Tag Archives: express

Polka dots are always in

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As I’m getting out of my style rut, I’m looking around the blogosphere for inspiration.  I went back this week to one of my old favorites, Fab Finds Under $50′s Inspiration calendars.  A few days ago, the theme was polka dots, and surprisingly, there were only two options in my closet: this skirt, and a polka dot Boden blouse.  Obviously, I went with the skirt.

I knew that I needed a short top if I wanted the proportions to look right, and this little cotton sweater was perfect for the job.  However, being light grey, it can look a bit too casual and dull, so I dressed it up with these lovely turquoise accents.  I’d forgotten just how much I love turquoise!  I felt so “me” all day, and a lot of people complimented me on my outfit, both teachers and students alike.  After taking such a long hiatus from really putting planning and effort into my outfits, it felt like a breath of fresh air.  Goodbye rut!

Sweater: Gap (via Deja Vu Boutique)
Skirt: Thrifted
Tights: HUE
Shoes: Dansko Sallys (c/o Dansko)
Necklace: Express
Belt: Thrifted

“Thrift, thrift, Horatio!”

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Well, I seem to be getting into a good groove of posting once a week.  I’ll try to add back the Etsy and Bento posts once I start getting better at actually managing my time.  For now, once a week is still better than nothing.

About a month ago, I had one of those magical thrifting trips one only dreams about.  I went by my favorite local thrift shop on a whim after work.  I was looking for tops specifically, but I ended up deciding to look at everything else while I was there as well.  I didn’t end up with any awesome tops, but I found 1) a pair of perfectly fitting jeans (which you saw last week), 2) this amazing, flattering black and white dress, 3) the cutest, flowing summer sun dress.  This was thrifting karma at its peak.  The dress is these pictures is by Mlle Gabrielle.  I own another dress by this brand, but it’s gotten a bit snug, and I’ve always had issues with the sleeves.  The new dress is sleeveless, and fits perfectly.

You’ll be guaranteed to see that sundress soon.  I’ve already worn it at least four times, and I’ve discovered that, with proper layering, I can totally wear it to work :)

Dress: Mlle Gabrielle (thrifted)
Cardigan: New York and Co (thrifted)
Shoes: Dansko Sally
Necklace: Express
Bracelet: Vintage

Quote: William Shakespeare

“Each with a star dissolved in the blue”

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I really didn’t intend to be more or less MIA for the past few weeks, but as we all know, life has a way of being overwhelming sometimes.  I’ve been extremely busy at work: tech conference out of town, preparing for a bookfair, working on my teaching certification (more on that later this week).  Needless to say, it’s been busy and stressful.  The stress caused some of my skin problems to flare up, so I didn’t want to take many outfit pictures.  Things are started to calm down now.  Just don’t get worried if my posting is occasionally sporadic in the next few months – I should always be posting at least once or twice a week, but right now, I can’t handle much more than that.

I love this beautiful Boden cardigan, but for awhile I was a bit frustrated with it, since I always ended up wearing it with the same combination of jeans and a solid tank over and over.  I wanted to find a new way to wear it, and my answer came last week as I was trying to find a new way to remix my favorite navy dress.  Turns out, this cardigan makes a really cute wrap bolero too.  (And by the way, it was in the 70s that day.  No snow for Florida :/ )

Cardigan: Boden
Dress: Soprano
Shoes: Dansko Sally
Necklace: Express
Headband: Target

Quote: George MacDonald

“Let’s go get me some glasses, a pocket protector, and some velcro shoes”

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I suppose there’s really nothing nerdy about this outfit, although I do consider myself a nerd.  The shoes aren’t velcro, but they are slip-on, and are pretty much the comfiest shoes I own.  So much so, that I’m currently stalking a brown leather pair and a blue nubuck pair on eBay.  You can never have too many comfy shoes, right?

I think this outfit really demonstrates the effect that yoga has had on my style.  Yoga has helped me to realize the importance of being comfortable – of being able to move and stretch in whatever I’m wearing.

My practice of yoga closely coincided with when I started working in the school system, so things that were just fine for a desk job (heels, stiff fabrics, etc) were uncomfortable or downright painful for eight hours mostly on my feet.  Even my comfiest heels can’t handle a regular school day.

So, I’ve embraced my love of comfort style/ effortless chic.  Fabrics that are soft, that allow movement, shoes that are flat and supportive (but not hideous).  Cozy scarves to counteract air-conditioning.  If I can’t stretch my back without ripping a seam or popping a button, I probably won’t wear it.

The other thing I love about this outfit is that it was so thrifty.  I bought the tee, tunic and earrings at garage sales for a few bucks a piece.  The shoes came from eBay.  The only “pricier” items are the scarf (Express), and the leggings (Target)  but even those didn’t cost too much.  I love being thrifty :)

Tee: Ann Taylor (garage sale)
Tunic: French Connection (garage sale)
Scarf: Express
Leggings: Target
Earrings: Garage sale
Cuff: consignment
Shoes: Keen Barcelona (eBay)

Quote: Smile, by Raina Telgemeier

“I (heart) being awesome”

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I love to find new ways to wear things.  I’ve had these black skinny jeans for a few months now, but it only just occurred to me last week that they would look absolutely awesome cuffed.  I think it creates a very chic and work appropriate look that is also super comfy.

My new white ruffle tee is so soft and comfy.  It felt a little too casual on it’s own, but once I added the handknit cardigan, it became a bit more polished.

Tee: 525 America (from My Mosh Posh)
Tank (under tee): Old Navy (thrifted)
Cardigan: Minimalist (handknit by me)
Jeans: Levis
Necklace: Express
Bracelet: Garage sale
Shoes: Keen Barcelona (via eBay)

Quote: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Tenth Grade Bleeds, by Heather Brewer

“A new experience for her”

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As you may know, I generally shy away from primarily neutral outfits.  I love color – bright, bold, saturated, etc.  Wearing an outfit of navy, brown and white with just a little turquoise is a bit of a stretch for me.  But at the same time, I absolutely love how this outfit turned out.  The neutrals all work together perfectly, and they created an outfit that is both simple and chic.

I found it interesting that this outfit contains an unusually large number of non-secondhand items for me.  But what I also love is that each of these items was chosen and purchased with care, and have served me through many outfit remixes.  I can’t even count the number of times I’ve worn that cardigan – it works great with just about everything.  That turquoise necklace always makes for a fantastic pop of color.  And my Anthro belt always adds some extra interest to outfits.  As I’ve said before, I’m not against buying things from larger, corporate stores.  It’s always about balance and buying things that you love.

Dress: Soprano (via Li da la)
Cardigan: LOFT
Belt: Anthropologie
Shoes: Dansko Sally (courtesy of Dansko)
Necklace: Express
Bracelet: Vintage

Quote: No Talking, by Andrew Clements

“I like to try a lot of different things”

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I mentioned last week that I was planning on trying a new cut for my hair and here it is.  Honestly, I’m not sure what the verdict on it is yet for me.  My boyfriend absolutely loves it, and sometimes I do too, but other times, I feel “meh” about it.  I wanted a cut that would transition well for growing my hair out long again, and I wanted to experiment with short bangs.  They can be a lot of fun, but they make me feel kind of like I have to wear eye makeup and showy earrings, otherwise I look a little boyish.  They’re also making me really want to go back to contacts, because I don’t think they suit my glasses frames well.  But anyhow, hair is hair.  Once I get the hang of how to style it, I’m sure I’ll like it better.  And I’m planning on growing it out anyway, so I planned for this to be temporary.

Have you ever had a hair cut that you weren’t sure about at first, but ended up liking later on?

Top: Ann Taylor LOFT (thrifted)
Cardigan: Isabella Rodriguez (Anthro) (via eBay)
Capris: Express (altered by me)
Sandals: Dansko Neve (courtesy of Solestruck)
Purse: Liz Claiborne
Headband: Target
Earrings: The Peach Tree
Necklace: Kira Ferrer

Quote: The OK Book, by amy Krouse Rosenthal

“Now let’s go for a ride”

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After having a few weeks of not really feeling “me”, this outfit was absolutely perfect.  The drapey top, the slim jeans, the simple, casual vibe.  I loved it.  It was also perfect for riding – so I wore this while trekking out to pick up a few things from the grocery store.

Since this top has a super deep v, I wore a black bandeau underneath it.  Some may see this as sloppy, but I think that it adds to the casual vibe and keeps things modest.

Top: Coda? (via Revolve)
Capris: Express (altered by me)
Sandals: Clarks Rime (via 6pm)
Purse: Timbuk2
Necklace: Pixisette

Quote: Good Boy, Fergus! By David Shannon

“I’d like otters to be friendly”

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Ah, the perils of Florida summer dressing.  Outside, it is blisteringly hot and humid.  Inside, air conditioners are running at full capacity, making it freezing  As I’ve said before, with weather like this, layers are key.  I was attending some work trainings last week, and I had no idea how cold the building they were in might be, so I came prepared.  I had on a sleeveless blouse, and wore a cardigan and a light silk scarf for some extra warmth.  As it turned out, the A/C wasn’t working very well, so I ditched the layers inside.  But I’m telling you, if I hadn’t, the A/C probably would have been freezing.  I always prefer to be prepared for anything.

There’s nothing I love more than a soft, drapey outfit.  Lately, I’m finding myself more and more drawn to comfy, flowing outfits.  Maybe it’s just the vibe they give off, or maybe it’s because I’ve been practicing yoga more, and I’m really loving clothes that allow for a full range of motion.  Either way, I’m lovin’ this outfit.

Random note: Isn’t it awesome how my scarf and shoes match?  I was so excited when I realized this :)

Do you prefer drapey garments, and or structured styles more your thing?

Blouse: Anthropologie
Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Jeans: Express
Shoes: Keen Sienna Mary Janes (via eBay)
Scarf: Ann Taylor
Purse: Axcess by Liz Claiborne (thrifted)
Earrings: Wish by Felicity

Quote: Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners, by Laurie Keller

“A lady bug on a leaf”

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Sorry there’s no actual lady bugs in these pictures.  But even though there’s no adorable bugs, you still get a peek at my herb garden.  I like to grow one on my porch every year, because I use a lot of fresh herbs when I cook, and it’s a lot cheaper to grow your own.  Plus, it’s fun to have a garden.  I feel like it gives me a deeper connection with the earth and with my food.  I realize that sounds kind of new-agey, but it’s true.

I’m going to be away from the computer for the next few days, so I won’t really be answering comments or commenting on blogs.  I have some posts scheduled through Sunday, which is when I’ll be back at the computer.  Have an awesome weekend!

My toenails weren’t looking so great, so here’s a picture of a pepper instead.

Dress: Express
Cardigan: Handknit by me
Belt: Vintage (via Sherry’s Yesterdaze)
Sandals: Dansko Sela
Purse: Vintage (via Advintagous)
Necklace: Fluffels

Quote: Fancy Nancy: Explorer Extraordinaire!, by Jane O’Connor

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