a little sunshine and books

 Collective Concepts top, hand-me-down from cousin

cardigan, Gap Outlet

trouser jeans, Macy's

earrings, gift from sis

     The day before I wore this outfit, it was gray and gloomy all day. With that in mind, I picked an outfit in sunny hues for the next day. Turns out, the next day was bright and lovely! But who doesn't mind a little extra sunshine?

    I don't wear this top much, but every time I do, I appreciate anew the little patterns in the stripes.

    I just read a great children's book called "Crunch" by Leslie Connor. The author posits a world very much like ours, except there is a nationwide fuel shortage. This strands the main character's parents far away, and he and his siblings - ages 6 to 18 - must stick together until their parents return. I think it would be a great book to spark conversation about the future of our planet. It's also just plain fun to read - lots of very warm family relationships and a mystery to solve, as well.

Try-it-out (Wednesday): texture + sparkle

     I wore this on Thursday and felt pretty and put-together all day. :)  The funny thing is, I just threw this together without the pondering and thought that's gone into other outfits. Does this mean I'm improving at this getting-dressed business, or just got lucky?

Collective Concepts top, previously loved by stylish cousin K

Banana Republic cardigan, previously loved by mom

petite pencil skirt, Calvin Klein outlet store

necklace, Forever 21

Jeffrey Campbell Tab-2 shoes, Nordstrom Rack

    Either way, cozy cardigan + top with pretty colors and a dainty floral pattern woven into the fabric + sparkly necklace = happy.

     While the photos show this outfit with a pencil skirt and heels, I actually wore this with jeans.  I didn't get to take photos the day I wore this outfit, so for the photos I thought I'd see how it looks with a pencil skirt and shoes.
    I think I prefer wearing this top untucked and with pants, because tucking makes it poof out and makes the cardigan poof out, too. Although I did experiment with a different, leaner tuck which I have dubbed the origami tuck because it results in some interesting pleats.

Origami tuck = less poof

        I don't play with texture enough when I get dressed (although every time I do, I love the results), so that's what qualifies this for Try-it-out Wednesday. Also, I have to confess to being excited about how easily this outfit came together and how much it feels like "me" -- it's visually interesting without being over the top, it features a print and pretty little details, and a pencil skirt. And I'm even wearing shoes in these photos! (Major bonus points.) :)
    Happy Wednesday!