The Classics

The other day, I went shopping on a quest to spend a little of my holiday money on some back to school clothes. After raiding Forever 21 and H&M, (as usual) I discovered there was a clear theme among everything I purchased that I was completely oblivious to while shopping. Each sweater, bag, skirt, or tank top that I took home was either navy blue, cream, black, or a patterned combination of those colors. Either my sense of style is painfully dull, or a classic, maritime look is currently overwhelming stores. Taking the hopeful stance that it is the latter, here are some great, affordable options to channel the current marine-esque trend. 

Forever 21 striped top $13.80

Forever 21 scarf $11.80

Gap ruffle sleeved top $54 

Express military skirt $49.50

Charlotte Russe bow dress $26.50

Charlotte Russe connected skirt and top $26.50

Forever 21 striped cardigan $22.90

A Not so Abandoned Road

My friend, Wynne, is a great photographer and offered to take some pictures for this blog. She found a beautiful, "abandoned" road to use as the setting. Well, it ended up that the road wasn't so abandoned, and we had to run out of the middle of the street multiple times to dodge cars, but we still managed to get some great shots due to her amazing skills, the gorgeous autumn background, and a little inspiration from my favorite blog, Cupcakes and Cashmere.

The reason I was excited about taking these pictures is to share my affinity for sweater dresses with you. I think that they are the absolute perfect item of clothing for the days of apple cider and raking leaves. I love dresses, and hate how the cold weather can detract from being able to wear them. Sweater dresses are a great substitution and autumn/winter version of flowy sundresses. They go so well with boots, tights, and leggings and can be dressed up or accessorized with scarves, long necklaces, and belts. And as is the case with any dress, they are often affordable if you consider the cost to be for an entire outfit instead of just one piece, since they can be worn alone or with common staples that you already have.

Look here and here for some affordable sweater dresses!

Victoria's Secret sweater dress, Macy's scarf and tights, DSW Me too Shoes, guess purse, aerie ring and bracelet, Lia Sophia bracelet, anthropologie earrings