OUTFIT: Pale and windy

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Cardigan: Uniqlo via ebay (similar)

Top: Nordstrom Rack, gift (similar)

Skirt: J. Crew via ebay (exact in current color offerings)

Heels: BCBGeneration "Daylie" pump via DSW (similar, still available at DSW - on sale $29.95 and they're quite comfortable!)

Bag: Ralph Lauren via TJ Maxx (similar)

Earrings: sterling silver ball studs via eBay (similar)

Bracelet: long sterling silver necklace via eBay (similar)

So... thankfully pencil skirts don't fly away in wind.  Long hair, however, does.  So, I cropped the craziness.  Let me assure you, it was crazy.  But, I was too happy with my newly gifted top (don't you love having friends with whom you can exchange clothing?) not to post the outfit.  So blushingly pale.  So springy.  Happy sigh.

OUTFIT: Heeled style

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Sweater: Banana Republic, thrifted (similar)
Jeans: LOFT, altered by cropping and fraying hem (similar)
Heels: Adrienne Vittadini via DSW (similar)
Bag: vintage Coach via ebay (similar)
Earrings: craft fair (similar)
Bracelets: (similar, similar)

I'm continually surprised how shoes can completely change the mood of an outfit.  This one is such a simple one -  sweater and jeans without a layer in sight -  but the shoes add some interest.  These are actually comfortable, too!  I've been replacing my 4 inch+ heels with others closer to around 3 inches, which makes them much more wearable.  While I still wouldn't choose this for a park day with Gavin, they work for a casual date night.  And with a simple change of shoe, this outfit could certainly work for the park!

OUTFIT: Rainy stars

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Top: Forever 21, altered (similar)
Skirt: Gap (similar)
Shoes: Adrienne Vittadini via DSW (similar)
Bracelets: vintage, handmade and storebought - some are necklaces worn as bracelets (similar, similar, similar, similar, similar)
Watch: Kenneth Cole (similar)
Earrings: sterling silver studs via ebay (similar)
Bag: Ann Taylor, thrifted (similar)

First up, apologies that the shirt is wrinkled and there are some leftover threads on my skirt from my earlier in the day alterations to the shirt (I took a few inches off the sides).  And I didn't arrange my red bracelet very well, did I?  It makes me admire well-staged blogger photos that much more! But, in my real life when you only have time to snap outfit photos at the end of the day, you're going to have some real life wrinkles.  But, you know what?  It still felt like a fun outfit while I wore it, and I'll probably wear a similar variation again soon.  Just thought I'd share the happy feeling.  

OUTFIT: Pales

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Drape sweater: Uniqlo via ebay (similar)
Top: J. Crew (exact)
Jeans: LOFT (similar)
Shoes: Dolce Vita via ebay (similar)
Bag: vintage Coach via ebay (similar)
Sunglasses: Ray Ban via ebay (exact)
Earrings: vintage (similar)
Necklace: boutique long ago (similar)

The spring-like outfit I've been waiting to put together!  The shoes are the latest piece in my lighter palette outfit puzzle.  The buckle-strap oxfords tone down the pink lace, something that would normally be a bit out of my comfort zone.  What's fashion for if not to try new things?

OUTFIT: Black and white spring

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Top: LOFT (similar)
Vest: Old Navy (similar)
Skirt: Athleta (similar)
Shoes: Steve Madden (similar)
Bag: vintage Coach via ebay (similar)
Hat: Forever 21 (exact)
Earrings: sterling silver hoops (similar)
Watch: Kenneth Cole (similar)

I'm kind of obsessed with light colors right now: blush, pale gray, light taupe.  While pale colors feel spring-like, re-mixing one of my winter staples - this buffalo plaid top - with a spring hat and shoes (without tights!) made for a freshened up look on a day I wasn't up for the maintenance that goes with light colors.  (White jeans yesterday, lots of Tide pen needed...)  What outfit says spring for you?

Neutral spring tones

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Blazer: Theory via ebay (similar)
Top: Marshall's (similar)
Jeans: LOFT (exact left in limited sizes, similar)
Shoes: Dolce Vita via ebay (similar)
Bag: thrifted (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors via ebay (similar)
Earrings: vintage (similar)
Neclaces: gifts (similar, similar)

Sometimes simple is good.  Nothing fancy or new or impressive here, but it's something I'll probably wear again.  And that's all I have to say about that.

Sequins and oxfords

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Top: J. Crew Factory (similar)
White Button-front shirt: In Style (similar)
Skirt: J. Crew Factory (similar)
Shoes: Dolce Vita via ebay (similar)
Earrings: gift (similar)
Bag: Talbots via ebay (similar)

And just like that, suddenly I'm inspired again to take outfit photos.  The difference?  Maybe getting my basic white button-front shirts back out of storage - such a great base to start from for almost any outfit.  Or perhaps the finding of my long-awaited sequin tee (one of those back-burner "wouldn't it be fun to have?" items).  It could even be the recently acquired oxford shoes (which I hadn't had since I had to get rid of my really cute, but really uncomfortable silver oxfords, seen here and here in late 2014).  Either way, I had fun reworking a skirt I've worn many times before (here and here and here, just to show a few).

The top is black, the tights and shoes are a lighter navy blue, which doesn't show up as well in the pictures as I'd like (I missed my window of great light at my odd little shady hillside location), but work together since the skirt print has both colors.  And to be honest, I'd wear this light navy shoe with black without a coordinating print.  As long as the navy is light enough to look intentional, it works.   I'm hoping these shoes will coordinate with lots of items I already own.  I'm selling a few pairs of ballet flats to make room for something a little different in my closet (thanks, eBay!), as well as culling my closet to showcase what I really love, and better highlight the few holes I might have.

Isn't fashion fun?  We have to get dressed everyday, but isn't your day a little bit better those days where your outfit matches your mood and the occasion?