Sequins and Chains

Looking back, my 2012 was amazing. Full of hard learned lessons that were completely worthwhile, and tons of great memories to go along with them. Usually, I do something extravagant on New Year’s Eve - whether it be a party, or traveling, or whatever. But this year, I decided it was a holiday better spent with those who mean the most to me. A day of shopping was the theme, then taco night, followed by fireworks with sparkling cider and the freezing cold. What more could a girl ask for?

Talk about "blinded by the light!"

A shot of the view before the fireworks started...

So the question lingers: what in the world is a girl to wear on New Year’s Eve while shopping? Sequins and chains of course!

I feel like just a hint of sequins makes it completely appropriate to catch some sun, rather than staying exclusive to night events. I grabbed this wannabe Chanel cross-body purse years ago at Express, thinking I would probably never use it, but it has come in handy in so many more ways than I ever expected! It is the best shopping bag because it does not hold much more than the necessities so it stays light and comfortable on my shoulder. And, of course, the touch of badass it adds to any outfit just makes it perfect. But you cannot forget about that finishing touch of just a smidge of animal print to complete the look! Okay, so what - I already broke my New Year’s resolution. Whatever. It was chilly outside! ;)

Welcome, 2013! Hope it's a great one!

Public Display of Affection

I read an e-card once making light of the rituals you go through in your head when you're single. It was hilarious because one minute, you love being able to have an endless marathon of all your favorite chick flicks; the other minute, you're crying at the end of those movies because you're sad that you don't have someone in your life to share the experiences in the movies that you have now become jealous of. So what happens when you have what they portray in those amazing chick flicks...? You cry even harder because you've found what you've been inadvertently looking for all those years of dating. Okay, maybe not inadvertently looking for... But looking for nonetheless. Then all you have left to complain about is that you are no longer able to watch those chick flicks because you're so busy spending time with the boy who makes you feel like you're in a chick flick every day. Sad story. Or not. So what happens when he goes out of town for a day or two..? A much-needed marathon of those chick flicks that are now so near and dear to your heart while never leaving bed or your jammies. That's true love right there. :)

Printed Pant Predicaments

Recently, I have really been trying to step out of the box when it comes to what I wear. I have been having fun with prints and colors that I would have never before been drawn to. I put a lot of effort into looking like I just threw two opposites together and totally pulled it off to look adorable. Sometimes it works, and sometime I spend an hour (or two) standing in the closet and playing dress up in front of the mirror and the boyfriend, who, of course, tells me that I need to "calm down with the stuff that I've been wearing," which usually leads to me storming out of the room in a huff just to put on the next option to get his opinion. Wanting to know what he thinks is a must, but from a fashion standpoint, it's rather annoying. What else is new.

But, I keep trying to mix up my wardrobing decisions, regardless of the minor stress it causes me. I figure it's a necessary evil. There are some prints that I have been able to successfully mix and match, while some are easier to pair together than others. I feel like polka dots and stripes are pretty easy, and the basic cheetah print is pretty easy with a textile pant or something. A printed pant is something I have a hard time with, though. I have been eyeing these cheetah print chinos from J.Crew for the longest time. My obsession started when I saw them do a full outfit print with the pants in their catalog, and it only gained momentum when I started seeing all my favorite bloggers wearing these pants and completely rocking them. Then they went on sale, and I just HAD to finally commit. Then, of course, they were sold out of my size, and then one day they weren't! Now that they are finally sitting in my closet, I have NO idea what to wear them with. Of course this would be just my luck that I ogle something for ages and become completely infatuated in it, and then when I finally get my hands on it, I feel lost. I am not completely sure that allowing my clothes to let me feel lost about them is something I should be doing, but it is what it is. Oy.

But they are just SO cute!!

Here’s my first go at putting them into an outfit. I think I pulled it off pretty well, if I might say so my self. That night we went down onto the strip and shopped through the Forum Shops. I got tons of compliments from Sales people throughout the mall, but who knows how much sincerity I can count on in their compliments. How about you just see for yourself…