So Long, Summer!

{ON dress (similar) & hat (similar) | f21 jacket | qupid sandals | fossil watch | stella & dot bracelet}

Things I will miss about summer as demonstrated by these photos:  Hanging out on our friends' rooftop in NYC without getting cold, having silly photo shoots accompanied by an amazing sunset (without getting cold), and wearing in public what is essentially a glorified nightgown masquerading as a chic and stylish maxi dress (and, yeah, without getting cold).

We're leaving today for a quick little road trip up to Buffalo.  If traditions hold true, then there is a distinct possibility that summer will end while I'm away and it'll be cold by the time I get back.  I promise to take full responsibility for any seasonal transgressions.

See you next week!

p.s. - Linking with these ladies today.
p.p.s. - The Chicwish giveaway ends on Monday.  Don't forget to enter!

Making the Cut

{sears dress (cute option) | f21 jacket | o'neil sandals (similar) | fossil watch | stella & dot bracelet}

If you've been keeping a keen eye on my hair, (because I'm sure you've all just been simply glued to my mane) then you might have noticed that I got it cut.  It was pretty long, and after a less than desirable and kind of pricey haircut, it was looking a little funky.  Luckily my (super, amazing, talented hair dresser of a) sister came to the rescue a few days later when she was here for a visit.  She dyed it the totally rocking ombre you see here and fixed the chop job the best she could, short of gluing hair back on (which, btw, she is totally qualified to do).  Basically, she stopped me from bursting into tears any time I'd catch my reflection in a shiny surface.  Moral of the story: if you have a sister who's an amazing hairdresser but lives 1,000 miles away, it might not be a bad idea to only get your hair cut once or twice a year when you get to see her.  And if you live in Ft. Lauderdale, then definitely make an appointment with Jen at The Factory Salon.


p.s. - linking here today.
p.p.s. - the Chicwish giveaway ends soon.  Don't forget to enter!

Winter Stripes

{ON sweater (cute option -on sale!) |  target skirt (similar)  |  steve madden boots | ON scarf}

I've been a little off track from my usual outfit posting format, but Christmastime simply requires a departure from the norm to bring you some gift guides and a fancy nails how-to, (and maybe even a couple more surprises before the big day).  But just because I've been in the Christmas spirit doesn't mean I haven't been getting dressed.

In fact, between visions of sugarplum fairies dancing in my head, and dreaming of a white Christmas, I've been conjuring up ways to transition my beloved striped maxi skirt into the colder months.  Inspiration struck and I pulled some leggings on underneath, and wore this get-up to do a little shopping.  I was totally toasty, completely comfortable, and most importantly, was wearing my maxi in winter.  That's a big ol' check mark in the win-win-win column.

You can catch me here, too.

Festival Ware

{tank: target  |  boots: kamik  |  similar shorts, similar backpack, necklace: f21  |  bracelets: f21, delias, diy}

If you've been reading for a while, you know that I make no pretense of having any semblance of a cool or exciting life.  But on occasion, I do get down with the get down.  And it's usually in summer, in the form of an outdoor day-long concert or festival.

And this is the kind of outfit I usually wear.  I like a light and breezy top to keep cool, with a bikini underneath so I can dry a little faster after walking through the misting tent (and if things really heat up I can take off the shirt, and for whatever reason, not feel as awkward running around in a bikini as I would in my skivvies).  Shorts need no explanation, and wellies help protect my feet from all of the mud, dirt, and dust that inevitably accumulates with the constant stampede of thousands of dancing feet.

If I'm really lucky, maybe I'll get some interesting tan lines courtesy of that tank top.  Because nothing says "I spent all day listening to music" like a lace-patterned tan.

Find me linking up with Sharon, and over here as well.

Highlights & Lowlights #6

{sweater, boots (similar): old navy  //  shorts}

Lowlights:

(This week there's really just one that takes the cake).

• Having a totally embarrassing moment in front of hunny bunny.  After parking at a store, I glanced out the window and noticed that we were slowly rolling backwards.  Even though I saw him put the car in park, put the hand brake on, and shut the car off, I yelled at him to stop.  It was like every nightmare I'd ever had involving a car come to life...for about 3 seconds until I realized that the SUV parked next to us had simply started driving forward and we hadn't moved at all.  Oh, what my poor boyfriend must have thought of this crazed girl sitting in the car next to him.  I must have sounded insane.

Highlights:

• Being able to do nothing but laugh at that embarrassing story now.  I mean, really Kym.  I am ridiculous.
• Discovering the wonderful deliciousness of mustard added to my grilled cheese sandwich.
• Running out of creamer and improvising by adding a little almond milk and almond extract to my morning coffee - yummy!
• Hunny bunny shaved himself a fu man chu as a belated birthday gift to me, and I just can't get enough of it!  Yep, I have strange taste in facial hair.  (Next up, I'm going for mutton chops).   Sexy.

I'm linking up today.

L'Artiste

{sweater: old navy  //  jeans: limited  //  boots: delias  //  socks: steve madden  //  bangles: gift, diy, f21}

So, this has nothing to do with my outfit, but have you guys seen The Artist?
Hunny bunny and I just saw it last night and I was surprised to have been so enraptured by a black & white film with no talking.
It was unique and different and funny and charming.  And all the vintage style 1920's / 1930's fashions the characters wore?  It was like eye candy, I tell ya.

Today I'm linking to:

Whatever Whenever Wednesday 

What I Wore Wednesday
What I Wore
What I Wore Wednesday
What We Wore & Made 

Flurries & Fair Isle

{sweater: old navy  //  shorts: f21  //  leggings, boots: delias}

If you noticed all those little white flakes in my hair, don't be alarmed.   I assure you they are snowflakes.  I know I've been shoving Jersey's awesome winter weather in your faces lately, but I suppose winter wanted to send a little reminder that it could still make my life miserable if it wanted to.

{It was a pathetic attempt - the snow stopped after about 20 minutes.  Nice try, mother nature.}

In other news, I may have uncovered the secret to wearing shorts when it's snowing: super soft, cuddly-warm, Nordic* style, fair isle leggings.

*Leggings may or may not be Nordic style.  I just like frivolously tossing around cultural terms without actually researching the geographical regions from which they may possibly have originated.

High Hopes

{sweater: old navy  //  jeans: UO  //  shoes: target  //  watch: sprout}

First and foremost I want to thank everyone who sent good wishes my way yesterday - your words truly mean so much.

Last night we received some encouraging news about my boyfriend's sister.  The doctors have deemed the tumor operable and they suspect that it may have attached itself to her skull instead of her brain (this is a very positive thing).  

Of course, we won't know for sure until the operation, which is scheduled for Friday.  Until then she's been released from the hospital and is able to go home to spend time with family.

Hunny bunny and I still think about her constantly and have taken to reminding each other how healthy and strong-willed she is.

We have very high hopes that she's going to be ok.