what's in your closet?

Things I love:  Accessories.  Over the years of style development, I once made the assumption that the attention-drawing top was the end all, be all of an outfit. However, I have come to develop an all new and endearing appreciation for scarves and belts. And guess what--they're incredibly inexpensive to buy.  The Way of the Belt has become the body-transforming addition to my wardrobe. Wide or skinny--I instantly have more of an hourglass figure.

Confession:  I have to admit I am one of those people who were scarves year-round. What can I say? I love them.  My best friend, the clever and ever-so-trendy Haley Lasseter, showed me the ways to wear them; and I have never strayed.

Scent:  Perfume as an accessory?  Absolutely.  Different smells represent the olfactory aura of the soul.  You may wear the jeans that make you feel thin on your less-than-glamorous day, but I'm certainly reaching for the Aveda chakra #1 (aka scent of the gods).

snow day

Photos by Jared Williamson

So if I had a "I'm running late go-to" outfit, it's probably going to be this one.
1) I did sleep later than intended.
2) It's snowing--no point in trying to have perfect hair.
3) The cute skirt and stockings are not gonna happen today.
4) All items are thrift finds with the exception of the jeans (Banana Republic) and boots (Madden Girl).

But I--like a few others--feel the rush of excitement when the first flakes begin to fall. So to my few faithful followers and fellow snow-lovers, this one is for you.  Southern born and bred, you should come to expect nothing less than for me to be in the middle of winter with no coat.

Works Cited:  cardigan, scarf, brooch, clutch (thrift); jeans (banana republic); boots (c/o victoria secret)

day of errands

shoes:  thrifted

brooch:  forever21; shirt:  old navy

bag:  H&M; blazer and scarf: thrifted

jeans:  forever21

Photos by Jared Williamson

Things I enjoy:  1) all things brooches, 2) mixing every day wear with those items considered professional, and 3) these shoes from a thrift hunt with Miss Marshmallowsilk.

I'm wearing:  shoes, blazer, scarf (thrift); jeans (banana republic); shirt (old navy); bag (h&m)

priorities

It's Sunday; and as much as I would love to say it's my day of complete rest, it's usually reserved for catching up on reading and laundry.  Today, I'm taking a cue from Trigger (no, he doesn't eat babies) and delaying outfits, photo shoots, and edits.  So happy Sunday and see you tomorrow.

loves at first sight

Frequenting more thrift stores than consignment or vintage shops, the blue ribbon for the prized shoe seems as rare as Halley's Comet. However, I have hit the Holy Grail with these finds because they are not only fantastic but also all ranging within the single digit dollar amount. No, I'm not gloating. This is meant to be encouraging. Some of the greatest finds are where you least expect.

way of the ascot

Photos by Jared Williamson

the gifts of friendship

From Jared

From Chelsea, by Honeyrosenk

From Lindsay

From Jared

From Jared

From Haley, by Honeyrosenk

The holiday season was all about the necklaces.  Although it comes as no surprise that I have incredible people in my life, I really appreciate how much they know me and what I love.
Necklaces are most certainly my jewelry drug of choice. I have bracelets, watches, and earrings but wear them on rare occasions. I blame nickel allergies and my tiny matchstick wrists. The "ace of spades" exception would have to be a pair of pearl earrings--too classic to pass up.

Here are two of my favorite sites for inspiration:
http://www.honeyrosenk.com/
Honeyrosenk jewelry carried in Objects for the Home:  http://www.objectsforthehome.com/

baby it's cold outside

Chunky, the Boxer
Photos by Jared Williamson

The Country Sweater- favorite find of the new year (thus far).  Oh the joy of the sweater-coat.  I have been searching for months and found this one New Years Day.  If that's not an omen for thrift adventures to come, I don't know what is.  Besides loving the color, print, overall thickness--it is incredibly warm so I won't be sacrificing body heat for fashion this winter.  This statement piece says,  "I can be trendy at the mountain lodge--no biggie."  I haven't decide which I love more--with or without the belt.

thrift adventures, episode 1

Good times to be had by all. A girlfriend and I went thrifting New Year's Day--what better way to start the new year. Listed are a few favorites. While I don't have the eye to assess whether or not something is really "vintage," I admire those select items possess that antique quality, as seen in the sweater. All style magazines caution my body type to avoid horizontal stripes, but I'm rolling the dice with this one.
I really like tops that have a tie of some sort around the neckline. Such simplicity adds so much character to an outfit. And finally!!!!!!!! I have found a black cropped jacket. To my delight, it's tailored to a petite fit so I won't be swimming in bulk.

Lucky Me

Some morning are for sleeping in, and others for Luck Bros. Coffee House.  Yes, I do have beverages and New Year's leftovers at home.  But cold mornings like today could only be more complete with breakfast bakes and decaf peppermint tea.  Jared and I left for "work" this morning around 11am and have enjoyed the day at the coffee house with the best music.  The joy of working from the laptop is an apex of the technology age.  It's a hard job, but someone's gotta do it.

Stay tuned for pictures and current obsessions.

Saddle Up Your Horses

Meet the cute guy with the red beard. He's my husband and photographer extraordinaire. Hopefully, he can help me out with the many photos of fashion, food, and life.  To go through and tag labels on everything in the pictures would be far too tedious and would require more consistency than I'm willing to commit. Therefore, know that the majority of what I wear is thrift, clearance, and consignment.

There are no secrets to great finds--only the thrill of the hunt. You only have to be willing and ready.

I'm wearing:  dress (thrift); boots (charlotte russe)

Champagne, please

Happy 2011

New year.  New hobbies.  In the interest of preserving sanity through the winter months, I decided to start blogging.  Although the general public could care less about my thoughts, the ideas of "putting it out there" or "just sayin" seemed incredibly enticing to me.  I don't do crafts or jazzercize so blogging will be my new black.

In the spirit of new beginnings, I (like every other American) contemplated New Year's resolutions-- only to dismiss them during the first 12 hours of January.  I realize popular resolutions generally revolve around improvement of two categories:  the self and the home.  This year I decided NOT to waste my money with a gym membership or yoga clothes.  So I'm investing it right where I can see it:  in my closet. 

This blog is dedicated to my dear friends who have inspired me to be comfortable in my own skin and are my fashion guru's. Cheers! Let's start the show.