I Said I'm Free To Do What I Want Any Old Time ...

... like finding you the perfect party-ready frocks for your rockin' festivities, all courtesy of Free People.

With it being New Year's Eve and all, I thought it oh-so-appropriate to outfit you for one of two parties you may find yourself attending while saying goodbye to this decade and hello to a brand spankin' new one.

The Sparkle and Shine Stunner:

{Too many sequins and lace? Impossible!)

Start your party off right with this fancy frock or this one ...

... keep yourself warm and toasty by throwing on a worn-in jacket or a brocade-beautiful coat

... don't forget to dress your glam gams with some stylin' tights like python print or tie dye darlings ...

... and step out in style with either a laced cut-out or a peep toe wedge.

There.  Now you have a party-worthy wardrobe.

The Stay-At-Home Couch Cuddler:

{A good flick, your trusty remote control and a bubbly beverage is all you need}

Now, you, my couch-lovin' friend, this is how you start off your new year:

First, get yourself an oversized sweatshirt or totally comfy tee ...

... and then put it over a relax-inducing romper or some casual knit pants  ...

... and finish it off by wrapping yourself up in a big ol' beautiful blanket.

You're all dressed for your night's soiree, watching the ball drop in the best place of all: home sweet home.

So tell me, are you a Sparkle and Shiner or a Stay-At-Home Couch Cuddler?

Me?  I'm definitely the latter.

Party-perfect pictures courtesy of Free People

Lofty Aspirations

Lately, with every turn of a fashion magazine's glossy page, I'm noticing when I stop to admire a particular piece (you know, the one that gets your finger from flipping right past its contents) that it seems to be from the same place, the same website, every time: loftonline.com. 

So I thought why not do some style investigating of my own and then feature my proof and finds for today's Website of the Week installment?  I immediately got to work and clicked on my favorite four-letter word: SALE (surprise, surprise) and the evidence I found was overwhelming.  My conclusion?  I'm pretty darn sure I'd take any one of these lovelies* below home with me and make some room for them hanging in my own closet (and yes, it seems as if I've gone back to my black, white and grey-loving ways again, but hey, at least I threw in a tiny amount of purple, right?):

The just-right-amount of sparkle basic black tee

Why do ruffles always make everything that much better?

A simple khaki jacket, perfect for transitioning from all of my many Utahnian seasons

The essential LBD (I truly believe you can never have enough of these go-to pretties)

And a cowl-y, cozy comfort sweater for nothing but leisurely lounging

*All prices ranging from $19.99 - $44.99

Maybe my style aspirations aren't so lofty after all ...

Pictures courtesy of LOFT online

Roped In

Found this on a 30-minute shopping spree at my favorite can-always-find-something-spectacular haunt, the Gappity Gap; it was just hanging around the check-out line when I saw the gleaming (yes, finds actually shine whenever I see a markdown of any kind) $9.99 sale sticker.

I guess I really did fall into the Gap.

Braided beauty of a necklace pic courtesy of The Gap

Let Your Feet Do The Talkin', Boys!

I have a new favorite boy name and it's ... (drumroll, please) ... Tom.  Three simple letters that make up something so stylishly, chicly and casually complicated in the form of a shoe.

 And it's all thanks to a man that leisurely strolled in to my shop lookin' all sorts of cute in his very own paint-splattered pair.  I remember it like it was yesterday - looking down to see what was on his feet (you know you do it too whenever someone with an amazing sense of style walks into the room that you happen to be occupying - you just gotta see the head-to-toeness of it all) and as soon as I spotted his kicks, I thought to myself, "Self, those may just be the coolest pair of oh-these-old-things-that-I-just-happened-to-throw-on-slip-ons that I ever did see."

Ever since that fateful-footed day, I've wanted to highlight them in their very own Manly Monday post and seeing how it's Monday and all, I thought no time like the present.

So, here are a few pairs that I picked out just so you could view and appreciate their coolness too.

Just look at 'em, people:

The pictured price tags range from $54 - $68 AND with every purchase comes this promise and guarantee:

 With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.

Sold.

 

Like I said, Tom is my new favorite boy name.  Yeah.  Definitely Tom.

 

Shoe-tastic images courtesy of TOMS

A Charlie Brown Affair

Have yourselves a merry little Christmas!

Much Love,

Bex.

Tinseled Tresses

Ornaments are no longer just for the tree, boys and girls, no siree!  At least not according to Kiersten of Bello De Epoca (the pretty, pretty girlie pictured at left) who has made it her mission to adorn each and every fabulous head of hair with one of her divine, vintage-y originals (I mean, look at the one in the picture - just look at it - so so very pretty)

Whether you are looking for a simple statement piece or a stop-the-party stunner, this artiste has got you (and your head) covered, literally.

I'm just uber happy to be able to say that she is also a  gal pal o' mine and thrilled to mention that you can take a gander (and one of the pretties home with you) by stopping by the shop where I'm lucky enough to be a shopgirl, Lucille Elaine (whenever she walks in with her bag o' goodies, I know we're all in for quite a treat!)

So do yourself (and your head o' hair) a favor this holiday and pick one up for all of your new year festivities so you can be the talk of all your parties (and the tinseled town) with a Bello De Epoca ornate and fabulous original.

Pretty picture courtesy of Kiersten and her wonderful website, Bello De Epoca

Coulda. Woulda. Shoulda.

Watch this.  So fascinating.  So clever.

Now read this:

(her oh-so-witty "About Me" description)

Messages in bottles, smoke signals, letters written in the sand; the modern equivalents are the funny, sad, beautiful, hopeful, hopeless, poetic posts on Missed Connections websites. Every day hundreds of strangers reach out to other strangers on the strength of a glance, a smile or a blue hat. Their messages have the lifespan of a butterfly. I'm trying to pin a few of them down.

(as a fellow word-y, I'm literally swooning at her clever explanation)

So genius (and totally beyond being worthy of a Wednesday Website of the Week post by yours truly, but I'll try my darndest anyway) because when haven't we all had one of those moments where we look at a stranger and suddenly your whole make-believe, pretend life with said stranger has flashed before your eyes and you have a perma-smile forever after whenever you think of that person again?  It's just such a beautiful way to give life (and meaning) to our wonder-filled thoughts and words. 

Look with me now at some of the colorful, clever artistic interpretations:

You were wearing a green dress with white buttons. We made eye contact at least three times on the 6 train this morning. All of a sudden you gave a little smile, and looked down at your lap, as though at some secret joke. You never looked up again and I had to get off at Bleeker. I wish I could have seen inside your beautiful head.

We shared a bear suit at an apartment party on Saturday night.  I asked for your number and you gave it to me, but somehow I don't have an area code written down. I had a great time talking with you, and I don't trust Chance enough to wait until I see you in the elevators...

You were reading Catch-22 on the subway this morning. I have never seen such a beautiful profile. I wanted to say hi, but then you’d turn towards me and I wouldn’t be able to look at your profile anymore. You were so into your book, I don’t think you noticed me falling in love with you. But I thought I’d ask, just in case.

Genius, I tell you.  Genius.

Bonus?  The artist has an Etsy shop too.  Uh-huh.  You can own one of these beauties.  Yeah.

All images courtesy of the beyond worthy artist's blog, Missed Connections

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For ICE CREAM!

Sometimes a girl just needs a bargain-y, (I'm talkin' under $10 and totally worth it) quart-sized tub of her favorite ice cream flavor.  Sometimes.

I'm just sayin'.

Yum-Yummy picture courtesy of Baskin Robbins

O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore Art Thou Romeo?

For this Manly Monday installment, I thought I'd switch it up and turn the tables and tell you what this girl is looking for in a man, and it's all thanks to my remote control for finding (and stopping) on one of my all-time favorite interpretations of the classic tale of woe: Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet.

I want a sensitive soul, a poetry-writin' (preferably with Thom Yorke -the incredibly haunting voice of Radiohead- quiety serenading his every thought as his pen hits the paper) man ...

... that isn't afraid to get a little dirty ...

... but that cleans up just as nicely in a casual, no-tie needed suit ...

... that can even make a Hawaiian shirt look stylish ...

... and isn't afraid to show me affection through some good, old-fashioned PDA (which I might add, if I were his Juliet, I'd happily oblige and partake in and be just as angelic in my very own wings. See the proof here) ...

... which leaves me now, through sigh-filled (and ever-so-longing) breath, to keep patiently waiting until he (the man that fits all my list's requirements) finds me ... with no other choice but to again ask: O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore Art My Romeo?

All pictures courtesy of Yahoo! and Google image searches

Fab Friday Find

Ladies' Night Shower Curtain

-only $29.99!-

Please oh please someone shower me with this fabulously chic giftie ...

Cheeky curtain image found here at the oh-so-magical Modcloth.com

Letter To A Stranger

Dear Girl in the Most Perfect Outfit My Eyes Have Ever Seen,

May I come over to your house and raid your entire closet so that my wardrobe can look just like yours 24/7?

Please and thank you.

Bex.

Photo courtesy of The Sartorialist

Ooey Gooey Sugary Sweetness

the funny pretty arty smarty friendly magazine that's better than sliced bread

(cutest. tagline. ever.)

Thanks to the lovely can-make-every-retro-frock-look-timelessly-chic lass' link over at liebemarlene vintage, I have discovered just what Charlie must have felt like the exact second he set his little foot in the door to Willy Wonka's confectionary Candyland by browsing a new sticky sweet online magazine/creation and tantalizing treat of a read, Cupcake.

Just one little click-through is all it takes to have visions of sugarplums (and all other things sugary sweet and girlie) dancing in your head.  If only I was the girl on the cover sitting ever-so-adorably on the green-ish bench in my dainty doiley of a dress, pinching a piece of sprinkled frosting from a pink-boxed cupcake ...

Needless to say, after my luscious look into this wonderful world, I instantly knew that there would be no other possible contender for my Wednesday Website of the Week spotlight.  Cupcake takes, well ... the cake.

Cutie-Patootie cupcake image/logo courtesy of the adorable the art of happy blog

You've Got Nail

Picked up this little pen package in its Sheer Pink shade (when my fingernails are shorter, I like them to have just a hint of natural color) for just $7 in the cosmetics aisle of my local grocery store and have been saving it and waiting to open and swipe it on for when I have a rare few minutes of downtime wherein to pamper myself (and with its Color Quick Pen promise in the title, I'm sure it will live up to its name)

So while you're busily hustling and bustling about for all of your beauty bargains to bestow, why not pick one up for yourself and have your very own inexpensive, much-needed, quick-drying manicure to perk you up during all of the holiday shopping chaos that is swirling around all of us this jolly season? 

Because you, my beauties, definitely deserve to feel pretty in pink (or beige, red, black or white)

Product image courtesy of Sally Hansen

You Gotta Wash That Man Right Into Your Hair

Go back with me a few years ago now when I was giddily sitting around a restaurant dinner table with good (no, great) friends right smack dab in the middle of playing a rousing round of a Christmas gift exchange game (where I'm happy to report a gosh darn good time was had by all) 

As soon as one small tissue-wrapped bag opened, and my eyes saw the contents, I ever-so-slyly (but rather immediately) zeroed in on my prey and quite determined knew that no one else at that table was going to get what I had targeted: a set of Aveda Shampure Shampoo and Conditioner (long story cut slightly short: I got what I wanted and my hair thanked me every day after for it)

I've always been inexplicably drawn and attracted to any and all Aveda products because of the natural aroma and clean scent of each product (and the fact that they are so universally flattering to anyone: male or female) and when I was running on empty for what to write for this Manly Monday post, a fella friend o' mine kindly reminded me (and I quote) "Guys want to feel and smell pretty too" ... and after hearing that admission, I knew exactly what I would feature as a perfect holiday giftie for all you guys out there: anything (and I mean anything) and everything from the Aveda arsenal (my two picks: Shampure Shampoo -obviously- and Rosemary Mint Body Lotion because nothing says Christmas like peppermint)

I'll leave you today with what I think is the perfect quote/thought to fit in and end this MM post with from the same manly man pal (thank you, you know who you are and that I am forever indebted to you): "Make your holidays HOT with these manly smells."  Indeed, sir.  Indeed.

Image courtesy of Yahoo! Image Search via care-hair-product.com

A Brush With Greatness

You know you are a bargainista when your very own father knows to pick up a $7 kabuki brush for you hidden among the other frugal finds he is perkily perusing on the TJ Maxx shelf (I'm telling you, the man could - and does - spend hours upon hours cart-pushing his way down every goodie-filled aisle ... maybe genetics are to blame for where I get all of my bargain-y buying ways ... Hm.)

Anyway ... since bringing home said beauty brush, I happily use it every single morning when swiping on my translucent powder for my face's final touch.  It's super soft (and been known to tickle a bit) and leaves me with a smooth, compliment-worthy complexion, every time.  A brilliant buy, if I do say so myself. 

Thanks, Papa.  I guess father really does know best.

O Tiny Tree, O Tiny Tree

This wee silver-y tree is so darn cute, I can hardly stand it!

It's teeny-tiny, vintage-y AND it's got a little price tag too: Only $12.50!

Goodness me.  The best (and most daintily darling) things in life really do come in the smallest of packages.

1950s Style Silver Tinsel Tree with Purple Ornaments courtesy of Etsy seller TraceyAnns

Wednesday Wishlist

You'll most likely catch me on many a day clicking through site after clothing site adding items to virtual shopping bags with my imaginary, open-ended wallet just because I can (and really, isn't that the best reason of all?) There's something so gratifying as you watch it get fuller and fuller (total price included) knowing that whenever needed, reality can set in, and you can delete it all away (only to do it again and again whenever your shopaholic self urges you to do so)

Today was certainly no different as I caught my blanketed, space heatered-self searching through one of my favorite virtual hangouts: Forever 21.  A fave not only for the on-trend pieces, but also for the lovely low prices that pair up oh-so-nicely with all of my wardrobe wishlist wants and needs (from top to bottom):

1.  This just may be the most perfect blazer I've ever laid eyes on ...

+

2.  No imaginary outfit o' mine would ever be complete without adding some kind of girlie-fied frill ...

+

3.  Seriously.  How darn cute could one pair of leggings be, people?

+

4.  A perfectly rough and tough buckled bootie

=

The stuff (er, outfit) dreams are made of.

I gots to know.  What's on your wardrobe wishlist?

Wardrobe Deets:

1.  Cuffed Blazer - $22.80

2.  Beaded Chiffon Tank - $24.80

3.  Floral Calico Leggings - $11.80

4.  Strapped Ankle Boots - $29.80

Ideal outfit images courtesy of the fantastically fabulous Forever 21

Kneadful Thing(s)

All I have to do is unscrew this little blue cap (whenever I so please) and I'm immediately immersed in my very own $2-made appointment with a personal lip masseuse.  And really, who couldn't use a daily dose of that?

Image courtesy of Blistex

Watchmen

Given that another Manly Monday is again upon us, I threw on my thinking cap this morning trying to come up with the one essential item that a man should have in his accessories arsenal and time and time again, one thing constantly kept popping back to mind: the watch.  Whether it's a classic that is colored in gold, smaller in size with a rounded face or a bit more trendy and of-the-moment with a canvas strap and a big ol' square face ... whatever the look or style, every man needs a good-looking, substantial (and budget-friendly) watch attached to his wrist. 

I took the task upon myself to browse through the best and most eye-catching of 'em (and found my fave tick-tockin' timepieces (all under $100, thank you very much) just for you, my fine fellas:

KR3W Halo Red Watch - $79.95

(must be my obsession with all things red right now that made me put this first)

Nixon The Newton Green Watch - $99.95

KR3W Phanton Blue Watch - $49.95

Nixon The Block Black Watch - $69.95

Nixton The Quatro SS White Watch - $99.95

Nixon The Rocio Black Watch - $99.95

Vestal Legionnaire Brown & Coffee Watch - $89.95

Vestal Digichord White Watch - $59.95

(a Bex favorite)

Vestal Watch Saint Navy Blue & Gunmetal Watch - $99.95

Nixon The Cannon Tan Face Watch - $89.95

KR3W Karma White Watch - $85.95

(another fave o' mine)

Nixon The Timeteller All Gold Watch - $89.95

Can you hear that?  The clock (or should I say watch) is now officially ticking.  Don't waste any more precious time ... go out now and adorn your wrist with one of these worthy watches ...

All watch images courtesy of Zumiez