Farmer's Market and ModCloth

This is what I wore today.  I've been pretty much living in this outfit 24/7.  I love how it's comfortable, yet I still look stylish, and not like some schlep bumming around all day.  Let's be honest during this time of year that's all I want to do.  Sit on the couch, curl up to a good book, and a warm cup of coffee.  Though while we're being honest, replace the good book with a terrible TV series.  I've been getting into Pretty Little Liars.  That show is insanely addictive.  I want to cram as many episodes as humanly possible into one day.  Who's A?! And who killed Allison?!?  What's Jenna hiding?!!?  I'm only on episode 6 of season 2, so no spoilers, please.  

Scarf -- ModCloth

Jacket --  Target

Shear Plaid Top -- ModCloth

Tank Top -- Target

Jeans -- Levi's from Kohl's

Boots --  Farmer's Market

I realized as I was typing up where I got everything, that saying I got the boots from a farmer's market sounds ludicrous.  Though I honestly did.  Yay for Amish people!  Well the people that own the shoe store aren't Amish, but the shoe store is in a predominantly Amish farmer's market that's only open on Fridays and Saturdays.  It's called Booth's Corner.  It's been around forever, and it is a fantastic little treasure trove.  It doesn't look like much from the outside, but inside you can find all sorts of delightful goodies.  I forget how much these boots cost, but I'm fairly certain they were less then forty bucks.  I love sneakers, so I don't wear these much.  I mostly own them for wet wintery days, and cause everyone needs a knee high black boot.  

My mom gave me the scarf for Christmas.  I was so happy to see that she did, cause I noticed a few days ago that this scarf went out of stock on ModCloth.  I knew my mom had bought me something from them before Christmas Day, because I spied one of their boxes stashed away at their house.  Of course I didn't know what she had gotten, and I was worried I might have missed out on getting this scarf.  A pretty scarf is essential for keeping warm during the winter months.  I love nuzzling my face into a good scarf.  

Well I have some friends coming over later on, and I was going to make some cheese dip, so I better get on that!  Have a great Saturday, chris!

Christmas Party Outfit

This is what I wore to my work Christmas Party yesterday.  I'm not much for red, so I picked green for my holiday color, which I'm a big time fan of.  Thus, I own lots of green things, and only one red article of clothing.  The top and shoes are brand new from ModCloth, and I'm loving them so much!  

Top--  ModCloth

Tank Top--  Target

Skirt--  Target

Stockings--  H&M

Headband--  Target

Necklace--  Urban Outfitters

Shoes--  ModCloth

I need new tops more then any other type of clothing, but I'm fairly picky about splurging on clothing.  I debated whether or not to buy this top, but I'm soo sooo happy I did.  It fits like a dream.  It's meant to be a bit oversized, so it's a bit baggy (great for all the holiday overeating), yet I still look slender and feminine in it (even after stuffing my face).  The colors are exactly how I was expecting, and this top will fit perfectly with my wardrobe.   

These shoes are so cute!  The colors are amazing.  I didn't do much walking or standing in them, so I'm not sure how uncomfortable they are.  From what I can tell they don't seem so bad, I've definitely owned many shoes that were painful in the heel or toes immediately after slipping them on, and this pair doesn't suffer from that issue.  I'm going to wear this pair sparingly, so they last a LONG time.  I love how the shoes brought everything together.  If I tried to rock the yellow tights with this look, and a pair of plain black shoes it wouldn't look as cute.  

Hope ya'll are have a great weekend, and happy DIYing, chris! 

Christmas Tree Shopping

I had the day off on Thursday, so Aaron and I took that time to buy our Christmas Tree.  We thought it would be a good idea to do it during the week to beat the weekend crowds.  It was a great decision, there weren't too many people there, and we didn't waste any time waiting inline.  Which also meant there weren't tons of people everywhere, so it was easy to snap a few photos, and I only felt awkward about it once.  At one point we took a break from checking out the trees to photograph the experience (and my outfit), and then mid-photo this nice guy came over to check if we needed help, and that made me super uncomfortable.  I didn't want him to think we just came to take pictures, and not actually buy anything.  

This is where we got our Christmas tree from, Linvilla Orchards.  We could have cut our own, but we were feeling lazy, so we just picked from the precut trees.  Though, while we were checking out the cashier said the precut trees were a little better looking then the cut-your-own trees this year.  Which made me feel better about being a bit of a slacker.  I love their giant poinsettia made of red cloth and wire.  DIY inspiring!

I usually always make the hubby pose for a photo for me, before I hand the camera off to him.  I don't always show the pictures, but he's got such a cute smile, I had to share.  

The jacket is Aaron's early Christmas present to me.  I absolutely love it.  When I tried it on I knew I would be going home with it.  It fits so well, like it was tailored just for me.  The rest of the outfit is my go to look for this season.  A plaid flannel, and jeans just scream fall/early winter.  I have a rather long torso so I always pair my tops with a long tank top, and I enjoy playing with the combo of colors together.  I love a good pair of jeans, and this is the pair I measure all other jeans against.  I bought them from the Levi's store in Manhattan on our honeymoon.  They are from their Bold Curves line, which is so perfect for my body shape.  I usually have a problem with jeans having too much material in the waist, and then the back always gaps open, but that is not a problem with this pair.  

Jacket--  Land's End from Sears

Flannel Top--  Delia's

Tank Top--  Target

Jeans--  Levi's

Shoes--  DSW

Belt--  Target

Sunglasses--  Flea Market in Los Angeles

Hope ya'll are having a great weekend.  I spent today getting the rest of our Christmas decorations up, including dressing our freshly bought Christmas tree.  I plan on sharing photos of all the fun festivities tomorrow.  Happy DIYing, chris!

Ultimate Weekend Casual

This is my ultimate casual weekend outfit.  I love this pair of jeans.  I found them on a trip to NYC to visit my friend Mamie.  I grabbed them up from the sale rack at Urban Outfitter's Times Square location.  They only cost $14, and they fit like a glove.  I always have a hard time with pants being too long, but with these being fitted at the ankle it looks cool with all the extra material.  They are Levi's, which is a jean brand you can't go wrong with.  I've had them for about two years, and they are still in great condition, especially considering some weeks I might wear them three or four times.  I like pairing them with a colorful top or a top with an eye catching print.  Today I went for both with my dip-dyed pink tank top and this lovely bird print  blouse from H & M.  

Jeans -- Urband Outfitters, Levi's

Blouse -- H & M

Tank Top -- Target, bleach dip-dyed

Sneakers -- Converse

Well I'm off to my friends house to have a little weekend fun.  Have a great saturday, and happy DIYing, chris!

Celebrating Near the White House

Today Aaron and I went to his cousin Hannah's wedding reception in Washington D.C.  It was at a lovely location called The Hay-Adams, which is right around the corner from the White House.  

So I asked Aaron to take a few outfit photos of me.

Dress -- ModCloth

Sweater -- H & M

Stockings -- H & M

Wedges --  Target

Sunglasses -- Bodega in Los Angeles

Bracelets -- Target & Forever 21

Ring -- Forever 21

Hair pins -- ModCloth

Earrings -- Target

Necklace -- Pendant made by my cousin, and the chain is a family heirloom from Aaron's family

When I first saw this dress on ModCloth I knew I had to have it, but before I grabbed it up someone made a not so nice review of it. They said that it wasn't worth the $75 price tag, and they would have only paid $25 for it.  I'm not sure where this person shops, but I've never owned a $25 dress this nice.  Besides the obviousness of how beautiful the print is, and the lovely vibrant colors, the dress is simply amazing.  The material is lush, and feels fabulous on.  The pleating is perfect, and I love how perfectly the print lines up on the pleating.  There is also an invisible zipper down the side, which works perfectly.  I've had some bad experiences with invisible zippers on cheaper clothing getting stuck, and not being easy to use, and that is not the case with this awesome dress.  My only negative feedback is the belt that comes with it is made with inexpensive material.  It feels cheap.  Otherwise I love the dress, and give it two thumbs up.  I definitely don't regret spending $75 on it.  

If you've been pining after some ModCloth items, but have yet to buy something from them, right now they are running a promotion where I can give my friends a $20 credit for a purchase of $50 or more, bought before 10/2/2012.  If you'd like a $20 credit to ModCloth, and you don't have a pre-existing account comment with your email address, and I can send it your way.  

I'm not sponsored by ModCloth it's just my favorite online clothing store.  H & M is my favorite brick and mortar store.  I could spend all my money at both those places.  Luckily they are both rather affordable, so I don't have to break the bank buying the fashionable clothing pieces I like from them.  Plus ModCloth always gives a little gift with every shipment, which always makes me happy.  With this dress I received those cute red and white polka dot hair pins I'm wearing.  I look forward to discovering my gift every time, it definitely keeps me coming back.  

I hope ya'll had a great saturday, and happy DIYing, chris!  

This Is Me #13

Last week I was happy to have a break from my Saturday series This Is Me.  Which made me think, if I'm not enjoying a series, why keep at it?  I should revel in everything I create for my blog.  So it got me thinking about how much I enjoy putting together a fun outfit, and sharing my style with ya'll in outfit posts.  In a way sharing outfit photos are still in line with the idea of This Is Me, but instead of five tidbits about myself, I'll share photos of myself.  

Romper -- Urban Outfitters

Tank Top -- Target

Stockings --  Urban Outfitters

Necklace -- Handmade DIY

Belt -- Target

Braided Bracelet -- Handmade DIY

Yellow Bracelet -- inherited from my step-grandmother

Ring -- Forever 21

Cowboy Boots -- Cowtown, NJ

When I saw this romper at Urban Outfitters I was drawn to the fabric immediately.  I love the color, and the pattern is fantastic.  I was hesitant to try it on though, because I don't usually wear short shorts, and though I love the look of rompers, I never thought I had the right build to pull them off.  I tried it on, and I really liked it, but I decided not to buy it.  Then I spent a week thinking about it, and when I found myself back in Urban Outfitters I knew I had to get it.  I bought it to wear on my honeymoon in New Orleans (April 2011).  

I wore it on the honeymoon, but felt a bit naked the whole time.  The shorts are mega short, and the top is way low cut.  When I got home it got hung in the closet, and hadn't made it's way out since.  I've thought about, and I've even tried it on occasionally, but I never felt comfortable or appropriate in it.  

After I got home from working on the house today I wanted to put on something that would make me feel stylish and pretty.  This romper did just that, and I found a way to wear this without feeling totally exposed.  Pulling on some dark stockings underneath helped keep the shorts in place, and my thick thighs covered up.  I also wore a tank top underneath because otherwise my bra would show in the front, and with the tank top in place I didn't need to worry about showing more than I wanted to.  The dark belt helped break up the top and bottom of the romper.  I love my cowboy boots and accessories with this look, they all play off each other so well.  

Do you have any piece of clothing you don't feel comfortable in, but love anyway?  I dare you to experiment with restyling it.  Who knows you might even find a way to feel amazing wearing it!  Have a lovely weekend, and happy DIYing, chris! 

This Is Me #11

Today I am going to try something a little different with This Is Me.  I'm going to use outfit photos with my five tid-bits about me.  

1.  Stitching together eloquent words that form a cohesive sentence, that fill you with emotional wonder, is not my forté.  

shirt -- H&M + DIY

tank top -- Target

shorts -- Target

shoes -- DSW Dirty Laundry + DIY

bracelet --  DIY

2.  I almost failed spelling in fourth grade.  I had a special teacher that I sat with in an empty room who helped me during spelling tests.

3.  I'm good at remembering names and faces.  If I forget someone's name I really give myself a ration of poo for letting it go.

    

4.  My most popular date spot with Aaron is Ikea.  We usually leave with a stuffed animal in hand, and our bellies full of swedish meatballs. 

5.   We used to have two pet rats. Rink-rat and Shanks.  Now we have two stuffed rats to commemorate them.  Of course not real rats.  We aren't in to taxidermy.  

Hope ya'll enjoyed, and happy DIYing, chris!

Bleach Dip-Dyed Outfit

I woke up for work at four this morning!  Though I was in my car, on my way home by ten.  Not bad, right?  With the hour plus drive both ways I didn't feel like doing much when I got home.  Aaron and I are on opposite schedules, so anytime we end up at home together I just want to hang out on the couch and relax with him.  He worked on the house this morning, and got home at the same time as me, so we hung out until he had to go to work at four.  We watched Drive and Restless.  If you like to stare at Ryan Gosling then Drive is good, other than that there isn't much else to that movie.  Restless is a typical Gus Van Sant movie, super beautiful and extra moody.  I definitely cried a couple times. 

After Aaron left for work I tried to take some outfit pics.  I just threw this together to show off one of my newly created bleach dip-dyed shirt.  

Such a great easy light summery outfit.  Though my pictures had to be cut short, because I was literally being eaten alive. 

When I got inside I counted my bug bites, and on my legs alone I have over 125 bites!  Yesterday on the news they reported someone in Philadelphia was recently diagnosed with malaria.  Ahhhh!!!!! It's taking everything in me not to google the symptoms.  

Watch out for those misquitoes, and happy DIYing, chris!  

Cute Hot Summer Outfit

Since I haven't been getting dressed up lately I haven't been making an outfit posts.  When I got dressed up yesterday (for my brother's engagement dinner) I knew I had to have Aaron snap some photos.  I wore this outfit in the spring on a rainy day, but I restyled it for the hot summer days we've been having. 

dress -- H & M

slip -- thrifted vintage

belt -- Target

necklace -- my cousin made the pendant, and the chain was a gift

bracelet -- inherited from my step-grandmother

sandals -- DSW Mix No. 9

My cousin made the glass pendant for this necklace, and I always get at least one compliment when I wear it.  The gold chain is an antique from my mother-in-law.  She gave me the diamond for my engagement ring on it, and when I got the ring the jeweler was really impressed with the chain.  Apparently they don't make this type of chain anymore, because it's super delicate.  He cleaned it for me, and gave me a large silk lined padded box to keep it in.  

I almost feel off the rock when I was stepping onto it, and Aaron was sure to snap an action shot.  :)  

This is the only pair of sandals I own, and they are perfectly summery.  

I'm not really sure what I'm looking at or doing in this photo, but it makes me think of Alice in Wonderland.  Maybe I'm about to fall down a rabbit hole.  

I love all the colors in this dress' intricate pattern.  The blue lace and silk slip is the perfect addition to lengthen this short dress, and make it family appropriate, while still keeping it dainty and feminine.  Oh, and don't worry that weird stuff on my knuckles is just paint.  No, I don't have some gross skin disease, but I do have super veiny hands and wrists.  

And before I go here's an outtake.  Goodnight, and Happy DIYing, chris!