{ outfitted } a walk in the park

On Friday afternoon, we went to Governor Dodge State Park. I was lured with the promise of paddle boats and swimming. But when the beach proved to be too crowded, we opted for a walk through the state park - in entirely inappropriate hiking gear. I spent most of the walk looking at the ground to avoid stubbing a toe on wayward stones.

Contemplative? Intrigued? Confused?

Outfit Notes: Top - Banana Republic; Necklace - Forever21; Shorts - J.Crew; Bag - Foley + Corinna; Sandals - Sam Edelman

{ outfitted } Ahoy!

Yesterday morning was covered in an unexpected blanket of wet, heavy snow - and the city's snowplow drivers were caught unprepared. It didn't bode well for my dinky Honda Civic (I got stuck at an intersection) or my punctuality to an event that I was hosting on behalf of the magazine. After a few answered prays - and a fair amount of four-letter words - I arrived [un]fashionably late for event preparations. It's safe to say that March rolled in like a lion; let's hope it's gentler on the way out.

I'm crushing hard on this necklace from Kate at Third Culture Jewelry. If you love her work as much as I do, you'll be tickled pink by an upcoming giveaway. Hint. Hint.

And speaking of pink, this photo reminds me of the Barbie logo. You know the one; the profile with the perky ponytail. You totally see the resemblance don't you?

Outfit Notes: Jacket - Banana Republic; Shirt - Forever21; Skirt - Banana Republic; Bracelet - Forever21; Earrings - Marc by Marc Jacobs; Necklace - c/o Third Culture Jewelry

G.I. Jane

An unexpected - albeit welcome - side effect of this blog has been pinpointing personal style trends. In fact, it wasn't until after snapping photos did I realize that today's outfit is essentially the dressier version of the one I posted last Tuesday. It seems that this year's go-to outfit includes army green, topped by black, and adorned with a statement necklace. What's your uniform of choice this fall?

Outfit Notes: Sweater - Gap; Necklaces - J.Crew, Wendy Mink; Skirt - Target (on sale for only $8 in the store); Purse - Banana Republic; Ring - Forever21; Shoes - Nine West

Wild America

{I have an affinity for badgers thanks to my alma mater: University of Wisconsin-Madison.}

After waking up to 37 degree temperatures this week, I think it's safe to say that summer has flown the coop - or at least migrated to California. In a desperate attempt to salvage the season, we went on an outing to my favorite part of Madison: the Henry Vilas Zoo. I hadn't intended to don a coat, but the crisp air made wearing a mere sweater dress impossible. To be fair, however, the coat is one of my favorite sartorial items - especially when it causes men to fondly reminisce about vintage hunting jackets.

Outfit Notes: Coat-Gap; Dress-H&M; Necklace-Forever21; Tights-Simply Vera Vera Wang; Shoes-Banana Republic; Bag-Rebecca Minkoff

Military Dress

I didn't exactly need a new frock for a wedding reception last weekend, but I changed my tune once I tried on J.Crew's ikat bustier dress . The print is best described as a camouflage-watercolor-floral motif. In short, it's perfect for autumn's military trend without being quite so stuffy.

Outfit Notes: J.Crew Ikat Bustier Dress; Banana Republic Clutch; Forever21 Ring; Forever21 Earrings; Vintage Bracelet; Jeffrey Campbell Shoes; Revlon Steel-Her Heart Nail Polish

Raindrops Keep Fallin'

It was a wet weekend in Wisconsin with dismal grey skies; and it may have unintentionally influenced today's office outfit. Even the subtle sequins on the Banana Republic top remind me of little raindrops - or, I suppose, dew drops on a more optimistic day.

Banana Republic Silk-Blend Sequin Tee, Forever21 Knot Bracelet, The Limited Skirt, Nine West Pumps

Golden Grey

Thanks for your patience on my three-day blog hiatus, darlings. I'm not quite sure where my mind has been, but it certainly hasn't been as transfixed by printed silks and glittering gems as it normally is! In fact, I've been feeling quite uninspired. To help pull out of my slump, I'm turning to an all-time favorite color combination. No, it's not the ever-chic black and white - it's grey and gold.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Mike & Chris, Brent Sleeveless Jersey Top, $54 (on sale)
Marc by Marc Jacobs, Double Breasted Coat, $529 (on sale)
Lauren Merkin, Zip Pouch, $55
Forever21, Studded Hoops, $6.80
Matiko, Studded Suede Tinsel Flats, $65
La Mer, Vintage Double Wrap Watch, $106
Banana Republic, Heritage Walkabout Bracelet, $25

What has been inspiring you lately?

Recent Purchase: F21 Ring

It's official: I'm pathetic. I thought I'd be content to just post pretty jewelry this morning. Nope. A few hours later, I found myself sifting through the cheap thrills of Forever21. For a menial investment of $4.80, this ring makes quite a statement.

Inspiration Board: Gray Skies

When I first met my boyfriend nearly three years ago, he peeked inside my color-coded closet and scoffed at the rows of black, brown and gray garments. I've consciously added more hues over the years to appease him (and to prove to myself that I'm not as depressive as my closet indicated). Now he swears that he brought color to my life. Groan.

Either way, I haven't given up my soft spot for shades of charcoal, asphalt and smokey gray.

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Banana Republic, Faceted Collar Necklace, $49.99 (sale!)
Forever21, Vested Sublimation Tank, $19.80
Alexis Bittar, Diamond Dust Tiny Hoop Earrings, $125
Forever21, Tweed Mini Skirt, $17.80
Topshop, Leather Duffle Cross Body Bag, $110
Banana Republic, Portia Chained Flat, $98
Chan Luu, Circle Dress, $325

I ordered the Banana Republic flats late last week. Hopefully they find their way home soon!

Little Luxuries: Sequins

Of course diamonds are a girl's best friend, but I'll take anything that sparkles.

Under $100

Add vintage-inspired glamour to your little black dress or slouchy tee with this beaded and sequined shrug from Topshop ($90).

Under $50

Do you work in a creative office? Pair these sequin pumps ($34.90) with a pencil skirt, sweater and tights for a fun way to beat the Monday morning blues.

Under $25

Sequins don't always have to be over the top. A tank with an embellished neckline ($19.80) punches up your weekend staples.

Recent Purchase: Forever21 Quail Feather Print Tank

Beautiful is a word I've never used to describe a Forever21 item. Cute? Sure. Fun? Absolutely. Sexy? Sometimes. Beautiful? Never.

Until today. This afternoon, I purchased the chiffon Quail Feather Print Tank from Forever21 ($15.80). It feels weightless on and it's surprisingly versatile. I've already tried it on tucked into a pencil skirt, layered over a little black dress, sloppily half-tucked into a pair of jeans with a boyfriend cardigan over it. I've tried it with rhinestone bracelets, statement earrings and layered chain necklaces. All good.

It is slightly sheer, but nothing a flesh-tone bra can't fix. And if you have the opportunity to shop in person, I recommend doing so - the shoulder seams on some looked like they were ready to pull apart at any given moment.

Little Luxuries: Cocktail Rings

I love juxtaposing glamorous cocktail rings with thick tweed and wool pieces in the fall. (Though, it may be because I'm prematurely anticipating holiday parties.)

Under $100

As much as I want to, I can't justify this Juicy Couture enamel and rhinestone cocktail ring ($98) - my boyfriend gave me a black onyx and diamond version last year for Christmas. It's gorgeous though and one of you should buy it and post pictures to entice me.

Under $50

This Swarovski ring by Joomi NYC ($50) measures an impressive 1.25 inches long and has more than enough sparkle to catch someone's eye.

Under $25

Forever21 continues to be a top contender for a rhinestone-encrusted cheap thrill, like the Dora Faceted Bead Ring ($5.80).

Little Luxuries

I have a problem with magazines that boast "Deals Under $500" as if anything up to that mark is really wallet-friendly, obtainable and justifiable to most people. I don't know about you, but when I dropped $350 on my first Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress, I mulled over that purchase for months. It was an investment piece that was worth every penny, but not something I can justify frequently.

With that in mind, each week I'm going to choose an affordable luxury at each of three price points: Under $100, Under $50 and Under $25.

Under $100


I can't help it; I'm on the verge of ordering this silk blouse from Banana Republic for $70. With its easy silhouette, it would quickly become a key piece in my closet to wear with jeans, tucked into pencil skirts and under structured blazers.

Under $50


Can you imagine a more posh way to light taper candles than with Tsubota Pearl's Stick Lighter? Each is $32 at A+R Store. If you prefer the metallic options (I'm partial to the sleek silver version), they're $29.95 at emmohome.com.

Under $25

This statement necklace from Forever 21 is a mere $8.80. Wear it peeking out from under this season's must-have white shirt or add visual interest to your go-to little black dress.

Garden of Eden

Foliage is aching to burst from tree branches and May flowers are just beginning to peek through the ground. If you're too anxious to wait for spring blossoms, pick up a bejeweled bouquet.


(Pictured clockwise, starting from upper left.)

Liz Claiborne, Rhinestone Floral Earring, $20
Dogeared, Cherish Pendant in Gold Dipped, $55
Kate Spade, Triple Row Necklace, $325
Juicy Couture, Flower Stud Earrings, $48
Liz Claiborne, Boxed Floral Bracelet, $22
Miriam Haskell, Floral Cluster Earrings, $175
Erickson Beamon for Target, Black Flower Pendant Necklace, $29.99
Forever21, Jewel Petals Flower Ring, $4.80
Liz Claiborne, Pave Flower Pin, $22

Make a Statement

The easiest way to transform your spring wardrobe is with a bib necklace. Investing in this key piece can elevate everything from your go-to little black dress to a simple v-neck tee shirt and jeans; or wear it with a suit jacket to add an unexpected embellishment to your work ensemble.

Here are four of my favorites:


(Pictured clockwise, starting with upper left.)

Banana Republic, Glam Bib Necklace, $69
Forever21, Faceted Floral Pendant Necklace, $17.80
Kenneth Jay Lane, Multi-Stone Bib Necklace, $600
Target, Blue Beaded Bib Necklace, $39.99