Sucker punch

Wednesdays are usually crazy days and this one was no exception. I needed comfortable shoes and my hair out of the way.

Jacket - Diane von Furstenburg, White tee - Michael's, Dress - Erin Fetherston for Target, Patterned tights - Target, Pink tights (underneath patterned tights) - Hue (Present from Sister), Gray boots - Vince Camuto

Sorry for the terrible pictures! They're from 10:30 pm after a trip to the grocery store.

I attempted to be an Extreme Couponer, which took a while.

I added a scarf when I was running around outside.

Pashmina - Nordstrom (Present from Husband), Purse - Burberry Prorsum

I wish the doubled up tights were more obvious in these pics. It's one of my favorite ways to add a pop of surprise color, but have it more toned down than full-on pink tights. They went so well with my cocktail ring.

Ring - Present from Mom

Ha, she totally knows my style!

Favorites for a rainy day

North Carolina weather is incredibly weird, especially during these transitional seasons. It was warm enough to wear shorts on Monday, then it was freezing cold and raining on Tuesday. Don't worry, I prepared my closet.

Trench - Burberry, Purse - Burberry Prorsum

But what's under that trench?

Purple cardigan - Express, Silk shirt - J.Crew, Leopard belt - dEliA*s, Black pants - J.Crew, Black booties - Nine West

Yep, I'm wearing this blouse again.

I wasn't going to even buy it and now I love it to pieces.

Also loving my purse!

Purple's a fave color of mine.

Christmas shopping

Sunday kicked off our Christmas shopping. Normally when I do serious shopping, I like to carry a crossbody bag to free up my hands...but when I was switching out purses, I was very tempted to go with my recent birthday present. So I went from this...

Black patent purse - Present from Child, great purse for traveling while in Boston for work

To this...

Patent leather purple clutch - Burberry Prorsum (Birthday gift from Husband)

Ahhhh, how gorgeous is that purse? And how lucky am I? I saw this purse while shopping with Mom, who rolled her eyes at me and my taste. When I told Husband later that night about this beautiful piece, he said, "The one with buckles?! The purple one?! Why didn't you get it?!" Ah, love.

Anyhoodle, this turned out to be a great shopping bag. It was very light, and still hands-free because it comes with a shoulder strap.

Sweater dress - American Eagle (another present from Husband), Cheetah belt - dEliA*s, Pink Hello Kitty watch - Sanrio, Leggings - Bebe, Boots - Naughty Monkey

I also loved this sweater dress (is this a dress? I guess it's just a long sweater) and its colors.

Husband has good taste.

We decided on some presents for people, but we still have some shopping to do online. Once we get that done, I'll feel a lot better. I prefer buying presents earlier because I hate the stress of Christmas coming, so best to get it done and out of the way. I also need to tackle holiday cards!

How's your holiday shopping going?

Fave of the week: November 19-November 25

I feel like I'm in an outfit rut lately. Everything I pull together feels just okay. Nothing inspired, nothing that makes me feel like, yes, this makes me feel great. Part of that is because I was recently traveling. I pretty much hate everything I put together when I travel because I focus on being comfortable and conservative and my real style doesn't seem to come out from under those forces.  The other thing is that I haven't spent too much time in my closet lately putting together new combinations (again, traveling has kept me busy, and after that the holiday, and before that various birthdays). I also can't seem to adjust to the weather. North Carolina weather is notorious in the fall for going up and down so much--you never know if it'll be hot or freezing one day to the next. So here's my fave of the week from Tuesday, though I feel like it's winning by default.

I think I need to reevaluate my closet as well--reorganize, maybe clean out, and put together new outfits from there. Sal from Already Pretty recently posted about organizing your closet. I'm going to read through now so I'm prepared to do this asap!

Comfy clothes and easy curls

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because you just get to hang out with family, cook a lot, and eat leftovers for days and days. No presents, no lights, no trees, no madness. Just relaxing.

Cardigan blazer - J.Crew, Dress - Libertine for Target, Cardi boots - Uggs

But the end of Thanksgiving, while there still is a lot of relaxing, brings in some of that Christmas spirit. Not with Black Friday shopping (I am opposed to that) but with Christmas decorating.

And I got a lot done today!

I normally do a little bit of decorating in the front yard, side yard, and backyard. This year I just put everything in the front yard, to make it easier on me and just to get the full effect in one space.

Tomorrow's goal: Take this no-heat curl hair to the mall for Christmas shopping.

C'mon, 'Canes!

The day after Thanksgiving brought a day of relaxation for me and Husband, but when the evening rolled around, we got out of our jammies for the Hurricanes vs. Jets game.

Cream beret - White House Black Market (Present from Sister), Cream sweater - American Eagle, Dress - H&M, Belt - New York & Company, Boots - Frye

The Canes have lately been disappointing us, and it was an exciting game...

...and what do you think happened?

They lost again. Argghhhh.

Mad face.

Thanksgiving

I woke up this morning and got right into it with more cooking. First up, herb stuffed deviled eggs, from Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything. Then into mashed potatoes, also Bittman's recipe, until I added pureed cauliflower, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Headband (not visible here, but successfully kept my hair out of the way) - Target, Gingham shirt - J.Crew, White cami - American Eagle, Necklace - Arden B., Pink belt - American Eagle, Shorts - Uniquities, White socks - Hanes

I threw it into the slow cooker to keep it warm, put the butternut squash casserole in the oven, and prepared the sweet and sour green beans with (turkey!) bacon.

Apron - Present from In-laws, from Hawaii

Once the food was done and right before everybody arrived, I took out my headband to show off my no heat curls.

No heat curls: The bestest hair thing ever discovered.

And we all dug in!

Dad's best turkey and stuffing ever, mashed potatoes with gravy, butternut squash, green beans, cranberry sauce, deviled egg. Not pictured: roll, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, apple pie, chocolate pie, pumpkin cookies. And spinach dip, which I'm going to snack on right now.

I am ever grateful for my fantastic family. Not only are they awesome people, but we all make darn good food. Extra props from my dad waking up a 5 am to provide the best stuffing on the planet (I am no exaggerating). Also my amazing husband, who Swiffered, vacuumed, washed and dried dishes, and generally dealt with my stress.

Getting ready for Thanksgiving

I settled in the day before Thanksgiving with my Netflix to watch The Talented Mr. Ripley. You guys, do we remember how beautiful Jude Law was then? If you don't remember, rent it yourself, and you're welcome.

Oh, right, that was just to rest up before Thanksgiving madness.

Headband - Target, Scarf - Nordstrom Rack (Birthday present from Parents), Chambray shirt - H&M, Skirt - Express, Boots - Frye

Husband and I ran to three different stores to get all of our food supplies, and I started baking. I finished up pumpkin cranberry muffins with maple icing and pumpkin cookies with brown butter icing, and got halfway through deviled eggs.

Then I started cleaning!

We hosted our families, so the house needed some scrubbing down. I drank some Coke to give me extra energy to clean the bathrooms and do the dishes.

I took off the scarf, but kept the rest of the outfit while cleaning.

This skirt is actually super stretchy, helpful for running around and lots of bending and squatting (putting away dishes, scrubbing the bathtub).

Bloggers Do It Better: Military Chic

As soon as I got back from Boston, I had to take part in the latest BDIB challenge, military chic.

Military-inspired blazer - alice + olivia, via Off Saks 5th, White cami - American Eagle, Floral tunic - Primark, Black jeans - Gap, Gray boots - Vince Camuto

I knew as soon as I saw the challenge that I had to wear this Alice and Olivia blazer. I truly love Alice and Olivia, and this is my first and only thing from them.

Thank goodness it's got the military look going on.

I knew I wanted to wear this blazer with something girly and floral. The only thing I wish is that this tunic was long enough to be a dress. The flouncy tiers at the bottom are too cute.

I seriously checked myself in the mirror a lot, wondering, What if I just don't wear pants?

And, oh boy, did you see the shoulder pads in this blazer? It called for adding some height with majorly pulling up my hair and adding a few inches at my feet (see the wedge boots in the pic above).

Details of the blazer, including shoulder pads!

BlackBerryin' in Boston (2 days) - Post #3

At last, my final two days in Boston.

Chartreuse sweater - J.Crew, Necklace - White House Black Market (Present from Sister), Skirt - Express, Black boots - Gentle Souls for Kenneth Cole

I had another big day with lots of running around to many meetings, so even though I wanted to wear my gray booties, I went with these wedge boots. I feel like they made the outfit too heavy, though. But you know what look I do like?

From the window of Ann Taylor Loft.

I love how these outfits are so casual yet chic. Throw on an accessory around your neck like a scarf (furry or not) or a pretty gold necklace and maybe a belt, and you're ready to go!

Sunday ended at the Prudential Center's Top of the Hub with celebratory drinks for finishing up the meetings. Monday I had some more work to do but then flew back first class, baby (it wasn't that exciting--short flight and I didn't get drinks).

Striped blazer - Nordstrom, Black transparent blouse - Express, Black cami underneath - really old, Black pants - J.Crew, Cream and black flats - Sam Edelman

Boston was fun, but it was also a lot of work, and after so many days, I'm just glad to be home!

Fave of the week: November 12-November 18

So I dug Thursday's blurry outfit, but I really could not bear to post that terrible picture again. It's a good thing I also liked Saturday's outfit!

I had a lot of fun playing with colors--cream, brown, black, pops of yellow, blue, and coral. I loved using two scarves to achieve this look, and also throwing in two pieces of leopard print (my belt, hard to see in this pic)! Finally, this J.Crew warehouse sale find of the silk blouse has quickly become a favorite.

BlackBerryin' in Boston (2 days) - Post #2

After getting some work done yesterday, Workmate and I trotted around Boston for a Freedom Trail Tour. When the evening rolled around, I traded the clothes and sneakers for more work, including a delightful dinner meeting at the Atlantic Fish Company (great salmon, with onions and sweet potatoes, and my first time eating oysters, not fried that is).

Purple sweater and cami set - Ann Taylor Loft (Present from Sister a while back!), Wrap dress worn as skirt - Express, Geometric patterned tights - Target, Boots - Gentle Souls from Kenneth Cole

Today was more work, but as soon as I got back to my hotel room, I pulled off my work clothes for a break in PJs (so no work outfit pics). That's pretty unusual for me because I'm not a comfy sweats- or PJ-type gal but I was craving that comfort. I changed to head to the North End with Workmate for dinner and dessert (cannoli at Modern Pastry--yummy!).

Purple pashmina - Nordstrom (Present from Husband), Teal sweater - Express, Black tank underneath - Target, Black coat - Gap, Leopard gloves - Birthday present from Parents!, Jeans - 7 for All Mankind, Sneakers - Puma

Sometimes, including tonight, I wish I was one of those women that always looks put-together and fashionable. I saw so many women with nice boots or heels, fabulous coats, fashionable fur accessories, etc. But I'm not used to city life and I want to be comfortable on long walks, so I end up in sneakers. Or I hate packing my nicest things, wondering if I'll spill or tear or somehow mess up everything because traveling can be difficult! And of course, you can only pack so much. Anybody else that travels a lot that has advice or similar problems?

...and from Sunday

Wow, so I'm out of it. I completely forgot to post my Sunday outfit pics. So wheee, break from crappy BlackBerry pics!

Pink beret - Target, Floral blouse - Express, White sweater - Gap, White watch - Michele Watches, Pinstriped shorts - American Eagle, Boots - Frye

You might recognize that floral blouse, though.

Less blurry here!

I couldn't resist wearing these short when it was warmer over the weekend. And though they're navy (with pink stripes), I wanted to wear this purple (with pink flowers!) shirt with it.

It was kind of a purpley-blue, so I thought it might work okay.

I went with the sweater over the blouse to hide some of the purple. And went with a pink hat to show more of the outfit's binding color.

Wish I had some socks to peek out from these boots....

BlackBerryin' in Boston (2 days)

So I am in Boston and I have forgotten to pack the following things:

My beloved facewash. And ordering it on Amazon will only get it here in 3 to 5 business days which is obviously not good enough.

My liquid eyeliner. What's a girl to do?!

And the camera. I know right where it's at too--on the kitchen counter. Not taking pictures. That means you get crappy BlackBerry pictures.

Scarf - Necklush, Black cardigan - Gap Outlet, Mickey tee - Disneyland!, Brown leather belt - Express, Jeans - 7 for All Mankind, Gray sneaks - Puma

Pic 1 is my travel outfit. I usually try to look a little more pulled together when I travel because I hate looking like the lazy American tourist, but whatever, I still had my fancy blown out hair, and it was the day after my birthday so I can be a little lazy, right?

Pic 2 shows my Big Meeting outfit. Sorry for the blurriness.

Long gray cardigan - Banana Republic (Look, Mom, our matching cardigan!), Floral blouse - Express, Purple pencil skirt - Nordstrom, Gray booties - Me Too

Seriously, my meeting was from 8 to 3 today. Followed by celebratory drinks. And a casual business dinner. I feel slightly sick, mainly because I should get some sleep and I had one too many heavy beers.

Birthday

So I was going to bring a super fun date night post to ABCD...then Husband and I canceled our plans because I was sick and had to get over it pronto before traveling for work. Sigh. I have no pictures of my outfit from the day because I was relaxing and waiting for the night.

But look! I got a haircut!

You can barely see my new haircut because it's covered by Present, but also, yay, Present! Thanks to my friends and family for the warm wishes, cakes of all sorts, very thoughtful presents, and spending time with me (even with scary germs hanging around).

And if you are curious, I wore a black bebe Hawaii-version shirt, green cargo skinnies, and black boots. Very low-key birthday.

Little Town on the Prairie

I spent much of this past weekend gorging on Laura Ingalls Wilder books, specifically Little Town on the Prairie and These Happy Golden Years.

Blouse - Uniquities, Cream cami underneath - very old, Gold leaf necklace - Arden B., Belt - Primark, Gray maxi skirt - Express, Shoes - Vince Camuto

And as much as I wanted to wear a hoop skirt or a brown poplin on Monday, this is what I had to make do with.

Good enough, right?

The blouse to represent the prairie roses, the milk braids because Laura has a similar hairstyle in the first chapter of Little Town on the Prairie, and a skirt reaching my shoes, as Laura is often mentioned as wearing one.

Gotta keep things chaste, ladies.

But what of the books? They both got 4/5 stars from me.

Fave of the week: November 5-November 11

I was tempted by Wednesday's outfit, but went with Sunday's outfit:

I was so happy with this outfit because it's something where I thought differently and was surprised with the results. Normally I wouldn't think, Wear a tunic with a short skirt!, but the lavender color of the skirt went so well with the tunic's accent color that I had to try it. I originally tucked in the tunic, but the proportions of the skirt, tunic, and cardigan were all thrown off, but once untucked, the satin and lace of the skirt peeking out from the tunic was so pretty!

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

The last few days I got sucked into Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. Can I call it? This is the new Hunger Games (which was the new Twilight). I think this one is going to grab a lot of people's attention....

As far as dressing for the book, I knew I had to incorporate animal print somehow to represent the chimaera in the book. Then I thought additionally, Oooh, perfect time to tie together two scarfs and wrap them around (idea from Already Pretty, but I couldn't find the post where she did this first!)

Scarf 1 (Hello Kitty leopard) - Sanrio, Scarf 2 - Missoni for Target (Present from Husband)

Cute look, right? I've been dying to wear this Missoni for Target scarf, and when I realized the colors went so well with the leopard print scarf, I knew I had to go for it.

Silk blouse - J.Crew, Leopard print belt - dEliA*s, Brown corduroy pants - Gap, Bracelets - Uniquities and Nordstrom, Cream and black flats -  Sam Edelman

Thanks to Sister for taking these pictures! Husband and I met up with Sister and Parents to have an early birthday lunch at Mama Dip's.

Purse - Wilson's Leather

Mom made a delicious cake, and I received lovely presents (all to be worn at a later time, can't wait to show them!). Want to see how well Parents know me?

Hello Kitty card. While I'm wearing a Hello Kitty scarf. And Parents' presents were leopard themed. I know.

But maybe you're still wondering about the book! Once you get past the cheesy title and cover (which it took a lot for me to get over it and I actually love young adult novels--I only did because it's a book club choice), you might end up loving it. I gave it 4/5 stars! I avoided it, then made fun of it, then tried to get it from the library so I didn't have to pay for it.