jukebox.

I was asked to house sit for a friend who has some serious style. Of course her house was adorable but I didn't expect anything less. She had some amazing vintage stuff and she told me she had been collecting for years (everything from radios to kitchen accessories). Her house tells a story through all of the interesting art and trinkets she's compiled. I enjoyed staying in her world for a few days and it only fueled my aspirations to one day have a fabulous/stylish house to suit my tastes.

I'm pretty sure I had dreams about being Don Draper's wife while staying there too.

One of the nights I stayed over I went out to a party. It was rumored to be the destination for a very large group of foreign exchange students from the university. I'm always up for an outfit challenge so I went as american as I could without putting on a flag shirt and a mullet wig.

picnic table shirt - Gap Outlet

black skirt - american apparel

gold cowboy boots - steve madden

necklace - K&G Superstore

glasses - Anne et Valentine

(notice my sweet upgrade on the hair-do. pink!!)

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.)

twirl.

don't you just love a skirt with some good twirl?? the spinning immediately takes me back to being a tiny little child. what makes you feel like a kid?

top: Miley Cyrus for Wal-mart (i can't believe i just admitted that.)

skirt: thrifted

shoes: urban outfitters

jewelry: gold tassel [ebay] purple necklace [from my great grandmother]

twentythree

I can't believe that, once again, it was time for my birthday and I'm a year older. I find that each year I meet the looming birthday with less and less enthusiasm. Maybe this is a mid-twenties funk or learning the realities of getting older, but all I know is that if I feel this way when I'm 23, I'm going to be camped out on the couch with a bucket of ice cream and a box of tissues at 30.

I did realize however that putting on a cute outfit, going to share time with family, and eating some really yummy food is a great way to sneak out of that dark place of "OMG, is this where I thought I'd be at this age??" I guess I can use this post as reference when 30 is upon me and I'm gearing up for my sad night of self pity.

Teal Dress - Forever 21

Flower Necklace - K&G (my newest bargain shopping heaven)

Shoes - Stuart Weitzman via K&G

I loved the back lace detail on this dress. Anything that adds a breezy-ness to clothing is a good thing. It has been sticky-hot here and the night of my birthday was no exception.

I'm mildly obsessed with these right now. Paying 1/3 of the original price may have something to do with that.

I want to eat is all again.

Chris carried my purse and gift for me when we were leaving. The wind was blowing quite hard and since my dress was the length of a night gown I really needed to focus on not flashing the nice patrons who choose to eat outside. I had to capture this because 1) what a great boyfriend and 2) it's my new Marc by Marc Jacobs bag that I bought "hand me down" from a friend at work. It's giant and beautiful and I love it. (that box in his hand holds the gift from my parents. A kindle! I'm so excited about it and, so far, I would recommend that everyone have one)

my sweet parents

my sis and brother in law

The whole crew. Notice that the Luckett ladies know how to pose :)

All in all I had a great birthday. I'm glad that I embraced the day and had fun with it. I'll have to remind myself of that next year except for maybe a whole week in advance this time.

mum.

tank top - from my mom

beaded bolero jacket - thrift

denim skirt - Old Navy

studded gladiators - J. Aldridge Sea of Shoes via Urban Outfitters

gold tassel necklace - E-bay

flower ring - birthday gift via Neiman Marcus

I have the most amazing mom on the face of the earth. She is my best friend and she always knows how to make me smile. She's beautiful and strong and hardworking. I work everyday of my life to become more like her; more patience, more selflessness. I get my creativity and my hips from her...two of my very favorite things.

My mother always let me be who I was no matter what. She let me dress myself before I knew my left from my right. She developed my personality and nurtured my talents. She is my Meep and always will be.

I wanted to share mine and my mom's outfit on this post, but unfortunately my camera went dead. I'll share mine with you today and revisit one of my mom's cute outfits later.

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.

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.

american.

so i went downtown one day last week to pick up my first check from my new job and it took a lot less time than i thought it would. American Apparel is only a few blocks away and i hadn't been there in so long....and honestly i haven't really been shopping in a real store in a while. I had some extra cash so i thought i'd go look around and just check it out. my rules are if you don't try anything on you can't buy anything. I made my plan to only spend a few minutes looking and try on NOTHING. Needless to say that didn't happen and luckily i had the extra cash because i loved all the stuff i tried on SO much i ended up spending almost $100. This new outfit came at a perfect time though because my boyfriend and i were planning to go out to eat...and i like to look cute (DUH.). Plus, what's more american than overspending to look good??? Maybe eating apple pie but i'm sure overspending is a close second.

so here it is. the whole outfit is from AA except for the shoes and jewelry.

american apparel:

Black Chambray Jumpsuit

Circle Vest in marigold (everyone needs one of these, so brilliant and easy to make!)

Elastic Clasp Belt in deep purple

black peep toe patent leather heels by BCBG

clear three strand necklace from Express

(sorry for the poor picture quality...my camera has kind of started to suck and i think i need to get a tripod. any camera junkies out there?? please lead me down the right path.)

carrie.

i really don't get out much. i used to LOVE going out on the town and staying out until the wee hours of the morning but lately i've been staying in more than usual. so these days when i do go out i enjoy getting all dressed up. i've really gone way past the "over dressed" worries and now allow myself to wear whatever i want. the bars and events i usually go to are the jeans and t-shirts type...but i don't mind. i tend to stand out when i get all dressed up because of this reason. the old me would have been horrified by the strange looks i sometimes get but at some point i realized that it just doesn't matter. because, really, me being happy is all that matters and i love getting dressed up!

there is a point to this........

last weekend i went to my boyfriend's show at a bar that he plays at all the time. this bar is the aforementioned "jeans and t-shirt" type of place. i did my normal routine and put together something really cute to wear. while waiting for the band to start two of my friends that i often hang out with at shows paid me the biggest compliment anyone in my life has ever given. Shannon and Rhi turned to me and said "You know what Lindy, you are pretty much our real-life Carrie Bradshaw."

maybe to you this seems silly, being compared to a fictional character, but to me it was exactly what i needed to hear. While watching sex and the city has done a lot of things for me.....provided entertainment, helped me to appreciated all types of fashion, schooled me obscure and dirty topics.....the thing i take from it more than anything is learning the importance of being yourself and not being ashamed of it. The main focus of my life is becoming the person i know i can be but in my opinion only and no one else's.

so i'd like to thank those girls for helping me to re-realize exactly why i cherish my individuality and confidence more than anything else. the compliment was directly related to what i had on but i translated it into so much more.

here's the outfit that warranted the lovely comments

Mossimo tank top from Target

Pink belt from thrift store

Skirt with pockets from Wal-Mart

Steve Madden ruffle wedges from Macy's

Name Plate Necklace from girlshop.com (r.i.p.)

I got the shoes the day of the show on sale at Macy's. I had a gift card left over from my birthday so they were pretty much free. I love them because they are super high but super comfortable and 70% off.

don't second guess the choices that you know are right. follow your heart and never let anyone make you feel like being yourself is wrong or not enough.

color.

i've always been a big fan of color. now don't get me wrong i do love the flawless all black. usually when i have a "i have nothing to wear" night i go to the all black. but mostly i love wearing color to the point that it's obnoxious and sometimes maybe sometimes just a little bit overkill. but, hey, it puts me a good mood! here's an outfit i'd love to have. bright bright bright.

kimchi blue zip pleat ruffle dress

jeffrey campbell lattice heel

olio scarf bag

black garden party headband

ines sunglasses

liquid lame gathered leggings

cute, right?

update.

so i haven't posted anything lately because i was away on vacation. i had a wonderful, relaxing time but the real world comes crashing back pretty fast once it comes to an end. but i'm not thinking about that now because the pretty things are so much more interesting. first things first, i'd like to introduce you to the newest member of my shoe family. i got these at the outlet mall for, wait for it, $19.99. such a great price i gave myself a little imaginary pat on the back as i walked out the door.

aren't the precious? it was love at first sight.

in other news i got these cute wedges during tax free weekend from Banana Republic right before we left. on sale from $120.00 to $18.97, one pair left---IN MY SIZE, and tax free! obviously not an opportunity i could pass up.

this is my kinda-new brown leather, gold studded, Joe's clutch that i carried for the majority of the time i was away. it has all sorts of nifty pockets inside and i just love it! it came with a strap too but i've been mostly using it as a clutch.

for most of the vacation i was dressed only in a large hat, swimsuit, and a lot of SPF but i did manage to get myself dressed a few times. here's what wore (like you really care...).

pink deep-v jersey dress from tjmaxx

gold wedges from nine west outlet

beaded necklace from express

razorback maxi dress from burlington coat factory

white necklace from the thrift store

sliver gladiator sandals from ross (not pictured, but trust me you don't want to see them...they're falling apart)

black tie-dyed dress from forever21

black patent peep toe heels by jessica simpson

(sporting my new glasses!)

'80s black purse from the thrift store

my new pink ruffled monokini from target

blue cotton skirt from american apparel

seen here wearing pretty much my only pair of flip flops. I HATE FLIP FLOPS!

vintage levi jean vest from the thrift store

run dmc tee from tjmaxx

red cotton pencil skirt from american apparel

black studded gladiators from tjmaxx

white wayfarers by rayban

after taking this picture my boyfriend says to me, "ok we need to take another one and this time try not to mean-mug the camera." i do look ridiculous but in my defense i don't think i was ready...but his honesty is always appreciated and he's usually right.