orangebeach.

Went on a much needed vacation last week to the beach. It was everything a beach trip is supposed to be.....seafood, sunshine, shopping. I came back rejuvenated and relaxed. It really was exactly what I needed, no matter how cliche that sounds.

This was the view from our balcony.

lazy river = most brilliant invention ever.

We went out to a fancy dinner one night so I decided to clean myself up a bit.

Dress: Anthropologie (as seen here)

Shoes: Moda via Stein Mart

Scarf: Banana Republic Outlet

Earrings: gift via Etsy

Sunglasses: Chanel

I did work on my tan quite a bit, and by that I mean sit in a beach chair with my face buried in The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest, in a giant hat, and plenty of sunscreen. I walked along the beach too...picking up shells and squeamishly running from crabs and sting rays close to the shore. I'm not so good around ocean animals with claws and such who are easily agitated. You can call me a baby, I call it smart. I mean haven't you seen that commercial..."We know more about the moon than the ocean". Enough said.

Dress: Forever 21

Swimsuit: Sand N Sun via my aunt

Flip Flops: Target

Hat: Scala

Sunglasses: RayBan

Bag: I bought this from a street vendor in Venice.

I love this reusable shopping bag and it packs down to the size of a tiny ball. It was an impulse purchase but I've used it a ton. It was quite useful at the end of my 3 week trip to Europe when the wine bottles procured would just no longer fit into my giant overpacked bag. Since then I've used it as a purse, an over night bag, for the groceries...and now a beach bag.

I bet you were wondering what's in it.

Beach Towel

Water Bottle

Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm

Apple

Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Sunscreen SPF 70+

Amazon Kindle w/ case

Shells

Shortly after my beachbumness was captured for all of Meep to see...I was meet with this. I had just gotten settled in the sun when in rushed in and ruined it all. It was the last day and such a bummer.

I still had an awesome time. I'm pretty easy to please though. Any trip that takes me to a town with an outlet mall is okay by me. Here's a sneak peak of some of the finds I scored. Bargain shopping. What a rush.

(Calvin Klein panties are where it's at ladies. Get some.)

2010.

Happy New Year!!! I know that it's a little late, but I've been super busy. I hope you had a great new year and totally capitalized on the chance to dress up like you're going to the ball. I, however, didn't. I didn't make plans to do anything until about 9 o'clock, which didn't leave much time for getting ready...plus my room was a MESS which makes it even harder.

I pulled something simple together and put on a little extra eyeliner...then we were off. I rang in the New Year at a friend's party that was pretty low key, which was nice. I believe there to be no better way than to begin the year with an outfit update, so here it is...

black turtleneck- Mossimo

pink footless tights - HUE via TJMaxx

turquoise skirt - Dana Buchman via thrift store

(found this beauty on half off day with the Macy's tag still attached [i.e. never been worn]. original price $168.00 thrift store awesomeness $5.00)

black slouch boots - Payless

white mini purse - thrift store

white "wilma" necklace - thrift store

I'm starting the new year with a few resolutions and I'm really looking forward to getting things into gear this year. Of course I want to lose some weight and eat healthier (who doesn't), but I also want to start saving some money, create short and long term goals constantly, get out the Roach Motel that is my rented duplex, become a better sewer and many, many others.

Meep-wise I'd like to allot more time for posting and outfit creation...I'd like to do more dying and personalizing on my clothing...and maybe even work on starting my own little stylist/outfit organization/consulting type of side project.

I guess we'll see how it goes, and, as always, you're invited along for the ride. I promise it will be cute.

crisp.

so the crisp air has set in and the leaves have all changed and I'm in fall clothes mode. I've organized my tights and dusted off my boots and I'm ready for coats and sweaters and such. I know I've mentioned this "fall fever" in one other post but Memphis can be finicky when it comes to seasons. Just when you think fall has come, the next week brings us sunshine and sweating...but I turned my heat on in the car this morning so I think it's safe to say that fall has officially set in.

When I was young I got so excited for the winter and fall seasons because my parents always took me shopping to get a few new things. As I got older I was able to supplement these shopping trips with my own money and often returned home feeling like I got a whole new wardrobe. Nowadays things aren't so rosy. My hard earned money goes towards silly things like food and shelter, leaving very little money left over. I plan to get most of my new winter things this season from thrift stores and such, but I went on an imaginary shopping spree at etsy.com just to fill the void.

Lately, I've only been shopping for clothes at discount stores (TJ, Plato's, etc.) and thrift stores. I chalk this up to my strained funds, but I'm finding that I enjoy shopping so much more. First, the money goes so much farther and I end up getting way more than if I'd blown my money at the mall. If I took $50 to my favorite thrift store on half-off day I'd probably need a U-haul instead of a bag. Also, when I find something really awesome it feels so much better. A few weeks ago I found a J. Crew jacket at Plato's Closet that looked like it had never even been tried on....original tags still in tact and only $12. I mean, how can it get any better than that. And, while, some of the stuff I find at the thrift store isn't perfect, a $2 box of RIT dye or a $4 alteration turns it into a one of a kind piece. I'm not saying that I don't lust over the shoes at Aldo or would turn down a gift card to Anthro....I'm just saying that my successful thrifting of late has really made me love it that much more. Expect to see some very cool stuff I've picked up lately over the next month in outfit posts (if i ever find my camera...which is a whole different story).

But, the point is, even if I had an endless shopping budget I think I'd still spend a lot of my time surfing etsy and browsing my local thrift stores. (I have this dream of taking a road trip around to the best thrift stores in the United States...omg wouldn't that just be the most fun evvver!) I will warn you...these picks will make you want to curl up by the fire with a pumpkin spice latte! (gotcha, you thought I was going to say hot chocolate didn't cha???)

Golden Leaves Capelet

this is a great (and easy) way to jazz up jeans and a tee. i love the colors here and the look of the heavy knit.

Embellished Bow Top

Grey Dress with Applique

this is so cute to me but i can see how some wouldn't think so. it looks so warm and with bright tights or boots you could really make a statement. i also LOVE the paper airplanes on the wall in the background.

Ruffled Cowl Tunic

Recycled Plaid Tee

Mademoiselle Skirt

i like this skirt because it looks so dainty and polished but really it's made of comfy organic jersey! it comes in a million colors too.

Dainty Blouse

Cameo Tee

this is awesome. i might get a little DIY and try this for myself. i've always loved shirts that look plain from the front but have interesting detail on the back.

Lana Hoodie

Cashmere Vignette Arm Warmers

The Tiny Little Adventurous Bird

i love this print. it reminds me of one of my favorite notebook scenes. you know..."if you're a bird, i'm a bird." aww it's been too long since i've seen that movie!

Freezebaby Mittens

Vintage 60s Tartan Bowling Bag

Grape Back Seam Textured Tights

i have no words for how amazing these tights are. i LOVE them.

Holiday Sequin Bib Necklace

a great way to dress up a little black dress.

Vintage 80s Woven Oxfords

Riona Hand-Knit Cardigan Coat

Big Collar Wool Winter Coat

Snowy V-neck Tunic

The Kir Royale

The Iron and Rust Dress

i have a very laid bak family, which i love, but i do wish we could have a formal thanksgiving or christmas dinner. you know the long table with candles lit and long dresses (or this one here) and ties...but this could just be me realizing that real life provides very few occasions for

prom-esque attire.

le smoking.

so if you follow me on twitter you know that i scored huge at my favorite thrift store last Friday. I went to fill my time before a meeting and I didn't have plans for serious shopping, but I did stumble upon a few things I couldn't live without. It was half-off day so most of the stuff i bought ended up being under $1.

I wore one of my finds out on Saturday night to a sleepover at a friend's house. I wanted to wear something easily transitioned to sleep wear but I really wanted to wear a jacket I got on my shopping trip. I bought it because it reminded me of the YSL le smoking but in a funky color. I loved the longer masculine look of it and hope to wear it with a super short dress...maybe in the spring when I'm skinnier. For now, though, this is what I put together.

striped jacket - thrift store

"Love is Love" extra long t-shirt - Gap

white skinny jeans - Wal-mart

(i know this last week has made it seem like I shop at wal-mart a lot. don't be fooled....i'm not sure how 3 of the 5 pieces i own managed to get into one week...)

black oxford booties - Etienne Aigner via TJMaxx

bruised.

(is it just me or do my eyes look super creepy in this picture?)

so i've been really intrigued with the navy blue and purple combination this season. i don't own very much purple but i'm thinking about dying a few old pieces to my new favorite color. I got my nails done the other day and decided on a dark purplish color (OPI what are you wearing?) and (as stupid as it sounds) that's what inspired me to put this outfit together. I pulled an old blazer out of my "take to plato's closet" bag and it went from there. I hope to re-create this outfit when i have a more appropriate shirt to wear...i've had that pastel polo for-ev-errr.

I wore this outfit out and about...running errands, etc. I was really comfortable in it except for one small set back. It was a very windy day and the light fabric of the skirt didn't exactly hold up to the random gusts of wind. At first I wasn't expecting it so I'm pretty sure i flashed a few unsuspecting bystanders, but i got the problem under control eventually. The skirt has pockets so those helped a lot. I'd say I was quite red in the face at the time, but looking back I have to laugh. Oh, the perils of being fashionable. I did learn something though. Check the weather before stepping out in this outfit again...not tornado friendly.

pastel purple polo - Ralph Lauren via TJMaxx

navy blazer w/ purple accent - Old Navy

navy gingham skirt - Wal-Mart

purple suede booties - Nine West via TJMaxx

tights.

This weekend was really the first time it really felt like fall in my city. I can't say that i'm a huge fan of cold weather but i do enjoy the chance to wear sweaters and boots and tights! I've been dying to wear tights so i was super excited about the change in temperature. I spent the past weekend in my dingy home improvement clothes but did manage to get myself dressed twice. I'm putting both outfits in this post so you're getting two for the price of one this time!

black turtleneck - Target

houndstooth sweater vest - Target (thanks mom!)

dark jean skirt - Old Navy

maroon tights - ???

slouchy gray boots - bought on sale last season from Shoenami

gray sweater blanket (fashionable snuggie, haha) - Wal-Mart (shameful but cute)

pink deep-v dress - TJ Maxx

Tiffany-colored tights - by HUE from TJMaxx

slouchy gray boots - Shoenami

a better look at the jacket. i love this thing. it makes me feel like i'm still in bed under the covers. oh, and i guess you noticed the change in hair color too.

foe.

so it's been a good day. slept later than i care to admit to, sat in the floor of my living room with a giant cup of coffee and caught up on my fashion magazine readings, went to the thrift store and found a ton of cute stuff, and i even found a cute new online shop with a ton of pretty little things. one of the pieces was showcased in InStyle and i'm so glad i took the time to look at all the the things offered online. go to the website to take a peek at everything but i'll put my favorites from the line here. these clothes are still out of my price range but i'd like to save up for something special like one of the beautiful dresses!

Ruffle Front Skirt

i'd love to pair this skirt with a black leather biker jacket and peep-toe studded booties.

Multi Layer Silk Jacket

please go to the website and look at this more closely. it is sooooobeautiful and this picture does it only an ounce of justice.

Silk Blouse with Skirt

this is so me. i love the nude top with the breezy sleeves. it looks like more than one piece...like you put together a flawlessly sweet outfit but really it's essentially a dress. yay for easy cute.

Strapless Tulip Dress

super cute easy dress with interesting detail. it looks pretty short but i bet it would be awesome with some tights or sexy knee high boots.

Two Tone Bandage Dress

love the color, love the cut. i personally would absolutely look like a whale in it myself but i do like it.

Piano Ruffle Top

we all know...i love ruffles!

One Shoulder Silk Mini Dress

simple dress with some very interesting details. black boots and chunky bangles is all you'd need to complete this outfit.

Crochet Detailed Tiered Top

Great colors and well....i'm not going to say it again. okay, ruffles.

Scallop Silk Top

i've been obsessed with this beautiful purple color lately. it's very regal and it looks great with animal prints. i've actually been meaning to hit up american apparel for some staples in this color. i love the V-neck razorback combo and the scalloped bottom. cutecutecute.