Just need some suggestions!

So I know I am not really blogging anymore, because I am making thousands and thousands of jewelry pieces...check them out HERE!

But I still LOVE to read other people's blogs and do so almost daily. I get lots of ideas from them.
Such as:

• Pattern Mixing. LOVE IT! Plaids with florals? Where do I sign up?
• The wide array of ways to wear chambray. I bought a chambray shirt at Old Navy and wondered how I ever was able to get dressed without it???
• COLORED TIGHTS. My one true dream in life is to own a pair of tights in every color that was ever known to man.

But I also get lots of frustrations.

Many of the more "successful" blogs always feature less than stout women, it seems. (Note I said many, not all.) There are great blogs for the plus-size ladies, the tiny ones (everytime I hear how great it is to shop in the kids department, I die a little inside) but none, it's seems, for the in-between!

All these lovely, child-section-shopping women always seem to get lots of cute stuff c/o amazing places like ModCloth. Oh wait, ModCloth isn't that amazing because everything is TINY.(except the shoes) I couldn't even dream of buying two dresses and sewing them into one to fit me. And I am a size 12...not THAT large!!!!!

I just get really frustrated when it's like "look at me! so cute in this FREE DRESS that doesn't even exist in your size!"

Ok. That was my rant. And why oh why have I titled this post as I did?

Because I want some more suggestions of blogs to read! From you! My 13 readers!

My ideal and totally unreasonable fantasy blog:
Woman who has my exact same body
Who likes to shop in thirft stores, Target, estate sales and online...FOR REAL CHEAP
And who likes a bit of classic, mixed with some vintage and fun pieces, in totally flattering shapes
And always looks totally polished with a funky, artisitic and unexpected edge.

I mean, is that too much to ask??? Really? Really?

Movin' and a'shakin'!

Hey everyone!

So I have taken the plunge and am putting all my extra time and efforts into my freelance world!

I will still enjoy checking out everyone's style blogs of course!!!!

Check out the site here:

ArkieStyle

And now for a change of pace.

I love reading your blogs. And even more, I love looking at your photos. But due to an inexplicable and hopefully temporary lapse in my self image, all the lovely blogs have made me feel less than par. Wait just a darn minute I said to myself upon this realization. How ironic, how completely opposite of the inspiration and warm fuzzy feelings that I was getting not so long ago.

I am going to chalk up my change in feelings up to a bit of stress in preparing from my trip to Zimbabwe. Oh and also to my hair, as I posted last time.

So, with that said, I am going to shift my focus for a bit. Or maybe forever. I want to mix in some more day-to-day, around the house "fashion" photos. As well as other things that I feel fall into the category of "Arkie Style." Art, nature, food, warthogs, junkyards ... you get the idea.

BINGO

My sweetie Judge, my roomie Spero and my friend Adam Faucett went to Bingo in Pine Bluff on Friday night.

We arrived as the sky was beginning to turn that ominous shade of gray. As you can see, the Bingo hall is a really nice place. We are clearly pumped to get a-playin!

Spero has DABBIN FEVER. So does Adam.

There are so many amazing things going on in this photo. On the top left, on the wall, you will notice a picture of two cartoon dancing horses. Perhaps a standard fixture at all Bingo halls?

Move to the right a bit and we see the Arkansas flag.

Then there is me, with that look of either concern or disbelief. Or maybe I am so concerned how how unbelievable something is.

Judge is just in amazement of that Frito Chili Pie. And let's be honest, nothing beats a Bingo hall Frito Chili Pie.

And here we are at the end of Bingo. None of us won any money, but we had a hell of a time dabbing out numbers for 3 hours straight.

Oh and have you ever wondered if it's possible to drink a white wine spritzer from a Thermos? Well, it is.

Ups and downs

I am mad at my hair. Usually, it's one of my best features. It's really thick, stays pretty healthy and can look pretty good as long as I take the time to style it. Yet it has taken an unhealthy turn. And there is only myself to blame. My flip-flopping mind has changed it from blond, to red, to blond, to brown in a little over a year. All that has taken its toll on my poor locks. I tried last week to get it back to as close to my natural color as I could think. Well I don't know what happened, but it ended up a greenish/bluish brown. I feverishly washed it twice with dish detergent to get out excess color. Then I crushed up some vitamin C tablets, mixed those with some conditioner and left the mixture on for about a half hour. The blue and green are gone, but I am left with a reddish brown that is certainly NOT my natural color.

Le sigh. For now it will have to do until I can afford the real deal at the salon. Until then, I shall condition condition condition and work with what I got!

Oh and do some more outfit posts for ya'll!

Dress: TJ Maxx, Skirt under dress: Old Navy, Shrug: Stein Mart, Wedges: TJ Maxx, Necklace: Vintage from my Grandma, Earrings: Burlington Coat Factory

The skirt under dress trick is by far one of my faves that I have learned since starting this blog. I have a lot of dresses that are a tad too short for work, but layering a skirt underneath does the trick! Most of the time, people just think it's part of the dress!

Oh and at $7, this dress was an absolute STEAL! And it might be my most favorite dress. I'm not even sure if it's been on the blog or not. Just the flowy shape and bright colors make me feel happy!

Ok and let me just say, I feel quite vain writing an entire paragraph dedicated to the quality of my hair. I am making a trip to Zimbabwe in less than two weeks, where people hardly have enough food to eat and are lucky to have an inkpen to take to school. And here I am blabbing on about my dried out, over processed hair. On one hand, it was on my mind and I needed to unload! On the other hand ... well I should be thankful for what I have and not complain about hair. You know how it goes. Le sigh. Again.

Welcome to Shimmerton

Tunic: Urban Oufitters, Sweater: Jcrew, Belt: Burlington Coat Factory, Leggings: Target, Shoes: TJ Maxx, Earrings: Burlington Coat Factory (wow! BCF makes a rare double appearance.)

This photo does all my shimmerin' no justice! This amazing bargain from UO last summer ($5!) is a surprisingly shiny yet versatile piece! Not to be outdone in the shine department, the pewter belt makes its first appearance. Anyways, I was kind of not that excited about this outfit when I originally put it on, but I got a ton of compliments at work. And I suppose I trust my coworkers opinions in general ... so, viola! This getup gets to be on the blog!

And the shoe challenge winner is ...

TaDa!!!! These babies were not even a contender. For some reason, when I searched for pink shoes on endless.com, these didn't show up. Perhaps because they are called "peach" on the box. But whatever, they sure look pink to me.

And want to know the best part? They were on clearance for $23!!!!! Hooray!

Let's all just say a prayer that I don't fall and bust my as in these massive heels. The odds are not in my favor, however, because there is going to be an OPEN BAR at the rehearsal dinner. (Thanks Mom!)

just another heart in need of rescue

Ok...so I heard Whitesnake on the way home from work. Hence the lame-ass title of this entry.

Sunglasses: F21, Top: Izod-thrifted, Belt: Abercrombie from waaaay back, Skirt: Cable&Guage; Sandals: Born via eBay, Bracelets: gifts, Necklace: All that Jazz, Ruston, LA

I was pretty happy with this outfit. Nice and comfy for work. That skirt RULES, by the way, because it has a 3-inch elastic waistband that sucks my tummy in nice and tight.

Anyone know why I have so many bruises on my legs? Seriously, I think I might be running into all my furniture while sleepwalking or something.

On another note. Hair. Mine is a'failin' me over and over. In a moment of frustration on Sunday morning, I took the scissors to my bangs and am beginning to regret it. I don't really love the style I have going on right now. Rather, the LACK of style. When I wear my hair down, I feel like some conservative bobbed secretary from the '80s. I don't want to go way short because a)I tend to feel really unfeminine with short hair. Probably stems from my short-haired high school days when I got hit on by lesbians all the time. Which wouldn't have bothered me if an equal number of dudes where hitting on me as well. But they were most certainly not. And b) I like to be able to put my hair up/back. What's a girl to doooooo?

Stay tuned for the results of my scissor mania on Sunday morn. Photos to come!

Shoe challenge

As many know, I love a good fashion challenge. It gives me a valid excuse to peruse the Internet for hours, looking for the perfect whatever. This challenge happens to be ... shoes! My favorite!

This one has been especially difficult. Here is the low-down:

For my brother's rehearsal dinner in July, I plan to wear a bridesmaid dress from two summers ago. It's a gorgeous dress that fits me wonderfully.

The challenge is to punch this dress up with some color. Shoes and accessories are the key! I am searching for shoes first because I feel the kind of shoes I find will dictate what kind of accessories I need.

I would like to do a little something different, so I am thinking: pink. Not fuchsia and not ballet pink. More of a mauve or a coral. A few options I have found so far:

Nice and bright. Would be great for summer. Accent with a chunky gold necklace and bracelet. Or coral jewelry?

Too bland? It's hard to know until you see the pink in real life.

Too casual? Could definitely wear them again. Also, from eBay, so no returns.

I'd much rather have an open toe for summer. And this pink almost looks too bubblegum pink.

These could be perfect ... but again, they are an eBay find. What's that pin REALLY like? Hmm...

Or I could go in another direction entirely:

Decisions, decisions. What do you all think? Any good shoe resources that I need to know about? I need a funky, fun yet wedding-appropriate shoe that goes with that style of dress. And a reasonable price (like less than $70) since I am most likely wearing these one time only!

Pants...again!

Sunglasses: F21

Earrings: Burlington Coat Factory

Scarf: Clothes swap

Top: Gap

Pants: Loft

Sandals: Born via eBay

This time of the year is kind of strange when it comes to getting dressed. I feel like it's too warm for tights/boots. But I feel it's too early for bare legs. I could do boots without tights, and sometimes I will. But sometimes that just feels weird. Enter: pants.

I bought these on clearance at Loft. It was one of those things I would not normally pick up, but I was feeling adventurous and they were on clearance! Turns out, they fit like a glove, were a great weight, a color I did not have and were super comfortable. So, duh, I bought them.

That scarf is one my favorite clothes swap scores. It goes with everything. (I even have this neon yellow tube dress that it manages to class up. It's a miracle!)

An off day

Blazer: Vintage, estate sale
Shirt: Loft
Jeans: Express
Shoes: vintage, etsy
Bracelet: gift
Necklace: estate sale
Earrings: Self made




I'm pretty blah about this outfit. I think it's time to retire these jeans because they really have no shape anymore. The butt sags, the zipper won't stay up and they are faded. I tried to give myself a bit more of a waist with the blazer, but I only ended up wearing it for an hour. by noon it was 80 degrees!



Sometimes I wonder if maybe, I should only blog about outfits I like ... I'm "proud" of. But I kind of see taking outfit shots as a learning experience, a way to know whichlooks I like. Therefore, having a not-so-great look is all part of the process! And I feel obligated to share this proccess with you all!




(semi) Extreme close up


On a positive note, I LOVE the shoes. And so far, this my favorite pair of self-made earrings!

Tuck it in

Shirt: Old Navy via Savers
Jeans: Jcrew
Platforms: Mod cloth
Belt: roommate
Key Necklace: Box Turtle
Earrings:Walmart's*

I have not tucked in a shirt since Friends was in its first season. Maybe even before that. What hath come over me??? Well, one of my awesome roommates rocks the tucked in shirt so I decided to give it a whirl. I am much more pleased with the results than I thought I would be!

I think the platforms make the outfit. You can't really tell, but the jeans are overdyed navy blue. Without those sweet retro shoes, I think this getup might be a tad too prepster for me.

Oh and check out my dog Winnie back there, lookin' for trouble...

*Do you ever notice people making stores possessive? Kroger's, Walmart's, Penny's...as if Walmart were a person and you went to his house...and purchased some earrings.

A bit of shame

I am a bit ashamed that I have not posted in over a month. I have come to recognize that the fashion blogs with the most readers, the ones that I most enjoy, are the ones that are consistent and frequent!

Now, I could ramble off a list of excuses as to why I have not blogged in so long (my bf and I are obsessed with The Wire, I have lots of freelance gigs lined up, I had a wicked bad sinus infection that still lingers...) but I will spare you. As a good friend of mine always says "we all have the same 24 hours in a day."

With that said...I do have a few new outfit photos to show you. But dammit, I left my camera at home. You'll have to wait until the next post! (And don't worry, we just finished season 1 of The Wire and season two has not yet come in the mail, so I'll have some more free time.)

Good news:
My Zimbabwe Challenge is over! It's been so long, I don't even remember what my Zimbabwe Challenge was. Therefore, I declare it over.

Ok, not really. My Zimbabwe Challenge was a way for me to save money to visit Zimbabwe...by not buying any new clothes, only thrifted clothes. And I could sell stuff and use the money for new stuff. Anyways, it's over and I did it! I have all the money for my trip, PLUS the small fortune I spent on vaccinations. But thank God, I won't be getting Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, B, Typhoid or Malaria.

More on the Zimbabwe trip on a later day! It's in 5 weeks!!!

So how'd I do? Did I stick to my own rules? Well...mostly. I started way back in August. Then I took a trip to Tallahassee to visit my brother. And we went outlet shopping, so I had to break my own rules. Then after that, I think there might have been a handful of times when I broke the rules. I am definitely become a more picky shopper, however. And I have learned that much of the thrill of shopping, for me at least, is that instant gratification.

So I am gearing up to be a better blogger. And hopefully I will post those photos soon!

Sometimes you just have to throw in the towel

Where, oh where, have I been, you wonder?

Why, in New Orleans, of course! My baby brother (he's 25) ran the Inaugural New Orleans Rock 'n' Roll Marathon last weekend, so some friends and I went down to cheer him on. And to EAT. A lot. Of delicious shrimp. AND I accidentally purchased $25 worth of pralines. BUT THEY ARE SO DELICIOUS I'm really kind of glad I made that mistake.

When returning home from a road trip, I always feel the need to start purging my life of unnecessary things. Perhaps a small part of me wishes she could fit all earthly possessions in my tiny Honda and just roam the nation gypsy style?

Nah. I just hate having crap around that I don't use. So I cleaned out my closet last night and made this realization: All attempts to sew my own clothes have ended in failure.

When it comes to sewing, I feel like I always have great ideas, but can never seem to execute them very well. Perhaps because sewing in general is a fickle beast that must be nurtured with attention that I am not willing to pay it. And perhaps because I lack the patience and attention to detail to really sew myself a quality garment. Oh and the know-how. I also lack the know-how.

So with that being said, I hereby retire from sewing-from-scratch. I will do a repair or a hem or even a dart or two (on a good day.) Or pillows, I will still sew pillows. But I will no longer be guilt-riddled for failing to create the couture garment of my dreams!

Take that, crafting gods! I shun your sewing and will continue to idolize the shopping gods instead! Now, alteration gods, I pray to you to give me the skills to turn that frumpy frock into a stunning, leg-baring masterpiece. Amen.

Shopping ban? What's that?

Damn me and my extremely flighty willpower. I went shopping yesterday. At Ann Taylor Loft.

But they were having a sale! And, in my defense, I bought 3 things and none were more than $10. I spent $23 total.

But why, oh why, has my willpower abandoned me? I blame February.

February has many things wrong with it:

• It's usually the coldest and cloudiest here in Arkansas.
  
• Our one winter snow has usually come and gone by mid-Feb., as has Christmas and New Years, so we have nothing left to look forward to.
  
• President's day is in February. Lots of my friends get that day off, but NOT ME.
  
  

Then again, February has lots of things RIGHT with it:

• SALES!!!!!!!

Like the one at Ann Taylor Loft. The stuff I bought was on such clearance that the Web site has already taken off the photos of it. But let me just say, I bought an amazing dress for $4.98! Photos to come!

Then again, I have been a good girl. I sold some stuff on eBay. And with that money, bought Frontline for the dogs. AND THIS DRESS!

I used to be obsessed with dresses from the 60s when I was in High School. They abounded at my local Savers. Alas, that was many years ago and the stock of mod shift dresses has been severely thinned over the years. But here I am, back to my roots, buying this psychedelic print dress! I LOVE bright colors. I just have to watch that I don't end up looking like Bozo's (much hotter and funnier) sidekick.

Lookie what I found!

So I was uploading some more eBay pics onto the computer today and stumbled across these long lost outfit pics. Not so long really, but lost. I think I took them about 3 weesks ago.
One I like. One I do not. Can you guess which one is which?

Dress: Target
Plaid Shirt: Swap
Tights: TJ Maxx
Booties: eBay
Necklace: Estate Sale

Jacket: Goodwill
Tunic: Banana Republic via eBay
Leggings: Wet Seal
Scarf: gift
Shoes: Aldo
Necklace, earrings: Forever 21

So which one is the bad one?
If you said photo number one, you ARE CORRECT! DING DING DING! Really, it's just my purple cankles that I don't like. I took a risk and wore my "pants booties" with a dress. Live and learn! Those booties are called "pants booties" for a reason!!!

It's what you can't see...

So I promised you a daily outfit post and finally here it is!











Top: Old Navy
Jeggings: JC Penny
Boots: Vintage via eBay
Necklaces: Etsy and found in the trash
Earrings: ?

Wait, what's that you say? There's no photo?


Oh yeah, that's because I REFORMATTED THE CAMERA before uploading my outfit pics. Dammit!
I am impressed by how I can remember the outfit, however, without a photo to go by. Woohoo!
But basically it was jeggings, a black a-line tee, gold necklaces and earrings, and yellowish-tan boots with gold studs. AMAZING vintage Escada boots. I LOVE THEM and yes, I need to upload a picture so you can drool and celebrate just like I did!!!!!


Arkansas is covered in SNOW right now! It's day two of the snowstorm and they are predicting more snow on Thursday, plus below freezing temps. That means that some sweat pant fashion will soon be in effect!

Thanks!

I just wanted to give a quick shout out to everyone who reads this blog, but especially everyone who leaves a comment! I don't get a ton of them, but when I do, my day is brightened by at least 10 percent.

Really, comments are about the only surefire way to know that readers are actually paying attention to my blog!

On another note: My weekend goal is to take at least one daily outfit shot!

Have a great weekend! Oh and I now have Valentines for sale in my Etsy store!

A good fashion challenge

I always enjoy a good fashion challenge. Remember the denim leggings quest? And then the Ugg Alternative debacle?


Well folks, it't time for a new fashion challenge: The Black Denim Jacket Saga!!!!!


I have a regular denim jacket. Plain ol' classic jacket from Gap. Now I want on in black. I have no black jackets and I feel it's a serious hole in my wardrobe! Since I am not buying anything new, I have searched the used ones on eBay and etsy to no avail (so far.) But I did stumble across this beauty:

Hi there fake overly tanned freckled chest boobs. Oh, yeah, the jacket. It's for sale. And yes, that's a massive diamond choker she's wearing.

Coincidentally, I already own a white denim jacket. It too is from Gap. I bought it on clearance. I love everything about it except that it's WHITE. I feel like I just got done filming the Electric Youth video with Debbie Gibson or something. I have considered dying it, and taking Sal's post as a sign, I think I will attempt this weekend! If it turns out gray...well that's better than Foolish Beat white.

I wash myself with a rag on a stick

Good Lord. No posts for almost two weeks now. Naughty Naughty.

It's the depths of winter here in Arkansas. It's true! We got ICED IN all weekend! The roads were terrible on Friday night. Not so terrible that we couldn't go out and buy beer, but we used EXTREME CAUTION.

The neighbor boys came over and we watched all three Back to the Future Movies, had a bed jig extravaganza, went sledding, made venison chili, watched an absolutely atrocious movie called Sex Pot, napped, ate some more, did some screen printing and jewelry making. It was a fun weekend for sure, but two days stuck in the house is about all I can stand.

So what did I wear? Sweatpants of course! And an old thrifted t-shirt that I don't think left my body for 48 solid hours. And a hoodie and my coat and some jeans when we went sledding. Trust me, none of this fashion was photo-worthy, but a nice ironic shot would have been nice.

This time of the year seems to be the most depressing for lots of people. Not that I am super depressed on anything, just ... blah. What I need is some exercise. But even more, I need the motivation to exercise!

Until then, I look up warm-weather related things, like these badass flip flops from Teva. The most comfortable things you will ever put on your feet.

Dress and boots

Dresses and boots have been my uniform lately. Saturday night was no exception:

Dress: Target.com
Tights: TJ Maxx (notice the run in them, I sadly had to throw them away when I got home that night)
Denim Jacket: Gap from waaaay back.
White knee socks: Gap from 16 YEARS AGO. Hands down the oldest piece of new clothing I own.
Boots: Naturalizer
Necklace: cbt's closet on etsy
Black Tank (under dress): hand-me-down from Julie

I remember the strangest things, including the fact that I bought these knee socks at the Gap in 1994, the summer before I started 8th grade. I also bought a pair of chunky Maryjane shoes and a schoolgirl plaid skirt. Remember that look from '94? Why these socks have stuck around for so long, I do not know. Perhaps white knee socks are just that much of a staple?

Workin' and wearin'

My second job is as a hostess three nights a week. Dressing for this can sometimes be tough, as I want to look nice because it's a kind of nicer casual restaurant. But also, I am on my feet constantly for over 2 hours, and I often get nasty dishwater and leftover food all over myself when busing tables. So that means comfy shoes and a hearty top.




This is pretty much my standard second job work uniform for cooler weather. Plaid shirt, tank top, jeans...
I'm pretty happy with it though, especially because I own a small arson of vintage plaid shirts.


What do you guys think of this knotted up shirt business? I've done it once before here, and I kinda dig it as a change of pace!

Plaid top: Goodwill
Tank top: American apparel
Jeans: Banana Republic
Shoes: Tsubo via eBay
Razor blade necklace: CBTs closet on etsy

PS- I kind of hate these sneakers and this photo is probably the last time I will wear them, as I think they are going back on eBay! I can't really explain it ... I just don't like 'em. Plus I have plenty of other sneakers I like way better. Like these.

My leopard retaliates

I posted this about leopard print the other day. It prompted me to dust of this leopard top from the depths of my closet and try to wear it again. Ta-da!

Leopard top: TJ Maxx
Pants: Ann Taylor Loft
Denim Jacket: Gap from way back in college
Scarf: gift
Shoes: Seychelles via Goodwill

Super amped on inspiration!

Finally, at long last, I have ventured into the world of Wardrobe Remix.

Holy shitballs it's so overwhelming. Yet fun and SO inspirational at the same time.

I like to browse for women who seem to be about the same body type as myself to see how various things look on them. And I am so impressed!

It made me decide that I will try to tuck in a shirt. Into a high waisted skirt.

I'm a bit anxious, because I am a gal with not only a thick waist*, but a high waist. But I'm going to give it a go and see what I think.

What do YOU think?

(Don't you love the term "thick waist"? That is how my mom always described me...ever since I was little, "thick waisted." It might seem a bit harsh but it's so accurate! Hey, anything sounds nicer than "spare tire," or "beer gut" or something!)

Leopard's downward spiral

So in my downtime at work today, I was perusing eBay, like I often do. I recently purchased a leopard print pashmina that has worked its way into my wardrobe's regular rotation, and thought a nice basic leopard print dress might be a nice addition as well. (still doing the Zimbabwe challenge, mind you, I have a few items for sale on eBay!)

So I innocently typed in "leopard dress" in the eBay search bar.

Oh my. I had no idea leopard was reserved for one of three kinds of women:

1. Clubbing skanks

2. Street walking trollops

3. Quite Wealthy

Most leopard dresses fit into category 1, Clubbing Skanks:

This duo of frocks best represents the general feeling of the Clubbing Skank vibe. Short, low cut, very stretchy and LEOPARD.

An alarmingly large percentage of leopard dresses fit into category two: Street walking Trollops:

"Dress" is a big stretch with this one. I'd say more "Playboy Mansion Grotto Swimsuit."

I mean, c'mon, this dress is ludicrous, I mean... OH MY GOD THEY PHOTOSHOPPED THAT DRESS ON THIS MODEL.
Take a close look. It's so true. So if I were to purchase this on eBay, would I get a real dress? Or just a printout of one? Maybe just a digital file? I could paste this dress on a photo of my own nude body?

Then finally, we have a decent option:

Ooooh nice! Cute, classy, fun print. I'm sure it would be super flattering! Oh...oh no. It's a Diane Von Furstenberg. Oh and lookie here...the price. $300.

What have we learned today, children? There is a serious gap in leopard print dresses for us middle-of-the-road ladies. Now, go do your homework and find me a cute leopard dress for under $30. OK...maybe lower middle class would be more accurate.

Grumpy day bloggin'

Last night, the people of Arkansas were promised snow. And ice. And winter weather. I was hopeful to at LEAST have a delay for work this morning. The threat was so eminent that good ole Gov. Beebe has even declared a state of emergency in the state. (I know, you Yankees are laughing so hard right now. And rightfully so.) When I awoke, I peeked out my bedroom window and ... NOTHING. Not a flake in sight. The biggest disappointment of 2010. So far.


Needless to say that started out my day on a crappy note. So because of this, I actually had to get out of bed which for me is SO...HARD...MUST...SLEEP.


See, I am convinced that my body and its bio clock does its best and deepest sleeping between the hours of 5 and 9 a.m. No matter when I go to bed or how well I sleep, I have such a hard time getting up. Especially in the winter when the temperatures are below freezing and the sun has another half hour or so before it starts a-shining.


Are you seeing the domino effect here? No snow means I had to get out of bed, which I did too late, which means I threw on an unexciting outfit and minimal makeup and stomped off to work ... WITHOUT any lunch. Grrrr.


So lucky for me, my friend Ben was free for lunch and we went to Saigon and ate warm and savory pho. Now I feel a bit better. But tomorrow is Friday and perhaps I will be inspired to don a cute outfit and feel a bit better. Though the temperatures are supposed to be in the single digits, so I might just recycle these red cords and toasty sweater.

My vainest post of 2010 ... so far.

I just downloaded my New Year's Eve outfit shots. I like my outfit.

But hate my head/face/hair. Per usual, I have beady eyes and 35 chins. Lord, I'm vain.

Hahaha. Just blurry enough.

Purple sparkly dress: Target

Boots: Vintage from etsy

Cardigan: Belk

Belt: TJ Maxx

Earrings: Burlington Coat Factory

Bracelet: Gift

Tights: TJ Maxx (same day I bought that belt, I believe)

Necklace: etsy

Woohoo ... happy freakin' New Years!

I LOVE those boots. What do you think? Too red hat lady, with the purple and the red?

My first resolution

I have never made a New Year's resolution before. I am always afraid that I will fail and then end up disappointed. What a great way to look at it!

But this year ... well this year is different.

I made a New Year's resolution.

And that resolution is to make more stuff. And then sell it!


May I direct your attention to the right of your screen for a bit. See that? it's my Etsy store, ShadesOfErin. That is where the goods will be, all for your consumption and enjoyment.


Keep checking back in the coming weeks, as I plan to add a lot of stuff: t-shirts, vintage clothes, scarves and prints.

Tell a friend!