Fall Prep

[Top: Old Navy; Cardigan: Old Navy; Jeans: Joe's (similar); Shoes: Sperry; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Necklace: Forever 21 (old); Ring: Forever 21 (similar)]

I intend on making this sweater work for every season (so far I've done spring, summer, and the tail end of winter). I loved how the white looked against the kelly green, and of course was psyched to give my Sperrys some more wear before winter hits. Slightly ripped jeans and some glitzier jewelry took the completely preppy vibe down a notch.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Menswear Moment

[Blouse: J.Crew factory; Pants: Gap (old); Necklace: J.Crew factory; Shoes: Sperry; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Earrings: BaubleBar; Nails: Essie Lilacism; Ring: Old Navy]

I wouldn't say my style is man-repelling, but more man-admiring. Meaning, I love taking a menswear approach to how I dress. Flat shoes? Yes please. Button downs? Yup. Straight, tailored pants? Uh-huh. Before you call me crazy, taket at look at this, this, or this and tell me how chic it looks.  So, you can imagine how happy I was when the #StyleMeAugust prompt a couple weeks ago was Menswear Moment. 

I'm also trying to get some serious wear out of my Sperrys before Labor Day hits. Boat shoes don't exactly scream fall and winter, do they? Unless they're made of fur or flannel, which I haven't seen yet. Sperry, are you listening? Get on that. 

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Hi-lo Stripes

Dress: Asos; Necklace: J.Crew factory; Shoes: Payless (old); Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

I wasn't sure that the high-low trend was for me, but then I came across this lovely dress on Asos. The floaty shape and the bright candy colors were too much to resist. I had been saving this frock for my dear friend's bridal shower, which we held this weekend. A happy dress for a very happy occasion (please pardon the band-aid).

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Simple

[Dress: Cynthia Rowley via T.J. Maxx; Shoes: Old Navy; Necklace: J.Crew factory (recent); Sunglasses: Ray-Ban]

Navy just might be my favorite color to pair neon with. (Evidence here, here, and here).

I giggled when I saw "Bond Girl Confidence" as the #StyleMeAugust prompt this week.  I figured a slightly stretchy, form-fitting dress was the best chance I got.  And Bond girls totally wear neon, right? Minimal accessories, too. Either way, I felt cool, comfy, and chic despite the sweltering heat and humidity this week. Still not ready for it to end, though.

[All photos by Mikhail Glabets] 

Polka Dots & Swing

[Dress: J.Crew factory (old, last seen as a skirt here); Blouse: J.Crew factory (old, last seen here); Necklace: J.Crew factory (old); Rings: Old Navy & Forever21; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Boyfriend] 

Another day, another outfit inspired by the lovely Atlantic-Pacific. I loved the 1940's feel of this look when I first saw it on Blair, and immediately turned to my own closet to recreate it. I'm happy to say everything except the rings and flats is a few years old! I've actually had it planned out for a few months now, thanks to the outfit spreadsheet (don't judge me). The comfy but ladylike feel definitely brightened up a drab Monday morning last week! (Oh, and excuse the bare ears. A back to the pair I was wearing fell out during work, but luckily I recovered the stud.)

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Neon Head to Toe

[Dress: Old Navy (old); Cardigan: Zara; Sandals: DSW; Necklace: Christmas gift from Nana years back; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Earrings: Rocks Paper Metal for BaubleBar]

For a long time now I had been planning to write about certain trends I am wary of buying lots of, and neon was definitely on the list. My value shopper self loves to have clothes around for seasons on end, even if they cost $20. So I've hesitated to buy any neon apparel for fear that it would be long gone next year. Until I remembered I had this Old Navy maxi dress from 2010, which is 1/3 neon yellow. Whoops.

But neon accessories are a different story. I can confidently say I love using them to explore the color trend. Like with these cap-toe flats (also from Old Navy), this scarf, and now these earrings. BaubleBar is one of my favorite new discoveries this year. Their jewelry costs slightly more than what I was used to spending at my go-to Forever 21, but it's so unique and interesting that it's worth the bit of extra dough. I often find store e-mails annoying, but BaubleBar is certainly an exception on this front. I'm always lured into checking out their inventory, and recently took the leap on this pair of earrings from their newest designer collection.

I was even inspired to submit a photo to a neon styling contest on their Facebook page. If you feel inclined, it'd be great if you toss a vote my way. I'm kind of a newb when it comes to contests like this and haven't really done any self promotion, so don't judge my low tally of votes.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Tunic & Tropical Cravings

[Tunic: H&M (old); Jeans: Citizens of Humanity via REVOLVE; Shoes: Old Navy, Bracelet: J.Crew (with major discount code); Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Boyfriend; Scarf: Target, Earrings: H&M]

I like to make you think I perfectly plan each day's ensemble using a snazzy spreadsheet. But the reality is, a lot of mornings five different outfit options end up in a heap on the floor and I end up going with something completely random.

Today's look is just that. It had been raining for what felt like 10 days in a row in Boston, and this tropical, tribal-looking print called out to me. The breezy tunic shape makes me think of vacation garb, and the bright blue scarf adds even more colorful cheer. Hence the crazy jump in the last picture.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Vintage Red

[Jacket: Forever 21; Shirt: Crossroads Trading Co.; Jeans: Joe's Jeans; Shoes: Old Navy; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Boyfriend; Earrings: BaubleBar (only available in other colors now); Ring: Old Navy; Bracelets: Flea market and J.Crew (on mega awesome sale)]

I was all ready to splurge on a spring jacket until I came across this red number in Forever 21 for $35. The shade it comes in is called Lipstick, which is right on. It also reminds me of the color of a candy apple. Yum. In any event, it's functional and cute, and can dress up jeans for a night out with friends. That's what I did on Friday, when a bunch of us dessert picnicked in the North End for my best friend's 25th birthday. 

And the shirt. This is the third and final purchase from Crossroads Trading Co. that you will be hearing about (following the blue watercolor-esque dress and black Theory pants). It's worth mentioning, because I tried it on and felt like I didn't really "need" it.  So I brought it out of the dressing room and placed it back on the shirts rack. I was at the register pulling out my credit card when I turned around to grab it. The unique vintage shape just wooed me. And it made me realize that I don't hate the color red on me like I thought I did. So thanks, shirt.

 All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Flea Market Bag

[Jeans: Citizens of Humanity via REVOLVE; Shirt: Behnaz Sarafpour for Target via Buffalo Exchange; Sweater: J.Crew factory store (old); Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Flatop Boyfriend; Shoes: thrifted Salvatore Ferragamo via Garment District; Earrings: Forever 21 (old); Coat: Forever 21 (old); Bag: flea market]

I scored this awesome leather bag at a flea market last week for $5. It's old and warn and a nice light leather that I hope can work for spring. I paired it with a few other thrifted finds (shoes and top), and a dusty mauve sweater that I think I will retire for a bit once spring fully hits. I'm ready for bright colors, and already snuck some in with my socks and gloves.