Thrifted Thursday: Work Wear

You all know I love thrifting. There is something so satisfying about buying something old and wearing it in your own style to make it new again. Thrifting is about taking risks and being creative. I find it easy to incorporate thrifted pieces into my casual wardrobe. Throwing a "retro" jacket (and by retro I mean Gap-from two years ago) over a trendy top and skinny jeans is easy and fun. I also find that most people usually appreciate the creativity and dichotomy of these combos. Experimenting with fashion on your own accord is fun and doesn't hurt anybody.

However, getting thrifty at work place can be a whole other ball game. There is a fine line between creative and over-the-top. This line has been on my mind often due to my new, mandatory, business dress code. Thus, I have taken it on as a personal challenge to incorporate thrifted items into my work wear, bearing in mind that taking fashion risks at work may not be the best environment to test the limits.

I obviously don't work at an office that requires a dark suit every day. Nor do I work in the fashion industry though where mini skirts are acceptable when paired with a blazer. My office falls somewhere in the middle, where color is acceptable as long as it's below the knee.

My thrifted work wear look below is something I feel proud of. You may have noticed the thrifted heels from this post, and yes, they are happy that they have finally come out to play. The sweater was thrifted from the ARC, which was thrifted by my mom, which was then thrifted by me from her closet. Makes perfect sense, right? The yellow top is Victoria's Secret and may as well be thrifted for as old as it is and as many times as I've seen it at thrift stores (and might I add, in better condition than mine shown here). The skirt is new this summer from J. Crew and really has proven to be a work staple. It goes with everything, fo real. Minus it's questionable quality (some of the threads are falling out), I wear it at least once a week. Score.

So what do you think? Work appropriate? Or do you want to politely tell me I should never step foot into my office dressed like this again? You tell me.

Thrifted "crochet" sweater. Too casj for work wear? Maybe regretting it in retrospect....

A close up of my money maker. I knew it was important to you to see every angle of the outfit.

It's not blurry. You just need glasses.

Sweater: Thrifted (similar, but sold out)

Top: Old Vicky's Secret (similar)

Skirt: J. Crew Factory

Heels: Vintage (similar, cute cream version)

P.S. Please excuse my face. This photo sesh occurred before I had time to apply my face. Rarrr.

5:00 A.M. Hiking

Because I have a nasty habit of saying I'm going to do something and then not following through see here), I wanted to wait awhile before I shared my new routine with you. But it's officially bloaggable folks. I have been waking up at 5:00 a.m. for the last month to go hiking before work. Brown chicken, brown cow.

As many of you know, I have moved back home...into my parents house. Yes, this 26 year old chick is sleeping in the same room that she spend the first 17 years of her life. Besides obvious perks of living at home, like free rent and endless snack options, my favorite and least expected perk is hiking with my mom and dogs every morning at 5:00 am. I know what you're thinking. 5:00 am? That's ungodly, that's too early, that's practically a sin. And I used to agree with you.

I'm not what you would call "a morning person." Although I'm not the kind of girl who sleeps until noon, I'm  certainly don't look or feel like my typical perky self until after 8:00 am. My favorite way to wake up is leisurely around 8:30am, lounging in bed and watching Girls until the urge to pee gets so bad I must get out of bed.

But now, Monday through Friday, this grumpy morning girl wakes up at 5am and goes hiking with her mom and pups. Not only do I like it, but I love it. I love the cool temps in the morning, as outside activity becomes unbearable to me past 10am during Colorado summers. I love being awake to watch the sunrise over the mountains. I love the quiet. I love feeling like a rockstar when I get home and have my workout behind me and it's only 6:45am. Hiking at 5:00 am rocks, and I highly encourage you all to try it.

 July 3rd sunrise...it was light when I would wake up, which made it easier to get out of ma bed.

 July 8th...this is my morning face. Get used to it. Also my mom is also gorgeous.

July 9th...I love 5:00 am hiking!

 July 10th...5:00 am hiking sucks.

 July 15th-ish...the super moon! That was cool!

 July 18th...at least I'm awake for some gawgeous sunrises.

July 22nd...mom fell asleep.

 July 25th...Stella and Zig love 5am hiking.

July 28th...can't get Nora Jones outta ma head.

July 30th...Why am I doing this? What has my life come to???

August 5th...a foggy 5am hike. Eerily spooky, but beautiful.

August 5th...more 5am hiking, and my maja's smexy leggies.

August 7th...officially dark until we get to the trailhead.

August 12th...still looking good, but can't wait for the day it's too dark to continue...

Pattern Party

These days, it's all about mixing prints. Polka dots on plaid, leopard on lace, floral on camo. The possibilities are endless. Today I'm bringing you something special, something you have never seen before. An Ashley original. Just kidding. You have definitely seen it before. Probably like a 100 times on Pinterest. But I still like it, so I'm going with it.

Today I present to you a stripes and paisley party in the same blue-ish color scheme. I know, I am so trendy and monochromatic. I thrifted this boys Target Boutique button down at the FIRC Thrift and Treasure (oh how I miss Breck thrifting...). I bought the skirt on clearance at J. Crew factory during one of their cray cray 50% off sales for like $15, which means I practically stole it. And these pumps, well they just don't quit. They are the pumps every working woman should have in her closet and they are from Payless. Yes Payless, I know, who would have thought. Truth tho, they are the MOST comfortable heels I have ever worn. They are padded on the inside with a three inch heel, which is the perfect height. Not so low they're considered a kitten heel, not so high that your feet are screaming at you by 3pm, but juuuust right.

So what do you think? Are you wowed by my original pattern combination? I thought so.

Hand on the hip. Homie don't play.

Blue Stripes and blue paisley are the new PB&J.

Backside shot, because I know you were all wondering.

Shirt: Thrifted Target Boys Section (similar)

Skirt: J. Crew (love this for fall!, cute tweed version )

Heels: Payless- aka the most comfortable heels ever.

*Photos taken by my maja

*Cameo by Duncan