Extended Weekend

As the title of this post may suggest, I am enjoying a much needed extended weekend. I'm off today to Albany, NY to visit this lady and then tomorrow we'll be in NYC, so regular posting will resume on Wednesday night. I hope everybody had a great weekend, here's a little sneak peak of what I've been up to:

Also, I completely forgot to announce the winner of the Dolly and Boy giveaway from last week (clearly I've got summer brain)! The winner was Megan from Megventures! Congrats! Thank you all for entering, I loved reading all your random tidbits!

Happy Monday!

Dream Bigger

These are the rest of the images from the Jess LC shoot that I did, featuring the Franklin Collection "Dream Bigger" necklace:

Dress: Vintage (hand-made by my aunt)

Bracelet: Modern Millie's VIntage ($4)

Necklace: Franklin Collection c/o Jess LC

Shoes: Andes Heels c/o ModCloth

Since the focus of my outfits is never really on the jewelry I'm wearing, I really enjoyed the challenge of creating an outfit that showed off my necklace. I wanted to keep things simple, but interesting so I chose a patterned dress and solid shoes. Before I received these shoes from ModCloth, I really only ever imagined that red shoes would go with this dress, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that the sea foam and red piping looked great with it! The shoes definitely push the 1940's feel of the outfit, So I chose to keep my hair down to avoid making it too costume-y.

I'm so happy it's thursday! I can't wait for this weekend, the weather has been so incredibly hot this week that my energy is completely sapped. I can't wait to go to the beach and some flea markets on saturday and sunday!

What intention would you choose, and why?

Introducing the Franklin Collection: A Jess LC / Delightful Dozen Collaboration!

I am so excited to be sharing with all of you the launch of Jess LC's latest line of jewelry: The Franklin Collection. The collection is a set of five necklaces with different "intentions" embossed on them in braille. The collection was truly a collaborative effort, the intentions were submitted and voted on by her blog readers!

The decision to print each intention in Braille was so the wearer could rub the piece of jewelry throughout the day to remind themselves of their intention. The intention is also printed in the traditional English alphabet on the reverse, but I like the Braille side better, it's kind of like a secret.

In continuation of the collaborative spirit the collection holds, Jess enlisted the Delightful Dozen to style the lookbook! It was so exciting viewing the lookbook for the first time this morning, I love seeing how each girl styled their necklace and how each intention really fit the wearer. I had a hard time at first deciding between "Just Breathe" and "Dream Bigger", in the end I chose the latter because I felt it was positive and really fit the changes my life has been going through this year. While most of the other girls chose stones to accompany their necklaces, I decided to go with minimalism because I wanted all of the focus to be on the texture of the Braille.

Tomorrow, I'll show you the rest of the pictures from the shoot!

What intention would you choose?

Hot Damn Uncle Sam

I wish I had some more photos to show from this weekend, but unfortunately by the time we got around to taking outfit shots on Sunday, I realized I left my good camera at my mom's house and all we were left with was my little point and shoot! Damn! Whenever Chris and I go North we both tend to get so wrapped up in visiting family and friends and running around, that we forget to document the whole thing completely. Luckily I remembered to grab some shots of my outfit before we ran out to see fireworks in Portland, ME last night...

I've had this dress forever, but always feel weird wearing something so patriotic before July 4th. It was perfect for the day though, especially paired with my Jeffrey Campbell's:

Dress: Forever 21 ($19)

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell ($60)

Sunnies: Fred Flare ($11)

Belt: from Mom

Bracelet: Vintage via Modern Millie's ($4)

(photos: Chris)

I love the combination of red, white, and blue and with the addition of some little anchors, this dress is perfectly nautical and patriotic. The simple shape kept me very cool throughout the day, it was so hot! I wish we had had the chance to get to the beach. We were supposed to stay in Portland until this morning, but actually ended up driving back to Massachusetts last night at around 3 AM. Traveling is all well and good, and it great to see friends and family and all, but I am so happy to be home!

How was your weekend?

Cruel Summer

Dress: c/o Megan Nielsen via Delightful Dozen Swap
Belt: Vintage (gift from mom)
Bag: Thrifted ($10)
Shoes: c/o Pac Sun Spring Break Crew
Hat: Target ($10)
Ring: Crystalised Ring c/o ModCloth.com

This is my idea of the perfect summer outfit. Perfect for those days where you step outside and instantly break a sweat. Simple white dress, simple accessories. When I received this Megan Nielsen dress through the Delightful Dozen, I was really intimidated by how white is is. Typically,I can't keep anything clean for more than an hour, especially something so pristine as this. It hung on my wall forever, until I finally gained the courage to style it. At first, I thought this look was too simple, I mean it's not too far off from how Tieka and Elizabeth styled it previously, but then I relized it was 90 degrees and I stopped caring! You can find photos of how they each styled the dress on the Delightful Dozen Facebook page!

Isn't that ring pretty? I liked how it added just a splash of color. I love all of the natural stone jewelry thats been popping up everywhere, this ring from ModCloth is no exception.

Well, I'm now at my mom's in Maine for the holiday weekend. I'm pretty sure this is the most action her computer has seen in ages. I hope everyone has a great weekend and happy Independence Day!

PS- One more day to enter my giveaway!

Polka-Dots Day 2

I am literally running out the door as I type this!

Top: Thrifted ($3)

Shorts: Thrifted ($5)

Belt: Thrifted ($2)

Bag: Thrifted ($10)

Sandals: c/o Pac Sun Spring Break Crew

Necklace: c/o Dolly & Boy

This has seriously got to be the quickest post ever, today has been so crazy! I had an interview early early this morning which has thrown me off for the entire day, I think it went well but I'm keeping my mouth closed until I know anything definite. We'll see! I'm excited! Anyways, the past couple of days have been so gorgeous, the weather has been perfect. Finally, because before yesterday and today it was unbearable.

This outfit kept me nice and cool though, linen (my shorts) and silk (my top) are two of the breeziest fabrics and two of my favorites. I threw this on before heading out to pick up Chris from work and right after a grueling strength training session, I'm glad I decided to look presentable too because there was a last minute stop at the mall to look for interview outfits (fail).

Chris and I are headed up to my mom's house in Maine tonight for the holiday weekend, I can't wait! Ok, I'm off, but remember that there is still time to enter to win a necklace from Dolly and Boy (i'm wearing my favorite above)!

Also, I have cautiously opened a Formspring, we'll see how it goes. If you have a question for me, you can type it in the box in the left side bar!

Ok, now I'm really leaving...

Dotted with hearts

This heat is killing me.

Top: Thrifted ($2)

Skirt: Thrifted ($4)

Belt: Vintage (gift)

Hat: Target ($10)

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell ($60)

Bracelet: Modern Millie's Salem, MA ($4)

Massachusetts was not excluded from the heat-wave that I'm sure everybody is suffering from throughout the US. It has been abysmally hot, and even hotter inside my apartment. It felt good to actually get dressed today, at least in something other than cut off shorts or a bathing suit. This heat has definitely been putting a damper on my motivation, I think it just makes me mover really slow. Like I'm walking through sand or something.

So on to my outfit. I've had this polka-dot tank for over a year and this was the first time I've worn it. Definitely one of those things that I bought and then forgot about, and on a whim I tried it with this linen skirt I picked up on friday. I really like how the dark blue and teal work together, and adding the unexpected red of my shoes and bracelet really make the whole thing pop. The hat is really just there to cover up my frizzy hot-weather-hair.

I've received a lot of question lately regarding where I do my vintage/ thrift shopping. And while I won't get into it now, I assure you I'm working on a big post discussing the matter. If the hot weather would let up a bit so i could actually work on it!

Have a great night!

P.S. Check back tomorrow for a giveaway!

Over the weekend Style File...

Ah, how was everyone's weekend? Mine was so nice!

Shirt: J.Crew outlet ($40)

Skirt: Thrifted ($5)

Belt: Thrift (gift from mom)

Shoes: c/o Pac Sun Spring Break Crew

Sunglasses: Fred Flare ($11)

Necklace: c/o Dolly and Boy

Above Photos: Chris

These pictures are from Saturday when Chris and I travelled out to central Mass to go to Jen's baby shower. I wore this new-to-me skirt that I picked up on Friday, it reminds me of a cross between a Basquiat painting and an early 90's music video. Two excellent things. I actually found the skirt earlier in the week but decided against it because it was so bright. Well, when I went back to the thrift store and finding it still on the rack, I decided it was fate and it had to be mine. Because the print is so busy I paired it with a simple chambray shirt and favorite belt, and I'm wearing it again today with a grey t-shirt. I think a lot of the time prints like this can be intimidating, it seems like nothing would match it, when in fact they're incredibly versatile.

Jens's party was so much fun! It was refreshing to attend a baby shower where guests didn't ooh and ahh for hours while the mom-to-be opened gift after gift. I know I sound like a pessimist, but I've been to those kind of showers, and as a guest they're not fun. But instead of humiliating baby shower games (seriously, guess the baby food flavor...I don't know where to begin), there was tug of war, home run derby, and a bonfire with marshmallows. It was wonderful and I'm so glad I got to see Jen, I love that girl and she and Kev are going to be the most incredible parents! She even made her dress for the occasion, girl's got some serious skills:

Photo above: Kev

One of the best parts were the mustache photos!

Above photo: Jen

How was your weekend?

Canal District Clothing Swap (Part 2)

As promised, below are my outfit photos from the swap, big thanks to Ann Ruthmann for being our photographer for the day:

Top: H&M ($5)

Leather Skirt: Vintage Thrift ($3)

Tights: UO ($14)

Flats: Gap ($34)

Ann did a great job of hiding the ENORMOUS run in my stockings that happened on my way to the swap, luckily it was on the back of my leg so it didn't completely ruin the integrity of my ensemble. Just the back. I left my apartment early that morning, with little time to get ready I chose a classic black and white color scheme using not-so-classic pieces.

This skirt almost ended up in the shop, but seconds before listing it I decided to try it on. Serendipitously, it fit. Which was surprising because it never had before. See, sometimes when you refuse to try stuff on in the gnarly Salvation Army fitting rooms you strike out, as I did with this skirt back in December. However I guess I've been taking exceptionally good care of myself, because now it fits like a glove. Still a bit Zaftig, but I like my silhouette that way. Anyways, I like how it looked paired with this H&M top, the striped bell sleeves I thought were particularly interesting.

I'll admit to being a little relieved by having these photos all ready to post today. The weather has been unbearably hot this week and taking photos of my outfits just wasn't in the cards. Mostly because my outfits have been consisting of cut-offs, sandals, and any shirt that lets a breeze through. I'm also red as a tomato due to an unfortunate lack of forethought before going to the beach on Tuesday. Wear sunscreen, folks. I feel so terrible for my cats during this weather, they just lie on the tiled floor waiting for sunset and some cool air to blow through, I'm actually considering getting and air conditioner just to make them happy. I know: crazy. cat. lady. I've heard it all before.

Do you have any tips for helping your pets stay cool in the summer?

Canal District Clothing Swap (Part 1)

SO, awhile ago I mentioned the swap that Jen and I went to hosted by Punky and the whole Swapaholics crew. I finally have pictures to share!

It was so much fun! Jen and I got to come early and check things out, they had even put a couple things aside for us that they thought we would like, it was such a fun day, I wish I could see these amazing ladies more. I picked out a few things to style for my posts (some won't be making an appearance until colder weather though), and we also snagged a couple of pieces to send around to the other Delightful Dozen girls.

Punky and Melissa were our gracious hosts for the day, they made the whole thing so special! I could not believe the size of the crowd that came out for it too, even though it was May it was cold and rainy, so this was the perfect way to spend a day indoors. Once the crowd cam ein, everything was snagged up in seconds.

There was plenty of posing:

The Swapaholics are in LA right now, hosting a cross-country swap. I can't wait to go to the next local event they hold, clothing swaps are such a great way to freshen up your closet without spending a fortune- sometimes not spending any money at all!

The talented Ann Ruthmann was our photographer for the day, she was so friendly and did an amazing job of capturing the day and our individual styles. I'll have my outfit post for the day tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Have you ever held a clothing swap of your own?