Snowy Shores

I feel safe in the rhythm and flow of ever-changing life.

The conflict of the snowy day - do I want to just hunker down on the couch all day, or do I want to  bundle up, venture out, and try to capture some of the magic that is a snowstorm?

The snow was really coming down, and with the cold and the wind, I'm surprised we got any decent photos at all. I even did something I've never done before - left the car running while we took photos! I'm always super conservative when it comes to leaving the car running, I won't even go through drive-throughs!

What is it about the beach all covered in snow that I find so intriguing? perhaps because it's the opposite of everything that comes to mind when I think about the beach, or perhaps the absence of people, either way it's one of my favorite places to go when it's snowing.

        

The Rundown
Black Sweater Banana Republic
Yoga Jeans Second Denim via Coco & Vera's Giveaway

White Parka American Eagle similar

Snow Boots Pajar similar, on ebay
Fur Pom Knit Hat Amazon similar

Reversible Plaid Scarf Gift similar
Leather Gloves J.Crew Factory similar

Linking up with I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday

and

Sandy a la Mode's On Trend Tuesday

Blizzard

On Saturday blizzard Jonas came through and for as much as I dislike the aftermath of snow, I love it when it's falling and turning the world into a perfect white blank slate. I also love taking outfit photos in the snow, walking through it, and just enjoying the magic of it. When I was small I could spend the whole day outside, now I've had my fill after about 40 minutes and I'm content to spend the rest of the day on the couch watching movies, drinking coffee, and devouring chocolate. Those are the snowstorm essentials, right? To heck with bread, eggs, and milk.

The Rundown
Snowflake Sweater Abercrombie & Fitch

Gingham Shirt J.Crew thrifted similar

Yoga Jeans Second Denim via Coco & Vera's Giveaway

White Parka American Eagle similar

Snow Boots Pajar similar, on ebay
Red Willis Bag Vintage Coach via ebay similar
Fur Pom Knit Hat Amazon similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

and

Fizz & Frosting's Mix it Monday

and

Monday Mingle

Just because there is a sale...

Funny thing. I don't didn't own a plain white tee shirt. Basics have always been a bit of a problem for me because I never want to buy them. They are just so boring.

But then this morning I really wanted one, and other than my white cammis (which can't be worn solo) all I had to fill the slot of 'plain white top' was the pajama top I was wearing.

Obviously I decided to just wear it, and then go about finding something suitable.
I knew American Eagle was having a good sale, so I went there. Extra 30% off clearance and free shipping if you buy three things (not a problem). I didn't find a good tee though. But all that browsing lead to these purchases:

Turquise fringe necklace for $8.36

Antiqued rhinestone ring for $8.36

Draped vest in olive for $8.36

I was still on a mission though, one that necessitated a visit to TJMaxx. And the tee was acquired! 

Wait, do you think I could go to TJMaxx and come home with one little $6 tee?

Don't be silly. I found this striped top which I liked for it's use of both horizontal and vertical stripes. 

It's by Threads, and was $13

And, my new favorite item:

Looks like a skirt, but is actually shorts!!! And I adore the bright print, I think this can fulfill my dream of floral shorts. Ahhh, they are so cute. I can't wait to wear them. They are by Jaloux and were $25.

... doesn't mean you should buy lots of things simply because they are good deal!

One more thing - I have to thank Marie from The Joy of Fashion for the One Little Sparking Blog Award!

Here are the rules to the award:
1. Answer the question : "What do you like the most about your own blog?"
I like having a place where I can be creative and get to see and hear from other people who are just as in love with fashion as I am. Having this blog has made my closet a far more interesting place. I think the relationships formed between the other bloggers are so fun and unique.

2. Pass this award to another ten lovely ladies
Carrie Bradshaw Made Me Do It.
eek!
A Chameleon's Closet
Fossil Frame  
QUIRKY EXPLOSION
My Every Day Wear
from skirts to skillets

Plaid Strapless Dress

I purchased this cute plaid dress from American Eagle last fall, with the knowledge that it would need some work before it was wearable. So it sat in my closet, collecting dust until I finally took the initiative to transform it into something I could actually wear.

Strapless things which rely on structure rather than stretch are always tricky for me, because I have to buy a size up to fit my bust and then take in the waist. Fortunately, alterations are something I feel comfortable doing myself, partly because of years of experience, and mostly because the dress was only $13 (so if I managed to completely botch the job I could get over the loss pretty quickly).

In addition to taking in the waist, I also needed to shorten the dress about 4". The original hem line had a really beautiful blind hem, but since I struggle with those, I just did a regular hemline in pink thread, so it felt like it was showing more intentionally.

The final issue with the strapless plaid dress is the fact that it is a winter dress. So here are some thoughts on how to warm it up!

Red pumps from Nine West, gold shrug from H&M, necklace by Daisy Fuentes at Kohls, and trying out some navy socks with my heels!


My love affair with turquoise and red continues with this corduroy blazer from TJMaxx. Pink flats from bakers and the super trendy mulit chain necklace are what I'm wearing today!

This is one of those instances when I was looking at a fashion magazine where they throw pretty much anything on and it somehow looks good and then I try to emulate that and it sort of fails.
The satin bell sleeve button down with the peep toe pumps (both from kohls) were making me feel the sexy librarian vibe, so I threw on my glasses that I never, ever wear.

On Those Days When the Mere Thought of Going Outside Makes You Cold

I find myself spending hours pouring over the clearance sections of various web sites, and I'll go around, picking out various things, then searching for any coupon codes I can find, and should any good ones turn up (particularly free shipping) I might indulge a little.

I might have also indulged a lot today at American Eagle. It started out innocently enough - I've been wanting some stacking rings and they had a set of three for $15.50.

Then, my feet were feeling particularly chilly, and some cute fair isle print slipper booties were on clearance for $10.

And just for the hell of it, I stuck this super cute coat in my shopping cart - something that buttons straight up to the top and has a fur trimmed hood -- something that would likely keep me much warmer than my pea coat.

After a bit of poking around, I found a nice %20 off coupon code which made the coat only $48 - such a steal! And that in turn lead to the discovery that there would be free shipping on an order over $100. So at that point it only seemed like the logical thing to do, I mean really, waste $8 on shipping? It would simply be crazy.

So that is what happens to me, on the days when I decide to stay in and not go shopping.

Awesome Christmas Presents $23 and Under

With only 23 days left until Christmas I thought I might share some gifts I've been eying, for both my friends, and myself.

Ceramic sparrow salt and pepper shakers, $14 from Fredflare.com; cute 3" birdies I would love to place on my table. I love anything with a function that is also adorable to look at.

Photo coasters - I got these for my mom and have already preloaded them with some fabulous snapshots I know will embarrass her! They can be purchased from a few different places and vary in price, I like this set of four from Target for $13.29.

Eye Test Necklace, $23 offered by artist Tilly Bloom from Etsy.com is very funky and fun, and is a fantastic gift for any of your girlfriends who love having their chest stared at. The artist offers many other pieces of jewelry, all plastic with ink illustrations, very detailed and unique.

Gem Earrings from American Eagle, they are gold tone branch looking hoops with gems inlaid, and are a great price at $12.50. I've seen similar earrings from jewerly sellers like Lia Sophia for $44.

Chocolate Brown Messenger Bag, on sale for $19.98 at Aldo, would be a perfect gift for my brother. I wish they'd included some dimensions, but it looks big enough to shlep around a 15" laptop.

Yes Frills Jewelry Organizer, is a white metal orginizer that is wall mounted, great for freeing up surface space in a small room. It has dozens of swirls and hooks, for necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Offered online only from Urban Outfitters, and is $20.

Mini Pocket Mirror, by free people comes in four sequined and embroidered variations, and at $14 is sure to add plenty of sparkle to an on the go makeup application.

I love trapper hats with their fur and fringe, and Aeropostale has this one on sale for $14.75. The fair Isle print is always classic, and I think this could be good for both boys and girls.