Daily Look: Preppy Layers

Shirt, Earrings: Banana Republic // Sweater, Blazer: Loft // Skirt: Gap // Shoes: Kimchi Blue via Urban Outfitters

For as long as I can remember, I've been a fan of the preppy schoolgirl look, particularly the version that Cher Horowitz perfected in Clueless. I never went to a school with a uniform policy, but I was always a little bit jealous of people who did (despite the fact that they were probably all jealous of kids who got to pick out their own outfits). Now that I'm an adult, I don't really want to look like I'm still in school, but I can still take inspiration from the prepster pieces that look downright cute together. There's something about layering a blazer over a sweater and collared blouse that just feels right. The hairband and wingtip flats just sweeten the pot.

Are you a fan of the preppy look? How do you like to wear it?

Daily Look: Made in America

Shirt: Forever 21 // Skirt: J. Crew // Shoes: Van's via Urban Outfitters // Earrings: Target

Well, what with all of the election talk filling up the air waves and Facebook feeds, I am feeling pretty patriotic. For election day, I had on my favorite red, white, and blue Van's, and even kept my lipstick choice all-American.  I am such a big fan of our flag's colors that I'll take almost any excuse to rock them!

Did you wear your stars and stripes to the polls this year?

Transformative Beauty: The Power of a Haircut

Growing up as twins, Sam and I got used to looking alike every day. Even though we are fraternal, my mom loved to dress us in identical outfits and, more important, identical hairstyles. In preschool, we always wore our hair in high ponytails.



When Sam got bangs, so did I.



When one of us wore a bow in her hair for school pictures, so did the other.



For our piano recital, we both wore our hair half-up, which was, like, totally, the coolest way to wear your hair in first grade.



In fact, we got so used to always having the same hairdo that we continued getting similar haircuts even after we started choosing our own hairstyles. Here we are rocking flipped-out bobs that we thought were the height of fashion.



Eventually, however, there comes a time when you realize that having the same hairstyle as your twin sister is no longer as adorable as it once was. One of the amazing things about being a twin is that you have a built-in best friend to share everything with. But after Sam and I graduated from high school, we knew that sharing so much was actually holding us back from being seen as individuals. We were tired of people mistaking us for each other. So we decided to transform ourselves in one of the easiest (and most fun) ways we could -- we went for completely different hairstyles. In a moment of bravery (and after a lot of coaxing from me), Sam chopped off her hair, while I decided to let mine grow out. Here we are at a Halloween party in college.



I continued to let my hair grow longer and longer. Here it is at its longest on graduation day.



Meanwhile, Sam's hair got even shorter, and she started experimenting with hair color. She decided to see if blondes really do have more fun for a few months.



Afterward, Sam went red. She may not have been born with red hair, but I think we can all agree that she was born to be a redhead.



After college, I cut my hair a few times before letting it get really long leading up to my wedding so that I could wear an updo. Doesn't Sam make the most adorable maid of honor?



After I got back from my honeymoon, I decided I was tired of all that hair. I cut my hair into a bob, and I haven't looked back.



Nowadays, strangers rarely realize that we're sisters, let alone twins. Transforming our hair into completely different styles has helped us become individuals rather than a single unit. It seems silly, but our haircuts helped solve one of the pitfalls of being a twin: not having your own identity. Of course Sam and I have a lot in common, but we really are very different people, and I think that our hair helps communicate that.



 This post is part of BlogHer's Transformative Beauty editorial series, made possible by Sonia Kashuk at Target.

Daily Look: Print Test

Shirt: Urban Outfitters // Jeans: J. Crew // Shoes & Belt: Aldo // Necklace: Forever 21 // Earrings: Francesca's

I wore this look to go out for empanadas with the fam. The weather was so warm and pleasant that we were able to sit outside. Why, you may ask, if it was so nice out was I wearing boots? And to that I answer, this is Texas y'all! So though it feels like sandal weather, down in the south, we tend to dress for the season instead of the weather. Otherwise we'd only be able to wear boots a few days out of the year, and how sad would that be?

Daily Look: Warm and Fuzzy

Sweater, Skirt, Boots: Banana Republic // Tights: Ann Taylor // Earrings: The Limited // Bracelet: J.Crew

 As the weather continues to cool down, I'm reaching for my coziest clothes when I get dressed in the morning. And this outfit is made up of some of my favorite warm and fuzzy pieces--a wool sweater, thick knit skirt, super soft tights, and warm boots. In an ideal world, I'd leave the house in my jam-jams and wrap myself in a blanket instead of a coat, but, as that's not generally considered socially acceptable, this will suffice.

What do you wear when you want to feel cozy but look professional?

Twin Styled: Changing Leaves

The changing leaves in Lauren's photos have inspired me to collect a few pieces that reflect the season. I rarely get jealous of the weather up in Indiana, but right around this time of the year, I start thinking that my pumpkin treat would taste a lot more satisfying if there was a chill in the air. Sadly, it is usually winter here before it gets cold, so I don't get to welcome fall with warm hued sweaters and jackets. It's tough looking autumnal when it's still in the 90s!