Sky Light

It's Monday! Some people meet this day with dread, Monday means the weekend is over. I, however, love Mondays. It hasn't always been this way, but for me, Monday means date night. My bf is a one day a week DJ (Friday) . So the traditional date night is out, Monday is in! Tonight we will be going on a double date at a local eatery Jules Bistro. They have date night specials every Monday and Wednesday, which works perfectly into our schedule. I happen to love this restaurant for more than one reason (do any of you ever struggle with the then or than issue? I do all the time.).

1. They make amazing pizza.
2. They are extremely vegetarian friendly.
3. They are locally owned, and feature local art.

Today I'm also attempting to convince myself that tomorrow, when the Anthro Sales hit, I don't need anything. Then again, what if the back porch blouse goes on sale?

Oh well, I don't need it, right?

A couple of the pictures turned out slightly blurry, sorry! I'm slowly working on taking better pictures.


  Dress: Anthropologie Light the sky chemise
  Cardigan: New York and Co
  Belt: H & M
  Tights: Hue
  Necklace: Chico's
  Boots: Jackson by Relativity

Minnie, of the human variety

Minnie mouse has long been a favorite of mine. How could you not love her endless optimism and faithful love of Mickey?

Plus her dress has achieved iconic status. How many red polka dot dresses are inspired by this little mouse? Plenty, I'm sure.

Today I decided to channel her. 

Dress: H & M

Cardigan: Anthropologie Drawn to You Cardi

Belt: Anthropologie Suede Knot Belt

Tights: Hue 

Shoes: a. n. a

In case you are wondering, I did accomplish #4 on my goal sheet yesterday, however I forgot to take a picture of my stealthy activities. Never fear, tomorrow is another day. Today I'm wiling away the day at the public library, attempting to brush up on my math skills for my upcoming GRE (oh why must there be math on this test?). Public libraries are a favorite location of mine. I have always had a love affair with books (probably the reason I needed glasses at 10), and what better than free books?

What are some of your favorite places?

Winter blues

I am in the midst of a crisis. I have a case of the winter blahs. I get at least one case per year, normally after the new year. Every year I suffer from the same misconception, the coming of January is equal to the end of winter. This, in Minnesota, can not be further from the truth. Winter starts in October and has no guarantee of ending until May (until then the average temperatures stay below 50). My delusions have caught up to me. Instead of indulging myself in a gallon of hot cocoa, I have decided to resist the urge to wallow. I will conquer my winter blahs. My fool-proof plan consists of the following:

1. Plan a tropical getaway (and forget that I won't be going on it)
2. Focus on fixing some serious design issues in my home.
3. Start working out (my gym is opening the second week of March)
4. Steal my Mother's socks. She has tons of smartwool socks, the best for these wintry times.
5. Start to break out more of my summer clothes and integrate them into my winter wardrobe.

How can I fail with such a well laid plan?

In attempts to prevail against the winter blues, I have already started to implement the program. I started with #5 and, by the end of the day, I hope to accomplish #4.  

I know, I know, I wore this skirt last week. All I can say is that I really love new purchases.

Top: Anthropologie (unknown name and brand, the tag has a heart on it)
Skirt: Anthropologie field skirt
Necklace: Thrifted
Shoes: Gibbson Taupe by Mudd
Tights: Calvin Klein (I added them before I had to face the tundra)

P.S.-I just realized that I look a little Vanna Whitish, displaying my thermostat!

Things I hate, Part 1

I've been swamped this week. Not in the usual job/school/home related stuff. I've been inundated with snow. 

You're looking at the stairs to my apartment. This was one day of snow.
Have I mentioned how much I hate snow?
I truly, from the bottom of my heart and back, hate snow.
So, why do I live in Minnesota?
Legit question. I'm not sure. I might be a sadist.
Minnesota fooled me. I thought winter was over. It was instead a cruel trick.
Due to the horrid weather I've not left the cave of my apartment, aside from the time I had to clear all of the snow from the fostercare. Instead of an outfit I thought I would share the love of my life.
This is my cat, Countess Kitty (I was eleven when I named her, so bear with me).

She has been with me through many moves, several homes, and multiple boyfriends. She is all around pretty amazing! She, like me, hates the cold. I know this to be true because she hops around on on two legs when it's cold out. The vet says that she is maybe just eccentric. I say she is my soul mate.

Reviews: Anthropologie and H & M

Yesterday I did some heavy shopping. Not the kind where you bring much home with you, the kind where you try things on, love them, and put them back.  

I started at Anthropologie.

Shirt the Issue Dress (Available for 59.95 here) by Maple.

I love, love, love this dress. If I thought it would be appropriate I would add ten more loves to that sentence. The pattern consists of tiny maroon and purple flowers amid silver vines, set on a black backdrop. The straps are attached with silver buttons, the straps turn into a collar. I forgot to take a picture of the back, so I've included the product picture. It's a unique back, almost like a racerback, that zips and has a hook and eye clasp at the top. This dress was reviewed to be very tight on top, however I found it to be just right, and I have a large ribcage, this is a size 12, but I went home with the 14, to give me some room up top.  I paired it with the soft bow belt, (available here for 14.99) which is hard to see in this picture. I loved the belt and was super excited to find the last large in store!

Did this dress come home with me? Yes sir, as did the belt.
When I got home I tried out a polyvore styling of the outfit.

 

 I have the shoes, belt, and sweater (will be taking the belt off the sweater instead using the bow belt). The leather jacket is not owned, and never will be, as a vegetarian I can look, but not own, that much leather (I do have leather shoes, I just draw the line there), but a girl can dream, right? Very similar earrings can easily be found. I'm excited for it to be warm enough to wear this!

 D'armee Dress (available here for 138.00) by Parameter
This is a dress I have been lusting over for some time. Suprisingly I didn't LOVE it when I had it on, which is why I prefer store visits to strictly online shopping. This was very military-esque, as described in the Anthro details. The zipper and other details are bronze. This dress has pockets, a huge plus. I tried on the navy version, however it is available in khaki and charcoal as well. I tried on the 12 but wish there would have been a 14 to compare it to. Over the ribcage the dress had a sheen, so I think it was too tight. I paired it with the all hours belt (available here for 32.00). I really love this belt, this was a small, so the belt is certainly stretchy and quite roomy.

Unless this dress goes on a major sale I think this will be a pass for me. It just wasn't overly exciting, and for me, certainly not worth the 138.00 price tag.


Palla Tunic (available here for 68.00)
I tried this on with the field skirt, currently sold out online. This is a large, certainly roomy, I could have easily sized down to a medium. I tried on the ivory, however it's also available in dark grey.  On the gathered side, the sleeve hole is very large. A camisole would definitely be needed if you don't want a bra or side boob incident, plus it's fairly see through. I belted this my own belt.  I don't know why but I have a strange fascination with this top. I wouldn't purchase it for 68.00 but it is wishlisted and if it goes on sale I will snatch it up.

   
My camera wasn't working as I thought it should and I ended up snapping a crazy looking photo of myself. That would be the top half of my irritated look.

Switching gears I'll turn to H & M. I love this store and was so excited when they went into the Mall of America. It's the only one for miles!


I tried on a chiffon dress (available here for 14.99) along with a sweater that isn't carried online. The sweater was 29.99. I accidentally grabbed a size 8 in the dress, and it still fit fine, so it is considerably roomy. I would recommend sizing down, depending on the fit you want. The dress has a light blue and tan pattern reminiscent of the seventies. I think my mom probably had this dress back in the day! Nonetheless I love this pair. I ended up not purchasing either, something I really regret after looking at the pictures. I'll be heading back to the mall next week and I think I will end up picking both these pieces up.

I'm not exactly sure why the pictures from H & M ended up on a weird angle, but they did, so enjoy! I think that I would pair this with a pair of boho-chic sandals.


I paired the same sweater with a skirt for 14.99 (available here). When I read the online description for the skirt I realized I tried it on backwards. The buttons are supposed to be marching down the back of the dress. If I purchased this I wouldn't wear the buttons in the back, I think sitting would be uncomfortable! The skirt has little purple hearts all over it and a wide tie to belt it with.  I wasn't a fan of this look, however one of my friends loved this on me, so I included it here.

That about wraps up this edition of Stephanie's reviews! Go forth and prosper my friends! Have a happy weekend.

Currently Craving

I thought I would share with you some things that I have currently been coveting.

Anthropologie Wispy Cirrus Blouse

Ruche A sign of my Affection Floral Dress

 Anthropologie Tied Down Dress

 Boutique 9 Caurah

 Anthropologie Dahlia Dear Wedges

Ruche Only Style Remains Neck Tie Blouse

Anthropologie Full Flourish Cardigan

OOTD: Field dreams

 Top: Anthropologie Odille Bianka top
Skirt: Anthropologie Field skirt
Belt: JcPenny
Tights: Hue
Shoes: a.n.a.
Necklace: Gift from the BF

Today I wore a look inspired by Lisa over at Respect the Shoes. I saw her here and couldn't help myself. I had to buy her shirt! Now that the shirt is in my possession I know I will have many pairing opportunities in the future. Never mind the jar I'm looking at in the first photo, my photographer decided I should start adding visual interest to my OOTD posts.

Yesterday I took a trip to the Mall of America, which is the mall to end all malls. It receives a failing grade in only one way, no Anthropologie! What are they thinking? I think I should start a petition or something. Anyway, I plan to post some reviews and such later today, so stay tuned!

Floral Rose

The OOTD was inspired by the recent heat wave in Minnesota ( two days at 47 degrees!).  Spring is in the air, at least for the day, so why not celebrate? I know the spring equinox doesn't come our way for another four weeks and three days (March 20th at 7:21 p.m., not like I'm keeping track) however I felt that if I thought spring perhaps the heavens would smile and bring me sunshine. I really am a sunshine lover, I love the feeling of warmth and comfort that comes with those splendid rays of light.

                                                                            

Top: Anthropologie Floral Rose tee by Ric Rac

Skirt: Old Navy

Belt: JcPenny

Shoes: Born

UPS is redeemed!

So I finally received my Anthropologie purchases via the United Parcel Service (previously referred to as the United Postal Service erroneously) over the weekend! I was incredibly excited to delight in my new things (although they just need to be new to me, I love thrifty purchases as well) and couldn't wait to try them on. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I loved my coat purchase. As you know, I was fairly wary about it, however I loved the fit and the neckline was a pleasant design twist.

The script actually slightly flipped. I didn't think I would love the coat, yet I was certain I would love my sweater. Wrong!

Now, I like the sweater, yet I also feel like it adds bulk to my waistline. I'm not sure that I need that. I'm actually considering returning it! I'm going to wait to the end of the week, think about it, but honestly this will most likely be going back.

In other important news, the OOTD. Today I have a meeting with a professor, in attempts to get a letter of recommendation, so I must look professional, studious, and just the right amount of geeky. I tried on numerous outfits, yet I couldn't find one that seemed to work. Perhaps part of this was the knowledge that after the meeting all I would be doing is handing out medications, washing dishes, making meals, you know the life of a fostercare provider.

I thought about cleaning up the area in the view of the camera and then I thought, no, don't be afraid to show your true self. The one that never makes the bed unless I've invited company over.

Dress: Old school express (seriously I think I was 16)
Cardigan: Express
Belt: Unknown

SALE DAY!

So, Anthro has a sale today. I'm in a financial quandary, should I order, or no? Several items I've been longing for went on sale, and some even went on a second cut!

Collecting Starlight Skirt (188.99 to 99.95 to 49.95)

Color-Dipped Dress (198.00 to 49.95)

Ethereal Blouse (148.00 to 69.95 to 39.95)

Hints of Mesh Tee (68.00 to 19.95)

Then I thought really hard about my wishes. The collecting starlight skirt is lovely, but lets face the facts, its probably snag prone. The color-dipped dress has been reviewed as quite tight fitting up top, and I have a large rib cage, so it most likely will have fit issues. The ethereal blouse is just that, ethereal, however I've also thought the embroidery looked slightly cheap and fray friendly. The hints of mesh tee I have truly loved, however my arms aren't an area I'm looking to emphasize, I believe the beautiful cap sleeves will do just that.


Don't let this fool you. I did indulge myself in something.

Ramsey Vest (78.00 to 39.95)

I've been eying this lovely for a looong time! I plan to wear this with skinny jeans and a white tee underneath, perhaps belted as well. I'm sure I can come up with plenty of outfits! Did anyone else pick up anything?

Happy Valentines day!

Some say that Valentines day is a Hallmark holiday, however I beg to differ. Valentine's day can be traced back to the days of the Chaucer (some may say Rome, but please don't believe it-they celebrated sacrifice and hitting women to increase fertility February 13-15, not kidding at all, super happy I didn't live then).

                     "For this was on seynt Volantynys day                                    

                 Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make."          

     

For this was sent Valentine's day

When every bird comes here to choose his mate

-Chaucer (found in Parlement of Foules)

I recently read Canterbury Tales, which inspired me to read more of his works. When I ran across this, I delighted in the knowledge I could legitimately consider Valentine's Day a historical holiday.

Plus, who wants to pass up an opportunity to celebrate your relationship? Aaron and I celebrated early, as Monday is a work day. We went out and lingered over dinner, then went home and watched a movie, Kick-Ass. We had planned to go to a local bar that features live music, mainly piano/vocals, very low key, however made a last minute decision to stay in.

Although this day is more about the celebration of love, presents are always nice as well. This year, for the first time, we got each other really nice gifts. Christmas wasn't hit hard, so we felt Valentines gifts would be nice. He got me flowers, chocolate, Anthopologie, and pearls (I got him dinner and a Minnesota Wild jersey). Clearly this man knows me well (although I think I may be returning one of the Anthro purchases, it makes me look linebacker-ish).

 In other important news, the OOTD.


Top: Anthropologie Three Rivers
Skirt: Gap
Belt: unknown leather
Tights: Calvin Klein
Shoes: Style & Co


I thought I would take a picture outside today as the weather seems to be improving! We actually had temperatures above freezing (41 degrees!) so I braved the cold. I didn't want to go all out in valentines colors so I just added a punch of red. I wish you all a happy Valentine's day!

Finally made sweet lemonade...

Have you ever had one of those days. You know what I mean, one were everything seems to awry? That was my day yesterday. I found myself sinking and although I was desperately attempting to make lemonade out of the lemons given, it was coming up more sour than sweet. Then something happened. I can't really explain what. My boyfriend was attempting to get me out of my funk by being the adorable goofball I know and love, try as I might (and I sure did try) I couldn't resist his charms. He lifted my out of my mood, for the rest of the day I was in an explainable good mood.

 OOTD:
Sweater: Anthropologie Konnichiwa Sweater (which online was labeled pink, I believe someone is colorblind!)

Tank: Express

 Pants: Anthropologie Cadre Noir Leggings

Necklace: H & M

Earrings: Handmade by friend and follower, Julie (who seems to have given me several of my absolute favorite pairs of earrings)

Shoes: a.n.a




This weekend is going to be a flurry of activity. Valentines day will be celebrated on Saturday, and Sunday will be spent cleaning up the mess! Do you guys have big plans for the lovers day holiday?

UPS I hate you

You may wonder what has riled my rooster with the United Postal Service. It is a delayed shipment from Anthropologie. I have been waiting patiently for goodies from the sale last week. Today I actually began to accuse my boyfriend of hi-jacking the package! This was, mind you, before I thought to check the handy tracking code Anthro provides for all purchases. When I did that I saw my package had been delayed (sorry sweetie!). It went from West Columbia, SC to Greensboro, NC to Columbus, OH to Maumee, OH (twice over a period of three days) to Hodgkins, IN to Hodgkins, IL (delayed due to adverse weather) to Chicago, IL. Finally the following will (according to UPS) be mine tomorrow! 

The Herringbone Sweater Jacket

and

Poetry of the Trees Jacket

 

     I'm not so sure about the Poetry of the Tree's Jacket-but as a resident of Minnesota, land of snow and cold, a jacket for 39.95 needs to be tried out. If it doesn't work out it will give me an excuse to make a trip to Anthropologie! 

Twinkle Twinkle little dress...

OOTD

I decided to try my hand at winterizing a summer dress today. I wanted to do a layered look, like Anjali from goldenmeans (here). It's my first attempt at one, so no hating! I knew what dress I wanted to try this with, the In A Twinkling dress by Anthropologie. I almost had to put out an amber alert because I couldn't find it this morning! Not to worry-I just didn't look hard enough in my winter closet (guess I was thinking ahead during the fall).

Dress: Anthropologie In A Twinkling
Turtleneck: Super old Maurices
Belt: JcPenny
Tights: Betsy Johnson
Necklace: Bead place on a vacation
Boots: Jackson by relativity














My hair does look janky. Reminiscent of me at age 13. I had just started washing my hair when the cold started to seep into the water. Thats right in the shampoo phase! I made a decision to exit the shower when the bone chilling water hit-that means I missed the conditioner phase. It is what it is I guess!