In Her Natural Habitat

Last weekend, I was on a mission to find a dress for my brother-in-law's upcoming beach wedding in Mexico. This proved really difficult. Everything I found was either too dressy or too casual... and being that it's January, there weren't too many options. Any any line that actually has a resort collection is typically out of my price range! So anyway, I failed this mission.

But I didn't come home empty handed!

I stopped in Old Navy to check out their sale and whaddyaknow, I accidentally bought an outfit. I say accidentally because when I tried these items on, I didn't put them on together. I was buying them as separate pieces. Today, however, I decided to try them all and look what I came up with.

 

 (I really need to take advantage of my tripod! And clean my mirror.)

You can't really see my pants all that well, but there isn't much to see. Just black stretchy jeans with ankle zips. The button down top is really light. I have a feeling I'll be wearing it well into the summer. 

Do you recognize these? After posting them last week, I just had to order them.

Can I tell you the best part about this outfit? It was ridiculously inexpensive.

Tank: Old Navy, $12.50, $7.49, $5.49, $2.74

Top: Old Navy, $24.50, $17.50 Sale

Pants: Old Navy, $34.50, $16.99, $8.50

Shoes: Target, $19.99, $6.98

Scarf: Forever21, $3.80

Are you ready for this?

Grand Total: $95.29, $39.52

  

Don't forget to check out and enter my latest giveaway!

And We're Back... With More Military

I meant to get a post up yesterday, but I ended up spending the day recovering from my long weekend trip to cold Ohio. I am happy to be back in SoCal to find extra warm weather.

Anyway, I found this Jacket on Polyvore today. It was originally $125 but is now final sale at $49.97 with most sizes still available. I couldn't pass on posting it! I meant to make the military-ness of it just a side note, but then I found the other three pieces and ended up making it over-the-top military. Ah well. I'm still really hooked onto the military trend.

 

Jacket: Piperlime
Messenger Bag: Zara

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Target

In Her Natural Habitat

I don't do many outfit posts, mainly because I don't have enough items in my closet to a daily or semi-daily outfit post. I wear a lot of things over and over again. I am not much of a fashionista, that's why I just play one on the internet with my under $100 posts which are pretty much just wish lists for me.

Anyway, it must be your lucky day because I do have an OOTD post for you!

 

My husband says that leopard cardigan looks like a gramma sweater. I say, who cares? I found it at Macy's for 65% off. Yes, please. The yellow sweater I just nabbed at Target yesterday. My socks are black and gray striped with black lace at the tops. They are my favorite. The camera isn't part of my outfit, though some might disagree as it's become a go to accessory for me. (Also, I'm too lazy to set up the tripod.)

Leopard Cardigan: Macy's, $15.00 (clearance)
Yellow Sweater: Target, $12.60 (mark down)

Boots: Forever21, $34.80

Socks: Forever21, $4.80

Jeans: Macy's, $19.99 (sale)

Necklace: Gift from my mom!

Grand Total: $87.19!

Romantic and Kinda Sexy

I am in love with over-the-knee boots. I didn't think they'd work for me, personally, due to my own issues with my thighs... BUT! I loved them so much on everyone else that I just had to try a pair on. So while at Macy's I looked and looked and analyzed all of their many choices and after about ten minutes I finally found one that I wanted to try on. It turns out that they were out of my size, but luckily the display was my size! I tried them on. I looked in the mirror and loved them! I kept looking at them, though, to make sure I was really seeing them and really making a good choice and trying to make sure that I wouldn't take them home and then end up with a "what was I thinking" purchase. Well, I bought them! And I wear them as often as I can.

So my first fashion post of 2011 just had to have over the knee boots, but unfortunately the ones I purchased can only really fit into a Sunday Splurge post! Yes, I splurged on them and I do not regret it! I will keep you all in suspense (ha!) as to what boots I purchased for myself. You can see them this Sunday. :) What you can see now, though, is the kind of outfit I imagined wearing with my dream boots, yet I don't have an outfit like this to wear them with yet. So without further ado...

 

Cuff Bracelet:  Liz Hutnick at Etsy

Sweater Dress: Charlotte Russe

Boots: Forever21

Tights: Target

Hello, Purple

This outfit is pretty outrageous, I'll be the first to admit it, but there's something I love about it. Maybe it's the inner-wannabe-rockstar in me that wishes I could just wear this to the grocery store to buy some slaw at the deli.

In completely unrelated news, I've started a new job so posting might be thin for a while until I can get comfortable with my schedule!

Jacket: Overstock.com
Tank: Kohl's
Shorts: Forever21
Tights: Asos
Shoes: Target
Bracelets: Forever21

Casual Friday

If I worked in an office that implemented "Casual Friday", I'd wear this. The jacket seems pretty necessary. Has anyone ever worked in an office that wasn't cold?

I actually have those shoes in black. They're super cute and a really nice suede-like texture. I wouldn't wear them if I'm going to be on my feet all day, but really cute for minimal-walking days.

Chiffon Dress: Aerie
Jacket: Forever21
Necklace: Fallen Angel Designs at Etsy
Shoes: Target

Oh! And in other news, I purchased a complete outfit as shown in one of my past posts! I've ordered it all online, and given that everything fits properly, I'll definitely be showing you guys. Any guesses as to which one I chose?

Finally, an Oxford!

I've finally put something together that has left me feeling confident about menswear-inspired oxfords for women. It's been something I wanted to feature, but every time I tried, it just wasn't working. This time I wasn't focusing on the shoe, but the outfit when the shoe just seemed to fit. (That pun was NOT intended!)

Bracelet: ERM Originals at Etsy
Shoes: Target
Tank: Bluenotes
Vest: Aerie
Jeans: Gap

Space and Time

I absolutely love the retro-futuristic feel to these items. My favorite cartoons on Saturday morning were the ones that showcased things "of Tomorrow". So here are a few items kind of inspired by that time period.

Rocket: Cardboard Safari at Etsy
"You Are Here Now" Print: Farouche at Etsy
Clock: Target

June Gloom in July

Here in SoCal, we start our summer off with cool and gloomy weather. It's not really what you'd expect if you're not from around here. We call it June Gloom, and this year it's been hanging on into July. So here is an outfit that would be perfect for running errands in the morning. It's casual and comfortable. If you throw your favorite tank or tee under the denim shirt, you'll be ready for when the marine layer finally recedes back to the ocean and allows the sun to warm us up!

Shirt: Swell
Jeans: Lands' End Canvas
Headband: Garlands of Grace at Etsy
Bag: Target

Martinis Anyone?

I love martinis. I feel so classy drinking out of those fancy glasses! These stainless steel glasses look sleek and kind of retro, but they also keep your drink cold til the last drop. Drink charms are a fun way to make sure don't confuse glasses. Way better than the old sharpie on the red cup trick.

Drink Charms: clinks at Etsy
Martini Glasses: Target
Bar Set: Bed Bath & Beyond

Casual Doesn't Have to Be So Casual

A soft woven skirt and a plain white tee can be dressed up (without being dressed up!) with a statement necklace and summery wedges.

Tee: Target
Skirt: Forever21
Bib Necklace: Therapy by CoconutMarci at Etsy
Shoes: Shoes.com

Music Festival Season

Here is a great outfit to keep you cool and comfortable at your favorite summer music festival.

Dress: ModCloth.com
Hat: JCPenney
Sandals: Cynthia Vincent for Target
Shoulder Bag: Dot24 at Etsy

Ready for a Cocktail... Party!

Every woman knows how essential the little black dress is to her wardrobe, but have you ever found yourself relying on it a little too much? Bows, pleating and bold splashes of color make this ensemble an exciting one for your next party.

Dress: Windsor
Shoes: Target
Ring: Hot Pink Chick at Etsy
Clutch: O.C. Styles at Etsy

Not Just Another Day at the Office

Break out of the same old office attire with these inspired items that won't take you too far out of the box. Replace your tired slacks with this pleated skirt. It nods to the classic pencil skirt but adds something new and trendy to your outfit. These open-sided platform pumps will help refresh your day-to-day, as will this gorgeous chalcedony choker which should be worn under the white shirt to bring a bold splash of color to your decolletage.

Shirt: Converse One-Star at Target
Skirt: Forever21
Necklace: Armillata Designs at Etsy
Shoes: Journeys

Loose Structure

Pairing these loose-fit harem pants with the structured vest (which can be worn open) creates balance and prevents a sloppy appearance. Then brighten it up with a bold bracelet and a scarf to create interest around your face.

Pants: Charlotte Russe
Vest: Forever21
Scarf: Pretty Panda at Etsy
Bracelet: Lavender Rabbit at Etsy
Shoes: Target

Warm Up Your Living Room or Bed Room

Yes, summer is drawing near which means spending a lot of time and energy having fun outdoors. That also means you'll need a cozy space to snuggle up in while you recharge.

Red Scroll Pillow: Target
Brown Damask Pillow: Target
Removable Wall Decal: WiwiCoco at Etsy
Pillar Candle Holders: Bed Bath & Beyond