Simply Bold

remember when?

2013-03-11T13:03:00.000-05:00

Remember when I was a blogger? Yeah, good times.

I want to apologize for my lack of posts lately. I decided to return to school full-time to pursue my next nursing degree. The choice to do this while continuing to work full-time and change employers has proven time consuming to say the least. Now toss in the fact that we were finishing up little projects to put our house on the market and trying to find a job and home 1500 miles away. Sounds like fun right? I thought you'd agree.

I still intend to keep Simply Bold up and running, as I'm not ready to give up on blogging yet. Having a blog has truly made me open up, not only allowing myself to try new things in fashion but also to open up mentally. I've been able to admit a lot more self-consciousness and fears to myself and learn how to deal with them and be happy with myself, what I have, and where I'm heading. I know that probably sounds silly...that blogging has changed me...it's allowed me an outlet for creativity and cope with insecurities.

There are going to be some changes around here though and I'd love for you to hang in here with me and the uncertain posting timeline. Once things in my life stable out I'll be posting more, posting a little differently, and you'll be seeing more of my life and thoughts in addition to outfits.

This is a scary time in my life, with a lot of uncertainties and added stress. I may need a therapist and who better than a captive audience so grab a pen and a notepad and prepare your best "and how did that make you feel?" line...if you have some nerdy glasses too, those couldn't hurt either.

Also, the Blogger Style Challenge I mentioned here is over and with your help, I won! Woo-hoo! Junk Food Clothing will be picking the winner of those who voted and be contacting you directly. Thank you all for so much love and support!

The Vintage Tee...Wanna win one?

2013-02-21T11:34:00.001-06:00

Vintage Tees are a fashion staple, always have been, always will be. Who can blame? Everyone loves a little throwback and nod to nostalgia! There's nothing easier than a t-shirt and jeans, especially to make a not trying too hard "oh this old thing?" fashion forward statement.

All images via Junk Food Blog

I'm personally obsessed with the old band tees and sports memorabilia but who can turn down a superhero or the remembrances of your favorite cartoons? Muppets and Fraggle Rock anyone? Oh, or David Bowie in Labyrinth?! Obviously when I mean throwback, I mean throwback. I'm 26 people, 26.

Anyway, a few weeks ago Junk Food Clothing asked me to participate in their Blogger Style Challenge. Junk Food is my favorite place to search for vintage and vintage inspired tees so of course I said yes! Here is my entry into the Challenge:

The winner of the Blogger Style Challenge will win some Junk Food gear but ALSO one of the voters will win as well! Wanna win a vintage tee? Duh! Entry is super easy!

To Enter to win a Vintage Tee:

Click HERE to vote for my entry by "liking" my pic on Junk Food's Facebook page. That's it!

Voting ends on Friday (2/22) at noon! Help me win so one of you can win...and because you like my style of course :)

errands + heels = emergency flats

2013-02-06T07:07:00.000-06:00

When a sweatshirt and jeans are screaming to be on your body what else can you do but give in? Who am I to tell my cozy new sweatshirt it can't be worn with heels? Nobody. that's who. And what goes better with said cozy sweatshirt than pops of color? Nothing. that's what.

Don't judge me on the fact that I only made it half the day with the heels. But after a dental appointment, getting my taxes done, class, a venture to Home Depot, and a quick trip to Target for new nail polish that turned into a 2 hour voyage...my toes could do no more. Yay for these lil babes that fit perfectly in my clutch!

Does Target pull you in every time too? #TargetDoesItAgain

Junk Food Clothing asked me to style up a piece from their new NBA line for a blogger challenge and since we're moving to Boston in a few months what else could I pick?! Perfect timing! Go Celtics! Stay tuned on info on how to vote for me in the challenge!

snow white

2013-01-15T16:14:00.000-06:00

There's something about the combination of red lips, black hair, and snow that makes me think "Snow White". It automatically takes me back to my Disney obsession. You know you were obsessed too as a kid (and maybe had a random Disney movie marathon last week). I don't judge.

Who doesn't love playing in the snow? And especially followed up by a snowball fight their dad? Even better. Thanks to my Dad for snapping these pics and not allowing me to bust my behind on ice during the walk back to the house.

aztec sweaters & owl mugs

2013-01-11T07:07:00.000-06:00

Did I ever mention that the open field used a'la backdrop for my outfits is all of 20 feet outside my front door? True story.

I was dressed and boppin' out the door with my hunny to snap a few pics when I realized my mug was still in my hand. I'm a wee bit addicted to tea so this really isn't any surprise to me. But hey, now you get to see the new adorable smiling owl face that greets me in the morning.

Owl mug meet blog.

Blog...owl mug.

He has a brother.

kick back

2013-01-09T12:54:00.001-06:00

I'm pretty certain that I'm exhausted. I had an inkling but when I was flipping through these pics and realized I was sitting or kicked back on something in almost every shot - I knew I needed a nap. It's times like this that I wish I could snap my fingers, have my sweatpants and hot tea brought to me, and not feel the constant tug to get more of my to-do list done. But, of course, if I could snap my fingers and have things like this magically happy I'm sure I wouldn't have been exhausted in the first place. Just tired fingers because well let's face it...there'd be a lot of finger snapping happening over here.

Happy New Year!

2013-01-01T07:05:00.000-06:00

2013 has arrived! Let's do this!

2012 - in a nut shell

2012-12-31T20:01:00.002-06:00

...a very small nutshell of randomness. It was a great year and there's only more memories with my hunny, my family, and my friends to be made! Excited to see what's to come in 2013!

Bye-bye 2012! xx.

high hopes

2012-12-28T15:44:00.000-06:00

2013 is almost here. With it will bring some big life changes. My hunny and I will be together for five years. We'll sell our first home and move 1500 miles away from friends and family. New jobs will be started and I'll hopefully be finishing another degree. Wow.

I just want to say thank you. For sticking with me while things fall into place. For everyday you visit my little bloggity blog. And for everyday you listen to my rants, joys, and nonsense.

I've got high hopes for the year to come. In the meantime though, let's make the most of these last few days of 2012. Ya know...since the world didn't end or anything.

my life in one word: procrastinate

2012-12-26T07:05:00.000-06:00

It's true.

I'm a procrastinator. I do some of my best work during the tick-tock crunch. Example 1: Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve Eve. At least the extra eve came into play ok? Example 2: Wrapping presents the morning they will be ripped open. Yes, it seems like a waste to add the extra little sparkly details to have the package destroyed within the next hour but hey it's how I roll. Example 3: Checking the weather report after I'm already dressed. Good thing the socks can be pulled up higher - they ended up going incognito as tights before the day was over.

I could not have asked for a more memorable way to spend my holiday. I am truly blessed to have the family I have. My dad can always make me laugh and feel overwhelmingly loved. My mom pours on the tradition til the warm & fuzzies are at full capacity every year. My sister embarrasses me without fail in front of my entire extended family - it wouldn't be Christmas without uncontrollable blushing. And my little brother's laughter always makes me wish I was a kid again. Hope you all enjoyed the time with your families, the laughter, and the traditions.

hot drinks, cold weather

2012-12-21T07:07:00.000-06:00

It's here. it's finally. finally. here.

The cold weather has arrived! This morning I woke up to white roads and perfect snowball weather. All I wanted was a snow day, like the kind you have as a kiddo and get to skip out on school, homework, and chores. Your only mission is to defend your makeshift fort and pummel passerbys with soggy pressed bundles of fluff.

Not today...I got to experience the adult side of the weather. The 6am drive to work: slipping and sliding on the roads, slipping and sliding in the parking lot, and the inevitable busting of my behind when my wonderfully wet feet landed on the tile entrance. Nice. It's days like today that I'm happy I drive a truck. All I need now is a good pair of snow boots.

At least I get to kickstart the Christmas celebrations tomorrow!

Enjoy the weather, the weekend, and the time with your family! Happy Holidays!

artsy weekend

2012-12-17T14:29:00.000-06:00

I was flipping through pics on my camera and came across these from a few weeks ago. We enjoyed a day at one of my favorite places here in Kansas City, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Being surrounded by the beauty and history during this gorgeous weather was sheer perfection. This warm weather hanging on is spoiling me. After soaking up the art we had a short little walk on the brick paths over to the plaza and had dinner at an outside cafe. Then grabbed some coffee and took a walk to enjoy all the architecture lit up by twinkling Christmas lights.

I could put that weekend on repeat.

repeat.

neon winter

2012-12-13T11:27:00.000-06:00

I have fully embraced neons this winter - not that I don't embrace them during the other 3 seasons - but there's something just so fun and bold about brights in the chilly weather. And how perfect is this adorable bow belt for the holiday season? Pretty sure it's begging to be worn during the present shredding ceremonies coming up.

Sorry for being a little MIA lately. So where have I been? I decided to switch up my jobs (yes, I said jobs) and now I'm working around 60 hours a week at the hospitals. There's something about moving 1500 miles that makes you snap up straight and realize you should probably get some major savings going. I will try my hardest to get back into the swing of things! Let's just say I have got some major resolutions in the making!

unexpected jewelry storage

2012-12-07T07:45:00.000-06:00

Even with the use of my adorably thrifted antique bowls on my dresser, my jewelry is strewn around my house. From my kitchen to my car you can find my little loves. I feel particularly sorry for my necklaces that have made their way to being hung on my bedside lamp. Yeah, it's to that point.

So I'm on the market for a fun and unexpected piece to store more of my jewelry. Here are some of my favorites that I've come across but I'm really loving #2 most! It just has that fun Alice in Wonderland feel to it (or is that just in my head?). Plus it looks like it could hold a decent amount of statement necklaces and stacking rings because really that the majority of my pieces. Have you come across any fun ways to store your accessories?

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Have you shopped my closet yet?

snake & lace

2012-12-04T14:31:00.000-06:00

Some days I want a little animal print in my life. But this girl can only wear so much leopard print before I start to wonder if people realize I do know there are more animal prints in the world. Like snake. And a gorgeously subtle snake print like these jeans? Oh yeah!

So for all the people who were 2 more outfit posts with leopard print away from having me committed - this is for you.

You are welcome.

PS Now you can shop my closet! My 3 closets of clothes won't all be heading to Boston with me :)

Did you win the Fresh Tangerine Giveaway?

cyber monday

2012-11-26T22:40:00.001-06:00

Since we decided to move to Boston in the summer (fingers crossed!) our house will be going on the market in the next couple months. I love our house - our first home together. Besides our family and friends it will be the next missed thing. But the thought that people will be traipsing through our home and judging every last corner makes me cringe. I've never criticized my decorating skills so much. I truly decorated our home to our taste...not the masses' taste. I have no intentions of changing much - just polishing up some things. With that being said, we really are in need of some more glamorous bedding and I have been in a fur, fluff, and sequin kind of mood (I blame the holidays). So with the wonderful temptations of Cyber Monday and the influence of Taylor (see below) I finally made my move! This is the bedding I picked up...a few of the accessories now on my wish list:

Source

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

oxblood & peony pink

2012-11-20T07:17:00.000-06:00

Jacket | Gap shirt - last year {similar} | Pants | Heels: Emerson Fry | Madewell Necklace {similar} | Tote | Watch | Nars lipstick in Schiap | Essie nail polish in Armed & Ready

I bought these pants and fell in love with the comfort - think stretch, like mega buffet stretch capabilities - and still manage to look chic. win. But when I brought these bad boys home I ripped apart my shoe collection attempting to find something to go with them without looking expected. So when in doubt runways and InStyle will always inspire...say hello to oxblood and peony pink. Yippee to my month old magazine collection.

Giveaway winners!

Did you win the Bad James Vintage giveaway? Check here.

And go here to see if you won the Girlish Style giveaway!

friday giveaway - fresh tangerine

2012-11-16T07:07:00.000-06:00

Since starting this little bloggity blog, I've had the pleasure of meeting many amazing artists and creators. Kimberlee of Fresh Tangerine definitely ranks high on that list! Her creations are always fresh, natural, and oh-so-feminine! You all loved her so much last time we collaborated that I just had to welcome Kimberlee back with open arms for another go around! So here for this week's sponsor love Kimberlee has a treat for you all!

Meet Kimberlee of Fresh Tangerine:

I've been making jewelry for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I would tag along with my mom to local craft fairs and sell plastic beaded bracelets at her booth. Later on in high school I supported my jewelry habit by working at a bead shop for store credit. It's crazy to see how far I've come since then!

Giveaway:

$40 shop credit

+ heart shaped earrings (silver or gold)

How to enter:

1) Be a follower of this blog with Google Friend Connect!

2) Visit Fresh Tangerine & comment below on your favorite piece!

Extra entries:

(one entry for each! Make each entry in separate comments to count!)

1) Like Fresh Tangerine on Facebook HERE

2) Follow Fresh Tangerine on Twitter HERE

3) Follow Fresh Tangerine on Instagram (_freshtangerine) HERE

4) Follow Fresh Tangerine on Pinterest HERE

5) Follow me on Twitter HERE

6) Follow me on Bloglovin HERE

7) Follow me on Instagram (simplybold) HERE

8) Follow me on Pinterest HERE

9) Tweet, Facebook, or blog about this giveaway & comment for each

Feel free to copy & paste this tweet:

I want to win the $40 credit & <3 earrings from @_freshtangerine on @SimplyBoldBlog! http://bit.ly/WazgYN

Don't want to wait?!:

Use code "SIMPLY20" for 20% off at Etsy shop or Online shop

Giveaway is open to all Simply Bold readers with a U.S. mailing address! Closes on Friday, November 23rd at midnight CST! I'll announce the winner the following week!

Winner Update: Congratulations to Sharon! Send me an email!

P.S. The Girlish Style Giveaway ends tonight! Who doesn't like winning credit for a free shopping trip?!

girls night

2012-11-13T22:50:00.001-06:00

Jacket | Blouse | Leather leggings: Express last year {similar} | Heels: Emerson Fry {similar} | Watch | Scarf | Bag

Awhile back I got to spend some time with some of my amazing girls...who also happen to be bloggers. Even better! There was lots of talking, shopping at Halls, drinks, hipster food (bone marrow or cauliflower steak anyone?), and the best possible ending - frozen yogurt!

I can't wait to see my girls again - hopefully I'll get off work in time for a DIY meetup this Thursday night - but in the meantime you should stop by and say hi to them: Sandy, Erin, Kem, Meggie, and Shea!

And a big thank you to Sandy for taking these pics! What do you guys do on girls nights out?

PS the Girlish Style Giveaway ends Friday! Hop to it for your chance at $45 shop credit for some gorgeous new clothes!

friday giveaway - girlish style

2012-11-09T07:37:00.000-06:00

When I came across Girlish Style, I immediately fell for the twists on classic silhouettes they have to offer! Ayelet & Galit's creations use patterns, colors, and textures to add some major fun! Plus, getting to know them has been a blast too!

I'm so excited to introduce you to this week's sponsor + giveaway!

Meet Ayelet & Galit of Girlish Style:

Girlish by Ayelet Shahak and Galit Tamir, offers a rich collection of casual looks meticulously designed. The collection includes: pants, shirts ,jackets and dresses. The garments are characterized by everyday clothes flattering the female body. Subdued colors of black, gray, blue and brown presents a refreshing and pleasant combination of classic yet trendy design.

The clothes are characterized by a sophisticated design with an emphasis on small details. Manual coloring and unique washes of fabrics, combinations of textile combines classic sophistication and feminine, large prints and accurate selection of buttons and garment accessories provides us a collection we want to wear.

Sources of inspiration are many and very varied always connected to arts and culture. For example, our first collection was inspired by ancient civilizations such as Adinkra African symbols and cultural lifestyle of the Mongol tribes. And our last collection was mostly inspired from the urban world and vibrant living surrounding us.

Giveaway:

$45 shop credit!

How to enter:

1) Be a follower of this blog with Google Friend Connect!

2) Heart/Favorite Girlish Style on Etsy HERE!

Extra entries:

(one entry for each! Make each entry in separate comments to count!)

1) Follow Girlish Style on Twitter HERE

2) Like Girlish Style on Facebook HERE

3) Comment below on your favorite piece HERE

4) Follow me on Twitter HERE

5) Follow me on Bloglovin HERE

6) Follow me on Instagram (simplybold) HERE

7) Follow me on Pinterest HERE

8) Tweet, Facebook, or blog about this giveaway & comment for each

Feel free to copy & paste this tweet:

"I just entered to win $45 shop credit to @girlish_style clothing shop on @SimplyBoldBlog http://bit.ly/SGOQL7"

Don't want to wait?!:

Use code "simplybold" for 15% off at checkout HERE!

Giveaway is open to all Simply Bold readers...International readers this means you too! Closes on Friday, November 16th at midnight CST! I'll announce the winner the following week!

P.S. The Bad James Vintage Giveaway ends tonight! There's a gorgeous fair isle sweater up for grabs!

Update: The winner is Radnjanska! Shoot me an email.

recent buys

2012-11-08T07:17:00.000-06:00

I'll admit it. I actually got the euphoric ear-to-ear smile when leather came onto the scene full force this season. I've always had a love of leather. Jackets, shorts, boots, pants all in leather adorn my closet and I've had some variation of them since high school. I've never had a leather skirt or dress though and my closet has felt incomplete without them. Not that my closet will ever feel complete. But it's finally happened! I've bit the bullet and made the addition and I'm in lovvvve.

So it's full steam ahead with my leather and pattern addictions. Because there's nothing more perfect than leather, patterns, cozy socks, and boots all rolled into one chilly weather outfit. Well adding a snuggly scarf wouldn't hurt.

double the dots

2012-11-06T12:53:00.000-06:00

What can I say? I love me some polka dots, covering myself in shades of pink, and having a photo op crashed by mischievous little woodland creatures.

I live in what some people would consider a farm town. Compared to where I grew up...it is not a farm town. Trust me, I know farm towns. I had cows in my backyard. So when we venture out on the walking trail I get excited to see all the furry (and not so furry) friends popping out of their hiding places. There's a more than adorable racoon that lives in the hole in a tree, deer than roam in the open fields, and the turtles that are the only thing that can't escape me. Yes, I'm faster than a turtle...but not by much.

Have you entered the Bad James Vintage Giveaway yet?! Prepare yourself for some gorgeous modern-styled vintage clothes! Love this shop!

friday giveaway - bad james vintage

2012-11-02T07:07:00.000-05:00

I came across Bad James Vintage awhile back and immediately fell in love. In love with the selection, vibe, and creators! This shop encompasses my style with a vintage selection, urban feel, and modern styling. Oh, and could Brit be anymore gorgeous?! Who votes she needs to start a blog? This girl! I could sift through their listings for hours just looking at the beautiful photography and life breathed into these stunning vintage finds! I almost want to keep this shop a secret since there's of course only one of each of their lovelies. This is one shop to definitely keep an eye on!

Meet Brit & Ben of Bad James Vintage:

Brit and Ben are a husband and wife team that work together as the owners-stylists-buyers-photographers to create Bad James.

Since having the pleasure of knowing each other through adolescence while growing up in a small town, they have built a solid idea of what a vintage lifestyle means to them. After going their own ways and reconnecting almost a decade later did their journey absolutely begin.

They not only decided to start a life together but a business as well. It is with full commitment and tons of excitement that they bring you the most fabulous of finds. In a world full of trends and massive amounts of clothing, it is important they offer you something nobody else has. Bringing these items to life by styling each outfit with a modern, keen eye is essential to the Bad James process. Their unique approach is to show you the way these key pieces will fit into your everyday (and absolutely fabulous) wardrobe. They are constantly striving to achieve a cohesiveness that represents who they are: never over the top, classic and absolutely unique. They master the idea that vintage clothing is completely wearable for everyone and can easily be mixed into your very own closet.

Giveaway:

Vintage Fair Isle "Avalona" Sweater!

Value of $48!

Will easily fit XS-L

(Right on trend with this season's patterned sweaters

& fair isle influences!

Bonus points for being hand-loomed and vintage!)

How to enter:

1) Be a follower of this blog with Google Friend Connect!

2) Like Bad James Vintage on Facebook HERE!

Extra entries:

(one entry for each! Make each entry in separate comments to count!)

1) Follow Bad James Vintage on Instagram (badjamesvintage) HERE

2) Follow Bad James Vintage on Twitter HERE

3) Sign up for Bad James Vintage Newsletter HERE

4) Heart/Favorite Bad James Vintage on Etsy HERE

5) Follow me on Twitter HERE

6) Follow me on Bloglovin HERE

7) Follow me on Instagram (simplybold) HERE

8) Follow me on Pinterest HERE

9) Tweet, Facebook, or blog about this giveaway & comment for each

Feel free to copy & paste this tweet:

"Fingers crossed! I want to win the Fair Isle Sweater from @badjamesvntg on @SimplyBoldBlog http://bit.ly/VGXfP7"

Don't want to wait?!:

Use code "simply20" for 20% off at checkout HERE!

Giveaway is open to all Simply Bold readers...International readers this means you too! Closes on Friday, November 9th at midnight CST! I'll announce the winner the following week!

Update: The winner is Lauren K., congrats lady! Now send me an email :)

saturday pants on a weekday

2012-11-01T12:01:00.002-05:00

There is something so utterly amazing about getting to wear sweatpants out of the house during a weekday and still have people compliment your outfit. Just to be clear - I don't typically wear sweatpants out of the house on the weekend either. But these aren't typical sweatpants so it doesn't count. I can convince myself of anything. Proof: one more piece of left over Halloween candy won't hurt...uh where's all the left over candy? Oh, I ate it all already? Hmm.

On that note, hello November! I welcome you and your chilled air with open arms! Me and my cozy sweatpants are ready!

PS Did you win the Virginie Millefiori Giveaway? Virginie created my edgy stacked rings & earrings I'm wearing...love!

mix it up!

2012-10-29T12:03:00.001-05:00

Sweater | Socks | Similar Jeans | Similar loafer | Watch

I've said it before...socks are accessories too! In my mind, anything that goes on my body is the opportunity to add a pop of color, pattern mix, or contrast textures...this includes my socks! It's a fun way to try out mixing things up. They're inexpensive, if you chicken out just roll your pants down, and you could always use more socks, right?

What do you think? Are you up for passing on the boring white socks and being just a little crazy? After all, it is just socks!

Oh and the Virginie Millefiori Giveaway got extended until tonight at midnight! Don't miss this fun jewelry...you know you could use a little Parisian influence in your life!