Pantone Color of the Year: Ultra Violet

Well Happy Wednesday, friends!  It seems like so long since I've done a style post.  There's just something about stuffing my face full of holidays foods that makes me not feel like putting on actual clothes to pose for pictures.  You know what I mean?

But today I'm posting over at The Blended Blog about Pantone's color of 2018, Ultra Violet!  I happen to own exactly one piece of clothing in this pretty bluish-purple but I've found a few items to add to my wish list, and you can find them over at TBB.

But while you're here, voilà, my one piece featuring Ultra Violet!  A blazer!

I like blazers but find that I don't wear them that frequently because they feel too dressy.  Instead of giving up on this piece, though, I challenged myself to create a more casual look around the blazer.  I purposely wore my distressed denim and Adidas sneakers to dress the look down as much as possible.

I don't entirely feel like me in this outfit but I'm happy that I made an effort to remix this blazer.  I mean, I definitely need to wear it more this year because it is Ultra Violet!

What do you think of Pantone's color of the year?  Is it a hue you wear a lot of?  Something you want to incorporate more into your wardrobe?  A color that you are going to choose to ignore this year?  Let me know in the comments!  And link-up your Ultra Violet looks with TBB below!

Travel Capsule: Summertime in Europe- Outfits Seven, Eight and Nine

You know what I love most about travel?!  Great blogging backdrops!  Just kidding, it's the food.  I definitely travel to eat!  But isn't this background beautiful, anyways?

In case you missed it, I've spent the last couple of weeks sharing with you my travel capsule wardrobe from a trip to Belgium this summer.  If you want to check it out, you can find the fifteen pieces I packed as well as the first three outfits here and you can find outfits four through six here.

Outfit Seven

You know, I'm finding it difficult to write something original about each outfit on this trip.  That's because each and every outfit was comfortable, versatile, layerable and mix-and-matchable.  You know, just what a travel capsule wardrobe should be!  I wore this little number during a day trip to Antwerp, which I learned is called Anvers in French.  Yep, Antwerp and Anvers are the same place.  This made for some slight confusion during our train ride.

Outfit Eight

In all honestly, I was a bit underwhelmed with my outfit (and my hair) on this day.  Although I guess that is bound to happen in every capsule, you'll love some outfits more than others.  But this did make for an easy-to-wear ensemble while binging during a chocolate and beer tour of Brussels.

Outfit Nine

A possible pitfall of traveling with a capsule wardrobe is spillage.  Yep, I spilled wine on this tank top on day one of the trip (let's just blame it on jet lag).  We didn't have easy access to laundry facilities so I got a little creative and knotted the tank to wear over jeans.  I think I like this outfit better that way, anyways!

Alright, friends!  Stay tuned for more capsule outfits next week!  Also, I've decided to write a capsule tips and tricks post when I'm finished posting outfits.  Sarah got me started with a few questions she has about creating a capsule wardrobe but I would love some more!  Anything you want to know or need advice about?  Leave a comment!

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Travel Capsule: Summertime in Europe- Outfits Four, Five and Six

Hey, friends!  How have you been?  I had every intention of getting back into regular blogging once the school year started but I have been so dang busy.

There are lots of wonderful and exciting things happening in my life right now that I promise to share more about later, once things calm down a bit.  But for today, I promised the second installment of my most recent travel capsule photos!

If you missed it, you can find the list of items in my capsule as well as the first three outfits here.

Outfit Four

Did you know that during the first Sunday of every month, you can get tickets to many of Brussel's museums for free?  My friend and I were able to hit four museums in one day!  Therefore, as with the first three outfits, comfort was key.  This wrap skirt felt like pajamas but I still felt pretty all day.

Outfit Five

These might be my favorite blog pictures that we took during the whole trip!  You gotta love when the backdrop, the lighting and the outfit just come together so easily!  I wore this simple yet classic outfit while on a day trip to Bruges.  I was really happy that I wore my Adidas sneakers because we walked a lot this day!

Outfit Six

Can you tell I was tired when we took these pictures?  We actually snapped these right before enjoying a mid-afternoon nap.  This outfit made of classic, simple pieces took me through the Royal Palace of Brussels and an art museum.

Actually, it is the classic-nature of all of the pieces in my capsule that made these pieces so easy to wear!  What do you think so far?  Do you have a favorite outfit?

Blogging Besties: Favorite Outfit Formula

Blogging Besties is a weekly series featuring Whitney of Whitney à la mode, Alex of The Cheerful Closet, Maricel of ::My Closet Catelogue:: and Selah of A Bibliophile's Style.  Each week, one of the bloggers will choose one component from the previous week's outfit to pass on in a brand new look.  This "take one, pass it on" challenge is an inspiration to stretch your closet and your imagination!

Last week Alex looked ultra-professional making me almost miss getting dressed for work in the morning, almost.

From her outfit, Alex presented me with the following prompts: maroon, a statement necklace, a blazer or a favorite outfit formula.  I decided to go with my current summer outfit formula!

My favorite way to keep an outfit interesting during the hot summer months is by wearing a top with a fun print (in this case, gingham), bottoms, flat sandals and a big 'ole messy bun on the top of my head.  That way I'm cool, comfy and somewhat put together!

Selah's prompts for next week are gingham, distressed jeans, cognac shoes or a hair do!

Travel Capsule: Springtime in Europe- Outfits Six and Seven

Well we've made it to the final installment of my European travel capsule!  In case you missed it, I took ten items of clothing with me on a trip through Italy, Switzerland and France in April and loved every outfit I created.

Introduction and Outfit One

Outfits Two and Three

Outfits Four and Five

For our very last day in Paris, I brought out the striped dress from day one in Venice!  I made it a little more sporty this time with a pair of Converse instead of loafers and my utility jacket instead of the floral scarf.

And last but not least, a travel outfit!  Although I have to admit, I wore this on the way to Europe, not on the way home.  These pictures were taken after an eight-hour flight to Amsterdam so please excuse the wrinkles and the groggy expression.

I also have to admit that this polka dot tee (from LOFT outlet) was not listed in my Introduction post.  When I originally created the capsule, I had the scarf in the "extras" category and this t-shirt on the list.  But when I went to write that post, I totally forgot about it!

I actually think that I could have created more than seven outfits with these ten pieces (a few of them were only used once)!  But ultimately I only need seven outfits for this trip.  Which was your favorite?

And while you're here, link-up your latest fashion posts with The Blended Blog!

Travel Capsule: Springtime in Europe- Outfits Two and Three

Last week I introduced you to a series that I'm really excited about: my packing capsule for an eight-day trip to Europe during the spring.  In my first post I shared the ten pieces included in the capsule as well as outfit number one!  I'm back today with outfits two and three.

The items included in this outfit are a navy peplum, a floral scarf, skinny jeans, Converse and my coral jacket (the links to the individual items are in my first post).  I wore this outfit for a day when I really needed a variety of layers.  We started the day in Venice, spent most of it riding on a bus (comfort being key), cruised around sunny Lake Como for a few hours and then ended-up in the mountains of Switzerland.

The stretchy skinnies and loose-fitting peplum were comfy on the bus.  The jacket and the scarf were easy to throw on or take off depending on the current temperature!

This next outfit consists of a pink sweatshirt, that floral scarf again, boyfriend jeans and Converse.  My coral jacket was also tossed into this mix because this was the coldest day of the trip.

I wore this outfit for a walking tour of Lucerne, Switzerland and then to travel to the top of Mount Pilatus (more on Switzerland tomorrow).  Again, the layers worked for the varying temperatures and my Converse were practical enough for being in the mountains.

Well, we've been from sun to snow in one post!  Thanks for stopping-by today and make sure to link-up your favorite style post below for Fashion Files with The Blended Blog!

Blogging Besties: Distressed Denim

Blogging Besties is a weekly series featuring Whitney of Whitney à la mode, Alex of The Cheerful Closet, Maricel of ::My Closet Catelogue:: and Selah of A Bibliophile's Style.  Each week, one of the bloggers will choose one component from the previous week's outfit to pass on in a brand new look.  This "take one, pass it on" challenge is an inspiration to stretch your closet and your imagination!

Last week Selah looked oh so pretty in pink and gave me the following prompts from which to choose: floral, distressed denim or ballet flats.

I really debated which prompt to use because I love all of them and am so ready for some spring-time floral in my life!  But ultimately, I went where inspiration took me and landed on distressed denim.

I purchased this sweater vest at the GAP Outlet this fall and didn't love my first attempt at styling it.  Since then, though, I think I've got it figured out!  I definitely prefer it with longer sleeves sticking out.  I wore the vest with lace during my trip to China and have added stripes here!

Alright, Alex is up next and here are her prompts for next week: a sweater vest, blue and brown or multi-colored stripes!
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Create28: Smitten with the Mitten State

As soon as Carrie mentioned wanting to do a Deep in the Heart of Texas prompt for this round of Create28, I knew that I wanted a chance to represent my beloved Michigan!  Though I love to travel and have moved around a bit, a large part of my heart can always be found here.  You can't beat the beautiful beaches of Southwest Michigan, the charm of Mackinac Island, the unharnessed wild of the Upper Peninsula or the kindness of my fellow Michiganders.

Did you know that Michigan is called the Mitten State because the Lower Peninsula is shaped like a mitten?  Hence my "Smitten with the Mitten" tee!  I also decided to play-up the prompt (and the monochromatic purple look) a bit by wearing my new pair of mittens with the matching hat.  I suppose it's only fitting because you need to wear these cold-weather accessories if you are even thinking about stepping foot outdoors in Michigan these days.

Embarassingly, this was my attempt to show you how to form the state of Michigan with your mittened hands.  But I did it backwards.  Oops!

I hope that Create28 still inspired you to make a new outfit today.  Did you dress with Michigan in mind?  Or perhaps you let your own home state inspire you?  We want to see your look on Instagram (#create28winter17) and don't forget to link-up tomorrow!

What I'm Wearing:

T-Shirt: Michigan Awesome (exact)

Cardigan: Old Navy (exact style)

Jeans: American Eagle (exact)

Hat and Mittens: Gap (exact)

Shoes: Converse (exact)

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New Year Styled: Rose Quartz Blouse + Link-Up

Hey there!  If you haven't stopped by in awhile, welcome to the New Year Styled Series with The Blended Blog!  Since I've been busy remixing my closet (and not shopping) lately, I'm taking old favorites and styling them in a new way for the new year!

Here are my previous posts:
Green Striped Dress
Utility Vest
Lace Peplum

For this week, I'm restyling a delicate blouse with Rose Quartz details.  Last year I kept it simple with skinny jeans and metallic flats.  This year I wanted to try a slightly dressed down version.  A pair of distressed jeans and a big, cozy cardigan did the trick!

Now let's see what you are styling for the new year!  Link-up with us below!

New Year Styled: Lace Peplum + Link-Up

Happy Hump Day, y'all!  I've been having so much fun remixing some of my favorite pieces from 2016 for this season's New Year Styled series with the Blended Blog.  If you've missed my first couple of installments, I've already remixed a striped dress and a utility vest.

For today's post, I've decided to create a new outfit with this pretty lace peplum.  Last year I wore it to a holiday party and for date night.  This year I wanted to try something new and create a casual look.  I struggled a bit with this because, to me, the nature of the top lends itself to a more dressy occasion.

It doesn't get more casual than distressed jeans and sneakers, though!  So I knew by adding these elements I would definitely be creating a dressed-down look.  To change the effect of the top, I layered it over a striped shirt.  To be honest, I'm not actually sure how I feel about this layering.  What do you think?

What I'm Wearing:
Lace Peplum: LOFT (similar)
Striped Shirt: Banana Republic (similar)
Jeans: American Eagle (exact)
Converse: DSW (exact)

And while you're here, please link-up your latest remix or a look featuring this year's trends below!

Blogging Besties: Antique Accessory

Blogging Besties is a weekly series featuring Whitney of Whitney à la mode, Alex of The Cheerful Closet, Maricel of ::My Closet Catelogue:: and Selah of A Bibliophile's Style.  Each week, one of the bloggers will choose one component from the previous week's outfit to pass on in a brand new look.  This "take one, pass it on" challenge is an inspiration to stretch your closet and your imagination!

Blogging Besties is back after a brief holiday hiatus.  Did you miss us?  Because we missed you!  Before we took a breather, Selah looked cozy for the holidays.  She left me with the following prompts: feminine details, black and navy, or an antique accessory.

I chose to pass-on an antique accessory in my look.  You guys, this is my first time wearing a brooch and I think I love it!  It used to belong to my Great Grandma Winnie who was this amazing, adventurous, independent and intelligent woman.  Wearing something of hers reminds me to be a little bit like her every day.  It was also plain old fun to add a bit of bling to a basic, classic sweater.

Alright Alex, for next week here are your prompts: a brooch, bright red, tassels or suede shoes!

What I'm Wearing:
Sweater: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Brooch: Heirloom
Jeans: American Eagle (exact)
Flats: J.Crew Factory (exact)
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