Maurices Gift Card Giveaway (CLOSED)

Take Another Bow

How was everyone's Thanksgiving?? I hope you got full on good food and good company. Ours was filled with good Korean food more than American, but still delicious.

Wearing Collection B faux leather jacket ($55), Gap white button-down ($12), Old Navy cardigan ($18, last year), secondhand BDG jeans ($10), and thrifted heels ($3).

I know you've already seen the bow, but I like it too much. I want to find more sashes and ways to tie a bow. I'm loving this trend right now.

On a deeper note, does anyone change a few or more times a day just to find that outfit that reflects how you feel that day?? I had trouble today and had to go home to change last minute. I first stepped out the door with something I wore here on this blog five months ago but that wasn't me anymore. Sure, it was me in the picture but that isn't my style and I've grown since then and need to reflect that in what I wear. I know....so deep on the subject of outfits. Anyone else as crazy as me?

Giving Thanks

Tip of the day: When in doubt of what to wear, wear black with one statement piece. You guys probably already knew that though.

Wearing Collection B faux leather jacket ($55), leopard print scarf ($7), DownEast Basics shirt (gift from my MIL), Gap cardigan ($12), J Brand jeans ($158), MIA brogues ($43).

I made my husband watch New Moon with me last night. He said he'd watch it with me if he sees the first one first. And so he did! I am embarrassed to say I am a closet Twilight fan. There. It's out.

Anyone going shopping for Black Friday? I'm not. Sleep is more important to me than shopping right now. Maybe next year..or something. Good luck to those who are getting up in the wee hours of the morning.

Eskimo/Cowboy Lovechild

This is what I imagine an eskimo/cowboy lovechild would dress like. It looks like the snow isn't going anywhere this time. I'll have to pump up my creativity with bundled-up outfits because it is starting to wane.

Wearing Tommy Hilfiger coat ($100), secondhand AE top ($6), secondhand BDG jeans ($10), and F21 boots ($16).

Thank you for understanding about my weight-loss goal. And for those I may have offended, I am sorry, but this is my life. (Edit: When I mean my life, I didn't mean it's my life and I'm going to do whatever I want, but it is my life and it's real. This isn't a story or something fabricated.) I don't want to sugarcoat it and lie to you because I'd be living a lie myself. Ten pounds may seem like a harsh reality but I have been having negative self-conscious feelings and instead of sitting on my bum, I decided to do something about it. And for me, that is something to be proud of.

To clarify, my goal is really to tone up and lose some body fat percentage more than anything. Right now I am at 25% body fat. I am only 5'3" so I may look skinny but it's all flab, not much muscle. I also haven't seriously worked out since my HS track days....so I guess it just added up. I've started my food diary today but then I forgot about it when we went out for sushi...which we shouldn't have, but did anyway. Sushi's healthy though...right?

Mrs. Karl

I totally felt like Karl Lagerfeld in this outfit. Especially because of the bow. All I need now are some cut-out leather gloves. And maybe a Chanel bag...or six. And here are my new gold heels! I love them but I love that they were $2 more.

So I have made a big decision and plan on losing ten pounds. I think it's an attainable goal. It may take a couple months or so but I'm determined! No more whining and complaining, especially since my poor husband has been hearing a lot of it. This may be due to watching The Biggest Loser, or from bloggers like Tieka and Megan. Either way, I'm going to do it! Who else is with me?!?

Wearing Tulle coat ($44), Gap white button-down ($12....the sash came with it), J Brand jeans ($158), black belt (came with a dress), thrifted gold heels ($2).

Friday Night Lit

This was taken on Friday. My husband and I met up with a fellow blogger and her husband (for the second time) at a local Korean restaurant, Jang Soo Jang. It was so much fun and we're so glad we met up with them again! That's what I like about blogging - you meet some great people around your area that you otherwise wouldn't have met!!

Wearing thrifted blazer ($3), Shade Clothing tshirt (free with gift card), secondhand BDG jeans ($17), MIA brogues ($43).

Faith and me.

We caved last night and got In-N-Out at Draper. So delicioussssss. The wait was worth it. For real.

BIG thanks to {megs in wonderland}, The Owl's Closet, and Natasha for the blog awards! Thanks ladies!!

I Wish...

What I'd like to be wearing right now...

...but instead I'm writing a paper.

Not Your Usual Birthday Shoes

How do you like my new birthday shoes?? I LOVE them. I still need to break them in so I'm trying to wear them every day. I have wide feet and can only dream of wearing vintage skinny ones! So right when I saw them I knew they were coming home with me. The socks look a little funny though.

Wearing Tulle coat ($44), Steve & Barry sweater ($10, last year), DownEast Basics tee (gift from my MIL), thrifted belt ($2), secondhand BDG jeans from ebay ($17), MIA brogues ($43).

My friend asked for pictures of my birthday presents....gladly, Linda! ;) In order, my thrifted vintage shoes ($2!!!!!!), Michael Kors bag from my mama, slippers from my SIL, The Sartorialist from hubs, and a SEWING MACHINE from my in-laws. Funny story about The Sartorialist book...I had casually mentioned to my husband that I wanted this book a while ago and he remembered!!!! Except I had seen the receipt and knew it was coming... :D As for the sewing machine, OHMYGOODNESS! I seriously have the BEST in-laws ever. I thought it was a prank when I first saw the box!!! I could hardly believe it. I may or may not have used my MIL's sewing machine a little too many times that they probably got tired of me! ;) So yes...I love all my presents!!

Muted Out and Bundled Up

Thank you all for the birthday wishes!!! I'm so grateful for all the friends I've made in this blogging community!!

Wearing Tommy Hilfiger coat ($100, 5 years ago), leopard print scarf from ebay ($7), white cardigan from Korea ($10), AA vneck tee ($10), secondhand BDG jeans ($10), Nine West boots ($65).

You guys will be seeing this uniform of a tshirt, cardi, skinnies, boots, and a scarf with that big coat a lot because I'll admit...I'm not very good with winter attire. I mean, I've survived past Utah winters in Uggs!!! We'll have to make sure that mistake doesn't happen again. Anyway, I've got tons of studying to do that I put off yesterday (oops!) but I hope you are all having a great start to the week!!

One Year Wiser

I am officially 22 today. It was a nice laidback birthday for me and my husband. All I wanted today was to go thrifting and have the husband all to myself. He is often at school til late at night so I really don't see him very often, but he put school on hold for me today and took me shopping (guilt-free)! I got myself two pairs of shoes and we watched a movie and had a snuggle-fest while eating pizza and cheesecake. Seriously, such a great way to start the week!

Also, I received both of my new boots but had to send them back. They were both of cheap quality and it was very obvious... That will not do. So boot hunt #209382 is on. Ugh.

Wearing secondhand scarf ($3), Tulle coat ($44), secondhand F21 tee ($3), thrifted belt ($2), Old Navy skirt ($8), tights from Korea ($5), Nine West boots ($65).

Going to the Chapel

This is what I wore to a friend's wedding yesterday. I didn't wear this to the sealing though. I like to change it up and keep things interesting...or I wasn't content with what I was wearing earlier because we were late and I quickly threw things on! I also forgot my recommend but the nice temple workers were able to let me in after a few calls. (Whew!) To learn more about LDS temples, please click here.

Also, this is a repeat with slight changes. I definitely like this version better.

Wearing faux pearl necklace ($5), faux pink pearl necklace ($10), Ann Taylor Outlet dress ($20), secondhand belt ($6), skirt from Korea ($10), F21 tights ($7), Ros Hommerson oxfords ($25).

Utah blogger meet-up: The great Melissa of IS•LY organized a shopping excursion for some of us Utah bloggers. I never realized how many great bloggers there were in Utah! It was so nice to meet them. My time was cut short because of the wedding and I didn't get any pictures but you can still see some pics by Jyl at her Whrrl!

Melissa, me.                                                Melissa, Alma, me, Marie, Jyl, Kami.

Spotted....Again

This is going to be a quick post. I just came back from a girls night out, which was much needed. I even got my makeup done by a pro. If anyone needs their face done, I have the perfect person for you.

You guys are going to get so tired of seeing this scarf. I love it and I want to wear it every day. I plan on wearing it tomorrow actually... :) I am heading off to a Utah blogger meet-up in the morning and I can't wait!!!! :D It's going to be thriftastic.

Wearing leopard print scarf from ebay ($7), Gap sweatshirt ($11), DownEast Basics tee (gift from my MIL), J Brand jeans ($158), Nine West boots ($65).

Totally Pinked Out

I'm in the process of creating my Christmas list. I never really shop for clothes online. I prefer the consignment or thrift store so it's weird to think of things I want instead of going to these stores myself and looking for a little treasure for a lot less! What is on everyone else's list? I think I may need some help/ideas...

Anyway, how awesome is this jacket?!? I tried it on once but it was too pink for me and put it back. Then when I went back to the store and it was just sitting there....looking at me....no, begging me to take it home with me. And so I did. I'm so glad!! It stands out in my closet against all the neutral and boring colors. Like the last outfit and this one, when I get a new bold piece, I first like to play with a neutral base and see how it feels from there.

Wearing secondhand pink Tulle jacket ($11), Hane's men's tee (free), H&M necklace ($5), secondhand BDG jeans ($10), Geox flats ($37).

Thank you to Cardigan Empire for the shout-out!

Animalistic

I felt like Kate Moss with this scarf. Almost. I definitely got stares on campus. I'm not much of an animal print girl. I'm not much of a print girl period, so I wasn't sure how much I could take and thought a scarf would be the best way to ease into it. I also recently got a pair of animal print flats for free so I'm getting there. Do you own any animal print?

Don't mind my facial expressions. The husband and I both were in a rush that day. And there were a lot of people. Don't they have class or something...

Wearing leopard print scarf from ebay ($7), AA white tshirt ($10), Collection B faux leather jacket ($55), J Brand jeans ($158), Miss Me boots ($50).

Taking Care of Business

This felt very business-y. My work doesn't necessarily require business outfits, just decent ones. I think if I had skinny blue jeans on it would've been better... Does anyone know of any good brands for skinny jeans? I can't afford to buy another pair of J Brands, which would be my first choice... Also, these shoes are NOT comfortable. It was final sale and an extra 30% off so how could I resist?? I should've tested them out more before I bought them.. I guess I do have something to sell to Uptown Cheapskate now.

Wearing thrifted boy's blazer ($3), secondhand Target top ($4), J Brand jeans ($158), Ann Taylor flats ($9).

I'm debating if I should go running or not. This headache is certainly not helping.

Sunday Casual

I taught my first Relief Society lesson yesterday. After being in Primary for a year and a half, it was definitely different teaching adults!

Wearing secondhand AE top ($6), thrifted belt ($2), Shade Clothing skirt ($12), secondhand wedges ($7).

What do you think of my new top? It's not really me but it was cute and free so that was enough incentive for me to get it! The downside to this is I'm out of store credit :(. No more free clothes for me. I've already purged my closet as much as possible. Anybody have any unwanted clothes to donate??? ;)

Cowboy Up

I definitely felt very western in this outfit. Plaid? Blue denim? Boots?? Yeah...very western. The tunic was a little expensive for me, (Can you tell how cheap/poor I am?!?) but it's a tunic so it is more versatile. That is my reasoning.

Wearing Aeropostale tunic ($18), thrifted belt ($1), Old Navy kids' denim skirt ($10?, 6 years ago), Miss Me boots ($50).

Just wanted to say a quick thank you to Rose, Megan, and Jasna for the blog awards!! I'd much rather write 7 things about me than do my research paper.. It's probably just as interesting as my paper too...

1. I'd rather get a loft in the city over a 4-bedroom house in the suburbs.
2. My husband's sure I am a little OCD. That would explain a lot of things...
   
3. I used to work at American Eagle and the Gap. GOODBYE RETAIL!!!!
4. I have no self-control when it comes to sweets. I will literally eat them until my stomach hurts or until my husband forces me to stop. Otherwise, I get major tummyaches and headaches.
5. I am shy. I think... I don't know anymore.
6. I don't like loose hairs on my skin....yes, even my own!
7. I used to hate my almond-shaped eyes when I was little because I always got teased but now I love them!!!
   

Embellished

I LOVE my new ATL top!! especially because of the embellishment of the fabric flowers. It's such a simple design (that many people could DIY) that adds so much to a basic tee. Now I want to do this to all of my tshirts....once I figure out my new sewing machine. Did I mention I'm a horrible sewer? My husband is better than me.... This was the day (Thursday) that I realized I needed brown boots too. Don't you agree? There's too much black going on here.

Well, it's 9:30 and I ate a lot of post-Halloween candy today so I should probably run or something. Anyone want to join me? :)

Wearing Ann Taylor Loft top ($9), thrifted belt ($2), skirt from Korea ($10), Miss Me boots ($50).

The Boyfriend Look

I broke my rule of opposites - I like to play with proportions (e.g. baggy with tight) but I think this looks too baggy. It looked great on Keri Russell but I'm not sure this fits my petite body. And I'm missing a belt.

Wearing thrifted blazer ($3), F21 tee ($5), Aeropostale jeans ($20), Ros Hommerson oxfords ($25).

Hey Salt Lakers, if you ever need a sushi fix, check out Cafe Trang on 3rd W. 2nd S. They have 50% off all special rolls after 5pm. You really can't beat that. And they were delicious!! We're sold.

Boots update: First of all, thank you for all your input! I ended up getting these in black and these in brown. I just wish they were here already! ;)

Stella & Dot Jewelry Giveaway (CLOSED)

The Perfect Boots

My second pair of Miss Me boots cracked again. I'm SO done with them. I'm on a new search now. This is what I'm looking for in my perfect pair of boots:

• pull-on, no zippers
• black AND brown - I realized today I need brown too :).
• knee-high
• fairly flat
• <$100
• not western-like, motorcycle-like, or riding-boot-like but a hybrid of the three
• durable....maybe leather?
• waterproof

Those are pretty reasonable demands, right? Well, I've searched and searched all over the internet. That's a lie. I only searched at Zappos, Piperlime, Endless, Amazon, and Victoria's Secret. I prefer to shop at the first three because of free shipping and returns. Here are some of my choices right now. I just got paid and it's my birthday soon so I think two pairs of boots is a great present for me!! :D

What do you guys think? Which one do you think I should get?

P.S. Check out my interview at Bijo!!!! They also have a great giveaway right now that you'll thank me for later ;).

Something Fishy

I'm cooking fish right now and my apartment REEKS. Leftover food smells are gross.

Wearing H&M cardigan ($10), thrifted belt ($1), Gap dress ($7), Miss Me boots ($50).

Psst....Check out my guest post at the good life for less! It's all about my favorite fall fashions.

Pssssstt....Check out this sweet giveaway! Who doesn't want a chance to win a prize?? ;)

Love at First Shop -inspired

This outfit was definitely inspired by Rosa from Love at First Shop. I often peruse my fave fashion blogs to get some kind of inspiration and Rosa's feminine classy style came to my mind. I tried to copy this outfit. I obviously can't pull it off like her... I wish!


So here are my new bangs. You probably can't tell but I can...

Wearing thrifted AE denim jacket ($5), Gap shirt ($15?, 3 years ago), Gap cami ($7), secondhand belt ($6), Wet Seal skirt ($10), Geox shoes ($37).

Flower Power

This is probably the third time I've worn this necklace because I frequently get stared at. It's definitely a statement necklace, that's for sure. It was fun to make but it's not fun to see something you made just sit on your dresser. I've tried to incorporate it into my outfits but often changed my mind. But after months of disuse, I had to do something about it. I get compliments on it but you know there are people who stare thinking "Why is there a garden attached to her chest?"

I trimmed my bangs last night. Then I remembered why I always tell myself I should never cut my own hair. I'll have to fix it tonight...hopefully, I don't screw up again.

Update: I seem to have confused a few of you! This picture is from yesterday after church. I cut my bangs that night so pictures coming tomorrow.... :)

Wearing DIY flower necklace ($3), AE striped tee ($7), thrifted belt ($1), Shade Clothing skirt ($12), F21 tights ($7), Ros Hommerson oxfords ($25).