WWJW: Back to (almost) normal!

Thank God that was the quickest cold known to man... I think because I really laid low yesterday, I feel a ton better today. Still, you know that "I'm better but I'm still kinda icky" feeling? You can't pinpoint it, but there's something that's still off the day you start feeling better? Well, that's how I was today. I feel a ton better, but instantly grabbed a button-up and boyfriend jeans this morning when I went in my closet because it was easy. After looking at myself all day in the mirror, I kept thinking, blah blah boring. So naturally, I decided to play a little dress up this afternoon after work. Perfect time for a WWJW post, eh? :)

:::WHAT I ACTUALLY WORE:::

 Shirt: Express ombre button up (knock off of those James Perse ones from last year, remember?)

Jeans: Rich and Skinny boyfriend jeans

Sandals: Nine West gold sandals

:::WHAT I WANTED TO WEAR:::

(if I weren't gross and phlegmy. TMI?)

Shirt: Urban Outfitters Shoulder Detail top

Necklace: Anthropologie Ranuncula Necklace

Skirt: Banana Republic, aeons ago

Shoes: Linea Paolo reptile slingbacks

Belt (first pic): Steve Madden (via Nordstrom)

Apologies for the gazillion photos of the dream outfit, but I was super excited about it because this skirt has been sitting in my closet for 1000 years, totally unworn. The tags were removed, suggesting I had in fact worn it at least once, but honestly I can't remember when that would have been. Here was the problem: see how high it sits and how long it is? Stupid me thought it was supposed to sit on the low waist and I was baffled by its ill fit and long hemline. Now, I know this had to have been purchased a long time ago, because I've had the high-waisted skirt figured out now for some time. Musta been back when that really wasn't in style (was that even ever? who knows. I've not always been style savvy, lovies). Also, how I could have ever worn that thing on my low waist is a mystery. Aaaanyway, point is this is a fantastic spring skirt and I'm already envisioning a ton of ways to wear it. It's a fun change of pace from my uber-short skirts and dresses. Plus, (bonus), it's work-appropriate! Yippee Hooray! 

Oh and that shirt? So glad I bought it in the blue after loving it in the pink. I think it goes with everything I own, not even kidding. I heart it. And the material, and the simplicity, and the color, and the everything. It has FF seal-of-approval all over it. Go buy it, now. :)

One last thing: look ma, I'm a blonde again! You can still sorta kinda see the underneath-roots because I waited too long to get it re-done, but it's a hell of a lot better. And the girl I had at the Aveda Institute was fabulous-- I scheduled an early-summer appointment with her so the root issue wouldn't be a problem again. Done and done.

Eeek! Closet-diving success!

Ever since I read about the Fall trend of layering cardis, I knew I wanted to try it. This month's Lucky mag totally inspired me. Here are the rules (*snorts* heh... rules...): 1. Pair a longer length sleeve under a 3/4 sleeve. 2. Play with different colors, textures and patterns for spice. 3. Allow the bottom layer to be the foundation and play up the top layer with embellishments. Et voila! Magnifique! I scoured the internet today trying to find the perfect pairing but decided to dumpster closet dive instead. I'm totally excited about what I came up with. What do you think??

Jeans: AE Super Skinny jeans
Tee shirt: Old Navy
White cardi: Express
Black cardi: White House Black Market


...With lots of baubles! (necklaces: Express and ?)

The best part about this outfit, for me, is that these two cardis alone were inching towards my Salvation Army pile. I never wore either, because alone, they just didn't work with my style. But now I have a totally updated look with two previously-unworn items! Pretty proud... yep.

Fun Finds...

Hey lovies! My day is still very busy. Boo. But, I have a find. Yay!

I tend to scour Etsy because I'm convinced I'll find some pieces I can have and hold forever and forever... and it's pretty true! My wedding jewelry was made by a wonderful shop-owner (thanks, PenelliBelle! Love my stuff...), and I have the most adorable skirt ever from Babooshka Boutique (I'll model it before the summer's end). Here is a new store that I think is so romantic and flirty... some items that would be great staple pieces: Zelaya.

Here are some images of the items I plan on snapping up:

Ohhhh, ahhh, pretty. I love the wrap featured above. The cascading flowers? The color choices she offers? The fact that its a jersey wrap? Yes to all, please. And her prices are affordable. Which makes life on a budget just a liiiiittttle bit easier.

And on another note: I closet-dove the other night. Have you ever gone closet-diving? It's when you remember that you, at some point in your life, owned an item you loved and haven't seen it in ages. This happens to me. A lot. Because:

A) I'm not very organized with my clothes.

B) I'm not at all organized with my clothes.

C) I have too many things to remember what I have. Which sounds great, but admitedly, most of the stuff is crap. I need to stop buying crap.

Well, lovies, on my closet dive, I found this several-season-old Charlotte Russe military-style cotton jacket that is (fortuitously) back in style this season! Yay! When it gets just a tad bit cooler, I'll model that one, too. I can't wait... it's like a new item! But without the wallet-dent! :)