Check It

Jacket, Shirt, Belt: H&M, Tank, Skirt: F21, Sneaks: UO, Jewlery: J.Crew, Thrifted, Club Monaco, Michael Kors watch

The first day of many days of sunshine really excites me.  I can't wait for warmer temperatures, the sun light to last longer and the feeling of sand on my bare feet.  In the meantime, I'll rejoice for the windy but bright days.  

Wednesday Whim - Accessory Envy

All images via Vogue

Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Costume Institute Gala is May 2 and every year I look forward to the amazing, unusual, and unique fashion.  The event is planned by the fabulous Sylvana Ward Durrett (Vogue's Director of Special Events...I briefly reflected on her closet here) and much like bloggers feature their attire daily, Vogue followed her trail for five days (albeit she had a fabulous photog to fabulously capture her fabulousness).  I envied her before, but I envy her even more now.  While her outfits are clearly wonderful, I especially adore her accessories.  As you know, I love me some accessories and she has some of the best. 

Sylvana, if you ever feel like cleaning out your closet please feel free to drop me a line.  (UHM...yea, like she would read this blog...)

Chartreuse & Crochet

Jacket, dress, belt: H&M, Crochet dress: F21, Sandals: Cynthia Rowley for Target, Bag: Mulberry for Target, Jewelry: J.Crew, BR, F21, Thrifted, Michael Kors watch

As a child, I associated crochet with my grandmother.  But when I saw this dress, I was immediately attracted to the color and fit.  Goodbye to all the granny associations...hello to new warm weather wear!

Red Accents

Top: H&M, Scarf: American Apparel, Jeans: Thrifted, Shoes: Gap, Jewelry: Thrifted, Banana Republic, Michael Kors watch

One of my favorite layers on a foggy SF day is the scarf.  Wearing one can carry my outfit to a more polished look than when I don't wear one.  I obtained this circle scarf from American Apparel (using my Groupon coupon!) and I love the versatility behind it.  I've tried it several different ways already and it seriously looks different each time I style it.  I can't wait to feature more of the different styles.

Wednesday Whim - Five Facts

Image via Lucky Mag - Lucky Breaks

I thought it might be fun to feature Five Facts about me this week...and the top five are:

1. I'm a HUGE deal hunter.  Seriously.  Even when I don't need something, I'll still look and send it on to my friends.  It's even better if there's cash back ability (like Ebates - have used them for several years now)!  Sometimes, this annoys my fiancé.  
2. I love to enter sweepstakes.  Not the Publishers Clearing House Kind but the fun, win a trip/gift certificate/shopping spree kind (like the trip I hope to win in the photo above!).  Lucky Mag has some of the best.
3. I cannot leave the house with accessorizing.  I feel naked otherwise.  This also annoys my fiancé (when we're on a time crunch).
4. I love to read readers' comments (or viewers if you're a YouTuber).  Who doesn't though?
5. A cliché to live by:  I believe everything happens for a reason - even if I don't understand why (yet).

Any fun facts you'd like to share with me?  Love to know! 

Patterns and Such

Tank, Skirt: F21, Boots: Enzo Angiolini, Jacket: Madewell, Jewelry: F21, J.Crew, Michael Kors watch

When I choose patterns to wear, I try to balance the size of the pattern against my smaller stature (i.e. bigger patterns tend to overwhelm me).  So when I first saw this skirt, I adored the pattern and colors and was glad to add it to my wardrobe.  The flowy nature of the skirt just asks to be twirled around in, which is just what I did (must to the horror of my neighbors).  

I'm kidding.  Maybe.

SF Layering

Sweater, tights, clutch: H&M, Dress: F21, Boots: Asos, Jewelry & Watch: J.Crew, F21, Banana Republic, Michael Kors

I took a break from my madness and joined my friend for lunch and some shopping this weekend.  The weather was fickle (between sunny and cloudy) so it was just the kind of day where layering was appropriate (like many SF days).

I was able to make use of my polka dot dress and bright orange sweater.  Thankfully, my face didn't turn as bright when I drank my brunch mimosa.  It was a perfect way to enjoy a weekend. 

Wednesday Whim - Graphic

image via Fashionising via Retrogasm

I'm very much into graphics so when I came upon this image I immediately wanted to save it to my archive.  Graphics + History + Fashion = Fabulous.  

I have been less than consistent with my blog lately but I'll be back to the norm soon!  Keep an eye out for more lookbook pics! 

XO!

Special Day

Image via Decor8blog via matthew mead holiday 

Today marks a special day for my fiancé and me.  We have officially been together for four years.  In so many ways, I still feel like we're getting to know each other.  Each time I learn something new about him my list of reasons for loving him grows.  

I have been less than myself lately with trying to figure out a lot of details for our wedding and managing a bigger work load.  (Not that I have reason to complain.)   So while I know that I'm less than perfect, I am glad to have someone with me who can see that and still love me.

Wednesday Whim - Thoughts & Inspirations

Images via Rue

When it comes down to "why" any of us do anything, the reason usually stems from a personal connection.  I have been thinking about this a lot as I sit at my messy desk (in the process of organizing everything) and people ask...

Question:  Why do you like to write?

Answer:  I have always felt a connection to the written word and as a child, the only way I could be heard was through writing.

Question:  Why do you write a blog?

Answer:  I want to connect with others who have similar tastes and passions in life.

Question:  Why don't you post more photos (taken by you) to share with others?

Answer:  Some photos don't seem "good enough" to post and I don't always feel I look great in the ones of myself (i.e. awkward).  Maybe I need to get off this mind-set.

Question:  Why ask why?

Answer:  Exactly.

Lately, I have wondered if what I do is relevant... or interesting.  To me, it is.  And I suppose when it comes to a personal blog, that is the point (if things are interesting to YOU).  When we question our motivations, does the end result become just as murky?  

No, I don't want to push the existential question on this blog but it does bring to mind a "big picture" thought--especially when most of my day to day focuses on the details of (my) life (wedding colors, angles of photos taken, catching up on correspondence with old friends/family...).

I hope that what I do continues to inspire me and others.  Everyday I'm aiming to improve and better myself.  As selfish and self-indulgent as it may seem, the inspirations in life are what creates wonderful results.

The.  End.  For.  Now.

Casual Days + Bigger Smiles

Jacket: H&M Kids, Shirt: Old Navy, Jeans: F21, Shoes: Chucks, Jewelry: F21, Alexis Bittar, Nails: Sally Hansen

I love this time of year when the weather changes.  The day light lasts longer (so by the time I go home I don't feel like it's time for bed).  The warmth from the sun isn't overpowering.  And there is a slight breeze in the air.  


When I first saw this jacket, I couldn't help but smile at the floral accents contrasted against the army green.  It's going to serve me well between now and summer time.  In fact, I've already envisioned continuing the feminine and masculine contrasts in future outfits.  While I didn't dapple in much color in my clothing, I incorporated dots of color with my nails and jewelry.  


The only downside?  As some of you may know, I'm a big SF Giants fan so when my fiancé pointed out my nails look like Dodger blue, I just can't look at the nail polish the same way.  Regardless, I'm enjoying my nails until I change them.  Maybe sooner rather than later.