the one with the {sneak-er} attack

Four days ago, we were celebrating the warmest winter ever with lighter jackets and (gasp) NOT boots. We were basking in the whole "Punxsuatawney Phil did not see his shadow" situation and the promise of a speedy spring arrival. Turns out Ol' Punxsuawtawney Phil totally Punx'd us (groan-worthy pun intended). We've had two snowstorms in the last four days and the weather is going to be absolutely frigid for the rest of the week. But honestly, I'm not even that upset about it. I savored this year's unseasonable warmth with every fiber of my Southern being, but I still wanted just a few snuggly, cozy snow days. And now, I've experienced the best of both worlds! I'm still hoping for an early spring, but in the meantime, I'm counting down to wearing my new favorite accessories again - the comfiest, coolest, most Dad-basic shoes on the planet - New Balance sneakers. Last year, I pinned (and drooled over) a bunch of wintery outfits with trendy sneakers while Snowmageddon 2015 piled 8 feet of snow outside my door. But this year, my sister-in-law and her husband (actual sneaker experts) bought me a pair of New Balances for my birthday in January - and surprise of ALL surprises - I was actually able to wear them before April! So for all of you out there wondering how to style your cute, adorable sneakers BEFORE Phil cashes in on his spring promises, here ya go. And for those of you stuck in an igloo - I listed some other links to adorable sneakers for your consideration and future buying pleasure. Because honestly, sneakers are the new flats. And no, I'm not taking that back.

 Purse & Scarf: Old Navy

Jeans: Banana Republic Outlet

Sweater: Gap

Shoes: New Balance 696 Lakeview

Other Cute Sneaker Options for your Tuesday:

New Balance 574 - Ahhh these colors, though!! Literally my kitchen - but on a shoe. I could look at all of the different vintage-feeling New Balances for hours and still want more!

Nike Elite Shinsen - So old school it's insane

Nike Air Max 1 Ultra - Available in a bajillion colors but I'm especially digging the plum. It just reminds me of something delightfully 80s and super girly all at once. 

Nike Juvenate - These have turquoise polka-dots on them. This is not a drill.

Happy Sneaker-Hunting!
xoxo
A+J

{exotic} pants in not-so-exotic places

One of the perks of being a campus minister with 70 plus young women? Sometimes they're from exotic foreign countries and bring you cool, billowy pants! And of course, I chose to wore these pants on an equally billowy day (ahem, see above). And how do you pair said exotic pants in a city very far from exotic? Simply; with a black tee, chunky necklace, denim jacket, and sandals worn approximately 3 weeks too early (worth it, my toes got to breeeeathe!). Originally, I thought these pants would be more of the beach cover-up variety but after trying them on, I've decided that they're comfortable and perfect and that I should wear them as often as possible! And these harem pants definitely deserve more than a brief trip to the beach:) 

 I know that some of you may not be as lucky in the exotic-friend department so I did a little research for you...and now I'm on the verge of a harem pant buying binge! Enjoy.

These black-and-white ones from H&M

Love this pattern from Abercrombie (they have lots of cool options - all on sale!)

And this fancier version from Express

xoxo

A+J

PS I'm selling some spring clothes over on my Instagram account (@alexandraghoman) all week. Check it out and help me do some spring cleaning!

the early spring fashion philosophy

Today spring came to Beantown!!!! I seriously could have skipped I was so happy. Now, spring ain't what it used to be, folks. Spring in these parts means 50 degrees but hey, after 6 months of snow banks and icy winds - I'll take it! In honor of the thawing temperatures, I've decided to share with you some ways that I'm making the most of these still-chilly-but-so-much-better-temperatures in the fashion department. 

Here is my entire philosophy on the subject: 

LAYERS

That's it! That's the key!! I've decided that as long as I'm layered in a cute way - I can manage to feel like it's warm and springy while still dressing comfortably. I know, I'm a genius. I'm innovative. I'm...totally losing it at 11:30pm. 

Also - I wore flats for the first time in ages. And I found out that my feet survived the boot-less day without blisters! I think they knew that they needed to cooperate. It was only fair.

Sorority girl pose?

Showing off the layers?

Blissfully losing my mind?

Anyway, there you have it folks. Layers:)

Shirt: Thrifted
Sweater: LOFT
Jacket: LOFT
Cords: JCrew Factory
Flats: Steve Madden

{Stay tuned for my next post where I reveal five truths about my ridiculous self. Marilisa started the trend here.}

xoxo
A+J