Those Were The Days

Living at and through 'Rents Renovation 2010 - '11 (the demo-decorating saga continues) is really making me miss my apartment living days.  Days where I could freely lounge around in cute little nothings all day long.  Tiny tees, tanks and bloomers.  Painting my toenails red with one hand, tv remote in the other.  I'd love to be able to don the darlings while doing that very thing now, but I'm pretty sure the contractors I answer the door to would be a wee bit uncomfortable with the idea ...

Photo Source: LeLoup-Garou

Striped Stunner

Remember my dream job post?  Well, the striped stunner curtseyin' above is just one of the brilliant beauties behind the infamous, dream-inducing Red Velvet shop and A Beautiful Mess blog.  Her name is Elsie.  And I want her style.  Bad.  And that flower-y dress.  And those tights too. 

So much so that I found a few frocks and colorful pairs of my own to replicate as best I (and you too, can, if you want) could/would and should.  Flower power frocks?  Here ya go.  And all the stripe-y tights you could ever want  - in every color of the rainbow -  found right over here.  You're welcome.

Now, if only I could get my hands on my own storefront and some tats to go along with it, I'd really be in business ...

Photo Source: A Beautiful Mess

All Together Now

Put it all together (well, at least my affinity for the skinny belt and polka dots) and what do ya got?  Miss Julie from Orchid Grey!  The combination of the two looking completely adorable on her and her birthday-celebrating suit o' many pink-ish and polka-dotted colors.

Oh.  And how 'bout that goes-with-practically-everything star of a chambray button-up shirt?!  Gotta get me one of those.  How is it possible that my closet doesn't have one hanging there already?  Maybe this one will do.  Or this comfy choice.  Paired with a spotted skirt. Like this here triple three.  All in all, a pretty gosh darn cute combo.

And last but not least, I gotta mention that gorgeous head of hair of hers that will now and forever stand as my greatest I-will-grow-out-this-hair-o'-mine-in-2011 example and inspiration every time I get the itch or even attempt to reach for a pair of scissors ...

Photo Source: Orchid Grey

Fanflare

Alright, alright.  That's it.  After seeing Maria of Lulu Letty all fabulously fashion-y and flared up in her wide-legged-wearin' stylishness, I'm really, really wanting to jump on the no-more-skinny-jeans bandwagon.  Besides, I figure I've neglected my highest heels and pretty platforms enough  this winter in favor of cuffed-up jeans fashioned with nothing but little flats and boots anyway.

And she did already go to all the trouble of finding the best of the best denim deals for me by settling on one of my all-time favorite, go-to denim destinations: The Gap.  And with all their lighter washes and patches aplenty, I'm just sure I could (and would) find the just-wide-enough version I'm a-lookin' for.

Now where oh where did I put that darn Banana card of mine?

Photo Source: Lulu Letty

The Skinny

Here in the Beehive State, as soon as the temperatures drop, we get out our best comfy-cozies from sweater storage to don during all hours of the cold-ish winter weather days.  And usually, once pulled on, the accessorizing stops there.  Well, not this year, Utahnians.  Not if fellow cold temp dweller and Philly resident Veronika from Tick Tock Vintage has anything to say about it.

Her I-can't-believe-I-didn't-think-about-it-earlier sweater style solution?  Just (skinny) belt it.  Of course.  So simple.  So chic.  So darn adorable.  Which means I proudly took it  upon my online-shopping self to see just what I could find in way of buttery brown beltedness for us (and ALL of our sweater-wearin' sisters 'round the world) and our more-than-ready-to-be-chicly-cinched-in wintery waists.

And that's just what I did.  Here, here and here.  And I think I speak for all of us cold-weather-livin' gals when I say: Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, Ms. V for ever-so-sweetly (and stylishly) showing and giving us the skinny on super cute sweater weather style.*

Photo Source: Tick Tock Vintage  

*P.S. If you must get your hands on an oh-so-cute collar too, look here. 

Fashion Flattery

Girl crush alert!  Girl crush alert!  I fell pretty hard for Fancy Treehouse's Coury and her pastel-ified palace in which she oh-so-fashionably resides and reigns.  And that wonderland-like wardrobe?!  To have my closet filled with even half of her candy-colored pieces would be my dressing dream(s) come true.

So I thought I'd start my own closet's dream collection off by trying to copycat flatteringly imitate the  darling head-to-toe ensemble pictured above.  First, the oversized sweater/cardi hybrid with brown accents.  Got it here.  The dusty rose dress?  Right here.  The rusty-hued tights?  Yep, found those too ... here.  And the little white oxfords?  Right over here.

With the sherbety-shades of my first outfit done and found (thanks to Miss C and her infinite inspiration), I feel like my wardrobe and I are off to a pretty darn good once-upon-a-time start at achieving our own happily-ever-after fashion fairytale, don't you?

Photo Source: Fancy Treehouse     

Dot Dot Dot

They say you can look in your inspiration folder and see that usually, most all of the time, there is a common thread with the colors and/or general feel of a piece that draw you in and make up your style likes.  Well, whoever "they" are, they clearly know what they're talking about.  Especially when it comes to me and my obvious case of adoration for the polka dot. 

So naturally, when I saw Time Enough For Drums' Annie shared the same spotted affinity, I felt not only vindicated in my polka-patterned phase, but also thrilled to have to go on the hunt (a bargainista's work is never done) for my wardrobe's next - hopefully blue and white - frock addition.

And I think I found it.  Right here. Now if only I could find a similiar creamy cardi to double up on my dotted darlingness, just like Miss Annie.  Hm.  Guess that just means I'll have to go on another hunt, thanks to her spot on style.  Dot dot dot. 

Photo Source: Time Enough For Drums

Overall Impression

Usually when I think of denim-y overalls, flashbacks of one strap on, one strap dangling off come to mind.  Yeah, that's right.  The 90's.  To be honest, I never rocked that look myself.  Something about the overall practicality and convenience of the things got in the way.

But then I saw Beth from the B. Jones Style blog wearin' a pair whilst thrifting and I couldn't get over how gosh darn cute she looked all decked out in her denim with that darlingly dotted blouse and blazer.  It made me rethink my whole fuzzy past with the bucklers.

So I went on my own little search and found a couple options that I think I, too, could cuff up with some wedged booties and sport in covered confidence.  But I think I'll stick to wearing both straps right where both Beth and I think they should be: resting oh-so-cutely on both shoulders ... circa 2011.

Photo Source: B. Jones Style   

Chalker Chicken

I talked a big chalkboardin' game.  I was all, "I'm totally going to paint some (if not all) of my bedroom walls in black chalkboard."  Yeah.  Uh-huh.  Well ... my bedroom redo happened, but that didn't.

Just rectangular and circular chalkboard stickers did.  What?  I chickened out.  Hence why I have now bestowed the tile of Chalker Chicken to myself.  Hanging head in shame.

No worries though.  Because the Etsy shop, IAMHOME, is going to redeem me.  With their skulls.  I can see it now: shelf upon shelf of lined-up skulls in reds, blues and greens all chalked up and ready to go.  Yeah. 

Who's the chalker chicken now?  Huh?

Photo Source: iamhome

Buggin' Out

A few days ago, I didn't think it possible to combine two of my favorite movements - the crisp clean sophistication of lines in Art Deco and the industrial machine-like side of Steampunk - into one killer piece of jewelry, but then again, I didn't know of Jess Amity a few days ago either. 

And upon further inspection (translation: bugging out over her beautiful baubles for more than just a few minutes during my staring-at-the-screen-session) I was most taken with her necklaces closely resembling those from the insect world.

The deco-decked wings of a key-bodied dragonfly or subtle swirls of a brassed-out cicada ... each one so intricate and unique in its own movement and marriage.  So darn pretty, no?  Sigh.  Now all I'm left with is to hope to save for one of my own before they fly away and land on someone else's neck.

Photo(s) Source: JESS AMITY 

Mad For Plaid

Plaid is just one of those fabrics that is never gonna go out of style.  Not gonna do it.  And I vowed (even if only to my resolution-makin' self) that I would wear more dresses this year, because if I'm being honest, I've pretty much played out the whole leggings thing to its sad little death and demise.

And when I saw this triple threat of tartans over on Sally Jane Vintage's Etsy Boutique, I figured I could start my own plaid-wearing fad.  Then visions of elbow-patched corduroy blazers and tall brown-ish riding boots going on top of 'em entered the fray followed by pulled-back, loosey-goosey buns o' hair. 

And it doesn't stop there.  Oh no.  Then the next logical accessory addition would have to be a hat, of course.  Like this topper or ooh ... this one.  And red lips.  You can never, ever forget the red lips.  And then ... oh gosh.  It's really true.  It gone and happened, hasn't it?  I've truly gone mad ... mad for plaid.

Photo(s) Source: Sally Jane Vintage 

Bigfoot

It's a rare feat when I can find a pair of vintage shoes in my size because, well, I've got me some big ones.  I was even bestowed with the loving nickname of Sally Gunboats once upon a time.  So I'm sure you can imagine my surprise when I found these (faux) furry friends this morning via Small Earth Vintage.  I thought them most appropriate since I live in the state that has the standard issue license plate proclaiming "Ski Utah!"  Except I don't ski.  Never have.  But that certainly wouldn't stop me from pulling on this pair and sitting in the lodge by the crackling, roaring fire sipping some hot chocolate.  Nope.  Wouldn't stop me at all.

Photo Source: Small Earth Vintage

Moving Mountains

I love me some brooches.  Of all kinds.  Big.  Small.  Super detailed.  Simple.  You name a certain style and I want to be wearin' a cardi fancily festooned with it.  Really.  It's a great way to give just a hint of and into your playful personality.  And with this particularly pretty little accessory, I most humbly believe that more is always more. 

And when I saw the mountainous pinners lovingly made by Dawn over on Handmadelove, I figured it would be a darling way to give a nod and for me to show some homestate love of my own (since Utah is known for its picturesque mountains aplenty)  And the pins come in teeny tiny or large grandeur.  Ideal for those of us who plan on immediately collaging and piling 'em onto our blouse's collars.

And if you didn't think they could possibly get any more cuter, you aint read nothin' yet.  These mountain ranges were made to resemble yes, mountains, but mountains made of ice cream.  Now I've made it simply impossible to resist owning one, two, or even three of your very own, right?  I know.  The definition of sweet just got (that much) sweeter.

Photo Sources: Handmadelove

You Read My Mind

I swear Rubyellen over on Cakies is a mind reader.  There's no other way to explain it.  Because how on earth would she ever know that I have been seriously contemplating interweaving some good ol' thrifty vintage into my wardrobe, but just needed a guide (and a little nudge in the right direction) on how to get started in doing it?  Special mind-reading powers.  That's how.

And how did she know I was in search of some sweet sweater weather wear?  Because as much of a layering lady I can be, sometimes I just want to pull on one piece and be done with it.  And preferably from a fresh new Etsy face and a seller that would make my wallet boast and brim with pride on how little a pretty penny would be spent to do so?  Again I say it's the mind reader in her.  Has to be.

So when I read (and excitedly clicked) the P.S. at the very bottom of this post that her little sister has also gotten in on the action and the game of selling some pretty darn thrift-tastic wears of her own over in Etsyville (like every perfectly striped and dotted sweater topper pictured above) over at Richellephant's Vintage Treasures, I wasn't at all surprised.  Seems as if this mind-melding super power runs in the family ...

Photo Sources: Richellephant's Vintage Treasures  

Bow-ed Over

I am an Etsy fiend.  Fiend.  The number of times I visit there in a day is almost uncountable.  It's my addiction.  I can't get enough of it.  I need it like I need air.  It's probably due in large to the fact I not-so-secretly wish I was half as talented with my own hands as all the artists there so obviously are.  Whatever the reason, I'm going to try and use what talent I think I have (this word-writing thing) to get you addicted too.  Yes indeedy.  All week long I am going to shine the spotlight on an Etsy-ian that I am super super jealous of.  Starting with the adorable adornments Zara has over at Chatham Girl. 

I have a big head.  Literally.  All the girls (and boys) in my family do.  It's an ongoing joke.  Once, we even hilariously convinced my brother that his head was as big around as my waist.  It wasn't.  But for a few glorious minutes, he was horrified.  And we were delighted with our victory.  Odd what floats our clan's boats but we wouldn't have it any other way.

So needless to say, I don't always like to emphasize my big old noggin. But when I saw the happily affordable bows, berets and crowns aplenty, I quickly began to change my no-hat-wearin' tune realizing the age-old saying - If you've got it, you might as well flaunt it - to be true.  And I'd look so good doing it.  And the whole white-haired wonderness of it all isn't helping my no-hair-dyeing-in-2011 resolution either.  I may be breaking that particular one sooner rather than later.  And I'll happily lay all the blame on Miss Zara.

Photo Source: Chatham Girl

My Name Shoulda Been Clementine

Upon first seeing this picture, I automatically (almost instinctually) clicked the "Like" option for Bloglovin' to save it for me because I was so struck with it and just knew there would come a time when I would want to spotlight and use it.  Luckily, that time is today.  Right now, in fact.

I had the pleasure of watching Jim Carrey recently in an episode of Inside The Actors Studio and was reintroduced to one of my absolute favorite (and what I consider to be one of the most brilliant) films of all time, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.  As soon as this particular scene's clip was shown, I remembered why the picture above (and the girl in it) resonated so within me.  Clementine.  See ... while viewing the film (and consequently every time thereafter), never had I ever wanted my name to be synonomous with that of Clementine's (color) confident (yet fragile) character more than when it would so lovingly escape from Jim Carrey's character, Joel's, lips.

And as I am wrapping up another week's worth of thoughts - this week's being my makeup resolutions for 2011 - I can't help but keep glancing up to the picture above and being reminded of the true beauty of what we should aspire to be: the makeup that makes up ... us.  Be it pink hair, leopard prints or a growing-out coif and leggings.  The prettiest cosmetics are the ones we put on that makes us feel the most like our authentic selves.  And I must be one lucky girl, because now, whenever I seem to get lost in the expanse of it all, I can come back to this picture and be reminded of exactly what is important: the genuine (cat-eye liner lovin') me.  Red lipstick obsession and all.

Photo Source:  A. Darling

Smoke Monster

Do you ever have a mini self-portrait kind of photo shoot for your blog where you are planning to snap something entirely different than what comes out of the lens ... and somehow you like the surprising results all the more?  That totally just happened to me and I couldn't help but include all the black and white shots that came out of the session.

For all intents and purposes, I was to true my word and tried out the whole natural, smoky eye effect I was talking about earlier in the week and while completely and utterly satisfied with the brown-based results (Cover Girl wasn't kidding when they said it was natural looking) I happily chalked it up as a win in my makeup-applying column.  But it didn't stop there.  The mascara kept swiping and I ended up with these photos instead.

Kinda spooky, kinda spectacular.  I have way too much fun manipulating images in Paint on my computer.  I know that.  But when I saw them in their natural light, I just had to make them darker.  And I'm digging what came out of my experiment.  I guess it rings true for me all the more now since I always answer that I prefer black and white images to color.  Proof is in the (photo) puddin', huh?

And I scrunched and sprayed the livin' crap out of my hair for the impromptu pics so I scored on multiple fronts: I took some pretty cool shots o' myself and discovered a new, easy (and super fast) way to style my hair for when I don't want to take the effort into pulling it into ponies or twists.  Two resolutions down now (a makeup routine I can actually do and continuing to grow out my mane) that I'm a-gonna check off my list.  Feels good.

Photo Sources: Me

Finger Painting

The painting of my nails is the hardest makeup-related resolution for me ... by far.  And why I left it until the end of the week to address.  You may snicker at the idea of it, but people, my nails grow so long, so fast and I get so utterly frustrated with any chip or imperfection that I see that I end up clipping them super super short before it makes any sense to paint color them pretty.

But I really do want to show off their lengths - be them long or short - and want to incorporate color, slowly but surely.  Baby steps.  That's why I was so drawn to a recent Refinery 29 article where I feel like they wrote it just for me by starting with the sheer-y nudes and the pale pinks, eventually moving on to the darker dramatic stuff of the shiny metallic-y shades.

I'm bound and determined to make this (nail makeup) resolution ring true this year.  I'm gonna do it.  And with all the work of choosing the colors already done for me, I'm a-thinkin' it's pretty darn foolproof.  Even for this polish-phobic person.  Now all that's left to do is for me to put the clippers down long enough to actually do it.

Photo Sources: Refinery 29 

In The Mood

I don't see my red lipstick obsession waning anytime soon, but since it is the start to a brand spankin' new year, I should be willing to at least give other shades a try, right?  So why not do it all at once with five mood-changing colors, all in one pretty little fourteen dollar package?  Enter Urban Outfitters' clever little lip set. 

And with names like Temper, Melancholy, Clarity, Vain and Lust - who could resist wanting to swipe them on (maybe all at once too) to see just who you and your mood will be on any given day?  Oh.  And a big old thanks to Mama's A Rolling Stone for the heads (err ... lips) up.

Photo Source: Mama's A Rolling Stone

Cheek To Cheek

Moving on down the face now to the cherub and doll-like cheeks on these gorgeous girls in this pretty little shoot that I came across over in Anja's neck of the woods that I plan on trying to imitate to the fullest, immediately. 

I figure I'm already incredibly (and naturally) pale-faced, so it shouldn't be too hard to get some color a-showin' in some perfectly placed rosy circles along with my blush trick I learned (and talked about here) not too long ago now.

Gosh.  I'm actually starting to believe that I may be able to get a hang of this makeup-wearing thing this year.  Who knows ... the day  may come where I'm even be able to gloat that I can put a full face on in under 10 minutes.  Stranger things have happened, right? 

Photo Sources: Clever Nettle

Walking The Line

When I'm not all smoky-eyed, I plan to line 'em up in nothing but the come hither-y classic cat eye.  All while promising my makeup-lovin' self to remember back to a time when I wore this face paint, this makeup stuff, just for the fun of it.  And because it made me feel ... well ... pretty.

Heaven knows nothing reminds me of this more than the too-cute heart pictured above sitting right beneath a meticulously and mascared-up lash line.  Just ask Valentine.  She knows (and shows) what I'm talking about by practicing what she preaches on her own pretty peepers.

And get this.  She's even willing to teach you and me how to walk that perfect line too, right here, so we'll be reminded (and never forget) to go back to the fun of it all sometimes.  Just because we can.  What a gal. 

Photo Source: *Valentine*

Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em

Something about January makes me think it's the perfect time (fresh start and all) to try all the things I wanted to try and do in the last year but just was too timid or actually found myself running out of time to do.  Like my makeup routine.  All week I'll be focusing on specific looks, tried-and-trues that I plan on adding and rocking makeup-wise all year long.  And I'm starting it all off with the infamous all-star: the smoky eye.

I think it is high time that I nail this particular look and thought I'd try and learn from some of the masters themselves.  Like Carolina and her grey-ish peepers pics for the ultimate inspiration - she wears that grey/black like nobody's business - and Cover Girl since I found an easy 1-2-3 stepped (and boxed) guide in the makeup aisle (with all that I need included: shadow, mascara and liner) for a more natural look in the brown shades for my first go at it.

I'll let you know how it all turns out since I have a feeling I'll be doing a lot of practicing in the meantime (practice makes perfect, right?) and hopefully, eventually, I'll graduate to the big leagues and be able to feel confident enough to wear every shade of grey with the ease of Miss Carolina.

Photo Sources: Fashion Squad  

Blogapalooza 2011: Winter Wear By Bex, Part 2

This sweater is one of my proudest bargain-y buys and moments of the shopping season.  I snatched it up at good ol' Target during a crazy after-Christmas sale-a-thon for like, $17.50.  Insane, right?  As you can see from the picture above, it's the perfect wear-it-just-past-your-hands-to-keep-'em-warm length and is also a direct photographic homage to one of my favorite stylesetters, Hannah (from Hannah + Landon fame).

And to prove just how much I indeed really do love this sweater, I'm going to continue to wear it, even after (and despite) my Pops recent revelation comment the last time I wore it that it looks just like one of his bathroom floormats.  Thanks, Dad.  I know I can always count on your colorful style commentary.

Photo Source: Me

Blogapalooza 2011: Winter Wear By Bex, Part 1

I thought I'd go ahead and finish off this week's winter theme by including my two most favorite and comfy-cozy finds (with a hint of what's coming tomorrow peeking out from today's sleeves).  Starting with my 40 dollar cheetah coat.  Or should I say the-coat-I-literally-wear-with-EVERY-outfit.  That's not an exaggeration.  Whenever I'm stuck on just what topper to wear (even to the neighborhood grocery store), I laugh at myself and say, "Oh, I know!  My cheetah coat!"  Not kidding.

For some reason, every time I wear it, I feel that much more womanly-er and all of the sudden, I ooze this bizarre level of vixen-like confidence that I'd like not to go away any time soon.  So, in the end, I think it's pretty safe to say I am one smitten (and spotted) kitten.

Photo Source: Me 

Blogapalooza 2011: Winter Wear By Mandi

No winterized wardrobe list would be complete without my newest sartorial discovery full o' inspiration: Mandi of Here's Looking At Me Kid.  This sister's got some serious style.  And how.  You have no idea the hours of torture I went through to whittle it down to just one picture for proof.  No idea.

By the way ... have you happened to sense a little theme going on all week?  Maybe something that I must subconsciously want to incorporate more of into my own wardrobe with all the lovely ladies I've featured?  You guessed it ... I need more flowy, frilly dresses in my style life.  Like yesterday.  And no one does it better than Miss Mandi.  That red chiffon-y number above with the matching lipstick and zig-zaggy hat?  I'm dyin' over here.

I guess I just always figured with the colder months comes more layers and thicker pieces and that my frocks would just have to move to the back of my closet and hibernate until the sun decided to come out and shine again.  But not now.  Now I want to wear nothing but the twirl-inducing lovelies.  Thanks to Mandi (and all the other chic chickadees) now me (and my future ensembles) own you one.  Big time. 

  

Photo Source: Here's Looking At Me Kid

Blogapalooza 2011: Winter Wear By Jen

Jen (from Jen Loves Kev) has this uncanny (and totally covetable) ability to find the one background that looks like it was made for whatever she is wearing, whenever she is wearing it.  My most favorite example of this is in the pic above.  Everything goes, but doesn't match, you know? 

Whenever the red-nose-turning weather hits, I feel my style kind of goes out the wintery window so I am always looking for creative ways in which to accessorize and showcase my personality into my wardrobe's pieces (both warm and cold weather wears alike) and I think she is the best darn teacher to learn all those tricks from, don't you?  Just look at that color perfect combo of hairbow and dress.  Brilliant.

And she's really, really, really got me wanting to break out of my 'just mini ponytails and buns for my shaggy, growing-out mophead of hair' phase and possibly adding a pretty headband or two to my mane mix. 

Photo Source: Jen Loves Kev

Blogapalooza 2011: Winter Wear By Betty

I like a girl who knows what she likes, looks good in, and sticks with it.  Take Betty of Le Blog de Betty for example.  She's got such a killer instinct when it comes to her twist on the classic color palette of black, white and brown to which she geniusly puts together with complete panache; like accessorizing with everything from starry sequins and tough studs to super shiny patents.  So totally chic.  

She is my go-to gal for everything inherently understated  and cool.  Whatever she wears, she wears with such an obvious, but alluringly low-key confidence that it makes me think that I could try (and succeed) in doing it within my own closet's confines too. 

And she seems to come from the same school of style thought as me where we firmly believe that there is absolutely nothing that a little (fabulous) fur can't fix.  I dig that.

Photo Source: Le Blog de Betty

Blogapalooza 2011: Winter Wear By Lydia

Next up is the lady from one of the very first blogs I ever read and followed - who quickly and ever-so-kindly, I might add - responded to and welcomed me into this wonderful world of blogging by putting me up in her very own blogroll: the lovely Lydia from Style Is Style. 

She never, ever fails to put a smile on my face when I get to see just what she is wearing next.  She's the best, no, the quintessential definition of a girly girl who isn't afraid to flaunt her whimsy through her feminine and frilly wardrobe including the best darn tights and platforms to match.  Every.  Time.

Oh.  And she's totally convinced me that earmuffs are the cold weather accessory because, as you know, nothing says winter like earmuffs ... right?  Adorable.

Photo Source: Style Is Style

Blogapalooza 2011: Winter Wear By James

All this week I'm going to be shining a big ol' spotlight on the blog(ger)s that continually inspire me, like on a daily basis, and how they masterfully seem to always incorporate their very own unique senses of style into every single ensemble they put together; and since it's been nonstop snowstormin' where I am - with no end in sight - I've decided to put a wintery (wardrobe) spin on it just for fun. 

First off we have "Miss" James from the forever brilliant blog, Bleubird. The girl with the boy name (how freakin' cool is that?!) that always get its so totally right with her mix of thrift, vintage and of-the-moment pieces.  Pairing one heckuva killer fringed coat with a silky tunic (from her very own shop - yeah, it's possible, she just got that much cooler, I know), some black jeans and those infamous J. Simpson platforms?  Total and complete perfection.

She has singlehandedly convinced me to try really, really hard this year to go out and scour as many thrift shops as I possibly can to add to my own winterized wardrobe AND she will forever be synonymous with the motto I have made up for her to remind me to do just that: Go thrift or go home.

Photo Source: Bleubird