Windy City Bound

Bright and early tomorrow morning, I'm headed to Chicago for an exciting weekend trip! Designer Christina Fan was kind enough to invite me to the Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion show. Her line C/FAN, along with the collections of several other emerging Chicago designers, will be featured. Stay tuned to hear about my weekend!

Dresses by C/FAN

Under the Weather

Dress: Behnaz Sarafpour for Target via Buffalo Exchange, $12.50 // Cardigan: F21, $23 // Tights: HUE, $5 // Pearls: Payless // Shoes: Abaete for Payless

This is what I wore to work today. I like how the short-sleeved cardigan, pearls and pumps make it ladylike, but the leopard print and lavender legs add some sass. This look didn't last long after I got home. Shortly after the picture was taken, I changed into the comfiest of clothes because I'm feeling sick. I really need to get rested and rejuvenated because I have an exciting trip ahead of me this weekend! I'll tell you about it tomorrow.

Perfect Day for a Picnic

Northeast Kansas was blessed with blissful weather today: sunny and 70s. To celebrate this pleasant change of pace, I took little Igby for a picnic in the park where I debuted a new pair of sandals I acquired recently. Awhile back, my sister-in-law told me about a limited-time shoe sale on 6pm.com with some crazy clearance prices. For about $30, I got four pairs of shoes (including shipping!). Among them were these ankle-wrap sandals. I had been meaning to get a pair like this for awhile, but it didn't happen while the weather was still warm. I wondered if they would still be in style by the time spring rolled around. I reasoned that they are pretty edgy for Kansas, and for less than $10, I've got nothing to lose. I'm really glad I decided to get them. They felt fun and fresh today, and Igby likes to chase them...

America's Most Stylish Blogger

I am excited to announce that I have been selected as one of eight finalists in the America's Most Stylish Blogger contest. Of course, style is all relative, but I'm flattered and thrilled to be included in this super fun contest. Here's how it works: each week the eight bloggers will be sent the same item from Bluefly.com to style in their own unique way. Starting on Tuesday, October 27th, it's up to readers to vote for their favorite. After five weeks, the winner will be determined. I'll keep you posted on the outfits I put together and how to vote!

Oktoberfest

Shirt: Rampage, thrifted, $10 // Jacket: Old Navy, thrifted, $6 // Skirt: F21, $8 // Tights: Hue, $5 // Shoes: Payless

This is what I wore to an Oktoberfest party today. I love the mustard color of the tights paired with the prettily printed jacket.

Autumn Sweaters

Sweater: If It Were Me, TJMaxx, $18 // Dress: Gift // Scarf: Courtesy of Shop Ruche // Shoes: Abaete for Payless

Awhile back, I discovered that a rather long floral skirt of mine made a pretty little dress. I only wore it a couple of times during the warmer months, so I decided to remix it for fall by adding a cozy sweater, tights, ankle boots and a scarf. This look felt light, airy and playful while still being appropriate for the season.

I wasn't the only one cuddling up in a soft sweater. Yes, I'm already one of THOSE dog-owners. To give myself a little credit, he does shiver every time I take him outside. And, you have to admit, he looks pretty handsome. I think Igby has a fashionable future ahead of him.

My Month

Dress: Forever 21, $19 // Sweater: Thrifted, $10 // Scarf: Gift // Boots: alice + olivia for Payless

Despite a dreadfully dreary week, I was thinking today about how much I adore October. It may be my favorite month. Crisp autumn air is setting in. The leaves are beginning to turn. Hot cider is flowing. Pumpkins and candy are plentiful. Okay, this is starting to sound like a bad poem written for some high school creative writing class, so I will refrain. You get the idea! This is the first time I've worn this dress. It's kind of strange--almost a sleeveless trench--so I think next time I might layer it over another dress. Today I wore it with a wool turtleneck, silk scarf, tights and boots that remind me of Edward Scissorhands, which is one of my favorite movies and absolutely perfect for my October-y mood. Do you have a favorite month?