Top Marks

It's so lovely to finally be on vacation! One whole glorious week to get a few things done around the apartment and travel to WI to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with family. Of course, when I think about the fact that I won't actually be home for the whole week, I start to panic about all the things I want to get done. I guess just a little less mindless lounging should be my goal. =)

Ring - LOFT / Belt - LOFT / Earrings - Lane Bryant Outlet /
Nails - Essie "Recessionista" (via Ulta)

I first wore this outfit a few weeks ago for a low-key Saturday work day, only Instagramming the outfit to earmark it for a second wearing. I simply loved the combination of the leopard print top and the burgundy belt with, shocking as it was, pants!

I'm always an advocate for belting blousy tops, of course, but the proportions of the longer top made the accessory practically a necessity. And a burgundy one was just the thing. It was actually this first combination of burgundy and leopard that planted the obsession for my favorite fall outfit ideas!

Blouse - Lane Bryant / Pants - NY&Co. / Sandals - Nine West

You don't seem many pants on this blog, though, do ya? Once in a while I'm able to style a pair in a way in which they actually look good on me, but usually they just don't work. (And they never photograph well. Cue strategic cropping.) Basically it's just because I've yet to find a pair that actually fits well; it's probably time to dedicate some time to the hunt, eh? Well, until then, a fabulous leopard-print blouse that hits past the hips/crotch area will conceal all the usual misdeeds of an ill-fitting trouser.

Handbag - Tano

You Say It's Your Birthday

Oh, hello there! It's 50 degrees today (a white Christmas is likely impossible at this point), my beloved camera has found its way home to me (via an exact replacement), this is outfit #1 of my birthday celebrations, and I'm so happy to bring you (albeit cloudy) outdoor pictures! Full disclosure, however: between frantic cleaning and cooking (and eating and drinking), I never got around to taking pictures yesterday. But I had no intention of letting either outfit or the rest of the day's events go to blog-waste, so I couldn't resist getting all dolled up in yesterday's ensemble (even the hair!) and took the pictures today. Forgive me, k?

"Trina" tunic - LucieLu / Dark skinnies - Gap

Last night we had wonderful friends over to celebrate my thirty-something birthday (which is actually not until tomorrow) in pseudo Bridget Jones style - we made a few tasty dishes and had folks also bring a few of their own. I even made a signature cocktail - cranberry martinis that were seriously A.MA.ZING. Though I didn't go whole hog with a theme of any sort, cranberries did seem to weave their way through most of it - from my centerpiece, to my signature drink, to some delectable sugared cranberries that I continue to enjoy today.

Our menu: Glazed half of ham (c/o Bob's work) / Stuffed mushrooms / Goat cheese and honey crostini (all local!) /
Sugared cranberries / Cranberry martinis / Chocolate chip banana bread (my specialty)

The tunic is a new favorite find from LucieLu. Aptly named the "Trina Tunic," it definitely reminds me of many of Ms. Turk's designs that I always love but cannot afford. I'd been lusting after it for a while, finally purchased it, and then waited patiently for the right time to wear it. When we decided to host a party for my birthday, I thought this would be perfect for the event - casual, stylish, comfortable, me! I really like its effortless vibe with skinnies, super nude (and crazy comfy) pumps (thank heavens for stylish closed-toes when pedicures just aren't possible) and some fabulous statement accessories, including a brand new ring I just received as a birthday gift!

Necklace and earrings - Anthropologie / Ring - Ruche (gifted) / Nails - "Suzi Says Feng Shui" (O.P.I.)

Handbag - Tano

Nude pumps - Nine West "Hollyce" (via Zappos)

The party itself was pretty fantastic. Great company, tasty food, super addictive drinks, and even a mini dance party to one of my long-time holiday playlist staples, N'Sync's "Merry Christmas Happy Holiday." Oh yes, my friends. Oh, yes. To top that off, if that were possible, I got some lovely loot as well!

Clockwise from left: Falling Snowflakes Dangling Earrings - Ruche / Vogue: The Covers - the most awesomest coffee table book ever / Ostrich-embossed clutch - ASOS (previously revealed) / I'll aways drink Starbucks (Caramel Brulee and Peppermint White Mocha, you're mine!) /A very unique scarf/wrap in cozy winter white

A table wine with probably the best description out there...for my blog =)

Thanks to my dear friends who helped me celebrate, and especially my Bobby for putting up with - nay, overcoming - my crazed bitch mode as we were preparing. Stay tuned for the main event on Tuesday (my actual birthday): a romantic dinner for two at our favorite restaurant in town, with me strutting some seriously fabulous digs from Kiyonna! I'm oh-so-excited!

Obviously, I totally support celebrating one's birthday more than once. ; )

Solid

So my closet fell down yesterday morning. Yep, you read that right. The shelf, hanger bar, canvas totes, and all those clothes went crashing to the floor at 7am, scaring the crap out of me and Bob. Apartment maintenance (who seriously rocks) already fixed it today, but I think it is a serious wake-up call to downsize my wardrobe. Guess I better study Kendi's Guide to the Purge.

Blue pintucked belted shirt - The Limited / White camisole - The Limited / Dark skinnies - Gap / Brown cut-out wedges - LOFT

In the meantime, I continue to rebel against the cold weather with my trench coat and open-toed wedges. The sun came out today, though, so that's a start! Today might be one of those rare days that I felt my outfit completely matched the day, if that makes any sense - that I'm finally getting a hang of dressing up denim for work (a handicap of mine). A little casual flair with some funky accessories in a hue that encourages patience for warmer days - just a good old, good-looking Tuesday. A day with purpose. A solid day...

And because it was the most accessible thing I could pull out of my shamble of a closet.

I know I've been wearing my blue Tano, like, every day, so I decided to throw in a bright pop of color with my always reliably colorful fuchsia Gustto. Makes me want to see flowers already!

Speaking of color, here's a shot of the pretty colors my stylist put in my hair!  I have to remember to get shots of the other side of my head, where the colors are even more dramatic and funky...

Necklace - Urban Outfitters  / Topaz ring - Banana Republic (eBayed) / Earrings - Maurices

Easy Does It

Well, like most of the population right now, I'm sick. Boyfriend was sick for over a week and I was fine. In fact, I believed I was immune. Then, BAM. Sick. Knocked me out of two days of work, and maybe more if I could have gotten away with it. But, I needed to go into work today to prepare for a big event tomorrow. I'm feeling a little bit better - still a little congested in the chest and sinuses, though. I seem to get a cold of some sort at least once a season, so I think I was overdue. Times like these I'm grateful for my electric kettle, seeing how much tea I've been drinking. Tea, Emergen-C, a few essential oils, and maybe some Advil Cold and Sinus. Who needs a doctor?

That said, I'm impressed I even took pictures today. More importantly, I'm impressed that I've managed not to look like I've been hacking up a lung and blowing my nose for the past 3 days. Actually, I think taking a hot shower and just getting dressed does help that sort of thing. And make-up. =)

Blue plaid flannel tunic - Lane Bryant / White scoop neck tee - LOFT /
Woven Denim Pull-on Jeggings - Lane Bryant / Boots - Ciao Bella (via DSW) /
Sterling Silver Jewelry - Kohl's

A flannel tunic, jeggings, basic jewelry, and flat boots are just the thing for sick days that you can't spend at home in bed.