Denim & Ink

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2011-12-27T07:29:00.001-06:00

I've moved to Tumblr... check it out at:
denimandink.com

Rationalizations

2011-12-13T05:00:00.000-06:00

Dress (worn as skirt)-Anthropologie, Shirt-Target, Blazer-Local Boutique,
Boots-Blowfish, Earrings-Target, Rings-Silpada

When I saw this dress in Anthropologie a while back, I immediately thought "I am going to mix the crap out of that dress". That's typically how I convince myself that I need whatever it is I am looking at. The more use I think I can get out of it, the easier I can justify spending the money. This already the third time I've worn it, but first time on the blog. The boots are a more recent rationalization. I was at DSW last week looking for shoes to go with my birthday dress, and stumbled on these lovelies. Since I had found a deal on my shoes AND had $25 reward coupon, I thought what they heck, why not get them. They were already a steal, take the $25 off and they were almost free (not really, but you do what you must to justify, rationalize, explain, whatever-you get my drift). But I'm glad I got them. They are so comfy, they might be my new go to boot. I'm sure you'll see a lot of them in the next few weeks. Do you rationalize or justify your purchases? Is it by versatility or number of times you will wear it?

Tutu

2011-12-12T05:00:00.000-06:00

Blouse-H&M, Skirt-Elizabeth & James, Shoes-Pierre Hardy for Gap,
Necklace-from local store, Bracelet-Target, Rings-Silpada, F21, Fur(below)-Vintage

I love the Holidays, crazy as they can get. Every weekend in December is filled with partiers, and in the middle of them all is my 40th birthday bash. Probably not the smartest thing to be planning during this hectic time, but that's what happens when you're a holiday baby. This outfit came together at the last minute Saturday night. Since I've spent most of my fall budget on the dress for my birthday party, I'm shopping in my closet for rest of the holiday parties I'll be attending. I knew I wanted something flirty and fun, so this skirt fit the bill. It's the perfect party skirt. You can't tell from the pictures (I really need to find a better way to take pictures during the cold/dark winter!), but the hem is leather, as is the waistband. My favorite part of the skirt is the tutu effect it has, which makes me want to twirl the night away.

No thinking necessary

2011-12-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

Sweater-BCBG, Cardigan-Target, Leggings-JCrew, Boots-Target, Necklace-Stella&Dot

If I had to pick a uniform of sorts, something that I go to consistently, this would be it. Comfy layers and leggings that look casual enough to run errands, but if I decide last minute to go out for drinks, I'm ready to go. I tend to wear this a lot on the weekends or when I get too busy to think about what I'm going to wear.

Normally I don't accessorize too much with this, but since I got this Stella and Dot necklace, I find myself wanting to wear it with everything. I love how it suddenly makes this look that much more chic. All it takes is one little piece and wham!, the look goes from ok to WOW. What's your go to look?

Perfectly Paisley

2011-12-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

Blouse-Francesca's, Sweater and Skirt-JCrew, Boots-Aldo,
Bracelets-Stella and Dot, Target, Watch-Coach, Earrings-Limited

Today's going to be short and sweet. With the Holidays in full swing, I'm crunched for time. Love, love, love this paisley skirt from JCrew. Can't wait to re-mix with other items in my closet. Not to mention it's a bold burst of color. Something I need right now because when I get busy I tend to start dressing in neutrals. It's quick and easy.

Monochromatic

2011-12-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

Dress-Vintage, Belt-Love Culture, Scarf-NY&Co, Shoes-Blowfish,
Bracelets-Target, Watch-Coach, Earrings-Limited

I love a good vintage find. I'm not a pro when it comes to vintage shopping, but I know what I like. Remember this post? I found a lot of vintage goodies that day and now I'm finally getting around to wearing that dress. You can never go wrong with a sweater dress. Dress it up or down, it's one item that get's a lot of mileage in my closet. This is pretty tame for me, as I'm usually in a lot more color. But some days you just feel like blending in.

Muse Monday #6

2011-12-05T05:00:00.000-06:00

photo from Pinterest

Today's Muse Monday is inspired by Pinterest and JCrew. I've gushed enough about the things I find on Pinterest and you all know I love me some JCrew. They make preppy cool. When it came time to make a birthday card for my friend Wade, I knew it would have to be colorful, and where better to look for inspiration than a JCrew catalog. Wade and his husband Lalo are some of the most interesting people I know. It's always a good time, and this birthday did not disappoint. Lalo organized a happy hour, but it was the details he put into the event that made it special. The theme was old school flight attendant (think Pam Am). From the invites-boarding passes on flight 38 (Wade's age) to the luggage filled with vintage scarves, nothing was missed. When you untied your vintage scarf, you found wings, peanuts, pretzels, and a bottle of liquor like you get on the plane. It was fantastic! Then, to top it off, we had a paper airplane contest- we had to each make a paper airplane (not so easy when you haven't made one for YEARS) and then see who's would fly the farthest. I took second (my husband won-what do you expect, he's an engineer). All in all, it was a fun night and I think the card represented Wade well.

Materials:
Paper: Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink), Beet (PaperSource), Leaf (PaperSource), Lavender Moon (Papertrey Ink)
Stamps: Cupcake Collection, Table Servce (Both Papertrey Ink)
Ink:Night Sky (Versa Magic), Versa Mark
Other: Cupcake Collection Die (Papertrey Ink), Glitter

Fashion Flashback

2011-12-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

Sweater-H&M, Skirt-F21, Boots-Seychelles, Necklace-Stella and Dot (I want this one to wear with it),
Bracelets-Target, Earrings-Limited

I don't know about you, but I love anything 70's, and that's the vibe I'm channeling today. Is it the long pendant or the turtleneck and carmel colored skirt? Whatever it is, I can picture my mom when I was a child wearing something similar (although I'm sure the skirt would be longer!). Funny how I can remember those details from when I was so very young. I think they made a lasting impression on me. She had some great jewelry (some of which I now have) and I can recall vivid colored/printed maxi skirts that she would pair with black sweaters in winter. I hope these are memories of my mom! Ha. If not, I'm recalling what I saw on t.v. as a child. Things tend to blur when I go back that far. But I do know one thing for sure, I used to own the most awesome red and white checked, seersucker jumpsuit thingy with fantastic bell bottoms! If I recall, my mom even made it for me. I wonder if it's hiding in my parents basement? Not that it would fit, I was 4 or 5 at the time. But it sure was cute-scroll down and see for yourself.

Update: They are memories of my mom...check it out:

Elastic

2011-12-01T05:00:00.000-06:00

Shirt-Target, Skirt-from Parc Boutique (few years ago), Boots-Seychells, Necklaces-Stella and Dot, F21,
Rings-Silpada, Earrings-F21

Can you believe it's December already? Whoa. Where has the time gone? With the change in daylight savings and not getting home in time to get good pictures outside, I've been MIA for most of November. But fear not my friends, I'm back. I took enough lashings from a few you a few weeks back on why wasn't I posting. So I'm here to tell you I'm back baby!!

Now, let's get back in to the swing of things with what I wore to turkey day. The key to getting through the holidays for me is stretchy fabrics. Ha! This little number was my Thanksgiving ensemble this year, and let me tell you- it was the most comfortable I've ever been (well, maybe not counting those childhood years) Comfy doesn't have to mean sweats or baggy clothes. This adorable skirt...elastic waist. Yep. Expands with all that food you eat. And this top? I'm in love (or as much feeling as one can have for an article of clothing). I loved it so much, I went back to Target and bought 2 more in different colors.

What's your secret to surviving the holidays? Do you just give in completely and then spend January trying to undo the damage you did? Or do you like to take things in moderation (and not wear elastic waist clothes?) and feel good through to January? Let me know. I'd love to hear what you all do.

Currently Craving: Yoga

2011-11-15T05:00:00.000-06:00

I've blogged of my love for yoga before (here), but since completing my cleanse this past weekend, I'm craving it. Particularly, hot yoga. I love how the heat allows you push into the stretches even more. When I walk out of class, I feel like all the stress from the day is gone. I'm always on the hunt for cute yoga clothes that can go from studio to errands, and these are just a few of the things I'm currently craving. Many of them are from Athleta, which just happens to be opening here next week (not far from my house). Having both Lululemon and Athleta easily accesible means I'm going to have to restrain myself even more. Anytime I can just "pop" in and try stuff on is dangerous for me. Online and catalog ordering make it easier to just look.

Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5, Image 6, Image 7, Image 8, Image 9, Image 10

iPhone & Instagram

2011-11-10T05:00:00.000-06:00

A week of outfits by Instagram. Do you have instagram yet? If you have an iPhone and you don't have it, get it. I love it! It allows you to select various tones for your pictures and follow people you are interested in (for example I follow Bergdorf Goodman, Alice&Olivia, Kate Spade, and many of my favorite bloggers). You can even follow me (mplsgirl) and see what I'm up to outside of this blog!

Sweater dress-Loft, Cardi-Target, Jeans-Paige, Shoes-Madden Girl, Necklaces-Target, Bracelets-F21, Target, Watch-Coach

Dress-Tucker for Target, Jeans-Mango, Shoes-Blowfish, Belt-Linea Pelle, Scarf-India, Bracelets-Target, gift, Watch-Coach

Shirt and Sweater-JCrew, Jeans-Paige, Shoes-Madden Girl, Necklace- Local store, Bracelet-Stella & Dot, Watch-Michele

Sweater-JCrew, Skirt-Elizabeth&James, Boots-Guess, Necklace-F21, Stella&Dot

Blouse-Equipment, Sweater-Urchin, Skirt-H&M, Boots-Guess, Belt-Target, Scarf-India, Bracelets- Target, Watch-Coach

Cleansing

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

Every year around Halloween I tend to go a bit overboard in the sugar category. I just can't help myself. The candy corns call my name at all hours of the day. I fall for their tricks every year. I knew I had hit rock bottom when I found myself going for a second bag of candy corn (the big one by the way!) and it wasn't even noon yet. This is by no means healthy, and normally I'm a pretty healthy gal. I had to do something! Then, as if someone heard my cries, in my email was a blog post from Hillary at Who What Wear. She was recapping this cleanse that she did. I was intrigued. I had done cleanses before. The first couple days are hell. The headaches, the sluggishness, don't forget the constant hunger pains. She said this was different, so I thought I would give it a go. I ordered it up from BeWellByFrankLipman.com that night.

I'm on Day 10 and I have to say, this hasn't been difficult. You can't have caffeine, gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol, or anything processed. Sounds restrictive, but it's really not. You drink 3 shakes during the day (breakfast, mid am snack, afternoon snack) and then eat lunch and dinner-The first dinner I made was roasted chicken with root vegetables. Real Food! Along with the shakes, you get supplements that kill the cravings and aid in digestion and cleansing. This time around I didn't have any headaches, I haven't been hungry and I've already lost 4 pounds! I have to say I feel really good. I even did an intense hot yoga class this past weekend and felt great. In general I feel lighter and have tons of energy.

If you are looking for something to jumpstart a healthy lifestyle, I recommend this. I feel great and know that I will continue with most of these habits. I will be adding wine back in (who am I kidding!), but will definitely be trying to avoid sugar and caffeine as well as gluten.

Muse Monday #5

2011-11-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

This week's Muse Monday is brought to you by the number 31. It was my friend Lalo's birthday last week and he turned...31. The inspiration for this card came from the blog Color-Collective. Lauren Willhite's blog is a great place to start if you're looking for striking combinations or just trying to come up with a color scheme. It's a site I look to all the time for inspiration on color combinations for my cards. She's even done some cool art to outfit inspirations in Lucky (which is where the photo below is from).

Photo courtesy of Lucky Magazine

Another source of inspiration for this card was the candy in these jars. I just love the shapes and colors, specifically the turquoise and citron ribbon candy. Needless to say, Lalo loved the card. The pop of orange was the finishing touch as that's his favorite color.

Photo courtesy of InStyle Magazine

Materials:
Paper: Vintage cream (Papertrey Ink), Grey (Bazzill), Peacock (Paper-Source)
Stamps:Background Basics: Retro (Papertrey Ink), Big Birthday Additions-inside of card (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Citrine, Surf, Mango Tango (Colorbox Cat eyes)
Other: Mat stack #4 Die (Papertrey Ink), By the Numbers die (Papertrey Ink), Ribbon (Joann)

Halloween

2011-10-31T05:00:00.000-05:00

Pirates! The only year I've been able to get Ramesh to join in the fun (4+ years ago!)

Happy Halloween! This is one of my favorite holidays. Those who know me, know I love to "dress up". My friends and I attend so many theme parties, I have some acquaintances that don't know what I look like day to day, as they have only seen me at these events. In honor of the holiday that encourages dress up, I thought I would share some of my best costumes over the years. Hope you enjoy and have a fun night!

Studio 54

Toy Soldiers

Octomom

Alice in Wonderland- Cheshire Cat

Glamorous Masquerade Ball

Roaring '20's

Daphne from Scooby Doo, also making an appearance were Gem, Fred, Dilbert, Spongebob and a rugrat

50's Theme-Mad Men

Jerseylicious

60's Mod for Haunted Theater

The Magic of Oz

2011-10-27T05:00:00.000-05:00

Forty and Fabulous. That's the mantra my BFF and I are sharing this year. We both turn 40. Can you believe it? I feel like 30 was just a few years ago, not 10. Anywho...last year my card for her was her favorite football team-Cowboys (Check it out here). This year I went with one of her favorite movies-The Wizard of Oz. How can you not like a movie that has red glitter shoes in it? They scream fabulous to me. Not to mention I think every girl under the age of 6 has a pair in her closet. Oh, and my BFF just moved back to her home town, so I thought the theme was also fitting. It's true what they say, "There's no place like home". Happy Birthday Remy!

Materials:
Paper:Wizard of Oz paper (Graphic 45), Black (Papertrey Ink), Sf White (PaperSource), Clear Cardstock (Papertrey Ink)
Other: Glitter (JoAnn), Brads (Michaels), hand drawn shoe

Pensive

2011-10-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

Dress(worn as a skirt)-Target, Shirt-Equipment, Sweater-H&M, Blazer-BGBG,
Boots-Seychelles, Necklace-Target, Rings-NY&Co, Earrings-F21

These last few months have been one gigantic blur. It's like I'm watching my life as a movie on fast forward. I'm out of balance. I think I've overcommitted myself trying to do too many things. I took Friday off last week just to catch my breath. I spent the day running errands I had on my to do list for months. It was such a sense of accomplishment. I sense a change coming. Time for me to take control and get some order back in my life! How do you re-balance yourself when you find you're out of whack?

Muse Monday #4

2011-10-24T05:00:00.000-05:00

It was Paritha's 1st birthday last weekend and we were invited to the party. In India, first birthday's are a big deal (as I've shared here). It was quite the party- tons of people, great indian food and amazing cake. I wanted something pink, but didn't want it to be the bubble gum pink that seems to populate all girl gifts. As I scoured the web for inspiration, I didn't need to look any further thank Jessica from What I wore. I'm always inspired by her. She mixes colors with ease, and I recalled her mixing pink in numerous ways. This was one combo that caught my eye:

Photo from What I Wore

Next was to see what I could find on Pinterest. Of course I found tons of inspiration, but these two were the best for the color combo I was looking for. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it on Pinterest. It's addictive.

Photo from Pinterest

Materials:

Paper:Sft White (Paper Source), Sweet Blush (Papertrey Ink), Strawberry (Paper Source)

Stamps: Sweet Baby (Papertrey Ink), Big Birthday Wishes (Papertrey Ink), Birthday Bash Sentiments (Papertrey Ink)

Ink:Rustic Neutrals Cat Eye Queue (Colorbox)

Other:Sweet Baby die (Papertrey Ink), By the numbers die (Papertrey Ink), Twine (Pink Paislee)

Professor Plum

2011-10-21T05:00:00.000-05:00

Blouse-Francesca's Closet, Skirt-H&M, Belt-Target, Boots-Guess, Necklaces-EmersonMade,
Watch-Coach, Bracelets-Target, Gifts. Earrings-Limited

Channeling my inner school girl today. The pleated skirt and tie blouse are a bit girly for me when paired together. Throwing on the boots adds a toughness to the ensemble. Wouldn't want you thinking I've changed my style M.O., but I like to keep you guessing. What will I pair together today? Kind of like was it Professor Plum, in the library, with the candlestick or Miss Scarlet, in the conservatory, with the rope? I won't give you a clue. You'll have to tune in each day.

Olive Obsession

2011-10-20T05:00:00.000-05:00

Dress & Jacket-Loft, Blouse-Equipment, Boots-Target, Scarf-local boutique, Necklace,
Ring, & Bracelet-Target, Watch-Coach, Earrings-F21

Fall maybe here, but it's not the leaves falling or temperatures dropping that clued me onto this, it's the change in my color palette. I tend to go for darker colors, particularly neutrals. After looking at the past few posts, I've noticed I may have a slight obsession with the color olive. Check out the other ways I've worn it here, here AND here...yep. Obsessed! Looks like I'm going to have to step away from that color for a while. Hmmm. That's going to be a tough one. Let's see if I can do it. Call me out if you see me wearing it in the next two weeks. Baby steps people. Baby steps. I can't just stop cold turkey. Just a week or two.

Menswear Flair

2011-10-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

Shirt-Borrowed from my husband, Vest-from Atmosphere, Pants-JCrew,
Shoes-Target, Purse-Madewell, Necklace-Target, Watch-Coach, Bracelets-Maui, gifts, Target

I was feeling a bit sassy when I put this together. I wanted something to pop under the animal print vest and wast going to settle for the run of the mill black sweater or shirt. I wanted it to be unexpected. And I found it in my husband's closet. Do you ever raid your better half's clothes? I do all the time. I find the proportions to be just want I need sometimes. Not so fitted, a bit slouchy, even relaxed. Not to mention he likes me in his clothes-bonus for me. It's like having a second closet to choose from.

Tweed

2011-10-18T05:00:00.000-05:00

Sweater-BCBG, Jacket-JCrew, Skirt-Banana Republic, Scarf-F21, Shoes-Blowfish,
Watch-Coach, Bracelets-Target, Earrings-F21

Today it's all about the shoes. I found these at DSW last week-don't you just love them?? I love them so much I am seriously considering going back to get them in the flannel grey they also come in. I've already worn them a handful of times. I even packed them with me on my business trip to NJ last week. Don't know how I lived without them. Do you ever find a pair of shoes you just fall in love with and wear constantly? I'm not talking about your basic black heel here friends, a shoe that catches your eye that you have to own. What was it? Do you still wear them?

Muse Monday #3

2011-10-17T05:00:00.000-05:00

It's already Monday? Where do the weekends go? This lovely trinket will get your week started off right. Another weekend, another birthday! I think we've had a birthday celebration every weekend since September and the trend looks to continue right on through October. Today's muse is Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere. I adore, and I mean ADORE, her style. She makes everything look laid back CA cool, but still pulled together. Check out her blog to learn more, she's like a mini Martha Stewart. She cooks, she decorates, she's in fashion... amazing!

Photo courtesy Cupcakes and Cashmere

One other source of inspiration was this room-can't say enough how much I love pinterest and the things I find. I so want to do this to one of my rooms. Once again, great inspiration for my cards. Don't you just love that chandelier. Oh, and the bedding? I swoon!

Photo courtesy Pinterest

Materials:
Paper: Sft White (Papersource), Peacock (PaperSource), Lemon Tart (PTI) Thrift Shop Polka Dot (October Afternoon), Thrift Shop Doily (October Afternoon)
Stamps: Birthday Bash Sentiments (PTI)
Ink: Jet Black (StazOn)
Dies: Signature Series Dress Form (PTI), Table Service (PTI), Bigz Top Note (Stampin' Up)
Other: Ribbon (Stella Rose), Pearls (Hero Arts),

Smurfette

2011-10-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

Blouse-Jcrew, Sweater-F21, Skirt-Zara, Shoes and Necklaces-Target,
Bag-Fendi, Bracelets-Target, F21, Watch-Coach, Earrings-Limited

I'm rockin' the midi skirt for fall and am loving the length. At first I thought it might make me look dowdy, but the more I've played around with it, the more I like it. It feels very lady like. The sheer peach sweater was a last minute addition when I looked in the mirror and realized I looked like a smurf. Smurfette to be exact. Fashion disaster averted.

Ally McBeal

2011-10-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

Blazer, Skirt, Tights-JCrew, Blouse, Belt-Target, Boots-Aldo, Necklaces-EmersonMade,
Earrings, Bracelets-F21, Watch-Coach

I'm channeling Ally McBeal in this skirt today. If worn at my waist like it's supposed to be, it would be 2-3 inches shorter. That, my friends, would border on inappropriate for work. But, in Ally McBeal world, this is a maxi skirt. Too bad I don't live in that world. Then again, come to think of it, I don't know that I would want to. Having to always worry if I'm showing off something I shouldn't be in a meeting is not an effective nor productive use of my time. I'll leave that to TV land.

Sneak Peak {Atmosphere Fall Fashion Show}

2011-10-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

Shhh... here's a few sneak peaks of what's to come at Atmosphere's Fall Fashion Show on Friday. Did you get your tickets yet? If not, you still have time. Swing by Atmosphere in Uptown to get your tickets-they're $10 and you get 25%off your next purchase at the store with the ticket stub. The show's going to be a wicked good time. Show starts at 9p at the Lounge, then stay to party afterwards. Hope you can make it. I'm excited about the outfits I've already picked out. RSVP on the Facebook page if you can make it!