Daily Look: Blown Away

Sweater, Skirt: Gap // Shirt, Shoes: Urban Outfitters // Earrings: Francesca's // Tights: Ann Taylor // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

I wore this outfit on a particularly blustery day, but the thick weave of my sweater and tights helped keep me warm. Well, that and the fact that the elusive Midwestern sun decided to show its face for the first time in days. I actually looked out the window, squinted, and wondered why it was sunny outside. "Is that really the sun?" I asked one of my students. I wasn't sure if I'd recognize it any more. Here's hoping it stays awhile.

Daily Look: Twist on Twiggy

Dress: Asos // Sweater: H&M // Shoes: Aldo // Tights: Target // Earrings: Limited

This is the dress that I wore as part of my Twiggy costume last October, but, with minor tweaking, it works perfectly in my everyday wardrobe. I think that the black tights and sweater tie the dress to this decade, without completely hiding its retro charm. Electric blue is a pretty bold color to wear to work, but who says we have to be drab on Monday morning?

Daily Look: Bright Birthday

Sweater: Asos // Shirt: J. Crew // Jeans: Gap // Shoes: Keds

This was an outfit that I wore while playing games and pigging out at my little birthday bash. I felt very festive in primary colors and kept my Encore streak alive with another win. I am usually not one to buy a cropped shirt, but I couldn't resist this fair isle, and I actually love the way it looks with a button up.

Twin Styled: Academy Awards Viewing Party

The nominations for the Academy Awards came out this week, which means that the Oscars are just around the corner. I have been a big fan of awards shows ever since I was a little girl, and the Oscars are my version of the Superbowl. I remember watching Joan Rivers play nice with celebrities on the red carpet only to skewer them the next day on her show. Thankfully, I can now get my fill of Joan's fashionable snark every Friday night.

Though I've never attended one, I've always thought that an Oscars viewing party would be so much fun. I'd love to get gussied up for an evening of deciding who wore the best dress, who needs to hire a new stylist, and who had the best gracious loser face.

Would you ever get dressed up to watch an awards show? What movies, actors, or directors are you rooting for? I'd love to see Gary Oldman win for his role in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

Daily Look: Cinch It

Dress: Nicole Miller via Bluefly // Sweater: Victoria's Secret // Boots, Tights: Banana Republic // Belt: H&M

I originally bought this dress for a trip to New York after my freshman year of college, but it's turned into a great work staple. I decided to dress it down and warm it up with a belted cardigan. Whenever I wear a belt like this, I'm reminded of that old SNL skit where Adam Sandler and David Spade played less-than-helpful Gap employees whose advice to customers was always the same: Just cinch it!

Daily Look: Love Rollercoaster

Blouse: Forever 21 // Skirt: Urban Outfitters // Shoes: Target // Earrings: Etsy

Well, sorry Lauren, I know you have snow on the ground, but it is feeling like spring here already! I got to break out this bright skirt way earlier than anticipated during a shopping trip and quick photo shoot in front of the Rattler. I know that the cold weather will probably return, but hey, I am going to take advantage of the sun while I can!

Daily Look: They Say it's Your Birthday

Sweater: Loft // Blouse, Earrings, Bracelet: Banana Republic // Jeans: Forever 21 // Boots: Urban Outfitters // Bracelet: H&M

I am wearing this look to go to dinner with my husband for my birthday. We're not going anywhere too dressy (hey, we live in the Midwest!), so I'm keeping it casual but fun in another layered look. Silk blouses are perfect for layering because they don't add bulk, which is great when you're wearing one under a fitted sweater.

Daily Look: Tartan Plaid

Sweater & Skirt: Gap // Blouse: Loft // Tights: Target // Shoes: Aldo // Earrings: Francesca's

This look makes me feel ready for a walk in the woods. The dark colors and cozy fabrics are perfect for the season, and these boots are as comfortable as wearing slippers. I am ready for the warm weather to return, though I will miss my tights and boots. I prefer my winter wardrobe, but I miss the sun!

Daily Look: Tangerine Dream

Shirt: Banana Republic // Cardigan: J. Crew // Skirt: Express // Tights: Francesca's // Shoes: Nine West via 6pm.com // Earrings: Loft // Watch: Asos // Bangles: Annie Gogglyn

For today's look, I went with one of the simplest forms of layering possible, buttoning a v-neck cardigan over a cap-sleeve top. Cardigans are my best friend during the winter, and I always keep one on the back of my chair at work in preparation for the wild fluctuations in temperature that my classroom goes through on any given day. The best part about layering with a cardigan is that it's removable, so if the heat is really cranked (as it often is on a cold day), I can just take it off.