[INSERT WITTY TITLE ABOUT THIS OUTFIT HERE]

This is one of the easiest outfits I have put together.  It consists of three basic pieces: a dress, kimono, and tights.  It's super comfortable and looks pretty good, if I do say so myself.  The best part of having a fairly simple outfit is you can accessorize like a crazy person.  Some say there is a limit to how much jewelry you should wear at once, I fundamentally disagree.

ADD ONE FLOPPY HAT TO INCREASE SOPHISTICATION

So this was one of those days where I couldn't be bothered to wear anything more complicated than a sweatshirt and jeans (unfortunately as a fashion student, I am not allowed a lot of those days).  I added some jewelry, heeled booties, and a hat to make it slightly more sophisticated.  

Here are some floppy hats that I love.  Good news, they are all under $20.00!

Mossimo Floppy Hat with Sash in Brown [$16.99] from Target

Wide Brim Floppy Hat in Burgundy [$19.99] from Charlotte Russe

Mossimo Braided Sash Floppy Hat in Black [$16.99] from Target

Floppy Brim Wool Hat in Gray [$17.90] from Forever 21

STUDS, SPIKES, LEATHER

Somedays I wake up and think,"I don't want anybody to mess with me today."  I find the best way to achieve this (using clothes) is with black, leather, studs, and sunglasses.  My bitchy resting face doesn't hurt either.

Special thanks to my friend Katie at ladykatiereport.wordpress.com for taking this photo!

Addie Beaded Loafers (exact) from J. Crew Factory

Minus the Leather Quilted Sleeve Jacket in Pitch Black (similar) from Express

JOGGERS ARE PRETTY NEAT

So, my new favorite thing for this season would have to be joggers.  They are comfortable, effortless, and this particular pair makes me feel like Aladdin (and who wouldn't want that?).  I paired it with a mint sweater, layered pearl necklaces, and heels.

See?  These totally look like pants Aladdin would wear, if only I had a magic carpet.

A rare photo of me with a full-fledged smile on my face.  It was probably because my photographer said something funny.  Special thanks to Jill for putting up with me and taking these photos!

REASONABLE RUNWAY [SAINT LAURENT]

This particular Reasonable Runway was a bit of a challenge.  This Saint Laurent look from their Spring/Summer 2015 Ready-to-Wear (photo via: style.com) includes some very unique pieces.  After a lot of internet searching, I am fairly certain that Saint Laurent is the only designer that makes a brown scarf with black polka dots.  Oh well, this looks really cool too.

Bow to Stern Scarf in Black Dots [$7.99] from ModCloth

Perfect Pop-Color Tanks in Black Stripe [$8.50] from Old Navy

SHI by Journeys Gala Heel in Gold [$29.99] from Journeys

Collarless Open-Front Blazer in Black [$37.80] from Forever 21

Wide-Brim Wool Fedora [$14.80] from Forever 21

Imitation Leather Shorts [$29.95] from H&M

5 FEMININE FIT + FLARE DRESSES FOR UNDER $50

Today I am channeling my inner Zooey Deschanel with this adorable fit + flare dress with tights (I cannot however, pull of bangs as well as she can).  Fit + flare dresses are great because they are very flattering to many body types.  It is also very easy to find affordable versions of this style of dress.  I got mine on sale for less than $15.00.  Here are some other great affordable options:

Palm Beach Floral Dress [$44.99] from Ruche

Eyelash Lace Combo Dress [$27.90] from Forever 21

New Look Inspire Lace Bardot Skater Dress [$34.09] from ASOS

Windowpane Chiffon Fit + Flare Dress [$27.90] from Forever 21

New Look Lace Belted Skater Dress [$43.57] from ASOS

NAVY + CAMEL [THE COLOR, NOT THE ANIMAL]

Today I discovered an interesting way to spice up an otherwise simple sweater.  Layer it with a long, patterned tank to add a little interest.  Or you can layer it with whatever you want.  I only give suggestions, not commands.

WHITE BUTTON DOWN + CONVERSE

Most of the time people wouldn't think to pair a white dress shirt with a pair of Converse sneakers.  It doesn't really follow normal fashion protocol.  But I really don't care for rules where apparel is concerned.  Weird combinations are interesting and attention-getting.  Go ahead, wear black and brown.  Wear black and navy.  Wear those Nikes with that pencil skirt.  Wear those clashing patterns together.  Wear what you think is cool, and don't obsess over those fashion "rules."  (Who came up with those rules anyway?)

Chuck Taylor Classic Low Top in Navy (exact) from Converse

BLACK + GOLD

I have developed an obsession for the black and gold color combination.  Clothes, decor, stationary, etc.  If it's black and gold, I'm interested.  Today I decided to profess my love for the color combination by wearing it on myself.  I made the look more appropriate for daytime with a pair of cuffed jeans.

Georgia Glitz Three-Hand Stainless Steel Watch in Gold-Tone (exact) from Fossil

Alex Earrings in Black (exact) from Kendra Scott

Kate Spade New York 12k Gold-Plated Black Crystal Stone Scatter Necklace (similar) from Macy's

REASONABLE RUNWAY [OSCAR DE LA RENTA]

The pieces I found for this Reasonable Runway are inspired by this look from Oscar de la Renta Spring/Summer Ready-to-Wear (photo via: style.com).

Gingham Collarless Longline Blazer [$94.75] from ASOS

Predictions Women's Saddle Oxford [$24.99] from Payless

Faux Leather Trimmed Shorts in Black [$14.80] from Forever 21

Floral Lace Top [$19.99] from Charlotte Russe

BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO SCHOOL, TO PROVE TO DAD I'M NOT A FOOL

First day of the semester deserves a decent bit of effort.  So today I'm trying out a button down, sweater, midi skirt, and tall boots.  It's really the only way to wear a skirt when you have to walk to class while it is 5° F outside.

10 FASHION TRENDS FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2015 YOU WILL ACTUALLY WANT TO WEAR

1.  FRINGE

Fringe has been popular for a while, but it is really going to explode this spring.  You will find it on dresses, skirts, tops, kimonos, shoes, bags, jewelry, etc.  Fringe = effortless cool, and you should totally consider wearing it.

Printed Kimono Coat from ZARA

Koolaburra 'Piaz II' Fringed Boot Cuff Sandal in Chestnut from Nordstrom

Tijuana Fringe Clutch from Francesca's

Fringed Sheath Dress from Forever 21

2.  MARSALA

Every year, fashion enthusiasts wait with bated breath to find out what Pantone will declare as the color of the year.  Marsala was chosen for 2015; a dark reddish-brown.  It may sound a little icky, but it looks great on accessories.

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Prayer from Sephora 

Classic Oxfords in Burgundy from Forever 21

Sloan Saffiano Leather Crossbody in Claret from Michael Kors

Essie Nail Color in Bordeaux from Target

3.  GINGHAM 

Gingham was all over the spring runways.  All ages, shapes, and sizes can easily wear this classic pattern.  If you want a modern country girl look, head straight for the gingham check.

Fluffy Peg Pants in Gingham Check from ASOS

Two Sugars Plaid Dress from Ruche

Long Sleeve No Iron Shirt from Lands' End

Brooks Beach Shirt from Hollister

"BABY, IT'S [HELLA] COLD OUTSIDE"....PUT ON YOUR PARKA

When it's around 2º F outside, you have to dress warmly.  I'm talking layers upon layers upon layers.  One of my go-to winter outfits includes a button down shirt topped off with a sweatshirt; warm, comfortable, and cute.  Pair it with pants, skirt, kilt, or whatever strikes your fancy on that day.

Midwest winters require a very warm coat.  I recently found this down belted parka that doesn't make me look like a puffy marshmallow (which should be priority #1 when shopping for any article of clothing) and it's super warm.  Lesson of the day: fashionable and functional is not impossible to find.

REASONABLE RUNWAY [MICHAEL KORS]

I would be lying if I said that I didn't pine over the beautiful creations that grace the runways.  But I would also be lying if I said that I could afford them.  Since I am not willing to sell a kidney in order to obtain these clothes, I have to search for affordable alternatives.  The items I found today are inspired by this Michael Kors Spring/Summer 2015 Ready-to-Wear (photo via: style.com). 

Collarless Open-Front Blazer in Beige [$29.90] from Forever 21

Floral Lace A-Line Skirt in Natural  [$32.90] from  Forever 21

Merona Textured Career Belt in Camel  [$12.99] from Target

Oxford Shirt in New Blue  [$20.00] from Old Navy

Mossimo Kendra Wedge Sandals in Natural  [$29.99] from Target

Follow my blog with Bloglovin!!

I LIKE GLASSES......PRINTED ON MY SHIRTS

A button down shirt is great, everyone should own a few.  But a button down shirt with a quirky print?  Mark me down as interested (I also own a shirt printed with mopeds, because who wouldn't want that?).  I layered the shirt with a loose fitting wool sweater, but it can easily be worn without.  Accessorize with a long necklace and you are ready to go.  Oh, and you should probably put pants on as well.  Or not, I'm a blogger not a cop.

Polka-Dot Button Front Shirt in 3 Colors (similar) from Old Navy

Tipped Draped V-Neck Sweater in Stone Kiwi (exact) from J. Crew