craving a new 'do

Happy Monday, everyone! In a recent post I mentioned about getting a hair cut. Well, I found some great inspiration for some hairstyles I would love to try {but I don't know if I am brave enough yet}...

{this is one of my fave hairstyle inspirations!}

{I also love her outfit!!}

{Ms. Jennifer Nettles always has great hair}

{Katie Holmes pulls off both long and short hairstyles effortlessly}

{Saw this on Real Simple...this might be a tad shorter than I would go, but I love the cut - and color!}

{all images via my Pinterest}

Last time I took the plunge and got a shorter 'do it ended in utter disaster {and I no longer go the the salon that made me look like a q-tip} but I have a really awesome stylist now {Ashleigh at Bella Trio in Durham - she is AWESOME!) but I am still apprehensive. Yes, hair grows back...but that awkward grow-out period is just so...awkward.

Decisions decisions...

first outfit post!

I am a little nervous about this, but this is my first outfit post ever. I used the camera on my phone {obvi} so I don't know how many of these I will be doing due to small mirror and phone camera conflicts.

turtleneck: Lands End Canvas

dress: Target

cable knit tights: Target

boots: DSW

belt: Target

This weekend I was doing a little closet reorganization and while I was switching my summer tops and dresses out for my warmer fall/winter stuff, I had a revelation. Some of my summer dresses and tops can be layered with long sleeve shirts {and tights in the case of the dresses} and can be worn through the fall and winter. {I know this isn't rocket science, but sometimes I have a hard time visualizing how some pieces can be layered to create multi-season outfits}

It's all about layers, people! : )

So...per my recent revelation I layered a summer kimono dress with a turtleneck, tights, and boots....and viola! A {warm} fall outfit! This is the first time I have worn cable knit tights in years - and I almost forgot how warm and cozy they are!!

Thanks for letting me be brave and sharing my outfit with you!

Addendum: I just ripped my cable knit tights with the zipper on my boots! GRR! The rip is small...hopefully I can stitch my tights back to new... : /

work it wednesday!

Since I bought my "calf-friendly" boots {if you have no idea what I am talking about, see this post}, I have been dreaming of ways to wear them. Too bad the temperature hopped back into the 80's for the beginning of this week. When the weather allows here are three ways I plan on rockin' my new kicks:

{top, jeans, shoes, jewelry, poncho, bag}

{poncho, t shirt, legging, legging, boots, handbag, earrings}

{top, jacket, skirt, stocking, boots, bag}

{top, jacket, skirt, stocking, boots, bag}

I pretty much have something that looks like everything above except for that pink poncho and the black cable knit poncho. I feel like they are in my future, though.

Just an FYI...Lands End Canvas is now having 50% off sale as well as the Classifieds {if you don't know what the Classified are, read more about it here}. Again, as I have mentioned before, they have awesome stuff and their sales are really good. I just bought 3 turtlenecks for $5.00 each. Love me some LE Canvas.

thursday latelies

Happy Thursday! It is another strong coffee day, for sure. For some reason I can't seem to wake up this morning. Hopefully this strong coffee will kick in soon!

Since today is Thursday, here are some things I am thankful for today:

1. These boots from DSW:

{via DSW}

I have been searching high and low for some boots that I can wear with skirts and tuck my skinnies in but I have this issue. I call it fat calves syndrome but it actually is that my calves are just slightly more muscular than the average woman. This means the 14" calf circumference for most boots would be fine with a skirt but no room for socks or to tuck my jeans in. These boots, however, have solved my fat calves syndrome problems and have saved the day! : )

2. Suave Dry Shampoo:

This stuff is AMAZING! I recently bought TRESemmé dry shampoo and it left a weird film in my hair and it was really perfumed. Last week Bex posted in her Thursday Latelies about the Suave Dry Shampoo and I decided to give it a whirl. It is AWESOME. No film and a light scent (a nice contrast to feeling like Pepé Le Pew). I normally love TRESemmé products but their dry shampoo just wasn't working for me.

3. Cable Knit Tights:

These remind me of my childhood (I had a pair of pink ones that I loved) and when I saw they had come back in style for adults I was thrilled! Unfortunately it was too warm to wear them today but as soon as the weather cools I will rock some cable knit tights (I have cream ones and grey ones) with those boots I bought.

What are you thankful for today?

work it wednesday

Happy Wednesday! My blog posts have been rather wordy lately...so I wanted to do one with few words and lots of photos. Without further delay - work it wednesday featuring flannel (who doesn't love flannel when the temps drop?):

{flannel shirt, skinny jeans, shoes, bag, necklace}

{shirt, skirt, tight, knee socks, boots, bangle, scarf}

{shirt, shorts, cable knit tight, boots, handbag, hat, scarf}

What are you working today?

pull out the sweaters...

...fall is here! It was in the 40's when I woke up this morning. Since we haven't turned the heat on yet, it was quite chilly in our house this morning. I didn't want to get out of bed! Since fall has arrived in full force, it is time to pull out those sweaters and all things warm and cozy. I am not sure if I am 100% ready to let go of the warm days of summer just yet (here's to hoping for another warm up before the cold weather really sets in!) but I am happy to start breaking out my sweaters.

One thing I am looking forward to purchasing is a sweater dress. They seem to be everywhere and I am loving a good sweater dress with tights and boots. Here are just a couple of sweater dresses I would love to add to my wardrobe:

{Lands End canvas, Loft, Lands End canvas, Loft, Loft, Loft}

I must say I am really impressed with Lands End Canvas. They have really great stuff. I have purchased a couple of thing from LE Canvas and everything is really well made and will last forever.

Have a great Monday, everyone!

work it wednesday!

Happy Wednesday, friends!! And Happy Fall! Fall just seemed to sneak up on me this year, especially since the weather has warmed up yet again here in North Carolina.

Okay, so I just got this dark blue dress from Kohls and I adore it. I am already scheming several ways to work it into my wardrobe. Here are three looks I plan on trying out soon:

1. Wedding Wear

I got this dress specifically to wear to a wedding. I picture it with nude pumps and a nude clutch and some simple jewelry.

{dress, pumps, handbag, necklace, earrings}

2. Wear to Work

I think this dress would be too short without tights, so I think tights are a must for wearing this number to work. I think it would look great with a black blazer, black opaque tights (or textured if you are daring), black pumps, simple earrings and a fun colored work bag (I couldn't decide if I liked the pink or the orange bag best...so I added them both) :)

{dress, blazer, opaque stocking, pumps, hand bag, hand bag, jewelry}

3. Bummin' around town

This dress might seem fancy for bummin' around town...but sometimes you need a little wardrobe pizzazz - even if you are just going to the post office. I also think this would work great for meeting friends for brunch. Pair it with a comfy cardigan, flats or oxfords, a fun knit hat, messenger bag, and fun jewelry for running errands in style.

{dress, long cardigan, oxford, messenger bag, bangle, knit hat}

For some reason Blogger keeps changing my font sizes even though I edit them to be the correct size. What up with that, Blogger? Anyone else have these issues before?

Kohl's

TGIF everyone! I am so happy it is finally Friday!

So I was taking a gander at the Kohl's website and here are a few things I came across that I absolutely love:

                                       




{dress, dress, top, top, wristlet, boots}


I found myself at the Kohl's website in my pursuit for taller boots. I posted about some boots at LOFT that I fell in love with...but I am also keeping an eye open for an option that is a little less expensive but made well. I need to go see these boots in person.

After looking at boots I found myself looking at the stuff from the LC Lauren Conrad line. Those two tops and dresses are from her line.

I love the color and quilting of that wristlet. A nice cranberry color for fall.

Looks like I might be stopping by Kohl's this weekend...

work it wednesday!

Since I just got a pair of red Toms I thought it would be cool to see how I could work them three ways.


1. Game Day

The team I have adopted to root for down here is NC State. I have a lot of friends who went here so it seemed natural to adopt them as my home away from home team (this is the team I root for normally). People in the south dress differently than people in the north and there is this big focus on what to wear on game day. Normally one would wear a shirt with the logo or name of the team but down here there is more of an emphasis on looking cute and wearing a lot of the color of the team you are rooting for. Who am I not to take a perfectly good opportunity to look cute?
NC State's main color is red, so for game day I would load up on the red accessories (and of course my new red Toms).

{long shirt, shorts,Toms shoes, handbag,necklace, stud earrings}


2. Movie Night

I have been dying to wear my Toms with a dress. I think a floral dress would fit the bill nicely.

{dress, cardigan, TOMS shoes, handbag, jewelry}

3. Errands Around Town/Saturday Coffee Date with Friends

Red Toms would add a nice pop of color to an otherwise basic outfit. Oh, and check out that acorn necklace!

{Sweatshirt, skinny jeans,TOMS shoes, saddle bag, jewelry, Cami}

What are you working today?

LOFT - fall favorites

If you read a lot of blogs it is no secret that most of us are ready for fall. LOFT has some great pieces to add to your fall wardrobe. Below are some of my favorites.

{cable cardigan, boat neck top, dress, long skirt, platform boots, platform pumps, suede wedge heels, rhinestone jewelry, aviator shades, animal print scarf}


I think those chocolate suede wedges calling my name. Those boots? I have been looking for a pair of taller brown (or grey) boots with a slight heel and these might just fit the bill. And that striped sweater dress...how cute would that look with a skinny belt and tights? I'm in love.

What are you looking to add to your fall wardrobe?

red winter coat(s)

Jills's post from Tuesday over at Good Life For Less (a blog I read daily) got me thinking about winter jackets. Winter here in North Carolina is a long way away but it always seems to sneak up on me. I am originally from Syracuse, NY where it snows more often than not, so my winter coat was more about function than fashion. I purchased a black pea coat a while back but I am looking to get something to add a punch of color to the otherwise dreary days of winter. I am also thinking red because it pretty much goes with everything. I don't need something too heavy so I can go with something lighter and a little more fashionable than my heavy-duty Columbia winter coat.

Here are some jackets I love:

{via Old Navy}

{via Old Navy}

{via Old Navy}

{via Top Shop - this is the one from Jill's post yesterday}

Old Navy seems to always have something good at a good price point. If I don't end up getting the jacket from Top Shop I am leaning towards this coat from Old Navy. The color is Rowdy Red - what is not to love?

What type of jacket will you be sporting this winter. Are you even thinking about winter-wear yet?

work it wednesday!

I decided to join in on the fun for work it wednesday! These three outfits are all breaking the white after Labor Day "rule" with white skinny jeans.

Look #1: Date Night

{blue tank top, jeans, shoes, necklace}

I have this navy top and it looks great with pretty much everything. It also has pockets {bonus!}. That necklace will soon be mine. I love the colors - another piece of jewelry that will add pizzazz. 

Look #2: Casual Saturday

{tank top, cardigan, jeans, shoes, shoulder bag, necklace}

I love these red Toms so much. I am thinking about adding them to my vast collection of shoes (I consider myself a shoe collector).  

Look #3: Casual Friday

{button down shirt, blazer, jeans, pumps, handbag, necklace}

I am loving this look for a casual Friday at the office. White trouser jeans could be substituted if skinny jeans for the office isn't your thing.

Happy Wednesday and don't forget to check out more at good life for less!!

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend! As Jill over at Good Life For Less mentions in her post today, fall is here (or almost here depending on where you live). With fall comes some wardrobe swaps - my favorite being able to wear jeans again. One trend that was big this year was white skinnies. I don't personally own a pair (I have a fear of spilling things like ketchup on white clothing) but I love the way they look and some day I might be brave enough to get a pair (although I will most definitely have to stock up on Tide pens).

This article caught my eye this morning regarding wearing white after Labor Day. I am loving the Alexander Wang cage-sleeve jersey top.


Question(s) of the day - to wear or not to wear white after Labor Day? What white pieces will you be adding to your fall wardrobe?

{image via}

work it wednesday

Jill over at good life for less started this this thing called "work it wednesday" where she takes an article of clothing and styles it 3 different ways. It is great because it gets the wardrobe juices flowing and helps me to be more creative in the way I put outfits together. Other bloggers also join in on the fun. Check out her latest work it wednesday post. I am loving the colored flats idea...a great way to add a pop of color to any outfit.

I have also included a button link for work it wednesday on my sidebar so you never have to miss a work it wednesday post!

fall and my current shoe obsession

(shirt, blazer, skinny leg jeans, heels, golden ring, scarf, skinny belt)

Something about the crispness in the air this morning had me thinking of fall and of course my fall wardrobe. I fell in love with these Anthropologie peep-toe heels the minute I saw them online. There is something about the color and style of these shoes that make them a wardrobe staple that can be carried from summer to fall. For a fall outfit I paired these shoes with dark skinny jeans rolled up slightly at the bottom, a peach colored blouse and a navy blazer. I topped off the look with a colorful belt, a statement ring, and a floral scarf.

(dress, heels, clutch, bracelet, sunglasses, scarf)

Since where I live it is still mostly hot out (with an exception of this morning) I wanted to find a way to wear these shoes with a more summery outfit. I paired them with a floral dress, mulberry colored clutch, a cream colored scarf (I am also loving fashion scarves right now) tortoise shell sunglasses and a fun bracelet.

A look for fall I am loving right now...

{sweater, skirt, shoes, cross body shoulder bag, butterfly stud earrings}

Something about stripes...I don't know what it is but I am loving everything stripes right now. This sweater from Old Navy is perfect for those chilly summer nights and it will take you right through fall. I love it paired with a bold {red} skirt and brogues. Top it off with a bright colored bag and simple jewelry...and you have the perfect collegiate outfit.

it's been a while...

I will admit it - I am a really bad blogger. I started this blog after reading lots of other blogs (see my links list - those are some of my faves and I will be adding more soon) and I totally forgot about the blog I was trying to start myself. Sorry about that. I will try harder next time, I promise. : )

Now...an update...

1. If you haven't read The Art of Racing in the Rain, you must, especially if you are a dog lover like myself. Warning - you will cry. Keep tissues near.

2. The weather has finally started to cool off! By cool off I mean no more triple digit temps and high humidity (fingers crossed that it stays this way for a while). The nights are even getting into the 60s! This means I can run in the mornings and not feel like I am running through a swimming pool. Winning.

3. I signed up to (re)take a part of my professional licensing exam. Studying should stop once you are out of college, but alas, 2011 has been the year of studying for me. My exam is next month - keep your fingers crossed this is the last time I will have to take this test!

4. I had an awesome beach weekend last weekend at Carolina Beach with some friends and we discovered this awesome bar called the Fat Pelican. If you are in Carolina Beach, you should check it out.

5. I joined Pinterest and I must say I am not sure why I didn't join sooner. I have been a pinning fool. I <3 Pinterest!

6. I have been reading a lot of fashion/style blogs lately and as a result I have decided to not only make more of an effort to dress better but to be more daring and take more chances with my wardrobe. Why not? I will try and post some photos of my outfits (successful or not) to document my fashion journey.

Well, I will end if there as to not overwhelm you with all of my life updates.

Until next time... : )

I heart shoes.

I have been looking for a pair of low wedge brown sandals for some time now after I saw them on a couple of other blogs. Just when I thought I have given up ALL hope in finding what I was looking for I found these:

Guess where I found these beauties? Sears of all places! I normally don't go into Sears because I usually can't find what I am looking for and for some reason I always associate Sears with appliances, which I am never in the market for (although that refrigerator with the television built in is always tempting). These gems were on CLEARANCE for 11.99! (hello, how can I not buy them?). Great for dressing up and down, cute, and really comfy. I wore them out on Saturday night and they are already one of my new faves.

You can find them here. They also come in black and pewter.

First Post!

Thank you for visiting my blog! I have recently been inspired by reading other blogs about fashion, food, beauty, and travels. As a result I wanted to start my own blog because someone out there might care about what I have to say.

This blog is still a work in progress, but I have big plans. I would like to do, as many have on here, a 30 day challenge where 30 items of clothing/shoes are picked out and different outfits have to be made with those 30 items for 30 days. I also love to cook and try new beauty products so those items will be making an appearance on here, as well.

Please excuse the fact that the template may change several times before I have found something I really like.

Thanks again, and happy Friday!