Wicked Weekend

I love getting to wear an outfit for the first time with several of my favorite things in it.  I completely died over both this jacket AND these boots when I found them.  So obviously when I had the opportunity to wear them together for the first time, it was magical.  Okay, not 'magical' - but awesome.  What made it more awesome was that we went to see Wicked on Saturday, then to Tavern for dinner (any of you who follow me on Twitter saw the smorgasboard that was our dinner Saturday night there - thanks for the +5lbs in one night, Mindy).  Anyway, I saw Wicked a few years ago in Chicago and it was incredible.  I was so happy it came to Nashville this year, and it was just as awesome as I remembered it.

Obviously, I opted for a more grown-up celebration of Halloween this year (musical + dinner date) as opposed to seizing the opportunity to dress up like a slutty _______ (fill in the blank with nurse, teacher, student, angel, devil, witch, blah blah blah).  No offense to any readers who ran with that sort of idea, I'm just over it I suppose.  I'll open the floor for any rude comment retaliation now.  Thanks.








Rebecca Minkoff Linda jacket, Paraella blouse (similar), NY&Co jeans, Elie Tahari boots (from TJ Maxx!! - here in gray or similar here in black), Michael Kors watch, Bauble necklace from Woo Nashville (similar), Francesca's Collection clutch (similar), Ann Taylor Loft ring (similar), old ring (similar), Lancome L'Absolue Rouge in Jezabel 

Breast Cancer Research Foundation Giveaway Winner!!!

And now.......................... (drum roll please).....................

The winner of this SentrySafe Pink Safe Giveaway is..............

Lisa from Just Fabu-LESS!!  Congratulations, Lisa!!!!

New outfit post tomorrow!  Here's a sneak preview...

Check out my Guest Post on Stripes & Sequins today!!

Today I have the pleasure of guest posting for Grace of Stripes & Sequins while she's in Europe!  Check out my post <here>.  While you're there, don't forget to check out the rest of Grace's amazing DIY projects... she is truly one of the most amazing and inspiring bloggers I know!!

Just a little preview of my outfit post for Stripes & Sequins...


Have a wonderful week, everyone!!

Much needed Fashion Pinspiration

It's common to wear dark neutrals in the winter.  The weather is dreary mostly, and that chill in the air makes us all subconsciously gravitate toward those fabulous, figure-flattering blacks/grays/taupes that we are all so comfortable wearing.  I know that for me, no matter how I accessorize or style dark colors differently... I end up feeling like I wore the same thing several days in a row.  Not good.

I knew I was getting the itch for some really rich, fall appropriate colors to spice up my wardrobe.  Then I saw this editorial from the Nov 2011 issue of Vogue Spain.  Wow.  WOW.  Every now and then, I see an editorial or photo shoot that just inspires me on a different level.  These images are SO stunning.  Everything is perfect with this shoot... the clothes (Gucci always does it right), the accessories, the hair and makeup, the styling, (not to mention Natasha Poly, with whom I am slightly obsessed)...GORGEOUS.  If these pics don't inspire you to incorporate color into your fall and winter wardrobe, I don't know what will.

Source: fashiongonerogue.com via Charles on Pinterest

Source: fashiongonerogue.com via Charles on Pinterest

Source: bloginvoga.com via Diego on Pinterest

Source: fashiongonerogue.com via Charles on Pinterest

Source: fashiongonerogue.com via Charles on Pinterest

Source: fashiongonerogue.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Updating the classics

No matter how into fashion trends I am at any point in time, I always love a polished, classic look. A black pant and a white blouse is a timeless chic work look. I like to put an updated spin on the classics, styling basic wardrobe staples in a way that keeps them current.  Something as simple as a scarf in an of-the-moment print, a skinny pant, and a not-so-classic pump can freshen up a classic and make it perfectly on trend for any season.    

How do you update classic pieces in your wardrobe?  










J Crew blouse, Banana Republic pants, Kohl's scarf (years ago, similar here), Nine West shoes (similar), NY&Co bangle (similar), AT Loft Necklace (old, similar here), Express earrings (similar), Michael Kors watch, Francesca's clutch (similar), DG sunglasses from TJ Maxx (similar)

GIVEAWAY to support Breast Cancer Research Foundation

image via Pinterest

To show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this Saturday I will be walking in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure.  I also had the wonderful opportunity to partner with Kimberly of Penny Pincher Fashion to host this fabulous giveaway for this PINK Sentry Safe to benefit breast cancer research!!  To enter, you must be a follower on Google Friend Connect AND leave a comment below letting me know what YOU'RE doing this month to raise awareness in the fight against breast cancer.  You have until October 29th at 1am CST  to enter.  The winner will be chosen at random at October 30th at 9am CST.

Even if you don't win the giveaway, you can still benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation by purchasing your pink safe here.  SentrySafe will donate $1 from every purchase to BCRF up to $25,000!!

Good luck, everyone!! 

Finally... faux fur time!

I've been tweeting and blogging about various faux fur pieces that I've been coveting for months now in anticipation of cold weather. Wouldn't you know on the very first cold day of the year here, that is exactly what I wore. Another thing I'm crazy about this season is a wedge boot. I love these, they're surprisingly comfy and got them for a great price. Actually, this entire look was a complete bargain - this sweater is actually on sale at AT Loft right now. LOVE when I find more trendy items for a great price. I will drop some serious cash on an investment piece, but for a trend I venture toward the sale rack quite a bit more.

I'm sure you all have shopping strategies about this sort of thing. What types of items will you splurge on, and on which pieces do you prefer to save?? Tell!










AT Loft cardigan (new and ON SALE or super splurge worthy one here) and necklace (old, similar here), NY&Co dress (really old, similar here), Spanx tights (awesome, highly recommended), DG sunglasses from TJ Maxx (similar), Michael Kors watch, F21 bracelet (similar), Francesca's wristlet (similar), Seychelles boots

Currently Craving: Cozy

We're suddenly having a cold snap here, complete with drizzly rain.  While I'm loving the cooler weather - I have to admit that this cold rain and wind is making me want nothing more than a cozy day on the couch, in front of a fire, with some warm beverages and great fashion magazines. :)  These are some of my favorite fall/winter sweaters that come to mind and would be PERFECT for such an occasion:




1. Akris Punto Front-Zip Belted Cape
2. Vince Cocoon Cable Sweater
3. Mason Cable Knit Cape Sweater
4. Missoni Zigzag-Knit Cashmere Capelet
5. Vince Asymmetric Popover Cape
6. Theory Cropped Cashmere Cape Sweater


Stay cozy!!

Back to Life

I really can't complain about the move... Apart from the garage ceiling falling in at my old place (no big deal, right?), everything went surprisingly well. Even though it went smoothly, moving is undeniably exhausting. Now that I'm all settled, I've finally gotten motivated to pick out furniture as well... So before long there will actually be a place to sit in the new place. ;)

I felt like bright red, suede wedge pumps were the best back-to-life/work option for a post-move Monday morning. And a pencil skirt, of course.






Parker blouse (sold out, but available here in a similar pattern), Zara skirt (similar), Ann Taylor shoes and belt (similar), Francesca's collection clutch, F21 bangles (similar here and here) and earrings/ring (similar), Michael Kors watch

The big move

Must get through this....

Source: orgjunkie.com via Megan on Pinterest

To get to this.... :)

Start with a great skirt

Some pieces of clothing are absolutely meant to be worn when you need to feel like ultra-feminine and stylish.  For work, I typically wear classic straight trousers/dresses/pencil skirts (shocker), and I rarely stray from shapes or cuts that I'm comfortable work with my figure.  I decided to break from the typical business casual attire and wear this Emily Hallman 'Cecilia' skirt.  I must say, I felt so ladylike, chic and comfortable in this outfit... which is the ultimate outfit perfection.

I will just give a tiny warning about this skirt - while there are infinite options to style this and I got tons of compliments on it - it did make me feel the need 'twirl' quite often while wearing it.  A need which I indulged... often.  








Emily Hallman 'Cecilia' skirt, Kensie blouse, old earrings, Coco Bay Boutique necklace, F21 and AT Loft bracelets, Michael Kors watch, Giani Binni shoes, Rebecca Minkoff bag, Tory Burch belt

What I've been up to

It's time for me to admit an awful truth about myself to all four of you.  I'm non-committal. (gasp) I mean - reeeally non-committal.  The thought of buying anything really expensive (not clothes, obvi) makes me start thinking all seriously about my life and plans (or lack thereof) and long-term commitments, and I just freak out.  Another issue: buying anything for the home gives me awful anxiety.  I seriously had a panic attack in a Bed Bath and Beyond once because I got so overwhelmed. Sure did.  It's a terrible feeling, made worse by the employee who angrily yells at me from across the store that I'm "not supposed to by lying on the bed.  It's only a display."  If she was upset by the fact that I was lying on the display-only bed, imagine her feelings when she saw me sweating profusely and seeming-like-I-could-vomit-at-any-moment all over the display-only bed.  As one could imagine, the combination of spending $ on things I don't enjoy purchasing and an anxiety around the overwhelming number of options available makes for an interesting time in my life right now. (okay really, I want to know why there are like 80 different variations of down comforters, and how I am supposed to pick just one, and then how am I supposed to feel assured that I have made the absolute best choice possible??).  It gets intense.      

That said, I haven't been intentionally ignoring my blogging responsibilities, but I have been pouring over home decor inspiration pics on Pinterest and trying to pick out furniture for the new place.  I have known for almost 6 weeks that I'm moving and insisted on selling ALL of my existing furniture/housewares so that I could start fresh in the new place (that is 1,000 sq ft BIGGER, mind you... Smart, Sarah).  THEN I proceeded to get completely anxiety-ridden and bogged down with picking out any new furniture.. and still haven't ordered ONE THING for the new place.  What does this mean for me?  I have nothing.  Well, I have a mattress, clothes, and a coffee maker.  Necessities.

I thought I'd take the time to share some of the lovely images that have both inspired and paralyzed me at the same time during this process.  Now, back to making myself actually buy some furniture.

Please tell me I'm not the only one that has anxiety in this kind of a situation....

all images from Pinterest     

Dress to feel best

I've blogged before about overcoming a bad day/week/experience by dressing to feel your best - this outfit was definitely an attempt to make the best of things. I have to say, no matter what I'm feeling like in the morning (I am a terror in the morning), if I can just get myself into an outfit that I can feel chic and confident in... it really does take my day in a different direction.  Also, LOVE the fact that this outfit is suuuuper comfy.  *smile*

I sincerely believe that looking great helps you feel great. Try it sometime :)








Urban Outfitters dress, F21 jacket and necklace, Spanx tights (FYI - favorite tights ever), Michael Shannon ankle boots, Michael Kors watch, DG sunglasses from TJ Maxx, Francesca's Collection clutch , J Crew iphone cover