New York, New York

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Diana

No, unfortunately this post is not written from NYC. Nor do I have any plans in the immediate future to go there (although if the chance came up, believe me I would go!). But, I am wearing a little piece of NYC today in the form of my new favorite vintage scarf. I found this one while shopping at a local vintage shop a few weeks ago and found this scarf while digging around there. I immediately fell in love with it, and even though I sometimes have trouble styling vintage scarves, I went for it. And I’m so glad I did.

The simple black, white and yellow color scheme is so “me”, and it goes with pretty much everything. I styled it as a sort of handkerchief tie this time (tutorial up soon) and I really like how it looked. Plus, the silk provided just enough warmth for a balmy 65 degree winter day (seriously, this winter is way too warm this year).

This is what the scarf looks like unfolded. It has nine different panels, each with a different scene from 1960′s NYC. The World’s Fair was held in NYC in 1964, and the location is show on the subway map panel. Other panels include the Rockfeller Center, the Empire State building, Central Park, the United Nations, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the public library It also shows lower Manhattan pre-construction of the World Trade Center, which started in the late 1960′s. Kind of sad since that’s now how Lower Manhattan looks once again.

I’ve included thumbnails of several of the panels below. Click on them to get a larger view.

Tee: Ann Taylor LOFT (via Revolve)

Cardigan: Bobeau (via Nordstrom Rack)
Capris: Erik Stewart (thrifted)
Shoes: Merrell Brio
Scarf: Vintage (via Sherry’s Yesterdaze)
Purse: Morelle

New uses for old things

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Diana

I’ve had this cardigan for a long time, but it never occurred to me until this week that it could work great tied up as well as loose. I like how the layering allowed the sleeve cuffs of the dress to peek out. The overall look here is really simple, but I was going for something a little more minimal this day, so I was really pleased with how it turned out.

Sometimes I find that dresses which work great on their own can be some of the most difficult pieces to style originally. It feels like there’s only so many combinations of cardigans and belts I can come up with. So I’m always really happy when inspiration strikes and I come up with something new. I’d put together a look like this with one of my longer drapey cardigans before, but never my short one.

Dress: V Fish (via Why Not Boutique)
Cardigan: Anthropologie (via eBay)
Shoes: Merrell Brios
Watch: Fossil
Earrings: Gifted

Anglophile

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Diana

There’s lots of different elements that influence my style. Lately one of my favorite inspirations has been 60′s English and French styles. I feel like the above outfit has a little bit of both, but it felt more British to me. The dress actually is British, so that should count for something.

I’ve never actually been to England, but it’s one of those places that I’d really love to visit one day. My grandfather was stationed there during WWII (in Bassingbourn, near London) so I’d especially love to visit the base he was at and the museum that’s there.

This beret always makes me happy when I wear it. I finished knitting it while waiting for a cab at LaGuardia during my trip to NYC several years ago. It always reminds me of how great that trip was. Not to mention the fact that it’s cute and warm.

Dress: Boden (via eBay)
Cardigan: J. Crew (via eBay)
Tights: HUE
Boots: Keen Bern Baby Bern
Watch: Fossil
Necklace: Wendy Brandes Little Woolf

Florida’s Two-Day Winter

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Diana

Every year in Florida, we never really have a “true” winter. Instead, we get sporadic days of weather below 50 degrees, after which the temperature will go back up to the 70s. Seriously. It’s 40 degrees outside as I’m writing this. Saturday is set to have a high of 74. So, when we actually get truly cold weather here, I milk it for all it’s worth. I break out one of my two coats, I resurrect my hand-knits, I wear cashmere and boots like crazy. Because I know that before we know it, winter will be gone from Florida again.

This is my, “I’m trying to smile even though I’m really cold” face

The key to days like today is lots and lots of layers. I layered wool knee socks over tights. I layered a slip, long sleeve tee, sleeveless dress and cashmere sweater for the rest. And then coat and scarf after that. Most Floridians, I’ve noticed, don’t get cold weather dressing. I see people trying to get by with hoodies or cotton turtlenecks. Everyone complains so much too. But it’s really fantastic if you’re prepared for it, and it doesn’t have to be expensive if you search for good winter pieces year round.

At first I thought about belting the sweater, but the dress has such a strong pattern that I really wanted to let it shine. By using the tie from the dress as a belt, I brought the attention back to the beautiful pattern.

How do you layer for winter? What’s your winter climate like?

Dress: Mlle Gabrielle (thrifted)
Sweater: J. Crew (via eBay)
Long sleeve tee: J. Crew Factory
Tights: HUE
Boots: Keen Bern Baby Bern
Watch: Fossil
Coat: Target (2008)
Scarf: Handknit by me

12 in 2012

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Diana

Like last year’s 11 in 2011, I have created a new set of 12 in 2012 goals for this year. (Note: the following two paragraphs are adapted from last year’s 12 in 2012 post)

As happens at this time of year, I’ve been reflecting a lot on my quality of life and what I can do to improve myself and generally be happier. I’ve never been a big fan of big, overwhelming New Years Resolutions (Lose 50 pounds! Go to the gym everyday! Handmake my entire wardrobe!) At the same time, general resolutions seem ineffective to me, since it’s too easy to really change nothing (Be less stressed out! Be better with money!).

So with all that in mind, I’ve decided to come up with my 12 in 2012 list. Each goal is specific and attainable. I want to be realistic in my goals, but I also want to make sure that I’m accomplishing things I’ve been wanting to. I also do my best to keep my goals from being too money dependent (except of course my money goals). I don’t want to go broke trying to accomplish everything.

I’ve grouped my goals into categories, since they each fit pretty neatly into certain areas. I’ll be posting about my 12 in 2012 as a series through out the year.

Style

Fill at least 12 of the gaps from my Wardrobe Gaps list. Easily doable. The items on my list range in how expensive they might be (and obviously second-hand is perfectly fine), so even if money is tight one month, I’ll be okay. I will change and update the Gaps list throughout the year.
Blog at least one outfit a week. I need to get back into the habit of photographing and blogging outfits. I’ve been good the past couple weeks, so I’ll try to retain the momentum.

Crafty

Knit a Fair Isle Sweater. I’ve got my yarn picked out, and some pattern ideas in my head, I’ve just got to order and get started. I loved fair isle when I made some accessories using it before, and I’d like to have another (lighter weight) sweater for next winter. I’ll probably just make the yoke Fair Isle, rather than the entire sweater.
Sew three garments for myself. I miss sewing terribly, and there are so many things that are easy to make. I also find that sewing gives me a better appreication for garment construction and helps me be more discerning in shopping and deciding on what to tell the tailor to fix.

Health

Try one new Paleo recipe every month: I’ve got The Primal Blueprint Cookbook, plus there’s plenty of Paleo blogs with recipes, including Mark’s Daily Apple and Robb Wolf. I’ll definitely be able to find plenty of new recipes to try.
Get that co-op subscription/ or go to a Farmer’s market once a month: I’m including an alternative in this one on purpose. I know that money will likely be a bit tight this year, so I’m not sure if I’ll feel comfortable committing to a co-op subscription. Even if I don’t, I can still easily make it to a Farmer’s market once a month if I’m intentional about it.
Go to the dentist: I’m embarrassed to say that somehow I haven’t been to the dentist in the past two years. Not intentionally, I just never get around to making an appointment. I MUST remedy this.

Fitness

Be able to do at least one unassisted pull-up or chin-up: Rather than having a fitness goal that I know I’ll fail at (exercise three times every week! Lift weights every other day!) I’m setting an overall goal for the year. I enjoy strength training, and working up to being to be able to do something big, like a chin-up or pull-up, seems like a good and reasonable goal.
Try at least one new-to-me or oldie-but-goodie form of exercise: I get tired of exercising if I keep doing the same thing over and over again. So this year, I want to try at least one “new” thing. This could be something completely new to me, or it could be something I haven’t done regularly in years (kayaking, rollerblading, hiking).

Work

Finish my teaching certificate: This is on course to be done by June 2012. And I will be so relieved when it’s finished.

Life and Money

Have $500 in my savings account by the end of the year: This can be done by putting in $20 from every paycheck. I know I can handle at least that much, and then I won’t feel all the anxiety of having basically no savings.
Keep my credit card paid off: My credit card debt isn’t that bad (only about $700) but I will feel better if I completely pay it off and keep it paid off. I have a bad habit of relying on it when I overspend my checking account. I need to stop this. I know where my tax return is going this year.

Last outfit of 2011

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Diana

Last week, it finally started getting cold again. Bear in mind that “cold” in Florida means below 60 degrees. Thus I was finally able to wear my boots again! I wore this for a day of running errands and enjoying my time off before going back to work on the 2nd. Looking at it now, I’m not so crazy about the proportions. I’m thinking maybe it’s just that longer hems don’t work as well with tall boots. Or maybe I needed a shoulder bag instead of a cross-body. Either way, I still enjoyed wearing the outfit.

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe New Years. My boyfriend and I decided to stay home for this one, so he had some beer while I had some Jam Jar, and we watched old episodes of 30 Rock and classic 60′s Batman. It was the perfect, low key end to the year and a great way to welcome 2012.

Happy New Year!

Dress: Soprano (via Li da la )
Cardigan: J. Crew (via eBay)
Tights: HUE
Knee Socks: HUE
Boots: Keen Bern Baby Bern
Scarf: Boden
Bag: Angry, Young and Poor Bread Bag
Watch: Fossil Outlet
Earrings: JuneDesigns

2011: Year in Review

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Diana

January:

Lots of bento boxes. The beginning of 11 in 2011. Growing out my hair.

February

Busyness. First year teacher woes. Birthday.

March

Thrifting. Awesome cooking.

April

Bento special edition. Awesome spring break time.

May

Lots of bentos and healthy recipes.

June

Summer goals.

July

Oceanside, California. Part-time summer job. Redecorating the studio.

August

Workout plans. Finished sweater. Discovering Paleo.

September

Back to style.

October

The secret files of a librarian.

November

Out of the style rut. Wardrobe inventory.

December:

Back to my old self. Wardrobe gaps list. Hair now long. Still trying Paleo. Awesome Christmas.

2011 was a busy and eventful year. Here’s to a fantastic (and more stylish) 2012!

11 in 2011: Wrap up

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Diana

As the year comes to a close, I’m taking some time to reflect on my 11 in 2011 goals and how I did.

Work

1: Finish my teaching certificate: PROGRESS At the time I set this goal, I thought that it would be achievable in one year. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. However, I am on track with all of my certification classes and tests, and should get my teaching certificate in June 2012.

Food

2: Subscribe to local food co-op delivery: FAIL I looked up companies that I was interested in subscribing to, but I never got around to actually signing up.

3: Learn how to use kitchen knives properly: FAIL I just didn’t do this at all.

4: Cook one new recipe every month: WIN I tried lots of new recipes this year, and while I didn’t document every single one, I definitely expanded my cooking repertoire.

Health

5: Stop procrastinating doctor’s appointments: WIN I actually used my health insurance this year. I went to the doctor when I was sick, I saw the dermatologist, I’m setting up an appointment to get an IUD with my gynecologist. I got my vision checked and got contacts. Only thing I skipped out on was the dentist. Have to make sure I do that in 2012.

6: Go deeper in my practice of yoga: WIN I researched ayurveda, and while I wasn’t keen on it, it was fun to learn about. I tried hot yoga again and hated it, but at least I tried. I found a yoga instructor that I really liked and have started regularly attending classes with her. And I can almost do a handstand. Win!

Crafty

7: Knit myself a sweater: WIN It still hasn’t gotten cold enough in Florida yet to wear my lovely sweater, but it will, gosh darn it.

8: Plant a butterfly/bee garden: PROGRESS I planted a succulent container garden. That counts for something right?

9: Take more photos more often, and make them better: PROGRESS I did start taking more pictures when I switched out lens, but I haven’t done everything I’d like. I still need to take my flash and my camera into the shop for tune ups, and I’d like to get a fixed 50mm lens and a nice camera bag. Also, I want to get a point and shoot digital for fun casual shots.

Life and Money

10: Make a new budget and stick to it: PROGRESS (SORT OF) I made a budget for a few months, and then promptly stopped using it. This I do need to work on. However, I have gotten in the habit of setting aside my rent money with every paycheck. I also work on paying off my credit card and slowly building up a savings account with each paycheck. So not perfect, but still an improvement.

11: Hang out with In Real Life friends more often: PROGRESS I made new friends this year and tried to hang out with old friends more. I still didn’t do this as much as I would have liked. I’m such an introvert – I really need to try harder next year to break out of my shell.

So that’s my 11 in 2011 progress. There will likely be a 12 in 2012, but I haven’t decided yet. I like having a set of goals for the year, but I need to make sure I don’t forget about them if I do this again in 2012.

Etsy Love: Sparkles!

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Diana

*On occasion, I take a look at some of the beautiful items found at one of the best places for buying and selling hand-made and vintage: Etsy. Buying hand-made and vintage lets you own beautiful, unique objects with character. It keeps things out of the landfills and supports artists and small businesses who are trying to make a living doing what they love. If you have a particular theme you’d love to see, drop me a line and let me know. *

I’ve become mildly obsessed with sparkly and glittery things lately. Maybe it’s the holidays and NYE, or maybe it’s just that glitter is awesome. Either way, here are some of my favorite sparkly picks from Etsy:

Fine silver post earrings with iridescent silver sparkles $47

Tiny Galaxies (the whole shop is sparkly!)

Black Noir Resin Glitter Heart $20

I Sew Cute (lots of glitter here too)

Silver Sparkle Bow Clips $19

Janine Basil

Blackened Silver Sequins Clutch $45 (sale)

It’s So Clutch

1970s Sequin Dress $64

Wildfell Hall Vintage

A few of my favorite things

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Diana

Top: Ann Taylor LOFT (thrifted)
Skirt: Forver 21 (via Revolve)
Sandals: Dansko Neve (via eBay)
Necklace: Express
Bangle: Vintage

I had a pretty awesome Christmas this year. Lots and lots of family time (all within Tampa this year, yay!), lots of great food (turns out holidays are great for eating Paleo), lots of treats (not very Paleo) and lots of fantastic gifts. I wore the above outfit all day on Christmas, which turned out to be perfect. It’s really out of my usual comfort zone (midi peasant skirt, white top, heels) but I loved it. The simplicity of basic neutrals with turquoise accessories looked nice without being overdressed or too casual. The jersey skirt meant that I didn’t have extra discomfort after eating too many cookies. And the wedge sandals dressed things up and weren’t super uncomfortable.

This is what my awesome boyfriend got me. He had already bought the eBags packing cubes from Amazon for me (I’d been wanting these for years; I can’t wait to try them out next time I travel) and he wasn’t sure what else he should buy me for Christmas. I suggested he try Anthropologie. He went, found some presents for me, and told me that Anthro could be called the “Diana store” because he could have closed his eyes and pointed at anything there and I would have liked it

I’ve already been digging into the book he got me, and I absolutely love it. The other present I was super excited about. Carlo has a very sensitive sense of smell and most perfumes irritate him. Thus I haven’t worn perfume since we’ve been together for the past five years. But I was really missing wearing a scent. Without me eve telling him to, he found a perfume at Anthro that didn’t irritate his senses and bought it for me. And I love it! It’s light, floral with just a hint of ocean breeze. This will be a favorite for years to come.

Here’s some other random pics from the festivities: