Friday, December 23, 2011

Top Three

Feasted on pulled pork, whoopie pies and soft pretzels at Reading Terminal Market.


The weather foiled our plans for visiting NYC and Longwood Gardens this week, but we still made the most of it. Instead we visited family: Paul's parents in Somers Point for tree decorating and dinner as well as his Aunt Bern and Uncle Ed at a hotel outside the city before their flight to Disneyworld--where they'll spend Christmas! They gave us the adorable Scottie dog mugs that I've been using for my hot chocolate. Wednesday was my favorite kind of day: a double feature (My Week with Marilyn and Being Elmo), and a mouthwatering lunch at Reading Terminal. Now I only have one more day of work and then my favorite day of the year will be here! Can't wait to spend time with family, eat lots of food, and watch everyone open their gifts. Have a very Merry Christmas! 

My Week With Marilyn is a must-see for the costumes alone!

Delicious hot chocolate with a candy cane stirrer.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Candy Striper

Forever 21 Shirt, BDG Shorts, Kimchi Blue Heels, Thrifted LOFT Cardigan, Vintage Clutch, Forever 21 Necklace

Aside from my obvious obsession with bracelets, I've never been much of  a jewelry person. I never wear earrings, and very rarely wear rings or necklaces. I would just rather spend my money on clothes than on precious or semi-precious stones and metals. Plus I've found that too much jewelry can be overkill, especially when you wear bright colors and patterns as much as I do. But a once in a while I'll pick up a piece of costume jewelry from Forever 21 or J. Crew that becomes a go-to accessory. I have a newfound obsession with collar necklaces after buying one last month on a whim. Now I can't stop wearing it!  So when I found this beauty recently, I had to buy it so that I could at least alternate between the two. It adds the perfect amount of visual interest to a simple outfit.




Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Lumberjack Chic

Lark & Wolff by Steven Alan Shirt, J. Crew Skirt, Hue Tights, Vintage Dexter Boots, Forever 21 Necklace, H&M Belt, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch, Forever 21 Bracelets, J. Crew Bracelet, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch


I love the idea of pairing glitzy nighttime pieces with casual daytime pieces. It's the same basic concept as pairing something high end with something low end, and something vintage with something modern. The contrast makes for an interesting and inspiring look that no one else will have. Plus, this is an outfit that can transform easily from day to night with the simple addition of heels and a clutch. Personally I prefer to wear it during the day and temporarily blind people with my shiny skirt.




Monday, December 19, 2011

Party Top (and Pants)

Vintage Blouse, BDG Jeans, Steve Madden Heels, Urban Outfitters Faux Fur Stole, Vintage Bag

This blouse was a lucky find from Vintage Connection, one of my favorite vintage stores in the city (until they sadly closed in 2010). Since it has such a festive vibe, I usually only break it out around the holidays. Rather than pair it with boring black or blue jeans, I decided to up the ante by pairing it with my red jeans. But it would also go great with green jeans, purple jeans, bright blue jeans, or pink jeans.... I think I'm gong to need some more colored jeans. 




Friday, December 16, 2011

Top Three

Holiday Inn was on AMC Thursday night! It's one of my favorite classic Christmas movies.

This week was nice and relaxing. We saw The Muppets movie (adorable) and shopped for stocking stuffers. We also took a trip to my parents' house to help decorate the tree (and to get a free lasagna dinner of course). On our way out to Oxford we tried to stop at Longwood Gardens to see the Christmas decorations but it was closed for a members' only event. Longwood Gardens is a holiday tradition for me, so next week we're going to try again and hopefully squeeze in a trip to NYC as well!

New gold flats from Forever 21 that will be perfect for holiday parties.

The Christmas tree at my parents' house that we helped decorate.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Floral Minidress

Kimchi Blue Dress, Forever 21 Cardigan, Vintage Dexter Boots, American Apparel Tights, Forever 21 Necklace, H&M Belt, J. Crew Bracelet, Forever 21 Bracelets, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch

I found yet another use for my new hot pink cardigan! I bought this floral dress a few summers ago off the sale rack at Urban Outfitters, and it's still one of the items in my closet that I reach for the most. Lately I've been noticing more and more how short it is...I've either grown a few inches in the past couple of years or I'm just becoming more modest. To remedy the problem, I decided to add some thick opaque tights, which has worked out well for the time being. But I'm still not sure if I'll be able to pull this dress off bare-legged next summer. 



Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Paint Splatter

Forever 21 Top, Forever 21 Skirt, J. Crew Belt, J. Crew Bracelet, Forever 21 Bracelets, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch, Vintage Justin Roper Boots, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch


Whenever I'm shopping I usually gravitate toward prints in general, but I get especially excited when I find an abstract or painterly print. I've always been attracted to abstract prints in clothing (as well as art...Kandinsky is a favorite of mine) so when it became a trend I was happy to have access to affordable options. The print of this Forever 21 skirt reminded me of the Vena Cava Healer Nun dress that I desperately wanted a few years ago, but without the $460 price tag. I usually pair it with a black and white striped or polka dot top, but decided to try this cobalt blue tee for a change of pace.



Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Borrowed Scarf

Forever 21 Top, Urban Outfitters Scarf, Levi's Jeans, Vintage Dexter Boots, Vintage Coach Bag, Forever 21 Bracelets, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch

Right now my go-to outfit for lazy days off consists of a striped tee, printed scarf, jeans, and my favorite boots. Comfortable and chic. I own plenty of scarves, but I could always use more. So when I went home to visit my family the other day my sister Emily generously lent me this one. It's her favorite scarf, so I feel very lucky. I promised to give it back to her next week, but until then I'll be wearing it every day. It goes with everything!


Monday, December 12, 2011

Hot Pink Cardigan Remix


From top left: Forever 21 Cardigan, Ecote Dress, H&M Skirt, J. Crew Blouse, Levi's Jeans, J. Crew Chambray Shirt, H&M Romper, H&M Polka Dot Blouse, Sparkle and Fade Skirt, Forever 21 Scarf, Forever 21 Top

I saw this cardigan at Forever 21 yesterday and immediately wanted it. But as I was nearing the checkout, I became unsure as to whether it was a versatile color to have in my closet. It was on sale for $12 so I bought it anyway. Once I got home I was relieved to find that it actually pairs well with most items in my closet and adds a nice pop of color to simple basics.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Top Three

Finally getting to use our Advent Calander (that we bought in July!)

I was hoping to finish our shopping this week so that we could enjoy the last few weeks before Christmas without the stress of finding last minute gifts, but we still have a few things to pick up. I did get a lot done this week, with most of my progress made at the Franklin Mills Forever 21. If you haven't been, go there immediately, it's the biggest and best Forever 21 I've ever seen (and I've seen a lot of them)! I usually have off Monday through Wednesday, but this week I picked up a Wednesday shift so that I could have off Saturday night for my friend Lauren's going away party (she's going to be a Navy Nurse! So proud of her!) I can't remember the last time I had off on a Saturday night, so needless to say, I am pretty excited. After the party I'm going to swing by my parents' house to drop off some Christmas presents since we won't be able to take them all in one trip. I don't exactly trust my younger sisters when it comes to snooping, so I'll hold off on bringing their presents home for now.

Oreo Cakesters!

The Black Keys' new album, El Camino, is addicting.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Tim Walker Pictures

Eglingham Hall and Balloons

Tim Walker is my absolute favorite fashion photographer. I adore every single one of the whimsical and romantic images he captures. In this post I've compiled some of my favorite Tim Walker photos. If you're interested in seeing more of his work, check out his website or the coffee table book Tim Walker Pictures
Lily and Spiral Staircase

The Dress/Lamp Tree
Pastel Cats

Stella Tennant

{all images courtesy timwalkerphotography.com}

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Shorts and Tights


I love shorts and tights in the fall and winter. When you wear shorts and tights, people on the street will look at you like you're crazy and complete strangers will ask you if you're cold. I usually reply with "Thanks for your concern, but I'm doing just fine." The thing is, it's really no different from wearing a skirt and tights in the winter (which I do all the time). In fact, it might even be a bit warmer, since there's no chance your shorts will blow up in a gust of wind. I probably won't try this look in the dead of winter when there's five feet of snow on the ground, but until then I will definitely be breaking out the shorts and tights every now and then.