Friday Pet Peeves

dress: cynthia rowley // cardigan: dots // necklace: gift //
 clutch: enit design (HERE!) // booties: lane bryant (similar)

Sure... everything looks fine right here, right now.  Flash forward to one hour later, when the seemingly lovable cardigan stretched out and became almost twice as long.  With huge bat wings as sleeves, I was basically wearing a sheet draped across my shoulders.  Don't go and judge the beloved blue cardigan just yet.  It has definitely been well-loved and is probably on its last leg.  Clothing that stretches out and betrays you is definitely one of my major pet peeves... which got me to thinking about the other facets of daily life that make steam come out of my ears.  

Let's see there is rush hour traffic, or just basically ALL Memphis traffic/drivers/interstates.

When people drag their forks across their teeth... I will seriously COME AT YOU.

Also, I hate hearing people chew.  At a store, when a clerk follows you around and asks over and over if you need help.  No ma'am I've been doing this for quite some time... I'm good.

When people don't use their blinkers, I turn in to Clark Griswold.

I also get majorly annoyed by "hubby" or "hubs," I mean he didn't lose his name when you got his, ladies.  I could honestly go on and on, but it's Friday and I don't want to start the weekend as a grump.

I hope your weekend is full of happiness and people who eat their food like normal humans.

XO

Chevron & Mint

{chevron top: jc penney | shorts: dots | sandals: target | clutch: target | necklace: dots}

There is something about a spring breeze and breaking out my shorts and sandals that makes me want to run to the nearest restaurant patio and order a Sea Breeze.  Now while I have to continue working with rambunctious little preschoolers and wait for happy hour to come, at least I have outfits like this one to fall back on.  I love the short SHORT amount of time in Memphis in the Spring before it gets too hot here and you can integrate your light winter tops with your summery items!  It makes the wardrobe seem a bit bigger for a few weeks.  Thennnnn it's 101 degrees with 100% humidity in the shade.

Hey, bartender? Yeah, make mine a double.

All about DOTS

If you have been a reader of Matters of Merrymaking for any length of time, you know that trends and affordability go hand in hand when it comes to my daily style.  I frequent stores that sell pieces that are very on-trend and stores that sell more investment-type pieces.  One of my FAVORITE places to shop in Memphis, is DOTS.  See some of my all time favorites from Dots: these pants, the infamous purse, and my favorite shirt! It is kind of like Forever 21 in the aspect that it sells trendy pieces to a younger crowd, along with fun accessories and shoes.  Most items stay under $25!
DOTS contacted me to let me know they were opening TWO new stores in Memphis and I was thrilled!  They invited me to take a tour of a new store and check out some of the new pieces for Summer!I walked in and was blown away.  Divided by color and trend, the store makes it easy to find all that you need to add to your wardrobe for the summer months! And yes, I came home with some neon pink shorts!

I talked to the store manager (Hi, Olga!) about all of the amazing clothes and she kept coming back to the SPICY colors that are taking over the scene.  Also, the amazing amount of tribal prints and lace really stood out to me.  I can definitely get behind these trends for many seasons to come. 

 Crazy print, bright colors? That dress definitely came home with me.

Check out their website and see if you have a DOTS in your area, and go check them out.  You will not regret adding some trendy FUN pieces to your closet this summer.Thanks for having me DOTS! I had so much fun and we all know I will be back soon!XOXO, the merrymaker.



psThe eShakti giveaway ends tomorrow night at 12PM CST. Enter before it is too late, chickens!All opinions and photos shared are my own.  I was not compensated for this post, I am just a super fan.

closet canvasing: first edition

can·vass  (knvs)

v. can·vassed, can·vass·ing, can·vass·es

1. To examine carefully or discuss thoroughly; scrutinize:

If you are a Law & Order: SVU aficionado, like me, you are familiar with the above vocabulary term.  But if your Netflix queue is full of lighter, friendlier shows, allow me to explain. 

::LAW AND ORDER THEME SONG:: 

When Detectives are informed of a crime, they canvass the area to see what information they can throw together from witnesses, victims, etc.  So if one were to canvass my closet, they would see a hoard of clothes that either has (a) tags still on them or (b) only seen daylight once or twice.  Thus, I am challenging myself to bring some of the workable pieces out and pair them with new buys. THUS, creating brand new ensembles.  Here's my first trist with Closet Canvass.  Enjoy!

So I got this LBD from Ross (my dress go-to store) and I've only worn it once.  It went in the back of my closet because it hits me at a weird angle due to my height.  It's a little longer than I prefer, so I when it resurfaced (YAY!) I paired it with this belt and it shortens it just the right amount.  Once I was happy with the dress, I was able to pair it with purple tights from DOTS (also, never been opened).

via

Outfit #1: The belt is literally my FAVORITE recent purchase.  It hold unlimited possibilities AND it was on clearance!  The shoes are really dressy and tres adorable.  I measure about 6'4'' in them so they are only for short parties.

Close up of the shoes from behind

 Outfit #2: So I took a little break and sat down in a dress, yeah yeah, and changed my shoes for a more comfortable look!  The Gap boyfriend cardi helps make the outfit shabby chic when combined with the leopard flats.

 Outfit #3:  Gray cardigan = more neutral.  I like tights, but only for a limited amount of time.

Outfit #4:  I got this coat three Black Fridays ago at Target.  I wore it that following winter and haven't touched it since.  It compliments the LBD perfectly and it was a hit!

Did you like my outfits? 

Try pulling one piece out of your closet and pair it with something newer, the possibilites and fun are endless.  Happy Friday, enjoy the weekend! xx