Vintage Coach

This weekend, I scored some serious vintage finds.  When I visit my aunt, I always take the things she wants to donate or consign to my local places.  When I picked up her most recent bag, I couldn't believe all of the beautiful vintage Coach bags she was leaving behind!  

I actually don't know why I was so surprised.  I still remember getting my first bag from her, which was a classic black satchel.  I got this bag when I was only 9 or 10 years old, back when I had no interest in anything other than sweatshirts and sneakers.  But I am glad I had enough sense to hold onto it.  Almost 20 years later, I'm still absolutely in love it.

Now don't get the wrong idea.  I'm really not obsessed with labels.  I actually often prefer a cheap bag so I can wear it out and not feel guilty about the wear and tear.  But I've always loved the classic styles that Coach has put out.  

This red bag is a something she wanted to donate, and something that I am SO not willing to let go.  Keep your eyes peeled for a few more vintage bags in future posts!

Blouse: H&M

Bag: Coach

Jeans: Gap

Boots: Audrey Brooke

At the Ballet

Weekend recap: still fighting a cold, enjoyed a matinee at the NYC Ballet, spent some quality family time in Brooklyn.

Too busy stressing about the busy week ahead to handle writing in complete sentences... yikes.

I'm Honest

I took one look at my outfit in the mirror today and instantly knew I should be wearing black tights and heels... or at least my black boots.  But, I'm being truthful with this blog.  That's not what I wore.  

Instead, I chose the purple tights because the black ones where in the laundry.  And I wore rain boots because, well, it rained all day and it's horrible outside.  And my black boots need to visit the cobbler before I wear them again. 

That's just life.  I guess that sometimes life gets in the way of fashion.  Hey, at least I'm honest.

Belt: Loft

Dress & Sweater: Gap

Necklace: J.Crew Outlet

Boots: Steve Madden

Super Soft

This weekend is coming to an abrupt end, and I'm disappointed at the thought of ending my love affair with this super soft outfit.  

Please, Monday, I. just. can't.

Leggings: Target

Boots: Steve Madden

Necklace: J.Crew Outlet

T-Shirt & Sweater: H&M

Iced Over

Erik and I are a little strange when it comes to bad weather --we love it.  That might just go to show you how boring we are, but we really enjoy the unexpected.  For years, we've trekked around our town in blizzards, happily shoveling and playing with Browny in the piles of snow.  This past summer, we lived through our first hurricane, and ended up engaged by the end of the storm.  This winter, we've been disappointed to say the least.  Not. one. big. snow. yet.  Bummer.

So this morning we got our first few inches of the year, which was quickly covered by freezing rain.  Not exactly the blizzard we wanted, but we still managed to enjoy it.  

First on the agenda, sleeping in with this handsome fella.  That's right, ladies, check out those fabulous white eyelashes:

Next, I talked Erik in getting a pedicure with me.  (I just love embarrassing him over the internet.)  And afterwards, lunch in town.  

We've officially moved on to the movie marathon/chili-making part of our day.  (So far, a little bit of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, some Bronx Tale, and now Scarface.)  And I'm looking forward to trying a new dessert later tonight (found here).

To the rest of the east coast, hope you're able to get some enjoyment out of the weather!

Coat: Hand-me-down from Aunt, Steve by Searle

Boots: Steve Madden

Red Bag: H&M

Leggings: Gap

Bright Red on a Gray Day

I'm so happy I picked out my brightest red pieces to wear today, because it was miserable outside.  I just think that mixing red and hot pink is so cheery.  

I'm going to have to figure out how to mix these two colors a little more often so that I can be fully prepared for Valentine's Day next month.  Otherwise, I'm going to have to pull a real crazy-teacher-lady move and wear some ugly dancing hearts sweater/matching earrings/matching pin/matching socks combo.  And I'm just too young to have to resort to that.

Skirt: Loft

Watch: Michael Kors

T-shirt & Blazer: Gap

Earrings, Belt & Bag: H&M

Who's Boss

I hope that no one out there thinks this is actually a real fur.  I would never, ever, ever do that.  On the other hand, I can't seem to convince my kitty.   She's certain there's a new cat in the house... and she just showed it who's boss.  

Now she's walking around with a mouthful of faux-fur.

Barrette: Urban Outfitters

Dress & Scarf: Gap

Boots: Macys

Back in the Day

I recently pulled out an old favorite of mine... this leather belt that I purchased during my first year of college.  Back in the day I was a bit more bold with my style, and even though most of my closet has changed over the years, I'm happy that I held onto this blast from the past.  

I didn't actually wear this outfit without the jacket, but here's a better picture of the belt.

 Shirt, Blazer & Dress: H&M

Belt: Macy's (10+ years ago)

Boots: Steve Madden via DSW

Guest Post: Meet Ashley from Flats to Flip Flops

Ashley from Flats to Flip Flops is a talented new blogger, and I'm proud to say that she is my very first guest blogger!  Ashley's here to share a few tips on how manage a new blog with a busy family life, and I'm guest-posting on her blog to reflect on my (almost) one year anniversary of Rock'n'Roll Betty.  Enjoy!

Hi Everyone! This is Ashley from over at flats to flip flops! I am “momma” to two sweet kiddos, a mischievous boy age 4, and a sassy gal age 18 months. Over at flats to flip flops I share thoughts on fashion and life as a  mom to two young kiddos! So stop by and check it out!

A big THANK YOU to Renee for letting me guest post on her amazing blog!  I love seeing ( and trying to copy:) her style!

I am relatively new to the blogging world, but if any of you have ventured over this way, you know how fast you have to learn to stay afloat!  And man, how I wished there were more posts with tips for new bloggers out there.  So today that is exactly what I am going to do.  Share a few of the little things I have learned along the way.  Disclaimer: I am by no means an expert!

1.  Have a reserve of posts.  I am always about a week ahead in posts.  And for my type A personality this helps me to not get super stressed out!  Some days I have time in the day to write a few posts and some days I have NO time, but I never have to scramble to get a post done for the next day.  And if my blogging mojo is just not a flowin, I can set the computer down and try again tomorrow!

2.   Make some new friends.  I often refer to my blogging life as "my second social sphere".  I have gotten the chance to read, connect with, and get to know some amazing people from all over the world by blogging.  And you know what, a lot of times I have to be the first to reach out.  So don't be afraid to comment, email, help, and share with other bloggers!  You will be seriously missing out on some amazing people and probably some amazing opportunities if you don't!

3.  Get your family involved!  One amazing blessing from blogging and from taking pictures daily, is that after mommy takes pictures then it's the kiddos turn.  And really, check out their posing skills!  The great thing is that I have an almost daily log of my kids growing up...and I know that will be something I will cherish always.

4.  Take time to take a break.  If you need to take a day off from the blog world, do it.  If you need to take a month off, do it.  If you need to set limits on when, how and where you blog, then do it.  Like for me, I blog at naptime and sometimes after the kiddos are in bed.  But don't neglect the things and especially the people that are the most important!  Sometimes the best creative juices come after you take time to breathe.  Remember the tortoise and the hare?  Who won that race?

 

5.   Do you!  This is my biggest piece of advice.  Regardless of the numbers, regardless of the pageviews.  Do you! Do material that feels right in your heart.  Do things with your blog that ring true to you.  You don't need to be like any other blogger out there.  Sometimes my least read posts are the ones I am most proud of.  And you know what, even if I am the only one that reads those posts, it won't stop me from writing them.  A true, authentic you will gain readers.  A true, authentic you will gain more than just readers, it will gain you friends!

Happy Blogging!

My Diagonal Cardigan

Siggghhh, I'm so tired tonight!  I couldn't bare to get off of the couch and show off my mismatched pajama ensemble, so I opted to post a weekend outfit from a few weeks ago.  This is one of the softest sweaters that I have, and I love its quirkiness.  The button front is actually diagonal, but it's hard to tell from these photos.  I bought this in a little shop in Hong Kong when I visited during my senior year of college.  What an amazing city! ....and I love wearing a piece of clothing that reminds me of those great memories.

Check back in tomorrow for my very first guest blogger post!  Ashley from Flats to Flip Flops will be visiting, and you can read my guest post on her blog!

Blouse: Pins and Needles from UO

Sweater: from trip to HK

Necklace: Loft

Jeans: Gap

Wedding Planning: 32 Weeks to Go

I'm working on some wedding plans tonight, so I just thought I'd write myself a little checklist of all of the progress we've made.  (Sometimes I need some encouragement that progress is actually being made.)

SO... time for a little wedding update, folks!
*Ceremony music: check
*Wedding officiant: check
*Reception music: check  (This special detail excites me more than alllllll the rest!)
*Florist: check
*Gown: check
*Photographer: check
*Cake(s): check
*Rings: check

Coming up soon:
*Erik's suit
*Choosing invitations
*Booking a honeymoon
*Figuring out a DIY photobooth (hellllllp)
*Choosing bridesmaids dresses (ahhhhhh, I can't decide!)
*Going to my accessories appointment here (having some very special things made for the gown!)

Any lovely newlyweds out there with some advice?  I've been following The Knot's "to-do" list as a timeframe, but I'd love to hear about how you stayed on track!

Belt: Gap

Sweater: Loft

Boots: Macys

Skirt & Bag: H&M

Watch: Michael Kors

The Perfect Oxford Shirt

I just picked up Gap's new "perfect oxford" shirt, and boy is it perfect.  So many options for layering... and perfect for every season.

Its 100%-super-soft cotton makes me want to frolic through my giant fancy closet like all of those celebrities in the cotton commercials.  Which could happen, if I actually had one of those giant fancy closets.... and some celebrity status.

Jeans, Blazer, Clutch, Oxford Shirt: Gap

Oxfords: Urban Outfitters

Deer Necklace: H&M

Floral t-shirt: F21

All Mine

Sweater: J.Crew

Blouse & Trousers: Loft

Oxfords: Urban Outfitters

Necklace: F21

Watch: Michael Kors

Awkward Poses: alllll mine

Building Things

Finally!  We just finished building up a little piece of Ikea tonight.  Not my go-to choice for furniture, but they happened to have the right size cabinet for our shoes that desperately needed a home.

And while I was there, I did a little wedding brainstorming...

But trust me, this isn't the only wedding brainstorming I've been doing.  (If you don't believe me, take a look at my Pinterest boards...)

Outfit:

Sweater & Bag: H&M

Button-Down: Target

Shoes: Nine West

Jeans: Gap

I'll Miss You, Winter Break

Tonight officially marks the end of my winter break--tomorrow I'm returning to work.  I'm sad to say good-bye to all of my free time, but looking forward to seeing all of the kiddies again.

This past week was a great time, and my favorite part of the break was having family time in my parents' brand new house.  My mom and dad built every last part of this thing with their own hands... 35 years after they built their first home just a mile away.  I'm super impressed with their work and their commitment to the project, and I was surprised at how "at home" we all felt, just a week after they moved their things in.  

Here's a pic of their house on the hill, their front yard friends, and a few other favorite moments of our trip to the hills of Pennsylvania.