Layering with Purple

{striped tee: j. crew | purple shirt: nordstrom | vest: jc penney (similar) (similar) | pants: urban outfitters (similar) | moccasins: minnetonka | floral pin: bando}

One of my favorite parts of work is getting complimented on my outfits. I know that may seem like a joke, but really, it makes my day when my coworkers validate my ensemble choice. (Haha!) What validates it even more? When 3-year-olds like them, too! There are few people in this world more honest than children ages 2-6, so when they're complimenting me, I know they mean it!

Lately, my kids have moved on from complimenting me to requesting outfits from me. (Silly? Yes. Fun anyway? Yes.) I take those requests pretty seriously. One of the girls in my class asked me to wear purple, and I had to oblige. Truthfully, I don't own much purple, but luckily I own this super-soft chambray-esque button-down, and this outfit was born! I felt like the best thing to do to make it interesting was pile on the layers - my favorite thing!

What do you think? Did I meet the "purple" requirements? (My little pal sure thought so!)

P.S. Are you following me on Bloglovin' yet? Make sure you do before GFC disappears forever!

Camo + Gingham

{cardigan: old navy | shirt: aeropostale | jeans: nyc tripp | moccasins: minnetonka}

I'm a copycat. An internet copycat. While I hate copying in "real life," (like a 7-year-old), the internet is just bustling with an overwhelming amount of style inspiration, and sometimes, I can't help but totally steal it. When I saw this look on Seersucker and Saddles last week, I just knew I had to give this print mixing a try! I added a cardigan (cause it was chilly) and went with my favorite moccasins, because 1) I don't have bright blue shoes and 2) Heels don't work for my job, however... I think I tweaked that fabulous inspiration to fit my own style, and I love it! Camo is the new neutral!

Keyword: Comfy!

{Shirt & Tank: Nordstrom | Leggings: Target | Moccasins: Minnetonka | Necklace: Anthropologie (gift)}

This is pretty much the comfiest outfit anyone could wear. The shirt is incredibly soft, the long tank covers my butt (haha), and is there anything more comfortable than leggings? And, helloooo, my favorite moccasins ever? I recommend everyone go out and get a pair of Minnetonka anything - moccasins, boots, booties, slippers... you won't be sorry! They don't even need breaking in, they're that comfortable! Anyway, this outfit was super comfy (keyword in pretty much all of my outfits?), and I need to repeat it immediately.

Friday's Fancies: Sweater Season

{Outfit 1: Leopard bag / Red sweater / Scarf / White jeans / Watch / Earrings / Moccasins // Outfit 2: White sweater / Beanie / Bangles / Clutch / Leather leggings / Lace booties}

I have to admit, I was pretty excited when I saw that this week's Friday's Fancies theme was "Sweater Season!" If you follow my blog (or Twitter or Instagram) in even the slightest way, you know that we have been having an extended summer here in Southern California, and frankly, I'm sick of it! I seriously can't wait to be wearing cozy sweaters, scarves, and boots! This Friday's Fancies theme gave me a chance to dream about the (hopefully!) upcoming chillier months!

Sugar & Spice

{Cardigan: Old Navy | Shirt: Chaser LA | Jeans: JustFab | Moccasins: Minnetonka | Necklace: Forever 21 | Watch: Nordstrom}

What better way to sweeten up a vintage-inspired band tee than to add a sweet little leopard cardigan and a multi-strand pearl necklace?

Happiness hit her like a bullet in the eye-eye-ye-ye-ye-yeyeyyeeeee...

{Blouse, Jacket, & Watch: Nordstrom | Jeans: Urban Outfitters | Moccasins: Minnetonka | Bracelet: Luna | Necklace: BaubleBar}

I wore this to the Florence + The Machine show at the Hollywood Bowl last weekend! My last Bowl show of the season was spent with good friends, eating cheeseburgers, and sharing a bottle of wine on a comfortable Southern California night (I actually got to put on a jacket! Omg!), and dancing to the beautiful music of Miss Florence Welch! Not only did Flo put on the most amazing show, but holy cow is she STUNNING! I tended to think she always looked a little too awkward and old for her age - but in person, oh my word, was she beeeautifulllll! Anyway, a wonderful night was had by all, especially me and my new military + leather jacket!

Back-to-School Style

Though I graduated from college (Go Broncos!) over three years ago, I can still remember preparing for each first day of school like it was yesterday! Nothing brought as much anxiety excitement as the first day of school, but the real fun came with back-to-school shopping! Something about a back-to-school sale, perfecting that first day outfit, and having your clothes all laid out waiting for the bright & early alarm clock rise & shine always made me smile!

I'm starting grad school in a few weeks, and even though I'm 25 years old, it's still got me thinking about what on earth I'll wear on my fresh start first day!

I figured I'd style a few looks to share with you, too, whether you have an impending first day, or are sending a sweetie of your own off to hers!

Tee / Jeans / Jacket / Shoes / Hat / Earrings / Watch / Backpack / Brown notebook / Floral notebook

Sweater / Jeans / Loafers / Necklace / Bracelet / Ring / iPad case / Feather notebook / Map notebook

Dress / Shorts / Socks / Boots / Bow // Sweater / Jacket / Skirt / Headband / Sneakers

What are you going to wear on your first day of school?

P.S. Not a student? Tune in tomorrow to see what I've got in store for you! ;)

Louisiana + Lesions

{Top: Forever 21 | Shorts: TJ Maxx in Baton Rouge | Moccasins: Minnetonka | Necklace: soradesigns etsy shop | Watch: Boutique in BR | Bracelet: GOLDhearted etsy shop via Stitchfix}

Weird, odd, and slightly gross post title, I know. Read on...

Louisiana: Many things about today reminded me of my trip to New Orleans. Remember that trip? The one where after almost 2 years, I finally got to meet my blogging besties? The shorts and and watch I wore today were both purchased in Baton Rouge, near Sarah's house, so I feel like I've got a little of my little Louisiana hush puppy here with me. ;) Then there's my very special map/compass necklace. I ordered these necklaces for myself, Sarah, Sarah, & Bekah as a reminder that whether we're in the same place or not, we'll always be able to find our way. Cue the awwwws. Whenever I wear my necklace and look down at it, I think about these ladies and this trip. Miss you, girls!

Lesions: I wore this to a 2.5-hour First Aid class at work. After learning what to do in the case of multiple types of bleeding, horrible illnesses & injuries, and about 50 different kinds of bug bites... I feel slightly more competent and extremely more terrified.

Pinteresting Pattern Mixing: Part 1

One wonderful thing that summer has given me (besides sleeping in, staying up late, and a mild tan) is plenty of free time to waste on Pinterest! Often times, my Fashion Love board is overflowing with style that's all over the map, but lately, I've noticed a definite trend: pattern mixing! Before I started blogging, I'd have been terrified to mix gingham with zebra print, or stripes with paisley, or ikat with skulls... but now, I absolutely love pattern mixing, and my Pinspiration proves it!

Here are some ways to mix one of your closet staples - stripes! - with some other patterns. Give it a try, and soon enough, I bet you'll be a pro! (By the way, for those of you unfamiliar with Polyvore, whenever I post a set on my blog, all you have to do is click on the image, and it will take you to a page with all of the product details!)

Stay tuned for more Pinteresting Pattern Mixing next week!

My So-Called Outfit

{Chambray shirt: Forever 21 | T-shirt: Chaser LA | Skirt: Foreign Exchange? (I forgot haha) | Moccasins: Minnetonka } Necklace: Craft Fair | Watch: Nordstrom | Skull bracelet: Luna}

I felt very '90s in this outfit. Very Angela Chase of My So-Called Life. All I'm missing is a little plaid. And maybe some holes in my clothes. I should probably acquire myself a pair of Doc Martens while I'm at it. I like to think Kurt Cobain would be proud.