EBEW: Polka Dots

I really like polka dots.And it would appear that most of my dots are in my summer wardrobe.Bummer.But I did a little mixing and matching to try to find something to wear today for Everybody, Everywhere.

Not to mention- it was totally windy/cold/rainy when I took these.

I really love the way purple and red look together.

(Although it is always reminiscent of the Red Hat Society to me.)

It makes me happy!

Studded Belts and Ruffled booties also make me HAPPY!

This is a dress with thin straps that I tucked down and paired it over a black shirt.

Just think of all the possibilites sitting in your closet, ladies.

purple cardi: LB, black v-neck: LB, red polka dot dress (as a skirt): RAINBOW, studded belt: LB, booties: DOTS, ring/bracelet: GIFT

Check out those ruffles.

And the bruise on my leg, how attractive.

I'm so clumsy.

If you want to check out how some of my fellow bloggers styled their choice of polka dots, Check out the EBEW website.

Now, a subject near and dear to my heart:

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!

I love fat tuesday.

I hope my pals down in NOLA (shoutout to Carli-bo-barli) are having the most fun ever.

Laissez les bon temps roulez!

So, enjoy some king cake, my loves.

And a hurricane.

YUM!

Neely's Hurricane Recipe via Food Network

CHEERS!

hey there, lumberjack

etsy

ummm, it's true.   

 I spent most of my night reading up on my new follower's blogs, drinking tea, + blaring Adele's new album.  Seriously, she is amazing.  Her new record came out on Tuesday and it's beautiful.

People have told me I look like her, it's a stretch, but I think she's gorgeous! The hair, those lashes! 

Oh my!

So far, this is my favorite song on the album.  

It's sad + depressing (most great songs are), but her voice is powerful.  

Here's a live version:              

Any new music out there that you have fallen in love with?I would love to hear some suggestions! :)

This shirt is thirty years old.  I know this because it was my dad's shirt in high school that I acquired a couple of years ago.  I love it so much, obviously because it was his, but because it is worn a bit + super comfy.  I texted him and told him I was wearing it and he was a happy pappy.

What: Button up: Dad (free), Boyfriend Tee: Target ($8), Belt: Torrid ($8), Jeans: Ross ($12)

What an affordable lumberjack look!

Not my favorite outfit, but we are in a weather transition phase here fo sho'. Flannel was a necessity- but it never hurts to show a little ankle.It drives the other lumberjacks crazy.& GUESS WHAT?You can now follow me on bloglovin' and the independent fashion blogger website.
Oh- and since you love me (and I can see it in your eyes), make sure you are following me on Twitter!

walkin' in memphis

Beautiful surroundings + just being with the people you love can make any day the
BEST day.  Add in a birthday and holiday, and you have the greatest day in February history.

view along the Mississippi River
 
Sister #2 found lots of awesome driftwood,

  the mighty mississippi

 To celebrate the beautiful day of Sister #1's birthday, we went downtown + ate lunch at our favorite place, The Majestic Grille, walked along the river, got coffee + explored Harbor Town.  

We gathered a lot of driftwood and it's really amazing to think that it could have come from anywhere upstream, and now we can use it for crafts or decorating!  Even though it was super duper windy + cold, we had such a good time.

 shirt, leggings, and cardi: LB + shoes: american eagle, necklace: dots

 The wind got a little crazy.  As did the hair.

I really like this outfit because it was comfy + casual, but I felt feminine and fun.  I think those are all important qualities in an efficient outfit.  Oh, and I'm rockin' the frames until this weather can make up it's mind and my allergies subside.
And if that wasn't too much awesomeness for you, here we go:

1.  I want to live in the mountains2.  I love Memphis football3.  I would choose to live in New Orleans over any other US city{Pick the lie + comment with your guess, please!}

oh: and the cake was a WINNER:

brag-worthy buys

 The weekend is almost here.

I am so pumped up. 

Rosey Posey Ruffle Tank

 It must be the sunshine and the much needed dose of Vitamin D (I'm wearing sandals, ahhhh!)!Glorious!  Hope that all of you are having nice + lovely weather too!
So- I'll just brag on myself for a little bit.We made a delicious dinner at Sister #1's house with her lovely roomies.On the menu was Rachel Ray's Spinach + Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast + lemony smashed potatoes.  This is the only pic I got because we were starrrrrrrving by the time it was done. But in case you couldn't tell- it was yum yumm.

Then we all piled in the car and got Sweet Cece's.I just love having a great night with friends smack dab in the middle of the week, makes me smile.no really, i am still smiling.I found Black Swan wine at the wine store.  We needed it to cook with, but I love to buy new wines + the Pinot Grigio was really good.  I thought it was fun, and it would make a great Oscar party favor! The bottle was reasonably priced at $6.99 plus tax.

Have y'all seen the movie?  It's pretty good- 

if you like severely disturbing dance dramas.

I went shopping yesterday afternoon + no, not for me, but my little man.  I have been searching for a bed for Ozzy that wasn't huge or ugly.  And you'll never guess where I found one.  Petco!  

It's made by SNUGGIE and it's a nesting nook.

Sounds crazy, but this dog loves to burrow.

I was SO proud of my shopping trip.  I'm a nerd.

And the prince approves.

happy hump day

teapot (via etsy)
Tried for the three colors today!  Ended up with neutrals and pink.
Feeling somewhat average today, but very excited to have dinner + wine night at Sister #2's house. Pretty average day + outfit, but I wanted to bring a bright POP of color to my black top + pants.

 And if the pictures are rushed and quick-- it's because I took them at work in 5 minutes flat. I'm kind of in to the whole brick wall thing.

 Oh, and my favorite necklace.

Literally, it goes with EVERYTHING!

Close shot of the shoes that you could not really see in the pic.

pink cardi: gap, layered tank tops: gordmans, pants: ny+c, shoes: payless, belt: torrid.com

I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of my new followers + commenters.
I am so excited to blog about the rest of my week (hopefully more exciting moments).
Merry wishes for a fabulous day, my dears.

tuesday's gone with the wind

Happy post-Valentine day to everyone!  I thought it would be me + the dog with some vino.  But it turns out my little kiddies at work think I'm pretty sweet:

Not to mention the note left on my car by darling Sister #1.

Thanks, chickens.

Sister #2 and I had a lot of fun with a lovely photo shoot yesterday afternoon.  The weather was so perfect + we had such a good time.

Isn't she a doll? Yep.

This merrymaker is feeling a little random this morning, overload on caffeine perhaps?

And getting antsy to finish exams + get started on some DIY projects this week, like these precious coasters seen here on Linley's blog, Dwelling & Telling.  

Hitting up the craft stores this afternoon!Also- send me positive thoughts for my bookshelf/dresser repainting!

I hope to post outfit pictures every other day, as I have time.  I appreciate the comments + positive reviews on the recent ones :)  I love reading other style blogs + seeing their outfits.  It is so inspiring for when I open my closet door.  I am working on my discipline!
INSPIRATION for TODAY We are halfway through February, chin up, my chickens, spring is almost here.

Happy Tuesday from me + mine ---> you + yours.

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