Don't Call it a Comeback

There are various reasons which have lead me to this nearly-one-month long absence from this here blog. Some are big {Rob in Europe/no photag, deeper consideration of my philosophies re:this blogging endeavor...}. Some are small {being gone myself to join Rob for 10 days, thinking breaks are good in any case...}.

I really liked blogging when I first started. It felt like a fun stress release, a creative focus & an exciting way to reimagine my personal style & the styles of others. It helped me understand style more as a fabulous art-communication hybrid. Then it became something that I felt tethered to & guilty when I neglected. Then it became something I began to over-think myself out of even wanting to do. But then...

I went on an incredible trip {a couple of weeks ago}, and snapping the sites & moments on our big adventure made me remember something that I always loved about blogging nomatterwhat; I love the avenue that it provides for me to experience 'moments' {outfits, evenings, adventures, et al} that much more, to revel in it that much longer, to remember it that much clearer.

I don't want to give that gift up yet.

I've had some moments lately. I'm excited to share them with you.

blouse & tights: Gap {outlet}, cardigan: Merona, skirt: Uncommon Items {Milwaukee}, belt: Charlotte Russe, earrings: Urban Outfitters, hobo bag: Miche, scarf & oxfords: Amersterdam, nail polish: Sally Hansen Salon Series ~ Summer Plum.

photos by Peanut.

A Serious Woman

I feel very serious in this dress.

It's deep navy color & structured line is much more earnest and architectural than my typical choices. But when I saw it on the rack, the pleated shoulder seam caught my attention and eventually I decided that the sweetheart faux-neckline was such an effective balance of modest and tart that I simply couldn't pass it up.

{Bonus: it was $13.}

All perfection aside, I simply couldn't ignore the opportunity for a little whimsy-contrast. These shiny yellow ballet flats are from a tiny pink shoppe in Milan, Italy called Lolita. I got them last summer on a trip there. They are comfy & fun {+ these bad boys were only $10 USD}. This sweet headband was a gift from my wonderful, fabulous friend Ilsa. Thank you soooo much again, love!

dress: Charlotte Russe, cardigan & tights: Gap, headband: gift, yellow flats: Lolita Milano

photos by Peanut.

When Brown Comes to Town {+ I Smile}

Usually, when I think of shades of brown, I think autumn. However, I have recently developed an affinity for earthy neautrals with simple splashes of spring colors; pastel, citrus or brights. Deep down, I'd mix bolds + bolds 'til my dying day {I write this in a tie-dyed sweatshirt & polka dotted blue comfy pants}, but I'm really starting to appreciate the fresh effect of a lighter touch. And I have fellow style bloggers to thank for the inspiration.

I am also participating {for the 1st time} in Jessica's I Smile Wednesdays. I haven't quite landed on a format yet, so for this week I'll wing it...

The mid-week premise over at Monster Cakes is to revisit your big & small smiley moments and share them.

Here are mine.

I smile...

* after an amazing weekend @ the 1920's-themed gala last weekend & all the fun and connections it brought us.

* because of a celebration dinner with Peanut on Monday {for what, you ask? stay tuned :0) }

* during cuddle time with my favorite furry friend {Mazel}, during this rainy afternoon/evening

* because of this scarf, which makes me glow {figuratively and literally ~ very reflective sequins}

*at these sweet blue buds poking up in the backyard ~ reminding me that spring is planting it's feet and it's flowers!

dress: Mata Traders, cardigan, scarf & earrings: Charlotte Russe, tights: gift, shoes: Rocket Dog, nail polish: China Glaze ~ Flyin' High.

photos by Peanut.

Erin Go Bragh

Well, I did promise the return of the 30-for-30 in my next outfit post, but I decided that I just had to make one exception for the holiday I love so dearly; St. Patrick's Day!

I did it up Oscar style this year {no, I didn't wear a green gown -- though that would've been awesome}, but I did do a mid-evening ensemble switch. Here is my first go; what I wore to work + out for our first stop at an Irish pub {coffee & Bailey's for this tired working girl} and dinner {Smithwick's & wings}...

tee, cardigan, scarf & belt: Target, skirt: Wet Seal {about 7 yrs old}, tights: We Love Colors, cuffed ballet flats: Geneva, Switzerland, earrings: Electric Fetus {gift}, headband: Forever21 {gift}

And this was my latter-half of the night getup. We headed over to a friend's place and walked to a party {Jameson was passed around. I did not partake}, so I needed something a little more comfy. Enter: the green sundress {"Old Reliable"}...

tee, dress, scarf, & cardigan: Target, earrings: Electric Fetus {gift}, tights: We Love Colors, boots: Minnetonka, frillie: handmade by Adeline :)

McPhotos by O'Peanut.

::Five=of=Thirty::

The shoes are back -- and I'm still head over heels for them {no pun intended}. I did, however, get so tired of buckling & unbuckling them yesterday {once when I sat at my desk, after I got my boots off, then a second time when I took them off to put my boots on to leave for lunch, then again when I got back from lunch and switched back out of my boots, then again when I took them off to leave for the end of the day to put my boots back on...} that when it was time to take pictures, P was nice enough to take over buckle duties for me.

He sold shoes at Payless when he was a kid so, he says, it's old hat for him.

I love this dress too {it has pockets!}. I found it when I was vintage-ing with my good pal JennieB in Northeast Minneapolis. If you are ever in the area, you must check out Rewind.

dress: vintage, Rewind (NE Minneapolis), cardigan: Mossimo, tights: Forever 21, shoes: Born (gift), earrings: Urban Outfitters, nail polish: China Glaze ~ Refresh-Mint

photos by Peanut.

::One=of=Thirty::

So here we go -- Day 1. While I really like the way this outfit turned out, the photos are the definition of rushed. I did P's hair for him before he left for the final dress rehearsal of his show, and just as he was putting on his coat, and really needing to leave, he was nice enough to snap these pics.

It's hard to interpret through the lighting issues, but the shorts are olive, the leggings are black & the top is giraffe print (but a literal print of little whimsical, cartoony giraffes). Normally I would try to retake these later & wait to post the outfit - but in this case, we need to move on to Day 2!

Besides, something tells me you'll be seeing these items again soon...

blouse & shorts: Charlotte Russe, cardigan & headband: TJ Maxx, leggings & earrings: gifts, boots: Target.

photos by Peanut.

Copasetic

We had the most perfect winter Saturday. We slept in, had lunch, ran errands & saw a movie. The kind of day I dream of.

On the hanger, P said he found this combo to be a little bit much.

However he said he really liked it once I had it on.

{thank you, thank you}

cardigan, gloves & jacket: Merona, tank: fire (Los Angeles), jeans & earrings: Charlotte Russe, tennies: Rocket Dog, cowl: knitted by my mom :)

photos by Peanut.

Classic Face

This is my classic picture-being-taken face. There was a time when nary a photograph of my mug existed without this trademark expression upon it. Well besides sleeping photos. People love to take pictures of me sleeping. I think it's because sleeping, for me, happens so abruptly & with little regard for social setting. Anyway, I don't think I have broken out the classic face on the blog yet.

So, here it is. Behold.

This cardigan is olive green, not brown.

It's hard to detect but important to acknowledge.

dress: Mata Traders, cardigan: Forever21 (gift from my mom), tights: Charlotte Russe ($3!), flats: Lolita Milano ($10!), nail polish: Sally Hanson Salon Series ~ Plum's the Word, earrings: handmade by Adeline, cowl: knitted by my mom :)

photos by Peanut.

Pinky Lee

It's easy to dress pretty when you get a ride everywhere. I felt like a Real Housewife today, the way I was chauffeured around. It was fancy.

dress (worn as skirt): H&M, tshirt, cardigan, tights & belt: Target, flower pin: Forever 21, earrings: Express, wedges: Fioni, nail polish: Sally Hanson ~ Plum's the Word.

photos by Peanut.