Having the qualifications of a nerd (Computer Science Major and LOTR lover), I believe I have a right and obligation to cover nerd fashion. I've been wanting to do so for a while, but wanted first to perfect it. Here are my tips for bringing out your inner nerd:

1). The Sweater and Button-down Combo

2). Rock Some Oxfords

3). Forget Contacts

Maxi dress. Check.
Sunglasses that are far too big for my face. Check.
Time for an adventure (which entails reading outside by a tree, Frodo Baggins style):




I love a good maxi skirt/dress and it has become almost an essential for this Summer. I've been on the hunt for a maxi dress that I love and I finally stumbled upon this one at work by Lauren Conrad. And if you're short like me and weary of maxi anything then consult my Fashion Myth Busters post.

Thank you for reading. Feel free to leave comments!

Annalise

Every woman knows that a Little Black Dress is essential to a wardrobe, but often times its opposite and equally versatile counterpart is forgotten. The Little White Dress is a perfect Summer staple and when paired with the right pieces can be worn for nearly every Summer occasion (sans weddings). Thus far, I've worn my LWD to work, class, a concert and my sister's recital, making this piece perfect for the hustle and bustle of Summer.

Myth: Short Girls Can't Wear Maxi Skirt/Dresses

With spring nearly here (even though in Michigan it's impossible to tell), I figured I'd throw together my guide on how to master pastels like a boss.

Pastels and Neutrals:

Pastels and Brights:

Pastels and Pastels:

Yo, dawg! I heard you like pastels. So, I put some pastels on your pastels! Normal rules for color coordination don't apply to pastels. Normally, I wouldn't pair a blue with a purple, but you can do that with pastels.

As for me, this is what I chose (and yes it is blizzarding out):

Although it can be quite crowded shopping after Christmas, for those of us willing to brave the throngs of crazy shoppers and return lines out the door, it can be worth it. My only tips are shop clearance! A lot of the times places put their winter apparel and accessories on clearance even though we still have a few months of bitter Winter left to endure. Also, never pay full price for anything around this time. With the deals, coupons and clearance waiting to buy the newest spring outfit at full price is best.

Having said all that, here is what I scored in my post-Christmas shopping extravaganza:

Periwinkle Lauren Conrad Wedges (Kohl's):
 Burgundy Felt Hat (American Eagle):

People may be confused as to why bathing suits and light colored clothing are making an appearance in malls and department stores, but I'm here to clear the air. This is not your generic spring collection, but instead it's your resort clothing. So, if you're going on vacation to Florida, or Central America, or anywhere warm for that matter, then I'd suggest hitting up stores that have their resort collections out. 

I know what you're thinking when it comes to sequins. These aren't sequin tops, but bottoms. More specifically, skirts. They're in for this fall season, which is great. You can wear them from work to play without looking like you're going to a teen dance club. The trick to it is tone it down, don't play it up. Hopefully, these pictures can portray what I mean a little better.

The Classic Button Down:
 Here, she chose a sequin maxi skirt, which I think is incredibly beautiful and stylish. To tone it down, she used a button down. A lot of the times you can use any different color button down you want and you can, also, change up the material. Chiffon button downs look phenomenal with sequin skirts whether you decided to tuck them in or not.


The Soft Sweater:
Another option to really make this casual and everyday wearable is a sweater. Especially, an over-sized one. When you let it drape over the sequin skirt it really gives you a subdued look with a pop. Generally, when choosing colors to match your sequins neutrals are always a great bet.



Lots of Layers:
Layering, by tucking in your shirt and wearing a blazer over top gives this a clean look without being over done. Any type of blazer would work: a boyfriend, or a cropped. Whatever you have in your closet really. That's why these sequin skirts are such a great piece to have. They're really a staple in your wardrobe that you can easily build off of.

Picture for your thoughts:

Where to get yours?

Sweater dresses are essential to every wardrobe because they seem to make a comeback every single fall and winter season. So, getting a nice sweater dress that will last years and stay in style is very important. Also, finding a versatile one is important. These are my favorite from the season:

This LC Lauren Conrad dress from Kohl's is very simple and is perfectly versatile for all of the running around that Christmas time requires.

This heart print sweater dress from Delias is cute and functional. It's perfect for work and play.

This sweater dress from Forever21 may be simple, but the minor details make up for it's simplicity, making it sexy as well.

 I attempted my first sewing project. I bought a pair of LC white flare jeans from Kohl's for 4 bucks and cut them into shorts and hemmed the edges. And now I'm attempting to personalize them by adding a little detail to the sides. I'm not sure if the crochet detail has turned out exactly as I wanted, or if I should change to lace, but total this has cost me 6 bucks, which isn't bad considering a comparable pair of shorts runs about 50 bucks.

I am incredibly excited for this upcoming season of fall fashion. I've been browsing and came up with the main fashion points that designers and stores have been focusing on, to help keep you in style. A lot of what is in this season lines up with my own personal style and I'm ecstatic about it.
PATTERN: POLKA DOTS

LC Lauren Conrad Polka Dot Blazer

American Eagle Polka Dot Tank

STRUCTURE: PEPLUM
Fall in Love with Peplum

Forever 21 Bird Print Peplum

WHAT TO WEAR ON TOP: PETER PAN COLLAR
More Peter Pan Collar

American Eagle Peter Pan Collar Printed Dress

American Eagle Peter Pan Collar Blouse

WHAT TO WEAR ON BOTTOM: COLORED DENIM

Elle Ruby Colored Super Skinny Jeans

American Eagle Skinny Colored Jeans