Daily Affirmations

{blazer: target  // top: hand-me-down  //  pants, booties: delias  //  scarf: mandee  //  watch: sprout}

I'm just dropping in for a quick post because I'm on my way out to interview for a very cool job.  

Let's see if all those Stuart Smalley self-affirmations that I've been doing in the mirror pay off!

Because let's face it: I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and gosh darn it - people like me.

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 

Windy City

{cardi, top: old navy  //  jeans: UO  //  shoes: target  //  belt: steve madden}

As almost any girl can tell you, wind is the nemesis of carefully coiffed bangs.  As perfect as they may look in my calm, breeze-free bathroom, once I step out and that wind gusts up, all bets are off.

On the upside, my hair was still a little wet when I left the house.  After only 10 minutes of taking photos, it was completely dry.  So what if my damp hair, combined with the wind chill, made a 45 degree day feel like 31?  I harnessed the power of earth's natural blow dryer.  How's that for eco-conscious?

Today I'm linking to:

Monday Mingle

Visible Monday

Adventures of the Brave & Fearless

{blazer: target  //  tee: old navy  //  jeans: limited  //  boots, belt: steve madden  //  scarf: delias  //  watch: sprout  //  hex nut bracelet: diy  //  pyramid bangle: f21}

If I were to film a horror movie, this would be the setting for it - hands down.

For over a year I'd been working up the courage to check out this abandoned house in my town, which oddly enough is set next to another equally eerie abandoned house.

So yesterday I thought to myself "What a perfect day to explore the grounds of what is surely the hideout of a pshyco-maniac who would like nothing better than to make a suit out of my skin.  Oh, it's cold, grey, and rainy.  Even better!"

This place was scary, even in broad daylight.  I don't think I'll ever have the nerve to go inside the house itself, but hunny bunny & I walked around the backyard and saw this dilapidated shed.

And then I looked inside.

i have to admit, i was not expecting creepy headless children to be in there

And on that note, enjoy your weekend!

Linking to:
Fashion Friday
Free For All Friday

Shoes & Sock(bun)s

{sweater: gap  //  skirt: delias  //  tights, cowl (diy from scarf): old navy  //  shoes: payless}

After wearing heels all day, there's nothing better than coming home, kicking them off, and putting on some plush slippers.  Especially if you were me, wearing these heels all day yesterday.  It seems that no matter what I do - add cushy inserts, loosen the laces, take tiny steps, walk lightly on my feet - these shoes just HURT.
Do you have any shoes like that?  Or could I possibly be the only girl in the world who's feet can't handle a pair of oxford shooties?

Also, I have stumbled upon the formula for a successful sock bun (for fine hair).  The secret?  Spend 20 minutes painstakingly trying to curl your hair into big, soft romantic waves like this, only to have it look too flat on top, and too poufy on the bottom.  Ignore it while you get dressed and apply makeup.  Glance in the mirror and be reminded of how awkward your hair looks.  Attempt to salvage your hard work by re-curling some pieces.  Get frustrated and pull the whole thing into a high ponytail and on a whim decide to attempt the sock bun.  Fail the first few times.  Tell yourself you'll try one last time and suddenly...
Voila!
You now have a successful sock bun.
This has happened exactly two times.  I'm convinced it's the only way to get it right.
(True story.)

Anyway, happy Leap Day!

Today I'm linking to:

Whatever Whenever Wednesday @ Rolled Up Pretty

What I Wore Wednesday @ Transatlantic Blonde
What I Wore @ the Letter 4
Real Style @ Momma Go Round
What I Wore Wednesday @ the Pleated Poppy
What We Wore & Made @ Rau Gun Ramblings

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.

Sunny Monday

 {dress, belt: delias  //  sweater: gap  //  tights: payless  //  boots: zappos  //  necklace: f21}

I can't get over this beautiful, mild winter we've been having here in NJ.  I think I may have effectively forgotten what real winter feels like.

And I'm pretty sure I haven't gone out without a coat so much in February before.

It kind of makes having a crazy blizzard in October totally worth it.

On a more serious note, I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart who has been leaving positive and supportive messages regarding my boyfriend's sister.

I can't tell you how good each and every one of your comments makes me feel.

You guys are awesome.

Today I'm linking up to:
Monday Mingle
Visible Monday