On Style.

I've really been making an effort to put more thought and imagination into getting dressed instead of just sleepily grabbing whatever my hands touch first @ 6am. I mean it's early, I have to be at the office in an hour...I probably didn't get enough sleep because lately, the Fuzz won't shut her cake-hole at night and I'm usually not in a very creative mindset. BUT...In the still-dark of my bedroom with only a single, dim bulb illuminating my choices, I tell myself "Think outside the box!"...the box being my office space. It is possible to put something together that's stylish (for, say,cocktail hour or a dinner) and work appropriate!



source

 Its odd to work on cultivating personal style at (almost) 30 years of age and I'm almost envious of the endless resources girls have today that didn't exist when I was in college (forget about high school!) In 1999, I was studying MLA style, not browsing personal style blogs. But I know that it's never too late. Updating your wardrobe is challenging and transitioning your style from college grad to professional, even girl to mother is tricky and there are so many people out there setting fantastic examples.

I've just been so inspired recently and it's because of a handful of ladies I'll probably never meet. I've learned that a summer dress can take on so many different personalities when paired with a great pair of shoes, a favorite clutch, a long dangly necklace, even pinning your hair up or wearing red lipstick. The perfect belt really can make an outfit. Fit/cut/shape is so important. ANYTHING can be hemmed, taken out or taken in, so keep an open mind when thrifting!  

In summation, I'd like to say thanks to the following bloggers for reminding me that getting dressed can be fun and for making me thankful I'm still young in an amazing time: Jessica Quirk, Amanda Johnson, Kendi Lea, Coury Combs, Bonnie Barton, and Erin.

  With these new eyes, I shop. This payday purchase is a two-fer because I've been pinching the pennies lately (and for some reason I felt like I deserved it..?). I love browsing the Modcloth dresses and yesterday I found this sweet little sea green spotted frock! (Under $50!) I love*love the color and the collar; the collar's definitely what got me. I like that it's long enough (@ 36") to wear to work- I can't wait to put this outfit together...

 

{Modcloth's Sea Salt Breeze Dress}

paired with a brown braided belt {UO}

and my (recently purchased) Gimmik Platform sandals by Blowfish! I'm pretty damn excited about these shoes because A) they were a good deal at $45 (free shipping @ DSW when you use promo code SHIPR) B) They have a 70s vibe to them...which is uncharted territory for me. I wouldn't exactly describe my style as 70s influenced so it's nice to get out of my comfort zone and try something new! and C) I haven't been able to get them out of my head ever since I first layed eyes on them via Miss Bonnie @ Flashes of Style 

(the 3 shoe-shots below are hers!)

{source}

{source}

{source}

Damn allergies

First it starts off as a nose-itch. Then maybe a sneeze here and there...then your throat gets a little scratchy, then it feel like you gained 30lbs in your head. I don't know what it is... exactly...that I'm allergic to. Oak? Ragweed? My office? Maybe all three? But I'm ready for it to be over because I've been substituting my glass of wine at night with 2 benadryl and I miss my Pinot. I'm sure Ryan is totally thrilled that his girlfriend is a Zombie.

In other news, I've resisted the urge (strong, strong urge) to buy any clothing online this pay period. (remember when I said I would allow myself one new dress each pay period?) The Mercury recently had some costly repairs so I'm pinching pennies this month.  My last few trips to Leopard Lounge were disappointing which was odd because I usually have good luck! SO! Last week I brought 3 of my long vintage dresses (Leopard Lounge finds from last year) to the tailors so she can wave her wand and magically turn dowdy frocks into brand-spankin' new summer mini dresses! I'm picking them up today after work. SO EXCITED. I do hope she cut enough off...I'd hate to be on the receiving end of a disdainful look if I ask her to cut them shorter. But I've been making an effort to restyle the things that are already in my closet. I absolutely need to update my shoe and accessory stock but as far as dresses, skirts, etc go I'm not buyin'. I also resolve to clean out my closet sometime this weekend and make a big bag for Goodwill. The thing about Goodwill is...when I go to drop off a bag...I usually leave with a bag. Sigh.

I just realized that my toiletries and makeup were more organized when I was 15... in my caboodle... then they are now. Ryan...30th birthday present idea, plz?

Also what happened to Kissing Coolers? 

OH SNAP you can buy it on eBay... FOR $10-15 EACH WHAT THE WHAT. Isn't that how much MAC lipsticks are?  

It's Friday...so I gotta go listen to Rebecca Black as she is now part of my celebratory ritual.

Happy weekending!

It's coming, y'all...and I'm scared...

I'm talkin' bout swimsuit season...but I'm trying to be optimistic! After browsing lots and lots of suits I found one...I present to you my 2011 suit aaaand I have to lose about 8 lbs before I can put it on.

It's being delivered Friday! I better stop eating.

Have you found your spring/summer 2011 suit yet? Are you even thinking about it?

Etsy Love

I am loving these little cameo framed original art brooches! They're so cute and unique. You know that if you go out with one of these pretties pinned to your cardigan no one else will have one like it.

 above {Nan Lawson}

 

above {Storybook Rabbit}

Style

Alison Mosshart's all like... "check"....

New items in the Etsy shop! Hurrah!!

 Tea, my Dear? Necklace!

 Go-Go Rocket Fuel Necklace!

Whew! Bout time, y'all.

Both necklaces are 30" long and I love them both equally like children!

Sparklers, Stitches and Sassy Dresses

In a fit of randomness last night, Ryan and I decided to light some sparklers my dad gave us for new years...25 days late. But srsly, is it ever a bad time for sparklers? I don't think so. Same with champagne.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In "What I'm working on" news, I snagged this dollhouse miniature @ hobby lobby yesterday. Love it because it looks like my grandmother's old singer and would make a super-cute necklace on a long chain.

[Gammaw's vintage singer]

Also working on stitching this little guy up...gnomes y'all. gnomes.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It's almost payday! Whew!

My payday purchase this week is Modcloth's Terra Firma dress. I love the cut, the sleeves, the length..

It would look so cute with cowboy boots. This is my 3rd official modcloth purchase. Sadly, after I purchased the Flora dress a few weeks ago, I got an email saying they oversold and I wouldn't be getting my dress. They were super apologetic about it and gave me a coupon to use on my next purchase plus free shipping which was really nice. It still hasn't been restocked (I hope hope hope it will be soon).

Meanwhile also waiting for this guy to be restocked, too. The fabric has little foxes all over and I love the neckline.



Hurray dresses!

Payday Purchase!

One of my resolutions this year (still need to post my list) was to add to my dress collection. I have a cute little dress rack in my room now and there are quite a few vintage and retro-inspired frocks hanging from it. I told myself that every payday I can choose one dress that's $50 or less. This way I won't make a hasty purchase because I have 2 weeks to choose and I'm adding a well thought-out piece to my (practical) collection! This is my payday purchase for Jan 13th:

{Modcloth}

Aaahhhh can't wait to get it! See how it's out of stock? Yeah I just bought the last one. HUZZAH!!  

Giveaway winner and beautiful Emma Watson

Happiest Monday everyone! How was the weekend? Mine was grrrreat AND productive! Friday after work the boy and I went downtown to view a loft! I turned our applications in today so now we're just keeping our fingers crossed!

Saturday Mom and I went to the Houston Ballet's Nutcracker Market. I got a teeny bit more Christmas shopping done but I didn't do as promised...I took like.. 4 photos. IT'S SO HARD TO SNAP PHOTOS WHEN YOU'RE HANDS ARE FULL OF GOODIES, YOU'RE TASTING THINGS LEFT AT RIGHT AND YOU'RE HOLDING A GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE!

First news! Congrats to Whitney from Sparkles and Frosting for winning the Thanksgiveaway that was hosted on Stacy's blog! Your ring and note card are coming straight from the heart of Montrose, hitting your mailbox soon!

In super-pretty news, I flipped through the new Marie Claire on lunch today and was stunned by how beautiful Emma Watson looks. I LOVE this hair on her.. the color, the cut.. everything. The styling and color palette they used in this spread is amazing... TOPS.

Ok so one day closer to Friday, y'all. We should find out tomorrow if we're approved for the loft and if so we can start getting things in there.

STOKED.

Braided Bliss

There's a first time for everything...and today I made my first ever Etsy treasury! Booooyy is that a dangerous game.. browsing awesome item after item...having to remind yourself that you're saving up for the deposit on a new apartment... YIKES. The theme was Braided Bliss. I chose belts, shoes, bags, accessories and jewelry that were all braided. I tried to stay in the mustard yellow, olive green, brown and cream constrains and I think it turned out OK! Can't wait to make another one.

Have you ever made an Etsy treasury?

Inspired!

I sort of am in love with this color combo. It's light and feminine but the grey pulls it down a bit I think, keeping it from being all... "girly-up-in-your-face". I'm going to buy some yarn in these colors today to see what I can come up with...

...just sayin'.

[fabric found here on Etsy]

[dress found here on Etsy]

[glassware found here on Etsy]

[all others google images]