thursday {work to weekend}

i recently received a comment asking if i wear the handmade skirts that i wear during the week to work on the weekends as well.  the current answer to that is "no" but i hope in the future that will turn around.  my weekend wear is really nothing special.  during the fall/winter i am always in jeans--and not even what one might consider stylish or on trend jeans like skinnies or colored denim.  nope, my jeans of choice are dark-washed old navy boot cut jeans.  in the summer i tend to wear more casual skirts (like this one or this one from old navy) and some sort of more casual blouse (like this one) that sometimes get pulled into work rotation.  i don't do a lot on the weekends and don't really have a reason to be intentional about the way i dress but that doesn't mean that can't change! this reader's comment made me wonder if maybe i could start getting more wear out of my handmade skirts on the weekends, so i took that thought and turned it into a challenge for myself.  here's what i came up with:

this navy & white scroll fabric is one of my favorite skirts that i've made recently.  the picture on the left is how i wore it to work today where i went to a continuing education seminar with other professionals in my field, back to the office, and then to a care conference for one of my clients.  the picture on the right is how i wore this skirt on sunday when i went to get my hair cut and ran a couple errands.  i really liked both looks and i think they were both suited for my agenda each day. 

there are three main things i look at when comparing my weekend wear to work wear:

1. shoes: i always wear flats on the weekend and i usually always wear heels or wedges to work.  wearing cute flats on the weekend tones down the professional vibe that heels give an outfit and gives me a chance to wear shoes that aren't in my rotation that often.

2. jewelry: my standard is some sort of statement or long beaded necklace to accessorize during the week.  on the weekend, i still like to wear some sort of necklace so i'll reach for a simple silver chain with a charm.  it adds some visual interest to the neckline but in a more relaxing way.

3. tops: i like to layer blouses and cardigans to work but like less fuss on the weekend - i think this is the time to pull your your tees.  it instantly adds a more casual vibe to the look of your outfit!

do you have any skirts that you bought (or made!) intending to only wear them to work?  do you think my three steps would help transition them to weekend wear as well?  also, be sure to let me know if you'd like to see more posts like this in the future!

tuesday (frustrated)

merona cardigan {thrifted target stock}   gap ruffle placket shirt {thrifted}

old navy full skirt   xhilaration rosette ballet flats {thrifted target stock}

i had such a frustrating time getting dressed this morning.  frustrating as in liking this outfit but worrying about the hemline {thankfully my boss came into work wearing a dress with a hemline at least three inches shorter than mine, but she doesn't often wear skirts or dresses so i can't always count on her to be my hemline barometer} and proceeding to go through every outfit i picked out on sunday and had hanging on the back of my door until they all wound up in a messy pile on my bed and i settled back on this outfit.  i hate mornings like that.  i wake up with plenty of time to do what i need to do before i need to get out the door to work, yet it is seriously anxiety-provoking when i feel that i need to tweak or completely change my outfit.  that's how it felt this morning... so i just settled on this.  the process that went into selecting it definitely took the joy out of getting dressed this morning and appreciating the little details of the rich magenta/plum color of the cardigan and ruffle detailing on the blouse.  needless to say, i am signing off and i am going to make sure i have something ready to wear tomorrow and hope that i can do a little better getting dressed in the morning! have a good evening!

tuesday (challenged: khaki blazer)

 

 american eagle blazer {temporarily swapped}  banana republic skirt {thrifted}
fossil button-down   merona cardigan {thrifted new}
gold flower necklace {temporarily swapped}   xhilaration rosette flats

this week my friend whitney from between the lines and i will be participating in a challenge to style some of each other's clothes that we get stuck wearing the same way over & over.  i am glad that she sent me this blazer to style, as i don't have many blazers in my wardrobe that i wear that often as anything other than an outerwear layer.  since the piping of the blazer is navy, it may feel a little safe to pair it with a navy skirt, but i love how the full & flowy skirt is balanced out by the structured blazer.  whitney also sent me this great necklace to wear this week--hopefully it's not too hidden underneath all the layers i was already wearing!

after work, my coworkers and i met for happy hour, which was much needed after a phone conversation i had leading up to quittin' time.  i work with such great women and it's so awesome that we can meet up outside of work and continue to strengthen our team through fellowship!  it does make for a long day, though... i'm nearly ready for bed!  have a good evening!

{see how whitney wore it here & here}

wednesday (eden)

mossimo sweater   merona collection eden skirt

xhilaration rosette bow flats {thrifted new}  simply vera wang necklace

this might be one of my favorite outfits that i've worn in a while - i love this time of the year!  i love having a little bit of a runny nose in the mornings because the temperature is so chilly (really!).  i love warming my hands around my coffee mug as i drive into work.  i love the refreshing feeling that something is starting anew.  and i love tights!  have a great evening!

friday (fall)

gap plaid ruffle placket shirt {thrifted}   old navy perfect khaki pencil skirt

xhiliration rosette flats {thrifted target stock}   f21 gold belt {thrifted nwt}

this shirt screams "FALL" to me and when i picked it up, i first imagined pairing it with a cardigan the color of my flats, brown tights, and camel colored boots... and some sort of bottom, don't worry!  but i had to let it make an appearance before the temps dip down.  i have a lot of luck finding button-downs from the gap at the goodwill, and i especially like ones like this with a fun print and some unique detailing, like the ruffle and plaid.  it is so easy to throw on and look put together and doesn't require much thought on a friday morning.

happy weekend!

wednesday.

 

merona artist cardigan {thrifted target stock}   banana republic full skirt {thrifted}

merona belt   xhilaration rosette flats {thrifted target stock}

today was another hot one so i didn't even attempt to take a picture outside. instead you get a picture in front of my closet.  i didn't even notice until i added the picture to this post the creepy little man peeking out from inside my closet by my right foot... that's just my miniature boyfriend who i like to keep hidden in there, that's all!

back to the outfit!  this is one of the cardigans i picked up on sunday and i knew i was going to wear it with this skirt.  i love the color and the unique embellishment and everything about this outfit; it's so me.  hope everyone had a great wednesday!

monday.

j crew swiss-dot fontana dress {thrifted}  target necklace  
xhilaration rosette flats {thrifted target stock}   kohls bracelet

this dress ranks as one of my all-time favorite goodwill finds.  i'm not sure what the original price point was, probably over $100, and it came home with me for $6.99.  this is one of the reasons why i love thrifting so much--there is the potential of finding really high quality, lovely pieces like this dress.  it's a second chance to find something after it's passed through the stores and at a much more reasonable price.  finally, it's an economical way to update or add to your wardrobe.  i've only worn this dress a couple times {the first was to an big event hosted by my work}, but each time i do it feels so special to me... and i think that's exactly how our clothes should make us feel--no matter where they come from.  i'm so proud to showcase this dress on ebew!