outfit post: black wool dress, black ankle boots, plaid scarf

Inspiration - Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark

Day 5 of Princess Week! I'm going to try to recreate Princess Mary's fantastic professional & casual outfits for the next seven days. So fun! (See all PW posts here.)

 Soft stretchy dress and pretending wearing a scarf as a shawl is fashionable? Yes please.

Big news around our household! The mini human - who has been cruising around along furniture, walls and rolling walkers for weeks now - took her first unassisted steps yesterday! So cute.

Dress: Black sleeveless sweater dress - Ann Taylor shop same, (grey, black & green) similar, similar, similar  Shoes: Black ankle boots - Aldo similar, similar, similar, similar Accessories: Gold Christina link bracelet - Stella & Dot shop same, similar, similar  Scarf - Target similar, similar, similar, similar

Little munchkin is getting so big!

outfit post: purple cardigan, floral shell, navy pencil skirt, nude wedges

Inspiration - Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark

Day 4 of Princess Week! I'm going to try to recreate Princess Mary's fantastic professional & casual outfits for the next seven days. So fun! (See all PW posts here.)

My little sister came home early for Thanksgiving last Thursday and has been staying with us. It's been so much fun to have sister time and see her play with Skylar. One more day of work and then 4 day weekend! Yay!

Three previous outfits with floral camisole.

Top: Purple cardigan - Banana Republic similar, similar, similar, similar Floral camisole - Banana Outlet similar, similar, similar, similar Bottom: Navy pencil skirt - J.Crew Factory shop same, similar, similar, similar Shoes: Nude wedges - Nordstrom Via Spiga 'Farley' similar, similar, similar Accessories: Silver link bracelet smartwatch - Apple shop same Silver belt - Target similar, similar, similar

outfit post: black blazer, purple floral pencil skirt, black pumps

Inspiration - Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark

Day 3 of Princess Week! I'm going to try to recreate Princess Mary's fantastic professional & casual outfits for the next seven days. So fun! (See all PW posts here.)

It was quite the squeeze to get this jacket buttoned. I am still two sizes bigger in my chest from nursing/extra weight which made the jacket feel like a corset once it was buttoned up. But I actually liked wearing this look once I opened the jacket, removed the belt and could reasonably breathe again.

I also really liked wearing a non-matched suit jacket and pencil skirt.  I've worn this skirt a ton of times to work (love the fall colors in the print) but it's always been with sweaters or cardigans.

• Purple floral pencil skirt - 9 outfits

Top: Black suit jacket - Ann Taylor similar, similar, similar, similar Black tank - Old Navy similar, similar Bottom: Purple floral pencil skirt - Loft  similar, similar, similar, similar, similar Shoes: Black pumps - Nine West similar, similar, similar, similar Accessories: Black belt - Target  similar, similar, similar, similar Gold link watch - Michael Kors  shop same, very similar ($50), similar, similar

outfit post: grey sweater, black ankle pants, floral scarf, grey pointed toe pumps

Inspiration - Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark

Day 2 of Princess Week! I'm going to try to recreate Princess Mary's fantastic professional & casual outfits for the next seven days. So fun! (See all PW posts here.)

I love this casual Friday outfit. It's all basics - neutral sweater, neutral shoes and black pants - plus one fun pop of color in the scarf. The magic of accessories is they take boring and bland and change it to fun and chic.

Top: Grey sweater - J.Crew Factory similar, similar, similar Bottom: Black 'Editor' ankle pant - Express shop same, similar, similar, similar Shoes: Grey pointed toe pumps - Shoe Mint love, similar, similar, similar Accessories: Silver link bracelet smartwatch - Apple shop same Floral scarf - Target similar, similar, similar, similar

outfit post: white pleated blouse, navy a-line midi skirt, pointed toe snakeskin pumps

Inspiration - Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark

This photograph of Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark is the inspiration outfit that started my recent hunt for a pair of snakeskin pumps. I love them so much in this outfit. And now the day has finally come that I'm wearing almost the same exact outfit including my new snazzy shoes! Yay fun. I feel both girly and yet sophisticated which is a great combination.

Previous times I've worn:

• White pleated blouse (16 outfits)
• Navy a-line midi skirt (6 outfits)

After I pinned this picture from my photo stream, I searched for more images of Princess Mary and Pinterest was super obliging and returned eight bazillion results. Looking through them I was excited to find that there were quite a few Princess approved outfits that I could create with things I already own. So I had a little idea, made a folder, saved some Princess Mary pins and now what you didn't even know you waiting for has begun... PRINCESS WEEK!

Over the next week I'm going to try to recreate some of my favorite Princess Mary outfits from my closet! She has given me a bunch of really cute work appropriate ideas and a few put together casual ones. So stay tuned for the more headless royal clothing copying fun! :)

Top: White pleated blouse - Forever 21 similar, similar, similar, similar Bottom: Navy a-line skirt - Banana Republic similar, similar, similar, similar Shoes: Snakeskin 'Gemini2' pointed toe pumps - TopShop via Nordstrom shop same, similar, similar, similar Accessories: Gold link watch - Michael Kors shop same,  similar, similar, similar Gold belt - Target similar, similar, similar

outfit post: purple plaid dress, grey cardigan, grey pointed to pumps

Inspiration - Poppy Delevingne

THANK YOU guys so much for all the feedback so far on the survey! I think I've said this before but with blogging there is a lot of putting posts together when you're by yourself and then sending them out into the interwebs without really knowing if or how or by whom your blog is being received. It's sometimes a weirdly solitary activity. Rationally I know people see the posts and like them enough keep coming back because of traffic and stats and comments and such. But to occasionally get such sweet direct feedback that you find me putting what I wear on the internet helpful and interesting and it makes you day/life easier... it's really pretty awesome! So heartfelt thank you for all the responses so far!! You know how to make a gal feel good. :)

I love the pattern on this Old Navy dress soooo much (first outfit with the dress here) and how it flows away at the waist so it's forgiving to my stomach and legs. I sort of want to wear it every day. Only issue I have, that keeps it from being my total favorite, is that it's a cami dress so it has spaghetti straps. That means I can't remove my cardigan when I get hot because my industrial nursing bra straps will show.  (#FloridaWinterProblems)

Dress: Purple plaid printed cami dress - Old Navy shop same, similar, similar, similar Top: Grey cardigan - Target shop same, similar, similar, similar Shoes: Grey pointed toe pumps - Shoe Mint love, similar, similar, similar Accessories: Brown Brody laptop bag/tote - Tory Burch  shop same, similar, similar, similar Brown belt - Target shop same, similar, similar  Gold Christina link bracelet - Stella & Dot shop same, similar, similar

Four Year Blogging Anniversary, Reader Survey & 3 $100 Giftcard Giveaways!

Happy (almost) FOUR Years to Outfit Posts!! Yayy!!!

On December 7th Outfit Posts will turn 4 years old! I can't believe its been so long already! (It seems like just yesterday I was putting up the 3 year post.) Thanks so much to you all! I've loved all the feedback, questions, suggestions & support! You've made this blog so much fun. Hope you've had as much fun reading as I have creating the posts!

To say a big THANK YOU FOR READING! I'm going to give away three $100 Amazon Gift cards, one card per week over the next three weeks! This isn't sponsored - just from me to say thank you.

• Giveaway #1 - winner picked 11/26 
• Giveaway #2 - winner picked 12/7
• Giveaway #3 - winner picked 12/14

You can enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. There is 1 entry for clicking 'I want to enter the giveaway!' which can be done 1x each day and 2 entries for filling out the survey at the bottom of this post. Winners will be picked at 10 PM ET on the above dates.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Survey:
As this site embarks on year four I'd like to try to see what areas could be improved. So, in an effort to make this a more useful, organized & enjoyable site for you guys  - I put together a survey to gather some of your thoughts. If you have some time - I'd love to hear what you think. (Totally anonymous.)

Answer what you want - ignore anything you don't want to answer. No biggie. Whatever you feel like commenting on is much appreciated! :)

most popular shopping clicks - october

Because I use affiliate links on this site (I get a few cents each time you guys click a shopping link) I am able to see a dashboard of what items were the most clicked on each week/month. I think it's really interesting to see which clothing links you guys are engaged by and click a bunch. And then compare those to which ones you decide to pass over. Here's the most clicked items for October.

outfit post: blue check button down, oatmeal cardigan, skinny jeans, ankle boots

Inspiration - Jean of Extra Petite

I'm sort of in love with my new booties. I have pinned a bazillion fall/winter outfit photos of cute ankle bootie outfits but my current super casual chunky buckle pair needed a sleeker more dressy counterpart to re-create a lot of them. I was struggling with feeling stumpy in so many pairs that I tried on because the front of the boot went straight across and cut off the line of my leg. This pair by Vince Camuto has a v shaped front which I feel like makes my leg seem elongated. So I plunked down a few extra bucks because I liked them so much. Yay fun new shoes!

All previous outfits with this check shirt including 2nd blog outfit ever! And here are the previous outfits with this cozy chunky cardigan.

Top: Oatmeal knit cardigan - Old Navy similar, similar, similar, similar Blue check button down - Old Navy similar, similar, similar, similar Bottom: Skinny jeans - Denizen Target shop same, similar, similar Shoes: Ankle bootie "Franell" - Vince Camuto shop same, similar, similar, similar Accessories: Silver link bracelet smartwatch - Apple shop same

outfit post: white lace shirt, jean jacket. black pencil skirt, nude wedges

Inspiration - Julie Brown

Sometimes casual Friday wardrobe sneaks in on Wednesday.

Top: Jean jacket - Target similar, similar, similar, similar White lace shirt - Loft Outlet similar, similar, similar, similar Bottom: Black pencil skirt - Ann Taylor similar, similar, similar, similar Shoes: Nude wedges - Nordstrom Via Spiga 'Farley' similar, similar, similar Accessories: Gold Christina link necklace - Stella & Dot shop same, similar, similar, similar  Gold link watch - Michael Kors shop same,  similar, similar, similar

outfit post: navy & pink full mosaic skirt, teal cardigan, pink cami, nude wedges

Inspiration - Reese Witherspoon/Draper James

Pretty pretty Reese with her pretty pretty clothing line Draper James. I wish I had a few extra hundreds of dollars laying around to spend on her super duper cute southern inspired dresses and skirts. I love the cuts and colors and patterns of her designs - right up my alley. But since I haven't stumbled upon a pile of forgotten cash just yet - I will do my best to recreate the feel of some of her looks with the items I already own... starting with this fun full skirt and teal cardigan!

I felt super pretty and ladylike in this outfit. Loved wearing it all day long. Need to remember how much I like full skirts and wear them more often!

Top: Teal boyfriend cardigan - Old Navy  similar, similar, similar, similar, similar Pink cotton camisole - Target similar, similar, similar Bottom: Mosaic full skirt - Ann Taylor shop same, similar, similar Shoes: Nude wedges - Nordstrom Via Spiga 'Farley' similar, similar, similar Accessories: Pink station necklace - J.Crew Outlet similar, similar, similar, similar

outfit post: purple ankle pants, black crepe shell, black boyfriend blazer

Inspiration - Diane Kruger

Happy blazer Monday! Easy no-brainer outfit of basics on top plus fun purple pants to start the week. It's still so warm here in Florida that the blazer won't last through lunch but at least it looks cute when I arrive to the office!

Trying to get my brain back in the work groove after a fun weekend. Dinner date with hubby & friends on Friday night, tailgating and football (win!) on Saturday and finally gym, groceries and errands on Sunday. Nice well rounded weekend.

Top: Black 'boyfriend' blazer - Target similar, similar, similar Bottom: Purple Editor Cropped Pant - Express similar, similar, similar Shoes: Nude cutout flats - ShoeMint similar (super cute), similar, similar, similar Accessories: Silver link bracelet smartwatch - Apple shop same

outfit post: 13 outfits with black ankle pants

Flash back Friday! I noticed that I've been wearing my black ankle pants from Express on pretty hard core repeat lately so I made a quick little collage of the outfits over the past few months so you could see them all at once. Happy Friday!

• Black 'Editor' ankle pant - Express
• shop same, similar, similar, similar

Here's a link to the individual outfits & details - black ankle pant outfits.

outfit post: white button down portofino shirt, navy pencil skirt, camel flats

Inspiration - Hello, Gorgeous

Sometimes basics are best. Especially the times when your 9 month old previously perfect sleeper decides to throw a nighttime crib party every hour on the hour for a week straight and you're expected to review database diagrams and project plans during the daylight hours like a competent professional. With basics, you at least look like that competent professional, while you may or may not be practicing the art of sleeping at your desk with your eyes open.

Top: White "portofino" shirt - Express shop same, similar, similar, similar Bottom: Navy pencil skirt - J.Crew Factory shop same, similar, similar, similar Shoes: Camel "Reva" Ballerina Flat - Tory Burch shops same, similar, similar, similar  Accessories: Brown belt - Target shop same, similar, similar  Gold Christina link necklace - Stella & Dot shop same, similar, similar, similar  Gold Christina link bracelet - Stella & Dot shop same, similar, similar

outfit post: cobalt button blouse, polka dot pencil skirt, grey pointed toe heels

Inspiration - J.Crew

Looking at this outfit picture - I don't like how the buttons are pulling at my chest. Nine months post-postpartum and I am fitting back into a larger and larger portion of my closet. It's such a slow process - ugh. The main items that I am still unable to wear are blouses with buttons. My nursing chest is still way too big for most of my old tops. And then even when I try to reincorporate a top that I think I'm able to fit into again - I see the outfit picture and realize that any arm movement and the buttons pull and the shirt gapes. I don't want to buy any more bigger-then-normal tops but I still have a few more months of breastfeeding before I (*hope*) my boobs return to normal size. Hopefully the weather cools down and I can hide them in some stretchy bulky sweaters. Blerg.

Random note - I turned 35 last week. It's crazy that my age now rounds up to 40! I still feel like I'm about 17 and pretending to be an adult. We took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and went out on a pontoon boat with my parents on a nearby lake. Cruised around and had a picnic lunch enjoying the lovely sunny day. Pretty fantastic way to celebrate a birthday.

Top: Cobalt blue button blouse - Old Navy similar, similar, similar, similar Bottom: Polka-dot pencil skirt - J.Crew similar, similar, similar, similar Shoes: Grey pointed toe pumps - Shoe Mint love, similar, similar, similar Accessories: Cobalt 'Rayne' pendant necklace - Kendra Scott shop same, similar, similar, similar

outfit post: black wool dress, trench, black ankle booties

Inspiration - Ann Taylor

A week ago we had a little burst of a few days of fall weather and it was wonderful. I wore this new swingy sweater dress (mentioned in my recent purchases shopping post) and my black ankle boots and it was great. And then two days later the weather swung back to hot and humid. It feels like July again. Um, hello fall? Can you please head our way? I'm hot and tired of sweating at the office.

When I wear boots to the office I try to stick to sleek and understated to stay professional. I try to stay away from too many buckles or embellishments that skew the look towards too casual.

And just for fun - here is a link to all the times I've worn these black ankle boots.

Top: Khaki trench - Banana Republic similar, similar, similar, similar Dress: Black sleeveless sweater dress - Ann Taylor shop same, (grey, black & green) similar, similar, similar  Shoes: Black ankle boots - Aldo similar, similar, similar, similar Accessories: Amber pendant necklace - F21 similar, similar, similar, similar

outfit post: white blazer, black ankle pants, snakeskin pointed toe pumps

Inspiration - Olivia Palermo

Blazer Monday! I'm super unofficially starting to try to wear blazers on Mondays. I'm trying to get more use out of my blazers and break up my cardigan addiction.

I finally pulled the trigger on a pair of snakeskin pumps! Bought a Top Shop pair via Nordstrom and I totally love them. Love how they make my black and white basic outfit sorta fun with the snazzy animal print on my feet.

Top: White/ivory blazer - H&M similar, similar, similar, similar Black tank - Old Navy similar, similar Bottom: Black 'Editor' ankle pant - Express shop same, similar, similar, similar Shoes: Snakeskin 'Gemini2' pointed toe pumps - TopShop via Nordstrom shop same, similar, similar, similar Accessories: Silver Odette Cuff - Stella & Dot similar, similar, similar, similar