trans•atlantic petals:The Hague

If Amsterdam is a quarter-life musician in chuck taylors & a breton stripe sweater, The Hague is it's rule-following lawyer cousin -- with a quirky sense of humor.

Our buttoned-up 2nd stop was quite a diverse one; with the cool, architectural artwork @ the MC Escher Haus & the surreal Lewis Carroll whimsy of Madurodam {a 1:25 scale model of a Dutch town; complete with all the famous landmarks}.

Here are a few shots from the royal courtyard.

jeans: tulle, blouse:Bit by Bit, cardigan & boots: Amsterdam, bag: Duluth Pack, rain jacket: Amazon {FREE with credit}, earrings: Forever 21 {gift from my mom}.

Another wise decision I made in packing for this holiday was to represent our home by carrying my Duluth Pack cross-shoulder bag. I recommend Duluth Packs for anyone, anywhere. They are beautifully crafted, rustic•chic backpacks, purses, totes, & more. The fine folks who make these satchels value their Midwest|Nordic integrity by guaranteeing all purchases for life with free repairs.

Learn about it.

photos by Peanut.

A Stowaway

I found a stowaway post from my trip down to my family's restaurant/hotel. You can see this outfit a bit in the Konsbruck post that I originally made -- but I had overlooked the outfit photos that we took in the pretty commons area between the 5 rooms.

True, this is not a 30-for-30 either, but I do have 3 more installments ready to go...I will finish this challenge yet!

excuse the muddy boots -- it's early spring!

tank: Rewind {NE Minneapolis}, jeans: decree, boots: Minnetonka, cardigan & earrings: gift from my mother-in-law :)

photos by Peanut.

May Your Days Be {Cozy} & Bright

This outfit is cozy and bright, warm and eye-catching. I stole...ahem...took inspiration for this combo from Kendi. She wore a similar dress (same style & brand, different print) with a gray sweater. I thought it was brilliant.

Mazel Tov (the four legged one pictured), is always complaining of not being featured in the blog enough. After all, she wears a beautiful coat, which is always well-fitting and clean, she deserves some props for it.

dress: Tucker for Target, cardigan: thrifted ($3!), leggings & boots: Target, belt: Charlotte Russe, headband: T.J. Maxx, nail polish: Fifth Avenue, China Glaze, earrings: handmade by Adeline :)

photos by Peanut.

Guest Blog: JennieB!

Hey everyone, I'd like to introduce you to my dear, wonderful friend JennieB from Minneapolis {"Hi JennieB!"}. JennieB is an ultra-cool, wicked smart, style maven and she also happens to be one of my favorite people in the whole world. She came to visit As Good As Her Petals and share a little bit of what life is like from her wardrobe...

Petals: "Hi Jennie, thanks for blogging with me ~ your pictures are great! Can we get the outfit details for this breezy, cute ensemble?"

JB: Thanks for having me! I got this shirt as a give away from a friend who just moved in with her partner and had limited closet space. At first I was a little unsure about it, but putting the pink tank underneath changed my mind.

{Crocheted top + shoes: gift; Pink tank + Jeans: Express; Earrings: gift}

Petals: "Living in MPLS, you must have tons of great chain stores as well as boutiques and shops around, what are some of your favorites?"

JB: My favorite thrift shop is Rewind in NE Minneapolis. It recently expanded & added men's clothing, and their accessory selection is enormous! My new favorite shop is Primp in St. Paul. It's a "cheap-chic boutique" & everything in the store is under $100. It's all fabulous.

Petals: "On average, how many new items do you think you add to your wardrobe in a month?"

JB: Honestly, not much. Last month I think I bought a new broach and that was all. I've been saving for the past couple months and am about to go on a shopping spree in San Francisco for my 30th birthday - holler!

Hello Forever 21 with THREE LEVELS!!

Petals: "How would you describe your style personality?"

JB: Well it's definitely evolved over the years. When I was younger I was basically a walking ad for Express. Now I have come into my own style rather than simply replicating what I saw on mannequins. I've never really thought about myself as being any "good" at styling or as having a particular style. I just like to look nice & have fun with my clothes.

Petals: "If you were taking a trip where you had inside info that you would be stranded on an island with a perfectly alternating (cool + warm) climate, what 10 items (including accessories) would you pack?"

Swim suit

Sarong

Flip Flops

My boyfriend

Wine key

Long sweater

Party dress

Wedges

Earrings

Scarf

Petals: "What new trend/s are you loving most?"

JB: I'm obsessed with the faux fur vests and infinity scarves.

Petals: "And what are you hating most trend-wise?"

Nothing yet!

Petals: "If you had an unlimited budget, what city and what stores or kind of stores, would you choose to clothes + jewelry shop in?"

JB: Ohh..this one is tough. Honestly, probably Minneapolis/St Paul. There are great stores here that have everything I need! With an unlimited budget I would stick to boutiques like Primp, Picky Girl, Stella Blu +Cliche. And this amazing store called Fun Sisters.

Petals: "Any special items on your Christmas list this year?"

JB: I need to have this skirt.

And I'm really liking the new OPI line "Burlesque" from the new movie I can't wait to see with her majesty Cher.

photos by Hard-Up Photography.

Can you spot JennieB in this flashback photo? Hint: that lady loves shoes.

Holiday Prep

It's the thought that counts. I thought about doing some kitchen work for the holidays.

That counts.

sweater: relativity, thermal tee: Mossimo, corduroys & earrings: Charlotte Russe, socks: Target, pot holder: knitted by my mom :)

photos by Peanut.

Cold Comfort

It was 16 degrees out this morning. In a few months I will get out a sarong and sip margaritas at the mere notion of this temperature. But right now I'm not acclimated and I'm not thrilled. Brrr.

This outfit wasn't really warm enough, but I wore my new boots, and I got my herr did (if you don't know me personally, you will quickly learn that salons are my Mother Ship. If you do know me personally and you didn't know that nugget, then you don't really know me personally. Sorry, it's true). Anyway, my joy kept me warm. That and about 8 cups too many of coffee. Which is a wretched torture that I will take care to avoid in the future. Yikes!

sweater: thrifted ($2!), skirt: H&M, leggings: a mart of some variety, boots: heaven, earrings: gift from my mother-in-law.

photos by Peanut.