Blogging Blues (and polka dots!)

{Shirt: Banana Republic | Cardigan: Old Navy | Skirt: Loft | Shoes: Payless | Necklace: Thrifted | Bag: Foley and Corinna} 

I've been a bit removed from the blogging world lately- hence, the lack of posts. I think it's fair to say that I had a case of the blogging blues. 

I started this blog to help me think differently about my clothes and about how I wear them. In some ways, it's been a quick 4 months of success. I've paired items and created outfits that I never thought I'd wear before I threw my hat into this blogging business. In other ways, it's been slightly disheartening. I've felt compelled to buy more and to become someone that I'm not because of this blogging business. 

Starting a blog made me realize how many other fabulous bloggers are out there. Everyday, I find a new one. And I am sure there are hundreds, if not thousands, that I have yet to discover. But after endless browsing, the message started to feel the same- you need more things, and you need better things. 

buy, buy, buy. more, more, more. 

I want to be a style blogger because I like making what I wear an important part of my life. I think it's fun and motivating to put together a stylish outfit and document it for anyone to see. What I don't want, is to further drive this constant need to have the best/newest/most stylish look and feel out there. So when I started to feel that way, I stopped posting. I took some time to reevaluate, and I am going to continue to strategize about what I want this blog to be.  

Anyone else out there ever get a case of the blogging blues? 

Yellow

{Shirt: Anthropologie | Cardigan: Old Navy | Skirt: Banana Republic (similar) | Belt: Anthropoligie | Shoes: Payless} 

Last night I thought it might be nice to watch a Netflix movie. I began browsing instant watch, and was immediately overwhelmed with movies that I've never heard of.  And when I stumbled upon something that sounded interesting, it was always a TV show. TV shows seem to have taken over Netflix. Don't get me wrong, I love a good TV show, but sometimes I just want to indulge in a story that can be wrapped up in 2 hours- instead of 30+ episodes. Call me a commitment-phobe, but I just can't always get involved in a WHOLE series. By the time I found a movie that sounded half way interesting, I had pretty much lost interest. 


So I did the only obvious thing, and switched over to online window shopping- no commitment involved. 

"New" Jeans

{Shirt: Anthropologie | Jeans: J Brand (thrifted) (similar)  | Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell | Clutch: Dooney and Bourke | Necklace: F21}

This weekend I remembered what it feels like to be cold, ok maybe not actually cold- but definitely not hot.  It was fabulous. DC finally had a break in the heat, and I celebrated by wearing my "new" skinny jeans that I thrifted on my last work trip to North Carolina.

Lets talk about thrifting pants. Normally, I steer clear of the pants section at thrift stores because I have long legs. Trips to the pants section usually go something like this- I spot the perfect jeans, I check the size and they are MY SIZE, I head to the dressing room hoping I've found the perfect pair, I put them on, I have a brief moment of bliss, and then I look down to find the jeans have been hemmed and my ankles are awkwardly peeking up at me. Sigh. It is in the thrift store that I first realized there is a big difference between cropped pants, and pants that are just too short for the legs in them.

But this time, North Carolina was good to me. Not only are these pants NOT hemmed, they actually might be a bit TOO long. You heard me. I have them tucked under in the pictures above. My ankles are thankful.

Summer Denim Inspiration

{Shirt: Thrifted | Shorts: Zara | Shoes: Payless | Hat: Urban Outfitters}

Earlier this week I was at screen on the green- where DCites come together on the national mall to picnic and lounge on blankets while watching an old movie- and was partaking in some people watching before the show started. A girl nearby had on the perfect summer outfit and I couldn't stop admiring her- cut-off jean shorts, a colorful lightweight flannel, and a summer hat. Naturally, I felt I had to recreate the look.

The shopper in my wanted to go out and by a new, more colorful shirt- but I resisted- and decided this thrifted find from a few years back would do the trick. This shirt is a bit on the long side, so I simply tied the front ends together to shorten it- and ta-da, my inspired, summer denim outfit was complete.  Where do you look for outfit inspiration?

Brights

{Shirt: Anthropologie | Skirt: Banana Republic (similar) | Shoes: Payless}

I love a pencil skirt with good pockets. It helps me keep track of important things like my phone and work ID. When I wear my pocket free pencil skirts, I randomly set my phone down on tables, bathroom counters, other people's desks...anywhere I can find a free space. Luckily, I have yet to lose said items, although there have been a few close calls. But not today, today I have pockets. It's the little things.

Blue Maxi

{Shirt: Anthropologie | Skirt: Target (similar) | Belt: Loft | Necklace: DIY via Dismount Creative | Shoes: Ciao Bella (similar)}

I find it really hard to be creative on a Monday morning, especially before I've had coffee. Hence, the title of this blog post. Blue Maxi. And even coming up with that was a stretch for my brain. So without further ado, I'll leave you with this outfit while I go grab a cup of Joe. Happy Monday. 

Summer Shorts

{Shirt: Loft | Shorts: Target | Hat: Urban Outfitters | Shoes: Ciao Bella | Necklace: remade from old jewlery}

I am traveling for work, yet again this week. My hotel is really isolated, which means I can't walk everywhere like I usually do in DC. So I've spent a lot of time siting by the pool, sipping on gin and tonics, and relaxing. Oh, and working too. 

I snapped these photos before I left home. I've decided that these shorts are the perfect summer shorts. Light, breezy, and with a great summer print. I added a casual braid because my hair was wet and I was too lazy/hot to dry it. An easy, no fuss hair style is essential when you take several showers a day due to the heat. What are your favorite go-to summer hair styles? 

Bauble

{Shirt: Loft | Skirt: Urban Outfitters | Shoes: Payless | Necklace: Bauble Bar}

This necklace is one on my favorite jewelry pieces- ever. I know that's a big claim, but this is a great necklace! In the past, I've worn in higher up, like a bib, but then I saw one of my favorite bloggers, Kendi, style a similar necklace in a long fashion and I decided to give it a go. The result? LOVE. It's so inspiring to come up with new ways to wear something you love. 

Pool Time

{Dress: Target (similar) | Hat: Target (similar) | Sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs via TJ Max (similar) | Shoes: Modcloth}

This last picture represents my "it's too hot to do anything face." Even too hot to go to the pool. And if you know me at all, you know that I LOVE POOLS. But it was just that hot. But of course, I went to the pool anyways, so I figured I might as well go in style.

So that pretty much sums up my weekend. Sundress. Pool. Cold Shower. Sundress. Pool. Cold Shower. Repeat.

Dots and Bows

{Shirt: F21 | Skirt: Theory (thrifted) | Shoes: Target (similar) | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: H&M}

To summarize this outfit, I've got dots on my shirt and a bow on my skirt. Phew. That was easy. Easy is good for a Thursday that feels like a Monday. A mid-week day off yesterday was fabulous and something I'd love to get used to. I spent my day lounging by the pool, dining at my favorite local sandwich shop, and celebrating with friends on a DC rooftop. Not a bad Wednesday. Hope you all had a fabulous Fourth!! Thanks for reading.  

Sundress Love

{Dress: Target | Shoes: Ciao Bella (similar) | Bag: Anthropologie | Sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs via TJ Max (similar) | Bracelets: Loft | Earrings: Gift}

If you have visited this blog a few times, it is no secret that Target is one of my go-to stores. Mainly because I love a good deal, and Target is always full of them. Last summer, whenever I went to Target, there was a cute sundress begging to come home with me. It's hard to argue with a cute sundress that costs somewhere between $20 and $30. In my experience, the sundress wins, every time. 

This summer, in an effort to limit my shopping, I have been avoiding trips to Target. But that doesn't mean I can't look online! Some dresses that I am currently coveting can be found here,  here, here, and here. Sigh.