What to Wear to a BBQ in the Rain & a Giveaway

{ON sweater (similar), hat (similar) | f21 shorts | kamik boots | groopdealz bracelets (1, 2) | dogeared necklace}

Yup.  This hat.  This lovely little hat.  I'm wearing it again because it's my new favorite thing, and it seems to add that extra oomph that going bare-headed just can't compete with.  

I wore this to a BBQ on Saturday.  It was warm, really humid, and raining.  Perfect conditions for an outdoor party, don't you think?  Luckily the hostesses have a pop-up canopy and a patio, so we kept relatively dry while chilling outside all evening, and my boots came in extra handy for running around the wet yard with the dogs from time to time.  It just isn't a party until someone rubs a dog's belly I always say.

So, I had really wanted to rock some glasses with this look (because doesn't the side braid/fedora combo just scream for nerd glasses?)  However,  my current glasses are just for occasional wear like driving or when I'm in the nosebleed section at a baseball game (this happens often).  Basically, they're not made to be worn all day long.  And just as I was thinking that I should really get a pair of Rx-free lenses in a geek-chic style (because glasses aren't just for vision correction, they're an accessory too!), my dreams are answered because Firmoo launched their "first pair free" program where new customers can choose a pair of glasses for free (you just pay for shipping).  They've just stocked their shop with lots of new arrivals and have so many great styles.  These are my fave.

Right now, Firmoo is generously offering a totally free pair of glasses (including +1.50 single vision lenses plus free shipping) to one lucky winner.  All you have to do to enter is follow me on bloglovin', twitter, or facebook (your choice - you only have to do one, but I'll send you big, virtual hugs if you follow all three) and then visit Firmoo to scope out which pair of glasses (from this selection) you'll choose if you win.  

Leave a comment telling me how you follow, and with what username, and which Firmoo glasses you like best, as well as your email address.  That's all!  Good luck!

 

The Fine Print: Contest is open to residents of US & Canada, as well as everyone residing in these countries.  Please be sure to click the link to ensure that Firmoo ships to your country of residence before entering the contest.  Contest is open until May 31 and winner will be contacted shortly after.  Winner must respond within 48 hours, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

Linking here today. 

Snow Disappointing

{target sweater (similar) | ON vest & tights | h&m shorts (cute option on super sale!) | steve madden boots | f21 necklace (similar)}

So, I was about to publish a whole post about how disappointed I am that just when it warmed up enough to melt the skanky snow that's been hanging out for the past few weeks, it goes and snows again.  Like, on the very same day that the other snow finally vanished. But January is a tough enough month to endure without me chiming in to complain about it.  So for a little change of pace, I bring you My List of Positive Things About January:

Positive Thing About January #1:  It's still Christmasy.  My house looks like Santa's workshop for at least half of January (ok, usually a little more).  I just love the fun decorations, and it's still kind of sort of acceptable to have them up throughout the month.  Come February, that crap won't fly.

Positive Thing About January #2:  It's chilly enough to consider purchasing these.  Anyone own a pair?  Good?  Bad?  Ugly?

Positive Thing About January #3:  Sometimes the snow has little ice crystals sitting on top of it = nature's own glitter.  As a female who enjoys sparkly things, I appreciate this.

Positive Thing About January #4:  I get to wear lots of cozy layers.  I know I complain about the cold, but I admit that about 3/4 of the way through summer I'm really missing the option to top my outfit off with a thick, chunky scarf, a cool pair of boots, or an oversized cable knit sweater.

Positive Thing About January #5:  The cold weather provides a perfect excuse to snuggle up on the couch, whip up a batch of hot chocolate and a big bowl of popcorn, and guiltlessly enjoy hour after hour of Shameless on dvd.

*Also, I'm a finalist in a creative photo contest.  If you're the voting type and you'd like to help me win, please click here and then "like" my photo.  Big virtual hugs to all who do!*


Find me here today, too.

In a Frozen State

{h&m shorts & sweater (similar) | f21 hat | payless tights | delias boots (crazy similar) | kohls bracelet (similar) & necklace}

Please excuse my pursed lip, sour lemon expression in these photos.  I think my face just froze like that when I took off my coat.  I was just. so. cold.  I was trying really hard not to be; I was thinking warm thoughts, concentrating on not shivering, and I mean, I was even wearing a leopard print hat.  If the presence of faux leopard can't keep me toasty, I don't know what can.  But when living in NJ, sometimes you just have to grin and bear it....or in my case grimace, groan, grumble, and grouse....that's just as good, right?

On another note, if you haven't already signed up for Crowdtap, then you are just plain cray cray.  Answer some questions and then you can get free stuff, like an Old Navy dress.  Amongst other free stuff I've received?  A bikini, workout clothes, a whole party pack of bbq seasonings, and amazon gift cards.  Seriously, what are you waiting for?  Click here to sign up.

(This portion was in no way sponsored by Crowdtap.  I am a member and get perks when I refer others to sign up.  But so does everyone else.) 

Join the party.

This post is a submission to the IFB project.

Knitting Pretty

{target sweater (similar) & chambray  |  f21 shorts  |  report boots (crazy similar)  |  anjolee ring, c/o  |  diy cowl (similar)}

I know I just explained how I'm ok with constant repetition, so let's just never mind the fact that I'm wearing chambray again.  Or the fact that I'm wearing shorts with tights again.  I'm more excited about this infinity scarf that I knit.  Yeah, that one.  Up there.  The one that looks all profesh and store bought and stuff.  I've been knitting for years, but normally my finished items don't come out exactly like I've pictured them in my head (I believe this is called your-imagination-knits-better-than-you-do-in-real-life syndrome).  But this time it came out exactly like I wanted.  It only took three balls of yarn, one week of almost non-stop knitting, and a surprisingly small amount of swearing.  This scarf is my new favorite everything.  So please give her a warm welcome because you'll be seeing lots more of this cozy little cowl in the months to come.


Come check out where I'm linking up.

Ha, Ha.....ha

{jacket: h&m  //  top, scarf: old navy  //  shorts  //  boots  //  sunnies: harmon}

I could hardly stop laughing during this photo shoot.  I don't remember exactly why, but I know my boyfriend was to blame.
I'm pretty sure he was taking advantage of my reaction to the camera's sounds.  A while back he realized that if he pushes the button halfway down, the camera makes a little beep which signals that a photo is about to be taken, and no matter what I'm doing (scratching an itch, rubbing my face, directing traffic, delivering a baby*) as soon as I hear that beep I strike a pose.
So he waits until I'm doing something, then makes the camera beep, sees me fly into position....then just starts laughing.  Doesn't even take the picture.
I guess a style blogger's boyfriend has to entertain himself somehow...

*I may be exaggerating a tad.  Let's hope I never have to deliver a baby to find out.

Linking up here today.