Outfit of the Day | A Tiny Inconsequential Unimportant Announcement

Sweater: Old Navy | Vest: Target | Pants: Target | Boots: Report | Scarf: old, maybe F21 | Watch: Fossil | Cuff: Charlotte Russe

I'm so excited to be one of the first Chicago Outfitters for Trumaker, a San Francisco-based company that makes custom, built-to-fit shirts for men. (...women love our shirts too! If you've been searching for the perfect boyfriend-fit shirt, you're in luck.)

A few highlights:

Outfitters come to you, take your measurements, and offer style guidance totally free of charge.

These J.Crew/Brooks Brothers/Thomas Pink-quality shirts are totally customizable (think collar style, pockets, room for a watch) and, starting at just $98, the cost and time of tailoring are already included.

Once your first shirt is delivered and you confirm that the fit is perfect, your preferences and measurements are entered into your online account, and you can shop without thinking about sizing ever again.

Dry clean friendly and machine washable. Say whaaaaa?

Out here in the blogosphere, we sometimes forget that the sacred act of shopping isn't fun for everyone. Most men hate malls, and they really hate shelling out cash (that would be better spent on an almost-legal scotch or the Xbox One) than on clothes that don't even fit right. Most off-the-rack shirts don't fit most men, and most men would rather chew off their own arm than spend precious non-9-to-5 time at the tailor. An absolutely customized, perfect-fitting shirt is a little day-to-day luxury that guys may not think to get for themselves.

If you're in the Chicago/Kansas City/Indianapolis areas, I'd love to talk to you about getting the men in your life hooked on Trumaker! Bloggers, if you (or your husband/boyfriend/best friend/brother/dad/coworkers) are interested in reviewing a Trumaker shirt, you're going to love the referral program. And ohhh yes, little elves, we do have gift cards.

Want more details? Let's chat.

Outfit of the Day | Shorts & a Blanket Scarf

Sweater: Old Navy | Shorts: American Eagle | Boots: ShoeMint 'Britt' | Tights: Simply Vera via Kohl's | Scarf: Zara | Earrings: F21 | Watch: Fossil | Bracelet: J.Crew | Ring: Kohl's, old {similar}

Obviously logic dictates that when it's so cold you'd rather wrap a blanket around your neck than wear a conventional scarf, you should probably also be wearing shorts.

Happy Monday!

It's the last week of the Take One, Pass It On challenge! I wouldn't be shocked if this scarf and this sweater made another appearance before the week's out...

Outfit of the Day | Neon, Gold, & Stripes

Sweater: apt. 9 via Kohl's | Tee: old, via TJMaxx {super similar} | Jeans: American Eagle | Flats: Steve Madden 'Vegasss' {these have badass cap toes} | Necklace: Charming Charlie's {similar} | Ring: Charlotte Russe | Earrings: Target

Day two at Gap = lots of folding aka lots of petting pretty things. I ain't mad at it.

Anyway, y'all know I love neon. I love head to toe neon, I love brights on brights... surprise surprise, I loved me some Lisa Frank back in the day. I aspire to be an air traffic control person, waving little neon orange sticks around and letting the power go to my head. But sometimes, I want my neon to look a little more grown up, and when that happens I wear one piece of neon and some gold accessories. Am I qualified to give style advice? ehhhh. But assuming I am for the next ten seconds or so, skip the colorblocking and try out neon and metallics next time you give your highlighter clothes a go-round.

And because Gap knows my soul, here are some neon-ey outfits that came to me during my fitting room adventures/wildest dreams:

this waffle-y tee in gray & this scarf in pink vibration (it's more of a deep orangey-pink in person)

this tank in ivory & this cardi in energetic peach

this cable knit sweater in neon coral & these ballet flats in gold

If you're so inclined... (you are, trust me) don't forget to use code MERRY at checkout for 35% off, and sign up for eBates to get an additional 5% cash back. The code ends tonight!

I used the jeans from yesterday for Take One, Pass It On. And it was honestly a struggle not to wear that sweatshirt again.

Linking up with Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas for Trend Spin - Sweaters

Outfit of the Day | Third Time's a Charm... or Kinda Gross.

Sweatshirt: apt. 9 via Kohl's | Shirt: apt. 9 via Kohl's | Jeans: American Eagle | Boots: ShoeMint 'Britt' {similar} | Scarf: Kohl's, old | Bracelet: J.Crew | Ring: F21 or Charlotte Russe {similar in silver}

So... this is awkward. I think I cheated at Take One, Pass It On. But I literally (not actually literally... I may exaggerate, but I am literate) could not peel this sweatshirt off my body all weekend. So I stopped fighting it and wore the damn thing to my first night of work at Gap!!!

I love it. Except I want to buy the entire store, men's side included. THOSE PLAIDS.

And the discount. ahmaaahhhzzzing. Except I have to pay rent before I can use it...

The moral of this story is go buy this sweatshirt and also I can now fold jeans better than you.

 

Outfit of the Day | It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...

Jacket: Rubbish via Nordie's {similar, could actually be the exact one} | Sweatshirt: apt. 9 via Kohl's | Jeans: apt. 9 via Kohl's | Flats: American Eagle, oldddd {similar, awesome gray tasseled loafers, similar glittery} | Scarf: Target {similar} | Bracelet: J.Crew{similar, similar} | Watch: Fossil

So I inadvertently dressed like an elf today. Snowflake sweater, green and red everything, silver and gold "tinsel"... it's official, I've become my mother. The woman tries to put the tree up before Halloween.

Thanks so much for all your tights advice this week! I'm putting together a tights guide for people who hate tights. It's my calling, I think. Anyway, I'm pulling some of your advice from the comments (with credit, of course!) and if you have any more, I'd love to hear it. Tweet me or email me your little nuggets of genius!

Linking up with the Take One, Pass It On challenge at Sarah's Real Life and with aj wears clothes for the Friday Favorites remix!

Outfit of the Day | Free Sweaters & Butterfinger Cheesecake

Sweater: apt. 9 via Kohl's | Pants: Target {similar with cool pockets} | Heels: Sam Edelman 'Portney' {similar loafer, similar with fun straps} | Fur snood: Target {similar} | Rings: F21 {similar midi rings, similar pearl ring}

So yesterday, I found $80 in Kohl's cash that I swore I threw away, and even though it was expired, the lady at Kohl's agreed to accept it "as long as I spent the full $80 on this trip."

OH DARN.

And that's how this delightful, sparkly, J.Crew knock-off-ey, technically free sweatshirt came home with me. And then Boyfriend was all, come help me decide if I need a 55" or a 60" 3D TV (because boys)... oh Best Buy is right beside The Cheesecake Factory, we should probably go... and this is one reason why I have fairly frequent moments where I'm all yeah, I'll keep you.

I passed on the shoes from yesterday for the Take One, Pass It On challenge.

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion and Simply Just Lovely

Also... I start work at Gap this week! I'm so excited, and I can't believe I've never worked in retail. Obviously I'd love to be starting my legal career, but since options are slim right now, I'm happy to have some kind of paycheck and a dress code that's awwweeesssooome. As in, I could wear this to work. Pinch meeeeee

Outfit of the Day | The Girliest Grandpa

Jacket: black rivet via HauteLook {love this quilted one} | Shirt: apt. 9 via Kohl's | Skirt: F21 | Flats: Dolce Vita 'Lunna' {same with spots} | Tights: Target | Necklace: ASOS {similar} | Bracelet: J.Crew {BaubleBar version, Lord & Taylor version}| Watch: Fossil 

I'd rewear my vest every day of this Take One, Pass It On challenge, but I feel like I'd be missing the general point of it being, you know, challenging.

So instead, I took the bro-iest shoes in my closet and decided to girlify them like no grandpa shoe had been girlified before with a hot pink shirt and a mini. And tights. And a leather jacket. BECAUSE SNOW. Surprise snow, which is the best kind, especially when you walk five blocks to Starbucks without an umbrella or a hat because it's not snowing and then you have to walk five blocks home in a slush storm.

Hooking up (platonically... winkity wink) with Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas for the Trend Spin Linkup - Brights!

Outfit of the Day | Tweed, Plaid, Stripes & Grandpa Loafers

Sweater: Target, old {similar} | Vest: Target | Jeans: American Eagle | Flats: DV Dolce Vita 'Lunna' {same in a fun spotty print} | Scarf: via Kohl's, old {almost exact} | Necklace: F21, old {super similar for cheap} | Watch: Fossil

ahhhh... The Vest. I adore this thing. I only have one other vest (a situation which should be remedied immediately if not sooner, obviously, probably with either this or this), a white pleather number from Forever, that I thought at the time would go with everything but in reality somehow goes with nothing. Clothes are weird.

My grandpa loafers are sort of the same thing. I don't think I've worn them on the blog since this outfit, because I feel like there's a pretty specific vibe they give off, but instead of giving up on them like I do my poor pleather vest, I think of them as playing hard to get. They're like the unsluttiest shoes in my closet, both because no self-respecting whoring jezebel would be seen in loafers and because they don't go with just anything.

aaaand that's probably enough shoe/slut shaming for your Monday morning.

Outfit of the Day | Navy & Black, and Other Gateway Drugs

Sweater: Target | Vest: Target | Skirt: via TJMaxx {similar} | Boots: ShoeMint 'Britt' {similar} | Tights: Simply Vera via Kohl's | Bag: Target | Necklace: F21, old | Ring: Charlotte Russe {similar, not that similar but I think I like it even better}

I feel like it used to be a thing that you can't wear navy and black together, kind of like no white jeans after Labor Day and matching your shoes/belt/bag. But I love me some white post-Labor Day, and sometimes I don't even wear belts, and here I am in a navy skirt and black boots and you just never know what I'll do next.

Here's what I'm doing next: ripping mad shots of Sudafed and reuniting with the Bartlet administration while I float in and out of consciousness. The club cannot even handle me right now.

Having a blast with the Take One, Pass It On challenge so far.

Huge ups to Sarah at Sarah's Real Life for hosting!

Also linking up with aj wears clothes for the Friday Favorites remix!

Outfit of the Day | The Target Coma

Sweater: Target - buy it in every color!! | Pants: Target {same in different colors} | Heels: Sam Edelman 'Portney' {similar} | Scarf: Target | Watch: Fossil | Ring: F21 {similar} | Earrings: F21 {similar}

Guys are you sitting down? I have a Target problem. #thankyoucaptainobvi

I can't remember exactly, because I'm pretty sure I black out the second I walk in the door, but I think on this particular trip I went in for shaving cream and came out with this scarf, three bra & panty sets (because Gilligan & O'Malley, ohhh emmm geee), a day planner, and obviously no shaving cream. And somehow, even though I went in intending to spend $3.50 and GTFO, I spend $100 and I'm impressed with myself that it's not more.

Oh, and that vest I can't stop wearing? Went in intending to buy this lamp, left with two lamps, the vest, and a new set of makeup brushes. Psychology majors, there has to be some sort of word for this. Don't worry, I'm not expecting it to be flattering.

Anyone else getting (routinely) bit by the Target amnesia bug? Oh, all of you? Cool.

Check out everyone who's participating in the Take One, Pass It On challenge at Sarah's Real Life.

 

Also linking up with Simply Just Lovely for Working Girl With Style

Outfit of the Day | Floral & Leopard, Neon & Cargo Pants

Cardi: Target | Top: apt. 9 via Kohl's | Pants: Target {I'd chop off my own arm for these} | Heels: Sam Edelman 'Portney' {same in different color} | Scarf: Simply Vera via Kohl's {similar}

Even though it was a beautiful wonderful amazing 60 degrees in Chitown yesterday, it's still November, and I still think this outfit is right on the cusp of being too summery for November.

But seasons be damned, it's all of my favorite things in. one. outfit. squuueeeeeeeeeee!!!!

So this is technically my first day passing something on for the Take One, Pass It On challenge at Sarah's Real Life. And I'm a complete puss, so I picked the scarf from yesterday. Start small, aim low!
(And thus ended my career in motivational speaking.)

Shopping PSA
Target's got a 20% off all clothing and shoe orders over $75 sale going on until November 9th.

Plus, if you have a RedCard you get another 5% off and free shipping.
^^ Don't eeeeeven get me started. I know the RedCard credit card is scary, but you should all have the debit card. It links straight to your checking account, and you get 5% off every purchase and free shipping on every order online. Even furniture! It's insane. Ipso facto you're insane if you don't get one.

PLUS, if you sign up for eBates and shop through the Target link, you get another 6% cash back.
^^ The double cash back from eBates may only last today, so hurry!

For those of you playing along at home, that's 31% off this vest that I'm obsessed with and should probably also own in plaid, this sweater, this dress (unless you hate freedom & things that fit like a glove), these booties, and the cardi I'm wearing in this post.

Go forth and spend all the dollars!

Outfit of the Day | Pink & Leopard

Blazer: The Limited Black Collection | Dress: Calvin Klein {similar} | Heels: Nine West 'Flax' {awesome version with ankle straps} | Tights: Simply Vera via Kohl's | Scarf: Simply Vera (I think) via Kohl's, old {similar} | Watch: Fossil | Ring: F21

Fun scarves are a super safe way to mix prints at work (especially in the winter, I'm suspicious of all you sweat-gland-less weirdos and your summer scarves). If you have to go to court or a meeting or somewhere else that's inherently unfit for fun and enjoyment, leave it at your desk.

I'm joining in the Take One, Pass It On challenge at Sarah's Real Life this month, so be sure to check out everyone else who's playing along and check back here tomorrow to see which one of these pieces gets remixed!

Outfit of the Day | October Recap

Coat: F21 on crazy $10 clearance {similar here with badass leather lapels} | Sweater: Target | Skirt: F21, old {similar} | Tights: Simply Vera via Kohl's | Wedges: Steve Madden 'Wiicked' | Earrings: F21, old {similar}

OCTOBER, am I right?
(get ready for the picture-heaviest catch up post in the history of ever.)

I wore this last weekend to go see a play (The North China Lover - better than I expected, still a little weird) and stuff my face full of PF Chang's. ALL OF YOUR LETTUCE WRAPS, PLEASE.

Neutral outfits are way more fun now that my hair is a connnstant accessory. Plus, I love this because you could pretty much swap in any skirt in your closet and it would still work. I can stage 5 cling to my summer clothes for months!

Vest: Target | Sweater: Target | Jeans: American Eagle, old {similar} | Flats: Steve Madden 'Vegasss' | Bag: Melie Bianco via TJMaxx | Scarf: apt. 9 via Kohl's

In case it wasn't immediately apparent, I love this sweater. And Target generally. And this amazing vaguely-J.Crew-ey vest... from Target.

Blazer: The Limited Black Collection | Top: DKNY via TJMaxx | Skirt: F21, old {similar, similar} | Heels: Nine West 'Booboo' {similar} | Necklace: F21, old

I've had this skirt for awhile and I can't really remember the last time I wore it, and then this month it was all I wanted to wear. It was easy to grab on those mornings where I didn't plan an outfit but I didn't want to wear a plain suit again.

Blazer: The Limited Black Collection | Top: apt. 9 via Kohl's | Skirt: F21 | Flats: Me Too 'Patty' {similar} | Earrings: F21

Blazer: The Limited Navy Collection | Dress: via TJMaxx {similar} | Heels: Sam Edelman 'Portney' {same in different color}

Hey remember that time I wore basically the same outfit twice in the same month? Waaaait for it...

Blazer: The Limited Navy Collection | Dress: Express via TJMaxx {similar, similar} | Heels: Nine West 'Booboo' {similar} | Tights: Hanes Solutions | Earrings: F21

Boom.

Blazer: The Limited Black Collection | Dress: LC Lauren Conrad via Kohl's {similar} | Heels: Sam Edelman 'Portney' {same in different color} | Watch: Fossil

Blazer: The Limited Navy Collection | Tank: F21, ooold | Pants: Target {same in other colors} | Flats: Miss Me 'Patty' {similar} | Scarf: Target | Watch: Fossil | Earrings: Target {similar}

Blazer: The Limited Black Collection | Dress: Loft {similar print} | Heels: Nine West 'Booboo' {similar} | Bag: F21 {similar} | Tights: Hanes Solutions | Watch: Fossil

Blazer: The Limited Navy Collection | Top: apt. 9 via Kohl's | Skirt: The Limited Navy Collection | Heels: BCBG 'Cielo' {similar, similar in patent, similar with ankle strap} | Tights: Hanes Solutions | Necklace: Charlotte Russe {cool option}

I hate this outfit from the knees down. 

I HATE NUDE TIGHTS. I HATE THEM. 

Maybe navy? I don't know. But please try not to look at my legs in that picture.

Blazer: The Limited Grey Collection | Tee: ...keep reading | Skirt: The Limited Grey Collection | Heels: Sam Edelman 'Portney' {same in different color} | Necklace: Nordstrom Rack {similar} | Bracelet: J.Crew {BaubleBar dupe}

Hypothetically, this is what one would wear if one woke up in an apartment not one's own and realized that the only clothes one had were yesterday's suit and the smallest tee in one's boyfriend's closet.

Welcome to the grown-up version of the walk/shack of shame.

Sweater: F21, old | Jeans: Gap | Heels: ShoeMint {similar, similar - can you tell I love ankle straps?} | Earrings: F21, old {similar} | Watch: Fossil

These jeans are the same jeans from this picture, so I'm not sure why they look suctioned around my cankles here, but suffice it to say this was a whole lot better in real life. This was my "we all passed the bar exam, let's go drink beer and eat baby pretzel bites" outfit.

Jacket: Rubbish via Nordie's {similar} | Top: Target {similar} | Leggings: Target | Booties: Betsey Johnson 'Ziah' {same in leopard print} | Necklace: F21, old | Watch: Fossil

Stay tuned this afternoon for my favorite things on the Internet from the month of October.

It's good to be back :)

Outfit of the Day | Seeing Red

BLAZER: THE LIMITED | DRESS: CALVIN KLEIN | HEELS: APT. 9 via KOHL'S | NECKLACE: via NORDSTROM RACK | WATCH: FOSSIL | RING: KOHL'S, ancient

So... I did something.

(Besides wear clothes last week. And not blog about it.)

BLAZER: THE LIMITED | TOP: ELLE via KOHL'S | PANTS: TARGET | HEELS: BCBG CIELO | BAG: KATE SPADE via TJMAXX | WATCH: FOSSIL | BRACELET: J.CREW

It's something a little nuts...

BLAZER: THE LIMITED | TANK: TARGET | PANTS: TARGET, recent | HEELS: NINE WEST | BAG: KATE SPADE via TJMAXX | WATCH: FOSSIL | EARRINGS: F21

If you follow along on Instagram you may already know what it is...

CARDI: 89th & MADISON | TANK: TARGET | PANTS: F21 | HEELS: BCBG CIELO | BAG: TARGET, recent | NECKLACE: F21

I'M A GINGER! AND I LOVE IT!

To be accurate I'm a purple-head, whatever that technical term is. Because a color called True Red/Pomegranate is more pomegranate than true red. So since that's not super professional/at all what I was going for (even though I lalalalalove it) I'm spending this week washing it out and toning it down so I can hopefully hit a more red/less Hot Topic color here soon. 

I know it won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I've been dye-ing (har har har I so punny) for red hair since approximately the beginning of time.  Do you guys have any tips for getting to a fire red instead of a burgundy red? I've got crushed Vitamin C tablets, food coloring, and a new box color waiting in the wings.