counting down

BeBop chambray dress, Ross

Cable and Gauge cardigan, from Mom

leggings, Macys

necklace, Haitian Beads

belt, Old Navy

        I've been reveling in the cooler weather and happily wearing all of the things in my closet that can't be worn to work most of the year! This dress is shorter than I prefer for work, but with leggings layered underneath it was work-appropriate as well as cozy. I initially had on my gray knit blazer and a scarf, but something looked wrong - so I swapped the scarf for a colorful necklace and the blazer for a cardigan.

    
     School ends on Friday, so we're entering the jam-packed homestretch. The kids' minds are already on break - at Morning Meeting, the sharing often involves discussion of setting up Christmas trees and anticipating spending time with family. I'll admit that that my mind is on break, too - I'm excited about having time to read, rest, craft and sew, and spend time with family.

inspiration Monday: bubbly

The inspiration: Elizabeth Olsen

My take:  

 Lily petite dress, thrifted

White House Black Market blazer, thrifted

leggings, Macy's

necklace, Nordstrom Rack clearance

bracelets, InPink and Macy's

Dr. Scholls Allycats booties, HauteLook

     This dress has been hanging on the "possibly donate" side of my closet, but I think it will be getting off death row. I just like the colors too much.
 

     Linking up with two birds inspiration Monday! Check out the other participants' creative intepretations here! :)

inspiration Monday: inattentive

The inspiration:

My take:
 Before I figured out that it was too warm to wear leggings and boots:

  Volcom dress, Planet Gold plaid buttondown, leggings, Macy's

Dr. Scholl's Allycats booties, HauteLook

 
What I ended up wearing:

Style & Co. sandals, Macy's

    Today I would like to address an epidemic that is sweeping our nation: not the flu or norovirus, but inattention.
    Case in point: last week, I pulled up to the curb outside Mr.'s house to park the car. I noticed there was a girl standing on the sidewalk, gazing at her phone and looking as if she was waiting for her ride. I didn't think much of it until she walked around to my passenger side door and opened it, saying "Thank you," and was about to sit down when I blurted out, "I'm not your ride." 
    Yikes. This girl was about to get in the car of someone she didn't even know. When did folks get so inattentive? Admittedly, I am probably a bit extreme when it comes to safety. I make a point of not listening to music or being otherwise plugged into a gadget when I'm walking, whether it's a block to my car or while out for some exercise. I was appalled to see a classmate walking home while reading a book (in the dark, no less). I lock my car doors promptly upon getting in, walk briskly, and keep an eye out for suspicious folks. I may be a scaredycat, but being a scaredycat has its benefits.

 LK Atelier (Hawaii designer!) pearl earrings, gift 

On a lighter note, this was a goofy-photo day. Eyes closed, crazy hands, weird expression - you name it, I captured it on camera. Evidence below (just what am I doing with my hands and hair?):

   
     Linking up today with two birds' inspiration Monday! Go check out the other ladies' creative interpretation of the look here! 

Try-it-out Tuesday: houndstooth and lace

"Pacific" lace tee, Hollister

Halogen skirt, Nordstrom Rack, gift

White House Black Market blazer, thrifted

leggings, Macy's

belt, Old Navy

Dr. Scholls Allycats booties, HauteLook  

        Pattern mixing is still a mystery to me, but I find that sticking to black and white helps me look more cool vs. circus escapee. (Speaking of pattern mixing, Cori of La Vie Petite gave some great tips here.) It was pouring and chilly the day I put this together, so I started with the leggings and boots since that's not something I can wear year-round.

      

       I wore this lace top for last week's Try-it-out Tuesday, and I'll be doing a lot more remixing for February and March, as I've signed up for a two-month shopping ban with Tanvi. I am excited about maximizing what I already own, getting creative, and saving some $$ in the process.