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.

Knowledge, Yo.

vest: ON | similar 1, 2
sweater: (old) target | similar
jeans: UO | similar
boots: exact
necklace: c/o Sheinside| similar 1, 2
hat: c/o Our World Boutique

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The weather.  Drinking a daily green smoothie.  My dramatically lower cholesterol levels, most likely a direct result of said daily green smoothie.

These are all topics I jotted down in an attempt to brainstorm something to write about, then immediately rejected on the grounds that they are all fairly boring to discuss.  And still, for lack of a better idea, they remain on the screen.  Since this post is quickly becoming a conglomeration of random thoughts, I'll throw this out there, too.  Today my boyfriend was supremely impressed when I knew that the German name Wilhelm translates to Guillaume in French.  Since he speaks both languages fluently, and my French is approximately at the level of a 4 year old, while my German is limited to about five words, I'm always pretty surprised when I know something he doesn't.  Like when I bought these jeans two years ago - he thought they were a terrible idea, but I knew better.  I knew red skinnies would remain a thing for a while, and look who was right about that, too.

Linking up with my homies.

Little Red Riding Vest

Hurry! Time's almost up! Click here for the Chicnova giveaway, or here to win a $250 AMEX giftcard!! 

vest: c/o joules
sweater: thrifted gap | so similar
jeans: exact (and on sale!)
boots: exact
scarf: (old) h&m | option
rings: c/o born pretty | option
earrings: c/o sahara jewely | similar

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Winter.  It seems to be the bane of my existence lately.  It just won't go away.  As much as I'd love to be able to change it, I can't.  So I'll do the next best thing - dress appropriately for it.  I've never really been one for functional vests before; I always assumed that they would only keep my chest warm and leave my arms literally out in the cold.  I don't have particularly warm arms during winter (and let's not even get started on my icy cold hands), so I never saw the point in wearing one, unless it was simply for looks.

But recently the kind people at Joules offered to send me one of their vests for review.  As soon as I saw this adorable red one, I had visions of Marty Mcfly dancing in my head, and I couldn't resist.*  There are lots of other colors and styles, too.  Click to see more womens' vests from Joules.

First of all, this is the packaging.  I mean, is this not the prettiest envelope ever?

But most important - this thing works!  I wore it out in 23° weather - without a coat! - and this baby kept me downright cozy.  I left the coat behind because I knew I'd only be walking from my apartment to the car, and from the car to other assorted temperature-controlled establishments, but for those short 5 minute bursts it really did the trick. Amazingly, my arms never got cold!  Later on I went for a walk after the sun had set, so this time I added my coat, and I felt comfortably warm the entire time!  Arms included!

This is my first piece from Joules, and I have to say that I am extremely impressed with the quality - it's well constructed, the colors are vibrant, the zippers, snaps, & other details feel solid, and it's cozy!  Plus, the hood is removable.  A cute piece that does what it says, is festooned with stripes, and has serious Back to the Future vibes.  I think I'm in love (though it could be my childhood crush on Michael J. Fox talking).


*Stay tuned; I will most definitely be having a Marty moment in the near future.  Great Scott.


Linking here today.

Riding Dirty

{vest |  denim | similar sweatshirt | chambray | similar boots}

I should have worn this outfit on Halloween, for the amount of people who told me I look like a horseback rider.  Which is fitting, because (little known fact) I was on the equestrian team in college.  And while I learned a lot about saddles, stirrups, and stride, the distinctly chic riding style that usually goes along with it went right over my head.  Back in school I was pretty devoted to my uniform of tee shirt, jeans, and a hoodie, and apparently no amount of trotting around a paddock could make me waver from it. 

 

p.s. - New Jerseyans, don't forget to vote today!!

p.p.s. - Linking up here.

Nifty Knits

{marshalls dress (similar 1, 2) | ON vest, giveaway win from City & Burbs | target belt | steve madden boots | asos socks | oasap ring, c/o (similar) | diy scarf (similar)}

You guys, I can't help myself.  I can't stop wearing big, cowly, chunky knit infinity scarves.  Don't believe me?  Proof here, here, here, here, and oh yeah, here.  Though my time in Florida did give me a forced reprieve from wearing the thick, cozy things, I'm pretty sure spending two weeks apart from them only served to transform what was previously a mild fixation to a full fledged can't-leave-the-house-without-one, it's my grown-up-security-blanket type obsession.

So...to whichever genius pioneered the idea to take an ordinary winter scarf, and ingeniously connect the ends to turn it into a circular shape that could be loosely wrapped around the neck in the chicest way imaginable, well sir or madam, my hat's off to you (and then promptly back on again because, damn, it's getting cold!).

(I'm linking up with these ladies today)

V is for Victory

{target dress (similar)  |  hand me down vest  |  watch  |  payless heels (crazy similar)  |  inpink necklace (similar)}

Last night was date night, so my boyfriend and I cooked a really tasty meal together ("Swiss Alplermagrone" made with pasta, potatoes, caramelized onions, gruyere, and baked apple - recipe coming soon because you need to try this), then dined by candlelight in our yard.  After, we came inside and watched the Wizard of Oz (because, really, is there such a thing as watching that movie too many times?).  The dinner & the movie were pretty great, but the most remarkable part of the night was the fact that I did not get one mosquito bite.  Considering that around here those little jerks are already in aggressive attack mode at least week before spring even starts makes hanging out with them for an hour at dusk and not getting bitten a big victory for me...and for the deet I doused my entire body in.  Well, I guess it's mostly a victory for deet.  (But I'll take credit; deet would be cool with it).



Linking up today.

Urban Safari

{tee: gap  |  skirt: old navy  |  vest: hand-me-down  |  wedges: target (similar)  |  necklace: diy  |  watch: boyfriend's  |  rings: c/o oasap}

 In this outfit, I feel like I'm ready to go on safari. 

You know, the kind where you wear high heels, sit in a hatchback, marvel at the birds & squirrels in your yard, and maybe go out for Mexican with your boyfriend afterward.

On another note, my hair is poufed out to Mrs. Garrett-like proportions.
Call me crazy, but I kinda think I like it.

I'm linking up with Joyce today.  And as usual, these lovely ladies as well.