**INSPIRATION WEEK**

In an attempt to avoid doing my readings, and hoping to make the most out of my closet challenge, I've been surfing the web looking for outfit inspirations.  This week, each outfit I wear is going to be my own take on an inspired ensemble that I found on the web!

Monday: Inspiration from Gap.com

This outfit is from Gap's new spring collection (hence the bright colors), but I loved it so much that I wanted to try it now.  But my challenge was: how to winterize this look?  I liked the idea of adding a double belt and oxfords to the dress, so I used what I had and created my take on Gap's ensemble.  I've had this jean dress from Gap for about 2 years, and I wear it every season!  It's very versatile and it a great neutral piece!  I winterized it by, of course, adding tights! 

                                       

Although I tried wearing the two belts separately, they kept moving around, which really annoyed me.  So, instead, I twisted the two in back and interlocked them together in the front  (black in gold/gold in black).  That way, the belts don't move, but you still get the contrasting colors!  I actually loved this, and plan to do it with many other outfits!

Belts: Banana Republic

I am also loving these yellow oxfords, and hope to purchase them once I am off my ban!  While I didn't have the bright colorful ones in the picture, I added what I did have:

Oxfords: Deena & Ozzy (from Urban Outfitters)

I've always been intrigued by oxfords, but they were also something I didn't quite know how to pull off.  Sometimes with unique fashion pieces (oxfords, fedoras, etc), I am a little leery about trying them, even though I love how they look on everyone else.  Well, I happened upon these snakeskin ones on sale ($10, down from $50) at Urban Outfitters, and saw this as my chance to try out this trend.  Even though they are textured, they're actually quite neutral, going with almost any color.  I think they complemented this outfit well, adding a little bit of 'sass' to it!

So, here you go: Monday's outfit based on inspiration.

Dress: Gap; Tights: Boston 

  Just goes to show you, you don't need to go out and buy all new stuff to look like what you see in magazines or anywhere else.  Take something you like, and recreate it using what you have already in your closet.  I sound like a bit of a hypocrite here, seeing as you all know how much I like to shop, but this challenge has already taught me this money-saving lession.  It's causing me to be more creative, and to have fun with what I already own!

Oh, and I also continued with my need for color by wearing my red trench coat again.  Since it was much warmer today (45°!!) and actually raining, I felt it was warranted!  And here's a preview of my leopard scarf--I've received many complements on it, which should all be directed to my mother, as she is the one who picked it out in Chinatown in NYC!  Good taste Mom--thanks! :)

Trench coat: Target; Scarf: Chinatown (NYC)

Update to "Turtlenecks"

I just happened upon this article on Glamour.com:
http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2012/01/now-this-is-how-you-wear-a-pla.html

Just wanted to share this will you all, reinforcing my advice about how all of you should incorporate turtlenecks into your wardrobe!  This website just gives you one more way to look amazing in this great fashion basic!

And today--another lazy Sunday!  Every time I say I'm having a "lazy" day, I for some reason think of Lazy Scranton..it really has nothing to do with being lazy, but any time I have an excuse to watch anything of The Office, I take it!

  Today's outfit of choice: Oversized Gap T-shirt (in orange, still trying to add in my color!), regular old Gap jeans, and my slippers!  Perfect outfit for doing laundry and reading all day!  Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

"Hail Hail to Old Purdue"

"Hail hail to old Purdue, all hail to our old gold and black

 Hail hail to old Purdue, our friendship may she never lack

 Ever grateful, ever true, thus we raise our song anew--BOILER UP!

 Of the days we've spent with you, all hail our old Purdue"

First MSU vs. Purdue game--this one ended a little better than today!

I'm a Purdue fan, thru and thru--but now that I'm at MSU, I've also become a Spartan fan.  I love watching both teams, but I've been asked a lot, "Who do you cheer for when they play each other?"  My answer will always and forever be PURDUE!  It's hard not to cheer for your alma mater, even if MSU will someday be mine too, I'll still choose Purdue.  I came into my own cheering for Purdue, went to almost every game, wearing my black and gold proudly each time, with my arm raised, ready to 'Boiler Up' at any second!  I love my Boilers, and any advantage I get to go see them, I take!

I've had the opportunity to see Purdue play Michigan State play each other 3 previous times, twice in basketball last year and once in football.  Today, I was given the opportunity again.  So, what was my outfit of choice?  My Robbie Hummel jersey, of course!  It was especially nice because I finally got to see Hummel play after almost three years of injuries!  Although he didn't have a great game (and I'm being nice here), I was still so proud to see him out there--the determination he has shown, fighting back after numerous injuries, is inspiring.  And to the asshole in the Izzone who shouted, "Go tear an ACL Robbie", Coach Painter said it perfectly--"That's bullshit!"  When you've gone through as much as he has, respect the fact that he is still out there, doing what he loves to do.

AHHH--Robbie Hummel!  Yes, I was a stalker that night, but who could resist!

While the game was ugly, and I'm sad Purdue didn't pull it off, it was nice to see MSU play such a great game!  I only hope they continue playing with such intensity!  Eric was my date for the game, and while our seats weren't the greatest to begin with, we used our best investigative skills and scouted out two seats a little closer to the court (and by a little, I mean a lot!).  Overall, it was a good day, and a great view!  So--Boiler Up and Go Green, Go White!

Section 233

Section 111

 Eric and I (My partner in crime for snagging better seats!)

Brrrrrrrr

Going along with the theme of staying warm, the past two days of outfits have been all about warmth.  We have been hitting almost 0° at night, and because I'm crazy and sleep with my window open, I've been waking up in a ball and not wanting to get out of bed.

I wanted to show these past two days that there's a way to dress warm, but also looking stylish/put together.  I know it's common among college students to, once it gets cold, to resort to sweatpants/sweatshirts/whatever is comfy and warm.  Well, I'm here to show you there are other options!

Day 11: January 19, 2012

What's one of the best alternatives to a bulky sweatshirt?  A thick, chunky sweater!  This is one is from Ann Taylor, bought over Christmas break!  It's kind a of funny story about how I happened upon this sweater: had to spend 4 hours at the dentist office one day (4 hours??!!  Yes, I know, but someone had to supply the office with their holiday bonuses!)  While in the chair I saw the Today Show was offering an Internet coupon deal: if you went to their website and printed off the coupon, you would receive 70% off any full-priced faux-fur item at Ann Taylor.  Since this was before I was on a shopping ban, of course I took advantage of it!  I mean, 70% off!!  That's like music to my ears!  So, this sweater, which was originally $200, ended up costing $60.  For a sweater like this, I had no problem paying that!  The deal almost makes up for all the drilling I had to endure in the dental chair!

Ann Taylor faux-fur sweater; New York & Company blouse; AE jeans; Simply Vera boots

   

I also wanted to draw attention to these boots.  I received them as a Christmas gift (thanks Grandma & Grandpa).  I am starting to like motorcycle boots more and more every day.  They're the perfect way to add a little "grunge" to an outfit.  These are a little girlie with the rhinestones, but every girl likes a little sparkle...or a lot of sparkle, in some cases :)

Day 12: January 20, 2012
Today was cold.  Usually my last day of running each week is a longer one, but today, I made an exception because I knew my fingers would be numb about halfway through anyways.  The only good thing: got to wear my new shoes, and I'm in love!

Today's outfit, again, was about warmth.  I want to first start off by going against the fashion grain, and explaining why I believe a turtleneck should be a part of every woman's wardrobe.  Now, I know what everyone pictures when I mention "turtleneck":

This?

Or This?

Well, I'm here to tell you a turtleneck is a perfect accessory to any closet.  I personally recommend black or any other neutral color (blue, tan, dark gray); I look at a turtleneck like a basic-t, something to go with an open-faced sweater or vest or even a jacket.  It's also great, because it gives you a great neutral backdrop,  so feel free to pile on the accessories!

So today, obviously, I went with the turtleneck.  I paired it with a 3/4 length jacket, jeans and knee-high boots.  Oh, and because it was freezing, and I had to walk to my office, I decided to finally sport what I have deemed my "Sherpa hat".  Andy said I looked goofy, but gosh-darnit I was warm.  I bought this hat last May, and it was like 99% off, making it $.99.  Best $1.00 I have ever spent.  Goofy or not, it made me smile, and, I think, accessorized the outfit well :p

Turtleneck: Target; Jacket: Kenneth Cole; AE Jeans; Boots: Kohls; Necklaces: J Crew, AE

Yeah, I agree--I look goofy!

***************************************************************************************************

And an "artsy" pic :)

F'ing Perfect

"Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel

Like you're less than, fucking perfect?"

P!nk, gotta love her!  Her lyrics are so deep, and every time I listen to her songs, I seem to find a new meaning within them.  This one, unfortunately now, describes me to a T.  As a grad student, unless you know you're going on for your Ph.D, the knowledge that you're going to have to find a job soon has been lingering in the back of our heads for some time now.  I started applying last semester to no prevail (rejection, after rejection), but it wasn't until a few days ago that it really hit me: this is it, I graduate in about 5 months, there's no more schooling to fall back on...I NEED to find a job.  I don't know if anyone out there can sympathize (I'm sure there are plenty of you!), but this realization came at me head on like a semi.  It's a pretty scary feeling, not knowing what the future holds, not knowing if there is anyone out there who's willing to take a chance on you.  I've said this before, but with all the rejection I've gotten, I feel as though I have no more than a high school diploma when applying for jobs; feel like I need to be perfect to get hired.  Everyone else has seemed to figure out the secret to unlocking the magical world of employment...any of you want to share with me what the secret password is?  I'll pay you!  :)

Aaannnyyywwwaaayyysss....what's this blog about?  Oh right!  Still chugging along with the challenge!  The past two days have been some pretty boring outfits--I have pics, but there's nothing special.  So, instead, I'm going to focus on bringing some bright colors in to try and cheer me up!  I'm pretty sure I am one of the many people who are affected by SAD, and since Michigan has decided that's it's going to be doom and gloom for awhile, I decided I need to bring a little "sunlight" into my life.

Let's start with yesterday.  Woke up to rain, so I decided to try out my new raincoat (p.s. when deciding to wear bright clothing in the winter, make sure they are warm...).  While I may have looked fashionable, a raincoat was definitely not the right choice for the weather, especially when I had to walk home...in the snow.  

Taking a cue from all the stylish celebs, I've been wanting a colorful trench for some time now.  However, when you have extremely long arms, such as mine, finding a coat that actually fits in the arms can be quite difficult.  Needless to say, I've been on the hunt for a few years, and have never able to find just the right one....

Until now...

Meet my new, beautiful, red, trench coat!  Isn't she beautiful??!!  I happened upon her about a month ago while browsing the sale racks at Target.  She was originally $50, marked down to $12.  And, what sealed the deal??...the arms were long enough!  Needless to say, she came home with me!

I wore the coat yesterday, accessorized with my leopard-print scarf (that I wear with everything), trying my best to look city-chique...while also trying to stay warm (or what I thought was warm)!  Completed the outfit with a Gap off-the-shoulder mauve-colored top, black tank, skinny jeans and my motorcycle boots.  The scarf stayed with the outfit when I realized I didn't even dress warm enough for my office, so a great two-for-one idea!

Day 10: January 18, 2012

(Mini-shout out: Happy Birthday Andy!)

Today's bright color is brought to you by my NEW RUNNING SHOES!  I don't know if there are any runners out there, but I hope I'm not the only one who gets super excited about new shoes!  That new cushy feeling, that 'new shoe' smell, colors that haven't been faded by rain, sleet, snow, mud, etc...

How's that for color!  Since most of my workout gear is black, I love to have some running accessories that add a little 'POP'--wakes me up to go running--especially in the winter when it's cold and it takes all my energy NOT to want to stay in my nice, warm bed!  Excited to test the babies out!

(Outfit of the day: Forever 21 taupe sweater, skinny jeans, Coach boots, new beaded necklace)

MLK Day

I miss the days when a holiday actually meant having the day off...Today would have been a perfect day to go sledding or enjoying ANYTHING but work.  But, unfortunately, I am a grad student, and holidays don't apply to us.  So what did I do instead?  Spend 6 hours coding a data file...only to find out that it had already been coded--epic fail!  At least I got to watch the Sopranos and Black Swan, so not a complete waste of time!

Update on the challenge--I've made it a whole week!  Not surprising, since I haven't even made a dent in my closet!  It's not the closet that's the issue though, it's the not shopping!  I know I don't NEED to buy anything, but shopping was always my distraction from work and something to do on the weekends.  I had to run some errands this weekend at Marshalls and Target, and I found myself having to totally avoid going anywhere near the clothing or shoe sections, just so I wouldn't feel the temptation to buy anything.  I know that makes me sound like an addict, but I think it just makes me sound like the typical girl!  But hopefully this will save me money (something I do NEED to do!), and teach me to be creative with what clothing I have.  Not saying I won't go shopping after the month, but maybe this will curb my habit :)


Day 7: January 15, 2012

Yesterday is what I'm referring to as "Lazy Sunday".  As a homage to my bestest friend J and our trips to Goodwill, I sported one of my old school Purdue shirts!  We used to always go to Goodwill, looking for old shirts and sweatshirts--then we would cut them up and have fun with them!

Shirt: Goodwill :)

 I especially love this shirt, because it reminds me of our "Senior picture day!"  So many great memories, compiled into one day of pictures! Our grad caps were our free passes to get in anywhere we wanted, even into Ross-Ade Stadium and Mackey Arena! 

Excited to graduate, but sad to leave :(

Me and Jenna!

Day 8: January 16, 2012

Today's outfit was centered around the fact that I wanted to be warm, and wear a pair of boots I hadn't for a long time!  I took a chance, having to walk to campus, of slipping, but I'm proud to say, I made it all the way to my office without falling, except attempting to biff it on the bus--but I'm blaming that one on the bus driver!

 This sweater has a very thick collar, which is nice because it keeps you warm, you don't have to wear a scarf to go outside...and is the perfect sweater to wear if you're trying to cover up a hickey--not that I have any experience with that!  This is a great 'casual' outfit, very comfortable, but also nicely put together!  I usually refuse to wear sweats onto campus, so this is an outfit I would go with if I didn't want to be too dressed up, but also wanted to look nice :)

Gap sweater; Express jeans, Boots: Boston Store

19° & Snowing

Yup, this describes my run today.  Cold, fingers numb, snowing flying into my eyes, feet sloshing everywhere...for 6 miles.  Why do I do it?  Because I love it.  There is nothing more satisfying than finishing a long run, where you felt strong and in-sync the entire time--it doesn't happen often, but when it does, it just reinforces why I love it!!  I could go on and on about running, but we'll save that for a different day.

Since I spent most of the day in sweats and running gear, I was excited to put on actual clothing.  Get to go hang out with the CJ cohorts, so I have an excuse to look a little nicer.  I love getting ready to go out, get some music going, dance in front of the mirror...of course this is all done when I'm home alone!!

One of my favorite things to do while running is to think up outfit ideas for the day...and this is exactly what I did today.  It's a great way to distract myself when my legs are killing me, and saves time standing in front of the closet wondering what to wear!  So, here's what I came up with for day 6:

Dress: Lovely Day (bought at a clothing boutique, East Lansing); Cover-up: New York & Company; Belt: Banana Republic; Tights: Express; Coach boots

 I loved this dress the moment I saw it!  One of the things I look for when buying a dress is that it can be worn all year long, it makes me feel like I get my moneys-worth!  And this dress definitely passed the test.  Seen in the picture below, I wore it a couple of months ago out in Las Vegas, sans tights and cover-up, and it works perfectly.  My favorite part of the dress, actually, is the back.  It's a deep-v, with a zipper all the way down the back--adds a little sex appeal.

Level 107, bar atop of the Stratosphere.  Recommended to anyone who wants a great view of the Strip!  Go during happy hour for great prices and the chance to watch the sunset!

**Sorry for all the B&W and Color pics--I'm a photographer, so I love to play around with coloring.  Also, sorry for all the pictures of just me.  I am definitely NOT this vain--I'm just trying to get the clothing across, and it's much better on a model (well, on me, who is definitely NOT a model!)  But take the pictures as art, I'll try to throw in some fun shots (see below) :)