The birthday celebrations continue for another week! I’m a big fan of celebrating a birthmonth rather than just a birthday, and thankfully my amazing friends and family always play along. I spent this past weekend on a quick trip to western Colorado to visit my friend—we always plan extravagant birthday surprises for each other (you may remember this Bar Hopping at Home blog post from Covid-era), and this year she planned a packed weekend of activities, each chosen at random from a teacup full of options written on folded pieces of paper. So fun!

Monday, November 11

I wanted to wear the new necklace my boyfriend got me for my birthday, which inspired this outfit. It’s a beautiful geometric design, but felt a little large for everyday wear, so I dressed it down with the polka dot sweater—the necklace is the exact size of one of the dots. While the point of pairing the necklace with the sweater was to downplay the necklace a bit, I do think I’ll wear it with something plain next time to really let it shine.

I don’t love the white mules with this outfit—the white really stands out and kind of reminds me of clown shoes. But the pants are too long for flats and the only boots that go with this outfit are black, which felt too dark. Thoughts?

Polka Dot Sweater: DR2 by Daniel Rainn, gifted for collaboration, last worn here | Purple Pants: JCPenney, $35 ($1.84 per wear) | White Mules: Rebecca Minkoff via Saks Off Fifth, $70 ($1.46 per wear), last worn here

Tuesday, November 12

I decided to work from home today so I opted for something comfy. I wouldn’t normally pair this cardigan with the pants—feels too pajama-like—but I figured it was fine for a day around the apartment.

Leopard Top: Cabi, $89 ($4.45 per wear), last worn here | Grey Cardigan: Nordstrom Rack, $10 ($0.34 per wear), last worn here | Black Pants: Clara Sunwoo, gifted for collaboration, $98 ($8.91 per wear) | Black Flats: Rothy’s, $100 ($4.17 per wear)

Wednesday, November 13

This is a new outfit combo for me, and I really like how it turned out! It just screams fall, though I did get a little hot by the middle of the day. My boyfriend, a couple of friends, and I still do trivia regularly on Wednesdays—tonight wasn’t our best night but we weren’t terrible, either.

Beige Sweater: Clara Sunwoo, gifted for collaboration, $149 ($11.46 per wear), last worn here | Brown Blazer: Clara Sunwoo, gifted for collaboration, $215 ($43 per wear), last worn here | Olive Green Pants: JCPenney, $35 ($1.09 per wear), last worn here | Taupe Booties: Shop LC, gifted for collaboration, $80 ($2.22 per wear), last worn here

Thursday, November 14

I was running late to get out the door this morning so I just went with this outfit, even though I think it’s a little casual for in the office. I haven’t worn the striped blouse or maroon cardigan in a long time and loved breaking them out again!

After work, I went to my sister-in-law’s apartment to have a sewing party. She recently bought a sewing machine, and I had my parents bring my machine (well, my mom’s machine) to my apartment when they came for my birthday. I’m so excited to get back into it and improve my skills. I learned the basics during Covid, but unfortunately I haven’t really sewed since. I’m planning on making some Christmas decorations this year and can’t wait!

Striped Blouse: Nordstrom Rack, $20 ($0.91 per wear), last worn here | Maroon Jacket: Local boutique, $25 ($0.32 per wear), last worn here | Dark Wash Jeans: Express, $25 ($0.46 per wear), last worn here | White Mules: Rebecca Minkoff via Saks Off Fifth, $70 ($1.43 per wear), last worn here

Friday, November 15

I woke up bright and early this morning to drive the four hours to Grand Junction before work. In the evening, the “events” I drew from the teacup were eating out, going to a couple of bars in town, and watching a movie in. We had a great time—one of the bars was in a yurt decorated with twinkly lights, which was such a vibe!

Grey Sweatshirt: Dillard’s, $30 ($1.88 per wear) | Straight Leg Jeans: Express, $15 ($0.32 per wear), last worn here | White Sneakers: Primark, $10 ($0.33 per wear), last worn here

Saturday, November 16

The activities I drew today were a museum about western Colorado, shopping in one of the nearby towns, a bike ride, and bowling. The bike ride and bowling didn’t work out for various reasons, so instead we went on a hike and sang karaoke… in the back of the bowling alley. Such a weird atmosphere but wildly entertaining. I just wore the same jeans as yesterday and threw on this cute floral top that I’ve had since middle school (I remember wearing it to one of the Friday night dances and feeling so cute).

Floral Tee: Nordstrom Rack, $20 ($0.59 per wear), last worn here | Black Leather Jacket: Local boutique, $25 ($0.37 per wear), last worn here | Straight Leg Jeans: Express, $15 ($0.31 per wear), last worn here | White Sneakers: Primark, $10 ($0.32 per wear), last worn here

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Sunday, November 17

We spent a couple of hours at a hot springs this morning (one that’s been on my Colorado bucket list for several years!) before I made the drive back to Denver. We lucked out with such beautiful weather this weekend—I’m sure it will be one of the last fall weekends before it gets really cold.

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Which of this week’s outfits is your favorite? As always, thanks for stopping by the blog.

 

Miles of smiles,
Grace