Proportion Play

[Shirt: Target; Skirt: Forever 21 (similar); Shoes: Bandolino via T.J. Maxx; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Ring: Forever 21; Scarf: H&M (old)]

On paper, this skirt and I should not mix. My torso does not take well to skirts, I am typically morally opposed to pleats, and the 3/4 midi length can be just awkward.

What gives? For one, the cobalt blue color. You want to win me over with something? Dip it in cobalt blue. The pleats actually give it some nice shape and detail, and I've come to accept that the midi length skirts are awesome because they can be dressed up or down. They just need the right styling. I love pairing fancier and casual, so I went with the plain white T (not the band). On its own the combo seemed to call attention to my tiny torso, so I added a scarf to balance things out a bit more.

Speaking of balance,  heels are a must with midis! The add length to make the skirt look more knee length, and make your legs look much longer in the process. I also happened to buy this same skirt in black, so clearly I got over a few style phobias here.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Purple Dot

[Polka Dot Blouse: J.Crew factory (old); Cardigan: Banana Republic; Pants: Theory via Crossroads Trading Co.; Shoes: Bandolino via T.J.Maxx, Necklaces: J.Crew factory (old); Earrings: BaubleBar]

I love when Boston decides to be sunny and warm. It makes waking up in the morning and snapping some outfit pictures before work much more pleasant. 

J.Crew factory pieces definitely dominate this look, with the purple polka dot blouse, two necklaces and "bracelet" (another necklace actually). I come from a place with two J.Crew outlets within five miles, so the store can definitely be seen a lot in my wardrobe. This whole outfit feels like one shopping deals win. There's the Banana Republic cardigan, which I picked up in December when they decided to discount the entire store by 40 percent one weekend. My black pants are Theory and were thrifted at this fabulous store on my San Francisco trip. And the shoes are the T.J.Maxx ones I've gushed over before. 

I'm starting to realize finding deals on clothes runs in my blood. Every time I compliment my beautiful stylish Nana on what she's wearing, she says something like. "Oh I got this at Macy's, on their clearance rack, which had another 30 percent off. AND I had a coupon. So it cost me $7." I also inherited my nocturnal and anti-morning tendencies from her. 

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

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.