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