I need a vacation

Top/Belt: Forever21, Shoes: Target, Braclete: Kohl's, Skirt: NY&Co.

See, told you I have an obsession with polka dots.  

I need a vacation ASAP.  I'm so mentally drained from work.  Ugh.  Did I mention Drew and I are going to Nashville this weekend? CAN'T. WAIT.

Music Monday: Someone Like You

Top/Necklace/Belt/Shoes: Target, Skirt/Earrings: Kohl's

This outfit is from last weekend.  As you all know Hurricane Irene hit the East Coast this weekend.  When natural disasters hit, our department is responsible for booking hotel rooms to send associates in for clean up at our stores. I was in charge of this one this weekend.  Needless to say it consumed my whole weekend even missed an Incubus concert I had tickets for.  It's all good though, I'm always happy to help in a time of need. It's so great to see our company come together and help in situations like this. I hope all of you in that area are safe and sound. 

In all of that mess I did get to make it out a bit for Amiee's my bestie birthday Saturday night.

Music Monday - Adele - Someone Like You

Everything about this Adele is amazing.  Her VOICE, hair, fashion...LOVE IT. Her album 21 is absolutely perfect. It's one of those albums I can listen to and not skip a song.  Did you see her performance on the VMAs last night?  Gorgeous. Check it out...

Current Obsession

Top: Kohl's, Shoes & Necklace: Target, Skirt & Earrings: NY&Co, Bracelet: Avon, Cardigan: H&M, Belt: Thrifted

First of all, this whole outfit is my current obsession!  This is one of those I'll take note of and use again. You know, those mornings where you just can't wake up or get motivated to pick out an outfit. I can even throw on some brown tights when winter rolls around. 

For real...my current obsession is polka dots.  I just can't get enough. I had to have a mental talk with myself a few times while shopping this weekend.  Ang, really?! You JUST bought 3 things with polka dots. I quickly decided that you just can't have too many.  They come in all different shapes and sizes.

Invitation to the Pants Party

 

Top: Loft, Pants: NY & Co, Shoes: Nine West, Bracelet: Kohl's, Necklace: Charming Charlie, Earrings: Gift

The beautiful Bre from 27b asked me today if I ever wear pants.  Funny you should ask!!!  I cleaned and reorganized my closet a bit over the weekend.  I didn't realize just how many pairs of dress pants and jeans I own.  As you all know I have a slight infatuation with wearing skirts and dresses.  I told myself I need to start wearing pants at least once a week.  I was going to call it Operation: Wear Pants but I want to avoid the assumption that I'm some perv who doesn't wear them period.  Maybe I'll call it "The Pants Party" instead.

This bun was a complete accident but a major hit today! Result of zero sleep and damp hair.  I wanted to show it off.  Don't you just love those kinds of hair days?!

Outfit and some music (Music Monday)

Dress & Belt: Target, Shoes: BP(Brass Plum) Nordstroms, Bracelete: NY & Co. Necklace: Charming Charlie

Another great target find!  I went on a tiny little shopping spree this weekend.  It's been awhile. Got to spend time with my mom and little sister on the spree too.  What more could a girl ask for.  My mind is going nuts with outfit ideas for this dress. It's like an evil outfit laboratory in my head right now...bwahahahahaha! (that's evil laughter).

MUSIC MONDAY: Brand New - Jaws Theme Swimming
Meet my favorite band, Brand New.  I've been listening to this band for years!  I just can't get enough.   This song is one of those songs that I listen to ALL the time.  It's even on one of my workout play lists. LOVE.  Show some love if you are familiar with this band.

No Shame

Top & Bracelet: Forever21, Cardigan: Kohl's, Skirt: Gap, Shoes: Steve Madden Luxe

Friday AND food day today.  I've been eating so well all week so I indulged a bit today.  Okay, maybe a lot.  No shame.  It's been the week from H E double hokey sticks...I deserved it.

This is one of my favorite outfits. I know I know, you say this all the time.  It's true.  This was my "go to" outfit all last summer.  I love the different neutrals with the orange polka dots.  You've seen this top plenty of times: here, here, and  here,  Love it. 

Have a great weekend!!!

Lessons Learned

Jean Jacket & Bracelet: NY&Co., Skirt & Top: Target, Shoes: Payless, Necklace: Forever21

Since starting this blog I've learned so much when it comes to personal style and styling tips in general.  I've learned that thrifting can be my best friend and that tucking a dress into a pencil skirt actually WORKS!  I think the most valuable lesson I've learned is to hang on to those undying staples!!! Things seem to always come back in style and even if they don't, I'm still going to try to make it work.  Donating clothing is always a good thing but if you have pieces you love, hang on to them!  I had a great jean jacket a few years ago that I wore often. They went out of style so I donated mine.  Just this year I saw this one at NY&Co and immediately wished I had never ditched mine.

I bought this top for 10 bucks at Target.  I thought it would be something cute and breezy for volleyball or just with shorts.  Little did I know it would be making it's debut in a work outfit!  I love when I can make a piece work in so many different ways!

Weekend Update and Something New

We celebrated Drew's graduation this weekend.  Success!  Food galore and the cupcakes were yummo! 

 Making Burchetta with Drew's Mom

 Pool view

 My cupcakes! X for Xavier

 Love.

Drew and his momma

Birchbox, know about it?  You should.  For just $10 a month you get to sample different types of high end beauty products.  I've been reading about it on a few different blogs recently and was really curious what this thing was all about. So...I signed up!  Here's a look at August's box...

June Jacobs: Papaya Purifying Mask.  I've used it once already and LOVE IT.  Super soft skin afterwards

Ouidad:  Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel.  I just used this in my hair tonight after showering.  So far so good!  No messy sticky feeling at all. 

Shaveworks: The Cool Fix.  Helps reduce pumps, ingrown hairs, and other shaving monsters. I'm SUPER excited about this. I've been searching for something like this...hope it makes my dreams come true.

Smashbox Cosmetics: Photo Finish Foundation Primer.  AH-MAZING!  My skin is always so oily within the first few hours of the day. This stuff works! I will definitely buy more once my sample is out.

Bizzzeeee!

Dress: Express, Shoes: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's, Bracelet & Earrings: NY&Co., Belt: Target, Clutch: DSW

Two days and no outfits?! Sheesh, I'm a slacker.  I promise I was wearing clothes.  This is the busiest time of the year at work.  INSANE!  On top of the many meetings and events I'm planning, I'm taking on a new project at work.  I'm very excited about it.  Won't bore you with deets.

LOVE this dress!  A friend of mine just purchased the black and white version.  I saw a pic of her in it and HAD to have it.  It's perfect for any season! I can't wait to try it with tights and boots.

It's Restaurant Week in Cincinnati.  My favorite time!  I started it off with one of my favorite restaurants in Cincinnati, Local 127.  If you live in this city or ever visit, you MUST try this restaurant.  All farm to table locally grown food.  The servers are phenomenal and know their stuff. You can tell they are so passionate about the food they serve. Drew and I will be going to Jeff Ruby's tonight (hence the cute new dress).  Three courses for $35...not too shabby!  I've never been to this Jeff Ruby's restaurant before.  I'll be sure to let you know how it is.

One more thing... JANET JACKSON last night!!!  AMAZING!  That woman danced her booty off all night long.  She's absolutely beautiful!  I went with Drew's mom and sister and had a blast.  Drank way too much wine which resulted in a messy headache this morning.

EBEW: Pattern Mixing

Skirt: NY & Co., Top: TJ Maxx, Scarf: H&M, Necklace: Forever21, Shoes: Nine West, Bracelet: Charming Charlie

Today was pattern mixing on Everybody, Everywear.  Check out all the lovely pattern mixing by clicking on the button above.  Love it. 

This skirt and I had words today. You see, it's has this weird double slit in the back which causes this obnoxious flap.  Every time I sit down it bunches up. Grrrr.  Good thing I love the color or I'd never wear it again! 

I volunteered to make a bunch of grub for Drew's graduation party this weekend!  Cupcakes are on the menu.  I'm off to search for grey and blue icing (Xavier colors).  I'll be sure to take pics and share when I make them Friday.  If only you could taste them!

Music Monday: I Can Feel a Hot One

 

Top: Banana Republic, Skirt: Target, Coral Shoes: Marco Santi, Bracelet: Kohl's

Manchester Orchestra - I Can Feel a Hot One.

  

This band is brilliant.  This song is one of my top five favorites by MO.  It's heavy and everything about the lyrics is just perfect.   I've seen this band twice and I'll NEVER forget my second experience.   Andy, the lead singer, came out to perform this song alone.  The second he started singing everyone shut up.  Complete silence in a room full of hundreds of people.  It was beautiful.  I had chills the whole time. Such an amazing experience.  

There isn't a song that I dislike by this band.  I'm sure I'll be sharing more in the near future.  Make sure you add this band to your list if you haven't already.  Thank me later.