More Fun

Dress: Forever 21 via Plato's Closet, $10 // Sweater: Forever 21, $18 // Tights: Target, $5 // Socks: Gift // Boots: Forever 21, $30 // Necklace: Antique Mall, $6

I had the hardest time getting out of bed this morning. It was downright blustery, and I'm definitely still easing into my regular work schedule after the break. Rather than letting my grogginess dictate a sloppy outfit, I tried to put together a respectable ensemble to brighten my mood. My newly lightened locks certainly helped! When I first dyed my hair a few months back, I was already toying with the idea of going lighter, and I'm so glad I did! I love it. Big props to my stylist, Teri at Green Room Salon. As always, she did a masterful job!

Giving Thanks

Coat: French Connection via Gilt, purchased with credit // Jeans: Courtesy of Fossil // Boots: Wild Man Vintage, $15 // Hat: Forever 21, $8 // Scarf: GAP, thrifted, $1 // Barrette: Courtesy of Mixed Media

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Mine was perfectly low-key including my outfit. My priority was staying comfortable and warm, but I wanted to add a festive touch. This sweet little barrette by LOLA artist Mixed Media totally did the trick. 

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, Christmas is in full swing! I adore Christmas time and kicked off the season yesterday by putting up some decorations, listening to my favorite Christmas songs, sipping egg nog and watching Love Actually with friends. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for my Thrifty Holiday Gift Guide and other holiday features.

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Faux Friday

Cardi: Target, $10 // Jeans: Courtesy of Fossil // Boots: Courtesy of Famous Footwear // Scarf: Target, $13 // Hat: Payless // Cuff: On loan from Butternutsquash

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, I was definitely in a Friday frame of mind this morning and found myself reaching for a simple, casual outfit. There were, however, a few details that made this ensemble feel special. The bold chartreuse color of the cardigan. My new leopard print scarf that I anticipate wearing constantly. And, most of all, this eco-chic cuff by LOLA artist Butternutsquash. Can you believe it's made out of cardboard? The artist specializes in jewelry and home decor made from recycled materials and found objects.

Are you going to shop this weekend? I tend to avoid the Black Friday madness, but I will probably make it out at some point. For all you online shoppers, my sponsor Scarpasa is having an incredible sale right now! Save 50% off sitewide November 25 - 28 with the code Friday2010.

In case I don't manage to post tomorrow, I just wanted to wish you all a happy holiday. There are many things I'm thankful for this year including everyone who reads this blog! It truly means so much to me.

True Blue

Tunic: Prototype via TJMaxx, $10 // Leggings: Courtesy of Bluefly // Shoes: Ciao Bella via TJMaxx, $30 // Belt: Thrifted, $2 // Earrings: On loan from Early Jewelry

I felt like a hippie cowgirl in this ouftit... one of my favorite fashion mash-ups! It all started with these beautiful earrings by Early Jewelry. I thought they paired perfectly with the denim tunic. Rather than taking the easy way out with black leggings, I decided to go for this tie-dye pair, which I've been challenging myself to wear more. They're not quite my style, but I think they're super cool. Brown leather accessories round out this quirky combination. And, yes, it was warm enough for sandals when I wore this yesterday!

What a Hoot

Dress: Courtesy of Kitty Reese // Sweater: Old Navy via Salvation Army, $4 // Tights: HUE via TJMaxx, $5 // Boots: Wild Man Vintage, $15 // Necklace: On loan from RED Designs Jewelry

I was on a roll this week and then got knocked down by a nasty cold! All is well, though, because today I'm introducing an exciting new project. Local folks might be familiar with LOLA, a collective of local female artists. Leading up to their huge holiday sale, LOLA GIANT (December 11th and 12th), I will be featuring work from some of the designers in my daily outfits. For those who don't live in the area, many of these amazing artists have websites.

This look features the awesome Owl Totem Dress by Kitty Reese. The artist screenprints her whimsical animal illustrations onto comfy American Apparel and Alternative Apparel garments.

To top it off, I'm wearing a gorgeous geode necklace by Rachel Dempsey, owner of RED Designs Jewelry. The artist creates intricately beaded jewelry inspired by Native American aesthetics. Her website is launching soon, and I will let you know when it does!

Stay tuned to see more pieces from local artists!

Paint by Numbers

Shirt: Tucker for Target, $27 // Blazer: Vintage, thrifted, $3 // Skirt: Lucca Couture, courtesy of Lucky Magazine // Shoes: Borrowed from my sister

After getting to work, I realized I had inadvertently coordinated my outfit quite meticulously. Besides the orange, each color appears in two places. Now I'm going to change into the comfiest pajamas I can find. I'm feeling a bit under the (cold, rainy, dreary) weather.

Up Fur Debate

Dress: Audrey via Plato's Closet, $10 // Vest: Forever 21, gift // Tights: Urban Outfitters, borrowed // Shoes: Forever 21, $28 // Belt: Thrifted, $1
 

I can't remember whether I've featured this faux fur vest on the blog, but I've worn it on quite a few occasions. Every time, I say never again! While I tend to wear what I like regardless of what others might think, it's hard to feel chic and confident when people literally think you look comical (and aren't afraid to say so). My feelings have never actually been hurt, but comments I've received have caused me to ponder to what extent my fashion choices are driven by trends. I suppose I either need to suck it up and flaunt my faux fur with confidence or accept that I can't make bold fashion choices where I live without eliciting reactions. When it comes down to it, I'm not losing any sleep and will probably continue to rock the vest on occasion.

On to the dress... My relationship with this frock seemed doomed from the start. There were so many factors working against it. It was terribly wrinkly (nothing a good ironing couldn't fix, but it does wrinkle very easily). It was snagged in many places. Because of the low-cut back, the shoulders refused to stay up. Despite all of that, I just couldn't bring myself to leave it behind. The long, voluminous sleeves, gorgeous color and cool exposed zipper (not shown) were just irresistible. Oh yeah, and it was only $10.

After yesterday's sort of emo post, I'm feeling good this week. I've eagerly brainstormed several outfit ideas including this one and others you'll see this week. The spark may be back. Fingers crossed!

Cherry Bomb

Top: Target, $28 // Jeans: Courtesy of Fossil // Shoes: Courtesy of ModCloth // Earrings: Local shop, $4

It's Monday. A new week. A clean slate. I've been feeling a little lacking in the inspiration department lately, and the time change has thrown me for a loop. Despite having a whole weekend to take outfit pictures, I didn't snap a single one. Most of the time getting dressed is fun, and when I'm excited about what I'm wearing, I'm eager to take pictures. Sometimes, though, it all starts to feel like a chore. At that point, I know I just need to step back and take a breather. It's probably for the best that I took the weekend off. This week I've resolved to dress with purpose and do a good job of documenting my looks. Oh, and hopefully I'll manage to have some fun while I'm at it.

On a lighter note, how amazing are these shoes?

Fields of Gold

Dress: Goodwill, $5 // Sweater: Forever 21, $19 // Boots: Wildman Vintage, $15 // Socks: Courtesy of We Love Colors // Belt: Goodwill, $2 // Earrings: Local shop, $3

It was so sunny and beautiful when I stepped outside today. I loved how the gold tone of my sweater matched the bed of leaves on the ground. A nice little fall outfit for a lovely fall day.

She's a Humdinger, Folk Singer

Sweater: Vintage via Wildman Vintage, $16 // Jeans: Courtesy of Fossil // Shoes: Clark's, $40 // Ring: Gift

A friend of mine spotted this sweet vintage sweater while we were shopping together. The bell sleeves and patterned accents charmed me right away. Lucky for me, she didn't want it for herself. I'm typically a solo shopper, but it's happy little discoveries like this that highlight the value of an extra pair of eyes. I almost definitely wouldn't have picked up this little gem if not for her.

I threw it on right away with some skinny jeans. While I considered a super wide-leg pair, I thought that might get a bit costumey. In keeping with the bohemian feel of the sweater, however, I slipped on my classic Clark's Wallabees for the first time in years. This was the ideal outfit for sipping a cup of tea at my favorite coffee shop on a Sunday afternoon. 

Lost Love

Dress: Shu Lami, secondhand, purchased with store credit // Blazer: Vintage, thrifted, $3 // Boots: Vintage via Wildman Vintage, $15 // Hat: Target, $5

When I found this dress over a year ago, it was love at first sight. Then the infatuation quickly subsided, and I only wore it once or twice before neglecting it completely. It's been on my list to remix for ages, but it always felt like a chore until the other day. I found myself really wanting to wear it, and this ensemble just fell into place. I felt great and am so glad I gave this dress another chance! It sort of makes me wonder what other forgotten gems are hiding in my closet.

Wild Thing

Sweater: Courtesy of Poetrie // Jeans: Tilt via TJMaxx, $18 // Shoes: gojane.com, $35 // Scarf: Gift // Hat: Target, $15

While doing some shopping on Poetrie, I was tempted by many a pretty dress. Then, I paused and asked myself what I would reach for again and again this season and beyond. I knew right away that this cute, cozy leopard print sweater was the one! It has already gained a spot in my regular wardrobe rotation, so my instinct was right.

Perfectly Preppy

Turtleneck: GAP, $12 // Jeans: Forme, $20 // Blazer: Vintage, thrifted, $3 // Shoes: Forever 21, gift // Hat: Target, $5

My style varies quite a bit, but there's definitely something about a clean, classic, simple aesthetic that really appeals to me. I felt like a true prep today in my striped turtleneck, structured blazer and blue jeans.

Revenge of the Nerds

Shirt: Thrifted, $1 // Sweater: Banana Republic via Plato's Closet, $4 // Jeans: Tilt via Plato's Closet, $18 // Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden, $40 // Glasses: Ragstock, $5

Though I try to play it cool, I am truly a geek at heart. I always loved school, studied twice as hard as I needed to and have never been one to break the rules. Well, besides the rules of fashion on occasion. Perhaps this deep-seated nerdiness explains my undying love of sweater vests, collared shirts and glasses (that I don't even need). Sigh. 

I Voted

Jacket: Forever 21, thrifted, $4 // Shorts: Flying Tomato via Fred Flare, $36 // Vintage via Wild Man Vintage, $15 // Hat; H&M, $15 // Scarf: Gift // Purse: Vintage, thrifted, $1

Got all layered up for a cool fall day. The best part? My voting sticker coordinated with my outfit!

Happy Halloween!

{"The Birds" and dead James Dean}

Had a fabulous Halloween weekend complete with lots of celebrating on Saturday night, scary movies and laziness on Sunday and plenty of candy, of course. Hope you had a happy one!