Thursday Latelies

I decided to link up with Bex from Bex a Style Diary and her series "Thursday Latelies." It's just a way to sort of appreciate what's good in your life, whether it is food, friends, family, a certain product that rocks, or whatever it may be.  This was my first time recording myself and doing a video though, so please bear with me.  Happy Thursday!

Organic Outfit

{Shirt: Old Navy, Skirt: Ross, Sandals: Ross}

This outfit came about organically, which doesn't happen very often for me.  Normally I try to pre-plan what I'm going to wear, but today I just knew I wanted to wear this skirt and the rest randomly happened.  I bought this skirt awhile ago at Ross, and while it is a little big on me, I liked it.  I really want to learn how to take it in, or go to a tailor, but for now I choose to pull it in with a high waisted belt.  

Outfit Crush

{The Sartorialist}

It's somewhat crazy to me how this one outfit has convinced me that I need a solid color maxi skirt.  This outfit is one of those that most likely feels like you're in your pajamas, but you're dressed and looking great!  Those types of outfits are my favorite, something comfortable but also put together.

Fancy Shower Curtain

{pinterest}

Since my cat has managed to ruin my current shower curtain, I would love to replace it with another, more pretty shower curtain.  This Anthropologie curtain was pinned on Pinterest and I couldn't help but be immediately drawn to it.  It even seems like a shower curtain that you could replicate fairly easily!  I'll have to put my crafty pants on soon and think of how to make one.

Wishlist: Silk Button-Up

{Nordstrom}

I don't think that I'm alone when I say that Equipment blouses are so pretty!  It feels like I've been seeing them on all of the blogs that I follow, and I wish that I could add one to my closet but it's a shame that they're so expensive.  All of the shirts above are my favorite from Equipment, but I think that the black and white one is my favorite because it's so classic looking!

Fleur De Sel Caramels

{pinterest}

I'm planning on making these caramels for a family get together I'm going to, but I've never made anything requiring a candy thermometer before.  Any tips or tricks from you would be appreciated? Is it okay to use a meat thermometer (clean of course) instead?

Outfit Crush

 {pinterest}

{Button-Up: Old Navy, Shorts: Forever 21, Belt: H&M, Heels: Nine West}

You didn't think that I had forgotten about all of my Outfit Crushes did you?  Well I'm happy to say that it's back and today I even added my own take on the "crush."  Luckily I was able to wear it during the 30 or so minutes of sunshine we've had this week before changing into warmer and more waterproof clothes.

Deals & Steals

I have always been a lover of deals, and I can almost 100% contribute that to my parents especially my mom.  Now when I'm going to purchase something that is a good deal I try and stop to ask myself if I would purchase it at the full price.  If i say "yes" then I usually will purchase it on sale as well.  Today I stopped at Old Navy to see if they had any items that I could use my Groupon on.  I lucked out and found a pair of great simple gray flats (I also wanted the nude ones but they'll have to wait), and also this turquoise belt.  After using my Groupon both items were only $3.99 and I'm so excited to wear both of them!

Fan Style

{pinterest}

Most places around the country are most likely experiencing much warmer weather than we are in the Pacific Northwest.  So when the mercury decides to rise in these parts, it would be nice to have a more stylish looking fan to keep cool.  Do any of you know where to find a replica of this fan?

Fill in the Blank Friday

{The Little Things We Do}

Playing along with Lauren today!

1.   I am a (morning, evening, middle of the day person)  late morning and early afternoon for sure.  I definitely get the mid afternoon slump at about 3pm when I have to get some caffeine or sugar!

2.  My favorite Pandora stations are  Florence and the Machine, Foster the People, Eagles, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts.  It really depends on what mood I'm in or what I'm doing.  I love listening to more mellow but still upbeat music when I'm working but I love country music when I'm cleaning.

3.  3 of my "must-have" songs for a road trip playlist are Come on Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runner, You're the One that I want from the Grease soundtrack (super dupe cheesy I know but it's so upbeat!), and also Live your Life by Rihanna.

4.  My favorite pattern is to wear I'm obsessed with stripes (but who isn't really?) but to decorate with I really love chevron and stripes again.

5.  My favorite perfume is I have a really hard time with perfume and remembering to wear it since I wasn't able to when I was growing up, but I have two favorites one is Versace and the other is Tommy Hilfiger I think. 

6.  Rules are followed by me the majority of the time.  I don't like getting in trouble, but I have been known to jaywalk!

7.  My most overused phrase or punctuation is  it's not something that I say out loud, but I am constantly writing "lol" and using an exclamation mark a lot in emails.  I've looked back at some that I've sent and seen a few emails with "lol!" ending every sentence.

The end ...

{Tank: Forever 21, Both Button-Ups: Forever 21, Jeans: JCrew, Heels: Nine West}

It's kind of hard to believe that I have another 30 for 30 challenge under my high-waisted belt.  It's also kind of hard to believe that I have not one, not two, not even three, but four shirts/tanks on right now.  This outfit came about in the process of just adding tops, including two button-ups, and being too lazy to unbutton the button-ups that I was wearing.  Voila, how to wear four tops in the middle of July!

Everybody Everywear - Yellow

{Cardigan: Gap, Dress: H&M, Belt: H&M, Heels: Target}

I wouldn't have thought I would need to wear a cardigan over my summer dress in order to go outside in July, but such is the life of living in Portland.  It was nice to wear yellow to counteract the gray skies outside, and now I can't wait to look at everyone else's EBEW outfits!

Limited Words

{Sweater: H&M, Shirt: Banana Republic, Jeans: JCrew, Heels: Target}

Not much to say today except for this one thing: Don't forget that tomorrow is EBEW and the theme is yellow!

Kelly Green & Stripes

{Tank: Forever 21, Skirt: Zara, Belt: H&M, Heels: Target}

Last weekend I only managed to wear one new outfit, but that was because I wanted to rewear one of my favorite black dresses that I included in the challenge.  It was absolutely amazing weather last weekend, and I was able to see my parents, walk around one of the local street fairs, and lay by my apartment pool.  All in all it was a wonderful weekend!

Scarf it Up!

{Shirt: Target, Cardigan: Gap, Jeans: Banana Republic, Heels: Target}

The lovely Keiko inspired me to wear a scarf in my hair today.  Although I didn't wear it the exact way she does (I wasn't brave enough) I still tried to rock it half as well as she does.  It was such an easy way to spice up a standard bun too!

Awkward & Awesome Thursday

{Button-Up: Forever 21, Jeans: JCrew, Heels: Gift from friend}

Playing along with Sydney's ongoing series today!

Awkward:

- Trying to jump start my BF's truck at midnight in our apartment complex
- Picking a wedgie while on a walk, only to realize someone is walking closely behind you
- Finding a cat hair in my made-at-home burrito, and still eating it. Hey, what can I say it was really tasty.

Awesome:

- Receiving compliments on my at-home manicure.
- Finding one of the last remaining parking spots in my apartment complex because each motorcycle feels it needs it's own spot.  It's the little things.
- Losing the evening to an old favorite past-time of making friendship bracelets.  So much fun!
- G time.  Last weekend I was able to spend the whole day with some of my favorite pals and I forget how relaxing and amazing it is to catch up!
- Getting some sun yesterday on my pale Irish skin, and I even have the start of tan lines.

Hot, Hot, Hot

{Shirt: H&M, Jeans: Banana Republic, Flats: Jessica Simpson}

It has been absolutely hot in Portland this week, and I know yesterday I said I wasn't sure what to do with full access to my closet again but now I'm rethinking that.  It will be so nice to have more skirt, dress, and short options to combat the heat.  I'm not sure how people living in Arizona, LA, Texas, or other warms states and cities are able to handle the heat without melting.

Button-Up & Bermuda Shorts

{Button-Up: Old Navy, Shorts: Gap, Heels: Nine West, Belt: H&M, Purse: H&M}

Now that I'm finally caught up on my outfits from the weekend, this is what I wore today.  It's hard to believe that there is only one week left in this challenge.  It feels like this 30 for 30 has gone by extra fast, and I'm not sure what I'll wear once I have access to my entire closet again!

4th of July Weekend

 {Hat: JCPenney, Dress: H&M, Sandals: Ross}

 {Shirt: Old Navy, Skirt: Zara, Heels: Nine West}

{Shirt: Old Navy, Skirt: H&M, Heels: Urban Outfitters}

I hope that everyone had a great weekend and was able to enjoy the sunshine that July hopefully provided!  You couldn't have asked for nicer weather here in Portland, and it was absolutely gorgeous yesterday for the 4th.  These are the three outfits I wore Saturday, Sunday, and Monday!

Stripes and a Clutch

{Tank: Forever 21, Skirt: Banana Republic, Clutch: Handmade}

This is the only picture I was able to take before my neighbor came out on his patio and I got awkward for taking my own picture.  I do have to point out the clutch I'm holding because I'm quite proud of it.  Last weekend I taught myself how to sew, and decided that a clutch would be my first project.  A couple of breaks out of frustration later and bam there is a clutch with a working zipper and all!

P.S. I'm wearing these sandals.

Happy 4th of July Weekend!!