[OOTD] Can I Wear a T-shirt to Girl's Night Out?

Ah, the famed "girl's night out". All ladies need one every now and again. I don't know about you, but sometimes it's nice to get a bit dolled up and go spend some quality time with my favorite ladies. But what to wear?

For me, the main thing is to be comfortable. And what's more comfortable than a t-shirt? Now, this particular outfit is more for a dinner or drinks or movie GNO, not so much for a night of clubbin on the town. But if you're looking for something that will be fashionable yet comfortable for a nice girl's dinner or for happy hour drinks, a t-shirt can definitely work!

(Don't mind the work badge I forgot to take off. I also wore this on a casual Friday, so it could certainly work for that, too, haha!)

Tee: Primark (UK) | Jeans: F21 | Scarf: Ebay | Earrings: Boutique (The Painted Monkey in Roswell) | Watch: Target | Shoes: Shoe Carnival | Sunnies: I have no idea.

I loved that this look is comfortable but very classy. The jeans are a darker and dressier denim, while the scarf adds what I like to think of as a bit of sophistication. Paired with a classic pair of heels, and this t-shirt can go from casual Friday to happy hour to dinner and drinks with the girls, all without skipping a beat!

[OOTD] Can I Wear a T-Shirt to an Informal Networking Event?

Ah, networking. Something we all need to do. I don't know about you, but I find networking events to be a bit nerve wracking - I always want to make a good impression but I worry that people think you're talking to them only so they can help you!

Regardless, networking is a necessary evil  no matter what your job is - even as a blogger we have to network! But today we're going to talk about those in-the-flesh networking events that are often put together by professional groups or alumni associations. I never know what to wear to them!

My alumni association often puts on these "informal networking events" - where alumni meet up to do something, such as watch a game or volunteer, but the ultimate goal is to network. So, if you find yourself in a similar situation - here's an idea on what to wear! And yes - you can wear a t-shirt!

Tee: H&M, $5 | Jeans: F21 | Flats: Gap | Blazer: old, Burlington Coat Factory | Necklace: New York & Co | Earrings: Ardene's, Canada

The reason this is something I'd wear to an informal networking event is that it combines classy with "not trying too hard". The jeans and flats drop it down a notch, but the blazer still makes the look stylish and appropriate. The tee is fitted, which is super important in this outfit. I chose flats in particular, because often at these events, you're doing a lot of standing. I don't know about you, but for as much as I wear heels, if I'm going to be standing awhile, I prefer flats!!

Clutch: Kohl's

The outfit can easily translate into something more casual if you're moving on to do something like meet a friend for dinner or head out for drinks! Depending on the next location, you can keep the blazer to stay chic, or take it off for a more laid back style.

[OOTD] Can I Wear a T-Shirt to Work (in an Office)?

Have you ever wondered if something was appropriate to wear somewhere? I often have this question, which prompted me to explore the idea of taking one of these questions and exploring how it could be done. I considered it a challenge to find ways to make a t-shirt wearable to events or places where it normally wouldn't fit in.

The key here is both a bit of creativity and a particular style of tee. Obviously, last weekend's 5K t-shirt will likely never be appropriate in this week's situations, but if you have a properly shaped and fitted tee, you can wear it places you might have never thought you could!

In future weeks, I may explore the multiple ways to wear an item to a particular place, but this week I just thought of 5 situations where a t-shirt might not be considered appropriate and figure out ways to make it work. I'm starting today with wearing a t-shirt to the office.

T-shirt: Gap (recent) | Pants: F21 | Scarf: Ebay | Shoes: Payless (here)

Now, let me clarify here - if you have a more professional office, this look might not fly. I'll have a more professional way of wearing a tee later this week that could be translated for the office. However, in many offices, anything dressier than jeans will suffice as proper office-wear.

For this look, I chose a plain yet well-fitted tee, and paired it with a dressier pair of pants and heels. These are key to making a tee wearable for the office. Flats might have made this too casual. Different pants may be too casual. To up the professionalism of a simple tee, I added a pop of color with the scarf. The key here is to make sure that there is nothing else casual in your outfit!

I had this tee tucked during the day and didn't realize that it was untucked in the pictures. This is also key to making a tee professional - it can't look slubby! Tuck that tee in!

Have you worn a t-shirt to the office?

[Celeb Inspired] Ali Larter, Finale

Bonus late Sunday post to get rid of this post that was pre-empted by my Thanksgiving post, due to poor planning. One last Alifit! (Haha I thought I was clever).

Via

This is a dressed down version of the outfit from Friday. I actually think this is the very same blazer in Ali's pictures. I, however, thrifted this amazing tags-still-on-it blazer and really wanted to wear it so I swapped out my Friday blazer for this one. I was more attracted to her outfit because of the layers and overall texture rather than the print, anyway. I think this is a great weekend outfit for a nice dinner or to meet some friends!

Top, Jeans: JCPenney | Blazer: thifted, Ann Taylor via Goodwill | Boots: Boscov's

Necklace: Kohl's | Watch: Target | Bracelet: INC via Macy's

[Celeb Inspired] Dressing Like Ali Larter Part 4

Well, I kind of forgot that this was a holiday week, and that I would want to post about the holiday and not an outfit. So this week we'll get a fun outfit on Saturday, too. It's the holiday - what the heck!

This was the only professional type look I decided to recreate. The thing I liked about Ali's outfit was the patterned blazer paired with basic black and white. I don't love the idea of leather (for others it's great but I don't know how lasting of a trend it is and therefore am hesitant to jump on the wagon), so I traded it out for a plain black skinny. I liked the shape of Ali's outfit, so I focused my recreation on that, and I also liked the color combination with a little bit of print in the top, so I added a striped blazer instead of something plain. Ali had a pop of red in her bag, while I chose to make my entire bag a pop of red! I actually didn't mean to do this - I just liked my new red bag, and when I put them side by side I realized the similarity. This outfit was by far my favorite recreation of the week.

Top: JCPenney | Blazer: Ross | Pants: H&M, $13 recent | Shoes: ? (I've had them so long I can't remember!) | Satchel: Marshall's | Earrings: F21 | Bracelet: Glint & Gleam via Shop Lately | Necklace, Watch: gifted

Guys, I gotta be honest here - I hate these pants. I had been on the lookout for black skinnies that fit for the longest time and just couldn't find them. I tried on a bunch - some were too baggy, some too short. So when I found these at H&M, I think I was a bit blinded by the fitting room lights and the price tag. These pants are way high-waisted, which I hate, and I can only wear them with certain things because of that. Also, the butt was saggy on me after one wear. Honestly - I think these are the same pants I bought 6 months ago (in both the black and the blue) that I then returned to H&M once I tried them on at home and realized how high the waist was. Oh well. Live & learn. Not sure how much wear these will get...

Overall, I really liked this recreation! Have you ever recreated an outfit that you loved?

[Life] Happy Thanksgiving

We interrupt this week's programming to talk about being thankful.

Thanksgiving is the perfect reminder to step back and look at all the things we have to be thankful for. So, today, I'm thankful for:

My amazing husband. He truly is my partner, and I'm so thankful I found him!

My parents. I am so lucky to have been brought up in such a happy, solid home. My parents are amazing people and though I'm a bit bummed I can't be with them this Thanksgiving, they are never too far from my mind or my heart.

My brother. We are two totally different people, but I love him just the same. He always makes me laugh and I really do love being his sister.

My little Smoosh. She's the best dog in the world and I'm so glad she was brought to us!

My family, near and far. I am so thankful for every one of them, and am especially thankful that my Uncle Bob and Aunt Cindy opened their home to us for the holiday.

My friends. You all know who you are. You make my life so happy and fulfilled, and I can't imagine my life without even one of you.

My job. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be, doing a job I really, truly love.

My health and the health of those above. I am well aware that I and my family/friends are so fortunate for our good health and good fortune. I in turn am so thankful for that.

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of happiness, laughter, and gratefulness. Happy Turkey Day!

[Celeb Inspired] Ali Larter, Part 3

The third outfit of the week is a stylish winter outfit!

Via

Unfortunately, this outfit didn't photograph well. I think what made me pin the outfit was the camel and how well it went with the leopard flats. Since my sweater isn't camel, I don't think I got quite the same effect, but as far as comfort meeting style - I think this outfit does the trick! This outfit is great for running errands when there's a chill in the air - go-to jeans, a bulky, warm sweater, and a pair of comfy flats. My white sweater didn't photograph well here - but you get the idea!

Sweater: Macy's (recent, $19.99) | Jeans: Elle via Kohl's | Shoes: Old Navy (Fall 2011)

Aaaaand this happens:

Happy day-before-Thanksgiving!!

[Celeb Inspired] Dressing Like Ali Larter Part 2

Today's Alispiration involves plaid, skinnies, and boots, some of my favorite fall things!!!

Via

I pinned this inspiration pic because I liked how it was casual without looking sloppy. Every gal needs a go-to casual combination, and this one worked perfectly. I didn't quite love how my version came out, because I would have liked a better contrast on my boots and my jeans, but now I know that for next time! This outfit is simple yet put together.

Top: JCPenney | Jeans: F21 | Boots: Boscov's | Sunnies, Watch: Target

What is your go-to casual outfit?


**Note: I'm sponsoring the amazing Shanna this month and am part of the group giveaway!! Go check it out, there are a lot of great prizes up for grabs! You can enter below.


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[Celeb Inspired] How To Dress Like Ali Larter

I'm so excited, ya'll!!! Today marks the start of my new blog format! This week I'm going to feature celebrity inspiration. And not just any celebrity - but Ali Larter.

Why Ali Larter? Simply put - I noticed I had pinned about 9 inspiration images featuring her, more than any other single celebrity. So I thought I'd kick off the new format with a weeklong "Dressing like Ali Larter" series!

Today's look?

Inspiration pic via

I am a huge fan of "mixing seasons" as I like to call this - summery bottoms with a colder-weather top. This combination is perfect for a mild fall or spring day! I loved this particular inspiration photo because of the shorts and long sleeves, and I also liked that it was a different way to wear basics that most of us already have in our closets!

For my look, I went with a cleaner short instead of cutoffs, and added a belt because my top wasn't as flowy and it needed a little something at the waist. I also am not a fan of sneakers with shorts unless I'm working out (simply because I have big feet and with no pants to cover part of them they look huge!), so I added a pair of simple sandals to finish my look.

Top: Gap | Shorts: Paris Blues | Sandals: Old Navy | Bag: New York & Company | Earrings: Ardene's | Bracelets: INPink, Kohl's, Walmart

[Random] Sunday Soup #10

Time for fun!!!

Via

This one is just funny. Sorry, but I'm so not a cat person, even though most of my friends are cat owners, haha!! Other favorite dog-shamings: 1 (this one is so like my dog...she uses her eyes to act like she hasn't been fed in hopes of second dinner from whichever one of us didn't feed her the first time!!!), 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Via

This is awesome: a guy posting on a dating website as a hot chick with zero intelligence and lots of problems. Wants to see if guys will still be interested. Hilarity and disappointment in the human race ensues.

There's a fat-blocking soda?

And lastly - this Spiderman meme is one of the best ones I've seen!

[Shopping] Thrifting Revisited

NOTE: If you just want to see what amazing things I thrifted, scroll down. :) Also, I think I might try a vlog about these because the pictures just didn't come out well, and I was a bit rushed for time. Maybe for Monday. :)

I think I've written about how I feel about thrifting on the blog before. Or not, since I just searched my blog and it never came up. Perhaps that was a post I drafted and got rid of because in all honesty, I've not had a very positive view of thrifting.

My problem with thrift shopping always stemmed from the idea that thrift store clothing is discarded clothing that no one would want sitting in a smelly store. I honestly was kind of snobby about thrifting. But now? It's my new obsession. So how in the world did I go from one extreme to another? 1 word: consignment. 

I was bumming around on my lunch break one day, popping into Hobby Lobby to look at home decor, and noticed a store I hadn't noticed before: Alexis Suitcase. I was intrigued, but didn't have time to stop in. I looked it up online later and discovered it was a consignment store. I poked around the website a bit and quickly learned that their forte was designer consignment - Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and the like. I was further intrigued.

So one day I stopped in. Can I just tell you? If you are ever in Atlanta, or happen to live here, GO FIND ALEXIS SUITCASE. NOW. No, really. Go there. You can choose from 3 locations. I'm super super serial. (South Park anyone?) This store is amazing. And no, they have no idea I'm writing this - I just am in lurve with this store.

They have certain brands they don't generally consign - brands that are very affordable, like Old Navy and brands from Target. Then they have brands they love to consign - J Crew, Banana Republic, Joe's Jeans, etc - and they only take clothing that was produced in the last 2 years - unfortunately no vintage, but that also means no outdated styles (which, honestly, can sometimes go hand in hand with vintage!). So I started at Alexis Suitcase. Some die-hard thrifters will say consignment is not thrifting and I half-agree. But I think it's like a gateway drug to Goodwill and Salvation Army, so let's go with it. 

Alexis Suitcase does discounting as well - they email coupons and every week they have certain color tags that are either 15% off or 30% off. Older items go on the 50% off rack. So what are some of the steals I nabbed here?

New York & Company sweater, $17.99 no discount, estimated retail ~$40

This sweater was my first purchase and probably my least exciting. It wasn't discounted, it wasn't a super great deal, but I loved the light pink color and it fit perfectly.

Then I found this next trip:

Black lace Express skirt, $15.99 with 20% off discount, estimated retail ~$60

I loved this skirt. It's black lace and super stylish! 

Then. THEN. I found the section where they keep their designer jeans. And I found these jeans, by one of my favorite brands in my exact size:

Miss Me grey faded jean, $28.00 with 30% off discount, estimated retail ~$99-$110

I love the skull pattern inside!!!

And my last purchase, another pair of designer jeans:

True Religion Julie skinnies, $58.00 with 20% discount, estimated retail ~$340

You guys, I never dreamed of being able to find a pair of True Religion jeans for under $100 (you can get them for about $150ish at their outlet locations, which is where I bought the only other pair I own!). These fit like a glove and I was so stoked to find them.

Alexis Suitcase was my gateway. I ended up at Goodwill looking for pieces for our Halloween costumes. While looking for a grey skirt, I stumbled upon a few items that still had their tags - an Ann Taylor blazer in my exact size:

Ann Taylor blazer, $15.91, retail $228

Ya'll, this blazer STILL HAD THE TAGS ON!!!!

Then I found this Ann Taylor skirt, also in my size:

Ann Taylor brocade skirt, $10.91, retail $70-$110

And it ALSO still had the tags on it!!!!

Well. That just started me off. Since, I've stopped off at various Goodwills a few times and also picked up these gems along the way:

A leopard cardigan for $5.00:

A navy pinstripe blazer for $6.00:

This awesome Michael Kors navy blazer for $6.00:

A bright red blazer for $6.00:

A fabulous printed Ann Taylor skirt for $5.00:

How do you feel about thrifting? Do you do it? Have you had any great scores lately?