works for me

Keeping it squishy

2011-07-22T17:14:00.002-05:00

This is the dress I wore to John's sisters wedding. Unfortunately, things were so squishy that I never got a picture while in Seattle, but the Science Museum has a beautiful garden that worked out nicely.

It was an outdoor wedding, surrounded by sunshine and greenery. It was beautiful, simple and stress free. His sister used the term "squishy" to define plans and it turned into the phrase of the week (though I'll probably use it forever).

I wanted wedges so I wouldn't aerate the lawn, and this polyester dress kept it cool and comfy. Not to mention easy to travel with. Zero ironing. Oh yeah.

I never actually used the clutch since the wedding was at the house we all stayed in, but, it was bought as part of the outfit so here it is. Plus, it's kinda awesome.

Gift from my mother.

I love finding comfortable shoes that you can actually wear for more than one occasion.

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: Hinge via Everyday People

Shoes: Dolce Vita for Target

Earrings: Art Gecko

Belt and Clutch: My Sister's Closet

I wear my sunglasses at night

2011-07-22T16:33:00.000-05:00

My fellow blogger over at petite femme jolie sent me a Sunshine Award via my comments, thanking me for inspiring positivity and creativity through my blog to other bloggers.

Thank you, Samantha!

My inspirations are so many that I'd like to thank them in one fell swoop. If everyone wouldn't mind looking to their right. Under "My Blog List" is every single inspiring blogger that I follow. They've become a part of my daily routine, my source of sanity after a stupid day at work, and the catalyst for my own personal style blog.

MUCHAS GRACIAS A TODOS!

touring for tourists sake

2011-07-21T21:13:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I got back from Seattle. It was the first time I've ever been and it was awesome! We went for John's sisters wedding and then stayed for a few extra days because it's the West coast and we love all things west coasty.

I chose shorts because it was sunny and 75, we were going to be walking all day and I didn't want to overheat. Fortunately, I didn't overheat. Unfortunately, it was only warm in the sun. Anywho...

Of course, we had to go see the Space Needle (didn't go up, though).

But we did go into the EMP (the Experiencing Music Project). I have to say, I didn't know that much about Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix or Battlestar Galactica but...now I do :)

Got this necklace at an estate sale. Dang, I'm lucky ;)

It was sunny out for sure, I couldn't even keep my eyes open.

Anyway, Pike Market! Didn't see any fish being thrown around, but we did see some great vendors and amazing artwork. I always regret not getting something from markets like this. Why don't you get something then, you say? Well, I'm a pack rat, and the less I pack, the less of a rat I'll be about it. I have plenty of knick knacks and no where to display them. Working on it...

Jellyfish

This was in the Aquarium, in a glass archway. Pretty sweet.

What I'm Wearing:

It's all thrifted.

More pictures from the trip to come!

Fun in the Sun

2011-07-13T22:47:00.001-05:00

Nothing too spectacular about this outfit... except the earrings! They're lime green sombreros! My sister got these for me in Mexico, I believe. I'm a huge earring wearer (huge in both senses of the word) - and these are really hard to find outfits that work with them. I mean, I could always wear black, but that's no fun...

John and I went on a stroll in downtown St. Paul because it was absolutely gorgeous out and... yeah. Why not?

While it's not the most flattering of dresses, it's 100% thrifted (cotton/jersey) and super worn in (read: comfortable). The pockets are my fave.

And because it's a fun kinda dress, I needed a fun kinda hairdo - enter: backwards half up, half down.

Oh yeah- the purpose behind the walk was to return this library book. Two weeks late, but meh...that's like, two dollars in fine. I'm over it. I had a glass of wine and forgot about it. Seriously...

That's me, Fine Bordeaux...on a budget ;)

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: thrifted from Everyday People

Tank: thrifted

Cat-eye sunnies: Sears
Earrings: gifted from big sis

Shoes: Target

Purse: Africa - at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro :)

Aren't they awesome!? Do you have a crazy pair of earrings that are hard to match with outfits?

Cest la vie - Arrivederci Frost

2011-07-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

So many things happening right now. I'm going to take this moment to blather about my life.

I'm leaving the Twin Cities. I've called this place my home for the last seven years. It's strange how I always told myself I could never love another place, yet here I am, getting ready to move back to Madison; my hometown, childhood play place and the last place I ever thought I'd want to live again. Don't get me wrong, Madison has its beauty... but I thought I'd grown out of it. I'm getting all sentimental. Every time I go back to Madison I become nostalgic, yet this time, this move... it's a new chapter.

John is moving with me and my reasons are more intense than saving money. I need to reconnect with my roots, this move will be good for me. For us.

This probably isn't making much sense, and to be 100% honest, I'm O.K. with that. I'm opening the box that has held it all in the back of my mind these past few weeks and it's all rushing out, getting lost in translation. Maybe that's a good thing? Maybe you don't really need to know exactly how much I mull things over (to the point of nonsense).

Whatever. On top of all my reasons for moving back, a new can of worms, so to speak, has spilt over as well. I'm leaving a job that has been my life for the past year and a half. Boo hoo, you say? Boo hoo, I say! Seriously. I found this job and so many things about it intolerable, but with a definitive date of unemployment, I'm beginning to realize what I loved about this job, who and what I'm going to miss... and it's astonishing. This job has aged me, like a nice French Bordeaux or some cheese.

I worked 60 hours last week, and if it wasn't for my aching legs (and feet), I'd be there tonight, too.

Sigh. If only I knew French, I could better exaggerate my feelings. Cest la vie.

Better late than never

2011-07-11T18:32:00.004-05:00

Sorry for the delay in posting. You know how life can get in the way sometimes...

Now, onto the good stuff.

The only thing I don't like about this outfit, is how pale I am.

The top is actually a dress, but it's very short so I used a different skirt to create a longer look. I really like the combo of patterns. What do you think?

What I'm Wearing:
Top: lent to me by a friend
Skirt: thrifted
Belt: lent to me by the same friend
Shoes: Target
Purse: vendor in Africa
Bracelet: thrifted

I prefer to keep things simple. I own a boat-full of accessories but I rarely take the time to integrate them in my outfits. A new years resolution for the past couple years, actually. Come to think of it, I'm going to start making new years listless pledges instead, because resolutions only last for the month of January. Then they become half-hearted, then they become obsolete. If you make them lackluster from the start, then you won't really be breaking them later and who knows, maybe you'll be more inclined to keep them up if it's not something you must be resolute about!

Anyway....

hiking, naturally

2011-06-28T20:21:00.000-05:00

This photo shoot was spontaneous but the walk was premeditated.

I don't know why, but the urge to dance like an Egyptian usually trumps any 'normal' poses at least once through out these shoots.

My eye catches shape and color. Were I a photographer, my portfolio would probably contain a similar photo to this. Reflection in the windows, stark rust against a wall of sandy hues; not to mention the historic edge.

When I bought this cardigan, I was not considering anything else in my wardrobe. Believe it.

This architecturally sound bridge is also aesthetically pleasing.

Wind is much easier tolerated with short hair.

Nothing but a thin sole between me and mother nature.

A favorite skyline from afar.

What I'm Wearing:

Cardigan: Modcloth

T-shirt: 3-pack from Target or stolen from my brothers closet...or both ;)

Jeans: H&M

Shoes: Target

Nautica

2011-06-24T17:16:00.000-05:00

I wish I was telling you that in this outfit, I went on a nice cruise in a yacht, ate fresh seafood and sunbathed in the middle of vast ocean air; however, aside from the Mississippi River, I didn't see any water while wearing these stripes.

I did, nevertheless, spend the afternoon at an art fair, indulging myself in fried pickles and walking tacos, unlimited root beer and vintage jewelry.

Believe it or not, but these shoes are comfortable.

Nothing like a simple outfit to make you feel great inside and out.

What I'm Wearing:
Shirt: H&M - I went through a stripes faze, my closet can vouch for me.
Pants: H&M. Don't you just love customer service that tells you there's a $10 jean sale...as you're handing them your card for the $30 pair? Oooo, nothing boils my noodle faster.
Shoes: hand me downs. Just a tad too big, but still comfortable.
Purse: thrifted

Grandpa Ito

2011-06-22T15:43:00.000-05:00

My Grandpa Vicente Herrera -Valle.

Born in Apulco, Jalisco, Mexico in 1930, he was a loving father and grandfather.

He was also an accomplished painter, sculptor and carpenter. While living in Mexico, he had his own carpentry shop and since moving to the States, he made many a side table and frame to beautify not only his own home, but mine and my aunts and uncles as well.

I remember as a child, playing in his garage turned workshop, using his wooden sculptures to hide behind, and asking him to use those skills to build us a tree house...which he did.

More recently, my mother began buying him chili plants. He would go through them so quickly, eating the chili's like candy.

When we were kids, my sister and I challenged our younger brother to eat a jalapeno from grandpa's bowl. He did, and he got so angry at us when we gave him a glass of water to wash it down with.

I remember my Grandpa as a cultured, serious man with a stern demeanor, but I'm learning now that he had a great sense of humor. Something that is very apparent in pictures and stories shared - and it makes me wish I'd paid more attention. We called him Ito, short for abuelito...probably his idea, come to think of it.

My grandpa Vicent Herrera-Valle, passed away one week before father's day at 81 years old, but our memories will keep him with us forever.

R.I.P
April 1930-June 2011

Do the Fandango

2011-06-16T16:27:00.000-05:00

John and I took a walk to downtown St.P for lunch and it was pretty much required that I wear the Iron and Wine tee I bought at the show. Not only is it made from pre-washed, oh-so-soft cotton, but it has a sweet picture on it.

Burning forests, huge peacocks, and perfect colors. I'm just now realizing how many orange hued items I own. I think I go on kicks when I shop, like, I'll go crazy for stripes, then natural tones, black and green. Those four categories basically sum up my closet.

I love these shoes! They're super versatile and comfy. Not to mention they don't give me blisters! (knock on wood...)

"Get some detail. Detail." Boob shot. Boys... ;)

The following munchkins are the new additions to the apartment; because cats are part of your home decor, obvs.

Apple

Anette

Or, 'Adorable Cuteness Maximus' and 'Adorable Cuteness x 2'

So, anyway...

What I'm Wearing:
Cardigan: Thrifted So finely knit that it snags on all things jagged.
Jeans: Old Navy, I think. My clothes are old!
Shoes: Payless
Purse: Garage sale! Fiddy cents.

John pointed out that I'd forgotten to put earrings in...not gonna lie, I felt naked for a few minutes. But I'm getting over things quickly these days.

Toods!

Iron and Wine!

2011-06-09T13:02:00.000-05:00

So, I got to see one of my favorite bands last night in downtown Minneapolis. I'm so glad I was on top of tickets this time! Usually I don't realize they're here until it's already sold out.

It was super nice out during the day, so I opted for shorts (these are pretty much as short as I'll go) and a tank.

Funny story about my top. I accidentally put it on backwards, but liked how it looked and so I made it work. A little strange, but it also covered the scratches from my new kittens. Apparently, they don't like being held when it's 100 degrees out. Who knew?

To keep it PG, I wore a strapless, elastic bra under the awkward razor back-turned-front. I'm definitely going to wear this again.

Even though it was a folk concert, I still added a little metal to the mix because I'm badass, and I need to portray that all the time. Obvs. No, this necklace-turned-bracelet just works with my grape tomato earrings so why not.

Anywho, the gentle daytime breeze became a harsh nighttime hair tangling tragedy, and I was wishing I'd worn pants after the concert, but again. OH well. This is Minnesota and I should be used to the fickle weather by now.

What I'm Wearing:

Top: Old Navy

Shorts: Unfortunately, I did not make these myself. They are Refuge brand, probably gotten at Target.

Shoes: Another hand me down! I love being one of five kids :)

Earrings: SERRV - a wonderful handcrafting gift shop with various locations around the country. I happened to get these particular earrings in Madison but they were made in Kenya.

Purse: $.50 at a garage sale in Uptown.

Happy Wednesday!

I'm lovin' it

2011-06-05T14:26:00.000-05:00

This weekend was packed with friends and family. John's best friend since childhood had a bbq send off, a frat friend from college got married, and we finally made it to the Northeast Social Club in Minneapolis. I only wore this outfit for two out of the three, but I'm head over heels for this dress.

No need for a necklace since there is so much embroidery going on already.

I know color blocking your outfit is super "in" right now, but I never base my wardrobe on trends. This dress speaks for itself; anything more than a small color pop and I would have called the fashion police on myself. Let's keep it simple. Let's keep it safe.

When I bought the accessories for the wedding, I had a moment of panic and asked the cashier "White accessories are ok for a wedding right? As long as I'm not wearing a white dress??" Poor lady had no idea. Thankfully, the woman behind me had broken the taboo once before and put my fears to rest.

What I'm Wearing:
Sunglasses: John's Ray Bans. We share like that :)
Earrings: Everyday People
Dress: Everyday People. One of my favorite finds! Comfort and style wrapped into one beautiful piece.
Shoes: Payless Shoes. These shoes worked because of the similar pattern as the embroidery, but I think platforms would have gone with the outfit better.
Clutch: Payless Shoes. Again, the ruffles on the clutch with the ruffles on the hem...in hindsight I'm wishing I'd gotten a harder clutch with no design. OH well.

The wedding was held in caves, so this outfit was perfect with long sleeves. The tour guide actually commented on the 20s look, since his history backstories took place around that decade.

As much fun as this weekend was, I'm glad it's over and I can get back to a regular eating schedule. Too much greasy food and cheese, I'm telling you.

Hasta pasta!

Cashz Smashz

2011-06-05T02:11:00.000-05:00

So, I went shopping the other day and can I just say, it was the most therapeutic session I've had in a while. I spent just over $100 but I came out with eleven items of clothing/accessories. Pretty sure that's FREAKING AWESOME. I'll let you know where I got the items as I wear them.

This is a fountain near our apartment...it was windy out, but we managed to snag a few shots before the water found its way to the camera lens.

Initially, when I saw this shirt at the store, I thought it would be an amazing DIY project. I got it anyway, and figure if I want to DIY it, then I'll have two shirts that I love. That's what I call a sweet deal.

Love this ring. My grandparents gave this to me years ago, during a time that I didn't wear rings. Oh, how I love to find jewelry from my childhood that I can put into play now. Just a little snug on my finger, but who cares?

Can I say that I love these pants without sounding repetitive? I love so many things about this outfit it's hard to find other adjectives. This rip just happened a couple years back; I've been wanting to make these pants into cutoffs but something is holding me back. Pasty legs?

What I'm Wearing:
Earrings: Target
Sunglasses: Target
Shirt: Everyday People Clothing Store (NEW)
Pants: Old Navy
Shoes: Payless Shoes. I'll admit I watched these shoes online until the price dropped. I got these babies for $9.99. Mmmhmmm. (NEW)
Blue Bandaid: Compliments of my work. Dang wedges and their tendency to be difficult. Blisters on a busy night, how dare they. (BRAND SPANKIN' NEW)

Yay fashion. G'night!

Dress the Part

2011-05-29T09:43:00.000-05:00

So, it's still pretty crappy out. Yesterday was a bit nicer, and we got busy at work for it, but now it's back to this dreary, cloudy, gloomy... crap. Not that I let the weather dictate my mood or anything...(just my attire)

As you can see, I'm still getting over the initial awkward phase of being photographed. Thank you boyfriend, for being so patient. :)

Wah-bam. And then after these shots were taken, we bumped into a clown. I kid you not. Random yet, appropriate.

What I'm Wearing
Jacket: Somewhere on Hollywood Blvd. in CA. I had severely underpacked for the weather we had while visiting, and I had to get warmer clothes when I was there. Oh darn, I had to go shopping in Cali on vacay. Hehehee.
Collared Shirt: Thrifted from my childhood closet. It's more of a belly shirt at this point, so it pairs nicely with this skirt when worn at the waist.
Skirt: Hand me down from the sister. It's jersey and comfy and I wear it all the time.
Boots: Macy's
Earrings and Ring: Modcloth. Love this store! I have a gazillion things on my wishlist and in my shopping cart...but I only purchase one or two items after a good shift at work ;)
Purse: thrifted

Toodles!

All pictures are taken by my boyfriend, John.

Oot and Aboot

2011-05-27T16:09:00.000-05:00

Hello. My name is Sophia and I like getting dressed in the morning. I like convenient exercise, hats, and funny stories. Pictures will most likely be taken during long walks before or after work. I live in the midwest, and this is the first post of my personal style/food/beverage/words/me blog.

Who knows, once I get my sewing machine up and running, it could become a DIY blog, also.

I will own these stairs by the end of the summer. That's all I'm gonna say about that.

What a stretch of dreary weather we've been having! In the past couple weeks I think I've only seen the sun a handful of times. Ah, well...this will make me appreciate it even more when it comes and stays for days and days.

What I'm Wearing
Hat: Hand me down from the sister.
Cat Eye Sunglasses: Sears
Earrings: Art Gecko
Jacket: Old Navy. Couple sizes too large because I got it many years ago and have since then improved my well-being.
Button up: Thrifted or Target, can't remember...kinda the same thing when you think about it (clearance!)
Black undershirt: Old Navy
Jeans: Old Navy. And by old, I mean o.l.d.
Shoes: Everyday People Thrift Store
Purse: American Eagle via St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store

But yeah, what's up with summer? Did someone offend her last year and she's getting us back by withholding herself? Apologize, now. DO IT!

Moving on...jeans are an obvious choice when it's chilly, close toed shoes, and a jacket. The button up is pretty thin, so I put something under it for extra protection. Sunglasses were only partly needed but I'm camera shy, and my hat is covering my three day, unwashed hair. He he...gross.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! Toodles :)