Leather Sleeves

Well...this is starting to get awkward. At this rate, I'll only post blog 12 times in 2012. SO not okay with that. New year's resolution = blog more! For real though I miss blogging. I've used the excuse of being busy for not blogging tons of times, but every blogger is busy. I think I've come to the realization that an important part of being a successful blogger is making time for it, not just using extra time to blog. So, with that said, I'm going to try oh so hard to make more time for my blog. I already have so many posts that I'm itching to do. :)

Now that that's out of the way, I wore this outfit an embarrassingly long time ago. Like...week of Thanksgiving if I remember correctly. This outfit would not work for the current winter temperatures. I wore this when I was in a bit of a fashion rut, so I went for a completely different look than I usually wear. I hardly ever wear flares or completely tucked in shirts so putting them together was super new for me. I've loved it on so many bloggers so I just had to try it for myself. I wore this out to dinner with my family, and the first thing my older brother said to me was "...are those leather sleeves?" Yes. Yes they are. This coat may be a bit of a man repeller, but I still love it. Plus, I replenish/update my brother's wardrobe twice a year on his birthday and Christmas so he can't even talk. He should be thanking me.

Last thing...I absolutely love how these photos turned out. Me and my roommate/fellow blogger Mary found this amazing light right behind our apartment. I'm picturing a winter outfit shoot with this light when we finally get some snow up here.

I hope that those of you who celebrate Christmas had an amazing time with your family! My Christmas outfit post will be posted very shortly :)

Coat: Forever 21

Shirt: TJ Maxx

Jeans: Forever 21

Bracelets: Forever 21, Target, H&M

Necklace: American Eagle

Belt: Michael Kors via TJ Maxx

Shoes: DSW

PS - I need to get a new go-to pose. Hand-on-the-hip is being seriously overused here.

Opposites Attract

For some reason when I wear a very feminine outfit, I feel the need to go in the opposite direction the next day. Example: these outfits. I love both, but if I had to choose to be more feminine or more masculine in how I dress, there's no doubt that I tend to gravitate towards my more masculine pieces. I just feel more myself in some kick-ass boots, black leather jacket, and jeans. What pieces do you feel most comfortable in?

PS - introducing my new hair color! The cooler seasons always make me want darker hair. :)

(no idea why it looks slightly purple in the first outfit photos..it's not purple) 

Leather Jacket: AE, from TJ Maxx

Dress: Forever 21

Tights: TJ Maxx

Scarf: H&M..I think?

Necklace: H&M

Boots: Zappos.com

 "Leather" Jacket: Zara

Gray Top: TJ Maxx

Red Shirt & Pants: H&M

Boots: Fergie(yeah, I was surprised too), DSW

This or that?

Just a few things I've been trying to decide between... 

A perfect coat to transition from fall to winter:

                                        ASOS Premium Wool & Leather Parka  OR  ASOS Navajo Pattern Parka

 Shoes at TJ Maxx begging me to take them home:

           Sam Edelman Etiene Slip-On Loafer  OR  DV by Dolce Vita Paloma Bootie in Black

  ($50)                                                                                               ($60)

So hard to choose! Which ones would you pick?

Fall Colors, Summer Temps

Well it sure does look like fall, but it definitely doesn't feel like it. When I wore this a few days ago, it was in the high 70s. Crazy! This week it's supposed to be in the 50s, so I'm already missing the warmer weather. Fall weather is great, but it always seems so short lived. Hopefully winter will hold off a little longer this year...not likely up here in Wisconsin sadly.

I really like this ruffle tank top, but it's kind of a weird shape if I just let it hang(super boxy) so I don't wear it very often. Tucking it in a bit did the trick for this outfit so I could finally wear it :) This belt has become such a go-to belt for me when I can't find one that works..it seems to go with everything. I even just got some awesome leopard flats/loafer hybrids(you'll see what I mean when I wear them on here, SO cute). The belt was the only leopard print thing I owned, so I obviously needed another leopard accessory. Okay maybe not need...well, maybe just a little bit. Everyone needs a little leopard(print or actual animal..how cute would it be to have a little tiny leopard?!). Okay, I definitely didn't get enough sleep this week so I'm getting a litttle loopy. Which also means I'll be getting way too much sleep tonight. Can Not Wait.

Top: TJ Maxx

Jeans: H&M

Belt & Sandals: Forever 21

Gold Necklace: Gift from Mom

ps - sorry for all the unintentional headless photos. guessing where I'll end up running into the frame and posing can be kind of difficult.

Red, Black, & Cutoffs

I know these pictures aren't my usual quality, but I was determined to post this outfit! Not because it's super groundbreaking for me or anything, just a bit different from my usual look. I've always loved the whole cutoffs and tights look, but I never seem to think of it when I'm trying to figure out what to wear for the day. I'm glad I finally thought to try it out though. Great way to keep wearing shorts a bit longer with the cooler weather!

I wore this outfit to class and then to a Hanson concert(yes, that Hanson). I know you're judging right now, but all I can say is to look up some of their new stuff(I suggest 'Give a Little' or 'Thinkin' Bout Somethin''). You won't be disappointed :) I was also staying at my friend's place in Chicago, hence the new background. 

One more thing: these boots are kind of my new obsession. I got then at TJ Maxx(I think..) and they're Dirty Laundry brand. I've always loved boots, but the wood heel and red laces make these different enough that I have to stop myself from wearing them everyday, ha.

 (not really sure what my left arm is doing down there \/ ..invisible sling..?)

Cardigan: H&M

Tank underneath: TJ Maxx

Shorts: Levi's cutoffs from Urban Outfitters

Tights: no idea..

Boots: Dirty Laundry from TJ Maxx

Equestrian Denim

Hi guys! I'm so happy I got to take some photos outside today. My friend Alex who's also a photography major took these for me today :) Check out his photo blog here. Thanks Alex! I got these riding pants/leggings from Zara a long time ago, and this the first time I've worn them. Shame on me! They're really comfortable and warm, but for some reason I found it kind of difficult to figure out what to pair them with. What would you wear with them? Also, you can see in the 2nd picture after this text that my sleeve button thingy is unbuttoned. I love this denim shirt but the buttons come undone ALL the time. Might have to sew up the holes a tiny bit or something.

Leather Jacket: TJ Maxx (Brand, American Eagle)

Shirt & Tank: H&M

Leggings: Zara

Boots: River Island

Have a great weekend!

Satin & Cowboy Boots

For some reason, I hardly ever wear leggings..even though I have probably over 20 pairs and I love how they make my legs look. Obviously, my jean habit is really hard to break, but I love when I do something different. I forgot how comfy leggings are too! I've been missing out big time.

This is probably one of the simplest possible outfits. Leggings, tank, long button-up shirt, boots, good-to-go! I've had this shirt for a longgg time, and it was still hanging out in my closet with the tag on it. I don't know why I do that sometimes, but it happens way too often. I love how easy this shirt is. I was going to belt it out of habit, but I decided to just let it hang instead for less adjusting & a super simple look. Sidenote: I know that in the last picture my shirt looks like an oil slick with all the colors reflecting off it. Unfortunately, it's just a muted navy with the giant unmovable red building across the street reflected in it(which also makes my hair look super red).

Ha, told you I always have makeup on my hand. That's the Revlon Just Bitten lip stain in Passion I'm wearing :)

Shirt: TJ Maxx(Brand, Fred David)

Tank: H&M

Leggings: TJ Maxx

Boots: Nordstrom Rack(Brand, Nine West)

Bracelet: Forever 21

Rings: H&M