Outfit Inspiration: Blazer + Shorts

J.Crew

A trend I am loving right now is the blazer and shorts combination. I like the mixture of casual and professional put together. I love all of the pieces that J. Crew combined -- a chambray shirt, a lighter blue (striped I think) blazer and navy blue/black shorts. With the weather being quite warm, this is good for errands, going out with friends or hanging with family members. Unfortunately, shorts are not a appropriate for teaching but this could be modified for that type of environment -- such as a skirt (knee length at least) or trousers/capris.

Three cheers for warmth, sunshine and blue skies! :) I am hoping this lovely weather continues....

Recent Target Finds

When you least expect it.... and then it leads to a little more.... Oh Target, sometimes you really surprise me!

Oh how I love clearance tags.... So satisfying seeing the 'Was' and 'Now'

Alright so here is the deal (or story- I apologize for the rambliness), Mom and I were out and about on Saturday doing errands and miscellaneous stuff. To my surprise-- I found a leopard belt! Yippiiiie!!! You have no idea how long I have been searching for a leopard belt. Now, it isn't the world's best quality but for $16.99 I couldn't pass it up. Also I had to get the pink belt because I have been looking for one as well (thinking of accessorizing my polka dot dress with it). Then we came across that gorgeous colored scarf, which was on clearance for $7.98. The fabric is lightweight and well.... you know my love of blue (I am seriously working on that! haha). Mom was convinced it belonged in my closet so I also blame her. Eventually that led me to trying on a pair of Mossimo patent high heels but they didn't have my size in the camel color..... (btw, they are the most comfortable high heels ever)

After doing a couple things on Monday morning, I gingerly took myself down the road to a different Target and found them. Yeah! AND look at that leopard purse!!!! My friends, for about two months I have gone back and forth on getting that darn purse. I saw it was online still but for $29.99 and just couldn't seem to hit the check out button. So I am over-the-moon that I not only came across it unexpectedly but that it had that beautiful clearance tag - yes, I scored big time! 

Then.... I gave in to that pretty mint green satchel. I'll admit it was $24.99. But isn't it lovely?! haha

Oh man I sound like a crazy consumer and I do think it is important to be careful when buying like this. One item often leads to another. I will say though that I am not always shopping and am able to afford them. Sometimes it's okay to treat yourself with goods and most of the time it is good to keep away from stores. It's all about moderation with a few indulgences here and there ;-) 

And I will be totally honest in that I am doing everything I can to resist these....

What do you think?

My Style: Using What I Have

It's been quite awhile since I did my last outfit post and Sunday provided the perfect opportunity to take some pictures (Thank you Mom for taking these for me!). I do put together super casual outfits during the week but I don't always get a picture of them. Anyhow... This is what I wore for Mother's Day! I was thoroughly enjoying the fact that I was in a SKIRT (as I am in pants like 98% of the time). Best part too-- I used items that had been in my closet for awhile. I had been mulling over this outfit for a few days and then put everything together. I am quite pleased with this and also love that I got to wear that beautiful cream shirt. I don't wear it enough since it is short sleeved and not typically warm like it has been. Now that I have more cardigans and blazers I am going to try and wear it when I sub/tutor.

Not to copy J's Everyday Fashion (she often asks a question w/ her posts) but.... Do you think this is classroom appropriate? * 

Cream Top: Forever 21 (~ 2 years old)
Spaghetti strap underneath: Aeropostale
Skirt: H & M (1+ year old)
Shoes: Airwalk / Payless (1.5 + year old)
Necklace: Handmade from Silver Image- saw it at Farmers' Market last year and received it as a gift later on

*fyi, I would not wear this w/ kindergarten where you are constantly bending over.

Polka Dot Love for Easter

I have a confession: I have a HUGE crush on the clothing store Ruche. I love their beautiful dresses, skirts, and delicate accessories. I wouldn't consider my style vintage, but I do enjoy girly things from time to time. Anyhow, in March I spied a lovely light colored teal polka dot dress. I couldn't pass it up and took a chance and made my first purchase with Ruche! I ordered on a Tuesday and had my dress by Saturday (it also helps that they're located in Cali). The dress is great quality, fits me nicely (for the most part- unfortunately I was not 'blessed' with a large top area haha), and I have many ideas for styling it.

I am so thankful the weather was so lovely! Had this been a typical Easter I would have been so chilly (especially considering my tights got a huge run in them shortly before I had to leave home-- so that is also why you are graced with my pasty legs! ;-) ) *

Dress: Ruche
Cardigan: Merona / Target (recent!)
Belt: H & M
Blazer: H & M
Shoes: H & M

*P.S. Sara-- you can see my wacky collar bones! haha!

Comfy Errand Outfit

Plaid shirt: American Eagle (recent & on clearance)
Gray long sleeve: Ambiance from Wet Seal (old)
Belt: H & M (very recent-- love it!)
Jeans: Hollister (got them during a 50% jeans + free shipping online sale)
Boots: Cathy Jean-- super, super comfy and make a great clicking sound from the lil heel that's on 'em

I managed to create a quick, simple and comfy outfit to go on an errand this {rainy} afternoon. I love this new flannel plaid shirt- so comfy! I'm trying to add in patterns to my wardrobe and have fallen in love with plaid. To make this outfit even better, I would like to use a more colorful shirt underneath it, like a dark pink or blue, instead of gray. I wanted a little more warmth and the gray shirt long-sleeve shirt fit the best underneath the plaid. I'm not crazy about the gray shirt because it is too "elasticy" and rides up (it will be going bye bye one of these days), but it's what I had to work with and served its purpose of keeping me a lil warmer.

Hope you're having a wonderful Monday!

P.S. My sister was gracious enough to take the full-length picture of me. She also took the pictures from my other two outfit posts. :) Thanks sis!
P.S.S. Forgive my bare/natural face and messy hair-- I should have taken these before going out but just didn't do it. I regret that now! Oh well!

FPC, Day 23: Your Shoes

February Photo Challenge

Day 23

"Your Shoes"

I could have taken a picture of all my shoes today but I chose not too. Instead I wanted to take a picture of these cute additions to my wardrobe. I'll show you my boots some other time ;-)

FPC, Day 17: Time

February Photo Challenge

Day 17

"Time"

This is how I spent time today... literally :) Oh, it was a very Happy Friday though! 

First stop at the mall was Jamba Juice. Funny thing is that they messed up on my drink and gave it to me, and made me a new one with all of the ingredients (I got the Peanut Butter Moo'd... new fav of mine!). So here I was, rarin' to go shopping and was double fisting it with two drinks. I didn't want to throw the other drink away, but didn't feel like asking every person I walked by if they wanted it (I did have the paper over the straw so it looked untouched).... I did ask one lady but she said no... then I decided to go sit on a bench for a few minutes and a gentleman asked me for directions to a store, and I questioned him on his need for a drink. After my two attempts I decided to not wait too much longer. Oh but thank goodness! I got a taker! A gal about my age sat on the other bench behind me and I said, "Excuse me.... By any chance do you like chocolate and bananas?" (that's what you ask when you randomly talk to a stranger right?) With slight hesitation she answered, "yes, sometimes." Then I told her my Jamba Juice issues and she gladly took the drink from me and was very gracious! I felt victorious!

Then.... my shopping adventures began.....

Didn't get this dress but am considering it. Very cute!

Spent lots of time in H & M. I am in deep love with this store these days. I have enjoyed this store but haven't found too much that looked good on me (sometimes their colors don't do so well for my fair skin). Not the case this time!!! I will say, having a 20% off-any-item-I-choose coupon made clothes even more appetizing. FYI:: if you sign up for their newsletter you get a 20% off coupon. Uh, and I have signed up a few more extra email addresses tonight.... ;-) 

This is sort of my "splurge item." I've been quite curious about Burt's Bees tinted lip balm. I purchased this at Ulta (stop before the mall for a few personal items) and was able to use a 20% off coupon on it (good thing, this dang stuff is $6.99 - reason why I haven't bought it until now). I tried it on tonight and am very happy with the Hibiscus color, smells lovely, does stay true to name and gives a lil color, and the balm is lightweight feeling. Good job Burt's Bees! I've been a fan of theirs for a while now and am pleased with this product. :)

Blue&Pink Plaid: American Eagle / Blue, Green & Pink Plaid: H & M/ Blazer: H & M/ Flats: H & M / Boots: Cathy Jean

Ta-da! Here are my clothing purchases from today! I finally, FINALLY got a blazer! I was able to use my coupon for it and saved about $6 (still came to about $28). While this is a more spendy item, it is good quality and something I will enjoy for a long time. I love how blazers can be worn in so many ways. 

Cheetah/leopard-- what's the difference....? These shoes make me happy too. I have been looking all over for a cute pair of flats and was glad that these fit. :) [side note: they're leopard, check here] 

Plaid shirts were items I have been wanting and I was happy that they looked good on me. Got a great deal on the A & E shirt-- got it on clearance for about $15. Yippie!

Boots weren't an expected purchase today (so technically could be a splurge item?!?!) but they feel great on my feet and for $30 bucks (70% off!), I didn't feel bad about taking them home. 

Great part of all this?! These are birthday presents. I was given some money to do some shopping so it felt great to finally get out and so some of that this afternoon. Have several more items on my list, of course. Trying to pace myself.

Anyhow.... the photo challenge of TIME was a very good one for today!  Happy FRIDAY!

FPC, Day 12: Inside Your Closet

February Photo Challenge

Day 12

"Inside Your Closet"

"Rainbow order" is such a great way to organize clothes! 

I have to say, I was not prepared for this photo challenge today. I haven't cleaned my room for a few days (no all my January organization hasn't gone to waste-- clothes and papers need to be put away). Oh well.. you get to see my closet in its authentic form! If you want to see it lookin' good (and my whole room in fact), check this out.

What does your closet look like today?!