Coffee and a Cardigan

Weekend Update

2011-08-19T20:28:00.005-04:00

Hi everyone! Do you see how I haven't become a mommy blogger? Or any sort of blogger, for that matter? Sorry about that, but this pregnancy is kicking my sore sciatica of a bottom. I had some worrisome symptoms, but they have subsided and I just need lots of rest. I miss you guys.

Anyway, the baby is fine, I am fine, Rowena's fine, and Darin is fine-- I can't wait to meet this little person. I can't really express how excited I am! (And completely anxious. I hope and pray he/she is healthy and happy in here.)

I'm currently spending time away from blogging so that I can reevaluate why I'm here on the internet. I am tired of being consumed by silly things such as sponsorship and readership. It's time for Louise to get back to basics and rediscover why I began Coffee & a Cardigan in the first place. I've been spending a lot of time on Get Off My Internets, which voices so many of my feelings and problems I've been struggling with for the past few months. Well, I don't swear half as much. Heh.

I want to be back. I want to be back to blogging when I feel like it and have a heart for it again. This isn't goodbye, and if you want to get in contact with me, shoot me an email! Thanks so much, everyone.

louise@coffeeandacardigan.com

Land of the Cardinal

2011-06-05T21:47:00.003-04:00

Floral shorts, top: Gap
Cami: Shade
Sandals: Swedish Hasbeens
(Okay, they're not really Swedish Hasbeens, but they are made in Sweden...
and I just wanted to feel cool for a bit. In truth, the brand is MIA and I got 'em for $20.)

I've seen four cardinals since arriving in Akron, Ohio! And two toads! And loads of neon swishy shorts! It's hot and humid here, but I'm just glad to be here safely. Thank you for all your kind travel wishes!

I've decided to let my freak flag fly. That's right, I am talking about my hair. I was about to turn on my flat iron when I looked in the mirror and had a little thought. Who says that silky and shiny is the only way to have pretty hair? This is me owning my unruly, frizzy, silly tresses. Come to think about it, my hairs are a lot like me. Of course I will still use my beloved flat iron, but once in a while you'll see my 'honest' hair.

On Tuesday we head up to Michigan to visit my dear old friends. It's been too long. I also get to meet/hug/attack Suze from Miss Vinyl Ahoy! She is one of my first blogger friends, and I am honored to get to spend some time with that redheaded minx.

Until tomorrow,
Louise

Joyful, Joyful

2011-06-01T19:59:00.002-04:00

Dress, belt: Gap
Necklace: Forever 21
Vest: garage sale
Shoes: Remix Vintage

We're in Ohio safe and sound! Ro is having a great time with her grandparents, and Darin and I are just happy to be out of of the rainy weather and into some temporarily perfect Ohio weather. Here's an outfit I wore back home when I had dinner at my mom and dad's. I hope you have something fun in store for this weekend.

PS- I completely underpacked. Thrifting is in order!
Oh darn.

Never Can Say Goodbye

2011-06-01T19:42:00.002-04:00

Vest: Gap
Skirt, top: H&M
Necklace: Forever 21 (old)
Shoes: BC Footwear

A quick post before my pops picks us up to go to the airport! I can't wait to get to the midwest and see people I love! I'll be blogging as much as I can, so please stick around! I don't expect you all to sit at your computers and refresh your browser every fifteen seconds, but... oh, wait. Yeah, you should do just that.

To stay updated, follow Coffee & a Cardigan via Bloglovin, Facebook, & Twitter!

Love you ALL!!!

The Theatah, The Theatah

2011-05-31T01:32:00.002-04:00

Dress: Goodwill
Belt: thrifted
Shoes: Farylrobin

Even though I drive by this little playhouse every other day, I've yet to have a photo shoot here! What a travesty! I wish that these pictures weren't so sunny and shadowy, but I plan to come here again soon on a photo-friendly, cloudy day.

This saccharine dress was purchased this morning for three dollars. I found it in the sleepwear section! HA! The ridiculously cheery butterfly-and-daffodil print made me smile (or smirk, rather,) so I took it home, washed it, and wore it. It still had its original tags from the 80s!

I still need to pack for my month-long excursion! Eek! Any packing tips? I always put this stuff off until the last minute. Oh well... at least I can drive legally now. That's right! I passed that darn drive test by the skin of my teeth! Ten points less than ten years ago. How am I a worse driver? :-)

Leftover Goodness

2011-05-29T23:14:00.004-04:00

I thought you would enjoy some outfit posts from this past month that never made the light of day until now. Thanks for your support and encouragement-- I couldn't do this without you!

Dress, vest: Gap
Belt: thrifted
Purse: won from Melie Bianco
Shoes: BC Footwear
Hoodie: Gap
Top: won from Shade
Skirts: Zac Posen for Target
Tights: c/o We Love Colors
Shoes: Seychelles

Fascinator: handmade gift
Necklace: grandma's
Dress: Tucker for Target
Leggings: Gap Body
Shoes: BC Footwear via Ross
Cardigan: Gap
Dress: Forever 21
Tights: Marshall's
Boots: Minnetonka

Have a spectacular Monday!

Words to Live By

2011-05-28T01:59:00.005-04:00

Courtesy of genius Roald Dahl:

It's true, I tell you! <3

(Illustration by Quentin Blake, of course.)

Animal-Lover

2011-05-28T01:28:00.004-04:00

Several of you have expressed adoration for my cat dress, so I wanted to pass along three adorable (albeit semi-boring black & white) animal print pieces I found while browsing Forever 21.

Cat print dress, Foxy knit dress, Dove dress w/ Belt

These dresses are fun and versatile-- for summer, add bright wedges and a sweet necklace. For the cooler months, add colored tights and sling a cardigan 'round those shoulders! Would you buy any of these?

Woe is Me

2011-05-27T00:58:00.005-04:00

Wreath: DIY
Dress: Forever 21
Trench: thrifted
Socks: c/o We Love Colors
Shoes: BC Footwear

I am so incredibly nervous to take my driver's test tomorrow! I can't believe I let it expire... but somehow I feel like I'm being punished for driving well and not purchasing alcohol. To top it off, I have to drive a half-hour to borrow my mom's car, then drive to take the test, and then come back and trade off! The speedometer on my car doesn't work, so I use my GPS; you're not allowed to have one on in the car during the drive test. I'm sure there are exceptions, but DMV workers are evil aliens.

On to brighter and happier things! We've been busy tying up loose ends around here before out big trip. I will be blogging as my adventure unfolds, and you'll be seeing creative remixing and fun different locations. Don't reject me!

I haven't even gotten around to reading your comments from the past few days-- will do so soon! I'll feel so much better after this test is over and done with... thanks for bearing with me! A happy-go-lucky post is in order this weekend!

Adam's Rib

2011-05-25T18:13:00.003-04:00

On Louise~
Hat: Forever 21
Cardigan: Gap
Pin: grandma's
Blouse: New Look
silk skirt: thrifted
Shoes: Seychelles

On Darin~
All Gap, Puma shoes

I just had to include this blackmail jump shot of Darin!

I have been so overwhelmed getting ready for our upcoming trip! We'll be in Michigan, Ohio, and North Carolina for the entirety of June! Family to see, friends to visit, and Suze from Miss Vinyl Ahoy to meet and love on! Although I'm pretty stressed right now amidst the packing and cleaning, my excitement is progressively building. Darin and I also have three German dances we need to learn for Oktoberfest in four months! I am so nervous, but super-happy to have the opportunity to an integral part of this amazing little town.

Note to my many, many stalkers: My friends from Craigslist casual encounters will be staying here while we're away. Don't say I didn't warn you-- they're into some disturbing stuff.

A Passing Fancy

2011-05-24T01:57:00.004-04:00

Blouse: New Look
Linen shorts: Gap
Bag: won from Mimi Boutique
Shoes: c/o Blowfish

Now that my hair is long enough to do my favorite topknot, I've been wearing it everyday! My head is actually starting to hurt from the strain, so I'll give it a rest. I'm a little embarrassed that I've been wearing this turquoise nail polish since I won it from Lyddie of Chic on the Chea p. To be honest, it's the only nail polish I have! Do you have any (inexpensive) suggestions?

Borrowed & Blue

2011-05-23T02:16:00.003-04:00

Dress: Dear Creatures 'Avalon'
Tights: c/o We Love Colors
Sandals: Miz Mooz
Glasses: borrowed from Warby Parker

I thought I'd try the Winston specs one more time before I ship them back to Warby Parker tomorrow! These are my favorite, although I think I may go for the brown fade instead when I have the monies for purchasing. I still love my Dear Creatures dress! It's treating me well, and is much more versatile than I thought it would be.

My dad wants me to make sure that you all know that my mom is still in hospital, but is finally coming home tomorrow! He is concerned about the misinformation I gave you in my last post. Oh dad. Speaking of he that sired me, my father slept in a hospital storage closet when the nurses told him he couldn't sleep at the hospital with my mom. Keep in mind, my parents live four blocks from the hospital. The nurses must have found him out, because the old recliner he slept in was nowhere to be found when he tried again! I'll say it again: Oh dad.

My mom is doing a lot better, but there's still a lot of muscle pain from the fall, which is to be expected. I've discovered that she is hilarious under painkillers. Best random quote, possibly ever:

"For one, press English. For two, press Spanish. For three, press ebonics."

I don't know what she was responding to, but I couldn't stop laughing! I can't wait to tell mom when she's back to normal!

The Beautiful & Damned

2011-05-21T11:22:00.005-04:00

Hat: Urban Outfitters
Locket: great-grandma Stella's

Cardigan: Gap
Tank: Tulle
Skirt: Shade
Heels: thrifted Seychelles

Once again, I was left behind. Darn rapture. I never get picked. Reminds me of fifth grade kickball. At least I have my white hat on! To cheer myself up from this exhausting week, I've been reading Three Wolf t-shirt reviews. If you have five minutes and need a laugh, that's where you'll find it!

Other notes:
* I miss Steve Carell.
* I bought The Beautiful and Damned (used for $2) because Blake Lively mentioned it on Monday's "Gossip Girl." I don't like the show anymore, but I am in ashamed awe of Blake Lively: beautiful figure, flowing flaxen hair, charming personality, and awesome schnoz.
* Thank you for your sweetness in regards to my mumsy's health! I appreciate you so much! Her muscle pain is still pretty bad, but she comes home today!

Hope your weekend is lovely!

I call it: Hectic/Casual

2011-05-19T23:42:00.004-04:00

Blouse: gift from Vanessa
Skirt: Old Navy
Wedges: Dolce Vita

This simple outfit was perfect for the day I had. (Thank you, Vanessa, for the beautiful blouse! It was so sweet of you to send it to me!) First of all, I had to retake my written driving test... I just found out from a scrupulous cashier that my driver's license has been expired for almost two years. GO ME! I still have to schedule the actual driving test! What a drag, yo.

Secondly, my mom fell down while she was putting on her socks. She hurt her back and was rushed to the ER. Luckily, just her muscles are severely strained and her bones are fine. (She's had vertigo ever since her small stroke last year. Like Lucille 2!) It's always scary to see my mom in the hospital. She looks so vulnerable, so fragile. But then, she starts talking, and I suddenly remember how resilient she is. Thanks a lot for all your sweet comments on Twitter and Facebook... I appreciate it! (So does mom.)

I'm topping off this day with some wine, banana bread, and The Office!

Four-eyed Saucy Minx

2011-05-19T01:26:00.005-04:00

I wear glasses for reading and driving, and... (little known fact!) my left eye can't see for two feet. So, I depend on my specs a lot. I ordered a few pairs of Warby Parker eyeglasses to try out and see if they live up to the hype. Spoiler alert- they do! Not only is it free shipping both ways to try out up to five pairs of vintage-inspired eyeglasses, but they are very well-made and comfortable. The best part is, for every pair you purchase, they give a pair to someone in need! The frames are made in China, but for $95 per prescription pair, that's what you get. The eyeglasses arrived nestled in this sturdy cloth box:

Here are the results!

What's your favorite?
Or should I move on and order a different pair?
Be honest or be square! Erm.

Disclaimer: I ordered the geekiest pairs that Warby Parker offered. I like the contrast between dorky glasses and a feminine sundress. It just suits me.

I'm Warm Again

2011-05-18T17:32:00.004-04:00

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters
Top: Gap
Pleated skirt: H&M
Saltwater sandals: Ebay

FINALLY! Spring is here in Oregon! How I missed you.

We are gearing up for a month away from home! We're visiting Darin's parents, old college friends, and new blogger friends! I can't wait! I miss my friends so much... *tear!*

I beg you to forgive the awful hair; I didn't even think about it today, as I wasn't planning on documenting this outfit... but on our walk, Darin and I happened upon this old abandoned building in the center of Mount Angel. It would make a great bed & breakfast. Before I leave for the midwest in a couple weeks, I am definitely investing in a turban! Hopefully I'll find one that fits my enormous head.

Speaking of I splurged and took advantage of Clinique's gift with purchase. You can build your own gift! There is some awesome stuff to pick from... probably the best variety I've seen. I love Clinique makeup, so I bought the summer tote filled with awesome goodies and Butter Shine Lipstick in raspberry rush. (I spent just enough to get the free shipping, of course!)

HerCatwalk Giveaway Winner

2011-05-18T02:44:00.002-04:00

The HerCatwalk $75 giveaway winner is number 10, Lilly Chantilly!
Congratulations!
Please email me so I can get you your giftcard!

I'll be posting an outfit later today-- I am not happy with how my last two photo shoots turned out, but I'll make sure today's will be stellar!

Remix: Flower Hat

2011-05-17T01:20:00.004-04:00

When I bought this vintage flower hat at the antique fair last summer, I didn't think I'd get a lot of wear out of it. I thought it was somewhat of a splurge at $7... turns out this baby is a staple! Here are eight ways I've worn it:

I can't imagine my wardrobe with it!

Intahviewed

2011-05-17T00:18:00.003-04:00

Lovely Collette from Statements in Fashion featured me on her fabulous blog! So, if you haven't gotten enough of me yet, head on over there and read the interview!

Thank you, Collette, for interviewing me!

Feathers in her Hair

2011-05-16T01:02:00.003-04:00

Fascinator: handmade gift
Dress: H&M
Snood: Ebay
Cardigan: Gap
Tights: Hue
Wedges: BC Footwear

I wore my favorite dress (again) to a tea party fundraiser this afternoon! It was a lovely time full of lemon curd, mini cupcakes, and smoked salmon. I complimented a friend on her fascinator that she made mere hours before the event, and she just pinned it in my hair and let me keep it! How sweet is that?!? The feathers are from a pheasant that her husband 'got' recently, and the lace is vintage. I think she did a great job, and I am happy to have a hairpiece not made in China!

I hope you had a great weekend- here's to a great week.

Crazy Pills

2011-05-13T16:44:00.003-04:00

Cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Dress: Liberty of London for Target
Orange tights: c/o We Love Colors
Shoes: Seychelles, birthday gift last year

Take a good look, folks-- this is the last time you'll see me go this color crazy for a while. Would I wear this today? Not a chance. But I sure liked it when I wore it! That's the great thing about fashion... why on earth would I be satisfied with putting my 'style' in a box? Sure, I lean toward old-fashioned elements, but I can't resist succumbing to a trend (that I actually like) once in a while! No, this outfit is not trendy, and I know I'm kind of changing the subject. RED HERRING! Anyway, I like wearing what I wear when I wear it.

Have you worn something lately that defies fashion 'laws?'
How would you describe your style if you had to?

PS- I have not responded to comments lately because I've been busy peeling off my sunburned shoulders. I'll get to it this weekend! Also, the $75 giveaway ends Sunday nights!

New Territory

2011-05-12T11:22:00.000-04:00

Sweater: thrifted
Dress: Forever 21
Navy tights: c/o We Love Colors
Moccasins: Minnetonka, thrifted
Lipstick: Sephora It Girl

'Twas the only sunny day of the week, so Darin, Ro, and I went exploring. Ten minutes from Mt. Angel is Scotts Mills, population 312. We drove up Crooked Finger road, following the water on our GPS until we found a city park: population 2 swings, a slide, and one nasty-ass toilet. Gross potty aside, this will be a fantastic place to swim in the summertime! It was incredibly fun to have the entire place to myself and my two favorite people. And isn't there something therapeutic about a crashing waterfall echoing all around you?

This dress is my new jeans. It doesn't wrinkle, it's long enough to jump around in, it's super-comfy, and goes with virtually anything. What's the 'jeans' in your closet?

Paper Doll Project

2011-05-11T01:27:00.005-04:00

Hat: vintage
Blouse: Tulle
Scarf: Old Navy
Skirt: gift from Sartoriography
Socks: c/o We Love Colors
Wedges: Pour la Victoire 'Ida'

Celynne from Spider Silk Stockings dressed me today for the Paper Doll Project! I think she did a great job! This is something I would wear, but not something I would think of. Good job, Cel!

See how I styled Cel!

Win 75 from HerCatwalk!

2011-05-10T10:52:00.007-04:00

One of Coffee & a Cardigan's earliest supporters was the staff at HerCatwalk. As you know, I recently stopped posting looks on Chictopia and Weardrobe. Her Catwalk is a great place for sartorial inspiration without the brand-obsession and limited body-types! Such a time-saver, too. I am happy to spread the word about their awesome new website by hosting a giveaway!

One lucky reader will win a $75 gift card to the store of their choice:
H&M, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Gap, or Amazon!

1. First entry for joining herCatwalk... or if you're already Catwalker, upload a new outfit picture on herCatwalk. Leave a link!

Leave an extra comment for:
2. Following on Facebook
3. Following on Twitter
4. Tweet about this giveaway.
5. Up to 3 extra entries for uploading additional looks on herCatwalk!
I asked Michelle of HerCatwalk what makes this particular fashion networking site different from others. Here's her answer!

"We love other fashion communities like Chictopia, Weardrobe, and Lookbook, and the fashion/girls represented on those sites are awesome. However, we feel that other fashion communities are a bit one-dimensional in their representation of women. While membership is inclusive of all members, the types of girls prominently featured on the sites typically fall under one prototype. Yet, style is not limited to a certain age group, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, or body type. At herCatwalk, we want to be encompassing of ALL women and really showcase the unique style voices out there. We don't want to be a fashion community that only features girls who look a certain way."

AMEN, sister.

"Even amongst the three core Catwalk team members, we come from such different backgrounds. Ashly's a former plus-size model and new mom adjusting to her post-baby body. Jessika just turned 40 and has two teen daughters. She's adjusting to life on the west coast and embracing style in her 40's. And I'm from Korea, so I am always melding my love for Korean fashion with Western influences. "

So one more time-- for a chance to win $75 to your favorite store:

The winners of last week's "Books & Things" giveaway are 27 & 34--

Patty & Ceitagh!

Mother's Day Recap

2011-05-09T19:50:00.002-04:00

Mother's Day weekend was wonderful! I cuddled with my girl,

received some lovely perfume from Darin,

enjoyed raspberry margaritas and Mexican food,

and got a virtual makeover from my big brother!

What more could a girl ask for?