PSU Bound

Tomorrow I am heading to Penn State for my youngest sister, Erin's, graduation. It is hard to believe she is graduating from college already!  She was only a tiny 4th grader when I moved out of the house and left for college.  I'm looking forward to the weekend not only to celebrate her, but also to spend time with the family.  I am planning to spend the afternoon catching up with some friends who still live in State College and then head over to Happy Valley to meet up with the family and celebrate Erin's accomplishments. I'll post some pictures next week.  In the meantime, here's a outfit of the day:

Dress and Cardi: Anthropologie
Shoes: J Crew
Necklace: Ann Taylor Loft

St. Patrick's Day Shower

As I mentioned before, my friend Hyun June is getting married in April.  This past Saturday we held her shower at her mother's house. The wedding colors are purple so we had lots of purple around!  My friend Courtney ordered purple napkins and engagement ring napkin holders.  She also found cute Godiva Wedding Cakes as party favors.  I made ice cubes in the shape of engagement rings and had cupcakes dyed to match the exact color of our bridesmaid dresses.  Hyun June's mom is a florist, she she arranged some flowers to be centerpieces around the kitchen.  It was a warm sunshiny afternoon- a perfect day to celebrate upcoming nuptials! 

The bridal party- Hyun June, the bride is in the center surrounded by her bridesmaids

The dessert!  The icing is the color of our bridesmaid dresses

Personalized napkins

Party favors: Godiva Chocolate Cakes

With the bride-to-be!

OOTD: I did not plan to wear this, but the skirt I wanted to wear wasn't working.  Luckily, this one arrived the day of the shower so I decided to give it a-go. I LOVE it!
Hairclip: Anthropologie
Shirt: Ann Taylor Loft
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Skirt: Embroidered Paperwhites Skirt, Anthropologie 2012
Shoes: J. Crew

I Began to See You and Me Through Rose Colored Glass

My friend Hyun June is getting married in April and the excitement is growing for the festivities!  Monday I went with her to a wedding showcase (her fiance had another commitment) and we had a lot of laughs while tasting appetizers, sipping "signature" cocktails, and taking one too many photos in the photobooth. (See them below)

Monday was a long day for me as I facilitated a leadership team retreat all morning and then had 4 meetings in the afternoon before heading off to meet Hyun June. I decided to wear some bright bold colors to ring in the time change and arrival of spring.  This skirt is actually the first item I ever purchased from Anthropologie, about 6 or 7 years ago.  Does anyone know the name of it? I paired it with Anthro'ss purple Craft and Creation top by Deletta from 2010 and also wore a bright green cardigan from Ann Taylor loft.  

...And here's the Pansy Corset Trench.  I've been wearing it most chilly days since it's been in the 50s and 60s lately.

Finally, here are the photobooth pictures from the wedding showcase!  We were a bit silly.

Round like a Record

Last week I had a training for work and decided to wear my record skirt.  Training days are hard for me because it requires an entire day of sitting.  When I sit for awhile, I tend to freeze so layers are the best bet!  It was a really warm day (close to 70!) so I paired my record skirt with a cardi from J Crew that has pale pink stripes.  It turned out to be the perfect not-to-casual-not-to-dressy outfit for the day!  I had to be up and out the door at the crack of dawn, hence the hair-in-a-messy-pony-tail look. Here's the OOTD:

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!

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

"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. :)

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?

She Wonders If She's Right This Time

Last week one of my favorite bands, Ingram Hill, came into town to perform.  They are a band I discovered years ago on The Rock Boat.  Their music is fun, light, and pop-y.  The last time they were in town was 5 or 6 years ago.  Then, I came down with a terrible migraine, and while I still went to the show, I had to sit in the back, behind a speaker.  This time around, I was ready to rock.  I went to the show with my friend, Ari, and 5 of her friends.  We were able to snag one of the few tables in the venue, which was nice.  They played a short set, which was preferred as it was a week night (I know, I am lame in my old age).   I sang every song and enjoyed every minute of the show.  There is something about live music that makes me happy inside. Especially music I can sing along with!

I am not sure why I wore this outfit- everything in it is a 100 years old.  Seriously, I don't think I've purchased any of these items (aside from the shoes) within the past 5 years. I woke up late this morning and for some reason this is the outfit I dreamed up in the shower. I thought it was both work and concert appropriate so I wore it for the day.

Shirt: Ann Taylor Loft
Tank: The Limited
Skirt: ? Not sure!
Flower Belt: J. Crew
Boots: Nine West
Headband: Gap

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?

Warm Winter Weekend Wear

Not to talk endlessly about the weather, but seriously what is up with this October weather in January?  The weekend was gorgeous and I spent a lot of time outside. It seems like it has been unnaturally warm across the country, not just here on the east coast!  I hope this is not a sign that when winter kicks it in will stay for an extra long time.  I am definitely ready to break out some of my spring threads come March.  Then, yesterday it snowed all afternoon and today it is supposed to be 50 degrees again. GAH!  Is it fall or winter?!?

Since it felt like fall, I decided to dress like fall.  For Christmas, I received the Slouched Stripe Pullover from Anthropologie. I love this cute short sleeved shirt!  It is still available and on sale, so check it out here.  I paired it with a brown corduroy jacket that I've had for a few years from Ann Taylor loft.  Too, I wore my new fork, knife, and spoon necklace. This is another gift I received from Santa. It is from Sora Designs on Etsy.  This necklace is actually quite long, but I wrapped it around before hooking it to make it shorter.

Shirt: Slouched Stripe Pullover, Anthropologie 2011
Jacket: Ann Taylor Loft circa 2008
Jeans: Banana Republic Petite 2009
Boots: Nine West
Necklace: Sora Designs, 2011

The frying pan spun around-backwards but you get the idea!

What have you been wearing during this mini heat wave?

Love's Like Sand Making Pearls

A few weeks ago, the cable to plug my ipod shuffle into the auxiliary of my car, broke.  Now, this is an easy fix; a new cable only costs about $15 at Target. Unfortunately, I never remember to buy one when I am there.  My car has a 6 cd changer so one day I loaded it up with 6 unlabeled cds that I burned in college. You know, from when Napster was free and legal back in the day. I decided this would be the temporary fix until I can listen to my ipod again, and it has provided great amusement on my long commute to and from work.

One song has the refrain "love's like sand making pearls, and I've got all the time in the world."  That line alone kills me every day.  First of all, it is ridiculously cheesy. Secondly, sand doesn't make pearls.  Pearls grow in shellfish, no matter how much time you wait for sand.

I realized I've only worn Weston Wear's Dulcie dress ONCE.  That seems criminal, so I wore it again on Tuesday, right before it went on sale for $100.  Did anyone snag this guy on sale?  It is definitely a favorite of mine, I think I probably won't wear if often because it has such a distinct look, and I don't want people to think I wear the same thing everyday.  I do enjoy its feminine look, though, and am sure I will wear it for years to come!

Dress: Dulcie, Anthropologie
Shoes: Rennsselaer T-Straps, Anthropologie
Necklace: Anthropologie
Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft

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?