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

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

Taking Summer Staples into Fall

I still haven't managed to pull out my fall/winter clothes from storage, so I've been transitioning my summer staples into my September wardrobe.  The truth is, I always love to hang on to the sandal-wearing days as long as possible because once you put on a pair of boots, you know it'll be months and months until your toes see the sunshine again.

Sweater: H&M

Pants: Gap

Sandals: Loft Outlet

Back to Work

Finally getting back on track!  Today marks the 1 month anniversary of our wedding, and I figure that it's finally time to jump back onto the blogging wagon.  Over the past month, we said our vows in front of all of our loved ones, took our very first vacation as a couple, I had the honor of being a bridesmaid in a dear friend's wedding, and then I dove right in to a new (and busy) school year.  It feels like we've been going non-stop, but it's finally time that we return to a normal routine.  I'm ready to hibernate in our house for a while and just enjoy married life.

Soon I'll have some wedding and honeymoon photos to share, I promise!  Oh, and maybe a few fun pics of our cute new scooter!

Sweater: Talbots

Sheath Dress: Gap

Sandals: Steve Madden

Watch: Michael Kors

Since it's March

I figured that since it's the first day of March and hitting over the 50 degree mark, it was safe to ditch the tights.  I pulled out my favorite ballerina skirt, and kept the rest really basic.

This skirt is without a doubt, one of my favorite items of clothing.  I always look at it and think about all of the options I have, but when it comes to actually wearing the thing, I keep playing it a little safe.  How would you wear this skirt?  Perhaps with a printed oxford?  Tucked or belted?  Layered?  With a t-shirt or blazer?  I need some ideas, people!

Navy Flats: Steve Madden

Sweater & Skirt: H&M

Sunglasses: Loft Outlet

Necklace: Guess Outlet

Earrings: Macy's

T-Shirt: Target

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

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

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

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

Hot Dog, Smart Dog?

I'm starting to think that Pajama Mondays should become a legitimate theme on this blog, because it's certainly a theme in my real life.  I found the perfect sweater this weekend at H&M.  It's super thick wool with a fuzzy inside and faux fur collar.... yessss!  This was my Christmas shopping distraction, for sure.

On another note, I was running super late this morning because of my big furball, Browny.  Last week, the vet told us that my dog has bronchitis or asthma, according to his chest x-ray.  We've had to give him pills 3x each day, and it's pure torture!  

My doggy is one smart old man, and no matter how much begging/pleading/bribing goes into it, I can't trick him into eating these pills.  The closest I've come to success involves feeding him bits of hot dog with the pills hidden inside... but more often than not, he schools me.

He takes the hotdog.  Then he waits.  Then chews, then waits some more.  Then he spits it.  Then he gobbles up the hot dog (sans pill) and laughs at my sick attempt to feed him pharmaceuticals.

Oh this trickery... Somebody out there help me!  My dog is outsmarting me!

Oxfords: Urban Outfitters

Sweater & Pants: H&M

Earrings: Macy's

T-shirt: Gap

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

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

Leopard Heels and a Hanes T

Somewhere in between the transition from work clothes to pajamas, I made a pit stop on my Halloween costume.  Then things started getting thrown around, and before I knew it, I stumbled upon this little gem of an outfit.  Work sweater, pajama t-shirt underneath... pair it with my favorite shoes and skirt, and I dig it.  

Leopard print heels with a Hanes t-shirt sums me up pretty well, whether it's a good thing or not.

Sweater & Skirt: H&M

T-Shirt: Hanes

Heels: Seychelles