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

Ivory & White

[White blouse: Forever 21 (old); Cardigan: Old Navy (earlier this year); Shorts: Forever 21; Shoes: Sperry Topsider in Ice; Earrings: Old Navy; Necklace: J.Crew factory (old) ; Rings: Old Navy & Forever 21]

Morning Erin returns. This outfit made it all the way from the backyard to Martha's Vineyard, but the camera didn't. We took the (early morning!) ferry in with my best friend and her boy, and spent the day riding mopeds, swimming, soaking up the sun, and eating seafood. Our moped broke down about 20 miles from where the boat left and two hours before the last one back to mainland, but after several pleading phone calls, the rental place sent a pickup truck to rescue us. We ran to the boat as it was almost pulling away, boarding on the bottom deck where they transport cars.  Drama and adventure. The best way to end any day away, if you ask me.

About the outfit: I hate wearing anything tucked in our high-waisted because of my short torso, but shorts seem to be an exception because the legs balance out the proportions. What do you think? Oh, and it was 90 degrees that day so the cardigan never even made it out of the car. I was regretting that move when it got chilly at night, though.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Shorts Suit

[Blouse: J.Crew factory (old); Cardigan: J.Crew (old); Shorts: Banana Republic outlet (old); Wedges: Goodwill; Bracelet: flea market;  Ring: Old Navy; Earrings: BaubleBar; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban]

Holiday Mondays are the best Mondays. It felt awesome to sleep in, get in the car with no exact destination in mind, and end up in the adorable town of Rockport. We found Granite Pier, and sat on the rocks and stared at the water. Peaceful and awesome.

There's some slight print mixing happening here, as the shorts are a very light tan seersucker. I played with this sweater in another print mixing endeavor here. I thought the neutral, monochromatic look with a few bright details was nice and summery.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Orange, Blue, & Midi

[Dress: Asos; Cardigan: J.Crew factory (old); Shoes: Ruche; Bracelete: J.Crew (on mega sale); Ring: Old Navy; Necklace: H&M]

This outfit was inspired by the #StyleMeMay prompt of the day, which was to wear something that "used to scare you." Midi-length skirts scared me because I think they can come off as frumpy (maybe that's because Mikhail addressed me as Grandma the first time he saw me in one). But I took the plunge with this swingy blue Asos number. Orange is something I'm finally coming around to, but I had never really worn it with navy before.

In reality, I had a hard time finding an outfit for this particular challenge because I'm mostly unwilling to try out things that truly scare me. Pleated pants? No, my short torso just cannot handle that shape. Kudos to ladies who can rock it, though. And those floral pants that are everywhere? I just can't wrap my head around them. I'm still undecided on the re-emergence of denim jackets. Honestly, all three of these things combined give me scary flashbacks to my fifth grade fashions, and I'm just not sure I'm ready to go there.

What scares you? Any tips for conquering your style fears?

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Swapped Style

[Cardigan: Old Navy, last seen here; Pink Shirt: Gap, swapped; Jeans: Citizens of Humanity via REVOLVE; Flats: Zara; Earrings: BaubleBar; Ring: Old Navy; Necklace: J.Crew factory (old) Bracelet: Flea Market]

I have been so excited the wear the goods from my first ever Swap party. The ladies at The Swapaholics put on this incredible event where you bring in three to five items in exchange for new (to you) pieces. I've heard that previous events are reminiscent of a Filene's Basement running of the brides, but this particular night was leisurely and lovely. Whenever you saw an item you wanted on the racks, you simply replaced it with something you brought. The idea was to hang out and see what else made its way onto the racks as more people arrived and swapped in their own items. You could even sip wine, munch sandwiches, and meet new people in the process. Way better than the mall or Newbury Street, if you ask me. And way greener, of course.

Sad you missed it? Don't be. That party just kicked off their swap season, and there's even another event coming up in Boston May 16. Oh, and expect to see more of my fun finds on the blog. I'm finally starting to embrace the color red, which inspired me to pull this awesome number off the racks. I have so many ideas on how to style this maxi dress, which I admittedly don't think I would have sprung for at any retail price. And the pink oxford in today's outfit is something I had been wanting to buy anyways, so being able to swap it out for something I didn't want anymore felt quite lucky.

Boston has slipped back down to its normally chilly winter temperatures, so I was happy to layer this pastel pink shirt (trendy this season but also timeless, in my opinion) with the Old Navy cardigan that looks and feels far too well constructed and luxe for its $15.99 (on sale) price tag. I played up the pastels even further with blue ring and lavender nails (Essie Lilacism). I think the color trend is really cute, but am a little wary of spending much money on pastel clothing just in case those shades become stale next year. But an $8 bottle of nail polish? I can do that.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Nautical Coral

[Dress: J.Crew factory, different shade but same style here (It's $24.50 now, buy it!!); Cardigan: H&M (old); Shoes: Ruche; Necklace: J.Crew factory (old, seen before as a bracelet here); Nails: Essie Turquoise & Caicos; Toes: Essie Tart Deco]

Told you I liked this dress. This is the lipstick coral pink version, which I think looks best with a tan, but I jumped the gun here. I've caught the summer dress craving, thanks to the warm Boston weather lately, and it won't go away. And this one has that awesome swing to it, so really, how could I say no?

This is the second appearance this week of these Ruche shoes, which are already a spring/summer favorite. Not gonna lie, I'm loving the kitten heel height. I'm often running to the bus or rushing to get somewhere on time, so 4-inch heels just aren't a reality for me, now matter how chic they are. The 1-2 inch kitten height gives a look just enough polish while still being practical.

My favorite accessory here would have to be my nail color, though. Essie has captured my favorite blue beautifully in a shade called Turquoise & Caicos. The name makes it that much better.

Happy weekend everyone!

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.