Just Call Me Laura

I have no idea why this outfit made me think of a Laura. Perhaps it's the '70s vibe, yet again (why do I seem to graviate towards 1970s outfits for church on Sundays lately?). This time I think it was courtesy the 1970s-inspired bronze sandals I picked up at Dress Barn this week for $9.99 (yes, you read that right, Dress Barn, and yes, $9.99). I love to have some stand-alone pieces in my closet amongst the basics. Yes, it's fun to mix and match when you have time and energy, but sometimes, you just want an easy outfit, something that you can wear when you're feeling lazy but want to look good. You can't overuse this tactic, but it it is good to keep in your wardrobe 'arsenal.'

It was beautiful again this Sunday so my friends and I went to the park to eat lunch after church. We ended up screaming Chrismas carols at the top of our lungs (which was terrible, because we're out of practice and couldn't remember all of the words).

Oh, life is beautiful, loves! Dress the part :)

The Runway Rundown:
Blouse: TJ Maxx
Tank top: local store
Jeans: House of Dereon
Bronze Heels: Dress Barn (of all places)

Just Call Me Johanna

A good friend was playing Johanna in Sweeney Todd last weekend. Johanna is the sweet, beautiful girl that is the center of the conflict around the crazy demon barber. Wow, what an amazing performance. Have you ever seen Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street? It's a rather crazy, insane, out-of-the-box production. This one, set in a small theatre, broke the fourth wall almost the entire time. The play was set in an asylum, and at times the strobe light would go off and the actors/actresses would run around screaming "Sweeney!" and my friend has the operatic voice, so she sang this incredibly high-pitched, frenzied tone. It was incredible. Brava!!! Brava!!!

I knew I wanted to wear this little go-to dress. It's great and easy, very wearable (it has pockets! fave!). Unfortuantely, the skirt gets wrinkled easily (especially after a three-hour car ride). I then grabbed my other go-to essentials: textured tights, my black wrap ballerina-style sweater, my favorite necklace, and, of course, my favorite black kick-ass booties. Perfect for a night at the theatre! We were asked for drinks with some of the cast after the play, but decided to hit the road since we had to drive another hour and a half.

The Runway Rundown:

Beret: Torrid
Flower pin (on hat): H&M
Necklace: the key to my heart
Dress: Nordstrom 
Wrap Sweater: thrifted

Tights: Target
Kick-Ass Booties: Elie Tahari (via TJ Maxx)

Just Call Me Jenna

This look reminds me of J. Crew's new style gone casual. The clothes in their catalogues are a bit dressy for my everyday life, because their new style director, Jenna, has really upped the ante. Their stuff is fabulous now, but super expensive. This is my everyday version, a classic Natalie outfit that I would wear every day if I could (I settle for a version of it about every week or so, hehe). It's easy, comfy pieces with nice detailing and fresh color combinations that make this outfit work. I was complimented on the shoes AND the vest today. Loving the sunshine, hope you had some too!

Remember, you can click on the pics to view larger. Check out the details of each outfit!!

The Runway Rundown:

Sunnies: Thrifted 

Tee shirt with detailed sleeves: Gap

Hoodie (in one of my FAVE colors): Juicy Couture

Vest: New York &Company

Scarf (most favorite for about 6 years now): American Eagle

Jeans (new-ish, love): Target 

Ballet Flats (love this very neutral gold color) : Target

Just Call Me Allyson

Allyson, with a y, because I felt like one in this outfit. I know I'm smiling, because it was an incredibly beautiful and warm November day, but unfortunately I was headed to a funeral. I think red and purple look beautiful together. Very cheerful and not often seen....but they really complement each other well. This outfit seemed appropriate to me, because I am one of the old-fashioned types who think black is the most appropriate for a funeral. However, I also like the idea of celebrating the Everlasting life, and thought my purple and fuschia butterfly blouse was a great metaphor. Sometimes we think the end of our 'caterpiller stage' (ie. life on Earth) is the end, but little do we know that we become 'butterflies' when we get Eternity in Heaven, praising God forever. Amen! See you in Heaven, Charlotte! It must be infinitely more beautiful than this nice November day.

The Runway Rundown:
Sunnies: Nine West
Blouse: TJ Maxx
Crop Sweater: Thrifted
Palazzo Pants: Victoria's Secret
Ballet Flats: Target
Coat: Forever21

Just Call Me Rachel

I feel like a Rachel in this outfit. They always say about bridesmaid dresses, "You can totally wear it again!" and everyone says, "Of COURSE," knowing they've just paid a couple hundred bucks for a dress that will NEVER, ever, please-God-no see the light of day again, right?

Well, I decided to call their bluff and actually wear this lovely little J. Crew bridesmaid number again! Thankfully, the trends seem to be leaning towards wear-again-able dresses. I ditched the sparkly, silver, incredibly uncomfortable bridesmaid shoes for some high brown wedges and cinched the waist with a belt. Then I added a funky necklace because pearls or silver would definitely give this dress's past life away! I have loved this necklace since I first spotted it, and I get made fun of a lot when I wear it, but it is perfectly funky and fun for autumn, and who doesn't like pom-poms? So 70's-roller-skate-girl! (as always, click on photos to enlarge)


The Runway Rundown: 
Bridesmaid Dress: J. Crew (via my brother's wedding)
Belt: thrifted
Necklace: Urban Outfitters
Leather bracelet: Gap
Brown Wedges: Seychelles