Back To the Same Old, Same Old

After all the excitement of trips and parties to show, now we are back to just a boring Outfit of the Day.  I actually wore this a few weeks ago, but am so far behind on posting, I am just getting to it today.  This is the Banana Republic Mad Men lace dress from last summer paired with Anthro's Melodious Cardi.  I love everything about this cardigan- the color, the length, the fit, you name it- I love it!  I wore this again with my Jenna Pumps from Banana.  I feel like everytime I wear this dress these are the shoes of choice!

A New Edition and a Mini Hiatus

This has already been an extremely eventful week.  Saturday, my cousin Katie had a sweet baby girl.  Welcome to the family, Olivia! Over the weekend, I was in NYC for Newsies and arrived home very sick and a bit crabby. Work has been insane this week, and I am greatly looking forward to the weekend!  Next week, I am going home to visit some family and celebrate my grandpa's 85th birthday.  Because of the packing and traveling I am taking a little hiatus from the blog and will return to posting sometime next week.  For now, here's an outfit of the day:

Dress: Sugared, Anthropologie 2011
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Shoes: J Crew

In Review

Monday morning I arrived home after a fabulous weekend in NYC around 3:30 am.  After a brief sleep, I woke up with a ridiculously painful throat and pounding head, so I stayed home from work.  More on NYC later, today's post is about the Hunger Games premier, which, by now I am sure you have seen.

Thursday night my friend, Jen, and I joined the line around 5 to wait for the show.  The theater was fairly crowded, but not nearly as packed as I have seen it for a Harry Potter event!  While waiting, we played some games on ipad, did a bit of work, and just chit-chatted.  Around 8:45 we were allowed in the theater and scored prime seating making it worth the wait.  Around 10 our friend, Sara, joined us.  For a midnight showing, I always say 8-10pm is the hardest time to wait.  After 10, the excitement starts to build again.  I think I must be getting crankier in my old age.  This time around, 10-12 was by far the most difficult time!  By 10:30, everyone in the theater was annoying the heck out of me and I was ready to leave!

I'm glad I stuck it out, however.  The movie was well done. Sure, they left out some of my favorite parts and didn't truly develop many of the relationships.  But, I understand that they had to cram an entire book into 2 and a half hours.  If you haven't read the books, you may definitely have some questions or holes when seeing the movie.  Those who are HG fans will probably appreciate some of the details brought to life.  I definitely need to see it again to take it all in.

Last week I wore the banded lace skirt from Anthropologie and "summerized" it for the 80 degree day by pairing it with some black sandals and a short sleeve shirt.  I think this skirt will definitely be one that I can wear year-round!

No Rest for the Weary

You're probably wondering how the Hunger Games premier was.  Unfortunately, I am writing this BEFORE the midnight showing.  That's right. Arriving home around 3am, followed by an 8 am work meeting means I need to crawl right into bed and leave little time for playing around on these internets.  Early tomorrow morning I am heading to NYC with my cousin Emily for the weekend, and to see Newsies on Broadway!  Stay tuned next week for details on our adventures as well as Hunger Games info.  I promise I'll have some updates then.

For now, here is an outfit of the day- with HUGE hair:


Four Petal Cardi, Anthropologie 2010
Shirt and shoes: Banana Republic
Headband: Lou Lou Boutiques



Easier Said Than Done

I've been reading blog posts featuring the Dulcie Dress from Anthropologie's Fall collection this year.  Many commenters have mentioned that this dress is easy to style due to its neutral color scheme. I whole-heartedly disagree!  (I'm sorry if you are one of these commenters!) While the color itself is neutral, the style of the dress makes it a challenge.  The top is a winter weight wool, yet it is sleeveless so for day-to-day wear it definitely requires a cardigan.  I feel like I always style this dress the same way, but in reality, I've never worn it the same way twice!  I do tend to always pair it with black or brown, though, and I've seen a few people wear navy with it.  Since it is a neutral, I would love to wear a bright color but can't find anything that works with the poofy skirt and wool-textured top.

The first time I wore it (check it out HERE) I wore a long sleeve black cardigan, headband, and ballet flats. The next time, (see it HERE) I went with a brown cardigan and the rennsselaer T-straps.  Since it was a bit warmer this week, I went with a short sleeved black cardigan.  Despite the cardigan and shoe differences, I've always worn the same necklace with this dress!  They work well together for me.

Dulcie Dress and Biloba necklace: Anthropologie
Ballet Flats and tights: Banana Republic
Cardigan: The Limited

How would you/do you style the Dulcie dress?

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

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.

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

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

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.

Purplicious

Last week I wore this to work and a colleague told me I looked like an airline stewardess.  Well, maybe a little bit (do they wear purple?  I'm uncertain).  I certainly don't look like the women on the TV show, Pan Am. This dress is definitely PURPLE and to winterize it, I wore a plain white button down underneath.  The scarf was a birthday gift, years ago, from my friend, Hyun June.

Dress, shoes, and scarf: Banana Republic
Button down: Express

Usually winter months seem slow and drawn out, but for some reason, January is flying by!  This past weekend was the first time I feel like I've had a chance to catch my breath and catch up on life- laundry, cleaning, etc.  I had 2 friends over on Saturday for dinner and games; it was fun to chill, relax, and stay in for the chilly night. This weekend, I also had quite a bit of work to catch up on as well, to be prepared for the work week ahead.
How did you spend your weekend? 

Oyamel

Yesterday, after I posted that winter had, in fact, arrived, spring came back!  By late afternoon it was 60 degrees and sunny.  Sigh. 

Last night, in the mild January weather, some friends and I went to Oyamel for dinner.  Oyamel is a Mexican restaurant serving antojitos- Mexican small plates.  When we arrived, we had a 7:30 reservation and unfortunately, they were unable to seat us until closer to 8.  Because of the inconvenience, they gave us a free round of drinks.  I was with 3 friends who do not drink, so basically I had a free round of 4 drinks all to myself. 

We had a 5 course meal (not counting chips, salsa, and guacamole) and everything was delicious from the cactus salad to the chicken tacos.  I am eager to go back again to try more dishes. Nearly every dish had avocado and cilantro which made me very happy.

Here are some snapshots of the scrumptious food, as well as an outfit of the day, which is inspired by my older sister, Jen, who can dress up a button down shirt like no other.

Delicious guacamole...

This was probably one of my favorite dishes.  It is ensalada de chayote- squash salad in a hibiscus dressing.  I discovered I could eat hibiscus dressing everyday for the rest of my life and die a happy girl.  SO GOOD.  Almost like a raspberry dressing, only better.

Sopa Tarasca estilo (black bean soup) served with a crispy ancho chile and, of course, avacado!  (That's the second plate in the background... all the soup toppings)

Costilla de res con pipian.  This was NOT my dish, but it was so tasty, I wish I had ordered it!  This is braised short ribs in a cilantro sauce. SUPER tasty!

This was my dish... a traditional tamal verde.  Very good, just not as unique as the short ribs.

Taco course!  I had tinga poblana... by this point in the meal, I was so full, I couldn't eat much of it.

For dessert, Pastel de tres leches con pina.  I didn't touch this because 1. it isn't chocolate and 2. I was about to burst

My many, frothy beverages for the evening

Skirt: Banana Republic, 2011
Button Down: Talbots circa 2004
Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft circa 2006
Boots: Nine West
Socks: J. Crew, 2011

Deal of the Year

Awhile ago, I added Anthropologie's Banded Lace skirt to my wishlist.  I thought it was pretty, elegant, and neutral enough to wear frequently.  As it is a pencil skirt (not a good match for my body) I wasn't sure of the fit.  The skirt is sold online only, so I didn't have the option to head over to Anthro to try it on.  Also, the price tag was a little steep- $148 for a skirt is a bit over my budget. 

I waited for sale though, and it happened to go on sale during the simultaneous 50% off sale.  I scored this guy for a mere $39 dollars.  Yes, you read that correctly. I save $109 dollars on this skirt.  That is an amazing deal no matter how you slice it.  When it arrived, it fit well.  It is probably a LITTLE too tight in the thigh, but you can't tell by looking at it. While 2011 is long gone, I am fairly certain this is the best deal I received on any article of clothing all year.  This confirms my fashion belief that good things come to those who wait.

Shirt: Banana Republic circa 2007
Skirt: Banded Lace, Anthropologie 2011
Stockings: Banana Republic Outlet
Shoes:  Ann Taylor Loft
Necklace: Express

What's the best deal you've every come across?

Casual... Thursday?

Since I am not working this week, I am getting a lot of wear out of my casual clothes!  The field game cardigan is one of my "go to" cardis to wear any time.  Last year, I bought this sparkly tank top at Ann Taylor loft and enjoy wearing it under the field game cardi to give it a bit more shine and spice it up a bit!

I'm going to be a bit preoccupied for the next couple of days learning the ropes of my new ipad!!  Having this handy device is going to seriously increase the amount of time I spend pinning on Pinterest.

Also this week I've been busy lunching with family and friends I haven't seen in awhile.  I love the opportunity to catch up with loved ones over the holidays.  How have you been spending Christmas week?

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

Truly, there is so much wrong with this outfit I am not sure where to begin!  It started one morning when I woke up a bit late.  While in the shower, I decided I wanted to wear my new Scattered Rows Cardigan and thought I could make it work with the Tatted Tides Skirt which I have not worn recently.  I was very wrong; the multi-colored stripes with the lacy tiers of the skirt are a bit overwhelming.  Too, I've been wanting to wear the Quinn Platform Penny Loafers I bought a few months ago at Banana Republic. In my head, in the shower, at 6:30 am it seemed like a good idea.  In reality when I looked this pictures, it was very poorly executed. Sigh. 

I do love this cardigan, though.  Aside from jeans, what else can I wear with it?

Cardigan: Scattered Rows, Anthropologie 2011
Skirt: Tatted Tides, Anthropologie 2010
Shoes: Quinn Platform Penny Loafers, Banana Republic 2011

The good news is, I was able to wear my new bracelet!  This is the bracelet I got from my friend, Nena, at our girls night Christmas dinner.  Check out its sparkle.

Put Up The Brightest String Of Lights I've Ever Seen

Tis the season of holiday merriment!  Some of my favorite holiday traditions include:
1. Watching Elf and Christmas Vacation with my family.  Some of the best lines EVER come from those films.

2. Decorating the house for the holidays.  I love when it looks snowy and cozy inside (not that I decorate with snow, but do have a few snow men.)

3. Making Christmas cards to send to my friends and family. This year's card is a bit intense and definitely not finished yet.  As soon as they are in the mail, I will post a sample here.

4. Driving around to look at Christmas lights.  Not too many people decorate around my house, so I will have to wait until I am at my parents' in PA to enjoy all the lights and outdoor decorations.

5.Baking holiday cookies.  It is an added excuse to eat, eat, eat.

What are some of your traditions?

Here's an outfit of the day!  Apprently when I wear this skirt, I like to hold out the ends so everyone can see the records. :)



Shirt: Banana Republic pink button down
Skirt: Vintage, purchased on Etsy
Cardigan: The Limited
Tights: Target
Shoes: Banana Republic



On My Way I'll Take the Sunshine

Remember when I mentioned being in love with these boots?  Yep, here they are again!  They are so comfortable, they are definitely becoming a fast favorite!

Cardigan: Banana Republic
Turtleneck: The Limited
Skirt: Lost Time, Anthropologie 2010
Boots: Inkwood, Anthropologie 2011

This weekend was fun and relaxing.  However, I did not complete much Christmas shopping and am beginning to panic as time is ticking away!  I only have a few gifts for a few of my sisters and still have friends and many family members to buy for.  Too, I am not quite finished with my Christmas cards, but am hoping I can knock them out soon so I can get them in the mail.  How is your holiday hustle and bustle coming along?

Afraid Nothing Can Save Me But the Sound of Your Voice

You know there's nothing I love more than an interesting hairpiece.  Last week I had a 1/2 day leadership conference, which of course meant I needed to wear something unusual in my hair to go to our administrative building.  When digging through my closet, I realized I haven't worn the Reed Shirt dress yet this year.  I love this timeless classic; last year, it was definitely a part of my winter 30 for 30 challenge as it is so versatile.  For this outfit, it was simple enough that my hairclip could really pop!

I bought these camel colored boots in October from Banana Republic.  Every time I put them on to wear them, though, I felt like a country bumpkin.  I decided to return them but Banana wouldn't take them back because I was just shy of their 45 day return window!!  I couldn't believe it- I actually thought there were 60 days on their return policy.  Plus, they are still selling the boots at full price, so they definitely wouldn't lose any money by accepting my return and re-selling.  Oh, well.  Since I had to keep them, I decided I might as well wear them! What do you think?  Cute or too country?

Dress: Reed Shirt Dress, Anthropologie, 2009
Boots: Banana Republic Fall 2011
Belt: Anthropologie 2009
Hair clip: Lou Lou Boutique

Chantilly Lace

This summer/fall I fell in love with the Mad Men collection from Banana Republic.  The 60s style is definitely right up my alley- I am fairly certain I was born in the wrong decade.   I wore this lace dress on my birthday a few months ago but haven't worn it since.  This time, I paired the dress with a pop of color by wearing a salmon colored cardi. This is also what my hair looks like when I sleep on it wet.  Awesome, I know.

Dress: Banana Republic Mad Men Collection, Fall 2011
Cardigan: J. Crew, circa 2009
Shoes: Rensselaer T Straps, Anthropologie, Fall 2010

Today there is only a 1/2 day of work before Thanksgiving vacation!  I am going to Pennsylvania to visit my family and I can hardly wait!  Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, basically because I love to eat so much.  I am excited to be lazy and eat, eat, eat all weekend long.  What are your Thanksgiving plans?