Seasonal Firsts & Tour Through Blogland

vest: exact
jeans: exact
jacket: f21 | option
sweater: target | cute option
necklace: gift | similar 1, 2
boots: (old) Franco Sarto | so similar
sunnies: old | way cooler option
scarf: (old) h&m

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Well, I think I can officially admit that summer's over. Don't get me wrong, we're still having some sunny sweater-free days, but for the most part I probably won't need to use the air conditioner again until next May. As I may have mentioned once or twice, I fall in the miniscule percentile of people whose favorite season is not autumn. I'm more of a bask-in-the-sun, happy-not-to-have-to-bring-a-coat type of girl. But on this chilly day that required a jacket, vest, and scarf, I actually did a little happy dance when I put my boots on for the first time this season. And then I got a pumpkin spice latte, second of the season. (Unlike the boots, I didn't wait around for cool weather to get started on that autumn ritual).

In other news, last week Jessica from Jeans and a Teacup invited me to participate in a "Tour Through Blogland," where I answer some questions, and then introduce you to two of my favorite blogs.  

1) What am I working on?

A post on how to wear jogger pants 3 ways. Because, let's face it, they're not the easiest to style. Are they pajamas? Are they regular pants? (In my case, I have embraced them as both).  

2) How does my work differ from others in it's genre?

I'm not sure my work differs a whole lot (girl gets dressed, girl takes outfit photos, girl remixes inexpensive items from her closet, girl talks about herself). You know, standard blogger stuff.

3) Why do I write?

Because I'm narcissistic and self-centered, of course, and getting compliments from complete strangers boosts my ego. Why else? But in all seriousness, I write because I love to do it! And I'm constantly amazed that I do. In school, when forced to write essays and papers, I thought I hated writing. Turns out I just hadn't found my voice yet, and now that I have, I can barely shut it up!

4) How does my writing/creating process work?

It's fairly simple, really. Sometimes I have a clear idea of what I want to write about before I begin, but more often than not I just open a new post, let my fingers start tapping away, and see where it takes me. After I finish I'll go back and make sure there's at least one sarcastic or self-deprecating comment in there. Bonus if I can work in both. Extra bonus if I make a bad pun. And now you know my secret formula for writing a brilliant post.


And now, on to the Tour. First up is Abby. We discovered each others' blogs about a year ago, and then found out that we share the same exact favorite lipstick - brand and shade - true story! And basically we've been each others' biggest fans ever since. 

Hi, I'm Abby, and I blog at Always, Abby about all things beauty, style, and life. I'm a self-proclaimed makeup junkie, a candle hoarder, and scarf collector (three things you will see a lot of in my little corner of blogland). Basically if I love it, I blog about it. From the latest makeup and fashion trends, to home decor and fragrance... if it's working for me, I can't wait to share it with my readers. I hope you'll stop by, connect with me, and share about the things you love, too!

Next up is Tara of Penniless Socialite, as in Friday's post to announce I'm co-hosting a link up with Tara. I met her IRL and she is awesome. Hilarious. Witty. Stylish. Vegetarian. Plus she's also from NJ, so I mean, really, what's not to love?

I'm a stylish cat lady who loves sales, fashion, beer, pizza, and Bon Jovi. Follow along as I buy more clothes than fit in my closet and more makeup than fits in my Caboodle. There will also be pictures of my cats.

*Please be sure to stop by these ladies' blogs and show them some love!*

Linking here today.

Sir Mixalot

{similar dress | similar jacket | ON vest | similar boots | fossil watch | asos bracelet}

I am so glad that the mixed media jacket has made a comeback.  I was all over it the first time around in the early '90s (with staggeringly unfashionable results), but unlike bike shorts and slap bracelets, I'm still into the trend today.  After snagging this sweet vegan leather jacket at TJ Maxx (I wish you could feel it; it's like buttah), I decided that with a little help she could easily masquerade as the beloved jacket of yore.  And since I had already done this with a denim jacket, I threw the same vest over this one and called it good.  As you can clearly see, my imagination knows no bounds.

How do you feel about this trend?  Should it stay in 1992 with crimped hair and wigwam socks or are you as excited about its return as you were that time your mom finally caved and got you those totally awesome Z. Cavariccis?

Linking here today.

Mixed Media & a Giveaway

{h&m jacket | ON vest (similar) | target sweater (similar) & shoes | UO jeans | handmade hat | diy necklace}

I decided to try something a little different for this outfit.  I've been seeing a lot of what I've dubbed "mixed media" jackets around.  You know the ones - jacket part is one material, the sleeves are another.  Since I haven't owned anything like that since I was 13 (oh, I was so cool - denim jacket with leather sleeves AND matching jeans with leather chaps on the front), I decided to make my own.  It's simple, really.  Throw on a jacket, add a vest. Bam. Done.  I still can hardly believe it's back in style.  If only I'd had the foresight to hold on to an item I bought in my tweendom from a store called, of all things, The Circus (really).

And now, on to the giveaway.

So, I have a $30 gift card to JunieBlake that I'm not going to use (please note that the gift card is good for 2 more weeks; it expires on April 11th).  Since I don't want it to go to waste, I thought I'd hold a quick, flash giveaway so one of you can snap it up!  Entries are really easy, but you'll need to act quickly because the giveaway will only last through the weekend!  It starts now and ends at 12am Monday, April 1st.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Linking up here today.