Happy First Day of Spring Drinking to my not so baby sister

Not only is today the first day of spring (reason enough to celebrate) but it also happens to be the day my youngest sister Anna turns 21!

In honor of these auspicious occasions I’ve put together a playlist perfect for birthdays, sunny days, good hair days and everything in between. So even if it’s not your birthday crank up the jams and give in to the urge to dance. Spring is here, the sun is shining, the bird’s are chirping, and my sister is finally legal! Cheers to 21 years Anna, I love you!

DARE – Gorillaz (try not dancing to this sunny day staple)

50 Cent – In Da Club (party like it’s your birthday Anna!)

Blondie – Heart of Glass (perfectly stylish and one of my sister’s favs)

Eddy Grant – Electric Avenue (love this song)

Somebody I Used to Know – Gotye (I can’t stop singing this one)

Trey Songz – Say Aah (another sister sing-a-long fav)

What songs are you loving right now?

Flora & Fauna

I remember seeing an interview with Barbra Streisand a few years ago where she talked about how she  used the layout and colors in her garden as inspiration for the interior design and decor of her home. Babs’s diva status aside, I can relate to wanting to emulate mother nature’s beauty in our everyday lives.

I took these photos in Arlington National Cemetery last week when everything was in bloom, it couldn’t have been more beautiful! The flowers in Burlington have just started to bud and hopefully the amount of May flowers we get will be proportionate to all the April showers we’ve endured.

 The deep reds and pinks of the tulips looked so rich against the whitewashed brick and muted lavender of the lilacs that were about to bloom. I was so inspired that I used this color palette to put together a casual springtime look and a spring evening look.

Perfect for a casual lunch date or an afternoon  spin on your bike ~

Starting at the Top, Clockwise from Left to Right

United Bamboo Sheer Striped Tank, Central Park West Blazer, LuLu’s Necklace, TOPSHOP Skirt, Poppie Jones Wristlet, J. Campbell Wedges

 

Just Right for a Night Out on the Town or a Spring Wedding~

 

Clockwise from Left to Right

JCrew Evie Dress, Annarita N. Blazer, Vintage Beaded Clutch,

Kate Spade Bangle, Melissa Patchuli Peep Toe

 

 

Would you wear either of these looks?

What colors are you mixing into your wardrobe now that spring is here?

Where do you find inspiration for your looks/style?

Playing in the Park

caution: smooth logs can be very slippery when wet

Hat: Target

Button Up: Handmade Vintage (via Downtown Threads)

Tee (hidden): Charlotte Ruse

Cut-offs: made by me (using Aeropostale jeans)

Tights: Target

Wellie Liners (hidden): TJ Maxx

Wellies: Dick’s Sporting Goods

I never thought of polo as western until I got this shirt

I had so much fun taking these pictures with my friend Kerry! He’s an amazingly talented fire performer based here in Burlington ( his photography skills are pretty terrific too)!* Playing in muddy, wet, spring weather always makes me feel like a little kid again. Vermont is starting to thaw out and even though we woke up with a dusting of snow this morning I think Spring is here to stay!

When I bought this shirt at Downtown Threads I assumed (due to the cut and style) that the scenes on the shirt were western ones… as you can see from the image above I was wrong. The shirt is covered in scenes from a polo match! I didn’t try this gem on while I was in the store so imagine my surprise when I got it home and tried it only to realize that this shirt was handmade and fit me like a dream! I love when things work out that way!

I just realized this is the second time I’m wearing shorts this week! I’m making strides toward conquering my shorts phobia; the next step… shorts without tights. I think I’m hesitant to wear shorts with bare legs becuase I’m extremely self conscious about my thighs. For some reason I just can’t get past the idea of my big ole white thighs being out there for all to see.

That being said sometimes all it takes is finding the perfect piece of clothing to make you realize what you’ve been missing out on all along. So here’s hoping that the perfect pair of shorts (preferably lace with scalloped edges) is out there somewhere waiting for me to find them!

What trends were you hesitant to try at first but love now? What’s your idea of the perfect pair of shorts for this spring/summer?

 

*For information about Kerry, his fire performances, videos of past performances, and more please visit Kerry Kaye Fire Performances

Does This Vest Make my Ass Look Like a Yeti?

The vest in question

The closest I’ll ever come to pole dancing

Sunnies: Market in Florence, Italy

Earrings: Thrifted

Faux Fur Vest: Gifted (thanks Mom!)

Shirtdress: T.J. Maxx

Tights: Target

Shoes: Steve Madden (via TJ Maxx)

The notorious faux fur flasher!

This is one of my favorite outfits! It’s so comfortable, and I’m a sucker for the military inspired gold button detailing on the shirtdress. Some of my favorite go to pieces for the spring/summer are shirtdresses. Classic and conservative enough to be worn to the office with a blazer and booties, but fun enough to wear with a pair of wedges and a great metallic clutch for a casual night on the town.

I wore this to lunch with my amazing friend Amanda. She’s a redhead too; which might explain why everyone is always mistaking us for sisters, even though we don’t really look that much alike. I had her snap these photos in the alley behind the restaurant which turned into a total laugh fest, (as usual).

The patented laugh and stomp move

We grabbed lunch at The Pacific Rim in Burlington and were both upset to learn that they were closing (their lease is up on Sat!). Fingers crossed they’ll reopen soon because their spicy shrimp cakes and Japanese eggplants are delicious!

Grr! It’s the yeti fashionista!

Last night while I was uploading the pictures for this post D looked over and burst out laughing when he saw my vest. “You look like a Yeti babe,” he teased. This quip had me thinking about something that Steffy from Steffy’s Pros and Cons wrote about in her Black Lamp Shade post… sometimes boys, no matter how amazing they are, just don’t get it.

So what do you think, does this vest make me look like a Yeti? What pieces do you wear that other people don’t get?

 

My 70’s Stroll

“From the dark end of street
To the bright side of the road
We’ll be lovers once again
On the bright side of the road.” van morrison

Since I was having some technical difficulties (grr!) I wasn’t able to share my exciting news with you yesterday so here it is; D and I found an apartment! We signed the lease yesterday and couldn’t be happier! Stay tuned for lots of DIY projects and tons of home decor ideas.

In full stride

Hat: Dirt Chic

Sunnies: Street Cart in Athens

Scarf: Gift

Knit Cardi: Banana Republic via Dirt Chic

Denim Button-Up: Walmart

Brenton Striped Tee: H&M

Leggings: Target

Boots: Rocket Dog via shoemetro

Ok, you caught me… I’m posing… kinda

I don’t want to jinx it… but I’m so glad the sun is back it feels like spring again! As I mentioned in my Party Hat & Pumps Post I have a new found love for hats! I’d been searching for a floppy brim, 70’s style, hat for months but none of the ones I’d found were exactly what I wanted so I decided to wait until I found the perfect one and I am so glad I did!

I stopped by  Dirt Chic (an upscale consignment shop in Burlington) on a whim and there was my perfectly floppy hat sitting on one of the rounders. I grabbed it and ran to the mirror (scaring numerous patrons I’m sure) and guess what it fit, perfectly! My grandmother always told me “beautiful things have a way of sneaking into your life when you least expect it” and she couldn’t have been more right!

“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” J. Wooden

While I was at Dirt Chic I also snapped up this cozy Banana Republic cardi, perfect for cooler spring days! This time of year in Vermont the weather is so unpredictable that layering is a must! I wanted to keep the overall feel of the outfit pretty laid back (aka comfortable) so I kept it simple with some Brenton stripes, dark denim wash button up, and neutral black leggings.

I got these boots last week and I couldn’t be happier with them. I had my heart set on them when they were priced at $79.99, so when I did a little price comparison shopping and found them for $29.99 at shoemetro I was in heaven! I wore these babies all weekend and they are beyond comfortable! I love how they have a little bit of a heel too. I need all the extra height I can get since D is almost a foot taller than I am!

D calls these my bug-eye glasses

What accessories are you looking forward to adding to your spring wardrobe? Have  pieces in your closet found you like my new hat found me?

 

 

Friday Finery & Frivolities

Whew! TGIF all, we made it to Friday!

This week has been especially long and taxing! Work has been round the clock and even though I’ve been burning the candle at both ends I feel like my to-do list is still outrageously long. I am beyond wiped out…humph!

All the stress of the work week aside Burlington is enjoying amazing sunny spring weather and that is definitely something to celebrate! Speaking of celebrating… D and I found an apartment! Fingers crossed we’ll have the lease signed by this time next week! Boy, there is a lot to celebrate this Friday at Wore Out! Sunny weather, a new apartment, and… a new weekly feature;

Friday Finery & Frivolities!

Every Friday I’ll share some of my favorite blogs with you in Blogging Finery and I’ll give you a glimpse at my ever changing fashion and style favorites in Fashion Frivolities!

Fashion Frivolities for 3/18/2011

From left to right, top to bottom:

Buddah Peace Bank I can already see it on my desk in the new apartment!

Brehan Silk Paperbag Shorts in Charcoal I think paperbag shorts are going to be my “out of my comfort zone” spring purchase… these are too cute to pass up!

ALDO Willman Bag (available this spring… I’ve been waiting for months!)

Jeffrey Campbell Green Leather Lace-up Bootie Yes… I am obsessed with these.

Free People Dagger Ear Cuff I’ve been looking for a sexy ear cuff and this one certainly fits the bill (and at this price it’s a no brainier right?!)

Kicking off Wore Out’s first Blogging Finery:

The Charm of Contentment is an amazing post about being content and I couldn’t have found it at a more perfect time! Live the Charmed Life is such an amazing resource I love this blog for a daily does of wonderful!

Today’s post over at MinnChic, about the 5 hardest blogging lessons to learn really spoke to me. I am so inspired by Rebecca’s style and her candid posts. This rookie blogger could learn a lot from a lady like this (I’m taking notes!)

Need some inspiration for sprucing up your spring style? Then you have to check out The IT List over at Rose a La mode!* PS: how hot is Dakota Fanning? I wish I had her fashion sense (and budget) when I was in high school! warning: you may want to hide your wallet before heading over to this amazing blog full of shopping temptation*

If you’re looking for killer fashion with a sense of humor to match look no further than Mid Week Crisis. I LOVE the Coat Check Fashion Police features, they’re a must read!

Happy Spring all! What are you up to this weekend?

Minty Morale

Spring is in the air and in my step

I love how Spring just creeps into Burlington. It starts with a smell, the smell of spring. It’s something you can’t describe all you can do is breathe it in. Spring in Vermont is unlike spring anywhere else. Everyone is so excited by any trace of warmth that even a half hour of sun is celebrated.

How’s my not posing pose?

Sunglasses: Market in Florence, Italy

Necklace: Forever 21

Ring: ?

Blazer: Vintage (my Mom’s from when she was my age)

Blouse: Macy’s

Dress: Street Sale in Paris

Solid Tights: Sox Market

Pattern Tights: From a Halloween costume years ago

Shoes: ALDO

This is my favorite photograph on Wore Out so far

My mom gave me this blazer a few winters ago and I’ve never really figured out how to make it work, but this outfit has opened my eyes to it’s numerous possibilities. I’ve started to appreciate its classic cut and pattern. You can’t really see it in the photos but there are multi colored dots throughout that are really beautiful. I plan of saving this blazer to pass on to my daughter one day.

Less smiling, check.

Less cheesy posing, check.

More professional outfits, check.

 

 

 

 

The only part of this outfit that I wear on a regular basis are the accessories… but that is about to change! The dress, blouse, and blazer are all pieces that I’ve had for years but hardly wear. The blouse is too sheer and a little too large on it’s own but works perfectly under the dress, which is too low cut, and the masculine cut of the blazer, which I’ve always found bulky, somehow pulls everything together and balances out the feminine flounce.

I don’t know if it was the spring weather, the shining sun or these coral pumps but I feel like I’ve shed my winter skin and I’m ready to blossom!

What are you looking forward to this spring? How to you breathe new life into your closet?

 

 

My First Wore Out Post!

Showing off my Spots!

I’ve been dreaming of this moment for months now, the day where I would put my first outfit post up on my very own style blog and now that it’s here I’m not quite sure what to say! I’m not sure if it’s the excitement or nerves so I’m going to bust this first post out before the adrenaline wares off and I loose my nerve.

Today was D’s last day of school vacation so we laid low and ran some errands. I was so sick of my heavy down winter jacket that I decided to go with the layered look instead, pairing my faux fur cheetah print jacket with one of my favorite chunky winter sweaters. It’s funny how I’ve had this sweater for over 5 years and I’m just now starting to incorporate it into my everyday wardrobe.

The sidewalks in Burlington are treacherous this time of year! With the snow starting to melt the sidewalks have become lakes during the day and ice rinks at night. I scored these simple black wellies at Dick’s Sporting Goods for $7.98 and when paired with my cozy wellie warmers they are perfect for navigating Burlington’s precarious sidewalks all year long. This time of year for me my outfits are a balancing act between form and function and having a few great pieces makes it a little easier to manage.

What items in your closet do you rely on this time of year?

Jacket: Christmas gift from Mom

Sweater: TJ Maxx

Leggings: Target

Wellies: Dick’s

Wellie Liners: LL Bean

Joe Camel Watch: Vintage