ruffles: party of two

 If I have learned anything from starting this blog, it is the fact that the clothes you own can be temporarily altered, or manipulated, so you get the most out of one single item of clothing.  Meaning:  You can make a dress a skirt, by folding it down or wearing a shirt and belt over it.  You can wear a skirt as a shirt, and no one would know the difference. And if they do- so what? 

You're smarter than them.

Hi, my name is Bekah and I am wearing two dresses.  And I feel like a genius. 

I am wearing a summery dress with ruffles (I repeat, RUFFLES) under a more bland (plain by itself) black dress.  And voila, I have a NEW dress.

Maybe, it was my tutu phase as a young, toddler ballerina, but I love everything about ruffly or tulle skirts.  I was horrible at dancing, but I was just in it for the sequins.

And I may or may not have broken in to song while twirling...

 (I feel pretty, oh so prettyyyy...)

So for all of my fashionistas out there, do not be afraid to layer, tuck, belt, pull up, lower, manipulate your beloved clothing items to make them pull double duty for you.  No, I didn't invent wearing two dresses at once, but I'm pretty sure I'd wear ruffles under everything if given the chance.
Special shout out to my fellow FBFFers who nominated me for two different awards yesterday,  The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Rebekah N Bryan + Life and It's Other Drugs.

via

You're lovely and I have officially added you both to my favorite people list.  At the top.In bold letters.
Cheers,

thrifty thursday

I fear that without these snow days, I would not have been 

so excited about blogging this week.

I did go thrifting yesterday between school + work

 (students get half off at citi-thrift on park ave) 

and I was SO thrilled to find a really awesome striped jacket

 and two amazing vintage cardigans (to be seen later).

Introducing.... (drum roll, please)

Thrifty Thursday!

Here's the amazing jacket that I instantly fell in love with.

And the possibilites are endless with him.

The belt is the most expensive part of this outfit, everything else was on sale or given.

Love the bargains.

Yes, if anyone viewing this blog is not from the South, don't be alarmed that this constitutes a snow day.

We are expecting three inches or more this time.

shirt: acquired

leggings: target

boots: shoe dept

belt: new york and company

jacket: thrifted

Studded belts are my thing.

Front porch pictures are super fun, eh?

Taking the pictures outside was more fun, but absolutely freezing.

freshen up.

it's all white over here, and i'm slightly over it.

i love winter, but we have had more snow this winter in Memphis than before.

i'm all for snow days, but the spring lovin' girl in me is begging for some slightly warmer temps.

So, let's explore the idea of six hair and makeup steps to knock off the winter doldrums and 

update your look and mood instantly. 

 All photos via Harper's Bazaar

1. Knockout Nails or Lips

A pop of bright color on your nails or pout will bring instant cheer to a neutral outfit.

2.  Ballerina Buns

A sleek and smooth bun or twist at the crown can make you look put together in no time.

3. Luxurious Lashes

Use liquid eyeliner and a voluminous mascara (or go crazy and add some falsies) to make you feel like a star, even when trekking through this snow.

4.  Perfect Skin

Adding a primer can create a smooth, luminous layer between your skin and foundation.  Add a golden highlighter for a more radiance.

5.  Slicked Hair

Want a new way to wear your hair down?   

Start with a deep side part and slick your hair down and behind your ears.

6.  Amped-up Eyes

Don't be weary of using some color to get attention.  

Adding color to lids or lashes is a must.

Matters of Merrymaking suggests pulling one hair and one makeup tip and combine together!

Instantly add some color and style to avoid feeling dull and gray on these never-ending winter days!

Today's choice: Messy bun, bright red nails and big lashes.

Cheers!