hooked on a feeling

Sweater (remixed 1 / 2): Francesca's, Lace Top (shop!) (similar 1 / 2 / 3): Ruche, 

Leggings (similar!) (remixed 1 / 2 / 3): Vera Wang (from Kohl's) 

I've become a really big fan of big, comfy sweaters lined with lace. I've been eyeing a few sweaters that fit the bill, but when I saw this really fluffy lace-trimmed tank top on sale over at Ruche last month I decided that perhaps I could create the look for a bit cheaper! I can also now apply this frilly layer to multiple sweaters in my closet.

This fun layering couldn't come at a better time, because we finally had our first supremely gorgeous Fall day yesterday. It was crystal clear and glorious, bright-aired and stunning. It was a high of 72 degrees which is straight-up cold for us Arizonans.
My mom was hosting a horse clinic this whole weekend, so the stables were swarming with happy horse riders, learning and laughing and socializing. Dustin and I brought our coffee out to the barn house porch to watch for a little while, and we were all shivering in the breeze! It was such a wonderful sensation. There's something in the air, a certain scent of chill. I'm hooked on that feeling of Fall.

To really up the ante, Starbucks released their red cups this weekend! Most states have already been enjoying cold weather for a while (even snow, which is mind-boggling), but these festive red cups which signify so much holly jolly could not have come at a better time here in Arizona. It's time for sweaters and sandals, which is the Arizona way.
Dustin and I made our first voyage to the red-cupped Starbucks in town and took celebratory photos as part of their #redcupcontest to win a sterling silver Starbucks card. It seems like a pretty absurd thing, to have a sterling silver Starbucks card, but now I need one. 

November is a thrilling time. I wish I could be spending my entire day outside on the porch, sipping from hot mugs and reading a good book. (Jane Austen's Emma, to be precise, which is my book club's selection this month!).

creative layering: stripes and ruffles

One of my favorite things is when an outfit happens on accident.
I absolutely love this dress (I'm a sucker for stripes), but I honestly never wear these types of dresses/necklines. I'm more prone to wear sweetheart or scoop neck, because these dresses tend to fit me strangely and, real talk: they're busty.
I've only worn this dress a few times because I hate having to constantly tug at my camisole underneath, and it's also a bit too short for work.
(Previous remix here: worn with skinny jeans and a scarf).

But the stripes and cute shoulder bows are kind of irresistible.
When I accidently hung this dress and black top beside each other in my closet, it clicked: yo, hey, ruffles combat bustiness.
True story.

Dress: Ruche, Top: Gifted, Pants (similar!): Kohl's (remix, remix)

I've talked about this before, but these Vera Wang pants-leggings-things...jumpin' jehosaphat, they are comfy.

Me, as a jumping jehosaphat.

To not have these pants is a complete crime against your legs, and general bottom region.

Frocktober, day 2, success!

Completely by coincidence, a handful of the bloggers I follow happened to wear some form of maroon and black/grey this week.

Kitsune Kun

A Spoonful of Style

The Caffeinated Closet

M Loves M

I kind of love it! Well played, everyone.

mixing prints: springtime

April has been passing by at an alarming rate.
The weather has been somewhat confusing, teasing spring but sneaking in some leftover winter.

I finally begin to get excited about spring trends and floral prints and cute dresses, and I walk outside and the cold wind takes me completely by surprise.
I should probably just make a habit of double checking the weather (a weather app with a Wind dial is especially valuable for dress-wearing!).

In any case, this outfit was the perfect solution for the uninvited cold day we had on Tuesday.
It had some of my favorite spring colors, including a vibrant floral print, as well as a cute dress I picked up in London in March.

Dress/Scarf: Primark in London, Belt: Ruche, Pants: Vera Wang (similar) via Kohl's (remixed, remixed), Shoes/Cardigan: gifted

I love mixing prints.
It always feels a bit daring and even a bit crazy, but every once in a while I'll see two things hanging in my closet that somehow seem destined for one another.
This outfit was kind of a great accident.

I look forward to wearing this dress on fun summer weekends, walking downtown or visiting nearby towns to go shopping.
It has cute cut-outs on the side, and has an irresistible vintage feel to it.
Also, the print is so pretty and is neutral enough to have a lot of remix potential.
It reminds me of Fox and the Hound and Where the Red Fern Grows, or the kind of old wallpaper I used to love to look at; my grandma had this great vintage wallpaper in one of her guest rooms, that had all these hidden treasures to find, like magnifying glasses and maps and glasses. I love the details of a print like this.

I've been a little daring with my wardrobe all week, layering pieces I've never layered before and trying out new dresses with odd combinations.
Today I'm wearing a dress on top of a dress.
So who knows what the future holds!

cowgirls and vera wang

I have found them, guys.
The most comfortable leg coverings of all time.
Actually, to be fair, my mother found them and sent them to me as a rather delightful gift.
And they're Vera Wang, so, you know what they say.

You don't alter Vera to fit you,
you alter yourself to fit Vera!

But in this case, it doesn't matter, because these are stretchy and form fitting on purpose!

Dress: Ruche, Jacket: LOFT, Pants: Kohl's, Vera Wang (shop!)
Boots: DSW, Scarf: Gifted

Since the riding boot style has become so wildly popular, it was only a matter of time before riding pants became fashionable. They're delightful, in every way. Grab yourself a pair and thank me later.
(Plus they're crazy on sale!)

I can't remember the last time I was that comfortable throughout my desk-job day.
The dress is one of my first Ruce purchases, and one of my favorites. I've often worn it as a long blouse, with my light yellow skinny jeans or with tights and flats.
(See remixes here and here on my other blog!).

I also love the gold flecks in this Christmas-gift scarf, from my mother-in-law. It's one of my favorite scarves this winter! The infinity scarf trend is a total treasure.

Enjoy your Tuesday!
Cait