Good-bye February

351 more days to go...

February is over. YAY!

Friday, Saturday...

353, 352 more days to go...

Friday was a typical winter day...snowy and windy and gray. Of course the train was an hour late, but it gave me an excuse to ride into Center City with my love (I had already missed the last shuttle to work from my stop) and take the bus up to University City. As I rode pass Rittenhouse Square on the 42, I snapped a picture of Rittenhouse (love the iphone), my favorite park in the city.

Usually, The Park is packed with people: People hurrying to work, people walking their dogs, children and nannies playing, workout fanatics, musicians, etc. It was almost dreamlike to see it completely void of anybody, anything. But I felt it was the perfect picture of our winter this year: snowy and windy and gray. (still beautiful)

Getting dressed on Friday morning was easy. I kind of resemble a college kid who just woke up and rolled out of bed, but hey, what else am I going to wear on a slushy, snowy day? Don't judge:)

Had to get dressed for a party Saturday night. Decided to go with a comfy, forgiving ensemble since I knew there would be lots of cake there. I'm so glad that dark, straight leg jeans are considered dressy nowadays.

Have a good weekend:)

Snug as a Bug in a Rug

354 more days to go...

If I could have just rolled myself in a fleece blanket and walked out the door, I would have. I might even have pulled out the controversial Snuggie we got for Christmas from my mom (I didn't want it anywhere near me, the husband was ecstatic). But my comfy cashmere zip-up hoodie, wool flannel rain boots (hot pink! such a happy color), and long puffer jacket will have to do. Top that off with my man's cozy hat and I could just about nap in the snow:)


Another happy snow day!

Only Wednesday

355 more days to go...

This feels like the longest week ever. And there's apparently another foot of snow coming. Sigh. Woke up at the crack of dawn today to get to work early to set up for an event. Look what I had to leave behind:) (the three sweetest things on Earth)

I did get to wear a beautiful jade necklace (a family gift) for the first time...it weighs about 10lbs though.


And my J.Crew wool blazer was bought in college but also never worn. I'm finally going to put it to good use!


After making a mad dash for the train, I miss it by 2 minutes. Feeling defeated, I wait for the next one, miss that one as well, and finally get home about 2 hours later. Sigh. a loooong week. Definitely time for bed.

Rain, Rain, go away

356 more days to go...

Dreary, weary weather...will it ever go away? I'd rather have full on rain/thunder storms than this cold windy drizzle....at least then I wouldn't feel silly using an umbrella. Anyways, I've been rummaging through my closet a lot lately and realize that I have TONS of clothes. More than I remember....my sister says that every time she visits me she doesn't recognize anything in there. I guess I believe her now. So I've decided to go the next year without wearing the same outfit twice...I bet it's possible. What with all the accessories and shoes I own, it shouldn't be a problem.

I love this red cardigan sweater from Leifsdottir. The outside is pretty plain but it has this beautiful silk polka dot lining with intricate embroidering on the back. It's like a little secret, like wearing gorgeous lingerie...no one knows it but you. With dark wash ankle length skinny jeans and black driving mocs, it was the perfect comfy outfit for today.

It seems like everyone's birthday is in February. Today's is the cutest niece in the world's 4th bday! Happy Birthday Maggs! We love you. xoxo (ooohhhh....LOST is on)

Running in heels...

357 more days to go...

I want each week to start with a bang so I put on a silk dress, a tight cardigan, cinched it all in with a belt, and some high heeled boots....even though it's rainy, slushy, and frigid. I almost slip and fall about 8 times while running for the train except that I have my strong husband holding on to me tightly. I get to work and completely forgot that I would be running around campus ...today...outside..in the rainy, slushy, frigid weather...with no tread heels. Not my best idea to date. My new put together self is telling me to just suck it up, but my reasonable self changed into scrubs and flats to do the running around. To be fair, it wasn't sweats:)


Last night, I did get a present from my always thoughtful sister-in-law (belated bday present). Jenny always knows exactly what I love, a beautiful embroidered journal and the cutest clutch/wallet ever:)

Can't wait to use it! Love you Jenny!

The Weak-end

359 more days to go...

So I did what I shouldn't have done...went shopping. But I didn't buy anything so I'm still good on my word. I've always known that the weekends are going to be my weakness but it's harder than I thought it would be. The good news is that I'll just have to fill up my calendar with lots of events.

Saturday night...celebration of Brain's birthday with dinner at Standard Tap in NoLibs and then bowling afterward. Did any of us even break 100? 358 more days to go...

My first Ladies' Game Day Brunch at LK's. So much fun and insane blueberry bread pudding. Getting ready for Fajita night at the in-laws. Week one is officially over!!! yay!!

First (of many) Fridays

360 more days to go...

I work, play, and reside in the City of Brotherly Love. My usual Friday routine goes like this: get off of work, walk to the 42 Bus stop in University City and head into Center City. I do a little shopping at Anthropologie, head to DiBruno Brothers' Market for some yummies for dinner, and then meet up with my husband to take the R8 train back home. The rest of the night includes almost nothing else, just winding down and cuddling with our 2 hounds (Astra and Benten). To me, that, is the perfect Friday night date.

This is my first Friday of not being able to buy a new outfit. How sad. So instead of my usual routine, we decide to have a real date night out about downtown. New restaurant, Garces Trading Post, just opened on Tuesday from Iron Chef, Jose Garces. The food was fantastic, our conversation always interesting, and we got a dozen french macaroons for a midnight dessert snack:) Plus we got to see but failed to meet Jose himself. Good thing I got all dressed up.

Have a good weekend!

Going for the Gold

361 more days to go...

I hope you guys are checking out the Olympics because it so freakin' awesome. I'm always amazed at what the human body can go through while watching all the crashes (yard sales as the skiers call it), slips, and falls from crazy heights and even crazier speeds. Last night was the men's Half Pipe Finals and I have to say that Team USA's uniforms of All-American Plaid was classic! When winners are interviewed about their achievements, they always talk about how much hard work and effort can pay off. They thank their supportive families and you can just see the pure joy in their smiles. Personally, I'm not in training, obviously not very disciplined, and I don't consider this hard work. But I hope that by the end of my year, I'll have feeling of accomplishment as well:)

Gold metal around my neck (combined a frog pendant necklace with a flower charmed bracelet for a longer version)

most importantly, Happy Birthday to Dave (my sweet father-in-law) and Brian (my sweet friend) :) xoox K

Masterplan 101

362 more days to go...

My incredibly supportive husband shared my blog with his co-workers. I'm pretty sure that they are all just sitting around laughing at my silly new hobby (only because that's what my co-workers do)...but he swears that they are not. Since they are all trained architects, I imagine they should be drawn to things that are aesthetically pleasing. Instead of offering me artistic insight on design and function, they've suggested ideas on how to get around the whole shopping thing. My favorite so far is to just flat out steal. Right. I'm pretty sure that I won't love jail. So unless someone could draw me up the perfect MASTERPLAN (ha, get it honey?), that's probably a no-go. My second favorite idea would be buying and returning...which would be perfect had I any self control. How am I suppose to give back something that I wouldn't even want to share?(I'm not proud to admit I'm a bit of a hoarder) The clothing swap sounds like fun...might have to try that when cravings to shop start getting out of hand.

They also advised my husband to start his own blog about how to survive me blogging for the next year. Thanks for the support guys. Now I know they're just sitting around making fun of me:)
I was so excited to find $6 in these pants that I hadn't worn in a year. Apparently, not shopping is starting to pay off. $6 = 2 cupcakes or 3 scoops of gelato!

Are you Lost?

363 more days to go...

So I'll probably alienate the 2 out of 3 people who are reading this by announcing that I am a Lostie, but I'm ok with that. If you don't know what a Lostie is, you're not one. We are the crazy (rarely annoying) fans of ABC's show LOST. I know what you're thinking: what does Lost have anything to do with giving up shopping? Absolutely nothing. It's just THAT good that it needs to be mentioned. Plus my outfit is planned accordingly to my Lost watching plans. Comfy clothes that mimic sweats but still look somewhat styled (boyfriend sweater, worn in tee, and distressed jeans). It's amazing what high heels can do to an outfit. As Nick and I head over to BG and MG's place for our mini Lost Waching Party, I'm reminded that this is the Final Season of Lost. So sad...no more Lost and no more Shopping...whatever will I do? Oh wait, there are two more Harry Potter movies. and no, I'm not in middle school.

Another added bonus of baggy jeans and oversized sweater: I get to eat as much spicy fried chicken and fried dough as I want...YUM! Yay for Mardi Gras!

Two is better than one

364 more days to go...

After only one day I have inspired a complete stranger living on the opposite side of the planet to dress up! In actuality, that stranger is a very good, very supportive friend who lives within a 3 mile radius of me, and I'm not sure she's dressing up. But still, that's something...to me. She did suggest an ingenious idea of throwing a Tailor Party where everyone brings an item from their closet that they don't wear anymore (but can't bear to part with) to a tailor to have it reinvented into something Amazing...can't wait! Something new without having to shop? Brilliant! and might I say, a very nice way to recycle and support local businesses too:)

I think that during the work week, this little experiment of mine won't be too difficult. Plus, nature is totally on my side right now...snowing all the time, frigid temps, bitter wind... All I want to do is have beef stew and nap all night. Day Two is officially over, which is way better than just one day over.

The truth is: This would make me feel so much better...

so adorble! (from Anthropologie) (my absolute favorite store)

But I will just have to settle for what I've already got:
I read somewhere that people who like red shoes have a fiery heart. Sounds passionate; I'll take it.

Until tomorrow.....let it snow! Night;)

Here We Go...

Those who know me know that I LOVE to shop. I'm unapologetic-ly girly, i love clothes, i love shoes, I love handbags, pretty much anything to do with fashion (I'm blaming this condition on my mother). However, after further examination, I've realized that I am a very lazy shopaholic: I love to buy and buy, but am most happy wearing my sweatshirt (as evident in the many photos from this year). I've recently become a homeowner and made husband turn one of our three bedrooms into my very own closet/dressing room:) After unpacking and organizing my room, I saw that I have tons of beautiful things, most only worn once or not at all. I've decided that life is too short to not look absolutely fabulous everyday. And what's the use of owning a great wardrobe if not to put it to good use? So, I am self-challenging myself to NOT buy one more piece of clothing, jewerly, shoe, handbag, or accessory for an entire year, in hopes of utilizing everything in my existing closet.

So far the reaction I have received from friends and family is: wow, are you sure?
One of my sisters thinks that I am going to have a meltdown and eat 20 cupcakes in one sitting. My boss thinks I'll last 4 days while my co-workers don't even think that long. My husband is being supportive, but he is my husband after all. And my girlfriends don't know what to think.

I haven't gone one week without purchasing something in a really really long time...years. This will be hard..I just hope I don't find too much comfort in food:)

Today is Chinese New Year's and Valentine's day. Two of my favorite days...a perfect start. So here I (we) go...


Pink, red, and flowers...i heart Valentine's day. Not a super fancy outfit for the occasion, but we did have 3 feet of snow outside (hence the boots). Day one is over and I only ate 2 cupcakes from Flying Monkey Patisserie.

Happy Valentine's day everyone!
(and Happy New Year):)