Coffee and Cardigans

An outfit on repeat

2013-06-16T22:45:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize it at the time, but something close to this outfit already happened back in September. For some bloggers, repeat outfits might be a little taboo. But personally? I am all about repeating similar looks and remixing pieces. Changing up this outfit was so simple: lose the scarf, add a different pair of shoes and a belt. It made the outfit work for an entirely new season (and blog post). When you're working on a budget, remixing key pieces in your closet is incredibly important for getting the most of your clothing.

When I started this blog, learning to make the most of my closet on a small budget was the primary goal. Though not all repeat offenders - or outfits, if you please - make it to the blog, I regularly turn to similar combinations if its easy, quick, or I just really enjoyed a particular look. What do you think about repeating outfits and looks from your own closet?

PS: Yup, these outfit photos happened a mere day before my haircut. I'm the worst at tucking pictures away and forgetting about them.

Outfit Details:
Dress: Vintage, thrifted (Buy it Similar)
Jacket: Gap, thrifted (Buy it Here)
Belt: H&M (Buy it Similar)
Wedges: Born via Ross

Influenster VoxBox, spring fever edition

2013-06-12T09:50:00.002-07:00

Another colorful package fromInfluenster arrived in my mailbox over the weekend. I was really excited about the Spring Fever VoxBox and samples inside - it's always fun to try something new. Stay tuned for a few product reviews in the coming weeks. But first, here's a sneak peek of what I received in my VoxBox:

Secret Outlast Deodorant: I've yet to try Secret's antiperspirant products, but this full-size sample is a place to start. So much of my closet is dark, which means a good quality "invisible" deodorant is important.

New York Color Appleicious Lip Balm: I love this lip balm from NYC already. It's slightly tinted and the red color is perfect for spring. I'm also impressed that it lasts between applications. A regular tube foes for $2.99 in any drug store.

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure: While it's a great idea, the zebra and Hawaiian flower design of these artificial aren't my style. I plan on giving them to a friend to try out instead.

Schwarzkopf OSiS Dust It: I'm excited to try this mattifying powder. It promises root list, texture and control, which sounds a lot like a quality dry shampoo to me. Stay tuned for a special product review.

TastyKake Kandy Bar Kakes: Another decent idea that just didn't work for me. The s'mores flavor that I received was a little try and spongy, so I didn't try to finish the rest of the bar. They also come in peppermint and peanut butter flavors, which might be worth a shot!

I'm looking forward to a sharing beauty tutorial featuring the NYC lip balm and OSiS Dust It powder. Have you ever tried any of these products?

I received these samples to test and keep from Influenster, but the opinions in this post are honest and entirely my own. Besides the product, I was not compensated in any other way. Please read my disclosure policy here.

Long days and short hair

2013-06-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year because of the long days and beautiful sunsets. There's something different about the yellowing light of a summer evening as it fades away. But with the long, hot days of summer comes change... like my hair. I cut it shorter last summer, though it wasn't as noticeable as the five inches I chopped off last week. But it's a welcomed change, even though I keep reaching up with the intention of twisting it into a knot and realizing it isn't there anymore.

This outfit happened last weekend, a majority of it borrowed from my best friend while we were out and about for photos. This white cardigan reminded me just how bad I need one of my own. I'm adding it to my thrifting list for the summer; it feels like a summer staple that, somehow, I don't own yet. Do you have a summer staple missing from your closet?

P.S.: I'm linking up with Real Girl Glam for the Real Girl Style link-up. Find details here.

Outfit Details:
Dress: Forever21, borrowed
Cardigan: JC Penney, borrowed
Wedges: Born via Ross Dress for Less

On inconsistent weather and vintage skirts

2013-05-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

I swear Oregon hasn't been able to make up its mind lately. It should be spring, but the weather lately feels like early autumn. I had planned to wear this outfit with a new pair of wedges. But thanks to the rain Friday morning, I settled on boots. I could forget the shoes, but I was determined to wear a certain navy blue, pleated skirt that had been hanging in my closet for far too long. There's a few vintage pieces in my closet, but this skirt might be my favorite. It came from PipLey Vintage last season; I should have snapped pictures of it sooner.

Over the long weekend, amidst homework assignments and group projects, I fixed up my blogging calendar. Which means a skinny, but manageable blogging schedule. Even though my schedule until mid-June is completely blacked out, I'm determined to make time for outfit pictures and blog reading. Just like I was determined to wear this skirt. See you guys, I'm horrible stubborn. What did you get done over the long holiday weekend?

Outfit Details:
Tank: Target, old (Find it similar)
Cardigan: JC Penny (Find it similar)
Skirt: Vintage via PipLey Vintage (Find it similar)
Boots: Kohl's, old (Find them similar)

Life Lately: the term that almost killed me

2013-05-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

Two and a half weeks later, and you might be wondering if I am still alive. The short answer to that question is "yup." But thanks to an overwhelmingly busy term of college classes, work and extracurricular, extra time at the end of my day hasn't existed. The school year ends in early June, but until then, I'm caught in a careful balancing act. When did life get so busy?

But let's talk about Coffee and Cardigans. It's been quiet around here. Too quiet. Back in March, I laid out a few blogging goals for myself. At that point, I had every intention to make more time for blogging each day. That intention still exists, but adding blog posts and outfit photos to my to-do list is sometimes just too much on top of everything else. It's a lousy excuse, since I've always lived with the idea of "making time for the things you love." But even that gets hard sometimes - at least when you're an overachieving college student.

So what am I trying to say? Thank you for sticking with Coffee and Cardigans during this downtime. In three weeks, summer vacation begins and I will actually have free time in my day to dedicate to blogging. Until then, please keep in touch with me through Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. At least there's time for me to write 140 characters.

When your life gets busy, what is the first thing that gets put on the back burner?

Back to the big city

2013-05-06T23:44:00.000-07:00

Call me cliché, but I want to move to the big city after graduation. This weekend took me to Seattle with my student group, PRSSA, and I'm adding it to my list of possible post-grad cities. We had the opportunity to tour several amazing public relations agencies and I got to dress up - a perfect combination, in my book. I paired a sheer vintage top with my black pencil skirt for the occasion. The pairing is classic enough, but I added one of my favorite statement necklaces from Glitterish to dress up the look a little more.

Seattle was absolutely beautiful during the visit - sunshine and warm temperatures. I loved waking up to the city skyline outside my window. It might be my quiet country roots and desire for something new, but I am determined to try a few years in the city as a young professional. Maybe Seattle, maybe New York, maybe San Francisco. Of course, my pencil skirts and heels are coming with me. Have you tried life in the big city? What are your thoughts?

Outfit Details:
Shirt: Vintage, thrifted (Find it similar)
Skirt: Karen Kane, thrifted (Find it similar)
Heels: Target (Find them similar)
Sunglasses: Brand unknown, thrifted
Necklace c/o Glitterish

Thrifter Thursday: lost outfits and hot weather

2013-05-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

Somehow, this particular outfit got photographed, then lost in the mess I call my iPhoto. It's not the first time that happened. I wore this combination several weeks ago, while the weather was still somewhat cool and comfortable. Oregon jumped head first into spring weather this week; the Weather Channel is predicting 80 degrees this weekend. I'll be living in shorts and tank tops before we know it.

Outfit Details:
Chambray: Target (Find it similar)
Skirt: Forever 21, thrifted
Flats: Gap (Find them similar)
Tank: Target (Find it here)
Necklace: Brand unknown, thrifted

It's time for another round of Thrifter Thursday! My thrifted items for the week are my leopard print midi skirt and multi-chain necklace. If you're new to Coffee and Cardigans or the Thrifter Thursday link-up, you can find all the details here! Not a blogger? Snap a photo of your outfit and share it on the Coffee and Cardigans Facebook page! Or share it via Twitter with the #ThrifterThursday hashtag!

Midterm season and dirty jeans

2013-04-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

Dressing up has not been on my agenda this week, thanks to my midterm season that seemed to arrive far too quickly. After a long night of studying, my hair doesn't get washed and I wiggle into jeans I already wore twice that week. My quick, desperate fix? Add a bright cardigan, a sock bun, and pray that no one notices... Did it work?

Also, Thrifter Thursday just didn't happen this week thanks to my busy schedule. Apologies for my horrid blogging habits this week. But to make up for it, stay tuned for a link-up next week instead! I will be sure to announce it here and over social media next week.

Outfit Details:
Cardigan: Nordstrom, thrifted
Tank: Maurices, old
Jeans: LC Lauren Conrad
Heels: Target, thrifted
Earrings: InPink

Pink pants for spring

2013-04-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

Oregon's weather finally has me believing it's spring, despite our rainy Friday. After six months of rain, any amount of sunshine makes me giddy. April is usually the time of year I start digging out spring clothes again. This year, I'm also using it as an excuse to clear out old winter clothing I've had for way too long. And rediscover old items that I abandoned during our six months of rain and slush.

These pink pants got folded up and forgotten about in the depths of my closet over winter. According to my archives, I haven't worn them since last July. I was happy to find them, and also happy to see that the colored jean trend isn't over yet. What do you think of colored denim? Will you be sporting it again this year?

Outfit Details:
Jacket: Gap, thrifted (Find it similar)
Tee: Target (Find it similar)
Pants: Macy's (Find them similar)
Boots: Steve Madden (Find them here)
Necklace: ModCloth (Find it here)

How to wear school colors (the subtle way)

2013-04-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

Whether it's football season or a campus event, there are some days call for sporting pride. My university's colors are green and yellow. Our state rivals are orange and black. In my humble opinion, there are better options out there - but what's a loyal college girl to do? Get creative and resourceful. If the classic jeans and spirit tee aren't your thing, here are a few alternative ways to sport school colors:

1/2/3/4

Yellow and green make for one loud color combination. For a subtle take, a yellow dress with green accents would do just fine. Adding green through a fresh manicure or cute accessories is the perfect way to channel a little Oregon Duck spirit. I added a cardigan and basic flats to make this look appropriate and wearable throughout the entire day.

1/2/3/4/5

Our rival school, Oregon State, rocks orange and black throughout the year. I tried my hand at mixing these colors with a long, black maxi dress and orange accessories. Adding an bright scarf is one more way to add an accent color to your outfit. I would top this look off with a denim vest and black braided sandals as the weather gets warmer.

Bright, contrasting color combinations can be fun to try out! I like to add at least one neutral piece, or add pops of color through accessories. What are (or were) your high school or college colors?

Thrifter Thursday: thrifting business clothes

2013-04-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Before I started my job in a new department on campus in January, my closet severely lacked business casual anything. Of course, I used it as an excuse to go thrifting. This faux leather trim pencil skirt was one of the few things I picked up back in January. It's also my thrifty item for this week! Whoever said you can't find modern, trendy things at the thrift store doesn't know my local Value Village.

Outfit Details:
Cardigan: Old Navy
Tank: Old Navy, old
Skirt: Daisy Fuentes, thrifted
Boots: Steve Madden (Find them here)
Scarf: Charlotte Russe

It's time for another round of Thrifter Thursday! If you're new to Coffee and Cardigans or the Thrifter Thursday link-up, you can find all the details here! Not a blogger? Snap a photo of your outfit and share it on the Coffee and Cardigans Facebook page! Or share it via Twitter with the #ThrifterThursday hashtag!

Life lately: airplanes and Albuquerque

2013-04-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

I think the only things I've been tweeting about these past few days are my airport adventures and the beautiful New Mexico weather. I spent the weekend in Albuquerque for a national assembly with my student group PRSSA. A new college term also started, so needless to say, it's been a busy week. Here's life lately, according to my Instagram:

(Left) Oregon graced us with some seriously wonderful spring weather before I left. Clear skies and sunshine really make it feel like spring. (Right) Of course, my favorite sunglasses didn't survive a rough day in my purse. This is how they looked shortly before jetting off to Albuquerque.

(Left) We flew out of Portland on Thursday morning, heading straight for New Mexico. It was rainy and cold in Oregon, so trading it for sunny New Mexico was just fine with me. (Right) This was my first time in the southwest, but the weather, food and people were absolutely wonderful!

The conference itself was also a great experience. The Public Relations Student Society of America is a pre-professional organization, with over 300 chapters nationwide. Since this is the industry I want to spend the rest of my life working in, the energy and ideas were inspiring. I loved networking with other college students from across the country.

I also packed up a suitcase full of business clothes for the trip. There was no time for outfit photos, but I practically lived in my black cardigan and flats. Packing for business trips have become mini remixing challenges in my mind. What are your go-to business casual pieces?

Are you on Instagram? Follow Coffee and Cardigan at here (@marycalliegisler)!

Remixed: thrifted green cardigan

2013-04-05T14:44:00.002-07:00

Some of the thrifty pieces in my closet are things I wear the most. This thrifted green sweater was originally from the Limited, but I picked it up for Value Village on the cheap. The green color is rich, so it's an easy way to add color to an outfit. I also love the comfortable, casual shape. Paired with jeans and flats, its great for a casual day. But here are two more dressier ways I've worn it:

Cardigans will forever be a favorite go-to piece for me. Otherwise, I fail at choosing blog names. How would you remix a green cardigan like this one?

Why an inspiration board will help on your next project

2013-04-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

Between starting a new term and packing for a business trip this week, I was so excited when reader Michelle offered a guest post this week! Read more about how she uses inspiration boards for planning DIY, decorating projects and more:

Can’t wait to get started on your next do-it-yourself project? Oh, the possibilities! It seems like you come up with new ideas every minute. So how do you keep your thoughts together when you’re bursting at the seams with creativity? Do it with an inspiration board! It’s one place where you keep a series of images that inspire you to complete the project of your dreams. Not only do they ignite your imagination, they also help you save time and money.

Organization: No one likes feeling scatterbrained. With an inspiration board, you can keep all your ideas in one place that’s easy to find. Did you see a picture in a magazine that inspired you to make your project even better? Cut out the image with a pair of scissors and place it on your board. Did you find a color palette you liked in a hardware store last week? Find the color palette sample and post it on your board. Did you take a picture recently that reminded you of your project? Stick it on your board as soon as you get home. Never lose a creative thought again!

Time Management: It’s fun to let your imagination go wild with ideas. You can spend weeks imagining what you want your completed project to look like. Unfortunately, it can slow your progress down tremendously if you don’t know how to manage your time. An inspiration board can help you focus on what’s important to your finished product. Take a few minutes each day and look at all the images on your board. Remove every image that doesn’t help you complete your creation. With a cleaner inspiration board, you can eliminate ideas that aren’t helping you anymore.

Budget Planning: Few of us can spend an infinite amount of money on one project. After all, you want to buy Champagne to celebrate with your friends after you’ve completed your endeavor! An inspiration board can help you find the best deal on every item you need to buy. Once you know how much your project will cost, you can decide what materials you would like to spend less on. That way, you won’t be overwhelmed with a huge bill at the end.

Every project is a little bit different and everyone has a particular way of making his or her dream project a reality. But whether you’re decorating a baby room, planting a garden or painting your home, an inspiration board can keep you happily on track toward your goal! Here is an example board:

Photo credit: Closet Storage | Tufted Headboard | Storage Bench | Paint Swatches

Without redoing the entire guest bedroom, a few easy DIY projects can give the room a whole new look without spending a fortune. For a small room with not a lot of space, organization is key. Get the most out of closet space by adding additional shelves. Another great way to add space to your closet is by utilizing the small, nook ends of the closet. Add smaller shelves, similar to those shown in the below DIY project from Family Handyman. Organization is the key to truly adding space to a room, and is the focus for this inspiration board. Avoid furniture that may collect clutter. Try a DIY storage bench, like the one below from DIY master Ana White, that allows you to store items out of sight.

The challenge is how to make the room look luxurious and elegant on a small budget. A smaller project such as tufted headboard can add an expensive look to your bedroom. You can take it a step further and include gold or silver pins to line the headboard as pictured in the gorgeous headboard below from the Turning Stone Resort in Central New York. You can find these special “furniture pins” at your local craft store. Headboards are an easy way to add luxury to any room, wowing your guests. Brighten up the room with a fresh coat of neutral colored paint. Neutral toned colors are easier to work with when picking out furniture and decorative accents to compliment the room. Use a second bolder color, as your accent color. Grab some paint swatches and get inspired!

Thrifter Thursday: country style and covered bridges

2013-03-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize the country vibe this outfit gave until someone pointed it out. If the pussybow dress, denim jacket and western-inspired boots weren't enough of a hint, the location makes it obvious to me now! This beautiful covered bridge is tucked away in Stayton, Oregon. My cousin married here and I visited the place plenty as a kid. It was great to revisit it last weekend. Oregon has a few covered bridges left, you just have to find them.

Outfit Details:
Dress: Forever21, thrifted (Find it similar)
Jacket: Gap, thrifted (Find it similar)
Boots: Kohl's, old (Find them similar)

Thrifter Thursday is back! This dress and trusty denim jacket are both treasures from Value Village. If you're new to Coffee and Cardigans or the Thrifter Thursday link-up, you can find all the details here! Not a blogger? Snap a photo of your outfit and share it on the Coffee and Cardigans Facebook page!

Budget Beauty: BA STAR smoky eye shadow palettes

2013-03-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

A majority of my makeup come from the beauty aisle, and my morning beauty routine tends to be easy and natural. But I always love discovering new products! I had the chance to try out BA STAR's smoky eye shadow palette. The natural shadow palette came with three brown hues and two glitter gels. The set typically retails for $8.75, which is fairly affordable even on a college or smaller budget.

Since my makeup tends to be natural, I automatically loved the light, neutral nude shade - the middle shadow, just for reference. I applied that lighter color to my lid and crease. Then I worked the darker expresso shade into my outer crease and blended. I finished the look with mascara and winged liner. This has been my go-to combination for work this week, but with the rich bronze color and glitter gels, you could also create a dramatic look for evening.

One this I love about BA STAR is the fact their products are built for performers - dancers, cheerleaders. The smoky eye shadow palette definitely lasted my entire day, but it was easy to remove with makeup wipes at night. The company have a large selection brighter colors, but certain palettes like the one I tried, feature more natural hues for daily wear.

As a special treat, BA STAR is offering Coffee and Cardigans readers 50% off a smoky eye shadow palette. You can use coupon code BBSMOKY during the online checkout process! Do you like natural shades, or do you play around with bright colors and glitter?

I received this sample free to test and keep. As always, opinions are 100% my own. Read more about Coffee and Cardigan's disclosure policy here.

One very ladylike and charming skirt

2013-03-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

When the weather gets warm, dresses and skirts are the only thing I want to wear. Thank goodness it's that time of year again! And when eShakti asked me to style a piece from their new spring collection, this adorable colorblock skirt was on the top of my list. I love stripes, I love full silhouettes, and I love black and white. The Her fifties colorblock skirt definitely fit into all those categories and I very much adore it! With a colored cardigan and wedges, the outfit felt incredibly ladylike and proper.

I ordered a standard women's size medium, but I did take advantage of eShakti's custom sizing option and had the skirt made to a knee length to better suit my shortness. EShakti does a get job of tailoring everything to fit based on your measurements for a custom fit. I can't wait to remix this skirt for the dressy days office and casual days on campus. I really think it can do both!

Outfit details:
Tank: Target (Find it here)
Cardigan: The Limited, thrifted
Skirt c/o eShakti (Find it here)
Wedges: Target (Find them similar)
Sunglasses: Kohl's

Welcoming Back Thrifter Thursday

2013-03-21T09:55:00.001-07:00

Starting next week, I am excited to bring back Thrifter Thursday! Thank you to everyone who offered their insight and ideas over social media last week. Stating next Thursday, March 28th, you are welcome to drop by and link-up your favorite budget outfit from the past two weeks! It can be one thrifty item or an entire outfit, just as long as the look shows how great budget fashion can be.

New to the blog or the link-up? Click here for more information.

Floral, stripes, and spring break

2013-03-15T10:53:00.001-07:00

When it comes to mixing prints, floral and stripes might be my favorite combination. I've had this maxi dress and scarf in my closet for ages, but never got around to wearing them together. Adding a chambray shirt, it was a casual and comfortable outfit for one long Wednesday. With exams looming, easy outfits are the best possible thing right now.

It's "Dead Week" on campus, the week before final exams. But it means Spring Break is less than a week away! I can't wait for a few days away from classes and homework. Sleeping in, spending time with family and friends, and blogging sound like a much better way to spend my week. What would you do with a week-long vacation right now?

Outfit Details:
Dress: Local retailer (Find it similar)
Chambray: Target
Belt: Forever 21
Scarf: Charlotte Russe
Flats: Gap (Find them similar)

Frequently asked questions (and answers)

2013-03-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

I get so many great reader questions through comments and emails each week. Coffee and Cardigans is about getting dressed on a small budget, but I never know how much about the rest of my life I should share - college, work, friends, family, or whatever else. Either way, I thought I'd answer a few of the common questions to curb your dying curiosities.That was sarcastic, of course. The life of a college girl can be boring and predictable. Nevertheless, here are some common questions:

Where do you work? How does it change your daily style?

I'm a full time college student, but I do work part-time as an office assistant on campus. I work in two different offices: one with a casual dress code, and another that requires business casual dress. This means I'm wearing business clothes at least three days a week - pencil skirts, dresses, heels, slacks. It's definitely a lot dressier than most girls on campus. It also forces me to make an effort on days I'd rather be in leggings and a sweater.

Since you are a college student, why don't you live in sweat pants?

I love my yoga pants just as much as the next girl, but I also love getting dressed for the day - hence the style blog. Since my job requires me to wear business casual clothing a majority of the week, I don't have a choice. Yoga pants and sweats typically are for evenings and weekends. But I'm not opposed to leggings and a long sweater if I am just heading to class!

Where are your favorite places to shop on a budget?

If you read Coffee and Cardigans regularly, you know about my love for thrifting. But I do a lot of shopping at H&M, Old Navy, Ross Dress for Less, Forever 21 and Gap.

What are you studying in college? When do you graduate?

I'm double majoring in public relations (PR) and magazine journalism. Right now, I'm a junior and won't be graduating until next June. It might be a full year away, but I know it will go so quick!

What sort of camera do you use to take your outfit and blog photos?

Most of my blog photos are taken on a Nikon D60, a small DSLR that I got for Christmas a few years back. I typically shoot with a standard 18-55 MM lens. For a DSLR, my Nikon D60 is pretty darn simple, but it's trusty and great quality. I don't have a attractive boyfriend who doubles as a photographer; but I do have a tripod and wireless remote, along with a best friend who is kind enough to snap outfit photos for me!

What advice do you have for bloggers just starting out?

I should really dedicate an entire post to this question, just because a short answer probably isn't helpful! But my best advice is to focus on a topic that you really love - beauty, outfits, sewing, design. Blogging should never feel like a chore, and with a topic you love, it rarely ever does. I also recommend taking the time to engage the blogging community. Visit other blogs, comment on posts, and engage over social media. This is the most important tactic in growing your own audience.

Do you have another question that I should answer? Whether it's about me, personal style, thrifitng, sewing, blogging, or whatever else, always feel free to leave it in a comment or email me at callie@coffeeandcardigans.com! Hope this was helpful!

My definition of weekend casual

2013-03-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

I think my style can be described as pretty darn simple, at least on the weekend. I picked up this geometric print dress from Ross Dress for Less on Saturday. My goodness, why don't I shop there more often? This dress fit into my budget with a $17 price tag. It was even sunny enough for flats and a jean jacket, my definition of weekend casual.

Typing out this blog post reminded me just how much I miss the habit of blogging. I dedicated an entire post to the fact last week, but it's true. It took me a bit to relax into outfit photos this weekend, but slowly, it happened. With longer days and spring break around the corner, this little blog will get some serious attention. If you're a blogger, how much time each week do you spend on your blog?

Outfit details:
Dress: Ross (Find it similar)
Jacket: Gap, thrifted (Find in here)
Flats: Gap (Find them similar)

Weekend DIY: easy statement necklace

2013-03-08T10:31:00.002-08:00

After so long, I'm excited to bring my Weekend DIY series back to the blog! Do-it-yourself projects are great on any budget and I love how simple they can be. I found a few great pre-made jewelry pieces from the {Styled} line by Tori Spelling at Micheal's last month. Not only were they on clearance, but they made for a quick and easy DIY project. Here's how easy a homemade statement necklace can be:

As said, I did use a premade jewelry piece for this project. You can probably find a selection in your breading or jewelry department. JoAnn Fabrics also sells the same line I used here. For this project, I used...

- A statement necklace piece.
- Needle-nose pliers. A small pair meant for jewelry-making works the best.
- Jump Rings. Ava liable in the beading section of any craft store
- A necklace clasp. Again, in the beading section at the craft store.
- Chain. I used about 18 inches to make mine.

Step one. Measure out how long you want your necklace to be and cut the chain. I decided to make my chain about 18 inches long, which was nearly perfect for a statement necklace.

Step two. Using your needle-nose pliers, attach both ends of your freshly measured chain to your statement necklace piece. My statement necklace piece already provided rings, but if needed use two jump rings to attach the chain.

Step three. Next it's time to add the clasp. Open your chain at the top by either removing a link or cutting it open. Attach jump rings to both pieces of the clasp, then attach the clasp to either ends of your chain.

This project inspired me to spend a little more time in the craft store. Who knew there were so many great pre-made accessory pieces? This is a great option for anyone who is just trying out DIY accessories. So stinking easy! Have you ever tired out a pre-made accessory or jewelry piece like this?

How to find your classic spring look

2013-03-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, maybe it isn’t that warm just yet, however that doesn’t mean us girls shouldn’t prepare for the gorgeous summer we are expecting, right? The last thing we want is for summer to arrive before we know it, and we are still wearing our black skinny jeans and knitted jumpers. So because of this, I think it’s time to start preparing for the spring and begin to look for our classic spring look.

Daytime Spring
I love this outfit as it is bright and colourful, and of course, ticks all of the style boxes. I think this is the ideal look for going to the park with the boyfriend or sitting in a cute coffee shop whilst soaking in the sun. However, if wedges aren’t your thing, why not put this outfit with a pair of cool and casual pumps or sandals. In my eyes you can never go wrong with a pair of denim shorts, as they go with everything and aren’t very expensive; which for most students is what we look for when we buy our clothes! Style doesn’t need to mean breaking the bank; it’s just a case of knowing where to look.

An evening in spring
Now we are coming to that time of year where it is ok to wear bright colours and floaty dresses, I thought I would pick this stunning party dress to show all of your lovely ladies how gorgeous pinks and corals can look. This colour is very in fashion this season, so why not embrace your colourful side and invest in a few beautiful dresses and skirts in this vibrant shade. I always like to wear neutrals with bright colours, so cream, white and silver are ideal choices to accompany your striking dress.

Rock the spring look The midi dress is the perfect balance between not showing off too much, and not hiding away those gorgeous legs. So this spring why not opt for the mid length dress. They are incredibly flattering, and in a striking pattern like this, you will be sure to stand out from the crowd. When looking at mid length dresses I always like to put them with a pair of shoe boots, obviously depending on the colour of the dress will depend on what shoes to go for; however I love these rock chick spike shoe boots. They are great for this look and especially if you choose to wear a leather jacket to complete your stylish outfit.

Don’t be afraid to add a splash of colour to your wardrobe this spring, bright colours look amazing, so use your artistic side and invest in those gorgeous summer outfits.

This is a sponsored post. Read more about Coffee and Cardigan's disclosure policy here.

My thoughts on blogging

2013-03-05T16:19:00.001-08:00

For you bloggers out there, have you ever felt like you lost your focus? Maybe life got too busy or you spread yourself too thin across too many projects. Recently, I am been feeling just that. Coffee and Cardigans has been my focus creative focus for over a year. But in the past few months, I got caught up in work, school, activities and other blogging projects. As a result, I neglected this blog.

I still love Coffee and Cardigans and the community that it's cultivated. More importantly, I miss it. It's a creative outlet that combines my loves for writing, photography, design and fashion. But it's also an important link to the online blogging community that I enjoy so much! Adding this all up, I realized that it was time to refocus. It was time to stop spreading myself thin and come back to the blog and community that got me started.

So what does this mean? Most important, I am making Coffee and Cardigans a priority on my to-do list again. I want to be a blogger again, instead of a frantic lunatic trying to do it all. This means taking time for outfit photos, writing and do-it-yourself projects. And getting reacquainted with all favorite blogs and the wonderful ladies and gents behind them.

Dedicated to a budget. The idea behind this blog has always been life and style on a college budget, which means it should be an obvious element to my weekly content.

More content, more often. Making time for Coffee and Cardigans means making time for the blogging process. I can't wait to bring you new outfits, DIY projects and how-to articles in the coming weeks. I also plan to expand my content with new topics. Stay tuned!

New collaborations. I want to open Coffee and Cardigans up to new collaboration opportunities with fellow bloggers and brands. You can learn more about the opportunities here.

Back to Facebook. I reactivated the blog's Facebook page, which means one more way to stay connected to Coffee and Cardigans.

A slightly different look and feel. I absolutely love the layout that Hannah put together for me last year. But I tweaked it slightly to feature a three-column layout, which will help as Coffee and Cardigans grows and expands.

To sum it all up... I'm excited to refocus and reconnect with Coffee and Cardigans, along with the wonderful readers and blogging friends who have stuck with me. I hope you will check back to see the great changes happening in the coming season. Thank you for sticking with Coffee and Cardigans!

The power of an impromptu salon visit

2013-03-01T09:49:00.000-08:00

I have some quirky pieces hanging in my closet, but one of my favorites is this horse print dress I picked up from Buffalo Exchange last year. We all need a fun and unexpected dress, don't we? This dress speaks for itself. Paired with a cardigan and boots, my horses and I were ready for a long afternoon of meetings on campus this week.

I also ended with an impromptu change last weekend. I couldn't deal with rolling over on top of it at night or catch it in my purse strap any longer. Now five inches lighter, I also opted for bangs and my favorite dark brown color. Sometimes change can be a good thing. Do you ever get in the mood for an impromptu change, like a new hair cut or different hair color?

Outfit details:
Dress: Buffalo Exchange
Cardigan: Target
Tights: Target
Boots: Steve Madden
Belt: Forever21