The Shades of Monet Chronicles

Outfits: The Neutral Gnome

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 15:00:00 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress: Miss Selfridge (2010)

Jacket: Gap (Sale)

Brooch: Vintage

Hat, Shoes: Modcloth

Tights: Target

Happy hump day darlings!

I'm back and feeling better than ever as I came off of another open mic night yesterday evening. I'm as shy as they come and getting up in front of people kind of scares the pom poms out of me, but at the same time, it's rather exhilarating. This time around I did a couple of duets with my gals pals and my ukelele in hand - a little Ingrid Michaelson and Bon Iver and one of my own numbers all by my little lonesome. What can I say? I'm surely not the greatest singer in the world (I think I kind of get by on the quirky indie girl card...lol), but I do love to write songs and share them with others. One of these days, I may even post something, but for now I will just share my excitement with you. Yep it was one very swell evening. Also - there's plenty of characters that show up to these open mic nights, so if anything, it's pretty darn entertaining if I do say so.

So today, I'm donning a wee frock that's been in my closet for 5 years. Yeah it's super comfy, so it's one of those that I probably won't let go of. As I'm one to not shy from color, I did the very opposite here and branched out into a more neutral number - for me at least that is. The cherry on the sundae though? Definitely my gnome shoes that I scored for a wee $40. It was one of those cases where the stars just aligned and they went on mega sale at the same time that I had a gift card and a discount code on top of it. So yeah, these little guys were MTB mine.

Ok that all for now. That second cup of coffee is calling my name. Tootaloo!

Love Bunches,

Outfits: Fantastic Mrs. Fox

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 17:12:00 +0000

Outfit Details:

Dress: Modcloth (on sale) (gift from the Mr.)

Scarf, Brooch, Shoes: Vintage, thrifted

Cardi & Bag: Target

Why hello there darlings,

I'm finally back after some long overdue recouping time from the youth Fine Arts Festival that me and my team of teens put so many blood, sweat, and tears into the past several months. I'm sad to report that our drama team did not make it on to the national level, but not to fret, every last one of the students did an amazingly awesome job, had the time of their lives participating and really, that's all that counts, right? It's funny how when you are around people for so long, you kind of start to become like a family. No complaints from me.

Speaking of fine arts...this is pretty much so what I wear to these competitions. A comfy dress, bright colors, comfy shoes and most likely a quirky print. I mean, I hanging with teenagers and so this ol' gal, needs a little something to feel young and fresh and super fantastic and in my case, an outfit like this is where it's at. Enough said.

How about you? If you are ever around students, how do you tend to dress?

Have one fantastic day my friends...love bunches,

Outfits: A Bug's Life

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 15:14:00 +0000

Outfit Details:

Dress: Belonged to Taylor of Nothing but a Pigeon

Blouse (Gap), Bag (Vintage), and Shoes (Vintage): Thrifted

Necklace: Gift from the Mr.

Hat: Modcloth, Gift from mom

Tights: Modcloth

Hello, hello there,

Just a little pop in to say hello, while the wee fam and I are currently hanging out in Philly while the Mr. was invited to speak at several classes at the University we graduated from. It's always fun to get out of town for a bit, but I will admit as it's been commonplace for us lately, I've definitely tired of living out of a suitcase, ya know? On a brighter note, I will always welcome any alone time that the Mr. and I can spend together!

Anyhow, this time around I've packed mostly thrifted or gifted items which I will admit, gives me a sense of satisfaction to know that under $20 was spent putting this look together. I was ever so lucky as a duck that the very sweet Taylor, of Nothing but a Pigeon, was cleaning out her wardrobe and offered up this cheery eyelety orange frock for grabs. Of course I grabbed it! Along with that I had the best week ever of thrift finds which included this bug covered blouse and authentic Danish clogs circa the 70s. Yeah, score for me!

Which brings me to this point: As new dresses are making there way into shop windows and gracing the pages of our favorite clothing sites, it's hard not to become tempted to drop some dough. However I'm sticking to my guns and refraining from buying things I truly don't need, thrifting as much as I can, and occasionally shopping sales. How about you? Do you find yourself purchasing a new wardrobe with the change of the season or do you pinch your pennies and buy secondhand?

Do share!

Love Bunches,

Outfits: Snow Houses

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 14:30:00 +0000

Outfit Details:

Dress: A Beautiful Mess for Modcloth (gift from the Mr.)

Hat, Cardi, Belt, Brooch: Vintage, thrifted

Tights: We Love Colors

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

Hello darlings,

Well I'm certainly thrilled that this much snow is no longer covering the ground on my tiny little side of the mountain. Yes! I think I'm counting the days til I start seeing blossoms on the trees once again. It's actually kind of hard to believe how quickly it all has melted over the past couple days when all winter long, my yard was covered in a blanket of white.

Anyhoo, another busy week has passed me by and I beyond excited tonight to hit the road to see a concert with the Mr. and a group of our friends. It's just the kind of get-away this gal needs as things are hustle and bustle preparing for the next round of Fine Arts with the youth drama team that I coach. So for now, I'm keeping it brief, signing off and putting the day on pause as I prepare to hit the open road and enjoy some good music and good company.

Until next time...

Love Bunches,

Outfits: Summer Daze

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 16:00:00 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Shirt, Bag, Shoes: Vintage - thrifted

Scarf: Modcloth

Shorts: UO

Hello and happy friday darlings!

No, I'm not on vacation. Gosh, do I wish I was though! It may be safe to say that my little home on this mountainside has endured it's last bad snow of the winter season...ok, so probably wishful thinking considering where I live, but I'm keeping a sunny outlook, ya know? So as it goes, I was looking back through the archives and stumbled across this post of photos that never got published and boy was I ever in the mood to throw on a pair of sandals, shorts, and tie up my top again.

Anyways, last September, the little fam and ventured yet again down to Hilton Head Island for a week of sand and sun. This is pretty much what it looked like. French pastries for breakfast watching the sunrise, morning bike rides under the palm trees, long days at the beach, lunch by the pool, seafood dinners, and evening strolls and trips for gelatos...yep perfect and a definite contrast to every day normal life. As winter has been very busy and a little rough, I pretty much so dream of weeks like this with plenty of blue skies, no stress, and living at a very slow pace. Don't we all?

So there you have, I'm in a summer daze looking out my window at the white winter snow as I grip my cup of coffee tightly to keep my hands warm. I'm surely counting down the days til spring, tying up my tops and baring my legs once again.

Wishing you simplicity and sunshine for the weekend ahead,

Love bunches,

Outfits: Frosted Donut

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 16:00:00 +0000

Outfit Details:

Sweater: Target

Blouse: Vintage for sale in shop

Skirt: Gap

Hat: eBay

Bag & Belt: Vintage, thrifted

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

Hello darlings,

I'm back after a very long weekend of Fine Arts festivalling (yes I realize this is not a word), and extremely thrilled to report that my teams made it on to the next level of the festival which is held in early spring. Hooray! Of course there is plenty of work to be done to get my drama teams in ship-shape, but for now I am taking the week to decompress and take it very slow. For me this means catching up on some of my favorites (Downton Abbey anyone?) and drinking lots of cups of rose tea under mounds of blankets because this 30 degree below windchill is not not my flavor...but you know what is? Frosted donuts! I'm staring at this one on my sweater right now wishing that I was feasting on it's sugary goodness. Oh my!

As for everything else, my oldest little man turned five and a batman themed celebration we did have! It's hard to believe that I have a 5 year old on my hands now. Geezoo, time does fly.

So that is it. I'm pretty dull and boring at the moment and perfectly content to crawl under that blanket that is calling my name and watch Lord Grantham in action. Haha, call me a nut, but I totally have a crush on him!

Until next time...

Love Bunches,

Outfits: Wise Owl

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 16:35:00 +0000

Outfit Details:

Dress & Hat: Modcloth, gift from the Mr.

Shirt:Target

Shoes & Bag: Thrifted

Happy Friday and Happy Valentine's weekend darlings!

This time of year always finds me a bit preoccupied and far far away from the internet as I'm busy as a honey bee. For me it's Fine Arts season - which means I'm up to my hats writing dramas and working with students on both drama and musical presentations for a local Fine Arts Festival we participate in. Definitely a tad grueling as students have been in and out of my house almost every day of the week for the past month or so, but more so, a whole lot of fun and creativity blooming is on my side of the mountain, so I simply could not complain. Yes, I do love this time of year despite the mounds of snow that sit in my front yard.

Anyhow, these days find me craving comfort & practicality over cuteness, donning oversized sweaters, boots, and skinnies rather than the normal dress and tights uniform I tend to gravitate to quite frequently. Um yeah, it's rather hard to be teaching students drama parts in a dress when you are up and down, bending over, crawling on the ground...etc etc. No one needs a free show - especially 13 year old boys...yikes. However on days out and about I will take the opportunity to slip into a dress - and this owl print one is really taking the cake for me as of late. Thanks to the Mr. who picked it out for me last year as one of my bday gifts.

Enough chit chat. The weekend is here and I'm ready to celebrate. How about you?

Catch up with you later!

Love Bunches,

Remix: The Traveling Fox

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 15:51:00 +0000

Hello darlings!

I've traveled on over to the Flock Together blog today where I'm remixing ye olde fox sweater. Trot on over this way and see how this little critter really made it's way around it's way across the country.

Until next time,

Outfits: Macaron

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 15:30:00 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress: Borrowed from Sammi, The Soubrette Brunette

Hat & Bag: Thrifted, Vintage

Necklace: UO

Tights: Target

Shoes: Poetic License

So this is how I celebrated my birthday, which was two months ago, btw (notice the leaves on the trees-I cry). Downtown Philly, a French restaurant for lunch, afternoon strolling around Rittenhouse Park, perusing the 4 story Anthropologie, and stopping off for some macarons at my very favorite little cafe. Yes, it's rather dreamy and rather special and out of the ordinary for me as this mom spends her days in a quiet little mountainside town chasing after two boisterous little fellas, making grilled cheese sandwiches and playing superheros. (I wouldn't change that for the world, might I add).

Anyhow, to ring in year 34 - yes, I said it...I am 34, I was rather thrilled to have recieved this swap and delight of a dress from The Soubrette Brunette, herself. I'm naturally drawn to bright cheery colors so this was the dress to celebrate in. Fancy that it matched my chocolate earl grey macaron too. Yum!

So that's just that. The weekend is here and I have a little DIY project up my sleeve. Perhaps I'll share it with you, as long as no one loses an eye...ha.

Happy Friday darlings!

Love Bunches,

Outfits: Sly as a Fox

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 15:23:00 +0000

Welcome to 2015 darlings!

I know, I know, we are already a week into the new year so I am a bit late to the game with the welcomes and all, but I decided to go completely off the grid this holiday season and just savor every little moment of sugar plum goodness with the fam sans time in front of the screen.

Let's chat now. How were your holidays? Mine were swell. Christmas is always my favorite time of year - what can I say? I'm a sucker for traditions and oodles of family time, so that is just what I got. Christmas Eve always kicks off with a traditional German meal and Christmas morn sees our family around the table gobbling up my mom's famous french toast (this time made with panatone), topped with creme anglaise and fresh berries. Oh and of course, I couldn't leave out the homemade sticky rolls and mimosas. Yep, my mouth is watering now too. Afterwards the Christmas story is read and the presents are opened and the day is just perfect in my book.

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress: c/o Sheinside.com

Hat: Modcloth (gift from mom)

Purse & Shoes: Vintage

Necklace: Vintage, belonged to grandmother

Tights: Anthropologie

Speaking of presents, it was super nice to arrive home to this little dress in my mailbox that Sheinside, so kindly sent my way. I'm all into comfort these days as I chase an 18 month old around on a daily basis, so I was pleased as Christmas punch to find out that this was super soft and cozy (and good quality-thicker than it looks) just as I had hoped it to be. It fit me like a dream too, to boot (though I will add that it's very short, so this gal, who is only 5'2, by the way had to wear shorts underneath to prevent anyone from getting a free show if the wind decided to blow her way). Other than that, I will fully admit that I picked this little beauty out because I've been wishing to snag up a collared fit and flare type dress after seeing "What If" with Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan - who wears a blue one that is similar. On a side note - if you like cutesy cute movies, I would totally recommend that one. Um, yeah I do have a crush on Daniel Radcliffe (it's the blue eyes and British accent), but now I have a gal crush on Zoe Kazan as well, seriously though.

(If you love this dress to - you can snag it up HERE. It just went on sale!! And for the record, I sized up since sizing runs small, which boded well for me)

So that's just about all. It's a negative degree nightmare out there right now, so a cup of rose tea and fleece blankets are calling my name. Wishing you one lovely week my friends.

Love bunches,

Outfits: Gingerbread Man

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 16:00:00 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Sweater: Gap

Blouse: via Katie, Butterfly Loves Snapdragons

Skirt (Dress): Available in shop

Purse & Hat: Vintage

Tights: Target

Boots: Michael Kors via Marshall's

Hello and happiest Friday before Christmas darlings!

It's hard to believe that this is the last weekend before Santa Claus comes to town (wink wink). This girl really need to get on the ball and get all her Christmas shopping done, that's for sure! How about you? I'm not sure what has happened, but I'm really late to the game this year. True story, the Mister and I hung our Christmas lights up outside on our front porch yesterday! Hey, better late than never, right?

So as the week is filled with caroling, holiday parties, baking, and watching Christmas movies...(White Christmas, anyone?), I couldn't help but want to deck myself out in browns and dress like a gingerbread man. See what I mean? Just kidding, just kidding....but kind of not. I can thank my fella Flock Together gal Katie, of Butterfly Love Snapdragons for sending this polka dot cutie of a blouse my way for a wee while to swap. And you bet your bottom dollar that I layered it to the max because it was like the coldest day ever on my side of the mountain which I guess made me feel like some kind of Frosty the Snowman/Gingerbread Man hybrid. Now go grab the gingerbread how and let me start frosting!

So in these days leading up the best time of the year, what are you darlings up to and what are you baking? This gingerbread woman, and her sweet tooth would love to know.

Love Bunches,

The Velveteen Bunny

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 15:27:00 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress: c/o eShakti - Holiday Collection

Blazer, Bag & Hat: Thrifted Vintage

Scarf: Etsy

Tights & Shoes: Modcloth

Oh hi there darlings!

Christmas is right around the corner now, and with that comes trimming the tree, baking the cookies, and thinking about holiday dressing. That's right - I get pretty darn excited every Christmas Eve to dress up - for dinner, for church, you know - the whole shebang. Anyhow, this year I was over the moon when eShakti.com asked me to pick a piece from their holiday collection to wear and review and well - here I am, happy as an elf.

My eye was immediately drawn to this floral velveteen skater style beaut - um, hello there gorgeous. It actually reminded me of this vintage piece I had in my possession a while back - which I reluctantly sold. So how amped was I that a similar piece made it's way into my closet once again.

As always - I am quite fond of eShakti and the quality of their dresses. This one was no exception. It's full - lined skirt and decorative gold zipper down the back are details I especially love on this piece. Though one thing I do have to mention - in the past I always took the customization route when ordering from their site. They actually encourage you to do this as you plug in all your measurements when checking out. However, this time around - I ordered a standard medium. I figured that since I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight, I wouldn't need to customize will all my exact measurements since I tend to wear a medium or size 6 across the board. Eeh. As I am small-boned but still very curvy in the bust and hips - I found that this medium (which eShakti actually considers a size 8), was slightly big in my shoulders. It's not so much of a big deal to me as the dress fit awesome otherwise - but since customizations are offered, I will in the future be taking full advantage of plugging in my exact measurements. I would definitely recommend doing so if you happen to be short/petite like me.

** Unfortuniately this particular dress is currently sold out on their site...which is no surprise to me! You can however check out the rest of eShakti.com's holiday collection right here. There this LBD dress with a deer on the front of it that I am particular smitten with as well (see here).

That's all for now darlings! As the holidays near, I intend to wear this lovely with sheer tights, pretty heels, and perhaps a floral crown - but for now as I am running out for coffee with the Mr. and kiddos, so I layered it up with a blazer, slouchy hat, and circle scarf because, baby, it's cold outside!

What will you be wearing for the holidays?

Talk soon...Love bunches,

Holiday oh Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 15:23:00 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress: Dear Creatures (sale)

Hat: Modcloth-gift

Coat: Target

Bag: Vintage

Shoes: Poetic License via Zulily

Hello, is anybody still out there? It's been quite some time since I've checked into my little corner of the Net. Kind of like a holiday, right? Anyhow it was absolutely necessary for me to step away for a bit after November proved to be a busy bee month for my little fam. With it, came my littlest guy Clayton's, two surgeries...no worries, he is fine and such a trooper he was! Now that he is fully recovered and back to the swing of things, so am I. What a relief!

So this past weekend was spent in Philly for Thanksgiving. Apricot glazed turkey, apple, cranberry cornbread stuffing, bourbon sweet potato casserole, loaded mash potatoes, cabernet orange cranberry relish, and salted caramel apple pie were just a few of things on the table. Pretty fabulous in my book, I do say. And has tradition has it, the hubbles and I spent the following day downtown stuffing ourselves with macarons and spending way too much time in Anthropolgie and our favorite thrift shops. I'm not gonna lie - I hate malls and black Friday shopping but I LOVE downtown this time of year. So yes, I was a very happy camper and I did indeed snag some pretty fantastic deals. Nuff said.

How about you? How did you spend your Thanksgiving and black Friday (if you are here in the states like me)?

Now I'm off to greet the day and start catching up with you lovely darlings once again.

Love Bunches,

Outfits: Black Cat

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 13:53:00 +0000

Happy Halloween darlings!

So I don't have a costume for you today - but I do have a feline-faced frock which I thought to be ever so apropos for this spooktastic day of the year. You know, cats and halloween go together like rama lamma lamma ka dinga da dinga dong. So if you happen to be curious at a kitten - take a hop, skip, and jump over to Flock Together where I am posting on this LB-Kitty Smothered-D.

Love Bunches,

Outfits: This Bird Has Flown

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 14:35:00 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress & Bag: Target

Scarf, Brooch, Shoes: Vintage

Whoa hello,

Fancy seeing palm trees and sundresses here today, right? Anyhow, I figure I'd post some pics from my stay at Hilton Head, to usher in some sunshine and warm weather vibes on le blog as the air where I live is currently chilled and my arms are covered in a fleecy blanket and wooly sweater.

Living here for a week every year certainly makes me a happy gal...can you see why? Hello pretty bright colored houses, won't you be mine? My only complaint - the humidity fogged up my camera lens and gave me blurry photos - oh well. Anyhow, I'm the biggest baby about the cold. Once it gets below 70 degrees, I'm moaning the blues, so one of these days I dream about making this little slice of heaven my dwelling place. Yeah, fingers crossed. Plus I love wearing sundresses. Who doesn't?

How about you? Do you love or loathe dressing for this cold weather? I mean sweaters are cool and all ...but sundresses.

Until next time darlings...love bunches,

Outfits: A Girl and her Cupcake

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 15:00:00 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Sweater: Target

Skirt: Gap

Blouse: UO

Hat, Bag & Boots: Thrifted, Vintage

Oh hello there darlings,

Say hello to my autumn uniform... It seems that these fall days have brought overcast skies and buckets of rain my way so a cozy sweater, wool hat, and heavy tights are where it is at. Rain or not, this cupcake sweater and the rest of the ensemble have made it's way into rotation at least once a week if not twice if I am being honest. I just love sweaters and wooly hats this time of year...and cupcakes too. Yep, I even wore it on an outing to the corn maze and pumpkin patch with my son's preschool class. And yes, I am fully aware that this may not have been the most practical outfit to romp around the corn fields alongside of 4 year olds especially as the rest of the parents were perfectly comfy in their jeans and sweatshirts. You know us bloggers though, we just love finding reasons to "dress up", so a corn maze sounded like a pretty swell reason to me. Wouldn't you agree?

How about you? What's your autumn uniform consist of?

Until next time...love bunches,

Outfits: Greater Lengths

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 14:00:00 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Top & Shoes: Modcloth (sale)

Skirt: Swapped via Taylor, Nothing but a Pigeon

Jacket: Target

Scarf, Brooch, & Purchase: Vintage, thrifted

Hello there,

I'm back, I'm back here on my corner of the blogasphere. It's been a busy couple weeks on my side of the mountain and I'm not sure that's ending anytime soon. How has your fall been going so far?

This past weekend saw me at a lobster bbq/shrimp boil with friends and out for a hockey game & pizza with some more. As much as a homebody that I can be, I think that the best way to be busy is in the company of good people. Wouldn't all your introverts like me out there agree?

Anyhow, these photos were taken during a weekend that we were in Philly. Could you tell? This pretty lil spot, known as Plane Spotter's Place shows up on ye ole blog time and time again because it's a favorite pastime escape of the Mr. and I. As the wind was a-howlin, I opted for a longer skirt (swapped via Taylor) - not something I do very often because I am a wee height of 5'2. But you know what?...I kind of loved the ease of wearing it in this transitional weather - so thank you Taylor, for sending this basic beauty my way.

That's just about all for now. Out of curiosity...what kinds of pieces are currently not part of your daily style that you would love to give a try every now and then?

Love Bunches,

Outfits: Back to Bicycles

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 13:00:00 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress: Modcloth

Sweater, Bag, Brooch, Scarf: Vintage - Thrifted

Shoes: Poetic License

Hello darlings,

Well fall has certainly arrived on my side of the mountain...can you tell? Anyhow, it's been another fine week of pumpkin picking, hay-riding, and baking up cinnamon-laden goodness - pumpkin brownies anyone?

Anyhow, I was delighted as ever to get my bike printed dress back in the mail after being swapped out to several of the Flock Together gals this summer and feeling like my birthday it certainly did. Of course, I was quick to throw it on and remix it for the chilly autumn weather this time around. Gotta love a cozy sweater when the air is crisp and cool. It was my single new clothing purchase during the spring and summer months, so making it work for a new season was a challenge I was certainly up to.

How about you? Do you tend to take your clothing from the summer to the winter months to stretch out your closet or when fall comes around, do you shop for a new wardrobe?

Wishing you a wonder-filled day...Love Bunches,

Outfits: Quirky Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 14:03:00 +0000

Hello darlings!

You can catch me over at Flock Together today where quirky rules the roost on busy Fridays like this.

Perhaps I'll see you there.

xoxo,

Outfits: Hopes, Fears, and Yellow Umbrellas

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 14:30:00 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Rain or Shine Dress: c/o Mata Traders

Hat: UO

Necklace: F21

Bag: Old Navy

Shoes: Modcloth

Oh hi darlings!

I don't know about you, but summer has seemed to visit us one last time before we hit autumn full force here in PA. I love fall, but I am definitely not complaining as I am a warm weather kind of gal through and through. I must admit, there's something quite pleasing about about hay-riding through a pumpkin patch and picking apples in 70 degree weather with the sun cheerily shining down on us.

Anyhow with the weather being as warm as it was, I thought what better week than to break out this umbrella doused cutie of dress from Mata Traders - without tights to boot! And I'm not gonna lie - these photos are from months back, but the outfit and sentiment are the same. So there you have it.

Other than that, my gal pals and I hit a local open mic night and preformed. It was our second time doing so, and this time around we were much less nervous and really kind of nailed it if I do say so myself. I just had to share because I am that excited about it - you know, being a shy kind of introvert and all - doing something like that is a huge ordeal for me. I even performed an original number by myself - uke, vocals, and lil ol me. Cheers to conquering fears!

With that, I wish you a wonderful Wednesday. Any big fears you've conquered lately? Do feel free to share.

Love Bunches,

Outfits: Toasty

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 15:00:00 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress: Swapped via Sammi, The Soubrette Brunette

Scarf & Shoes: Vintage, thrifted

Oh hi there darlings and happy autumn!

Now that fall is officially here, I'm gearing up to break out tights and sweaters and plenty of pumpkin laced goodness...aren't we all? Anyhow today I'm sharing photos from our holiday to Hilton Head, SC and gosh, it seems like forever and a day ago that the fam and I were soaking in oodles of sun & surf and blue skies and stuffing ourselves with oysters and crab cakes. That's the life, right?

So my uniform for most of this week - aside from a swimsuit, seemed to be a dress, a pair of huaraches, and a headscarf. Here you have it...this is how I do summer simple. I was feeling rather toasty in this get up - not only because of the hot, hot heat, but because the toaster/toast print on this dress was giving me the warm fuzzes inside. Again, I can thank Sammi for supplying me with another precious print to don.

So with that, I'm signing off. Tonight I'm hitting the road for a little concert - so packing awaits. Have a beautiful day!

Love Bunches,

Outfits: Cat Lady

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 14:30:00 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress: Swapped via Elana of Room 234

Hat: UO

Blouse & Shoes: Modcloth

Purse: Vintage, thrifted

Hello there darlings!

Today has me decked out in double cats because at heart, I'm a crazy cat lady. Aren't most of us bloggers? Anyhow, the lovely Elana sent this beaut my way a while back and I figured I'd post it today since I'm going to the zoo this weekend. Not that there are cats at the zoo, but sticking with an animal theme felt rather appropriate.

Anyhow, it's been a busy week and I'm looking forward to escaping to Philly for a couple days just to take a breather. I need it. We need it, as things have been running at full force around here lately. So, that's the story morning glory - I'm keeping it short today. After my cup off coffee is finished, I'm getting off my tush and packing so we can hit the road. Finito.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Wishing you a fantastic Friday!
Love Bunches,

Outfits: Welcome to the Jungle

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 13:38:00 +0000

Hi Darlings!

I'm starting the week off a wee bit wild, free, and super comfy. Come join me on Flock Together blog today to read more....

Perhaps I'll see you there.

Love Bunches,

Casual Friday: Candy Striper

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 14:00:00 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS:

T-Shirt: Express (belonged to me in High School)

Scarf, Bag, Shoes: Vintage, thrifted

Short: DIY - Vintage thrifted Calvin Klein

Friday finally! Whoohoo! It's been a pretty laid back week for me, just catching up on sleep and getting back into the daily grind after returning home from vacation. You know how that goes, right?

Anyhow, as summer is coming to an end...hey, I know the pumpkin spice lattes are being chugged all over the place these days, but it's still technically summer and as much as I love a good PSL, I'm hanging on to this sunny season with the tightest grip possible. After all, they say El Nino is coming our way and a long, freezing winter is ahead. (I'm not buying into that hype quite yet, by the way). Whatever the case may be, it's always a joy spending a wee part of our day by the lake. The boys love skipping rocks and building tracks in the sand and I just love watching a good old fashion sunset. I've said it before, summers are made of this kind of stuff.

As for the outfit: I'm wearing shorts...yes shorts and all thrifted schtuff to boot (well kind of). The top is mine from high school...9th grade I believe, which makes it just shy of 20 years old! Gasp! Thank you mom for saving a bag of clothes from my teenage years that are apparently still cool to wear today. Who knew? As for the jeans - I bleached them and sewed the little floral pockets onto them from an old shoulder patch a little while back. (SEE HERE). Gotta love those days where a fully secondhand outfit comes together as easy as cake.

So I'm kind of deeming a couple Fridays a month on le old blog as "Casual Fridays", sans dress-donning looks. Truth - I don't wear dresses ALL the time. Do you?

I'm always on the hunt for inspiration in the casual pants/shorts looks department. Feel free to leave a link below to your favorite casual look of your own. I'd love to take a peek.

Happy weekend darlings!

Love Bunches,

Outfits: Old Skool

noreply@blogger.com (Marisa Noelle) — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 15:50:00 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress: Vintage, for sale in shop

Jacket: Target

Brooch: Made from a button

Hat & Shoes: Vintage, thrifted

Hello darlings,

I'm back after a brief time of going missing. Well, I didn't technically go missing, I actually made the 12 hour haul down to Hilton Head Island, SC for our family's yearly vacation and decided to unplug for the week to truly take in every moment of R&R that I possible could. Yep, it was exactly what this gal needed. I'll share more snaps from there later though...

As school is back in sesh...the Mr. and I decided to poke around our town's old abandoned school. It's sad and a little creepy but we kind of love to daydream that something special will dwell here again someday and that this old schoolhouse will be put to go use once again.

Speaking of old school...this is my first time in a wee while that I'm wearing a vintage dress (and how sweet is the print on this strawberry beaut?). Vintage is truly where my heart lies however having a nursing tot...and a very active one to boot in the home makes wearing vintage a bit impractical and quite difficult to don on a daily occasion. Not to mention, as vintage sizing runs much smaller than modern sizing, it's a challenge fitting into these dresses with a post pregnancy body. I'm pleased to say though that I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight (prior to my first pregnancy) - that which I think I only accomplished by eating healthier and being more active and now I can fit into my vintage dresses once again. Though I'm not one for talking about weight and size and all that jazz around here, it truly is great feeling more energetic and healthier overall. Hooray! Now that is something to jump for joy about...

Until next time my friends.

Love bunches,