Daily Look: In Black and White

Sweater: Victoria's Secret // Skirt: Anthropologie // Tights: Francesca's // Booties: Cooperative via Urban Outfitters // Bracelets: Ann Taylor, Target // Earrings: The Limited // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

For this look, I went with one of my favorite color combinations. What can I say? Black, white, and red just feel right together, and they're so easy to wear. My nails inspired this look; since I had already painted them red, throwing on some black and white for them to pop against was a no-brainer. Believe it or not, my nails inspire a lot of my outfit choices. It's much easier to change my clothes than it is to change my nail polish, after all. That said, I'm not a slave to my lacquer. If I want to wear something, I will, and if it happens to clash with my polish, well then I guess I'm prepared to live with that. I'm nothing if not courageous.

Daily Look: Ikat Scratch Fever

Dress: Maggy London via Nordstrom // Sweater, Shoes, & Bracelets: Banana Republic // Earrings: Francesca's // Ring: Vintage

I have been looking longingly at some of my summer dresses, and I finally found a way to wear them while it's still chilly. Throwing a black sweater over this bright, patterned dress (originally purchased for Lauren's wedding brunch) actually served many functions. One simple sweater was able to dress down the shift, mute the color palette, and keep me warm! The dress even has pockets, so it really looks like a skirt. Don't you just love clothes that can serve multiple functions?

Daily Look: Mod Missoni

Dress: Loft // Shirt: Missoni for Target // Boots, Belt: Banana Republic // Tights: Nicole Miller // Earrings: Gift // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

After seeing shirts layered underneath dresses on so many runways (including Milly, Victoria Beckham, and Derek Lam) during New York Fashion Week, I figured I'd give it a go. This shift is the perfect layering piece because of its basic shape and color. I like the way that the Missoni for Target blouse gives a mod, 60s-inspired feel to the outfit. As an added bonus, adding another layer to cover up my arms and neck means that I can wear this dress on chillier days than I normally would.

PS: After getting dressed, I realized that this look is a combination of an outfit that I wore back in November and one that I wore in January.

Runway to Reality: Ralph Lauren Fall 2012

With all of the exciting fashion going on, I have been feeling very blue, wishing for things that I cannot afford. I was especially in love with Ralph Lauren's ladylike Fall 2012 collection. This look in particular had me wowed!


Though I certainly can't afford it, I want this look! I did a little internet exploring and was actually able to get a very similar outfit for (way) less. The prices on my version range from $10 for the sweater to $50 for the jacket. Many of the pieces are so classic that they may even be in your closet already. I thought that the gold sweater was going to be tough, but this H&M sweater was perfect and amazingly cheap. If only I didn't have to drive five hours to get to one...

What runway styles are inspiring you this season, and how do you plan to incorporate them into your wardrobe?

Daily Look: Layers of Flavor

Sweater, Shirt, Jeans: Banana Republic // Shoes: Cooperative via Urban Outfitters // Blazer, Earrings: Loft // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

For today's look, I went with triple layers to stay warm on a sunny but very chilly day. This basic blue sweater is actually a hand-me-down from my mom--three cheers for free clothes! Its simplicity makes it the perfect candidate for a little jazzing up courtesy of a cheerful silk blouse. I wore this outfit on a trip to the grocery store, and while bold red lips might be a little much for some people, I enjoy feeling cute and sassy, even if it's just to toss some veggies into my shopping cart!

Daily Look: Zip Me Up

Sweater & Jeans: Gap // Blouse: Banana Republic // Shoes: Aldo // Earrings: Etsy

Well, it is still cold here which, for me, means chunky sweaters and lots of hot tea. I picked this sweater out for Lauren as a Christmas gift, and ended up throwing one in the cart for myself as well. My mom has something similar too, so we will know what to wear if we ever want to disguise ourselves as triplets. Oh! And a special shout out to Monike who gave me these awesome earrings. She knows me so well!

Daily Look: Checkered Past

Sweater, Skirt, Boots: Banana Republic // Tights: J. Crew // Bracelets: Forever 21, Target // Necklace: Goodwill

Today's outfit involves a skirt that I have owned for over seven years, and I keep coming back to it year after year because it's such a classic. I got this miniskirt, thickly woven into a black and white checkerboard pattern, as a Christmas present my freshman year of college. Over the years, I have dressed it up with heels and down with flats and riding boots. What pieces of clothing have continued to be staples for you for many years?