear it with.  I bought this necklace because I’d seen something similar online and loved the way it looked with various outfits.  But it wasn’t until I saw images on Pinterest that I got the idea to wear them all together.

Some people will tell you that you should only buy pieces if you know exactly what you’re going to wear them with.  Can you make three outfits with it off the top of your head?  Then you should get it.  I sort-of subscribe to this theory.  But, I also love finding new ways to wear the items in my closet that I didn’t think of when I purchased or received the items.  There is so much inspiration available that I don’t think you should leave something out of your closet just because you couldn’t think of a way to wear it. Just commit to looking for ideas and you’re bound to find that it works in your wardrobe perfectly.

Also, you may notice that I’m wearing jeans on a Thursday.  That’s because this is my  Friday.  I’m off work starting this afternoon until January 2nd.  I’ve got some fun guest posts scheduled for next week, though, don’t you worry!

P.S.  Thanks to my girlfriends who suggested I try Express for “skinny” jeans that aren’t as tight on my ankle or calves.  The Stella fit are perfect if you’re looking for something similar!

0

  

Pink Blazer – H&M (similar)(similar)| Gingham Blouse – H&M (similar)| Necklace – J.Crew via Poshmark (similar) | Jeans – The Limited | Shoes – Bandolino

More bright pink in November!  I just can’t let it languish in my closet.  At least I didn’t wear it with my bright pink skirt, too, right?

Regardless, this idea I got off Pinterest but instead of a pink blazer and pink gingham the woman was wearing  a navy blazer with navy gingham.  And, serendipitously enough, the person I repinned it from (Whitney) had already written “with my pink gingham/blazer?”  Or, perhaps the person she pinned it from had written that.   Either way, it sparked this idea in my head and I knew I wanted to wear it ASAP.

Seriously, Pinterest is amazing.  There may be nothing new under the sun but sometimes that’s a good thing.

0

  

Top – Old Navy | Pants – The Limited | Necklace – J. Crew via Poshmark | Shoes – Unisa via 6pm.com

Yesterday seemed like one last hurrah for summer (although, you never know in Chicago) so I wore sleeveless and sandals.  And white.  Although these pants are a bit more of a “winter white” than stark white so I think they transcend the calendar.

In fact, I wore a very similar outfit in June but I recently purchased this pink and gold J. Crew necklace and I think the different accessory paired with a slightly different colored pant changes the outfit up just enough.

Also, yes, I got my hair cut.  I’m trying to embrace my wave which excited my hairdresser to no end (speaking of which, if you’re in Chicago and want a hairdresser recommendation my guy is pretty fantastic and only charges $35).  Basically it’s shorter with more layers, especially around my face.  Now I just have to figure out the best shampoo and conditioner to use!

0

  

Cardigan – Target | Shirt – H & M | Necklace – NY & Co | Skirt – The Limited via MJRsales | Shoes -  SE Boutique via DSW

Today’s OTI was a reader submission.  Gingham, a twirly skirt, and a cardigan.

I own a gingham shirt and I recently discovered that I love to wear it with this oatmeal colored cardigan.  Plus, I’ve been looking for a way to wear it with my white A-line skirt.  Throw in a fun pop of greenish teal with my new necklace and my favorite fun wedges and you have an outfit.

However, due to several things I have planned for today (including a party where there will be wine.  Red wine.  Red wine and a white skirt do not go well together for me) I opted to swap out the white skirt for a denim one.  And ditch the cardigan since it’s supposed to be almost 80 degrees here today.

Skirt – Ann Taylor Factory Store | Purse – Tignanello via Macy’s

I bought these shoes last summer on a whim.  I don’t normally like wedges but for some reason these just called out to me.  I’ve worn them so many times since then and almost always get compliments on them.  They’re not as crazy as my zebra heels but they’re more practical for summer and can be dressed up or down. 

So, which look do you prefer?  White skirt and cardigan or no cardigan and denim skirt?

P.S.  I’m also linking up with Simply Sarah for her shoes link-up party!

0

  

Jacket, Skirt & Necklace – The Limited

Blouse – Express

Shoes – Anne Klein via Marshall’s

Today was a suit day.  This is what I consider to be my warm weather suit.  It’s got a fun, flirty skirt and since it’s brown it can be paired with lots of different colors without being too harsh.  For some reason, though, I almost always pair it with pink.  I think one of my new goals will be to pair this suit with something other than pink.  Suggestions?

0

  

Cardigan – Lucky Brand

Blouse – Old Navy

Pants – The Limited

Shoes – Bandolino via Amazon.com

Necklace – Macy’s

Funny story:  I wear almost exclusively silver/platinum/white gold jewelry.  For years I refused to wear anything yellow gold.

Then I found my wedding dress.  It was off-white.  It was lace.  And for some reason silver just didn’t go with it.  A friend of mine had a beautiful golden pearl pendant that inspired me to find something similar for my wedding.  Thus, this necklace made it into my jewelry box.  I actually have matching earrings, too.

It’s still the only gold necklace I wear on a regular basis.  And every time I do it reminds me of my wedding.

0

  

Jacket – Gap Outlet

Top – Banana Republic Outlet

Cardigan & Necklace – The Limited

Pants – Express

Shoes – Bergner’s Department Store

If I dress like it’s spring does that mean spring weather will arrive?  Let’s hope so!  I couldn’t face another dreary, chilly day so I put on some brights to liven it up.  Because, really, what says spring more than kelly green and bright pink?

0