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!

Chic Perfect to Cheap Perfect

Sunnies: Downtown Threads, Scarf: Savers, Tee: Target, Belt: Goodwill, Skirt: Downtown Threads (vintage), Jacket: T.J Maxx, Heels: Target
my cheap perfect version of this “chic perfect” look.

Since I was wearing this to the office I kept relatively covered up in one of my favorite vintage skirts. I tried to get a close up of my skirt but none of the photos came close to doing it’s sheen justice. It’s quite luminescent.* I played down the skirt’s shimmer with a simple grey v-neck tee and safari inspired belt.  *A small part of me is terrified this skirt is the bottom of a horrific mother of the bride skirt suit…*

While the “chic perfect” look that inspired this outfit is undoubtedly sexy, I was able to create my very own office friendly “cheap prefect” version using items I already had in my closet. Not to shabby when you consider the $65 price tag!

Jacket $29.99, Sunnies $12, Scarf $1.99, Tee $7, Belt $0.50, Skirt $7, Heels $6 

What cheap thrill pieces do you have in your wardrobe? Was my inspired look hit or miss? 

this was suppose to be a close up of my scarf…just like this was suppose to be a flattering photo… stupid skirt pooch

Milkmaid Braids & Nautical Stripes

Oh my gosh the Clothes Exchange was so much fun last night! I left with some seriously amazing finds (including 3 rocking new coats and 2 smokin hot pairs of heels!) I can’t wait to share them with you so be on the look out for a post about all my new treasures this weekend!

Sunnies: Greece, Necklace: Dirt Chic, Tee: H&M, Jeans: Charlotte Ruse, Pumps: Steve Madden (via T.J Maxx) No, this isn’t a proactive before picture (please excuse the zit on my chin) it’s me trying to show off the braided look I’ve got going on.

Refinery 29 featured a super chic and simple braided updo in early April and I finally got around to trying it out! Since my outfit was so casual I wanted to add a little bit of pizazz with my hair. I didn’t add ribbon (as shown in R29 slideshow) but I was still pleaed with the end result.

I parted my hair normally (I rock the side part but really you can part it anyway) into to low ponytails, I braided the each section and then pinned them to the top of my head. Since my “bangs” were a bit too short to make it into my low braid I left them out.  After pinning the low braids to the top of my head I braided my bangs and pinned them behind one of my larger braids.

I went with the messier more boho look but if you wanted a more polished look you could work a smoothing serum or mousse through your hair before braiding and then finish with a smoothing spray. There are some great products featured in the Refinery 29 article as well.

Can you tell I’ve always wanted to be a Rockette?

literally two left feet

I left the house feeling less than thrilled with this outfit but the longer I wear it the more I’m loving it. It’s decidedly casual but I think the peep toes (which have quickly become a favorite of mine, seen here), statement necklace and messy milkmaid braid updo helped ramp it up a few notches. 

How do you dress up casual outfits? Would you rock my messy milkmaid updo or go with the more polished version?