Simple Gray & Black

{cardigan: old navy (similar) | dress: forever 21 (similar) | belt: forever 21 (similar) | shoes: justfab (similar)}

Remember when I wrote that I had a lot of difficulty coming up with a monochromatic outfit? Well, this was one of my attempts... I figured gray and black were the easiest way to go about it, but then I felt like this wasn't interesting enough to share for Coast to Coast! This outfit is comprised of simple neutrals in classic cuts - a double dose that is not necessarily my usual forte. What do you think? Is this outfit classic, or boring?

Panama Jack

{hat: nasty gal (similar) | cardigan: old navy (similar) | tee: target | jeans: urban outfitters | moccasins: minnetonka | necklace: ann taylor (similar)}

Let me tell you the truth. I 100% copied this look from the J. Crew catalog. It's been pinned on my real-life inspiration board for awhile, and I finally got around to replicating it, thanks to the appropriate weather gracing my presence. The best part? All of the pieces I used to pull it off are probably less than half the price of anything from J. Crew! Haha.

What do you think? How'd I do?!

Sunday Song: Robin Thicke

So, I never really knew I liked Robin Thicke's music. I knew I liked his face... and hair... and clothes... but never quite knew about his music. ;) Now that I've heard this song, I've officially decided: I like his music, too! This song's got a good beat, is fun to dance to and sing along to, and this video is cute. Weird, but cute. I am officially on board with all things Robin Thicke!

Friday's Fancies: Stripes

Oh, boy. Stripes. The quintessential universal perfect print! There used to be a time where I'd pretty much buy any printed item I saw. I still kind of suffer from this (wonderful) affliction, but I've toned it down a bit. Stripes are just so versatile and work for everyone! Whether you go for a thin stripe or thick, in neutrals or brights, horizontal or vertical... Everyone's gotta love a stripe!

{jeans / necklace / watch / loafers / sweater / blazer / purse}

A little bit afraid of print? Then your feet are the perfect place to rock stripes! By taking a classic outfit, adding classic accessories, and throwing in a classic shoe in a classic stripe, you can take the plunge!

{jacket / purse / headband / skirt (similar) / shirt / wedges}

Like I mentioned above, stripes are so classic! Combine your stripes with classics like a denim jacket and a white button-down, and you're set! Throwing in a fun wedge and a quirky headband can take these classics up a notch!

{backpack (similar) / sweater / shorts / necklace / loafers}

Can you tell I'm digging classic prints in classic silhouettes lately? I love the neutral tones and slick leather in this outfit, but I think that statement necklace adds an awesome pop to spice it up!

What is your favorite striped item in your closet?

Gold Toms & My 4-Year-Old Best Friend

{top: luna | jeans: old navy | shoes: toms | necklace: ily couture}

So, this outfit, though simple, has a bit of a backstory. I hadn't worn any of my Toms in ages, but the kids at my work wear them constantly. When my 4-year-olds bestie Skylar (I've known her since she was barely 2 and her sister Sydney was in my class) came to school wearing some pink sparkly Toms, we got to chatting about our shoe collections. When we realized we both had a gold pair, we decided to start planning to match the next day. Though we both had our entire clothing arsenals memorized, it took some planning, but we finally decided on jeans and black tops.

Ta-da! If only I had a Minnie Mouse shirt, life would be perfect. ;)

Ready to Run

So, confession: I hate exercising. Pretty much always have. Probably always will. I did gymnastics when I was younger, played tennis in high school... went to occasional spin & yoga classes in college... But I just hate it! But then something weird happened: For almost 6 months now, I've been running. Mind you, it started out with walking, and mind you I'm inconsistent and have to ice my shin splints on a daily basis, but I'm doing it! I'm running! (I still kind of hate it, but hey, that's the breaks.)

The perks, as I see it? THE GEAR.

1. Sports bras. Let me just lay it all out on the line for you guys: I have a particularly large chest. Sports bras are a MUST, and not all sports bras are created equal! These ones from Target are great, though! They're supportive, affordable, and come in some swanky shades!

2. Nike tee & sweatshirt. I don't own these yet, but I am a sucker for the classic Nike logo! I'll take one in every color, please & thank you! (Plus, I can barely run in anything but a comfy, oversized tee!)

3. iPhone & armband. My #1 must-have for running? GOOD TUNES! For the first few months, I was running with my iPhone in hand, but I finally acquired myself a little iPod armband that leaves my arms free! I also finally invested in Spotify Premium, so I could livestream my running playlist anywhere I go! (Your favorite running song suggestions are welcome!)

4. Nike+ Running & Charity Miles. These are my favorite running apps! Nike+ Running tracks your mileage, pace, compares your runs.. it's a good way to keep you on track! Charity Miles is an app I recently discovered - it also tracks your mileage, but donates money to a charity of your choosing depending on how much you run! Pretty cool, don't you think?! (Autism Speaks has been getting a lot of my mileage $ this month!)
P.S. Right after I wrote this post up last week, I read Ana's post about her amazing lifestyle change and immediately downloaded C25K! It's a running program that's meant to take you "from the couch to a 5k in 9 weeks!" It's a great app if you're looking to increase your stamina and break up the monotony of your running routine a bit!

5. Crop pants. I don't actually own these pants, because I'm not a millionaire ;), but I'm obsessed with them! The color is divine, they have a little zipper for your keys, and they're just adorable! I tend to run in regular old black leggings, but I am itching for a pair of these bad boys, if I ever feel like splurging!

6. Mesh shorts & yoga shorts. I do actually own these shorts. Sometimes (like this week, as it's hit 100 degrees!), leggings are just too hot to run in! I read that you should dress for 10 degrees warmer than it actually is to account for your body heat. Anyway, the mesh shorts are nice and cool, and the yoga shorts make you feel like you're running in your underwear - if you're into that sort of thing.

7. Baseball cap. Aside from the fact that I wear sunscreen everyday, and always reapply before I run, and try to shade my face with a baseball cap (and sunglasses!). Protect your skin, ladies!

8. Nike Lunarglide+ 4. These shoes. THESE SHOES! I am in love. When I first started up, I was running in a cheap pair I got from Target years ago, getting horrifying shin splints, and not achieving the progress I was hoping for. I researched my options and finally decided to invest in these Lunarglides, and I'm so happy with that decision! They're light as a feather, come in an array of bad ass colors, and have improved my comfort, speed, and endurance drastically! GO GET THESE!

How about all of you? How do you feel about exercising? Do you run? What's your favorite athletic gear?

Camo, Leopard, & a Statement Piece

{cardigan: old navy (similar) | tee: target | jeans: hudson (similar) | loafers: target | necklace: nordstrom (similar) | watch: marc by marc jacobs}

Even though this outfit is pretty simple and casual, it was planned. It was planned because I was very bored in my Math & Science Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment class and was browsing camo outfits for about an hour or so on Pinterest when I was supposed to be learning how to visually represent fraction for elementary students. Turns out, camo and leopard are a great combo, my favorite jeans (that are now back in commission thanks to Denim Therapy!) are still perfect, and a sparkly rhinestone necklace can make any outfit special!