Plaid + Lace

This plaid shirt from Anthropologie is one of my go-to tops when I don't know what else to wear. Instead of simply pairing it with jeans, I decided to make my outfit a little more feminine by wearing it with my cream lace skirt. This skirt is one of my favorites and pairs well with a lot of different colors and prints. I think the two pieces worked well together, and it was a great (and comfortable) outfit for my closing shift at work! Sometimes, it's nice to dress a little preppy without being too over the top. I've also noticed that these sunglasses make everything look a little more retro...which I, of course, am perfectly okay with :)

Have a great weekend!

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Outfit Details:

Plaid Shirt—Anthropologie (similar | remixed)

Lace Skirt—Free People (similar | remixed)

Sunglasses—Ray-Ban (shop)

Bag—Fossil "Explorer Tote" (shop)

Ankle Boots—Marks & Spencer (similar)

Galway Girl

{Plaid Shirt—Anthropologie (similar // remixed), Cardigan—H&M (similar), Jeans—AG "Tomboy Crops,"

Earrings—Galway, Socks—Target, Boots—Marks & Spencer (similar), Bag—Fossil "Explorer Tote" (shop)}

After visiting the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren, we spent some time exploring Galway City. The sun was shining all day, so I fared well in a button-up and light cardigan. Because I had packed really light (I'm not exaggerating, I promise!) for this trip, I didn't bring any jewelry...so I felt like my outfit looked a little bland without any accessories.

My first instinct was to throw on a scarf. Instead, however, I wanted to try something new by buttoning my plaid shirt all the way up, rather than leaving the top button open. This way of wearing collared shirts is really popular in Ireland, so I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a try! I'm happy with how it turned out, and next time, when I have a statement necklace handy, I will throw it on to complete the look!

Not sure how this made it on the blog. But, sometimes, candid shots really make for the best photographs.

Influenced

{What I'm Wearing: Plaid Shirt—Anthropologie (remixed), Blazer—Urban Outfitters,

Jeans—Urban Outfitters, Socks—Target, Boots—Nordstrom BP, Bag—Fossil (shop)}

When I decided to spend the semester in Ireland, I expected to experience some general culture shock. However, one thing I didn't expect was just how much an influence my surroundings would have on my style. I flew into Ireland with a set idea of my "personal style" and favorite outfits. But, it's really quite funny how much trends can vary from region to region, as well as country to country. The first couple of days I spent in Cork, I closely observed the popular fashion and beauty trends that seemed a little foreign to me. Heavy eye makeup, big hoop earrings, tights and denim shorts, high-waisted hotpants, and lots of tracksuits. Oh sooooo many tracksuits (with UGG boots). But, alongside these unfamiliar trends came styles I recognized and that I wish were a bit more popular in the states. Top-knot ballet buns, bold stud earrings, knee high socks, black tights and flats, collared shirts, chunky knit sweaters, structured blazers, and scarves worn with absolutely everything (especially chambray button-ups).

Lately, I haven't been posting any specific "outfit" photos and have only been taking pictures of my outfits when they correlate to a specific place I visited. This is partly because my class schedule makes it difficult to take pictures during daylight hours, and partly because being immersed in a new "style" environment (with limited clothing options) has made getting dressed every morning a lot more difficult than usual. So...here is one of the few outfits I have documented! It's a little bit more "professional" than my usual style, but it's a good example of the ways in which I've been meshing my own style with a bit of Irish influence :)

Prep in My Step

What I'm Wearing:

Plaid Shirt: Anthropologie

Camisole: Anthropologie

Jeans: Eairth Classics (remixed)

Earrings: Anthropologie

Bag: Fossil

Shoes: Sperry Topsider

I had been eyeing this plaid top from Anthropologie ever since it showed up on the front page of their December 2011 catalog. Then, during one of my closing shifts, it magically appeared as a return and turned out to be on sale. Needless to say, I took that as a divine sign that I was meant to own this preppy little shirt.

I don't own too many plaid button-downs so this shirt was the perfect addition to my closet. Also, perhaps it's the fact that spring is in the air, but lately my style has been more preppy than usual. I've definitely been making proper use of my well-loved Sperry's and it is outfits like this that make me rethink my original aversion to preppy looks.

P.S. I'm off to Seattle for a few days to visit my friend Hayley! I may not blog while I'm on my trip, so expect plenty of photos and updates when I come home!