Cheap Thrills

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Once upon a time, Sarah was in Kohl’s. She wasn’t even shopping for herself, but she happened to be wandering through the clearance section. On the end of a rack that was stuffed to the brim with unorganized merchandise, there hung a single, lovely color block dress. It was in Sarah’s size. It was $12.80. Sarah was elated to have found such a treasure. But surely there must be something wrong with it. A zipper is stuck or a seam is busted; the dress is unflattering or cheaply made. Upon trying on and inspecting the dress, it turned out it was perfect. So Sarah bought the dress. And they lived happily ever after.

Dress: LC Lauren Conrad / Cardigan: LOFT / Shoes: Bandolino / Bracelets: Madewell and Forever 21

On the Chambray Bandwagon

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Well friends, it has happened. I bought a chambray shirt and I’m not afraid to show it. When this trend first started popping up, I was not a fan. I don’t really like jean jackets, and jean shirts seemed like pretty much the same thing to me. The more people I saw wearing their chambray shirts with blue jeans, the more it bugged me – nothing wrong with it necessarily, but I tend to develop strange distastes for certain trends. Kimberly of eat.sleep.wear did the denim on denim thing…looks great on her, but it’s just not my style.

But then…something started to change. I saw chambray being styled in different ways that were more appealing to me. Kendi of Kendi Everyday wore chambray with a contrasting pencil skirt. Kayley of Sidewalk Ready wore chambray with bright pink jeans. Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere paired her chambray with a super-sparkly necklace. Skirts? Bright colors? Accessories? I love all those things!

So I went to Madewell. They have a whole chambray shirt “bar” with different styles and washes and I found the perfect one for me. Not too pale, not too slouchy, and it’s super soft. (Plus, I’m a student so I get 20% off! Woot!)

When I was in the dressing room, the advice of What I Wore‘s Jessica Quirk popped into my head, and I tried to think of 3 different things I already own that I could wear with my new chambray friend. I thought of wearing it with these pants and these shorts, and for the debut, with this white pencil skirt for work on Friday. What do you think?

Welcome to my closet, chambray!

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I had a ton of fun taking these photos on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art (one of my favorite places), which is why I included so many – too hard to choose!

Top: Madewell / Skirt: Ann Taylor / Belt: Ann Taylor / Shoes: Cole Haan / Bag: marc by Marc Jacobs / Bracelet: Madewell / Sunglasses: Charming Charlie

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