I went to the wedding of two good friends a few weeks ago, and decided to wear both something old and something new.  The old came in vintage accessories: a vintage purse (80′s, I believe), vintage pearls from a garage sale, and my grandmother’s ring.  The new came in a brand new (discontinued) Boden dress that I bought on eBay. I had to get it tailored, so this was its first official outing.

I didn’t get to take any photos at the wedding, but the location was gorgeous.  It was at Cross Creek Ranch, a little rustic spot just outside of Tampa. The ceremony was under a huge oak tree, while the reception was in a quaint renovated barn.  It was really beautiful all around, and one of the nicer, more personal weddings that I’ve been to.

Dress: Boden (via eBay)
Sandals: Dansko Novalee (via eBay)
Purse: Vintage
Pearls: Vintage
Ring: Belonged to my grandmother
Bangles: Jill Popowich

Dansko Stephanie, on sale for $99 on Zappos

I’ve been eyeing the Stephanies for months.  I actually did purchase a pair on eBay, only to resell them when I found out that these run much smaller than the Sallys.  They are basically the same style as the Sallys, except that they have the added floral and leaf embroidery.  They’d be a perfect year-round shoe – only on the really cold days in winter would they be inefficient.  I don’t have a pair of black work heels right now, so these would fill that gap.  They also come in red, which is gorgeous.

 Dansko Savanna,  $125 on Zappos

I like the idea of a mary jane with more coverage, because sometimes my feet get cold.  These take care of that.  They’d be perfect everyday at work shoes.  I’m not sure how I feel about the floral design though – I don’t like the placement as much as the Sallys.  These are a little cloggier looking too, and I worry they might look too heavy with some outfits, especially in the spring and summer.

Dansko Sam, $120 on Zappos

While these do come in practical black, I just can’t get over how gorgeous that shade of blue is!  These obviously provide the least amount of coverage of the three, and thus provide the least warmth.  But then again, I live in Florida.  These will be plenty sufficient for 10 months out of the year (and then some.  Today it was 75 outside!).  They’ve still got a closed toe so they’re good for work.  And blue is basically a neutral in my wardrobe, which has tons of blues and cool colors in it.

I’m leaning towards the Sams right now, largely because of that color.  Which pair do you think I should get?

Snacks: Cottage Cheese and Peaches, Chorizo and mozzarella, pumpkin seeds and almonds
Lunch: Kourma Chicken, Spinach salad with feta, clementines

Every once and awhile, I decide to try cottage cheese again.  And every time, I remind myself of why I prefer Greek yogurt.

Snacks: Greek yogurt with strawberries and walnuts, hard boiled egg with cheddar cheese
Lunch: Feta burger with spinach and ketchup, carrots, celery, baked sweet potato slices

Feta burgers = awesome.  I can’t believe I never tried making something like this before.

No, unfortunately this post is not written from NYC.  Nor do I have any plans in the immediate future to go there (although if the chance came up, believe me I would go!).  But, I am wearing a little piece of NYC today in the form of my new favorite vintage scarf.  I found this one while shopping at a local vintage shop a few weeks ago and found this scarf while digging around there.  I immediately fell in love with it, and even though I sometimes have trouble styling vintage scarves, I went for it.  And I’m so glad I did.

The simple black, white and yellow color scheme is so “me”, and it goes with pretty much everything.  I styled it as a sort of handkerchief tie this time (tutorial up soon) and I really like how it looked.  Plus, the silk provided just enough warmth for a balmy 65 degree winter day (seriously, this winter is way too warm this year).

This is what the scarf looks like unfolded.  It has nine different panels, each with a different scene from 1960′s NYC.  The World’s Fair was held in NYC in 1964, and the location is show on the subway map panel.  Other panels include the Rockfeller Center, the Empire State building, Central Park, the United Nations, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the public library  It also shows lower Manhattan pre-construction of the World Trade Center, which started in the late 1960′s.  Kind of sad since that’s now how Lower Manhattan looks once again.

I’ve included thumbnails of several of the panels below.  Click on them to get a larger view.

Cardigan: Bobeau (via Nordstrom Rack)
Capris: Erik Stewart (thrifted)
Shoes: Merrell Brio
Scarf: Vintage (via Sherry’s Yesterdaze)
Purse: Morelle

I’ve had this cardigan for a long time, but it never occurred to me until this week that it could work great tied up as well as loose.  I like how the layering allowed the sleeve cuffs of the dress to peek out.  The overall look here is really simple, but I was going for something a little more minimal this day, so I was really pleased with how it turned out.

Sometimes I find that dresses which work great on their own can be some of the most difficult pieces to style originally.  It feels like there’s only so many combinations of cardigans and belts I can come up with.  So I’m always really happy when inspiration strikes and I come up with something new.  I’d put together a look like this with one of my longer drapey cardigans before, but never my short one.

Dress: V Fish (via Why Not Boutique)
Cardigan: Anthropologie (via eBay)
Shoes: Merrell Brios
Watch: Fossil
Earrings: Gifted

There’s lots of different elements that influence my style.  Lately one of my favorite inspirations has been 60′s English and French styles.  I feel like the above outfit has a little bit of both, but it felt more British to me.  The dress actually is British, so that should count for something.

I’ve never actually been to England, but it’s one of those places that I’d really love to visit one day.  My grandfather was stationed there during WWII (in Bassingbourn, near London) so I’d especially love to visit the base he was at and the museum that’s there.

This beret always makes me happy when I wear it.  I finished knitting it while waiting for a cab at LaGuardia during my trip to NYC several years ago.  It always reminds me of how great that trip was.  Not to mention the fact that it’s cute and warm.

Dress: Boden (via eBay)
Cardigan: J. Crew (via eBay)
Tights: HUE
Boots: Keen Bern Baby Bern
Watch: Fossil
Necklace: Wendy Brandes Little Woolf

This is my, “I’m trying to smile even though I’m really cold” face

The key to days like today is lots and lots of layers.  I layered wool knee socks over tights.  I layered a slip, long sleeve tee, sleeveless dress and cashmere sweater for the rest.  And then coat and scarf after that.  Most Floridians, I’ve noticed, don’t get cold weather dressing.  I see people trying to get by with hoodies or cotton turtlenecks.  Everyone complains so much too.  But it’s really fantastic if you’re prepared for it, and it doesn’t have to be expensive if you search for good winter pieces year round.

At first I thought about belting the sweater, but the dress has such a strong pattern that I really wanted to let it shine.  By using the tie from the dress as a belt,  I brought the attention back to the beautiful pattern.

How do you layer for winter?  What’s your winter climate like?

Dress: Mlle Gabrielle (thrifted)
Sweater: J. Crew (via eBay)
Long sleeve tee: J. Crew Factory
Tights: HUE
Boots: Keen Bern Baby Bern
Watch: Fossil
Coat: Target (2008)
Scarf: Handknit by me

Like last year’s 11 in 2011, I have created a new set of 12 in 2012 goals for this year. (Note: the following two paragraphs are adapted from last year’s 12 in 2012 post)

As happens at this time of year, I’ve been reflecting a lot on my quality of life and what I can do to improve myself and generally be happier.  I’ve never been a big fan of big, overwhelming New Years Resolutions (Lose 50 pounds!  Go to the gym everyday!  Handmake my entire wardrobe!) At the same time, general resolutions seem ineffective to me, since it’s too easy to really change nothing (Be less stressed out!  Be better with money!).

So with all that in mind, I’ve decided to come up with my 12 in 2012 list. Each goal is specific and attainable.   I want to be realistic in my goals, but I also want to make sure that I’m accomplishing things I’ve been wanting to.  I also do my best to keep my goals from being too money dependent (except of course my money goals).  I don’t want to go broke trying to accomplish everything.

I’ve grouped my goals into categories, since they each fit pretty neatly into certain areas.  I’ll be posting about my 12 in 2012 as a series through out the year.

Style

• Fill at least 12 of the gaps from my Wardrobe Gaps list.  Easily doable.  The items on my list range in how expensive they might be (and obviously second-hand is perfectly fine), so even if money is tight one month, I’ll be okay.  I will change and update the Gaps list throughout the year.
• Blog at least one outfit a week.  I need to get back into the habit of photographing and blogging outfits.  I’ve been good the past couple weeks, so I’ll try to retain the momentum.

Crafty

• Knit a Fair Isle Sweater.  I’ve got my yarn picked out, and some pattern ideas in my head, I’ve just got to order and get started.  I loved fair isle when I made some accessories using it before, and I’d like to have another (lighter weight) sweater for next winter.  I’ll probably just make the yoke Fair Isle, rather than the entire sweater.
• Sew three garments for myself.  I miss sewing terribly, and there are so many things that are easy to make.  I also find that sewing gives me a better appreication for garment construction and helps me be more discerning in shopping and deciding on what to tell the tailor to fix.

Health

• Try one new Paleo recipe every month: I’ve got The Primal Blueprint Cookbook, plus there’s plenty of Paleo blogs with recipes, including Mark’s Daily Apple and Robb Wolf.  I’ll definitely be able to find plenty of new recipes to try.
• Get that co-op subscription/ or go to a Farmer’s market once a month:  I’m including an alternative in this one on purpose.  I know that money will likely be a bit tight this year, so I’m not sure if I’ll feel comfortable committing to a co-op subscription.  Even if I don’t, I can still easily make it to a Farmer’s market once a month if I’m intentional about it.
• Go to the dentist:  I’m embarrassed to say that somehow I haven’t been to the dentist in the past two years.  Not intentionally, I just never get around to making an appointment.  I MUST remedy this.

• Be able to do at least one unassisted pull-up or chin-up:  Rather than having a fitness goal that I know I’ll fail at (exercise three times every week!  Lift weights every other day!)  I’m setting an overall goal for the year.  I enjoy strength training, and working up to being to be able to do something big, like a chin-up or pull-up, seems like a good and reasonable goal.
• Try at least one new-to-me or oldie-but-goodie form of exercise:  I get tired of exercising if  I keep doing the same thing over and over again.  So this year, I want to try at least one “new” thing.  This could be something completely new to me, or it could be something I haven’t done regularly in years (kayaking, rollerblading, hiking).

• Finish my teaching certificate:  This is on course to be done by June 2012.  And I will be so relieved when it’s finished.

Life and Money

• Have $500 in my savings account by the end of the year:  This can be done by putting in $20 from every paycheck.  I know I can handle at least that much, and then I won’t feel all the anxiety of having basically no savings.
• Keep my credit card paid off:  My credit card debt isn’t that bad (only about $700)  but I will feel better if I completely pay it off and keep it paid off.  I have a bad habit of relying on it when I overspend my checking account.  I need to stop this.  I know where my tax return is going this year.

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe New Years.  My boyfriend and I decided to stay home for this one,  so he had some beer while I had some Jam Jar, and we watched old episodes of 30 Rock and classic 60′s Batman.  It was the perfect, low key end to the year and a great way to welcome 2012.

Happy New Year!

Dress: Soprano (via Li da la)
Cardigan: J. Crew (via eBay)
Tights: HUE
Knee Socks: HUE
Boots: Keen Bern Baby Bern
Scarf: Boden
Bag: Angry, Young and Poor Bread Bag
Watch: Fossil Outlet
Earrings: JuneDesigns

Lots of bento boxes.  The beginning of 11 in 2011.  Growing out my hair.

February

Busyness.  First year teacher woes.  Birthday.

March

Thrifting.  Awesome cooking.

April

Bento special edition.  Awesome spring break time.

May

Lots of bentos and healthy recipes.

June

Summer goals.

July

Oceanside, California.  Part-time summer job.  Redecorating the studio.

August

Workout plans.  Finished sweater.  Discovering Paleo.

September

Back to style.

October

The secret files of a librarian.

November

Out of the style rut. Wardrobe inventory.

December:

Back to my old self.  Wardrobe gaps list.  Hair now long.  Still trying Paleo.  Awesome Christmas.

2011 was a busy and eventful year.  Here’s to a fantastic (and more stylish) 2012!