all the world is a stage

tank - old navy // chambray - old navy // pants - express, capri editor // shoes - target

So said Shakespeare - which means, you wear sequins on a Tuesday.  Despite how I look in the "side" shots, I'm not pregs.  Promise.   It would seem layering a stiff sequined top over a button down leaves less than to be desired, let's call them, wrinkles in the front tummy area.   

I also did that crazy blogger Starbucks Cup Pose thang.  I couldn't help it it was 4 degrees out this morning!!  That also explains the look on my face in some of these shots.  "Oohhhhh holy crap it's cold, hurry hurry hurry camera so I can put my 40 below parka back on".  

Happy Hump Day!! 

tangled in blue

sweater - gap, similar // jeans - gap // heels - target, similar // bag - michael kors

I'm always so inspired by Blair at Atlantic-Pacific and her ability to look stunning and natural in an oversized sweater, boyfriend jeans and spikes.   

I hope you all had a great weekend!  We got our first real snow and I put up my Christmas decorations.  I went a little crazy in The Christmas Tree Shoppe - that place is amazing, I hope you have one by you.  Literally the most random things on the planet for a steal.   Sure, they may not make it to the next season but for $6.99 who cares!

As we prepare for our Regional Championships (Mid-Atlantic Region Oireachtas) I'm feeling really happy about how our dancers have progressed and that they've really turned into the best dancers they can be right now.  I cannot wait to see them on stage this coming week and see what they can actually do!   Besides the dancing, the "O" is my favorite weekend of the year because I get to spend it with my besties.   We get to wear sequins, have mimosas for breakfast and run around in heels all weekend.  It's hell on Earth and I couldn't ask for more. 

tunic

sweater - target // jeans - ae // boots - solesociety // necklace & sunnies - old navy // bracelets - groopdealz

I never before really embraced a flowy style until I saw Shanna rock this gorge look.  I'm curvy, see and I didn't think something along the lines of tent or tunic would be very flattering.  After seeing how versatile and luxe the look can be I ran to Target.  I know, I know, I'm not supposed to be shopping.  But, in my defense this top was $12 on clearance.  #godblesstarget 

With it's cozy sleeves and versatile color I knew I couldn't go wrong.   I cannot wait to layer a big chunky scarf! 

What new styles are you embracing lately? 

chunky sweater, cozy boots

Sweater- Old Navy (similar), Tee - Target, Jeans - American Eagle (similar), Belt- Target, Boots - SoleSociety

It is the time of year where the weather annoyingly fluctuates forcing us to wear our chunky sweaters and subsequently sweat underneath.  All in the name of fall.  I didn't necessarily sweat in this outfit, but I was definitely over-cozy lets say...  Still, I couldn't resist pairing my favorite boots with this versatile cardi.  

I'm also wearing "jeggings" in this outfit.  Which, I originally purchased thinking they would stay up on my rear end better than other skinny jeans.  I was mistaken; however, they are GREAT for under boots.  Do not bunch or shift at all.  Perfect. 

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend.  It was my dad's birthday so I spent a lot of time with the family and this little booger 

Happy Monday!!

taking cues from j.crew

I know I'm not alone when I say that I'm inspired by J.Crew.   Whenever I received one of their style guides in the mail I scour my closet trying to piece together similar outfits.  The biggest thing that I've taken from my J.Crew stalking is to pair leopard pumps with everything no matter the print.  I've been giving this a whirl and it actually works well.  It feels like I'm taking a chance but it also feels so natural.  Like these navy dotted pants were meant to be with leopard...  

On another note it's Thursday and I couldn't be happier that the week is nearly come to a close once again.  Lately I feel that my job is taking more out of me than I ever signed up for giving.   I get home and I'm exhausted and not wanting to speak to anyone.   I'm hoping this is just a rut in my attitude; maybe just a bad week. 

Clothes make me feel better though :)

How is everyone's week been?

Details:

Sweater - Old Navy old, similar, love this 

Pants - Gap, similar this windowpane style is hot hot this season! 

Shoes - Target, similar

Necklace - BrinaBox

icon

I just love the shape and style of this dress.  I felt like Jackie O walking around in this little frock at work.   It's funny, what people end up commenting on.  I typically think I look pretty well put together and sometimes it's my most outlandish ideas that seem to get the most compliments.  Like pairing the leopard heels with this tapestry 50's inspired dress.   So unexpected, yet so classic.

I'm selling some clothing on Instagram (@shopAT40BF).  Hoping to get ride of some closet purge items before my move.  Which, by the way - think I found an apartment and should find out this week whether it's going to be officially mine or not.  Pretty awesome since September just began. 

Also, my laptop screen was shattered in the accident; so, please pardon the random/late posts.  I'm not neglecting my blog, it's just difficult to work on a broken product :(  Hopefully I can get it replaced or repaired sooner rather than later. 

Hope you enjoyed your Labor Day long weekend :)

Details:

Dress - Forever 2, similar

Necklace - BrinaBox

Shoes - Target

navy, green and Sira & Mara

Being a little bit new to this over accessorized world I look for reasonable, quality pieces that are versatile and trendy at the same time.  I stumbled upon Sira & Mara and purchased a few items.  I wear them all the time.  I mean, seriously, ALL THE TIME.   Not to mention the owner, Sandy, is a total rock star.   She runs (like me) is totally into fashion (like me!) and love instagramming, der (like me!).  

This acrylic turquiose/blue necklace is so versatile, chic, and trendy I can't wait to style it again and again and again; much like the other pieces. 

Hop on over to Sira & Mara and check out her shop! 

Details:

Tee - Target

Pants - Gap

Shoes - Gap 

Necklace - c/o Sira & Mara

Don't forget to enter the $75 Anthro giveaway HERE

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

TGIF

Remember when I told you how to wear neon to work?  I love this top, it makes the perfect little shell.  The tank straps are too skinny to wear alone, though.   But, it was a nice pop of color.  

I wish that you could really see my little bracelet - it's an Anchor and the perfect little accessory.  This is when the tripod and I struggle to show you what I've styled.   Speaking of tripods - anyone else who uses one, do you get strange looks from people?  I typically stop at my dance studio to take advantage of this perfectly distressed brick wall as a back drop, because it's on my way to work.  Since I also rent the building I figure if anyone is going to give me a hard time I have that going for me...  People typically just stare but I often get the questions of whether I'm taking a picture of the wall.  Yes, sir.  I'm taking a picture of a bare wall.  Every day.  People can be very curious :) 

But peeps - TGIF!!  I finally woke up feeling like it was Friday and it actually was!!  Do you all have exciting things in store this weekend?  Hope so!  

Enjoy

Details:

Top - Old Navy now $5!

Cardigan - Old Navy

Pants - Old Navy 

Shoes - Target

Bracelet - Sira & Mara