On the Sixth Day of Christmas

60 more days to go...

What comes on the sixth day of Christmas? I have no idea. Today is quite a big day though. My little sister, Jennifer (aka Bean), graduated from UC Berkeley today. Congrats, Bean! You are so amazing! We are so proud of you!

I didn't get to fly home for the ceremony, but I was there in spirit:) Traveling all day yesterday pretty much drained me of any extra energy. I basically just laid around all day but then dinner required me to shower and get up. I wrapped myself in a great big chunky sweater vest and some suede booties. Garnette and Hamza had us over for one of their amazing Moroccan tagine dinners. yum yum!

On the Fifth Day of Christmas

61 more days to go...

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...five golden rings. Speaking of true love and rings, I traveled to DC for the day to help my best friend find a wedding gown for her up coming nuptials. After dating Zach for almost ten years, he finally got Jen a ring and proposed:) It was the easiest shopping trip I've ever been on. We went to JCrew in Georgetown and found everything there in about two hours. Kim and I also ordered our bridesmaid dresses and accessories. See, so easy. So after the champagne was popped and all the dresses were ordered, we gorged ourselves on some yummy Thai food and just relaxed. So although I technically did shop and purchased some items, it was all for the wedding. I couldn't say no:) Anyone else want to get married and need me to get a dress?:)

On the Fourth Day of Christmas

62 more days to go...

Friday! And the fourth day of Christmas:) I spent the evening with Molly and Melissa and baby Porter. While we, the wives, stayed at home and had homemade soup and played with babies, our husbands were out at Club Risque, doling out dollar bills for the ladies (not as sleazy as this sounds). I say next time we leave the men at home with the babies, and we go out and get crazy for the night:) For the night in, I turned to my favorite ruffled wrap sweater and a brown lace tank. Now it's off to bed so that I can get up for my trip to DC tomorrow. Nighty night.

On the Third Day of Christmas

63 more days to go...

What's on the third day of Christmas? Three French hens? I don't have any French hens but I'm okay with that. After last night's party, I'm exhausted. It was definitely a hat day since I didn't get a chance to wash my hair, let alone brush it. So a long grandpa cardigan and a knit beret will be part of my cover up today:) Ooh, a beret is very French-y but still no hens.

On the Second Day of Christmas

64 more days to go...

Two turtle doves? Not so much. But two cute outfits in one day? Yes, please. I've had this flame colored velvet blazer for forever but wasn't sure how I felt about it. Well, I pulled it out today and thought, why not? Paired with a cream shell and some jeans, I thought it was perfect for work. As for my transition to night, I wanted to get dolled up for Nick's firm's holiday dinner party. Sequins, jewel tones, velvet, and bows...sounds like it everything but the kitchen sink...but came together nicely for a holiday outfit. Again, everything I had on was new to me since I've never actually worn them before but I've owned for several years. It still amazes me the things that I find in my closet:)

On the First Day of Christmas

65 more days to go...

No partridge and a pear tree, but I did find a silk chiffon blouse and a pair of wide legged trouser jeans. There was a holiday party today during work, so I thought this wouldn't be too dressed up or too casual. I can't believe it's almost Christmas!

Mix and Match

66 more days to go...

It's getting colder and colder which makes getting dressed in the morning harder and harder. All I want to do is wrap myself up in a big blanket, throw on a fluffy hat, and some boots. But, I've only got 66 more days left. It's pretty much right around the corner. It's seems silly to fold now:) So today, I mismatched a floral sweater dress with a striped blazer. It kept me warm and wasn't sweatpants..yay:)

Weekender

69, 68, 67 more days to go...

Friday, Saturday, Sunday...so much to get done in such a short weekend. Finish all the Christmas shopping (check), wrap all the presents (check), send out all the cards (check), and of course spending some time with my girls and my man (check and check). I'm starting to get a hang of this, even though I am starting to feel under the weather. It was a jeans, sweater, and sneakers kind of weekend since there was so much running around...nothing special but definitely functional. Next week will be all about dressing for holiday parties:)

Warm Thoughts

70 more days to go...

Baby, it's cold outside.....really, really, really cold. To combat the chilly day, I'm thinking of a tropical island (Tahiti, perhaps?), milkshakes (although that makes me chillier), flip flops and pedicures, the big bright sun...that ought to do the trick. I found this vintage crochet vest in my closet. I remember buying it in a vintage store somewhere in Florida but then never got around to wearing it. Well, today is my perfect day to wear it since it definitely reminds me of the big bright sun. This outfit should encourage warm thoughts all day.

Present-ed

71 more days to go...

Continuing with my get-in-the-holiday-spirit-by-dressing-like-the-holidays...I looked like a cheerfully wrapped present finished off with a grosgrain ribbon today. I've been wrapping presents all week and was inspired by all the colorful prints and yards of ribbon. What can I say, I really love the holidays:)

Holiday Dressing

73, 72 more days to go...

Christmas is right around the corner and this year, I plan on getting all my present shopping done early. What else is helping me get in the mood for all sorts of holiday festivities? Dressing in warm wintry outfits, of course. Monday's outfit reminded me of a snow angel with the powdery blue crop sweater and warm hood. Makes me so excited for snow! And today's red snowflake sweater made me want to go caroling.

Day at the Museum

74 more days to go...

Night at the Museum was a really bad movie. Just thought I would throw my opinion in there. Anyways, Nick and I spent our Sunday at the Franklin Institute to learn all about Cleopatra, the Philly night sky, electricity, and erosion. What I learned: Cleopatra married a lot of people she didn't want to, Orion has two hunting dogs behind him in the night sky, Ben Franklin built the first battery (which was named after some sort of ammunition), and we may run out of usable water one day. I also learned today that I should try not to forget my hat when it's crazy cold and windy outside, that thick corduroys keep my legs remarkably warm, and that I can probably walk forever wearing flat boots.

O Christmas Tree

75 more days to go...

I did sleep in late today....and it felt sooooo good. Really the only thing that could make me feel better was to go and get a Christmas tree! I loooove the holiday season. Really, is there there anyone out there who doesn't enjoy parties, lots of food, presents, and the fresh smell of a giant fir tree in your house? I got dressed in some rugged boots, jeans, and a Paul Bunyan-ish shirt (we are going out for a tree) and Nick's warm hat that I've claimed as my own. We are officially not in Tahiti anymore.


We found the perfect tree. She really is a beauty, especially after we've finished primping and adorning her and filled her with presents.


Nick and I spent the rest of our Saturday sitting by the fire, admiring our tree, and drinking hot chocolate.....so perfect:)

Jet Lagged

77, 76, more days to go...

I have no idea what I wore yesterday. In fact, I have no idea of anything that happened yesterday. It seems like I still haven't completely adjusted to being back home yet. So today, I added a shot of bright fuchsia to my it's Friday outfit to help me stay energized and awake. (It didn't work).

Tonight is Molly's Latke's night....yummmmm...at our friend Sarah's new house....yay:) Again, I'm pretty sure that I changed into flats and comfy sweater for the party and I'm pretty sure I left early to come home and pass out and now I'm almost positive I will be sleeping in way past noon tomorrow...

Home

89, 88, 87, 86, 85, 84, 83, 82, 81, 80, 79, 78 more days to go...

I'm back! And what a trip it was:) You would think that I would be all sorts of relaxed..but the return journey home was such a disaster, I want to go back to Tahiti and Moorea and do it all over again. Let's just say that eight plus hour plane delays and lost luggage that wasn't suppose to be checked really sucks. Now, on with the good memories. The trip was amazing!


The people of Tahiti are so incredibly nice and friendly. We met our friend, Nathalie, who helped us out so much while we were there. She is seriously the sweetest nicest person in the universe (no exaggeration). Nathalie, if you are ever in the States (which I know you are all the time), let me return the favor! We love you!

The weather was almost perfect...crazy hot and had some downpours but who's complaining?


Food was right up my alley. Fresh seafood, fresh tropical fruits, and baguettes, baguettes, and more baguettes (this is part of France after all).


The water was the most beautiful I've ever seen, so blue, clear, and warm. The rain forests were so lush with tons of incredible waterfalls (and filled with giant insects and mosquitoes, but again. who's complaining?)


Jennifer and I learned how to wear a sarong in about a thousand different ways...only wish that I could remember them all. Clothes were pretty much optional on the islands and since I only packed one tiny suitcase, Jen and I spent most of the time in our bathing suits with some sort of cover up.

The places we stayed were all so beautiful (especially in Moorea). I feel like I'm in a postcard looking back at our pictures. What are you waiting for? Go and plan your next trip to French Polynesia!

Bon Voyage

90 more days to go...

Friday!!! And, tomorrow is the start of my exotic vacation!!! I can see it all now: summery breeze, smell of the ocean, shimmery tan skin, I'm so excited:) As for now, here in cold and cloudy Philly, I wore a feather print skirt, graphic tee, and navy cardigan with my Fall boots. The day went by pretty quickly and tonight, a bon voyage dinner at Nancy's. My mother-in-law is quite the chef and tonight's dinner was no exception...(thanks, Nancy! so delicious!). I did change into a pair of jeans for our dinner plans...it got crazy cold outside once the sun set. By tomorrow, it'll be flip flops and shorts...

Happy (early) Thanksgiving! See you guys in 11 days:)

A little sparkle

91 more days to go...

A little sparkle goes a long way...especially on a sheer floaty blouse...it's putting me in the festive holiday spirit. So glad it's already Thursday...yet I still have tons of stuff to do to get ready for my trip. Have I packed yet? Nope. Have I found my passport? Nope. Do I even know how I'm getting to the hotel? Of course not. Maybe I should go and figure that out.

Full on Fall

94, 93, 92 more days to go...

All the leaves have turned and are now falling like fiery snowflakes to the ground. It's hard to miss that it's full on Fall. Time for capes and boots and warm fuzzy sweaters.

Monday, a great start to a great week. I've had this magenta-y, orchid color cape for a few years now. I bought it in Taiwan the last time I was there but still had yet to wear it. Don't know about you, but I find it annoying to not be able to lift my arms past a certain point when you have a cape on. But there's no denying how adorable they are on. Well, at least now I can say that I wore it...and it wasn't even all that annoying to have on. Definitely something I should put into my rotation.

Tuesday, I was inspired by all the bright warm colors of the leaves outside. I layered a bright orange-y red tee under a super comfy dress (feels just like a sweatshirt) with by brown leather boots.

Wednesday....3 more days until I'm on my way to Tahiti! I certainly won't be needing this cozy cashmere sweater where I'm heading, but since I'm still here in Philly...

Babies are us

96, 95 more days to go...

There's no denying it. Our lives are being taken over by babies. First it seemed like everyone was coupling off, then everyone started to get married, next came the first house purchase...it only makes sense that we are in the stage of our lives where everyone is having babies. I'm loving this stage because I love babies, and although Nick and I don't have any yet, it's fun to see our friends test run it for us:) I just hope that when we do start having children, I don't turn into a frumpy soccer mom (never gonna happen).

Saturday was a couple's baby shower for our good friends, M and B. The candy and ice cream themed shower (yum!) was adorable, especially the center pieces featuring story books with baby pics of M and B glued to them (hilarious!). I wasn't sure if there was a new etiquette to wearing certain things for a baby shower in the middle of the day...so I thought a skirt, blouse, and jacket should cover the bases. My sweater skirt reminded me of a nursery, mint green with little birds on them:)

Sunday was Olivia's first birthday party. I've come to two realizations this weekend. One being how quickly time goes by, I can't believe Livy is already one! And two, babies are so freaking cute (not really a new realization), funny, chubby, and soooo soft ( I want one).

It was another beautiful Fall day, no need for a heavy coat. I paired jeans that I've worn pretty much all week with a swan print blouse, a black blazer, and more flats.

Good-bye weekend!

Casual Date

97 more days to go...

Friday! Jeans and flats for a casual Friday and a casual date, yay:) Not that I don't love putting on a ball gown and stunning heels, but there's nothing quite like a comfy sweater, broken in jeans, and driving mocs...on a Friday. I'm still playing around with different necklaces, I think I'm starting to realize how much jewelry I own...


Casual date night was at The Oyster House...one of our favorites. Nick and I are HUGE fans of seafood but I'm the first to admit that I'm not a pro at making it myself...so we are always eating seafood on our date nights. Now that I'm stuffed full of oysters and chowder, it might be time for Dateline and sleepy time.

Definitely time for Dateline and Sleepy time. Happy Weekend:)

Little Bow Peeps

98 more days to go...

Baby, it's not so cold outside. Philly is having a bit of a mild streak for the next few days and I am pulling out the peep toe flats. I did plan on having a jeans and flats week so I'm sticking with it. You can't really see it but my cardigan has a tiny bow on one of it's pockets and my peep toes also have bows on them, I just love bows. They are just so feminine and chic.

Happy Thursday:)

Double Digits

99 more days to go...

I'm down to double digits! Seriously never thought this day would come...and it certainly didn't come quickly. But now that we are three plus months away, I have a feeling that these next few months will roll by.

I know I said that this was a jeans and flats kind of week but since I passed the 100 day mark, I thought I would try to dress up a bit today. I wore my comfy sweater dress with knee high boots. And although I'm not much of a jewelry person, I played around with layering some necklaces together.

Earlier this week, I panicked that I still had 100+ days to go. Should I quit? What is the point? How am I going to last? But today, the main thoughts surrounding my mind is that I only have 99 more outfits to wear?!? I still have so many things that I haven't worn yet. (yes, I have that much clothes, kinda disgusting). I really have to get on it.

100 Days

100 more days to go...

Only a few more months to go...I'm in the final stretch. Kind of. And although I'm more than half way through, the holiday season is really making it hard for me to stick to my plan. I'm going to have to make like the Little Engine that Could and just keep telling myself, 'I think I can, I think I can'. (I recently discovered that the Little Engine was a girl, how appropriate).

What to wear today? I'm thinking it's a jeans and flats kinda week...so jeans and flats it is, topped off with a tiered tank and crochet cardigan.

Super Fun Girl Day: The End

101 more days to go...

It's the end of Super Fun Girl Weekend....at least for now. This is just another reason for me to hate Mondays, as if I needed another reason. Jangmee flew back to Atlanta this morning...and the work week begins:( Getting dolled up always makes me feel better so I put on a ruffled black dress, long loose cardigan, and beaded belt with some tall boots. Then I french braided my hair to make it look all pretty. By the time I got to work, the crazy wind had blown my hair in every which way and it ended up looking exactly like a messy bird's nest. Damn you, Mondays.

I had a blast with you, Jangmee! Miss you already! XOXO

Super Fun Girl Day: Take Three

102 more days to go...

So last night, I said I never want to eat again. I lied. I'm pretty sure that everyone who has ever said that lied. This morning, we definitely slept in...and when we finally got up, we were all starving (what happened to that turkey last night and all that pumpkin pie?!?!). The only way to solve that problem was to go to the diner for a ginormous brunch...at the Trolley Car Diner....problem solved.

Jangmee and I spent the rest of the day and night in Center City. We trekked through every part of downtown, doing a little shopping, a little dining, some sight seeing, and lots of talking. Talking is what us girls do best:) Since we were walking for about five hours, flats were a no-brainer and lots of light layers since I knew I would get hot moving around so much.

My favorite moments from today were shopping on 13th st, snacks at the Reading Terminal, marathon search at the Body Shop, and dinner at Fish. Did I mention that I'm exhausted:)

Super Fun Girl Day: Take Two

103 more days to go...

My idea of a perfect start to the weekend is to sleep in a bit, grabbing a late lunch, stopping for hot chocolate breaks, strolling through my little part of town, picking up some fresh baked bread, and maybe buying something fantastic for the house. And that was exactly what we did. How wonderful is life:)? Nick joined Jangmee and I for our day out and about....it was in one word, perfect. And although it was quite chilly, my many layers and puffer vest kept me in good shape.

Saturday night was Thanksgiving with Friends night. Basically, it's a party that starts around 4pm, we eat a bunch of Thanksgiving food, and then pass out into a food coma around a fire with a bunch of hilarious people. What's not to love about that? Usually I wear stretchy pants and a billowy top. But this year, I thought I'd step it up and wear an actual outfit....mostly it was because my friend decided to look all sorts of dressed up and cute and my hand was forced:) Jangmee and I both donned on bright floral frocks and some heels...now that I'm looking at the pictures, we apparently have on matching pea coats...totally not planned:)

I never want to eat again...at least not until tomorrow.

Super Fun Girl Day begins...

104 more days to go...

Yay, Friday! Yay, BFF arriving tonight! What's a girl (or two) to do? Well, first I guess I have to make it through work.

What did I wear to work? A little silky ruffle neck blouse layered under a black peter pan collar cardigan, some ankle length jeans, and my gray suede booties.

The rest of the night consisted of being stuck in traffic (yuck!), eating take out Indian food (yummmmm), and giggling like two young college girls (just like old times:))

Warmth and Fuzzies

105 more days to go...

Last night, my grandmother visited me in my dreams for the first time. I was getting worried there for awhile, wondering if she knew where to find me. Let me explain...after both my grandfathers had passed away, I almost immediately saw them in my dreams. I felt it was their way of telling me that they were fine and watching over me. Well, as you know, my grandmother passed away several weeks ago and I still hadn't had a visit from her. She's never been to where I live but I think she finally found me. It was nice to see that she was so happy and at peace:) So I woke up feeling all warm and fuzzy. Not a bad way to wake up at all.

And although it was dark and freezing outside, I was filled with those warmth and fuzzies all day. Either it was that or my big ol' hug of a sweater and ruffly wool scarf.

Jangmee gets here tomorrow! Super Fun Girl Time!

Half Way Day

106 more days to go...

Wednesday! Only two more days til super fun girl time with Jangmee! Yay! As you can see, I love countdowns. 106 more days to go til I get to shop for myself, 2 more days til my girlfriend gets into town, and 17 more days til I fly to Tahiti! November is the best.

Outfit today: a silky tie-neck black blouse, black boyfriend blazer, and jeans tucked into some beat-up leather boots.

Rocking my vote

107 days to go...

Election day! Don't forget to get out and vote. I am rocking my vote today in jeans, linen sweater layered over a tank with bejeweled neckline, and some red leather booties. Now let's go and see if we can make a difference:)

Monday, Monday, Monday

108 more days to go...

Oh, Monday. Here you are again. Again, I don't want to get out of bed, don't want to get dressed, don't want to go outside. The good thing is...at the end of this week, Jangmee (super fun girlfriend) will be here! Hurray! I don't know how the weather in Atlanta is, but brace yourself...there's been frost warnings here:)

Back to Monday...like I said, I did not feel like getting dressed. So the solution was just a pair of brown corduroys, cotton pullover, and my navy peacoat. At least I look awake(sort of) :) Happy Monday!

Topping it off

110, 109 more days to go...

Weekend wear...I was wondering what I could top my skirt off with this weekend to make it as low key and comfy as possible. So Saturday, I wrapped myself up in a colorful wrap sweater and some knit tights for running errands. It kept me warm and the wrap could be adjusted as I ate most of the candy that I was trying to buy for Halloween tomorrow:)

Sunday. Halloween! My costume this year was nonexistent. I had several ideas, but just never found enough time to make it. But that's okay, the plan was to go to a party at a M and B's house to hand out candy to all the little trick-o-treaters in the neighborhood. I do have this ridiculous sweatshirt with ears attached to the hood so I thought today would be appropriate to have it on in public. Plus, it kinda matched my skirt that I've been wearing all week. As for the trick-o-treaters? My favorites included an adorable Super Man and Wonder Woman outfit on a two-year-old and his slightly older sister. Seriously, too cute. And there was some kid dressed up like a haunted house...he wins the most creative and high tech award of the night:)

Happy Halloween and Happy Week ahead:)

Oh how I love thee, let me count the ways

115, 114, 113, 112, 111 more days to go...

I often spend money on wow items for my closet...an intricate top, crazy shoes, formal dress. They don't often get a lot of wear...I'm not going to show up at the dog park wearing my formal dress in crazy high heels. So I've been thinking a lot about my staples...things that didn't cost too much but I find myself wearing all the time. For example, I've noticed that I've worn my navy cotton canvas JCrew skirt a ton since I started this challenge. It's comfy, matches everything, and doesn't really wrinkle...what more could a girl want? So this week, I decided to try all the different ways to dress up and dress down this go-to skirt. The skirt cost like fifty bucks and I've worn it like a hundred times, so cost per wear is practically free:)

Monday: Work Appropriate: gold tank and red cardigan from Anthropologie, gold loafers from Stuart Weitzman.


Tuesday: Preppy Classic: blue crew neck and rose gold necklace from JCrew, Chanel scarf tied as a belt, and patent peep toe flats by the Original Car Shoe.


Wednesday: Rainy Day Casual: beaded antler tee shirt and whale wellies from JCrew, leather belt from Banana Republic.


Thursday: Bold and Graphic: orange sweater, beaded necklace, yellow grosgrain belt, and bright mary-jane peep toes all from JCrew.


Friday: Glitzed Out: sequined tank and camel pea coat from JCrew, plaid button-up and leather belt from Banana Republic, and black patent pumps by Prada.


Now all I have to do is figure out how to make it into weekend wear....

Night!