Happy Valentine's Day

I decided to wear my heart on my sleeve sweater today at work and was happy to see a few other staff and students dressed up for the holiday too. Then, this afternoon I volunteered at my son's school party; the little kids were so cute all dressed in pink, red, and purple, and I was glad that they still decorate elaborate boxes and exchange cards (and candy!).

Hope you have a great day!

Sweater: Old Navy // Top: J. Crew // Pants: Express (thrifted) // Bracelets: J.Crew, BCBG

Matchy-matchy

When I was growing up, there were strict rules for matching outfits. For instance, navy + black = do not match. Brown + black = do not match. Shoes + purse = should definitely match.

The rules have loosened since then, or at least I hope they have, because today I wore black + navy + brown + unmatched shoes and purse. Fashion disaster!  :)

These three items have been in constant rotation this week. The coat is warm but not bulky, the snakeskin ballet flats match almost everything, and the purse is the perfect medium size for everyday use.

Coat: J. Crew // Sweater: J.Crew // Top: J. Crew // Jeans: Talbots // Flats: J. Crew // Purse: Ann Taylor // Necklace: Talbots (worn doubled up)

What I'm wearing...

I've had a few people ask me lately if I would ever consider posting outfits on my blog. Nooooo, I said, because there are already so many blogs written by other people with great style and great photographers and great wardrobes. Oh, you should post some outfits, they said. And so, since I always give in to peer pressure, I might start doing occasional outfit posts. After all, I use this blog to chronicle things I like, DIY projects, and shopping guides, and fashion certainly fits into those three categories.

 This is what I wore yesterday afternoon while running a couple errands after work. It's just a really casual and comfortable outfit with lots of wool layers to keep me warm. I wear a lot of denim, red, black, and grey, so this outfit is pretty representative of some of my favorite things. Speaking of favorites, I have gotten a lot of use from this leopard bag (a Christmas present from my brother). It matches almost everything, and I like to carry a clutch while shopping because it's compact and easy to slip into my shopping bags if I need my hands free.

Two of my favorite patterns: leopard and plaid

Coat: Michael Kors // Top: Ann Taylor (similar) // Sweater: J. Crew (cute striped option) // Jeans: Tommy Hilfiger (similar) // Flats: Gap Outlet (similar) // Clutch: Banana Republic (similar) // Scarf: Juicy Couture (similar and on sale!) // Sunglasses: Banana Republic Outlet