Take a Bow (& some new items styled)

What I'm wearing:
H&M Knit Top with Bow (similar look here)
J.Crew Toothpick Ankle Cord in Soft Ochre (similar here)
Taryn Rose Pumps (similar here)
Bally Quilted Purse (similar here)

I have to confess that I have a weak spot for bows (it must be the inner Emma Pillsbury in me) and this knit top from H&M was no exception. It is really dangerous living near an H&M, I keep just popping in there "for a look" and end up walking out with a new find. But lately I've definitely been more aware of how a new item would fit in with my current closet. I've decided that I need to be able to incorporate it into at least 3 different outfits if it is going to stay. 

I decided to implement this new method with some of my recent purchases. With this bow top, I decided that it would go great with my skirt collection, along with my cords and jeans. 

  

(L): H&M Bow Top, anthropologie Blueberry Skirt, Jeffrey Campbell Oxfords

(R): H&M Bow Top, Martin + Osa Pleated Skirt, Taryn Rose Patent Pumps

I am really excited about this Reed Shirt Dress from anthropologie. I had been coveting it for ages, and after carefully considering if this had a place in my closet full of dresses I decided that it did. 

*anthro Reed Shirt Dress, grey Snake Bite Belt, Taryn Rose pumps

The colors in the print are lovely and I feel like this can be a year round piece. The sleeves can be rolled up but for now I think I like the sleeves down. It can easily be layered, or worn by itself with sandals in the warmer months. This is a dress that was just asking to be belted, and the Snake Bite Belt is perfect!

Minty Fresh

What I'm wearing:
*J.Crew Merino V-neck Sweater (similar here)
*anthropologie Mint Drop Necklace (similar here)
*Madewell Cropped Ankle Zip Jeans (similar here)
*anthropologie Tawny Acres Boots (similar here)

I'm not exactly sure why I look so down in the dumps in this photo because I actually had a great day! Sorry for the bad quality of the picture (it's amazing the difference natural light can make), this sweater is really a lovely light sage. This didn't turn out to be a very interesting outfit but I still like the simplicity of it, and it was perfect for my laid back Saturday. Started off the day by watching the England vs. Ireland rugby match at an Irish pub (of course I had to drink a Guinness) and then ended up watching Shutter Island which was a harrowing experience for me. (I don't really like intense, suspenseful movies so I don't know why I always want to go see them.) Right now I am lounging about in my pajamas and snuggling with the puppy, isn't my life so exciting?

Here's a better look at the Mint Drop Necklace. There is a lot going on but I love the mint colored beads and all the other baubles that are on it. Cluster necklaces are a favorite of mine and I'm sure this one will add a fun splash of color to my spring/summer outfits!

I am excited about my latest purchase, Keel's Simple Diary. I have always been horrible about keeping journals (it's a miracle I've kept this blog up for this long) so I was intrigued by the premise. Instead of blank pages, for each day there are a combination of multiple choice, open ended, and fill in the blank questions. I think this will be a good book to flip through at the end of the year after filling the pages.

Warm Weather Essentials & Cute Nautical Stuff < $15

By this time next week, I'll be in St. Maarten sailing in the Heineken Regatta! I am super excited for this, and I can't wait to get a temporary respite from this brutal weather! Unfortunately I have almost no warm weather clothing with me in NYC right now, since I was planning on going back to Atlanta to switch out my winter clothes for my summer items before the weather changed for good. My usual sailing outfit = bathing suit + tank top + shorts + hat. I've got that covered but I'd love to have some cute lightweight outfits I can wear to the parties after the racing. Therefore today I did a quick drop in at H&M on my way home from lunch and found a few inexpensive items that are perfect for this trip that I can also wear this upcoming summer.

This striped top is very nautical and affordable at only $12.95. The denim shorts were only $9.95! I sized up in the top for a slouchy fit, and I feel like this would be a great outfit to relax in with a beer after a race.

Theses are called the boyfriend shorts, and I'm sure I'll get at least $10 worth of wear out of them. 

This colorful tunic blouse was $12.95. I love the bright colors and the print is lovely in real life. I could also see this working with wide leg linen trousers in the summer (if I ever found a pair that would look good on me).

This simple knit dress was $14.95 and I feel like this would be a quick and easy swimsuit coverup. Also would be a great weekend dress during the hot summer, paired with a pair of gladiators or Jack Rogers Navajo sandals. 

I probably won't bring this blue ruffle dress on my trip, but I couldn't resist it! I love the ruffles, the navy color, and it's very floaty and lightweight. And the price tag is even better. $9.95. That's right, under $10 for this dress! At first I thought it was mismarked, but I checked the others and it was the correct price! I added this fun Forever 21 belt (available in brown/black here) and I think it will be a cute look for spring. 

Some cute nautical themed items under $15 that I <3:

Forever 21 Nautical Striped Tube Top ($13.80)

Snow Cowboy

What I'm wearing:
*anthropologie Hoodie by Alihop (similar here and here)
*Madewell Chambray Shirt (similar here and here)
*Martin + Osa Embellished Tee (similar here)
*Forever 21 Super Soft Skinny Jeans in Black Denim
*Target Katherine Engineer Boots (inspired by the original here)

When I looked out the snow and saw the fat flakes falling from the sky, I knew it was going to be a hoodie kind of day. I love this anthropologie hoodie from Fall 2008 because it's just a bit more feminine than the typical hoodie. I am all about comfort and this is one of my favorite weekend lounging around pieces. With the hoodie I layered a super soft chambray shirt that always makes me feel like a farmer. Or a cowgirl. Especially paired with the boots, I definitely feel a western vibe.

The black jeans from Forever 21 were a surprise find. My sister had originally ordered them, but they ended up being too big for her so they are now mine! (So they run big in my opinion.) They are lightweight and comfortable, and feel more like cotton pants than denim. They are the perfect length for me (on anyone taller they'd be ankle length) and a great alternative to leggings. In the warmer months I am picturing them with peep toed heels or ballet flats.

This embellished tee from Martin + Osa has been sitting neglected in my closet! I really love the detail of the shirt, the design is both woven in and beaded.

Hope everyone stays cozy on this snow day! I really need to get Savvy a carrier and a jacket. Also am meeting a friend for lunch, I'm braving the snow for pizza cones (yeah I don't know what they are either).

Oh Snap, anthropologie New Arrivals!

Yay for free shipping for anthrocard holders! (It's easy to sign up for free on their website). I am slightly annoyed that I placed an order last week, but oh well, it happens.

Snow is in the forecast and yet I am coveting floaty dresses, bright colored tops, and other warm weather gear. I can't wait until it's warm enough wear some of my favorite pieces that have been hibernating in my closet!

Some new arrivals that have caught my eye....

Dewbud Tee

How pretty is the color of this blouse? I also love the cheery white trim. I can see this paired with white jeans or a yellow skirt, gladiator sandals, and a margarita on the rocks with salt. 

Chantico Tank

I love drape-y jersey tops, they are always so flattering and comfortable. I have had success with such shapes from anthropologie before, and I feel like this will be no exception. It also comes in grey and pink, but I love white for summer and this is very refreshing to me.

Salitre Blouse

I am not a huge strapless top person, but this fun orange number caught my eye. I love the tribal inspired print and the waist tie.

Drifting By Dress

This dress is definitely going on my wishlist, even though I need another flowy dress like a hole in the head. I liked it enough in the stock picture, but this catalog photo made me fall in love with it! I love it especially with the belt. I love everything about it, especially the tiers at the bottom (I do love tiers). 

Homegrown Dress

I love the poppy design on the dress, I find this floral pattern refreshing. This would be perfect for Easter Sunday, or a summer picnic in the park.

Abstract Greenery Skirt

I love the colors in this bold Marimekko print, looks great with the outfit pictured, or I can see it with a crisp button down tucked in and belted.

Crop of Purple Necklace

This necklace is absolutely gorgeous! Love the cluster of flowers, especially the rich purple ones. This is definitely a bold statement piece, but one that will make a simple dress super chic.

Now, if only the weather will match my mood....

When You Say Nothing At All

What I'm wearing:
*anthropologie Elodie Lily Cardigan (not quite the same but similar look here)
*Velvet Knit Tank Dress from anthropologie (similar look here)
*Black aerie Leggings
*Target Katherine Engineer Boots (inspired by the original here)
*Forever 21 Elastic Braided Belt in Purple (similar here)
*Martin + Osa Gunmetal Bubbles Necklace (similar here)
*Louis Vuitton Parioli Tote in Damier

I am such a sucker for a sale it is ridiculous, especially at anthropologie. I snagged this cardigan for $30 when it was marked down. I loved it full price but didn't want to pay $128 for it. Almost $100 off isn't shabby. I love the print of this cardigan, the adorable clear buttons, and the slight metallic touches to it. I tried to capture it on my camera but wasn't too successful. This dress I purchased at anthropologie when I was working there part-time in Fall of 2008, and I have seriously gotten so much wear out of it. It is by the brand Velvet, and I love the versatile simple shape, it can work year round because it is a slightly heavier jersey that can be layered with for the colder months. And of course I am wearing my new Target boots! They need to be broken in a bit but they seem pretty comfortable. I like that they add a bit of toughness to a very feminine outfit, keeps it from being too saccharine.

Detail of cardigan.

One of my favorite necklaces ever!

I love the rich purple of this woven belt.

Here's another one of my anthropologie sale bargains! The Horizon Line Dress sold out online but I was lucky enough to have a friend snag it for me on sale for 50% off.

You can't tell very well in this photo, but the top portion of the dress is a lovely pinky peach shade. I adore the scalloped hem of this dress, I have a thing for scallops (as you can see in the outfit post from Monday). I paired the dress with my Miu Miu Naplack Patch Pumps in Nudo.

So I probably sound like a broken record but snow again? I am not a fan.

I Got a Case of the Tuesdays

I am typing this right now holed up in my apartment staring out the window at the nasty weather outside. I think the weather outside really affects my mood, I notice that on foul weather days all I want to do is stay inside and eat some cookies and drink something warm.

Today I took Savannah to her first vet visit with me, which was easier said than done. I haven't yet bought her a carrier yet, so I had to carry her, but it was raining out and it was really hard to maneuver both puppy and umbrella at the same time, so of course I had to forgo the umbrella. I don't think Savvy had ever experienced rain before, and I don't think she likes it very much. So in the end we both ended up looking and smelling like drowned rats. I felt terrible about it but now all of her vaccinations are complete and we have a clean bill of health! She is now dry and fluffy and napping comfortably, which is what I wish I was doing, but I have a ton of laundry and cleaning to do. 

So I don't have anything special to post today, except for a quick snap of my new boots, from Target of all places!

Mossimo Katherine Leather Engineer Boot

I am really pleased with the way that these boots look in real life! I'd seen them on adorable bloggers like Jinah and had even complimented someone in a store on her boots (I asked her if they were Frye and she replied with Target!) but I had been waffling on these because the last thing I really need is another pair of boots. But I justified getting these because I figured they'd be good for rainy days and I'd been wanting a pair of Fryes but always choked at the higher price point. 

For $50, I'd say that they are a decent knock off of these Frye boots. The leather feels substantial and I love the way that it is distressed (a good way of hiding the fact that it's made of inexpensive leather). Sizing wise they fit true to size to a bit big. I am usually a 6/6.5 (in boots usually a 6.5) but Target was sold out of the brown color in my size, so I sized down to a 6 and they fit perfectly!

* * * * *

For some reason I am really bored today, and since I decided not to venture outside my apartment for the rest of the day, I was browsing anthropologie and was in the mood to put together some warm weather outfits (this is wishful thinking on my part). Bear with me because it's my first time playing around with this!

Items in this set:

*A Rose is a Rose Tank

*Shimmering Pin-Up Cardigan

*Striped Sailor Pants

*Acrobatics Wedges

*Emollient Satchel

*Ghost Koi Earrings

This particular look is one that I could see myself wearing to a nice weekend brunch at a restaurant with outdoor seating. Brunch is my favorite meal, and I love to eat sitting outside. It's probably because my name is Rosa, but I love things that are named after or feature roses. This tank is no exception. I love the cheery red color and the soft ruffle. I paired this bright top with a few different shades of neutral tans, and topped it off with some fun dangly earrings.

Items in this set:
*Reed Shirt Dress
*Over Under Belt
*Parted Blinds Heels
*Winter Aconite Tote
*Mint Drop Necklace
I've loved this plaid shirtdress since the moment I laid eyes on it. I am always a sucker for plaid (am wearing a plaid shirt at the moment) and I love the colors that are make up this particular blue plaid. Love this woven belt, if I didn't have a million belts I would snap this one up in a minute. These strappy sandals from Coclico are super cute and they also look like they would be comfortable. I also love cluster necklaces and I think the Mint Drop necklace is gorgeous and would add pop to any simple top, but also adds a bit of whimsy to the plaid dress.

Now only if I had an unlimited shopping budget.... oh well it's nice to shop vicariously through other bloggers!

Dots & Grommets

What I'm Wearing:
Forever 21 Grommet Studded Pullover in Oatmeal
anthropologie Scalloped Dots Skirt
Plum Hue Opaque Tights
Steve Madden Suede Mary Jane Wedges (similar here)

I was so excited to see this Scalloped Dots Skirt get marked down finally! This was an item I loved from the first time I saw it in store, but didn't want to pay full price for it. You can see the detail a bit better in the stock photo.

I really wanted to wear it today but wanted to make it a bit more casual since I didn't have much planned today. This heathered oatmeal pullover is super soft and comfortable, and I love how the grommets echo the polka dots in the skirt. I just added some tights for a bit of color and my favorite wedges. I wish I took some better photos of this outfit but puppy training has been a bit exhausting! And I'm just warning y'all that there will probably a lot of gratuitous puppy photos coming up. I am just smitten with Savannah!

New nail color today, OPI Jade is the New Black. 

Meet Savannah!

The newest addition to our family, meet our new shih tzu puppy, Savannah!

She is around 5 months old, and we are so excited to have her.

She is a bundle of fun and we just absolutely love her personality. 

I'll try to get back to posting outfits soon but Savvy can be very distracting...