sugar and spice

jacket - target (similar) | dress - h&m purchased through IG store (similar) | tights - target | boots - shoemint (similar similar)

You may have seen on Instagram that I've gone and chopped off my locks.  These pictures were taken about an hour prior to that happening.   Don't worry you'll see the new do in due time! (wink)

I purchased this gorgeous dress from an IG bud (@memoirofapreppymomscloset) thinking I could wear it in several different ways and I plan to!  I cannot wait to get my hands on cobalt heels so I can pair them with this for spring and summer.   I toughened it up with the moto and OTK boots.  

OTK boots have been a tough style for me to nail this season.  I feel too risqué pairing them with tight denim and a top and feel they are much more chic looking with dresses and skirts.  Makes you wonder if you're too "OLD" for a trend.   

Do you guys ever think that?   I know a lot of other bloggers are in their early twenties.  Being 30 I often have to ask myself if a trend works in my life before I pull the trigger. 

Linking up for Mix It Monday 

I've styled these boots here and here and this jacket here

mix it: poncho

photos by Morgan Piccini

poncho - ny&co (similar) | shirt - gap (similar) | jeans - gap | shoes - old navy (similar) | bag - target (splurge) 

Happy Monday friends!  It's now March and I'm ready for this Lion to head to bed!  I opted for no coat yesterday (not smart, Be Tee Dubs) while wearing this blanket poncho.  Seriously one of my favorite colder weather pieces.  It's so warm; however, not so great for eating or preparing dinner.  My "wings" were all over everything - oops! Sorry fam. 

I also styled this poncho here.

I'm also introducing my new handbag (the word just sounds fancy enough to be in italics).   I haven't come up with a name for her yet, maybe I'll call her Kelly in honor of her color.  She sure is beautiful and roomy and she sure was lovely on my bank account ($34.99).  I literally squealed in Target on Saturday when I found this gem; I've been eyeing the Kate Spade version but was pleasantly surprised when I found the same style at a fraction of the cost.  

  

How was everyone's weekend?

Linking up with Lauren today!

the hat brigade

hat - BCBGeneration // coat - old navy, similar from ON // sweater - target, similar // boots - sole society, similar from SS

Yep, I've gone and done it.  Not only did I shop but I joined the big hat brigade.  I couldn't help it!! I kept pinning images every day with a big hat.  I went with this gorgeous burgundy color to add a little pop of color and the bow is the perfect little piece of interest. 

Well the week is half over and for whatever reason I couldn't be happier!   Maybe because the weekend holds a bright forecast and plans (30*!).  I'm getting pretty ampted for the Super Bowl, too.  I'm not certain who I'll be rooting for since my Steelers didn't make it into playoffs but I know it'll be an entertaining game at that. 

Is anyone watching Downton?  What is Edith doing?!!?!! 

Don't forget to enter the DateVitation Giveaway here!

Linking up with Shanna!

Mix It: Color Block Sweater

sweater - gap, similar // skirt - h&m, similar // boots - shoemint, similar, love these!

The last time I wore this sweater I styled it like Blair from Atlantic Pacific.   This time I used Pinterest as my inspiration for an "oversized" sweater and tiny skirt keeping with the color blocked theme.  

Well, Happy Monday peeps!  How was it?  Did you all get snowed in like me this weekend?  I'm almost finished with Veronica Roth's Divergent Series.  Holy crow, what a great book series.  I always wonder, though, why I set myself up for reading 3 books at a time.  

Next on the list is White Girl Problems which I hear is absolutely hilarious.  

What are you reading these days, anything good?

Linking up with Lauren @ Fizz and Frosting today!

winter florals

sweater - old navy // pants - target, similar // shoes - target 

You may have seen this outfit on Instagram yesterday.  Well, I've been seeing all over Pinterest marrying up florals with knits for winter.  A seemingly spring look but, it's so unexpected for winter!  I paired my favorite floral pants with a white cable knit and olive wedges to bring the look into winter a little bit.   Although I was/am in love with this pairing I'm a little disappointed in the photos.  With the polar weather conditions I was forced inside at work on lunch, and rushed.  Not a great combo.   I'm still working on the photography skills and hiding the remote (oops).  

Hope your week is off to a good start!  Happy Hump Day!

Linking up with Shanna today! 

pep in my step

sweater - j.crew factory // shirt, jeans & flats - gap  // necklace - siramara

Since about October I've been craving luxe neutrals and earth tones.  There's been a shift in my consciousness and now I want to wear all the colors all the time.  I'm not sure if it's the remixing that's got me thinking this way or if I'm just tired of the same 4 sweaters and so I'm mixing it up a little bit more.  Either way, this purple and orange-cicle combo put a little pep in my step last week.  

I'm celebrating Hump Day a little extra this week.  I took off Friday and have Martin Luther King Day off of work and am just so happy to have a four day weekend.  

A weekend full errands, lounging, appointments and more outfit planning.  Do you guys do that too?  

If I'm bored laying around the house and don't feel like doing that any more, I start ripping apart my closet.   Either way, I'm excited for what the weekend brings.   

Linking Up with Shanna today :)

winter essentials

I hope you're all keeping warm!  I'm longing for the weekend when I don't have to get changed out of my cozy PJ's or a soft cable knit and boots.
I can't wait to snuggle up with my book and have no where to be.  How is it we just had two holidays and I'm already ready for a vacation!?  Anyone else with me?

These are the days that I reach for my "old trusties", the closet favorites, staples even.  
I made the resolution last year to upgrade my wardrobe; investing in quality over quantity.  I went through my closet this weekend to do a purge and discovered I only have one item to get rid of - success.  I now love and adore nearly my entire closet.  There are, of course, pieces that I own that don't get as much love as they deserve, but I still couldn't part with them as I do wear them!  

Are you finding you're wearing the same ole thing over and over?  Is it a winter thing?

old friends | new times

sweater - american eagle (old) // chambray - old navy // tee - target // necklace - old navy // jeans - old navy // boots - sorel

I hope you all had a safe and wonderful New Year's!  I woke up in my parents house yesterday after a fab night in with friends and family.  It was so, so nice to have a relaxing New Year's Eve for once and not a crazy chaotic mess.  Although, those are fun too! 

I joined a gym this past week so I took a gander over there and got a workout in.  I am going to start lifting a little bit more again, I miss it.  Yes, I was once a gym rat and enjoy a good deadlift.  

After lunch yesterday I ventured out in the cold to meet an old and dear friend.  My lovely Anna-Banana was in town and I haven't seen her in well, too long.  It was a blast from the past and felt like we could pick up where we left off.  Her and I went to college together for vocal performance.  I don't know if you know anything about music majors, but they pretty much like to drink Blue Whales and play obscure instruments at 3am.  Or, at least that's what we did.   Some of the best times in my life were with that lady and I'm so happy we've gotten back in touch.  

Do you ever lose touch with people and then wish you hadn't?  

Hope you have a thoughtful Thursday!