Emerald and Houndstooth

Creative Week 2013 is here! This week is flying by but it's been a blast. During the event Startup Stories yesterday, hosted by the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, I pulled away today's guest Meghan, one of our JPEC Ambassadors, to help me with today's post! Below is a message from Meghan describing this outfit and her personal style:

"My name is Meghan and I'm a junior studying Journalism/Mass Communication with an Entrepreneurial Management Certificate here at the University of Iowa. I also do video features for Hawkeye Sports. My personal style is comfortable but stylish. I usually will gravitate for things that I think people wouldn't normally go for. I like to be edgy but still stylish and professional, like I did here with my hounds tooth blazer. I'm especially liking boots with leggings and sweaters this season, since you can easily transition the outfit from going to class to a night out, or in front of the camera for Hawkeye Sports." 

I'm a BIG fan of hounds tooth! It's a print that is timeless, so I don't mind splurging a little on a classic hounds tooth piece because I know I'll be able to wear it for years. Make sure to follow along on my Twitter and Instagram accounts for updates on Creative Week! If you're looking to attend (Hint: JPEC students can receive EXTRA CREDIT for attending Creative Week events), please check out the Creative Week website and the JPEC website. See you Friday!

Blazer: Forever 21

Tank: Forever 21

Scarf: Francesca's

Pants: Maurices

Shoes: Forever 21

Necklace: Forever 21

Earrings: Claire's 

Windblown

^^ Meet Red, the cute pup. I decided it was alright for him to make an
appearance since my dog Boji already made hers earlier on the blog :)

The sun was very much in my eyes throughout this photo shoot, so I apologize for looking a little peeved. This skirt from Francesca's is quite comfortable, and I have to admit I've already worn it a few times since purchasing it two weeks ago! I've worn it with my chambray, like above, and also with a black blazer, silk shirts, a sweater, etc. Another versatile piece I'll wear well into spring!

This week I'll be doing a lot of tweeting and instagramming from Creative Week in Iowa City. Creative Week is a 7-day festival of celebrating local innovators, creators, entrepreneurs that have made the Eastern Iowa into quite the entrepreneurial hub. Be sure to follow along this week for all my outfit details, as well as details on the cool events going on. If you're in the Iowa City area and are interested in attending any of our events, check out the Creative Week website as well as the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center's website. 

Be sure to follow me on Google Friend Connector and Bloglovin'! Thanks for stopping by... 

Skirt: Francesca's 
Chambray: J.Crew Factory
Booties: Francesca's
Necklace: Groopdealz
Spiked Bracelet: Groopdealz
Watch: Francesca's 

Fall Staples

As I look at these photos, I'm realizing that I wear probably one of these items at least every day. What makes me even happier is that only the scarf and the bag are black (I have a slight obsession with wearing all black!). My pink puffer from J.Crew is definitely my favorite outerwear piece this fall. Puffer vests are fun to layer with chambrays (like I did above), or with sweaters, long sleeve shirts and button downs. Iowa weather in October can be a little all over the place, and I've dodged being super hot/too cold on fall days when wearing my puffer! 

My outfit today is a little more on the pricier side (for me at least, I am a college student!), but I consider all of these items staples that I will keep wearing season after season. Be sure to check out my Instagram and Twitter pages this weekend to see more outfit ideas. You can also follow me on Google Friend Connect and Bloglovin! 

Puffer Vest: J.Crew
Chambray: J.Crew Factory
Jeans: BCBG Max Azria
Scarf: Forever 21
Boots: Ecco 
Bag: Phillip Lim for Target
Earrings: Francesca's
Watch: Francesca's
Bracelets: Assorted, mostly Forever 21 and GroopDealz
Sunglasses: Francesca's 

Seeing Red..

Hey October, can you slow down a little?!? This month has been crazy busy (I'm sure all of you out there can relate), so I was thrilled to go on a little shopping trip to Francesca's Boutique last week. I wore this dress to a wedding over the weekend and now it's one of the most comfortable dresses I own. Normally I go for black dresses for special occasions, but I'm so glad I took a risk! 

These pictures were taken in Iowa Falls on the "swinging bridge". The bridge goes over the Iowa River and it's quite beautiful there. I'm usually terrified of heights but I couldn't miss out on some gorgeous scenery! See more of this beautiful area, as well as a heavily-requested men's post on Wednesday!

Dress: Francesca's Boutique (only $48! what a steal!)
Earrings: Francesca's Boutique 
Shoes: Madden Girl
Bag: Phillip Lim for Target 
Bracelets: Assorted, mostly Forever 21 and BaubleBar
Watch: Francesca's Boutique