Classic Denim and Tweed

Tweed Jacket: Ralph Lauren

Jeans: CAbi

Turtleneck: Express

Boots: Marisa

Funny story on this jacket...it was a gift probably eight years ago. At the time I didn't like it. It just felt too "old" for me when I was in college. My mom pretty much took it from my closet and wore it for several years. Then all of a sudden I graduated and my style began to mature and I decided an asymmetrical tweed jacket was pretty cute with jeans or a pencil skirt, I claimed my jacket back!

What items have you had in your closet that you haven't liked at first but grew on you over time as your style evolved?

My inner Blair Waldorf

Black Leather Jacket: Mossimo

White Button Down: Banana Republic

Printed Scarf: Mossimo

Brown Tweed Skirt: J Crew

Red Tights: Kohl's

Black Boots: Marisa (Rack Room Shoes)

I've said before that I was totally going to pull a Blair Waldorf and put on red tights one day. And you know I never lie--so as promised, here is my first red tights outfit!

I feel like this is exceptionally brave because, not only am I wearing bright red tights, but I'm also mixing brown and black which is one of those color combos that used to be so taboo that it's hard to get comfortable with it again. Luckily, this scarf has black, brown, camel, red and white in it, so it made it easy to incorporate all the colors.

Workin' Wednesday - Ally

Raise your hand if you're at work and really wish you weren't! *raises hand* I can't wait for the long weekend though - we have so much to do, though, that I'll want ANOTHER long weekend to relax.

I look especially sleepy this morning and not only am I, but I sorta didn't put on make up this morning...yikes! I think my eyelashes are already on Thanksgiving vacation!!

Cardi: NY&Co

Satiny tank: NY&Co

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Target

Necklace: gift






Nothing fancy or even thought out today, kittens. I'm already mentally on break and can't focus on anything other than 6pm! Have a great and happy Thanksgiving and eat lots of yummy food!!

Kickin it up in purple tights

Black Leather Blazer: Mossimo

Black Hourglass Sweater (not able to see): CAbi

Charcoal Pencil Skirt: Express

Plum Tights: Merona

Pumps: Type Z

Scarf: Mark

I went straight to meetings this morning and started with one of my "bosses" (I have just one "big boss" who I officially report to but several internal stakeholders I also often refer to as "bosses"). He walked out of his office, looked down once, looked down twice and then looked down yet again. I could just see the wheels turning in his head thinking "Are her legs purple??" The answer was yes! Unless you work in a completely conservative office environment, I think colored tights are a great way to add some unexpected flash to a neutral outfit. They have just not been worn for so many years by most people which I think is what causes the initial shock factor the first time you see someone wearing them. They have been a hit though. I've only worn these twice and have had more people stop and ask me where I got them then I can count on both hands.

I have a pair of red I'm going to introduce soon as well. Any other color tights ideas you think would be fun to incorporate? I'm also wanting a pair of large gray and black houndstooth print tights. I think those would be very fun with a black dress.

(Sad news to note--as I was walking back to the office this afternoon, I felt wobbly all of a sudden. My left heel had started to break! I clomped down the street the rest of the way to keep it from separating any more than it already was. I'm taking them to the shoe repair man tomorrow to see if repair is possible. Cross your fingers--I've grown pretty fond of these!)

Happy Birthday - Daniel

Hey everybody, Daniel here again. Guess what?! After some poking and prodding by Ally and my girlfriend, I'm finally posting for real on here. So y'all be gentle. I didn't have anything to hide, I looked handsome, and I figured there was no better day to do it than on my birthday. Sorry about the bad lighting and weird shots. My apartment has bad lighting and small rooms, so the picture may look a little funky.



White Oxford shirt with Blue pinstripes: Old Navy: $14.92
Blue Reverse Argyle sweater: Old Navy: $14.92
Straight Leg Jeans: Old Navy: $14.99
Boots: Skechers outlet store: $Forget. Bought 'em 10 months ago.








I was headed out Saturday night for dinner with friends, drinks with more friends, and more drinks with even more friends. I'm 23, I'm grown, and wanted to finally look grown up when I dress. I'm usually a jeans and T-shirt kinda guy, but I'm hoping to reform my wicked ways. I think I pulled it off quite nicely. The boots are getting worn out, and I'm thinking about replacing them soon with a pair of these. Other than that, everything is a fairly recent purchase, and I had never worn either of the shirts.

So, I'll leave the rest to you. What do you fine ladies (and gents too) think?

Monday - Ally

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Mine was good. Cold, but good :) I look so tired in today's pic but I promise I'm wide awake! The pic is super dark too...boo!

Purple ruffle cardi: Old Navy

Green lace cami: Old Navy

Brown pants: Old Navy

Green heels: Ralph Lauren

Tan fishnets: TJMaxx

Pearls: gift

I'm a little matchy w/the Old Navy, but whatever. My goodies from the Friends & Family 30% off came in!





Cute, huh??












I'm so in love with these shoes. I saw them on Piperlime a few weeks ago but they weren't on sale. Put them on sale plus another 30% off? I can't resist!










I also picked up one of their canvas pea coats in pink. I wasn't sure how it'd fit, but it turned out great. For $17, I couldn't go wrong!

It looks like they're sold out in most color/sizes, so if you want one, you better hurry. It's not lined and isn't really that warm. However, I'm hot most of the time, even in the winter, so it's perfect for me and my many layers.

Now I need some long gloves so my little arms don't get cold!

Tapestry Coat

Tapestry Coat: CAbi

Brown Turtleneck: CAbi

Winter White Pants: NY and Co

Brown Pumps: Rampage

Carrying on with showing off my endless coat collection today (I was serious when I said I have a major coat addiction). This tapestry coat is a true "outfit" coat--one of those ones you can't wear every day because it is very memorable. It never ceases to receive multiple comments because of the texture, pattern and colors in it.

I typically wear the coat all day long open with the velvet belt tied in the back but it was pretty cold this morning so I buttoned and belted it for the commute and walk to the office so I took a picture both ways. While I was walking into work, the top button fell off so I'm going to have to attempt a fancy button reattachment. Or talk someone into doing it for me. As thrifty and DIY as so many of our readers are, I'm pretty helpless. It makes me admire each of you so much more when you make button changes or alterations on your own!

I bought this coat 2 years ago and wore it for the Breeders Cup. The Breeders Cup is like the national championship of horse racing and was at Churchill Downs a couple years ago. Ally got tickets in the drawing and took Tracey and I along with our friend Kim and it was a BLAST!! The Kentucky Derby is all about the hat. The Breeders Cup, being in early November, was all about the coat. There were some unbelievably gorgeous coats on display that day--bold colors, patterns, textures, scarves--and this one fit the bill perfectly!

The Beauty of Original Jewelry

Last week I attended my friend Angela Buschmann's jewelry party. She has 1 to 2 jewelry parties a year where she displays her hard work over the last few months. Everyone knows how much I love jewelry and Ang's work is absolutely brilliant. I recieve more compliments for her pieces and I am happy to brag that it is truly an original! She is currently working on getting website started up, but I had to share a couple of my lovely purchases.

The first piece is off-white balls with an amber rose and for a unique little touch is a tourquois bird. The second piece is an antique rose in a beautiful purple shade with matching earings.

TGIF - Ally

You know who's ready for the weekend? This gal!

V-neck t: Old Navy

Lacy cami: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Cole Haan

Grey fishnets: TJ Maxx

Bracelet: Walmart

Necklace: Sarah Balmer via Scout






I really wish I had bought another pair of these pants when I got these. They are SO comfortable and look good and damnit if they're not sold out in my size!

I picked up some fishnet kneehighs and trouser socks the other night at TJ Maxx with Tracey and they're really comfortable. The top band is really wide and doesn't dig. A winner for me!

Thursday -- Ally

Well, you win some and you lose some. Today's outfit has been the biggest headache. It looks cute enough in this pic, but in practice, it's annoying.
Cardi: NY&Co.

Navy dress: Target

Green lacy top: Target

vintage slip visible at hem: thrifted

Tights: Walmart (can't find a link. They're the George ones. May be instore only)

Boots: Frye

Necklace: no idea





The idea of this was much better than the practice (sorta like how Communism is good on paper but bad in practice). When standing still, the lace edge of the slip at the hem of the dress was cute. However, when I sat then stood, I had to adjust and pull and tug to get everything to hang just right. Then I'd take a step and the dress would jack up in the back. *sigh*

See? It means well. It just doesn't work b/c it bugs me. If you're not comfortable in something, it'll look like crap no matter how cute it really is.

But you know what doesn't bug me? These tights. They're the cheapie $5 ones at Walmart and I like them FAR more than the $6 ones at Target. They're a lot thicker and not as sheer. They're super soft and warm AND the waist band is all wide and doesn't dig. Total winner!



I also don't like this green top with the dress/cardi. I like where I was going with the lace and color contrast, but it just didn't work. I think if the top weren't v-neck it would have gone better.

It also pulled to one side and with all the layers I had going on, I finally just let it go :) It was a balmy 25 this morning when I left so while annoying, the layers were greatly appreciated!




No close up of the boots (sorta forgot!) but these are probably my favorite shoes. I know it's hard to pick a favorite, but these are it. They're comfortable for about eight hours, but after that, not so much. I walked the Seven Hills of Rome in these bad boys, so they're in it for the long haul!

If at first it doesn't work, try, try again

Black Wool Blazer: Banana Republic

Black Turtleneck: The Limited

Red Patent Belt: The Limited

Chino Skirt: J Crew

Plaid Tights: The Limited

Pumps: Type A

Last time I wore these tights, it was not such a good thing. But as we are all told growing up, "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again." And I did.

I wore these a couple weeks ago with a denim pencil skirt and liked the look so just changed skirts to my tan one this week so I could wear to work. As they were the last time, people either raved over them or pretty much hated them. They are unusual enough that they garner a strong reaction both ways. I just like them because I think they are fun and add an unexpected punch to the outfit.

However, I will say that they are a pain keeping the lines straight all day!

Wednesday -- Ally

Happy Hump Day, y'all! The weather has finally taken a cold turn and I'm thrilled!

Cardi: NY&Co.

Plaid cami: NY&Co.

Pants: Old Navy

Necklace: NY&Co.

Shoes: Liz Claiborne









I bought this necklace at NY&Co a hundred years ago. I have it in black and really love it.

I've worn this outfit before and it's one of my favorite, easy things to wear. I try to mix it up with different accessories.








As you may have read, Value City is closing a lot (or all?) of their stores. They had some good prices on shoes a couple of weeks ago when we stopped by. I scored these for $23!

I love how they're blue but not navy.








How sweet is the little ribbon and bow? LOVE.

Patent leather + silky ribbon = perfection

Loving a great deal

White Button Down: Banana Republic

Rodeo Belt: CAbi

Yellow Cord Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft

Boots: Maripa

Don't you love how, when you get a really great deal on an item, you love it even more? That's how I'm feeling about this skirt. I really do like it--it hits at the perfect rise, fits great all around, is the perfect length to wear with tall boots...if they had in other fabrics, I'd stock up.

However, I think I really like it even more because of the deal I got. It was originally $49 at Ann Taylor Loft and was on sale for $19.99. Well then they had an additional 40% off clearance. Then, I found an additional 20% off coupon code and a free shipping code.

Final result--this skirt showed up on my doorstep for $10.17.

Can't beat that!!

Monday Funday -- Ally

I hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was relaxing and well-deserved.

Dress: NY&Co.

Cardi: Target

Lace cami: Old Navy

Tights: Target

Shoes: Gabriella Rocha via Zappos outlet

Fancy Jasper Necklace: Sarah Balmer via Scout








I had a belt on with this earlier in the day, but it had to come off because it just wasn't working. Life's too short for feeling all bound and uncomfortable. Well, unless it's really cute shoes :)

The tank is purple and is a nice contrast to the green dress and is one of the colors in the shoes. I wore a teal scarf with this too but it didn't make it in the picture.

Of all my shoes, these are Al's favorite. They're very Indian-inspired and while they're colorful, I have a hard time matching them to an outfit.

I picked these up at the Zappos outlet several years ago for $10. The exterior is silk and they're very comfortable. This picture doesn't even begin to do them justice. They're the most vibrant peacock blue color and the sequins and embroidery really shine and sparkle.

Power of Plaid

Plaid Jacket: CAbi

White Button Down: J Crew

Black Vest: The Limited

Black Pencil Skirt: CAbi

Black Tights: Merona

Black Pumps: Type A

Continuing the jacket show, today features one of my newest additions to the closet- my double breasted plaid blazer. I should have taken 2 photos because I wore it buttoned about half the day and open the other half.

I've always been a fan of plaid. I owned numerous plaid pleated skirts as a child and have never tired of the pattern. For me it's like argyle--it will always be preppy, classic and winter chic. However, I love it when my personal tastes become "fashionable"! It's kinda like pointy toe stilettos--I'm going to wear them regardless but it's nice when someone recognizes you as "cutting-edge" and "trendy" even if you've been wearing it all along. According to an article in the Courier-Journal last weekend, plaid is officially a trend of the season!

What is something that you'll always like and wear- regardless of whether it's "in" or not?

(And just a random side note, I put on red tights this morning and they looked a-dor-a-ble with the black skirt, white shirt and vest. Then I put on the plaid jacket and while it all was technically "matching", it just did not look right and work. Hate it when that happens. However, I did find a new outfit for the plaid tights that was fabu that I wore for a short bit earlier in the week but didn't take a picture for some unknown reason--the top half of my "punk and prep" outfit paired with a denim pencil skirt and tall black boots....I'll wear again soon and take a picture--my faith in plaid tights was totally restored!)

Weekend -- Ally

Tracey and I both had a day off and we spent it together. We had the BEST day and it was some much-needed BFF time.

We started off with brunch at Toast on Market, did a little shopping on Market Street, and moved on to the mall for a Sephora and Coach stop. After that, I popped in the salon to get my bangs trimmed (Finally!!!) then we ended the day at Churchill Downs for their Fall Meet. I won a whopping $5! We met up w/Al and some friends for dinner/drinks and called it a day. It was the ultimate battery charge for us both!

I can't stop wearing this wrap despite it being difficult to wear. I gave up on tying it and just let it hang! I had a lady stop me on the street to compliment it, so it couldn't have been that bad!
Wrap sweater: Target

Thin, black long sleeved T: Old Navy

Denim pencil skirt: Lands' End

Green tights: Target

Boots: Payless

Bag: Furla

Jasper stone necklace: Sarah Balmer via Scout

Sunnies: MaxStudio




Isn't this necklace beautiful?? Scout was having their holiday open house and everything was 20% off. I couldn't resist!!! It's so heavy and substantial too.

I love the colors of the stones - you know it'll match anything.







All smiles after a couple $2 Hurricanes and $2 bets!

TGIF - Ally

Waaaahhhhhooooooooooooooo! I am SO glad the weekend's here, y'all. This has been just a horrible week and the weekend is very welcome!

Dress: thrifted

Wrap sweater: Target

Tights: Target

Belt: NY&Co.

Shoes: Steven (not the exact shoe, but almost)

Necklace: Walmart







I fiddled with this sweater all day and while very warm and comfortable, it's a pain in the ass. If I tie it in the back, I couldn't sit comfortably at my desk. If I tied it in the front, it looked silly. If I didn't do anything, it hung past my knees. Whatever. I wore it every way and while I never really got it right, it was comfortable and that's all I needed!



I'm really glad I wore this belt today. The dress alone isn't that flattering and the belt really gave it shape and looked nice when I had the sweater open.



Back in the summer Al and I hit up our local Salvation Army and got some major deals. This dress caught my eye right away. I should have taken a picture of it without the sweater, but to be perfectly honest, it's less than flattering as it is. Its shape is very dated and not in that fun vintage way. It doesn't help that it needs to be about 1.5-2 inches shorter either.

The print is great and it's super comfortable. What makes it sweeter, is it was a whopping $2!

Thursday -- Ally

Boy...am I ever ready for this week to be over already! In the spirit of full disclosure, this photo was taken Wednesday night after a long day at work. It rained on and off all day, so excuse the mess I call hair and shiny face!

Cardi: Target

Tank: NY&Co.

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Cole Haan

Lisa Simpson Necklace: Slutty teenager store in mall










I've worn pretty much this exact same outfit before on here, but w/different accessories and pants. Same outfit if you ask me :) I sure do look better at 9am than 9pm, huh? I have got to make time in the mornings for pics!!

It's all about the coat

Red Leather Jacket with Houndstooth Trim: Speigel

Black Turtleneck: Apt 9/Kohl's

Tweed Pants: Limited

Pearls: Graduation Gift

Pearl Headband: Forever 21

Black Pumps: BCBGirls

I've mentioned before that I have an obsession with winter coats. It's so bad that, at the age of 27, I feel like I have to smuggle my new ones into my own place because my mother lectures me because I buy so many! However, when you have a job where you walk a lot downtown, sometimes the coat is the most important part of an outfit. Today's coat is my absolute favorite.

I went for ladylike and simple with my outfit--the black turtleneck has ruching at the shoulders and neckline and my pearls added to the simple, girly look. However, the coat takes it from simple and ladylike to flashy I think. I saw this coat in the Spiegel catalog a couple years ago and immediately handed it over to Santa. I must have been good that year. :-)

I don't typically take photos in my outerwear but I'm going to make a point to in the next few weeks with all of the various ones so you can see the collection. The great thing about coats is they last forever so you can build a collection without forking out a lot at once. And would you believe, as many coats as I own, that I don't own a basic black or khaki trench coat? That's one of Tim Gunn's 10 essentials! I put that on the Santa this for this year!

All about the pearls

Purple pintucked turtleneck: Apt 9/Kohl's

Bronze jacket and charcoal pants: CAbi

Chunky metal and pearl necklace: Limited

Pearl Headband: Forever 21

Platform Pumps: Type A

I saw this necklace on clearance at the Limited last weekend and decided it was a must-have. I love the gold chunky strands with the big pearls as well--it is ladylike but has a bit of edge all at once. I took a picture with and without the jacket because I literally kept taking it off and on all day long--one room was hot and the next was cold so I figured it was only fair to see it both ways!

I walked into the hospital this afternoon for a meeting and had a lady I work with stop and say she loved my jacket (it looks so much better in person than it photographs) and the chunky necklace....and that I look like I could be walking the streets of New York--in Kentucky! Don't you love a comment like that??? Totally makes you smile a little more and walk a little taller! I really think it was the necklace though that changed the look of the entire outfit and transformed it from a very basic ensemble to a more exciting one. A great clearance purchase, that's for sure!

Election Day blogger challenge WINNER!!!

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Election Day blogger challenge! I am still pumped over the election and drug this out as long as possible! :)

Originally I had Al look at all the pics and he picked the one who most represented "the spirit of Election Day" (whatever that is...), but after Kimberly did hers w/the random list generator I felt obligated to be all official :) Guess how that turned out? The same winner!! It's fate, and Hillary, collect your prize! Email me (address to the right) your mailing info and I'll get your super special gift pack in the mail!

The entries (click on the pic to be taken to the blog of the pretty gal in the pic):

Monday -- Ally

Fall is here! Finally!!! The weather has been in the 40s today and I couldn't be more excited. This is the last pic of my herbs and flowers until spring. I winterized them yesterday afternoon so cross your fingers my sage, mint, lemon balm, and rosemary make it through the winter. The rosemary came to work w/me today because from what I've read, they don't do well in cold temps even if properly mulched.

Jacket: Isaac Mizrahi/Target

Orange shell: Target

Denim pencil skirt: Lands' End (it's on sale for $25 right now)

Tights: Target

Boots: Payless

Necklace/earrings: courtesy of V/accessory swap







I'm a bad swap buddy! V sent me this necklace and awesome earring set (along with more great goodies!) a month ago and I'm just now posting them. The necklace and earrings are both totally my style - thanks, V! OhThatGirl is hosting another accessory swap this month, so click the link above to sign up!
You can see the collar of the jacket in this pic. It and the elbows are faux-suede (like the boots). It's very English Professor :)