Orange You Glad I Didn't Say Banana

Sometimes you just have to be matchy-matchy.  

Was searching and searching my closet for something to go with my orange boots. What better than my orange striped t-shirt? The idea was almost so obvious and so right in front of my face that I have passed over it every other time. I typically don't like matching colors exactly, but what the hell... gotta try something new now and then. 

This is by far a typical "Emily" outfit. Comfy jeans, cute boots, oversized t-shirt, cardigan, necklace and glasses. Ta-da.... You too can put together these 6 things and look like me!  And who wouldn't want that?! :)

Jeans: American Eagle

Boots: DV by Dolce Vita

T-Shirt: H&M

Cardigan: NY&Company

Necklace: American Eagle

Way Back Wednesday

It is a little sad the number of photos that I have taken, but never posted. Truly shameful. 

So Ladies and Gents, introducing Way Back Wednesday. Every week I will be posting a photo taken over the last year or so which has gotten lost on my hard drive. It is a little selfish really, but I just can't stand the idea of all of this fashion and style going to waste. 

In honor of today being a super hot first day of summer I opted for an outfit that I wore this past winter. Because ya know... I know what we are all thinking about when it is 100 degrees outside.  Fur lined coats... Am I right or has all the heat gone to my head?!

I really wish I could be wearing this today....

Jeans: American Eagle

Shirt: Urban Outfitters

Boots: Sigerson Morrison for Target

Jacket: Vera Wang for Kohls

I felt like such a rock-star in this outfit. The boots add a fun pop of color to the otherwise plain outfit. My favorite go-to is to grab an all black and white outfit and add a pop of color in the shoes or accessories. 

I can't wait for the weather to cool off so I can wear this jacket again. I waited so long last winter to purchase it, (waiting for it to go on sale) that by the time I owned it I only got to wear it once or twice. Luckily it is the type of jacket that will never go out of style... plus it is insanely soft and comfortable... like wearing a blanket.

Bun Head

A little life lesson... I fell asleep last night with my hair tied in a messy bun on the top of my head. I woke up late this morning and didn't have time to do anything else to my hair so I simply re-tied the bun and ran out the door. 

Let me tell you that I have never received so many compliments on my hair. Obviously people like it better when I put in zero effort... Lesson learned. 

So from here on out... I will not be doing my hair.... bring on the compliments!! :)

Jeans: Target

Jacket: American Eagle

Shoes: Sam Edelman "Louie"

T-Shirt: Target

Necklace: QVC/ American Eagle

I am really getting sick of this green fake grass porch.

Jean Jacket

When I was getting ready for this year's spring and summer I knew I had to find one thing for my closet....a cute jean jacket.

For years I resisted the classic wardrobe staple because I thought "just say no to the Canadian tuxedo" (ya know, jean jacket + jeans= denim overload)

But the more I stretched my mind I realized there are many other ways to wear a jean jacket. Duh. It was like a lightbulb went off over my head and the hunt was on! I was on the hunt and a few months back found the perfect one at American Eagle. I was patient and waited for a sale.... but this baby is worth full price. 

Makes me feel like I am a kid again. All I need is a side pony tail in a scrunchee and some puffy paint or flower patches on my coat.  

Sometimes the best outfits are the ones that are kept simple.

Jean Jacket: American Eagle

Dress: American Eagle

Boots: Steve Madden "Pembrook"

(Please forgive all the wrinkles--- This is how I look after an 8 hour workday and an hour long commute. Wrinkles at their finest!)

Best part of this dress is the back detail. The zig zag elastic shows just enough skin for a hot summer day. And for any girls out there who tan, it would give unique tan lines!!! 

Birthday

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

#26. Today is the day that I start feeling old. I would love to say that I looked in the mirror this morning and saw my first grey hair, but who am I kidding?! I found one of those when I was back in high school. Instead I looked in the mirror and thought... here is to another awesome year! Gotta stay positive.

Instead of feeling old today I decided to keep it young. My day was filled with streamers and balloons, popsicles and a giant cookie cake. I am one lucky girl.  

I thought I'd be a little fancy today and gasp-- I wore sparkles. If there is ever a time that you can get away with wearing a full sparkle jacket, it is on your birthday! I paired it with a lace top, wide leg jeans and my favorite Steve Madden booties. 

Bobbins stole the show, while Buttons got a little camera shy. 

*jeans: American Eagle

*blouse: Aerie

*jacket: Kardashian line for Sears

*booties: Steve Madden "Pembrook"

*bracelet: JCrew- gift from Brian

Flashback to Fur

I am dreaming of days when I can again wear fur trimmed cardigans... It is too damn hot out there already. And yes I know it is only going to be 80 today.  That is hot enough!  

I think it is time for me to move farther north. Wonder if Alaska has any room for me and all my shoes. 

I don't know if I really need to say that these photos are from a few months ago... but there ya go... they were back from when the weather was colder and wearing a fur collared cardigan wouldn't make you sweat your butt off. 

I found this cardigan at Ann Taylor Loft on Fashion Night Out. I was there with my friend Rachel and when I put it on I could see it on her face that she actually liked how it looked - not just a smile and pretend you like it- sort of response. A friend can always tell. 

As much as I loved it that first night I kept my bank account in mind and decided to wait for a good sale. Which is exactly what I did and any girl can agree that buying something half off makes the sweater you once liked into a sweater that you LOVE!

My kitten Bobbins also loves this sweater and I found his dragging it around the apartment as if it was a rabbit he had just killed. Needless to say, it (and all my other fur items) are now locked away in a closet where he can't reach them. Silly Bobbins. 

But since Bobbins adored this cardigan so much, I thought it only fitting to wear it with my Old Navy cat blouse. 

I am and will always be a crazy cat woman who will buy any item on clothing as long as there are cute cats on it.   What can I say?...I am obsessed. 

Side-note--- these Pembrook booties from Steve Madden have been my go-to bootie for the winter and now spring months. In hindsight I really should have suede protected them because they are really starting to show signs of wear, but I love them so much! After putting insets in them, they have served as the most comfortable heeled bootie I have ever owned. (Plus you can't see it here but the opening totally makes your ankles look super tiny!) I highly suggest you all run out and get them now that they are on clearance!

*jeans: American Eagle

*blouse: Old Navy

*cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft

*booties: Steve Madden "pembrook"

Bling Bling

Sometimes you just need a little sparkle in your life. 

 

I have to constantly remind myself to take risks with what I wear to work. When I don't find inspiration in my closet instantly I get flustered and give up. Giving up usually results in me wearing my tried yet true jeans, moccasins, and t-shirt. While there is nothing wrong with wearing the basics, I have a closet full of clothes that never get any love because at times I am a fashion chicken.

I sometimes need to challenge myself to avoid being a chicken. On this particular day my challenge was to wear a sparkle jacket that I just "had to have" when I saw it in stores. 

I found that pairing it with a simple white tee underneath made the outfit a bit more casual and work appropriate.  I wanted to look chic--- not like I was going to a disco. I also paired it with my ultra long jeans and 4 inch heels to add a bit of sassiness. I wanted to feel sexy but tuff and for me, that always includes cute shoes!

I also kept the accessories simple. While I do love a fun ring or necklace, I wanted to keep the focus on the blazer. You really don't need to compete with hundreds of sequins.

*jeans: American Eagle

*shoes: Tinley Road via Piperlime

*blazer: Kardashian Line for Sears

*white t-shirt: Target clearance rack

To Dress like Katniss

Time to update my look... Hunger Games style. 

As I was reading the Hunger Games books I found myself wanted to dress more and more like the character of Katniss. I found myself inspired by her style in the arena and leaving me wanting her leather hunting boots and her father's hunting jacket which was worn to perfection. 

I actually did go out seeking a pair boots similar to what I expected Katniss would wear. I couldn't get them off my mind... my inner hunger games victor needed these boots to survive. And I can't deny a need for shoes.   

image via Nordstrom

Katniss served as my inspiration and I was pulling clothes out of my closet that I would normally look right past. I was putting together pieces that were not my typical style, yet I felt comfortable in them all day. 

This outfit in particular had people commenting to me about how it looked like I was an "outdoors girl" or that I was "going camping." I wasn't exactly getting "you look like Katniss," but close enough. 

Now I know Katniss wouldn't be wearing heels in the arena. But seriously I can't take her style literally guys... where would I put the bow and arrow all day if I did?! 

In all seriousness I would love to purchase a mockingjay pin (I'm a nerd). I think it would be a fun accessory to any jacket and subtle nod to the books/movie.

I really wish I was better at braiding my own hair. I would love to perfect the art of doing a side braid. This one here was fun for a while, but kept falling out and became more bobby pins than braid by the end of the day. If I could master the braid it would help spice things up and I would have a whopping four different things that I could do with my hair. 

Outfit:

(all past season styles)

Jeans: American Eagle

T-Shirt: GAP

Shirt: NY&Company

Shoes: Blowfish

Vest: JCPenny

Before the Weather Turned Cold

These photos are obviously from before winter hit. I found them on my computer from back in October... back when it was acceptable to wear flip flops. The weather is warm right now in PA--- 50 degrees at the end of January is unheard of, but still not warm enough to be sporting bare toes. 

This was just a casual Saturday outfit. Nothing fancy, but I have to admit that I do love this entire look... it is a typical weekend ensemble for me. I am not the type of girl that dresses up to sit around my apartment or the type to put on heels to go grocery shopping. Maybe I could try and put forth that effort, but on a Saturday or Sunday you are lucky if you even see me out of my pajamas. 

I know this isn't the season of sandals and flip flops, but since this is the first time my Rainbows have been on the blog I need to take a minute and discuss.  

Since high school my girlfriends and even a few guys raved and went crazy over these flip flops. They owned pairs and pairs and worn them until they had a hole in the bottom. Obsessed and with nothing bad to say I finally bit the bullet and forked over 50 bucks on a pair of casual sandals. I was always an Old Navy flip flop kind of girl and spending this much on a pair of sandals made my heart drop. 

However... Miss Rachel and Miss Megra... I have to admit that these flip flops are indeed very comfortable and worth the money. They form to your foot and have great arch support. So thank you ladies for your shoes advice... I love getting it instead of giving it sometimes! 

Jeans, Purse and Tank: American Eagle

Shirt: Nordstrom

Sandals: Rainbow