bright side dweller

Outfit log: Tucked or Untucked

2012-02-08T17:17:00.000-08:00

I snagged this wool pencil skirt at Out of the Closet recently, and couldn't wait to wear it.

Occasion: Work + Chillin' with Bob, January 26th

Outfit details:
blouse - moth, thrifted
necklace - cost plus
wool pencil skirt - vintage, thrifted
tights - vera wang for kohls
mary janes - dankso "reeny"

My outfit began with my top tucked in since I naturally gravitate towards the high waist tucked in look, but halfway through the day I wondered if I'd feel more comfortable with the top un-tucked as the skirt is a big more snug than my other pencil-y items.

Looking at the photos now I actually prefer the tucked in look, though I can tell the un-tucked version might be considered more "flattering." Go figure.
--
Oh, and in case you were wondering who "Bob" is in my description above... I wore this outfit to attend a book reading/signing with one of my all time favorite detective/crime authors, Robert Crais. We actually go way back to 1996 when 13 year old me sent him a fan letter. To his house. (His daughter went to my school and I found their home address in the school directory.) To which he responded a few months later, commending my detective abilities and warning me against taking them too far and becoming a stalker. Pretty hilarious!

We've met once before at a book signing when I was in college, and I'm pretty sure he still remembers who I am. Also I'm in love with him regardless of the fact that he is much too old for me, and got completely tongue-tied and starstruck when I saw him again. Swoon!

One more thing! My mom is also a long time (okay, longer time) fan of Bob's, and caught up with him the following week at his signing in St. Louis. Pretty sure she's swooning here too :)

Outfit log: Wacky Magic

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is one of those outfits that I thought of in the shower, and wondered if it would be too wacky or perhaps magical. And when I threw it together, I realized it was the latter...

Occasion: Workin' it, January 24th

Outfit details:
cardigan - thrifted (by mom) DvF (!!)
necklace - from antique fair
sunflower "dress" - vintage, stolen from aunt
pants - limited
clogs - dansko

... because I was comfortable, the combo felt just funky enough to make the black pants not feel boring, and the cardigan is thrifted Diane von Furstenberg (my mom is the bomb, and also smaller than me so I get to reap the benefits when her scores are too big... yes, please!). Also I don't think I've ever worn a cardigan buttoned at the top as such, however I loved how it worked with the high neckline of the sunflower tunic and the bright red necklace layered over.

Hope you're enjoying your Monday so far (and that your weekend rocked). Let's make this week awesome, mmmkay?

Outfit log: Sheathy

2012-02-03T09:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! Oooh this week has been a doozy. Been super busy at work, but also productive and on top of shit, so that feels good. Also had to deal with my car being broken into (smashed window, stolen iPod) parked around the corner from my apartment. Annoying and expensive, but what can you do? All that to say, I am ready for the weekend :) I have a great evening planned celebrating the grand opening of the cafe below my apartment with neighbors and friends (and delicious beer and dancing), and then am heading to Santa Cruz to visit some friends I haven't seen in ages. Oh, and the sun is shining! That always makes everything at least a little bit better.

Occasion: Workin' it, January 23rd

Outfit details:
dress - bcbg, thrifted
sweater blazer - iisli via tjmaxx
heart brooch - from antique fair
tights - assets
boots - madeline

Here's the debut of a new-to-me sheath dress I picked up recently at Out of the Closet for like $5. I used to be wary of the sheath, but it's kind of the best layering dress ever. And dressing in the Bay Area is all about the layers. I love the little floral print, and the interesting neckline. Score!

Hope your weekend is stupendous! See you on the flip side :)

Outfit log: Leia meets Spock

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

I spent a lazy afternoon the weekend before last watching Star Trek, ya know... the 2009 movie, with my neighbor Tracey and friend Dee.

Occasion: Burritos/Star Trek (2009), January 21st

Outfit details:
pea coat - gap, free from swap
tunic - sweet pea, handed down
jeggings - gap, on sale
loafers - target
necklace - from antique fair

It just so happened I totally had Princess Leia hair, circa The Empire Strikes Back that day. Don't worry, I'm not mixing up my Sci-Fi as I assure you I have great adoration for both Star Wars AND Star Trek and appreciate their different and unique qualities. Oh, and Battlestar Galactica of course. Not sure when I became so enamored with spacey crap, but I'll take it!

May the force be with you. Live long and prosper. Frack!

Outfit log: Pink and Red

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday, y'all! How was your weekend? Mine was pretty awesome, with a nice combo of indulgence and productivity.

Some highlights:

Happy hour + mingling
Assisted my third patient through part of the labor (including birth! what a bad ass!)
Took a sunset walk in Alameda along the water
Got a fantastic hair cut + color from my girl, Aurora
Did responsible adult things (cleaned my apartment, grocery shopped, and picked up cat supplies)

And then it was over :( But looking forward to a productive workweek followed by a jaunt to Santa Cruz to see some fabulous ladies I haven't spent time with in FOREVER.

In other news, here's a recent outfit featuring the likely familiar red pencil skirt I've been donning quite a bit lately.

Occasion: Workin' it, January 19th

Outfit details:
floral top - h&m
belt - h&m
red pencil skirt - thrifted vintage
tights - assets
boots - madeline "bendall"
necklace - anthropologie

I decided to try another direction in this ensemble, pairing the red skirt with a colorful top instead of my previous black & white variations. Even though the floral in the top doesn't "match" the red skirt per se, the look still felt cohesive.

And that's all I have to say about that.

Outfit log: Cowling

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Double the outfit pics today, peeps! First... with the blazer.

Occasion: Workin' it, January 11th

Outfit details:
sweater - french connection via tjmaxx
pants - the limited
moccasins - minnetonka via dsw
necklace - forever 21, gift
blazer - theory via tjmaxx

And now, without said blazer.

This wasn't one of those looks that made me feel so creative or brilliant. It was simple and comfortable and easy. But also felt AMAZING. I felt sleek and put together and professional and warm and very me. Yes!

By the way, can we give cowl necks some props? I love how they keep my neck warm without the suffocation feelings induced by turtlenecks. Also? Fantastic for layering with vests and jackets.

Finally... I was going through my blog archives trying to decide what to do with my hair next (secret perk of style blogging, yo) and I realized I stopped doing makeup shots with products awhile ago and I wanna bring 'em back! Well maybe sometimes.

Makeup details:
urban decay eye shadow primer potion in sin
urban decay naked palette eye shadows - sin, toasted, hustle
mac fluidline liner in blacktrack
nars blush in orgasm
clinique concealer, tinted moisturizer & mineral powder

For this look I used my favorite purchase ever, the Urban Decay Naked Palette, combined with my favorite cat-eye liner look. Yay for makeup favorites!

Outfit log: The Importance of Experimenting

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Do you know what the main difference is between my clothing choices now and before I started blogging?

Taking style risks. Playing around with trends and proportions and personalities outfits exude. And sometimes? The stars align and magic happens and an outfit feels so damn GENIUS and GORGEOUS and AMAZING and I walk around all day on a cloud waiting for people to compliment me because I know I've created a damn masterpiece.

And then... there's outfits like this.

Occasion: Workin' it*, January 10th

Outfit details:
suede tie belt - from separate skirt
tights - outlet (forget which!)
otk socks - target
necklace - flea market

Which felt... awkward. To me at least. Perhaps someone else would feel the sensations I referenced above in this getup, but I didn't. And hey! That's okay. Because just like in life, if you play it safe all the time you miss out on the big successes that you get rewarded with for making it through set backs and "failures." So, thanks weird outfit that didn't jive with me. You'll make the next awesome one feel that much sweeter :)

*By the way, my best advice for getting through the day in an outfit that makes you feel less than wonderful and perhaps a bit self-conscious? Fake it 'til you make it. Strut your stuff like you look like a million bucks, because confidence makes ANYTHING look fabulous! Plus, at some point that pretend confidence might just roll over into the real deal.

Outfit log: Pencil Skirts and Running

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

I used to have this wild idea that I couldn't "pull off" pencil skirts. I wrote them off as being the wrong shape for me, and not a flattering option. But coming around to an appreciation for pencil skirts on my body was a lot like realizing that I don't hate running. Seriously.

Occasion: Workin' it, January 9th

Outfit details:
pencil skirt - thrifted benetton
belt - betty page clothing
ruffly top - express, gift
tights - assets
boots - type z "soha," stretched
necklace - anthropologie

Because, with running, once it dawned on me that if I listened to my body and went at my own pace AND (very important) stopped myself from self-bashing with thoughts like "you call this running? you could probably just walk fast and go faster than you're going," then I actually enjoyed it! And with pencil skirts, once I discovered (while thrifting, duh) the type of fit that worked well on my bod AND was comfortable, I understood how silly I'd been before. And now I looooove them :)

Outfit log: Welcome to MAC!

2012-01-20T09:24:00.000-08:00

Or... Welcome to Aveda!

Or... Thanks for joining my improv group!

Wearing all black makes me feel kind of like an imposter, and also kind of like a BAD ASS.

Occasion: Workin' it (though not at Aveda or MAC), December 16th

Outfit details:
thrifted (by mom) cowl neck sweater/tunic (it's a fancy brand, but my memory sucks)
gap ponte pants (not leggings, yo)
target OTK socks
type Z "soha" boots

Like Sandy in Grease when she tries to get Danny back by being all rebellious-like. Unfortunately, due to the amount of times I had to lint roll this entire ensemble before leaving the house only to STILL be covered in cat hair, I fear I will not don this combo again. Unless I get a new job, that is.

Happy Freaking Friday! Man... what a long two day work week I've had...

Outfit log: Karaoke Birthday (not mine)

2012-01-19T12:43:00.000-08:00

Oops, meant to line this up to post yesterday, but then I got sick on Tuesday and didn't want to do anything but watch Battlestar Gallactica all damn day. And then I did the same damn thing again yesterday! I think it's becoming an addiction. Must. Find. Out. More. Gah!!!! Going through withdrawal at work today...

Anyway, I still sound disgusting, but I'm feeling better!

Occasion: Karaoke Birthday Party, January 8th

Outfit details:
gap v-neck
antique fair necklace
vegas vendor wrap skirt
aerosoles wedges

Here's the outfit I wore to Ramona's fabulous Karaoke Birthday party last last weekend. I knew I wouldn't have to walk anywhere, so I opted to wear some wedges that are pretty comfortable anyway. I figured throwing in an extra pattern to the ensemble by way of the shoes would be fine since the skirt is such a gorgeous mishmash already. Plus, leopard/cheetah print is arguably the most mixable pattern in the world, right??

Outfit log: Purple & Brown

2012-01-16T12:16:00.000-08:00

Not so much to say about this ensemble, other than:

I have a lot of purple in my wardrobe;
purple and brown don't always feel right together, but I think it works; and
I may have just been telling myself that so I could rock my new danskos again.

Occasion: Workin' it, January 5th

Outfit details:
gifted gap dress
gifted cardigan
kohls tights
dankso "reeny" mary janes

This dress was a gift back in college, and when my mom gave me this fabulously ruffly purple cardigan over the holidays, I knew they'd be great together. Also, the tights have a basket weave kinda print, which incorporates some subtle pattern mixing. Kinda a snoozy paragraph, but there ya go!

Hope you're enjoying the long weekend! I'm in LA again, waiting for my cousin to wake his ass up so I can say goodbye and head on back to NorCal. My good friend Sadie accompanied me on the way down, but it's gonna be a solo drive north today. Not that I'm complaining... driving for hours by myself always feels kinda wonderful. A great time to reflect, sing a lot, and just let my mind wander.

Outfit log: Hawaiian Burst

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like an island print to bring some color and life into a dreary day. I did regret my decision to go bare legged on my commute home, though. The skirt is really a glorified slip, and the wind just blew right through it as I was waiting for the train... brrr! Next time I'll remember to sport some leggings underneath, like last time.

Occasion: Workin' it, January 4th

Outfit details:
jcrew outlet cardigan
nordstrom cami
modcloth pocket watch necklace
roxy hawaiian print skirt
born "sage" boots

In other news, meet my new brown boots! They are ridiculously comfortable, fit the ole finicky calves, and give me even more options for brown-based looks. Score times a million.

Outfit log: For the Shoes

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

I promised I'd be sharing real camera outfit shots featuring my new favorite shoes, and here they are!

Occasion: Workin' it, January 3rd

Outfit details:
skirt - nordstrom
top - h&m
necklace - modcloth
tights - kohls
shoes - dankso "reeny"

Of course I put together the outfit around the shoes, knowing I wanted to wear them. I had been on the hunt for fabulous brown comfortable shoes for work for a long ass time, and when I saw these fabulous danksos on Hillary my obsession began. Thanks to some extra Christmas cash these puppies are now mine and I luuuuuurve them!

This skirt is an old stand by that has been neglected since the soles of my trusty brown boots got jacked. (I plan to get them fixed eventually, but haven't gotten around to it, mostly because I'm lazy. I mean, because they're not my dream boots anyway so I'm not in a rush. In fact, I may have some new brown boots that are even better!) The point being that these danskos fill such a crucial wardrobe gap I've been suffering with for months now, and I couldn't be happier. Strategic wardrobe purchases just feel so good.

You know what also feels good? Rocking the crap out of an outfit that an ex said didn't work. Ohhhh yeah :) It's the little things, people.

Outfit log: B&W for NYE

2012-01-10T16:01:00.000-08:00

It just so happens that this next outfit I had lined up to share with you was black and white, just in time for Everybody, Everywhere!

Occasion: New Year's Eve, 2011

Outfit details:
handed down sequiney skirt
handed down fluttery top
handed down black slip
handed down steve madden pumps
tjmaxx belt

I'm sad about the crappy quality of the photos; my camera was dead and this was the end of the night when I was ready for pajamas :) I really liked my New Year's Eve outfit, though! The skirt has just enough sparkle to feel festive, and I got to debut two new to me items (blouse and belt). Also, I managed to keep the heels on for the entire evening... what what!

Outfit log: Layered Look + Weekend

2012-01-09T08:43:00.000-08:00

Here's an outfit from one of two days I worked between time off for Christmas and New Year's.

Occasion: Workin' it, December 28th

Outfit details:
handed down dress
swapped vintage blouse
cost plus necklace
thrifted belt
kohls tights
dankso "reeny" mary janes

I've done this look before, previously layering everything over slim fitting cords, but this time I wanted to debut my recently acquired BEST SHOES EVER! You can't really see them in all of their glory here, but better outfit shots taken with an actual camera that show off their amazingness are coming later this week (pinky swear!).

Happy Monday, by the way! I'm feeling pretty freakin' cheerful this morning, which is weird being the beginning of the work week and all. But I suppose it is because my weekend was pretty fantastic! On Friday night I hit up The Albatross in Berkeley for some delicious beer, connect four (ohhhh yeah), darts, and popcorn with a new friend. Then Saturday morning my buddy Kate and I went for a hike in Tilden Park, which was my second hike of the new year (loving this trend I've got going).

Then I lugged two huge ikea bags of laundry to the laundromat and got all my clothes, bedding and towels clean (ahhhhhhh... still sighing with relief from that activity) before heading over to my lovely friend Ramona's karaoke birthday party at her pad.

Yeah, that's right... Mona's so bad ass she rented the equipment to have a PROFESSIONAL karaoke situation, complete with stage AND props. So fun.

Sunday morning I went for a walk around my neighborhood, then hit up grocery and pet stores so me and my cats can all eat this week. Spent the afternoon Sunday watching Battlestar Gallactica (I'm in lust with Starbuck, btw), did a little skyping with my girl Gaby, and made myself a healthy and delicious dinner at 9pm.

Somehow I was able to get my ass out of bed AHEAD of schedule this morning, which meant I had time to eat some breakfast (a spinach/oatmeal/greek yoghurt/almond milk/banana/berry smoothie) and I got to work 5 minutes early, which has not happened in a long while. Hell yes!

Hope your weekend was rockin' and your week is starting off splendidly :)

Outfit log: Christmas

2012-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

I didn't spend my entire trip drinking. Between Christmas eve and Christmas day my mom, her hubs, and I watched four holiday movies: Love Actually, Bad Santa, It's a Wonderful Life, and Elf. Bad Santa wasn't quite my bag, but the other three are my absolute favorite holiday movies.

Occasion: Watching movies, at mom's and in the theater, Christmas day

Outfit details:
cowl neck sweater dress via tjmaxx
borrowed leggings
type z "soha" boots, stretched
handed down tiffany & co necklace

Mom and I also headed out of the house... to watch another movie (and I wore this)! My mom grew up reading Tin Tin comics, and continued the trend with me as a little tot. So, naturally, we decided to see the movie together, in 3D! It was my first 3D movie experience, which was fun (thought wearing two pairs of glasses isn't)... and while the movie wasn't my favorite of all time, it was great to see it with my mom. She's the best!

Outfit log: Billy's Bar

2012-01-04T09:09:00.000-08:00

The night before I left IL, my step sister drove up to Springfield so my mom and her dad could take care of her kiddos while she took me to her favorite bar. And proceeded to get me druuuuuunk.

Occasion: Getting ~~hammered~~ beers with my step sister, December 26th

Outfit details:
tjmaxx cowl neck sweater
modcloth pocket watch necklace
gap jeggings
type z "soha" boots, stretched

Annnnd I wore clothes. More specifically a new sweater I picked up at TJMaxx with my mom that day AND new jeggings I snagged at the Gap for $20. Yes, jeggings! I've been wanting a pair forever, and now they're mine! They are comfortable while sassy, just as expected, and kept me warm in the cold ass Midwest. Win!

Since Angela is friends with Billy we got to stay in the bar after all of his other patrons had left. Ang pumped up the juke box volume to the MAX and we played all kinds of rockin' songs. And this happened:

Good times, y'all! Made for two shitty flights back the next day, but we sure had a blast :)

Outfit log: Candy Cane

2011-12-28T12:58:00.000-08:00

The mime shirt returns! This time, as part of my office holiday party ensemble.

Occasion: Work + Office Holiday Party, December 9th

Outfit details:
thrifted striped boat neck tee
h&m belt
thrifted vintage red pencil skirt
generic black tights
type z soha boots, stretched
handed down tiffany & co necklace w/ alternate chain

While I was thinking I'd do a red and green outfit to really Christmas it up, I was instead drawn to a more subtle shout out to the upcoming holidays. I know it's not red and white stripes, but I still felt like I was representing a candy cane.

I just got back from the Midwest last night after a lovely long weekend spent with my mom and her hubby and his family for Christmas. Highlights included hot yoga with mom, watching 5 holidays movies in 24 hours (my favorites were It's a Wonderful Life and Elf), and drinking too much beer at a local bar with my step sister.

While I miss my mom like crazy already, I'm glad to be back home in my own space with my wonderful kitties... where I'm now much more appreciative of our "balmy" 50 degree weather.

Outfit log: Scored Swapping

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sooo... you saw what I wore the the swap; now here are some of my new items!

Occasion: Workin' it, December 6th

Outfit details:
banana republic cords
swapped jcrew belted cardigan
swapped brown/cream patterned tunic
flea market necklace
target blue suede loafers

The tunic (which may also double as a nightie, shhhh) was courtesy of Sadie, and I was able to take the belted cardigan off of Lily's hands. And they both took stuff of mine too! This is why swapping is magic.

On an unrelated note, this is my favorite business casual/pantsy look lately. Snug fitting pants, patterned tunic, solid outer layer (like a cardigan or belt or vest), waist definition, and a pretty necklace. Bam!

Outfit log: What to Wear to a Clothing Swap

2011-12-21T06:00:00.001-08:00

I mentioned recently that clothing swaps are the bomb. But what should one wear to one?

Occasion: Work + Small Clothing Swap, December 1st

Outfit details:
handed down f21 dress
hue leggings
minnetonka moccasins
gap outlet long sleeve v-neck
tiffany & co necklace

This was what I wore to a recent swap at my friend's place, which was just my style: small, intimate, and included booze and food and cool folks! Having learned from past experiences, I knew I wanted an ensemble that was a) comfortable, b) easy to change out of, and c) had some under-layers I could keep on whilst digging through the clothing piles without making me feel nude.

I went with leggings and a long sleeve shirt under a comfortable dress, with moccasins for easy on and off. And it was perfect! I spent most of the swap in just the leggings and tee, which were easy to try on clothes over. Also, scored some sweet shit. I was a little worried at first since all of the girls wore significantly smaller sizes than me... but somehow it always works out and you find something. In my case, 10 somethings!

Outfit log: Wannabe

2011-12-20T11:28:00.000-08:00

Do you know what today is? No, not just five days until Christmas...

It's the first day of Hanukkah!

I may not be an official Member of the Tribe (nor religious at all), but I grew up celebrating Jewish holidays with my Auntie Anne's family (she's my mom's identical twin), as she converted when she married my Uncle Bobby. As fellow only children, my younger cousin, Dylan, and I grew up as close to being siblings as you could get (genetically we're like half siblings, yo)... so naturally we had the best of both worlds when it came to Christmas and Hanukkah; Dyl got to help decorate our Christmas tree and had his own stocking, and I got to enjoy my favorite Jewish holiday food like gefilte fish, chopped liver, and latkes. Oh, and of course dreidel. Who doesn't love gambling with chocolate??

Occasion: Workin' it, Wannabe MoT style, December 20th (today!)

Outfit details:
jcrew outlet cardigan
gap outlet scoopneck tee
flea market heart brooch
thrifted benetton tweed pencil skirt
generic black tights
type z boots, stretched

Of course I was always a little jealous of Dylan's EIGHT days of presents to my one, but I got over it when I realized he only got one a day and I got a bunch at once. Anyway... all that to say, I consider myself a faux-Jew (or maybe just wannabe), and every year I find it outrageous and irritating when all of the Christmas decorations start to go up EVERYWHERE with absolutely no Hanukkah representation. What is UP with that??

This year, in response, I decided to decorate my-own-damn-self for the first day of the Festival of Lights (in blue and white), and will be eating fried food and lighting candles with one of my favorite chosen people tonight.

Happy Hanukkah to all my Jewish (and wannabe) readers out there! L'chaim!

Outfit log: Like New

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's easy for me to think of gaps in my jewelry collection, since as I'm getting dressed I'll think "if I only had a ____ _____, this outfit would be fantastic!" Lately it's been red necklace, and I finally nabbed one at the Alameda Pointe Antique Faire last month.

Occasion: Workin' it, December 5th

Outfit details:
flea market necklace
max studio wrap dress
generic black tights
type z boots, stretched

Annnnnd, it was $10. As inexpensive as Forever 21, yet more unique and much better quality! I hadn't sported this wrap dress in a long while, but having the red necklace in my jewelry arsenal made me think of it immediately. And the dress felt new, once again!

Outfit log: Mimey

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Soooooo... it didn't quite hit me until I got to work how mime-tastic this ensemble was.

Occasion: Workin' it, November 29th

Outfit details:
thrifted boat neck striped top
h&m vest
limited wide leg trousers
minnetonka moccasins

But whatever! Mimes remind me of Paris. And Paris reminds me of high fashion and baguettes. So obviously this is a stylish (and delicious) look, oui?? And if you don't agree, then I'll tell you what gondola drivers remind me of...

Happy Friday!

Outfit log: Not Quite Right

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Confession: I do not get how to wear ankle booties (boots?). I'm currently long-term borrowing a pair from my girl, Sadie, and when trying to sport them recently forgot who I was and came up with this number.

Occasion: Blogging at the cafe below my apartment on a rainy day, November 11th

Outfit deets:
thrifted wrap sweater
gap long sleeve v-neck
h&m black jersey dress
banana republic outlet dark gray leggings
borrowed booties

I'm not saying it's a bad outfit, per se, but who am I? This look just did not feel like me. Maybe it's the wrong style of bootie or something? Anyway... regardless of how I looked, I was warm and cozy and the ensemble was perfect for sipping coffee while working on my blog in the little cafe below my apartment on a rainy day.

Outfit log: Red Leopard

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

My former boss hosted a lovely dinner party the weekend before Thanksgiving. I've mentioned Amy before... she's the bomb. She was not only a super boss, but continues to be a great friend and mentor. I love her!

Occasion: Dinner party, November 19th

Outfit details:
hrifted vintage red pencil skirt
gifted express ruffly top
type z boots
gifted jessica simpson leopard belt

Also? She has a knack for giving me really great presents. Like this top and belt for instance. Only by coincidence did I sport them together to her lovely party, but they're a match made in heaven!

I'm also loving this vintage skirt I thrifted a few weeks ago because it sits right at my waist, has pockets, and is roomy enough to feel comfortable, but fitted enough to be flattering. Thrifting gold, this one.

Earlier that week my gorgeous and hilarious pal, Ramona (check out her blog, yo!), and I hit up Sephora and I finally got the Urban Decay "Naked" makeup palette I've been lusting after forever. And I've been using it daily since! Here are some of the colors plus my MAC fluidline for a sassy cat eye to go with my sassy ensemble. Meow!