Outfit Of The Friday Night (Call It What You Want)

Oh why hello there, blog. How do you do?

Every once in awhile it's good (even important, I suppose) to take a step back from the fashion-blog-world to focus on some other things. Nice things, like friends.  Family.  Mile High Orange Crushes.  Eating a whole container of strawberries in one sitting.  The sizzling hot, clear blue skies of summer that gently fade into delightfully  pretty sunsets every night; lingering lazily across the horizon until the sun is swallowed up by the jagged, bumpy mountain peaks to the west.

And walks. And talks.  And laughing.  And crying.  And laughing, crying, laughing.

And snoozy naps caused by a somnolent afternoon sun:

Our two newest family members, Gazelle Bundchen and Richard Dere:

{martha-stewarting the shit out of my martha-stewarting here}

And riding with my top down, and my jewelry on, hey! I'm just gettin' my hood on:

(or as I thought the lyrics were until  I googled it .02 seconds ago: riding with my top down, and my Journey on, hey! I'm just getting my hood...off) (because it's hard getting a car hood off sometimes, DAD, HELLLLP.)

'Cuz I'm just, I'm just doing my thing:

{you know, all out of focus per usual}

We went to a little show a few Friday nights ago called 'Rock of Ages', which is the first time I have ever been thoroughly confused during a play.  I'm always up for a challenge when it comes to these things, I think--boys dancing around that want to do ballet?  No problem! Actors shrieking about depression and their dead son that they still think is alive? Okay! Teens documenting the highly-competitive and cutthroat world of cheer-leading? BRING IT ON (ha ha ha oh, um, next year). Shakespearean lingo delivered in a (bad) (fake) British accent? Hie thee hence, motherfuckers!

But Rock of Ages had me baffled. Baaaaffled. It was like they were speaking an entire different language, these singers and dancers oddly acting out a barrage of hair-metal songs from the 80's on stage, a language that I was a little too young to remember the first time around and a little too embarrassed to embrace the second.  It was just so cheesy to me back when I was in high school in the mid-to-late 90's, this heavy metal glam-rock music, and besides--I had better things to listen to back then, more sophisticated things like grown men dressed in latex suits with painted on mustaches.

"I can't fight this feeling anymore," I thought to myself as I sat amongst the crowd at the Buell Theater, thoroughly lost to the plot as everyone else was shrieking and clapping and having a great time, "Every rose has its thorn, I suppose, but gahh! Seriously. This is like bad medicine."

And so we decided that we weren't going to take it, oh no, and we quietly left during the intermission to go stumble around and people-watch on the 16th Street Mall instead.

Ah, just like paradise.  And nothing but a good time.  (Thank you! Thank you! I'll be here all night!)

Here's what  I wore:

 

Blazer: H&M (similar style here for $29.99) (and here) (and here) (and a cool leather version on sale at ASOS)

Dress: Plenty by Tracy Reese (buy it here) similar style here) (and here)

Belt: J Crew (buy it here) (similar style here + take $25 off of $75 with code "SUMMERMADNESS")

Watch: Michael Michael Kors Rosegold Large Runway Men's Watch (buy it here + take 10% off with code "TULIP") (similar style here for $115)

Bracelet: Gorjana Graham Studded Wrap Bracelet (buy it here) (similar style here at GAP)

Ring: Kenneth Jay Lane (buy it here)

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Uliepe Pumps (buy them here) (similar style here) (and here for $49.95) (and a cute yellow sandal here for $39.95)

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

 (Currently Playing in the Hizzouse)

Outfits Of The Days (Three Pretty Pantalones)

Like a lot of women out there, I have a difficult time finding pants that both fit correctly and fit well.  I'm short but also like to occasionally wear heels (which means I can flip-flop back and forth between petite and regular inseams), and I'm also an apple shape (which means I have a  bit of a buddha-belly but oddly scrawny thighs and a butt so flat its the rival of many, um...pancakes).

It never fails--as soon as I find a pair that fits in the waist, it's much too big in the thighs and butt.  And if it fits in the thighs and butt, it's (of course!) way too small in the waist.  Throw in my old pal Mister Stew Pidloopus ((and the beautiful fact that I fluctuate up and down a good 15 pounds at any given time) and oh lordy--finding perfectly-fitting pants can be bit of a ridiculous little nightmare for me.

Grrrr-uuumph.

If you have read my blog for any length of time you likely already know that I am  a huge, dweeby fan of ASOS. And if you are not yet familiar with this UK-based retailer, let me introduce you: they carry everything from high-end designer brands, to little obscure european brands, to their own delightfully affordable house brand. Throw in free shipping aND free returns to the United States and I am a completely smitten kitten.

 

So when ASOS contacted me and kindly offered to send a few things my way to review on this blog, decided to take them up on their offer and  try the one thing I had yet to still try from them: PANTS!  While I have personally purchased a merry assortment of blouses, dresses, and jackets from them in the past, I decided that this would be the perfect opportunity to branch out and try something new.

Here are a few things you need to know about me, first: I am 5'2" tall. I have a 29.5" inseam.  I typically wear a size 2 in J Crew pants and denim.  I am a Libra.  I enjoy watching a various assortment of cheesy reality TV shows. I burp when I hiccup, I sometimes worry that I am slightly cross-eyed and no one has yet had the heart yet to break the devastating news to me, and my favorite morning breakfast cereal is Funfetti cake mix. Good?

And here are a few things you need to know about ASOS: I have been a customer with them for quite some time now and I've always experienced great customer service.  While they are based in the UK, they do have a US-based warehouse for US residents, meaning no duty taxes or customs fees!  Quality can sometimes be an issue, although everything that I have purchased from them in the past has always been made well (for the price point, keep that in mind) with little to no issues.  Sizing can also be difficult to figure out, as it isn't very consistent  and varies between the ASOS house label and the other designers/brands they carry.  They offer free shipping and returns, so if you are unsure about your correct size it's always best to order two and return the one that doesn't work.  I do it often and my returns have always processed in a satisfactory amount of time--within a few weeks.  Items and sizes do tend to sell out fast on the website, so keep that in mind, and some banks  will also charge an "international processing fee" of a few extra dollars on top of your order price.  It will show up later on your bank or credit card statement, so it is always best to check with your bank to find out their policies before placing your order.

1. ASOS Jet Pocket Slim Cropped Pants

• Fit: Slim with slight pleating, a cuffed leg, and a mid-to-higher rise.
• What I'm Wearing: A size US4 (UK8) in black.
• Other details you need to know: While I normally wear petite inseams with skinny pants, I decided to try these due to the length description on the website (26.75").  They also come in five different colors and are machine washable! 

The good: In spite of these not being a petite inseam, the length was exactly what I was looking for and true to the 26.75 inches listed on the website. While they might not be as cropped on me as they are on the model, they are easy to cuff up for anyone who wants a shorter length. The fabric is of a  nice, medium weight; they have just enough stretch in them to be comfortable while still holding their shape; and the tailoring makes them incredibly easy to dress up (but they also work well when paired with casual tops, too!). I have been on the hunt for dressier cropped  pants that weren't super skinny (but weren't baggy or frumpy either), and these hit the mark beautifully.

The bad: Nothing that I can think of at the moment--I love these and want to have them in all four colors, please!

My outfit: I think that the Prabal Gurung for J Crew Exploding Bow Top has to be one of my favorite J Crew pieces of all time.  While it is no longer available to purchase online, I did try to include some links  to some similar-style tops below!

Top: Prabal Gurung for J Crew Exploding Bow Top (similar style here by Erin Fetherston) (and here by French Connection) (and here) (and here on sale!)
Belt: J Crew (similar style here)
Pants: Gifted from ASOS (buy them here)
Shoes: J Crew (similar style here) (and here)
Cardigan: Urban Outfitters (buy it here)

2. ASOS Linen Tab Detail Wide Leg Pant

• Fit: Wide-leg with a high rise
• What I'm wearing: A size US4 (UK8) in "chestnut" in a regular inseam.
• Other details you need to know: These come in four colors, are machine washable or dry cleanable, and also come in petite inseams! 

The good: In spite of being available in a shorter length, I decided to try these in a regular inseam.  Wide-legged bottoms can be incredibly hard to pull off when you're petite, and so I find that I almost always need a regular-inseam and a high heel to give myself extra height and not make myself look like a little teapot, short and stout. I really like these pants--the high-rise is surprisingly flattering to my booty thanks to two jet pockets on the back and the wide legs have just the right amount volume to look flattering and not ridiculous.     

And keep in mind: The "chestnut" color is very true to what you see on the ASOS website and they are definitely a rusty-orangey-red with almost no brown. They're a great color if you've been wanting to try a pair of red pants but want a color that is a bit softer and more neutral.  They are also made of linen, so wrinkle-phobes might want to steer clear, and I found these to fit tighter in the  waist and extreme-upper-thigh area, so that might be something to keep in mind when ordering.

My outfit: Oh, shoes that oddly match my bra (for the win!) and a messy red lip to match my messy braid. Whenever I wear lipstick (or any lip color, really) I always think  that I look like a 4-year old that's accidentally gotten into her mom's make-up drawer.  Just me? 

Top: Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Swiss Dot Lace Inset Blouse (buy it here) (similar style here in mauve + black) (and an option at Forever 21, too!)

Cardigan: GAP (buy it here)
Pants: Gifted from ASOS (buy them here)
Shoes: Miu Miu Lace-up Oxfords (buy them here) (similar style here) (and here by Rag & Bone)
Bag: Lanvin Sweet Dora Crossbody (buy it here) (similar style here at ALDO) (and similar style here at ASOS)

3. Double Belt Pleat Front Shorts

• Fit: Baggy with a high-rise and a double-layer skinny belt. 
• What I'm Wearing: A size US4 (UK8) in "purple" in a regular inseam 
• Other Details You Need to Know: These shorts come in four fun colors and are also available in a petite inseam. They are machine washable and made of a light, whisper-thin modal/poly blend.

The good: I love the bold, vibrant color of these shorts!  I also love the higher rise, as I have short legs (but a long torso) and high-waisted bottoms can help fake a waistline where a waistline doesn't currently exist and give the illusion of  having longer legs. I am also a general fan of anything with pleats and shape, which these shorts definitely have.

The bad: These shorts were the only item I was a little disappointed with.  When I ordered them, the petite-inseamed version wasn't yet on the site, and if I had to do it over I would definitely grab the petite inseam. The website says the regular shorts have an inseam of 3" (plenty short, yes?), but that combined with the "loose cut legs" means there's an odd amount of extra room towards the bottom of the short--more than there needs to be, especially since I like things to be  more tailored and fitted. I did also order these in a size US4 and could have easily done a US2 (if it had been available)- these seem to run at least one full size larger than the previous two items  I reviewed above.  In spite of the extra volume to work with, these shorts are still darling and the included wrap belt means that the waist can be easily tightened up, too.

The outfit:  While I almost always tuck blouses and tops into high-waisted bottoms, I decided that these looked kind of fun layered under a tiered strapless top for a more casual, beachy vibe. The kids at school used to always make fun of me for my underpants-showing-face--so weird, huh?

Top: Anthropologie Floreat Eyeleted Corseted Top (buy it here) (a pretty option from Nanette Lepore here) (and here at Urban Outfitters)
Shorts: Gifted from ASOS (buy them here) (another option here) (and here from French Connection)
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Greissimo Pumps (buy them here) (similar style by Steve Madden here) (and a fun option under $100 here)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (similar style here) (and an option for under $100 here)
Sunglasses: Rayban Plastic Aviators in  Tortoise (buy them here) (similar style for $32 here)
Lipstick: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte in Rose Paris (buy it at Sephora)



Have you found a brand retailer that sells perfectly-fitting pants? If so, share in the comments! 
(And another big thanks to ASOS for being so lovely and kind, too- you'll definitely be seeing these bottoms more on my blog soon! ♥)

Currently Loving (June 2011)

It's that time of month again! Here are 12 things that I am coveting this month; links (and more info!) for all of the items are below. Enjoy!

1. Shut The Front Door - WillamDohman (etsy.com) - This St. Paul, Minnesota resident makes all sorts of cheeky signs (and in all sorts of fun colors, too!).  Love!

2. Giuseppe Zanotti E10336 Sandals (zappos.com) -  I will always love a little bit of leopard, and these sandals combine juuust the right amount in a comfy ankle-wrap shape.

3. River Island Crossbody Snake Lady Bag (asos.com) - Reptile prints are slated to be hot this coming fall and winter, and this bag has a pretty lady-like shape with a bit of bite, corny slithering into style puns included.

4. Martine Chaison's Apartment (via May/June lonnymag.com) - Be still my rapidly beating heart.

5. Edmundo Castillo Pointed Toe Suede Pumps (shopbop.com) -  A bright and bold color in a slightly understated heel; while it may look like a simple pump for afar, its slightly elongated vamp helps lengthen legs while being smokin' hot to boot. 

6. Chandelier Sconce in Black (zgallerie.com) - These are perfect for hanging anywhere you need a little bit of elegance. (take 10% off with code "taketen05") 

7. Leopard Vintage-style Faux Fur Coat (topshop.com) - I am not entirely sure why it already seems to already be fall at this UK-based retailer, but no matter.  This coat is gorgeous and satisfies the crazy-over-medicated-little-old-lady in me, even if it will have to hang in my closet for a few months before wearing!

8. Gazelle Head Wall Plaque (zgallerie.com) - In spite of ceramic animal heads quickly becoming the most over-used accessory in design, I still love them.  This gazelle provides something different than the usual deer head; look for pictures of them in my own home soon. (+ take 10% off with code "taketen05")

9. Diesel Casual Pants (yoox.com) - This is the summer of color, and peachy-corally-pink pants are perfect for pairing with ivories, camels, and yellows.

10. Diane Von Furstenberg Miro Flowers Tray (bloomingdales.com) - The queen of the wrap dress is quickly also becoming the queen of pretty home goods; this tray is stunning!

11. D Bar Desserts - Denverites take note: even if you're like me and are quickly tiring of quirky bakeries, this little spot (located next to Strings in the uptown City Park neighborhood) has killer food to go along with the killer desserts. Highly recommend the macaroni and cheese and warm cookies with milk--a simple concept done incredibly well!

12. Ray Ban Plastic Aviators (urbanoutfitters.com) - I was looking for a pair of aviators slightly different than the ones my Husband wears (matching sunglasses = a little too dorky, eh?) when I stumbled upon these and quickly fell in love.  They combine the classic aviator look with a thicker, plastic frame that's both super comfortable and easy to wear.  

What's on your "lust list" for this month? Share in the comments below!

Outfit Of The Day (Burn It Down, Baby, Burn It Burn It Down)

Oh, first things first. I told myself that I wouldn't get all weird and obsessive over home decor on this blog when it came to this remodel, as that is not the type of blogger that I am.  I am not a "lifestyle" blogger, as most of you well know, unless you count my posts on how to make glorified minestrone (and by glorified I mean I use different and fun  noodles!) and on secrets for making my skin look so beautiful and smooth at the age of 43 (and ummm, I'm 29).

But to be honest, I told myself that I wouldn't get all weird and obsess-y mostly because it's my twin sister's deal. Her and I operate under the Strict Identical Twin Code of not EVER enjoying something that the other one loves, you see, which means fashion is my deal and interior design is her deal.


"I bet Stevie thinks my house is a disaster!" I said over-dramatically to my dad last Christmas, plopping down on a chihuahua or handbag or empty cardboard box  or whatever I was using at the moment as furniture.

"Sure," he said, pausing for a few seconds then shrugging, "but I bet you think her outfits are a disaster. Just how it goes."

Touché, dear dad, touché.

(Not really, she does fine in the fashion department, but thus implies another rule of the Strict Identical Twin Code- NEVER give each other a compliment unless it begins with the word "fart" and/or ends with the word "face", even if you are identical and will therefore essentially be calling yourself...a fartfuckface.)

But it is hard to not get slightly obsessive over things, especially when you are sacrificing a good chunk of manual labor/money/making-mean-faces-at-your-Husband's-back-while-he-paints-because-he-doesn't-like-the-ceramic-white-monkey-heads-you-picked-out-to-mount-on-the-wall-next-to-your-Keep-Calm poster, isn't it?  And so I apologize, as chances are I will be posting a lot about this shit over the next month, or six months, or six years, or however long this thing lasts.  Or in other words--oh boy oh boy, this blog will finally have some conten!

So! In the midst of my digging for remodeling inspiration I found a brilliant show on Bravo last week called "Million Dollar Decorators", which is billed as a reality TV show that follows around five "interior decorators to the stars"  After watching two episodes, however, I have learned that it is pretty much the most amazing show on TV this summer and it has almost nothing to do with the actual designing of anything.

I won't spoil it for you in case you haven't watched it (it's on Tuesday nights at 8pm MT sharp!) except in next week's episode we find out that Kathryn Ireland's housekeeper, Jacqueline, isn't really a housekeeper at all:

But is instead just a blind, alcoholic french women that Kathryn found shuffling around aimlessly in a TJ Maxx down in Santa Monica a few years back, on sale for $14.99.  Fabulous!

On to my outfit.  I'm dressed up for nothing in particular at the moment, which is the best type of dressed up there is. Friday night shenanigans, perhaps? I grabbed this dress during Urban Outfitter's last $20 off promotion, and while the spicy-bold print more than speaks for itself (and probably needs little to no help from accessories), what's the fun in that?

The possibilities here are endless.  It's print mixing time!

Dress: Urban Outfitters Ecote Print Embellished Strap Dress (buy it here) (another fun option here) (and here by Tracy Feith) (and here at Forever 21 for under $20!)
Belt: J Crew Patent Tab Belt in Cinnamon Spice (buy it here)
Shoes: Alexander Wang Isabel Haircalf Sandals (similar style here) (and here) (and a splurge here)
Bag: Chloe Saskia Satchel (similar style here for under $100) (and here)  (and here by Ms Minkoff)
Tan Wrap Bracelet: Gorjana Graham Studded Bracelet in Tan Sparkle (buy it here + take 20% off with code "toutie")
Crystal Bangle: Ann Taylor (buy it here)
Brown Beaded Bracelet: Forever 21 (similar style here)
Watch: Michael Michael Kors Runway Watch in Rosegold (buy it here)



(currently playing in the hizzouse)

Outfit Of The Day (Ochre-Poker)

(edited to add on 6-10-3011: if you like the shorts that I am wearing in the outfit below, they've since sold out at Lulus.com BUT you can find an identical pair here!)

The Great Remodeling Project of 2011 has picked up its pace once again. We are doing things!  And we're getting things done!  Except it never actually really feels like it.

Case in point: Husband and I decided to spend one Saturday evening a few weekends ago perusing the  calm and copacetic aisles of The Great Indoors.  We are currently on the hunt for a bathroom vanity, you see--something for our main floor bathroom that is small, yet cool.  It has to be cool.  

 {but not this cool.}

It has to be something so cool that when people come over and say, "May I use your bathroom?" you say, "Yes, please do! Go! Go use it! IN FACT LET'S JUST GO AND HANG OUT IN THERE." but since you are also a gracious and fabulous host that does everything exactly by the book, you add at the end, "....hang on a sec while I quickly whip up some sauvignon blanc and Totino's Pizza Rolls and I'll meet you right there. I call bathtub!"

Except finding this too-cool-bathroom-vanity has been a much harder mission to complete than we first thought.  Who knew?

There are just so many varieties to choose from in the world of bathroom vanities. Pedestals! Half moons! Tables! Columns!  Basins sinks! Bowl sinks! Trough sinks big enough to bathe in! It kind of makes me feel like a Candice Olson Zombie is eating my zombie-mushy-home-decor-ified brain as I endlessly search for something so inane (it is a bathroom sink for fuck's sake) yet never quite finding exactly what I have pictured in my fluffy little head. Ugh.


Can't I just build it myself out of LEGO's?  Paper mache?  Does nothing that I learned in elementary school (manners, how to count, how to spell, how to hang upside down on the monkey bars, how to hit someone square in the head with a tetherball, how to build lopsided picture frames out of common household goods so that in case I am ever homeless and living in the woods and it's raining I can use that dexterous skill to fashion a makeshift tent  and clothing for myself out of popsicle sticks and dried macaroni) (that was the point of that ugly little exercise, um right?) actually come in handy in real life?

Apparently not.  But I  won't give up the good fight here guys, oh no, because once I find that bathroom vanity I have much bigger fish to fry. Like lights! And paint colors.  And more furniture.  And plotting to get on to House Hunters International just so I can shriek hysterically and ask if the wicker furniture comes with the home and Husband can fulfill his glum husbandly-duty-on-that-show by shrugging, sticking his hands in his pockets, and then slowly turning while quietly mumbling to a bare and empty wall, "Oh look...a floor. I was hoping this place would have one of those. And a ceiling. It's....ah. A nice ceiling."

(It really is weird that we haven't gotten any further along in this, right? Now excuse me, I see a bright and shiny object....)

I do have a more solid direction to head in with the kitchen however, which does bring me a little bit of relief.  It is my favorite room in the house and also the one room in this house that I can close my eyes and truly see finished.  It's a lovely room already (due to no work of our own), so it  thankfully doesn't need much in the way of the really expensive updates.  Just some new tile, paint, accessories, and a little a lot of inspiration from this: 

{source: trad home by lonnymag.com}

And this is what we have so far (otherwise known as new paint on the walls), slooow clap:

{a whole lotta nothing...yet.}

Next up for the kitchen: black trim, new tile, new fancy kitchen table chandelier, new table, new chairs, new window coverings, and a fresh new big bottle of vodka to help deal with um celebrate it all.

On to my outfit. Notice anything? Prior to painting our kitchen it had never really occurred to me how much fashion and interior design go hand-in-hand. If I can wear the color in an outfit then I can hopefully style it in a room.  Duh.

While J Crew has had a few shortcomings as of late, their bronzey, avocado-ochre hues have undeniably been the most reached-for in my closet over the past six months.  It is such an unusual (and some might even say 'ugly', gasp!) color, but still so fun to wear and paint in the kitchen:

Camisole: J Crew Radiette Camisole in Olive Tree (similar style here) (and here in "gilded gold") (and here by Theory) (and here by Madewell in "moss")

Shorts: Lulus.com (similar style here) (another option here for $24.20) (another option here for $39) (and a stunning splurge by Anna Sui!)

Watch: Michael Kors Large Runway Watch in Rosegold (buy it here)

Belt: Urban Outfitters  (similar style here at ASOS) (and here) (and here at F21) (and here, on sale!)

Bag: Fendi B Bag (similar style here) (and quite a few on Ebay)

Shoes: J Crew Perfectly Patent Pumps (similar style here) (and here as a kitten heel) (and here by Kate Spade)

What is your favorite color to wear?  Share in the comments! ❤

Outfit Of The Day (I Know I Am, But What Are You?)

I hope you guys had a nice Memorial Day weekend!  I had a busy one--Husband and I took a quick trip down to Oklahoma to spend time on the 800+ acre  family ranch that he co-owns with his dad and brother in the Red River area.  It was a fun and different sort of trip, albeit (as always) much too brief.

It is quite pretty down in that area nestled between the Oklahoma and Texas border; full of vibrant green fields and dense, thick trees creating endless shadowy paths to explore with tiny pockets of fiery sunlight twinkling and sparkling in, just like nature's version of a diamond.  Except diamonds are  already from nature and so I think that probably makes a diamond nature's version of a diamond, huh. So if that's the case, this was nature's version of...a..cubic zirconia?  You know, a really good cubic zirconia! One that doesn't look quite so fake.  Ya'll know what I mean--it was pretty.  


It actually reminds me a lot of where I am from in eastern South Dakota, and I never realize how much I miss the greenery until I am back home again in brown, desert-y Colorado, begrudgingly making plans to plant pots of dirt as it's too dry for anything else to grow. I mean, sometimes I get creative and even jam a  dead twig or two into the top of my dirt pots just for a  bit of artsy flavor (so whimsical! so fun! yay colorado!), but there is a lot to be said about the subtle pockets of prettiness in the Midwest. Even if it does come with humidity, frizzy hair, mosquitoes, and a bunch of other crazy things that I don't really miss, tweedle-tee-dee.


I see those endlessly flat fields and I always have to quell the tenaciously delicious urge to take off running, running, running. And never look back.

I did snap a few pictures this time now that I have a handy dandy little camera that fits into my purse.  We relaxed, did some riding around on four wheelers, ate dinner at the Choctaw casino, played a few mean rounds of Uno, and had windy buckets of cold lake water dumped on us during a 4-hour boat excursion on Lake Texoma. Here we go:

Speedy Gonzales (aka my father-in-law) zooming away from us in a field on the ranch on his four wheeler.

Another shot of a field on the ranch (and Husband's brother in the distance)

Moo-ve, cows, moooo-ve.  Hahaha sorry, can't help it.

 Chitty-chatter in front of us with Husband's brother and dad.

My hair + lots of humidity = not awesome.  I had to look my best for those effin' cows, you know.

I caught Husband talking to a squirrel and attempting to get rabies feed it. I think he missed Petunia.

On the boat! So excited!

And we're off!  So excited!

...and we're all completely drenched roughly 5 minutes later; you can't see because my camera was covered in lake-water-slime-goo.  (from left: father-in-law's wife, my father-in-law, Husband, and Husband's brother's foot.)

Going off to explore with the sun beginning to set!

This is Bull, the best puppy ever.  He was our trusty and fearless tour guide for a four wheeling expedition Husband and I took by ourselves.

Sunset.

Heading back home with Bull in the lead, kicking a cloud of dirt up the entire way.

I also took some vacation video of us doing normal vacation-y things, like me making honking noises at some cows because the horn on the four-wheeler was broken and also of me honing my skills as a professional bug puncher, but I think I'll just leave that off the ol' blog for now because I don't want to bore ya'll. Maybe later, but only if you guys are nice.

Outfit time!  You can't see it very well in these pictures, but my nails match my heels and it's making me happier than you will ever, ever know:

Top: Sanctuary (similar style here) (and here for $14.99) (and here) (and here for $19.99)

Shorts: Silence & Noise Leather Short (buy them here - on sale + take $20 off on your order of $100+ with code "HELLOSUMMER") (and similar style here)

Belt: J Crew Patent Tab Skinny belt in Cinnamon Spice (buy it here)

Bracelet: J Crew (similar style here)

Watch: Michael Kors Oversized Runway watch in Rose Gold (buy it here) (similar style here for $115)

Shoes: J Crew (similar style here) (and here)

Bag: Lanvin Sweet Dora Crossbody (buy it here) (similar style here for $125) (and here) (and here + take 10% off with code "372502096")

Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Insta Dry Fast Color in Raspberry Race (similar color here in 'lively lilac')