The Rainbow Connection

Good gravy.  Urban Outfitters has gone and done it again.  For like the umpteenth time.  Look at that sweater.  It's sheer (perfect for my layering obsession), rainbowed (translation: will go with everything) and subtly sparkly - all in one!  I couldn't have dreamed up a better topper if I tried.  If I had it, I'd wear it EVERYWHERE.  Heck.  I'd even wear it to bed!  If this is what UO has to show for this year, I'm totally and completely stoked to see what 2011 could/will possibly bring.

Photo Source: Urban Outfitters

A Dry Run

Mane miracle in a can, folks.  Mane miracle.  I had almost given up on believing in such follicle fairytales because I most certainly was not blessed with a head of hair that can go days on end without being washed and still look utterly (and) perfectly unperfect. 

But when I was hit with my very own, not-so-pleasant version of a Black Friday over the weekend, I had no choice.  I was deliriously down and out, no chance of mustering up enough energy to wash, let alone brush my hair.  I needed help.  And fast.

I grabbed this little five dollar can of dry shampoo - and with a few sprays - had fluffy, manageable fullness for days!  Me! Woo hoo!  I took a few extra minutes to fawn over my newfound 'do and stare in disbelief at what had just happened to me hairwise.  I couldn't believe it.  It was (and still is) that amazing.

Hallelujah, Tresemme.  HALLELUJAH! 

Photo Source: Tresemme

Hot Cake Fashion

Allow me to introduce Alice, the genius behind Hot Cake Fashion. 

Readers, Alice.  Alice, Readers.

Who is this Alice, you ask?

Please, read her fashion-y story below:

Hot Cake Fashion tells the story about Alice who is a Swedish Designer that out of the blue, decided to pack her bags and say goodbye to Stockholm where she had grown up.

She left with a one way ticket to Thailand and a dream to manufacturer her very first Collection, something she had been sketching for and thought about ever since she finished her fashion studies back in Florence, Italy. With her then boyfriend from New Zealand, they went from one country to another, seeing places like The Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal in India.

Finally, now settled down in New Zealand and happily married to her travel partner and love of her life, she kept on writing daily fashion dozes on Hot Cake Fashion and also made her collection of pretty velvet pieces; with so many questions from fellow Fashion Designers and curious creatives she decided to write a Guide (Alice's Make it Fashion Guide) about the steps she took when starting her very own clothing line. In the guide, she really tells it all, the story about her adventures and costly mistakes. You will also get valuable advice on how to put buy leads up, what a manufacturer wants and, as a little treat, how to set up your very own successful fashion blog.

So, for anyone curious, whether it's Starting a Clothing Label or it's getting inspired by her Fashion Blog, it's worth a visit!

Couldn't have said it better myself.

And with the snow falling outside, wouldn't mind being all wrapped up in one those velvet pretties right about now.  Nope.  Not at all.

Nice to meet you, Alice.

Photo Source: Hot Cake Fashion

Black Friday

Boy oh boy ... did I have a Black Friday.  But not the wondermous early bird, shop-'til-you-drop kind of shopping Black Friday.  Oh no.  Instead, I was rushed to the Instacare in a very slept-in thermal nightgown, a not-so-good-for-the-snow pair of Toms on my bare shakin' legs and an unholy nest of bedhead. 

See ... my family has its very own unique kind of holiday tradition.  It seems as if one of us always gets super nasty sick each and every holiday.  I guess it was my turn to take one for the team this year.  And, goodness me, did I! A heating pad became my bestest friend, an x-ray in those oh-so-lovely hospital gowns and a very kindhearted doc's diagnosis telling me I was right in the middle of  passing an itty bitty, teeny-tiny kidney stone that I swear was trying to end me.

I've already let the rest of my family know that I'm asking that the baton be passed to one of them come Christmas because Thanksgiving was more than enough for me, thank you very much.  And I missed out on my favorite pastime: shop-shop-shopping for the ultimate bargain. 

But holy moly ... do I have a newfound thankfulness for my comfy-cozy, fluffy duvet-covered bed (although not quite as high as the dreamy one above) that I plan on hopping into momentarily to sleep as long as humanly possible.  Or at least until I have enough strength to get back to my beloved bargains ...

Photo Source: A Cup Of Jo

Giving Thanks

I'm thankful for the fact that my wallet's contents don't even come close to being able to afford (or for that matter, justify) such a shoe splurge thisclose to the holidays, but that doesn't mean that I can't (and won't) go ahead and add them to my slowly-but-surely-ever-growing Christmas wishlist.  No siree.

Photo Source:  Dr. Martens

The Velveteen Habit

Nothing says wintery holidays quite like velvet.  Am I right?  There is something so regal, so lush about it in all its softness.  Like these ruby red shorts.  I'd love nothing more than to snatch up a pair (a total bargain and steal at $34.50) and wear 'em slightly baggier and slung low on my hips with layers of thermal and cable knit.  Ahh, yes.  Luxury at its finest.   

Photo Source: dELiA*s 

Clip Art

A blizzard warning came across the top of my TV screen yesterday afternoon promising nothing but snow, snow and some more snow for later today; naturally, I immediately started gravitating towards clicking on all things warm weather-related while on my computer (think flowy sundresses, silky shorts and open-toed shoes) so when I came across this array of adorable shoe clips, I thought if I can't have the sun for a bit, at least I can have some warmth and cheer every time I look down at my tinseled tootsies ...

Photo Source: No144

What A Doll!

Wouldn't she look ridiculously cute sitting atop my newly acquired fluffy white duvet cover in all her red-striped and polka-dotted glory?  I sure think so.  No, I know so.  And she's not the only one I fell for ... check out this fine fella too who I found to be most darling and quite the dapper of dudes.  Want him too.  Bad.

Photo Source: Timor

Party Polish

After seeing this gold-flecked image, I'm pretty sure that I now have to break out the rhinestone nail stickers that have been buried deep in a bathroom drawer of mine so I, too, can have flashy fingers both covered in sparkly shine and fabulously fit for the upcoming holiday trifecta known as Thanksgiving (mmm ... stuffing), Christmas (mistletoe, be good to me this year) and that New Year's thingamajig (again with the smooching). 

Source: Curiouser and Curiouser

Pajama Party

I opened up my e-mail's inbox to this most-welcoming, makes-me-feel-all-warm-and-fuzzy-like announcement: BeWakeful (she of what may be the coolest profile pic ever) was now following me ... me!? ... over on that little tweeting site. 

When such an occasion occurs, I must stop everything else I'm doing and immediately click onto the provided link and ooh and ahh over all the handmade lovelies that my eyes can see and - as always - I just so happened to find that one special specific piece I never knew I always wanted: these pajama pretties.

Never has getting dressed and ready for bed looked so good.

Photo Source: BeWakeful

The Tulle Test

I have a personal test that I give myself every time I see a piece of clothing that catches my eye:  I wait.  I wait at least a day (if I can make it a week, it verges on miracle-making stuff) to see if I'm still thinking and/or dreaming of it and all the ways I can wear it.  It's a good way for me to see if it's just a passing fancy of a trend or if I truly need and have to have it to add to my wardrobe.

Take tulle, for example.  I recently saw this little pink number (and when I did, I let out an oh-that's-too-too-pretty sigh) but didn't quite know how I could/would incorporate it into my current baby-it's-cold-outside winter wear; while enduring my self-made mandatory waiting time, I got my go-ahead green light from Ms. Emily (of Cupcakes and Cashmere) herself upon seeing the layered look above.  Although hers is a bit tougher than the route I'd most likely take with a blushier hue, all I'd need still is a super soft, comfy-cozy sweater, maybe a belt to cinch, some tried-and-true thick-ish tights and platforms to properly winterize this particular piece. 

Tulle Test: Complete.

Photo Source: Cupcakes and Cashmere

Getting Personal

I've secretly always wanted to monogram all of my belongings (you know, like cardis, sheets, pillowcases and maybe even some more accessories) so how cute would it be to get two letter B(s) from this adorable line of alfabet earrings to wear and showcase some serious blog pride?  Darn cute, I say.

Photo Source: by boe

Note To Self

Dear Short-Haired Me,

Remember watching this season of Project Runway every Thursday night?  And how every time Gretchen would come on screen with that thrown-together bun resting so effortlessly on her head that you vowed yours would look like that one day?  Remember?

And remember just this past weekend how amazingly triumphant you felt when - to your utter delight - you could pull your hair back into two tiny pigtails - and they stayed?! (Woo hoo!)  If those two examples aren't enough to convince you that you should totally be growing out your hair, let the chic-haired mister in this picture be the final factor to sway your vote in the short-or-long-haired debate.

Sincerely,

Your Hopefully Long-Locked Future Self

P.S. As incentive, you should definitely get yourself a killer coat like this fella's so you can look good while in the middle of your 'grow out' phase; I even took it upon myself to find a fashion-y few for you to think about: Here, here and here.  You're welcome.

Photo Source: glamcanyon

The Line-Up

Wow wow wowza - do I want to be brave enough to wear this lined look!  So much more showstopping than basic black, no?  And all I gotta do is slick and part my 'do, apply my just-learned blush trick (brush on a pinked-out powder first, then a creamed one over that to set your cherub cheeks for an all-day, not-goin'-anywhere flush) tappity-tap on a lip stain (or chapstick of choice) and finish it all off with a lid-swooshin' of white to rock that line.

Source: Vanessa Jackman

Wrapped In A Bow

My Christmas list is being written early this year.  And sitting right on top, in the coveted first position, is a bowed beauty (every one being totally different and made out of actual china) from the dreamy store that I wish I could literally say I lived in: Anthropologie.  But since that's never gonna happen, I'll settle for sliding one of these bracelets onto my wrist instead.  For now.

Source: Anthropologie 

Eye Candy

For the feet.

Sources: here comes the sun, bleubird vintage and maraisusa

Picture This

I knew there was a reason why I have hesitated so much on hanging anything up on my bare white bedroom walls.  I need a polaroid camera.  And some film.  Stat.

Source: Stardust and Sequins

A Long Winter's Nap

Oh my holy crudola.  I want one of these knit-tastic neck cozies in every single flippin' color imaginable so I can have one on my person 24/7.  I only wish that they were bigger so I could literally crawl inside them and happily (and oh-so-warmly) hibernate the whole gosh darn winter long.

Source: NinaRamone

Sentimentalitee

For a wondering if love really is all it's cracked up to be single skeptic, this shirt kinda sorta fits me to a tee, don't you think?

Source: myPetsQuare

Gloved Goodness

I've been seeing these adorable hand warmers around the blogger block for a while now, but I couldn't resist showing them off a little more here (what a surprise that they would be the gold sparkly ones) and also to maybe convince myself to save a pretty penny or two for my own pair in all their clever cuteness and glory; and, of course, they come from the Queen of Wit and Whimsy herself, Kate Spade.  Consider me one mitten kitten.  Hee hee.

Source: Kate Spade

Shim Shimmery

I've fallen pretty dang hard for the sequin-y trend that seems to be taking over every top, skirt and pant that I see.  Just look at the stunner above in all its shiny, bubbly goodness.  The only problem?  It's in the too-tiny-for-me (and my purse strings) girls' section of J.Crew.  So on the hunt I went for my own something sparkly that I could both afford and pair with my slouchiest of tees and most rough-rugged coats and boots.  Enter this shimmering specimen.  At even more than half off the price of the original inspiration piece.  And in my size.  Another successful end to a bargain hunt.  Nice.

Source: crewcuts

Fashion Forecast

I'm warped.  Weather warped.  Totally.  When the sun is shining outside, all I can think about is wanting nothing more than to be wrapped up in the warmest, comfy-coziest, multiple-layered outfit possible (I'm talkin' scarves, blazers, cardis, coats, the whole shebang) yet when the weather is gray-ish and the temperatures start to drop, all I want to be seen wearing are the silkiest, lightest, most chiffon-y pieces out there.  So, naturally, when I spotted the dreamy blouses over on Fancy French Cologne (thanks to from me, for you's pretty little post and the peach cut out perfection of a tee pictured above) I knew one thing for sure: Winter most definitely must be on its way.

Source:  Fancy French Cologne

Short And Sweet

Today I am taking my style cue right from the lovely Jen (over on jenloveskev) since I nearly fell off my chair as soon as I saw what I think to be the most adorable outfit ... like ... ever.  For real.  Shorts with thigh high socks and boots?  Serious perfection, people.  Perfection.  Although she went the paper bag waist(ed) route, I think I'll take it on down the knit way with this cozy pair that I would wear with the chunkiest, warmest and ribbiest (for all posting intents and purposes, today, that's totally a word) of thick tights and strut my stylish short stuff all over the place.

Source: jenloveskev