Red and White in Redlands

My husband and I went to a lecture last week at the University of Redlands and I must say it felt good to be back in a collegiate setting. People always told me that college represents the best years of your life and while I think life right now is pretty great, if I could perpetually be a student and have the free time that I had in college, I wouldn't turn it down!

Even though college was sort of a laid back time in my life, the one thing that I was not lax about was my wardrobe. In fact, my husband, when we met in college, couldn't figure out why I was so dressed up all of the time at school. (I was not definitely not the wear your pajamas to class type!) Clearly, some things never change! Therefore, I wore this red and white fit and flare dress to the lecture, but with a denim jacket to make it more youthful and casual. This dress was actually only $20, which makes it something that any college student could afford!

The other great thing about college is the charm of college towns. The influx of students tends to bring a youthful element to the towns that surround the campus and this was definitely the case in Redlands. We found a great burger joint that not only had amazing food, but also an amazing Bourbon list, although I doubt they sell much of their $175 a glass Pappy Van Winkle 23 to college students! Redlands also had some cool vintage buildings and some great brick walls like this one that I opted to use for my photo shoot.

Dress: T.J. Maxx here
Jacket: Target similar here and here
Shoes: J. Crew similar here
Bag: Dolce & Gabbana "Sicily" here
Sunglasses: Celine

Linking Up With: How I Spring, Shoe and Tell, Hello Monday

To Paris With Love

I ordered this Paris "Destination" tee from J. Crew months ago and it has been sitting in my closet ever since. Somehow, I just never got around to wearing it even though I adore its depiction of all things related to Paris, including some of my favorites such as baguettes, croissants, macaroons, and wine. (Perhaps I was waiting to go on an actual trip to Paris?) It's funny how all of my favorite things involve French food and wine! Then again, it's what the French are known for! Well, food, wine and great art!

Originally, I planned on pairing this Francophile tee with something more dramatic like a big puffy tulle skirt; I thought the look would be reminiscent of Carrie when she goes to Paris in the last season of Sex in the City. Instead of tulle, I opted for stripes, which I think are equally chic and Parisian. This skirt was actually only $17.99 on TJ. Maxx's website. Since it was a little bit chilly out, I also added a salmon colored denim jacket from Old Navy for a pop of color for spring. Although I'm just strolling though my neighborhood, you could easily imagine me strolling down the Champs-Élysées!

Tee: J. Crew Paris destination art tee here
Jacket: Old Navy here
Skirt: TJ Maxx striped a-line skirt here
Shoes: J. Crew Factory similar mint pumps here
Bag: Channel budget version here
Sunglasses: Celine

Linking Up With: Thursday Moda, Thursday Fashion Files
Flashback Friday, Fabulous Friday, Passion for Fashion, Weekend Wear