Here a hen, there a hen, everywhere a hen hen...

Everyone needs an animal printed scarf in their lives, I feel like. This is not something that I have seen in fashion magazines or on the runways or anything, I just feel like it is one of those things that is just a staple in every wardrobe. Whenever I see people out and about in scarves, they are always worn for a reason, like to keep warm - and they usually have a certain utilitarian vibe to them. I guess that is fine if it is below zero or something outside, but let’s be honest right now, it’s almost Christmas and it is still 70 degrees outside. So when I see a super fun scarf that is really just made to add a little something-something to an outfit, I am all in. Now we all know how I feel about scarves and how they complete a look and all, and a good print does nothing less - especially when the print consists of hens! I am consistently hearing people say, “Oh, look! There are chickens on that scarf!” First of all, they are hens people - get it right; and second of all, I know, right! SO cute! :)

P.S. I just realized this ENTIRE outfit is J.Crew... go figure. 

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. :)

It's all in the details...

I am completely obsessed with this scarf - I got it years ago at a store based out of Finland (I think?). What I love about it is that it completely looks like a bandana, but is not. When you look closer, the print is actually made out of little flowers and leaves. I get compliments on it all of the time, and when I do, I wonder if they’re complimenting it because they noticed the flowers or if they just plain like the look of it. I feel like bandanas have a way of looking a little bit grungy or rebellious, so I absolutely love the contradiction with this piece. I think if I could wear it with everything I own, I would.  J

And did you notice the new boots? These little booties are my newest obsession. I LOVE them with a skinny jean rolled up to show off the boot. I figured I would throw in a little pattern play with a peek-a-boo sock. I am not quite sure what the recent fashion obsession has been with polka dots, but I can’t say that I am complaining. 

You have to wear an animal if you're about to eat one...

Duh... ;)

How do you really know what to wear to Thanksgiving dinner? Usually, you're going to see family that maybe you have not seen in a while, or even meeting new family members in the form of in-laws. The plan is to make a good impression while still being comfortable enough so that you can eat 'til you drop. But even then, is it polite to eat yourself to oblivion the first time you meet someone? Is that really appropriate? Because then that person just thinks you are little Miss Piggy... either that or that you have an eating disorder because they can't figure out where you put all the food that you just ate. (I think I would rather the latter thought, but that's just me - call me crazy for wanting to be compared to a skinny girl rather than Miss Piggy, as fabulous as she may be...)

I think that the outfit should be nice enough so you look put-together, but not so nice so that it looks like you are trying too hard. I mean, the point is to look like you did not put too much thought into it. Even if you did stand in your closet for hours the morning of, trying on and having a fashion show for almost every combination in your closet... who does that? Pssht. ;)

Happy Thanksgiving!! xo.

Faux pas, Shmaux pas

Candid Camera is the name of today's game ;)

When I originally purchased these pants at the beginning of the “fall,” I thought to myself, “Okay, I should be able to get at least a couple more wears out of these before it gets too cold to pull them off…” Who would have known that come mid-November, I would still be able to pull these off with the weather. Usually, prints like this belong exclusively in the spring/summer months. But this year, the fashion industry as a whole has single handedly been able to manipulate those general cure-all fashion faux pas that are still alive and kicking. For example, white pants after Labor Day - no longer an issue; bright colors in the dead of fall/winter - who says you have to wear dark colors when it’s cold outside. So actually, I think these super loud printed pants belong in fall more than spring/summer. In your face, season-specific stylists.

P.S. - what do you think about the gnome in the background of the first picture? Nice touch in my parent's backyard, huh...

I'm looking for a pocket pun.

Do you ever forget about things that are hiding in plain sight in your closet? Or maybe just get stuck in one rotation of the same styles that you lose sight of all the other adorable options staring back at you? Hmm... maybe it's just me. But this skirt was really one of those items for me today. I actually own it in two colors, and have not had the chance to wear the black version yet... until today, of course. ;)

I love, love, LOVE it for the pockets! I mean, how many skirts do YOU own with pockets? Basically, it's just a super easy style that looks cute regardless of what you pair with it. I need to remember to keep this winner on more of a regular rotation. Old habits do die hard though...

What month is it again...?

Sister, sister

I think that I have the most fun dressing when the weather is transitional. You know, that perfect day that is 75 degrees in the sun and cools down just enough for a light sweater at night. During these days, you can wear just about any season's clothing and completely get away with it. For example, shorts with boots - as my sister has done with her effortless-looking outfit above on the left. My version of this is a tank or exposed shoulder with boots. Although, I am still deciding how I feel about these boots in particular. They look super cute, I think, but my foot slides in them when I walk. I feel like I have to get those gripper socks to wear with them so I don't walk funny when I wear them. Maybe that means they don't fit right...? Who knows. Beauty is pain.

Looking at my sister and I side by side, it strikes me how different our styles are. It makes me think about the definition of style to begin with. Who really knows what it is? Obviously, style is relative. Otherwise there would be no such thing as an ugly outfit. Even though her outfit is much more unique and, dare I say - hipster, I think I prefer my more conservative look. Not only is it much easier to pull off, but it is just easier in general. I guess someone has to toot my horn, right? ;)