OOTD: I'll Have a Blue Christmas

Navy/white striped sweater (HCo., NEW); navy culottes (A&F, summer 2011); navy opaque tights (Target, fall 2011)

Silver bangles (AE, summer 2010)

"OMB!" nail polish (Nicole by OPI, red); "Give Me The 1st Dance" nail polish (Nicole by OPI, silver)

Set of three silver sparkly rings (AE, winter 2010)

Can you believe it's only 25 days til Christmas?! I can't believe how fast this year's flown by. I am super excited for the holidays, though, and getting off from school for a whole month. College is great :) Except for the finals, of course. Since coming back from Thanksgiving break, I've been pretty busy with last-minute tests and projects. I can't wait to get a break from all this school stuff!


I scored this pullover sweater for only $20 the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. It wasn't even Black Friday yet, and the stores were already rolling out their deals. I'm not complaining though--it was nice to get some steals without having to deal with the crowds. I like this sweater because I have nothing like it in my closet--I usually stick with thinner stripes and all my sweaters are cardigans. But a change every once in awhile is nice, and I really like the look of this new sweater. The purchase was inspired by my sister, who bought a similar one from Abercrombie & Fitch recently. 


What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?

OOTD: Prepalicious



Cream knit wool cardi (HCo., *NEW*); burgundy plaid tunic (A&F Kids, hand-me-down); navy culottes (A&F, summer 2011); navy sparkle tights (AE, Christmas 2010); silver satin bow headband (Target, fall 2010)




"It Starts With Me" nail polish (Nicole by OPI, bronzy-pink); "Give Me the 1st Dance" nail polish [on index finger] (Nicole by OPI, silver)




Silver jewel-studded braided ring (AE, fall 2010)





Royal blue/pink glasses (summer 2011)


Haven't you heard--nerds are in! Sometimes, you just gotta let your inner geek shine through. Today I did just that with this outfit. Okay, I think it's pretty cute and preppy, but it's kinda school-girl ish, which makes me feel like I'm a "nerdy" straight-A student. But who says straight-A can't be chic? I added in plenty of accessories, from my favorite headband to a wrist full of bangles, and the sparkly tights are always a good addition. The glasses add to the whole "school girl cool" look that I was going for with this outfit. It was so cold today (which I loved, btw) so I paired the tunic and shorts/tights with my brand new sweater I got on Sunday. It's simple but cute, and I've been needing something warm and in this shade for quite some time. It pairs nicely with the whole outfit and makes me feel okay with being a preppy "nerd"!

Do you like the geek chic or school girl cool trend?

OOTD: Shades of Grey [& Red]



Feelin' grey





Grey knit duster cardi (A&F, winter 2011); grey lace-fron tee (HCo., fall 2011); silver sparkly fireball necklace (AE, winter 2009); coral red culotte shorts (A&F, fall 2011); light grey sweater tights (Target, winter 2010)

 What's your favorite neutral? A lot of people will probably say black for its elegance or some kind of brown/tan for its ruggedness but for me, it's grey. Say what? I know grey seems boring, blah and downright depressing to a lot of people, but it's not like you have to go around in an all-grey ensemble. Neutrals are for mixing and matching, after all. So I decided to put my never-before-worn coral culottes (I ordered them probably a month ago but hadn't gotten the opportunity to wear them) to good use and pair them with a few grey items. The shorts themselves are very vibrant in color, and I thought they could easily be toned down with a nice neutral. I think grey goes very well with coral--it lessens the impact without making the shorts seem average. It allows them to stand out, in a tasteful way. I also mixed and matched the shades of grey I used. The lace tee is a very dark charcoal, the sweater is a medium heather grey and the tights are a light almost-blue grey. I also wore my Bearpaw boots, which are about the same shade as the sweater. I know it may seem weird to be wearing all these different hues and with a very bright color, but it works because the outfit is grounded in one neutral tone.



Closeup of lace tee (to show detail)



How do you "punch up" your favorite neutral shade?

OOTD: [Fall] in Love



Orange off-shoulder sweatshirt (HCo., from sister); owl pendant (AE, fall 2011); brown twill shorts (A&F, fall 2011); brown opaque tights (winter 2010)




"Love" two-finger ring (Forever 21, summer 2011)




Emma 10" Sheepskin Boots in chocolate (Bearpaw, Christmas 2009)





"It Starts With Me" nail polish (Nicole by OPI, bronzy-pink); "Give Me the 1st Dance" nail polish (Nicole by OPI, silver)



Fall is finally here, I can feel it in the air and see it in the 10-day weather forecast! Today was the first day in quite awhile that it was below 70 degrees and it felt perfect!

I was able to wear my brown tights for the first time since spring...and also my neglected Bearpaw boots. Once you start wearing those, you know it's fall. I kept my outfit mostly neutral (brown) but added in a pop of color with my slouchy sweatshirt and beloved owl pendant. I love spice shades in autumn, and pairing them with neutrals (especially shades of brown) always looks put together.


What is one thing that always says "fall" to you?

My Wardrobe Essentials

Unlike the stereotypic college girl, I actually put a little effort into what I'm wearing. No, make that a lot of effort! But to me, it's totally worth it. Yes, I have to endure the stares of sweats-and-Ugg-clad girls but I like showing off my sense of style to the world...or at least to my campus.
So here's my list of a few 'essentials' I've found to be necessary for me in my college journey so far:

• Tights--Oh, yeah, these are one of my favorite wardrobe staples, especially since I'm someone who doesn't like to say goodbye to my skirts when the snow starts to fall. With so many colors, textures and styles to choose from, you can stock up (without forking over a lot of cash) and get a lot of looks! Currently, I have a pair of brown striped ankle leggings (thicker than tights), light grey sweater tights, dark brown tights and white pointelle tights. I've found these colors to be most versatile, but I wouldn't complain if I had a few more pairs ;)
• A great bag. I have 5 of them, almost all designer, but that doesn't mean you can't get a good-quality purse that's inexpensive! Make sure yours has plenty of pockets for your cell phone and other essentials, plus enough room for a wallet, sunglasses, makeup and anything else you might stash in there.
• Jackets. Before last year, I only really had one cute one--a brown bomber coat from American Eagle. I love that coat, especially the faux-fur-lined hood. But then around last Christmas, my mom bought me a raspberry Thinsulate-lined wool jacket from Delias that I also really love. And boy was I surprised over Thanksgiving when my sister gave me her navy puffer coat from Aeropostale that she didn't want anymore! So now I've got three great jackets that work with almost any outfit. And in Colorado, you definitely need jackets when winter comes knocking!
• Bracelets. Let's just say I have an obsession with jewelry, especially bracelets. I get all of mine from American Eagle, because they have the cutest stuff at great prices--usually buy one get one 50% off! And I don't settle for just one type of bracelet...I've got everything from bangles (my sister got me hooked!) to blingy leather ones. I just love to stack them up and make a statement.
• Sunglasses. A great pair can transform you from an average girl to a movie star look-alike. If you live somewhere very sunny like I do they're a must just to keep your eyes safe, but they can still be very chic.
• Jeans. Who can live without jeans? For the most versatility, try different styles of jeans, from skinnies to bootcuts to boyfriends. American Eagle and Abercrombie Kids have a great selection of jeans that are good quality at affordable prices--Abercrombie Kids is great for those of us who are more petite and can't find jeans that aren't too long in most stores, while AE will fit almost any body.

What are your 'essentials'?

Tights with Everything: Part 2

As a self-professed tights-lover, I'm excited to try new ways to wear tights. They work with almost anything (note: don't wear them with tops that hit below your hips--they aren't pants!), show off your legs during colder months and can dress up a simple outfit. Here are a few more ways to wear your tights!

SHOPPING: Who doesn't love spending a day (and possibly the entire contents of your wallet) out at the mall? It's so much fun getting together with a few friends and hitting the stores--the best part is they can be your personal fashion assistant and tell you what looks great on you! You want to look super-chic but you don't want to wear something too complicated, so you can easily slip into and out of stuff in the dressing room. Try a cute Fair Isle sweater (perfect for the holiday season, especially Black Friday shopping) over some cozy white tights and some sparkly flats. Try: AE Light & Lofty Fair Isle Long Sweater (Maine navy, $54.95), AE Cozy Cable Knit Tights (cream, $12.50) and AE Sequin Ballet Flat (pewter, $29.50).

AIRPORT: You don't have to look sloppy when you travel this holiday season. Wear something unexpected--a slouchy cardigan over a plaid shirt (for added warmth in the cold plane) and a simple dress, paired with a scarf, tights (with a pop of color) and some boots that will add some height but are easy to slip on and off. Try: AE Boyfriend Cardigan (hood grey, $29.95), AE Plaid Poplin Shirt (orange, $29.95), AE Silky Sequin Dress (online only, grey, $44.50), AE Light & Lofty Scarf (light heather grey parchment, $24.50), AE Thermal Leggings (red, $24.50) and AE Suede Slouchy Boot ($69.50, taupe).

It's time to get your tights out of the drawer and try something new!

Tights with Everything: Part 1

I am obsessed with tights! To me, they are perfect for fall and winter days under miniskirts (denim and knit), dresses, long sweaters and even shorts. They come in so many colors, patterns and textures that you'll never get bored--try pairing them with something unexpected! Here are a few ideas for how to wear your tights.

PARTY: So you were invited to a holiday party, and you're not sure what to wear. You want to stand out from the rest of the crowd in their festive dresses, so why not try a pair of tights with some sparkly shorts? The sparkle definitely makes the outfit party-appropriate and the tights add a hint of elegance. Throw on a bright red cardigan, a printed tank and some red-hot shoes and you'll be ready to party! Try: AE Solid Tights (black, $12.50), AE Sequin Party Shorts (online only, $49.50), AE Classic Cardigan (mulberry, $39.50), AE Printed Tank ($24.50) and AE Suede Ballet Flat (mauve glow, $24.95).

CLASS: Just another boring day at school...liven it up with a simply cute outfit! A long, cable-knit sweater looks perfect over a pair of sparkly tights and some boots really wrap up the ensemble. Add in some cute accessories and everyone will be asking where you get your clothes! Try: AE Cable Knit Long Sweater (light stone heather, $59.50), AE Metallic Mesh Tights (navy, $15.50), AE Warm & Fuzzy Boot (grey, $39.50), AE Rhinestone Bracelet ($15.50) and AE Rhinestone Heart Necklace ($15.50).

Check back for even more tights ideas!

A Perfect Pair

If you miss the days when it was warm enough to wear dresses, you're not alone! In Colorado, it really has started to feel like winter! Before this week, we hadn't really had fall-like weather or the typical Halloween snow so everything felt a little weird. I'm definitely enjoying the cooler temps and possible snow but I still miss my sundresses.

That's why I'm wanting to invest in a sweaterdress or two to pair with tights and boots. I've never owned a sweaterdress before but since they seem to be so popular now, I feel like it's definitely time to buy one.
Hollister's Laguna Niguel dress ($59.50) is a new arrival, replacing the previous Balboa Island dress ($29.90) which is still in the clearance section. However, I like the newer one better, because it isn't striped and seems to have a looser knit, which is more flattering. I would pair the dark heather grey version with a pair of brightly-colored leggings, such as the AE Thermal Leggings in red. If I wear a neutral color, especially a darker one, I like to pair it with bold accessories and colors so I don't look blah.
Abercrombie & Fitch's Michelle dress ($68) is striped, but I still like it a lot, especially in burgundy. With a patterned dress, stick to solid tights, such as the AE Metallic Mesh Tights in navy ($15.50). These will add a hint of sparkle to your look, which is very chic.
I prefer dresses that aren't really flared, or wide, at the bottom, so Abercrombie Kids' Caroline dress ($59.50) won me over with its more fitted shape. The cream color would look totally cute belted with a brown woven leather belt and a pair of brown tights...which I can't seem to find anywhere! Luckily, I still have a pair from Target that I got last year so hopefully those don't wear out.
What tights/leggings are you wearing with your sweaterdress?

Dresses...In Winter?




Two very different (but both cute) dress looks!

Given my affinity for tights, boots and miniskirts, it's no wonder I'm lusting after the perfect winter dress. I'm such a girly-girl, and I really dreaded putting my summer dresses in storage a few weeks back. Luckily, I've still got plenty of skirts to wear throughout these next few months. But still no dress. Here are a few I'd love to get!

The AE Sequin T-Shirt Dress ($49.95, online only) is a simple cut with cute sequin detailing. It's a great dress for the holiday season because of it's sparkle, and it looks great over bright-colored tights (like the AE Thermal Leggings in purple, $24.50). And the open back adds a flirty touch.

For a more elegant look, try the AE Sweetheart Party Dress ($39.95, online only). I like it best in the deep bordeaux color because it's so holiday-like. Dress it up with gold heels, a leopard-print wrap (like the AE Faux Fur Leopard Coat, $89.95) and a clutch for a holiday party or dress it down with cream-colored tights and simple flats (like the AE Suede Ballet Flat in mauve glow, $24.95).

Abercrombie Kids' Elsie Sweater Dress ($49.50) in light brown would look amazing with my stripe brown leggings I bought from AE a few yea

rs ago and my dark brown Bearpaw boots. I've really been having a hard time finding a sweaterdress that isn't striped so this one is perfect.

If you're looking for the perfect dress for that special holiday event, or just to look cute on a chilly day, these stores have you covered!

Cozy Accessories

I love all the cold weather clothes--from coats to boots to tights to scarves. I really love days that are cool and cloudy because then I can get all cozy with my accessories! Here are a few of my faves:

• AE Suede Fringe Moc ($34.50)--Moccasins are so comfy and stylish, too. They add a boho touch to any look and these are great because they're lined with faux fur.
• AE Striped Trapper Hat ($29.50)--These are a classic style, but the stripes add a cute touch. Plus, the hat's versatile enough that you can even incorporate it into your outfit!
• AE Cable Knit Loop Scarf ($34.50)--What better way to keep warm in a snowstorm than with a scarf? This one also works as an accessory, so you don't have to take it off once you go inside.
• AE Cable Knit Convertible Gloves ($19.50)--These are perfect for when you want to be able to use your fingers (such as for texting) but still stay warm. You can flip the mitten part over and stay perfectly cozy.
• AE Solid Leggings ($15.50)--Leggings are great for layering under skirts, dresses and even jeans on really cold days. I love the variety of colors these come in, from vintage eggplant to heather grey.
• AE Cozy Cable Knit Tights ($12.50)--I love anything cable knit, and tights are my go-to on days that I want to wear my denim minis but it's cold outside. They look great paired with boots.
• AE Warm & Fuzzy Boot ($39.50)--These look almost identical to Uggs but are much, much cheaper. And they're be perfect with skinnies, jeggings, leggings and tights. You'll wear these all fall and winter!
• AE Fair Isle Clog ($34.50)--Fair Isle is a classic winter pattern, and what better way to wear it than on comfy clogs?

Stay warm this fall and winter with the cutest accessories!