blustery day

Oh, dear readers, the last couple days have not been kind. I accidentally ordered a fried fish head at a Japanese restaurant (which you can see on my instagram) and then proceeded to eat it for some reason. Maybe I thought I'd gain some street cred with Anthony Bourdain? Anyway, food poisoning ensued and now I am under what I am assured is a false impression that all food with be my enemy forever. Up with Pepto Bismol! Down with food!

Anyway, it cheers me up a little to share these photos taken last week. This day was kind of perfect: it started out sunny for an afternoon of thrift shopping with my parents and ended dark and stormy for a night of snuggling with my honey. Sometimes the universe can be serendipitously awesome.




occasion: thrift shopping with my parents / shirt: American Apparel / cardigan: Gap / skirt: American Apparel / shoes: White Mountain / tights: Target / hat: Banana Republic / necklace: Frocks / purse: thrifted Louis Vuitton

I'm so happy with this skirt, I've worn it constantly since I bought it (proof: it's been in one, two, three previous posts!). I'm such a sucker for a flirty, feminine silhouette, even if I dress it down a little with a tee and slouchy boots. I was super comfortable for a day on my feet, but never felt dumpy or dowdy. Oh, the amazing powers of a good skirt!

Here's to hoping I feel better soon! The irony of the whole thing? The hubs and I have made reservations at a really awesome Japanese restaurant for Valentines. Guess who's going to be ordering something American and mundane? This gal!

vintage tees

Confession: I know next to nothing about vintage shopping. I'm just a happy little thrifter making my way through this world. However, I am always, always up for a snazzy and/or clever vintage tee.





occasion: kicking ass and taking names (aka shopping/coffee shop sitting) / shirt: vintage via Vintage Martini / pants: Gap / shoes: Target / socks: NY&Co / sunnies: Urban Outfitters / purse: thrifted Talbot's / watch: Michael Kors / bracelets: Hawaii souvenirs, Express / nails: O.P.I. on Collins Avenue


Mardi Gras 1978. Yeah, vintage.

Speaking of thrifting, the hubs and I visited Buffalo Exchange for the first time last weekend. We came. We shopped. We conquered...and then we decided to instate a shopping freeze due to our sadly dwindled bank accounts. Booooo!

slouchy sweater

Some days it's nice to just do nothing and be comfortable.





occasion: hanging at home/drinks with friends / shirt: Gap / pants: Gap / shoes: Nine West / sunnies: Target / necklaces: gift, Jewelmint / watch: Michael Kors / purse: thrifted Louis Vuitton

My latest Jewelmint necklace just came in, so I threw it on with a slouchy sweater and called it a day. Especially since I spent most of the day at home, getting fancy wasn't exactly at the top of the to-do list. This super long two-toned chain was perfect to elevate an otherwise super casual outfit (along with some sassy heels, of course).

dfw blogger meet up

Last Saturday, I attended my first DFW Bloggers Network meet up at The Lemon Bar in Uptown. That's right, kids, Chelle's getting social! I was super nervous to meet all the ladies, so I made sure to wear something that would make me feel comfortable and confident. Because there's nothing worse than feeling insecure about being the new girl and wearing uncomfortable clothes...which basically describes my entire middle school experience. Oh, twelve-year-old Michelle...if only you could see how far you would come...





occasion: DFW Blogger meetup at The Lemon Bar / shirt: American Apparel / blazer: Gap / jeans: Gap / shoes: Nine West / watch: Michael Kors / bracelets: Hawaii souvenirs / necklaces: Jewelmint / purse: gifted Michael Kors / sunnies: Gap

Recognize the blazer? That's right, I wore it two days in a row. There's just something about a blazer that makes me feel super casual chic (even if maybe I just look like I forgot the matching pencil skirt.) This outfit is pretty much just an updated version of this ensemble that I wore back in September. It's amazing how adding a layer and switching up accessories can completely change a look! Proof that you can play dress up without devoting an entire income to the shopping budget.

Anyway, turns out I had no reason whatsoever to be nervous. Everyone was so freakin' cool! I even met my roomie for the Texas Style Council, Haley of Cardigan Junkie (who, by the way, is super nice - you should read her blog)!





It was pretty much as fun as it looks. We sipped mimosas, ate brunch, and talked shop (blog shop, that is). It was really nice to socialize with other bloggers and get even more excited about TxSC!

the fashion world of jean paul gaultier

The mister and I talk a big game when it comes to being fancy and cultured, but the truth is that it's been months (maybe years?) since we've been to a museum, symphony, or play. We've been more concerned with the Rangers than high art these days. However, when The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier came to the DMA, I knew it was time to break the fast. I mean, he designed for The Fifth Element. You can't not go to see that. I even bought my very first blazer for the occasion. I felt so freaking artsy, you guys.



The exhibit was spectacular. Some of the mannequins had videos of faces projected onto them that blinked and talked. Lots Madonna and Lady Gaga costumes were included (can I get a "cone bra"!?) There were just rooms and rooms of insanely intricate garments. The scale was absolutely amazing. (unfortunately, I was not allowed to take photos, so please accept a picture of the designer I found here)



The greatest part, though, really had nothing to do with the exhibit. We went on a super busy night, and the people there were just amazing. Dallas tends to be pretty straight-laced, but I saw people in fan wear and just plain fashionable attire. If I hadn't known better, I'd have thought I was standing in line for a show in Austin. It felt amazing to be surrounded by all that creativity and vivacity.

Whether you go on a Friday night or a Tuesday afternoon, you will not be disappointed by this exhibit. I highly recommend!

birthday par-tay!

Yes, we're still talking about my birthday. I promise it will be over soon!

After my marathon birthday bonanza/pity party in 2011, I wanted to age a little more gracefully this year. So, Corban and I planned a simple bar meet-up with a few friends to celebrate my birthday.






occasion: birthday drinks with friends / dress: American Apparel / skirt: American Apparel / scarf: Wal-Mart / tights: Wal-Mart / shoes: Connie / clutch: Purse and Clutch / ring: dad's metal-detecting find / necklace: Get Noticed / nails: O.P.I. Mrs. O'Leary's BBQ

I love the geometric pattern of this American Apparel dress, but I've been hanging on to it for a while trying to figure out how to style it. There's no way I was going to show off my squishy hibernating-for-the-winter figure without a little extra coverage, so throwing another (longer) skirt over the dress was the perfect move to let me feel cute and comfortable.

I've been carrying this lovely clutch around with me just about everywhere these days. Purse and Clutch is a wonderful company that provides an amazing opportunity to shop with heart.

We partner with artisans with limited opportunities in India to hand weave, block print, and hand stitch each bag with care. - Purse and Clutch website

 Plus, the patterns are so pretty and unique! What could be better? (note: This is not a paid endorsement. Purse and Clutch is a company that I believe in, and I just wanted to spread the word!)

BONUS: The husband snapped this super flattering photo of me getting ready to go out.



I'm a little obsessed with the Kat Von D Sephora True Romance Ludwig eyeshadow palette these days. The shimmery browns are perfect for creating depth and definition without making me look like a Real Housewife.

I'm so glad this year's celebrations were more low-key. 27, here I come!

a casual day

Sometimes I worry that I'm giving you guys the wrong impression - I definitely do not wear tights and heels every day. Some days I barely manage to throw mascara on my face. These pictures represent a pretty typical weekday for me.





occasion: a casual day at home / shirt: American Apparel (borrowed from hubby) / pants: Gap / cardigan: Gap / shoes: Kenneth Cole / scarf: H&M / purse: thrifted Louis Vuitton / sunnies: Gap

I have such a hard time styling myself for cold weather. I'm uncomfortable no matter what I wear, so I just throw on a cute scarf and hope for the best. Most chilly days, I don't even emerge from my apartment until the sun is at its highest. Yeah, I'm pretty much a groundhog.

On a more optimistic note, I got the best birthday present imaginable this year!



I KNOW, RIGHT!? When Corban and I got married, we were young and pretty poor. There wasn't money for a wedding, let alone the kind of ring that I wanted. So, we decided to wait and upgrade to a diamond when we could. While meandering through downtown McKinney a few weeks ago, we saw this beautiful ring in an antique shop and knew that it was perfect. I'm so happy now that we had to wait - I'm more confident in my tastes, and we have worked through so much that I feel we have really earned this beautiful ring in a way. Best birthday gift in history, for sure. <3

neutral safari

Today was one of those days. I got very little sleep, it's about two degrees outside, and for some reason none of my pictures were in focus. However, we must soldier on and look cute while doing it!

This was the outfit I put together for an early birthday dinner with my family. I wanted to be cute but not too cute cause I needed room to grow with the impending Tex-Mex and cake!




occasion: casual early birthday dinner with the family / dress: BCBG / shirt: Express (borrowed from the hubs) / heels: Nine West / belt: thrifted / clutch: thrifted Aldo / necklace: dad's metal-detecting find / watch: Michael Kors / bracelets: Express

This khaki dress has been buried in my closet for two years, and I had all but forgotten about it. Well, I must be crazy face because this flouncy skirt is the perfect combination for a belted men's shirt (which we all know that I love.) Add a zebra stripe clutch and snake skin heels (blue for a pop of color), and BAM...instant fashion safari!

To completely change the topic, who else is attending Texas Style Council!?



You guys, I am getting so pumped for TxSC! I've already met several amazing bloggy ladies whom I can't wait to see in the flesh (I officially have internet friends! My parents would be shocked!) Plus, some true all stars are going to be there as speakers; I'm already star-struck like a twelve-year-old next to Justin Bieber. Watch out, Indiana, Kendi, and Jen...I may drool on you. But, seriously, I'm just excited to meet great people and be a part of the blogging community that I've come to love so much. (If you live nearby or are going to SXSW, I think there are still tickets left!) TxSC is just further proof of what I've suspected all along: Austin, TX really is the place to be.

fancy lady

I love the versatility of a classic wrap dress. My black wrap dress is my favorite item for job interviews, weddings, funerals, and generally feeling like a lady.





occasion: interview / dress: Old Navy / undershirt: Old Navy / tights: Target / shoes: Target / necklaces: dad's metal-detecting find, Jewelmint / watch: Michael Kors / purse: thrifted LV / sunnies: Target

I have styled this dress so many different ways: country, conservative, casual, demure...  It's such a great base for any sort of style. This was the first time that I took it in a sassier direction with the bright tights and trani heels, and I have to say that I felt super feminine without being constricted by my clothing. I would love to add some printed wrap dresses a la DVF to my wardrobe in the near future.

lips and louis

This was the first day that my thrifted Louis Vuitton got some real action. Of course, I had to take her out for a stroll as soon as I could!






occasion: hanging with my honey / shirt: American Apparel / scarf: gift, American Apparel / skirt: American Apparel / tights: Target / socks: New York and Co / shoes: Nine West / watch: Michael Kors / bracelets: Hawaii souvenir, InPink, Express / sunnies: Gap / purse: thrifted Louis Vuitton

I really enjoy a monochromatic outfit with a splash of color. Since I was feeling sassy, I complemented my rust colored tights with a bright lip. A strong lip is sometimes difficult for me to pull off since my cheeks become pink with only the slightest provocation (can anyone say "ginger circus clown"!?), but I deemed it absolutely necessary in this case. My biggest fear? Lipstick on the teeth. I had one of those teachers in middle school who always had a crust of bright red lipstick on her perfectly white teeth. Who wouldn't be afraid of that dreadful fate!? Thankfully, my pout was successful this day and has inspired me to try more daring make up in the future!