A Quiz: When life gives you lemons, you....

A. Make lemon bars B. Get some grain alcohol and make limoncello C. Make lemonade or D. All of the above?

Shirt: Vintage via Savers ($7)

T-Shirt (worn underneath): Forever 21 ($6)

Jeans: BDG via Urban Outfitters (gift)

Cardigan: H&M ($16)

Shoes: Karen Millen via Buffalo Exc. ($45)

Belt: Thrift via Savers ($3)

Necklaces: H&M, Dolly&Boy

Bracelets: Vintage via thrift

If you answered D to the above question, you are correct! I am not having a good day, as you may have surmised from the title of this post. The awesome and amazing thing I alluded to last week did not pan out as I had hoped (although not hopeless) and on top of that I feel as though I have been a bit "checked out" of this blog, lacking focus and inspiration. Bah, having realized all that, I am determined to get caught up this week. I feel like this happens every April, or even every Spring, life just gets 1,000 times more complicated right before Summer. I'm sorry, I don't want to sound like I'm whining or being a baby, I just felt as though an explanation was needed as to why I've been so... Weird? Uncooperative? Flaky? Flaky. That's it, the perfect word: Flaky. I have been super f'ing flaky.

Anyways, on to my outfit! Whew! Sorry! Last week Chris and I made a quick stop to Savers (quick being used loosely here) where he came across this awesome vintage silk men's shirt. It has Native Americans all over it! Being too small for him (and questionable for Chris to don a silk shirt in the first place), it ended up in MY cart. It's actually big enough to be a dress if I wanted it to be, but I like it belted and flounced out. To even things out with the flouncy top and skinny jeans, I added a pair of huge platforms that make me about 10 inches taller than I should be.

Also, this isn't clothing related but isn't this beautiful:

I walk under this flowering canopy on the way from my apartment to work every morning and afternoon and I think it's just so beautiful. Every Spring, our town is filled with plum blossoms on these trees. I think because it's been so cold, the flowers have stayed around much longer than usual.

And another side note: Today is Noémie's birthday! To celebrate, she is offering free shipping on everything in her Etsy Shop! Definitely check out her work, it's beautiful. She was kind enough to send me an amazing pair of earrings that I will be posting about tomorrow. Happy Birthday Noémie!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Heart of Gold

What is it about the tattered, worn, work-shirt that makes it so perfect? I imagine this blue and rust plaid flannel to have been worn by some stylish, but woodsy woman living on the coast of Maine. Maybe it's because I found it at a Goodwill in Portland and it reminds me of my mother and gardening and being on the coast, it just reminds me of growing up I guess. I love clothes that have had a life, this shirt has a hole in elbow, bleach stains, and threadbare cuffs and collar, and it couldn't be any softer. Favorite thing I own right now. Forget about $200 dollar Steven Alan shirts, I'll take $2.00 Goodwill stalwart.

Cotton Biker-Jacket: Forever 21 ($20)

Scarf: Mom's old

Shirt: Vintage Saks from Goodwill in So. Portland, ME ($2)

Belt: J.Crew outlet ($15)

Skirt: Lark&Wolff ($20)

Shoes: Matiko ($40 or $60)

Tights: TjMaxx

Necklaces: H&M

This outfit was kind of my last homage to Fall and Winter, a fair well to cold weather I hope. Of course I stashed away all my sweaters only to have the temperature drop to the 30's (and have a friend tell me there is a chance of snow this weekend), isn't that always the case?!

I'm excited it's almost the weekend (despite the fact that I'll be working the whole way through). I haven't forgotten about the hair posts I've been promising and will definitely get to them, life has been crazy and amazing lately and I hope I can talk about it soon. Oh! Also, if you've sent me an email recently I PROMISE I haven't forgotten about you and I'm not being a diva, I'll be replying to all this Monday (a day off, thank goodness).

I hope everyone is doing well, and a BIG congratulations to Jen for passing her citizenship test AND finding out it's a girl all in one day! I'm so happy when people have good things happening in their lives!

Happy Thursday!

PS- Heart of Gold is my favorite Neil Young song

Create. Compete. Ca-Ching! with Couturious!

So I've mentioned Couturious.com on here before, the unbelievably addicting styling site where you essentially get to play virtual paper dolls with thousands of designer pieces...for hours on end. Yes, it's addicting! Well, a few weeks ago Couturious contacted me to see if I would be interested in being one of the judges for a scholarship competition they are hosting, how could I say no? The contest is open to anyone who is currently enrolled or will be enrolling for Fall 2010 in any of the 8 participating Colleges. There will be three winners chosen: The grand prize of $2,000, second place receiving $750, and third receiving $250!

Submissions will be accepted April 12- April 25th. For more information on the competition, the participating colleges, and to read my dorky introduction visit the contest page at Couturious!

Good luck and happy styling!

A "Very Special" Over the Weekend

I like how I make this post sound like some kind of Lifetime movie, like your best-but-troubled-friend ran away from home and everyone learned a dramatic, but valuable lesson in the end. No, what this post is about is far less dramatic than that. I got this idea from the blog Hiss&Hearse, it was my and Chris' 6 year anniversary on Saturday and along with spending the day walking the Public Garden and Newbury Street in Boston, I decided (much to his chagrin) that I'd interview him. Chris and I met in high school and it's crazy to think that we've known each other for ten years...it also makes me feel old! Anyway, on to the interview:

Name: Christopher Sharp

Age: 25

Location: Massachusetts

Occupation: Skate Nerd (works at a skate-shop)

Q: When, and where did we meet?

A: Well, I had seen you around a few times but I think the first time we met and were introduced was at Schouler Park in North Conway, NH in late 2000. I remember because that was the night I got my license and hit my first parked car and I think you broke your wrist skateboarding (both seperate instances). It was a big night for both of our teenage selves.

Q: What did you first think of me?

A: I was immedately smitten with you, those cargo shorts and and your skateboard in hand, how could I resist.

Q: What 10 words describe you best?

A: weird, lucky, driven, artistic, stylish, funny, loud, sleepy... (Julie:) I'll add energetic and stubborn!

Q: So when you're not working at the skate shop, what do you do for fun?

A: I seem to spend most of my free time thrift shopping with you, but other than that I skate and just enjoy the days.

Q: Do you have a favorite item of clothing? Where did you get it?

A: There are two pieces that I wear all the time. One is a vintage Brooks Brothers oxford shirt and the other is a tie with hearts on it. The shirt is from a thrift store and the tie is from you (note: the tie is also from a thrift store).

Q: What inspires you?

A: life, love, and the people around me.

Q: Do you have a favorite artist?

A: Right now it is Dennis McNett

Q: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

A: Norway, for the Black Metal.

Q: You're making me a mix-tape, what are the first five songs?

A: Whole Wide World by Wreckless Eric, Harvest Moon by Neil Young, Animal Farm by The Kinks, Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting by Elton John, Almost Ready by Dinosaur Jr.

Q: Is there anything else I should know about you?

A: Is there anything that you don't know about me?

A: Nope!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Chris' Clothing Notes: Jacket: Thrifted Ralph Lauren ($12), Oxford: Brooks Brother's ($5), Sweater: UO bargain basement ($20), Jeans: Altamont (from the shop), Shoes: Vintage thrift ($6).

My shoes: GAP black flats ($34)

Product Junkie: Make-up

(Clockwise from top): Tigi Bed Head Glamma Bronzer, Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara,

L'Oreal Paris Lineur Intense Liquid Liner, Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer for eyes

A couple of days ago Lola asked me what make-up I use. I never really discuss my make-up habits on here because my habits are pretty minimal, and have probably been about the same for a few years. I admit that I was originally drawn to the Urban Decay mascara because of the packaging (and, ok, the name), but I really like it! Cheap mascara always made my lashes break off, but the Urban Decay actually seems to condition them and maybe even make them a little longer. The rest of my routine is pretty basic, I don't usually wear bronzer, but I like the glow it adds during the winter months when my freckles have faded and I'm looking peeked.

Next week I'll discuss hair products!

What are your go-to products?

A girl with a mind like a diamond

I've had this freaking Cake song stuck in my head since 9AM this morning, I think it's because I was wearing a short trench coat on my way to work and my dress kept inching up and all I could think was "I want a girl in a short skirt, and a loooooooong jacket", anyway it's been on repeat in my mind ever since....

Dress: H&M (17.00)

Cardigan: H&M (16.00)

Tights: Urban Outfitters (14.00)

Shoes: Target (6.99)

Hat: Chris' from UO (?)

A completely-store-bought-brand-new-outfit-never-worn-by-someone-else, weird! It's rare these days that I'll be wearing every thing new, thrift has completely infiltrated my wardrobe. I'm feeling awkward about this hat. I used to be the hat girl, now I'm super uncomfortable in them and I don't know why! I added it because I really want to break out of what I'm comfortable in and what I always go for. The good thing is that this is Chris' hat, so I didn't spend money on it, I just nabbed it from his side of the room! I felt like mixing patterns too, I've been meaning to break out these heart tights from UO and finally found an excuse: it was back to 50 degrees today, good bye temporary summer. I like how the hearts and stripes play off one another.

Thank you to everyone who left such nice comments in my ModCloth post yesterday, I'm still over the moon about it! Yesterday was such a high energy day (I had a college fair in the PM) that I just about crashed this afternoon, I can't for the weekend!

'night!

The Orchid Grey Dress

Here it is, The Orchid Grey Dress from ModCloth! I was so excited to receive this dress in the mail, it's even prettier in person.

Orchid Grey Dress courtesy of ModCloth
All I Really Want is Squirrels necklace courtesy of ModCloth
Cardigan: H&M (16.00)
Belt: Vintage via Savers (1.00)
Shoes: Vintage via Savers (3.00)

Don't you love the explosion of spring flowers in the background? They match my outfit! In truth, these photos were taken on a very grey day (yesterday) so the yellow flowers in my dress and purple flowers behind me were a welcome pick-me-up! I can't complain too much though, it's 80 degrees out! In addition to naming this pretty dress after me, ModCloth also posted a little interview on their blog, if you'd like to read about what I do in my spare time (ha) and what books and movies I'm into, you can head on over there and read all about me! Also go here to see my Spring favorites off their site! I have a bunch of weddings coming up this spring, this dress will be perfect for them!

ModCloth kindly provided the dress and necklace in this post

Spring Favorites

So this is what I've been keeping secret for the past couple of weeks: I am ridiculously pleased to announce that I am ModCloth's current Blogger of the Moment! You can head on over to the ModCloth blog to read a little interview with me and see some of my favorite ModCloth items for spring. I've loved ModCloth ever since I found their add in the back of Bust Magazine a couple of years ago, so it's such an honor being chosen by them for this.

Included in my Spring picks is the Orchid Grey Dress, a super pretty number which will be making an appearance on my blog later today.

If you haven't checked out ModCloth yet, you definitely should. They're so incredibly supportive of the blogging community and just friendly all around! Thanks ModCloth!

Stay tuned for the debut of the Orchid Grey Dress!

Love Vigilantes

So far, the weather has been awesome this week, even though it was a bit cloudy yesterday and today, it has been so warm out! Everyday I step outside expecting to be cold, and it's such a nice surprise stepping into agreeable weather!

Top: TjMaxx (old)
Jeans: BDG via UO (gift)
Bracelets: Vintage via Savers (2.00)
Necklace: Dolly&Boy
"You know the espadrille" wedges courtesy of ModCloth.com

This outfit is a little more "summer" than "spring", but I couldn't help pulling out this linen tunic from my summer stash when I received these amazing espadrilles from ModCloth. Something about big platforms automatically translates to 70's for me, so I added some vintage bracelets and kept my hair sleek and simple. Wedges are a godsend for me, they are so easy to walk in and have little to no effect on my knees, plus they make me look tall! This outfit was another perfect Monday outfit, the weather was beautiful and I could just throw it on. I've been tying not to overthink my outfits lately, especially on Mondays. A couple of people have asked about the inundation of ModCloth items as of late, and I can't tell until tomorrow!

It's supossed to be 85 degrees tomorrow! I wish it were still the days of skipping class and going to the beach, but alas, I'll be in my office all day...

What I wore over the weekend

I got my hair done this weekend!

Almond Torte Top: Courtesy of ModCloth.com
Shorts: Vintage via Savers (6.00)
Shoes: Ciao Bella via TjMaxx (30.00)
Belt: J.Crew outlet (old)
Necklace: Dolly & Boy
Photos: Chris (thanks honey!)

So even though there is practically a dress code of hiking boots, Carhartts, and flannel in my hometown, I still decided to dress up this weekend. I received this cute top from ModCloth on Thursday and couldn't wait for it to be warm enough out to wear it sans-cardigan. Well, I got my wish on Saturday, it was in the 80's! I paired it with a cute pair of navy high-waisted shorts and a leopard belt. I'm always a little hesitant to wear heels with shorts, but flats make my legs look stumpy, I stopped by TjMaxx and found the perfect pair: there's a platform but they are so easy to walk in!

How was your weekend?

ModCloth kindly provided the top in this post

Over The Weekend

how was everyone's weekend? ours was Busy Busy Busy!

Chris and I drove North on Friday, Chris is from New Hampshire (the tattoo on his wrist is the NH area code) and I am from Maine, but our parents houses are really just 20 minutes apart, so we just say "we're going North". Saturday I got my hair done (photos to follow) and then we had a surprise party for a friend in the evening, it was the perfect night for a party, it was 85 degrees! I think we skipped Spring entirely. Sunday we went out for Easter breakfast with my Mom and stopped into an Antique store down the street. Saw my brother who shaved his mohawk and now just has a green stripe on his head. And went for a short hike up the mountain in our backyard. Yep, there is a mountain in our back yard, if you look in the center of that last photo which is the view from the top, you can see our chimney! I wish we got to go North more often, I really miss it!

Shyness is nice

Well, I think I'm going to get this post in just under the wire, still technically Friday. I'm writing this from my mom's house in Maine, Chris and I drove this evening (he's over the border on new Hampshire visiting his family). I'm so happy it's the weekend! I've got a few fun things planned, and in-between I'm hoping to hit up some of the local church thrift stores to see what I can find. Today was so beautiful, I'm seriously so happy it's spring! I loved today's outfit...

Jacket: J.Crew (15.00 outlet)
Button-up: J.Crew thrifted from Savers (6.00)
Shorts: J.Crew (12? 15? outlet)
Tights: We Love Colors (10.00 with coupon)
Shoes: Target (6.99 sale)
Necklaces: Dolly&Boy, H&M, J.Crew
Sunnies: Fred Flare (11.00)

I'll admit, I've woken up so late every day this week, 8:30 this morning! I clearly need to go to bed earlier. Either way, I was very comfortable, this felt like a good, laid back, semi-casual Friday outfit. I'm going to address the amount of J.Crew in my wardrobe: I love J.Crew, the colors and cuts are perfect for me, plus I'm a size smaller in their clothes than any other brand (hey, I take any complement I can get, even if it's from a "Small" tag). The drawback is that I can rarely afford J.Crew. So half of this stuff was bought three years ago when we still lived in New Hampshire and Chris worked at the outlet, and the other half was found a various thrift stores around New England. I still make sure to stop by the outlet when ever I'm home, you know, just to look. Ok, It's now 12:05am and I just broke my rule for not posting on the weekends, happy Saturday.

I hope everyone has a great weekend, and to those of you who celebrate Easter: Happy Easter!

April golden, April cloudy; gracious, cruel, tender, rowdy.

Happy April! Happy April fools too! Did anyone get any pranks pulled on them? I have managed to dodge any pranksters after me today, I always want to play a big joke on someone for April Fools, but then I always feel guilty about it. I can't bring myself to do it! Oh well, Spring finally sprang today! Hooray!

Foil Stripe Tee Shirt: J.Crew thrifted from Savers (4.00)
Skirt: J.Crew thrifted from Salvation Army (6.00)
Belt: vintage thrifted from Savers (3.00)
Shoes: MIA thrifted from church shop (2.00)
Tights: UO on sale (4.99)
"All I Really Want is Squirrels" necklace: courtesy of ModCloth

I'm always so proud of myself when I put together an almost entirely thrifted outfit, it's nice knowing that, not only am I recycling, I'm also saving a ton of money by buying second-hand! I've been saving this skirt for the perfect sunny day, when I bought it,it was much longer, but a few snips and some thread fixed that problem! I love the life-saver pattern, it'll be perfect for the summer. I also love finding almost new J.Crew at the thrift store!

Ok, I nearly died last week when I saw this necklace on ModCloth, so you canimagine my excitement when it showed up on my doorstep today! My brother and I have this weird ongoing joke where he seems to think that I love squirrels, but I think he's the one that really loves them, I can't wait to show him this necklace! I think it's so cute, the last one in the line has an acorn.

I'm so happy it's finally spring-time, I've been in an insanely good mood all day! this weekend is suppossed to be amazing! Chris and I are headed up to Maine and New Hampshire to see our families, I can't wait! I wish today was Friday, I've been a day ahead all week.

Was anyone an April Fool today?

ModCloth kindly provided the necklace in this post