More Casual

I bought this dress a few months ago, and wear it frequently.  My problem with it is that I often want it to look more casual, and it's a little on the fancy side with the beautiful detailed pattern.  So to make it look a bit more relaxed, I added this neon yellow belt, and I love the strange color combo!

Dress: Talbots

Belt: Loft

Wedges: Gap

Watch: Michael Kors

Once a Week, Probably

I've only photographed this this dress once before, but I've worn it many times this summer.  It's a perfect all-season find that I can't wait to carry into the fall and winter.  Basically, I'll probably wear this dress at least once a week for the rest of my life.  Would that be weird?

Dress & Belt: Gap

Necklace: Banana Republic

Sandals: Steve Madden

6th Anniversary

Celebrating tomorrow with a dinner date tonight.  6 years down, the whole rest of our lives to go.  xo

Clutch: H&M

Dress & Belt: Gap

Watch: Michael Kors

Shoes: Chinese Laundry

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

Everybody Everywear: Pink and Red

I've already worn this skirt to death, in real life and in blog photos, but I couldn't resist pulling it out again for Valentine's Day.  Sorry to bore you, folks.  Maybe I'll get sick of this skirt by next February.

On another note, I'm happy to finally participate in another Everybody Everywear today.  Hop on over to their site and check out the other lovely ladies participating.  And if you'd like to see my posts from the past, check them out here: Colored Tights, Pattern Mixing, Thrifting, Yellow, Lace, Florals, and Maxi Dress. 

Skirt: Loft

Oxford & Belt: Gap

Scarf & Boots: Macy's

Earrings: Dreamy Vintage

Busier than Usual

Shame on me, shame on me.  Blogging has been on the back-burner lately, and I only have a few lame excuses.  This weekend, I was busy with wedding planning errands and then became distracted by the one and only football game I watch each year.  

I've also been forcing myself to make use of a new gym membership... and we recently began weekly dancing lessons!  Add late work hours to this, and this girl is far busier than usual.  

  

Belt: Target

Boots: Macys

Blouse & Skirt: Loft

Watch: Michael Kors

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

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

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

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 Firm

While I'm sweating like a maniac and still cooling down from my workout... I'm feeling a little Liz Lemon right now.  No, I didn't walk on a treadmill while eating Chinese takeout, but... breaking a serious sweat in your living room definitely feels a little nerdy to me.  (Or could it be my Liz Lemon glasses?)

I'm just a few workouts into The Firm Express workout series, which promises results without a painful amount of time put into it.  Well, painful yes, but the perk is that they keep the workouts under 30 minutes.  They're pretty high intensity and combine cardio with weights, which has been super effective at making me exhausted.

So far, I'm really happy with these videos.  Each workout is pretty unique and very fast-paced, so you don't have a chance to get bored.  I was sold on these videos because of the short length.   For me, motivation is my biggest problem, so I want a quick and effective workout.  I did really great this summer with jogging regularly, but truth be told, winter makes me lazy and I have to get ready to be a bride next year!

So have any of you lovely ladies out there climbed onto the work-out video bandwagon?  Any Firm users?  I'm dying for some some amazing success stories...

 

Belt: H&M

Boots: Macy's

Necklace: F21

Dress & Vest: Gap

Glasses: Warby Parker

Watch: Michael Kors

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?

Dress: H&M

Blazer & Bag: Urban Outfitters

Necklace: Forever 21

Watch: Michael Kors

Purple Tights: Gap

Boots: Macy's

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

Two Accessories

With a black t-shirt and my all time favorite skirt, my outfit felt very classic today.  On the other hand, I was in no mood for pearls or any sort of formality, so I stuck with two accessories that Betty Draper definitely wouldn't have... a Target belt and Forever 21 necklace!

T-shirt and Skirt: H&M

Heels: Urban Outfitters

Necklace: Forever 21

Belt: Target

Searching High & Low

Yesterday E and I visited 4 different potential wedding venues, and spent almost the entire day on the road, talking, stressing, and thinking about our wedding day.  What an exhausting and overwhelming decision!  I really can't wait to get past this stage in our planning so that we can move on to the fun stuff...

On another note, my apologies for the terrible photo quality!  I loved this outfit, but all of the photos were too dark and basically ruined.  I managed to lighten them up a little but caused a lot of graininess in the process.  Sorry!

Dress & Necklace: H&M

Watch: Michael Kors

Wedges: Loft

Belt: Gap

Bag: F21