My grandma cardigan

Scarf: Crocheted by me! Cardigan: Forever21, Dress as a skirt: Target, Leggings: Ross

It's not as old as it looks

The first time I wore this cardigan, my coworkers asked if it was my grandma's or had belonged to my mom when she was young -- and they were being serious. No, it isn't. But thanks? I don't know...

I found this flower-covered cardigan at Forever21 over the summer and only had the guts to wear it once until recently. Today, I wore it with the off-white lace dress I bought at Target a couple weeks ago and have featured in a couple blogs already. It's just so easy to style!

Lace dress from Target as a skirt

Yesterday, I felt lazy because I am still recuperating from my Sunday sickness. I wore jeans, a sweatshirt and tennis shoes. My day got off to an awful start when my car broke down on the side of the road during the morning commute. It didn't get much easier from there.

My theory today was that if I dressed up more maybe my day would go better. It worked. :-)

Hair pulled back in a french braid

Maybelline lipstick to match the flowers

I made this scarf!

OH! Let me tell you about these booties I got at DSW last week. They started off at a great price ($65, down from regular $85) but were an additional 40 percent off. Great deal! Unfortunately, the cashier forgot to ring up the additional 40 percent so I ended up paying the full $65. When I realized it two days later I went back to the store, with the shoes on, and the very same cashier helped me out and refunded me $28. She was very apologetic and kind. Thanks DSW!

Cute!

I wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who reads my blog! It's so much fun to "meet" new ladies who are also interested in fashion and lifestyle blogging. Several people have also told me they'd love to go shopping with me because of all the amazing finds I post! That is so awesome to hear! Even though I've only been blogging for two months, 4,000 view is just around the corner and I couldn't be more excited to see where this journey takes me and what I can share with all of you!

Check back Feb. 1 for a post about a huge personal project on which I am about to embark! I'm slightly nervous but also excited for a challenge. :-)

Why a blonde goes brunette

The evolution of my hair

My mom always told me she gave me the most beautiful hair color I would ever have.

But I like to play with it.

My virgin hair

I never colored my hair until I was 18. In the picture above, I'm 17 years old and loving my long honey-blond hair.

Then a break up happened, I was about to leave for college, 18 years old (which explains a lot) and I decided to do something drastic with my hair.

Chop it off!

I went short and darker and was about to go darker yet. What is it about being a girl in the early years of college that makes you want to change your hair all the time?

Lookin a little like Snow White

That didn't last long. I only kept my hair dark brown for about six months before going back to blond and growing it out again.

As I settled down and started focusing on what I wanted to get out of life, my hair became much more tame. I grew it long and kept it close to my natural color.

At 21, living in California with more sun-kissed hair.

I loved my California hair. It was long, healthy, and a beautiful shade of blond that highlighted well in the sun. Then I moved back to Washington and my hair started growing darker again. Sad.

 

The plan was to let it grow out and gradually get it back to it's natural honey-blondish shade. Over the last couple months, however, I noticed myself being really drawn to brunettes. There's something very sophisticated about dark hair. So this time, with no breakups or crazy college drama influencing me, I decided to go for it.

At C. Joy Salon

Thank you to Ashley at C. Joy Salon in Redmond for giving me the exact shade and cut I wanted! No dyers remorse here!

We'll see how long it lasts. ;-)

Sorry for no outfit post this weekend! I caught some sickness and didn't think you'd be interested in seeing how I style my pjs! I plan to spend the rest of today on the couch with my pup watching reruns of The Hills. Don't judge! I love Lauren Conrad.

Friday Favorites

Mind = blown

Cannot get over the deal I just got at DSW! I was missing a third Friday Favorite and it must've been fate because after spontaneously stopping by the DSW in Redmond I found these two gorgeous little purses on clearance for $8. The retail price for each was originally $60! If you have not been to DSW lately, RUN! Don't walk! I almost bought four. Not even kidding you.

The one on the left didn't have a label (I'm guessing it was a Christmas present return -- what kind of a silly person would return such a gem?) and the one on the right is Jessica Simpson.

$60 purses for $8? What the what?!?

Next up is my family. I know I talk about them a lot, but they made me who I am and I love them more than anything else. This past week/weekend was the first time all of us were together since July. I got to spend four whole days around my niece. She is magical.

Proof:

Fawning over the newest girl to join the family!

Thank you Nicole for letting me stay with you while I started my job over here without a place to live. If it weren't for that, I never would've used your Tea Tree Tingle body wash and discovered how clean one can actually feel. I can't wait till it is summer time and I can cool off with this. It is so refreshing!

Feels so fresh!

Those are my favorites for this Friday! I hope to have an outfit post up this weekend and if it's not an outfit post, I promise I will finally explain to you what happened to my hair. ;-)

A contest for Seattle thrifters!

Let's do this

While perusing the Seattle Times website, I stumbled across this announcement for a "thrift-shop showdown" contest! The Times is partnering with Seattle style blogger Dana Landon of It's My Darlin' to pick the top three thrift store finds by shoppers and give them $50 to spend at any thrift store in the Seattle area.

All you have to do to enter is email Landon and the Times a photo of yourself with a recently-thrifted item. Easy!

I will definitely enter this contest. Wish me luck!

Be sure to check out the announcement for contest details and rules.

A thrifted risk

Love it or leave it?

While visiting our hometown, my older sister and I spent some time looking at antique and thrift stores hoping to find a special something.

For myself, I wanted a neat top, dress or accessory to feature in a blog post as part of a Seattle Style Bloggers link-up hosted by Lindsay Living.

I've featured thrifted pieces before such as this striped sweater, this Banana Republic cardigan, and this entire outfit. This time, I wanted something funky.

I found it.

This sweater is hand-knitted by a company I've never heard of: Allison Brittney. I found it at a thrift store run by a local group that uses the proceeds to fund a homeless shelter and transitional housing program. I paid $4.25.

When I first saw this sweater, I paused and thought of Sixteen Candles. I could see Molly Ringwald wearing it; but could I?

My sister wrinkled her nose.

My mom loved it.

My dad said I could pull it off.

I washed it, trimmed it with a sweater shaver and cut off the shoulder pads. Yes, it had shoulder pads. My frame is far too small to pull off shoulder pads. I'm not a Kardashian, after all.

It's a different look that's for sure. I don't know that I've ever worn a baby pink sweater or a sweater with a fringe before.

What do YOU think?

What I wore: On the farm

Hey, it's what I packed.

This weekend I am visiting family in my hometown. My parents live in a house they built when I was nine years old, on our family's homestead. It's a very tranquil and special place to me for many reasons. :-)

The tractor in the picture below was my grandpa's. It's a Ford 8N from approximately 1948 and when I was little, he gave me rides on it around the farm.

I realize I'm a little overdressed to be standing in a cow field but what can I say? I'm terrible at packing!

Sweater: F21, Dress as a skirt: Target, Leggings: Ross

My sweater snagged slightly on the barbed wire.

Necklace: Target

Friday Favorites!

You won't believe how much I spent on this sweater!

I shopped the Kohl's post-holiday clearance sale and found this sweater for $6. It's very comfortable, which surprised me because there are sparkly threads throughout it and normally those make me itch like crazy. Best find so far this year!

Best $6 I've spent in a long time!

Subtle sparkles and not a bit itchy!

I actually got this lipstick and lip gloss set a while ago from Laura Mercier at Nordstrom but only wore it once until recently. I'm not very brave when it comes to makeup. I tend to go with neutral colors and a very natural look. My lips are not naturally this shade of pink. But in the winter, when everything is drab and dreary, it's fun to get some color where you can! The gloss is smooth but not sticky and has a great taste to it (not that I eat it, but I can just tell it would taste good if I did). I've worn it a lot this week!

Laura Mercier lipstick and lip gloss

That's all for now! I need to get some sleep. Next week I start day shifts!

Dressing up

Lace and gold

Last night we attended a post-holiday work party at the Wild Ginger in Bellevue. 

I admit, in preparation for the party I failed to meet one of my 2013 goals. I bought this dress at Target for full price. As soon as I saw it on the rack I pictured myself wearing it in all kinds of different arrangements: With a glittery belt and large necklace, with cowboy boots and a denim jacket, or colored leggings and ankle boots.

Dress: Target, Necklace and Belt: Target, Tights: Ross, Shoes: Mudd

Necklace and Belt: Target

The dress by itself was a little without shape so I picked up a thin glittery gold belt to tie around the waist. I also went with a colorful necklace as the other tones I wore were more neutral. The only thing missing from the outfit was a gold watch, which I told my husband I'd like for Valentine's Day or my birthday or perhaps our anniversary. :-)

Staying warm in a wool coat from Macy's

It was very cold outside (in the 20's) so I wore a wool coat I got two winter's ago at Macy's and tights. I can't imagine how cold I would've been had I let my legs go bare in this dress!

I love my new curling iron!

Curls!

I got lots of compliments on my hair but really the credit has to go to my amazing curling iron. The curls stayed in all night! Thanks to my husband for buying me the best.

As much as I love dressing up, I am also loving being in my pajamas for the entire day so far. :-) We'll see if I find the motivation to brave the cold and run some errands!

Have a great Sunday!

Friday Favorites!

This week is crawling by

 

Yet at the same time I can't believe it's almost over. There is so much I haven't done this week that I needed to do. Mostly, I needed to sleep and that isn't working out well. Neither is the washing of the laundry, the dishes or the dog.

Oh, well. I do have a few favorites to share with you all!



NOTICE ME!

1. This bright orange down-filled coat by GAP, which I bought at Value Village. It is in perfect condition and, let's just say it, a real attention-getter. ;-)



Calves = sore!

2. Stairs! I finally figured out how to work exercise into my routine! That is hard to do when you have no routine and work long night shifts. This is what I do: When my coworker takes a smoke break, I take it as a cue to get up from my desk and walk up and down the building's three flights of stairs (which requires walking around each floor to get to the next flight) two times. It takes about 10 minutes. I do this two to three times per shift. I only did it once last night, though, because my calves are sore. I guess I need to figure out an upper-body workout to do.


Can't wait to buy the full size set!

3. This DermOrganic shampoo set from Ulta. I discovered Ulta beauty stores last week and was blown away by the selection! I likely spent half an hour looking at the hair care products. I wanted to try something with Argan Oil because I've read about it and it sounds like something my parched ponytail could use. I didn't want to buy the full-size set without knowing if it was worth the investment. While it isn't the most expensive shampoo I've used, it's not the cheapest either. So far, I am thrilled with the Try-Me Sampler! After I use the masque, my hair feels as if I just got a conditioning treatment at the salon. The treatment oil cuts down on the time it takes to blow dry and helps prevent frizz. I can't wait to finish the products I have now and buy the full set!

 

Because I don't wear leggings as pants

Boots: Guess from DSW, Skirt: Forever 21, Leggings: Ross, Earrings: Target, Bracelet: Kohl's

Sweater thrifted from Value Village

This cozy sweater stood out to me a couple weeks ago when I was browsing at Value Village. It fits great but is just a tiny bit too short to wear alone with leggings.

I'm a member of the "Leggings Are Not Pants" party.

At least, for women built like me. If you've got long, lean, legs then cool. Go for it. But I don't need anything drawing more attention to to my 28-inch inseam or *cough* birthing hips *cough*. I'd rather they look at my hair or something. So, I wore a black skirt from Forever 21 over the leggings to add length/coverage.

Anyway, this outfit is comfy and cute (two of my favorite things). I wore a couple pieces of sparkly jewelry (new earrings from Target, a bracelet from Kohl's that was a gift from a friend, and my wedding ring, duh!) to break up the overall darkness of the ensemble.

What is your opinion of leggings as pants?

Friday Favorites!

New year Friday Favorites

No New Years celebration is complete without good friends having a good time together. This year, we went to a great party hosted by some of my hometown friends who are now the lucky renters of an incredible Bulgarian mansion north of the U District. It was a BLAST! We'll see if I can talk them into hosting my birthday party, too. ;-)


Nicole and I on New Years

For the last month or so, I have searched for a red purse. I found one on Gilt.com by Kate Spade but it sold out before I got to it. :-( I continued looking but all the ones I liked seemed to cost upwards of $400 and I don't have that kind of budget for bags. Fortunately, I decided to stop by Ross to look for a New Year's dress (didn't find one) and came across this beauty for $40:




Franco Sarto bag from Ross

New bag love

But my favorite thing this week, without a doubt, was meeting my niece and getting daily photos of her from my sister. I really want to show her picture to everyone. Coworkers. Store clerks. My apartment manager. Coworkers again. I had no idea I'd be so crazy about her!



Of course, she is my favorite of all!

Incredibly attainable goals for 2013

"Write in my diary more" is not one of them...

...because that never worked. I'd write in it twice a week for a few weeks then only update when something especially dramatic (for a middle-schooler) happened. And who wants to remember that?

 

My goals for this year are, to be honest, pretty easy but most of all they are fun. :-)

1. Don't say "no" to cupcakes or cookies, when offered. I will enjoy them, in moderation, because life is too short to deprive myself of sweets for no good reason.

 

2. Continue to blog here and take some creative risks. I have an upcoming craft project in mind!

 

3. Don't pay full price for clothing and accessories. There are always sales and if it isn't on sale yet, it will be soon, so I will just hold tight and think of the other sale items I can buy with the money I saved waiting for the sale in the first place.

 

4. Collect addresses throughout the year so I can send out Christmas cards next year.

 

5. Learn to relax. This is the hardest one for me but it's something I really need to do. I read an article today on the Top 10 signs of Being Stressed-Out and I have nine of them. Seriously, it is time to chill out and enjoy the smaller moments in life.

 

6. Focus on friendship. Make some new friends who don't know everything about me (yet) and make time for the old ones.

 

7. Get more into photography and work on portrait/still life shooting skills. I can photograph crime scenes, police standoffs and wild fires but I'll be darned if I can get a decent indoor photo of a family member.

 

8. Speaking of family members, keep in touch and try to make it back home for as many special occasions as possible.

What are your goals and resolutions for 2013?

My excuse for not posting over the weekend

The difference a week makes

Last week: My mom, my sister and I

This week: Me and my first niece

Boston Adysen

Welcome to life! You are loved more than you know. :-)