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Oct 29, 2013

Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Scarf Edition


It's time for another edition of my Fall Capsule Wardrobe Remix!  For those of you new to the remix, I have been linking-up with Caitlin at Greater Than Rubies to showcase how I'm using 20 items of clothing already in my closet to create 30 fall-friendly looks!  Caitlin and some other fashionable ladies have already completed the challenge.  I'm a little behind (sometimes time just flies, ya know?!) but I'm especially enjoying the remix now that the weather is seasonally appropriate.

One of the absolute easiest ways to change-up the look of your wardrobe basics is to add a scarf!  Not to mention scarves are particularly appealing when the temperatures drop.  As simple as it is to throw one on, sometimes the world of scarves can seem a bit overwhelming.  There are just so many cute ones out there!  How do you know which to choose and with what to wear it?  When purchasing a new scarf, I try to keep several factors in mind in order to build a varied collection.  I think about:
  • Texture: I try to incorporate thick, chunky scarves as well as light, airy scarves that work in different temperatures and with different outfits.
  • Color: In my opinion, buying scarves that are always in the same color scheme will limit your options.  Branch out!  Having lots of different color options will open-up your closet to more possibilities.  (Scarves are also a less expensive way to experiment with colors you might not typically wear.)
  • Pattern: Patterned scarves add interesting detail to an outfit but sometimes a plain colored scarf adds that pop that your ensemble needs.
  • Detail: Scarves with lace, fringe and other details also add variety to your look.
In keeping these four ideas in mind, I think I have a varied collection of scarves that allow me to dress-up the basics without too much thought.  Did I miss anything?  What do you look for when buying scarves?


Even though this post is about scarf variety, for some reason this is the only scarf I've wanted to wear lately.  It is warm and cozy while still having a cute little neutral print at the bottom.  I bought it while on vacation in Northern Michigan so it also holds sentimental value.  Stay tuned for more outfits featuring this scarf!


I receive this scarf as a birthday present and I have gotten SO much wear out of it!  Never underestimate the power of a pretty floral scarf!  I love this one because the flowers make it fun for spring and summer but the colors also lend themselves well to fall!


As a Michigan State Spartan, I have a slight problem with this color combination (our biggest rival's colors are maize and blue).  I get over it by telling myself that this outfit is, in fact, mustard and navy.  Right?


Again with the neutrals!  All-neutral ensembles are hot this fall and I'm having some fun with this neutral pattern mixing!


Check-out my previously remixed fall ensembles!
What I'm Wearing:
  • Pink Top: Gap Outlet (similarsimilar)
  • Jeans: Zara (exact) <-- I think these are the same...I bought mine forever ago.
  • Floral Scarf: Gift/Target (similarsimilar)
  • Green Flats: Old Navy (exact)
I'm also linking-up with Lauren at Style Elixir for Style Sessions!
Style Elixir

Oct 28, 2013

Easy Does It


Today I'm linking-up with Caitlin at Greater than Rubies for this week's Remix Rewear Restyle session.  This week's challenge has been, in my opinion, one of the easiest so far...fall boots!  Who doesn't love a good pair of boots when the weather turns chilly?

It seems that when the leaves start falling, boots are the easiest shoes to throw on with any outfit.  I wore this ensemble for a casual evening on the town.  Boots, a vest and a scarf are such easy and comfortable ways to dress-up the basics!  What is your favorite way to wear boots?


I would also like to take a moment to talk about these pants.  Franziska recently reviewed them here on her blog, Franish (one of my favorite personal style blogs)!  These Gap 1969 Ponte Legging Jeans are possibly the most comfortable pair of pants I've ever worn!  For those of you unfamiliar with ponte, I would call it a glorious mix between dress pant material and leggings.  I am apprehensive about wearing leggings in public but with these pants, I feel both appropriate and comfortable.  They are thick enough to be flattering on my not-so-perfect bottom half!  I would most definitely recommend these pants!

What I'm Wearing:

Oct 22, 2013

The Power of Suggestion

While perusing my favorite personal style blogs, I've noticed, lately, that a lot of fashionistas have been attracted to all-neutral ensembles.  Well, chalk it up to the power of suggestion, but neutral outfits have been making me feel calm and put together this fall.


I'm wearing a t-shirt from Everlane in the color pine.  I love this color because it is subtle enough to be considered a neutral but is a bit more interesting than your basic black and white.  Have I mentioned how comfortable, soft and shapely the Everlane t-shirts are?

Skinnies and taupe booties complete the neutral base of my outfit.  And a scarf in fall tones is a such an easy way to add interest and pull together an outfit!

What I'm Wearing:

Oct 18, 2013

Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Dress Edition


It has been quite some time since my last Fall Capsule Wardrobe Remix post but I haven't given-up!  In fact, I'm still going strong and have lots of fun ideas for remixing my 20 pieces of clothing into 30 different fall-friendly outfits!  Make sure you head over to Caitlin's blog, Greater Than Rubies, to check-out remixes created by some other fabulous, fashionable ladies! 

In remixing my 20 pieces, it was easiest for me to pick one item (like my MSU sweatshirt in this post) and to create a bunch of different outfits around that one piece of clothing.  For this post, I decided to focus on a dress that I bought from Dressbarn.  Now, Dressbarn is my hidden gem for cute, affordable clothes.  Admittedly, lots of things there aren't really my style, but if I spend a little time looking, I usually find something wonderful...like this dress!



I love this outfit so much, that I've worn it twice already this fall!  It is perfect for comfy weekend outings as well as for work!  I love these green tights but sometimes feel unsure about what to wear them with...particularly when it comes to shoes.  I think they work with the cognac moccasins.  What do you think?  What shoes do you usually wear with colored tights (I'm really looking for advice here)?



I've noticed that booties and tassel necklaces are pretty trendy this fall.  Adding a couple of fun accessories can really spice-up a simple dress!  I can very easily add tights and a cardigan or blazer to this creation when the weather turns chillier!  Do you think my green tights will work here, too?



The dress code at the high school where I teach is professional yet relatively casual.  Any of the outfits in this post are dress code appropriate for me.  This one is even a little more professional than I usually dress, but is perfect for the days when I want to step-up my game a little bit!


I love that when I wear differently colored accessories, different colors in the dress pop!  It makes me feel like I'm wearing a totally new dress!  Multi-colored dresses lend themselves to so many different remixing possibilities.



This last dress ensemble is perfect for a chilly, sleepy weekday morning when all I want to do is crawl back into bed...but I have to go to work!  Muted accessories and a chunky cardigan just scream comfort to me.  This outfit plus a cup of coffee and I'm ready to go!

Take a peek at my other Fall Capsule Wardrobe posts and stay tuned for the rest of my autumn remixes!


What I'm Wearing:
  • Tassel Necklace: LOFT (exact)
  • Booties: Target (exact)

Oct 15, 2013

Accidentally Trendy


Have you ever purchased something just because you liked it...and then discovered that it is all the rage?  Well, that's how I feel about this skirt!  In an effort to incorporate more skirts into my wardrobe, I bought this gorgeous cobalt one during a recent J.Crew Factory sale.  From the day it arrived at my doorstep (gotta love online shopping), I noticed this skirt popping-up all over blogs like Because Shanna Said SoAnne in Residence, and Undergraduate Style.

This is my first time wearing the skirt but I'm already dreaming of the remixing possibilities!  It is made of thick, high-quality material and the elastic waistband makes it super comfy.  The only downside I've discovered is that the skirt is dry clean only.  Otherwise, it's a great buy and I'm considering purchasing other colors!


I wore this outfit while continuing to explore Reykjavik, Iceland.  Throughout the course of one day, I wore this ensemble with my riding boots, my Target booties and my leopard-print flats...the outfit looked cute with all three!  I'm sorry that I was too busy vacationing to snap pictures with the other pairs of shoes!

And just for your enjoyment, here is a picture of my LEAST stylish look while in Iceland!


Yep, that's me sporting the red dry suit.  But all fashion aside, snorkeling in the pure blue water of Silfra, a crack between the North American and Eurasion plates was a breathtaking experience!

What I'm Wearing (NOT including the dry suit):

Today I'm linking-up for Style Sessions at Style Elixir!

Oct 10, 2013

Autumn Perfection


Ahh, the chilly Icelandic air allowed for me to wear so many cute, layered looks during my vacation...one of which I'm featuring today!  After a day of horseback riding through the mountains, I cleaned-up and wore this outfit to a fancy dinner where I sampled exotic Icelandic cuisine.

I love everything about this outfit!  I love the deep, autumn hues of the shirt and sweater.  The gingham top and the leopard-print flats make for fun fall pattern mixing.  And what girly girl doesn't love pearls paired with a little bling?  I think this is a perfect autumn ensemble!





What I'm Wearing:
Today I'm linking-up for Three-fer Thursday at Everyday Fashion and Finance and Perfectly Coutured!

Oct 7, 2013

Toning It Down



Temperatures have soared back into the 90s here in Washington D.C.  A couple of other bloggers have mentioned wearing neutrals during this summer-like weather in order to "feel" toned down and a bit more like it's actually fall.

Today's Remix Rewear Restyle challenge at Caitlin's blog, Greater Than Rubies, features neutral ensembles...a perfect reason to experiment with toning it down for a more fall-like feel.


In order to add some interest to an all-neutral outfit, I tried not to be matchy-matchy and incorporated black, white, grey and cognac.  I think the patterned shorts add spice to the ensemble as well.

My new necklace (a souvenir to myself from Iceland) was the perfect neutral accessory to complete the outfit!


And yes, I have jumped on the personal style blogger Everlane bandwagon.  These t-shirts are soft and have a great shape that doesn't cling to you.  If you are interested in Everlane t-shirts, I would appreciate if you would follow my link so that I may receive credit to buy more great shirts!

 What I'm Wearing:

Oct 4, 2013

Halló frá Ísland!



Hello, or perhaps I should say, "halló!"  I promise I haven't fallen off the face of the earth!  Although I do feel like I've been to the ends of the earth and back.  I just returned from a trip to Iceland!  My vacation was full of adventure and relaxation...it was absolutely perfect!





I wore this outfit on our first day in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.  It is much cooler there so I truly got to break-out my fall attire (making me a very happy girl).  The collared shirt layered with the cardigan were perfect for sitting in cozy cafés sipping on hot chocolate or nibbling on Nordic fish for dinner.  Adding the vest kept me warmer while I explored the city in the crisp, cool ocean breeze.

I love the purples, pinks, reds and oranges of this shirt.  To me, this color scheme screams fall while keeping the look bright and cheerful.  I think the neutral cardigan adds even more of a fall feel to the outfit.

I am quite pleased to have found another outfit that looks great with my vest, featured in this post.  This purply-grey vest was the perfect travel companion and added an extra layer of warmth from the airplane to the Icelandic air.

And the added bonus?  My new Coach purse made the pink in my shirt POP!


Stay tuned for more Icelandic ensembles!

What I'm Wearing: