Of Sunshine & Smiles

{target cardi (similar) | joyce leslie top (old) | gap jeans (so similar) | old navy booties (crazy similar) | handmade hat (cute option)}

There's always something about a bright, sunshiny day that makes my heart smile.  No matter if it's 80 degrees or 5 below.  Luckily this day hovered around a sunny 35, which if you're native to any colder climate you'll know is actually possible to survive without a coat in for short periods of time so long as the sun is shining, most skin is covered, and there is absolutely, positively not even the slightest hint of movement in the air.  A few fantasies of sun-drenched beaches and pina colodas usually don't hurt, either.

Find me over here today.

Snippets of 2012

I had meant to write a few more posts between Christmas and now, but first spending time with family for Christmas happened, and then as an extra special gift, I was hit with a nasty cold that came with a fever and zero energy.  Needless to say, not much dressing was going on - unless you count pjs, hoodies, slipper socks, and blankets.  Luckily, the end of the year (or in this straggler's case, the beginning of the next one) is a great time to post outfits you've already seen, in the name of looking back to see how my style has progressed, how much my hair has grown, and apparently to also find out that I seem to very much enjoy looking at the ground.  And so I give to you, my sartorial snippets of 2012.

'Tis the Season

  
Source: friedpinktomato

I hope you're all having a wonderfully merry day filled with coziness, egg nog, and lots of love and laughter.

~See you in a few days~

Urban Lumberjack

{target button up | kohl's thermal top | ON jeans & vest | steve madden boots}

Every winter I ask myself why I'm still living in NJ.  And every year I have no answer.  Seriously, after living here my whole life I'm still a complete wimp when it comes to cold weather.  Don't let these photos fool you - they were taken a few days ago when it was still a balmy 43 degrees out.  But today you won't catch me outside dressed like an urban lumberjack, oh no.  That's mild weather wear.  Today it's all faux fur, fleece, and flannel for this coward.

Find me here today.

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.

You Cheapskate....

1. E.L.F. eyeshadow palette (now free with a $20 purchase!)

2. mexican train dominoes

3. chevron journal set

4. wooden colored pencils

5. $#*! Girls Say

6. David's Tea

7. Lush gift set

Beauty Bit: Caviar Manicure DIY

If you've been lurking around Sephora or some of the beauty counters at department stores, you've inevitably seen the new-ish "caviar" manicure.  And while it looks amazing (and might I say perfect for a holiday party?), I find the price to be a bit ridiculous.  I mean, $25 for a bottle of nail polish and some beads?  Please.  Just because it has caviar in the name, doesn't mean it should have a price tag to match.  Here's how to get the same exact effect for way less.  And it's super easy.

I found this container of microbeads at Michael's for about $3.  You'll also need a small tray to catch the beads (I used the kind that comes with Chinese take out).

1. Paint one coat of an opaque polish on your nails and let dry. 

2. Apply a second coat of polish to nails.  

3. Position the tray under your hand, and while the polish is still wet, shake some of the beads onto your nail.  Don't worry about the excess beads falling off; they'll be caught in the tray.  

4. Press the beads firmly into the nail to ensure a longer lasting bond.  If your polish dries quickly, I recommend doing this process one nail at a time.

5. Top with a clear coat to seal in the beads.
6. Using a small funnel, or piece of paper rolled into a cone (leaving a small opening at the bottom), pour the extra beads from the tray back into the container.
7. Admire your mani, and give yourself a pat on the back knowing that you didn't get suckered into spending 25 smackers on your nails.  Smug sense of self-satisfaction optional.

A word of advice: Do your nails the day you want to wear them because this is not the strongest or sturdiest of embellishments.  If you use your hands for anything - anything at all - the beads will start falling off.  You have been warned.