I'd hoped to grab a quick set of outfit photos after work this week - even though it was still freezing cold, the sun had been out all day for a change, and it wasn't a dark abyss at 4pm.
By the time I had the camera set up and the shot framed, my fingers became so cold they were throbbing in pain. I fired off a few shots as quickly as possible and hoped I had something useable as I hustled back to the still warm car.
So just one photo today.
The Rundown Striped Shirt Gap similar Jeans"Lola"Lucky Brand Navy CoatMark New Yorkvia South Moon Under Boots Crown Vintage via DSW similar Bag Linea Pelle "Astor" c/o Linger Rose Wool Fedora H&M similar Cashmere Scarf Second Time Aroundborrowed from Sean Black Leather GlovesJ.Crew
Yesterday was the first day of winter, the shortest day of the year. While I'm not winter's biggest fan (I happen to like being able to feel my fingers and toes, and no, I don't need any commentary on my choice of footwear, I'm having a cute boot crisis right now) I take a great deal of comfort in knowing that from this day forward, the sun will linger a bit longer each day and soon enough, it will be spring again.
I know I've been a bit of an absentee blogger these past few weeks - someday I hope to figure this time management thing out - until then, I will simply do my best. At least I succeeded in getting all my holiday baking done over the weekend, and thanks to the lovely Meg, a couple sets of outfit photos were taken on Saturday so I will actually have posts for the week without having to scramble.
As much as I adore Christmas, seeing family, baking, wrapping gifts; I am very much looking forward to the peacefulness that arrives when it's over, and I can sit in my pjs, watch Christmas movies, and eat all the cookies I made.
The Rundown Striped Sweater Hekla & Co. via Marshalls similar Chambray Shirt Tommy Hilfiger via TJMaxxsimilar JeansJoe's Jeansvia Saks off Fifth Red Suede Pumps Nine West thrifted similar Bag"Alexa" Danielle Nicole c/oLinger Rose Earrings Thrifted Watch"Classic Sheffield" c/o Daniel Wellington Arrow Bracelet Furbish Studio similar Chevron Rings Gorjana via Rocksbox
My favorite part of the holiday season is an excuse to get dressed up, pull out all the extra sparkle and go to town on the metallics.
There are always far too many things to choose from, and I want them all. Of course it's impossible for me to choose a favorite, but clearly I'm having a bit of an art deco moment. The Rachel Zoe earrings are stunning, and the budget favorite, the flower bangle, would make a perfect pair.
I wish I had more holiday parties to attend, but the only date I will be getting dressed up on is December 24th. I've already decided on wearing my panther dress, but I would very much like a shiny new accessory to go with it. Which would you choose?
Rachel Zoe Crystal Long Barrel Earrings, $175 at Linger Rose (Get 30% off with code CHICCHEAP)
BCBG Metallic Pumps, $60 at DSW
Pave Drop Earrings, $32 at JewelIQ
Leather Metallic Clutch, $39 at J.Crew Factory
Milor Italy Pave Ring, $40 at TJMaxx
Flower Bangle, $40 at Ann Taylor
Pave Toggle Bracelet, $40 at Banana Republic
House of Harlow Chrysalis Ring, $58 at Shopbop
Gold Glitter Pumps, $100 at Steve Madden
Beaded Chevron Clutch, $35 at H&M
For a long weekend, it certainly went by fast, though now we are on holiday time, and that means everything will be moving at warp speed for the next three weeks.
I had a lovely Thanksgiving with my family, got to see my baby nephew, who just seems to get even more adorable everyday. Black Friday I did some serious damage from the comfort of my bed, as planned. While I tried to focus on getting gifts, I may have snuck a few things in for myself.
On Saturday I had a marathon shopping day with my Mom, somehow we manage to go six hours on coffee alone. We love to go to the local Christmas fairs, then we made an attempt to go to the mall, but it was swamped and we didn't stay long. Most importantly we went to support our small local businesses... and I picked up a Ralph Lauren cashmere sweater for $34 at Coco's! Got to love high end secondhand. I know I'm over my French Wardrobe budget now, but some things are too good to pass up, right?
The Rundown White TeeGap Grey Sweatshirt Blazer TJMaxx similar White JeansOld Navy Grey Trainers Puma c/o Get the Label Bag Linea Pelle "Astor" c/o Linger Rose Plaid Blanket Scarf Zara similar Watch"Classic Sheffield" c/o Daniel Wellington Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo Gold Ring Thrifted similar Arrow Broach Vintage Carol Lee Nail Color"Nirvana" Sinful Colors
My new workplace is super casual, and while I know there is nothing stopping my from throwing on my pencil skirts and heels like I've always done, lately I've been feeling more comfortable in jeans and button downs.
Often I will throw on a blazer and heels, but when it's really cold out, boots and a sweater tend to win out. At least it's not a bad look to have on repeat.
The Rundown Chambray Shirt Tommy Hilfiger via TJMaxx similar Leopard Sweater Calvin Klein via TJMaxx similar Jeans"Lola"Lucky Brand Red Pea Coat Nine West via TJMaxx similar$$, similar$ Boots Crown Vintage via DSW similar Bag Linea Pelle "Astor" c/o Linger Rose Watch"Classic Sheffield" c/o Daniel WellingtonGet 15% off with code holiday_chichlyddie Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry Nail Color"Nirvana" Sinful Colors
Leaves fall, temperatures fall, and suddenly the 90% of my closet that isn't denim seems completely unwearable. Literally overnight, mother nature made the switch from fall into winter, leaving me standing in front of my closet feeling baffled.
Tights. The key to transitioning into winter, and thankfully my recent package from Kushyfoot contained a brand new pair of both their shaping tights and their fleece lined trouser socks. I'm also a really big fan of their fleece lined tights, anything to take the edge of the biting cold helps.
Along with tights another one of my essentials is a short slip. I get the worst static cling ever and I'm not convinced any dryer sheet, coat hanger, or safety pin trick works. A very comfortable and inexpensive slip does the job perfectly and I wont say no to any extra layer either.
Mind over matter. That is what I think when I reach for my favorite heels. Sure, things are great at first - I look cute, I feel sexy, strangers pay my adorable heels compliments. Everything is just perfect. For a few hours, anyway. Then I start walking slower, and standing leaves me fidgeting, shifting my weight from foot to foot for a momentary respite.
I know my heels and I know what I'm getting into. I try to plan accordingly, which to wear when I'm going for a marathon shopping day, which to wear when it's a car to restaurant kind of evening.
Though I can't plan for everything, and that's why I think Kushyfoot's Flats to Go are a clever backup plan. Foldable and compact, these shoes come to my rescue when my feet can no longer carry on in heels. I'm keeping them alongside the other emergency items in my car, and throwing them in my purse when I'm anticipating needing them.
The only draw back to the Flats to Go is that the soles are very thin and intended to be mostly worn indoors or outside on flat surfaces. However, at only $10 a pair, if they got destroyed, but saved my feet from a long walk home in heels, it would be worth it.
Have you entered to win a $400 Gift Card to Nordstrom yet?
Mini Punk Princess Bracelet CC Skye c/oLinger Rose Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box Gold Twisted Bracelet The Cavernous Jewerly Box similar Snake RingBrilliant Imports Pearl and Rhinestone RingForever 21
Lately I've been feeling like I can't keep up with things. Last month I got a new office job, and even though it's only part time, I'm struggling to get back into my old schedule, where I had balance between work and the blog. I also forgot what it's like to learn a new job. I'm anxious to reach the point when I know how to handle everything and feel comfortable and confident.
As happy as I am to be gainfully employed once again, I still really want to keep focused on growing the blog. I want to see how far it can take me, and that is in part why I agreed to be on Extreme Cheapskates, for the exposure; however I never imagined the level of completely fabricated, scripted things I would end up doing. I also never thought about just how many times TLC re-airs their programming.
I don't check the listings or anything, I know when it airs because as soon as it does, I receive half a dozen Facebook friend requests from people (mostly men) that I don't know. I also get tweets - some are kind and positive, while others are quite mean. I don't want to be called sick, uncompassionate, disrespectful, disgusting, or morbid, even if it is in regards to something I don't actually do, even if it is from strangers who can't spell, hiding behind screennames on the internet. My Cheapskates appearance even earned me a few seconds of mockery on The Soup.
Honestly, was my acting really that good? Because I don't believe myself for a second.
Lately, what I want the most is a weekend without obligation. Where all my blogging is done, all my errands are run, the laundry is clean, and I can just be without worry of what is going to require my attention next. When I can spend an hour picking out a holiday card from Minted and not be using it as a procrastination device latent with guilt. And while I'm daydreaming about an impossible weekend, I would like to be able to spend it with Sean, the perpetual weekend worker, as well.
Thanks for listening to me ramble, hope you have the weekend you've been dreaming of, or at least a pretty good one.
I love seeing sneakers being made stylish. Don't get me wrong, I love my heels, and nothing can replace the sleek, sexy feeling of a gorgeous pair of pumps. However I can't wear heels everyday, for everything; my feet need a break and that is where the cute flats, and now these Puma trainers from Get the Label come into play.
The classic grey trainers with the Formstrip in navy are a perfect weekend shoe. I know some people can pull off running shoes in bright, flashy colors, but I much prefer the subtle neutral shades. If you should fall into the former category, they are available in cobalt, and bright yellow as well, and like everything else you will find at Get the Label, are on sale!
I haven't had a proper sneaker in years, so I'm really excited to have a warm and comfortable way to run my weekend errands this fall. I'm also already looking forward to the cute warmer weather possibilities; first on my list is with the little white dress... even though I know that is a long way off right now!
