Closet Roll Call


Teachers take roll in the beginning of class to know who is in attendance. Over the semester, they collect data on how many times each person shows up to class. Sometimes this attendance counts for a grade, and sometimes it doesn't. However, the fact of the matter is that the more one shows up to class, the higher one's grades are in said class. So, where am I going with this? Well, I recently took inventory of my closet and noticed a few items that I wear constantly, so much so that I'm wearing them out. From me, they get an A+. Like these:

Steve Madden Women's P-Heaven flats, famousfootwear.com, $39.99
Steve Madden Women's P-Heaven flats, famousfootwear.com, $39.99

These flats (which I have on my feet right now) are my all time favorites. They are understated, comfortable, but still trendy. For shoes so simple, I get tons of compliments on them, and they match virtually everything.

Stripe Out Tee, jcrew.com, sold out
Stripe Out Tee, jcrew.com, sold out

This shirt is my go-to for days when I don't want to get dressed. It is from J.Crew, but I believe that the style is retired, so try to find something similar. It pairs perfect with black leggings or jeans for a nautical look.

Shirt in Indigo Floral, jcrew.com, sold out
Shirt in Indigo Floral, jcrew.com, sold out

This blouse is one of my favorites (also from J.Crew, but unfortunately also retired), but any basic floral blouse that does not have too many colors makes for a great casual look, but can also look striking under a blazer for a meeting.

Grey Lightweight Wool Blazer, bananarepublic.com, $69.99 (sale)
Grey Lightweight Wool Blazer, bananarepublic.com, $69.99 (sale)

This blazer is one of my favorites in my closet. It is a great asset to my work wardrobe, but also has become one of my favorite casual pieces as well. I usually roll up the sleeves to expose the black lining. The grey is less harsh than a black blazer, so it pulls together almost every outfit that I own.

TOMS Grey Metallic Woven Vegan Classics, toms.com, $54
TOMS Grey Metallic Woven Vegan Classics, toms.com, $54

Like the grey blazer, these Metallic Grey TOMS are a favorite of mine. They have a little bit of sparkle, but not full sequins, so they are perfect. TOMS are so comfortable, so when I am feeling lazy, I just throw them on and feel a little hipster. Mine are worn out, so I am certainly looking for a new pair in the new future. Any suggestions?

Floral Print and Tassel Scarf in Cream/Multi, forever21.com, sold out
Floral Print and Tassel Scarf in Cream/Multi, forever21.com, sold out

This scarf has seen a lot. When I bought it, I was skeptical about the tassels, but the pastels and the flowers are the perfect compliment to any outfit. The material is gauzy enough for spring, but easy in the winter as well. I will confess that I actually have cut off some of the tassels (there were a lot).

So that's it. A peek into some of the recurring characters in many of my outfits. I would love to know what creatures haunt your closets.

Outfit Solutions for "Off Days"


We all have 'em. Maybe you pulled an all-nighter last night with the test this morning. Perhaps, you have a cold, and the last thing you want to do is leave your bed. Off days stink and usually result in breaking out the sweatpants, but not any more. Here are a few of my favorite solutions for your typical off day outfits.

Problem: Sweatpants

Unless you are planning on pairing these with a sequined top and a cropped blazer, there is no saving this look. Yes, they are cute for slumber parties, but you can do so much better!

AE Cropped Lounge Pant, ae.com, $29.50
AE Cropped Lounge Pant, ae.com, $29.50

Solution: Leather leggings

Leather pants are hot but their cousins, the legging, are a more comfortable and casual. As easy to slip on as a pair of regular leggings, leather leggings can add a new dimension to your outfit. Just a note, you don't need to get real leather leggings (and drop all that cash) to get this look. Here are a pair of my favorite stretchy faux leather leggings:

Emily D Vegan Leather Leggings, urbanoutfitters.com, $68
Emily D Vegan Leather Leggings, urbanoutfitters.com, $68

Problem: T-shirt

T-shirts are not flattering, and though they are comfortable, there are so many other options.

Taylor Swift concert t-shirt
Taylor Swift Concert T-shirt, $24.99

Solution: Oversized oxford

The Oxford is always classy, so for a sick day, wear one that is less corporate and more relaxed. A fun print can bring some sunshine to your day and your outfit. No need to shop for this one if you already have an oxford, just roll up your sleeves and throw on a pair of leggings and flats.

Semi-Sheer Shirt, forever21.com, $19.90
Semi-Sheer Shirt, forever21.com, $19.90

Problem: Sweatshirt

The sweatshirt is your best friend for cold, off days, but it leaves little to be desired in the style category since odds are that it's one that you have had since high school, it's stained, or it's a memento from boyfriends past.

Courtesy: National Lampoon's Animal House
Courtesy: National Lampoon's Animal House

Solution: Choose a roomy top with a soft material and lots of room. These can be more comfortable than sweatshirts since the material is less bulky. I thought that the texture on this top was unique and super easy to dress up or down.

Shirred V-Neck Top, forever21.com, $15.80
Shirred V-Neck Top, forever21.com, $15.80

Okay, so you are still feeling like stepping out in a full on sweatsuit. Don't! The best solution for the outfit blues is a long sleeved dress. These are great because you don't need to worry about choosing a sweater to match, and you can just throw on those tried and true black leggings, and then call it a day. Here are a few ideas:

Ruffled Floral Dress, forever21.com, $24.80
Ruffled Floral Dress, forever21.com, $24.80

Striped Fit & Flare Dress, forever21.com, $13.80
Striped Fit & Flare Dress, forever21.com, $13.80

Floral Babydoll Dress, forever21.com, $24.80
Floral Babydoll Dress, forever21.com, $24.80

Save the t-shirt for the gym because you have places to be. Nothing should slow you down, not even on your off days!

Room to Grow


This Spring Break I was home for a few days, and I got to sleep in my bed. Yes, in my own room without roommates and noise in the hallway. The silence and darkness was amazing, but as I was lounging in my bed, I looked around my room and realized that it was time. The magenta accent wall and the lime green theme is so high school, and I'm ready for a more mature look for my room. So, I searched for some inspiration, and here are a few easy and cheap steps that I am going to take to make my room grow up.

This is my room. And my friend and I being extremely cool.

Goofing off at home

Here are some photos I got for inspiration for my new digs:

Simple chic bedroom
Courtesy: IKEA

Simple bedroom
Courtesy: Bungalow Love

Bedroom
Courtesy: Daisy Pink Cupcake

Yellow bookshelves
Courtesy: My Pretend House

Chic bedroom
Courtesy: IKEA

I am looking to tone down the brights and bring in the light. The airy and calm cottage feel is going to be more relaxing than something cut out of PB Teen circa 2006. My plans so far:

1. Change out my bright, striped closet curtains for white linen curtains.

White linen curtains
Courtesy: kookoobearkids.com

2. Paint my wood furniture white, or find some funky white furniture at yard sales:

White drawers
Courtesy: 2ols.com

3. Vibrant, but muted walls.

Blue chic bedroom
Courtesy: heyladygrey.com

Green mint bedroom
Courtesy: heyladygrey.com

Pink princess bedroom
Courtesy: triadhomes.news-record.com

Pop punk princess bedroom
Courtesy: 86073.com

4. New cover for my fabric headboard (mine is currently fuzzy and pink...it is also made out of a shower curtain). Here are some fabrics that I like:

Flower headboard
Courtesy: I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls

Flower headboard
Courtesy: cococozy.com

Simple bedroom
Courtesy: deepfriedkudzu.com

So as you can see, I need to upgrade, and the cool, country look is right up my alley. Well, looks like I will have a project for this summer. When I finish my project I will post on this again with the result!

March Top Three


March is like a two year old. Some days it's adorable and sunny with flowers blooming and a cool breeze. Then, the next day it throws a temper tantrum in the form of a nor'easter or a squall. We all know that Spring in New England does not actually happen until late April. I have vivid memories of freezing my buns off as a little girl attempting to wear a cute little Easter dress and white sandals to Sunday Mass. So, what is a girl to do when winter is "over," but it's still not time to whip out the sundress? Here are my top three favorite pieces for this yucky time of year:

1. Rainy day flats

Rainy Day Bow Ballet Flats in Blue Grotto, Black, or Neon Peach, jcrew.com, $49.50 (sale)
Rainy Day Bow Ballet Flats in Blue Grotto, Black, or Neon Peach, jcrew.com, $49.50 (sale)

J. Crew Rainy day Bow Ballet Flats
Rainy day Bow Ballet Flats (older design)

These flats have been on my radar for a long time. They are made of rubber they're soft and have holes, so if you step in a puddle of melted snow by accident, any moisture will drain out. The bow is oh-so cute, and the vivacious colors leave you wanting a whole bouquet of them. The design of the flat makes your foot look delicate, unlike a pair of clunky rain boots. The newer collection features a rubber bow as well so that you don't have to worry about anything ruining these cuties. They are usually $58, but some select colors are on promo. These are great for work, play, and especially a rainy day!

2. Trench Coats

L to R: Elie Tahari Double Breasted Trench Coat, nordstrom.com, $275; Soïa & Kyo Double Breasted Coat with Detachable Capelet, nordstrom.com, $320; MICHAEL Michael Kors Hooded Trench Coat, nordstrom.com, $118
L to R: Elie Tahari Double Breasted Trench Coat, nordstrom.com, $275; Soïa & Kyo Double Breasted Coat with Detachable Capelet, nordstrom.com, $320; MICHAEL Michael Kors Hooded Trench Coat, nordstrom.com, $118

I am a huge fan of trenches. They come in so many colors other than the typical tan (which is always classic), and the lightweight and waterproof material is perfect for the warmish, wet month of March. They also create a timeless shape since most of them have belts that hit you in just the right spot. The options that I presented above are a bit pricey, but it may be a valuable investment in the long term.

3. Bright and fun pencil skirts

Pencil skirts
L to R: No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Ultra Eyelet in Chili, jcrew.com, $128; Knit Pencil Skirt in Turquoise, forever21.com, $7.80; Striped Sweater Pencil Skirt, loft.com, $69.50; Vintage Shocking Pink Pencil Skirt, modcloth.com, $39.99 (sale)

I love a fun take on any corporate staple because now I can rock brights and patterns all day at work. These skirts are not just for the office though! Their personality can be a nice alternative to pants (if) when the weather starts looking up.

So, these are my top three picks to take on the month that comes in like a lion and presumably goes out like a lamb.

Orange You Glad You Wore Colored Pants Today?


As I typed this sitting in one of our campus study halls, the clouds hung gloomy overhead and students passed me in black North Face jackets and brown boots. Yes, it's the beginning of the thaw. Late February is when we New Englanders start to have a glimmer of hope that perhaps this Easter we can get by with just a sweater instead of a winter coat. I started to wonder when I could whip out my fabulous orange kimono-sleeved dress. Visions of orange, both bright and muted, dance in my head, and suddenly I cannot overcome the urge to wear my new high waisted orange trousers from H&M.

Wearing Orange Pants
Courtesy: duckalicious.com

So what did I do that night when I arranged my outfit for the next morning (admit it, you do it too)? I paired the above orange pants with a neutral top and some turquoise accents. Shortly after I put together my look, packed my backpack, and walked to the dining hall I started to get looks. In my first class I got a few texts about my pants from my classmates during lecture. By the time I found my friends for lunch my pants had become the center of conversation. I know some people have strong opinions on colored pants, but here's the trick: you have to do them right.

Here are my rules for selecting colored pants and what I think looks best:

1. Choose a rich color, like a deep orange. If you are going to rock colored pants, they have to make a statement.

Pleated Woven Pants with Belt, forever21.com, $19.80
Pleated Woven Pants with Belt, forever21.com, $19.80

Cafe Capri in Bright Dahlia, jcrew.com, $89.50
Cafe Capri in Bright Dahlia, jcrew.com, $89.50

2. Avoid jean and acid washes; this screams preteen. Also avoid neons. Try for a more satin finish.

No:

Pastel colored jeans
L to R: Blank NYC Purple Stretch Stud Detail Skinny Jeans, 6pm.com, $30.99; Radcliffe Denim Camden Midrise Skinny Jean in Disco Lemonade, 6pm.com, $19.95; Radcliffe Denim Camden Midrise Skinny Jean in Neon Green, 6pm.com, $19.95

Yes:

Elizabeth and James "Milo" Crop Pants in Shocking Pink, nordstrom.com, $285
Elizabeth and James "Milo" Crop Pants in Shocking Pink, nordstrom.com, $285

3. Colored jeans look best cropped and skinny.They just do.

Cropped color jeans
Courtesy: stylefashiontrendy.com

4. When you wear them, keep the rest of your look neutral.

Bright blue pants
Courtesy: glamour.com

Zara TRF Colored Pants
Courtesy: Zara

So there you have it. Colored pants are new and exciting territory for me since I had really ever only owned denim before, so I'd love to hear your feedback on this topic. Hopefully I can get my hands on some more colors, but for now I'm sticking with orange. Orange you glad you read this article?

 
Kelly Vail
Fashion Babbler
Originally from Southern Massachusetts, I am a sophomore at Providence College and a Shopping Major. Just kidding, Management, but close enough. I love New England, and I see its crazy weather patterns as an opportunity to change up my outfits as much as possible. Other than fashion and beauty, I love reading, fitness, and the Friars.
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