The One For Horned Frogs

I'm not actually blogging right now. No, I'm actually tailgating - with a mimosa or two. I hope you're all having a wonderful Saturday.

The One About Simplicity

Sometimes the prettiest outfits are also the simplest. A great dress, some jewelry, a bag to carry your things around and heels are easy to put together (if you have the dough) and easy to pull off. Keeping the shapes and colors simple makes any outfit easy to wear. This one is no exception.

I have a thing for DANNIJO jewelry (which all of these pieces are) and think they're the perfect way to bring a little glamour and edge to this dress. Plus, I love red heels.

I'm leaving for TCU's Homecoming this afternoon and I have a little Polyvore related post ready for the morning. Hopefully I'm not going to jinx the frogs...if we're number 6 this week, imagine what we'll be next week after we pummel UNLV.

Have a wonderful weekend!

The One About Halloweekend

It's coming up...

Unfortunately, I'm in the real world now so I only get one night of Halloween, but it still ranks right up there as one of my all-time favorite holidays.

This year, I'm going to be...drumroll please...MAX.

Aren't I adorable?

My mom is the coolest mom ever and is making my costume from scratch (minus the black Converse I went to purchase at Hot Topic last night).

I know...my first ever time PURCHASING something in Hot Topic, it was interesting to say the least.

I'm also going to be in Fort Worth for the holiday. Although I haven't actually celebrated Halloween in Birmingham as an adult (read: old enough to consume alcohol) I'm pretty sure college is the pinnacle of Halloween-ness, so I figured I'd go back and join in the fun. PLUS - I have to see ONE football game this year. I mean...we are ranked #6. And we do things like this...

And make people look like this...

And it's just generally fun to watch. TCU should plan Homecoming and Halloween on the same weekend every year. Recently though it's been the same weekend at our game with UNLV...which is not always in Fort Worth. Although Vegas was fun for Halloween too...

The One Where I Stopped Blogging

Sorry - I have been completely swamped at work. Not to mention, I'm babysitting for a family the first part of this week so I'm headed there every afternoon. Generally, I'm just out of free time.

But - in an effort to keep you up to date, here's the rundown.

Friday night our friend Grant came in town and brought Jack. We made our way to Oasis and Rare Martini and then I stumbled upon our next-door neighbors' zombie party, which was...interesting.

Saturday morning we woke up in the middle of the night early to head towards Tuscaloosa for the Alabama - UT game. Grant had tickets and was sweet enough to let Liz and I tag along with them. We did all the things I love about Tuscaloosa: tailgating, football (and hotdogs), Gallette's, and band parties. I'll admit - I felt VERY old, but that's easy to get over. It was wonderful, and I was exhausted on Sunday morning.

Sunday I was asked to babysit for the next few days, so that's what I've been doing since then. This morning I got all of the kids up and tried to get out the door a little bit early. I was taking the dog by the vet before heading to work - so I figured a little extra time wouldn't hurt.

Well....all of that time got eaten up after the dog VOMITED on the master bedroom's bedspread. A VERY EXPENSIVE bedspread. After that was cleaned up I added dry cleaner's to my list of things for this morning and piled everyone in the car.

Eventually I did make it to work where it was only more hectic, and stressful, and made me want to go back to the babysitting.

So - that's where I am, and I'm hoping that this blog title doesn't actually come true...but as the week get crazier and crazier I may just fall off the map entirely. I guess I'll have to come back and beat you all over the head with the giant "I'm going to Texas on Friday" stick.

The One About Gorgeousness

Some of the most beautiful dressed floating around this time of year are the palest pink, creams and nudes. Most also have embellishment or a one shoulder silhouette - which apparently are two huge trends this year. Any of these would work as cocktail party attire - but the same color scheme could be translated to the office, or Saturday afternoon.

The Second One About Rain

My rain boots came in last night and they look AMAZING. They do have some blooming - but no scuffs, and wiping them down made a gigantic difference. I can see how if I spent $115 on a pair of rain boots I would be a little bit ticked at their less than perfect appearance when they arrived on my doorstep, so I guess that's why they get sold on eBay through an outlet. Either way - I'm super happy. I have a problem - sometimes I buy things on sale just because I think I'm getting a great deal. Saving $80 on something I wanted anyway is great! I might be trying this eBay thing more often.

click the image for Flickr link.

The One About My Day

If I had my way, today would have looked like this...

Instead...my day looked more like this computer, on top of this desk, next to this notebook where my pages are starting to fill up with notes for the project I've been working on. Somehow, I'd always rather be wrapped up in a blanket than at work. click the photos for links.

The One About My Closet

I spent this weekend switching out my summer clothes for yummy, cozy, sweaters and only hit one snag. Well, two really. I thought I had lost my tights and had a small panic moment. These are not regular tights, and they're not regularly priced. BUT, if you drop the money on these babies you will understand that these are the WORLD'S BEST tights. Ever. In the history of the universe. Needless to say, I was stressed about having to replace them.

The other snag is this: I have unpacked everything, and I am missing a box. The most frustrating thing is that I know what is in it. There's a purple dress, some tan tweed pants, I'm pretty sure there are a pair of brown cropped pants...and that just makes me wonder what else is there. It's a whole box. There must be some dresses somewhere...

It's the most frustrating thing in the whole universe.

Um...

Slight detour from the typical blog titles because - well - there are no words.

The One About Rain

I'm not kidding when I say that Alabama is DROWNING. It's been raining for weeks straight. Every time it rains I wish I had these.


But let's be honest - $115 for a pair of rain boots is MUCHOS expensive. So...I did some research and I found a pair on eBay for $35. That's like getting these boots for 70% off. Granted, the site said they had some "blooming" - but I did MORE research on that and "blooming" is a normal thing that happens to boots - and it can be wiped off with a wet rag. Hm.

There might also be some scuffing - but HELLO eBay - these are rainboots, not evening shoes.

Long story short, I bought them.

If they don't work - then I spend $35 dollar (and NO shipping - because that was free) - to know that I don't love them. Not bad if you ask me.

Now all I need is a few more puddles....

The One For Fall

I promised it - so here you go.

I can wear jeans to work on Friday, and I really wish this is what I had on today. Oh well.

And seriously...if I make it through this winter without those boots, I'm going to cry. I need a piggy bank with a picture of them stuck to it.

I could use the bag too - and that vest isn't even all that expensive. Liz? You should find this one (and start blogging again).

The One To Get All Caught Up

Work has been CRAZY busy this week. My boss returned from maternity leave and we have been trying to get everything back in order. It's been a crazy whirlwind of a week outside of work too. I've been learning about money from Dave, watching football (had either South Florida or Tulsa actually beaten the crappy teams they were playing - TCU would be even closer to the Sugar bowl), having a girls night pizza party, and planning my next trip to Texas (14 days...). It has been POURING down rain here, but lucky for me it's stopped today and Alabama has decided it can be Fall now. When I left the house this morning it was 54 degrees. THAT is what I'm talking about. I'm wearing a scarf, and jeans, and boots, and a cozy corduroy jacket and I AM HAPPY. The only thing that could make this better is if we didn't have to work, and I was going to Nashville this weekend. Georgia is playing Vanderbilt and this might be the only game in the near future Georgia has a change of winning. WHY DO WE LOOK LIKE CRAP - Willie Martinez, I'm going to run you over with my car.

In other news (in case you didn't catch that up there)...I'm going to Texas for Halloween/Homecoming. I need a good idea for a Halloween costume that can easily fit inside a suitcase. Last year I was a turkey - and I wouldn't even fit inside a bus.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I have a flapper outfit in my dress up box that I could bust out but that seems so unbelievably boring. I would love to not have to pack extra shoes and what not. American Airlines LOVES to charge you for that checked bag - and I'm going to be an amazing packer and only take one carry on. Maybe...

I'll be back later with a really wonderful outfit for this really wonderful day. It's all blustery and cold and gray. It's the kind of day that makes me wish I lived in New York City, I'm not sure why.

The One About Rare Martini

A few girls went out Saturday night after all of the football games had wrapped up, and we landed downtown.

Raise your hand if you live in Birmingham.

Ok, see you at Rare Martini - every weekend from here to the end of my irresponsible 20's.

Seriously...it was THAT good.

Absolutely ridiculous (I made especially good friends with the tiara-wearing woman who was celebrating her 40th birthday) but still - generally amazing.

The One About Kate Spade

Kate Spade makes jewelry....?

Apparently.

AND - it's gorgeous.




This locket, shaped like a nut, opens up to reveal a tiny squirrel.

How adorable.



And these classic earrings are so simple that I could wear them everyday. That's great, because I'm HORRIBLE about switching out jewelry - it just never even occurs to me.



A simple gold cuff with a girly addition would add interest to any outfit.



These are the perfect going-out earrings. They'd work with a ball gown (if I ever had the need for a ball gown) or just to dress up a t-shirt and jeans at night. These are so pretty I might actually think to wear them.



And...my all time favorite. This might have to make it's way to my wrist soon. My everyday wrist full of jewelry is silver now (watch, charm bracelet, 21st birthday present), but I think I could add a hint of gold and get away with it. It might even make me feel better about wearing gold earrings.

Have a happy weekend.

The One For My Braver Self

It's Friday, and I'm so incredibly ready for the weekend. I have a massive to-do list including hanging things in my apartment, rearranging my room (and bookshelves) a bit, cleaning, and doing a LOT of laundry. I'm also hoping to hang out with friends and enjoy a relaxing weekend - since last weekend I spent the majority of my time with 15-year-olds (not that it wasn't wonderful). And since it's Friday...here's my outfit. If only I actually owned any of this.

I absolutely adore this skirt and I think it could go multiple ways - a white tank and black pumps for a look that's simple and classic, a pale pink chiffon top with nude pumps and pearls for a innocent, fresh look - or, by adding leather and gold to this feathered creation it makes it a little bit more "rock 'n' roll." This is the kind of outfit I dream of being able to wear, but I'm just not sure I could ever pull it off. Maybe if I had the money to afford this get-up, I wouldn't worry about how often I would have the opportunity to wear it. I'd wear the jacket unzipped, and the tights and booties would really allow the skirt to take center stage. I thought this whole outfit might end up a little dark - so I added a hot pink silk top - I guess there's the girly to go with mounds of feathers. Gold accessories pick up the trim on the skirt, without being over powering. A simple chain, simple studs, simple shoulder bag, simple gold and black ring - noticing a pattern? The thing about Polyvore is this...yes, I think this outfit is adorable, but you could never really be sure until you try it on. I guess that's why I love Polyvore - the chances of me ever locating this exact outfit and trying it out together? Nil.

The One With The Chill (via Anthropologie)

from here. Don't you wish you lived here? Me too.

It's cold here!

I still haven't gotten out my winter clothing (mainly because that involves cleaning and organizing) so every morning I wake up and try to figure out how to stay warm in summer clothes - it's not going well.

I buy too much. I know this. I also know that means that this unpacking of all things winter is going to involve Goodwill bags, and trying a lot of things on - something I DO NOT want to do.

Maybe I should just go out and buy an entirely new wardrobe.

I saw this, this, this, this (so cute with black flats and tights, or brown boots and tights) and these. Oh, and these - which I'm DYING to have on my feet - showed up in the catalog yesterday. In what universe do I skip out on the boots that have a bow on the back?

And...there is always this, when I finally book my plane flight back to Texas for Halloween/Homecoming. Or this, even though it's not purple.

PLUS, my friend Liz called yesterday to inform me of this little gem, and it's worked its way all the way to the top of my fall wardrobe's wish list. At least I think this is what she was referring to.

And then there is this - which I definitely do not need, but it's just so pretty for a winter party dress. Let's think...where might I need to go in a cocktail dress?

I just need to stop decorating my apartment for Halloween (more on that later) and get my clothing situation organized. Maybe I'll do that tonight...

The One About Matthew

I grew up next door to this guy, and I think he's wonderful.

This is his new music video, which is sad, and a little depressing, and makes me want to cry at my desk - but what can you do?

Sad or not, it's really beautiful.

The One With Frames

I bought a few pieces of art this weekend (you'll see those as soon as I get around to documenting my apartment), and I'm hoping y'all (many millions of readers) can help me with something.

I bought a set - two tiny little pieces that are framed in 2x2 frames. Giant frames, giant mats, and I love the way they look. The other piece is larger, and I love the size of the frame - but it's a little pale. It doesn't help the art stand out on the wall - which is the point of buying art (right?).

Question: does anyone know an inexpensive, high-quality place to have something framed? Any thoughts on what I can expect price-wise?

The One About TCU

For your own personal information...

go ahead and check out #9 (and #10 in the AP and ESPN.com)

Now, if we can only figure out how to get to the Sugar Bowl, I'll be a happy camper. I can always use an excuse to hang out with friends in New Orleans.

The One About My 10-Year-Old

I spent this weekend babysitting for two families while their parents went on a golf trip. I didn't have to do much because most of the (6) children are in high school and one was on a church retreat. I did however, have one 10-year-old who likes to sleep walk. Unfortunately, no one warned me of this prior to everyone hitting the sack Friday night.

I woke up in the middle of the night, in a very hazy state of mind, to a little boy crawling in bed with me. Granted, I was in his parent's bed - so maybe this is a regular thing, but WHAT?

They have a monster king bed, so I just made sure he was ok and rolled to the other side - but that's weird right!? I was more than a little uncomfortable.

Sidenote: I've always heard that it's dangerous to wake up people who are sleep walking. Is that true?

Found out Saturday morning, after I woke up and he had moved on - that this is not unusual, maybe they should warn people! Apparently he has managed to do a lot of other really funny things in the middle of the night...which I am not going to get into now.

Anything super awkward happen to you this weekend?

The One With Great Outfits

A lot of blogs out there in the universe have weekly or even daily features that are done in the same format for each go-around. Take Pearls of Wit's Friday Five, or Oh Joy!'s This & That. So far you've seen a LOT of Polyvore - but get ready to see more. I figure great outfits are always fun, so each and every Friday (if I don't end up being a very big slacker) I'll be making myself another outfit to add to my future-dreamworld wardrobe. So - TA DA. I present...the very first.

Don't worry - I realize that I am the least likely person to buy a gold clutch that clasps together with a tiny little skull - but I actually think it works in this case. Plus, everything else is pretty classic - a simple top, nude pumps, hair pulled back and pinned up. I'm pretty sure I would LOVE this outfit in real life. Only problem - I'd probably have to hem the skirt, and at that price cutting off a few inches is like wasting hundreds of dollars.

The One About What I Can Do

So two of my best friends (and their child) are moving to London today. I said moving...not visiting, not studying abroad (mainly because we're not in college anymore), not spending a summer...they're actually moving, to live there, for a long time. It's sad - but they're going to have the best, most amazingly unbelievably, envy-inducing time...so kudos to them. My lovely friend has a blog, so I made her a blog header, and here it is...


Feel free to let me know if you (all you many millions of people reading this) want one too...they're actually really fun for me!

The One About Lonny

Lonny Magazine officially debuted - and it's WONDERFUL. Not only does it have great things in it, but many of those great things link to the web, and the great things go on for days (or pages...195 of them to be exact). There are a few advertising pages, but they're limited, and what does appear in these pages is relevant to the reader. They're created one feature that spans 35 pages! Here's a little glance, but you can check out the whole magazine right here, or head over to Michelle Adams' blog (who launched Lonny with business partner Patrick Cline).

A few of the contributors and focuses of the features in Lonny are a result of the slow (or not so slow) death of print magazines. Both Kate Townsend-Simpson and Deborah Needleman's homes are featured in Lonny, and they worked as an editor, and Editor-in-Chief of domino respectively - before that magazine was shuttered. It has the distinct feeling of being a heart-felt, and hard-won collaboration beginning and ending with those who love shelter magazines, and the magazine format in general.

Simpson's Dining Room

Needleman's Dressing Area

The fact that you can literally shop right out of the magazine makes a HUGE impact as well. If you scroll over something you like, a box pops up, and links to the source. So convenient for readers...even better for the products featured. It's like the world's best, and most well-designed advertising.

For instance, Simpson's bathroom features these beautifully monogrammed hand towels...if you scroll over them you will see that you can have them too - from Leontine Linens, and if you want the wallpaper, well it's Waverly Light Foot Mural Document. Easy enough for buyers to get sucked in...

The magazine features everything from interiors (the obvious focus) to clothing and lifestyle. There is the inevitable feature on "going green," and the topic of trends (both fashion and interior) - such as "Ivy League" and "Spotted" make it light and fun. The magazine features everything from refurbished, antique typewriters, to easy, inexpensive ways to spruce up your home. Lonny even suggests using shoe rack to house beautiful shoes in the open - "turn your storage into unique stylish displays." Interesting...

Lonny features great ideas that stand alone, but also feature the ideas of influential people in the design business. Eddie Ross for instance. Previously seen on HGTV's Next Design Star - he has an easy style that is compiled of a few expensive investment pieces and classic, personal finds at flea markets.

Eddie Ross' display of china, glassware and silver pieces

The magazine also provides a great collection of "5 Tips For..." throughout. They come from the editor, featured designers, and contributors to the magazine. Eddie Ross provides his "5 Tips For Entertaining with Style," which makes perfect sense while reading the article focusing on his beautiful home. It's the best way to intergrate "amazingly put together, could never do it alone" inspiration from incredible designers, with "easy to accomplish for us everyday humans" information.

In general, this magazine provides an amazing amount of information and inspiration (for those people who have the money to redecorate anything), and it's jam-packed with resources. All in all, it a great response to all of the magazines that have closed in the last little bit - Southern Accents, Cottage Living, domino. This offers the same caliber of work - but it's less expensive to create (and less expensive to read - i.e. FREE). My one and only complaint for the editors is that someone should have been less worried about how the magazine looked and felt, and more worried about typos. Oh well - I'm sure they'll have that down-pat next go-around.