Chels Wears: Houndstooth With Love

Sweater: Old Navy | Dress Shirt: Macy's | Skirt & Tights: WalMart | Boots : Payless | Purse: mark.

Necklace: Boutique la Passerelle | Ring: Old Navy

I have a confession. I hate houndstooth. I'll give you a minute to take that in. Okay, so I know that making that bold statement means that I should probably turn in my "fashion blogger" badge now, but I just cannot look at this print and not think grandma's skirt suit, which isn't what I'm really going for when getting dressed as a 24 year old. My friend Hannah (hey, girl!) and I have discussions about our different views on what is classic and fashionable...A LOT....and she has always been a stickler for the houndstooth, so I'm sure she's proud of this outfit.

To be honest, two things made me rethink this print. Project Runway and the Kardashians. Project Runway season 11 had a duct tape prom dress challenge and the duo of (winner) Michelle and Amanda made this awesome dress with an exaggerated houndstooth print, which made me rethink it because it looks bold and young in my mind. And the Kardashian Kollection at Sears has this cute little summer dress with the print super tiny, which I also think makes it look younger. As a side note, I would have worn houndstooth earlier in my life, had that Kardashian dress not been totally see-through, where there was no way to save yourself from flashing everyone without buying all kinds of other under garments that I wasn't really in the mood for looking for when I originally thought of getting it.

Left: Project Runway Season 11 duct tape prom dress challenge | Right: Kardashian Kollection dress

Moving on, when I saw this skirt at WalMart, I appreciated that it had the tiny houndstooth print and I could instantly envision this outfit. Winner. Also, these pictures were taken about a week ago during the "first real snow of the season" which I thought would make for pretty pictures, but I didn't think the whole process through, obviously. You should probably know that as a life-long Western Pa dweller, I hate snow. Yes, more than I hate houndstooth. I think it is pretty while falling and before it turns into slushy messes piled up in parking lots and along the roads, but otherwise, I can live without it. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of realizing that a giant pile of snow is covering the only should-be parking spot left in the lot, feel blessed.

Chels Wears: Thrifted Michael Kors

Glasses: Rue21 | Amour Earrings: Urban Outfitters | Ring: Charlotte Russe

Shirt: H&M | Pants: Michael Kors | Vest: New York & Company

Shoes: Target

I think it's safe to say that Michael Kors is my favorite designer. I'm sure that he's a common name to come from most fashionistas of my time and anyone who has ever watched Project Runway. I love that his designs look luxe but can be very everyday kind of wear. I love that he makes clothes for the working woman and that he makes her look classy in and out of the office. So when I found these Michael Kors "walking pants" with the tags still on them in my size at a nearby Goodwill, I was over the moon with excitement. (In that same trip I found a brand new Vera Wang skirt, too. Jack. Pot.)

I'm certain I've already worn them too many times to count, they are just so comfy and chic and they are perfect for a job that has me moving around a lot. The high-waisted trend is slowly taking over my life and I will forever love neon and a well structured vest, so this one is an A+ in my book. Speaking of A+ these shoes are the ones I bought for my Masters graduation ceremony, because in the store they looked more green and I wanted green shoes for Point Park's colors but I'm okay with them clearly being blue in natural lighting. Also, A+ worthy, these pictures were taken outside of the Ellwood City Public Library, which I think is my favorite place in town. I'm a nerd, I know. Oh, and happy back to school to all my alma maters, Lincoln, Seton Hill and Point Park!