Sorry for the lack of updates, but some great news!

I apologize for not blogging as much as I would have liked. I have spent the last few days working, packing, cleaning, and saying my good-byes. That's because on New Years Eve 2009, I will officially move to New York City! I am so excited, although I am really sad to leave Annapolis. The good thing is that Annapolis is only a short and easy bus ride away.

Right now I am at my parents' house in Georgia (after driving 10.5+ hours yesterday by myself), and the Suburban is all loaded up, after much maneuvering. My sister and I (we are going to be roommates!) are headed north tomorrow, will spend the night in New Jersey, and move into the city first thing on the 31st. I am so excited!  Unfortunately I need to head back to GA on the 3rd, and will house sit for a couple of weeks, so won't be back permanently in NYC until closer to the end of January. Still, I am really looking forward to New York!

Packing up all of my belongings has been no easy feat. Even with a large car my stuff unfortunately won't all fit. So I will have to ship some stuff, and is has made me realize that I am a *Hoarder*. Someone should probably nominate me for the show. I still have clothes from high school and college that I have no real intentions of wearing. The last few times I have moved I have just moved all of my belongings from one place to another (the downside of having a lot of closet space to myself). I will also keep shoes that hurt or don't fit just in case one day in the distant future I will have a need for them. One of my New Year's Resolutions will be: Always think Less is More. I need to be better about selling or donating items that I don't want or need, and think long and hard before making any new purchases. I'm such an impulse shopper, and I'm worried NYC with all of it's temptations will be too much! Here's to hoping for the best.

Typing on my mother's laptop is proving to be slightly irritating (it is a PC and I am a Mac girl myself) so I'm sorry for the lack of updates. The next few days will probably be difficult as well, but do not fret! I will have lots of free time as I hang out at my parents' house in January. I am a terrible plan ahead-her and I just have a jumble of clothes at their house, so we shall see what I come up with!

Happy New Year everyone!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

What I'm wearing:
J.Crew Ruffles & Roses Tissue Tank in Grey
J.Crew Cambridge Cable V-neck Sweater in Cinnamon Spice
Martin and Osa Slim jeans in the Marine Wash
Aerie slippers

The presents are opened, dinner was served (and savored), games played (Scattergories and Taboo), and now it's time to relax with some mulled wine and enjoy the holiday.

Merry Christmas!!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Happy Christmas Eve everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying spending time their families, relaxing, and eating tons of yummy food. I have been busy doing some last minute gift shopping and trying to organize Christmas Day. I do have a couple of holiday outfits to share though. (I apologize in advance for the poor indoor nighttime photo quality.)

This is what I wore to dinner and drinks on Wednesday night! Also met up with a girlfriend and her family, super fun! We weren't up to anything special but I decided to wear a fancy dress that had been sitting in my closet for a bit. 

What I'm wearing:

anthropologie Golden Lights dress

J.Crew Keaton Tuxedo Cardigan

black Hue tights

black Taryn Rose pumps

Obviously it was freezing out so I layered a tuxedo cardigan over the dress (and a trench over it all). Love this cardigan, it's a great alternative to a blazer.

This is what I wore to a Christmas Eve party that we try to go to every year. Very fun gathering with lots of yummy food, caroling, and catching up with everyone.

 

What I'm wearing:

Martin and Osa Essential Cashmere cardigan in Reindeer Red

Ann Taylor LOFT sequin tank

Martin and Osa Mini Pleat skirt

Martin and Osa Gunmetal Bubbles necklace

Gucci ankle boots

Bare legs, crazy I know. I just really didn't feel like wearing tights tonight. I just had to run from the car to the house very, very quickly without slipping on the ice. I did feel very festive in my red cardigan and sequin tank. The best part of this outfit is that I got the skirt for free! (Contest at work, I LOVE free stuff, who doesn't?)

Also I just realized that I am nearing 200 posts! (I'm at 185 right now.) I can't believe I have kept up this blog for so long. It has really been a great place for me to express myself, and the wonderful feedback I've been getting is so rewarding. So I'd love to thank my wonderful readers, and I wish everyone a happy holiday! =)

Argyle With a Twist

What I'm wearing:
J.Crew (outlet) white button down shirt
J.Crew Argyle sweater dress
anthropologie studded belt
Target thigh high socks
Same Edelman Dupree Lace-up Boot in Brown (black available here)

Sorry for the lack of updates! The snow has kept my wardrobe pretty functional but not quite cute. This argyle sweater dress is pretty cozy, especially layered with sweater tights and boots with fuzzy insides. I am such a sucker for argyle. I like it on sweaters, socks, scarves, anything. You can't see in this photo, but the bottom part of my Target socks are argyle! I always planned on wearing this dress with a collared shirt underneath, but felt that it was a tad too expected. Decided that adding a studded belt and lace-up boots decreased the stuffiness level of this dress just a little bit.

Love these lace-up boots. Mine are from NM Last Call, but they are still available in black at freepeople.com. Even with a heel, these boots are so comfortable it feels like they are flat ones.

You can see that there is still plenty of snow piled up outside. I have only started driving my car today, and *ugh* my neighborhood roads are absolutely horrendous. It's times like this I miss my SUV with 4-wheel drive! But at least for now the snow is pretty and white, maybe it will be a White Christmas after all!

Snow Day!!!!!!

Ok I am sure if you are anywhere close to the Northeast you have heard about this blizzard!!!! I haven't experienced snow like this in years! Snow that doesn't melt right away and actually piles up over a foot and causes major traffic issues. I worked late last night, and it already started sticking by the time I made it home around midnight (I drove very, very carefully in my Honda sedan).

Woke up this morning to a TON of snow. I was nervous about making it to work on time. But I get ready, put on my snow boots and get a ride to work from the bf in a car with 4WD, which was a lifesaver. On our way to the mall, we saw several stranded cars. Even though snowplows were working hard, the snow was still coming down hard and piling up, making the roads especially treacherous. Made it to the mall safely, only to discover that the store is closing for the day. I felt like a little kid that found out that school was closed, and was relieved to be able to go back home before the roads got even worse.

As I type this right now the snow is still coming down hard!!! But I feel much better about it now, sitting by the fire and sipping on some hot tea, catching up on some shows on the DVR (can't wait to watch Elf later tonight!). I actually was wearing a cute festive outfit today, but literally came home and changed into the coziest sweater I have (it's a bit wrinkly but who cares? I am not leaving the house!) and took the snow boots off my feet and slipped on some soft slippers.

View from the front door (this is where I took my outfit photo just yesterday):

So glad I snagged these Sorel Caribou boots on Endless.com during their Black Friday sale. I wasn't sure if I'd get any use out of them, but I am definitely happy I got them today! They are super warm, comfortable, and kept my feet dry in the deep snow! They make my feet look a bit big but I don't think they are that ugly.

Well I hope everyone that is being hit by this blizzard is staying warm! I'm definitely trying to!

Chevalier Ruffles

What I'm wearing:
J.Crew Chevalier Cardigan in Heathered Graphite
pink tiered H&M dress
Modern Vintage Eligia T-straps in Black and Black Patent
black Target tights
J.Crew (outlet) and Forever 21 necklaces

Better look at details...

Shoes!

I paired this pink dress with my faux fur leopard jacket the last time I wore it (see here) but I thought it looked equally as cute with a cozy knit cardigan. Not sure what it is with me and the military motif the last couple of days but I like it! Emily paired it with a black blazer here, which I am totally going to copy.

Apparently there are some snow storms headed our way! It is COLD right now! Thank goodness for thick sweater tights. I get to work until midnight tonight (darn new mall holiday hours) and I am not looing forward to driving home in snow! But I hope everyone has a safe and fun weekend!

Polka Dotted

What I'm wearing:
Marc Jacobs Polka Dot Denim jacket
anthropologie top (from last fall)
J.Crew Toothpick Ankle Cord in Warm Maple
green suede Balenciaga Bow heels
necklace from Nashville boutique, Pangaea

Closer look:

I have a love/hate relationship with polka dots. Sometimes I LOVE them, other times they make me say 'meh'. But this MbMJ jacket makes me feel whimsical with it's polka dot denim and it's military inspired design. Scored this at NM Last Call years ago and it spent a good deal of time in the closet before I finally wore it, usually with very basic items. Now that I'm in the more adventurous mood clothing-wise, I decided to pair it with a few different colors! Kind of random, but I think it works. (Oh and the Warm Maple color of these cords are $19.99!!)

I adore these, especially because they have a bow (big shocker there) and because I love the shape of the heel, the green color, the scalloped back, I could go on and on.... the only con is that the left one pinches my pinky toe a bit. But beauty is pain right?

I can't believe it's a week until Christmas Eve! Crazy! 2009 has gone by soooo fast.

Amber & Grey

What I'm wearing:
J.Crew Tivoli boiled wool cardigan in Amber and Grey
Ann Taylor LOFT Charmeuse Blooms Print dress
grey anthropologie Jumbled Crochet tights (from last fall)
grey anthropologie Snake Bite belt
purple suede Kate Spade wedges
pearl cluster necklace from local boutique Paradigm

I am loving LOFT more and more! This dress was only $20! I love that it can be dressed up or down, and I think I could definitely wear it in the spring as well as now. This cardigan I also snagged on sale at a J.Crew in NYC, after lamenting that my local store didn't have it after seeing it on A Bigger Closet.

I am very excited for the holiday meeting of my book club! It's a potluck where everyone will be bringing something. I'm bringing my specialty.... a bottle of wine! =)

Here is a photo with the ruffles tucked in so you can see the cute grey trim on the cardigan!

Better look at tights and wedges!

All Wrapped Up

In bows that is! Ok, I need to stop with my bow obsession. I mean, who am I, Emma Pillsbury? (By the way, I am very, very sad that Glee is gone for the season.) I didn't mean to repeat the bow motif, but I absolutely love the bow bags I ordered from NY&Co and have been carrying both of these non-stop.

What I'm wearing:

Martin + Osa Essential Cashmere cardigan in Reindeer Red

J.Crew Bow Tee

Anthropologie Twilit skirt

black Taryn Rose pumps

New York & Company Bow purse

Love the cheerful red color of my cardigan, and cashmere is always lovely. I don't see the tee on the J.Crew website, but it just has a simple bow printed on it in velvet, so it's a nice holiday touch. With the red, the bows, and metallic threads in the skirt, I feel very festive and ready for the holidays!

The red cardigan is much more vibrant in real life. Hate my indoor photos! I'm not sure what a good solution that is, anyone have any suggestions?

Omg I look like a giant next to the tree. I swear I am not that huge in person. If you look closely you can probably spot my cat Bear! He is camouflaged pretty well though.

I think this is what I'd imagine Santa's secretary would wear, if she were my age, ha!

Closer look at the purse. It's faux leather, but it's such a perfect size for going out or running some quick errand.

* * * * * * * *

Also just wanted to rave about a movie that I watched over the weekend. Invictus stars Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela, and Matt Damon as the South African Rugby captain Francois Pienaar. As a former rugby player myself (rec team during college) I was really intrigued by this movie! Plus for some reason I am a HUGE sports movie fan. (ex. Remember the Titans, The Mighty Ducks, Miracle, etc) So glad that we went to go watch it, it was inspirational, and the movie also dealt with the issue of apartheid, how it had been such a huge part of South African history, and how Nelson Mandela really attempted to unite his country. Even though Matt Damon's accent was a little bit irritating, the movie had a lot of great rugby scenes and I really enjoyed it the whole way through!

All That Glitters

What I'm wearing:
J.Crew Long Boyfriend Blazer in Black
Ann Taylor LOFT Sequin Sparkle Tank in Nude Pink (available in Grey online)
Madewell '37s skinny jeans
Miu Miu Naplak Patch Pumps in Nudo

Everyone needs some sparkle in their life. What better time than Friday night? LOVE this sequin tank. It makes me feel all fancy. =) I felt like the jeans dressed down the sequins a bit, and decided against any extraneous jewelry, I'm all shiny anyway.

My hair is not up! I know, crazy times. I've just been too lazy to do much with it, I feel like when I wear it down I need to really work on it, or I just look kind of messy. Which is why I usually go for the bun or ponytail. But I had some extra time to get ready this morning so I decided I should try to look like a contributing member of society.

Oh gosh I love these Miu Mius so much! (Even though I need to use Foot Petals with them!) I waited until they went on sale and stalked BergdorfGoodman.com until they popped up in my size.

TGIF and I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!! I am looking forward to the Eastport Parade of Lights tomorrow night! (Boats decorate with lights and other holiday fun.) I have never been and am really excited about it.

Hope everyone is staying warm! It is FREEZING here! I was shivering in this, I will probably add a cashmere scarf to keep me a bit cozier. I really need to find somewhere else to take OOTDs, not sure how long I can keep this up!

Swan Lake

What I wore:
anthropologie Leifsdottir Museum-of-Modern-Birds sweater dress
black Hue tights
anthropologie Cherry Picked Boots
black/white J.Crew (outlet) herringbone coat
black New York & Company Bow Tote

Ok, seriously, I know. Another bird item??? To be honest swans (in real life) terrify me. Everytime I see them I shudder, they are creepy! But in illustrated form, they are pretty beautiful. I bought both of these items while I was working at anthropologie last fall! I wanted this dress so, so bad but of course since it was Leifsdottir it was still super pricey, even with my discount. So finally I waited and it went on sale! Made me a very happy girl. These boots were also a steal since I bought them during their big boot sale last year. I think they add a nice pop to my black and white coat! I love this coat, my mother and sister scored it for me a few years ago at a Black Friday sale at the outlets, and I adore it.

How is everyone's Christmas shopping going? I am almost done with my list!! Trying really hard not to be such a last minute shopper this year. And also trying not to shop for myself!!!!

Cozy Cardigan Time!

What I'm wearing:
Forever 21 Snowy Sweater Cardigan
J.Crew Toothpick Ankle Cords in Soft Ochre
Stella McCartney Patent Cap-toe Mary Janes
Martin + Osa Bubble necklace
New York & Company Bow Tote in Black

I love the patent cap toe!

This is the sweater that I had to track down the woman wearing it and ask her where she got it from! It made me super happy when she said it was a recent buy from Forever 21. I love the fair isle woven pattern, and it is super cozy (perfect for this chilly weather).

I am not a huge pants wearer (as you can see from this blog). I definitely prefer skirts and dresses over pants, except for maybe some pairs of jeans. To be honest one of the major reasons for that is because most standard sized pants are way too long on my shortie legs. With dresses you never have to worry about that! But then I recently discovered these toothpick ankle cords from J.Crew. Where have you been all my life? I love them in this Soft Ochre color paired with grey, but I am also eyeing a few more colors. I think they would look cute tucked into boots as well.

The bow tote was a steal around Thanksgiving time, I had never really shopped at NY&Co, but I do love me some bows! Everything on their website was half off for Black Friday, so I ordered this bag in two colors (black and taupe), and a smaller bow bag with a chain. I figured for such a cheap price, I wouldn't mind the faux leather. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the bag, and I think it's my new favorite! After gifting my former everyday black bag to my sister (Foley & Corinna Mini City tote), I'd been in dire need of an easy to carry black bag. This is it!!!

This is another cozy outfit from me. It is cold out!! BRRR. But it definitely does get me in the holiday spirit, and wanting to sit by the fire drinking hot chocolate and eating Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe's (they are AMAZING).

Toasty Warm from Head to Toe

I kind of feel like a hot mess right now. Probably because I had a really hard time deciding what to wear today, so I kinda just put on all my favorite items. All at once. So it is a bit over the top but I am warm and cozy! I'm wearing a cardigan, a sweater skirt, AND sweater thigh highs. All J.Crew has to do is slap some ruffles and rosettes on something and I'm all over it. It's a disease. They will probably name it after me after I overdose on ruffles and rosettes.

Loooooove ruffles.

I'm squinting because the sun was shining directly into my face! Argh. Also the cause for the colors and details to be washed out a bit. This is what I get for getting dressed early!

What I'm wearing:
Martin + Osa Essential Cashmere cardigan in a purple from a previous season
J.Crew Ruffles & Roses Tissue tank in Ivory
anthropologie Fulmar sweater skirt
anthropologie Snake Bit belt in Grey
grey Target thigh high socks
anthropologie Tawny Acres boots

Fanciful Party Frocks!

It's that time of year! Full of holiday get-togethers, office parties, and Christmas celebrations. I took advantage of anthropologie's sale and free shipping to try out a few dresses! I love any excuse to wear a fancy dress, which usually makes me extremely overdressed wherever I go. I also hoard dresses as if they are going to go out of style!! Here are some in real life photos that I braved the chilly air to take, since my indoor photos always suck. I've taken photos with just the dresses, and then how I would loosely style them. I probably would pair them all with tights and jewelry as well.

Flight of Swans Dress

I think this is my favorite out of them all! It fits wonderfully, and of course I adore the pockets. I hate birds, but I don't mind this swan motif at all.

I paired this dress with a tuxedo-style blazer. I love this combination because it reminds me of the look you would have if you were cold and had to borrow your date's blazer!

Cascading Foliage Dress

Love the colors of this dress. Unfortunately the silk is so thin and floaty that I don't think it's weather appropriate for the current season. I will save this in my closet for warmer months!

Paired with a lighweight Ann Taylor LOFT cardigan. Perfect for a garden party.

Golden Lights Dress

Even though I usually don't go for strapless dresses, I love the golden shimmer on this dress and the tiered layers. I would probably never wear this on it's own, but with a cardigan or jacket of some sort over it.

Paired with a Target Mossimo knit cardigan that hangs open a bit away from the front. I feel like another alternative would be a more flowy drape cardigan, belted, worn with tights and black boots, to dress it down a bit.

Thanks for looking! I do think my go-to dress will be the Flight of Swans dress. I love all the details of this great dress.

Black Tie Optional

What I'm wearing:
J.Crew tuxedo ruffle front cardigan (not it's official name, but I copied that from Kim)
anthropologie Twilit skirt
purple Hue tights
black Taryn Rose pumps

I love sparkles! I love that this herringbone tweed skirt has metallic threads woven through it, and I also adore the ruffles on the pockets. Is this too many ruffles in this outfit? AHA! Trick question, there is no such thing as too many ruffles. I also wonder if the skirt is called the "Twilit" skirt because it is sparkley, and also.... vampires sparkle? (And I am sad I have still not seen "New Moon" yet! Just haven't had a chance. I know I am missing out on epic Jacob hotness.)

I am off today and desperately need to work on some studying, but what I really want to do is some Christmas shopping! (For others of course.)

Holiday Tea

My sorority alumnae group had their annual Holiday Tea today! I braved the wintry mix to enjoy tea, sandwiches, macaroons, and other sweets at a lovely hotel in Foggy Bottom. I really wanted to wear my new anthropologie dress, but decided that with the snow it would be best to pair it with my black flat riding boots. Also instead of my usual cardigan topper, I decided to go with the black jersey blazer, which I love! I am not a blazer person at all, but the M+O velvet blazer and this one has definitely changed my mind. This blazer has a great slim cut and it's super comfortable to wear. Almost like wearing a sweatshirt  What happened when I put on the blazer over the dress, I didn't really like the way it looked. You also couldn't see the gorgeous lace detail on the back! So I decided to wear the dress backwards. I decided it wasn't too obvious, and the blazer hid the pockets that were now on the back. I definitely adore this dress, although next time I will probably pair it with my vintage kissing mice belt and a pair of black pumps.

What I'm wearing:

anthropologie Recollections dress

anthropologie Flipside Blazer

black Hue tights

black Corso Como for M+O boots

The normal front of the dress:

(Sorry again for the horrible indoor photos. It was rain/slushing when I left for the tea so I couldn't take a better photograph. Also hate that I had to use the flash for the photo with the blazer on, but that was the only way to really show the detail.)

Easy Peasy Work Outfit

What I'm wearing:
Martin + Osa Oversized V-neck Sweater in Mitten Blue
black Hue Skinny Leggings
Anthropologie Tawny Acres boots
Martin + Osa scarf

This is what I wore to work the other day. Sorry for the indoor mirror shot, it was too dark to take a better one in my normal spot. Look familiar? Of course, I own this sweater in 3 colorways. It is just *too* easy to wear with leggings and boots. And aren't these boots amazing? After seeing my sister's pair, I knew I had to have them!

It is *snowing* in Maryland!!!!!!!!! Of course, today is the day I actually have to drive into DC for my Holiday Tea. It was worth the drive though, it was so much fun. More on that and photos of my tea outfit coming soon.

It's a Saturday night but I'm snowed in, I may post some reviews of some recent buys and post some pics!

Somewhere Only We Know

What I'm wearing:
anthropologie Here-Today-Here-Tomorrow dress
J.Crew Forever cardigan
vintage kissing mice belt
black Hue tights
black Gucci ankle boots

I love this dress! I am always a sucker for dresses that have different tops and bottoms (what are they called?), and this was no exception. I had definitely eyed it in store at full price, but I'm glad I waited until it went on sale. The bottom grey part is actually a herringbone pattern, sorry I don't have a close-up. Love the longer length of this cardigan, I'm trying to resist buying more colors! But I really don't need another cardigan. I think I've done enough damage for the rest of 2009! I should be buying for others!!!

You probably noticed I got bangs! I really hate them in this photo, I didn't feel like spending a lot of time on my hair. It will probably be up in a bun or a ponytail very soon. I really wanted a change but didn't want to cut my hair too short. The bangs were an impulse decision but I'm okay with them for now.

It's silly but I'm really excited to paint my nails with this color tonight. It's from the OPI Holiday collection and it's called "Merry Midnight", with a ton of excellent glitter and shimmer. (I took advantage of Ulta's Buy 2 Get 1 Free OPI" deal.)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!! I have my sorority alumnae group Holiday Tea tomorrow which I am really excited about.

Martin + Osa 50% off of Sweaters!

Martin + Osa is running a fabulous promotion that started today and will end on Sunday!

Here are some of my faves:
(Sorry I don't have photos for all of these, the M+O site won't let me download any of the images)

Ribbed Lurex Tunic Sweater in Charcoal Heather, now only $49.75
I actually wore this today to work, with leggings and purple flats, but I don't have a photo because it was dark by the time I came home and all the photos were poo-ey. (I may try to take one tomorrow.) This is a tunic style sweater with metallic strands throughout it. Very festive and you know I always love things I can wear with my leggings!

High Button Cardigan, now only $34.75
This is definitely one of my favorites! It is super soft, lightweight, and perfect for layering. The small buttons on it are darling as well! I think my favorite colors are the Klimt Gold and Ornament Purple. Here I am wearing the Klimt Gold.





Oversized V-Neck Sweater, now $39.75
Another one of my standbys. Perfect for wearing with leggings. So simple and comfortable, there are so many ways to accessorize this. Pair with your favorite heels, flats, or boots! In this photo I'm wearing the Galvanized Grey with my leopard scarf, Hue leggings, and Bensimon sneakers.


Off the Shoulder Cowlneck Sweater, now $39.75
If we are Facebook friends, you have definitely seen me rock this in a ton of photos in my last uploaded Photo Album. I own this in two colors, the Wax Cream and the Mitten Blue, and it is amazing! Very comfortable, flattering, perfect for a night out paired with classic jeans.

I do see that some sizes are sold out on the website! If you are looking for a certain size that is not available on the website, I would call Customer Service at 1.800.227.2439 and have them do a store search! If you have any sizing questions feel free to leave a comment or email me at loveatfirstshop@yahoo.com