Halloween Look: My So-Called Costume

Denim Shirt: J. Crew // Plaid Shirt: Forever 21 (men's) // Leggings: Old Navy // Boots: Urban Outfitters // Hat: Boden

After Sam's Daria and Cher costume inspiration boards got me thinking 90s, I decided to dress as another one of my favorite teenagers of the decade: Angela Chase, Claire Danes' angsty character from My So-Called Life. I used to absolutely love watching those misunderstood teenagers and all their incredible high school drama.

One of the best things about going the grunge route is that all of the pieces were already in my wardrobe. Oh, except the plaid flannel shirt around my waist, which I nabbed from my husband's side of the closet. As I was putting this look together, I was surprised at how many grunge staples have come back in style (albeit in slimmed-down versions). Leggings, plaid, combat boots, denim shirts, and flannel are all completely current. Just don't wear them all at the same time.

Halloween Look: Order Up

Dress & Apron: Ebay // Shoes: Forever 21 // Earrings: White House Black Market

This is a pretty low-key Halloween, but it's fun to dress up, even if it's only to hand out candy. Since I don't have any parties to attend, I didn't bother with a new costume this year. Instead, I dug out an oldie (but a goodie) that I wore in college. I like how comfortable it is, and the retro vibe that is the perfect excuse for red lips and blue eyeshadow. I've just about mastered the 'get your own refill, my feet hurt' attitude, now I just need to learn the short order lingo!

What did you dress up as this year? I know I'm going to have to step up my game next year. Pinterest has taken Halloween to a whole new level!

Daily Look: Leather & Chambray

Jacket: BB Dakota // Shirt: Bitten by SJP (consignment) // Corduroys: Gap // Shoes: Urban Outfitters // Earrings: Francesca's // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban // Lips: Milani Rose Hip

I really hope that chambray stays stylish for a long time because it perfectly embodies everything I look for in clothing. It's comfortable, cute, and it goes with just about everything. Just like a great pair of jeans, it can be dressed up or down. And honestly, I think it makes everything that I wear it with look that much better. Leather on its own is good, but leather with chambray is great.

Are you a fan of the chambray shirt? What's your favorite way to wear yours?

Daily Look: Spots and Stripes

Shirt & Shoes: Banana Republic // Skirt: Asos // Earrings: Francesca's

What's black and white and red all over? Many of my favorite outfits! Oh boy, sorry for the corny joke, but seriously, black, white, and red make a great combination.  I feel like this look is very work appropriate with a dash of cool. If only my shoes were more comfortable, I'd be rocking this look all the time!

Do you like to feel cool at work, or do you try to keep it more conservative?

Halloween Costume Inspiration: Megan Draper from Mad Men

For my final Halloween costume inspiration I chose a television character who is the envy of women everywhere: Mad Men's Megan Draper. And really, who wouldn't want to look like this sexy swinging sixties siren?

For this costume, you'll need a black, long-sleeved mini-dress (preferably with sheer sleeves), fishnets, black pumps, sparkly jewelry, and a microphone. To get her voluminous hair, use hot rollers or a large barrel curling iron to curl hair under, then tease and hairspray it into place. Her makeup is a bit more involved, but totally doable--you'll need a wash of white eye shadow, dark shadow for the crease, tons of black liquid eyeliner, false lashes, nude lips, and white nail polish. For a great video on sixties makeup, watch this tutorial by the incredible Lisa Eldridge. Here is my version of the mod look that Megan wore to Don's birthday party:

Oh, and of course you'll also need to learn the words to "Zou Bisou Bisou." You do know French, right? 

Daily Look: Seeing a Pattern

Dress & Bracelet: Banana Republic // Shoes: Nine West // Earrings: Francesca's

I have a love hate relationship with noticeable clothing. I never want to buy anything boring, but when you have something memorable like this patterned dress, you have to wait a long time to wear it again! This is the most comfortable, easy dress to wear, so I want to wear it all the time. Unfortunately, you put on something like this too often, and suddenly you're green dress girl at work. I guess I will just have to let it collect dust in my closet for a while, or find a new way to style it.

Do you worry about people thinking you wear certain items too often?

Daily Look: Last Chance

Shirt, Earrings, Bracelet, Necklace: Banana Republic // Skirt: Express // Shoes: Nine West // Sunglasses: via Marshall's

It's been unseasonably warm in Indiana, so I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather by wearing a skirt (sans tights) and short sleeves (sans jacket). It seems crazy to be wearing such a summery outfit in late October with the leaves changing in the background, but it also feels good! Sadly, a cold front is coming this weekend, which should be pretty rough considering the nice warm weather that I was enjoying during my trip to San Antonio, but I am excited about breaking out my sweaters and boots. I may not like the weather, but I sure do like the clothes!

Are you still wearing your summer clothes, or have you transitioned your wardrobe into full-on fall/winter mode?