Putting Me Together

Guest Post: Tips for Flattering Your Curves

2012-05-30T06:53:00.001-07:00

Today I'd like to introduce Katie from Hems for Her. Besides having incredible style, one of the reasons I'm excited for Katie's guest posts is because she is a beautiful woman who embraces her curves. I have a lot of friends who are on the more curvy end of the spectrum who feel stuck with how to dress themselves, so I've asked Katie to provide some tips for how to dress in a way that flatters your curves!

Today, Audrey asked me to talk about dressing to flatter your curves, and I was too happy to oblige. This is not a blog post about losing weight or disguising your extra pounds. I am not going to tell you how to lose ten pounds in ten minutes or how to reduce the size of your waist in minutes a day. This is a post about loving your body the way it is now, embracing the shape that you have, and working it to your advantage.

Over at my blog Hems for Her I show everyday women how I dress. I have run the weight gamut from thin to thick and everything in between. When I got pregnant, I was in the best shape of my life. I had just lost 55 pounds; I was working out 4-5 times a week; I looked great and felt great. After baby, my body was different. My boobs and belly were bigger; I had no time to work out. I started a stressful job, and the pounds piled on. However, I have grown to love and appreciate my new fuller figure.

Confidence

The most important part of looking good and feeling good is CONFIDENCE! That’s the first thing you should put on every day! If you don’t believe you look good, then how do you expect anyone else to? Rock it and flaunt it! By identifying your body shape and learning what kind of clothing is most flattering, you will have the confidence to feel beautiful and stylish at any size!

Tailored, Not Baggy

One thing I’ve learned in dressing my curves, and documenting it daily over the past year is that the more tailored my clothing the better I look and feel. Plus-sized women often feel like we need to hide our body under layers and baggy clothing, but that just adds bulk. It’s much more flattering to wear items that are tailored to your body. Structured pieces like pencil skirts and sheath dresses show off your natural curves while loose and flowing actually create the illusion of extra weight. Don’t believe me? Guess I’ll have to show you the pictures.

Told ya!

Belts
This is another reason why belts can be so essential to a plus-sized wardrobe. Round all over and carrying your weight in your midsection like me? Then throw a belt on and you instantly create that desired “hourglass shape.” Fashion calls for belts to fall at the smallest part of your waist, so they draw the eyes upward. By defining your waist, you actually create an optical illusion of a perfectly balanced upper and lower body. Again a picture is worth a thousand words, so take a look at this series of photos showing how much a belt can change the structure of a dress. And check out my post tomorrow for more helpful hints about belts and the curvy gal.

Work What You Love

Finally, no matter what size you are, you gotta work what you love! Great legs? Then wear skirts to show them off and heels if you can suffer them. Love your arms? Yay for summer! Show them off in sleeveless dresses and tanks. Cleavage galore? If you got it, flaunt it- appropriately of course. I'm not wild about my pudgy arms and elbows, so you'll often see me in three-quarter length cardigans and tops. However, I love showing off my legs, so I keep that in mind when dressing in the morning.

If you want to get to know me better follow Hems for Her on Facebook, Twitter, and Bloglovin!

Stay tuned tomorrow for a second guest post by Katie specifically on how to belt your outfits when you are scared of drawing attention to your mid-section!

Guest Post: Interviews & Wedding Outfits

2012-05-29T06:11:00.001-07:00

Since I was traveling all last week and living off my 8 Pieces, 15 Outfits I've lined up a couple of guest posters for you this week!

I'm excited to introduce to you Lauren from Stylized Existence. Lauren is a wardrobe consultant (my dream job!) with a fresh but attainable style. Every now and then some of you ask me for help putting together outfits for things like job interviews and weddings, etc. Honestly, I never know what to say when people ask for advice like that because I'm constantly wondering if my outfit is appropriate too! With Lauren being a wardrobe consultant, I thought she would be the perfect person to answer these questions for us!

Hi there! I'm Lauren from the style blog Stylized Existence! Audrey asked me to guest post while she is away and I was happy to help! Audrey receives a ton of questions about what readers should wear for specific events, and since I am a wardrobe consultant, we both thought it would be helpful if I gave some input. Today I wanted to cover what you should wear to an interview and how you should dress for your upcoming summer weddings!

Interview Outfits
First, the interview looks. This can vary a bit depending on the type of company you're dealing with, but I ALWAYS say it is better to be overdressed than underdressed. Obviously, if you're applying to a super corporate (read: stuffy) company, you might want to stick with a full matching suit and a blouse, but if you're able to inject some personality into your interview look, go for it! As long as you are still formal enough, color and patterns need not be avoided for interviews. In fact, they just might help you be remembered instead of Susie with the MBA. Both looks below include my idea of the perfect feminine interview outfit. Interview Outfit Science: Pick a well fitting blazer, skirt, and heels. Add a top of your choice and some minimal jewelry and you've got yourself a respectable and memorable interview outfit.

Top outfit: One / Two / Three / Four / Five

Bottom outfit: One / Two / Three / Four / Five

Summer Wedding Outfit

Next up is an idea for a Summer wedding. My rule of thumb is, when you're attending a Summer event, feel free to go with a bold color. It's the perfect time to debut that coral or yellow dress you've been dying to wear. Save the black for Winter. Whatever you do, don't wear an ivory or white dress, it upstages the bride and it's tacky. My favorite combination is a nude shoe and clutch mixed with a bold dress and one pop of color in the jewelry (whether it be a necklace, bracelet, or earrings)!

One / Two / Three / Four

Audrey, thank you so much for having me! Putting Me Together Readers, I hope you picked up some good tips for putting together your outfits this Summer! I hope you will come over and visit my blog!

Thanks, Lauren, for helping us out! Be sure to check out Lauren's blog Stylized Existence for more inspiration like this!

Miracle of Miracles

2012-05-24T06:37:00.037-07:00

Top: Forever 21 | Skirt: Forever 21 (shop similar) | Denim Jacket: Forever 21 (shop similar #1, shop similar #2, shop similar #3) | Wedges: Kohl's (shop)

I combined three of my favorite recent (re)discoveries in this outfit: graphic tees, knotting tees over a skirt, and black and white. Four, if you count my denim jacket.

I'm delighted to say that after nearly a year of starting this blog I've found myself increasingly feeling like I have an abundance of clothes. I mean, I already knew that, but often times it didn't feel like it. You know, like this:

source

This month I've returned a lot of things because I simply didn't feel like they needed to be in my closet. When I've looked into my closet this month, the possibilities have seemed endless. Maybe not all of them are "style-blog worthy" (whatever that means), but they are still good and interesting.

And, for probably the first time in a long time, I'm way, way, way under my shopping budget. Miracle of miracles, people! This calls for a celebration. Perhaps a trip to the mall? ;)

BTW, remember to enter to win $50 to Lisa Leonard!

Weaksauce

2012-05-23T06:33:00.004-07:00

Sweater: J.Crew Outlet (shop similar) | Shorts: Target (shop) | Flats: Old Navy | Necklace: Forever 21 | Totes: ebags.com (shop)

Wheeeeee, coral shorts! I think they're my new best friend.

Having lived in San Diego for the last 11 years, I've grown accustomed to thinking that 70 degrees is too cold to wear shorts. I blame it on the constant ocean breeze, but really, "ocean breeze" is secret code for "I'm weaksauce." That said, I get a little unreasonably excited when I can wear these shorts, hence me dragging them along to every single trip I get to go on where heat prevails. Obsessed much? Absolutely.

But one way I get around it in "cold" 70 degree San Diego weather is to pair these babies with a lightweight sweater. Boom bam, problem solved.

Remember to enter to win $50 to Lisa Leonard!

Double Dog Dare Ya

2012-05-22T06:02:00.009-07:00

Top: Lace Affair (shop similar) | Cardi: H&M (shop similar, similar #2) | Skirt: JCPenny (shop similar) | Wedges: Kohl's (shop) | Belt: Lulu's

Seriously, peeps. I've said it before, but I really am digging using colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. My tendency is to use opposite colors in my color palettes, so a whole new world opened up in my closet when I let myself put together outfits with like colors. I originally paired this skirt with my mustard cardigan, but since I'm also digging shades of green these days, I went for it. And I loved it.

Seriously, you've gotta try it sometimes. I double dog dare ya.

BTW, remember to enter to win $50 to Lisa Leonard!

Win $50 from Lisa Leonard & GCOGH Winner!

2012-05-21T16:26:00.001-07:00

This week's giveaway is brought to you by the lovely Lisa Leonard!

I don't know about you, but I'm not the type of person who is really into jewelry or has a sentimental or emotional connection with it. However, when I received my necklace from Lisa Leonard, I could actually feel that it was made with love. There is something really special about the pieces in her shop, and mine fills my heart with warm fuzzies!

You have a chance to win $50 to buy a piece of your own from Lisa Leonard!

To Enter:

Visit Lisa Leonard and comment here with your favorite item.

Additional Entry:

Tweet about the giveaway. ex. "I hope I win $50 from Lisa Leonard over at @puttingme2gther! http://bit.ly/McM8L0"

And, the winner of the Go Chic or Go Home Giveaway is:

Congrats, Adele! Email me for your prize.

Mint & Orange

2012-05-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

Tee: Target (shop similar) | Skirt: Forever 21 (shop similar) | Shoes: Urban Outfitters (shop) | Necklace: World Market

I just got back from a retreat in the mountains, and now I'm packing up to go to Texas tomorrow morning. I'll be gone for a week, but I have a few backed up outfits to post while I'm away.

As simple as this outfit is, I loved wearing it. The easy breezy nature of it and the mint/orange combo made me feel fresh and springy all day. It was a much needed attitude booster since it's been getting stressful trying to get everything done that I need to do! Don't you love how an outfit can change your mood?

Wish me well in Texas, and pray that I don't die in the heat!

P.S. You seriously need to enter to win $50! There are so many stores you can choose from to spend the $50 on!

Mother's Day Outfit & Seek First Winner!

2012-05-15T06:41:00.002-07:00

Dress: Target (shop) | Wedges: Target (shop) | Cardigan: Target (shop similar) | Belt: H&M | Tote: ebags.com (shop)

Gotta be quick today because I've begun the first leg of my travels!

I wore this outfit when we took my mom out to dinner for Mother's Day! This dress was one of the items I bought on a recent Target haul, along with the coral shorts from a few outfit posts ago. I love the versatility of this dress. It can be paired with so many different colors, completer pieces, and types of belts, so I knew it would be a keeper. Have you had purchases that you knew instantly you'd keep? What were they? And what requirements make it a no-brainer for you?

Seek First Winner:

Congrats! Email me for your prize.

Remember everyone, you can get 20% off your Seek First order with code TOGETHER!

Also, remember to enter to win $50 from Go Chic or Go Home to stores like Madewell, Banana Republic, ASOS, and more!

Click here to enter!

Win a $50 gift card from Go Chic or Go Home!

2012-05-14T06:52:00.002-07:00

Happy Monday giveaway!

This week, Go Chic or Go Home is offering a $50 gift card to any of the retailers that Go Chic or Go Home works with, including Madewell, Banana Republic, ASOS, and more!

Let me tell you some things I love about GCOGH:

Inspiration and Community. It provides a great community to share outfits with and to gain inspiration from a wide variety of people. For example, there's a feature called "Monocle" that showcases looks with respect to a theme, such as "spring florals" or "stripes," from MANY different people all at once. There's so much inspiration at your fingertips!

Easier than having a style blog! If you've wanted to be part of the style blogging type of community but have been too intimidated or busy to maintain your own style blog, GCOGH is a GREAT place to gain those benefits without having to have a blog! The community is really encouraging, too!

Remixing tool! I also love that you can upload pics of your own clothing items to your virtual closet and then remix, remix, REMIX virtually with the Create feature! You can put together new combinations and create outfits with your own clothes and save them for later!

Earn rewards. Also, just for uploading pics or commenting and being an active part of the GCOGH community, you can earn points towards gift cards to some amazing retailers! (Like the ones named in this giveaway!)

The outfits are real and down to earth, which I know many of you PMT readers love!

Enter the Giveaway:

Become a member of Go Chic or Go Home in 2 easy steps:

Request an invite by clicking here!
Use your invite link to sign up on the website

Then leave a comment on this blog with something you like about the Go Chic or Go Home community.

If you're already a member, you can enter too! Just log into GCOGH so that your account is active during the giveaway period.

Open to international readers! Giveaway ends on Monday, 5/21.

Another Graphic Tee

2012-05-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

Tee: Forever 21 | Jeans: Gap Outlet (shop similar: here and here) | Blazer: Target (shop similar) | Shoes: Target (shop similar) | Necklace: c/o Lisa Leonard (shop)

From my recent dive into my pile of old graphic tees I was inspired to style this one, too! This outfit is a spin off of an outfit I wore often pre style blog, but with some tweaks. I had all of these pieces before style blogging too (minus the necklace), but I hadn't worn them together until now! Discovering new outfits in your closet never gets old. Nor does a blazer paired with a graphic tee.

What are you up to this weekend? My mom is in town, and then I'm off to all my trips. Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there! May you feel extra appreciated, blessed, and loved.

Lastly, only a few days left to enter the Seek First giveaway!

Just Breathe

2012-05-09T10:42:00.003-07:00

Top: Old Navy (shop) | Skirt: MNG by Mango via JCPenny (shop) | Wedges: Target (shop) | Belt: H&M

Ohmigoshhhh. This week, I'm trying to tell myself to breathe. And eating a lot of chocolate ice cream. Between preparing for 3 back-to-back trips over the span of 2 weeks and preparing material for a three-day long training that I'm in charge of teaching at, this week I will be relying on chocolate ice cream as my sweet escape to maintain my sanity. Chocolate ice cream never fails me.

If I'm quiet on commenting on your blogs this month, it'll be due to all the traveling. Two of my trips are in the mountains and one trip is to a retreat site in Texas! Yup, you heard me. I'll be at a remote retreat site a little outside of Austin (I think) for a whole week!

Any weather/wardrobe tips you've got for me for my upcoming trip to Texas?

Enter the Seek First giveaway!

Tees and Skirts

2012-05-08T06:34:00.002-07:00

Top: Forever 21 | Jacket: Forever 21 (shop similar: 1, 2, 3) | Skirt: JCPenny via Buffalo Exchange (shop similar: 1, 2)
Wedges: Kohl's (shop)

I have quite a few graphic tees sitting in my closet from a long time ago, and I haven't known how to incorporate them into my current style. I have loved how Kristina J. wears graphic tees with her skirts, so I took a cue from Kendi and Kristina and put one of my tees to good use. I love the idea of pairing them with skirts. To me, it's a perfect mix of casual and chic!

And, just so that I can be a broken record, if my eyes hadn't been opened to tucking or knotting shirts, this look wouldn't have worked. See the difference:

I'm excited to have even more outfit possibilities!

Remember to enter the Seek First giveaway!

Win $25 to Seek First!

2012-05-06T19:57:00.002-07:00

If you were around about a month ago, you should be familiar with Seek First.

Seek First is an Etsy shop filled with cute rosette and accessories.

I didn't think I could pull of rosettes, but after receiving a necklace from Seek First, I realized that they are great at adding something special to a normal outfit!

Here are some outfits I've worn my Seek First rosette necklace with:

This week, you can win $25 to Seek First to buy your own!

To enter:

Visit Seek First and leave a comment here saying your favorite item.

Extra entry:

Tweet it and comment here.

ex. "I want to win one of @seek_first's cute rosette accessories at @puttingme2gther! http://bit.ly/ISoR0n"

Hooky

2012-05-04T06:17:00.009-07:00

It's true. B, my brother, and our good friend all skipped work earlier this week to go to Disneyland. That's just the kind of silliness that ensues when you live in Southern California and when your brother and good friend have season passes. And it was awesome. My favorite part: Our friend fake-screaming uncontrollably during the entirety of Space Mountain--in a fake German accent. I laughed so hard that I cried.

I did not wear this outfit to Disneyland, but I did wear it 4 times last weekend. I wish I'd worn it to Disneyland, though. The extra 4 inches on these wedges would have made it much easier to watch World of Color at Disneyland while standing behind the man with the hat who couldn't stand still. It was magical nonetheless.

If you could skip work and venture off somewhere for a day, where would you go?

Purple on Purple

2012-05-02T06:19:00.006-07:00

Dress: Target (shop) | Cardigan: H&M (similar) | Belt: Lulu's | Flats: Old Navy (similar)

This dress was last seen here and here.

You know, I think in the past I only would have worn this dress with a grey or black cardigan. Partially because those are the only two colors I owned, and partially because I thought it was "wrong" to pair such similar colors together in mass quantity. But I learned through experimenting that sometimes it works, and the first time I dared do it was here and I loved it! And I love it again in today's outfit.

Sometimes you just need to experiment without worrying whether something is "right" or "wrong" in your rule book. Throw the rules out the window and at least try it. The worst that can happen is that you stand in front of your mirror, make this face, and change out of your outfit. Or, you can discover new outfits that you didn't know existed in your closet. I'd say a few of those faces is worth a FREE new outfit that makes you feel awesome.

Best Friends

2012-05-01T05:59:00.016-07:00

Top: Old Navy (shop) | Shorts: Target (shop) | Cardigan: Target (similar) | Necklace: Forever 21
Wedges: Kohl's (shop) | Bag: Old Navy

All of your comments about my copycat outfit on Friday gave me the confidence to rock this colorful outfit at the San Diego zoo! Our best friends visited with their newborn, so in addition to the zoo, our weekend was filled with barbecues, great conversations, and dirty diapers. Can't get better than that.

I bought these coral shorts last week while I visited my other best friend, aka Target. I frequently get mad at shorts because they're typically to the knee or 3 inches long, which barely covers anything on me and makes me burn my rear on leather seats in the summer. And, who likes that? These babies are perfect for me at 5" and will save my bum from getting burned this summer!

Maxi Dresses

2012-04-28T05:50:00.001-07:00

You guys, I'm so excited for spring! I been eyeing cute little dresses and bright colors like whoa.

When the UK brand Very contacted me to review their shop, I happily obliged. 1) Because I wanted to represent the UK readers for once! 2) I loved so many pieces in their store!

They have a bazillion products to choose from. Colorful, unique, and fun! When I first went to Very's site, I went straight to the dresses because hello, what fun is spring without fun dresses? And I might have a dress addiction. I'm especially excited about all of the colorful maxi dresses they have. I only fell in love with them last summer and have just a solid navy one to show for it. I love how maxi dresses always make a statement, and I'm hoping to add one more statement maker to my wardrobe, like one of these:

Check out the rest of Very's maxi dresses and the rest of their collection at http://www.very.co.uk/.

Will you be wearing a maxi dress this spring?

This post was sponsored, but all content and opinions were sincerely my own.

Confidence

2012-04-27T00:01:00.002-07:00

I'm linking up at Frills for Thrills for CopyCats! My inspiration:

source

I'd like to tell you that I wore the second version of this outfit with the red blazer, but if I'm honest, I wasn't that brave. Although I like it better, I couldn't bear the thought of showing up at my work meeting with a pink shirt, bright orange shoes, AND a red blazer and all of the comments I'd get. I felt like a pink shirt and orange shoes was already pushing it, and I chose normalcy over style blogger cool points. Plus, so much of how an outfit looks on you has to do with the confidence with which you wear it, so if I was feeling sheepish about what I was wearing, it probably wouldn't have gone well!

On another note, I turned 29 yesterday! Cray-zay. And I've gotta say, I feel kind of awesome about it. I mean, speaking of confidence, I feel the most rooted in myself that I've ever felt. I was going to post yesterday some reflections upon turning 29, but I was way too busy. Our best friends are in town with their newborn, and this weekend is the official celebration of my birthday. If you follow me on Instagram, you will not be surprised to hear that the celebration includes carne asada tacos (see here).

How are your weekends looking?

Bad Choices

2012-04-25T13:20:00.001-07:00

Dress: Target | Jacket: Forever 21 (shop) | Scarf: Old Navy (shop) | Boots: Dolce Vita via Macy's (gift)

Today was full of bad choices. Bad choice #1: believing my phone's weather app again (re: yesterday's post). I guess "63 and raining" to my app is really code for "78 with clear skies." Well, hooray! I ditched the boots for some wedges, and all was fine...at least, until bad choice #2: I went to Target. I went to pick up cleaning supplies, but all of you know it's impossible to go to Target without perusing the clothing section. And all of you also know that it's impossible to peruse the clothing section without buying every new item there.

Just so I'm not alone in my bad decisions, I will entice you by telling you that they have some dang cute shorts, dresses, and skirts there right now. So many new things in pretty colors! I bought 5 items, but I'm hoping I can talk myself out of keeping a couple of them. For what it's worth, my birthday is tomorrow so heyyyyy, present for myself? :D

Lazy = Winning + Giveaway Winner

2012-04-24T06:12:00.001-07:00

Dress: Target | Denim jacket: Forever 21 | Flats: Old Navy

I like to keep a few things in my car. For example, sometimes when I get home, I just don't feel like bothering to carry my jacket out of the car. While may husband might say it's because I'm lazy, I like to think of it as planning ahead. Like, on Friday I wore this outfit because my iPhone weather app duped me into thinking it'd be 80 degrees when, really, it was about 57. Seeing as how I was going to be out for 12 hours, I spent the day regretting my wardrobe choices and more so regretting the fact that the blasted weather app had tricked me once again. When the even chillier night air kicked in, I went to fetch something in my trunk, only to discover that I had a jacket and boots lying there from a day when I was ~~lazy~~ planning ahead. Winning!

Speaking of winning, (sooo cheesy and not intentional)

... the winner of the Montana Snow Vintage Giveaway is:

Congrats, Lindsey. Email me to get your prize!

April Sponsor Love

2012-04-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. Again, thank you for your super duper kind and encouraging words this week.

Right now it's time to acquaint you with this month's PMT sponsors! Make sure you check out their shops and blogs and take advantage of special discounts with PMT codes.

Seek First is an Etsy shop filled with cute, affordable handmade rosette accessories. Run by shop owner Lauren Battlershell, Seek First has adorable necklaces and headbands of varying colors, some solid and some multi-colored. I featured two of my favorites above!

And, get 20% off with coupon code: TOGETHER!

Check out Seek First and bring a little happiness to wardrobe.

shop | blog | twitter

You might remember Merrick from Merrick's Art in a recent guest post. Have you checked out her blog yet? Not only do I love her outfits, but she also features great refashions and DIYs. Her latest DIY, a Navajo inspired skirt!

Find more refashions and outfits at Merrick's Art!

blog | twitter | refashions

Morgan is a hot mama of four adorable kids and the one behind the blog Mama Loves Papa. She blogs about parenting, faith, and hosts a weekly link-up for children's style called Small Style--how cute is that?

Mama Loves Papa just started a series on marriage that you should also check out!

blog | twitter | marriage series

Do you love vintage pieces? Check out Montana Snow Vintage!

It's an Etsy shop that sells vintage finds, from clothing to accessories to home goods.

There are unique pieces that no one else you know will have!

Get 20% off with code: PUTTINGMETOGETHER

shop | twitter

Katie at High Heels & Bubblegum showcases fashion, outfits, and nail polish posts. Her feature Fashion Friday showcases outfits she's put together:

Check out her blog to see more of her outfits!

blog | twitter

Avon carries makeup, clothing, beauty and skincare products, and more!

FREE makeup palette with every $30 order until April 30th.

shop | twitter

Daisy Rae is a cute boutique where everything is under $50!

15% off with code PMT15

shop | twitter

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

Sponsorship can begin whenever and doesn't have to start on the 1st of the month.

Check out the sponsorship page and email me!

A BIG thank you! And a question about shoes.

2012-04-19T17:01:00.000-07:00

Top: Buffalo Exchange | Skirt: Forever 21 (same as this one) | Necklace: Forever 21 | Wedges: Kohl's (shop)

I cannot thank you guys enough for all of your kind words from yesterday's post! Your empathy and encouragement totally warmed my heart, and I'm in awe of how wonderful you guys are. While I don't think I'll be shutting down the blog or anything like that, I do need to change the rhythm of posting, which I think will change my heart posture towards it immensely. And I'm so appreciative of your suggestions to take a break from time to time. Sounds wonderful and freeing. Thank you again for caring for me! :)

I'd leave it at that and not talk about my outfit today, but I want to give props to Katie from Hems for Her for inspiring me to get these wedges. I adored them on Katie here. My old pair of strappy wedges are coming apart, and I've had my eye out for a replacement. They come in tangerine, too, which I cannot decide if I will keep or not. They're on sale and I have room left in my shopping budget for them. And, they're HOT! But I'm super practical and don't necessarily like having/buying things just because I can. I'd love your input! Keep the tangerine pair, too?

Let's be honest for a sec.

2012-04-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

Tee: Target | Jeans: Gap | Jacket & Necklace: Forever 21 | Wedges: Target

Friends, can I be honest with you here for a sec? Today's outfit is very simple, and I think I was drawn to the simplicity of a plain v-neck tee because inside I feel twisted and complicated. This week, I've felt very "over" style blogging, for a number of reasons. Some reasons are superficial (like the frustration of feeling like you can't repeat outfits because you need to present new outfits on a blog), while others are much more profound. Perhaps I'll share them with you another day, but not today. It's not because I want to be secretive, but it's because I can't tell if it's a temporary feeling or not, and if it's just temporary I don't want to open up a huge can of worms for nothing.

I might just be incredibly hormonal right now (ah, the woes of being a woman...and no, I'm not pregnant haha), but as I wait to see if it is just hormones and passes in a week or if I should give more significance to how I'm feeling, I could use a little hug.

Also, my apologies for having been quieter on the blog sphere with commenting and such lately. I caught a stomach bug all last week and was very out of it. I'm better now...except for the whole twisted and complicated thing. :)

Reunited

2012-04-16T15:33:00.009-07:00

Top: H&M | Cardigan: H&M | Skirt: Forever 21 (shop) | Boots: Dolce Vita via Macy's (gift) | Tote: ebags.com (shop)

Wedges: Target | Turquoise necklace: Forever 21

The last picture is how I planned to wear this outfit, but a rainy morning last week bullied me into boots and a cardigan. I think I like it better this way, anyway. I love me a clean brown, black and white look!

And, I miss this cardigan. It was one of the first I'd bought, some 5-6 years ago. I wore it all.the.time, but it hasn't gotten much play this year since I've been learning to utilize other pieces in my wardrobe. Whenever I tried to wear the black cardigan this year it felt like old news, but a clean white skirt seems to make this old favorite fresh. I hope I can find more ways to wear it that keep it feeling new! Are there old favorites in your closet that you want to make fresh again?

Win $25 to Montana Snow Vintage!

2012-04-15T20:25:00.001-07:00

I hope you all had a good weekend!

Today I want to introduce you to Montana Snow Vintage.

It's an Etsy shop full of hand selected vintage clothing and accessories.

I know some of you out there looooove vintage items. :)

This week, one lucky winner will get $25 to get their own vintage item!

This giveaway is open to ALL countries.

Check Montana Snow Vintage's shipping policies for more info.

To enter:

Visit Montana Snow Vintage and leave a comment here saying your favorite item.

Additional entry (leave additional comment):

Tweet it, and comment here.

ex. "I'd love to win $25 to Montana Snow Vintage over @puttingme2gther! http://bit.ly/HPTRfU"

Giveaway closes Sunday 4/22 @ 8pm PST.