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

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

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

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

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

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

The White Blazer Lives On

The past few weeks have been unseasonably warm, so perhaps that's why I was inspired to pull out my white blazer, which was a favorite from the summer.  

I tried to "autumn" it up a bit with my new boots from DSW... love these new guys but I'm still trying to figure out how to wear them!

Any favorite looks out there with similar color booties?

Blazer & Tights: Gap

Dress: H&M

Scarf: Target

Necklaces: J.Crew Outlet

Shoes: Audrey Brooke via DSW

Bag: Ecote via Urban Outfitters

Ahh, the Suburbs

This afternoon, as Erik and I took a stroll downtown, we saw lots of busy people who are decorating our town for next week's tree lighting celebration.  December is the most beautiful month in my town.  The main street is filled with thousands of lights, they play Christmas music over loud-speakers, and if you're lucky, you'll catch some man-made snow and some Christmas carolers on a Saturday night!  Santa passes out candy his giant fire truck, and the town offers horse and carriage rides on the weekends.  Basically, it's a scene right out of some Family Channel made-for-tv movie... and I love it!  It's suburban cuteness overload.  And for a girl who grew up in the country, it's exactly what I've always wanted.  

What do you love about your town/city/countryside during the holiday season?  OR, are you a grinch who hates it all? :)

Pssst!  Want a little video tour of this suburban sweetness?  Check it out on video right here!

Blouse, Skirt, Tights, Boots: Gap

Bag: Urban Outfitters

Sunglasses: RayBan

Belted Coat: H&M

Earrings: Loft

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

One Bow After Another

I started follow Saucy Glossie's sweet style after she was featured on the TJ Maxx commercial, and I just love what she puts together.  Yesterday I was so excited to see her wear the same coat that I recently purchased at H&M, and then when I started admiring her tights, I realized that I was crazy for letting a similar remain in my closet....unworn!

I'm not quite on the same level as this stylish lady... my shoes are cheap, I have no fancy hats, and my almost-nighttime pictures are more than just unfortunate.  BUT, at least I've got the coat.  Win.

Watch: Michael Kors

Heels: Urban Outfitters

Tights: Anne Klein via DSW Shoes

Bag: Madi via Marshal's (several years ago)

Coat: H&M (and yes, the adorable bow a belt that comes with the coat)