Stripety stripe stripe stripes

Bonjour kittens! Hey, hey guess what!! Yes, you, guess!!! I AM BLOGGING FROM MY APARTMENT... WITH INTERNET! That deserves a big boo-ya! Ok, I have now used like a month's allowance of exclamation marks, so I must now blog without emotion. Can do. I think. Maybe. Ok, I give up. Who wants to read emotionless crud anyways.

I don't know about you all but one of my favorite things about Thursdays (besides the fact that they signal the start of my weekend) is Sydney's posting of Awkward and Awesome Thursdays! I mean seriously, chica is funny. Like makes me chuckle out loud funny. Oh, and while we are on the topic of this awesome blogger, is it creepy to say that I was super excited to read she is moving to my area this summer because it greatly enhances my chances of meeting her so our best friendhood can commence? Oh it is creepy? Dang. I guess I've used my creepy quotient for the month now, too. Well anyways, I decided to participate this week. Mostly because my creative energy seems to be just non-existent right now, but also because, well duh, it would be awesome!

Awkward:
-Posing in the bathroom mirror at work, because I don't yet have a fulllength mirror in the apartment, trying to decide if I want to use the pose later that night for photos and a coworker walking in and having to try and look like I was just very fixing my skirt. Ya, she didn't buy that. I mean, who would?
-Walking by people in a hallway and they say hey and even though you don't know them you think they are just being nice so you say hey back and smile, thankful for their kindness, only to have them give you a very odd look and then proceed to look past you to their friend that they were actually saying hey to. Woopsies.
-The fact that my kitten is special needs (ok so that could be an entry all on its own, but there is more) and decides to show her love by licking whatever fabric you are wearing and soaking you. And I mean completely soaking. So then you are laying in bed kind of cold because your cat has just licked your shirt to death.

Can you say awkward? Ok, now the really fun ones!

Awesome:
-Roomate serenading me from the shower, but I'm not sure she really knows it. This could be awkward, but only for her. And since this isn't her awkward and awesome Thursday, it goes under awesome.
-Photoshoots with roommate. Particularly when she does funny things like jump on my bed and tell me to work it or make funny faces while snapping the camera (more below).
-Having internet at the apartment and actually being able to read blogs without looking over my shoulder hoping someone at work doesn't notice. Way awesome.
-Our apartment in general. Even with the slightly leaky roof and definitely cooler than preferable temperature that we can't change, having a place that I paid for and is my own is definitely a-w-e-awesome!
-Roomate. Period.

Dress acting as a top (poor baby always has to be the supporting actress and never gets to play the leading lady): XOXO via TJ Maxx, Cardigan: American Eagle, Skirt: White House Black Market, Tights: Unknown, Booties: Steve Madden, Belt: goes with skirt, Necklace: Grandmother's, Bow ring: c/o Lichen and Lychee, Leaf ring: Cousin's

Haha can you tell by that smile that I am posing by myself and using the handy dandy self-timer feature?? My lovely roommate is leaving me next week for California (apparently her best friend having a baby is more important than being my photographer-shocking) so I decided to prepare by trying to figure out photo taking on my own. All I can say is I will definitely miss her. For more reasons than just her fabulous picture taking skill though!

So up next in my random "Let's show readers the new apartment in tiny snippets of outfit posts" idea would be the kitchen. Oh yes, aren't you just in awe of my interior design skills? I mean look at that fuzzy rug, baby! I missed my calling, I tell you.

And that smile you can tell is a "oh roommate you are so funny" smile. Really folks, she is. Especially when she holds the camera above her head and makes the concentration face complete with the pursed lips that usually only come out when she is shaking her thang on the dance floor.

Man this cardigan is sure earning its dollars this week with the pattern mixing. Although, I don't know if stripe-on-stripe can technically be classified as pattern "mixing." Maybe pattern layering?

So I should probably hit the hay since that fabulous roommate of mine is waking me up at 4 am to take her to the airport. Yea, not only do I have to live without her for a whole week, I have to help her leave me. What does she think we are, friends? Oh wait, we are. Best of. Ok guess I will drag my sorry little behind away from the amazingness of home internet and crawl under the covers. Until tomorrow, loves!

Bisous!

Blazer me up, Scotty!

Greetings from Paris, mes chéries! What a great place to spend the week of love, mais oui? Are you thoroughly confused at this point as to why I failed to mention this fabulous little trip and as to why Paris has suddenly gone colorless?? Rightly so kittens, since I am not actually in Paris. Unfortunately, I am just in my living room standing in front of a very large wall painting of the city that has me wishing I was in the city of love every time I longingly gaze upon it. I think this is the only gift my dad has ever picked out for me all by his lonesome and man did he he do a bang up job or what! I absolutely adore this art and it was the first thing that I hung in my new pad when I moved in. Even with all the boxes and clutter surrounding it, it instantly made the space feel beautiful and home-like.

So by now everyone knows that yesterday was Everybody Everywear's Blazer Challenge day, and since I a. love blogosphere games and b. never turn down an opportunity to throw on a blazer, I hopped right on board and donned the classic garment with pride. I actually really love to pair a blazer with a pair of skinny jeans for a nice mix of casual and dressed up, but seeing as I don't wear jeans to work I needed to come up with a new way to sport the fashionable coat. What happened next was pure accident.

Blazer: Elie Tahari via Bloomingdales, Blouse: Banana Republic, Skirt: LOFT, Tights: Forever 21, Pumps: Elle via Kohl's, Earrings: Mom's (haha I got away with a pair when I moved!) Bow ring: c/o Lichen and Lychee, Moulin Rouge ring: c/o Theresa Mink of My Ring Obsession (More on that below)

So everytime I saw myself in a mirror today (err yesterday. grr I want to catch back up!) I had to chuckle a little bit, because the word that came to mind each time I saw my reflection was preptastic. (Have I mentioned my affinity for making up words before? No? Oh dolls you are in for quite a treat then.) I felt like Blair Waldorf, minus the Upper East Side apartment and bow headband, in her Constance days. The blazer combined with the skirt basically created an explosion of prep and school-girl all over my body. Yet, I kind of adored it. C'est la vie!

My oh my the lighting is nearly angelic here! Well if the shoe fits... As I said before, this outfit was sort of an accident. I honestly would have never thought about pairing this blazer with this skirt for many reasons. One, I typically don't combine navy and black and two, I wouldn't imagine the long length of the blazer would pair well with the shorter length of the skirt. Yet, out of a sheer desire to incorporate the lace skirt into an outfit and wear my blazer for EBEW Blazer day I stumbled into this concoction. And it was instant love.

I hardly ever wear this blouse, because I often don't end up liking the flare around the ribs and then tight fit at the waist. But pairing it underneath the blazer was the perfect solution. It worked with the blazer open as well since I had tucked the fitted part of the blouse into the skirt. You can still see the detail of the neckline and the bright hue really pops under the navy.

I was in love with the lace overlay of this skirt the minute I saw Kendi rocking it a few months ago. I decided it was fate when I saw it was 50% off. Cue bells ringing! I've actually worn it several times, but never showed it on the blog so I knew it had to work its way in to this remix so it could get some loving. And don't you worry, it will be getting major loving. My rings seem to love it a little too much since they gravitate themselves right to it and instantly attach to the delicate lace only about a hundred times a day.

Please, oh please say you will ignore my nubby little finger and instead focus all your attention on the lovely bauble bedecking it? A million thanks. I have been meaning to share this little beauty with you ever since I received it as a giveaway win from the lovely Theresa Mink of My Ring Obsession (don't worry she will be back next week). I am un peu obsédé with this ring! It is so elegant and the colors absolutely sparkle when the light hits it just the right way. Theresa's shop specializes in one of a kind statement rings, and let me tell you this lovely makes all the right kind of statements!

So an apartment update: I will finally have internet tomorrow!! Can you literally hear me singing hallelujah out loud?? Oh I am! I never thought I would miss it quite so much, but I just need my hour before bed of bloggy friend time. It just can't be fulfilled in short little sneaky attempts at work. No no no. So thank you Mr. Comcast installation man for making this blogger very very happy! You had no idea how important you are did you? You can just call me the self-esteem booster if you wish. No, really, call me that. Now. Haha I kid.

Bisous!

Monday brights

Salut ladies! Yes, yes I am fully aware that today is Tuesday but since I am behind on 30 for 30 posting I am living life a day behind. Shh don't tell me what happened today, I want to be surprised :) And perhaps that is why I am at a total loss as to what to write today. Can I blame it on the Monday blues, even if it's Tuesday? It is kind of one of those days where I know I have so many things to tell you but I just can't seem to keep them in that little brain of mine long enough to share them! So maybe you will forgive me if I promise to have a super-duper entertaining post tomorrow? Great, it's a deal!

Sweater: New York and Co, Cardigan: American Eagle, Skirt: Michael Kors, Tights: unknown, Boots: Madden Girl

So you will have to excuse me for two things today. One, the crazy hair. I was too lazy yesterday morning to blow-dry it, so this is the price I pay for the extra 30 minutes in bed. Two, the bad lighting/ cluttered background of these photos. I am still trying to figure out the best place for outfit photos in my new pad. But hey, you could just look at as an opportunity to see something in my new place besides the floors and white walls! (Oh and I am laughing here because my roommate is standing on my bed yelling "work it!" and jumping around like a photographer has been trapped inside of her for years and finally released! This is real life, folks.)

So my dilemma yesterday morning when putting this outfit on was (once again) whether to belt the cardi. Seems that "to belt or not to belt" is an ever plaguing question when dealing with this cardigan. This time I opted to leave it open, as I felt the belt did not look right with the dipped cut of the skirt. It broke the outfit up in all the wrong places. So the cardi was left to its own devices this go around.

So this combo is kind of a big step for me. I have been dying to try pattern mixing, but just could not figure out what patterns to mix and how to pull it off without looking like I got dressed in the dark! I have played around with several combos, all that got vetoed by the mother, and finally settled on this one. I really liked the argyle mixed with thin stripes and the pink of the cardigan played nicely with the pink/purple of the diamonds on the sweater. So now the real test: mom, does it work??

I guess I lied to you yesterday when I said I would be back on track Wednesday with challenge posts because I actually won't be. Tomorrow I will post today's outfit (otherwise known as day 7) alone since it is my entry for EBEW blazer day and then Thursday I will post days 8 and 9 so that on Friday I will finally be caught up and posting regularly :) Whew, that was a lot of exercise for my brain so early in the week. Now that I've gotten it all revved up, time to get cracking on some work! Unfortunately it won't do itself. Wouldn't that be the day!   

Oh, and a bit of shameless self promotion, if you are a twitter user and you enjoy getting occasional news updates I would loooove for you to follow the opinion section of USA Today on twitter! I am the tweeter and it is one of my jobs to get our followers to 1000 by the end of the month. Yikes! So, if you want to just head on over here and click that nifty little follow button, I might maybe just love you forever! No guarantees, but it is a distinct possibility.

Bisous!

A novel

Hey dolls! Remember me? The girl who teased you by blogging for four days in a row for the first time ever and then just up and disappearing for 3. Ringing a bell now? Well, all I have to say for myself is hey girl, hey! This whole moving into my own apartment with a perfect roommate is great and all, but there is one minor snag. We still don't have internet and every day we try and call someone to fix that problem they tell us that our address either doesn't exist in their system or we don't qualify for internet at our location. Grrr. I guess the only solution is to march my hiney upstairs, knock on the door of our cute upstairs neighbors and sweetly ask them how they managed to get internet. Because I need to have my access to you lovely ladies back pronto!! Sounds like a fool-proof plan, mais oui? I always enjoy killing two birds with one stone (in the metaphorical sense only!) and when cute boys are involved in the multitasking, my plans just seem infinitely more genius.

So I affectionately dubbed this weekend Independence Weekend, which was just a way for me to try and keep my eye on the prize during all the moving and heavy lifting I did this weekend so that I would stay positive. Not quite sure it worked 100% of the time, especially after I spent 12 of about 32 hours in a car, followed by about 8 hours of hauling all my possessions down stairs and loading them onto a U-Haul and then up the stairs and into the apartment, capped by an evening of unpacking and arranging. Thankfully I had the help of my incredible family and friends which made it a thousand times better. And now that we are about 90% settled in and living in a space that really looks like home, I can say that it was all worth it. Needless to say, my weekend outfits were nothing special given that they needed to be moving-day friendly (aka comfortable). But, I did stick to my 30 for 30 clothing items the whole time. I basically wore a version of Friday's outfit again on Saturday (gross I know) though, so I am now a day behind on the challenge and of course I am way behind on posting photos. I'll catch up though!

Shirt: Target, Skirt (masquerading as a tube top): Forever 21, Jeans: Levi's via Kohl's, Boots: Steve Madden. Complete lack of jewelry: Courtesy of my move :)

I have a feeling you are going to get way sick of this plaid shirt before the 30 days are up, particularly on weekends. It has kind of become my go to comfy-yet-still-fashionable weekend top. See further proof here.

Did you catch my little caption there about the fact that I am wearing a skirt on my chest? Yes, you read that right. I don't know what size mediums Forever 21 thinks this skirt will fit, but I absolutely was not one of them. But since I am incredibly lazy and didn't want to take the time to mail back a $4 skirt, I decided to get crafty so that the itsy bitsy wouldn't go to waste. It reminded me of a tube top I used to wear in high school (when my body was tube top-able) which inspired me to see how it would work as an under layer. Et voila!

Ahh who is that impostor with her hair in a ponytail?? Yes, I know I never take pictures with my hair any way but down (or in a headband) but I decided that for the sake of total honesty I would show you how I actually looked when I wore this outfit on moving day. Hair up, no jewelry, minimal makeup. Don't judge.

I admit, I had apprehensions about this outfit due to the blue/red/white combo. I feared I would wind up looking like an American flag. But to my (pleasant) surprise I ended up liking the look and staying comfortable throughout the move as well. The subtle pattern mixing was a bonus, as that is something I desperately have been trying to master. Still working on it, but this was a step in the right direction for me.

As I mentioned before, Saturday (otherwise known as day 5) I looked remarkably similar to the above photos. Basically sub out the red top peeking out, button up the rest of those shirt buttons and swap out the ever chic Steve Madden boots for the ever hideous rain boots (oh yes, did I mention that my moving day involved constant rain? What fun.) and you have my Saturday look. Definitely not blog worthy. So I am skipping Saturday and making Sunday my day 5 instead. Don't worry, I can do that.   

Sweater: Target, Tank: White House Black Market, Jeans: Kohl's Boots: Steve Madden

Again, I am going fairly close to au naturel in the way of accessories and makeup and outfit complexity. I work from home on Sunday's which makes it very tempting to never get dressed and lounge around all day in sweats. To avoid that temptation, I compromise with myself by donning outfits that are only really a step up from PJs. Thus, the over-sized sweater becomes my best friend.

I have never really given in to the whole crop sweater look, so I almost always pair this loose sweater with a fun, feminine under layer (a la this lacy tank) to give it a little something extra and make it more me-appropriate.

You have probably figured out by now that I am not really a pants person (except clearly this weekend) considering that I have only ever worn them twice on this blog. But if you are an observant little reader you might notice that when I do opt for clothing garments with two holes, it is always this same pair of jeans. They quickly became my favorite this fall after I realized that they were the only pair of skinny jeans I had ever liked on myself.

I will have one more of these massive double outfit posts tomorrow and then I will be back on schedule for one a day on Wednesday. If you made it all the way through this novel, I applaud you. If not, a curse on all your family. Just kidding (you hope).

Bisous!

Army, meet the Navy. Navy, say how do you do?

Hi darlings! As I was getting dressed this morning I couldn't quite decide if I was feeling Army strong, or nautically Navy. So I decided to host a little military mingling and show my love for both services! It's a tough life, but hey, a girl's gotta do her patriotic duty every now and then. And since my two best guy friends happen to be in the Navy/Army I could never, ever choose between the two. Therefore, I hereby dedicate my day 3 of the challenge to all the amazing men and women who protect our wonderful country. Hats off to ya and my outfit salutes you!

Jacket: LOFT, Sweater: Forever 21, Dress (masquerading as a skirt): TJ Maxx, Tights: Forever 21, Boots: Madden Girl via DSW, Watch: Michael Kors, Rings/bracelet: gifted, Earrings: mom's

Today you get to see my new door. Aren't you just loving these apartment shots? :) I am planning on showing you actual footage of the apartment, but I want to wait until is decorated and looks presentable! Right now it is basically just white walls and hardwood floors. But, I do love my floors!

I stalked this jacket multiple times a day until it went on sale this fall. I eagerly awaited its arrival. I swooned over it when it finally showed its self at my door. But sadly, it has only made one appearance on this blog, or in life outside the blog! I knew that had to be remedied by including its lonely self in my 30 for 30 items. As soon as I included it, I immediately knew it needed to be paired with my newest sweater, since I loved the idea of pairing the army green with the red stripes. I can't wait to create even more outfits for this undervalued jacket!

There wasn't anything interesting going on with my bottom half today so I didn't feel the need to photograph it. Hopefully it won't have its feelings hurt, but it was necessary to keep it muted with all that I had going on up top. Ok I don't think I've ever discussed my body in halves like this ever and it is freaking me out so I am going to stop. I have already decided that I consider the 30 for 30 a success (and it is only day 3!) purely because it has introduced me to so many new and amazing blogs. I adore coming across great new reads and the fabulous Miss Kendi has made it all the more easy by organizing all her 30 for 30ers into a lovely little (nothing little about it!) list. I am tasking myself with the rather lofty goal of checking out each and every blog on the list by the end of the challenge, and for those of you have already seen the list you know that is a major undertaking! Even if you aren't participating in the challenge you should give it a looksie because I assure you will find many fantastic blogs to add to your daily reads!

 Bisous!

Hey there purple legs

Hello lovers! Happy groundhog day! One of the things you probably didn't know about me is that I love just about any and every holiday, particularly ones dedicated to furry little guys telling me that warmer weather is fast approaching! That little stinker better be right because even though I love my legs clad in purple, they are yearning to feel the sun! And I'm not sure I can stand my ghostly pale skin much longer! Although, as I'm sure my real-life friends would out me on here, I'm pale all year round. But I think it is a little better in the summer. Maybe...

Blouse: Lauren Conrad Collection via Kohl's, Skirt: Michael Kors via Rue La La, Tights: Kohl's, Booties: Steve Madden, Earrings: Personal accents, Rings: gifted, Bracelet: Juicy Couture Christmas gift from wonderful cousin

I went for a pretty corporate look today with a billowy blouse and my favorite pencil skirt. But, not to worry, I glammed it up with these awesome tights and my ever trusty certain to add some edge Steve Madden lace up booties.

So what do you think of my your first peek into my apartment?? Can you tell how very excited I am to have my very own apartment. Everything about it is thrilling. Even writing that hefty rent check was thrilling, although that was more of  a I-am-now-totally-poor- and-should-never-shop-again-kind-of-thrill.

If you haven't guessed after yesterday's post and today's I am going to try and show you close ups of each component of my 30 for 30 items. We will see how that goes. If it isn't a format you like, don't hesitate to tell me in comments! I love feedback :)

It is so hard to tell in these photos but this MK beauty has a lovely little criss cross front, which is what instantly attracted me to the piece in the first place. Michael Kors sure does know how to pay attention to the details!

So remixers, how is it going so far? I know, it's only day 2 but I always like to hear your thoughts! Does anyone else feel like all the good sales have just suddenly appeared, or is that just little old shopping addict me? Oh ok, I guess I'll suck it up now and suffer in silence...

P.S. Did I mention that my title is inspired by an oh so lovely gentleman I encountered on my way to work this morning who thought that creepily saying this line to me while licking his chops would somehow make me swoon? Yep, how is that for a fine start to the day! 

Bisous!

Let's get it started in here

Bonjour babes! Happy February. In the past I have despised this month of mushy gushy overload and seemingly daily reminders of my singleness. But this year ladies, I am fully embracing the power of the L-O-V-E, and no it does not mean that I am now in a two-some. I am still a one some. I am just, possibly for the first year in a long time, very ok with that. I am incredibly happy with my life and thankful for all the blessings I have been given. I am surrounded by the most amazing family and friends a girl could ask for, I have a job that I not only like, but love, I am in the process of moving in/ decorating a fantastic apartment (before and after shots will be coming) in the exact location that I wanted and with a fabulous roommate to boot! Honestly, how can I not be happy right now! Do I wish I had a special someone in my life to share all these excitements with? Absolutely. What girl doesn't want that. But I have faith he will come in due time and this year I am focusing on what I do have and not what I don't.

You are probably wondering where in the world that came from and why you had to read it. But honestly girls sometimes I don't even think I can control what comes flying out of these little fingers! It seemed like a good opening to the month though. And you know why else I am loving February?? Guesses anyone? There might be a prize involved. Well if you guessed because the 30 for 30 remix is occurring, step right up and claim your prize! Congratulations you are now the proud owner of all my love. You can take that right to the bank girlfriend.

I know that 30 for 30 created quite a controversy on twitter and throughout the blogosphere yesterday, so I thought I would take a (brief) moment to tell you why I have chosen to participate in this awesome 30 day challenge! Though many bloggers expressed the opinion that this idea is unrealistic, leads your blog to bore-ville and may even cost you readers for the month, I couldn't disagree with those opinions more. For me, choosing to participate in this remix had nothing to do with trying to be one of the popular kids. I had seen many of my favorite bloggers participate and write about how meaningful the experience was and I felt that it was a worth-while experiment for me. I decided that it was right for me personally to challenge myself to become more creative with my existing wardrobe, to place a firm shopping ban on myself and have a community of people that would hold me accountable and last, but most importantly, to bond me with other bloggers who would also be challenging themselves in the same arena. The joy of blogging for me is all about the socializing aspect and the creative outlet that the writing gives me. I adore fashion, but it will likely never be my career. Blogging about it is a stress reliever and something that I do purely for myself and for fun! Making new friends is a huge benefit and I am in favor of any blog project, such as the 30 for 30, that allow me an avenue to pursue new friendships. But I completely respect varying views and after all, blogging is all about the freedom to speak your mind, anyways! I'm very curious to hear what my readers think so don't hesitate to give me your honest opinion! So with all that said, let's go ahead and get down to remixing business!

Shirt: Paris H&M, Cardigan: H&M, Skirt: Michael Kors via Rue La La, Tights/Shoes: Kohl's, Watch: Michael Kors, Rings: gifted, Earrings: Forever 21

This skirt was one of my favorite fall purchases, yet this is only the second time I have worn it (not cool) which made it a prime candidate for the remix. Plus, it has a multitude of shades of brown (dark, light, caramel and even hints of blue at times) in it so the pairings are further expanded.

The gray cardigan and brown tights were the natural choice to compliment the skirt colors, but I'll admit that I went out on a limb when I quickly grabbed the pink shirt. However, I ended up loving the bright contrast to the darker colors of the rest of the ensemble. And it gave me a chance to try out my new tan businessy pumps.

Before I forget, shout out to my new photographer (aka roommate who probably didn't know photographer was a requirement of living with me!) Samantha and big thanks for these and all future photos you will lovingly take! You're the best!!

I just looove the ruffled front of this skirt. Totally takes it from drab to fab. Oh the genius of Michael Kors.

Ok 30 for 30ers the challenge is afoot! Let the games remixing begin!!

Bisous!