puppy love

When in doubt of what perfect accessory to rock, I recommend this little guy.  I actually coordinated my outfit to his brendel spots--woah crazy dog lady alert!  I wanted to introduce the world to my newest little guy, Dobby.  He's a pitbull mix and looks just like the Harry Potter character. 

Now, I'm off the market in the relationship department; but I have to tell you--if you want meet people, take a dog.  I was stopped by so many guys; it almost felt like false advertising.

I'm wearing:  boots (target in stores now); jeans, top (old navy); jacket (xxi)

apple-pickin' good

First and foremost--if the snake in the Garden of Eden looked anything like the picture above, I would have taken the apple too.  Just sayin'.

Fall is my favorite season like so many others, but it has little to do with weather and more to do with holidays....and less to do with holiday and more to do with food.  All year long I refuse to shop anywhere but a grocery store, but come fall, I'm climbing apple trees, digging in pumpkin patches, and running through corn mazes.  There something about autumn that brings out the more primitive behaviors--hunting, gathering, eating, sleeping.  We keep it basic in cooler weather.

I'm wearing:  dress (xxi); scarf (old navy); boots (target); socks (kohls)

Jared is wearing a banana republic shirt (I think) and a hat he clearly stole from a hobo.

sunday obsessions: cats and rocking chairs

missoni esk

comfy chic

gorgeously candid

If I had another life in a big city and working an artsy, hipster job, I would probably dress like this.  She's so fantastic and innovative with her style; I'm always pleasantly surprised to see what she's rocking. I have a great appreciation for wearable trends, but I love when people make trends their own; and she does!

Read. Follow. Love.

working for the weekend

So this actually what I wore the first day of work, two weeks ago. (I'm a delayed post-er).  The good news is I can wear jeans every day if I want; bad news-- what I am supposed to do with all the cute dresses and pencil skirts thrifted?! I'll probably wear them at home while I cook because I'm that girl.  Not.
I am really loving work though; feels great to be back in the saddle.  Less days with emotional eating and running wardrobes of pajamas are always a step up. 

One of my favorite things about this outfit is the necklace.  I rarely enter in blog giveaways (because I hate them), but Lisa is one of my favorites so I couldn't resist.  I ended up winning, and this necklace from Kensie was part of the prize bag. 

I'm wearing:  blazer, jeans (old navy); shoes (thrifted bcbg); top (thrift); necklace (kensie); ring (h&m)

awol

I always forget about the adaptation process to transitions--like working 40+ hours a week cuts into my sleep and play time.  I seriously looked at the clock today at 5pm and realized I had forgotten to eat.  Along with other basic losses, I've had little time to blog.  I can do without food and rest, but I drawn the line at blogging.  

Although the seasons may be changing, not all warm-weather clothing should go into storage.  I wanted to post this dress now because I'm looking forward to remixing it for fall/winter. 

I'm wearing:  dress, brooch (xxi); vest (old navy); necklaces (target); bag (h&m); shoes (kohls)

beauty buzz

Due to popular demand, this is the official beauty post.  Since there are so many pictures, to post my process seems redundant.  But my fave hair pics are here, here, and here.  Here's the product line-up:

I use mostly Aveda products.

volumizing set

I use the Pure Abundance line for volume.  This is my favorite and preferred of all shampoos and conditioners.  I can literally cover my hair in their conditioner and never have flat hair results.  The shampoo and conditioner are the two green bottles above.
Hair tip 1:  I always rinse my hair in cool water.  It closes the ends, adds shine, and stimulates hair growth (allegedly).

smooth infusion

After combing out damp hair, I apply a little bit of this stuff and phomollient (shown above).  Perfect for humid cultures--it helps fight moisture, frizz, and flat hair.  If you need/want extra oomph at the roots, squirt volumizing tonic show above (brown bottle).

light elements wax

For the texture part (and my favorite), this stuff is magic.  I don't wash my hair everyday, but I certainly use this everyday, sometimes 2x a day.  It doesn't build up! A little goes a long way.
Tip 2:  I go from the underneath of my hair, up, and out (like styling a mohawk).

control force

 

I don't use hair spray every day, but if I want bangs to go a certain direction and stay, I go here.

Your Questions Answered:

What do you tell your hairdresser?

   Honesty is key.  If I don't like it, if I had problems with a certain, etc. I tell her.  She needs to know.  Hair dressers are not mind readers or miracle workers.  Communication is necessary. 

Tip 3:  Take pictures of styles you like! Pinterest is a lifesaver, and I've included some of my faves.

Is your hair easy to style, or do you make look easy?

   Yes, my hair is that easy to style.  As a matter of fact, the more I try "to fix" it, the weirder it looks.  Messy pixies and bob styles should be tamed so why try?

If you have more questions, ask in the comments below; and I'll answer so everyone can read.

sunday obsessions: flashes of style

meet Bonnie

I love Flashes of Style. She's amazing for several reasons, but effortlessly chic ensembles always strike the "I-could-do-that" chord. Bonnie is hella-creative; I love the ribbon tie added to this shirt.

easy breezy

Bonnie has this great way of finding and styling vintage pieces that I would adore from afar. This dress for example: I appreciate it, but not sure I would have attempted to pull it off.

style inspire

She's a great inspire for copycatting so I highly recommend to follow. I had completely forgotten about lace dress for fall until I saw this picture.

Read. Follow. Love.

oops

I meant to post this yesterday! Sorry.

I really wasn't joking about the obsession with black and white striped shirts. It's all I've worn in a week. Yes, I have more than 4.

I've not been thrifting in a week so perhaps I'll calm down.  The new job takes up a lot of time (thanks, corporate America) and energy (thanks, full-time).  I'm still loving work (after only a week), but have learned it does not work in my best interest to look cutesy (meaning I need not draw attention to what I'm wearing).
So if I tone it down a bit, I may have come straight from work.  I'll do my best to keep it real.

I'm wearing:  shirt (h&m); jeans (old navy); bag (target); shoes (thrift)

pink panther

Okay so my pants are not Rainbow Bright, but they are a little Pink Panther.  At least you still got a cartoon reference. 

I try not to play favorites with my clothes, and it's nearly impossible.  BUT...I love this shirt.  I found it at Meijer (yes, the Walmart wannabe store).  The little lace detail tugs on my heart strings every time.  Which brings me to my lesson of the day:  look for opportunity in every store.  I went in for fruit and came out with a new favorite shirt.

And let us not forget the pants! They are thrifted J.Crew, but here's the catch:  1) they're low rise (which is typically a deal-breaker for me, and 2) they technically too short so I rolled them.  I also I did not contain my stripes with a blazer/jacket.  You see that? I have a job, and I cannot be contained--officially out of control. (ps--I'm a bit obsessed with black and white striped tops; you may see quite a few outfits with them this month.)

If you haven't yet, pop over to EBEW and check out the mad fun.

I'm wearing:  shirt (meijer); necklace (h&m); pants (thrifted j.crew); shoes (tjmaxx); bag (thrift/gift)

fit to be tied

Today is my first day of work, and my vocab for anxiety doesn't even cover it.  But I have packed my bag, lunch, and all necessary paperwork--some school routines transfer into adulthood.  Relief.  I can still carry the skull-n-crossbones lunchbox, right?

I just bought this shirt, and I'm already wearing it too much.  I actually wore it to my interview for this job; I'm pretty the shirt alone landed me the gig-- forget my clinical skillz.

I'll be posting back to back (plz hold your applause).  Tuesday is Everybody Everywear featuring the colored pant challenge.  I'm pretty pumped; the Rainbow Bright pants may be coming out.  You think I'm kidding?  Come back tomorrow and see.

I'm wearing:  skinnys (old navy); shirt (gap); shoes (kohls); clutch (thrift)

sunday obsessions: sea of shoes

adolfo

gold frames

sea of shoes

Every time I read Jane's blog, it's like I fall into some sort of fairytale.  She's the blog equivalent of Alice and Wonderland.  Aside from such fantastic style, every picture is art and every outfit magazine worthy.  The second picture is jaw dropping when it comes to creativity; who would think to mix all of that???? The third is one of my favorites--I love the edgy and feminine details.
She's amazing.

Read. Follow. Love.

water cooler gossip

the inspiration

Do you ever notice that when you copycat; it's never quite as awesome as the original?  Of course, I can't show up to work with my blouse unbuttoned, a lighting crew, and pins in my clothes for that perfect fit.  But the good news is this outfit was less than $20--thanks to the crappy economy and my love for thrifting.

In other news, I got a job using my degree and license!  I'm super excited.  Blogging is great and all, but I need to do something that brings in money.  Unless any of you are willing to pay me for playing dress up? Any takers? That's what I thought.

I'm not 100% sure of my schedule so if my blog seems to lag or my outfits more professional, I'm adjusting so bare with me.

I'm wearing:  top, pants (thrift); shoes (kohls)

ladylike

Photos by Wheelhouse Collective

I'm enjoying the bare legs as much as possible; pretty soon, they'll be covered with tights and leggings-- a change I embrace.  I'm gladly trading fun in the sun for cool evenings with campfires.  Four days ago, it was 101; today, a high of 70.  These ups and downs are giving me more whiplash than a hormonal teenager on a roller coaster.  Hope you brought the Dramamine...or a light jacket.

Many of you have asked that I do a beauty post about how I do my hair and makeup.  I'm working on it.  And by working on it, I mean I'm waiting on my skin to return to vampire-ivory.  Yes, that's color; or it would be if Twilight had the market on color foundations.  Either way, stay tuned.

I'm wearing:  bag, belt, skirt (thrift); tank, cardi (old navy); shoes (thrifted target)