oldies but goodies

{ What I Wore: J.Crew Factory striped tee (currently sold out, shop the most similar style that is available now) // Madewell lace shorts (super old, linked similar below) // Birkenstock "Arizona" sandals // J.Crew straw tote // stamped necklace ℅ TAudrey }

All Photos | Kate Davis Photo 

I like to think that my closet is getting close to containing only pieces I truly love - some old, some recent, but all living together in perfect harmony! This certainly makes getting dressed every day much less stressful & actually fun! When you only have have you love, & not those "meh" pieces blocking your view, the outfits come together that much more easily.

This outfit is a perfect example of this "keep only what you love" principal. I have had the Birkenstocks since college (2008), snagged the straw tote for vacation in 2010, picked up these shorts in 2012, & this striped tee has been the rockstar purchase of 2015. 

I seriously cannot get enough of this top - the fit, the weight of the fabric, the cut of the sleeves & neck… it is a dream boat piece! Unfortunately, it is not currently available at J.Crew Factory, & while I am hopeful that they bring it back (I would definitely get a duplicate of it in a heartbeat), this pink stripe top will be my next addition to the stripe family growing in my closet (the stripe situation as seen on Instagram).

See the ways I have worn this stripe tee on the blog!

These lace shorts on the other hand, have been sitting in my closet for 3+ years (see their cringe-worthy blog debut here… no judging!), & in that time I can count on 1 hand the number of times I have worn them. But I recently came across them, & now I can't stop pairing them with all my Summer outfits! I also wore this almost exact same outfit, but with my Panama hat, jean jacket, & leather sandals (before it turned to be a million degrees hot in Nashville!)

I love the delicate & classic touch of lace & am happy that these shorts still look as beautiful as they did the day I brought them home over 3 years ago. If you are looking for a touch of lace on your shorts, this pair is sporty, while this pair is more feminine. If you are looking for a larger dose of lace, these lace culottes are blowing my mind! 

sliver

{ What I Wore for weekend errands: J.Crew chambray top // shorts ℅ Levi's (currently running a 30% off sale promo) // Michael Kors "jet set" cross body purse // Birkenstock "Arizona" sandals // sunglasses ℅ Ozeal }

all photos | Alyssa Torrech Photography

What you see here is just a tiny sliver of what I wear… in a good week, I share 3 outfit photos, and I assure you I get dressed everyday. Somedays I go to work in one outfit, then come home and change for the evening activities. On the weekends I sometimes change a lot, depending on my mood, the weather, spilling things on myself (they don't call me Messica Jessica for nothing), etc. That is just to say, what I share here are the outfits that I like the most, the ones that I hope you will like to. I have bad outfit days, and times when I feel downright frumpy/sloppy/uncute.

I think my Birks are the epitome of this whole situation. I have had these shoes since college, the last time they made an appearance on the "cool" radar cycle. And I have never stopped wearing them since. They did however not make it on the blog much in the last 3 years because they were too crunchy, off the beaten path, uncool. And for that I apologize. I want to do a better job about documenting my outfits. The ones I wear just to the grocery store. What I throw on for a last minute get together. Just everyday me!

Are there outfits that you don't share? What are you looking for in a personal style blog?

And where do you stand on the whole Birks situation??

Don't forget to enter to win the GORGEOUS HalfUnited necklace on the blog!

birks are back

{ What I Wore: J.Crew silk tank (exact, for less) & cashmere hoodie (exact, for less, what a steal!) // Citizens of Humanity boyfriend jeans // Birkenstock "Arizona" sandals // Michael Kors watch } 

Admittedly, there have been some trends that I was reluctant to adopt. But having to pull my Birks out from the depths of my closet... you mean the comfiest shoes I own, yea - I can get behind that.

Know what else is back?

The take one, pass it on challenge!

I took part earlier this year & am excited about stretching my outfits once again.

Won't you join us!?

P.S. Please take 2 seconds to vote for me here! This frugal grad student is itching for the grand prize gift card for new shoes!!