Black & Red Week: Sock Bun

So this was my first attempt at the ubiquitous sock bun! It's safe to say I am now hooked. It was super easy and definitely classier looking than my usual third-day-hair messy bun/pony. I used this tutorial and it was great. Plus her blog is super adorable, so you should all go check it out anyway.

I keep forgetting I own these boots. I feel like they look the cutest with skirts and dresses and cropped pants and bare legs, but it's still so damn cold here! Come on spring, I have cute boots to wear.

Cardigan: Old Navy
Skirt: H&M
Boots: Aldo
Me Factor: Low. I just didn't feel like myself in this. I think I'm over the cardigan + skirt/dress combo.

tough girl

I copied this outfit from a picture of Nicole Richie I've had saved on my computer for years. I just never had the perfect flowy, girly mini-skirt to complete the look. Behold, one afternoon at Buffalo Exchange and my outfit was complete!

I love mixing girly things with tough, black things. I'm a big fan of juxtaposition and whimsy. When I was younger, I always wanted my outfits to match perfectly, down to every last detail and accessory. I wasn't any good at it, though. Some of my friends were experts at putting together perfectly coordinated looks, while I always felt a little...off. I've sense learned to embrace my mix-and-match sensibilities, and I'm much happier for it.

Give me pattern mixing, color blocking, and an arm full of bracelets and I'm a happy girl.

Jacket: Forever 21 (similar)
Skirt: Buffalo Exchange
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

lady/business: talk to my outfit tuesday

I am shamelessly copying Annie's "Talk to My Outfit Tueday" post idea because I found myself having a lot to say to this outfit. Plus, I met her last week at the Boston Blogger meet up and she's just as awesome in real life as she is on her blog and I don't think she'll mind my thievery ;).

Dear Hair: You're a mess. It's my fault. You used to be curly, I straightened you. What was supposed to be a 30-day straightener has turned into nearly a year. Now you're in a weird, messy stage. I sense the end of this phase is near, as my curls have been looking bouncier lately!

Dear Sweater: You were a good Gap sale purchase. You're a pretty color. I don't wear you as often as I should and for that I am sorry.

Dear Skirt: You used to be tight-fitting, and now you're too loose. I love this about you. Thanks for reminding me I lost 20 pounds.

Dear Tights: I hunted high and low for you, and then there you were, for like, $5 at Off Broadway Shoes. So random. But now you're with me and we're deeply in love.

Dear Shoes: I found you on a shelf at Forever 21, last pair in my size. Remember when I took you to Charlotte and you gave me the biggest blisters I've ever had? Yeah, you and me won't be going dancing again anytime soon, but I love you anyway.

Dear Bow Shirt: You are Jason Wu for Target and the only cute thing left in my size when I got there that morning. I kind of forgot I had you but now that I've remembered I'm excited to start wearing you all the time.

Bow Shirt: Jason Wu for Target
Sweater: Gap (old)
Skirt: H&M (old) (similar)
Tights: randomly found at Off Broadway Shoes, brand unknown
Shoes: Forever 21

painted skirt

This is one my favorite outfits to date. I just love the colors in this skirt. Layered up with tights, a sweater, and a leather jacket - it's the perfect mix of girly and tough. I keep trying to curl my hair while it's at this shorter length, but it's not always working for me. I'm trying to grow it out a bit, but my hair is so thin it gets straggly really quickly (even though I get trims diligently!). Ah well, woe is me I guess! I had curly/wavy hair most of my life, now it's gone mostly straight on me and I don't want that either! Can someone just plop Blake Lively's hair on my head?

Jacket: New York & Company (similar)
Sweater: H&M
Skirt: J.Crew (similar)
Boots: Zara