Orange Pop

Shirt (Ann Taylor); Jacket (H&M); Scarf (JCPenney); Jeans (Nordstrom);
Shoes (Nine West); Sunglasses (Charming Charlie); Watch (Michael Kors)
Dave Haas Photography

In this neverending winter, it is clear that the only thing we have control over is our mood and what we wear.  Since it's too easy to be crabby and irritable, I've decided to put on a bright orange scarf and fake it.    Oh, and having a margarita (ok, maybe more than one) at the end of the day also helps ;)

Sock Hop

Sweater (French Connection find at Marshalls); Skirt (gifted by eShakti); Tights (Target);
Shoes (Nine West);Earrings (Limited); Bracelet (Windsor)
Dave Haas Photography

If I were going to a Sock Hop - this is what I'd wear.  And the fact that this skirt has never been to such a dance is a sad one.  Instead it goes to work with me - which isn't quite as fun since this is a skirt that demands to be twirled (which I may or may not do in the office bathroom when no one else is in there).  And yes that white stuff  is a form of precipitation that should not occur in "Spring" - so we'll just pretend it's not there...    

Typecast

Dress (Taylor find at Marshalls); Shirt (NY&Co); Nylons (Kohls);
Heels (Franco Sarto find at Marshalls); Earrings (Nordstrom);
Dave Haas Photography

You know those dresses you buy for a specific occasion, and then you can't think of wearing it anywhere else?  Well this is my Reese Witherspoon of dresses - it's best worn at a wedding (which is what I bought it for) - the same way Reese is best used for for romantic comedies.  And with the cap sleeves and neckline detail this dress is hard to wear to the office - not to mention I'd be freezing.  But with the right shirt underneath - this dress was able to break free from it's wedding typecast and play the role it's always wanted to - marketing gal and puppy mom by day who secretly dreams of ruling the world ;)

Uncomplicated

Shirt (StyleMint); Skirt (Limited); Tights (Kohls); Boots (Guess find at Marshalls)
Dave Haas Photography

I could have added a scarf... and maybe should have worn a necklace. It can be so easy to over complicate and over accessorize an outfit...  And after about ten minutes and five variations of this look, I left it alone.  Believe me, my tendency to over think things can be painful at times (my boyfriend would strongly agree).  So this is a pretty simple story: skirt meets shirt, and finds a pair of boots... the end :)

Pinspired

Dress (H&M); Vest (Joseph A find at Marshalls); Belt (Stolen from another dress);
Tights (Target); Boots (Nine West); Bracelet (WindsorStore.com);
Earrings (Nordstrom)
Dave Haas Photography

Things I love: when a car is pulling out of a prime parking spot at Target as I'm driving down the aisle... when the soup of the day at the cafeteria at work is chicken dumpling (this literally makes my day).... when the pair of heels I'm debating on getting goes on sale (always an indication from above that I need to pull the trigger)... and when I find a pin on Pinterest that I can so easily replicate that it's a shame I didn't think of it on my own. Fur vest?  Check. Black ribbon belt?  Check!  Add this to yet another moment I can thank Pinterest for inspiration :)

Reconnected

 

Top & Skirt (Limited); Tights (Target); Shoes (Kohls); Belt (Stolen from another dress);
Watch (Fossil)
Dave Haas Photography

While on vacation last week, I didn't turn my phone on once... and it was extremely liberating not to be tethered to my smartphone and feel like Pavlov's dog and salivate when my phone lights up or dings with a new alert.  A few times I wondered what news I was missing out on, but for the most part it was nice to be present with the people that were in front of me without multitasking. Social media is such a great way to connect, but it can get overwhelming and sometimes dilute the tangible relationships in our lives.  Do you ever take breaks from social media? 

Classy Clown

Top (MetroCity find at Marshalls); Pants (Limited); Necklace (Ann Taylor);
Shoes (Naturalizer); Watch (Fossil); Earrings (Nordstrom)
Dave Haas Photography

Bright red with polka dots is how I'm channeling my inner clown (my 9.5 shoe size is how I channel my external clown).  A fun and bright top is a great way to liven up a pair of boring work pants... and because of my hard core love of karaoke, I've decided that if the Spice Girls ever needed a number six, they can definitely count on Classy Clown!

Winterized

Dress (gifted by eShatki); Shirt (Gap); Tights (Target); Scarf (Loft);
Boots (Nine West); Earrings (Nordstrom)
Dave Haas Photography

I've been good lately when it comes to avoiding the post holiday blow out sales in an effort to curb spending (although I also argue it's probably quite irresponsible of me not to take advantage of all the deals out there!).  In an effort to shop my closet, this dress is an example of making a Spring/Summer piece work for Winter.  And it has pockets!  Pockets are sort of like sunglasses - they make you feel cool, mysterious, and kinda bad ass...or maybe that's just me.  You know you lead an exciting life when pockets make you feel edgy :)

Bus Stop

Shirt & Tights (Target); Sweater (Loft); Skirt & Necklace (Limited); Shoes (Kohls)
Dave Haas Photography

Why yes I'm just hanging out at the bus stop. It's a very good thing I don't have to actually rely on public transportation... the one time I did I took 2 wrong buses, and ended up getting home 3 hours later than usual.  Not to mention I was that girl sitting in the front by the bus driver (tears in my eyes) so he could help me get off at the right stop.  Having said that, as bad as I am with directions - I can ALWAYS find my way around a Target :)

Winter White

Coat (Calvin Klein); Jeans (Express); Hat & Shoes (Target); Bag (Limited)
Dave Haas Photography

With snow falling over the weekend, winter white is everywhere.  I love this color... it's sophisticated, creamy, and chic.  Now that its dark when we leave AND get home from work, winter white is a nice shot of light during the dark season.  Only downside is that Rex is off limits when I wear this coat... paw prints and winter white are a combo I'd like to avoid :)

View from my living room

Snow dog :)

Bow Tie Scarf

Shirt & Earrings (Francesca's); Jacket (H&M); Jeans (Nordstrom);
Scarf (Target); Shoes (Payless)
Dave Haas Photography

Sometimes my life feels a lot like Groundhog Day.  I park in literally the same spot at work every day. I always have raisin and spice oatmeal for breakfast (at the precise time of 8:50).  I am guaranteed to be asleep by 10PM on "school nights".  When I think about my day, it's a little scary how ridiculously routine I can be. So when I put my scarf on, my heart raced a little when I tied it in a bow tie instead of wrapping it around my neck per usual.  Call me crazy, but I can really shake things up sometimes :)

Wannabe

Jacket (Macy's); Shirt (Old Navy); Jeans (Target); Socks (Nordstrom);
Shoes (Kohls); Necklace (H&M)
Dave Haas Photography

Why yes, I'm standing in a tennis court even though I don't play tennis.... this works well since I also have pictures taken of myself and my outfits even though I'm not a model, stylist, or celebrity (although I play one of the three on TV in my dreams).  Instead I play ping pong, and blog about fashion and my dog - which is good enough for me... although I think Rex wants more :)