Summer Workwear

If there was one outfit that encapsulates my summer uniform for work, this is it.
This dress is case-in-point the reason for my recently re-awakened crush on the wrap-dress (this one's only $33!). We can go bold and bright without sacrificing comfort and professionalism. This dress is a lightweight material to combat warm weather. And the length is right. For my job, I spend a good amount of time on the floor, no, not the dance floor, though my awesome moves suggest otherwise. I work with kids and families. I've got to be able to sit comfortably on the floor when the situation calls for it. Another bonus, is that with the tie pulling fabric to the side of the waist, it's a flattering silhouette. Overall it's super comfortable while still making a summery statement with the color and print.
And yes, the clock on the wrist. I know it's a little old-fashioned to actually use a watch for function as well as form, but it is a little more discrete than a head-turn toward the clock or a clicking of the phone to check the time. I found some great Guess Watches that are gorgeous and reliable that I'd like to snatch up to be part of my daily routine. Maybe as a little gift for myself once I pass my family therapy MN licensure exam... #fingerscrossed!
Basic two-strap flat sandals (these are only $29!). If I worked in an office downtown and spent less time in and out of cars and homes, I would wear my beloved heels 9-5. Trust. But for my personal daily grind, a pair of sandals will do. And these two-strap white sandals are IT.
And for the other accessories? A big ol tote that can handle my lap-top, a couple of file folders, and a healthy selection of lipsticks, while still managing to look cute. This one is sturdy and crazy good quality. A lifer. I simply can't help but add a colorful statement necklace to the mix. This one is quite reasonably priced too, from Max & Chloe.
What do you like to wear to work?

Come back tomorrow for the Fashion & Faith Link-Up!

White Out

While I'm an avid fan of color and print, I find the white-out trend simply irresistible. Dressing in head-to-toe white is like the epitome of clean and fresh sophistication. It kind of reminds me of the lady in those orbitz gum commercials. I feel like I should be holding a pack of it up to my face saying, "Fabulous!" in a charming British accent. Next time. On another note... something to keep in mind when going monochromatic is that we can keep things interesting by mixing textures, like with the eyelet fabric in my skirt.    
These photos were taken by the one and only. The beautiful and talented Sydnee Bickett. Sydnee is so easy to shoot with and she has really innovative ideas. Check out her photography here!
jacket: thrifted || shop similar---> megasplurge, splurge, save skirt: marshall's || shop similar---> megasplurge, splurge, save, steal (only $30!) purse: buffalo exchange || shop similar---> megasplurge, splurge, steal  heels: steve madden via nordstrom rack || shop similar---> splurge, save clear bracelet: purple paparazzi

Introducing... the Fashion & Faith Thursday Link-Up!

Welcome to the first ever Fashion & Faith Style Post Link-Up! Through the years, I've been astounded by the talent and passion of Christian fashion bloggers all over the Internet. Fashion and Faith was founded as a way to prove that not all Christians are stuffy... and that some of them have shockingly awesome style. Now we're amping things up a bit. This is the beginning of a weekly Link-Up that will serve as a meeting place and inspiration summit. Bloggers who love Jesus and fashion, add your post to the Link-Up! And fashion aficionados of all faith backgrounds, enjoy perusing these blogs for style inspiration!
Here's how it works: 1. Publish an original outfit post on your blog today. 2. Include a link back here. You can use the signature f&f heart if you like!  Whatever fits you and your blog best.

<br /> <center> <br /> <a href="http://bit.ly/fashionandfaithlinkup" target="new" target="_blank"><img src="http://tinyurl.com/fashionandfaithbutton" alt="Fashion & Faith"/></a><br /> </center> <br />

3. Click around! Find some great fashion and meet some quality ladies at the same time.
If you tell the world on Twitter & Instagram that you linked up,  which would be a ridiculously awesome thing to do, don't forget to use the hashtag #fashionandfaith! Woot, woot!
  Still itching for more? (It's ok, so are we!) Head to Pinterest to visit the fashion & faith blogger pinboard  & see all 190+ Fashion Bloggers at our Fashion & Faith home base.
My outfit: skirt: c/o august wrinkle (only $22!) top: f21 || shop similar---> save, steal wedge sandals: charlotte russe || shop similar---> splurge, save bag: lillians boutique || shop similar---> megasplurge, splurge, save, necklaces: thrifted || shop similar---> splurge, steal rope bracelet: marshalls || shop similar---> save
Outfit photographed by the lovely and talented Sydnee Bickett
Come back next Thursday for another round! 

Get the Most out of your Thriftsperience

Would you believe that I got each of the above items for a grand total of $30? When we spend $30 on a tube of Dior lipgloss, it's nice to know that we can also get 5 wardrobe staples and trends for $30. I like to balance my bigger purchases with some thrift-shopping, where I can get a lot more bang for my buck too. If you've been following for any length of time, you've become aware of my unbridled passion for a good bargain. What I love about shopping at the Savers in Columbia Heights is that I find what I love and pay what I love! Each of the items I got under $30 was on-trend and totally my style. And we don't necessarily even have to sacrifice quality for price. If you shop savvy. Which is why I've put together an invaluable guide on how to:
Get the Most out of your Thrift Experience  {{ your... Thriftsperience, that is. }}
Gear up. To some of us, the treasure hunt of thrifting is intrinsically rewarding. The hope of finding one Zara dress during our thriftsperiance is exhilarating enough that we barely think about the fact that we just flipped through 45 hangers of stuff before finding a piece to even linger on for a second. For the rest of you... Give yourself a pep talk. Do a victory dance. Get caffeinated. Bring a partner in crime. Whatever it takes for you to get in that happy place.
Give back. Bring a bag of stuff to donate! Most thrift stores support great causes. So that impulse-buy pair of red heels when you already had another pair in the closet just might make a difference in something bigger than taking up closet space. Take Savers in Columbia Heights for example. My go-to thrift store. They give a percentage of their profits to the Disabled American Veterans and the Epilepsy Foundation of MN. And you get a 25% off coupon for your whole purchase when you donate. 
Shop Smart. Stock up on basics like tee's. Get 10 colors for the price of 2 at a store at the mall. Use multiple discounts! Watch for half-off tags, special shopping days and such. For my MN readers, in addition to the discount for donating at the Columbia Heights Savers, you get an additional 10% off when you mention Ruby Girl at the check-out! Sweet, right?
Keep it fresh. Make sure the fit is modern. Remember what finishes are trending now and stay away from those that scream dated. Avoid empire waists and shirts with a band at the bottom. Keep a keen eye for awkward waist heights and sometimes pleat fronts in pants.
Do the Denim Aisle. I know it can be overwhelming, but don't forget the jeans section. Believe it or not, there are really quality jeans in there, some of which are nearly brand new. I could give the people at Savers chocolate and flowers for hanging theirs in a way that allows me to use one hand quickly without having to heave and ho the whole rack of jeans back to look at one pair.
Be picky. Use the same criteria for purchasing an item that you would in a non-thrift store. That low price tag has a sneaky impact of lowering inhibitions. Remember to try to conceptualize your closet and the holes in it. If it doesn't fill a hole, or you don't love it, put it back.
But be open-minded. Get ready not to find what you're looking for and to find things you weren't looking for. Accept this. Embrace this.
Happy thrifting, everyone!! Please come back and report your good finds. It will bring me such joy. No joke.
 Hey MN locals! You can enjoy shopping with your Ruby Girl extra 10% off right here: Savers 4849 Central Ave NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 763-571-1319 *This is a sponsored post, but all thoughts & opinions are 100% my own! Promise.
Come back tomorrow at 5am (CDT) for the Fashion & Faith Link-Up!

Pink Dress Punk Venue :: Voltage 2013

Style blogging for the last couple years, I've developed a self-awareness of my personal fashion aesthetic. If you've been following along for any length of time, you probably understand that punk/hipster and I have a respectful understanding. We agree to disagree and appreciate each other from a distance. So in putting together traditional Minneapolis 1st-Ave-concert-hopping garb, one does not typically drum up a jacquard pink dress with ruffles. But that's me. 100%. And I've been dying to style this thing since I picked it up in Scotsdale. I found this jade green bag at Marshalls, too. Such a steal! The nude pumps... you'll never guess. Thrifted! 

outfit photos thanks to my dearest chelsea

Lived in Minneapolis for 7 years now, and this was my first time at the legendary 1st Ave. Never have I paraded as an indie rock connoisseur or even a unique music huntress. In choirs all my life and with an ear for the stuff, I certainly know what I like but I don't go digging for it. I actually really love music, just not the search. So awesome band recommendations are always welcome.

In light of that, with MNFashion's Voltage, a fashion show-music concert hybrid, I came for the fashion. I stayed for the fashion. But you better believe I grooved to the music and was pleasantly surprised to find myself more than a little intrigued by the local bands that hit the stage. The Chalice, Sean Anonymous & Dream Crusher, Aby Wolfe, and Bomba de Luz are talents to be reckoned with. There were multiple occasions where I had to pick my jaw up off the floor after a witty rap stream or a note that was hit or a really unique beat. Between the music, runway and the mozzarella sticks, it was a jam-packed sensorially rich night. Voltage showcased Minnesota talent and it was a show to case.  

The above dress is part of a collection by Ellie Hottinger that had me at "holy bananas I need this gold dress" (check back for a pic of it in the next week or so). The fabrics are luxe and sophisticated and ohhh.... just everything. I remember Ellie's collection at Flux during Minneapolis-St. Paul Fashion Week and it was similarly feminine with unique silhouettes and rich materials.

The hat. Can we talk about the level of awesomeness of the hat? It was designed by Karen Morris along with a slew of other stunners. I also really liked seeing a more muted whimsical collection out of Samantha Rei. The increased simplicity of the garments allowed for a deeper appreciation of the feminine and frilly accents. Idle Child's black dress was so deliciously '20's with the Gatsby/Downton vibe in full swing. I loved the styling of it too, with the chic feathers. Perfect touch of texture. The third photo is of a dress by Delange Designs. I liked how it was this amped up but still ready-to-wear look. The knit fabric grounded it but the lace elevated it and the placement of the lace with the color blocking was quite innovative.

all photos by jaimee c photography except the last one by tory roff via

outfit breakdown:

dress: taylor || shop similar here ---> megasplurge, splurge, save

nude pumps: maurices || shop similar here---> save

jade crossbody: marshalls || shop similar here---> splurge, save

white beaded bracelet & clear beaded bracelet: c/o purple paparazzi

neon necklace: c/o loft 

#Fashionandfaith Launches on Instagram + Weekly Link-up Coming June 13!

Perhaps you've noticed that tiffany blue heart on the side of my blog? It's a pretty little thing that has a lot of meaning to me and oh about 175+ other Christian Fashion Bloggers who have joined in on the action and the darlings who follow along with these blogs. The hope is that more and more fashionistas will hear about this fabulous community. Maybe, in even the tiniest of ways, we can hack away at the stereotype that "Christian = boring".  Life is good and full in Christ, and mylannnta, style is such a fun way to express that and who we are! 

Excellent news...Fashion & Faith is growing! Bloggers and fashion aficionados all over the world are crazy about it. Now would love to have all of you join in the fun! We are spreading our wings and flying, baby. 

First stop?

Instagram

Christian ladies, start tagging your fashion-related photos with #fashionandfaith! 

{{you do not have to be a blogger for this part, so GO FOR IT, errrrybody}}

It's already rolling! Don't miss the bus.

Here is some chic #fashionandfaith insta-spiration for you!

And the {{biggest}} news of all? A weekly Thursday Fashion & Faith Link-Up will be starting June 13!  eeeek! :)   Book your calendars. Come back here on June 13 with the link to an original outfit post you published on your blog that day. This is a great way to showcase your own rockin style and of course, explore all of your favorite Christian Fashion Bloggers' style posts from one convenient place! Talk about inspiration galore.
photo creds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Plaiditudes

Hello there, darlings! I'm alive and well. It's been a ridiculously quiet week on here. Which usually means it's been a ridiculously loud week not on here. Couple things I've realized this week. 1) Minneapolis is officially turning into Seattle. Somebody unleashed a monsoon up in here. I'm counting on an extra long and extra sunny summer to make up for this mess of a winter/spring. 2) American Eagle has ties on sale for $3! Which we all must purchase for our hubby's and make them wear them stat. Summer weddings are about the only time I usually get full reign on Patrick's outfit for the day, and I often find when that time comes I need more to work with. Enter $3 ties. And finally, 3) I'm becoming a dog-training master. I'm going to have Mint doing handstands while serving us ice water by the end of her 1st year of life. Mhmmm.

jacket: c/o lily & violet skirt: tommy hilfiger via macy's || shop similar---> splurge, splurge, save clutch: thrifted via savers in columbia heights necklace: c/o crazy & co heels: zara