I Can, I Will, I Do

Today marks the beginning of the wedding festivities for my friend Hyun June's wedding.  Tonight we are meeting for dinner, drinks, and mani/pedis.  Tomorrow is the rehearsal and dinner.  Saturday is the main event!  My friend Chad is driving down from Pittsburgh to spend the weekend and accompany me to these events (well, not the mani/pedi part... but everything else.)  Because we will be busy wedding it up, I'll be taking a little blog break until next week when I can get back on track.  For now, here are pictures from last week when we celebrate Hyun June's bachelorette by visiting a few local wineries and finally have dinner at Wolfgang Puck's The Source. Deliciousness.
A few photos:

Back With a Vengeance!

Okay, maybe not with vengeance but still, back to say the least.  I never intended for my hiatus for the blog to last so long!  The last week of March was really hectic, so I decided to take a few days off from the blog to catch up on life and start fresh in April.  Well, the first week of April came and went and I never came back to the computer. 

The waning desire to blog stems from numerous problems.  First, my camera is dying a slow and painful death.  I know I've mentioned that before and yet, I still haven't done anything about it!  The picture quality becomes worse and worse each day.  I've been meaning to get a new camera, and, I want to use credit card points to get one because I am a bit low on funds right now. I just haven't gotten around to searching for what my options are or how to go about trading in credit card points for real stuff (believe it or not, I've never done that before!)

Next, I began the blog to get more wear out of my wardrobe.  I love clothes, especially new clothes and frequently buy things that are quickly forgotten.  I tend to wear the same old, same old everytime I approach my closet. I thought blogging would help to get my out of that rut and mix and match my clothes more.  It did, initially, but now I feel like I keep posting the NEW same old, same old... I feel like I was better about wearing some of my spring/summer things in the fall and winter with various cardigans and tights.  The problem is, now that it IS spring, I am sick of all of my spring clothes because I wore them all winter and I am tired of posting the same dresses over and over.

Third, I've gained a lot of weight in the past few months. Nothing horrific, though I am slightly horrified from it.  So, I've been really unhappy with how I look in the pictures I DO have.  While I've been posting the less-than-photogenic photos anyway just to keep blogging, I've been very unhappy with how everything fits as of late.  Plus, now when I smile, I ALWAYS have a double chin (see picture below) and that makes me really unhappy; I find it causes me to only half-smile (again, see below) but then I really hate the picture because I STILL have a double chin and only a half smile which looks rather awkward.  Sigh.

Finally, while life's been busy with baby showers, wedding showers, birthday parties, spring holidays, etc. I've been finding that I am not taking as many pictures as usual so I have less photos available to post.  I think this reason stems back to the first; because of the poor picture quality, I am less likely to dig my camera out and take photos.

Hopefully as spring rolls into full gear I'll get back on track, get moving more to shed some of the pounds, and get a new camera so I can get back to blogging!  For now, here is a casual outfit of the day:

Shirt and Jewelry: The Limited circa 2009
Flip-flops: J Crew 2009
Jeans: Banana Republic Petite outlet

Weekend Rundown

I spent the weekend catching up with various friends and eating, eating, eating!  I think I went out to breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.  It was definitely worth it to see some pals I haven't seen in some time, and, I always enjoy food! For the weekend I dressed more casually than usual.  Also, as the weather has been in the 50s, it's harder for me dress up appropriately... I want to bring out the spring skirts and dresses but the temperatures aren't quite warm enough.  So, that means I've been sporting jeans and spring tops lately.  Here is what I wore on Friday for a casual dinner and drinks with the girls after work:

Top: Zigzags and Zinnias Blouse, Anthropologie
Jeans: Banana Republic Outlet
Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes: J. Crew

Today happens to be my youngest sister's (Erin's) birthday.  You met her HERE.  Happy Birthday, Erin!  it just so happens that a few years ago for her birthday I bought Erin this top... and one for me, too!

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

Love Is Not A Victory March

Happy Monday, Readers!  It's been a busy weekend of wrapping, finishing up Christmas cards, and attending a few holiday celebrations. I can't believe Christmas is only 1 week away!  I think I am finally ready, though. I am waiting on one more package to arrive and then I should be all set with gifts for my family.  Too, I can't stop listening to Hallelujah as I prep for next weekend, hence the title of this post.

I truly have not been doing the best job of maintaining my blog.  Last week I actually wore a few cute Anthro pieces that I didn't have a chance to get pictures of.  Also, I was out sick for 2 days, fighting off a stomach bug.  Ugh.  Will try hard to get back on track for the new year!

In this OOTD, I'm a bit untucked- not quite sure WHY- it must have just been one of those moments.

Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft
Blouse: Banana Republic Outlet
Skirt: Houndstooth Collage Pencil Skirt, Anthropologie
Tights: J Crew
Shoes: Rennsselaer T-Straps

I hope your final week before Christmas is peaceful!  Later this week I plan to post some more Christmas cards- and unveil this year's card. :)

Pants A Plenty

Good morning, readers!  A cold, wet, rainy morning calls for pants!  I've been noticing that I wear a lot of gray and black in the winter.  I'll have to make a point to change that up and add some variety to the wardrobe as we dig into the chillier months.  I wore this last Wednesday when we received a ton of rain and I wasn't quite in a skirt/dress mood. 

Black mock turtle neck and gray cardigan, Banana Republic Outlet
Black pinstripe pants, Ann Taylor Loft
Boots, Nine West
Belt, J. Crew

Are you enjoying the holiday season?  This past weekend, we had our girls night Christmas dinner- more on that later in the week.  Also, I went out with the roommate, brought dinner to and saw a movie with a friend, ran some errands, but spent the bulk of the weekend locked up in my house.  It is getting down to crunch time and my Christmas cards are not ready for the mail yet.  They are getting close, but I am beginning to sweat it out!  The card I designed this year is very detailed and is taking a bit longer than anticipated to finish- I thought I could knock them out this Saturday.  That didn't happen.  Luckily, I have one more weekend before the main event. I am hoping I finish up the last few bits next Saturday to have them ready to mail out on Monday, the 19th.  Meanwhile, the Christmas cards have been rolling in- I must say, my friends and family have some cute kids and great taste in holiday cards!  I look forward to receiving some more over the next 2 weeks.

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

Last night I went to see Hugo in 3D. If you haven't seen it, you should.  Very well done (although the beginning is very frustrating).  Haven't read the book yet, but I can't wait to get my hands on it.  The film makes me want to quit my day job and become a movie writer/producer/actor, all in one.

Also, I braved the mall.  I never go to the mall after Thanksgiving because it is generally so crowded and insane!  Because I was meeting a friend at the movie theater at the mall, I decided I might as well pick up a few things.  I was able to snag a Christmas grab-bag gift for the Girls Night Out crew (our holiday dinner is this Friday) and also a birthday present for my friend, Raechel (her birthday isn't until March, but I needed these goodies for her).  Overall, success!  Now, I need to order everything else for the holidays online so I don't have to step foot in any more stores.

Here's the OOTD:

Dress: White House Black Market, 2010
Tights: Banana Republic Outlet
Shoes: Ann Taylor Loft, 2010

Chili Tasting

Happy Monday, Readers! Last night, I had some pals over for a chili tasting.  Now that it is late fall, I figured chili was the perfect dish... and then it was in the mid-60s.  Sigh.  I can't win.  Anyway, I made 3 different chilies: my mom's famous 3-bean chili, a traditional beef chili, and a turkey white bean pumpkin chili (very appropriate for Thanksgiving week.)  Believe it or not, making 3 chilies didn't take much time at all.  I bought all the groceries Saturday morning, then I browned the ground beef and chopped all the peppers (I bought diced onion already to cheat).  Sunday morning I woke up, tossed everything into it's appropriate crockpot, and headed off to church while the 3 dishes simmered away.  Yes, I own 3 crockpots.  Everyone asks about that.  I need 3. First of all, they are all different sizes which is crucial.  Secondly, when entertaining, I like to have multiple things cooking at once and crockpots are the easiest way to master that goal.



On the left, 3 bean chili
On the right, turkey white bean pumpkin chili.  Yep, my house smelled delicious all day

Traditional Beef Chili (this crockpot needed it's own outlet so as to avoid blowing a fuse)

You know fall clothes are my favorite of all. Well, also close to my heart are fall dishes.  I love dishes.  I love to entertain.  My favorite entertaining season is the fall so I can use all of these fabulous serving pieces! Friends brought all the chili toppings, so I had the serving pieces out and ready to go for their arrival.


3 Tureens of Chili!  I made little festive fall labels for each one, using the French Foliage Stampin' Up set.  The tureen on the far left is from Crate and Barrel, the middle acorn is William Sonoma, and the pumpkin on the end is borrowed from my friend, Jen, who purchased this guy years ago at Target.

 

Love fall dishes!  Most of these are Crate and Barrel.  The acorn bowls are William Sonoma and the leaf and acorn plates are Pottery Barn.



Why plates, you ask?  We needed a little something to set Sara's spicy jalapeno bread and Staci's delicious french bread on to acompany our chili bowls.

What does the hostess of a chili tasting wear?  Something casual.  And, bare feet.  When you are the hostess, you can get away with no shoes.  This allows you to show off your cute, pink toenails in addition to comfort.  Ignore my red face here- I was HOT after running around cooking and cleaning all afternoon.



Cardigan: White House Black Market, Fall/Winter 2010
Tee Shirt: Gap Body
Jeans: Banana Republic Outlet, Fall 2011
Toe Nail Polish: Zoya from Nov. Birchbox
Headband: unsure

 Finally, here are just a few pictures of the guests!  I didn't take many photos, as I was busy playing hostess.  Overall, the night was delightful.  I had a lot of laughs and enjoyed the company of some of my favorite friends.

Date Night

Last Wednesday I went on a date with a nice guy (or man/boy, as my friend would say) I met out on roommate date night (read about it here).   We met for a drink and then went to see George Clooney and Ryan Gosling in The Ides of March. I decided a sweaterdress was the perfect outfit for the occasion.  Actually, that's not true. I wore something completely different, but then changed my mind at the last minute to throw on this dress and had to send said boy a text saying "running late- fashion emergency."  He was very understanding (and truly, who wouldn't be, when faced with going on a date with me?).


Dress: Banana Republic Outlet, 2010
Necklace: Anthropologie, 2009
Shoes: Nine West



The movie was entertaining, the boy was complimentary on said outfit, the conversation was delightful and, yes, I saw the guy again post-date, but don't have any expectations... this is one I am sure isn't going anywhere productive! :)

I'm Not a Fool, I Know All The Rules, You Can't Trick Me, Get One By Me

Fall Fashion is in full swing!  Over the summer I purchased the Alary Shirtdress but this is the first time I've worn it. I added a splash of color by busting out burgundy tights from the Banana Republic Outlet. I love the natural print and fall colors found in this dress. I feel like a librarian in this outfit, with the camel colored cardi.
What do you think?  Can I pull off the librarian look?

Dress: Alary Shirtdress, Anthropologie, Fall 2011
Cardigan: Merino Wool, Banana Republic, Fall 2011
Tights: Banana Republic Outlet, Fall 2011
Shoes: Rensselaer T-straps, Anthropologie, Fall 2010
Belt: Looping Lanes Belt, Anthropologie 2010

Still In the Dress She Used to Wear, Faded Feathers In Her Hair

After the Columbus Day holiday, I decided to break out some new fall threads for work.  In the summer, I purchased the Houndstooth Collage Pencil Skirt, which, as many reviewers have already described, is much more of an A-line.  I was worried about finding something to wear with this skirt, when, low and behold, over Labor Day weekend when I was shopping with my older sister, I spotted this mustard-colored top at Banana Republic Factory Store.  Best part? The top comes in petite sizing AND is machine washable.  That is a crazy double-score.

Skirt: Houndstooth Collage Pencil skirt, Anthropologie 2011
Blouse: Banana Republic Factory Store, Fall 2011
Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft, Circa 2008
Tights: Brown, unknown
Boots: Nine West, circa 2008
Hair Accessory: Ann Taylor Loft, Fall 2011
Necklace: 1luckysoul, Fall 2011

I wore feathers in my hair again. The same ones I wore with the Sugared Dress.  To you, it seems like I wore them back to back but really there were a few days in-between so don't fret.  These feathers really blend in with my hair- unless I do a close up, you can barely notice they are there!

Finally I broke out my new necklace.  My friend Nena sent me this for my birthday.  It is another design from 1luckysoul.  I love that it pops open and has a functioning pocket watch inside!

I'm leaving on a jet plane for a little Octobercation with some of my best girl friends.  Don't worry, though, I have some blog posts all lined up for you while I am away.  Happy Weekend!

Just Like the Good Ol' Days

My dear friend and former college roommate, Raechel, came to visit last weekend since she was unable to attend my pirate-party weekend.  It's been awhile since she's been to visit so it was fun for me to show off my new house and catch up with her.

Friday night we stayed up late giggling and telling stories (like a 3rd grade slumber party) and then Saturday we headed to Eggspectations for a hearty breakfast before traveling into DC to visit the Newseum.  It was a  chilly, rainy day so an excellent one to spend inside a museum. 

In the evening, we went home to change and get ready before heading back out again for dinner and drinks... we also played a fun, impromptu round of rate-a-date. Sunday we woke up late and then went to breakfast and shopping before Raechel headed home. All in all, it was a great visit!

I rarely wear jeans, but heading out into the fall rain while posing as a tourist definitely called for denim. I wore Anthropologie's safekeeping capelet from 2010 with a cream top and jeans.  It was definitely a cozy outfit for the day!

Jeans: Banana Republic Outlet, 2010
Capelet: Anthropologie's Safekeeping Capelet, 2010
Top: Gap, circa 2008

Tights on Parade

Last year I fell in love with tights.  I know they've been back in style for a while now, but I am generally a few years behind these types of fashion trends.  I am not sure what I will do when they are no longer in style, because I've become obsessed with them.  They keep me warm and cozy all winter long, and make certain shoes more comfortable.  A few weeks ago I went shopping at outlets near my sister.  I bought a TON of tights!  It was hard to pass up the low initial cost plus the additional 30 or 40% discount outlets generally have.  Over the weekend, I was out and about and found MORE must have tights at J. Crew that were surprisingly on sale, so I snatched them up too.  Now, if I ever mention needing more tights, PLEASE STOP ME!  These are all the tights I've purchased in the past 2 weeks:

That's more than enough tights (considering I already have 10+ pairs from last year) so don't let me buy anymore.  Do we have a deal?  Thanks.

(PS I know some of you are anxiously awaiting the Birthday Outfit from yesterday's main event.  You'll have to wait just a little bit longer... this is a BUSY birthday week and I probably won't have time to post until next week, unfortunately.  Hang in there...it's coming!)

Slotted Spoons Don't Hold Much Soup

It's been a day packed with new information.  Here are some things I learned today:

1. Eating a chocolate cupcake on the couch without a napkin handy is a bad idea.

2. While I love fall clothes, I am definitely not ready for this chilly, wet fall weather (it's been in the 60s and low 70s this week!)  Come back, sunshine!  At least for a few more weeks.

3. A friend of mine is always flabbergasted with me because anytime I start a new book, I read the ending first.  I just can't take the suspense.  A new study came out stating that researchers found people who read the end of story first enjoy the story MORE than people who don't know what is coming!  Perhaps surprise isn't all that it's cracked up to be and I'm not such a naughty reader after all.  Read all about it in this article by ABC.

4. My niece is allergic to either egg whites or nuts. Not sure which yet but she had a bad reaction to her birthday cupcake, poor baby.

To bring a little sunshine back into my dreary day, I decided to wear some bright bold colors.  I was a little tempted to wear tights today since I was so chilly but fought the urge as it is still technically summer.

Dress and necklace: Banana Republic Outlet, summer 2011
Cardigan: Anthropologie, summer 2010
Shoes: J Crew, spring 2010

Just Another Manic Monday

Good Morning! I just returned from a 10 day vacation with my family and I am very unhappy to be back to reality.  I start back to work tomorrow and I am dreading it after having 2 weeks off! 

To begin our vacation, we spent 2 days in Colonial Williamsburg, touring the historic site, shopping, and having a lot of laughs.

Here, my sisters and I regroup in the Governor's Palace Gardens.  I was so glad I decided to wear this dress last-minute... it is casual and fairly thin cotton which made it ideal for spending 10 hours walking around in the heat!  Also, it was a bargain at the Banana outlet- I spent a mere $19.99 on this dress, so I wasn't worried about getting it dirty, sweaty, etc.

Dress: Banana Republic Outlet, summer 2011
Hair Clip: J. Crew outlet, summer 2011
Flip Flops: J. Crew, summer 2009
Necklace: Lou Lou Boutiques, summer 2010
Purse: Coach, summer 2009




What did I do?   Waiting to be tarred and feathered

 After our Colonial visit, we headed to the beach where my sister, brother-in-law, and niece joined us for a week of relaxing in the sun!  I'll write more about the vacation throughout the week, but here are a few photos until then...

Details on this dress and jewelry to come later this week...

Dress: Anthropologie, summer 2010
Cardigan: J. Crew, summer 2009
Necklace: Premier Designs
Ring: purchased at a jewelry store in Los Cabos

Notice how our tans deepen as the vacation goes on...