“I like to try a lot of different things”

I mentioned last week that I was planning on trying a new cut for my hair and here it is.  Honestly, I’m not sure what the verdict on it is yet for me.  My boyfriend absolutely loves it, and sometimes I do too, but other times, I feel “meh” about it.  I wanted a cut that would transition well for growing my hair out long again, and I wanted to experiment with short bangs.  They can be a lot of fun, but they make me feel kind of like I have to wear eye makeup and showy earrings, otherwise I look a little boyish.  They’re also making me really want to go back to contacts, because I don’t think they suit my glasses frames well.  But anyhow, hair is hair.  Once I get the hang of how to style it, I’m sure I’ll like it better.  And I’m planning on growing it out anyway, so I planned for this to be temporary.

Have you ever had a hair cut that you weren’t sure about at first, but ended up liking later on?

Top: Ann Taylor LOFT (thrifted)
Cardigan: Isabella Rodriguez (Anthro) (via eBay)
Capris: Express (altered by me)
Sandals: Dansko Neve (courtesy of Solestruck)
Purse: Liz Claiborne
Headband: Target
Earrings: The Peach Tree
Necklace: Kira Ferrer

Quote: The OK Book, by amy Krouse Rosenthal

“Comic, tragic or melodramatic”

This outfit has me believing that tunics and leggings may be my favorite look ever.  Comfortable, effortlessly stylish, practical: this combination has all my favorite elements.  In fact, wearing this outfit inspired me to re-con my tunic that I posted on Tuesday.  I’m definitely on the lookout for more fantastic and stylish tunics, and I’m also taking a look at my closet for ways that I can re-construct some of my garments to make them work with leggings.

The only thing that I don’t like about the leggings/tunic combo is that it can be a bit limiting.  Sure, you can wear different colored leggings.  You can layer cardigans and scarves (when it’s not 90 degrees outside).  You can change some accessories, add belts, necklaces, boots, etc.  Well, maybe it’s not that limiting after all.  I guess I just find it harder to accessorize when it’s so hot out.  I’ll have to challenge myself to find lots of ways to remix my tunics.

What about you?  Do you love leggings/tunic combos in the summer?

Tunic: Forever 21 (via Revolve)
Leggings: Target
Sandals: Dansko Sela (via eBay)
Purse: Morelle Truffle
Cuff: via Classy Consignment
Necklace: Kira Ferrer

Quote: Sylvia Jean, Drama Queen, by Lisa Campbell Ernst

“The rain on the window woke me up”

We had a very rainy few days last week here in Tampa.  As in raining on and off all day, for three days.  It was dreary and grey and dull.  So to counteract the weather, I decided to wear some of my brightest colors in a nice, summery combination.

I generally prefer vibrant and saturated colors over dull ones, but in the summer, I like colors like this even more so.  Something about the hot weather, the sun (when we have it), the humidity.  I just can’t stand wearing dark or dull colors when it’s hot out.  Plus, bright colors always seem to be a good mood booster, and with the dreary weather we were having, I needed all the boosting I could get.

Do you ever wear certain colors or items to improve your mood?

Tank: Target (via Revolve)
Cardigan: J Crew (via eBay)
Shorts: Ann Taylor LOFT (thrifted)
Sandals: Clarks Rime
Necklace: Kira Ferrer
Purse: Morelle Charlotte
Bangles: Jill Popowich

Quote: Daughter’s Day Blues, by Laura Pegram

“Love is a handful of honey”

Welcome to the return of headbands!  While I was wearing a bob, headbands looked kind of odd.  Now that I have a pixie, they look fantastic, so expect to see me wearing them often (and maybe to see some new ones on my Shopping posts!)  This one has just been sitting around in my studio for ages, and now I think I’ll be wearing it quite regularly.

I felt so “me” in this outfit. It felt fresh and new and stylish.  It’s been awhile since I’ve felt that way.  I think having a completely new hair cut is really helping.  I just love how all my clothes look different somehow with my new pixie hair.  That, and I’ve also been very conscious about eating lots of good foods and fresh fruits and veggies lately, and I think it’s helping my overall mood.

It’s been a long time since I last wore this tunic, because I was never crazy about the length.  It was too short to wear with leggings, but I didn’t like the length with jeans either.  I chopped off about two inches and left a raw hem, and now I think it’s much more flattering.  Less “maternity blouse” and more “urban bohemian” (Note: this is note a maternity blouse and I am not preggo.)

What changes to you make to break out of a style slump or just a dull mood in general?

Tunic: Target (thrifted)
Capris: Express (massively altered by me)
Sandals: Dansko Sela
Purse: Easy Spirit Outlet
Headband: Revolve Clothing Exchange
Earrings: Wear-thou
Necklace: Kira Ferrer

Quote: Love Is a Handful of Honey, by Giles Andreae

“Stepped ashore on the beach”

On Thursday, I had a lovely day at the beach with my mom.  The weather was absolutely perfect.  It was slightly overcast, which kept the sun from baking us too much, and there was a fantastic light breeze.  We ate lunch and spent some time looking at the shops at John’s Pass, then we walked over to Treasure Island and sat on the beach for awhile.  It was so wonderfully relaxing, and it was great to get to spend some time with my mom.  It’s funny to me that, even though I only live about 45 minutes from the beach, I only actually go there about two or three times a year.  In my undergraduate years, I used to go a lot more often.  But now that I’m working full-time, I just don’t make the time to get down to the beach very often.

Aren’t these starfish earrings adorable?  I got them at a garage sale a few months ago, but had never worn them.  A trip to the beach seemed like a good time to debut them.  I think it’s kind of fun and cheeky to wear starfish earrings to the beach.

Do you live near a beach?  Do you visit the beach often, or only on occasion?

Blouse: Anthropologie
Shorts: Ann Taylor LOFT (altered be me)
Sandals: Columbia
Purse: Morelle Charlotte
Necklace: Kira Ferrer
Earrings: Garage sale

Nail Polish: Essie Calypso

Quote: Harold and the Purple Crayon, by Crockett Johnson

“Shopping at the shop-o-rama”

I’ve been having a wonderfully relaxing spring break.  I can’t believe it’s almost over.  It’s been great to catch up on little projects around the house, get some reading done and sleep in until the luxurious hour of 7:30 everyday (I normally get to work at 7:10 every morning).

I’ve also had time to do a good bit of shopping, looking for some new work essentials.  And I’ve noticed how my shopping habits have changed.  I tried going to the malls several times this week, looking in various stores for some great blouses, slacks and dresses.  But in every store I went to, I ended up coming out empty handed.  Sure, I would find stuff to try on, but an element wouldn’t fit right, or I wouldn’t like the print, or it would be too expensive.  I’m very willing to alter or have altered cheaper items that I find, but if I’m already paying $74 for a dress, I want it to be perfect or almost perfect to start with.  Even though I have the money to actually buy things in the mall now, I still don’t find shopping there very satisfying.

Then I went to some of my favorite thrift stores, and found a few great gems at each one.  Like this tunic that I’m wearing today – it was a mere $6.  Sure, I had to sew up the neckline a bit so that my girls don’t fall out, but that wasn’t a big deal.  I found some great work dresses too, and some shorts that are long enough to wear to the field day coming up at my school.  So I guess I’m starting to find that I really, truly love second-hand shopping more than mall shopping.  There’s not anything wrong with mall shopping, I just often find it unsatisfying.  I like it when I already know that the store will have exactly what I want, like my Gap Curvy jeans.   But other than that, I like the thrill of the hunt and the excellent deals that come with buying second-hand, in real life or online.

(And of course, I love shopping at local boutiques and buying handmade as well.  I like it when I actually know who I am supporting with my money.)

Do you prefer shopping at the mall or second-hand shopping?  If money wasn’t an issue, would that change your mind?

Blouse: Tammy Mars (thrifted)
Capris: Express (altered be me)
Sandals: Clarks (via 6pm)
Necklace: Kira Ferrer
Earrings: Mackie Jewelry
Bangles: Jill Popowich
Purse: Morelle Oyster

Nail Polish: Essie Calypso

Quote: Llama Llama Mad at Mama, by Anna Dewdney

“Dandelions are beautiful”

There’s something about the beginning of spring that calls for beautiful, cotton dresses.  I figured Easter day was the perfect day to debut one of my newest ones.  When I first saw this dress on the rack at a local consignment store, I was immediately drawn to the pale yellow color, but I wasn’t sure if it would make me look washed out.  Once I tried it on, I realized that it was perfect.  The fit is very flattering.  The pattern is subtle and beautiful.  The only problem I had with this dress is the lack of waist expansion capability.  I ate a big dinner at my parent’s house, and that slim fitting waist was feeling a bit uncomfortable.  Still, it’s a lovely dress, and I know I’ll wear it a lot.


Since it was my first time wearing this dress, I decided to keep it simple and just add white sandals and simple silver accessories.  For work, I’ll probably add a cardigan or cropped blazer, with some closed-toe heels.

Do you use Easter as an excuse to wear something new?

Dress: Ann Taylor Factory Store (via Classy Consignment)
Sandals: Dansko Sela (via eBay)
Necklace: Kira Ferrer
Bangles: Jill Popowich Designs
Earrings: Sara Westermark

Nail Polish: Mint Candy Apple by Essie

Quote: Clementine, by Sara Pennypacker

“To the tips of her toes”

The many possibilities a simple black and white dress lends never cease to amaze me.  I’ve remixed this dress so many times, I’ve lost count.  Last weekend, I wanted to wear it in a way that reflected the freshness and vibrancy of spring.  I added a bright green cardigan, raspberry accents, and some white sandals.  I felt gloriously springy all day – much more so than if I had gone with my traditional weekend uniform of jeans and a nice blouse.

That “belt” is actually a square silk scarf.  I folded over diagonally several times to create a long strip, and then tied it around my waist, hiding the ties underneath my cardigan.  I love how it created a sash effect and added a nice pop of color.  I tried different ways of incorporating into the outfit by tying it around my head, on my purse, etc, but this was my favorite out of all those looks.

What accessory have you used in a non-traditional way before?

Dress: Express
Cardigan: J Crew (via eBay)
Scarf (as belt): Vintage
Sandals: Dansko Sela (via eBay)
Necklace: Kira Ferrer
Bangles: Jill Popowich Designs
Ring: from my mom

Nail Polish: Mint Candy Apple by Essie

Quote: I Love It When You Smile, by Sam McBratney

“You’re really quite lucky”

I’ve received so much support and encouragement from my readers since lamenting about my job situation on Monday, and I can’t thank you enough.  I feel so very lucky to be a part of such a wonderful, caring community.  My spirits have definitely improved.  You helped me to realize that there’s no point in dwelling on all the what if’s.  The right job will come along, and it will work out eventually.  I have to keep in perspective that this will probably be the hardest time for me in my career – which means that it can only get better from here.

Another antidote for blah days is wearing some of your favorite items.  For me, that means my favorite goldenrod Fluevog Malibrans, my oh-so-comfy Ella Moss dress, and a cozy handknit cardigan.  Wearing things that make you happy is a good way to get your spirits up.  In fact, I try to get rid of anything clothing that doesn’t make me happy when I wear it.  Life is just too short to wear boring or uncomfortable clothes.

This navy and white striped jersey dress really has become a staple for me.  I love how endlessly versatile a dress like this can be.  I’m curious to see how it will transition into spring and summer, though, since it generally requires layering to be decent.  I think if I get some lightweight slips and cardigans, it should work just fine.

What do you like to wear as a pick-me-up on days when you’re feeling a bit down?

Dress: Ella Moss (via My Mosh Posh)
Cardigan: Minimalist, handknit by me
Belt: Anthropologie
Tights: Hue
Shoes: John Fluevog Malibrans
Cuff: via Classy Consignments
Necklace: Kira Ferrer

Quote: Did I ever tell you how lucky you are? By Dr Seuss

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