Watchdog

What do you do when your skirt decides to magically unzip itself all day long while you're at work? Seriously, I'm looking for answers here, because this skirt, as cute and amazing as it is with it's eyeballs, gold trim, and short hemline just did not want to stay on my body. It's super professional to walk into a meeting and immediately have to zip up your clothing. I'm thinking it could be that I ordered up a size, under the assumption it would run small. It's now sitting on Chris's alterations pile, awaiting it's turn (my husband is quite handy with a sewing machine). And I await the day when I can wear it again, because I want this baby on heavy rotation.

Malfunctions aside, I loved this outfit. I thrifted this turtleneck back in October while out hunting for Christmas sweaters and other things-I-don't-need, it was a last-minute lucky find: never worn Brooks Brothers, 100% cashmere, and $5.99. A score if there ever was one. One of those finds that makes you love thrifting again after striking out a few too many times.

Wearing: Skirt c/o Choies // Sweater: Thrifted // Jacket: ModCloth, last year // Booties c/o Shoedazzle // Sunglasses: UO, super sale // Tights: AA

EDIT - For anyone wondering about Choies products, personally my experience has been quite positive. The shipping is pretty fast, and the quality is good (this skirt, and the other I chose are both lined). I also have these boots, which have held up perfectly after six months of frequent wear.

Snow Speckled

 

I've been feeling uninspired lately when it comes to blogging. A combination of the winter blues, taking time off (and not wanting to return to the real world), and... that damn miserable arctic vortex. It's cold, it's dark, and I'm grumpy. November and December were just incredibly crappy, hard-to-bounce-back-from months for me, and as I start out 2014, I've been doing a lot of thinking about the ways in which I need to adjust my life. I've been turning inward, reflecting, and making slow moves towards a more balanced and present mindset. One thing I know I need to do more of is making. Whether it's taking pictures, cooking, or just doing a simple craft, it's so refreshing to sit down and just create something.

I found my camera remote wedged beneath the passenger's seat of my car when we moved. While I appreciate Chris being so willing (sort of willing... kind of willing) to take my blog photos, it was refreshing to take this set myself during my lunch break the other day. I love the excitement of not really knowing how a set of photos will look until I get them up on my computer, there's something fun/exhilarating about the possibility of having to scrap the whole thing.

Wearing: Jacket: Vintage // Dress: Darling // Tights: AA Super Opaque // Boots: Samantha Pleet for Wolverine 1000 Mile (on sale here) // Crystal necklace c/o Unexpected Expectancy // Fringe necklace: Free People // Stone necklace c/o Moorea Seal // Ring: UO // Hat: Tamworth Lyceum

Through Snow and Sleet

Despite the fact that it's been snowing consistantly for four or five days straight, we have nothing to show for it but cold weather and a slick of thin sheer ice covering the sidewalks. I'm not complaining. While I wouldn't turn down a snow day from work, seeing the snow falling from my window is lovely. A small reminder of what time of year it is. I rid myself of a number of sweaters at the start of fall, and while the mountain is still staggering, I've been enjoying a more pared-down selection of favorites, which includes this fuzzy, olive-colored one.

I'm not going to lie -- I'm having a hard time getting into the holiday spirit this year. It's not for lack of trying, I've made ornaments, made cookies, listened to Christmas songs, eaten my weight in seasonal treats, but I'm not feeling too inspired. I've bought precisely one Christmas present... back in October. I'm hoping things change this weekend, when we'll actually have time to do some shopping and strolling, and relaxing.

What I wore:
Jacket: J.Crew 2010
Sweater: H&M
Skirt: Talbots kids/Thrifted
Boots: Thrifted
Hat: Vintage
Tights: American Apparel
Ring c/o Dixi

Fisherman

What I wore to fight my way through the crowds at Handmade Arcade this past weekend. No dice. After 30 minutes of struggling to see vendor's wares over people's shoulders, we were completely overwhelmed and decided to leave, opting instead to browse online the few shops we had grabbed cards from. I really want to enjoy Christmas shopping, but so far it's been a bit of a nightmare this year.

I picked up this vintage Greek fisherman's cap from Eons recently (a PGH vintage shop), after popping in while in the midst of doing my laundry across the street. It reminds me of the hat from the Isabel Marant for H&M collection, except way better because it was A. cheaper and B. authentic. and, hell, C. vintage. I've been wearing it non-stop lately. A nice change of pace from the usual beanie atop my head.

This post is probably full of typos that will be glaringly obvious tomorrow morning. Forgive me. It's now past midnight and my eyes are crossing from exhaustion.

What I wore:

Jacket: Vintage/Thrifted

Sweater: Vintage/Thrifted (similar)
Hat: Vintage Greek fisherman's cap/ Eons (similar)

Jeans: Urban Outfitters (similar or similar)

Boots: DV (find em here)
Red stone rings & small midis c/o Dixi
Wife ring: Bueno Bueno
Thick midi c/o Lulus
Fringe necklace: Moorea Seal