Leap Year

Happy Leap Year!  Since it only occurs once every 4 years, I feel as though I should do something to celebrate.... but, it will probably just be a typical Wednesday- work followed by dinner with friends. I've been sporting jeans a lot recently so here is another casual OOTD. While still enjoying the spring-like temperatures, I wore this sheer pink Anthro top.  I've had it for a few years and can't recall the name of it, but it works well for layering as well as a casual shirt with jeans. I was tempted to wear pink flip flops with this outfit but just couldn't get over the fashion faux-pas of flip flops in February so ballet flats it was!
How are you ringing in the Leap Year?

Jeans, ballet flats: Banana Republic
Shirt: Anthropologie
Tank top: The Limited

A Bit Flowy

After all of last week's drab black and white, I promised a bit of color this week, and here it is!  We had temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s last week so was able to wear some more spring like outfits to work!  Short sleeves and no jacket in February is a bit unbelievable- and enjoyable.  I can't remember the name of this Anthropologie skirt (if you know it, let me know) but it is one of my favorite year-round skirts to wear.  I paired it with the Torsade Tee from Anthropologie's winter 2009/10 collection and the O'Keefe Necklace for a bit of a floral look.  After work, I met up with a friend for happy hour and dinner... this outfit worked well to transition from work to evening.

Mingle with the Best and Brightest

Over the weekend, I received a flyer for Banana Republic's Spring Mad Men collection which is available for sale to the public on March 1 (pre-sale for Luxe card members in select stores on February 29).  Not sure if I will purchase anything from this collection, but there are 2 dresses I am currently crushing:

The first is the Betty Dress in silk taffeta.  I love the bold color as well as the style.  If I had a spring wedding to attend, I would definitely consider this dress!  Unfortunately, the only wedding I have lined up for this spring is one I am in, so I can't wear a dress as a guest.

The next dress I adore is the Joan Dress.  This polka dot sash is darling and I love the color!  Unfortunately, dresses with a straight skirt generally don't work on my wide hips so I am not sure this is one I will be able to fit into.  I will definitely try it on though!

Here's a non-Mad Men related outfit of the day!  I decided to wear the Aubergine Sky Dress again.  It was the first time I wore it to work, and I received a lot of compliments on it.  I paired it again with a mustard colored J. Crew Jackie Cardigan.

Stripes and Flowers

Last weekend I had Monday off of work for Presidents' Day... hooray! I was able to catch up on a lot of work that needed to be complete after being away at training for so many days.  Too, there was plenty of time for fun and catching up with friends!  On Saturday I went out for a casual dinner with my friend, Marie.  I wore jeans and continued with the black and white (why have I been avoiding color all week?) by wearing this open cardigan from White House Black market. To "spice" this outfit up a bit, I wore a flower in my hair.  This flower is actually from a murder mystery party I had back in 2009 and I am not sure where I bought it, but sometimes I wear it away from the costume!  How did you spend your Presidents' Day Weekend?

Jeans: Banana Republic Outlet
Cardigan: White House Black Market
Tee: J Crew
Boots: Nine West
Necklace: The Limited

A Study in Simplicity

Recently I've been adoring black and white cards. I was inspired by many newsprint cards I've been seeing recently and decided it was time to make some of my own.  Some of the cards are black and white another others ivory and black.  Here's what I came up with:

This card uses the Elementary Elegance Stamp Set that is only available for a limited time during Sale-a-bration

I used Upsy Daisy to stamp over the newsprint on this card

This card, using the Kindness Matters stamp set, was inspired by a similar one I made at a class this fall.

 Like what you see?  You can order Stampin' Up! products to design and create some of your own cards.  click HERE to shop now!

A Pop of Color

The black and white theme continues, but this time with the deep red color of the Zenobia Tee from Anthropologie.  I bought this guy with my birthday discount way back in September and only wore it once so far.  I do love it, but it appears delicate so I don't want to over-wash it and risk damaging the fabric.  Last week, I was out of my office 3 days for training so that definitely called for pants.  (When I am sitting in a training rather than moving around, I always get chilly). I also took my bright yellow whirl and wind cardi with me to add another splash of color to this outfit.  I had to leave early in the morning for training, so that called for wet hair pulled back into a pony tail for the day.

Shirt: Zenobia Tee, Anthropologie 2011
Pants: Ann Taylor Loft Petite
Boots: Nine West
Necklace: Premier Designs

Black and White

Over the weekend, I realized everything I wore last week was black and white, with an occasional pop of red or maroon.  This outfit is no exception!  One of my friends pinned an outfit on pinterest that featured the Finessed Sweaterdress from Anthropologie.  I realized then that I haven't worn mine since Novemberish so it was definitely time to wear it again before I pack sweaterdresses away for spring time.  I also wore my Rosy Posy Designs headband- this didn't last too long, as it is a bit pinchy and often gives me a headache.  Finally, I wore stockings with black polka dots from J Crew.  It is hard to see the dots, but trust me, they are there!  Is there any winter item you are trying to squeeze in for one more wear before spring settles in?

I Was Giving You Everything I Had to Give, Wasn't It Enough?

Over the weekend, I stumbled upon a blog that was hating on fashion blogs and fashion bloggers.  Once I started reading it, it was like a train wreck- I couldn't look away, or in this case stop reading.  While the posts and comments were increasingly nasty and hateful, I couldn't help but wonder why these people keep reading fashion blogs if they hate them so much?  One of the things I like about blogging is that there are so many blogs about everything!  Some I love to read daily, some I could take or leave, and some I check in on every so often just to have a good laugh. If fashion blogs are so awful, then why read them? 

While what I was reading made me sad, it also made me think about why I started blogging. I started this blog in the summer to attempt to become more creative with how I dress.  I tend to wear THIS shirt with THAT skirt and don't frequently mix and match things.  I knew that if I was posting outfits, I would think twice about always wearing the same standby things while ignoring half of my closet.  I knew I would get more wear out of items that are often left in the dust.  Too, I always enjoy taking pictures of events and nights out with friends (I usually post them on facebook) and this is a great way to log what happens to go along with the photos.

It doesn't bother me if no one reads what I write- I truly blog for myself, to mix up my day-to-day ensembles and to remember things that are happening.  I guess if that makes people mad, so be it, and they don't have to read my blog if it upsets them so!

Here's a great example of mixing up an outfit in my OOTD.  I rarely wear this sweater. The last time I wore it was in December (and that's the only time I wore it in 2011!) and I paired it with this same skirt.  To change it up a bit, I paired it with red tights and added a scarf as an accent- something I probably wouldn't have thought to do, except I knew I would post a picture and wanted something different.

Sweater: Talbots
Skirt: Banana Republic
Tights: J. Crew
Shoes: Ann Taylor Loft

Wishlisting

February means the arrival of spring clothing!  Here are some of the things I am curently lusting over...

Anthropologie's Melon Ball Dress, $158

Believe it or not, I don't have a pink dress!  I think this might be "the one."

Anthropologie's Honeyed Life Shirtdress, $148

I love these honeybees!  It seems like this dress runs a bit large, though, so I may be sized out.  Time will tell.

Anthropologie's Penelope Cowlneck, $78

I adore the lacey back of this shirt (that's what you see in the picture).  Since I don't really have anywhere to wear it, I am holding out for sale.

Nine West's Ambitious Heels, $69

Polka dots scream "spring!" to me!

Banana Republic Polka Dot Cardigan, on sale for $49.95

Confession: I may order this sometime during the week.  It's a great price, and, as I mentioned, my heart belongs to polka dots in the springtime.

Ann Taylor Loft's Nautical Stripe Belt, $39.50

Yes, please.

Anthropologie's Kamini Swimsuit, $88-94

I know bathing suit season is a long, long way off, however, I. LOVE. THIS. A lot.  It's been a few years since I've purchased a new suit, so this may be the one!  We'll see when it's closer to summer.

Those are my loves for now!  We'll see what other spring favs pop up over the next few weeks.

Not Much You Can Do About It

Last week I wrote about discussing a date with my friend, Courtney, and trying to decide if I should see the guy again.  While I had mixed feelings, I decided "why not?"  I shouldn't have thought that.  There are a lot of reasons why not.  On the second date, I realized from the get-go I was not interested and rather annoyed by a lot of this guy's behaviors and mannerisms.  I ended the date early and headed home to have a more relaxing, dateless night.

Here's the outfit I wore on said date.  I also wore make up and brushed my hair, so I looked a little more human than these pictures show :)

dress: Downest, Anthropologie 2011
Boots: Inkwood, Anthropologie 2011
Necklace: Sora Designs

We Are Bad Men and For the Money

Saturday morning, I woke up early.  For the past 2 weeks I've had plans every evening so I figured it was the perfect time to catch up on some things I had DVR'd.  (I am currently addicted to Person of Interest and Alcatraz.)  When I turned the TV on, however, there was no volume.  There was when a DVD played, but not the cable so I knew it was not a fault of the television but the cable connection.  I tried everything I could think of- checked the mute button on all 3 remotes, un-wired and rewired everything from the TV and cable box, switched the audio cables in case the wires themselves were faulty- nothing worked.  Eventually I called for assistance and the woman at the cable company told me to unplug it for 15 minutes then plug it back in.  Really?  That's the fix?  I explained to her everything I had tried- unplugging everything, etc, and she insisted this was the solution.  With great scepticism, I tried it.  Low and behold, it worked.  15 minutes later and I was happily watching Jim Caviezel.  Why am I blogging about this? No idea.  I just think it is to ridiculous NOT to report.

Here's a dress I rarely wear. It's from Banana Republic Petite, circa 2007.  I debuted my Hunger Games necklace with this dress.  Unfortunately, I was unable to get a clear picture of it.  As we are closing in on one month until the Hunger Games premiere, I will definitely get a picture posted at some point!

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope your Valentine's Day is very PINK and full of sweet treats!  I made valentines using the blushing bride smooch spritz.  The embossed words come from Hand-Penned Holidays which was available in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  Here is the valentine I sent out this year:  (primarily to family- friends, don't be insulted if you didn't get one)

I also bought the new doily die and intended to use it for my valentines.  I quickly discovered, it is a PAIN to use.  Each little paper piece has to be pierced out.  I only made one of this card:

The little hearts on the string are not glued down, they dangle loosely. Nearly all of the products for this card come from the Occasions Mini Catalog, available through April.  I'm sure I'll give the doily die another go, perhaps for a wedding card or something that does not need to be reproduced in mass.

Want to order Stampin' Up! products of your own?  Click HERE and then SHOP NOW!

"Perhaps You Should Get Out More"

Last Thursday I went out for dinner and drinks with my friend, Courtney.  I didn't want to be out late, as I had an early morning work meeting, but once we were out and I began chatting, it ended up being a later night!  It was very fun, though, to catch up with her and people watch and I forgot how much I missed time with just her.

For the evening, I decided to winterize the Ablaze dress.  I love this dress by Tracy Reese and wear it frequently in the summer.  Even though it has white stitching throughout, with a bit of black thrown in the mix I think I can pull it off in the winter time! What do you think?  Does it work as a winter frock as well?

Also, while we were walking around Dupont Circle, I completely wiped out and fell flat on the ground.  Sigh.  I was much more embarrassed than actually injured. I ripped my tights as well.

Dress: Ablaze by Tracy Reese, Anthropologie
Tights and Shoes: Ann Taylor Loft
Cardigan: The Limited

I've Been Reading All the Letters That You Wrote Me, All the Fairy Tales You Sold Me, All The Pretty Things You Said

Ironically, I wore the buttered tweed skirt on Tuesday which happens to be the day it went on sale! If you are considering this skirt, I would highly recommend it.  It is very comfortable and easy to style.  It does run a bit large (this is a zero petite and it is VERY loose on me) but is manageable, particularly with a tucked-in shirt.

Cardigan: Scribbled Bouquet, Anthropologie 2010
Skirt: Buttered Tweed, Anthropologie 2011
Shirt: Ann Taylor Loft
Boots: Nine West
Ring: Anthropologie
Belt: Looping Lanes, 2010

Any fun weekend plans? I am hoping to work on my February wishlist to post next week. :)

Tell Me, Would That Be Wrong? Would That Be Too Long?

Monday morning I received a text message from my friend, Kristin, which shocked me.  She told me Tony Lucca was on the TV show, The Voice.  WHAT?!?!?  I couldn't believe it.  I don't watch The Voice, but I may have to begin. Do any of you watch?   I've been a huge Tony Lucca fan for over the past decade.  Ever since he used to open for NSYNC in their heyday I've enjoyed his mellow music.  In my younger days, I used to see him perform back to back- he would play in Northern Virginia and then the next night in Pittsburgh and I would drive up to visit my family and see him again.  Now he only comes to town about once a year, but I am make sure I am available to catch his show.

I am very excited for him- he has an amazing voice and deserves to be recognized for it.  However, I am sad for ME because when he becomes all famous (which he clearly will be, as he is amazing) he won't play smaller venues anymore and I will have less Tony time. Sigh.  I guess it was bound to happen.

People sometimes ask me where I get my blog titles and I frequently pull from Tony's lyrics to title my daily OOTD posts.  Today is no exception.  Here's a clip of his audition on The Voice:

And, here's the outfit of the day!

Skirt: Colorblock skirt, Anthropologie 2011
Shirt: by Pilcro, Anthropologie 2011
Cardigan: Banana Republic 2011
Hair clip: Lou Lou Boutiques 2011
Boots: Inkwood, Anthropologie 2011

Valentines

Over the weekend, I went to a stamp class hosted by my upline, Mary Walker.  Below are some of the valentines she designed or CASed that we made.  Stay tuned next week for the valentine I am mailing out!

This card features the Open Sea stamp set that is not in the catalog, but still available for purchase

This Z-fold card uses the Totally Tool stamp set

I love this card- it is definitely my favorite of the night.  It has a lot of texture from various big shot embossing folders as well as the scallop trim punch

Want to order Stampin' Up! products of your own?  Now is a great time, as it is Sale-a-bration and every order earns free products.  Click HERE to shop now!

Lady Gray

Last Friday I broke out this gray sweater dress because I realized I haven't worn it much this season.  Once I had it on, I remembered why!  It is a bit snug and doesn't exactly "hug" my body in all the right places.  Regardless, I was running a bit late for work so once I threw it on, I decided to just roll with it.

Dress: Ann Taylor loft
Shoes: Nine West
Necklace: Premier Designs

Friday night after work I met two of my favorite girl friends out for drinks and dinner.  We actually ended up going to 5 different bars and stayed out a bit later than planned but it was fun to catch up with my girls and have a few too many cocktails. How did you spend your weekend?

He Who Lives in a Glass House Shouldn't Throw Stones

Over the weekend I went out to lunch with my friend, Courtney, and I was telling her about a date I had last week.  I was trying to decide if I wanted to go on a second date, and, when telling her about the pros and cons, I said "he's only 5'9, which is kind of short."  She looked over at my less-than-5 foot-tall-self and said, "those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."  Good point.

This is close to the outfit I wore on said date.  I really wanted to wear my new Belle Bow Belt, so I paired it simply with Anthropologie's Reed shirtdress.  Initially, I wore these camel colored Banana Republic boots, but, after looking at these pictures, I changed my mind- I don't think the yellow belt and camel shoe quite work together. So, I swapped them out for my dark brown Nine West boots before leaving the house.