on the horizion

Sunnies: stolen from D, Vintage Knit: The Get Up, Jeans: PacSun, Wedges: Forever 21

As the esteemed Mr. Rogers would say, yesterday was a beautiful day in the neighborhood. It was sunny in the mid 40s (which felt downright balmy) and the scent and sounds of spring were everywhere. I scooted out and took a nice long walk on my lunch break and soaked up as much vitamin D as I could. I ended up walking along the lake and was astounded at how other worldly the beaches looked covered in peaks of snow and ice. Unfortunately this was the only photo I was able to take before my camera battery died (insert forehead palm slap here) but in a way it’s fitting as there are a lot of exciting things on the horizon for me both personally and professionally.

what are you looking forward to?

an almost wordless Wednesday

I feel privileged to live in a place that’s inspiring even when it’s shrouded in fog

Jonathan Couture Photography

BB Dakota Jacket: Urban Outfitters, Sweater: Burton, Cargos: Levi’s, Cole Haan Ankle Booties c/o 6pm  For someone who takes or poses for photos almost daily you’d think I’d be comfortable in front of the camera but when Jonathan of Jonathan Couture Photography first turned the lens on me I felt completely out of my element. I’m used to taking self portraits with my tripod, when no on else is watching, so it took me a few minutes to relax with someone new behind the lens. Luckily Jonathan has a great sense of humor and was quick to set me at ease with encouragement and plenty of coaching. By the end I was trying to nail down another time to shoot together.

who takes your outfit photos? are you camera shy or always close-up ready?

just a peek

I can’t wait to share more photos from my impromptu photo shoot with Jonathan of Jonathan Couture Photography! After seeing these it’s going to be hard going back to snapping photos with my tripod and timer!

Have a great weekend!

Spot the Dots

wait… I thought it was spring?Hat: Downtown Threads, Scarf & Old Navy Ankle Boots: Plato’s Closet, Vintage Knit Jacket: The Clothes Line, Sheer Blouse & Tank: Target, Levi’s Boyfriend Jeans Vintage Edwardian Cross pendent from my grandmother 

The girl who started off the week touting the approach of spring is once again swaddled in knits. Clearly I’ve retreated to my cold weather color palette of cream, gray, and plenty of black. This handmade vintage cardigan is lined with beautiful cream silk, making it feel a bit more refined than other knits, and is the perfect compliment to my relaxed boyfriend jeans. Add ankle boots that show off just the right amount of my spotted socks and I’m ready to hunk down and wait out the rest of the winter weather.

what colors, textures, and styles helped you get through the winter?

Signs of Spring

Floppy Hat w/ vintage brooch: Charlotte Russe, Sunnies: Downtown Threads, Faux Fur Snood: Gifted, Lux Jacket: Classy Closet, Dress: H&M, Vintage Sweater: Thrifted, Tights: Target, Frye Boots: Originally Mom’s Call me an optimist but I’m starting to feel/see signs of spring everywhere, despite the 30 degree temps. D and I took advantage of the beautiful weather this weekend with a nice long walk along the Burlington Bike Path. The bike path is one of my favorite spots in Burlington, there isn’t a bad view to be had and it winds along some of the most beautiful parks in Burlington.

This look is the perfect mix of the winter staples that have seen me through the cold and the spring pieces I’m itching to wear. A newly acquired vintage sweater, almost long enough to be a dress, I mean a Kardashian would wear it as a dress, was the perfect base for a floral trapeze dress and my faux fur snood. Mom’s old Frye boots and a big ole floppy hat (perfect for showcasing old brooches) brought everything together.

What signs of spring and/or spring fashion are you most excited for?

Simple Stripes, Big Hair

Hat & Scarf (similar): Charlotte Russe, Moto Jacket: Forever 21 (similar), Cable Knit Sweater: TJ Maxx, Striped Jeans: Revolution, Steve Madden Bag: Macy’s, ELLE Booties: Kohl’s, Ring: Montreal Street Cart

After close to twenty years of struggling my hair and I have come to a mutual understanding. I give it plenty of Moroccan Oil, only wash it twice a week, and keep the heat to a minimum; in return I’m left with more curl than frizz and relatively little poof. Deviation from this careful formula, say falling asleep with your wet hair in a messy bun, can (and in this case did) result in an 80’s-licious poof. Instead of fighting with my unruly hair I just kept my outfit simple and gave my hair plenty of room to err grow.

how do you cope with busy Mondays and bad hair days?

Kermit Coat

Knit Hat: Forever 21, Sunnies: BSJ, Coat: ebay, Ibex Vest (similar), not pictured), long sleeve tee (not pictured): J.Crew, Knit Leggings: TJ Maxx, Wellies: Dick’s Sporting Goods (similar),  Gifted Bag, Mittens, & ScarfThis coat is a lot like my first (and only) car, a 97 forest green Ford Taurus with mint green interior, aptly named Kermit. Kermit was never perfect but I loved it because it was my first car. Eventually Kermit and I had to part ways (near the end stepping on the brakes was a total crapshoot) but that’s neither here nor there.

This jacket, ok so it’s more like a glorified robe, doesn’t just resemble Kermit in color alone; like my first car this coat was better in theory than practice. I’d expected an oversized, “faux” wool wrap coat. What ended up with was an extremely plush, hooded, Robin Hood style robe. Like Kermit it’s not perfect but while it’s working I’m gonna wear it

What online purchases have over or under whelmed you recently?

Valentine’s Day Love Puffs

I gave this Valentine Cream Wafer recipe a whirl this weekend and it was love at first bite. The original recipe used a heart shaped cookie cutter, which I didn’t have, so I flipped a glass upside down and made mini biscuits instead. To make up the lost Valentine Day spirit I decided to dye the sugar pink before sprinkling it over the cookies before baking (it was my first time making colored sugar and it was so easy, I followed these instructions).

They turned out a bit pinker than I’d expected (next time I’ll use a mix of dyed and regular sugar) but goodness gracious they tasted like little puffs of love, hence the name. 

What sweet treats are you planning on whipping up for your Valentine?

Chinese New Year

Dollar Store Sunnies, Chinese Silk Jacket: Gifted (similar), Belt: TJ Maxx, Dress: PacSun (similar), Tights: Target, Michael Antonio Heels (similar)

This Sunday, February 10th, marks the Chinese New Year and 2013 happens to be the Year of the Snake. While snakes might not top my list of favorite animals, those born in the Year of the Snake are thought to be wise, inquisitive, stylish, and sometimes vain. I was born in the Year of the Rabbit (the Fire Rabbit specifically) and after researching reading more about my Chinese Zodiac sign I realized it was right on; what can I say I’m your typical conflict avoiding, travel loving, stylish Rabbit.

Rabbits and Snakes aside the approaching holiday reminded me that this silk hasn’t had an outing in a while. My dad brought this jacket back from China with him over 10 years ago and every time I wear it I always think the same thing, “why the heck don’t I wear this more?” So consider yourself warned folks, this silk jacket is here to stay.

What pieces in your closet could use a little more love? Does your Chinese Zodiac Sign match your personality?