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| Packages = Happiness |
A blog about latest happenings in the fashion, accessorizing, and stamping worlds. (Sometimes, those worlds overlap... that's when things become really exciting)
Monday, September 19, 2011
On an Unrelated Note...
I love when I come home late after a long day, open the front door, and see this:
It's Back to my Town, Back to Your Life, 'Cause Summer Is Over
This week fall weather has set in! Despite what the calendar says, I have to admit that summer is officially complete, so I am repeatedly singing Jon McLaughlin's song Summer Is Over while at work this week (check out his latest album if you haven't already!) I am ready to break out the fall clothes in anticipation of the changing leaves. Over the summer, I purchased Anthropologie's cultivation skirt when it went on sale. Even though this skirt was in their spring collection, the colors are definitely "fall" in my mind. I also purchased the bracelet (below) this summer when I was at the beach with my family. It is Q3 Art Jewelry handmade by artists Marvin and Michelle Shafer. It is made out of 80% recycled aluminum and dyed in a multi-colored palette. Check out their other jewelry here. I thought the colors were neutral enough that I would be able to wear it with many things. This is the first time I've worn it, though!
Did you break out any fall clothes yet?
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| Skirt: Anthropologie Cultivation Skirt, Spring 2011 Tee Shirt: Anthropologie, Summer 2011 Cardigan: J. Crew Outlet, Fall 2011 Necklace: Anthropologie, Fall/Winter 2010 Belt: J Crew, Summer 2009 Shoes: J. Crew, Summer 2010 |
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| So, this picture was a complete mistake (the camera fell over, and when I went to pick it up, it went off) but I thought it was funny, so here you go. An up close and personal picture of my hand and belt. |
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| The aluminum bracelet from Q3 Jewelry |
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Lazy Sunday
When I was in college we had a weekly holiday known as Lazy Sunday. The goal of lazy Sunday was simple: be as lazy as you can. Sometimes this involved laying in bed until 4 pm and then ordering chinese food for delivery so as to never leave your dorm room or have to put on clothes (not that we were naked, just in jammies or last night's party clothes). Lazy Sunday usually involved watching a lot of movies on TV and it generally occured after an extremely late night of partying when I would stay over with some friends. I would carry out lazy Sunday until the evening when I would sneak home to change and head to church before beginning the school week.
I've been suffering from a nasty cold this week and I definitely needed a lazy Sunday today! I rarely wear jeans but decided to change out of jammies and be cozy while I am pounding cold pills and laying around. This Anthro sweatshirt is one of my favorite articles of clothing. I paid way too much for it, but have definitely gotten my monies worth as I wear it year round and fairly frequently. I love its length and the details in the stitching. It's been in the low 60s all weekend, so warm clothes were definitely in order.
Another fabulous feature of this top is the pockets. A few weeks ago I was flipping throuigh TV channels and caught the end of the show Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids. The bridal party was trying to decide between 2 dresses and one of the factors in consideration was pockets: 1 dress had pockets and the other did not. The male consultant working with them, Brandon, said in an annoyed tone, "You don't pick a dressed based on pockets." Umm... yes you do. At least, I do. Pockets definitely make or break a dress for me. While I am not wearing a dress here, I still enjoy the pockets!
Ignore my red nose and blotchy skin below.
What did you wear on this lazy Sunday?
I've been suffering from a nasty cold this week and I definitely needed a lazy Sunday today! I rarely wear jeans but decided to change out of jammies and be cozy while I am pounding cold pills and laying around. This Anthro sweatshirt is one of my favorite articles of clothing. I paid way too much for it, but have definitely gotten my monies worth as I wear it year round and fairly frequently. I love its length and the details in the stitching. It's been in the low 60s all weekend, so warm clothes were definitely in order.
Another fabulous feature of this top is the pockets. A few weeks ago I was flipping throuigh TV channels and caught the end of the show Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids. The bridal party was trying to decide between 2 dresses and one of the factors in consideration was pockets: 1 dress had pockets and the other did not. The male consultant working with them, Brandon, said in an annoyed tone, "You don't pick a dressed based on pockets." Umm... yes you do. At least, I do. Pockets definitely make or break a dress for me. While I am not wearing a dress here, I still enjoy the pockets!
Ignore my red nose and blotchy skin below.
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| Top: Anthropologie Jeans: Banana Republic Petite Flip Flops: J Crew |
Thursday, September 15, 2011
It's Complicated
A friend of mine recently graduated with her MBA and her husband threw a graduation party for her at their home. The day of the party, I double checked the Evite to check the time and I noticed the dress code was listed as "cocktail casual." Umm... what? In my head, cocktail= fancy and casual= well, casual (jeans and a nice top or maybe a cotton sundress?). I called a few friends to ask for their opinion and many of them were unsure of how to dress for the occasion. I was a bit stumped as I dug through my closet. The party began at 6 and was going to be outside so I decided to wear the mompos dress with pearls as it can be a little bit fancy but also a little bit every day- certainly appropriate for an outdoor garden party.
I didn't realize when I snapped these photos that the sun was in my eyes on my deck. I didn't feel like I was squinting, but when I downloaded these images, I see that I am squinting into the sun in everyone! Ugh. Please ignored my pained facial expression while you view the ensemble.
What's your take on "cocktail Casual" attire?
I didn't realize when I snapped these photos that the sun was in my eyes on my deck. I didn't feel like I was squinting, but when I downloaded these images, I see that I am squinting into the sun in everyone! Ugh. Please ignored my pained facial expression while you view the ensemble.
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| Dress: Anthropologie's Mompos Dress, Spring/Summer 2011 Shoes: Aldo Necklace: pearls from somewhere! Hair clip: J. Crew outlet, summer 2011 |
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
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.
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.
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| 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 |
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
How Did I Escape? With Difficulty. How Did I Plan This Moment? With Pleasure
As excited as I am for fall clothes, I am still not quite ready to shake my summer threads, as I know I will be buried in fall/winter clothes for the next 6 months or so. I am hoping to spend at least the next week or 2 in sundresses before I turn my closet over, so get ready for a bit more summer fashion (if the weather cooperates).
After all the rain we had last week, I was happy to have a sunny weekend! I went out for dinner and drinks with my friend, Jill and cousin, Emily. The bar had a piano player and we quickly turned our quiet night into karaoke. I am sure the other bar/restaurant patrons loved us.
For the evening, I wore Anna Sui's Marine Mural Dress from last summer at Anthropologie. This was my deal-of-the-summer last year as the dress was originally $228 and I believe I paid $100 for it, including shipping (or maybe I ordered it when there was free shipping... it's hard to recall!) It is light and easy to wear which makes it extremely comfortable and a go-to piece! Did I mention it is machine washable? That is an added bonus. I paired it with a bright cardigan from J. Crew (circa 2009) and Anthropologie's sugar snap skimmers from this summer (also snagged on sale).
After all the rain we had last week, I was happy to have a sunny weekend! I went out for dinner and drinks with my friend, Jill and cousin, Emily. The bar had a piano player and we quickly turned our quiet night into karaoke. I am sure the other bar/restaurant patrons loved us.
For the evening, I wore Anna Sui's Marine Mural Dress from last summer at Anthropologie. This was my deal-of-the-summer last year as the dress was originally $228 and I believe I paid $100 for it, including shipping (or maybe I ordered it when there was free shipping... it's hard to recall!) It is light and easy to wear which makes it extremely comfortable and a go-to piece! Did I mention it is machine washable? That is an added bonus. I paired it with a bright cardigan from J. Crew (circa 2009) and Anthropologie's sugar snap skimmers from this summer (also snagged on sale).
Monday, September 12, 2011
Organization Part 2: Accessories
On Friday, I wrote a post about clothing organization. This is the thrilling and award-winning sequel, Accessories Organization. Get ready.
As I mentioned previously, I have too many accessories. Shortly after I moved into this house, I was giving my friend Laura the tour and when she stepped into my bedroom she said "It looks like you sell jewelry here." It kind of does- I have accessories stored and displayed all over the place!
Let's start with the jewelry and then we will move on to belts, scarves, and shoes. (I actually don't own may shoes as most shoes are not made in my size.)
Last December I purchased this jewelry bust to store some of my chunkier necklaces that are too bulky to fit in my jewelry armoire.
A few years ago, I was looking for a way to store bigger necklaces and I came across a picture from an Anthropologie catalog that featured necklace-frames. I made some of my own following these simple steps. First, I purchased large picture frames from target. Then, I removed the glass and covered the backing with neutral colored fabric (glued the fabric to the backing, using super glue). Next, I purchased beautiful knobs from Anthropologie that color-coordinated with my bedding. I used a hammer and thick nails to make holes in the fabric and picture frame backing, then I screwed the knobs through. Voila! I had new wall art that was also useful in displaying my necklaces. Here's what they look like:
For years, my friend, Raechel, had a jewlery armoire that I adored. It is a full length mirror that opens up and has storage space inside. It is very functional, as it serves as a mirror in addition to an armoire. I searched for one like it for ages and finally asked her where she purchased hers. It came from QVC and is extremely affordable! I've had it for 3 years now and I truly love it. I would highly recommend getting one if you are looking for away to store jewelry. View it on QVC here.
Inside there are hooks for necklaces, spaces for earrings and rings, and a bar to hang bracelets on. I can store a ton of jewelry in here! I will post some pictures of the inside below.
That's where most of the jewelry is stored. I have a few jewelry boxes on my dresser that hold a few other items but nearly everything is contained here.
I keep headbands in the top of my dresser, as pictured below. I used to have a lot more, but for some reason when I moved in June I threw many of them away. Not sure why, because I am currently going through a headband phase and I wish I had them back!
Now let's move on to belts and scarves. I have a belt hook from Target and a scarf hanger from IKEA which I hang on the outside of my closet door using over-the-door hooks from target. It looks a bit scary and overwhelming in the picture but I promise it isn't in person! I do have quite a few of each.
Last but not least, the shoes. As I've mentioned, I don't own as many shoes. On the back of my bedroom door, I have this shoe organizer from target. It has spots for 12 pairs of shoes, but I fit more than that in there by squeezing 2 shoes into 1 pocket when possible. This organizer holds the shoes I wear most often so I can grab them and go on my way out the door. Shoes that come with their own shoe-bag are hung from the hooks and dangle down the side.
The rest of my shoes are stored in crates in the bottom of my closet. Right by these empty hangers-in-waiting (these are like ladies-in-waiting except they are waiting for new clothes to be purchased or clothes to come out of the dryer to be put to use).
That, my friends, is how I organize my accessories. Whew! Do you have any tips or alternatives for me?
As I mentioned previously, I have too many accessories. Shortly after I moved into this house, I was giving my friend Laura the tour and when she stepped into my bedroom she said "It looks like you sell jewelry here." It kind of does- I have accessories stored and displayed all over the place!
Let's start with the jewelry and then we will move on to belts, scarves, and shoes. (I actually don't own may shoes as most shoes are not made in my size.)
Last December I purchased this jewelry bust to store some of my chunkier necklaces that are too bulky to fit in my jewelry armoire.
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| If you love it, you can purchase your own from Pottery Barn! View it here. |
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| View Anthropologie's knob selection here. |
I keep headbands in the top of my dresser, as pictured below. I used to have a lot more, but for some reason when I moved in June I threw many of them away. Not sure why, because I am currently going through a headband phase and I wish I had them back!
Now let's move on to belts and scarves. I have a belt hook from Target and a scarf hanger from IKEA which I hang on the outside of my closet door using over-the-door hooks from target. It looks a bit scary and overwhelming in the picture but I promise it isn't in person! I do have quite a few of each.
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