9-5 Style

Okay I really don't work 9-5, but 8:30-6:30 style just doesn't have the same ring to it. One of my favorite things about having a big kid job (besides getting a big kid paycheck) is being able to dress up every day for work. There really isn't a dress code at my company, so it is completely acceptable to show up in jeans and a tee or a dress and heels. It's nice waking up everyday and being able to wear pretty much anything that suits my mood. Since I currently am living alone and don't have a photographer, I've been sticking to instagram for outfit photos (follow me @khaverland528). I thought it would be fun to put together a little recap of what I've been wearing over the last 3 months since I started my job:

I think my 3 favorites are:
1. My green floral dress with my Gap navy blazer
2. My chambray with my red jeans and Madewell scarf (OBSESSED with that scarf!)
3. My hot pink H&M top and blazer with J.Crew clear bauble necklace

Do you have a favorite?

Leather Love

Now that it's September, I feel like it is finally acceptable for me to start planning my fall wardrobe (even if I've actually been doing it since July). One trend I am really excited about for the upcoming season is faux leather detailing. A lot of my fall/winter wardrobe is made up of sweaters and blazers, so I think a little leather will bring some much needed edge.

1. Zara tee
2. Zara tee
3. Zara tee
4. Aldo booties

I have been thinking about these boots for over a month now, so after my next paycheck, I think it might be time for us to finally get acquainted. What trend are you dying to try this fall?

Apartment Tour

A lot has changed for me over the last few months. Besides starting a new job, I also moved into my first "real" apartment. I had apartments in college, but none that I truly decorated and made my own, so I was really excited to put my stamp on the new place. Now that it is (mostly) complete, I'd love to take you on a tour of my new place:

So I didn't end up finding a yellow couch, but red was a close second. I settled for mustard accents to satisfy my yellow craving. Also, there are quite a few thrifted finds and DIYs seen here. The lamp, end table, and vase were all DIYs, and the mirror on the table was thrifted.

My gallery wall is still a work in progress, but I absolutely love it. I got my inspiration from here, here, and here.

This is the view of my living room from the front door. It's still a work in progress as well (I need curtains and would like some more coffee table books), but I really like how it is coming along so far!
 

Cube shelves were one of those things "I just had to have". After seeing lots of shelf styling ideas on pinterest (here, here, and here), I was so excited to try it myself. I love being able to display all of the fashion books I've accumulated over the years. I also adore my new Anthropologie vase.
 

I knew I wanted to work mint into my decor somewhere, so I decided to paint my bedroom walls that color. Well, let me rephrase that...I picked out the color and then let my dad paint :) There are a lot of DIYs in this room too...my uncle made my headboard and my mom and I spruced up an old dresser by stenciling the drawers and adding knobs from Anthropologie.

After seeing this tutorial on pinterest, I knew I had to make this plate stand to display my jewelry. I found the plates at Anthropologie and got the candle stick from the dollar store. Not only did it it turn out super cute, but it's functional too. I like having my jewelry on display because I know I'm much more likely to wear something if it is out in the open and visible.

Well that's my place! You like?

J.Crew Chic...on a Budget

It has been over two months since I last blogged. And to be completely honest, I miss it. A lot. So I think it's time that I get back to regular blogging. In order to do so, the focus around here is going to have to change a bit. Because I don't have a regular photographer and really hate posting poor quality mirror photos, outfit posts will be less frequent. But no worries, posts will still be plenty and fashion will still be the main focus. So consider this my official notice: I'm getting back in the game!

Here's a little something that has been inspring me lately. This image brings together two of my favorite things: fall clothes and J.Crew. The J.Crew catalog is a constant source of inspiration for me, but it usually has to end there. As a recent graduate, I can rarely afford to actually buy the clothing featured. So here is my take on how to be "J.Crew Chic" on a budget:

 

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Complete Outfit= $1,114

Turtleneck (Forever 21), Jeggings (Express), Military Jacket (Old Navy), Booties (DSW)

Complete Outfit= $152

Essentially the same outfit, for a tiny fraction of the cost. These boots, especially, are at the top of my fall wishlist. What is inspiring you for the upcoming season?

A Weekend at Home {in instagrams}

The trip home to Cincinnati (ignore my dirty car window!)

 

Getting ready for my graduation party

 

My GORGEOUS graduation cake, made by an extremely talented family friend

 

Spending a little time with my favorite boy. He's getting so big!

 

Home decor shopping at Anthropologie to get ready for my big move!

 

My loot from a little trip to the outlets. Oh yes, that's a Michael Kors bag you see 

It was a nice, relaxing, family-filled weekend in Cincinnati. And no trip home is complete without a little shopping with Mom. I finally pulled the trigger and bought myself a "big girl" purse to replace my beat up brown tote from Steinmart. I guess that's one of the perks of having a grown-up job now! It will definitely be making it's appearance on the blog soon :)

Yellow Couch, Yes Please

Because of my new job, I will be staying in Columbus permanently. This means I will be moving into my first "real" apartment in August, so I will be doing a few home decor posts here and there as I gather up inspiration for the new place and turn it into a reality. Very exciting! I've been pinning ideas for about a year now, just waiting for the day to arrive when I would have my own place. A recent review of my home decor pinboard made me realize a trend is emerging. A very YELLOW trend, particularly in the form of couches.

 
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I'm really looking forward to making my new place my own, and it sure does look like a yellow couch may be calling my new apartment home as well. Any suggestions where to find an affordable, comfortable one?