A Shoe In.

Just a bit of silliness for this Saturday with a few pairs of my favorite shoes. Enjoy!

(you can see a slightly slowed down version here, too!)

Outfit Of The Day (Winter Fuzzy Florals)

First things first.  If I were a rich old lady, I would TOTALLY wear the following dresses to....well.  I don't  know exactly where but it'd be somewhere that's a little dull and unfun and needs a dose of fabulousness, right? 

I mean, I understand why celebs get gussied up for awards shows and wear these sorts of gowns, it's because if they didn't then Rachel Zoe would be banana-bananas-less, but I personally like to get fancy when I have a boring day to get through.  It adds a little bit of  oomph and spice.

  For example, I would wear this on my daily  afternoon trek to get the mail at the end of the block:

(elie saab spring couture 2011 via style.com)

And then I would change into this to go to the dentist, obviously, as the sheer texture would help hide those accidental spit stains:

(elie saab spring couture 2011 via style.com)

And this little number would be perfect for when I have to get the oil changed in my car:

 (valentino spring couture 2011 via style.com)

But only because (as ya'll probably already know) sitting in those rock hard chairs in the waiting room of the car place can get surprisingly uncomfortable in a long gown.  Right?  Right.

On to the more important things here- it is hot here today. Hot, you guys, HOT!

It definitely doesn't help that, due to constant low grade fevers, I have an inner furnace permanently set to around 101°F at all times so I am always toasty hot. Any chance that I have to shirk a few layers and not be riddled with that awful bit of annoying under-the-boob boob-sweat at some point throughout the day (which is the worst kind of sweat there is - surpasses labiomental fold sweat, even) (WHICH ISN'T WHAT YOU THINK IT IS) (AND IT'S NOT THAT, EITHER), I go for it--which is what I did today.

I am sure this outfit would be just dandy with dark brown tights too, for those of you living in areas where it's still chilly, and I am also wearing a shorter skirt since I don't have anywhere "professional" to be today. Oh ho, readers, we have a rebel!  

But this does remind me of an often-seen lament around the fashion blogosphere regarding skirt lengths that I've been meaning to discuss--how to rock shorter skirts in an office setting. 

This can be tricky.  Anything above your knee, in my opinion, is too short for a professional office setting.  But if you have a shorter skirt or dress that you're dying to wear to work, as long as it isn't embellished in sequins and old wine stains from that wild night out two weekends ago of course, never discount the magical powers of layering a slip underneath to give it an added few inches of length. 

Slips are often given the unfortunate reputation of being dowdy and they definitely don't have to be! I will often use something like this skirt from ASOS under sundresses and dresses with a looser fit, and with  calf-length skirts coming back in style something like this skirt at Urban Outfitters might work well too, as long as it flows with the shape and the color of the too-short dress or skirt you're wearing. And (of course!) both Free People and Anthropologie are two more retailers that typically have lots of pretty skirt-and-slip layering options.  I will often layer an a-line skirt under a sundress to make the lower part poof out more, and pencil skirts can look insta-pretty with a touch of lace peeking out at the hem.

Just make sure to stick with skirts and slips that have a nice weight to them, with a bit of lace or ruffles at the bottom so it adds something to what you're already wearing.  Try this look with something thin and plain and you run the risk of looking like you couldn't find the right size in the Maidenform section of your local Kohl's, ouch.

It really just takes a bit of trying and experimentation, and you might even already have something in your closet that works.  Go for it, girls!

On to my outfit.  My wireless remote's batteries are dying, so you get a few pics today of me making faces. Nothing unusual to see here folks, move along:

 Cardigan: J Crew Mixed Tape Cardigan in bronzed twig (similar style here) (and here)

Scarf (worn as a shawl): Express (similar style here) (and here)

Belt: Old J Crew (similar style here) (and here)

Dress: Old Charlotte Russe (similar style here) (and here)

Necklace: Etsy (from secondlookjewelry - more styles here)

Ring: Kate Spade (similar style here)

Boots: Prada Harness Booties (buy them here) (similar style here) (these would work well too + take 25% off and get free shipping with code "CHEERS")

Bag: Chloe Paraty in Rosewood (similar style here) (great option here for $60!) (and here)

Currently Loving (January 2011)

Ah, Thee Old Winter Doldrums. No matter how hard the retailers are trying to push it, it isn't even close to spring...but here in Colorado, it isn't really winter either. We've only had around 12 inches of snow so far  when we usually have about four times as much by now, and any seasoned citizen of this state knows that a meager 12 inches of snow does not a Typical Rocky Mountain winter make.  I'm rather disappointed, Colorado, scoff scoff.

So it's time for a bit of refreshment, yes? Here is everything that I am pining after this month, filed away for inspiration into my web browser's bookmarks to dream and drool over during the next few cold months (and also because these little montages are so freakishly fun to design!).  Links to the items can be found underneath along with a few of my notes, thoughts, and ideas.

It's just me and my not-so-awesome-but-I-try-anyway Photoshop CS4 skills for making these collages, by the way--I've had several of you e-mail to ask, and I wish I had an easier answer! Sorry guys!

Without further ado, ta ta ta:

1. Rebecca Minkoff Bombe Clutch - my heart really lies with the Chloe Blossom Shoulder Bag (mytheresa.com, $1,489) but the bold black piping plus the supple leather Ms. Minkoff traditionally uses with her bags make this one a worthy stand-in at a much better price.

2. Chanel Pearl Drop - I just got my little hands (literally!) on this new limited edition spring shade from Chanel and it is stunning- a perfect, muted pearly white with a soft gold glisten.  White nail polishes typically freak me out, but this one has just enough gold in it to look pretty and not harsh.  Nail polishes have also sky-rocketed up on my list of purchases lately - most are cheap (I love that I can usually find OPI and Essie at Target!) and can instantly change the look of a boring outfit now while we try to save our pretty pennies for new spring purchases later.

3. Chanel Black Pearl - And this one has been popping up all over the internet as a favorite.  It looks beautiful!

4. Coral Lipcolors - I'm definitely not a huge wearer of bold lip colors (I've always felt like they make me look like I'm a child playing some sort of demented form of dress-up with my mom's make-up?) but perhaps it's because I've never really found the right lipstick shade. I've been dying to try the Dior Addict Lipcolor ($26, nordstrom.com) in Regal Coral, as it's my goal this spring to find the perfect coral hue that isn't too orange OR too pink - any suggestions?

5. Alister Sofa - I fell in love with this sofa when I saw it at Z Gallerie last month - perfect style and price for what I want for our living room, but unfortunately not the right color.  Make it in more colors, Z Gallerie, ahem!

6. Banana Republic Skinny Leather Belt - Super bright, bold pops of bright color are expected to be right on trend this spring.  Get a head start with this bright pink belt from Banana Republic! Belts are excellent for getting more mileage out of items you already own and have in your closet, and this one is perfect for wrapping around your favorite olive or camel trench coat now...and pairing with bright whites later.

7. Ann Taylor LOFT Sequin Pin - I'll never get tired of a pretty floral pin.  Pin this to a winter coat or tweed blazer for a bit of spring...before spring.

8. Charlotte Olympia Dolly Espadrille-Platform Canvas Pump - I wouldn't be able to take 2 steps in these 6" pumps, but um.  They'd be totally hot to stand around, not moving in?

9. The Fitzgerald Gold Mirror Spike Necklace - Fashion might be having a "bare" moment (necklaces and earrings were at a sad minimum on the runways of S/S RTW 2011) but I still love a good statement necklace, and this one by jenniferloiselle on Etsy is stunning!

10. J Crew Spring 2011 - It will be up on J Crew's website very, very soon and for once, I'm excited!  While the styling isn't my cup of tea (it hasn't been for awhile) the colors are perfection and those peplum shorts?  Divine!  Dressy shorts were huge last year, and if you invested in the trend you'll still be able to get a good run with them this year, too.

11. Pamela Love Two Tone Spike Cuff - tough and pretty at the same time.  Dream, dream, dream (and hoping an "inspired by" piece will pop up somewhere for a little bit cheaper!).

12. The Sirens Peacock Feather Flower Fascinator - stunning, and a beautiful way to dress up an old dress or even with a simple blouse, slouchy high-waisted wide leg pants, and a simple cocktail ring.

13. Coral Rings - Orange and coral are going to be big colors over the warmer months this year, and if you're like me and love them but can't quite wear them (as a bleached blonde, yes - as a redhead, it makes me look like a little neon tomato!) try getting your fix with a fabulous ring.  I like this one from Lilly Pulitizer; Nicole Richie's House of Harlow offers another great option with the Art Deco Moonstone Ring ($70, revolveclothing.com) and go super affordable with the Blingy Medallion Ring ($8.50, charlotterusse.com).

Now it's your turn - what's currently on YOUR wish list? Share in the comments!

Outfit Of The Day (Mint Prixer)

New York Fall 2011 Fashion Week is less than a month away (it kicks off February 10th!) and it's time right now for Spring 2011 Paris Haute Couture.  And ahahahahaahaa eye candy, YAY!

Dior was up today, and Mr. Galliano made his girls look like little vintage Barbie dolls:

I'm a'practicin' this pose riiiight now.

(source: style.com)

And here's what I'm wearing.  It's missing elbow-length opera gloves and red lipstick, but alas- it will just have to do:

Cardigan: Forever 21 (buy it here) (similar style here a bit longer in length)

Camisole: Target (similar style here) (and here)

Vest: Banana Republic Outlet (similar style here) (and here)

Belt: Forever 21 (similar style here)

Jeans: GAP jeggings (similar style here) (and here - on sale!)

Bag: J Crew Galaxy Bag (similar style here) (and here) (and MIu Miu style!)

Boots: Rosegold (similar style here) (and love these boots at ALDO, too!)

What collection are you most excited to see during Paris Haute Couture Spring 2011 or New York Fashion Week Fall 2011?  Share in the comments!

Outfit Of the Day (Going To The Birds)

Late last night I had noticed that a teeny tiny little bird had taken up residence in my favorite red floral wreath just outside our front door.

THIS MORNING:

Husband: Looks like your little birdie friend has moved in and will be staying awhile.

Me: Oh, wow. It's still there?

Husband: Yup.

Me: Do you think it's injured?

Husband: Nah...I mean, I don't know.  I was talking to it, it seemed fine.  I think it's just there because the porch light above the wreath is keeping it warm.

Me: Oh.  Well, that's okay I guess. Wait!  No!  Not okay!  It's probably pooping all over that wreath!  God! No!  That's my favorite wreath!

Husband: Want me to move the wreath so it will leave?

Me: Ugh. Uhhm. I feel so bad! I mean, if it likes that spot...

Husband: I'll just move it.

Me: But I feel bad!  Can you go back out and kindly ask it to not poop?

Husband: LET ME MOVE THE WREATH.

Me: WAIT! I don't know!  I feel bad!  Why do I feel bad?  I feel bad!

Husband:  Okay, it's not like this little birdie was wandering around on the streets homeless for the past 3 years, I'm pretty sure it's going to be fine.  I'm moving the wreath.

And thus concludes A Real Conversation That Happened This Morning With Husband in The Conspiracy Household.

(you know, unlike the not-real conversations that I have with Husband where it's actually Petunia in a toupee.)

(and a top hat and a monocle.)

(but I should clarify - only because monocles are funny, not because Husband actually wears a monocle.)

(but I can't vouch for the top hat, as I have no idea what he does when I'm gone.)

I've been pretty darn excited to see that wide-legs and flares are coming back for spring.  I've begrudgingly given in to the skinny leg trend mostly out of force (and well, the GAP jeggings are so comfortable, I barely notice I have them on!) but I have always been a flare-legged gal myself.

Flare legs are so easy to wear and can be incredibly elongating, especially for us shorties, and the J Brand Lovestory's have remained my favorite due to the amount of stretchiness (plenty!) and the easiness of hemming for petite sizes.  They hem up really well! The ones I'm wearing below are a little too long for the 2.5 inch kitten heels I'm wearing, as I had them hemmed for 4" heels, but until I find time to run another pair to the tailors they will just have to suffice.

Casual today for errands + dinner, ignoring the totally creepy no-lip grin I'm doing in the last shot:

Jacket: Foley & Corinna Studded Epaulette Jacket (buy it here, on sale!) (similar style here at F21) (love this jacket at revolve clothing, too)
Lace Tee: Forever 21 (similar style here) (and here)
Jeans: J Brand Lovestorys (buy them here)
Necklace: J Crew (buy it here, on sale!) (and here + take 25% off and get free shipping with code "9476")
Shoes: Valentino Studded Kitten Heels (buy them here) (similar style here under $100)
Bag: Valentino Aphrodite Bow Satchel (similar style here) (and here) (and here in white leopard) (and here for $69.99)

Make It Up (Currently In My Make-up Bag...)

I finally had the chance this morning to draw this up- here are all of the products that you can currently find in and around my make-up bag!  Scroll down for more information, along with a few deals on the products too:

 

1. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat - this award winning two-in-one highlighter is one of my faves!  I like using it under my eyes to help bright and conceal dark circles, especially if I've had a night short on sleep.

2. Clarins Delicious Self-Tanning Cream - it's unfortunately expensive, but one of the best self-tanners out there. The color is a believable, rich brown, the cream is extremely moisturizing, and the color fades evenly without leaving skin splotchy or oddly-colored.  I also use it on my face!

3. Benetint -this has been a long-time favorite of mine!  it provides a realistic flush and is great for drier skins.

4. Nars Blush (in deep throat and oasis) - and I use these on top of the Benetint.  Deep Throat is a pretty peachy pink, and Oasis is a deep rose perfect for contouring cheekbones. (+ take 17% off and get free shipping when you spend $70+ with code "20110104CP" through tonight!)

5. Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich Cellular Anti-Aging Cream - this might be a big and expensive cream for someone that isn't even 30, but a hard course of Acctuane when I was 19 (which zaps all the oil on your face!) and a humidity-less desert climate leaves my skin extremely tight, dry, and now it's beginning to pre-maturely age.  

After searching high and low I found this cream, and it's completely changed my skin!  A little bit goes a very long way, and because it is so rich (it has the same consistency of crisco) I only use it at night.  Also, sensitive skinned, breakout-prone people fear not- I'm still prone to small breakouts when I use the wrong product, and in 6 months of using it I haven't had any break outs with it!  It's pretty much amazing - I'd eat it if I could.  (+ take 15% off with code "SAVE15")

6. Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle Peel Pads - when you have dry skin, exfoliating is super important!   But unfortunately as I've mentioned above, I still get small breakouts when I use certain products,...which has made it next to impossible to find an exfoliater that I can use often that doesn't leave me looking like a pre-pubescent teen.  This stuff has also completely changed my skin and leaves it bright, smooth, and soft.  I even use it twice a day, and it hasn't irritated my sensitive skin.  (+ take 15% off with code "SAVE15")

7. Urban Decay Eyesdhadows (in baked, half-baked, and last call) - I have dark brown eyes and these are my three favorite shades!

8. Urban Decay Eyeliner (in lucky) - I typically wear black eye liner to define my eyes, but on days when I want a more natural-looking face I use this.  It's super pretty and highlights eyes well- it also looks awesome on those with blue and green eyes, too!

9. Flirt! Cosmetics Eyeliner (in black) - another long time favorite of mine that is no longer available online, but can be found at Kohl's stores.  It goes on easily, provides the perfect black line (that doesn't turn blue or gray),  and it lasts all day without smudging!

10. LORAC Oil Free Neutralizer- I have very fair skin, but I also have skin that is prone to redness and rashes from Lupus.  This is the only thing I've found that completely gets rid of the redness and rudiness- I just apply some before my foundation on red areas and they're gone!  It also works well to help lighten dark foundations - because I am so fair, make-up companies often don't carry a color light enough!

11. Guerlain Parure Aqua Radiant Feel Good Foundation -speaking of foundations that aren't light enough- this provides a beautiful, smooth, moisturizing-but-not-ever-shiny finish and hides old acne marks and scarring that i have without looking like a mask.  I do use the lightest shade, which is just a touch too dark- so I mix in a little bit of the LORAC Neutralizer to make it the perfect shade!

12. Leaf and Rusher Sensitive Skin Active Serum - this is another spendy product that is more than worth its money - a bottle lasts about 2 months when I use it morning and night, but the texture is similar to Smashbox's Photo Finish primer meaning it goes on PERFECTLY under make-up!  It also has a fairly high dose of retinol, which helps to smooth skin and wrinkles.

13. Nars Lipgloss (in chihuahua and greek holiday) - two of my favorite neutral, nude shades. (+ take 17% off and get free shipping when you spend $70+ with code "20110104CP" through tonight!)

14. Nars Loose Powder -this is a favorite over on makeupalley.com, and with good reason - it finishes off any make-up, dull shine, and never looks cakey or flat. Love it! (+ take 17% off and get free shipping when you spend $70+ with code "20110104CP" through tonight!)

15. Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara -thickens and lengthens lashes without irritating eyes - I had to switch over to this after Dior Show began to cloud up my contact lenses!

16. Laura Geller Candlelight Face & Body Glow -and this is the highlighter I use on my face - a few small dabs on my cheekbones, cupid's bow, and middle of my nose is all I need, and so this stuff lasts forever.

17. Marchesa Cosmetics Bag - spend $150 at beauty.com and you will get this gorgeous bag full of samples and goodies - so sweet!

And of course - I always love trying new things and hearing the input of others when it comes to make-up and skin care!  Please share one (1) of your tried & true products in the comments!

Outfit Of The Day (99 Problems)

I've blogged a bit about the pearl top that I am wearing here before; even though it's a now 4-year old top it is still at the tippy-top of being one of my favorites. Something about the color (it's gray, but looks blue when paired with green), the fit (drapey!), and the embellishment (pearls!)--it just does it for me.

Something that I have also been trying to do more is to make an effort to pull old pieces out of my closet to wear them in different ways, especially since we still have about 99 months of winter left here in Colorado but alllll of the stores are now stocking for warm weather and spring.  

Because pssh spring, I don't need you and your pretty floral prints!  

And your flattering wide-leg white pants! 

And your short skirts and dresses that don't need to be layered with 239247432874 things because it's only -5 degrees out!  

And your sunny warm days where I don't go outside and find a snowbank to kick and a thick sheet of ice to do the "oh, oh, oh!" slip-and-spazzy-wavy-arms-thing-because-spazzy-wavy-arms-somehow-keep-us-upright-without-letting-gravity-get-us-down EXCEPT wait-oh-no-no-they-don't BECAUSE sometimes-weebles-wobble-and-they-do-um...fall down.

(No, just me?)

 

Coat: Nanette Lepore from 3 years ago (similar style here) (and here for $27.80)

Pearl Top: Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent (similar style here)(this in "pearl" would be gorgeous, too!)

Cardigan: Mixed-Tape Cardigan in Seaweed (similar style here, on sale!) (this in teal/dark grey would be also work well for only $12.50)

Skirt: J Crew Felted Wool Mini (similar style here for $43) (and from GAP for $34.99)

Bow Necklace: Madewell Gatbsy Necklace (similar style here)

Rings: Forever 21 (similar style here) (and here)

Tights: J Crew (similar style here)

Booties: Prada Harness Booties (buy them here) (similar style here, under $100) (and here) (and here) 

 Bag: Chloe Paraty in Rosewood (similar style here) (and here under $100)

(Now Playing In Mah House)

The Chlo-Den Golden Globes (2011)

Did you watch the Golden Globes tonight?  I missed the red carpet because apparently "I REALLY need to sit at home and watch the fashion on the red carpet at the Golden Globes while eating chicken nuggets and drinking wine with Husband" isn't a valid excuse when calling in sick to work.  

Ha ha ha, oh.  Who knew?

I did arrive home just in time for the actual awards ceremony, thank goodness--otherwise known as the super boring blah-blah-blah part where Ricky Gervais disappeared for a full 65 weird minutes that no one can quite seem to explain BUT I'm pretty sure it had something to do with Scientology, an angry Tim Allen, and Tilda Swindon's crazy blonde eyebrows.

We laughed, we cried, we sneakily quizzed our husbands every time we thought they were dozing off to make sure they were still paying attention as a sick and twisted revenge for all the football they made us watch for the past five months (by pretending we couldn't hear  the TV and asking, "What?  What did she just win? What did he just say?") (Oh- just me?), and now that it's all over, I present to you....

The Chlo-den Globes!

*cues Natalie Portman's Dorky Best Actress "He's Sleeping With Me!" Beavis and Butthead laugh*

BEST DRESSED ACTRESS:

 

A floor-length dress with long sleeves can be hard, nay impossible to make sexy; but one embellished in sequins from top to bottom?  She pulls it off flawlessly, and so she wins. SHE WINS!

SECOND BEST CHLOE'S GRAMMA SAYS YOU BETTER PUT A COAT ON BEFORE YOU GO OUT OR YOU'RE GOING TO CATCH A COLD DRESSED ACTRESS:

January Jones gets second by default no matter what she wears only because she is from my hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota (even if she did attend the rival high school, hm?).  I always feel slightly full of glee when I see her rock a bit of Versace, even if it's kind-of-awful Versace, because how many people from South Dakota can make that fabulous claim? 

You go girl!  The rest of us Maurices-and-Younkers-clad-dweebs stand in awe.

BEST IF I SAW HER IN AN ALLEY WAY I'D KNOCK HER OVER AND STEAL HER DRESS (AND HER PURSE) (AND HER SHOES) (AND FORCE HER TO CHANGE HER LAST NAME TO "KEESTER" BECAUSE IT'S FUNNIER TO SAY) DRESSED ACTRESS:

Well played, Leighton Keester, well played.  

Hahahahaehehehahahaheh.

BEST IN WHICH I WOULD MOST LIKE TO SIT AROUND IN MY HOUSE EATING CUPCAKES AND COTTON CANDY IN *THAT* DRESS DRESSED ACTRESS:

 JUST KIDDING! But mostly because I don't know how to make cotton candy. :(

And now for the fashion offenders.  Dum dum dum....

WORST WHY IS SHE WEARING SOMETHING I WORE TO MIDDLE SCHOOL TUCKED UNDERNEATH MY OVER-SIZED ADIDAS JACKET IN THE 90'S DRESSED ACTRESS:

You know, I think I understand why actresses occasionally choose daring ensembles, even if it means making it to the "Worst Dressed" list - oftentimes those dresses are daring, exciting, and they add a bit of spice to an otherwise pretty-but-dull line of standard sparkly, ruffly gowns.

But I will never understand when an actress totally checks out and picks something that is neither daring nor pretty.  Michelle Williams and Your Super Cute Hair, I love you.  Valentino, I love you too. But ugh. 

WORST WHY DID I JUST SPEND 45 MINUTES GOOGLING "BLUE CRUSH PART 67 MOVIE MAKING MIRACLE" TO FIGURE OUT WHY THE HECK KATE BOSWORTH WAS AT THE GOLDEN GLOBES DRESSED ACTRESS:

Because apparently, this isn't Kate Bosworth.  It also isn't Sienna Miller or Jaime Pressley.  *drums fingers*  

(but I am super tempted to go bleached blonde again so I can wear that bold coral hue, as it's been popping up everywhere for spring.  whelp!)

WORST I AM PRETTY SURE WE ARE GOING TO SEE FASHION BLOGGERS ALL OVER THE FASHIONY WORLD DOING THIS POSE VERY SOON DRESSED ACTRESS:

Because the "I Look Like I Just Lost A Leg" pose is the ultimate way to look super skinny!  All we need to add is our mouths slightly open while looking off in the distance pensively while playing with our hair AND PETUNIA AND I ARE PRACTICING RIGHT NOW.

(They always say that the world of fashion is full of pain and sacrifice; I just never thought that not being able to properly do The Hokey Pokey ever again would be one of them. Sob-hiccup.)

AND THE WORST (WORST) (WOOORST) DRESSED ACTRESS:

Yeeeah. 

Okay Don Draper, I do love you, but why does this Jon Hamm fellow that you sometimes play always look like he fell out of a tumbling Kenmore dryer, ever-so-slightly hot yet still rumpled and wet?  I rest my case, mister, I rest my case.

So who made your list for best and worst dressed?  Share in the comments!

Outfit Of The Day (I Found You, Miss New Bootie)

Oh, it's Friday.  Friday, Friday, Friday- and for once I have next to nothing planned for the weekend, hooray. The past weekends have been so jam-packed that I'm actually looking forward to taking it easy, recharging my batteries a bit, and snoozing because holy moly, I am flaring.

I  don't discuss the Lupus-thing on here quite as much anymore (mostly because the relationship I have with it has mellowed and morphed into generic, drowsy acceptance along with a feeling of, "If I don't acknowledge it, perhaps it will just go away; juuuuust like Camille Grammer, the snow on the ground, and the Christmas tree that still needs to be taken down in the corner of the sitting room and the big white elephant sitting underneath it") - but hot diggity damn.

I'm flaring like a motherfucker!  No other words!  To describe it!  OW.

I HURT.  IT HURTS, AND  I FEEL LIKE I'M WANDERING UNDERWATER AND MY LIMBS AND BRAIN ARE STUFFED WITH CEMENT AND THE TOP OF MY HEAD IS BURNING LIKE I HAVE A SUNBURN EVEN THOUGH I HAVEN'T BEEN OUT IN THE SUN FOR MORE THAN 10 MINUTES IN 27 YEARS (oops, 2.7 years) (but it feels like 27 years) AND LIKE MY STOMACH WANTS TO DETATCH ITSELF FROM ME AND REATTACH ITSELF TO SOMEONE THAT CAN SPELL DETACH CORRECTLY AND I HAVE PAIN FROM BODY PARTS THAT I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW COULD BE IN PAIN AND WAHHHH HAAAA HA HA HA. 

So um, on that jaunty little note the show still must go on--although you can bet I will probably be fuzzy-bunny-slippering it for the rest of the weekend and it's going to be awesome.

But until then, it's been getting toasty here again during the day (hence the bare legs) but brown herringbone tights layer underneath this pretty darn well for when it gets cold for night, too.  I will forever be a spring-summer type of gal, some things simply cannot be helped:

 Jacket: Banana Republic Heritage Ruffle Peplum Jacket (fits slightly small)  (buy it here + take 25% off with code "SAVEBIG") (similar style here, on sale!) (and here, also on sale for $24)

Skirt: Forever 21 (similar style here)

Belt: Old J Crew (another pink belt that would work here) 

Boots: Prada Harness Boots (buy them here) (similar style here, under $100) (and here) (and here)

Bag: Chloe Marcie Crossbody (similar style here) (this MBMJ bag has a similar color & shape) (as does this one) (and an even cheaper option by UGG)

Bracelet: Etsy Seller Second Look Jewelry

 Ring: Ann Taylor (similar style here)

I've also had quite a few people email me over the past few months inquiring about my make-up and skin care routine- so look for a post some time this weekend outlining all of the products that I'm currently loving and have earned a permanent spot on my bathroom counter.  Finally, hm?  Happy weekend!

My Favorite Things (Give Me A Hand.)

(Because even when I have 234u124028473boom208ack424 things piling up on  my "to do" list, I still like to waste time doing things like this.)

I had been digging around for a good (and cheap!) way to organize my rings, and so when I stumbled upon these hands at Urban Outfitters while shopping for gifts over the holidays I swiftly picked them up.  They're fun, they look super pretty when stacked full of rings, AND they thoroughly creep Husband out.

I mean, I do feel a little sorry for the day when he comes home from work to find 55 of them lined up in a perfect row on the floor of our closet.

But...justalittle:

ceramic hand jewelry stand  -  available at urbanoutfitters.com
{and take 20% off through tonight with code "SNOWEDIN"}

Outfit Of The Evening (I Beg Your Pardon, I Never Promised You a Rose Sea Garden....)

Something that I've always enjoyed doing is heading to the Denver Performing Arts Center to see some of the things that come through town.  While my tastes in the arts are likely a bit more sophomoric than refined (with Beavis and Butthead Do America forever balancing precariously as the cherry on top, JUDGE ME IF YOU WILL), we get a lot of fun events and concerts and shows and it's easy to forget some of the cool things Denver really has to offer.

I mean, aside from totally-not-frivolous-in-this-tough-economy-things like "talking sidewalks" and an old, donated mansion turned mayoral fund-raising center named "Cableland" complete with 97 phones, 8 tvs, squirrel condos, a room full of bean bag chairs, and a vintage Sports Illustrated Swimsuit calendar from 1991 that's never been opened. That we're selling, people, sheesh.

(okay, so the article doesn't say anything about the calendar OR the bean bag chairs.  but it does say something about the squirrel condos SO.)

We used to have season tickets (or a subscription, as they now call it, which makes me feel cheated as it comes with no stinky perfume samples even if you ask them nicely) to the DCPA four or five years ago, and I had missed it, and so I was super happy when Husband suggested that we finally renew it this year. 

It's easy to get sucked into the hum-drum of life and to forget to take time to do things together--both Husband and I are workaholics and work a lot.  Husband is also coaching competitive kid's basketball, which takes up several week nights and most weekends in the winter, and so this is a great way to spend some time together, see some cool productions, plusss taste-test some fantastic restaurants and/or eat at The Corner Office every single time 'cuz we like it and it's awesome and if your favorite restaurant isn't broke for the love of god people- don't fix it.

And it's also a great way for me to start hoarding dresses from my favorite go-to designer for all things pretty, Nanette Lepore. As if I needed an excuse, especially with her pretty new spring line.Yes please!

Somebody needs to dye her roots:

Dress: Nanette Lepore Sea Garden Dress (buy it here) (similar style here) (and here) (and here at ASOS for $51.72)
Coat: Betsey Johnson (buy it here &it's on sale for 50% off) (similar style here) (and here)
Tights: Banana Republic (buy them here)
Cuffs: Forever 21 (buy them here)
Necklace: Forever 21 (similar style here)
Booties: Dior Serpent Booties (similar style here) (and here)
Bag: Marc Jacobs Kristina Crossbody (similar style here) (and here) (and here)



(Take A Listen...)

So spill it - who is your favorite clothing designer?  Share in the comments!