Why Hello There

Why hello there, blog! Haven't seen you in quite a while now. Even though I haven't had a chance in a very long time to take good pictures of my outfit of the days, I've still been taking quick snaps whenever I like what I'm wearing - so now they've become my #ootds on instagram. And yes, I do realize that I have pretty much the same pose in every photo.

I've always been drawn to quirky animal prints and patterns. When I first saw this crab sweater at f21, I knew I had to have it. Who needs a sweater with crabs printed all over it?? Apparently me. I really had no idea how I would wear it, but in a quick last minute decision, I paired it with my pink gingham shirt, which worked out surprisingly well.

I've been MIA for a few months (it was still 2012 when I last posted!) but the following is my attempt to play catch up.

Dress Obsession: I'm always extolling the virtues of the most basic of female clothing items, the dress. It's a way to feel instantly put together with minimal effort and coordination (which is good when one is lingering in bed on a cold winter morning instead of putting the time in to put together an outfit). They're just so easy! Throw on a statement necklace, a pair of tights if necessary, any type of shoe, and you're good to go. 

Layers: I feel like I always have go to combinations when it comes to layering. I get stuck in a rut of wearing a button down under a sweater, or a cardigan layered over a sleeveless dress. But unexpected pairings and bright colors always make it better.

I feel like I've done enough photo collage spamming for one day... things that I am planning on working on very soon: finish updating blog layout, post photos from the Christmas holiday (spent it in Korea), share some easy DIYs I've done recently, and of course my favorite... post some recent handmade valentines that I've made. If anyone's out there reading this, I'm going to try a lot harder than I have the last few months to get this blog up and running as a creative outlet for me.

Snow Day Cardigan

What I'm wearing:
Forever 21 Snow Day Hooded Cardigan
Old Navy Tank
J.Crew (outlet) Knit Skirt in Ochre (similar here)
Black H&M Tights
anthropologie Cherry Picked Boots (similar here)

I am so over winter. I can't wait to wear dresses without tights, lightweight trenches, wedge sandals and so much more. But until spring comes, this cozy hooded cardigan from Forever 21 will keep me toasty, and it makes me smile to know that it only cost $9 on sale! (Cute bargains warm my heart.)

The navy and white sweater needed some pops of color, so I decided to go with an ochre skirt and cherry red boots, which definitely perk up the darker shade. This cardigan is also perfect for just lounging around the apartment, watching the Winter Olympics (figure skating is my fave!), paired with leggings and slippers.

Winter Lace

What I'm wearing:
Forever 21 Vintage Tribute Woven Top (similar here)
Old Navy Tank
anthropologie Fulmar Sweater Skirt
H&M Tights
Frye Dorado Slouch Boots (similar here)

I love that this lace top has a lovely romantic quality to it, the pale lace, the flowy sleeves, the floral design within the lace. I picked up this top from Forever 21 when I was still in Atlanta, but I had no idea what to pair it with. I do enjoy the juxtaposition of the lace with the sweater skirt, which is adorned with birds. 

I have a few items on their way to me, but besides that I am really trying to cut down on my shopping. It's always fun to have new stuff but I know without a doubt that I just have too many material possessions. I am pleased that today I paired a new top with a skirt from 2008 and boots from 2007. I have tried unsuccesfully before but am now avowing on the platform that is my blog that I will make a strong effort to try and stop buying items that I don't need, and only purchase items that will enhance what I already have in my closet. It sounds more real if I post it here than just telling it to myself in my head. =)

A Walk in the Park

What I'm wearing:
anthropologie Rosemary Dress
Uniqlo Herringbone Tights (similar here)
Steve Madde Intyce Boots in Cognac
Orange Martin + Osa Mercerized Wool Scarf (similar here)
Burberrry Wool Coat
New York & Co. Bow Tote (similar here)

Had another fun day with the sister yesterday, so sad that she had to go home! It was a great long weekend though, filled with good eats, museum going, and fun shopping. Yesterday we walked through Central Park, the weather was lovely and there was still lots of snow covering the ground. I braved the cold and decided to take my wool coat off to take an outfit photo. It was really cold!!! I remembered why I stopped snapping pics outside. I wish I wore a nicer pair of boots, but these beat up Steve Maddens are so comfortable, perfect for lots of walking around like we did yesterday. And I don't mind stepping into slushy puddles with them on!

OPI Barefoot in Barcelona

Fun jumping shot from the park!

Don't Stop Believin'

What I'm wearing:
Old Navy T-neck Dress
Generra Silk Drape Vest from anthropologie
H&M Tights
Colonial Madness by LD Tuttle Strapped Heel Boot (here in Grey, but cheaper in store than online)
Marc by Marc Jacobs Huge Hillier bag in Black

I don't know why I even attempt to take photos outside, it's so windy! I snapped these and just decided to give up and go indoors. I've been eyeing this vest for a while in my closet, but had a hard time figuring out how to wear it. I figured simple is best and went with this lightweight sweater dress from Old Navy.

Aren't these ankle boots just marvelous? Urban Outfitters was having a great shoe sale (my sister and I dropped in on the way to Shake Shack this past weekend) and she snagged these and another great pair of shoes on sale! (And I'm wearing them today....)

Does anyone watch Nip/Tuck? I used to keep up with it but stopped after Season 4. I'm on Season 5 now and zomg what is going on? I think it is just a little too ridiculous right now....

Hint of Spring

(Not very figure flattering, but oh-so-comfy.)

What I'm wearing:
Tent dress from Korea
Hue Skinny Leggings
Steve Madden Suede Mary Jane Wedges
Minty Green Longchamp tote
Forever 21 Key necklace
Forever 21 Flower headband

This is the most beautiful day since I've arrived in Georgia! Bright sunshine, still a bit cool but the sun will warm you right up. I thought that the minty green tote and the flower headband hints at spring, which I hope is coming sooner than later. This outfit isn't really anything too exciting but I thought I'd post a quick photo anyway.

Love the color of this Longchamp! (I tried to capture the minty green color but it was hard.)

The Forever 21 Key necklace:

I really like this trend but didn't want to spend a ton on it (like at Tiffany's) but I love this cheap Forever 21 version! The metal isn't too shiny or terrible, it's not bad for being under $6!

My sister is off from school today so we grabbed some lunch at this delicious Korean restaurant that has a fantastic sushi buffet on weekdays. Normally I'm not a huge fan of lunch-time sushi buffets but this one is really yummy! Apparently everyone and their mom had the same idea too. It was very busy but we got there before the big rush luckily. It is very fortunate that this dress resembles a tent, it is very forgiving on my sushi-filled tummy.

Today my mother finally returned from her trip! I was soooo happy to see her, the house just doesn't feel the same without her. On Thursday I fly back up to NYC for good. I am excited but packing is giving me super anxiety. I always try to travel light, but I'm trying to take up a bunch of stuff on the plane and not only is it going to be outrageously expensive (thank you Delta for your checked baggage fees) but I hate lugging around a ton of stuff. Most of my stuff is packed up so for the next few days you will probably see some odd combinations, outfits that I've scavenged together from what's left in my closets.

P.S. Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway! (One post down.)

I'm a Barbie Girl.... and it's my 200th Post!

What I'm wearing:
Diane von Furstenberg Jeanne Wrap dress in Giant Twig Fuschia
Hue tights in Atlantic
Nanette Lepore Patent Scalloped Sling-backs

I decided I needed to wear something fabulous for my 200th post! This dress is a limited edition print by Diane von Furstenberg, to go with the DVF Barbie released by Mattel in 2007. Here is the Barbie doll, who wore it better? =P

DVF wraps used to be a staple in my wardrobe, especially when I was working in an office. Lately though my casual lifestyle has not been needing silk jersey wraps. This wrap is super special for me though, I had been coveting it for ages, it was only sold at the DVF Shop and select Bloomingdale's, so very hard to find, and then I came across it on ebay, and I scored it for more than 50% off! It was a splurge for me at the time but I am so glad I pulled the trigger. DVF wrap dresses are so figure flattering and are classic in my opinion. I am a huge fan of a lot of her prints and she always uses the best colors.

200 posts may not be that many for others but for me it's a big deal! I have started blogs before in the past but never could keep up with it regularly. I completely missed the passing of my 100th post, but I am excited about my 200th, especially because I only began to blog in a consistent manner starting this past summer. Love at First Shop was created in February of 2009, and it's been almost a year, 200 posts, and *almost* 100 followers! This has been a wonderful place for me to express myself through clothes, and I appreciate the kind words from the comments and emails written by the wonderful readers of this blog! So I would love to say a huge big giant *THANK YOU* to everyone who takes the time to read what I post. And to thank my lovely readers, I will have a giveaway coming up very, very soon, which I am super excited about!

Also would like to thank everyone for checking out the SHOP! I still have a pile of items to list, but haven't had the chance yet. My internet has also been flaking lately (I'm currently at a Barnes & Noble right now) so please be patient with me!

And last but not least, a Love at First Shop post wouldn't be a post without a gratuitous shot of my shoes!!! (Ok, they are my sister's shoes, but I love them!)

Wake Up in the Morning Feelin' Like P.Diddy

Ok, Kesha's "Tik Tok" has been running circles through my head all morning!  And I couldn't think of a better title for this post. =P

What I'm wearing:
Sweaterdress from Korea (?)
Vintage Kissing Mice belt
anthropologie Calligrapher's Tights
Frye Lisa T-Straps

This dress is another fab find from my sister's closet. It is super cozy and warm. Pairing it with the sweater tights was a no brainer, I'm sick of being cold! I thought the color of the dress could use some brightening up, especially with the black belt and shoes, and think these tights go with it nicely.

I caught the sunrise this morning and snapped this quick photo. The colors were so beautiful!

Some of you may have already spotted it on my sidebar, but I started a blog for the items that I am selling. I figured I'd offer to my blog readers first, then put them up on eBay. It's called SHOP Love at First Shop and you can click here to go check it out!

Love Me, Love Me, Say That You Love Me...

What I'm wearing:
Urban Outfitters Silence & Noise ribbed open cardigan
J.Crew Victoria Ruffle Tissue Cami in Spicy Olive
Forever 21 Elastic Braided Belt in Purple
anthropologie Crimson Bubbles Skirt
Givenchy Nude Fishnet tights
Steve Madden black suede Mary Jane wedges

This skirt is *divine*!!!!!! I love the shape, the pockets, the bright color, and the metallic dots! This is such a unique piece and I don't normally gravitate towards red but this skirt totally sucked me in. I tried to dress it down a bit, this would have been great during the holidays (it would be cute for Valentine's Day as well!) but I really wanted to make it work for everyday wear. My first instinct was to pair this with my navy blazer, but I decided to go with the less expected spicy olive and grey combination. Then to the mix I added my purple woven belt. I threw it on on a whim but was pleasantly surprised by the combination.

Better look at the belt and the skirt!

After putting this combination together, my next conundrum was this: What tights to wear? I thought a dark color would take away from these colors, so I went for the best neutral tights I have, my nude colored fishnets. Of course these fishnets do nothing to help me against the cold, but they are better than nothing! I love these because they go with everything, including this haphazardly put together outfit. Paired the tights with a pair of shoes I found in the garage. I'm guessing they were left behind by my sister, and they were definitely gathering dust. I saved them from their dusty demise and I'm so happy they did! They are amazingly comfortable, and I love the low wedge.

Anyone else obsessed with Justin Beiber? Can't stop listening to him on my iPod....

Plaid Petals

What I'm wearing:
Forever 21 black lace tank
J.Crew Forever cardigan in Burgundy
anthropologie Plenty by Tracy Reese Plaid Petals skirt
black tights
grey Nine West shoes

I've wanted a lace top for ages but didn't want to spend a lot of money on it. I found this simple lace tank at Forever 21 for under $14! For a trendy piece I thought that was an acceptable price. I am pretty happy with the way this color combination turned out. I was actually wearing this cardigan when I tried on this skirt at anthropologie, and filed it away in my brain as a future outfit idea. I *love* plaid! I love it in all forms and colors. The only thing I lament is that usually men's plaid options are so much lovelier than women's. I think tartan is so interesting and wish I could go visit Scotland one day! (This may also have to do with my obsession for the Outlander series.)

The one thing I wish I could change about this outfit is my tights, they photographed way more sheer than in real life. I am on the lookout for some super thick tights though, anyone have any favorites they like? I like Hue for basic tights but am always looking for more.

These grey shoes I picked up at Marshalls! I love the heels on these, they are black patent! They are super comfortable, I wore them with tights today (a faux pas for many) but I'm sure I will wear these in warmer months as well.

Vintage Rose

What I'm wearing:
J.Crew Merino Rose Corsage Cardigan in Vintage Rose
LOFT Paisley Jersey knit tank dress
black tights
anthropologie Tawny Acres boots
Botkier Trigger Clyde Satchel

Pink is not a color I reach for often, but once in awhile it can totally brighten up my day. Love this "vintage rose" color from J.Crew, I know it has a bit of a grandma feel to it but I find it feminine and flirty. This jersey knit dress was my steal from LOFT ($3!!), I packed it for my stay at my parents' house because I knew I could layer any one of a bazillion possible cardigans over it. I think the vintage pink does a nice job of brightening up the darker print. This outfit is a teensy bit too saccharine for me, but it made me happy which is important, right?

Pulled this old Botkier Clyde satchel out of hiding. I love the hunter green color, and the distressed leather that just seems to get better with time. Bought this ages ago with my sister at Neiman Marcus Last Call for a steal. We just couldn't walk away from it!

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend! Today we went out for brunch, I had the most delicious pumpkin pancakes. (I love anything pumpkin flavored.) My sister got french toast, another favorite of mine, so of course I had to steal a couple of bites. Yum!

I Can't Believe It's a Snow Day

Maybe it's because I grew up in New Jersey, where inches of snow didn't necessarily guarantee a school closing, maybe just a delayed opening if we were lucky. And I just came from Maryland, where a couple of weeks ago we were hit by one of the biggest blizzards in recent history. So I was not really expecting a school closing. Anyways, let's just say that all Atlanta schools shut down at the mere suggestion that it might snow. (Pansies.) Therefore we are off to the mall today!

What I'm wearing:

J.Crew Tartine Cardigan in Navy

Madewell Plaid top

J.Crew Cotton Nico skirt

black tights

anthropologie Sweater-Cuffed Booties

Rebecca Minkoff Matinee bag in Glazed Almond

J.Crew hat (only $7!)

Am excited to go check out anthropologie, J.Crew, Forever 21, etc. Maybe stop by get some Zaxby's, some frozen yogurt. A snow day isn't so bad!

Here is my sister frolicking in the frozen tundra with Louis!

Can I add that I was planning on wearing my Tawny Acres boots today with my outfit, but Teresa put hers on first. So I conceded and am wearing my Sweater-Cuffed booties again.

Another Alternative to Real Pants

What I'm wearing:
Navy J.Crew Suiting Blazer
Madewell Chambray Workshirt
Marc Jacobs sweatpants
Anthropologie Sweater-Cuffed Booties

Apparently I love any alternatives to real pants. I just don't like them! I know this look isn't for everyone, and I am perfectly aware that sweatpants are not real pants (but hey, I wear leggings as pants a lot), but I find this to be a comfortable and casual look. I would never wear this to work, or any kind of setting like that. I told myself I'd be more adventurous in 2010 and this is one of the ways, to wear something that I would never even have considered last year. I think the fitted blazer keeps it from looking too sloppy. Looking back I would have picked a more slim fitting pair of sweatpants, but I was working with what I had.

And yes, am still obsessed with these ankle boots!

I've decided that this outfit says, "Hi I'm a frat boy who forgot to put his pants on. Whoops." =) Not sure if I will wear this again, but at least I can say I tried!

Great Escape

What I'm wearing:
J.Crew Wool Schoolboy Blazer
aerie Striped Boatneck Tee
anthropologie Great Escape Skirt
Target cable-knit thigh high socks
anthropologie Sweater-Cuffed Booties

I felt a little silly taking these photos. I feel like I am taking a photo for the senior yearbook, right next to the mantel! Oh well the lighting was perfect here, I really love how there is so much sunlight at my parents' house.

The bright skirt is an attempt at denial at the cold weather outside. The name is appropriate, I think of it as a Great Escape! It is so bright and cheery and it makes me smile. The cable knit thigh highs kept me pretty warm but they kept falling down. FAIL. Guess I should stick to tights from now on.

Scored these ankle boots on sale at anthropologie! I love them, they are so comfortable and I feel like they will go with a ton of what I wear, and comfort is key.

After seeing these photos I feel like something is missing from my outfit. I feel like a big anchor pendant would have been a nice finishing touch. Unfortunately my things are scattered everywhere! I really need to be better organized when packing.

Right now I am just relaxing in the quiet house, enjoying a cup of coffee, and watching "You've Got Mail" on television. Not my favorite Meg Ryan movie, but it's nice to have in the background.