inspiration Monday: coral and light blue

The inspiration: Alessandra Ambrosio

My take:

Old Navy top, thrifted

Ann Taylor petite skirt, rescued from mom's donation pile

necklace, Forever 21

brooches, gifted and eBay

        Gracey of Fashion for Giants remembered that I was looking for a bee brooch and sent this one to me! It's perfect, and for its inaugural wearing I decided to add it to one of my favorite necklaces. 
       Coral and light blue is a great combination, so I decided to go for it. I usually try to stick to pattern mixing in the same color family, but I think this came out pretty well.   
       I'm linking up to two birds' inspiration Monday! Go here to see the other creative interpretations. :)

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! 

inspiration Monday: Alexa Chung

The inspiration:

My take: 

Vivienne Vivienne Tam cut and sew dress, Ross, $25 

Christian Dior tie as belt, thrifted

Fossil key necklace, Nordstrom Rack, on clearance for $7

long necklace, Forever 21

Dansko "Sakura" sandals, Nordstrom Rack

    This isn't quite the perfect everyday black dress I've been looking for, but it does come close. I'll wear this a few times before I decide whether to lop the long sleeves off because short sleeve works so much better for this climate. I do like the seaming detail - it adds a little interest and a lot of flare. Now I need to find a pair of bike shorts or something similar to layer underneath so I won't have to clutch at my skirt in a panic every time there's a breeze ... 
 

Linking up with inspiration monday at two birds! See other bloggers' lovely looks here!

inspiration Monday: a simple dream

     We are always exhorted to "dream big!" We worry about "settling" and selling ourselves short. Yes, I love a good goal and challenge. But let's not forget the charm of a simple dream.
      I was taking a run/walk in a very nice neighborhood recently, when I heard the unmistakable sound of kids having fun in the water: lots of splashing and giggles. By very nice neighborhood, I mean palatial compounds that loom grandly behind tall walls, mansions with exquisitely landscaped entryways, unobstructed ocean views, sweeping driveways, costly ornamental copper gates swirling with dolphins/waves/palm fronds, and long Hawaiian names proclaimed in iron letters on the stone wall.
      Upon hearing the splashing and laughing, I immediately thought, "kiddie pool." Then I took another look at the carefully maintained landscaping and realized that behind that sturdy stone wall I was more likely to find a stately pool instead of an inflatable piece of rubber filled up with warm water from the garden hose. I had to laugh at myself. I love the good things in life -- and sometimes they come in the humblest forms.
     

 The inspiration: Katie Holmes

My take: 

 Tommy Hilfiger shirtdress, Macy's

Softspots Ventura sandals, Ross

 

     While I was taking these photos, a guy scared the bejeebers out of me. I had set the camera on a rock wall along a curving path, so it seemed he appeared out of nowhere. As I snatched up the camera, he said placidly and pleasantly, "Getting some nice pictures?"  I managed to answer, although I think I turned as pink as my shoes. Perhaps that's why I managed to give my booktalk in an extremely calm manner in class right afterwards ... I guess I had used up my blush quota for the day.