The Ghost in My Hallway

It took me actually downloading these outfits photos to realize there was some kind of smudge on the camera the entire time I photographed them. That or a ghost lives in my hallway. And if it is a ghost, it's probably the ghost of an old lady who's confused me for someone who stole her clothes. That's what wearing a brown plaid chiffon blouse will get you. Also using words like "blouse." Just call me the Grandma Whisperer.

 

 

 

What I'm Wearing
Printed Chiffon Shirt/Blouse (Old Navy)
Black Minnie Pants (J.Crew)
Tahari Tan Pumps (DSW)

Tortoise Shell Sunglasses (Forever XXI)

Royal Ascot Ring (JewelMint)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

Cinema Americano Bracelet (JewelMint)

Pearl and Beaded Bracelet (Gift from a craft fair)

CND Shellac Nail Polish (One coat in "Strawberry Smoothie," one coat in "Mother of Pearl")

Little Thrills

In 2007, I received the September issue of Vogue in the mail. The fall fashion issue. I noticed how the cover boasted the record-breaking 840 pages so I kept it for about a year, stored in a trunk after I finished reading it. When my mom was helping me move the following summer, she convinced me to throw it away.

Then they made a movie about all the awesomeness of the September 2007 issue of Vogue... The issue I threw away.

Five years later, I finally have redemption! We are now looking at 916 pages of the fashion feast that is the September 2012 issue. I'm going to be buried with this magazine.

Follow me on Instagram to see even more of my little thrills!

A Vineyard Vacation in Instagrams

The weekend before last, my fella/fiance and I took a weekend trip to the Texas wine country. Long story short, I drank too much wine during the weekend and fell asleep when I was supposed to be posting these photos. I took some outfit photos from that weekend, as well, but I am destroying all of them because I look drowsy and have purple teeth in each one.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1) The Hilmy Cellars porch is built almost entirely from cedar
2) A vineyard view at Hilmy Cellars
3) Unpasteurized cheese and cured meats, yum
4) The William Chris tasting room is actually a converted 100-year-old house
5) The fiance enjoying a syrah
6) Label from the William Chris Vineyard

Earning My Laundry

I know it sounds silly, but sometimes I take pride in how often I stain my clothing... mainly because you have to own your flaws, right? As I'm peeling off my clothes at the end of each day, I find myself saying, "Look at all these stains! I really wore the crap out of these clothes. Good job, Jenn!"

However, because I work in an office setting, my stains mainly include coffee and blue pen ink. But today... today, I not only stained these pants with coffee and blue pen ink... I added black printer toner to the mix! Just call me the Indiana Jones of Building C.

What I'm Wearing
White Linen Cascade Top (Madewell)
Navy Blue Blazer (H&M)
Gray Skimmer Pants (J.Crew Factory)
Patent Leather Neon Sandals (Forever XXI)
Neon Bracelets (Bauble Bar)
Neon Yellow Hair Pin (ban.do, purchased at Anthropologie)
OPI Nail Polish in "My Pointe Exactly"

Balance

Hi, everyone -- I missed you all! I'm back blogging after a long hiatus. Mostly, I was held up working, and it's got me thinking how much better I need to be about striking a balance in my life. Even spending an hour working on a blog post, exercising, or reading can make me feel invigorated.

This weekend, I went out to brunch with my fella -- scratch that, fiance! -- and some friends while wearing a sweater and a chiffon skirt, sporting a neutrals and neon. A balance of multiple fabrics and colors.

What I'm Wearing

Leopard Print Sweater (Old Navy)

LC Lauren Conrad Chiffon Front-Tie Skirt (Kohl's)

Patent Leather Neon Sandals (Forever XXI)

Neon Bracelets (Bauble Bar)

Fingers: OPI Gel in "Ink"

Toes: Essie Nail Polish in "Teeny Bikini"

'Tis the Season for White

I knew when I first snatched up this white lace dress at the Texas Style Council's clothing swap, sponsored by LuLu*s and Swap.com, that I would wear it on Easter Sunday... and probably every weekend thereafter. Unlike other lace items I own, this fabric is surprisingly soft and has a slight stretch to it. I can safely say this will be The Dress of Summer 2012. (And it earns bonus points for matching my pale white legs.)

Now I just need The Song of Summer 2012 to play while I dance around in my white dress. Spoiler alert: It will probably be something by One Direction. The Biebs is so 2011.

What I'm Wearing
Dearest One Ivory Lace Dress (c/o LuLu*s via the Texas Style Council)
Navy/Purple Trim Blazer (Old Navy)
Purple Patent Leather Skinny Belt (J.Crew)
Guess Tan Cork Wedges (DSW)

Tortoise Shell Sunglasses (Forever XXI)

Rhinestone Bow Ring (Forever XXI)

Royal Ascot Ring (JewelMint)

Monte Carlo Bracelet (JewelMint)Thin Gold Bangles (Forever XXI)
Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)
CND Shellac Nail Polish (One coat in "Hollywood," one coat in "Hot Pop Pink")

Little Thrills

I'm a big proponent of reading the book before the movie, and Downton Abbey is no exception. As soon as my friend Emily told me Edith Wharton's last and unfinished novel, The Buccaneers, was it's long-lost cousin, I scrounged up a copy. (I also grabbed Old New York, which is a series of four novellas chock-full of all my favorite Wharton themes.)

I can't wait to read The Buccaneers before I finally start watching Downton Abbey. Being a late adopter really worked out for me this time.

Follow me on Instagram to see even more of my little thrills!

The March Dress

I'm late posting my dress from last month's take on the dress resolution, but better late than never, right? ("Better late than never" has been my motto ever since I learned how to tie my shoes.) And like both the January and February dresses, this one was way under budget at $19 from Forever XXI.

After evaluating my last three challenge purchases, goals for the April dress include: branching out and wearing a pattern or a print; taking advantage of being under budget and springing for a great quality dress... and posting in the same month I purchase the dress. Dreaming big.

What I'm Wearing

Rose-Colored Empire Dress (Forever XXI)

Black Leather Belt (J.Crew Factory)

Mossimo Patent Leather Ballet Flats (Target)

Gold Glasses Necklace (Forever XXI)

Blanc Bomb Ring (JewelMint)

Royal Ascot Ring (JewelMint)

Thin Gold Bangles (Forever XXI)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

Monte Carlo Bracelet (JewelMint)

Pyramid Stretch in Island Coral Bracelet (J.Crew)

OPI Nail Polish in Panda-monium Pink

Last Week's Surprise Giveaway

Thanks to everyone for all your comments on which nude ballet flats I should purchase! I decided on the TOM'S and can't wait to show them off as soon as they arrive!

And congratulations to Laura, who won the surprise giveaway! Laura, e-mail me with your address, and I'll be sending a pair of Dr. Scholl's Fast Flats your way!

 Laura Mar 29, 2012 03:34 PM

the toms- aside from the awesome fact that they help those in need, they are by far the cutest and easiest to match with a lot of different outfits.

Little Thrills

I can't take credit for discovering the amber oil that I now wear on a daily basis. I learned about it from a good friend, Trisha, who was kind enough to tell me her secret after I spent a creepy amount of time smelling her neck one night.

I found it difficult to order the oil online, but you can typically find it at Whole Foods. Swing by the beauty aisle after you've picked up your fresh kale and grounded your own organic peanut butter.

Follow me on Instagram to see even more of my little thrills!

P.S. Have you entered to win my surprise giveaway yet?

The Ballet Flat Ballot Giveaway

I need some help, lovely readers! I've found myself walking in circles inside my closet each morning looking for the perfect pair of shoes to complete my ensemble. Not only is this awkward because my closet is 20 square feet, but it really confuses Cooper, who likes to follow me around when I'm home. 

It was easy to figure out that I was missing some nude flats, but I'm having trouble deciding on which pair I should ultimately purchase:

Me Too "Patty" Flats 

(also seen here)

Price: $89

Why?: Great on-trend piece for this spring and summer

[Photo source: zappos.com]

TOM'S Rose "Natalia" Linen Ballet Flats

Price: $74

Why?: Helps a child in need

[Photo source: toms.com]

Tory Burch "Caroline" Ballet Flat

Price: $225

Why?: Great quality

[Photo source: jildor.com]

Which one should I choose? Leave a comment by Wednesday, April 4, at 5:00 p.m. CST. I'll pick one commenter afterward to receive a surprise giveaway!

A Shopping Trip in Instagrams

My friend, Margaret, and I took a trip to J.Crew last week to develop her spring wardrobe. Margaret has great instinct about what pieces will work with those she already owns and new trends she wants to incorporate. Another great habit she keeps is walking in the door with her budget already set, in order to make better decisions and not overspend.

One hour, two bottles of water, and a dozen outfits in the fitting room later, Margaret was done! I think Efficient is her middle name. My favorite items she ended with were the No. 2 pencil skirt in citron and a plaid perfect shirt. (And I took these home to play!) Check out some Instagrams I took of the fun evening.

1) Margaret in the Dolores dress in prospect purple
2) Before trying on the clothes
3) Items purchased
4) Margaret in a winning outfit, including the Minnie pants and Rainy Day Bow Ballet Flats in blue grotto

Little Thrills

I've been holed up for much of the week, trying to get over a terrible cold. When I finally ventured out of bed and into the land of healthy people, I wore these two enameled bracelets from J.Crew that I purchased last week. (More on that shopping trip to come!)The bright colors came in handy as I tried to distract people from my red nose.

[J.Crew enameled bracelets]

Sunday Brunch

There's nothing better than Sunday brunch. If I could bring any food with me to a desert island, it would be Sunday brunch. (I'm sorry. I can't get any more specific than that.)

The fella and I, along with some other friends, went to brunch at Moonshine, and I selected another piece I picked up from Le Garage Sale to join. I like to wear my most favorite pieces of clothes to my most favorite events. Looks like I might have enjoyed brunch too much, judging by the stain on the front.

What I'm Wearing

Soho Tee in Grey/Ivory (StyleMint)

MM Couture Maxi Skirt (Maya Star via Le Garage Sale)

Black Leather Belt (J.Crew Factory)

Mossimo Patent Leather Ballet Flats (Target)

Shanghai Eclipse Pendant (JewelMint)

Black, White, and Gold Bracelet (Forever XXI)

Blanc Bomb Ring (JewelMint)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

Monte Carlo Bracelet (JewelMint)

Black Regal Bangle (Bauble Bar)

Royal Ascot Ring (JewelMint)

Didi Teardrop Earrings (Send the Trend)

Essie Nail Polish in "Absolutely Shore" and OPI Nail Polish in "Cajun Shrimp"



Little Thrills

I like the idea of highlighting little treasures I pick up or discover throughout the week, so I'm planning to make this "Little Thrills"  post a weekly one...

This week I bring you my new favorite (read: my only) lipstick. Normally, I stick to lip balm, or -- if things are getting really wild -- slightly pink-tinted lip gloss. But, I was flipping through a magazine last week and was uncharacteristically drawn to an ad for Maybelline SuperStay 14HR Lipstick. Hours later, during a (very characteristic) trip to Target, I spotted the Maybelline display and selected the perfect shade of beige.

Maybelline SuperStay 14HR Lipstick in Beige ForGood

I can't say this lipstick lasts 14 hours, but when I apply it diligently, it definitely lasts all through the workday. It's the one thing I haven't taken off all week!

The February Dress

Obviously, it's not February, but I never posted the dress I purchased for my dress resolution last month. This number was a steal at $15 in the STRUT booth during Le Garage Sale. Even though I'm a procrastinator with blogging, I'm thrifty when it comes to shopping. We all have our strengths.

I actually have no clue what I'm going to pick as my March dress. Have any suggestions?

What I'm Wearing

Final Touch Navy Mod Dress (STRUT)

Grey Tights (Forever XXI)

Jolly Suede Wedge Booties (ShoeMint)

Ribbons and Chains Necklace (J.Crew)

Rhinestone Bow Ring (Forever XXI)

Royal Ascot Ring (JewelMint)

Didi Teardrop Earrings (Send the Trend)

Essie Nail Polish in "Absolutely Shore" and OPI Nail Polish in "Cajun Shrimp"

Making Fuzzy Tracks

I'm typically not a huge SXSW participant, because crowds scare me more than curling iron burns, but I got invited to the “Make Fuzzy Tracks” SXSW party, hosted by mixtape marketing and Bearded Pony and decided to go because they were giving out free drinks. Also, I knew some of the peeps behind the scenes. ... The drinks were yummy though.
I came straight from work, so I went with a mix of office casual and bold accessories.

And here are a few other photos I took from the party:

      

1) mixtape marketing and Bearded Pony koozy
2) Bush Baby Beer bartender pouring free samples
3) Lauren Brown of He's My Brother She's My Sister tap dancing on the drums
4) Lots of Sweet Leaf freebies
5) The "free drinks" menu of the night
6) Having fun with the props
7) The Fella double-fisting with samples
8) Craig of Bearded Pony, presumably explaining why he is awesome
9) Random stickers
10) Sweet Leaf-flavored lip balm for the taking

What I'm Wearing
White Oxford Shirt (J.Crew Factory)
Black Marled Sweater Vest (Swapped from Jen of Purse & Clutch via the Swap.com exchange at Texas Style Council)
Cropped Skinny Jeans (Gap Outlet)
Jolly Suede Wedge Booties (ShoeMint)
Shanghai Eclipse Pendant (JewelMint)

Black, White, and Gold Bracelet (Forever XXI)

Blanc Bomb Ring (JewelMint)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

Monte Carlo Bracelet (JewelMint)

Black Regal Bangle (Bauble Bar)

Royal Ascot Ring (JewelMint)

Didi Teardrop Earrings (Send the Trend)

Essie Nail Polish in "Absolutely Shore" and OPI Nail Polish in "Cajun Shrimp"