Mountains in the Midwest // Daily Outfit

Over the weekend my family and I went to our regular pumpkin far to get pumpkins to make jack-o-lanterns (you can see mine here!), and I just knew I had to wear my new plaid dress! Plaid and a farm just seem to go hand in hand.

Is there something about growing up in the Midwest and plaid? Do they just go together like peanut butter and jelly or something? It seems like Adam Young wears it lots, Jessica from Midwest Muse just did a post about her thoughts on plaid, and I've always had a bit of a love affair with it. I really hope my future husband will love plaid and have lots of flannel plaid shirts that I can steal from him. ♥

In other news We Love Colors were kind enough to send me these tights several months ago, but this is my first time wearing them! First it was too hot, but then I just had no idea what to wear them with! When I got this dress (from the thrift store for $5 with Target tags still on it, I might add!) I knew I just had to pair them together! I really love the sort of "country-rocker" look of this outfit.

 ♥ ♥ ♥       

dress: thriftstore
jacket: Topshop
belt: Windsor

boots: DSW

bracelet: gift from my parents

ring: Target

tights: c/o We Love Colors

sunglasses: ModCloth

lipstick: Kat Von D in Underage Red
Title: Designer Skyline by Owl City

Lately... {New OC Song + a Favorite Disney Show}

1. Bought myself a chocolate bar after a hard day of work. I so earned that!

2. My dad took me to Chipotle for lunch. So delicious!

3. Loving my new designer shoes!

4. Teen Vogue is my magazine of choice.

5. Having said that, I'm also a huge fan of Lauren Conrad.

6. Chocolate malt cupcake! It was delicious.

7. Lunch with my mom and Maddie at this awesome hot dog place we finally tried.

8. I carved my pumpkin with the Avengers "A" you know, like an "A" for "AWESOME!"

9. I wore my new ring + a matching dress yesterday + even got outfit photos. Score!

1. Catapult // Breanne Duren

2. When Can I See You Again // Owl City

3. Galaxies // Owl City

4. Good Time // Owl City

5. When Can I See You Again // Owl City

1. Re-discovered one of my favorite songs from my girl crush, Breanne Duren. She's just so talented!

2. Saturday night I realized that Owl City has a new song! It's for the Disney movie, Wreck it Ralph, and I am - of course - in love. Adam has a way of writing everything that's on my heart: "Life is way too short to take it slow." Yep, it's official... Adam Young and I are kindred spirits.

3. One of my all time favorite Owl City songs. Such a great message and also reminds me of some really good times I had once upon a time... I need to do a post about that sometime.

4.  No explanation needed. (I honestly don't think any song has ever been played this much for this long ever!)

5. Confession: when I find a new song I like, I may or may not listen to it 24/7 for the first few weeks/months. *coughs* Good Time *coughs*

1. Once Upon a Time season 2

2. Snow White and the Huntsman

3. Sonny With a Chance

1. I'm still really loving this show! I look forward to watching it every week. My family thinks it's a bit confusing but for some odd reason I seem to be able to follow it easily. I also love all the characters - even Regina and Mr Gold. Imagine that!
2. Finally got around to watching Snow White and the Huntsman. It wasn't horrible, but I was hoping it would be a bit better. I felt like there wasn't much explaination about what happened to Snow White and, you know, the hunstman... Still, not bad considering it has Kristen Stewart in it...
3. After nearly two years I'm still heartbroken that this show is no more. My parents bought one of the episodes on iTunes (Chad without a Chance - so funny! Easily one of the best episodes!) and we all had fun watching it again. We hadn't seen it since Netflix took all the Sonny with a Chance episodes off the instant cue 6+ months ago. (That was a sad day.)

My October Ipsy Haul

So I've decided to start sharing my subscription box hauls on the last Saturday of every month, so here's my Ipsy bag of October! I also signed up for Little Black Bag this month, but since I signed up late it won't arrive until sometime next week. Oh well! I'll be sure to include my November Little Black Bag next month.

Also, I think I'm finally getting the hang of this whole "video blogging" thing! I only had to stop the camera twice and was much more myself through the whole thing! Win.

The Key to Life // Daily Outfit

I'm pretty sure the key to life is taking the time to wear an outfit you feel good in. My days are always 10,000x better when I'm feeling confident in what I put on that morning instead of wishing I'd worn something other than a baggy (but still awesome) Doctor Who tee shirt and jeans. I mean, who can help but be cheerful while wearing a colorful, floral print blouse!?

In other news this pair of shoes is another steal I got from Lori's Shoes. They're real leather and have the cutest little gold chains on them (forgot to get a close up but here's them online). They were originally $90 on sale for $25 so I just couldn't pass them up, considering I'm in desperate need of shoes to wear to work (my heel collection offers no-thing in the way of work appropriate shoes!)

Also, I'm really loving blazers lately and I'm pretty sure this H&M one is the perfect black blazer ever. I'm so glad I found it when I went to exchange the brown tweed one I originally bought! I just can't pull of tweed like the Doctor can...

 ♥ ♥ ♥       

blouse: ModCloth
blazer: H&M
belt: Francesca’s Collections

shoes: Libby Edelman via Lori's Shoes

necklace: Kane County Flea Market

bangles: H&M

rings: Target

bag: ModCloth

lipstick: Kat Von D in Underage Red

Firework // Daily Outfit

"Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colours burst"

~ Firework by Katy Perry

In an effort to make my blog more music related I have taken to naming all of my outfit posts after songs/with song lyrics. No, I'm just kidding. That's totally not why I do that, but it is a nice perk. I just really, really love music. I always have. And when I draw a blank as to what in the world I should call this post, song lyrics/titles work well. It's become a bit of a creative crutch, but a completely acceptable one at that.

On another subject I just really need to talk about these shoes for a minute. Real swede featuring two of my favorite colors (hot pink? yes please!) by designer Dolce Vita. Retail: one-hundred-and-thirty-dollars. I paid: forty. Can you say "good deal"!? Originally I was a bit on the fence about whether or not I should get them (I have no idea why!) But after weighing the pros and cons of the purchase - and by "weighing the pros and cons" I mean "talking it out with my mom" - I realized that I would be stupid not to get them! But then, let's be honest: both my heart and they themselves knew they'd becoming home with me the minute the salesperson told me that I could pull them off because I had a "Katy Perry style."

That's a compliment I've been getting a lot lately, actually, and I'm super flattered every time someone tells me that my style reminds them of hers. Despite the fact that I dress much more conservative than she does, I think Katy Perry is such a bombshell. Especially her hair/makeup. It always looks flawless and is generally just to die for. I mean, have you seen this?? Oh, and have I mentioned she was one of the inspirations behind me getting bangs last winter?

 ♥ ♥ ♥       

dress: ModCloth
blazer: my mom's
belt: Francesca’s Collections
tights: Target

shoes: Dolce Vita via Lori's Shoes

necklace: Kane County Flea Market

bangles: H&M

lipstick: MAC in Lickable
title: Firework by Katy Perry

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

Lately... {Packages and Country Music}

1. This week I passed 100 followers on Instagram! Woohoo!

2. Remember when I said those $2 cups of coffee would add up? Well, it's already started...

3. Laying out an outfit the night before allows me to sleep in a few minutes longer the next morning.

4. I park under this tree whenever I have the chance. It's so gorgeous!

5. Came home from work to find two packages for me! Made it all worth it!

6. My Ipsy bag this month. My favorite yet!

7. What was in my other package! Too bad I have to exchange them for a half size smaller. :(

8. No one would re-watch Downton Abbey with me so I started re-watching it by myself.

9. Went to Target for some new tights and ended up doing some retail therapy!

1. Sailboats // Sky Sailing

2.  Behind the Clouds // Brad Paisley

3. Real Gone // Sheryl Crow

4. Life is a Highway // Rascal Flats

5. Good Time // Owl City

1. This is a favorite song of mine - as are all of the songs on An Airplane Carried Me to Bed -  it's such an emotional sounding song, and I just love the reference to Audrey Hepburn! ♥

2. I really love this song. It reminds me so much of visiting my aunt and uncle's ranch in Missouri, and my friends out in Wyoming. And let's face it - Brad Paisley really is just one of the best country artists ever.

3. This used to be a favorite song of mine and I've started listening to it again. I just really love the Cars soundtrack, ok?

4. Now that I think of it, I really have been listening to a lot of country music lately... maybe seeing my Aunt Mary last weekend got me started on it. I really just want to go back out to Missouri and then Colorado/Wyoming. I need me some country time. ♥

5. Do I really need to explain yet again why I love this song?? I've been singing it at work all week! (Because, you know, Pandora never plays it anymore. Why Pandora, why? I thought we were buds...)

1. From Time to Time

2. Doc Martin

3. Once Upon a Time season 2

1. Viki commented on my last outfit post and recommended this movie. Of course I couldn't resist a movie written by the same writer of Downton Abbey (especially one with Maggie Smith in it!), and it was absolutely fantastic! Really cute and sweet story. Definitely want to watch it again sometime!

2. I love this show (but then, what British Show don't I like!?). And even thought he's grumpy, and a bit gruff, I just love the Doc and I just can't wait until he gets together with Louisa!

3. This season is definately not disapointing! Despite the fact that I find Snow just the tiniest bit annoying, I'm really loving it so far! I'm actually really liking Regina and so far my only complaint is that Mr. Gold needs to be in more! Also, are me and Maddie the only ones who think that Henry looks like a younger version of Adam Young!?

The Dowager Countess // Daily Outfit

Oh you guys! I cannot even tell you how much I have been wanting to wear this dress! It's from this awesomely gorgeous indie brand called Love Marks, and as soon as it came into the shoppe I work at it was love at first sight. I mean, this dress has everything I crave: a Peter Pan collar, polka-dots, lace; a sweet heart neckline and a sheer lace top; and yet it's done in such an edgy, non-frilly way. The fitted skirt is a bit different from my usual style, but I love it! Unfortunately it's not something that would be at all practical for at work, so it's been hanging in my closet this past two weeks just waiting for to get some love until I finally got a chance to wear it last weekend.

This dress reminds me a lot of a 1920's style dress, so I just couldn't resist giving this post a Downton Abbey inspired title. The Dowager Contess (a.k.a Violet Grantham) is by far my favorite character in the show. I've loved Maggie Smith since I watched the Secret Garden when I was five (long before she was in HP!), and it only helps that the Dowager Countess is such a kick butt character! She always has a wity quip, and is just so "this is who I am. Deal with it" that I can't help but love her even she she is  unfeeling and snotty to the other characters.

What do you think of the Dowager Countess? Do you love her as much as I do, or do you have another favorite character? Don't be afraid to comment - I love talking about BBC shows with anyone who will geek out with me. *grins innocently*

On another subject, I have really been making an effort to wear more accesorries and I think it's paying off. I wore three pieces of jewelery and a belt in this outfit! I don't think I've ever had to list this many peices for one outfit before - not that I'm complaining! I think it adds a lot more interest to my outfits than I previously had...

 ♥ ♥ ♥       

dress: Love Marks via the Forest Bootery
jacket: Ebay
belt: Francesca’s Collections
tights: c/o We Love Colors
Boots: DSW

necklace: Kane County Flea Market

earings: Vintage

bangles: H&M
purse: Francesca’s Collections

sunnies: ModCloth

lipstick: Kat Von D in Underage Red
title: Downton Abbey