The next day someone commented on how small my thighs were, and I was all why thank you now let me go put on some leggings! Actually, I know for a fact that the person who complimented me is  anti-leggings-as-pants and I don’t think even my thighs are going to sway her from this. So I implemented my second rule for leggings-as-pants, and that’s the rule where my top should cover my butt.

Top, Marshall’s (because if I couldn’t find a new purse I wasn’t going home empty-handed)

Leggings, Target

Flats, Payless

Oh, and I’m not mad though that picture makes it out to be. I’m just wondering if the timer is on and if it’s ever going to – OH THERE IT TOOK A PICTURE GREAT. Happens every time.

So there you have it: I wore leggings. As pants. I’m not saying I’m proud of it, I’m just admitting that I did it.

Related posts:

1. A Leg Up on Leggings
2. DIY Waxing
3. Whip It Good

I knew this was going to happen. I KNEW IT. But you know what? There’s no point fighting it.

You see, once you buy a purse that costs over $50 there’s no going back. And sure, some of you scoff at that price, but that’s because you slid down that slippery slope long ago. My first big girl bag cost around $80 and shortly after receiving it and petting it and loving it I wanted more.

Worse, I wanted bigger and better. Because once you’ve been exposed to nice leather and size and quality, really, where else does one go but up? It’s like finally breaking down and buying the expensive Pearl tampons. YOU WILL NEVER LET YOUR COOCH SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS.

So I need a new bag, and I’ve set aside money for a new one. I scouted TJ Maxx and Marshall’s first because, seriously, every time I’m in there I come across some glorious bag that I never want to plunk down the money for. I end up just hugging it and try to explain to it that I’m only there to buy outdated bags of Jelly Bellys so please let me be. But once I do go in with wallets blazing there is not one good bag to be found.

This is where you come in, my sweet butternut squash blossoms.

Choice A:

Choice B:

Choice C:

Choice D:

So, which one do you like?

No related posts.

Good, because I’ve jumped on the bandwagon and joined Formspring. Clicke here to get the scoop.

No related posts.

I can’t remember why I cut my hair anymore; it’s been over a year but I think I was fooled by some amazing short hairdos of the stars. Didn’t Sienna Miller and I cut our hair at the same time? HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THIS?

Hair extensions, vitamins, thousand dollar treatments…yeah I get it. I just want long hair again so I don’t have to wash it every day. I just want to braid it and throw it up and have people compliment on its obvious complexity.

Something like this. But until then, I have to wash and wrestle with what I have. And this is what it looks like.

Mmhmm. And do you know I wrangle that thing into a semi-decent ‘do with a $19.99 drugstore flat iron? Hopefully you’ve stopped reading this post by this point so you won’t win the amazing flat iron the generous Hillary is giving away thanks to Missiko.

Related posts:

1. I did it.
2. Dye Job

I realize it’s a little early to be wearing white, but it reached 70 today and I think that’s enough excuse for it to pass.

Denim Pearlsnap, Gap

Flower Pin, H&M

White pants, Ralph Lauren

Loafers, Target

I think this shirt is going to be a summer staple, the gears are already spinning with outfit ideas.

Depending on your climate, you could totally wear this right now. On cooler days I’d pair it with tights, tweed shorts, and some boots. Once it warms up I’ll pair it with some structured shorts and flats. Denim is a great fabric to work with – you can add so many colors and other fabrics to it!

And once summer hits I’ll retire the denim jacket and opt to wear the shirt with a floral skirt, straw hat, and gold sandals.

Oh yeah, we’re going to be best friends for like ever.

Related posts:

1. Dressed Up in Blue
2. Even if I could shop…
3. A Leg Up on Leggings

I hope you have had the pleasure of catching wind of sfgirlbybay’s blog it forward project through at least one of your favorite blogs – the lovely lady has connected over 300 bloggers to share what inspires them. Secret Pocket Handmade passed it on to me and I will be passing the project to the super cute blogger of Sherbet Blossom. Feel free to check out the entire list of bloggers participating in the project, there are some great writers out there!

I feel like I am inspired on a daily basis by the people in my life and the things I see in the world around me, though I never seem to have the time and energy to do everything I greedily bookmark or photograph or add to my Netflix queue. I have refrained from checking out most of the blogs in the project so far because I was afraid I would constantly say, “Me too, me too!” and have nothing to show for you when it was my turn. So here are the things that most inspire me:

1. Long, slow, story-like songs

The Decemberists are a favorite, of course. I mean, not many bands get away with lyrics like “Sweet on a green-eyed girl, all fiery Irish clip and curl, all brine and piss and vinegar.” If this is your first time hearing them and you dig it, might I also recommend the long, winding tracks of Jenny Lewis’  “Rabbit Fur Coat,” Neko Case’s “Star Witness,” or Camera Obscura’s “Dory Previn.” These tracks help me think and are on heavy rotation when I need to get stuff done.

2. Engagement/Wedding Shots

Source: Max Wagner Photography

Having shot a few couples myself, I can honestly tell you that you can’t sell love. Not real love, anyway. I love – LOVE – when you see a couple’s photos and you can tell just how much fun they are having together and how in love they are. Even though I’ve gone through my own wedding (and the bajillion photos that come along with it), I can honestly say that a good wedding shoot still brings tears to my eyes. Well, I’m a sap, so there’s that. But I will never get enough of couple shoots!

3. Interesting Tattoos

Even though I don’t have a tattoo (though I’ve been seriously tinkering with the idea to get the one I’ve wanted for years lately), I love different, unique tattoos (especially those that have a story). Even if it’s a seemingly silly and simple tattoo, as long as you can tell me the story behind it I’ll  like it. Except maybe a Tweety tattoo with “What Attitude?!” below it. That I’ll never understand.

4. Random Acts of Kindness in your community

God, this is probably my biggest drive in life. There is nothing quite like seeing kind things being done by strangers or doing something kind yourself. I don’t think I will ever be able to give enough of myself, and yet every day should be an attempt to do so.

5. Old Photographs

I love that my mom is so surprised and flattered when I go on and on about the smallest details in the old photos she shows me. The way my grandfather looks at my grandmother, the slogan t-shirts my mom wears – I think she’s proud that I can take a seemingly simple photograph and treasure it as if it was taken on an eventful day. It’s pictures like this (and many more amazing shots from My Parents Were Awesome) that make me remember to capture everything, no matter how ordinary it may seem to me. I can only hope that my own children see the beauty in the small things one day.

6. Clean, classic lines

With new trends and colors and fabrics around every corner, I appreciate the simpleness of a classic outfit. I mean, it’s classic for a reason. Outfits like this inspire me to choose quality over quantity, timeless over “this season.”

7. Breathtakingly beautiful films

Give me elaborate costume designs, give me overseas locations,give me color, give me minute details, give me a gorgeous soundtrack. Plot, what plot?

8. Old Signs

I guess it goes back to those classic lines, but I can’t resist an old advertisement or sign. I’ve been attracted to them all of my life and have been known to make a driver pull to the side of the road just to take a picture.

9. Cool Hairdos

Seriously, when is my hair going to grow out so I can do fun things like this?

10. Other people’s parties

Decorations, dishes, DIY – sign this lady up.

So there you have it! I hope you enjoyed my list and will check out the others in Blog It Forward. Have a good weekend!

Related posts:

1. Year End Review
2. Blog on a Wire

Get it? Benjamins? On Presidents Day? AREN’T I THE MOST CLEVER PERSON YOU’VE EVER MET?

Anyway, here’s some cool things you should buy:

1. Nixon Pin, $4 2. President Busts, $14 3. Lincoln Tee, $19 5. Kennedy Bumper Sticker, $19

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Head on over to By Hillary for my guest post on last minute Valentine’s Day ideas!

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1. It’s like an Oscar, but better and less shiny.

The only thing that keeps me from this ball, er, pouf of leather is about $350. And when you consider I scored my awesome couch for about, oh, seventy-five bucks, you can see why I am so hesitant to bring in what is essenially a pimp footstool into my home.

Thank god for Etsy, eh?

These Mookah Pods come in a variety of bold prints (Amy Butler, a favorite!) and colors that will be sure to brighten up any room. AND much more affordable with prices starting around $50.  Check out Mookah’s Etsy store for the full selection as well as other cushions to choose from.

Related posts:

1. Birthday Wishes

Etsy’s Pounce section, to be exact. Not familiar with it? Well it’s right here.

See? There.

Etsy’s Pounce section features items that have been recently sold or shops that have yet to have a sale and are still undiscovered. I prefer to browse undiscovered shops because it makes me happy to help jumpstart a shop. And I don’t know about you, fellow Etsy sellers, but when it rains it pours.

So it was through Pounce that I found Kate & Blythe, and what a lovely shop to find!

See? Lovely.

Kate & Blythe shipped out my order of this gorgeous (and affordable at $14!) felt brooch the day after I ordered it and it arrived beautifully packaged. And, y’know, the product itself is pretty beautiful as well.

So check them out! They have a variety of felted flower brooches in great colors that will be perfect additions to your spring wardrobe.

Oh, and I colored my hair, surprise! I haven’t been a redhead since high school and I forgot how much I dig it. Whatcha think?

Related posts:

1. Birthday Wishes
2. Ch-ch-check it out.
3. Wrap It Up

1. Bacon Pop, $5 Ben and I already sprinkle bacon salt on our popcorn for smokey goodness, but this cuts out the middle man (and yet does nothing for your middle).

2. Aviator Pillowcases, $25 My linens tend to be on the, uh, floral side, so these bad boys would beef up any bed.

3. Book Belt Buckle, $32 This Etsy shop takes old bookcovers and preserves them into belt buckles! Perfect for your well read sweetie.

4. Mix Tape USB Flash Drive, $18 Now, the making of a good compilation tape  is a very subtle art. It’s a lot easier when you just need it to hide your porn on this flashdrive.

5. Bonox Clock, $18 It’s got that retro feel without that grandma smell. Nothing says I love you quite like a blaring alarm every morning!

Of course if you’re stumped you can always consider this. (um, NSFW I suppose? It’s suggestive, not graphic.)

No related posts.

So, February. We’re already less than two weeks into that day that either no one likes to talk about or OHMAHGAH IS IT TIME FOR CHOCOLATES AND DIAMONDS YET OR WHAT?

I kid, I kid.

Valentine’s Day is not a big deal to me because I like to tell people I love them (especially that one person I promised to love for the rest of my life) on a daily basis rather than one designated day. But if you love this holiday, hey, that’s cool. I personally love candy and red and anything heart-related so I can see the appeal. But it honestly took me a week – A WEEK, READERS – to remember what I did last Valentine’s Day.

And do you know what we did? Adopted Max. That’s right, I basically forgot about my own hedgehog’s birthday. Mother of the year right here, folks.

So let’s show some pretty things that would be good for a lucky lady in your life:

1. Lemon Heart Cookies, $7 I have been craving lemon bars like WHOA. So when I saw lemon bars in the shape of a mother truckin’ heart? Consider me sold. Order by the 7th to ensure it arrives for the holiday.

2. Scalloped Elagantine Skirt, $45. It is scalloped, people. And it’s pink. Need I say more?

3. Kimchi Satin Skimmer, $15 This flat is a must-have for spring; I could see myself wearing it with rolled denim or light sundresses. And for $15 at Urban Outfitters that’s practically a miracle.

4. Heart Hand Warmer, $6 Cold hands, warm heart? I’ve always hoped that was the case because I have the hands of a dead woman year-round. This hand warmer is cute and functional and is small enough to keep in your coat pocket. And it’s reusable, too!

5. Marc by MJ Amour Bobby, $28 I know, $28 for bobby pins? But they’re Maaaaarc Jaaaacobs. They will instantly make you look sweet and chic and who doesn’t love to pretend they are that way naturally? Just me?

Related posts:

1. Things I Love Thursday
2. <3elated <3log
3. Eleven Little Things

They suggested this after I ordered a children’s book:

While I have no idea what this has to do with a panda who travels around the world, you’ve got to admit it’s awesome. And I’ve got to admit that I was very tempted to buy it.

I got to thinking about decade baskets and not only could I make a better one, I will probably be making one for everyone I know. If you have a birthday coming up and I love you, well, you were forewarned.

1. Fraken Berry Cereal Pillow, $29 2. Striped Legwarmers, $14 3. Golden Girls – Season One, $17 4. Adventures in Babysitting, $10 5. DIY My Little Pony, $14 6. The Cars – Greatest Hits, $10

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1. Picture This: Sicily. 1942.

And sometimes they turn out to be the most amazing things ever.

I have been in love with this rug for quite some time now and loveloveLOVE that I have found my own to fit in front of my fireplace. And noooo that isn’t a Christmas tree you see still standing, of course not. Nope. No ma’am.

I also found a huge pile of pillowcases, pressed napkins, and linen calendars. Score!

The linens section is the first section I head to when I am thrifting; there is always a lot to pick over and they are usually pretty cheap (this pile was about five bucks). There is something so comforting to me about laying down on soft-slick sheets and pillowcases in the middle of summer. Where do you go first when you shop?

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Did you guess fly to Boston (Hillary, put your hand down you are cheating!)? Because if you did then you’d be right, my friend.

I flew up Friday to meet the lovely Hillary of ByHillary and Emily (aka loveaslug) of Flickr. The three of us originally met through Wardrobe Remix, gosh, almost two years ago! I met Hillary on a really sad day and I like to think she’s been making them better ever since.

We wanted to surprise our mutual internet friends and I am so impressed that I kept it a secret for over a month (it is not lost on me that I told more people about eloping than I did about this trip). I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing these people are. We laughed long into the nights and shared story after story. Oh, and we ate. A lot.

For someone who deals with a digestive disease on a daily basis I can tell you that I was hella nervous about eating with people who have not had to deal with me going to the bathroom eleven times in a meal. But wonder upon wonder, I was fine and enjoyed a mostly gluten free weekend (while I hear the cupcakes were delicious I could not pass up a Mojito flavored cupcake filled with evil gluten). And while it’d be nice to think that going gluten free would help my retarded esophagus, food is food and it can get stuck no matter what I eat (except when I eat a cupcake, no surprises there).

We also hit up plenty ‘o stores (Marc Jacobs! Kate Spade!) and recent purchases should make it to you within the week. Hope you had a good weekend because mine was effin’ fabulous.

Pictures yanked from Hillary and Emily. Apparently I was too busy talking to take pictures.

Related posts:

1. Baked, Take Two.
2. This little piggy went to market.
3. Coming to a Theatre Near You.

That was before I decided it was going to be the fox.

Whether it’s a cartoon version or a detailed portrait, I think they are just so interesting and appealing. I mean, how much owl stuff can you really own? Here are a few things to get you started:

1. Fox Brooch, $20 2. Fox Tee, $18 3. Fox Clutch, $100 4. Forrest Friends Cookie Cutter Set, $20

And of course we can’t talk foxes without mentioning one of the greatest albums in the last decade, Neko Case’s Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. Seriously, if you have yet to hear it go give it a try. She is amazing and the album is hauntingly good.

Happy Weekend!

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1. Moving Music, etc.
2. Filler. Fluff. Fun.

I knew it was bad when a friend who was nicknamed POWDER compared her calve to mine and commented that she was darker. Mandated self tanner review post coming next week, darling dears.

So I was interested in San Fransisco’s Philanthropist Boutique, where 100% of their profits benefit charities in their area.  Awesome, right? It was there that I spied this Vera Wang skirt (on sale for the low-low price of $450):

As luck would have it, I own that skirt for the comparably low-low price of $2.00. Thanks, Goodwill! This is the matching jacket that came with it. It’s even more emerald-y in person.

Hat, TJ Maxx

Jacket, thrifted

Men’s button down, thrifted

Jeans, Banana Republic

Boots, Ebay

I think most busty gals will agree with me that the perfect buttoned shirt is practically a myth. I really, really like them, but if it fits in the chest the arms are too short or it billows like a bedsheet around me. But! I have made peace with the fact that a men’s shirt is made for me. Er, I am made for a men’s shirt? We are not there in therapy yet.

This has been a pretty trying week, emotionally and physically speaking, and I can not even begin to tell you how ready I am for the weekend. Thankfully mine starts Friiiiday, suckas!

Related posts:

1. Whip It Good
2. Blue Jean Baby
3. A Thankful Update

Couldn’t you tell by that bright smile on my face, ready to greet the day?

Turtleneck, Old Navy

Poncho, TJ Maxx?

Jeans, J Crew

Boots, Ebay

I don’t know what I was wearing when I tried on this poncho, but it must have been something fabulous, because I can’t remember for the life of me what would have compelled me to buy it. I mean, I like it. I like the way it hangs on my rolling rack, looking all pretty and warm and inviting. But on me…eh. It hits at a really weird angle and I thought I had a turtleneck that was extra long to compensate for it (hint: I apparently don’t).

And did you know that you can not find a single turtleneck in a store right now? I asked an Old Navy employee to point me in the right direction on JANUARY 2ND and he looked at me like I asked him to make me a pancake. So I had to leave turtleneckless (and pancakeless, come to think of it).

Anyway, maybe you don’t even see the problem with the lengths of my tops. Maybe I am still self conscious about my grandmother telling me I had “good birthin’ hips” when I was but a MERE CHILD OF THIRTEEN and maybe I just think I need long shirts that cover them.

One thing I do know is that I need a dang pancake now. Or maybe Cinnabon. I haven’t had Cinnabon in YEARS, omg. Cinnabon helped me pack on the Freshman 15 (plus 15). Maybe I should stay away. Or MAYBE I should shoot for triple Ds and eat some.WHO COMPLAINS ABOUT BIGGER BOOBS?

I love my logic.

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1. Long story short.
2. Operation Sigh, Part III
3. Short & Sweet

The only exception is someone who likes football. And who is really dang proud of Florida State Football University.

One of my best friends went to UF and when I first met her she actually asked if I went there as well because I looked so familiar. And even though I DO NOT CARE FOR FOOTBALL AT…it kind of got me. This college rivalry is branded into your brain whether you like it or not. Just because you have no idea who the quarterback is does not mean you don’t know better than to ever date a guy from UF. As alumni of our respected colleges (and the fact that we both don’t care for football at all), any sense of rivalry is long behind us. Though we still have a hard time wearing opposing team colors.

Anyway, Sharon must have died or married a UF alumni (she later told friends she couldn’t see the difference) because I found THIS in Goodwill:

Go Noles, indeed.

…I need to get out of this town.

Related posts:

1. The Bad in Goodwill

Lots and lots of color.

Sweater, J Crew

Belt, thrifted

Shoes, Giani Bini

Dress, Isaac Mizarahi via Goodwill

The dress caught my eye immediately when I pounced upon the dress aisle in Goodwill. The pattern was exactly my style in junior high and a part of me couldn’t resist it. Plus there is something so satisfying about pulling  a thrifted dress off the rack and finding it in your size. And even though I’m in Florida it’s still chilly enough for a light sweater so I paired it with something just as colorful.

I am in desperate need of some color but I gave my hair a break from the daily exercises I put it through and just let it air dry and then slept on it. For once it came out as manageable bed head.

Well, mostly manageable. I need to invest in some hot rollers and play around for that messy look without the mess. What do you use for great hair?

Related posts:

1. Flower Power. Phtsss.
2. Brown is the new black.
3. The Bad in Goodwill