Milly Collection for Banana Republic feathers printed skirt • Old Navy crochet slub knit henley • Talbots sandals

If I had the money to spend on any brand, I would spend it on Milly. I love her fabulous prints and feminine shapes – but the prices are way a little over my budget. Then Milly paired up with Banana Republic, and one of the cutest collaborations was born. Same fun prints and vibrant colors, but at a MUCH more affordable price (and more sizes are available!). I have been scouring for a-line skirts to add to my closet and love this one – plus pockets!

Also – sorry for no Monday vlog. iMovie crashed TWICE on me, and rather than throw my Mac off the top of my house, I figured it would be best to walk away and start over tomorrow.

While I can’t offer you a vlog, how about a giveaway? My fabulous sponsor Mindy from Stella & Dot has TWO $25 credits for two lucky readers. And just in case you need a little shopping inspiration, I’ve put together a group of the perfect pieces for a weekend getaway. Did you know Stella & Dot does purses now? They’re fabulous!

How Does She Do It carryall • On the Mark necklace • Palm Springs scarf • Ikat jewelry case • Accessories pouf

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

I had a blog years ago. It was part-angsty (I thought I was supposed to be an angsty teenager), part pathetic ranting (“OMG 22 is SOOOO OLD! What am I going to DO WITH MYSELF?”) and part stream of consciousness. I had a following of about seven, and I didn’t care. It was my teensy, microscopic, online home, I was the only editor, and I could write about whatever stupid movie I saw or news story that made me mad. It was the world’s window into my pretty much problem-free home.

Because that is what blogs are supposed to be in my mind: windows, tiny peeks into our lives. This blog just happens to have more of a theme and direction – and for the most part I stick to it. But if something made me mad or cry or laugh, I want to share it with you all. Because I like to hear the same things from all of you – what did you do today? Nothing? That’s ok – I want to hear about your day anyway.

There was an interesting conversation on one of my favorite blogs, J. Crew Aficionada, that centered around an online code J. Crew gave to Rachel from Pink Peonies to share with her readers. I found it strange that J. Crew gave one blog a specific code when they are very anti-blogs and anti-customer promotions on social media – and commented that while I think Rachel is lovely and has great style, one of my major pet peeves from her and Blair of Atlantic-Pacific is that I know NOTHING about them – except that they have great style (and possibly a large budget). They post where they got the items (or who they got them from), and little to nothing else about their lives. One commenter took this as “bashing” poor Rachel (seriously, has she never heard of the borderline bullying site that is Shamepuff?), but it’s honestly just a difference in taste. Rachel and Blair’s sites are lovely and perfect when I want outfit ideas. But one of these days I wish they would just tell me how their days went.

What do you all think? Do you like hearing about randoms in my life? Or am I annoying you all by telling you my mundane day-to-day details? And if you made it to the end of this essay, congrats. You’ve earned this link-up!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy!

~~~

It’s time for Whatever Works Wednesday!

How it works:

1. Make sure your link is no more than one week old (older links will be deleted).
2. Add your link (please link to the specific post and not to your main blog page).
3. Add a link to my blog in the post you linked up to!
4. Visit as many other links as you can!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Talbots blazer and shell • J. Crew Factory skirt • Payless wedges

I hate changing my mind about what to wear at the last minute. I was all ready with an outfit based on this one I saw Olivia Wilde wearing on a movie set, but striped shirts are tricky bitches when you have big boobs like me, and my version of this look did not work. Which of course I figured out five minutes before I had to walk out my door. I’ll try that Olivia look again someday. For now, I’m thankful that my blazer and a red shell didn’t let me down.

I wore this (mustard) yellow skirt to participate in a link-up with one of my favorite blogs, Marionberry Style! Thanks Marion for having this link-up!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

We have been super busy around my house, which has meant not as many outfit photos this week. While I don’t dress specifically just for good outfit pictures, I do get a little disappointed when I miss taking photos for an outfit I really liked. Is it acceptable to use hashtags in a blog post? If so – #bloggergirlproblems

But that doesn’t mean I don’t have fun stuff on the blog today! First – I’m part of TWO giveaways right now. One of them is over on Coming Unstitched – and TRUST ME, I’m giving away a fabulous prize to a store that I count amongst my absolute favorites (hint: J. Crew!). You don’t want to miss this one. Then, I’m also part of a giveaway organized by my friend Sharon at The Tiny Heart! And it’s also Whatever Works Wednesday – scroll down to share what you’ve been up to on your blog this week! Enter the giveaways, enter your links and visit blogs. Sounds like a pretty good Wednesday to me.

Brought to you by:

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Dress, TJ Maxx • turtleneck, J. Crew • necklace, Simply Vera Vera Wang • booties, Shoemint

Yesterday morning, I rejected two outfits before settling on this one. I then proceeded to do a high bun in a slightly different way, only to mess it up five times in a row. I very nearly threw bobby pins all over my bathroom, but avoided a five-year-old-style meltdown, begrudgingly listened to my boyfriend, took a breath, did my makeup and tried again. The winner wasn’t even worthy of winning, but I was already late at this point. Such are mornings when you’re easily frustrated and hair-inept.

This picture’s caption is, “Honey, hurry up and take the picture! It’s freezing! For godsakes, I’m wearing a tissue tee!”

Fun fact: did you know in England, turtlenecks are called polo necks? True story.

Tomorrow, I have a surprise for you all on Coming Unstitched! Hint: it’s related to a place we all love.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Because Shanna Said So!

Now for Whatever Works Wednesday!

How it works:

1. Make sure your link is no more than one week old (older links will be deleted).
2. Add your link (please link to the specific post and not to your main blog page).
3. Add a link to my blog in the post you linked up to!
4. Visit as many other links as you can!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Sweater, Gap • skirt, J. Crew • tights and booties, Target • bracelets, J. Crew and Target • earrings, LOFT

I love me a good winter skirt – especially when it’s in a bright color. I’m all about the neutrals lately, but there’s something about a pop of color mixed with black and gray that makes the weather a little brighter.

Shop this post

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

First things first – my wonderful BBF Sarah of Coming Unstitched is on her honeymoon this week and kindly let me write a guest post! You can read all about my Fashion Bucket List – and why you should treat yourself to that expensive item you’ve been wishing for.

Tee, necklace and skirt, J. Crew Factory • vest, Simply Vera Vera Wang • tights, Target • shoes, Nine West Outlet

I’m not going to lie – my outfit choices these days are made by answering one question: “How warm will I be?” Seriously, that first leg out of bed in the morning is the worst. During the dead of winter, I keep my Uggs next to my bed so I can go immediately from warm covers to warm boots. Don’t judge – it’s the next best thing to installing a coffemaker in my bedroom (which I’ve seriously considered doing).

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Sweater, J. Crew • Skirt, Jason Wu for Target • tights and shoes, Target • necklace, LOFT • bracelets, J. Crew and Tiffany’s

Ok, so I really put this outfit together around my new necklace … and laziness. A black skirt + a fun patterned sweater = a no-brainer outfit. This is why I love classic pieces – they work when your brain is too tired to function because you were up late obsessing over election results and (mostly) sighing with relief (though the Indiana governor’s race… oy. I really, really love Vi Simpson. Severely disappointed).

Also – anyone else having issues taking pics now that it’s getting dark so early? Until very recently, Indiana was one of two holdout states not to adopt daylight savings time. I wish every morning I wake up and it’s light out that we were still without it. Honestly, I’d rather wake up to darkness and come home to an extra hour of light in the evening. If nothing else, my blog photos would be sans flash. I mean seriously, let’s think of the important stuff here.

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Sweater, Gap • skirt, Jason Wu for Target • tights, Old Navy • shoes, Nine West Outlet • necklace, eBay

I absolutely love black and navy. It’s just so polished and elegant of a color combination. I find it really hard to believe this was once a taboo color combo – but then again, I am planning a winter whites outfit to hopefully wear in the snow. Life is too short to follow (fashion) rules.

Oh holy camera glare. Still learning, people.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

BB Dakota cardigan • Banana Republic cami • Old Navy pants • Talbots boots

I wore this look to work on Friday – and loved it so much, I wore it again Saturday! I bought this sweater in the middle of June and stared at it in my closet all through the heat of summer – and finally got a chance to wear it! Verdict: I am in love. It could not be cozier, and without a lot of effort, I had an outfit that I was obsessed with.

Any readers/fellow bloggers in Sandy’s path: please stay safe!

Linking up with Marionberry Style’s Trend of the Month today!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram