Black Polka Dot Maternity Dress Remix

Here's what I wore for dinner on my half birthday.  The subtle dots on this dress were just begging to be paired with the more obvious polka dots on the cardigan.  And then of course, I had to add some color.  

This dress has been another one of my favorite maternity items.  It's not exactly rocket science, but here are 7 ways I've worn it throughout pregnancy.  

1/2/3/4/5/6/7

I'm sure I could wear it many different ways - at the very least with more different colors of cardigans!  Or maybe even some non-black shoes!  So here's some free advice for anyone (pregnant or not):  a basic black dress is going to be very versatile!  I know, I'm pretty brilliant.

Cardigan: Old Navy
Dress: Old Navy Maternity (top 10 remix item)
Shoes: Target

PMT - Wear Something Neglected for 6 months

This week's challenge is to wear something that has been neglected for 6 months.  I went looking through my archives and was shocked at the things I would say I really love, but haven't worn in a long time.  Like this cardigan.  Is it even possible that I haven't worn it in over a year??  I mean, I might have worn it and not blogged it, but even so, it's crazy to have gone a whole year without wearing this in a blog outfit.  I love this cardigan!  So here it is being reintroduced to the world, and hopefully will get more action in the future.

This is also a copycat outfit, because that just makes life easier.  I stole the idea from Caroline over at Tasteful Style, because she just looked so great in maroon and polka dots!  And I added the scarf for a little extra warmth, and coverage.  I wish my dress had a higher neckline like hers!

Cardigan: Old Navy
Scarf: Loft
Dress: Loft outlet
Tights: H&M
Boots: Madden

Tights Season

Well, I had big dreams of avoiding tights until December, but I gave up without too much of a fight.  We had a cold spell last week and I didn't want to wear jeans every day, so I had to rummage through my tights to find a decent pair.  Apparently, I need to get restocked.  (get it? tight are stockings!)

Anyway, happy Monday and happy short work week!  My weekend was pretty good.  I went to see Elf the Musical on Friday evening with my MIL and SIL, which definitely got me in the mood for Christmas.

On Saturday, I went to see Catching Fire, which was fabulous.  Not so fabulous: the women sitting behind me.  They were the worst kind of movie-talkers.  (Warning, there's no real spoilers in these quotes, but you may want to avoid them if you don't already know what happens in the books.)  (And for the record, Gale and Peeta don't look at all alike, except for the fact that they are both white 20-something males.)  "Is that Peeta?"  "NO, it's Gale!"  "Wait, I thought he was dead?"  "No, why would you think that?"  "So, Peeta is dead?"  "No, I don't think so.  Maybe...  I'm not sure!"  UGH - STOP TALKING!

This is the last week of Take One, Pass It On.  My polka dot cardigan is making an appearance from Friday's post.  Make sure you check out Sarah and the other bloggers who are participating.

Cardigan: Old Navy
Chambray & Skirt: J.Crew factory
Shoes: Seychelles

All Mixed Up

 

I'm not sure what's going on, but I've been completely confused all week about what day it is.  I think it is partly because I had extra plans after work on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  Then Thursday and today, my department is doing off-site training, so I'm working, but it's not at the office, and it's completely different than my normal day (like, I have to wake up at a normal person time, instead of sleeping in late!)  I was thinking it would be better next week, but apparently Thanksgiving is happening.  Where did November go exactly?  I have no idea.

The Take One, Pass it On challenge is almost over - just one more week!  Then I can get back to participating in link ups on the appropriate days.  I missed Pinned It & Did It yesterday, so I'm making up for it with today's outfit.  Tamara from Ordinary Fashionista is one of my favorites, and I love this outfit of hers from way back in May.  Stripes + Dots + a dash of pink?  Sign me up!  (Plus, she's kind of an amazing seamstress.)

Happy Friday!

Skirt, Cardigan, Belt: Old Navy
Tee: Gap
Necklace: InPink
Shoes: Target

The End of Shorts Season

Since tomorrow is Third Thursday Threads time, I'm thinking ahead and doing my Pinned it and Did it post on Wednesday.  This type of pre-planning is really impressive for me, because one of my top skills is procrastinating.  Seriously, if someone would pay me to NOT do the things I'm supposed to do, that would be great.

My inspiration comes from a Loft catalog.  When I saw it, I had none of the pieces, but I just loved the look.  Fast forward to the end of summer and I have a chambray popover and some white shorts.  I still haven't found the perfect black/white striped cardigan, but polka dots are a good replacement.

I suspect this may be my last shorts outfit of the year, but maybe summer will hold on a bit longer.  I love layers, scarves, and boots as much as the next OOTD blogger, but I don't love the icy/snowy/frigid temps that generally come with the fashions!    

Cardigan: Old Navy
Top and Shorts: J.Crew factory
Shoes: Target

One Piece Many Ways - Polka Dot Cardigan

Happy Tuesday!  I hope you all had a wonderful long weekend.  I really think every weekend should be 3 days (or 4, or maybe 7).  Anyway, Audrey is hosting another One Piece Many Ways Linkup, and I love any excuse to put together a remix, so here we go!

After months of neglect, I recently found my polka dot cardigan at the bottom of my sweater drawer.  I love this cardigan!  It just adds a bit of whimsy to any outfit.  I bought it about a year ago, and actually paid full price ($20), which I very rarely do, because I knew it would be a frequently worn item.  I was right!  So here is One Piece TWELVE ways!

1/2/3/4

5/6/7/8

9/10/11/12

I also wore it here, but didn't take any proper outfit photos.  I also know a few of my favorite bloggers have the same cardigan, so there are even more ways to wear it!  Any suggestions on how I should wear it this fall?

I'm also linking up on Friday with AJ's Friday Remix!

Top: J.Crew Factory
Cardigan: Old Navy
Shorts: Gap
Sandals: Carlos Santana

Pinned It & Did It - Dots and Florals

When I pinned the J.crew version of a floral dress with a polka dot cardigan, I didn't have a floral dress. Then I found this beauty at Dillard's. Then I was perusing Pinterest one morning when I didn't know what to wear, and saw my inspiration. Brilliant.  

Go check out the other Pinterest inspired looks over at Style Journey.  I'm also linking up with Agi for Tres-Chic.    

Dress: Gibson& Latimer
Cardigan: Old Navy
Belt: Limited
Necklace: Charming Charlie
Shoes: Born

Brick Wall

 

Take One, Pass It On Item:  polka dot cardigan from last Monday

**In a less blatant form of copycatting, this outfit is inspired by Kate, again.  I'm still not convinced that a tucked in shirt is the right look for me, but I'm trying to give it a fair shake.

I'm also linking up with Bri for Third Thursday Threads!  The theme this month is polka dots, so it sort of worked out perfectly that I was passing along this cardigan.   

In other news... Look!  A brick wall as a background!  I sort of feel like a legit fashion blogger now.  Lunch dates with quick photo sessions may be the answer to my outfit photo problems.  I have been trying to take pictures in the morning, but I usually have wet hair and sleepy eyes.  And, let's be honest - I get to work late enough without adding 10 minutes for self-timer pictures.  After work, it's dark outside and my outfit is wrinkled from sitting all day.  At lunch, my clothes are only wrinkled by a half-day's worth of sitting, my hair is dry, and my eyes aren't sleepy (which would be relevant if I wasn't wearing sunglasses).  Plus lunch dates are awesome!  

Cardigan and Skirt: Old Navy
Shirt: NY&Co
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Shoes: Seychelles
Purse: Target

Weekend Recap

 

Take One, Pass It On Item:  bubble necklace from last Monday's post.
**Today, I am copycatting Kate's look from early December.  It's kind of exciting when I have the exact same item as another blogger, because it's very easy to get inspired.  Don't be surprised when I pass along this cardigan and copycat her again next week.

***I also need to get a better plan for taking photos at work, or figure out how to avoid taking photos at work.  These are not great!

Well, it's Monday again.  I swear, it's like it happens every week.  I had a pretty good weekend.  John and I finished painting our hallway bathroom (updates on that later).  I met a friend for lunch, and then we had some other friends come over for dinner and an epic game of Catan.  On Sunday, we had church and then met up with John's parents for lunch.  I also got caught up on some basic household tasks, like laundry and dishes!

I'd say it was a pretty successful weekend.  Did you do anything fun?

Cardigan: Old Navy
Necklace: Charming Charlie
Top and Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Born

Resolute

I didn't get the black shirt/blue jean memo

Happy New Year!  I'll be like everyone else and say I CANNOT BELIEVE IT'S 2013!  I mean, seriously, how did this happen?  We had our traditional college friends NYE party.  I think it's pretty awesome that we get together every year.  It kind of blows my mind that I've known these people for almost 10 years!  Anyway, we had a lot of fun, and I stayed up way past my bedtime!    

After my lame attempt at goals in 2012, I need to figure out a better way to set and achieve goals in 2013.  I am keeping some of the same goals, but changing them a little bit, to be more specific and measurable.  I'm also going to do monthly check-ins.  When I did my quarterly check-in posts, I usually got back on track for a few weeks.  I'm hoping more frequent accountability will make me more successful!

So, on a monthly basis, I want to:

1. Do a project, mostly sewing - my craftiness got some practice in 2012, and I want to focus on sewing more in 2013.  I'd like to tackle at least 1 sewing project each month.  Ideally, some of these projects would involve refashioning items from Goodwill, like Marisa.  Plus, I really need to finish my t-shirt quilt that I started a few years ago.  
2. Work out - Since I am SO not motivated, I think I am going to bribe myself with rewards each month. So, if I meet my goal, I get to schedule a massage that month.  In January, I'm going to workout at least 3 days a week.  I have a new Jillian Michaels DVD, so it's just a 20 minute commitment and a pretty decent workout.  Each month, I will have a new goal to work on.  
3. Tackle a project around the house - I need to make a list of things that need to get done.  I really want to organize and get rid of things we don't need anymore.  I figure if I can manage one each month, that would be pretty good progress!
4. Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week.  I'm so bad at making dinner, and when I try to get motivated, I set unrealistic expectations, and then I fail and then I give up until I get motivated again.  So, instead of 7 days a week, I will try 3 days a week, and then fill in the other days with the "easy" options.  
5. Stick to a clothing budget - I don't think I am too bad, but I just don't keep good track of how much I am spending on clothes each month.  I need to start paying attention!  

My last goal is just for the year:

      6. Read 50 books.  I think this will be an ongoing goal.  I love to read, but without a goal, I tend to get           distracted with other things like TV, or perusing Pinterest.  Reading is a better use of my time!

I'm linking up with Sarah and Andrea today!  Go check out all the other resolutionizers!  I don't have 13 resolutions, but the rules state it is still legal.  

Tiny Heart Knock-Off

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so I'm sure Sharon won't mind that I am totally stealing her outfit.  Even thought I am about a foot taller than her, we can both rock stripes and polka dots, right?

I wore this to work, and on the drive in, I noticed a tiny hole in my tights.  If I had been at home, I would have immediately dabbed some nail polish on it to prevent a run.  When I got to work, I emailed all the women in my office, but none of them keep nail polish at their desk.   Miraculously, I made it through the day without getting a huge run!  I count that as a big win!  Less happily, these are probably my favorite black tights and I have no idea when or where I bought them.  Any suggestions for where I can find some replacements?

Dress: Old Navy
Cardigan: Old Navy
Belt: Limited
Necklace: InPink
Boots: BareTraps via DSW 

Trifecta Tuesday - Colorful Scarf

This is the only legitimate outfit I wore during the week in Indy.  This was my outfit for church.  I thought my nieces would like it, because it is kind of crazy, but D said it was a little boyish.  I don't know any boys who wear pencil skirts and polka dot cardigans, but maybe I am just out of the loop.  M was excited, because she was wearing polka dots, too.  I took advantage of my parents' backyard and took pictures in several different locations!

Scarf and Tee: Gap
Cardigan: Old Navy
Skirt: Target
Boots: Wanted via Piperlime

In honor of Trifecta Tuesday, here are 2 other ways I have worn this scarf:

Nerd Alert

It's time you all know the truth - I'm kind of a nerd.

Evidence that proves my guilt:

• I really enjoy reading books like this.
• My favorite board game is probably Scrabble, but I've learned not to play with friends, as they get really mad when I play words like "Qat" and "aitch". 
• I lived in the nerdery Honor's Dorm in college, so most of my friends are nerds, too. 
• One of my favorite teachers in high school always told us that we should marry "cute nerds."  I think I succeeded!  

The inspiration for this confession came from the recent discovery of the Merriam-Webster "Ask the Editor" video series.  I think these are so interesting!  You can learn all about "literally" and  dangling prepositions!  

You're welcome.  

Cardigan: Old Navy
Scarf: H&M
Shirt and Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Target

Double the Polka

Something about polka dots just makes me want to wear more polka dots!  (Exhibit A)  I'll very likely wear these shoes with my polka dot skirt and this sweater at some point.  Maybe with my green tights, like this?

I hope you are all having a lovely weekend!

Cardigan and Belt: Old Navy
Shirt: Gap
Skirt: Limited
Necklace: inPink
Shoes: Madden Girl

EBEW - Back to School Polka Dots

EBEW's September theme is "Back to School," so I figured I would do a little throwback inspiration from an old "first day of school" picture of myself.  I went to private school from 2nd grade through high school, so most of my first day of school outfit decisions were whether to wear a khaki or plaid skirt.  I had to go all the way back to Kindergarten to find a good one!

posing in front of a brick wall like a real fashion blogger!

I guess 6-year-old Andi knew I would want an excuse to wear my polka dot cardigan again. Of course, I had to wear double polka dots to channel my inspiration photo!  

Cardigan: Old Navy
Shirt: Gap
Belt: Limited
Skirt: Express
Shoes: Jellypop