Closet Remix: Colorful

[Cardigan: H&M (old), similar colors here and here; White Button-Down Shirt and Brown Belt: Forever 21 (old) a sheer but really cute similar one here; Blue Scarf: Target; Jeans: 7 for All Mankind via REVOLVE; Boots: Salvatore Ferragamo, thrifted; Earrings: BaubleBar]

People say style bloggers make you want to shop more. I agree. But for me, a lot of the time that means shopping in my own closet. I think that's the most budget-friendly shopping there is, no? 

Seeing the way these ladies combine and layer different tops, dresses, accessories and scarfs inspires me to see a whole new side of pieces I already have in my wardrobe. Each time I come across a look that reminds me of something I already have,  I jot down my ideas in a notebook or Google document so I don't forget them (nerdy, right? does anyone else out there do this?). 

Like this pink sweater, bought at H&M a few years ago. I wore it to death at first, then grew tired of it and have barely pulled it out this year. Until, I saw this outfit and awesome color combination in my favorite blog Atlantic-Pacific.  My cardigan isn't quite the saturate fuschia that Blair's sweater is, but her look inspired me to pair mine with my bright blue Target scarf, a white button down underneath (not as tailored as the original look, but it has that fun high-low thing going on that seems to be popular this year). I'd love to be wearing the pink springy flats, but for now I have to brave the 45-degree weather with my boots (vintage Salvatore Ferragamo, thrifted, and repaired twice!). 

I'm keen on big bold earrings, so I'm wearing those fun BaubleBar chandeliers I've posted before here. The result is a different, looser twist on the original polished, tailored look. But I achieved the similar fun color scheme without having to buy anything new! 

All photos by Mikhail Glabets 

Bright On the Run

[Coral Top: Forever 21 (sold out) ; Striped Top: Forever 21 (more options here); Navy Cardigan: Splendid via Buffalo Exchange; Jeans: Citizens of Humanity via REVOLVE, Striped snood (yeah that's what it's called!): Asos, sold out now but a here's a cute polka dot one; Bag: Vintage Coach, thrifted, Shoes: Aerosoles via T.J.Maxx, available here;]

Here's a quick look of my first-day-in-San-Francisco outfit. We had left Boston at 6 a.m., and neither of us are morning people. But it was well worth the early flight to still have a long chunk of day left on the West Coast once we arrived.

These pictures were taken with our point-and-shoot camera, and about two hours after we got in, so they might look a bit more raw than usual. But I was excited to throw on a bright, girly blouse with the cutest tiny bow details. The striped shirt underneath has my favorite turquoise blue color in it. And M captured some beautiful light, as always.

That day we ate a late lunch Sweet Maple, which had the best bacon ever (thick cut and seasoned with brown sugar and pepper) and was located near the Lower Pacific Heights apartment we rented through Airbnb. We walked all through the beautiful Marina neighborhood and ended up near Crissy Field, with a great view of the Golden Gate bridge. We ate more delicious food than I can even keep track of on that trip, but other favor spots were Uva, Plow, and Nick's Crispy Tacos (cheap but good margaritas will always win me over).

It's back to winter weather here in Boston, but I'm excited to wear that coral blouse again. Many ideas on how to layer and pair it with other stuff in my wardrobe, so keep on the lookout.

Prepping for Spring

[Cardigan: Old Navy; Dress: Cynthia Rowley via T.J.Maxx (similar shape here in purple); Shoes: Old Navy; Scarf: Target; Ring: Forever 21; Bracelet: J.Crew factory, old; Earrings: Buffalo Exchange]

 

I saw this sweater on Old Navy's website and knew it needed to be in my closet. And it looks and feels better in person than it does in pictures, with its Chanel-esque boxy shape and detailed trim. The dress, that's a Cynthia Rowley piece I bought at T.J.Maxx last summer for a cool $30. I went into the store to buy socks or measuring cups or something equally utilitarian and the versatile navy form called out my name from the rack.

When combined, the two pieces evoke a sort country club feel. My boss at work said she felt like she should be giving me campaign donations. To keep myself looking too prim and proper, I made the look current by adding the beautiful brights popping up everywhere this season. Scarf from Target, and Old Navy shoes, which I first learned about from this local blogger. (They also come with a bright blue toe.) One more secret: that "bracelet" is actually a necklace I looped around several times. Most actual bracelets look goofy big on my small wrists, so this was a great alternative.

Oh, and as if my husband doesn't do enough (shoot and process every photo on here), he came up with the idea for today's post title. It almost doesn't even feel like spring in Boston, but summer,  at 83 degrees. Yes, 83 beautiful degrees. I was still slipping and sliding on ice this time last year.

Colorblocked Irish

[Blazer: Forever 21, sold out now, similar available here; Green Shirt: Forever 21, old; Jeans: Joe's Jeans (Chelsea), old; Necklaces: Gifted & J.Crew factory (old), Heels; H&M; Ring: Forever 21]

I kept it pretty low key on Saturday, so Sunday was my day to rock the St. Patty's day signature color (with a name like Erin, I pretty much have to).  I wore this outfit for a lunch with some lady friends after church. I played the green down a bit, pairing it with this bright, fitted cobalt blazer from Forever. This piece was a great buy and I kind of want to wear it every day, with everything I own, but I'll control myself. Oh, and I distressed my denim the good ol' fashioned way: wearing them so much I ripped a hole in the knees.

Peachy Preppy

[Striped shirt: Uniqlo; Peach Shirt: J Crew factory (old), similar here; Necklace: Banana Republic outlet (old), similar ones available from BaubleBar; Pants: Forever 21, similar available here; Shoes: Bandolino via T.J.Maxx, Ring: Forever 21]

I'm playing up the preppy with this outfit I wore on my last day in San Francisco. These shots were taken at the most DARLING house of our friend, who lives in the Lower Haight area. That particular room feels like an English sitting room, and has several gorgeous windows that brought in the beautiful natural light. 

I must say, this outfit was totally inspired my favorite style blogger, Blair of Atlantic-Pacific, who fabulously paired a striped dress over a slightly longer chambray button-down dress. I realized I had a similar striped shirt and wanted to try my twist on the look, with a peach button down underneath.

My nails are freshly painted with Essie Tangerine because I got a manicure while my husband was busy taking these amazing photos. He's the best.

Wine & Mint

[Sweater: Forever21, available now in coral; Necklace: H&M; Scarf:H&M; Pants: Forever21, similar here; Shoes: Aerosoles via Marshalls, available here; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban]

I must have been feeling the minty love last week. I wore this Forever 21 sweater Friday on my fun trip to wine country when I was out west, and have been noticing all sorts of awesome mint outfits posted by other bloggers this week---like The Wonder Girl, Gal Meets Glam, Atlantic-Pacific, and Kendi Everyday. Now that I look at it, those are four of my absolute favorite gals for style inspiration, so I feel like I'm in pretty good company.

What do you think of the scarf? I came across it at H&M when I was doing some last minute vacation shopping and couldn't pass it up (for $6? DUH!). I finished the outfit off with some nautical striped flats I picked up at Marshalls. Gotta represent my New England prep.

As you can see here, wine country was pretty gorgeous (these photos were taken in Sonoma). I'm already dreaming about a return trip.

Layers of Grey

 [Sweater: Banana Republic via Buffalo Exchange; Printed Dress: Banana Republic Outlet (old); Tights: Target; Boots: DSW;  Necklace: Banana Republic outlet (old); Earrings: BaubleBar]

I layered together a couple of grey pieces, added bright jewelry for some pop, and made my way to a dear friend's birthday party in the Back Bay.

Blue Chandeliers

[Earrings: BaubleBar; Shirt: C&C California via Gilt, now available here; Nails: Essie Tart Deco via Target]

The weather this weekend was a bit dreary, cold, and dull in Boston, which kept me from the cute spring clothes I'm dying to wear. But I'm showing off my fabulous new earrings from BaubleBar, though, which ships its goodies in the most adorable packaging. I think this particular pair is now sold out, but they have plenty of amazing pieces to choose from. Also, just painted my nail's with Essie's Tart Deco color (see the bottom photo for a glimpse). It's more of a bright orange than the peachy color it appears to be in the bottle, but that was a pleasant surprise!  These images were shot by my sweet hubby (as always), this time with our Fuji X10 camera.