Daily Look: Happy Leap Day

Cardigan: Loft // Skirt: Express // Tights, Camisole, Necklace: Banana Republic // Shoes: Zara // Bracelets, Earrings: Francesca's // Necklace: Ann Taylor // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Today's look involves a trend that I am loving: pattern mixing. Although it could certainly veer into kooky territory pretty quickly, patterns in similar color schemes can actually look downright subtle together.

I am so glad that fashion is increasingly moving away from all the rules that used to be drilled into us. Want to wear white after Labor Day? Go ahead! Care to mix bright colors? Do it! Feel like painting each nail a different color (I know I did)? Don't think twice! Fashion should be fun.

Daily Look: The Oscar Goes To...

Dress: Anthropologie // Sweater: Forever 21 // Shoes: Guess // Hairband: J. Crew // Bracelet: Found // Earrings: Etsy // Ring: Gift

I love any excuse to wear this vintage-inspired dress, so when Lauren posted about having a dressy Oscars viewing party, I immediately knew what I wanted to wear. I usually don't splurge on Anthropologie, but I had a gift card and, y'all, this dress has a petticoat! I even broke out my platform heels for the occasion, which make me a good six feet tall.

It was a fun night for fashion. I especially loved Emma Stone's dress (and her hilarious award presentation). Who was your favorite this year?

Daily Look: Hollywood Glamour

Dress: Hybrid via Asos // Jacket: Loft // Gloves: Target // Tights: Nicole Miller // Shoes: Nine West via Endless // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Hello daaahlings! Yesterday, I used the Academy Awards as an excuse to get dolled up. When you live in the uber-casual Midwest, you'll take any excuse you can get! Besides, why should the Hollywood starlets have all the fun? I decided to go all out and pair this bright red dress (a present from Sam) with my leopard print jacket, long leather gloves, and makeup inspired by Marilyn.

Did you watch the Oscars? I was rooting for Midnight in Paris, and it won Best Original Screenplay, yay! Also? Esperanza Spalding's performance during the In Memoriam segment was incredible. And I haven't seen Hugo yet (waiting for it to come out on Netflix), but now I can't wait. It seriously cleaned up last night.

Runway to Reality: Matthew Williamson Fall 2012

My favorite part of fashion week is scoping out the fashion and beauty trends that will be big in the coming year. I've spent the last couple of weeks saving my favorite looks to Pinterest. While an insane number of mind-blowing clothes graced the runways, I tend to gravitate toward the ones that we mere mortals could feasibly recreate with wallet-friendlier pieces. Take, for example, this look from Matthew Williamson's recent show:

I love the combination of colors in this outfit, especially since vivid orange is poised to be huge this year. I also love that this look manages to be not only chic and put-together, but also simple and laid-back. I scoured the internet to create a similar look (minus the sticker shock). The clothes in my version range from $16 for the top to $100 for the boots.

What do you think? Will you be wearing more orange this year?

Daily Look: Patriotic Palette

Sweater & Pants: Zara // Shirt: Forever 21 // Shoes: Nine West // Earrings: Target

I like to spice up ordinary outfits with bright colors, so I grabbed this sweater as I ran out the door for a family birthday dinner. I didn't even realize until I uploaded the pictures that I was looking more like I was celebrating the Fourth of July! I actually love red, white, and blue together, as long as it isn't on a Texas flag bikini (you know what I'm talking about Texans). Just don't feel obligated to pledge your allegiance to me.

Daily Look: She's an Animal

Blouse: Ann Taylor // Blazer, Earrings: Loft // Pants: H&M // Shoes: Nine West via Endless.com // Watch: Asos // Bracelets: Forever 21 // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

This outfit generated a lot of discussion at school when I wore it yesterday. One student told me that I looked like a professor (I'm guessing it was the blazer, not the blouse). Another said that this look was "very rock and roll." One of my male students told me that I should have worn this with my sassy (his word, not mine) leopard print coat, to which a female student responded, "No way! That would be too much." I certainly concur.

Daily Look: Kiss and Tell

Blouse: Forever 21 // Skirt: Asos // Shoes: Mia via Endless // Earrings: Francesca's

Just call me Marilyn! I always seem to pick windy days to wear full skirts, but hey, as long as it's lined, it adds to the fun. The light fabrics of this blouse and skirt made me feel like I was floating all day, though the end of the six weeks has a way of bringing me down to earth. I am excited that it is warm enough for bare legs this week. I would apologize for my winter white legs, but let's face it, they are just as pale in July. Pass the sunscreen!