Daisies and Chains

Best Love

2012-02-07T08:20:00.001-06:00

One of my best friends, Afsan, came into town this weekend. Not only did we drink Ruby Slipper martinis, eat our weight in breakfast tacos, and shop, Afsan also offered to be my photographer. (Luckily, I've had so much experience with the paparazzi that this barely fazed me.)

When Afsan and I were in college, we were part of a women's organization that awarded her the title of "Best Love" one year, meaning she exemplified a loving attitude toward her fellow chickadees. As I got ready for the photo shoot, I kept trying to add accessories to my outfit. And Afsan was always there to offer helpful advice, including the following:

"No."

"Take that off."

"You look stupid."

Thanks, Best Love!

What I'm Wearing
Graphic Tee (Old Navy)

Xhiliration Faux Leather Jacket (Target)

Skinny Jeans (Express)
Tahari Tan Pumps (DSW)
Tortoise Shell Sunglasses (Forever XXI)
Didi Teardrop Earrings (Send the Trend)
Left Hand:
Monte Carlo Gold Bracelet (JewelMint)
Gold-Plated Bangles (Luxe Apothetique)
Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)
Right Hand (all borrowed):
Gold Bangles (Madewell)
Twisted Gold Bangle (Forever XXI)
Beaded Bracelet (Banana Republic)
OPI Nail Polish in "Bullish on OPI"

The January Dress

2012-01-30T23:40:00.002-06:00

I'm a sucker for new year's resolutions and find myself making at least five or six each January. I'm not sure I love actually thinking up the resolutions as much as I like writing the list. This is also a good time to mention I'm a sucker for stationary.

In developing my list for 2012, I incorporated a fashion resolution for the first time. I thought about the big themes in my wardrobe and what might be missing. I realized that most of my dresses fall into one of two camps: day or night ... but never both. I have a lot of knee-length collared dresses that are great for work and several black strapless dresses that are great for going out.

So I made a resolution to try to purchase or otherwise obtain (clothes swap, anyone?) one dress a month that can be worn easily from day to night. There are a few other stipulations that I have (blog post coming soon...), but that's the jist. I figure by the end of the year, I'll have a great section of my wardrobe to create outfits for those long days when work quickly transitions into a night out.

My January dress was purchased about two weeks ago during a major sale at STRUT in Austin. I've already worn it on a day-to-night circuit and on an excursion to eat dinner and see "Wicked." I figure if I can wear it again on a day where I attend a religious ceremony and then go to a night club, I'll have really gotten my money's worth.

What I'm Wearing
Final Touch Red Dress (STRUT)
Black Leather Belt (J.Crew Factory Store)
Black Tights (Forever XXI)
LC Lauren Conrad Black Platform Pumps (Kohl's)
Gold Glasses Necklace (Forever XXI)
Black, White, and Gold Bracelet (Forever XXI)
Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)
Gold-Plated Bangles (Luxe Apothetique)
Pearl and Beaded Bracelet (Gift from a craft fair)
OPI Nail Polish in "Bullish on OPI"

My Weekend in Instagrams

2012-01-22T23:00:00.001-06:00

This weekend provided a healthy mix of relaxation, productivity, and fun times. Friday night was extremely low key, meaning the sweatpants came on early. Saturday, however, started with a run at Town Lake and ended with a friend's birthday party, of which I unfortunately took no photos. And on Sunday, the fella helped me make a few updates on my blog and made chili and cornbread for dinner. It's like a have some dirt on him, but I don't!

1) Getting a lot of use out of my Starbucks refillable mug... all coffee is free when I take this to a Starbucks anytime in January :)
2) Shopping trip to the J.Crew Factory Store with my discount before I work my last shift as an employee
3) Cooper taking one of 17 naps during the weekend
4) The fella helping me with the blog
5) Homemade chili for dinner

Wish List: Neon Accents

2012-01-19T23:30:00.001-06:00

I can definitely respect the neon trend happening right now, but I certainly can't pull it off. As one of the lost cast members of the Twilight films, neon colors look scary with my pale skin. I figure in order to incorporate the current neon palette within my spring 2012 wardrobe, I'll do it safely through accessories (and cosmetics), so I've compiled a few of my favorites, all priced below $60:

Where to Buy | Photo Sources

1) Is It Spring Yet? Ring | modcloth.com

2) Revlon Orange Flip | drugstore.com

3) ASOS Bow Skinny Belt | asos.com

4) Hue-Kissed Cameo Necklace | anthropologie.com

One of Those Days

2012-01-17T22:30:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was just one of those days -- when nothing goes wrong, but nothing really goes all that well. I should have known, even at 8:00 a.m., when trying to decide on an outfit was harder than trying to decided between gummy bears or Reese's Pieces as a fro-yo topping.

When I got home from work, I was so dissatisfied with my outfit, my hair, my skin ... everything. (Don't worry -- I'm not fishing for compliments here. If I was, I would have named this post "Tell Me I'm Fabulous.") But, we've all been there, right? I knew as soon as I took these photos I needed to change clothes and do the one thing that makes me feel confident and refreshed. I went for a run. It sounds cheesy, but as soon as I slip on my running shoes, I feel infinitely better. Is there anything you do when you're just having one of those days?

What I'm Wearing

Lincoln Tee in Heather Grey (StyleMint)

Xhiliration Faux Leather Jacket (Target)

Vigoss Jeans (Nordstrom)

Mossimo Patent Leather Ballet Flats (Target)

Retro Print Scarf (J.Crew)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

Black, White, and Gold Bracelet (Forever XXI)

Essie Nail Polish in "Cocktail Bling"

My Weekend in Instagrams

2012-01-15T22:30:00.002-06:00

The cedar allergies that tore me up last weekend reared their ugly head again on Friday, and I spent the day recovering from the effects. Luckily, the next day, the fella and I took a quick road trip to Houston to watch both the Olympic trials for the marathon event and the Houston Marathon. Not only did we get to see some amazing athletes, I was able to flee cedar season for a couple of days. Here are a few Instagram photos I took during my weekend retreat:

1) After a day of living off orange juice and soup, I was ravenous for Indian food (my favorite!) on Friday evening

2) Packing for the quick trip to Houston

3) Setting up our chairs to watch the Olympic trial qualifiers whiz by

4) Hanging out with Gadget, the fella's dog, at mile 7 of the Houston Marathon

5) Enjoying a glass of vino and admiring my new manicure (Essie's "Cocktail Bling") on Sunday night

Stay tuned for some more posts this week!

Creature Comforts

2012-01-09T22:30:00.000-06:00

During the weekend, it's hard for me to part from my black leggings. One of the perks of living in Austin is that the city is so casual, it's perfectly acceptable to walk around in items most consider pajamas. When I was in college, I used to bum around the city in sweatpants, but I figured I would have a change of heart once I graduated and got a job. Turns out I did. Now I'm classy... Austin-style, that is.

What I'm Wearing

Plaid Shirt (J.Crew)

Xhiliration Black Leggings (Target)

Steve Madden Patent Leather Ballet Flats (DSW)

Unisex Circle Scarf (American Apparel, purchased with a Groupon)

Mosaic Ring (JewelMint)

Essie Nail Polish in "Glamour Purse"

My Weekend in Instagrams

2012-01-08T22:30:00.001-06:00

This weekend, I survived the epic battle of Cedar Allergies versus Jenn. Cedar nearly won, so besides venturing out for a couple meals with friends, I remained a homebody. Here are a few Instagram photos I took during my low-key weekend.

1) Ordering a Tom Collins at dinner on Friday

2) Trying out my lovely new candle stands, a Christmas gift from the fella's family

3) A forgotten surprise, the American Apparel circle scarf, arrived after being on backorder for weeks

4) My new (teen fiction) book for an upcoming book club meeting

5) Baking peanut butter cupcakes from this book, another Christmas gift from my aunt

Stay tuned for some more posts this week!

Flavored Fur

2012-01-04T22:30:00.002-06:00

When I cut my hair, I immediately rejoiced in the thought that the days of getting hair in my soup, spaghetti, and other plates of food were over. Why learn good table manners when you can just chop your hair off, right?

Today, however, as I finished up my Greek salad at lunch, I noticed a ~~large~~ enormous hunk of feta cheese embedded in my faux fur vest, near the area under my arm. Besides the obvious questions of "How did it get so stuck in the fur?" and "How did it land under my arm?" -- to which I still do not have answers -- I realized I was still getting food stuck in hair. It's just that this time, it's not my own. Am I allowed to consider that progress?

What I'm Wearing

Pilcro and the Letter Press Top (Anthropologie)

Faux Fur Vest (Old Navy)

LC Lauren Conrad Navy Twill Pants (Kohl's)

Brown Ankle Boots (Old Navy)

Pashmina Scarf (Gift, purchased from a street vendor in NYC)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

Essie Nail Polish in "Glamour Purse"

Closet Discoveries

2012-01-03T22:30:00.002-06:00

In honor of the new year, I cleaned my closet over the weekend (I'll be sharing the process in a later post) and uncovered a lot of great pieces. I also found a shoebox full of headbands, which was basically like experiencing a second Christmas.

One of the most exciting clothing finds was this embellished top from Madewell, which is the closest to the 80s I'll ever get, save for a few Madonna songs on my iPod and some of those rediscovered headbands.

What I'm Wearing
HiLine Embellished Top (Madewell)
Black Minnie Pants (J.Crew)
Tahari Tan Pumps (DSW)
Shanghai Eclipse Pendant (JewelMint)

Black, White, and Gold Bracelet (Forever XXI)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

Gold-Plated Bangles (Luxe Apothetique)
Pearl and Beaded Bracelet (Gift from a craft fair)
Essie Nail Polish in "Glamour Purse"

My Weekend in Instagrams

2012-01-03T07:00:00.001-06:00

I know I am way late to the party here, but I got an iPhone over the holidays! I made a goal to get one before the end of 2011, and in true Jenn fashion, I made the purchase on December 31. Here are a few Instagram photos I took during the long weekend:

1) Cooper supervising me while I unpacked from my parents' house after Christmas

2) My friend Jeanine and her fabulous 'do and hair piece on New Year's Eve

3) The last days of the Christmas tree in my apartment

4) Drinking Moscow mules while watching the Cowboys ~~lose~~ game with the fella

5) A new haircut for the new year

Stay tuned for some more posts this week!

Wish List: Lots of Lace

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

Through Daisies and Chains, I write a lot about pairing the masculine with the feminine, and sometimes that means translating old-fashioned patterns into more current styles.

When I think of lace, I automatically think of a tea party. But then I realize the last time I attended a tea party was when the tea was made of air. So with that in mind, I chose some items that could be worn to a tea party in today's big girl world, where you might pair your dress with a leather jacket or your tights with some biker boots.

The Ornamentalist Dress

[Photo source: modcloth.com]

Crochet Lace-Front Tee

[Photo source: jcrew.com]

Hue 'Baroque' Lace Net Tights

[Photo source: nordstrom.com]

Applique Lace Headband

[Photo source: freepeople.com]

A Week of StyleMint: Day 5

2011-11-11T07:00:00.002-06:00

I wear a lot of scarves. (Sidenote: This is the part in the paragraph where I list links of all the posts shown with me wearing a scarf. But I'm not going to out of pure laziness. Sidenote to the sidenote: That should prove how many scarves I wear.) Recently, an intern at work told me she didn't recognize me walking down the hall because my neck wasn't covered up. I told her that I indeed felt chillier than normal that day.

One of my favorite things about StyleMint tees is that although they are trendy, they are completely versatile and all look great paired with a scarf. A bonus is that the scarf always acts as a bib when I eat.

What I'm Wearing
Sunset Tee in Black (StyleMint)
Skinny Jeans (Express)
Brown Ankle Boots (Old Navy)
Floral Print Silk Scarf (J.Crew)
Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)
Black, White, and Gold Bracelet (Forever XXI)
Pearl and Beaded Bracelet (Gift from a craft fair)
Campo Bag (J.Crew Outlet)

A Week of StyleMint: Day 4

2011-11-10T07:00:00.001-06:00

One of the most basic rules of fashion I follow is "When in doubt, add a black blazer." The only time this rule fails is when I'm at the beach. (Too hot.) Or when I'm in Antarctica. (Too confusing with all the penguins running around.)

The Fillmore tee is great to pair with a blazer, because it's actually quite oversized. And considering the supremely soft, micro modal fabric, I'm afraid it just looks like I'm trying to disguise pajamas for work clothes if I don't add a later or two.

What I'm Wearing

Fillmore Tee in White/Mushroom (StyleMint)

LC Lauren Conrad Boyfriend Blazer (Kohl's)

Wide Leg Editor Trousers (Express)

Blue Velveteen Platform Heels (Forever XXI, Plato's Closet)

Printed Ikat Scarf (J.Crew)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

A Week of StyleMint: Day 3

2011-11-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

One thing I've wondered since I started purchasing StyleMint tees is where they come up with the names of the shirts. This polka-dot number is called "Rush," so I like to think it's something I should wear as I rush around town while drinking lattes and being fabulous. Or maybe it's something I should wear while rushing for a sorority... The girls will be so enamoured by my beautiful top that they will forget I am too old to be standing so close to college freshmen. Either way, this is one of the softest shirts I own, so you should RUSH! to buy your own. (Oh, how I love a good pun.)

What I'm Wearing

Rush Tee in Ivory/Black (StyleMint)

Pink Twill Bell Skirt (J.Crew)

Black Tights (Forever XXI)

Brown Ankle Boots (Old Navy)

Brown Woven Wide Belt (Forever XXI)

Gold Chains Necklace (J.Crew)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

A Week of StyleMint: Day 2

2011-11-08T07:00:00.001-06:00

I bought the Magnolia tee from StyleMint in October without a moment's hesitation. I'll snatch up a dolman top quicker than you can ask, "What the heck is wrong with those sleeves?" If I had dressed up for Halloween this year, I thought about using this tee to recreate a Black Swan costume, seeing as it already looks like I have wings when I put my hands on my hips.

What I'm Wearing

Magnolia Tee in Black (StyleMint)

Silky Pleated Skirt (Luxe Apothetique)

Black Tights (Forever XXI)

Black Suede Loafers (Old Navy)

Pearl and Chain Necklace (J.Crew)

Black and Silver Knot Wide Headband (J.Crew)

A Week of StyleMint: Day 1

2011-11-07T07:00:00.002-06:00

It's been awhile since I wrote about StyleMint, my first online clothing purchase. Between then and now, I have faced my fear of online shopping and acquired five StyleMint tees. Even just after my third purchase, the idea started forming to wear and blog a week's worth StyleMint once I grew my collection.

Luckily for the Olsen twins, I just made my November purchase. I know they could use the extra money.

What I'm Wearing
Hudson Tee in Charcoal/Black (StyleMint)
Black Minnie Pants (J.Crew)
Tahari Tan Pumps (DSW)
Retro Floral Silk Scarf (J.Crew)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

Pearl and Beaded Bracelet (Gift from a craft fair)
Campo Bag (J.Crew Outlet)

Anyone else jumping on the StyleMint train? If so, what are your favorites?

Wish List: Spots and Dots

2011-10-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

I know she's a cartoon, but between the big hair bows, white gloves, and polka-dot frocks, Minnie Mouse might be the greatest fashion icon, other than my gals Audrey H. and Jackie O. I'm finding myself seeing spots -- literally -- all the time, so I pulled together some of my most coveted spotty and dotty pieces.

The polka-dot pleated dress is a great nod to the Mad Men obsession going on right now and is the perfect dress to wear to the two Texas weddings I have coming up this fall. And the calf hair belt would look great with black, brown, denim, and anything in between!

Overall, this is a reasonably priced wish list, with each item valued less than $55.

LC Lauren Conrad Polka-Dot Pleated Dress

[Photo source: kohls.com]

Queen of Hearts Blouse

[Photo source: spottedmoth.com]

Polka Dot Skirt

[Photo source: forever21.com]

Skinny Calf Hair Belt

[Photo source: jcrew.com]

Snow Leopard Vegan Women's Classics

[Photo source: toms.com]

Anyone else digging this trend lately?

Hot and Cold

2011-10-10T07:00:00.002-05:00

I spent the weekend in Gruene, Texas, at a bachelorette party for my wonderful friend, Jeanine, where I drank a lot of wine, ate my weight in Twizzlers candy, and laughed until I cried at Jeanine's hilarious stories. (Seriously, she needs to write a book ... anonymously ... Otherwise, she would be arrested shortly after publishing.)

Needless to say, I'm moving slow as I start this week off, so I am actually including photos of an outfit I wore a few days ago. The weather in Texas can't decide to be warm or cool. This week has brought breezes and cooler temperatures, but the lingering grey clouds trap in all the humidity. Likewise, I can't decide whether I'm hold or cold at the office. I go from drinking glasses of ice water to turning on the space heater at my desk.

The shoes are a great daisies and chains mix. The looseness of the black loafers is old-mannish, and the rose appliques scream "young girl." They're the Woody Allen of footwear.

What I'm Wearing

Black V-Neck Slub Tee (J.Crew)

LC Lauren Conrad Boyfriend Blazer (Kohl's)

Striped Khaki Crop Pants (Calvin Klein, collected at a clothes swap)

Black Suede Loafers (Old Navy)

Floral Print Fringe Scarf (Madewell)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

Happy Accidents

2011-10-07T07:00:00.003-05:00

Lately, I've been pairing bold stripes with other small patterns. Even just yesterday, I combined a striped blazer with a whimsical parachute print. Wearing this conservative navy- and ivory-striped top -- which feels a soft as pajamas, by the way -- with a floral scarf was a bit of an accident. I simply wore them at the same time because they both had blue in them.

The scarf is a gift from my parents from a cruise they went on this summer to Italy and Greece. Before they left, they asked if I wanted any souvenirs. I asked for an Italian man. They brought me back this scarf. They knew I would like it better anyway.

What I'm Wearing
Navy Striped Top (J.Crew)
Grey Wool Mini Skirt (J.Crew)
Floral Scarf (Gift, purchased from a market in Greece)
Tahari Tan Pumps (DSW)
Campo Bag (J.Crew Outlet)

Flying High

2011-10-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite silk tops from Anthropologie is from a brand called Fei. When I set out to write this post, I imagined how international I would appear explaining to you -- my 23 readers -- the French translation of "fei"... But it came up totally blank when I entered "fei" into the Babel Fish translator online... So, I attempted an Italian translation. Also blank. Then, I Googled "translation of fei" and discovered that "fei" could mean "flying high" in Chinese. And I'm tired. So, that's what I'm going with. One point for culture, zero points for Jenn.

Luckily, the top has a parachute print on it, so perhaps "flying high" is actually not just a Google coincidence.

What I'm Wearing
Fei Parachute Silk Top (Anthropologie)
Terry Striped Blazer (Forever XXI)
Flare Jeans (Gap)
LC Lauren Conrad Black Platform Pumps (Kohl's)

My Latest Acquisitions: The Fall Edition

2011-10-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

Halfway through the summer, I posted a few photos of my summer purchases and gifts and why I was excited to incorporate them into the season's outfits. And although the fall has only just started, I'm excited about my latest acquisitions.

[J.Crew Outlet Campo Bag, a birthday gift from my parents; Rush Polka-Dot Tee from Stylemint;

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch]

[Close-up of the Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch,

a birthday gift from my fabulous fella!]

[A birthday gift to myself: Tahari Tan Pumps from DSW,

purchased with $15 in gift rewards]

And just as I said in my summer post, I am really anxious to incorporate these seemingly unrelated pieces all together! What have you recently acquired for fall that you can't wait to wear?

Wine, Cheese, and Ikat... Oh My!

2011-10-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

This past weekend, I enjoyed a fabulous wine tasting party with my friends. We actually added an element of competition by covering all the labels of the seven different types of red wine at the party and giving everyone the chance to guess which wine was the merlot, pinot noir, zinfandel, and so on.

[Leanne, Jenna, and I pose during the tasting festivities.]

[A big thanks to the fella who organized the whole party. What a gent!]

One of my favorite parts came when the cake arrived, and -- drumroll, please -- it was painted with an ikat design! My friend, Laura-Kate of Sweet Stirrings, created a one-of-a-kind cake in honor of my birthday, and it was divine. Thanks to Laura-Kate and all of the wonderful friends who were there on Friday to celebrate. It was hard to say goodbye to the weekend!

So Long, Sweet Summer

2011-10-03T07:00:00.003-05:00

Hey gals, how did the weekend treat ya'? I wore my DIY jean shorts for possibly the last time on Saturday. I'm using equal parts wishful thinking and logic to assume that fall might have finally hit Austin. Plus, my legs are becoming offensively pale, so it's really just time to put the shorts away for good until March or April anyway.

Have you put away all your summer clothes yet? I'm trying to transition a lot of my knits into the fall. I know they're going to show up in dozens of my fall outfits, because I'm going for a gamine look into this season. What about you? How would you describe your fall wardrobe?

What I'm Wearing
"C'est La Vie" Tee (J.Crew)
LC Lauren Conrad Boyfriend Blazer (Kohl's)
DIY Denim Shorts (Gap)
Guess Tan Cork Wedges (DSW)
Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

The Sights of Seattle

2011-07-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

It's been several days since I got home from Seattle, but I finally have photos to share. While I didn't find a narwhal as I hoped, I walked a half marathon (I'm injured, so running is a no-no right now), went to a Mariners game, took a canoe trip, and spent time with the fella's family, among tons of other fun excursions.

[The fella and I pose with celebratory beers after he ran the full marathon and I walked the half.

Check out his crazy running antics here.]

[We got front row seats at the Mariners game!]

[We took a canoe trip out of the University of Washington.

I wore my life jacket and then stole the fella's to cover my legs.]

[His niece and nephew are A.Dor.A.Ble.]

[Just the gals.]

What I'm Wearing (throughout photos 2-5)
Green Anorak (J.Crew)
Grey 3/4-Length-Sleeve Tee (J.Crew)
White Lace Dobby Skirt (J.Crew)
Retro Floral Silk Scarf (J.Crew)

Reviewing these photos already makes me want to take another summer vacation. Are you headed anywhere fun this season?

The Blues Are Still Blue

2011-07-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

OK, confession: The Life Pursuit from Belle and Sebastian is one of my favorite guilty pleasure albums. And every time I wear this ensemble – which has already been a couple of times this summer – I think of "The Blues Are Still Blue," which is my favorite song on the album... Aside from "For the Price of a Cup of Tea." And "Funny Little Frog." And "We Are the Sleepyheads."

Oh, what can I say? I love those crazy Scots and their whimsical lyrics!

... I left my washing in the launderette.
You can put some money on it, you can place a little bet.
That when I see my washing
The black will be grey and the white will be grey,
But the blues are still blue...

[I totally copied the knotted cardigan from about a zillion other fashion bloggers.

Thanks, ladies!]

What I'm Wearing

Strapless Navy Dress (Gap)

Jackie Cardigan (J.Crew)

Guess Tan Cork Wedges (DSW)

Gold Merona Boyfriend Watch (Target)

My Latest Acquisitions

2011-07-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

Gals, summer is already halfway over, and I haven't even shared the fun items I've acquired since June! Some of them are summer-friendly only; and some can be easily incorporated into my fall – maybe even my winter – wardrobes. But the best thing about them is that I think they can all be mixed and matched with one another to create great outfits during the next few weeks for an all-around perfect summer style.

What items have you purchased or received this summer that are making you weak in the knees?

[Gilly Hicks floral skirt, a gift from my parents.

Pitaya polka dot blouse.

Luxe Apothetique gold bangles, purchased with a Groupon.]

[J.Crew linen tees, bought on super sale and with my employee discount.]

[J.Crew poet popover blouse in African violet.

Mossimo floral tank top from Target.]

In other related news, my StyleMint tee arrived in the mail over the weekend, so stay tuned later this week for an outfit post!

Christmas in July

2011-07-07T07:00:00.011-05:00

Remember when I admitted to never having ordered clothing online? Enter StyleMint...

Last Friday, the Olsen twins launched StyleMint, an online shop that sells T-shirts – and T-shirts only – all priced at $29.99. As someone who took care of her membership the week before (it's free, by the way), I was jumping in my chair come Friday morning to view the four styles released for the month of July.

[Photo source: stylemint.com]

The Low Down
Taken from the same concept as JewelMint – which hosts Kate Bosworth-approved jewelry pieces – StyleMint allows members (did I mention membership is free?) to browse and buy T-shirts for the first five days of each month. (From what I understand, you have five days to make that decision. Let me know if you believe otherwise. I don't want to make incorrect statements here.) If you decide to pass on purchasing, there's no monetary consequence. And it looks like the site offers four new styles a month.

[Photo source: stylemint.com]

My StyleMint Pick
I decided I would gift myself one style this month. Each T-shirt has a name, and I chose the Fillmore design. The Fillmore is an incredibly soft v-neck T-shirt with thin horizontal stripes. The white/mushroom version is made of 50 percent micro modal, which is a supersoft fabric made from beechwood. (Again, correct me if I'm wrong. I dug up as much information as I could while I shopped.)

[Photo source: stylemint.com]

I'm glad I finally made the plunge into online shopping and that my first experience was purchasing an Olsen brand. They are both style icons for me, to say the least. Just for fun, this is me dressed as Mary-Kate Olsen last Halloween. Holding the Starbucks cup and covering the face are deliberate moves.

[The only accessory I won't incorporate is the ciggie. Just say no, kids!]

Has anyone else ordered from StyleMint? If so, what did you choose?

False Promises...

2011-06-23T22:29:00.002-05:00

... is what this blog should be called. Once again, I overcommitted myself and didn't have the access to a camera (remember, I broke mine in February) that I thought I would.

I hope next week will be better. I'd like to finish the posts on 1) the pieces I've recently acquired for the summer and 2) my DIY T-shirt scarf, and add a recap of my weekend trip to Seattle (I leave tomorrow).

Wish me luck, lovely ladies! Thanks for continuing to read, despite my blog being a hot mess most of the time. I'm off to find a narwhal in Seattle.

Wish List: Ikat, You Kat

2011-06-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

I used to never understand why people got so giddy about ikat prints, but over time, I've developed quite a ~~fondness~~ obsession for them. The same thing happened with red wine and bleu cheese, so I think this means I'm finally becoming an adult.

I've gathered some of my most favorite ikat pieces from this season. Collectively, this is my most expensive wish list to date, but I will brag on the Forever 21 skirt, which is priced less than $20. And as soon as the J.Crew scarf goes on sale, it's all mine.

Idiria Ikat Dress

[Photo source: jcrew.com]

Weekend MaxMara Faiti Ikat Maxi Skirt

[Photo source: saksfifthavenue.com]

Pleated Ikat Skirt

[Photo source: forever21.com]

Printed Scarf

[Photo source: jcrew.com]

Ikat Stretch Beaded Belt

[Photo source: bananarepublic.com]

What are you willing to pay for your wish list items?

Form-Fitting Office Wear for $29

2011-06-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

I got so jazzed when I first posted my $20 outfit, that I have been trying to challenge myself throughout the summer to come up with other outfits that cost less than 30 dollars. (See my second one here.) I wore this ensemble to work at the beginning of the summer and found it to be an interesting spin on form-fitting office wear.

[I apologize for the dark shadows near my feet. And my oh-so-obvious wrinkled shirt.

And all the other shortcomings of this photo. ]

I originally purchased this shirt off the clearance rack at Old Navy to wear on my 23rd birthday. I'm no math whiz, but considering how long ago my 23rd birthday occurred and how cheap it was when I bought it, I'm going to guess that the price per wear on this gem is nearing the 12-cent mark.

The pants were an impulse purchase one night at J.Crew (I used my employee discount, but even if I hadn't, they would have only cost $15), which makes them the best impulse purchase of my life, because they aren't gum or a double cheeseburger.

The belt is a basic brown belt but has some woven detailing in the back. (It's my mullet belt – business in the front, party in the back.) The shoes are secondhand, which may be as unsanitary as not wearing shoes at all, but they frown on that at the office.

What I'm Wearing
Balloon-Sleeved White Blouse (Old Navy) – $8
Green City Fit Roll-Up Pants (J. Crew) – $7.50
Nude Heels (Unknown brand, Plato's Closet) – $8
Brown Woven Wide Belt (Forever XXI) – $4.80
Total – $ 28.30

Bread and Butter

2011-06-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

All work and no play makes me a dull blogger. As anticipated, summer has been quite a busy season for me at the office, but I'm finally back and ready to post, post, post! Unfortunately, I have not been feeling so inspired lately in the morning, and as a result, I have worn a simple uniform of jeans and a thin blouse on the regular. It's my bread and butter outfit, so to speak, as it's only one step above receiving some kind of public indecency violation in the neighborhood.

I really should plan my outfits the night before. How many of you do that?

[Most days have been void of any accessories, as well.]

What I'm Wearing
Blue Silk Cutout Top (Pitaya)
Wide Leg Editor Trousers (Express)
Green Leather Belt (J.Crew)
LC Lauren Conrad Black Platform Pumps (Kohl's)

Daisies and Chains du Jour
Tuesday: Another $20 Fashion post
Wednesday: My ikat wishlist
Thursday: My latest acquisitions
Friday: A DIY T-shirt scarf

Blog ya' later, gals!

The 122nd Most Important Day of My Life

2011-06-08T09:00:00.003-05:00

In September, I got a new job at the same company I've worked for since I graduated college. From that point, I've been preparing for an event – or rather a summer's worth of work and events – that all came into fruition in late May.

There are super-special events in any gal's life – such as the day you get kissed for the first time, or the day of your senior prom – and days that you have little control over but ones that forever change your life – such as when a sibling is born – that matter so much. Then you grow up and get a job, and your important days now involve things that happen at work.

I took a guess and figured that the day when all my efforts at work came into play was the 122nd most important day of my life ... approximately. Lucky for me, my office is extremely casual. So I wore a sundress.

[I love the lace detail around the neck area,

because it means I don't have to wear a necklace.]

What I'm Wearing
Orange Floral Sweetheart Dress (Forever XXI)
Jackie Cardigan in Cerise (J.Crew)
Guess Tan Cork Wedges (DSW)
Green Woven Belt (Forever XXI)
Gold Merona Boyfriend Watch (Target)

In other news, congratulations to LyddieGal of Chic on the Cheap, who won the Banana Republic tassel necklace giveaway!

LyddieGal, shoot me an e-mail at daisiesnchains@gmail.com to let me know where I can send your gift!

The Weird and Wonderful of Mad-Town

2011-06-03T17:30:00.003-05:00

A week ago, I mentioned I was taking a trip to Madison, WI (P.S. don't forget to enter that giveaway!), and I finally have some photos from the long weekend I spent there with the fella.

Oh, and fun fact: the locals refer to Madison as "Mad-Town," which made me feel kind of gangster when I said it and think of a bad block of property on a Monopoly board. (You know no one is ever psyched to buy Mediterranean Avenue.)

[The amazing squinting twins in front of the Capitol building.]

[The tortoise may have beaten the hare, but I'll never win a marathon

with my famous six-inch strides.]

[The fella (yellow hat) comes in strong as a 4:15 pacer!]

[Fella poses after the race at the start line. What a rebel!

And don't worry, kids. That's not beer he's drinking. It's apple juice.]

[Is it a polar bear? Is it Jenn? Hard to tell...]

What I'm Wearing (First Two Photos)

Denim Leggings (Express)

Striped Boatneck Shirt (J.Crew)

Green Anorak (J.Crew)

Floral Print Fringe Scarf (Madewell)

Black Xhiliration Flats (Target)

What I'm Wearing (Last Photo)

Wooden Polar Bear Cutout (Henry Vilas Zoo)

For pete's sake, enter to win a Banana Republic tassel necklace by 11:59 p.m. CST tonight! I'll announce the winner on Monday. Until then, have a great weekend, chickadees!

These Are My (Fashion) Confessions

2011-06-02T17:30:00.009-05:00

Usher started it, and I'll keep it going. We have all confessions, people! Here are my confessions ... fashion-related, that is.

[Confession: I take my own photos. I know, it's shocking news.]

1) Save for a jacket I bought for my fella (from columbia.com), I have never made an online purchase to buy clothes.

2) I once bought a Liz Lange shirt at Target before I realized it was maternity clothing.

3) Even after I realized the Liz Lange brand was a maternity line (see #2), I still went back to Target to buy the same shirt in a different color.

4) The striped boatneck shirt I included in my 30 for 30 challenge – and still wear at least a few times a month – has a HUGE hole in the armpit area ... on both sleeves.

5) I always wear my denim leggings to race expos. When surrounded by 95-lb professional marathoners, I'll do whatever it takes to appear as thin as possible. It's like I'm a magician!

6) I can't say "jeggings." It's just too weird a word. That's why I always refer to them as denim leggings (see #5).

7) I work at a J.Crew store in Austin. It's a simple part-time job, but now you may better understand how and why I wear their clothes so often.

8) I have never spent more than $75 on shoes. Shoes have very rarely sent my heart a-flutter the way a dress or skirt does. Plus, my feet and I have a love-hate relationship, where I hate them and they hate me, but we both love socks.

Writing all these out has given me a few ideas on blog posts to come later! In the meantime, what are your confessions?

Don't forget to enter the Banana Republic tassel necklace giveaway! There's still time!

Weekend Style for $29

2011-06-01T17:30:00.004-05:00

As much as I wanted to recap my weekend in Madison, WI, before I posted about anything else, the photos are being held hostage on the fella's camera – which he's still using for his blog (check it out here!) – so that summary will come later this week.

What I will say is that Madison was great, despite the weather being nearly as hot as Austin's. On days like that, I reach for easy, breezy (literally, ha!), thin cotton dresses and rompers. When I put this ensemble together, I once again realized the total outfit was worth less than $30. I hit the jackpot (figuratively, ha!). I'm here all night, folks!

[After the race, it was difficult to walk in anything but flats.]

What I'm Wearing

Black Floral Jumper (Forever XXI) – $7.80

Purple Patent Leather Skinny Belt (J.Crew) – $10
Mossimo Purple Suede Loafers (Target) – $9
Tortoise Shell Glasses (Forever XXI) – $2
Total – $28.80

In other news, don't forget to enter to win a tassel necklace from Banana Republic by Friday night!

My First Giveaway

2011-05-27T07:00:00.002-05:00

Hey chickadees, as I mentioned a couple of posts ago, I scouted out an amazing accessory for my first giveaway, and the day has finally arrived!

I've been a huge fan of tassel necklaces for quite some time, because I feel like it's the perfect mix of masculine and feminine styles. And I was THIS close to making my own version when I spotted a beautiful purple and silver one at Banana Republic last weekend. I was so jazzed about finding one at such an unbeatable price, I bought one for a lucky reader!

[The first outfit I put together incorporated the skirt

I challenged myself to wear 10 times this summer.]

[I'm usually a fan of gold jewelry,

but I couldn't resist the purple and silver combination.]

To enter to win my necklace, simply leave a comment and become a follower of Daisies and Chains (if you're not already)! The giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. CST on June 3, and I'll announce the winner on Monday, June 6.

What I'm Wearing
Chambray Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)
Silky Pleated Skirt (Luxe Apothetique)
Mossimo Purple Suede Loafers (Target)
Purple Patent Leather Skinny Belt (J.Crew)
Purple and Silver Tassel Necklace (Banana Republic)

In the meantime, I'm heading to Madison, WI, to run a half marathon. The fella is running the full marathon, and then we'll be spending the long weekend bumming around town. Anyone have any recommendations on stuff to do? We like eating breakfast for dinner.

Wardrobe Love: Clothes that Work Out

2011-05-19T17:30:00.002-05:00

I don't spend much time talking on this blog about working out or the amazing clothes that can come with it, but being a gal who spends quite a bit of time training (for half and full marathons), I was excited to answer this week's Wardrobe Love question:

DnC, I just bought this workout skirt and I'm not sure what to wear with it.
--Dawna

Hey Dawna, when I took a look at this fabulous skirt, I immediately thought of HKNB Heidi Klum for New Balance, which recently released its spring lookbook. After perusing the site for a few minutes, I came up with a look for you, at half the price of Heidi's!

[Photo source: amazon.com]

One aspect of HKNB that I really like is that a lot of the styles can take a gal from the gym to a coffee shop, yoga to the grocery store, tennis lessons to running errands around town.

After exercising -- which I totally recommend doing in the skirt (as long as you have some bloomers underneath) -- switch out your sweaty tee with a simple Hanes tank for men and throw a dolman tee in a fun spring shade, such as this one from Express, on top of that. Now, you're all set to run around town before you hit the showers!

[photo source: express.com]

Where to Buy
Hanes Tanks, Pack of Six (Target)
Price: $19.99

Dolman Tee (Express)
Price: $29.90

Gals, send some more Wardrobe Love questions my way!

The Big D

2011-05-16T17:30:00.003-05:00

It's been awhile since I've been to Dallas, and it's been even longer since I last posted about it (here)! One of my favorite gal pals resides in The Big D, so I took a little road trip up this weekend to play.

[Afsan's iPhone takes better photos than my actual camera.]

[I'm rocking some J.Crew attire, and Afsan is sporting a Zara top.]

Highlights of the Weekend

Drinking margaritas before five? Yes, please.
Picking up a fabulous accessory during an afternoon shopping trip to Banana Republic. I was so in love with it, I bought one to give to a lucky reader, so stay tuned for my first giveaway on Friday!
Seeing Something Borrowed. John Krasinski ... swoon! Ginnifer Goodwin ... bigger swoon! (Hey, Big Pun said it best: I'm not a player, I just crush a lot.)
Watching a Gilmore Girls marathon. And by "marathon," I mean "two episodes." And by "two episodes," I mean I fell asleep ten minutes into the second one.
Getting TO and FROM Dallas on one just one tank of gas, which equals more money for my shopping budget. Thank you, Honda.

What I'm Wearing
Grey 3/4-Length-Sleeve Tee (J.Crew)
White Lace Dobby Skirt (J.Crew)
Minnetonka for J.Crew Moccasins (J.Crew)
Green Leather Belt (J.Crew)
Floral Print Fringe Scarf (Madewell)
Gold and Silver Stackable Rings (Stella & Dot)

Wardrobe Love: The Skinny on Jeans

2011-05-13T20:06:00.001-05:00

OK, Blogger, that was weird, but let's move on. I feel like at some point along the way, I may fail you, too, so we'll just call it even.

Today's -- or rather, yesterday's -- Wardrobe Love question comes from one of my favorite (and super stylish!) gals at the office, Lacy, who also writes Hybrid Cars & Cottages.

Q: DnC, what's the deal with skinny jeans? Are they for everybody?
-- Lacy

A: Skinny jeans are tricky, and I certainly haven't mastered them. Some pairs are like the Bermuda Triangle of pants, where you don't know how or why your legs could appear that strange when they looked totally normal a minute ago (before you put the jeans on). Le sigh.

The short answer to your question, Lacy, is that I do think there is a pair out there for every gal who wants to give skinny jeans a try. However, finding that pair can be tricky, because there are a lot of factors to weigh and even more time to spend in the fitting room.

[Where did my knees go?]

The way I see it, there are two camps on skinny jeans: the Girl Scouts, and the Boy Scouts.

I kid, I kid.

Camp #1: Skinny Jeans Are Awesome
From my experience, even if you are a huge fan of the skinny jeans concept, you have to try on every single pair. First of all, I promise they will fit totally different on you than they look on the rack. Secondly, you need to figure out how tight you want them, how long you want them, and how roomy you want them to feel around your ankles. In my experience, getting into some pairs is like pulling on pantyhose that have been coated in cement.

And once you have finally found the blessed pair, I think it's OK to spend some money on them. There are certain items that I deem too trendy for me to spend more than $20, but I don't think skinny jeans are going to fade away anytime soon.

Camp #2: Skinny Jeans? Not So Much

There are other options, such denim leggings, wide-leg jeans, and denim trousers that are just as in style (and just as likely to remain in style for quite some time). So, don't despair if it takes you several months (or maybe a year or two) to find that great pair of skinny jeans. If you find the right one, you'll know they were worth the wait. And if you don't, you have a ton of stand-by options.

What I'm Wearing
Striped Boatneck Shirt (J.Crew)
Gray Slub Cardigan (J.Crew Outlet)

Skinny Jeans (Express)

Blue Velveteen Platform Heels (Forever XXI, Plato’s Closet)
Gold Chains Necklace (J.Crew)
Black and Gold Bracelet (Collected at a clothes swap)

Keep the Wardrobe Love questions coming, ladies! Post a comment or write me at daisiesnchains@gmail.com.

The Blessing and the Curse of Groupon

2011-05-11T17:30:00.003-05:00

I’m a big fan of Groupon, but, generally, I’m interested in the deals that give me the opportunity to dip pieces of bread and meat into pots of melted cheese for $20, or the ones that allow me purchase a dozen assorted cupcakes for a mere $10 and and even less judgment from the 16-year-old behind the counter.

Every once in awhile, however, I snatch one up that exposes me to a trendy clothing line or local boutique. In theory, I love the opportunity to scout a new skirt or dress that will ultimately cost half the price. But, when the time comes to actually redeem the Groupon, I am never as successful as I want to be.

Recently, I took a trip to Luxe Apothetique, a cute local women's clothing store and salon, to redeem a $50 Groupon, and left the store with nothing. The little shopper inside me totally lost her confidence, and it took me several days to return to the store, this time with more urgency as the Groupon was set to expire in just a couple weeks. I tried on a ton of stuff that I loved on the rack, but I never got that umph feeling that comes when I know something is amazing. With the impending deadline dancing in my head, and knowing that I wouldn't have very many chances to return to the store, I used my Groupon to buy a pleated skirt.

Don't get me wrong, I love the skirt. I have been looking for a pleated number for quite some time now, but I don't know if I would have paid the original dollar amount on this one without some additional hesitation. I also love Luxe, and I really love the service I get in the store. I don't always love the expiration dates on my Groupons, so I left that day asking myself, "If I had so much trouble using my Groupon, did I really save anything?"

Does this ever happen to anyone else?

To make sure I don't fall into the scary black hole that is Buyer's Remorse I have tasked myself with styling the skirt 10 different ways this summer. The photo below is Style #1.

[Do you like my bling ring?

It's one among many things that Kate Middleton and I have in common.]

What I’m Wearing

White Slouchy Pocket Tee (Express)

Bitten Black Vest (Steve & Barry’s)

Silky Pleated Skirt (Luxe Apothetique)

Blue Velveteen Platform Heels (Forever XXI, Plato’s Closet)

Pink Patent Leather Skinny Belt (J.Crew)

Faux Sapphire Ring (Michael’s)
Black and Silver Knot Wide Headband (J.Crew)

Being a Hoarder Pays Off

2011-05-10T17:30:00.002-05:00

When the maxi skirt trend came back in style, I saw this Elizabeth James Long Winter Skirt number, and four thoughts immediately came to mind:

1) I want to go to there.*

2) That's 10 times more than my budget.

3) I think I have a similar black one in my closet that I bought in the 90s.

4) I might need to go on Hoarders.

[My obsession with saving clothes has about a 50 percent success rate.]

Does this make me an owner of "vintage" pieces? And if it does, do the Wheat Thins in my pantry also count as "vintage"? They are almost the same age as the skirt.

What I'm Wearing
Green-and-White-Striped Shirt (Gift from stripedshirt.com, distributed to Texas Style Council Conference attendees)
Gray Slub Cardigan (J.Crew Outlet)
Black Maxi Skirt (Gap)
Guess Tan Cork Wedges (DSW)
Brown Woven Wide Belt (Forever XXI)
Gold Chains Necklace (J.Crew)
Tortoise Shell Glasses (Forever XXI)

*Tina Fey, I love you.

My $20 Outfit

2011-05-09T17:30:00.002-05:00

Several hours after I got dressed, I realized that I hadn’t paid more than $10 for anything I was wearing.

Best. Feeling. Ever.

[I think this dress was originally ignored by shoppers because of the lack of shape.

But a simple belt did the trick!]

I purchased my dress from the clearance rack at Target about two years ago. It was one of those items that had been marked down so many times, it had three or four price stickers on top of one another. I was worried that I would take it home to find a huge hole in the sleeve or an unraveled hem, but no such thing happened.

And last weekend, I took a couple gift cards to DSW to finally buy a pair of wedges I had my eye on for awhile. After everything was said and done, I only paid for the tax out of pocket. Combined with some accessories from Forever XXI and a bracelet I picked up at a clothes swap, this outfit cost a little less than $20 total.

[The tan color of the leather means I can easily wear these wedges with other black items.]

What I’m Wearing

Mossimo Black Back-Zipper Dress (Target) – $8

Guess Tan Cork Wedges (DSW) – $5 (Using gift cards)

Green Woven Belt (Forever XXI) – $3.80

Gold Glasses Necklace (Forever XXI) – $1.50

Black and Gold Bracelet (Collected at a clothes swap) – Free

Total – $18.30

Wardrobe Love: The Transitional Piece

2011-05-05T17:30:00.007-05:00

It's already been A WHOLE WEEK since the last time I posted, so it's already time for the next installment of Wardrobe Love. Here's the question this week:

Q: DnC, what's the one item from my fall wardrobe that I should continue to include in my spring outfits?
-- Anonymous

[I deliberately bought this shirt a size larger so it would look more like menswear.]

A: As a girl on a budget, I live for transitional pieces to maximize my wardrobe. One item I bought during the cold Austin winter (an oxymoron at its finest) was a chambray shirt.

Confession: I actually already owned a chambray shirt. However, the material was quite stiff, and the shirt itself was very tailored, which didn't leave a lot of options when it came to pairing it with certain pants and skirts. It looked awkward tucked into some bottoms, but seemed too long when I left it out. In short, it was a fashion conundrum. (We don't say "conundrum" enough, so I'm bringing this word back to life.)

So, I actually had no buyer's remorse whatsoever when I bought my second chambray shirt. This time, I knew what to avoid, and I chose a roomier option that was made from a softer cotton. It's this looser fit and lighter material that makes the shirt perfect to continue wearing through May and June. Now, I'm pairing this shirt with linen pants for days in the office and above-the-knee, A-line skirts during the weekend.

What I'm Wearing
Chambray Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)
Yellow Sateen Skirt (Forever XXI)
Black Belt (Forever XXI, taken from a dress-and-belt combo)
LC Lauren Conrad Black Platform Pumps (Kohl's)
Turquoise Paige Enamel Bangle (Stella and Dot)
Sunnies (Forever XXI)

Where to Buy
J.Crew
Price: $78.00

Next week, I'll address the mystery of skinny jeans, a question posed by one of my favorite bloggers (and coworkers!), Lacy, of Hybrid Cars & Cottages. But, I'll be posting more between now and then, so come back soon!

Wardrobe Love: It's in the Bag

2011-04-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the first of many Wardrobe Love challenges! Let's dive right in!

Q: DnC, I am looking for a purse that is both versatile and in style. Help!
--DL

A: DL, my girl, you have come to the right place. As someone who has been using the same purse for 365 of the last 365 days, I think I can help. The biggest piece of advice I can give anyone who wants to purchase something long-lasting is to be honest with themselves.

With that in mind, I would make sure you can answer three simple questions about the beautiful bag you will ultimately buy:

What colors do you wear the most?
You might be expecting me to say that if you wear black, you should buy a black bag. And while you certainly can do that, the only point I want to make is that you avoid colors that are in that close-but-not-close-enough family. For example, if you often wear black, I urge you to avoid a dark brown purse. If you often wear patterned clothing, I would stay away from a heavily patterned purse, and so on.

[Photo source: nordstrom.com]

How much do you typically carry in your purse?
If you're anything like me, you have made a new year's resolution every year for the last decade about minimizing the amount of silliness in your purse. And while there are days when there are no gum wrappers, no stray bobby pins, and only one stick of deodorant (with the cap on) inside my purse, I will probably still want to use a large bag -- no what what. I like to carry a planner (do you remember using those things before you got your iPhone?), a notebook for random thoughts, and my big wallet. (Believe me, it's not a wad of $100 bills that's making it heavy. I like to itemize my receipts.) So, be realistic about how much you like to tote around on a daily basis, and keep that in mind during the selection process.

[Photo source: jcrew.com]

How much am I willing to pay for something I want to wear often?
Just like the other questions here, the answer to this one is going to vary for everyone. No matter if your limit is $20 or $200, the biggest piece of advice I can give is to make sure you know how to clean your purse. If you end up with a leather bag, it's a good idea to invest in leather cleaner. If your bag is machine-washable, make sure you set the water at the right temperature. (Some purses can even be taken to the cleaners.)

[Photo source: michaelkors.com]

The "100-50-25" Where to Buy
Nine West
Price: Less than $100

Gap
Price: Less than $50

Forever 21
Price: Less than $25

That's all for now, gals. Keep your Wardrobe Love questions coming!

Wish List: Peaches 'n' Cream Pieces

2011-04-27T07:00:00.004-05:00

I must have fruit on the brain, because no more than a day after my citrus-themed post, I am already coveting a ton of stuff in the peaches-'n'-cream-hued family. For me, these colors are best paired with a black accent, but that's because I already have fair skin. I would throw on the cream top from Strut with a black pleated skirt in a heartbeat. And that's also why I really like the LuLu*s dress I included below -- the black collar would offset my pale face against the dress. I added a couple more items to my Wish List, so check them out! All items featured here are $60 or less.

The Grace of Lace Pocket Shirt

[Photo source: shopstrut.com]

Tenderhearted Peach Dress

[Photo source: lulus.com]

Nine West Saffia Wedge Sandals

[Photo source: dsw.com]

Essie Nail Polish in Tart Deco

[Photo source: essie.com]

Do you find yourself drawn to a particular shade this season? Post a comment!

Citrus for the Springtime

2011-04-26T07:00:00.009-05:00

Thanks to all the gals who commented, e-mailed, and posted via Facebook for the upcoming "Wardrobe Love" series, which will take place right here every Thursday! Why Thursday, you ask? Because it's my favorite day, that's why. Really -- that's the only reason.

Lemons, Limes, and Oranges, Oh My!
Also as promised, I'm here with some springtime sunshine via a citrus-filled palette. As I have said before, you can embrace new colors without wearing them from head-to-toe. I am a big fan of this strategy, because I think it helps maximize your wardrobe basics while you transition into new seasons.

To further illustrate this point, I took a very season-less outfit -- a white blouse under a black dress -- and made three springtime-appropriate ensembles using a few different accessories.

Enjoy, ladies!

Lemons

[These shoes are actually rubber, which means they are the best footwear choice

for the "April showers" days.]

[I love the huge bows.]

Limes

[This dress has an empire waist, but that doesn't stop me from adding a belt.]

[It's difficult to see in the first photo, but the belt is a perfect lime green color.]

Oranges

[It was done purely by accident, but this cropped cardigan looks great with the empire-waist dress.]

What I'm Wearing
White Silk Blouse (DKNY, collected at a clothes swap)
Black Sleeveless Empire-Waist Dress (Express, circa 1998)
Cropped Cardigan (Old Navy)
Gold Chains Necklace (J.Crew)
Black and Gold Bracelet (Unknown brand, collected at a clothes swap)
Green Leather Belt (J.Crew)
Yellow Rainy Day Flats (J.Crew)
Nude Heels (Unknown brand, Plato's Closet)

Where to Buy*
Yellow Flats (Target)
Price: $17.99

Lime Green Belt (ASOS)
Price: $14.34

Orange Cropped Cardigan (Old Navy)
Sale Price: $7.99

*My goal is to direct you to exactly what I'm wearing in the photos, but sometimes items are already out of stock or not available online. In those cases, I try to direct you to a similar, low-priced item that is available online.

Days 31 and 32: The Extras

2011-04-18T18:30:00.000-05:00

I'm D-O-N-E with the challenge, gals! Truth be told, I was done more than a month ago. But, posting about my progress proved to be nearly as challenging. Whoops!

I decided to take one of my favorite pieces -- my purple/white plaid oxford shirt (also seen on Day 5, Day 6, and Day 10) -- of the challenge and build some additional outfits to make up for the two days where I totally broke the rules. Both were pretty simple but definitely styles that I would wear (and did!) outside the challenge.

[The best thing about this skirt? ... Built-in belt, my friends.]

[Cooper wanted to celebrate the end of the challenge by "posing" for the last photo.

This is the pose Cooper uses most often around the apartment.]

What I'm Wearing

Day 31
Purple/White Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)
Nico Blossom Skirt (J.Crew)
Black and Gold Bracelet (Collected at a clothes swap)
Tan Saddle Shoes (Steve Madden)

Day 32
Purple/White Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)
LC Lauren Conrad Boyfriend Blazer (Kohl's)
White Lace Dobby Skirt (J.Crew)
Black Xhiliration Flats (Target)
Black and Gold Owl Ring (Forever XXI)

Send Me Your Challenges
As many hiccups as I had with the challenge -- dry cleaners trips, wacky weather, and more -- what I took away from the whole experience is that fashion challenges feel totally rewarding when you do step out of your comfort zone.

With that said, send me your fashion challenges, ladies! Whether you need ideas for dressing for a special occasion or want to incorporate more accessories into your everyday look, I want to help! Your queries will be part of a new weekly segment for Daisies and Chains called "Wardrobe Love." Shoot me a comment or e-mail me at daisiesnchains@gmail.com with your challenge(s). I can't wait!

In the meantime, stay tuned later this week for my spring time picks and other sunny-weather-style posts!

Days 29 and 30: Phoning It In

2011-04-11T09:30:00.000-05:00

Ladies, I am going to be honest. By the last week of my challenge, I was basically just going through the motions. Sure, I still liked my clothes, and I was still coming up with new ideas on how to wear them. But, the best ideas I came up with were more conducive to colder weather. And, by the end of February, most days were already pretty warm. In fact, it had been more than a week since I had worn my Steve Madden suede slouchy boots.

[Wearing a sweatshirt at the end of February was a bit of a stretch.]

[If this ensemble doesn't scream "Laundry Day," I don't know what does.]

What I'm Wearing

Day 29
Navy/White Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)
Sequined Sweatshirt (J.Crew)
Black Minnie Pants (J.Crew)
Grey Ballet Flats (J.Crew)
Black and Silver Knot Wide Headband (J.Crew)

Day 30
Green Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)
Xhiliration Tan Cardigan (Target)
Green City Fit Roll-Up Pants (J. Crew)
Tan Saddle Shoes (Steve Madden)

Stay tuned for the two extra outfits I put together for having missed Day 20 and Day 26. I promised 30 outfits, and my goodness, I am going to deliver.

Day 28: Urban Schoolgirl

2011-03-28T21:46:00.000-05:00

Sometimes when I put my clothes on in the morning, I like to imagine myself in the pages of Vogue magazine posing for an uber chic style spread. When I do this, I ask myself, "What would the photo shoot be called?" ... Does anyone else ever ask themseleves this question?

Today, that answer was "Urban Schoolgirl" or "What the high schoolers in 'Gossip Girl' get away with wearing to Constance Billard." (Go ahead, you can judge me for naming the school.) In other words, I was wearing all the elements of a traditional girl's school uniform, but none of the patterns went together. And I didn't wear a tie.*

[The debate I had with myself over whether or not

to wear a belt lasted longer than I'd like to admit.]

What I'm Wearing
Chambray Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

LC Lauren Conrad Boyfriend Blazer (Kohl's)

Grey Skirt with Feather Print (Forever XXI)

Gold Merona Boyfriend Watch (Target)

Black Xhiliration Flats (Target)

*I totally should have worn a tie.

Days 26 and 27: A Wicked Weekend

2011-03-27T19:13:00.000-05:00

I'm going to be totally honest, right off the bat. Remember the outfit from Day 25? I wore it again on Day 26. Yes, the next day. Yes, the exact same thing. Soooo, yes, I owe you an additional outfit post, just like I do from Day 20 when I only wore running clothes and pajamas. (I acknowledge that this was sort of my choice, but the alternative would have been running and then sleeping in a cardigan and jeans. Awkward.)

All this to say I only have one outfit to show you from an entire weekend. The Fella and I went to see "Wicked" in San Antonio, and I finally brought out the missing dress that took me 27 days to wear.

[We relied on a random passerby for this photo, so I didn't get picky.]

What I'm Wearing
Black and Ivory Printed Silky Dress (Express)
Black Belt (Taken from a dress-and-belt combo from Express)
Black Tights (Target)*
Mossimo Black Suede Heels (Target)*
Gold Glasses Necklace (Forever XXI)
Black and Gold Bracelet (Collected at a clothes swap)*
Black Sunglasses (Forever XXI)
*Not shown

When will I ever be on time with these posts? ... Yes, I'm actually asking you. Clearly I don't have the answer.

Days: 21-25: Five Outfits for the Post of One

2011-03-11T15:58:00.000-06:00

Hey gals, I'm doing a few things differently today. In the interest of saving time, space, and my sanity, I'm posting five outfits taken from my 30 for 30 challenge, all at once. Not only am I waaaay behind posting these things (I actually finished the challenge last week), I am getting ramped up for the Texas Style Council Conference, held here in Austin this weekend. I'm estatic to share more about what I will learn and how I can improve my blog in the future. And you can be sure I'll want to hear from you about it, too!

With that in mind, I was a big fan of Day 25 from this week. Which one is your favorite?

What I'm Wearing (Day 21)

Xhiliration Tan Cardigan (Target)

Black Sleeveless Empire Waist Dress (Express)

Black Tights (Target)

Black Suede Slouchy Boots (Steve Madden)

Gold Chains Necklace (J.Crew)

Black and Gold Owl Ring (Forever XXI)

What I'm Wearing (Day 22)

Chambray Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

Wide Leg Editor Trousers (Express)

Yellow Studded Belt (J.Crew)

Mossimo Black Suede Heels (Target)

What I'm Wearing (Day 23)

Striped Boatneck Shirt (J.Crew)

Marled Charcoal Blazer (J.Crew)

Black Minnie Pants (J.Crew)

Black Xhiliration Flats (Target)

Ivory and Green Wool Scarf (J.Crew)

Black and Gold Bracelet (Collected at a clothes swap)

What I'm Wearing (Day 24)

White Silk Blouse (DKNY, collected at a clothes swap)

Purple Bling-Button Cardigan (J.Crew)

Navy Corduroy Skirt (Old Navy)

Rose Applique Ribbon Belt (J.Crew)

Red Hair Ribbon (Taken from my craft box)

Black Xhiliration Flats (Target)

Tortoise Shell Glasses (Forever XXI)

What I'm Wearing (Day 25)

Black/White Plaid Silk Blouse (J.Crew)

Jackie Cardigan in Cerise (J. Crew)

Wide Leg Editor Trousers (Express)

Mossimo Black Suede Heels (Target)

Pink Patent Leather Belt (J.Crew)

Floral Print Fringe Scarf (Madewell)

Black and Silver Knot Wide Headband (J.Crew)

Days 19 and 20: One Outfit, One Marathon

2011-03-10T20:20:00.000-06:00

I only wore one of my challenge outfits this weekend, on Saturday.

No, I didn't get Coyote Ugly or anything on Sunday, and I'm also not saying I cheated and wore something else in my closet. I promise I have a really good excuse as to why Sunday was a fashion wash. ...

I ran the Austin Marathon.

And after I ran it, I changed out of my sweaty, sticky running attire, took a shower, and put on my pajamas. And I didn't get out of them until I peeled myself out of bed on Monday morning. Both days were great.

[Ballet flats are crucial the day before a 26.2-mile run.]

What I'm Wearing (Day 19 Only)
Black/White Plaid Silk Blouse (J.Crew)
Purple Bling-Button Cardigan (J.Crew)
Black Minnie Pants (J.Crew)
Black Xhiliration Flats (Target)
Yellow Leather Skinny Belt (J.Crew)

Day 18: Fashion Question Mark

2011-03-10T20:02:00.000-06:00

When I think about the ensemble I wore on Day 18, I am still not sure how I feel about it. It's a fashion question mark in my mind.

But, in loyalty to my Type A personality, I have laid out a list of "Likes" and "Dislikes" about it.

Likes

I took a risk. Two patterns are never easy to pull off in one outfit.
I wasn't afraid to accessorize.
The skirt. I just love this skirt. It's twirly and has velvety feathers printed on it.

Dislikes

The blues may have been in that limbo-ish place where they don't match, but they are still too similar to look good and instead look awkward.
I don't think my mom would like this outfit. And that's still a huge litmus test for me.
I had a few people laugh at me when I walked into meetings today at the office. They thought I was being ironic. I wasn't. Awkward.

What side are you on?

[Prints with prints ... Thoughts?]

What I'm Wearing
Navy/White Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

Grey Skirt with Feather Print (Forever XXI)

Houndstooth Print Brown Tights (J.Crew)

Tan Saddle Shoes (Steve Madden)
Yellow Studded Belt (J.Crew)
Gold Merona Boyfriend Watch (Target)

Day 17: Sweaters and Blue Jeans

2011-02-26T13:07:00.000-06:00

There’s something to be said for comfort. No matter how concerned I may (or may not) be about the number of accessories I have on – or, in this case, the number of ways I can wear certain clothes – I know there are some things that will never change:

I take a sweater with me most places I go.
I am faithful to each well-fitted pair of blue jeans I can find.
I may never wear anything longer than a 16-inch necklace.
Even though I should embrace high heels, I am obsessed with ballet flats.
Peter Pan collars may not be sexy, but I feel great when I’m wearing a blouse that has one.
Some belts still scare me.

[My suede heels, which you can barely see in this photo,

are one of only of three pairs of heels I own.]

[Cooper and I matched with our white and tan shades, so he decided to join for this photo.]

What I’m Wearing

White Silk Blouse (DKNY, collected at a clothes swap)

Xhiliration Tan Cardigan (Target)

Wide Leg Editor Trousers (Express)

Mossimo Black Suede Heels (Target)

Gold Owl Necklace (Forever XXI)

Floral Bunch Gold Ring (Forever XXI)

Day 16: Crossing Over

2011-02-26T10:17:00.000-06:00

At this point, I have crossed the halfway point of the challenge, and although I am looking forward to wearing some of my other clothes again, I still have a lot of ideas on how to build some outfits for the challenge. A few other epiphanies are listed below:

Lessons Learned

1) It’s not always a good idea to include five dry-clean-only items in a 30-day clothing challenge. On the bright side, I have spent so much money at the cleaners that I got a $5 coupon to use on my next visit. Jeeeeealous, much?

2) Nearly all of the seven skirts I included in my challenge are basically the same style: A-line and a few inches above the knee. Does this mean I have a signature look? It might. But at least I know what items I don’t need more of when it comes time to build a wardrobe for the upcoming seasons.

3) Holy H, did you just read that last sentence? … I know what items I don’t need more of … Do you realize what this means? I may have actually discovered the meaning of the challenge – to shop your closet instead of the stores. Woah, progress.

[I had to wait until the weather was warmer to wear my Minnie pants,

because I only really like wearing them with flats.]

What I’m Wearing

Chambray Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

Olive Green Sequined Blouse (J.Crew)

Black Minnie Pants (J.Crew)

Black Xhiliration Flats (Target)

Black and Gold Bracelet (Collected at a clothes swap)

Glitter Gold Headband (J.Crew)

Day 15: My Love Affair with Green

2011-02-24T22:47:00.000-06:00

I’ve mentioned a couple times now of my obsession with olive green during the fall. When the spring season arrived, that interest translated into a mellow, grass-colored shade of green. The plaid shirt I combined with a white embroidered skirt today was one of a few green pieces I acquired for the current season.

I’m not ready to shy away from olive green completely yet, so I still threw in my favorite belt. I think this is what other fashion bloggers call “transitioning your wardrobe.” I might call it “being stubborn.” Either way, I’m glad it means the belt stays.

How are you transitioning into spring?

[Another quintessential "Daisies and Chains" look: plaid and lace.]

[I like the bold contrast the belt provides against the white skirt.]

What I’m Wearing

Green Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

White Lace Dobby Skirt (J.Crew)

Olive Green Patent Leather Belt (J.Crew)

Tan Saddle Shoes (Steve Madden)

Gold Merona Boyfriend Watch (Target)

Day 14: Valentine's Day

2011-02-24T21:28:00.000-06:00

I know I’m late to the party here, being that Valentine’s Day was nine days ago, but I did not go to work naked that day, so I wanted to prove it. In the same vein, I vow to get my act together within the next few days so I can finally start posting in real time. And by “real time,” I mean less than 48 hours after I wear an outfit. No promises beyond that. Thanks for not judging. Hugs and kisses.

[I chose to wear orange-red, instead of regular red on Valentine's Day.

I'm such a rebel.]

What I’m Wearing

Striped Boatneck Shirt (J.Crew)

Jackie Cardigan in Cerise (J. Crew)

Green City Fit Roll-Up Pants (J. Crew)

Black Xhiliration Flats (Target)

Gold Glasses Necklace (Forever XXI)

Days 12 and 13: The Weekend of Little Imagination

2011-02-23T03:01:00.000-06:00

Last weekend, I was feeling particularly boring (i.e. not creative) and resorted to the one-two punch of wardrobing. That is, I made sure I 1) covered up my fanny and 2) covered up "the ladies."

And I didn't do much else.

Sometimes, I put on shoes. But only when my feet got cold.

[I'm thinking I'll turn this outfit into something more exciting later.

Stay tuned!]

[I'm a big fan of rolled-up sleeves,

but I went wild on Sunday and let them free.]

What I'm Wearing

Day 12

Jackie Cardigan in Cerise (J. Crew)

Grey Skirt with Feather Print (Forever XXI)

Tan Saddle Shoes (Steve Madden)

Day 13

Sequined Sweatshirt (J.Crew)

Green City Fit Roll-Up Pants (J. Crew)

Grey Ballet Flats (J.Crew)

Day 11: Black and Blue

2011-02-17T20:14:00.000-06:00

No, I'm not talking about the way my knees look after I take a spill during a run.

I first discovered the magic that is pairing black and blue shades together during the fall of 2007. I even remember the outfit: blue turtleneck, black duster (cheese and rice, do you remember those things!?), jeans, and black boots.

Fast forward three-and-a-half years, and I have made some adjustments to my style. Now, I like to throw in the sorbet-colored skirt and a floral belt. The epitome of the “Daisies and Chains” look.

[I wasn't sorry to stop wearing blazers all week.

It FINALLY warmed up outside after Day 11.]

What I’m Wearing

Navy/White Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

LC Lauren Conrad Boyfriend Blazer (Kohl's)

Pink Twill Bell Skirt (J.Crew)

Rose Applique Ribbon Belt (J.Crew)

Blue Patterned Tights (Target)

Black Suede Slouchy Boots (Steve Madden)

Day 10: An Oldie But a Goodie

2011-02-15T18:44:00.000-06:00

The cedar is kicking my fanny this week, so pardon the short posts. Sneezing and blowing my nose has been taking up most of my free time.

I really liked the black-tights-with-tan-shoes look from Day 8 so I did it again, just two days later. I paired them with a dress that I have owned for 10 years.

No exaggeration, kids.

Ten years.

And I received it as a hand me-down from the girl who used to babysit me when she was getting rid of a bunch of college clothes. So, this skirt is probably close to 15 years old. If Golden Girls taught us anything, it’s that age is irrelevant when it comes to style.

[This dress came from Express during the days

when it was attached to Structure at the mall.

Woah, throwback!]

[I actually love that this necklace looks tangled all the time.]

What I’m Wearing

Black Sleeveless Empire Waist Dress (Express)

Purple/White Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

Black Tights (Target)

Tan Saddle Shoes (Steve Madden)

Bead, Pearl, and Chain Necklace (J.Crew)

Day 9: Little Thrills

2011-02-14T18:43:00.000-06:00

I was feeling pretty uninspired when I picked out my clothes this morning. The only saving grace was realizing that I had my purple cardigan, which was of course part of the 30 pieces, back from the dry cleaners. I don’t know about you, but when I get clothes back from the dry cleaners, it gives me a little thrill, as if the piece was brand new. This feeling was amplified tenfold this morning, so I think this 30 for 30 challenge business is doing the trick when it comes to appreciating my closet and clothes.

[My pants look best when I walk. So this is me "walking" ... with a back problem, apparently.]

What I’m Wearing

Purple Bling-Button Cardigan (J.Crew)

Marled Charcoal Blazer (J.Crew)

Wide Leg Editor Trousers (Express)

Mossimo Black Suede Heels (Target)

Day 8: One Girl’s Trash … Is Part of My 30 Pieces

2011-02-14T18:38:00.000-06:00

I absolutely adore the white silk blouse I wore today, and even better than the adorable Peter Pan collar is that fact that it was free! I got it at a clothes swap we did at work one day last year. If you’ve never heard of a clothes swap, I’m here to tell you they are better than Christmas. Here’s the basic breakdown:

Step 1: Gather all the clothes, shoes, purses, and accessories you don’t want. Tell a few (or several) of your buddies to do the same. It doesn’t matter if no one is the same size, because there is a good chance that if someone is throwing a piece out, it’s because it doesn’t fit them – so it could fit someone else!

Step 2: Everyone meets at the office or someone's house with their unwanted goods and spreads them out – whether it’s on the floor, on top of tables, or hanging from the shower rod. You can divide the clothing into piles of tops, pants, skirts, and dresses (and then in size order if the groupings are still huge).

Step 3: Everyone goes nuts grabbing what they like. You can even set up a “dressing room” station so gals can try before they (don’t) buy.

Step 4: Donate the remaining clothes to a women’s shelter or to a Goodwill donation center. You’ll feel all warm and fuzzy inside while you’re wearing your warm and fuzzy new sweater you got from the swap.

[My hair closely resembles a lion's mane in this photo.]

What I’m Wearing

White Silk Blouse (DKNY, collected at a clothes swap)

Jackie Cardigan in Cerise (J. Crew)

Nico Blossom Skirt (J.Crew)

Black Tights (Target)

Tan Saddle Shoes (Steve Madden)

Day 7: Procrastination (Sometimes) Pays Off

2011-02-10T00:00:00.000-06:00

I was pleasantly surprised with the outfit I put together today, especially considering I selected the pieces within the three minutes I gave myself to dress. I know there are some 30 by 30 participants who plan all 30 outfits in advance, and I commend them! I wish I were that ahead of schedule. My new year’s resolution in 2011 was to be on time, so maybe my new year’s resolution in 2012 can be to move ahead of schedule. (I just got chills.)

[I feel like Audrey Hepburn in these pants.]

[This pink belt looks as yummy as candy.]

What I’m Wearing

Black/White Plaid Silk Blouse (J.Crew)

Xhiliration Tan Cardigan (Target)

Black Minnie Pants (J.Crew)

Black Xhiliration Flats (Target)

Pink Patent Leather Belt (J.Crew)

Black Wide Headband (J.Crew)

Have a great night, chickadees! I’m going to do some laundry in anticipation of the outfits I’ll wear this week. I’m so 2012.

P.S. Many apologies for the slight delay in posts. My lack of a camera set me back for a couple of days, but I'll get back on track by this weekend!

Day 6: Sweetness

2011-02-07T21:35:00.000-06:00

I headed home from girls’ weekend wearing a few items from Day 5 and made my way to a friends’ Super Bowl party. There, I met up with Laura-Kate, the best pastry chef this side of the Mississippi (and the best pastry chef on the other side of the Mississippi, for that matter.) Check out her blog, Sweet Stirrings.)

Not only is she amazing at baking, she is a suuuuh-weet friend. I told her that I broke my camera the night before in Dallas -- I think I may I have been overserved -- and she graciously let me use her iPhone camera. Then I asked her to jump in to make the photo better.

[We tried making the photo topical by including the Super Bowl in it.]

What I’m Wearing

Purple/White Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

Jackie Cardigan in Cerise (J. Crew)

Green City Fit Roll-Up Pants (J. Crew)

Grey Ballet Flats (J.Crew)

Gold Chains Necklace (J.Crew)

Day 5: Girls' Weekend

2011-02-05T19:16:00.000-06:00

One of the tips that Kendi gave for taking the 30 for 30 (via Kendi Everyday ) is to pretend you are packing for a 30-day trip. At first, I took this literally and opened a suitcase in which to actually pack all of my items, but Cooper took the opportunity to jump inside the suitcase for a long nap. Then I just felt bad about kicking him out, so I dropped it.

However, this weekend I actually took a trip for a girls’ weekend in Dallas, and I must say it was quite easy to pack! One pair of shoes, a cardigan, a pair of pants, and that’s about it. As they say at McDonald’s, “I’m lovin’ it.”

After we arrived in Dallas -- where there was still a decent amount of snow on the ground -- Marlena, Afsan, and I played fashion show in Afsan’s closet and had fun styling each other. Afsan and I agreed that we should have our own TV show, where she does the shopping and I try my hand at styling. Here’s how that conversation went:

Afsan: We can make the show dramatic by fighting with each other.

Jenn: Yeah. I can yell at you for buying stupid things that I can’t work with.

Afsan: And I can yell at you for not putting outfits together correctly and tell you that you should be able to put anything together.

Marlena: That sounds crazier than Jerry Springer.

After the TV idea faded, we held a faux photo shoot:

[It's 2011, and the iPhone still baffles me.

Also, Afsan looks like this all the time.]

[I am totally about to laugh.]

[I didn't get the memo to wear boots on this trip.]

[My $7 suede heels from Target are not great snow shoes.]

[Love the colors. Marlena looks like a rainbow.]

What I’m Wearing

Purple/White Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

Olive Green Sequined Blouse (J.Crew)

LC Lauren Conrad Boyfriend Blazer (Kohl's)

Wide Leg Editor Trousers (Express)

Mossimo Black Suede Heels (Target)

Gold Chains Necklace (J.Crew)

Stay warm, gals!

Day 4: Long Lost Love

2011-02-05T00:03:00.000-06:00

It’s Day 4, and a small part of my outfit was an olive green patent leather belt that I bought during my olive green obsession in early fall -- but it made a huge impact. (I am wearing no other olive green item as not to distract from the awesome belt.) Sometimes it’s fun to throw items into your outfit that remind you of other times when you were totally obsessed with a certain color, fabric, or pattern, because it reminds you of WHY you were so infatuated with that color, fabric, or pattern and also makes you wonder WHAT HAPPENED to ever make you stop your infatuation.

I like to think that you just get sidetracked with something else. I know that even though I have been wrapped up in tartan plaid, grey wool, and patterned tights since October, I still have an affinity for my olive green. Here’s to more olive green in my life.

[I love a good happy hour, full of Mexican martinis, comfy couches,

and plenty of non-judgemental staff members who don't mind a photo opportunity.]

What I’m Wearing

Navy/White Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

Xhiliration Tan Cardigan (Target)

Orange A-Line Skirt (J.Crew)

Houndstooth Print Brown Tights (J.Crew)

Tan Saddle Shoes (Steve Madden)

Olive Green Patent Leather Belt (J.Crew)

Happy weekend, chickadees!