Midweek Musings

Some random thoughts and tidbits to help you get through hump day..

For you Gap lovers, they're having their Gap Friends Event right now, use the code PRESALE to get 30% off your purchase.

Do anyone else's nails look like this after painting or do I just have the coordination of a 6 year old? 

 
Jennifer Lawrence apparently eats like a caveman.. this makes me love her that much more.

Is this bobby pin chevron look cool or is it just silly? Can't decide..
 

It's The Holiday Season.. Kinda?

A few days ago Starbucks started using their red holiday cups, which to me, means it's cool to start bumping the holiday music now. So don't mind me if my 'N Sync Christmas album is now in full rotation! I'd love to be able to drink my hot beverages and crank up my lame super cool Christmas music while I get cozy in my layers of clothing and bundles of scarves, but it's hot. So imagine the below outfit with a beanie and boots on??

Please note my awkward turtle pose. You like? I'm sure you do. 

Shirt: Vintage (from my Grandma), Shorts: Gap, Necklace: Forever 21, Bracelet: BaubleBar, Flats: Chinese Laundry

Stripes + Peplum

Like many, I am a sucker for stripes. Thin, thick, vertical- any way, I love them. So, obviously, when I saw this shirt had stripes and a peplum hem, I knew it had to be mine. Nothing like throwing on a peplum top and a pencil skirt to make you feel like a lady. 

 Top: Nordstrom (BP), Skirt: H&M, Watch: Skagen (via Ebay)

Look at that Rack!

I mean the Nordstrom Rack, ya nasties. I braved the crowds last Thursday morning, and waited two hours to try and get my chance at all the merchandise before everyone else. I was probably the 100th person in line, so props to all those that showed up when it was still dark out. There was a dj, snacks and coffee to keep everyone in line excited, which was totally appreciated. 

  

And I know I probably shouldn't be putting this chick on blast, but I also caught a girl who was getting her yoga on while in line.

Yes, I felt kinda creepy taking the picture.. but I just had to show you guys! Anyway, when the doors opened, I made a beeline towards the shoes and after some quick hunting, I came out with these beauties:

 Boots: Corso Como, Mary Janes and Sandals: Franco Sarto

I can't even begin to imagine wearing boots in this sweltering heat San Diego has been having, but with that said, fall cannot come fast enough. The boots are just awesome.. they're freakin' quilted! I also snagged one of these freebie totes as being one of the first 1000 shoppers:

What can I say, I love my free stuff. I should probably take a serious shopping hiatus for awhile, but I know it won't be too long before I make another visit to the Rack. Has anybody else made it out to the Carmel Mountain location, and if so, does you think it measure up to the other locations in SD?

Tweedledee

I'm taking hints from See Jane and trying to decide what Zara tweed jacket to purchase. The prices are completely reasonable and I want to get one of these guys before they're gone. Can ya help a girl out and tell me which one you like best? 

This option is simple and will pretty much go with everything, but I've already got numerous black and white jackets.

Number two may not be quite as versatile, but having a colorful outerwear could be fun!

Now this jacket has a bit of both worlds; with mostly neutral colors with some pink thrown in and though you might not be able to tell from the pictures, the pockets are lined with little silver sequins.

I'm at a loss.. which one should I get? Maybe I'll just have to go in for two if I can't end up deciding..

Why Black Is Awesome

I know everyone loves up on black clothing because it makes you appear slimmer, but you know what I also love about the color? 

You can spill just about anything on black clothes and the stain probably won't show up later. I don't know how it happens, but I manage to spill something on myself when I'm eating at least half the time I'm eating. I got some ketchup (if you aren't a fan of ketchup, I'm not a fan of you) on this dress before taking the pictures, but now it'll be hidden forever. Or until I wash it.. which pretty much means forever because let's face it, doing laundry sucks. Apparently me and seven year old kids have lots in common, like how we react to being asked if we want to go out for ice cream:

Ok maybe it was gelato, but same difference. Point of story: my closet needs more black. 

 Dress, Belt, and Earrings: all H&M!

Does This Match?

When I came to work wearing this outfit, I got many a stare. Apparently, it's not a widely accepted notion that stripes are in fact a neutral. Oh well. Look at how amazing Blair looks. Granted, she can make a paper sack look great, but that's besides the point.

Shirt and Necklace: Forever 21, Skirt: Target, Rings: Erica Anenberg via Hautelook, Sunglasses: Electric, Wedges: Nordstrom  

Is this a look that you'd consider wearing? Or have I just been fooled by the fashion industry at large? Oh, and if anyone wants to know, that nail polish is Zoya. That stuff applies awesomely, I might even like it as much as I like Essie.

*This outfit was worn over a month ago, before the San Diego sun decided it wanted to melt its' residents with its' love you the rest of the year but curse you in late summer months heat.*

Baubles

Chevron Strand, Emerald Tear Pendant, Triad Collar Necklace, Cable Crystal Strand Necklace,

Crystal Twist Cuff, Cobalt Gem Hoops

I love jewelry, but obviously I can't afford all the crazy expensive stuff. With that said, I also don't necessarily enjoy buying a lot of the jewelry from places like Forever 21 because if I wear it over and over and over again, the stuff starts to just smell. You know what I'm talkin' about. When that favorite necklace of yours starts to funk like old pennies? Yes, it's time for an upgrade. 

So when I found out about BaubleBar last year, I got excited. They're a great company based in New York and this stuff, while a bit more expensive than Forever, is right on trend and and holds up to multiple wears. Totally worth the investment. 

I know not everyone wants to shell out for $42 for an blingy rose gold necklace, but every Friday morning, they offer one item for the sweet price of $10 called the Buried Bauble. That's where most of my BaubleBar purchases come from and they're usually great finds.

Ballerina Time

Whenever I wear this skirt, I feel like I could be a (really uncoordinated and clumsy) ballerina. I mean look at it, wouldn't you want to twirl around in it, too? The shirt was from Nordies (tell me I'm not the only one who calls it this), I scooped it up at near the end of their anniversary sale. It has the cutest buttons on the back, but like the genius that I am, I forgot to photograph that part. Oops.

Shirt: Nordstrom (Anniversary Sale, baby!), Skirt: Forever 21, Sunglasses: Electric, Shoes: Marshalls (on clearance for $20!)

Oh, and if you noticed that the sunglasses I'm donning are also the same ones that Kristin wears on the opening credits to the Hills, let's be besties. Man I miss that reality trash.

It's Coming... (Nordstrom RACK!!!)

In one week, it's happening. The day I've been waiting (not) so patiently for is quickly approaching. It's going to be huge. 

That's right. The Carmel Mountain Nordstrom Rack is FINALLY opening its' doors to the public next week on September 13th. I love me some Nordstrom, but the prices can be hard to swallow, so obviously I'm a huge fan of the Rack. San Diego already has a few, but the Carmel Mountain one is right in my neck of the woods, which means I'll get to go more often (sorry in advance, wallet). I'm kinda hoping that everyone else will be too busy at work/school to show up when the doors open because I want the whole store to myself. So I'm a little greedy, sue me. 

There's going to be a live dj, food, and giveaways, so check out their website for more info. I can't wait to pick up some fall gear, especially cozy sweaters and hopefully some boots! I'll be there, bright and early.. aahhhh can't wait!! 

Scallops and Stripes

I just recently got this darling dress at Nordstrom (BP department) on sale. Let's get real- almost everything I buy from any stores besides H&M and Forever are on sale, as I can't get myself to spend full retail prices. Besides, sale prices always make me feel better about my spending habits. If all the things I'm looking at are on some sort of sale, that means I can buy 2 additional items, even if that total goes a little over my original budget, right? Riiight. 

Dress and Earrings: Nordstrom (BP), Shoes: Target, Sunglasses: RAEN Bracelet: BaubleBar

And as a treat, here's my 'trying to look serious, but just look kinda pissed off' model look:

Good look, I know. 

White Hot Dots

 

 

Polka dots and peplum are all the rage these days, so imagine my excitement when I found this Forever 21 top that was a combo of both. The peplum trend is definitely one that I love, but find that the flares are sometimes overwhelming, so it's hard to find a top that fits just right. I also liked that the shirt had an interesting cut out design, especially one that wouldn't require me to go bra-less... because this homegirl CANNOT leave the house without wearing a bra. 

 

Top: Forever 21, Jeans: J Brand via ebay, Shoes: Corso Como via ebay, Sunglasses: RAEN (awesome local company in Encinitas), Necklace: Nadri via ebay, Watch: Michael Kors via ebay, Bracelets: BaubleBar

What are your thoughts on peplum- do you love it or is it too 80's for you? And does anyone else refuse to go out into the world sans bra or am I just crazy?

Nice To Meet You..

I may or may not have just spent the last 2.5 hours browsing fashion blogs. Okay so it was more like 3. So I'm throwing my own into the crazy blogosphere. Here's the thing.. having "impromptu" photo shoots are SO awkward. I put impromptu in quotations, because who spontaneously decides while they're driving by a secluded grassy area, 'why yes, this looks like a fantastic opportunity to take a series of pictures of myself'. I've always been a bit camera shy, but this is the kind of stuff I'm more comfortable with:

 In any case, here's two more beauties for your viewing pleasure.

Skirt: Wet Seal via ebay (seriously, I didn't even know that place existed anymore), Top: H&M, Necklaces: BaubleBar and gift from my amazing grandmother

When the maxi look was getting popular a few years ago, I figured it'd make my stubby legs look even shorter, but then I made the important realization that it's essentially feels like being naked from the waist down, and who doesn't like to sit like a man sometimes? Now that I'm a bit wiser, I'm hoping the maxi trend sticks around forever.