Outfit Post: Bow Ties Are Cool

I absolutely couldn't resist this tweed bow tie, and pairing it with a bit of a dapper look overall.

Shirt: Banana Republic

Vest: Handmade by me

Tie: Aldo

Jeans: Gap

Boots: Steve Madden

Outfit Post: Zig-Zag

It's getting quite cold here in MN, which means it's time to get creative with layers! I can't resist a bit of brightness, though, even though it's perhaps getting too chilly for this skirt.

Sweater: Gap

Skirt: Nordstrom Rack

Scarf: Target

Boots: Naturalizer

Outfit Post: (Gently) Roaring 20s

This skirt -- which was once a much more flapper-esque drop-waist dress -- is lovely, but difficult to style with other items in my wardrobe. It's so pale, delicate, ethereal. I love the way the breton-stripe top grounds it a bit, referencing the historical feeling while also being sharply modern. I do love to pair this skirt with these great mary jane shoes, too; they're just the perfect color combination.

Top: Target

Skirt: Monsoon (remixed)

Shoes: Target

Outfit Post: Monochrome

Well, perhaps not quite, given the pattern, but purple hair + purple dress is nearly monochrome.

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Shoes: Macys

Outfit Post: On Boats

For our final day of vacation, Erin and I spent a very enjoyable and interesting time on the USS Turner Joy, a former Vietnam War battleship that is now a museum. Paddington had a grand time, I assure you.

Dress: eShakti

Sweater: Gap

Shoes: Birkenstock

Outfit Post: City Slicker

On our second vacation day, Erin and I took the ferry from the peninsula over to Seattle, and did a bit of touristing. Hilariously, we both dressed in our country finest for the adventure -- there were plaid and boots and suspenders galore.

Shirt: Wrangler

Sweater: Gap

Jeans: Gap

Boots: Aldo

Outfit Post: Breezy

Erin, Mom, and I went on a minibreak last weekend to Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula, where it was a gorgeous, breezy, sunny 80 degrees and perfect weather for some bright summer clothes to go with my new bright summer hair.

Dress: Target

Shoes: Birkenstock

Outfit Post: Hypnotize

One final outfit left from my Memorial Day shoot with Erin.

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Tights: Target

Sunglasses: Nordstrom

Boots: Web Shoemakers

Outfit Post: Oldie

I actually wore this weeks ago, before it became a consistent 90-100 degrees every day. It feels quite classy and fun at the same time; a classic combo of cigarette pants + flats + sweater made spunky by the hot pink and dolmen sleeve.

Sweater: Gap

Trousers: Kohls

Shoes: Macys

Necklace: Target

Outfit Post: Watercolor

I adore the print on this dress; the vibrant colors and the bright, modern feeling makes it stand out in my wardrobe.

Dress: Target

Shoes: Gap

Outfit Post: Pleather

Confession time: I like pleather, a bit. This shirt, with it's pleather yoke and soft jersey body, is just the right amount of edge for me.

Shirt: Kohls

Jeans: Gap Outlet

Shoes: Nordstrom Rack

Outfit Post: I'm turning violet, Violet!

Yes, that's a hint of purple in my hair there. It's more than a hint, to be honest, but inside it isn't quite picked up. I'm having fun playing with it, experimenting with clothes that compliment it, and am very happy with the new shiny color!

Dress: eShakti

Shoes: Gap

Outfit Post: Slithery Snake

This dress is one of my favorites for comfort + glam factor and works as a the most incredible neutral. I'm wearing it even more neutrally than usual, with black tights and maroon shoes.

Dress: Ann Taylor Outlet

Shoes: Corkease

Outfit Post: Striped Illusion

Oh dear me, I'm a few days behind! I wore this last week to work and love the comfiness of this ponte dress which still manages to look pulled-together. My hair on the other hand...

This dress would be great with a skinny neon belt, too! I've got my eye on a bright pink one right now, so we'll see!

Dress: Target

Belt: Loft

Shoes: Nordstrom Rack

Outfit Post: Campfire

I'm not really into shorts, but I do quite like this pair, which are just the right amount of casual-meets-prep. I dressed them up a bit with oxfords, but for a hot holiday week didn't want to get stuffy, so kept it fun with a plaid camp shirt.

Shirt: Wrangler

Shorts: Gap

Shoes: Nordstrom

Outfit Post: Super Villain

I thought at first this dress made me feel like a superhero, with its strong shoulders and swooping skirt, but then a second thought on the texture of the dress, its sharp pleats and no-nonsense strength made me lean a bit more toward super villain. Either way, it's a perfectly powerful dress and one I have far too few opportunities to wear.

 Dress: Kirna Zabete for Target

Shoes: Web Shoemakers