Goodbye, 2012

Goodbye, 2012.  This has been the most challenging year of my life, for a number of reasons, and while I'm feeling grateful for the emotional growth it has provided, I couldn't be happier to move forward.  

This year will forever be remembered as the year I married my best friend in front of so many loved ones.  It was the year that I learned just how loving and generous our family and friends could be.  It was the year I became a tenured teacher and the year that Erik and I travelled alone together for the first time.  It was the year of job changes, and the year my parents said goodbye to my childhood home.  It was the year that we gained family, and lost family.

And so despite some hardships and losses that have been faced this year, I'm putting my best foot forward into 2013.  I'm resolving to commit myself much more to running this blog.  I'm committing to being excited to turn 30 in 2013.  And I'm committing to move my relationships forward even more, because so many moments throughout this past year have shown me more than ever that life is about the incredible people who surround us each day.  So goodbye, 2012, and hello new year.  You're going to be the best one yet, I'm sure of it.

 Sweatshirt: Loft

Hat, Leggings: Gap

Boots: Anne Klein 

The Skies are Clearing

T-shirt and Leggings: Gap

Poncho Sweater & Scarf: H&M

Rain boots: Steve Madden

Punkin' Pickin'

Last week, one of my 1st graders was constantly talking about how excited he was to do some "punkin' pickin."  I guess I couldn't get that out of my head, because I had a major itch to pick some pumpkins as well!  With a bit of sunshine and warmth in the air, we hopped onto our (super amazing) new Genuine Buddy, and found a great little place in our area.  

One little pumpkin, too many nachos, and some alpaca-petting later, we rode home with the wind in our faces.  A perfect Sunday...

Sunglasses: Loft

Broach: Flea Market

T-shirt, Bag, Scarf & Flats: Gap 

Angle Zip Legging Jeans: Gap

Button Down: Urban Outfitters

Scooting Around

Over the weekend, Erik and I scooted around town (yes, we got a scooter!!!) and had a blast.  Our errands included a trip to his new office to drop off some books and do a little decorating.  He started working at a new firm at the beginning of September.... and although he didn't move into a new building in Philly, he moved up a few floors and has some fantastic views.

By the way, this outfit is one of my favorites in a long time... which means, I wore it all. weekend. long.

Sweater: J.Crew

Vintage Bag: Coach

Flats: Chinese Laundry

Zipper Jeans & Blouse: Gap

At the Drive-In

I can't believe my first week of summer vacation has already come to an end!  I had a busy week, filled with teaching piano lessons, visiting the neighborhood pool, enjoying the fireworks, hanging out with family and friends, and having a fun night at the drive-in.

Apparently there is only one drive-in movie theater that remains in New Jersey, which is so sad.  Where I grew up, in rural Pennsylvania, we have several different local drive-ins, and visiting one was a regular event on summer nights.  So after years of missing out on the nostalgia, Erik and I finally made the drive to watch Brave and Spiderman on the big screen.  Fried food and warm weather put me to sleep before the end of the second movie, but it was such a great time, I'm looking forward to going back again.

So this outfit isn't terribly exciting, but it's all I have from this past week.  It was super comfortable for our movie night, and fit into my week-long red/white/blue outfits.  

Button Down: Urban Outfitters

Shorts: Gap

Espradilles: Target

Birthday Bridal Shower

An amazing bridal shower/birthday weekend, the end of my school year coming up next week, and many other busy moments in my life have been keeping me from this blog.  But I refuse to wave the white flag.  Next weekend marks the beginning of my summer vacation, and I'm promising to get back on track with some well-planned outfits.

In the mean time, settle for a picture of a dress I purchased months ago from Banana Republic.  I loved this dress so much, I knew it had to be saved for something very special.  

Dress: Banana Republic

Heels: Nine West

Pearl Earrings & Pearl Bracelet: Ross Simons

Bow Bouquet: My beautiful family and friends

Bold Stripes

Shirt Dress: Gap

Sandals: BC Footwear

T-Shirt Simplicity

I have to admit that as our weather has turned warmer over the past few weeks, I have seen far too many women forget about the sheerness of their clothing.  I'm talking about major see-through issues... to the point where I'm embarrassed for them.  So when I pulled out this oldie-but-goodie t-shirt dress, rest assured I remembered to add a slip!

Wearing a slip is such an easy fix for sheer dresses and skirts.  Now, if I could only find the perfect non-sheer white pants...

Dress: Gap

Wedges: Loft

Necklace: The Limited

A Few Magic Words

On our way home from vacation this weekend, Erik said a few magic (one-of-the-many-reasons-why-I-love-you-so-much) words:  "Do you want to stop and visit any of those outlet stores?"  

Although exhausted and not particularly in the mood to shop, I couldn't pass up the opportunity.  And luckily, these sandals and dress were quick finds and great staples for my summer wardrobe.  I've already managed to wear this outfit to an engagement party and work today--and I'm sure I'll wear it another few times before we even get to June...

 

Dress & Sandals: Loft Outlet

Necklace: The Limited

Watch: Michael Kors

Sweater: Talbots

Belt: Loft

Time in the Country

Tonight my week-long break comes to an end.  It's never easy to return to setting the alarm clock, but I have to admit to feeling well-rested and ready to take on a new work week.  

I wore this outfit on Friday when we spent the morning enjoying my parents' horses, playing with the dogs, and eventually making the 6 hour drive back to suburban life.  Simple outfit for a day of simple pleasures... the time out there never lasts long enough. 

This is Deuce, my sister's pup who thinks horse grain is tasty.

 T-Shirt & Jeans: Gap

Oxfords: Urban Outfitters

Sweater: J.Crew

Sunglasses: Loft Outlet

Pardon My Absence, it's Spring Break!

Why hello, world... you sure look a little brighter when I'm enjoying a week of vacation!  The past several days have been computer-limited, but certainly fun-filled.  

Over the weekend, I met up with my family and spent Easter in Brooklyn.  My aunt gifted Erik and I front row seats to the revival of Evita, which was so fantastic.  Sitting three feet in front of Ricky Martin was exciting... the entire cast was absolutely great!  The show was so compelling, I even forgot to pull out my camera at the end for some close-ups :(

My sis and I made a second trip into Manhattan the following day to revisit my wedding gown.  I had an accessories appointment, which was fun and overwhelming.. and very exciting.  I bought 2 pairs of earrings from a great little jewelry store in the fashion district.  If any brides out there are looking for jewelry, I can't recommend Tejani enough!

Now we're out in the country, spending a relaxing few days away.  Sleeping in...

and perusing through vintage family photos...

Grandfather, Grandmother, Great Aunt, Great Uncle, April 12th, 1947-- yes, my aunt and uncle are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary tomorrow!!

My Great Aunt Dorothy-- 6 months old in 1924.

And finally, I'm long over-due for an outfit post, so I'll share some version of what I've been wearing for days: my favorite new skirt!  This guy has been paired with blazers, sweaters, t-shirts, and finally a white oxford.  Yes, I'm still wearing boots, because it was snowing today (ugh). 

Perfect Oxford: Gap

Boots: Macys

Earrings: Loft

Skirt: H&M

My Boy and Me

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  My day has been filled with running errands, and so wearing something comfy felt perfectly appropriate.  I was going to break out the summer sandals, but decided to bring my big Brown with me for the day, and this boy certainly doesn't want to walk around town with his momma in wedges.

(How cute is his John Deere bandana!?)

Jacket & Flats: Gap

Pendant: Ross Simons

T-shirt: Zara

Skirt: H&M

Some Spring Staples

I made a quick trip to the mall last week and knew exactly what I was looking for.  I had 2 essential spring needs wants and was waiting for a nice sale.  I love my Perfect Oxford in pink, and after E recently shrunk my other favorite white shirt, I thought this one would be a good replacement.  I also had my mind set on a pair of these soft cropped pants...I'm sure I'll wear 'em to death this spring season!  

Navy Cardigan: Ann Taylor

Sunglasses: Loft Outlet

Perfect Oxford: Gap

Bracelet: Mom's

Khakis: Gap

Flats: Gap

Focus on the Important Stuff

So is it strange for a bride-to-be to have pretty regular nightmares about her big day?  I've definitely had a handful of them since our August engagement, and it's the worst.  Basically, every single one is about the same thing--being unprepared.  In last night's version, my dad refused to get dressed in his suit in time for the wedding and I had to dance with him while he was in a t-shirt and jeans.  Past wedding-related nightmares have included missing flowers, forgotten gown, bad hair, etc.  

I'm going to have to give myself some serious Zen time before bed each night so that I can focus on what this wedding is really about.  You know, love, commitment.. the big stuff.

But seriously, Dad, put the suit on.

Outfit from the Weekend:

Jacket, T-Shirt, Cropped Pants: Gap

Flats: Urban Outfitters

Pearls: Hong Kong

Bag: H&M

Bear with Me

Jacket, Shirt, Leggings: Gap

Sunglasses: Loft Outlet

Scarf: Loft

Bag: H&M

Bare with me everybody, it's been a hectic time.  I've been trying hard to juggle concert time at work, constant wedding planning distractions, and all of the other commitments that have been filling my days.  I'm coming back to the blogging world soon, I swear!  I even have a few wedding ideas to share with all of you... mostly because I have commitment issues with my decisions at hand and I could really use some advice.

In the mean time, I hope you can stand a boring on-the-go weekend outfit.  I basically lived in some version of this outfit from Friday-Sunday.  Inspiration has been lacking :(