Wednesday, November 30

The Quick Fix


Did you ever find an outfit you love, and then 2 minutes before you need to be out the door... you find an unsightly tear/stain/snag?  Yep... I hate that.  

This outfit was my quick fix.  Thanks quick-fix outfit, you helped me survive hump day.


Pants, Faux Fur Vest & Sweatshirt: Gap
Shoes: Urban Outfitters
Necklace & Earrings: Loft
Watch: MK

Tuesday, November 29

Don't Want to be Boring



 I'm so disappointed in myself.  I had plans to be a better blogger over this past holiday weekend, and instead, I blew it.

Last week was busy busy busy.  Long road trips, short flights, and a weekend with my family took priority over all else.  And when it comes down to it, I guess that missing out on a few blog posts was worth it.  I got to spend some quality time at home, and I loved every minute of it.  Now that I'm back to work, I'm back to business on this blog.  I swwwwear!

Speaking of back to work, I got a lot of compliments on this outfit today from my students, which doesn't always happen.  They seemed to like how busy and colorful it was.  One student actually asked why I chose to not wear a plain white shirt under the sweater... which really surprised me!  I didn't know how to answer, so I was honest.  I just don't want to be boring. :)


Skirt: Loft
Tights: DSW
Sweater: H&M
Button-Up: Gap
Broach: J.Crew
Watch: Michael Kors
Boots: Steve Madden
Pearl Earrings: Temple Street Night Market, HK

Sunday, November 20

Ahh, the Suburbs


This afternoon, as Erik and I took a stroll downtown, we saw lots of busy people who are decorating our town for next week's tree lighting celebration.  December is the most beautiful month in my town.  The main street is filled with thousands of lights, they play Christmas music over loud-speakers, and if you're lucky, you'll catch some man-made snow and some Christmas carolers on a Saturday night!  Santa passes out candy his giant fire truck, and the town offers horse and carriage rides on the weekends.  Basically, it's a scene right out of some Family Channel made-for-tv movie... and I love it!  It's suburban cuteness overload.  And for a girl who grew up in the country, it's exactly what I've always wanted.  

What do you love about your town/city/countryside during the holiday season?  OR, are you a grinch who hates it all? :)

Pssst!  Want a little video tour of this suburban sweetness?  Check it out on video right here!


Blouse, Skirt, Tights, Boots: Gap
Bag: Urban Outfitters
Sunglasses: RayBan
Earrings: Loft

Wednesday, November 16

I Promise



I am such a disappointment on the weekdays.  Seriously.  All of my outfits are based solely on comfort and nothing else.  Definitely bad for a fashion blog.  No heels with this outfit?  COME ON... what was I thinking? 

I'll tell you what I was thinking... I was thinking about the 1000 different things on my to-do list.  I was thinking about how much I needed coffee at this super early hour.  I was not thinking about what a disappointment my outfit was.

Tomorrow, I promise to try harder.  Seriously.

Watch: Thrifted
Earrings: InPink
Dress & Tights: Gap
Flats: Urban Outfitters
Garnet Necklace: Gift from Prague


Monday, November 14

A Weekend with the Girls

This past weekend was tiring, stressful, and totally and completely wonderful.  I met up with my aunt, mother and sister to spend some quality time together in New York.  Luckily my aunt lives in Brooklyn, so making a few visits to Manhattan for some dress shopping was pretty reasonable.  

This is certainly no wedding blog, so for those of you who want the abbreviated version, here it is: 2 stores. Found a dress. No Kleinfelds. No tears.  (Well, almost some tears, but not quite.)

The unabridged version goes like this:

On my first day of dress hunting, we visited one discount bridal store called RK Bridal on 39th Street.  It didn't require an appointment, and my sister had already been to the place once before with a friend.  I was very prepared to not have a fancy schmancy experience... yet I still managed to be underwhelmed.  The consultation lasted about 25 seconds and included a glance at a few of my photos.  The woman told me she couldn't help me with those gowns because I didn't know the designers, and then that was the end of that.  She brought out probably about 10 different gowns, and let. me. tell. you.... the beginning was a rough start.  I thought I might get a little emotional over putting a gown on for the first time.  Instead, I lasted about 5 seconds in front of the mirror before running back into the room.

Luckily the consultant quickly geared the dresses more towards an appropriate fit for my body type, and I really fell in love with 2 gowns.  They were both exactly what I thought I didn't want:  strapless and satin.  I left, empty-handed, but prepared to return the next day to re-try the one I really loved.  

(Love= liking the dress)
(Really love=liking the dress and the price tag)

I got a good night's sleep and really started looking forward to my next appointment at the Wedding Atelier, which is on 5th Ave in the Flatiron District.  I knew it would be a lot more upscale and even though I was unsure about finding something affordable, I was desparate to have a woman with a vision of what I wanted.  That morning, I put on a favorite outfit that felt very "me," and went right back into Manhattan.  

To my very pleasant surprise, my consultant at Wedding Atelier (also named Renee) took one look at my outfit and said, "I think I might have an idea of what you want."  She let me browse, then talked and really listened to what I had to say.  I told her about the dress that I loved from the day before and to my surprise she said, "Oh, yeah! We have that dress too!" 

                     Scooooooore!

So I tried on a few very different styles, and then put on my dress that was also in the first store.  I tried on a few more.. and then went right back to the other one.  

We played a lot with accessories, and Renee had an amazing eye for what I really wanted.  So what is it that I want?  A dress that gives me options!  I really wanted to find something that I could wear 2 ways.  I change my outfits at least twice a day at home... so how could I possibly commit to one look on my wedding day?  With this dress that I found, I can have 2 completely different looks.  The gown is strapless and fitted, and I am going to have so much fun when I return for my accessories appointment.  

I would show pictures to the world if I could, but I hear that a bride is supposed to keep things a secret.  So for now, I wait. But only another 285 days!

Sister Sister

My Sister
Driving in NYC...blah!
Freedom Tower 

Sunday, November 13

These Short Boots



My striped dress was a favorite from this past summer.  It's too short for work, so I knew I had to throw it on for some weekend errands.  My second thought went straight to these black Gap boots... which feel like a little blast from the past.  And although I've hung up my fishnets and Dr. Martins years ago, I still feel a little rock'n'roll with these short boots.  

Happy Sunday evening, everyone.  This household is hunkering down for some serious HBO time and a big pot of my favorite soup!



Dress, Blazer & Scarf: H&M
Boots, Vest & Tights: Gap
Necklace: Forever 21
Purse: JCrew

Saturday, November 12

What's Black, White and Red All Over?


My outfit, of course!  By the way, I found my wedding dress this weekend!  I can't wait to share the details with all of you... 


Watch: Thrifted, with new red band
Shoes: Urban Outfitters
Necklace: Forever 21
Blouse: H&M

Tuesday, November 8

Everybody Everywear: Colored Tights




I bought this dress from H&M during the summer, knowing that it would be a favorite fall favorite, and it really has been!  I've been wearing it nonstop over the past few months because so easy to dress up or down.

I can't wait to pack this mustard guy up for my upcoming long weekend!  Later this week, I'm meeting up with my family to officially begin the search for a...  wedding...   gown.

I've been so excited about the planning so far, but searching for the perfect gown seems so stressful, I'm definitely apprehensive about it.  I'm on my way to Bridal Atelier and RK Bridal in Manhattan.  Have any of you visited?  Any good stories about finding your dress?

Colored Tights | Everybody, Everywear

Dress: H&M
Blazer & Bag: Urban Outfitters
Necklace: Forever 21
Watch: Michael Kors
Boots: Macy's

Tuesday, November 1

A Few Photos Stopped Me



I was gifted this sweater a few Christmases ago, and have been hot and cold with wearing it.  I'm glad I threw it over this dress for our date-night tonight, because I realized that I like it more than I thought I did.  The length is good, but maybe it just needs a thicker belt... or no belt... or any of the above.  

Needless to say, I'm just happy that a few photos stopped me from shipping this guy off to consignment-town.  

Ever feel that way about some clothing you've photographed?


 Dress: H&M
Tights: Gap
Sweater: J.Jill
Boots & Necklace: Macy's
Belt: Target