This bag!

If you are wondering why I would post these outfit pictures looking pretty rumpled and crumpled...

There is a reason....even though I do like these clothes...

This outfit post was brought to you to highlight this like new bag I bought from a resale store* for $30. 

The Longchamp Le Pilage bag, navy with leather accents. In the store I did a quick over view of the bag and was pretty confident it was authentic before laying down my money. Personally and ethically I have a problem with counterfeit goods, to me it is plagiarism and fraud and I wouldn't want to support either.  Once I got home I went online and found a website that had a very comprehensive detailing of fake vs. authentic and everything was perfect. I think I have a good eye and can spot quality and workmanship whether I know the brand or not; this bag had all the hallmarks of quality.

Shirt: J.Crew-fall 2012
Pants: Joe's-thrifted
Leopard belt: Target
Bag: Longchamp-thrifted*

*I have been having an internal dialogue of whether or not something is thrifted if you buy it second hand at a used clothing resale store...more thoughts on that would warrant a full post.

Parisian Chic?

I'm not completely sure what makes me think this outfit has a vibe of Paris in it but, for me: the stripes, the trench and the 'scarf-like beret' all read Parisian.

For me the trench is such a necessary closet staple, you can make so many outfits just work when you wrap one on!

 This was a brave moment for me, I haven't felt very good about my "look" without hair and I am undecided about how to present myself. It seems the scarf wrap works the best, so here it is!

 Leggings and leopard loafers finished off the look.

Trench: Banana Republic-2010
Dress, leggings and shoes: Target
Scarf: one of many in my closet...soon to see more?

A little more ankle...

Another warmish day and an opportunity to bare some skin, on my ankle that is.

 I loved the way this outfit came together with such a classic feel.

Aviators, red pants,silk shirt, leopard and a trench: timeless pieces for my fashion collection.

Trench Coat: Banana Republic
Pants: J.Crew Minnie
Shirt: J.Crew (2008)
Flats: Mossimo-Target
Necklace: Walmart

Leopard Pants: Take 2

I love these leopard pants!

When I styled, this time I stayed with a black shirt but accessorized with more casual pieces.

  

I was happy to keep my ankles covered and liked the way these booties and denim jacket gave off a casual vibe.

Shirt: J.Crew

Pants: Merona-Target

Boots: Steve Madden

Jacket: Old Navy- thrifted

Linked up for: 

Spotted

In a nod to the classic, I paired my leopard pants with a simple black  turtleneck and jacket.

The cropped leg was a challenge, nothing winter appropriate seemed to work. I opted for black booties and no socks a possibility on an almost 40 degree day.

I've seen a lot of leopard with red and like the look but, red isn't always a great color on me. The black really worked well.

I've professed my love of leopard here before and I'll warn you...it might happen again! 

Pants: Target-Merona
Turtleneck: J.Crew
Jacket: thrifted
Booties: Clark's

Linked up for Monday Mingle   

Preppy in a Pea Coat

In winter, where I live, most of the show in an outfit comes from your coat. Because of this I have quite a collection of different ones and I guess I justify it by the need to stay warm and getting great deals like this. I picked up this J.Crew pea coat a few months ago for five dollars. 

It has a more traditional styling and worked well on a day we had a little warm up to 35 degree weather, no need for the down filled puffy.

This coat was a nice addition to a casual outfit of jeans and leopard booties.

Coat: J.Crew-thrifted
Jeans: Paige Denim-local boutique-Isabella's 
Booties: Target

Linked up with Tara and Sharon for look what i got:

and Alisa for:

Good Bye 2012

Wow, this year went especially fast! Lots of great memories, hard work and time enjoyed with my girl. 

Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog over the year, I appreciate your support, friendship and comments. Looking forward to a great 2013!

Utility Jacket: Brooklyn Industries (gift from my sister-in-law) Jeans: Earnest Sewn-thrifted  Shoes: Target

 

Today, as well as most of the days in the last week, I have dressed very casually, mostly for the need to stay warm. This is just the outfit I wore all day and then added boots and a warm coat for a walk.

Coat: Michael Kors-thrifted

Boots: LL Bean

Hat: Hand made Gift from a friend (the dean of the university where I teach)

See me Rawrr

I don't think I would have considered myself to be the type that would wear a leopard print dress. That's a lot of print...and quite a statement. I think over time I've warmed up the idea of leopard. First, it was just a belt, then I added a pair of shoes and then another belt and then another pair of shoes...and more shoes. So for a dress to be my first non accessory leopard it was quite a leap!

And I'm glad I jumped!

Wearing the jacket over the dress toned it down a lot and I think that made me more comfortable with my choice.

Dress and Tights: Target

Utility Jacket: Old Navy-thrifted

Belt: J.Crew (very old like 1987 old)

Boots: Fyre

Necklace:Walmart

Linked up for Monday Mingle with Momtrends, check all these ladies out!

Green and orange

I just love the way Kelly green and orange play off of one another. That color combination in this outfit along with leopard kitten heels makes it a winner.

And, the jean jacket ties it all together and keeps it fun.

I think this is one of my favorite early fall outfits.

 And the fact that one student looked at me as she entered lab and said, "oh, I just love those shoes!" doesn't hurt either!

Jacket: thrifted-Old Navy
Shirt: Splendid
Skirt, heels and necklace: Target

Linked up for YOLO MONDAYS

And for Monday Mingle!