Navy Sheath

This sleeveless sheath dress has been a staple in my work wardrobe every single week since the summer.  I just can't stop restyling it!  

Perhaps it's because I never had to wear a school uniform, but I love the look of a plaid shirt under the navy.  I topped it with a soft vest, but often also include a blazer or cardigan.  Navy sheath, you are a dear friend.

Dress, Vest, Tights: Gap

Button-Down: J.Crew Outlet

Boots

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 

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

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 :(

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

Chunky Sweater

Big chunky sweaters aren't always the most flattering thing to put on your body, but there are plenty of other reasons to love them.  This one has a strange short sleeve going on, so it feels a little poncho-like. I had to go with my new favorite t underneath of this thing... along with my favorite black pajamas dress pants.

Sweater & Earrings: Loft

Pants: Gap

T-shirt: Gap

Boots: Macy's

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

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

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

My Jerry Garcia Sweater

When I came home with this sweater, Erik laughed at me.  Then he stared for a bit, and told me that I was dressed like Jerry Garcia.  Some people would take offense to that, but I don't mind.  And knowing Erik's (former) hippy self, he definitely meant it as a compliment.

So here is how I wore the sweater this past weekend.  The truth is, I'm also wearing it right now.  Only, I can't show you my Jerry Garcia sweater on a Wednesday night.  Because on a weeknight this sweater isn't paired with a dress, or heels, or jewelry.  

It's paired with sweet, beautiful, plaid pajama bottoms and my favorite fluffy slippers.

Tights: DSW

Dress: H&M

Shoes: Audrey Brooke, via DSW

Sweater & Bag: Ecote via Urban Outfitters

Keep Sneaking

I was so proud of myself for remembering to snap a few photos this morning before work.  Unfortunately I forgot to add my blazer and purse into the pictures.  Blogging is HARD work.  Maybe one day I'll get it right...

In the mean time, I'm just going to keep sneaking cropped pants into my winter wardrobe... at least until I end up with frost-bitten ankles.

Blouse, Pants, and Necklace: Loft

Shoes: Audrey Brooke via DSW

Watch: Michael Kors

A Mall of Compliments

When I left for the mall on Saturday afternoon, I opted out of blogging this outfit because... well, I've worn this dress to death and I was feeling a little bored of my go-to boots/tights/dress combo.  Maybe it's just because everyone was filled with extra Christmas spirit and in the mood to talk to strangers, but I had several compliments come my way about this outfit.  What had me really taken aback was the nice girl in Loft who asked if I was a blogger!  Haha.. that's a first!  I was super embarrassed, but so incredibly flattered. 

So here is my Saturday shopping outfit, photographed in a dressing room. (So classy.)

Dress, Wrap Sweater and Scarf: H&M

Tights: DSW

Boots: Macy's