Piping Hot

Coat - Jones New York, Blouse - H&M, Skirt - Vintage

I am totally in love with this white blouse with black piping from H&M. I've decided that it's a wardrobe must-have because it pretty much goes with everything. I love how it looks paired with other neutrals like I did here, but I've also worn it with a simple pair of skinny jeans and camel flats and can't wait to rock it with this bright blue faux leather miniskirt that I picked up on a whim a few weeks back. I also plan on pairing it with an emerald pencil skirt or a pair of mustard high waisted pants or with a crisp pair of tailored black shorts when the weather warms up or ...OK, I'll stop. But I wanted to show you I wasn't lying. It goes with EVERYTHING. It's like how a black-and-white striped tee shirt is just as versatile as a white tee shirt. Except this shirt is not striped. Or a tee shirt. But otherwise, it's exactly the same.

I have been consumed this week with working and packing, so I'm pretty much running on fumes at this point. Naturally, the week before my move coincided with a week before a big project for work was due, so I haven't had much time for much else. Packing has given me a great excuse for weeding out pieces from my closet, and I've already filled a couple of trash bags with clothes to donate to Goodwill. I kept myself from crying over the loss of these pieces (because you know I deeply love all of my clothes) by reminding myself that this is how you make room for new clothes. The Boyfriend is shaking is head while reading this, I'm sure.

Have a great weekend!

Moving On Up

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When I was searching for the picture of the moving boxes above, I could not believe how many photos I found of happy, laughing, relaxed-looking individuals, couples, and families packing. Um, what? Who are these people? Am I doing this wrong? Because there has been no laughing going on in my household as I pack up my place. There's been a lot of yelling, a lot of stomping, a lot of dramatic throwing of the hands in the air and crying, and a lot of crawling under a blanket and hoping someone will pack for me, but not a lot of perfect smiles, clean clothes, or gleeful taping of boxes. Moving day is just a couple of days away and, of course, I am nowhere near done packing. I'm pretty sure it's going to take about four days just to move my closet, so this is going to be a slow process. Luckily, I'm just moving down the street, so I don't have to completely lose my mind. Yet.

Sincere apologies for the lack of outfit post today, but please see above about the yelling and stomping. I decided instead to share with you guys some things that I am obsessing over and dreaming about as I lie under a pile of unpacked boxes. Yes, I'm still whining. These are some items on my wishlist (are you reading this, Boyfriend?), and as you can see, all I have on the brain this week is food, fashion, and home decor. Wait, that's all I have on the brain every week (whoops, stop reading this, Boyfriend!).

Lately, I'm completely obsessed with sparkly bib necklaces like these from Bauble Bar. They're perfect statement pieces for strapless dresses, scoop neck blouses, or even collared shirts (wear them under OR over the collar!). They dress up any casual outfit instantly and add that "oomph" I'm so fond of.

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I can not get enough when it comes to nude-colored shoes! My sis showed me a pair of patent leather ballerina flats a few weeks ago, and I have been on the hunt ever since for the perfect pair. Thanks to reader Rebcca for helping on the hunt...these gorgeous puppies are mine as of last night!

I'm also obsessing over the Steve Madden Viktoree Mary Janes below. So sassy and fun, and I love the pairing of a sophisticated color with the fun and funky shoe. Can think of tons of ways to wear them, and they would make me SO TALL I could probably reach the top shelf of my kitchen. With a stool.

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I am loving the assymetrical skirt trend, especially ones that are high in the front and low in the back, making them perfect and surprising transition pieces from season to season. I've been looking everywhere for the perfect one, and this bright colored one is so fun that it's pretty close to perfect. Plus, you know how I feel about orange hues. T.R.U.E. L.O.V.E.

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This buttery white leather couch is one I'm considering buying for my new place. Did I mention I am loving the excuse to replace a lot of my furniture? Lately, I've been totally drawn to this sort of retro style (the couch is more white than in the photo), which is so different from the style I picked when I bought my current furniture years ago. This couch makes me want to wear a long, glamorous satin evening dress, plait my hair and just lounge on the furniture, listening to jazz, with a martini in my hand. Except that I might look funny doing that right next to Boyfriend and his buddies playing Xbox and watching sports on it. Sigh.

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In keeping with the retro vibe I'm feeling lately, I'm also obsessed with mirrored furniture. It's just so sleek and fun, and makes your place look bigger because of the illusion the mirror creates! It's also great for, you know, looking at yourself in the mirror, duh. 

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And, of course, it wouldn't be a photo post from BSMMH without some food porn. I give you, a foie gras ice cream and gingersnap sandwich. I know some of you may think it sounds gross, but you're talking to someone who might have almost tried the decadent foie gras biscuits her dog received as a birthday present because it smelled like heaven. I say "might have" because that someone will completely deny this story if ever questioned about it. 

Basics

Blazer - Macy's, Tee - Target, Jeans - Mavi, Necklace - (borrowed), Cuff - F21

Today I'm wearing a combination of simple basics that every girl's wardrobe ought to have, and if you don't have these items, you should get them. Like, pretty much right now. Rigggght...NOW. Trust me, each of these items are must-have staples and will go well with hundreds of outfits, not to mention with each other.

• A classic black boyfriend blazer is such a great wardrobe anchor because it adds a little structure to any outfit, whether it be a loose jersey dress, jeans and a tee-shirt, or some smart textured leggings and a loose tunic top. I grab this baby whenever I'm lacking inspiration, and it instantly gives my outfit a boost.  
• A simple but comfy white tee shirt is SUCH a must. It's perfect for wearing with jeans under shrunken blazers or this season's cropped leather jackets or for tucking into a skirt or slacks. The jersey material lets you dress down a fancy piece, which is a great tool for letting you wear your evening wear during the day without a lot of funny looks.
• Every girl needs a fantastic pair of skinny jeans that hugs her curves in all the right places. They should fit well but not cut off circulation. Let's keep those muffin tops on, well, muffins, ladies.
• Finally, my new wardrobe staple is a pair of hidden platform, nude patent leather pumps. These shoes go with jeans, slacks, skirts, dresses, and even fancy leather shorts. They are so versaitile and chic, I have to fight the urge to wear them everyday. There's just something about nude patent leather that I can't get enough of. My sister and I spent the better part of last weekend looking for a perfect pair of nude patent leather flats. We were unsuccessful, but that's part of the fun. We love the hunt!  

Speaking of the hunt, I'll be spending my weekend perusing furniture stores and decor shops and hopefully some vintage markets looking for pieces for the new place! Moving day is next weekend, and of course I haven't packed. I'm supposed to do that this weekend. But I'm waiting for the little elves to come out and do it while I'm sleeping since I HATE PACKING. They have those, right? Packing elves? Yeah, I'm pretty sure they're real. (Don't tell me if they're not #denialisnotacrime).

Have a great weekend!

 

Leopard Popping

Top - Chantell on Melrose Ave., Scarf - Nordstrom (gifted), Jeans - JBrand,  Bracelet - Banana Republic 

It seems like every week, I discover a new color that coordinates beautifully with a bold leopard print. I said way back HERE that leopard print is just unstumpable, and it continues to amaze me with its versatility. I was inspired by Chriselle (one of my fashion faves) to rock leopard with a deep brick red this time, and I loved the results. I love how the the leopard made the red pop and the red made the leopard pop. That sentence came out weird. I should not be advocating leopards popping. I want it on the record that BSMMH does not advocate the popping of leopards in any way. OK, this conversation is taking a weird turn. But seriously, I challenge you to pair your leopard prints with bright colored pieces like cobalt, teal, tangerine, or even fuschia. Just make sure to keep the rest of your outfit simple and neutral. The results will be eye (and leopard) popping.

Furry In-vested

Vest - Sabine @Piperlime.com, Tee - Mossimo (Target), Jeans - Mavi, Boots - some Boutique in SoHo

I thought about calling this post, "The Search is Over" (yay, Journey!) because I have spent MONTHS searching high and low and far and wide for a faux fur vest, and THIS. IS. IT. I was really picky about this purchase because it had to be the right color, the right fur type and the right fit. Thanks to my coloring and dark hair, not to mention my curves, most of the 100s of vests I tried on made me look pretty much like a little bundled up Eskimo. Not really the right look for California. So I realized the vest couldn't be too furry, too bulky, too dark, or too short/long. I needed one that was fitted and neutral colored and had sleeker fur. Enter this beauty. (Find it HERE in gray). I love it, I think even more because it was so hard to find. It's a mix of fur & feather, which is interesting because a real animal with fur and feathers would be weird. And kind of gross. Take a minute and picture it. Gross, right?

The Boyfriend raised an eyebrow when I pulled this vest out of the shipping box and hugged it. Then he told me that it looked "weird" on the hanger. Don't you  just love boys and their helpful fashion advice? But even he admitted that he liked it when I wore it. It just feels a bit glamorous and turned an ordinary jeans+boots+tee combo into something exciting. I can't' wait to pair it with dresses and skirts and anything else I can think of. I also can't stop petting myself when I wear it. Which is also weird. And kind of gross. Take a minute and picture it. OK, wait, don't.  

I think my pup was jealous she wasn't the only furry one that day. 

Running Train

Blazer - H&M (gifted), Tank - F21, Shorts - Urban Outfitters, Flats - local boutique

I am so thankful it is Friday, I can't even tell you. This has been one of the toughest weeks for me, namely because I have been fighting the cold bug from Hades. It literally knocked me off my feet, and I woke up this morning, finally feeling better, and thinking it was Wednesday. I've been in a fog for days, and I'm glad to finally feel like myself again.

I know that this outfit post is going to make my East Coast and Midwest girls mighty jealous...but yep, those are shorts that I'm wearing. Can you believe it? California is living up to its reputation this winter, and I could not help but take advantage when I was in San Luis Obispo over the weekend. I loved this combo of a structured military blazer and tailored shorts. But the part of this outfit I love the most are these sueded camel flats. If you do not have a pair of camel flats, get some IMMEDIATELY. I mean, IMMEDIATELY. I snagged a pair after I lusted after my sister's, and they have been a life changer. They go with everything...and they give any outfit such a chic, feminine touch. I tried this outfit with booties, heels, wedges, and these flats were my fave. Plus, I figured they would come in handy if a train came down the tracks while I was taking these photos and I had to run like the wind a very light breeze to beat it. Haha, just kidding. I don't run.

Happy weekend, loves! XOXO

Come and Knock on Our Door

Dress - Vintage, Belt - F21, Shoes - Lucky @ModCloth, Bracelet - Banana Republic

This dress totally reminds me of something that Chrissy or Janet on Three's Company would have worn. I love the white piping and the rich maroon color, and I adore that it feels so vintage and modern at the same time. Those are my favorite kinds of vintage pieces, ones that have a real vintage feel but not so much that they look costumey. I can easily incorporate this dress into my daily wardrobe without having to find a special occasion to wear it. All I need is a kitschy 1970s apartment, a homophobic landlord, and an apparently ambiguously gay roommate. Oh, Three's Company, you were so ahead of your time.

My weekend trip to the Central Coast was totally wonderful. We spent the days eating seafood, enjoying the 70 degree sunshine, and doing a lot of shopping. I even found the most lovely vintage shops and scored some amazing finds! Unfortunately, I also caught a bit of a bug over the weekend and am struggling to focus since my head is a fog of cold medicine and fatigue. Please forgive me if this post made no sense. Well, no MORE sense than usual, I suppose. Wait, OK, now that last sentence definitely did NOT make sense.

Pismo Beach pier

 

The best clam chowder shop on the Central Coast

Lovely old fashioned architecture in downtown SLO

Challenges

Top - F21, Jeans - just usa, Necklace - Target

Again, sorry for the graininess of the photos...I think I just hit a stretch of bad lighting and for some reason, Blogger is making it worse. Bear with me! I'll figure this out eventually, I promise.

This outfit is a total departure from my normal style and really brought me out of my comfort zone, which I loved. It's a new year, and one of my style resolutions is to not be afraid to try looks that I'm not completely comfortable with. How often do you say something like, "That's a really cute look, but I could never wear it"? I say this all. the. time. I wanted to try and challenge myself this year by saying, "that's a really cute look, I think I'll try it." I'm also trying to challenge myself in 2012 by saying things like, "I'm going to wake up on time for work" and "I'm going to sleep at a decent hour instead of staying up all night watching Mad Men on Netflix," but those are another story.

Here are the reasons why it was hard for me to wear this outfit: a) I hate buttoning things up to my neck. I'm a curvy girl, and button ups tend to make me look a bit busty and kind of uncomfortable. I also hate having things rubbing against my neck if I can help it. b) I'm a tucker. That's right, I admitted it. I like to tuck feminine tops like this one in, and it was excruciating mildly difficult to keep it untucked all day. c) I have never been one to wear necklaces over my clothes. It's not my fashion rule, per se...just a custom that I've adhered to. Necklaces (except long ones) aren't worn over clothes for me. But I wanted to challenge myself, so I put this outfit on...and I loved it! The fact that it was a bit different made it exciting, and wearing a different style made me feel fresh and a little sassy. I think I'm going to keep challenging myself to try different styles that I like, despite how (un)comfortable I feel with them. How is your style supposed to evolve if you don't give it a little room to grow? 

Boyfriend and I are headed down to the Central Coast with the pup for a little weekend getaway to fight off the post-Holiday blues. Most of our dating actually happened down there while he was still in school, so it will be fun to go back and visit our old haunts, feast on delicious clam chowder, and relax at the beach. The weather will be in the 70s down there (yay!) which makes it a bit challenging to figure out what is appropriate warm winter wear, but I think it will be totally worth it.

What do you think, open toes appropriate for January if it's warm?