WEAR | Olive Plaid Baseball Hat

Oh hats. I have become that girl that wears one all the time. Running errands, out to dinner, at work. Mixing a high-low look, such as a pencil skirt with a hat, or just your basic sweater, cap, and denim - I'm all about it. And with autumn arriving, I was a little sad to say goodbye to my favorite summer hats. But then I found the ashton plaid baseball cap at Free People. Hello perfect hat for fall.

See? It's a pretty great hat. It also comes in brown. 

(I'm now a happy capper…

get it?… like happy camper)

Fall Swimsuit Sales!

Can I tell you a secret? I own too many swim suits. Growing up in California, swim wear is the summer uniform. But now, since pools and beaches are hard to come by in Colorado, I can't justify spending a lot on a leisure suit that I'm only going to wear a few times a year (and for waterfront vacations and hot tubbing). Also, floating down a river or going to the springs can eat away at swimwear, so so affordable is important. I've started only allowing myself sale swimsuit purchases over the last few years. And literally fall has been discovered as THE BEST season for swim sales (the selection is still there but with really great prices!) I'm a fall swimsuit shopper who ends up getting bottoms and tops for dirt cheap. Like this mix and match top from Anthropologie I snatched up for $10 which I will be living in when I visit California in a few months. And bottoms from Target found while picking up olive oil and coffee.

The key is being open to mixing and matching. You might pair bottoms from Old Navy with a top from J.Crew. Just stick with a color palette and patterns that work well together! My go to is teal, poppy, black, navy, and tan and I love adding in a few fun prints. Fall swimsuit shopping really is the best bang for your buck, the sales are pretty wild and it really is so great come next summer when your swimsuit collection is ready to go.  I've rounded up a few of my favorites from J.Crew, Anthropologie, and Target just for you above, in case you want to think ahead and get some good ones for next year. (Another tip is to just rummage through Target's clearance racks or ask the gals and Anthropologie if they have any swimsuits in the back…that is how I've had my best luck, as well as online shopping because you can always return it in store if t's not quite right!)

*With the expectation of full disclosure and honest & true blogging, the links in this post are affiliate links; meaning, should you purchase one of these items I get a kick back of the cost. This is not a sponsored post, however purely items that I love and believe that my readers would too, reflecting my true style and the aesthetic of this blog. Thank you for supporting the brands I choose to share about and that keep this blog going. 

Currently Swooning: The Midi Skirt

After Anne's party last week and trying on this skirt, paired with new fall shipment at work and an array of longer skirts in warm hues making their way into the store, I can't help but have a crush on the midi skirt. It is still warm out as summer holds on to its last month, so pants and tights aren't so much jumping out of my closet - but longer, past the knee skirts that transition every so gracefully into a fall and winter wardrobe? Yes, please. They can fill my closet. I have my eye on a handful of midi skirts that I would just be delighted to add to my wardrobe. I'm determined to add one staple past the knee skirt to my closet, and I would be perfectly content if I happened upon it while thrifting or vintage store rummaging. What's so great about this style is that it's a classic. You might even find one hiding in your grandmother's closet or on a rack at Goodwill that you can bust out and pair with ankle booties. The midi skirt has made its rounds in fashion, and it is back, and really should never leave. So in the spirit of the weekend, and with a nod to the midi skirt, here is a round up of those that are catching my fancy. Who knows, maybe they'll be on sale this weekend? :

*With the expectation of full disclosure and honest & true blogging, the links in this post are affiliate links; meaning, should you purchase one of these items I get a kick back of the cost. This is not a sponsored post, however purely items that I love and believe that my readers would too, reflecting my true style and the aesthetic of this blog. Thank you for supporting the brands I choose to share about and that keep this blog going. 

The Most Comfortable Shirt Ever

I've found it. I've found the most comfortable shirt to ever grace my sensitive skin. Some might put me in the category of tag-cutter-outer and sock-seam-loather. As a child, I refused to wear jeans until junior high and I cut those seams at the toe out of my socks (oh the holes). Although now, I've learned that there are such a thing as comfortable jeans, and my feet have adjusted to socks, I'm still just as sensitive to clothing. I've always been picky when it comes to how clothes feel on my body, so when I bought this swing tunic at the Anthropologie in the Chelsea neighborhood last week, flattering and pajama-comfort collided--and I did no want to wear anything else. At all. So I didn't. Besides, we got stuck in the city for a day longer do to the snow storm, my packed clothing was already way deep in my suitcase, and I didn't want to unpack (and that totally justifies it ;)). Convenience and comfort won, obviously.

We've only been home since Thursday morning, and I've already found myself in the tunic at work and while running errands. And you know I'm being extremely vulnerable in writing this, confessing to have worn it so much, as you might think I'm a crazy lady (yeah, you counted right, five times). But hey, I just can't get enough. Shouldn't life be like that? Worn in and loved like you can't get enough? If anything, this shirt has been somewhat of a metaphor for life.

The shirt is by Puella, who makes really simple and flattering dresses, too, by the way. You can shop their other super cute and comfortable clothing here (I have my eye on that maxi dress):

WEAR | Black, Metallic, and an Unexpected New Start

January never feels like the first month of the year. Snow, short days, frozen ponds at the park, leafless trees, the Christmas Season passing by--these all feel like the end. The finale. Spring is what feels new, the start of something full of warmth, and life. Color coming up out of the cold, out of the dormant, and the dark. So when the New Year arrived today I expected to feel the same. To be left with the feeling of normalcy, just trekking forward from December. Just another day. I expected that this wouldn't feel like a new start, because it never really does, and it never really has. But you know what? It feels a bit like new things are here. 2014 feels bright and warm, even with the snowy, grey sky that lingered this January 1st. It feels like this inner warmth building up, with color coming out of new adventures in my life. I'm pretty sure the warmth has been building for months, and I'm just now taking the time to notice. There are so many things on the horizon, that are new, and at the start. My new creative outlet at Anthropologie, new friendships building, contributing to exciting projects, learning calligraphy, traveling to New York for the first time. And these are all just the new things for January. I'm kind of blown away.

To start off the New Year, and the unexpected blessing of these bright and hopeful things on the horizon, we played games with friends and treated ourselves to a delicious Italian dinner donned even with a sweet dessert wine. And I wore an entirely new outfit. Not thrifted, and mainly from Anthropologie as my gift from Matt's side of the family this year. A serious treat to wear a brand new outfit to ring in the New Year, and the unexpected feeling of excitement I would find myself wrapped up in today as I see all the things planned for the beginning of January and February. Hurray, and hello, 2014!

Ankle Boots : A Sale Round Up

Ankle booties are pretty much my jive these days. A lot of you were wow-ed by the $40 booties I got for a steal last week, and although no longer available online (although check Anthropologie in store, the one I work at has tons of sizes left!) there are a ton of other super cute booties in the same camel leather tone and suede still available at Anthropologie right now. The best thing is that all of these are on sale, and all of sale is an additional 25% off right now! So if you've been waiting for some ankle booties, and saving up, now is the time to snatch up a pair, while this sale is still happening. Let's be honest, its all about the bargain ;)

Moto Booties // 49.95 + 25% off

Lasercut Booties // 99.95 + 25% off

Tilden Booties with zipper // 99.95 + 25% off

James Embroidered Booties // 99.95 + 25% off

There are also a pair of ankle boots that are so similar to the ones I bought in Buenos Aires last year. The texture is almost exactly the same. If I didn't already have more than enough ankle boots to last me awhile, I'd totally get these in the black. 

DIY Berry Red and Gold Anthropologie-Inspired Necklace

It's that time of year with lots of parties, gatherings, and reasons to sparkle. Last week, I shared this DIY over at Thoughts By Natalie--fitting as Natalie loves sequins and a pop of metallic, as do I! (Especially pairing gold with anything and everything this season). When I saw this necklace mixing berry red and gold at Anthropologie months ago, I couldn't shake the inspiration. And so, as many DIYs go, I set out to see if I could recreate the look for less, hoping to wear a handmade pop of shine this holiday season. (And if you don't fancy red, this necklace would be pretty in any color, really!) 

What You'll Need:

21-25 wooden beads (an even amount for the painted portion of the necklace + one unpainted bead as a fastener)

Waxed cotton thread, 20-30 inches in length

Red Acrylic Paint

Gold metallic acrylic paint, gold nail-polish, or a gold sharpie oil paint pen

Flat work surface and paper to protect it from paint mess

Paint brushes (a thin brush for the gold detailing)

Scissors

STEP EIGHT: To get the length of your necklace just so, before tying on your wooden bead closure, hold the necklace up to your neck and test it out for length. Pinch your pincers in the spot on the thread where you feel your wooden bead closure should be tied on. For reference, my necklace measures 22 inches long once complete with its closure. On one end, thread through the hole of your wooden bead closure and tie it off around and through with a square knot (or any knot that makes the bead feel secure and in place). On the other side of the thread, create a loop that is large enough for the bead to slip into. This is how your necklace fastens. Tie the loop in place. Try on the necklace to make sure it is the length you want before cutting off the excess cotton threading.

Pretty, right? Hey, maybe the perfect last minute gift idea for your mom, sister or friend ;)

Windy Thoughts

A little thought for your Thursday. How has the wind carried you, lately?

WEAR | Peruvian Scarf

Dress // Thrifted   Earrings // Anthropologie Sale  

 Scarf // Hand-made in Peru   Knee Socks // H&M   Boots // Steve Madden

My Peruvian scarf is the comfort blanket of scarves. Made of alpaca, and purchased on our travels in the Sacred Valley last year, it has become my go-to scarf. Even being as bright red as it is, I find it works with nearly everything. Every girl needs a scarf in their wardrobe that when they close their eyes, it feels like that are wrapped up in a warm blanket in the sanctuary of their bed. That and knee high socks. Boots and knee highs are like PB & J. You can't have one without the other.

Roll Top Back Packs

Lately, we've been spending most weekend days outdoors. Even on early work days I find myself hurrying to City Park or Central Park to snatch up those last moments of light before the sun sneaks away for its slumber. I suppose now, my Colorado intuition is starting to set in and I know that warm sunny days are necessary to catch and enjoy before the winter arrives; besides, let's be honest, the California in me needs all that it can for good measure. (Although, even a winter day in Denver can be bright and cheery--more sunny days than San Diego they say!) We recently hiked over at Red Rocks, and all the while after our half day of hiking, I couldn't help but want to sew a hiking backpack. I do love the convenience of REI, but now that I have a large workspace, and almost functioning sewing machine, and a few skills to call my own, I really want to make a day pack (that could also double as my pack for summer biking, trips to new cities, overnights, etc etc.). These are a few of my backpack inspirations, sticking to mainly roll-top styles as what I could see myself making:

1 //  2 //  3 //  4 //  5 //  6  

7 //  8 //  9 //  10 //  11 //  12

Also, how simple and darling is this leather pouch DIY (Hobby Lobby has some great leather options) and this rope tote (doesn't this remind you of the Project Runway unconventional challenge?). And just in case you want a roll top backpack, but have no desire to sew your own, Barnacle Bags has a great Etsy shop that I have loved browsing for inspiration.

WEAR | High Waisted Florals & Birthdays

Blouse // Urban Outfitters (old)    High Waisted Skirt // Rustic Thread, Denver

Boots // Steve Madden (last Fall)   Leather Messenger Bag // T-Nobile Leather Shop, Rome

All through my college years, once November 7th came, it meant birthday celebrations began. My  friend Serena's birthday is November 7th, just three days before mine, and we always managed to have a combined birthday party. One year it was a fondu party, another a riveting night of Bunko, and somehow one year we managed to have candy filled piñatas while our friends, blind folded, batted away. Serena and I live states apart now, so no more combined parties, but I still think of November 7th as the start to birthday celebrations--and the mark of savouring another year older in some celebratory fashion. So how will my 28th year commence? (Well, almost commence, as I realize my actually age does not change until Sunday...) With Iron and Wine! Playing here! In Denver! I cannot wait to hear one of my favorites with my favorite (Matt, in case you didn't know). I have been looking forward to it for MONTHS. In other birthday weekend news, we are having a pre-Thanksgiving day feast on Saturday with our cousins and hopefully I'll have some down time to enjoy the new desk before Monday comes ;) I'm pretty sure a birthday breakfast might happen, since breakfasts are another favorite of mine. But in the meantime, since I may be off adventuring this weekend, enjoying pumpkin pie, spending time with Matt & co., and being a new age and all--I'm saying happy weekend early! And if I had to pick my birthday outfit, this one would be it. Although, you might find me in comfy fleece on my birthday this year...