hail to March and a few iPhone outfit photos

 Top: Bobeau cardigan, Nordstrom Rack; top and necklace, Forever 21

Middle: Old Navy floral top, Savers; Banana Republic gray cardigan, from Mom;

 lucite necklace, eBay

Bottom: Pleione lobster print tee and Carole agate necklace, Nordstrom Rack clearance; 

Gap Factory yellow cardigan

      
       I guess you're getting old when you find yourself commenting often, "Wow, I can't believe it's already 2014/February/March/almost April!"  But here we go ... I can't believe it's almost April.
      But before we welcome April, let's talk about March, which is a big month for my husband and I! The 18th is what I call our "meet-a-versary" -- the anniversary of our first date. The funny thing is, we went to this Thai restaurant for dinner, and we haven't been able to eat there since! Whenever we're in the area and pop in, it's inevitably closed. If I was a bigger romantic, I'd imagine that it was open just for that one special night ...
     March 30th makes one year since we got married, too. Sometimes I'm surprised that it's already been a year, and other times I'm surprised that it's only been a year. (Does that make sense ...?)
      Outfit talk: I think the middle outfit is my favorite, because before I might have shied away from pairing the necklace with a ruffled top. I really like how the necklace picks up the different hues in the top. In regards to the bottom outfit, I'm not usually drawn to nautical  themes - I have no interest in anchor-emblazoned anything - but I found the lobsters strangely whimsical. I'm already looking forward to pairing this top with my navy polka-dot skirt! 

fast fashion and essentials

 

top, cardigan, necklace, Forever 21

same ol' jeans, Ross

turquoise and wood bead bracelet, InPink

     Fran of Franish recently wrote a thought-provoking post on "investment" purchases and the struggle to wisely allocate shopping funds. The comments were just as fascinating as the post, as everyone seemed to have a different viewpoint and strategies.

     I was thinking about this issue last weekend, when I picked out a silk tee for my sis. At 35, I'm starting to realize that I'd like a better-quality wardrobe. Better quality doesn't mean prohibitively expensive, but it does mean clothing that meet the following criteria: 1) made out of practical fabrics (breathable, washable);  2) flattering in fit; and 3) mixes well with other items. 

    At the same time, I don't feel quite ready to upgrade my wardrobe. I'm still figuring out my style, and it's hit or miss which purchases will go on to be closet essentials and which ones are cute, but should stay in the store. For example, this cardigan and necklace have proven more versatile than I imagined, and when they wear out I'm willing to spend a little more for higher-quality replacements.

      

       Buying these items at Forever 21 meant that I got to experiment with different styles and see how I liked them for a reasonable price. I'd like to shift the focus to thrifting, but for now Old Navy and Forever 21 are still places I like to browse from time to time. 

      Happy Friday and weekend, all! I'll be getting my wedding makeup trial done on Saturday, and I'll make sure to take a few photos to share. :)
     What are some of your unexpected closet essentials? And how do you find a balance between buying trendy, inexpensive items and items that will be staples for years?

iffy

      Just sign me up for Layering Lovers Anonymous ...

 Sugarlips top, Ross, old

ruffle cami, Forever 21

     beach INC linen shorts, Macy's

     

     A few days ago, I really liked how Gracey layered to make a crop top work for her as well as accomplish some fun texture/pattern mixing, and I think that's where my inspiration came from. Thanks, Gracey! :)

     I tried this with shorts at first, but the proportions looked iffy so I swapped them out for cropped jeans. This didn't really photograph well, but I kind of liked it in person. But looking at the photos makes me wonder whether this makes me look even shorter since it cuts me into thirds?

DKNY Jeans petite Soho jeans, Macy's

ruffles and pleats (again)

  The best way to figure out how to wear something out of my comfort zone? Wear it with everything, and through trial and error find a combination that feels comfortable and looks good. On Tuesday I paired my pleated midi skirt with a ruffled and patterned top. It's hot enough here to break out the shorts, but this is a more fashionable alternative to the tee-and-shorts look I've succumbed to in the past. 

Spying on the neighbors? :)

Lush pleated midi skirt, Nordstrom Rack clearance

blue Bandini, Ross

top, Forever 21

belt, Ross

Indigo by Clarks "Plover" sandal

     The verdict? I still think I like this skirt best when paired with a graphic tee. However, it was kind of fun to see how it looks paired up with a girly top. Next up: breaking away from the navy blue and pairing this skirt up with other colors ...