Blah to Blogworthy

What can I say? This nice Fall weather has reinvigorated me.  Expect to see more posting from my neck of the woods. In the coming weeks, I'm also hoping to share an exciting new project that I'm working on.  Stayed tuned for that, but for today I present to you a Blah to Blogworthy that is kind of blue.

Outfit 1 - Blah

This outfit is not terrible, but once again, "not terrible" shouldn't be my goal.  I think the general shape and balance of the outfit is flattering, but the too-close color of the cardigan and trouser jeans make for a weird onesie look.

  

Outfit 2 - Blogworthy

I simply switched out the trouser jeans for a wooly red pencil skirt. The contrasting color of the skirt helps all the items in the outfit to stand out on their own accord. The tripartite color scheme strikes a slightly nautical note without be over the top.  Overall, I think the outfit is sharp and professional with the pop that the above outfit lacks.

Work to Weekend

This post is a twofer.  You get both a before and after and a work and weekend post.  This dress began it's life as a frumpy church lady's dress.  I snatched it up at a garage sale for a whopping $2.00.  A few snips and one blind hem later and I have a fun new dress that can go from work to weekend with just a few swaps.

Blazer - Ann Taylor, Thrifted

Dress - Garage Sale

Necklace - Simply Vera, Kohl's

Flats - Gianni Bini, Thrifted

The dress may be a wee bit short for work, so I toned it down with a classic black blazer and flats.  A black statement necklace and a bun finish off the look.

Dress - Garage Sale

Necklace - Antique Store

Belt - Thrifted

Heels - Gianni Bini, Dillard's

For a night out with the girls, throw off the blazer and jazz the ensemble up with gold accessories.  Let your hair down and throw on some heels.  A swipe of red lipstick and you're ready for a night on the town.

Work to Weekend

I rarely post about weekend wear, it's usually work, work, work around here.  It could be due partly to the fact that I have a bit of a weekend uniform.  It's usually these shorts or these shorts with a striped tee.  Fine for a single post, but it would get repetitive after a while.  I'm going to start a new series called "Work to Weekend" that attempts to incorporate my work items into weekend looks.  First up the champ of work wear:  the button up shirt.

Button Up - J.Crew, Consignment Shop

Skirt - Vintage, Thrifted

Necklace - Great Aunt's

Bracelet - Mom'd

Belt - Thrifted

Flats - Thrifted

Nothing is more professional than a button up shirt.  Crisp, clean, androgynous enough not to freak out contractors.  But this office basic doesn't have to stay in the office.

Button Up - J.Crew, Consignment Shop

Shorts - Vintage, Thrifted

Bracelet -Garage Sale

Belt - TJ Maxx

Flats - Thrifted

Roll up your sleeves (if you haven't already) and you're ready to bring a preppy touch to high-waisted shorts.  I picked these shorts at my local thrift store for a song ($1.50 to be exact).  The red belt adds some much needed color to an otherwise monochromatic look.  Same woven flats as before and you're ready for your dressy casual weekend event.

Catalog to Kara: Madewell

Source: witanddelight.tumblr.com via Kara - Unusual Form on Pinterest

I pinned this outfit from Madewell way back when it wouldn't be climatically appropriate to wear a t-shirt and skirt to work.  Now that summer is in full swing, I decided to give it a whirl.  The best thing about my version is the very un-Madewell prices.  $10 tee.  $0.50 skirt.  $1 belt.  $4  shoes.  The sad thing is that the model is doing the "Kara" pose and this is the one photo I managed not to do it.  Sigh.  Next time.

Tee - Old Navy

Skirt - Thrifted

Flats -Gianni Bini, Thrifted

Necklace - Vintage, Flea Market

Belt - Flea Market

30x30 - Outfit 22

Shirt - American Eagle

Skirt - Jason Wu for Target

Flats - Calvin Klein, Dillard's

Belt - Thrifted

Sometimes I think fashion blogging is all about seeing what wacky combinations you can get away with.  The statement jewelry, the layers, the pattern mixing. For this outfit I went with a gingham and floral combo.  I actually wore this to work.  I don't just blog these outfits, I wear them as well.

30x30 - Outfit 17

Shirt - American Eagle

Skirt - Vintage, Thrifted

Flats - Calvin Klein, Dillard's

Necklace - Talbots, TJ Maxx

Belt - Vintage, Thrifted

This is what a real girl looks like after she spends 8 hours working at a real job.  My life isn't picture perfect.  I'm too lazy to iron my skirt before outfit photos (or even before work for that matter).  I'd like to think that y'all keep coming back for this very reason.  To see outfits that are affordable and appropriate for life outside of a style blog.  What's your take on real life versus blog life?  Do you read blogs for the fantasy aspect or do your enjoy blogs that focus more on attainable styles?  Is your own job more fantasy or reality?

30x30 Spring 2012

Without further ado, my thirty items for my Spring remix...

Toppers:

1. Cream Blazer - Vintage, Thrifted

2. Red Trench - Anthropologie

3. Navy Blazer - Gap

4. Poppy Cardigan - Gap

5. Yellow Cardigan - Loft

Shirts:

6. Chambray Shirt - Gap

7. Navy Polka Dot Blouse - Jason Wu for Target

8. White Tie-Neck Blouse - Old Navy, Thrifted

9. Red Polka Dot Blouse - Vintage, Thrifted

10. Bird Print Blouse - Old Navy

11. Striped Tee -Rodarte for Target

12. Tie-Dyed Tee - Gap

13. Arkansas Tee - Arkiestyle

14. Floral Tie-Neck Blouse - Go International Target, Thrifted

15. Yellow Polka Dot Blouse - Vintage, Thrifted

16. Gingham Shirt, American Eagle

17. Lace Tank - BDG, Urban Outfitters

18. Red Striped Shirt - BDG, Urban Outfitters

Pants:

19. Wide Leg Jeans - Gap 

20. Skinnies - BDG, Urban Outfitters

21. Red Skinnies - Bullhead Black, Resale Shop

Skirts:

22. Polka Dot Maxi Skirt - Gap, Thrifted 

23. Yellow Polka Dot Skirt - Vintage, Thrifted

24. Tie-Dye Skirt - Elle, Kohl's

25.  Floral Skirt - Jason Wu for Target

26.  Red Pencil Skirt - Vintage, Thrifted

Shoes:

27. Boots - Frye, Resale Shop

28. Bauble Flats - Calvin Klein, Dillard's

29. Red Wedges - Jeffery Campbell

30. Navy Heels - Vintage, Thrifted