Copy Cat Casual

It’s no secret that I love Refinery 29. In fact this is the second time I’ve copied a look featured in one of R29’s signature slideshows.As seen on Refinery29 As seen in Burlington, Vermont (in 6 degrees, hence frozen awkward poses)Sunglasses (broken shortly after), Cardigan & Skirt: Downtown Threads, Denim Button-up: Walmart, Tights: Target, Boots: Old Navy 

I like the more muted, mellow tones in the original outfit but I’m generally pleased with how my copy cat version turned out. I think next time I’ll opt for my lighter wash denim button up and play up brown tones like in the original version. The bright red and dark denim button up give this look a much too bold red, white and blue feel for me especially when paired with the black leggings and boots.

What outfits have been inspiring you?

Want to see what other outfits I can’t wait to copy? Follow me on Pinterest!

Apple Picking Adventure

Sunnies: Zinnia, Button-up: Walmart, White Tank: Charlotte Ruse, Necklace: Gifted, Leggings: Target, Boots: Old Gold, Bag: H&M

 I took these photos when D and I headed to Chapin Orchard in Essex, Vermont for an afternoon of apple picking. Apple picking was and still is a fall tradition in my family. In fact while D and I were picking apples in Vermont my parents were doing the same thing in Maine with my older sister and her daughter.

It was our first time visiting Chapin Orchard, which was so beautiful, and the weather made it particularly wonderful to be outside. We got there a little after noon and when we left around 3 the orchard was bustling with people. About a week before we went, there was a Living Social Deal for a half a bushel of apples and half a a gallon of cider for $10, instead of the usual $20. So not only did we get ah-mazing weather but we also got a great deal.

Since I knew we were going to be mucking about in the orchard I wore my rodeo boots (seen here & here) perfect for fall and in this case practical too. I kept the rest of my outfit really casual and comfortable; somewhere along the line leggings, a tee, and an oversized button up became my weekend wear… and I’m alright with that.

What are some of your fall traditions? What’s your weekend wardrobe?

Leopard in a Blue Shirt

Sunnies: Zinnia, Scarf: Gifted, Cropped Half  Jacket:  Stowe Mercantile,  Button Up: Miley Cyrus for Wal-Mart, Dress (worn as skirt): Goodwill, Heels: Dollhouse (via TJ Maxx)I missed you guys while I was away trying not to spontaneously combust from the amount of stress I’m under. After a few days away and a weekend to regroup, I’m back. Thanks for sticking around.

This leopard dress has become one of my favorite Goodwill finds. I keep coming up different ways to wear it and it’s already proving to be a great layering piece. I tied the denim shirt at my waist to show off my figure instead of using a belt, since I wanted a fun, flirty look.

Early mornings and evenings have been chilly while the afternoons are sunny so I made sure my layers were light and easy to take on and off as I needed.  The teal scarf really popped against the coat while working with both the leopard print and burnt orange heels. I was a little worried that a white coat would wash me out and be impossible to style but I’m finding the total opposite to be true.

I bought this coat in Stowe, Vermont on a whim last summer. People thought I was crazy buying a lined wool coat in July but I got this baby for $22, almost 90% off the original price. Buying items out of season can be a gamble but I think this purchase really paid off.

Do you shop off season? What items in your closet surprised you with their versatility?

New Staples

Button Up: Wal-Mart, Tee: Consignment Shop in Florence

Belt: Possibility Shop, Skirt: Downtown Threads

Wedges: Vintage (via my mom)

So you may be asking yourself, “why are these photos taken from so far away?” Well my allergies flared up, leaving my nose redder than my hair and my eyes as glazed as a Krispy Kreme doughnut. I am miserable. Luckily my allergies will wind down as the cooler fall temperatures roll in. If you have cope with allergies year round, I salute you. I don’t know how you do it.

When I am feeling this yucky comfort is paramount and this look fits the bill. This outfit is made up of two of my wardrobe staples: a distressed denim button up and vintage pleated skirt. If you’ve followed my blog for a while (thank you!) you probably recognize this skirt… since I wore it all summer, (here, here & here).  I never thought I’d say this but this button up, from Wal-Mart, has become a staple in my wardrobe (see here, here, & here).

What pieces do you consider wardrobe staples? What do you wear when you’re feeling under the weather? 

In a Cargo Hold

Button-up: Wal-Mart, Black Cami: Target, Wood & Gold Bangle: Gifted, Cargo Pants: Levi’s, Snakeskin Heels: Target

I must admit that when skinny cargo pants started appearing I was skeptical but when I came across these Levi’s I decided it was time to give the skinny cargo trend a try. I was surprised by how comfortable and relatively streamlined they were. These were not the cargo pants of my childhood but a more flattering, figure hugging style with the appeal going far beyond their carrying capacity.

If I’m undecided about buying an item while shopping I try and see how many outfits I can mentally plan out using the new piece and my existing wardrobe. If I can’t think of at least two ways to wear the new piece with what I already have than it’s a no. So when I found myself undecided about these cargo pants I paused and found that not only would they work with what I already had but I could easily see them becoming part of my monthly and (possibly) weekly rotation. Oh and did I mention that they were only $14.98.

What new trends have you been slow to adopted? How would you style skinny cargo pants? 

So What if I Wore This in Kindergarten

Sunnies: Chinatown, Button Up: Walmart, Necklace: Gifted,

Tank: Old Navy, Belt: Target, Skirt: via Burlington Clothes Swap,

Earrings & Wedges: Charlotte Ruse

Almost a year ago a friend and I were shopping together when she found the cutest floral print white denim skirt that totally worked on her; naturally I was insanely jealous I hadn’t spotted it first. Flash forward a few months and imagine my delight when my friend brought said skirt to a clothes swap party! I immediately snapped it up and have been loving it ever since.

I wore this skirt when I was home last and my mom told me that it was almost an exact copy of a skirt I had when I was in kindergarten! I consider my style to be constantly changing so it was a bit of a surprise that something I loved to wear when I was 5 still appeals to me almost 20 years later.

With trends constantly being recycled and retooled it’s fun to get a second chance at styling them. Fingers crossed old school jellies (not the new hipster versions) will make a serious come back! Oh and if someone could get a hold of Lisa Frank that would be great too, note taking just isn’t the same without rainbow colored dolphins and frolicking unicorns.

What trends would you like to see come back?

What trends should remain dead?