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!

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

Ringing In 2012!

Happy New Year!  I had a fabulous New Years Weekend and am ready to hit the ground running back at work tomorrow. Here's my weekend in review...

Friday I went to lunch with a friend from college and we talked wedding the whole time because she is getting married Sept. 15- YIPPEE!  Then, I went to see The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo with my brother-in-law. (Very good film and for the most part stayed true to the story, if you've read the book.)  After that, my sister made dinner, and I had an early night.

On New Years Eve, my whole family (minus my sister, Molly, who already returned to Wisconsin) went to my sister Jen's for brunch.  My grandparents were there, too!  My darling niece wore the cute outfit I gave her for Christmas.

After brunch, I had a relaxing afternoon before heading out with some of my favorite Pittsburgh pals.  We went to a local bar to ring in the new year.  After a few too many cocktails, food, and a bit of dancing, we were ready to call it a night!   Here are a few snapshots from the evening.

Before heading out!
Dress: White House Black Market (2009)
Shoes: Nine West (2009)
Headband: Lou Lou Boutiques (2011)
Necklace/Earrings: White House Black Market (2009)

This is what I look like while dancing.  Not pretty, I know.

I had a lazy New Years day.  After sleeping in late, a few of us went to breakfast, looking STELLAR after our night out.  Then, I went back to my parents' house for dinner before driving back to Virginia.

I haven't set any "official" resolutions for this year but I've had some things in mind. This year, I am hoping to reduce my debt, stay organized, and get back into shape (I let that slide BIG TIME in 2011!).  I think those are all manageable and I am ready to begin!  Have you set any goals for 2012?  Did you read darling Sydney's goals over at the Daybook?  If not, check it out!

2011 Year In Review

As 2011 rolls to a close, I was thinking about some of the best purchases (and some of the worst!) I made this year.  Too, I was inspired by Roxy's Year in Review post over at Effortless Anthropologie, where she posted some of the best Anthropologie items as well as some that she missed out on.  I decided to post the "best of" each category for this post.  Some were hard to choose... we'll see if you agree!

1: Best Dress

Clearly, the Mampos dress.  I. LOVE. THIS. DRESS.  I loved it from the moment it first went online, and did not feel guilty paying full price for it.  I've worn it to weddings, parties, work, you name it.  I think it's timeless style makes it a dress I will wear for years to come.

2: Best Skirt

This was hard to choose, and I am not sure if I made the best choice.  I decided on the Sagebrush Skirt because it is more "classic" Anthropologie and is unique in both color and pattern. I haven't worn this skirt too often but plan to wear it more when spring rolls around!

3: Best Shoe

I know I mentioned it before, but the Inkwood Boots are one of the best shoe purchases I've made for some time.  I've only owned these boots for a few weeks and already I've worn them a dozen times.  They are cute and comfortable.  Too, I can dress them up or down!

4: Best Coat

Lately, I've been getting a lot of wear out of Tracey Reese's Ruched Marigold Coat.  However, the Pansy Corset Trench takes the title for 2011.  Every time I wear this coat I receive a million compliments.  Also, the coat is comfortable, bold, and classic.  I know it will be a staple in my closet for years to come!

5: Best Accessory

So, this guy isn't from Anthropologie but I adore this feather headband. It was handmade, and I purchased it over the summer at Lou Lou Boutiques. It is definitely a show stopper and adds interest to any outfit I am wearing! (This dress was in the running for top dress of the year.  I've only worn it 2 times, but it is definitely a favorite!)

How did I do?  If you had my wardrobe, would you pick the same top 5 or something different?  What are your favorite pieces from 2011?

They Say That I'm Crazy and I Kind of Understand

Not only is the subject of this post a true story, but it was the title of one of my term papers in college.  I do enjoy an interesting lyric as a title if you haven't noticed.

Well, it's December.  The Christmas countdown is ON.  Yet, we are having a bit of a heat wave in the DC area and it's been in the 60's. It feels more like Lent and preparation for Easter than Advent and preparation for Christmas.  That is not good news for my Christmas shopping which is very slow and not very steady.  Yesterday I used my 25% off Anthro coupon code and bought some goodies for my colleagues, sister, and self, of course.  Can't tell you what I got yet, but rest assured, you will see it soon! I did buy 2 things on my wishlist and will decide which to keep once they arrive.

Today's outfit of the day features Anthropologie's Walk with Me dress.  I love this guy.  I think it is a unique piece and it very comfortable.  Last year when I wore it to work, a colleague said to me "I tried that on.  My boyfriend said it looked like a table cloth so I didn't buy it."  Table cloth or not, I adore this dress.

Dress: Walk With Me, Anthropologie, 2010
Cardigan: Anthropologie, 2010
Tights: J. Crew, textured 2011
Shoes: Rennsselaer T-Straps, Anthropologie 2010
Belt: Anthropologie
Hair clip: Lou Lou Boutiques
Necklace: Premier Designs

I couldn't find the name of this cardigan anywhere.  I bought it last summer from Anthropologie. I googled it, but after about 10 minutes of searching couldn't find it so I gave up.  I guess that means I am the only person in the world who owns it.  Do you know it's name?

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

Casual Friday

Sometimes you just need a break from all the skirts and dresses. I decided I needed to get more wear out of the lovely safe keeping capelet. I know, I know.  I wore it HERE.  But actually this outfit is completely different: different jeans, different sweater, and this time a brand new headband. The only similarity is the capelet!  I had a pretty easy day at work with plenty of meetings so I figured this was the perfect outfit to get me through the day.

Tonight I am flying to WI to visit my younger sister, Molly.  Stay tuned for pictures from our weekend upon my return!

Shirt: Talbots, circa 2004
Sweater: Safe Keeping Capelet, Anthropologie, 2010
Jeans: American Eagle Outlet, 2009
Boots: Nine West
Headband: Lou Lou Boutiques, 2011

 

 

Dulcie Delight

You know I feel in love HARD with Weston Wear's beautiful Dulcie Dress when it hit Anthropologie's website a few weeks ago.  As soon as I saw it in the store, it had to be mine, and it was.  I wore it last week for two back to back important meetings and I got tons of compliments on it as well. I kept with the neutral theme and paired the dress with simple, metallic ballet flats and a black cardigan.  Of course, I had to jazz it up with a fancy head piece. :)

Dress: Anthropologie's Dulcie Dress, Fall 2011
Shoes: Banana Republic, Fall 2010
Cardigan: The Limited circa 2006
Headband: Loulou Boutique, Fall 2011
Necklace: Anthropologie Winter 2010-11

You may be wondering why I've been short on text lately in my posts.  To be frank, since last Friday I basically haven't slept because I've been a worry wart.  What am I worrying about?  Nothing important really (just some personal stuff) but it is keeping me up all night.  Whenever I sit down to blog, my tired, blurry eyes can't focus on the bright screen, causing me to write very little.  So, sorry about the short posts.  I am trying to keep some outfits of the day up and rolling.  I promise I will be back on track with some interesting stories soon!

PS Happy Birthday to my little sister, Molly!

16 Going On 17

As you are well aware, September is birthday month.  Not just mine, but 90% of the people on the planet (that is an actual fake statistic).  Last Thursday was my cousin Emily's birthday.  Nope, she's not 16 going on 17, but she looks like it so that is the title of my post, and she is a wee young one, so she can be trapped at 17 forever.

To celebrate her day, we went to Michel by Michel Richard.  Everything was delicious (especially the pineapple-flavored mojito and chocolate lava cake... YUM) and we had a lot of laughs to go along with our tasty meal.

Am I wearing feathers on my head?  Yes.

Is my hair still wet in these early morning photos?  Yes.

Am I standing like a flamingo for reasons I can't explain or understand?  Yes.

Shirt: Banana Republic, circa 2008
Skirt: Banana Republic Petite, Summer 2011
Boots: Nine West
Necklace: J. Crew, Spring 2009
Headband: Lou Lou Boutiques, Fall 2011

Ask me anything.  I am sure the answer will be yes.

Hooray for the month of October!  I have very few October birthdays on my radar.  Not that I don't love to celebrate, however, my wallet needs a break!

I Bake Pies and Wake the Dead, I Live a Very Sheltered Life

Over the weekend my friend Sara went home to visit her family and brought home this fabulous cherry pie that she and her mother baked.  At dinner Monday night we cut into it and had a delicious sweet treat.  I am not a huge pie girl (I tend to only each chocolate desserts) but this was perfect.  Too, it reminded me of my favorite pie maker from the TV show Pushing Daisies.

In April, I went on a shopping spring with my youngest sister in Georgetown.  I bought the sagebrush skirt (yes, at full price-ugh.) and have only worn it a few times so I decided today to bring it out again.  While it's springy, the colors also work nicely for the brink of fall.

 

Skirt: Sagebrush skirt, Anthropologie Summer 2011
Blouse: Ann Taylor Loft
Tank: Banana Republic
Cardigan: Banana Republic Petite, Fall 2011
Belt: Looping Lanes, Anthropologie Summer 2010
Necklace: Loulou Boutiques Spring 2010
Shoes: J. Crew

Irrational Fear

This evening when I got home from dinner, I had an email from my friend Amy that read "I was wondering if this applied to you" with a link.  The link contained this image (below) and it was so true, I had to post it on my blog right this very minute.

I can't even begin to tell you how much that applies to me!  Take last Friday, for instance.  I wore this outfit, and only went to work and then spent 5 hours sitting in the car driving to Pennsylvania.  What a waste of a good outfit that no one really got to see (except perhaps some co-workers, but I am not certain they all appreciate my fashion efforts...)


Dress: Anthropologie, summer 2009
Shoes: J. Crew, spring 2010
Cardigan: Banana Republic, circa 2008
Necklace: Lou Lou Boutiques, Spring 2010
Ring: Lou Lou Boutiques, summer 2011

 On a side note, my youngest sister snapped this photo and she told me I looked "very academic" standing in front of all of these books.  I don't know about that, but it is nice to have a different background for a change!

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...

Birds of a Feather...

I love owls.  I am not sure where this bird obsession came from or when it started, but I love all things owl/feather related.

Perhaps it began with this feather belt from J. Crew (yes, those are feathers on the gold satin...)

Or maybe it was this bird dress from Anthropologie (Waiting for Poems Sheath Dress, spring 2009)

It may have been this feather purse from The Limited (accessories store) purchased in 2008

Or this darling owl necklace courtesy of my sweet sisters for my birthday in 2009 (from Anthropologie)

It may even be this sweet owl ring recently purchased at Lou Lou Boutiques

No matter the origin, I love feathery bling and flighty fine-feathered friends. This carries over into my card making as well.  Last year, when Stampin' Up! debuted the Aviary stamp set, I knew I had to have it.  Here are 2 quick cards I made with this sweet set and a few SU! punches.

Love what you see?  Need the Aviary stamp set for yourself?  Click HERE and then "shop now" in the upper right corner to order Stampin' Up! products.