Candid Ruffles

  

{blouse: Urban Outfitters | jeans: 7 for all mankind | jacket: Anthro (last year) | shoes: Payless}

I forgot to look at the camera in these photos. There must have been something really interesting going on "off screen." I can't seem to remember what it was though. Either that, or this was my attempt at making my photos look "artsy" or "candid." You be the judge. 

Also, I wanted to say happy Wednesday! We are half way through the week and I'm already thinking about all that I want to accomplish this weekend. Since I moved into a new apartment, I've got furnishing and decorating on the mind. Any Portland readers have a favorite spot for used stuff? 

Dream Sweater.

{Sweater: h&m (recent) | Jeans: Citizens | Boots: Corso Como (similar)} 

In the past, I've had some pretty serious disagreements with wool sweaters. Itchy arms, scratchy torso, and red neck kind of disagreements. So the other day when I stopped at h&m with my 40% off coupon in hand (seriously, 40% off at h&m!!- get on the email list if you aren't already) and saw this sweater, I gave a big sigh when the tag said 5% wool. 

After a quick walk around the store, this sweater was still calling my name. Those 3 buttons on the shoulder just really got to me. I figured I could layer it over a button up to avoid all possible skin contact. When I got home and tried it on over my t-shirt, I braced for an itchy reaction. But it never happened. 

Ladies and gentlemen, it turns out that 5% wool is just what this girl can handle. If you need me, I'll be spending the rest of the winter reading sweater tags. 

Nothing New

{shirt: Halogen (thrifted) | skirt: Nordstrom Rack | boots: DSW}

Because I’m a bargain shopper and thrifter, sometimes I feel like I don’t fit in as a blogger. When I’m working on a post I always think that I need to have links to what I’m wearing- because that’s the “norm” in the blogging world. But today, I can’t link to anything. And I think that’s something to celebrate!

I remix my clothes, thrift my clothes, buy on the sale rack, and use coupons whenever possible. This means it’s sometimes hard to replicate what I've worn with links on my blog. But that’s a-ok in my book, because blogging doesn't have to be about looking the same and always buying more.  For me, it’s about creating inspiration to take items that you already own and turn them into something new! You don’t have to have the SAME black shirt that I’m wearing to create your own outfit idea; any black shirt could do the trick!

When I look at other blog posts, I try not to feel overwhelmed by the need for instant gratification. Instead, when I really like what I see, I try to think about something similar that I might be able to create with what I already have. And most of the time, it works! That’s not to say that I don’t still give in sometimes and buy those things that I just really LOVE. But when I do, it feels special. 

Bree-Mix: Favorite Pants

{sweater: thrifted | pants: banana (similar) | boots: Jcrew (similar) | scarf: Zara (not similar, but cute!}

On a day when I have few words to share, I figured a bree-mix was in order. These pants are just too fabulous not to wear three times, or every day...but who's counting? 

See previous outfits here and here. 

Flannel Blaze

{Flannel: Urban | Jacket: thrifted | Jeans: J brand (similar) | Boots: Circa Joan and David (similar)} 

This morning I got up, washed my coffee mug, set it next to my keys, and then left it at home. Who does that? It's the one thing I can't seem to remember in the morning. I clearly picked up my keys, which would have required looking at the mug, and still wasn't able to make the connection that I should also pick up the mug. humph. My only consolation is that now I can drink out a a red Starbucks cup. My first one of the season! It's a safe bet that I'll be instagraming that later. 

In other news, my rainboots made it onto the daily style buzz today. Check it out if your'e not already a follower. It's a great site for style inspiration and procrastination. 

Red Shoes

{Blazer: Loft | Tee: J Crew | Jeans: Paige | Shoes: Banana | Scarf: gift}

There is something about wearing red shoes that just makes life feel a little more fun. I've been known to say the same thing about scarves and stripes. So that means we are dealing with triple the fun on this outfit.

And now for my public service announcement, go VOTE! Inform yourself and know what you are voting for, or against, but by all means, get out the vote!! I voted via a mail-in ballot this weekend and it's a great feeling to be able to make choices to support what you believe in. You could even wear red shoes while you go vote and then you'll really be feeling grand!