Twice As Nice

 

Jacket: Banana Republic (old/similar); Sweater: Ann Taylor (on sale); Jeans: LOFT; 

Sneakers: Converse via DSW; Handbag: J.Crew (gift); Shades: Prada; Earrings: Silpada

I loved this look so much I wore it two days in a row! It was comfortable for starters, warm with the cashmere sweater and layered jacket, and chic enough to run errands while still feeling a little casual. I just threw on some comfy sneaks, shades to hide the mascara only eyes, and a little lipgloss for color. This is what I call an awesome weekend look!

 The Jacket and Sweater: Before and After

  

 

Rain, the 60s and My Hunter's

Trench: Ann Taylor; Dress: Ann Taylor; Boots: Hunter via Nordstrom; Umberella: Target;

Bracelets: Silpada/DIY; Earrings: Silpada; Watch: Gucci (old)

The minute my hubby saw me in this dress he told me it looked like something straight out of Mad Men. I'll take it! I love a good shift dress and always think of the 60s when I wear one! This one is an oldie but goodie! I can't even remember when I purchased it, but it came from Ann Taylor at least five years ago or more. Gotta love a piece that stands the test of time. Same goes with a style that's been around for decades!

 

I've taken note of several bloggers I follow and how they pair their Hunter's with both dresses and skirts. I love the look but wasn't sure I could pull it off. It was a monsoon last Thursday and I wanted to be prepared. It was also muggy and I wanted the coolness of a dress. Throw on a modern take of the classic trench and I was ready to fight the elements!

 

 

I absolutely love this umbrella! The style is so vintage and I love that it's see-thru! Goes with everything!

 

 



Trench Twist

Dress: Ann Taylor (old); Scarf: Ralph Lauren (old); Shoes: Jimmy Choo;

Sunnies: Prada (gift); Bangles: Jessica Simpson/Fossil, Earrings: Ann Taylor (old)

 

This dress is a dress I've had forever! I would say it's at least five years old, if not older. I haven't worn it in forever because, well, it didn't fit! So happy to just give it the old college try on! What I love about the dress is that it's a classic, timeless design. Want to know why? Because it's a take on the traditional trench coat which has been a wardrobe staple since it's creation!

 

This dress made me feel a little Parisian, and when I think of Parisian woman, I think of scarves. Maybe it's the movies but they always seem to be wearing a scarf! This is not the new way of wearing scarves, but the 14 year old way of wearing scarves. After I graduated from college, I worked retail for several years. I started working for Harold's in 1996 and this is how everyone wore their scarves at the time. Actually, this was the first scarf I ever purchased! I love the soft colors, the subtle floral design and the feminitity that it brings.

 

I have to admit I was a little hesitant to wear it like this. Since it's not "on-trend" I felt silly for going back in the fashion vault of how I've worn things. Funny that I thought that because today over at What I Wore, Jessica eluded to somewhat the same thing regarding her look from today. I, we, must ask ourselves, why is that we get dressed everyone morning? For work or for leisure? Why do I, we, feel that we have to conform to a look that seems to be standard among fashion magazines? Because I, we, blog we feel we might be held to a different standard of fashion? Isn't fashion subjective?

 

 If we are blogging about our personal style, shouldn't that style be what we personally feel looks good on us, reflect who we are and makes us feel good? I tend to try too hard in getting dressed sometimes because I want my readers to think I'm fashion forward or trendy or a trend-setter. That the looks I wear and photograph are looks that they too should try at home, but that's not being true to either me or you! With that said, I will continue to look to the future of fashion, but will still rely on the things that I think are fashionable. It could be something that's out six months from now or a look I sported six years ago.

 

In the meantime....take a look at my Parisian self on a very windy Kansas afternoon!

 

 

 

 



 

Happy Thursday! MUAH!



A Casual Sunday Look

Top: J.Crew (similar); Khakis: Out Back Red for The Limited (similar); Shoes: Target;

Hat: Target (similar); Sunnies: Ann Taylor (similar); Necklace: BaubleBar

I love spring, especially when it finally comes around on the weekend! Sunday is the day in our house where we put errands and chores aside! When the weather is nice we head to the zoo. This Sunday was no exception. It was a gorgeous 75 but it didn't start out that way.

This time of year is hard. Cool in the morning and beautiful by afternoon makes it a challenge to dress appropriately. As much as I love wearing my boyfriend jeans, I wanted something different. I was going to wear my yellow leopard jeans, but decided to try on these khakis to see if they would fit. THEY DID!! I haven't worn these pants since our trip to Vegas in 2010 and I was super thin at that time. (Super thin in Andrea's world!) I'm not super thin today, but these things fit and it wasn't a just-fit! I'm afraid to wash them for fear they won't fit again, but at least I got this wear out them!

This top is one of my favorites and I love orange and khaki together. I threw on the hat and aviators for a touch of cool and the Converse tennies complete the look!

  

 

Happy Early Birthday!

Top: Ann Taylor; Pants: J.Crew; Cuff: Ann Taylor (gift);

Shoes: Burberry Prorsum via Net-A-Porter; 

Watch: Emporio Armani (gift)

 I purchased this top a couple of weeks ago at Ann Taylor's summer sale and forgot all about it. I found it this weekend while straightening up. It was still in the bag wrapped in tissue paper! It was like my birthday only four months early. Who doesn't love that!

What I love about this top is the contrast piping in faux leather. You can't really see it in the photos, but I feel like it adds a bit of luxe to such a simple top. And the little zipper is so cute! You know me! I'm a sucker for details. And the leather cuff with large gold lock really pulls it all together. Simple yet such a statement!

How I've worn these pants before: