Happy Easter! (ft. neglected white cardi)

Who would ever have thought that a white cardigan would go neglected? I surely didn't when I bought it. And yet, I find myself only wearing this over strapless dresses on special occasions. Do you have a white cardigan? How do you wear it? I know you can wear it just as you would any other cardigan, but I feel like there is something about a white cardigan that is so bold that it can't just be worn with anything. Am I delusional?

Or maybe we should just be giving three cheers, since this cardigan is No Longer Neglected! It's also been months since I've worn these flats, so hooray for that, too! I bought them for work, and wore them out quite a bit; they are in bad shape, but they are ideal for spring and summer wear since I can wear them with just about anything!

 Occasion: Easter Sunday Service
Dress: A.N.A. via JCPenney {similar, similar, option, option}
Cardigan: Merona via Target {this year's version}
Scarf: The Limited {want!, option}
Flats: Steve Madden via DSW {exact}

Speaking of troubles with white, I've been on the hunt for white pants for quite some time now. I found a nice pair at LOFT I like, but just can't justify spending that much on (even with the 40% Easter discount).  I went to Kohl's this weekend to make some returns, and wound up trying on a few pairs of white capris. I found one particular pair on sale (w/coupon) for $18. Now I am just stumped. Should I hold out for a pair of white pants, or accept the shorter length (which is slightly shorter than most crops, it seems)?

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter! :)

5 Days, 5 Ways: Dresses (ft. Neglected LBD)

About six months ago, I made it my mission to find the perfect little black dress. I tried on dress after dress, but did not love any of them. I gave up for a while, until a particular one caught my eye on Old Navy's website. Although it wasn't quite the style I had in mind, I thought it was a great filler until I found my perfect LBD.

Fast forward to today, my first time wearing the dress. Finally, six months later, I can say that this dress is No Longer Neglected!

Occasion: Teaching, Attending Class
Dress & Belt: Old Navy {eyelet, maxi, sim, sim}
more black dress options - 30% off w/code THANKYOU
Blazer: Shade Clothing {option, option, option}
Necklace: The Limited {sale option}
Tights: Target
Wedges: Target

This comes just in time for Fran and Whitney's 5 Days, 5 Ways. Today's theme is dresses. I was most looking forward to this one since I really do love dresses. They are my go to and my number one way of surviving the miserable summer heat. Since I have yet to wear one dress in five different ways, I thought I'd instead show you five different ways to style a dress. 

(1) Under a blazer, with a statement necklace {original post}
(2) Layered over a button up shirt {original post}
(3) With a top over it, belted to make it look like a skirt {original post}
(4) Under a belted cardigan {original post}
(5) Layered under a button up shirt and cardigan {original post}

I've worn other dresses with blazers before, but I most frequently pair dresses with cardigans. Blazers are giving the cardigans a run for their money, though. Which of these looks is your favorite? How do you style your dresses?

Neglected Polka Dot Blouse

As much as I love bright colors, I'm really much more fond of wearing darker colors. This might not sound like a problem, and it isn't, until I try to put them together. How in the world do you wear a black polka dot blouse when all of your pants are dark? I tried pairing the blouse once with dark denim, and that was a failure. The only other time I wore it was layered under a dress. That worked out fine, but only because I wasn't wearing any pants.

I've been avoiding this shirt even though I find it so cute. In an effort to make it No Longer Neglected!, I held it up against everything in my closet, loved the way it looked with the bluish-greenish aqua sweater, and decided to pair the two together.

Occasion: Attending Lecture
Polka Dot Shirt: The Limited {big dots, bigger dots, navy1, navy2}
Sweater: Target {in v-neck, $10 option}
Jeans: Charlotte Russe
Flats: Jennifer Lopez via Kohl's {similar, under $10, option}

I'm not sure this blouse would work paired alone with the jeans, but I like that it adds some interest in this outfit as opposed to just wearing the sweater alone. I apologize that I didn't move my hair - the polka dot collar popping out of the sweater was my favorite part of the outfit.

How do you wear dark tops when you don't have light or bright pants to match? How would you style a black polka dot top?

5 Days, 5 Ways: Camo Pants (ft. Neglected Jewelry)

I generally have a terrible time remembering to wear jewelry. This morning, however, I tried to curl my hair. It was a disaster. I tossed my hair back in a half braid, added some neglected jewelry, and called it a day. It's a good thing it's the last week of No Longer Neglected! I think I have un-neglected just about everything I have been neglecting!

I am linking up for Day 2 of Fran and Whitney's 5 Days, 5 Ways. Today's theme is pants. I decided on camo pants today because it would be the perfect opportunity for me to wear my brand new heels! 

I found these heels other day at Macy's. They were marked for $20! I tried them on immediately and bought them right away. When the cashier rang them up, they were actually $14! I rarely ever have this kind of luck, so I knew it was meant to be.

 Occasion: Attending Class
Tee: Kohl's
Jacket: Mossimo via Target {exact, sim1, sim2, sim3, sim4}
Pants: Gap {option1, option2, similar}
Heels: "Fast Love" by Chinese Laundry via Macy's {exact}

It's okay to take photos in parking lots, right? Are there rules on where you can and cannot take outfit photos? (I only thought of this once I already left the lot...)

This look was inspired by Kendi. Clearly she did it much better than I did, but hey, a girl can try. (I was planning on a wearing a different black top today, but it looked off, so I swapped it for a v-neck tee. The tee itself is too short so I layered it over a long black cami. I'm guessing the outfit would have looked better if the cami were pulled up slightly?)

Do you have camo pants? What is your favorite way to style them?

5 Ways to Wear Camo Pants:

1 / 2 / 3

4

5

5 Days, 5 Ways: Black Tops (ft. the Neglected Cardi)

Today I'm linking with Fran for 5 Days, 5 Ways. Today I'm showing you five different ways to style a black top (shirt, turtleneck, tee). I have also incorporated this stripe sequin cardigan that I have been neglecting to keep up with my monthly challenge.

Occasion: Teaching, Attending Lecture

Shirt: The Limited {recommend}
Cardigan: The Limited {exact, similarish}
Necklace: Groopdealz
Pants: The Limited {sim, sim}

Flats: Target Target {same, sim}

I decided to try something new today by starting with an all black palette. I cannot recall ever having worn a black shirt and black top together for a non-costume related occasion. I had planned on wearing the cardigan open, but it didn't sit quite right. This cardigan has proved tougher to style than I had anticipated. Do you have any ideas for how to style this cardigan? What colors do you think it would work with?

5 Other Ways to Style a Black Top:

(1) Layered under a dress {original post}

(2) Colorful skirt and elastic belt {original post}
(3) Statement necklace, colorful skirt {original post}

(4) Blazer, print skirt* {original post}
(5) Scarf {original post}

* the "skirt" is actually a dress, but it shows another way a black shirt can be styled

Clearly I like pairing black with bright colors. What are your favorite ways to wear black? Do you gravitate towards pairing black with a particular color?

To Photoshop or Not to Photoshop?

When I first started blogging, I didn't know that anyone photoshopped; I just figured people had really awesome cameras. The longer I've been blogging, the more I discover just how many photos don't go straight from camera to blog.

Now, editing photos of course comes in a variety of flavors: from cropping and straightening, to tweaking exposure, to blurring and making limbs appear smaller than they are. I generally crop the photos themselves to cut out the background and put more focus on my outfit.

I'm not considering photoshopping the baby fat out of my cheeks (is that even possible?) or giving my thighs liposuction with the click of a button (but boy oh boy, how I would love not to have thunder thighs). I'm just wondering whether I should take that extra step to enhance the colors and exposure of my photos. Does the quality of blog photos affect you and/or your experience?

The main reason I haven't made adjustments to my photos is because I don't have editing software and I have never felt that it is necessary to do so. My photos aren't consistently blurry (huge pet peeve!) and (IMO) there's no need to squint your eyes to figure out what I'm wearing. But am I wrong? Am I a bad blogger for not posting polished photos?

Consider:

The left photo is the original (cropped) as seen on Wednesday. The right photo is the product of twenty seconds spent playing on iPiccy (thanks to Fran for bringing this to my attention!)  Which picture do you prefer?

Consider another example:

Just kidding.

In all seriousness, what is your take on editing photos? Do you do it? To what extent? Why/why not?

No Longer Neglecting Mom's Sweater

While I was working on my Master's, I lived at home with my parents. Although it can be a pain to be in such close quarters, I actually enjoyed it (at times) because it meant that I could raid my mom's closet whenever I wanted to. (Truth be told, I spent most of my free time then hanging out with my now husband.) When it came time to move, my mom gave me a few of her sweaters, including the one I'm wearing today. 

Occasion: lunch date
Mock turtleneck: Charter Club (c/o Mom)
Belt: borrowed from husband
Pants: Old Navy {pastel, similar}
Boots: Madden Girl (gift)

I probably should have left this top with my mom since I haven't worn it in two years. If the weather keeps up like it is, I might be able to get another wear in. Either way, today I can officially say this mock turtleneck is No Longer Neglected! Have you linked up? You still can! We would love to see what has been neglected in your closet! Stop by and see what others are no longer neglecting!

Winterizing with a Neglected Turtleneck

Today I am linking up with Bri for her Third Thursday Threads link party! Today's theme is "winterize it". 

I'll be frank, today's outfit looks nothing like I had imagined it would. I knew I wanted to wear my turtleneck for my challenge (No Longer Neglected!), and pair it with something summer-y for Bri's link up. I feel like the black successfully toned down the bright pink, but at the end of the day, it's definitely not my best work. Oh well. You win some, you lose some.

 Turtleneck: The Limited { color options!, similar}
Necklace: Forever 21 - old {similar, similar}
Jacket: The Limited {option, stud detail, similar}
Skirt: Old Navy {pleated, knit option, midi}
Boots: Mootsies Tootsies via Kohl's

Neglected item: black turtleneck
Purchased: November 2011 (first worn Feb 11, 2012)
Last worn: September 14, 2012

Reason for neglecting: I feel self conscious in it.

On another note, was it just me or was there a time where it seemed like Wilma Flintstone necklaces were going to be a big thing? Come to think of it, this is another long time neglected piece. I have only ever worn it in costume, most of which occurred summer 2008 (when I worked at a youth camp). Any ideas on how else it can be worn? There's something about the black on black that is interesting here.

Have you linked up for No Longer Neglected? There's still time to join the party. Check out some of the great treasures others have found in their closets!

No Longer Neglected Whatchmacallit

Weather is a funny thing. Last week it hit 80 degrees, and yesterday it snowed (although nothing stuck to the ground). The heat made me worried that it was time to pack up my winter clothes, and as I was sorting through them, seeing if there was anything else I'd want to wear one more time before packing up, I found my whatchmacallit. (What else would you call a cropped heavy cardigan? I guess it's similar to the bolero I already own, but the material is much thicker.)

As soon as I set eyes on it, I knew I'd have to wear it for No Longer Neglected. I used to think cropped cardigans (boleros?) were the best thing ever. I loved the idea of being able to keep your arms warm, without having to hide or cover up the rest of your outfit. One time when I wore it, one of my fellow grad students teased me for it; "Hey... where's the other half of your sweater?"

"With the other half of your brain." zing! I didn't say it, but I should have. Because I'm mature like that. (Instead, I just neglected the bolero until now.)

Occasion: hanging out downtown
Top: The Limited {sim, sim, w/trim, blue}
Bolero (?): The Limited {sim, jacket, sale, recommend} 
Jeans: Charlotte Russe
Flats: Target {same, sim}

Do you have any items that you have been neglecting? If you wear an outfit with a neglected item, let us see it! Join the link up party! I'm also linking up with Marion for her trend of the month link up: lace.

Memories are a funny thing: I really didn't like the way I wore this top the last time, so I've been avoiding it (although only for a couple months). The sames goes for this bolero (except that I've been neglecting it for two years, but again, because of a bad memory that pushed me to avoid it). Oddly enough, together, they look good. Would you agree? Or do you hate the two together? (I'm thinking a shorter necklace would have looked better?)

No Longer Neglected Link Up Party

Last year, I was on the hunt for a black and white striped top. I made the mistake of settling for the first one I found, rather than shopping around. I call it a mistake because I rarely wear this top, and I am on the hunt again for one similar to the H&M version everyone and their cousin has. (I really do prefer the ratio of white to black on that version more than mine.) This is another item I knew would finally get some wear thanks to No Longer Neglected! [Link Up below!]

Occasion: shopping, grading
Top: The Limited { tshirt option | like this option }
Cardigan: Loft (c/o Mom) { similar | option }
Scarf: The Limited { similar | similar }
Jeans: The Limited { this year's version }
Boots: Payless { same style }

(No Longer) Neglected item: Striped top

Date purchased: Early 2012

Last worn: June 6, 2012*

*Admittedly, it was only worn for that post. I do recall wearing it one other time (undocumented) after I first got it. I just paired it with plain jeans. Lame.

Reason for neglecting: I hate it on the hanger, so I never think to wear it. It's a weird reason, but it's true. But when I wear it, I don't hate it. What's up with that? Do you have any clothes that look awful on the hanger, but awesome on you?

What items have you been neglecting in your closet? 

Join the No Longer Neglected Party!

- Follow A Journey in Style on GFC and/or Bloglovin'

- Pick a post (or two!) featuring a neglected item from your closet

- Link the post. The URL should be for a specific post (not your blog)

- Link this back to your blog so your readers can get involved, too

- Visit others and see the items they are no longer neglecting

I am so excited to see what items you have been neglecting!  

Thank you for participating :-)

No Longer Neglected Boyfriend Cardigan

I started off 2013 with high hopes for saving money and making smarter clothing purchases. I was doing well, until I stopped by J. Crew when they were taking an additional 40% off sale merchandise. Sigh. They had lots of sweaters and cardigans and pants in my favorite shade of purple. I passed on the Tippi sweater because it was 3/4 sleeve (and more expensive). I tried on the Classic merino long cardigan and found myself on the fence.

The color of the cardigan and the price ($15 after additional 40% off and student discount) made me love it. At the time, I wasn't convinced that it was a smart purchase though. I figured it if I wore it a lot right away, I could justify the purchase. I failed to do that. But thank goodness for No Longer Neglected!*

* This time I'm giving you a heads up: link up party for No Longer Neglected will be up tomorrow! Find something you have been neglecting to showcase, or find something you have give love to recently that deserves to be recognized!

Occasion: errands
Shirt: American Eagle (c/o Mom) {option}
Cardigan: J. Crew {same style}
Necklace: Groopdealz
Belt: borrowed from husband
Pants: Elle via Kohl's
Flats: Dana Buchman via Kohl's {similiarish}

Purchased: January 2013
Neglected since: January 22, 2013
Reason for neglecting: Difficult to style

Do you have long cardigans? How do you style them?

Five Facts (and four bears)

property of kateprs

Kimmie tagged me for Five Things, so here I am, bearing my all (haha)

1. My name is Katarina.

I was born in Serbia and shortly thereafter moved to the states. I started going by 'Kate' because I wanted a more American sounding name. I tried introducing myself as Katarina when I went off to college, but it was weird. Only my family, my husband, and some close friends ever call me Katarina.

2. Inconsiderate people make me angry.
I'm relatively down to earth weird and awkward, but my blood boils when people don't use their turn signals, when they stand in the middle of a grocery store aisle, and litter/don't pick up after their dogs. (Clearly none of them subscribe to Kant's moral theory.) Doing these things shows that you either are oblivious to others around you, or you just don't care. Either way, you suck. The same goes for people who don't greet cashiers, baristas, and waiters and just demand that they are taken care of. These people aren't your slaves, for crying out loud. They're not robots, either. Treat them with some respect! Arg.

3. I used to be obsessed with the Backstreet Boys.
Seriously obsessed. I spent my allowance on Backstreet Boys posters, books, stickers, and anything with their faces on it. I memorized their lyrics and their biographies. I recorded their TV appearances (using the VHS set, of course). I was convinced that Brian and I would get married some day. In 6th grade, we were learning about the heart in science class, and I knew Brian had a hole in his heart. I wanted to ask my teacher about the condition, so I said "I have a friend who has a hole in his heart". I was teased for referring to Brian as my friend up until senior year of high school.

4. I love animals.
I love my dogs and my cat, but I really just love all animals. They fascinate me; I admittedly have spent way too much time trying to figure out what their states of cognition are like. My husband and I went to three zoos this year, and one aquarium (despite having a love/hate relationships with the zoos-- I really wish they gave more space and food to the animals. Some zoos do a great job with the primate exhibits, but give barely any room for the big cats to romp around -- and I won't even begin to talk about how emaciated some of them are. Zoos are a great way to learn about animals and see what we lose (and who we kill) by destroying wildlife, but it is necessary that the goal of the zoo is not to make a profit, but rather to provide a sanctuary for the animals.) My favorite animals are bears, because they are cute and ferocious.

5. Mascara is the only makeup I wear on a regular basis.
(If you want proof, I'll post before and after close ups.) I have a tube of mascara in my purse, backpack, and on my office desk. (Turns out I have Blistex chapstick in the same places.) If I apply anything more than mascara, it will be eyeliner, maybe eyeshadow. When I'm feeling unpretty I'll put on foundation and blush. I just don't see a significant difference, so it doesn't seem worth the time or energy. (Maybe this means that I don't know how to apply makeup? If you have product recommendations or tutorial suggestions, I'd be happy to hear!)
 

I'm tagging:
Andi at Just Another Smith
Ashley at The Cream to My Coffee
Heather & Kayla at HK Style Journey
Heidi at Literate & Stylish
Rita at Coast With Me

It's my dream to be this close to a real life bear.

No Longer Neglecting Pinterest

I recently realized something: I spend a fair amount of time on Pinterest. I pin, I collect pins, but I do nothing with the pins. Since this month's challenge calls for putting an end to neglecting the things we shouldn't, I decided that I should quit neglecting my Pinterest boards.

I should also quit taking pictures immediately after growing a food baby. Thanks, Chipotle.

 Occasion: errands
Shirt: Old Navy {very similar, option, option}
Necklace: Amazon {so many colors!}
Belt: borrowed from husband
Jeans: Charlotte Russe
Flats: Old Navy {option, neon!}

I admit there is nothing particularly fascinating about this outfit. I was, however, quite fond of the black, white, and turquoise together. Had I just been going to class today, I would have swapped out the flats for wedges to match the belt. I opted for flats since I had so many errands to run. Days like today made me really wish I had a decent pair of black flats. I was considering wearing mine, but they are so far past due that I really should just throw them out. What are the best pair of black flats you've ever worn?

No Longer Neglecting: Pinterest (this pin in particular, from Robyn at xoxo cleverly, yours )
Reason for Neglecting: I don't know. If you neglect your Pinterest, I'd love to hear why!

Neglected Vest

Once upon a time, I saw someone in Kohl's wearing a vest (which I knew was from The Limited). I decided I had to have it, so I went online, saw it was on clearance for $5, and bought it.

That was spring 2011. The first (and last) time I wore it was March 9, 2012.

I knew when I started No Longer Neglected! that this would be one of the pieces that I would be wearing. (Is it just me or can you quickly list off a handful of items from your closet that you know you have been neglecting?)

Occasion: Teaching, Attending class
Shirt: J. Crew Factory: Haberdashery (c/o Mom) {same style, different colors}
Vest: The Limited
Pants: The Limited {flare, similar} *40% off w/code "LUCKY"
Shoes: AK Anne Klein via DSW {in brown, in black}

I'm actually considering taking the floral/coral (or whatever it is-- thoughts?) decoration off. It looks like it's attached by a single thread all the way around, so I'm assuming it won't ruin the vest. What do you think? Is there any reason to keep it on?

I'm linking up for Look What I Got. You can still link up for No Longer Neglected! Show us what you have been neglecting!

No Longer Neglected: Chevron and Bobbles

Ever have one of those mornings where you wake up and can't fit into any of your pants? Yeah, me neither. This morning it was bloatsville, USA, population: 1. My fail-safe plan for occasions like these is opting for a skirt. Since I still wanted to keep up with my challenge, I chose a skirt I have only worn once. It wasn't until I finished putting the outfit together that I realized my necklace is also another item I've had for a while now and have only worn once.

Occasion: Attending Lecture
Shirt: Eddie Bauer {similar, recommend}
Sweater: Zara {similar, similar 2}
Necklace: Groopdealz {same style < $10}
Skirt: Target {here, LOVE this dress version}
Boots: Mootsies Tootsies via Kohl's

While this outfit may look effortlessly put together, I'll tell you one thing: it wasn't. I turned my bedroom upside-down looking for my brown tights. I still have no idea where they are. I also have no idea whether the necklace works with this outfit. What do you think? Is the outfit too busy with both the necklace and the print of the skirt? 

Also, it's not too late to link up with others for No Longer Neglected! [Today I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Because Shanna Said So, and Style Elixir]

No Longer Neglected: Blythe Blouse

Although No Longer Neglected! challenges us to discover what is in the back of our closets, it should also be challenging us to discover what we have been keeping hidden in the front of our closet. Do you have items that you consider to be one of your favorites? Do you give it the love it deserves, and wear it as often as you should? Surely we all have something that we at one time bought because we had to have it... but then failed to wear it more than once or twice?

One item that isn't getting enough love is my blouse from J. Crew. Ever since I started trolling J. Crew's website on a semi-regular basis, I have been fond of the Blythe blouse. It's simple, it's classic, it's fantastic. It's not one of those pieces when you see someone wear it you know where they bought it. It's not something that will ever be considered "so last year" either. (Side note: Don't Google image search "Blythe".)

Over Christmas, I walked in J. Crew to check out their sales, saw the blouse marked down from $110 to $50. (Meh.) Wait, what's that? Take an additional 40% off? ($35 isn't bad.) Oh and I can get 15% off for a student discount? (Yeah, okay, I guess I'll splurge.) $25 later, I went home with this blouse. 

For something that I had stalked for so long (and splurged on!) it's unbelievable that I don't wear it more often. I think I'm just afraid of ruining it because I think it is so lovely. Unfortunately I had a late night and these pictures don't do the blouse justice. I guess I'll just have to wear it again some time soon :-)

Occasion: Attending class, presentation
Blouse: J. Crew {same style}
Necklace: Groopdealz {save, save less, spend}
Jeans: The Limited
Belt: Apt 9 via Kohl's {similar, different colors}
Wedges: Dexter via Payless {same style}

Are you giving love to clothes that deserve more wear-- not just those really old pieces, but the ones you love, too? Join the link up party and see what items others are no longer neglecting!

No Longer Neglected Link Up

Sometimes I wonder whether our true style is revealed when we have no time to plan an outfit. I spent the weekend with family, got back late last night, and went straight to bed. That meant that when I woke up at 6am, I had to put together an outfit with little time to spare. It also meant that I was on auto-pilot when I did.

Despite the difficulty, I managed to pick out an item I haven't worn in a while: my pink cardigan. My mom bought me a similar version in 2009 and then bought this one in 2011 because the first was such a fantastic cardigan. I don't know why I don't wear it more often. The only theory I have is that I sized up intentionally so I could wear it over button-ups, but that means that it doesn't fit well if it's not worn over something bulky. Either way, it's getting some love today, and I can happily say that it is No Longer Neglected!

Occasion: Teaching, Attending Lecture
Shirt: Eddie Bauer - c/o Mom {similar} {recommend this}
Cardigan: Banana Republic - c/o Mom {option, similar - many colors!}
Pants: Apt. 9 via Kohl's {very similar}
Flats: Christian Siriano via Payless {similar}

Heidi at Literate & Stylish gave me the great idea to provide an opportunity for you to show your looks for No Longer Neglected! I will be hosting a link-up party each week for the next three weeks so you can show off your favorite outfit of the week that features a neglected item!

Join the No Longer Neglected Party!

- Follow A Journey in Style on GFC and/or Bloglovin'

- Pick a post (or two!) featuring a neglected item from your closet

- Link the post. The URL should be for a specific post (not your blog)

- Link this back to your blog so your readers can get involved, too

- Visit others and see the items they are no longer neglecting

No Longer Neglected: Pleated Skirt

As of today, I can officially say that my black pleated skirt is No Longer Neglected! I last wore this skirt nearly two years ago for work. I used to work at a retail store where the dress code was wearing clothes bought from the store, or black and white. I thought this skirt would be perfect for those black and white days. However, the few times I wore the skirt with a white button up shirt, I was teased by my co-workers for looking like a Catholic school girl. I stopped wearing it because I had no clue how to wear it without looking like a school girl.

I still had a really hard time figuring out how to style this skirt... which is really weird since it's just a black skirt! But the pleats just made everything I paired with it look off. How would you style this skirt?

Occasion: Teaching, Attending Class
Top: The Limited {non-ruffle}
Skirt: The Limited {similarish} {chiffon option}
Belt: Target {exact}
Tights: Target
Wedges: Kylie:: Dexter via Payless {same style}

*might still be available in store

Looking back on it, I'm not sure I love the ruffles and pleats together, but what can you do?

Today also marks the first time I have ever worn black tights with not-black shoes. (I was inspired by Heidi at Literate & Stylish to do this, especially when I discovered we have the same wedges. I just got mine at Payless for $8!!) Can I get your honest opinion about the combination? Do you ever work black tights with not-black shoes? How do you decide what color shoes to wear? Am I just being overly analytical -- can you wear black tights with any color shoe?

I'm also linking up with Tara at Mix and Match Fashion for the What I Wore to Work link up. You can see more of the outfits I wore to work here.

Stumped by the Sweater Topper

The reason I neglect some of my clothes is honestly because I have no idea how to style them. Case and point: this grey sweater topper. I received it as a Christmas gift last year, along with a dark purple v-neck sweater. The few times I've worn the sweater topper, I paired it with the sweater. Those times I felt like something was off, but could never pinpoint the problem.

Today I discovered what the problem: the color combination. I swapped the dark purple for a happy spring blue-green, and added the peach-toned necklace to add some more color and because I haven't worn it in such a long time, either (No Longer Neglected!) Do you neglect some of your clothes because you are stumped on how to style them?

Occasion: Attending lecture
Sweater: Target {in v-neck} {$10 option}
Sweater topper: The Limited - gift

Necklace: Forever 21
Jeans: Loft {same}
Boots: Payless

Do you own a sweater topper like this? How do you style it? Do you have any ideas for how I could style the topper?

[Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Because Shanna Said So]

PS: My flannel and vest combo is featured as one of Ada's Best Looks of last week over at Elegance Personified. Check it out, along with looks from other awesome bloggers!