Styled: Snow Day

scarf // gloves // fedora // boots // coat

slippers // mug // snow flake sweater // fair isle sweater // leggings

I don't know what the news is covering in your part of the country, but down here in Alabama, it's all about this winter storm moving through the south. I'm sure many southerners are complaining about the cold at this very moment, but me... I'm ecstatic to see the white stuff fall.

On these cold, wintery days you have two options. You go out and brave the elements or you stay home and snuggle up. Today, as the snow fell, I was lucky enough to be snuggled up and cozy (but boy, I'd love to be wearing that chic ensemble). 

Daily Threads: And My 2011 Goals

{sweater: belk | blazer: LC | skinnies: tj maxx | boots: steve madden}

I've never been one to make new year resolutions. When I have, I never get very far with them. I feel like sometimes they can become so epic that conquering them becomes intimidating or unattainable and you give up all together. I'm also not a fan of the fact that such emphasis and pressure is placed on setting these resolutions on Jan. 1st.   This year I am focusing on goals. Goals that are achievable and that improve my life in more than one way. So I bring you - my goals for 2011.

1. Get a job!

This is self-explanatory, but it's my reality. I need a job. I've had an incredibly difficult time finding a job in my field since moving to our new, small town. I know there is always more that I can do and I am daily going to be searching for the job that I'm supposed to have. 

2. De-clutter.

Now, before you go making judgments about what my house, closet, or office may look like, let me state that I am not a hoarder, by any means, but I know I have things here and there that I could get rid of. Throughout the year I plan to tackle rooms, closets, drawers, storage, and whatever else needs to be tackled. I've always wanted to do this and taking the whole year to focus on each room individually sounds achievable!

3. Organize. 

Which rightfully falls behind de-clutter. After the de-cluttering process takes place, mission organization comes into play. Being organized is one of the best ways to improve your life (in my opinion) and if I can when I thoroughly and successfully tackle the de-cluttering and organizing, I will be one happy little girl. 

4. Be more active. 

Between school, our wedding, and re-locating last year I had very little time to think about exercising - and even less time to actually exercise. While it isn't my favorite thing in the world, I understand it's benefits for making me a healthier (and subsequently a happier) person. Whether it's being on the treadmill while watching the television or taking Maeby on long walks/jogs, I will make an effort to exercise in some way, shape, or form throughout each week.

5. Try at least 50 new recipes.

This equals out to almost a new recipe each week. I really enjoy cooking. It's not only a way to fill your belly and nourish your body, but it can also be a source for creativity. I get into ruts where I generally just cook what I know. There are a hand-full of recipes that I can whip together - and husband loves them, but it eventually gets old (to me) and I want to try new things.  I'm not looking to try the latest gourmet French cuisine, so don't expect that, but I am looking to surprise our taste-buds once a week!

6. Recognize a reason to be thankful each day.

Life can get so busy and hectic that we forget to take note of how blessed we are. Small or large, it doesn't matter, there will always be something within the day to be thankful for. Taking the time to recognize whatever it may be will really bring my attention to what matters most, how blessed I truly am, and force a bit of humility on me. I plan on documenting these daily by journal and sometimes on here. 

So these are my main goals throughout the year that I will be working on. I have several others, but they aren't as significant. And I'm sure that as the year passes, I will acquire other goals I would like to accomplish. Here's to a new year, a fresh start, and improvements within all of our lives! (I just raised my glass. Don't be rude, raise yours too.) Hear, Hear.

Daily Threads: Snow Day

{Sweater: Banana Republic | Shirt: Jcrew | Pants: Gap | Shoes: Steve Madden | Belt&Necklace: F21}

If I follow your blog and you've posted pictures with snow in the background, it's most likely that I have commented on the snow's gorgeousness and my jealousy. Well, guess what people... I got a present late Christmas night that carried on into Sunday and it was 12 inches of snow! The gift that keeps on giving. The Christmas miracle. It's mine and it has completed my Christmas visit to North Carolina. I could not have enjoyed our last day here any more. 

We lounged around all morning drinking coffee by the fire and watching the snow fall (church was cancelled). When lunch time rolled around I decided I should probably shower and get dressed. We've had a blast! Playing in the snow, watching the dogs play in the snow, and just admiring it's beauty. Around lunch dad started prepping for dinner. He fried a {most delicious} turkey and grandma, aunts, uncles, and cousins all came over to spend time with us during out last night in NC. It was wonderful. 

Tomorrow we hit the long road back down to Alabama. The snow has stopped and the interstates are cleared, but getting to the interstate makes me nervous. Bad weather in general makes me nervous when I am in a car, but black ice is scary. I'm going to let my man handle getting us to the interstate and I can take over from there. When we get home and settled I have some uploading and editing to do then I cannot wait to share our Christmas in NC with you!

Daily Threads: Stripe a Pose

 {Top: J Crew | Pants: TJ Maxx | Boots: Steve Madden | Scarf: Thrifted}


Yeah, that title's pretty clever, huh? It only took a couple hours to come up with. It was cold out today. But how can you see my my whole outfit with a pea coat on? (the answer is: you can't) So braved the cold air for a quick two-minute shoot - and I leaped around a bit to stay warm.

Today I'm doing fun things like wrapping gifts, baking tasty treats, and finishing some Christmas shopping with mom. I'm also going to go see my little cousin sing Christmas songs at his preschool. It should be precious. It will be precious, and I can't wait! Other than all that I really don't have much to do today. Just sit by the fire and stay warm!

Daily Threads: Sunday Funday

{Top, Tights, & Cardigan: Target | Blazer: LC for Kohl's | Skirt: F21 | Booties: Steve Madden}

Notice anything new? I thought you might! I don't have a remote in my right hand. I get to pose different ways due to the newly found freedom of an empty hand. It's pretty exciting. Who's the man behind the camera? My brother. He's pretty good too, huh? I asked him if he wanted to come to AL after Christmas and work full time as my photographer. I'd pay him with delicious dinners. He's considering it. 

I am back home. In NC. In my hometown. Never in my life would I have ever thought I would be so happy to return to this tiny, little town, but I am. I miss NC. It's my state. I miss my family. And I'm ecstatic to be here. And I'm ready for Chris to get here. I love the holidays. 

Back to these pictures. I'm in the driver's seat of nostalgia lane right now. This is at my high school. This is the building for lunch time, the gym and locker rooms, and driver's ed classrooms. I spent a lot of time in this building - mostly because of sports. Walking down this breezeway and standing by these doors. Brought back memories. Which is sometimes nice to re-visit. Interestingly enough my high school hosts many fantastic locations for pictures. We'll be back for tomorrow's look. 

Daily Threads: Hooray for Chambray

{Top&Belt : Target | Skirt : F21 | Boots : Steve Madden}

A chambray shirt was not on my "list", but I'd been eye-ballin' one for a while and finally broke down to get it. I have the smallest size available, but I still feel like it's a bit loose, but I'm dealing. I'm hoping a ride through the washer and dryer might shrink him down. We'll see. I've decided I love love love the idea of a chambray shirt. It's the unique neutral and it's perfect for being topped off by an interesting bottom and pearls (not pictured). I'm looking forward to remixing this bad boy!

I started packing today. I should have started a couple days ago, but I hate packing. So I do it at the last minute. The one positive thing I can say is that I have totally used my newly acquired remixing skills to help me pack! I found myself grabbing tops and bottoms and coming up with several looks between them rather than trying to rack my brain for a set amount of outfits for the vacay. Now, if only I could learn to downsize the amount of pieces packed. Baby steps. 

Daily Threads: Blazin'

{Top: Gap | Blazer: Kohl's | Jeans: TJ Maxx | Cowboy's: Journey's | Belt&Necklace: Target}

Remember that on-going list I made about things I'm eventually going to buy?... Well I can now mark off that blazer. I feel like the past few days amazing pieces at amazing prices are just falling into my lap. Shopper's luck, I guess? 

I was on my way to Target the other night and {randomly} made a pit-stop at Kohl's. I found myself in the 60-80% off clearance section holding a blazer I had eye-balled before, but couldn't bring myself to purchase a $70+ blazer. But now I could because it was down to $18. $18! Can you believe it? Me either! I absolutely love it because it fits so perfectly, was under twenty-bones, and it's grey - which is my favorite neutral at the moment. It can be dressed up, dressed down, and goes with just about everything! Don't you just love walking out of a store with amazing finds?

P.S. I never made it to Target that night. Oops. 

Bet you didn't know I'm a big huge fan of cowboy boots? I would wear them everyday if I could. They go with everything and they are my favorite. 

30for30: THIRTY!

This is it. The last one. I went out with a bang. And by a bang I mean bright red lips, big sunglasses, and short shorts. It was a little warmer today so this outfit was perfect for the weather and it's perfect as my number 30. I absolutely love this outfit! 

I wanted to wait until a little later to take these in the beautiful Alabama sunset, but Chris called me a little after lunch and said we are going to a Christmas party tonight with several important people he works with. So I rushed out to take these, I'm posting now, and right after this post I'm going to be scrambling around this house to find the right look for a first impression! Despite the stress of what to wear, I'm super excited about going to this party! I can't wait to meet new people - which I'm not always that kind of person, sometimes I thoroughly enjoying being a recluse, but tonight I'm definitely excited to be out and about. 

I can't believe this challenge is over, but at the same time it feels like it's been going on f.o.r.e.v.e.r. I have lots to say about the challenge and I hope to have that post up soon! Until then, you all have a wonderful weekend!

Top/Cardi/Necklace: Target

Shorts: Forever21

Tights/Sunglasses: Betsey Johnson

Booties: Steve Madden

{If you haven't already, be sure to check out my hair tutorial}

30for30: Twenty-Nine

So, I don't mean to be a bummer, but that being said, I don't really like this outfit, my camera died early in the photo shoot, and this lighting isn't ideal (a lot of the pictures were dark). Shew, I'm glad I got all of that out of the way. I wanted to be creative today - so I wore this dress as a blouse. Ehh, I probably will not be doing that again, but it is 30 for 30 and there's no better time to try than now! And I'm not completely convinced these trousers are flattering. I'm just going to blame it on the dress as a blouse. 

Dress: Forever21

Trousers: Banana Republic

Flats: Target

Necklaces: self-made

Also, I filmed a hair tutorial. It's edited and finalized. I'm just super nervous about posting it. I'm going to watch it about 50 more times, then maybe I'll be comfortable sharing. 

30for30: Twenty-Eight

Today I went for simple. It's cold. It's snowing - kind of. The weather man said there was going to be snow above our area throughout the day, but it wouldn't reach the ground. So technically it was, technically it wasn't, but the point is: it's cold. Did I already say that? I roughed it out for three minutes so I could take these photos without a pea coat. I did this for you, guys. You can thank me by sending a Christmas gift. 

Speaking of Christmas gifts. I did some shopping today. To me Christmas shopping and making homemade gifts (which I am doing some of this year) really puts me in the Christmas Spirit. Giving is so much fun. We should all do it more or as much as we can. Whether it's a dollar for the homeless man, a smile in passing, or a gift someone really wants - the end result is a happy person and we need more of those on this earth. 

Tee: Forever21

Cardigan: Target

Skinnys: TJ Maxx

Boots: Steve Madden

Scarf: NY&Co.

30for30: Twenty-seven

I went through a lot of pieces before walking out of the house in this. You can take a look at my bedroom floor if you don't believe me. Well you can't really take a look at my floor, so I guess you just have to believe me. I'm glad I went through a lot of pieces, though. Now that I am looking at these photos, I really like this look. I would have worn navy tights with this, but I don't have any and I can't go buy a pair. Luckily the wind took a chill-pill and let me snap these photos in peace and sunshine-warmth. Thank you, wind. 

Oh yeah, I did something new and exciting with this outfit. I wore a tunic under my dress. I went through two shirts before trying the tunic - and it pretty much decided for me. I loved it. It's kind of weird, but it works. It also adds a layer - which additionally adds warmth. So, that's awesome. 

Dress: Target

Tunic: NY&Co.

Cardigan: Kohls

Socks: NY&Co.

Boots: Steve Madden

Belt: Taget

30for30: Twenty-six

 I'm ready for these windy days to be over. I wanted to get out an take my pictures today and with every gust of wind I had a mild heart attack. I could just see my tripod and camera tipping over to my lens's second third death. But I got out there, snapped the pictures, and we were back in my car, safe from the wind in no time!

This dress I am wearing... it's item number 30. Somehow I had forgotten all about it and it's making its debut on outfit number 26 (wow, 26! Almost there!). I knew that today I kind of wanted to go for the "dress as a skirt" look - and I kind of did. So I grabbed this dress and did what I could. I've been wanting to wear these yellow tights since the beginning of the challenge and they finally made their appearance as well. It all ended up very layer-ish, and I love that! I love the purple and gold combo too - these are the colors of my alma mate where I received my master's degree, so always love a purple and gold combo!

Dress: Target

Cardigan: Target

Scarf: Market in Charleston, SC

Belt: NY&Co.

Tights: Target

Socks: We Love Color

Boots: Steve Madden

Have a questions? Ask away!

30for30: Twenty-four

I think there is some type of connection between the weather and the subconscious part of my brain that dresses myself. It's gloomy and overcast today, and I walked out of the house in this - am outfit perfectly suited for the day. Oh well, I like what my subconscious did today. I also noticed I take a lot of pictures with my left hand holding my hair. Should have brought some bobby-pins along, but oh well.

I tucked my tunic in and I love the loose, bohemian look it gives. This would probably look good with my black boots or even my gladiator heels, but I've always only worn this top with a cognac boot and I can't stray from it - I love the colors together.

Jacket: NY&Co.

Tunic: NY&Co.

Skinnys: TJ Maxx

Boots: Steve Madden

Bracelet: self-made

30for30: Twenty-three

I'm not sure I like this skirt. I like the color and I like that it's corduroy, but it's not flattering. It just hangs there. And it sits awkwardly somewhere between my waist and my hips. I added it in as a 30 for 30 item because I've had it for years and I just never wear it. Now I know why. Do y'all have pieces like this?

All in all, it's not that bad. I like how this look came together and I'm excited I got to mix black and blue. I am wearing black today in honor of those killed in drinking and driving accidents. I don't know if this is an "official" event, but I'll definitely participate in this type of awareness as a dear friend of mine, my best friend in high school, was killed in October. I'm wearing black today for her. 

Today is Maeby Shea's birthday! {Obviously} you can expect a post later on all the festivities. She is 21 and 3. I cannot believe she is three, but I'll save all the sappy memory lane gibberish for the birthday post. 

Top: Target

Cardigan: Liz Claiborne

Skirt: Gap

Tights: Target

Booties: Steve Madden

Also, ever have one of those days where you forget your sunglass are on your head? You search the house up and down for them and then when you give up you realize where they are... this kind of happened to me. I forgot my glasses were on my face. It was so bright out today and when I looked back at some of my pictures I saw they were on. So I snapped a few without. 

30for30: Twenty-two

Look who's back! Well, I guess you can't really see, but my lens made is back home yesterday! Safe and sound and full of lots of new parts! And yes, I squealed and jumped up and down when Mr. UPS dropped him off here. We decided to go ahead and make amends with the location that broke his insides into lots of pieces. There are no more hard feelings. 

Today was another day I did not plan this outfit. I knew I wanted to wear these pants (because I hadn't since day one of the challenge) and this was the shirt I decided to paired with it today. I really love these three colors together, and I wish I had snapped a better close-up of that necklace because it has white, grey, and cognac in it. This is definitely one of my favorites so far. It's simple, but interesting and girly. 

Top: {don't remember}

Pants: TJ Maxx

Boots: Steve Madden

Belt & Necklace: Target

30for30: Twenty-one

This wasn't originally outfit twenty-one, but I most definitely like it better. I feel like sometimes an outfit is better when it was evolved rather than planned. I feel like this is very tartan-meets-harry potter-esq. And I wish my lens was here, I feel like this little hand-held doesn't capture this outfit to its fullest. I really love this look today. I even tried my first knotted belt! I like that a lot too. 

EDIT: Just for the record... I'm wearing a navy and green plaid scarf and a solid navy dress. Not a plaid dress. These pictures seem to be deceiving. My bad. Also, did not realize cream colored tights were classified as "toddler wear" - hmm. I hope you are are being honest when you say I wear them well and aren't showing your friends these picks and saying, "Look, she's crazy. Definitely tapping into her inner Toddler-Linley. She need to grow up"

Dress: Target

Cardigan: Taret

Belt: mom's, stolen

Scarf: Ross

Tights: Target

Shoes: Vera Wang  

 

30for30: Twenty

I really love this outfit. And it fits perfectly into today - rainy and gloomy. Chris called me shortly after he got to work this morning to let me know severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings were heading my way. So I spent the majority of the morning watching the news and praying that I wasn't going to have to drag Maeby into the bathtub (which she hates) and keep her in the tub while I maneuver a mattress or heavy blanket on top of us (which she would have not liked). That would have been a nightmare. Thankfully we only had heavy rain and strong winds. 

When everything passed on, I got ready for my day and this outfit was born. I hadn't pre-planned this, I just kind of stared into the closet and eventually walked out with the skirt and cardigan. I'm learning that this skirt is super versatile. It may be making several appearances between 21 and 30. I even topped it off with a Sydney-esq inspired bun.

Cardigan: Liz Claiborne

Skirt: NY&Co

Tights: Target

Socks: We Love Color

Boots: Steve Madden

Temperatures are continually cooling down as the day goes on (yay!), so I may end up adding a scarf and jacket to this ensemble.