What I Wore | Hi Lo

WhatIWore: Today is off to a fantastic start! I’ve been waking with the sun (around 6:45) these days and slowly starting my morning with the news and a light breakfast. I had planned today’s outfit last night before bed so getting ready was a breeze and we had extra time to find a good spot for outfit photos before starting off our days.  I had my first doctor ordered massage and although it was short, it was heavenly. Then, as if that weren’t good enough, I treated myself to some mid week donuts. 

When: May 7, 2014

What:
Shades: Karen Walker ‘Northern Lights’
Necklace: Noonday
Dress: Target
Belt: J.Crew (similar style)
Denim Jacket: Anthropologie (similar)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff ’M.A.B. Mini Satchel’
Sandals: Target

Where: Appointments, Studio, Lunch

I’m also in a new outfit, which always makes me feel great. The focus of this whole thing has to be my new Rebecca Minkoff satchel, which I scored for a great bargain at the downtown Chicago Nordstrom Rack. I was sort of “saving” it (not sure why!) and I’m glad I brought it out today. This dress is of the non-maternity variety and I found it at Target. I’ve picked up so many good knits there lately, and I know this dress will be perfect for the hot summer ahead.  I was never totally into or against the high/low skirt trend, but now that it’s happening naturally to all of my evenly hemmed skirts, I’m going to really embrace it. 

What I Wore | Sunny Side Up

WhatIWore: Do you ever notice a difference in your mood as it relates to what you’re wearing? My mood is absolutely tied to the environment around me. Give me a pretty vintage dress, a beautiful breeze and a clear blue sky and I’m going to be one happy gal.  On the other hand…

When: May 6, 2014

What:
Shades: Cactus Flower
Dress: thrifted, vintage, Goodwill
Necklace: Anthropologie (old style, but more cute options here)
Belt: J.Crew 
Shoes: Adrienne Vittadini

Where: Grading finals, lunch date, patio work session

…I don’t want to go on and on about maternity clothes, but given that this is a fashion blog and one about my personal style at that, I feel like I can fess up that I’m still have a hard time getting dressed everyday.  Sure, I have the basics to fall back on, but I really like looking “special” and being creative with my closet. I’ll be doing another closet/storage session this weekend to pack away those piece that I thought would work with the belly but are just too small.  

I’m phasing out knit dresses with a defined waistline at this point because if I hike it up, my bosom looks ever more large and in charge than it is and it’s not all that flattering.  A lot of those stretchy skirts aren’t cutting it these days either. 

Timing with spring weather, my spring closet and my pregnancy was just a smidge off - I wish I had worn all of those pieces sooner!  I hope you’ll keep checking in and bare with me as I do my best! I mean, I feel like I have on decent outfits when I leave the house, just not all worthy of photos. Do I snap the basic stuff anyways? I’d really appreciate your feedback. 

PS: Doesn’t today’s dress remind you of this vintage frock? 

What I Wore | Anchors Away

WhatIWore: I write this post from my office on campus, and I can’t help but get a little sentimental as the semester wraps up. Last night we ran a few errands, but opted to take snake through the neighborhoods near campus and finally drove down Jordan Avenue, past my old sorority house. I wouldn’t trade today for yesterday, but it really is fun to look back. I’ve really enjoyed teaching and spending time with students and I hope to be back into a classroom in the near future!

When: May 5, 2014

What:Shades: Karen Walker ‘Northern Lights'Lips: NARS 'Red Lizard'Anchor Necklace: Elma Blint (similar)Striped Tee: ASOS (similar)Jacket: Anthropologie (similar)White Maternity Jeans: GAPHeals: BCBG (similar)

Where: Campus office (grading!) and errands

This outfit is only slightly inspired by my college days, but there’s definitely a tie in. I’m a Delta Gamma and the anchor is our symbol. There’s a real US navy anchor (permanently on loan) in the front yard of our house on campus and I’ve been rocking my little signature anchor necklace for over five years. 

The other thing that pulled this outfit together was an abundance of clean laundry, including my striped Breton tee. There’s no disguising my bump these days (and I was never really one to hide it in the first place), but my regular tops are starting to retire into bins for next summer. Either they don’t fit my chest, my belly or are too short at this point. I’m kind of freaking out now that my options are getting seriously limited, but I have those flowing hippie dresses and a mass of navy, black and striped knits to keep me going (see more of my maternity style here) . I’m just going to do my best with accessories and remind myself that getting dressed isn’t a contest (although sometimes it totally feels like it when you write a fashion blog. Ugh).

Today I feel pretty great though, so I’m just going to run with it! Have a great week!

What I Wore | Lilac Blooms

WhatIWore: After a late night return home from Columbus on Tuesday night, I wanted to get a little extra sleep Wednesday morning and go with a comfortable outfit for my day downtown and around campus. I’ve had this black knit maxi for a few years and it’s a great go to dress all year round (see examples HERE, HERE, HERE & HERE).

When: April 30, 2014

What: 
Shades: Karen Walker ‘Cat’s Eyes’
Scarf: J.Crew
Jacket: MICHAEL Michael Kors (a bunch of options here)
Dress: Target (I also like this one)
Shoes: Sole Society (on major sale!) 

Where: Business Breakfast, Student Presentations

This white leather jacket has been, by far, my best investment this spring. I wear it all the time and pretty soon I’m going to need to figure out the best way to do some spot cleaning on it, which I guess just goes with the white jacket territory. 

Finally! Those flats! I love how they take such a simple outfit and instantly give it a little extra style.