confession hour

scarf - amazon (similar) / blazer - gap (similar) / dress - forever 21 (similar) / boots - american eagle (similar) / bag - relic via marshalls 

This look is brought to you by no heat at work.  

CONFESSION: I typically set out a weeks worth of outfits on Sunday night.  It's my ritual and it's very anal comforting and fun! I look at the weather forecast for the week and I try to dress as appropriate for the weather as I can.  I stand in front of my closet for, oh, I don't know, maybe an hour or so... pull out pieces that I haven't worn in a while first.  Try to pull outfits together using those pieces.  Then I try to pull anything new I have (which if you read yesterdays post you know is going to be sparse for a while).  I try to set out Monday through Thursday and since Friday is "casual" I kind of wing it unless there is a look I really want to recreate.  

I wore this on Tuesday, it was 70.  So, I'm a little over layered for 70 in my book.  But my office is freeeezing; I needed that scarf and boot sock layer for sure!  I love it when I have to dress for necessity and the look still comes out how you like it.  I've had this dress for a long time and honestly don't wear it often enough.

Do you have any confessions?

messy hair & men's wear

Don't mind my garbage pale in the back round - the rain has been crazy for the past two days making it damn near impossible to take shots outside.   I wore this to work Monday, which is a perfect day to hide behind a cozy, chic and neutral look.  Sometimes Mondays are rough, right? 

I paired the slouchy look with my pointy flats to give back a little feminine touches and had originally had my hair down but it was all over the place because of said rain; so in a bun in went. 

These pants are Express Editor slim style; they are supposed to fit like a capri length but don't come in different length options for us shorter breeds.  So, I rolled the cuff one more time which made them a bit tighter at the bottom creating more of a slouchy look. 

 I rather like how it came out.   

What day is it? 

I'm not over this commercial! 

Details:
Blazer - Target old, similar
Tee- StyleMint, similar
Pants - Express last season, similar, similar
Shoes - Gap

sequined

I've had this sequined skirt since last winter and it's one of those pieces that I always think about but never actually put on.   I have been pinning various outfits including sequins with chambray or a boyfriend fitted button up and I wanted to give it a whirl.    

Thoughts?  

That's all I've got for you today!

Details:

Chambray - Old Navy

Skirt - StyleMint, similar, similar

Booties - Old Navy last season, similar

camo, pink & a $225 nordstrom giveaway

Boho Bunnie / After the 40 Bar Finish / Venus Trapped in Mars

Raspberry Glow / The Adored Life / Of Corgis and Cocktails

The Tiny Heart / Jade and Oak / Style Vancity

Fred Rongo / The Fat and Skinny on Fashion / Ladies in Navy

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Monday peeps!  What a better way to start your week than a super awesome giveaway!  I love it when blog friends group up for these types of things because the prize is huge - can you image what you would do with $225 to Nordstrom?  Boots, blazers, boyfriend jeans... the list is endless! You also get to "meet" new friends and some great bloggers you may not have known about!

Use the Rafflecopter above!

I also  moved this weekend! AHH - the big move, it was not that "big".   I went from a studio apartment to a one bedroom a little more than double the size.  So, I feel like I'm in a huge place right now and it's kind of awesome!  I posted a few pictures on Instagram, if don't follow along you should...
Once I get everything set I'll post some pictures here so you can share my space with me, but I'm totally ecstatic!
On another note, my sister Morgan took my photos yesterday.  It was a nice change of pace from the tripod and people starring.  She did a great job and I didn't have to give her a tutorial on the DLSR - she's hired.

How was everyone's weekend?

Details:

Jacket - Wet Seal, similar

Jeans - Charlotte Russe DIY distressed and really old, similar

Tee - Old Navy, similar

Flats - Gap, find them on eBay! similar

self made

"Never by the book, always underestimated

It's hard to believe the life that you've created

Self made

The impossible endeavor, never would you trade

It's a legacy that you take to the grave

Self made

Self made

Live and die by the chance we're taking

Money don't buy the life that we're making"

- Self Made || Little Big Town

I was listening to this song last night.  I just felt like it described me and my life so far.  I've worked so hard to be where I am.  My family just told me how proud they are of me last night and then hearing the song it really hit me.  I've taken a dream and created a reality getting my T.C.R.G. certification.  I started my job as the receptionist and some how made it into a career!  I've taken a blog vision and created something cool.   I'm not perfect but I make it work.

This week I'm unplugging, well blog wise.  I'll still be on twitter and instagram documenting my North Carolina trip.  But, I've decided to take a whole 7 days off of blogging and all that encompasses.

I feel as though I deserve and need a break so, I'll be back in a few!  Enjoy your week!


Details:
Shirt - H&M, similar
Jeans - Old Navy
Shoes - Target
Bracelet - Sira&Mara

americana

I swear to goodness lately all I want to pair together is red white and blue!  It is such a clean look.  

This weekend was great!  Friday night I was given tickets to see Keith Urban.  OH EM GEE! I'm going every year and totally get what all the hype is about.  He's an amazeballs performer!!!!! 

What an incredible musician.  By the way - he came down the aisle right where we were sitting. 

BOOM

Saturday I was at a competition with my kiddos all day in Buffalo/Niagara Falls.  One of my preliminary championship girls WON her competition!  Not to mention a bunch of littles did extremely well.  I was so happy and proud of them all! :) 

When I got back I was happy to reconnect with some old friends.  It was awesome to see them and pick up right where we left off.  

As always Sunday was nice and relaxing.  I hung out with the fam-a-lam, ate some good food, and soaked up some sun! 

How was your weekend?

Details:
Blazer - Gap, similar
Tee - Target
Jeans - Gap
Shoes - Target, similar, similar

in the blue

I love when you're sitting at your desk and an outfit comes through you.  I have a whole note on my iPhone labelled outfit ideas for that exact purpose.  You know, when you're sitting at your desk with a pile of work yet no ambition to complete it?  Yep.  

Today I put in my notice to vacate my apartment.  I'll officially be looking for a new one bedroom.  Scary and exciting feeling, I tell ya!  First, I need a bigger closet.  But, I'm also hoping for more space generally and the ability to move to a different room in the morning.  I feel that since I'll be 30 this year it's a good time to finally move out of the "studio" apartment stage in my life.  

Details:

Top - Old Navy old, similar

Skirt - Forever 21

Shoes - SoleSociety

style rut

It's about this time of year when all my clothes seem impossibly worn out and I'm ready for a change up.   I'm happily welcoming the cooler air and the opportunity to pair a button down with shorts.   I wouldn't say I'm ready for fall, it's not that extreme, we haven't had that bad of a summer.  Last year was scorching hot from March to September.  An insanely long time.  It took forever for summer to arrive and yet I'm still kind of over it and August has barely begun!   

Do you ever get into a style rut?

Details:

Shirt - American Eagle old, similar

Shorts - Bought at PacSun really old, similar

Flips - American Eagle old, similar

Linking up with Amy for Casual Wednesday!

Cali Vacay Recap

Hope you all had a great holiday week and weekend!  Today I'm sharing my outfits and a few of my favorite moments from my trip!  Just to remind you, I was not technically on "vacation" I was in California for the North American Irish Dance Championships.  So, most of my time was spent around the Anaheim Hilton watching dancing and relaxing.

Day 1 Look

After my flight being delayed and not getting the California until the following day, it was quite a hassle getting everything squared away before I could freshen up.  I just threw this dress on because it required the least amount of maintenance right out of my case. 

Dress - Target

Necklace - BrinaBox

Shoes - Old Navy (in stores), similar

This little one is Lilibeth.  She danced in the Under 10 competition Wednesday morning.  

Day 2 Look

I woke up day 2 feeling refreshed after my hectic day.  Thought I'd go down and watch some dancing before heading to Disney.  Not only did I get to see Mickey's parade, but I watched this kid from England dance live.  Pretty sick. 

Shirt - American Eagle, similar

Skirt - Forever 21

Shoes - Michael Antonio via 6pm.com, same but different color

Day 3 Look

No exciting news to report.  A nice relaxing day watching dancing and hanging :)

Romper - Old Navy old, Similar

Day 4 Look

I watched the Senior Ladies (21+) competition.  

Top - Express, similar

Shorts - J.Crew Factory

Day 5 Look

Here I am acting in official capacity again!  That's fancy talk for "teacher".  

Tee - Target

Pants - Target

Here I am with Hailey.  She danced in the Under 19 category.

The following snaps are my favorite from the Mickey parade at Disney Land. 

And here I am in front of Walt Disney himself.  

I'm giving away a $15 J.Crew giftcard over on Fashion and Beauty Finds! Check out Amy's awesome blog and enter for the giftcard and more!