Little Red Riding Hood // Daily Outfit

Sometimes I get so, so caught up in everything that's past. I think it's just in my nature. I can't stop thinking of everything that was. I've done it for as long as I can remember, and it always hits worst in December. It's the month of my birthday and the last month of the year - both are times I think people naturally get reflective, but for me it borders on depression. This year I can't stop thinking of some of my old friends. I trusted them, and even though I know that it's time to let go I just can't seem to...

The good news, though, is that all this friend drama has made me see the need to patch up some hurt feelings with some of my favorite family members. Family may be crazy and imperfect but they'll love you and I've been blessed to have some really amazing family that accept me - Lita Spikes and gear-head-wannabe in all! I'm really hoping to visit them again this spring - it's been far too long. ♥

For those of you wondering, this is what I wore to my dad's family's Christmas party earlier this month. When I got this dress I vowed to wear it more than just for my graduation party, and I've certainly done that! (I'm not even going to lie: Katy Perry is a constant source of courage! If she can wear candy themed outfits I can rock that hot-rod-red tulle dress!)

 ♥ ♥ ♥       

dress: Spotted Moth
cardigan: Lace Affair
belt: Windsor

tights: Target

Jeffrey Campbell Litas: Lori's Shoes

necklace: Kane County Flea Market

blazer: H&M

lipstick: Kat Von D Painted Love in Underage Red
Title: Once Upon a Time

That's Just Me // Daily Outfit

Last month my blog celebrated it's two year blog-o-versary. Once again I had some really cool stuff planned, but just never got around to it (I'm still hoping to do a giveaway in the near future, so keep your eyes peeled for that!). I'm not sure why I never really have a big hoo-ha over my blog birthdays. Blogging has become such a huge part of my life - it's become part of me.

I was looking over my archvies a few days ago, and there are parts I shudder to read. I was such a child when I started writing this blog. So immature. But at the same time I am totally ok with that stuff being out in the world because that's who I was at the time!

I dunno... I've lost several friends in the past year and (surprisingly!) I'm ok with it. I guess this needed to happen. I'm looking at life - and myself - very differently. I don't want to need any person so badly that I'm totally and completely emotionally unstable anytime they're gone for a few days. I've been that way for a couple years, and sometimes I can't help but wonder if it really was me, or if somehow it them rubbing off on me? Needing me to need them. Either way, that's not who I am anymore. I've grown and matured and I need friends that can respect that. I'd rather have no really close friends, than confide in and trust people that don't respect or accept me.

I'm not a little girl anymore. (Speaking of, did anyone see the Teen Vogue reader look of the day feature I linked to on Twitter Tuesday night? I totally did a double take when they referred to me as a "nineteen year old" it just seemed so old - and yet so young!)

On a totally other subject I feel like this outfit had really good potential but just missed the mark. Anyone out there feel the same? :-/

 ♥ ♥ ♥       

dress: Kaelah Be

cardigan: Lace Affair
belt: thrifted
tights: target

converse: garage sale via Miss Jack

jacket: Ebay

sunnies: ModCloth

bag: Francesca's Collections
title: La La Land by Demi Lovato

Wish List Wednesday

1. Fahrenheit Bar 05 Black Studded T-Strap Platform Heels

2. Love to Linger Dress

3. Blog Inc.

4. Don't Stop Be-weaving Coat

5. Nabela

6. Prudent Owl Floral Ring

7. You Truly Tickle My Fancy Dress in Teal

Alligator Sky // Daily Outfit

First of all, I promise my lipstick isn't this neon pink IRL! I don't why, but the lighting in these photos made it look super weird.

Secondly, I have a funny story for you gals (guys?) today: since it's been getting dark earlier lately, and because I usually don't get off work till at least six, I've had to start leaving earlier and getting my photos before I go into work. And since I really don't want to run into any of my co-workers while taking said photos - I mean, they know about my blog, but knowing and actually seeing me run around taking photos of myself are two very different things and I'd like to keep them separate, if possible... So to avoid any awkward run-ins, I usually stop in the town next to the one I work in to get pictures.

Well, on this particular day I noticed a stylish couple walking around the downtown area I was in. I noticed because he was wearing a long black pea coat and it reminded me of Sherlock or some other British guy. They saw me taking photos and running back and forth between my camera and where I was standing for the pictures, but I didn't pay any mind because a lot of people see me doing this and I've kind of gotten used to the stares. I finished my pictures and went into work (and still managed to arrive five minutes early I might add!) and didn't think any thing of it... until about a half an hour later, that is when who should walk into the shoppe but the afore mentioned smartly dressed couple?? I swear all I could think was "omgsh they must think I'm crazy." Yeah... these are the things that happen to you when you style blog...

In other news this is the last time you'll see these We Love Colors tights on le blog as they snagged while I was lugging huge wooden blocks out of our window so I could I clean it. Why do I get the feeling I'm going to be going through a lot of tights this winter...

 ♥ ♥ ♥       

dress (worn as top): Love Marks via the Forest Bootery

skirt: Kelly King

cardigan: Lace Affair
belt: Windsor
tights: c/o We Love Colors
Boots: DSW

bangles: H&M

headband: Target

lipstick: Mack in Lickable
title: Alligator Sky by Owl City

Take Me Somewhere Nice // Daily Outfit

I had some really cute outfits (if I do say so myself!) all weekend, and since I don't really have a favorite, I decided just to post them in chronological order. So here was the first outfit of the weekend!

I wore this on our way to to Missouri, as well as to my uncle + brand new aunt's wedding rehearsal, and I just really, really loved it. I'm obsessed with polka-dots this autumn and I loved how the cardi + tights looked with this dress. I think the prints complimented each other really well, and I just adore the gold buttons on the back of the dress! ♥

I didn't manage to get a great close-up shot of it, but I had the most amazing faux-tattoo to go with this outfit! Maddie drew it for me and she did such a good job! Made me wish the bird cage + hearts were permanently there! If I had to pick two tattoos I was most likely to get one would be this one and the other would be three paper airplanes on my wrist in honor of Sky Sailing, which really is the unappreciated masterpiece of Adam Young. Much as I love all of them, I think An Airplane Carried Me to Bed will always sort of be my favorite of Adam Young album. There's just something about it that connects with me on a deep, emotional level...

 ♥ ♥ ♥       

dress: Forever 21
tights: H&M
cardigan: Lace Affair
belt: Francesca’s Collections
Boots: DSW
bangles: H&M
purse: Francesca’s Collections
title: Take Me Somewhere Nice by Sky Sailing

I Left My Heart in Metropolis // Daily Outfit

This is what I wore on Sunday. We spent most of day in St. Louis Missouri going to a few shops my parents like and getting lunch (see last photo). It was a lot of fun, and I found that there are some really cool, indie neighborhoods in St. Louis! I really want to go back sometime when I'll have more time to explore and shop. *winks*

This skirt is a new purchase of mine. I found it on Etsy a few weeks ago and I knew I had to have it. I love black dresses but I didn't have a single black skirt! I'm so glad I got this one. It looks great on and the quality is so good! I couldn't resist pairing it with my Show Your True Collar top from ModCloth. I love this blouse, too, but it drives me crazy unless I have it tucked in, so this was a perfect opportunity to wear it!

Also, I feel I need to let you know that ideally I'd have paired this outfit with plain, black ballet flats, but I don't have any. Bummer. Add that to my "need for autumn" list...

♥ ♥ ♥       

blouse: ModCloth

skirt: Kelly King

shoes: c/o Blowfish Shoes

belt: thrifted

bag: ModCloth

sun glasses: Target

ring: gift from my dad

Wish List Wednesday

1. Scenic Success Tee
2. Flee Market Find Necklace
3. It's Fate Flat in Fuchsia
4. Cuter than Cute Top
5. Gotta Handle it to You Bag
6. Cat's Got Your Look Sunnies in Black
7. Brush of a Feather Bangle
8. Buckle Me Up Satchel in Black
9. Wrap-sody in Blue Watch
10. Sail Bow Flat
11. Let's Bring Back Journal

Across the Universe of Time // Daily Outfit

{dress/thrifted :: cardigan/Lace Affair :: tights/Target :: boots/Blowfish Shoes :: belt/courtesy of Conversation Pieces :: flower clip/gift}

Isn't this little scotty belt just the cutest?? Audrey from Conversation Pieces was sweet enough to send it my way and I smitten with it! I love getting packages from Audrey so much. Not only does her shop carry some of the most adorable/lovely clothes, but everything always comes wrapped so pretty with tissue paper and a lolly-pop tied up in some ribbon. One of these days I'm going to not be impatient and take a picture before I unwrap the package. ♥

This is what I wore on Monday. I can't even begin to express to you what that day was like - I was so mood swingy all day, and then finally lost it later that night. I learned a lot, though. One of those things is that I had no idea just how much I still need my mother. Luckily I'm feeling better now, and even though my hopes, dreams, and plans for the next couple years of my growing up has changed drastically, I'm more excited than ever!

Last night I took the time to tweek my Twitter and FaceBook pages after reading this very helpful article on personal branding. I'll admit that I still have a lot to learn about personal branding and what exactly I want to do in that area, but I feel like every day I'm getting closer to it, and what I want my "brand" to be for myself - even in real life - and it excites me so much!

Until next time, lovelies... ♥

P.S. Get free shipping from Conversation Pieces now until April 1st!

Rose // Daily Outfit

{jeans/Old Navy :: tank/my moms :: cardi/Lace Affair :: jacket/Ebay :: necklace/ModCloth :: flats/courtesy of Blowfish Shoes}

If you follow me on Twitter you've probably noticed that I got my drivers license on Thursday! Yipee! I've wanted to drive for as long as I can remember, and I have to say that I am loving my new found freedom just as much as I thought I would!

Sooo... without further ado, let me introduce you to Rose! *fanfare* Rose is a 2000 Volkswagon Jetta formerly owned by my elderly aunt, who had to give her up due to her inability to drive. (My aunt that is, not Rose. Rose runs like a dream!) My aunt gave her to my parents to say "thank you" for all the help they gave her when she moved into an assisted living apartment this summer. And, since both my parents already each have a car, I get to use her practically whenever I want! My little sis and I have already fitted her up with an air freshener from Bath and Body works (my lil' sis is addicted to that store as bad as I am to ModCloth!), and my dad even replaced the old, tape-playing radio for a spiffy new one with MP3 hook up. Woohoo!

Anyway, I had some errands to do Saturday morning so this is what I wore. Cardi + skinny jeans + ballet flats is my go-to comfy-chic outfit. I just got this cardi in the mail on Friday. I got it from Lace Affair after it sold out on ModCloth. I desperately needed a new black cardigan, and I thought this was a fun alternative to a boring solid black one. And of course I just had to wear my favorite car necklace! ♥

P.S Sorry for the bad quality of pictures. It was super foggy down at the beach! (So awesome.)