[Fashion OOTD] Arrowhead

Outfit Details
Top: StyleMint Classic Pocket Crew (buy here)
Jacket: Urban Outfitters Members Only Quilted Vegan Leather Moto Jacket (buy here)
Pants: Lotus Premium Denim Inspire (buy here)
Shoes: Aldo (similar here)
Necklace: Madewell Arrowstack Necklace (buy here)

Bag: MyOMy My Paper Bag Baggy Original (buy here)

 

I scored 3 amazingly awesome pieces in around the same time frame, that I brought together into one laid back outfit.  I've been looking for a leather or leather-like moto jacket, a piece of jewelry with chevrons and the perfect slouchy tee.  Brought to you in one relaxed ensemble.  It must be providence. 

I also got some pretty fantastic lipgloss on by essence -- it's their stay with me longlasting lip gloss in 10-Pretty Witty thanks to Sophie of Sophie's Dish. It isn't goopy and the color comes through without being obnoxious.  Plus, it matches my shoes!

Thanks for stopping by!

[Fashion OOTD] On the Blogging Bandwagon

Outfit Details

Sweater: StyleMint Hoffman Sweater (similar and on sale! here)

Skirt: Not sure, have had this way too long (similar here)

Leggings: Uniqlo (buy Navy version here)

Boots: Anthropologie Winding Ruffle Boots (Fun black option here, brown option here)

Necklace: Madewell (buy here)

Bag: MyOMy My Paper Bag (It's fair trade! Buy here)

The fiance and I took a 4 mile walk this past weekend and, upon finding this industrial garage, had a sudden inspiration.  Why don't I take a picture in front of it?!  It's the perfect ne'er may care backdrop to my fashionable outfit.  Just kidding.  I was just biting off every fashion blogger that I've ever followed or not.  But the thing is -- these closed garages really are pretty awesome backdrops.  So I'm going to go with this being a creative decision.  Yes...

I love that this outfit is super cozy, yet integrates a variety of textures and patterns.  The nubby sweater, the polka dotted leggings, the ruffled boots -- they all work!  Keeping within the same color palette really helps if you want to try it.

Thanks for stopping by!

StyleMint Mystery Box Review

It goes by many names: Mystery Box, Mystery Bag, Grab Bag, Sample Box, Grab Box.  There's something about a box of some undefined number of items in your size that is almost irresistible.  And really, once I find a brand I like and I figure out my size, I really can't resist.

I discovered StyleMint a year or so ago, and while I was skeptical about subscription services, I admittedly got swept up in the hype.  And really?  I'm super glad I did!  I have loved 95% of everything I've gotten from StyleMint, and the last 5% come from Mystery Grab Bag offers that more than make up for their cost in the items that I actually DO like.  StyleMint offers classic, soft, comfy tees that have the right amount of slouchiness, comfiness and wearable-ness.  You just pay 29.99 a month for a credit that can be spent at any time for all time for items that are significantly lower cost and comparable quality to most high end brands.  And you can skip a month whenever you want!

A year into the subscription, I don't really buy single items from the site anymore.  I've scored most of the stuff that I'm willing to pay full price for.  That said, whenever a Mystery Box comes out, I get SUPER excited.  I love their easy, weekend style!  This unboxing is was a recently offered Mystery box for $35 that would offer 3-5 items in the size that you specify.  And miracles of miracles: I got 5 awesome items!  And I will share them with you now!


Reeve Sweater ($59.98): This piece is awesome for layering and I love the salmon colored stripes!  I like to take a long tank and put this over it. 


Cass T ($29.99): This is a little longer than a typical tee, which is great for folks with a long torso or petites that want a shirt to reach past their bottom.  Plus, stripes anyone? 


Dixon Shirt ($29.99): Just in time for the light sweatshirt trend!  I'm going to glam this up with a collared shirt and a fun twirly skirt. 


Maggie Dress ($59.98): This dress is so easy and throw-on-able (is that a word?) that I already have it!  Wear it with sandals in the summer and with tights and boots in the winter.  If you're interested, I'm selling this baby in my Poshmark closet.  Check out user name "tolookforstyle" (really, are you surprised?). 


Hoffman Sweater ($59.98): An amazing, oversized, cozy sweater.  I can wear this with everything! 

I think I scored with this Mystery Box.  Everything fits well and integrates into my wardrobe.  And I'm really into sweaters right now, so the 3 that came in the box were spot on! 

If you're interested in trying out StyleMint, you can check int out here.

Thanks for stopping by! 

OOTD: You Spin Me Round

Outfit Details

Dress: StyleMint Broadway Dress
Cardigan: French Connection
Shoes: Anthropologie Primped and Pebbled Boots
Scarf: TopShop
Belt: Anthropologie Double Vision Belt
Sunglasses: Stunners

These pictures were taken the day before Valentine's Day outside of a gas station.  Yes, a gas station.  Because there's nothing like making your fiancee multi-task pumping gas in the car and taking outfit photos.  Takes grunge fashion to the next level.  Well, not really.  But a girl can pretend right?

I know I've waxed poetic (well not poetic really, but whatever) about how weird it is to take outfit pictures in public sometimes.  I have to resist the urge to pick up my camera and run flailing my camera and tripod behind me if someone even opens a door in line of sight of me self photo taking.  I don't know what it was about that day, but I had no problem spinning in circles near the gas pump as he took pictures of me.  Maybe it was because he was making me giggle the whole time and I didn't realize other people thought I was being weird.  Or maybe spinning makes me so dizzy I can't see the stares.  Who knows? But you know what? I'll go with it.

Thanks for stopping by!

OOTD: Wedged

Outfit Details
Top: StyleMint
Shirt: Target
Bottoms: 7 for All Mankind Cooper
Shoes: Dune via TopShop
Sunglasses: CottonOn  

You know, I am in LOVE with my wedge sneakers.  They make me taller, they're comfy AND they have sparkles, snakeskin (faux, duh) and suede.  3 S's!  I mean, come on, how could that NOT be awesome? 

Admittedly, this outfit was supposed to be fairly easy and it did look that way.  But it seems that when you roll up boyfriend jeans and rely on them being tight on the leg to stay up, you just spend all your time fixing them.  So, probably never again, but I do think it photographs nicely.  

Have you ever had an outfit you liked but was just too much trouble to wear again? 

Thanks for stopping by! 

November on Instagram

NOTICE: I have extended the Stella and Dot a few more days to give folks a little more time to enter.  The new deadline for submissions is Wednesday, December 5th at 11:59pm.  Go check it out!

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Such an eventful month!  Birthdays, the late explosion of fall in the Bay Area, sports, a road trip down Route 1 with my parents to LA, a Bears game, workouts and winding down.

Left to right, top to bottom: 

• goddaughter rocking the pink hiking boots we got for her birthday // fall foliage 
• coordinated soccer cleats and socks // fresh seafood at monterey bay  
• giant pancakes @ lou lou's griddle in the middle // driving down rt 1 (details: stylemint, anthropologie, gap, stunners)
• hearst castle // bloody mary at tupelo junction  
• sunset at santa monica pier // bears vs 49ers game prep 
• 1920's party (details: target, white house black market, banana republic) // bears game at candlestick park 
• christmas oreos // pre-run

Thanks for stopping by! 

OOTD: Decompression Day

Outfit Details
Top: StyleMint Sunset
Bottoms: StyleMint Rosa Shorts
Shoes: Target
Scarf: J Crew Silk Driving Scarf

 

I specifically remember this as a decompression day.  One of those sorta, but not really lazy Sundays where I could wear whatever I want and not worry about being too casual, too exposed, too...calculated.  When no one's going to judge you for throwing on shorts with an elastic waistband, a neutral henley and loafers that have been so broken in, you're afraid they're going to split open at the seams.   

Because sometimes it's nice not to think too hard about things.  Thanks for stopping by!

OOTD: Motoring Hipsters

I don't think my car has ever made it onto this blog.  Close your eyes for a second.  What kind of car do you think I have? 

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Did you get it right?

I have to say I have an unhealthy attachment to my car.  I got it right after I graduated from college because i was bound and determined to have a Mini Cooper ever since I saw Italian Job in 2003.  Yes, cliche, I know.   

 
Outfit Details
Top: StyleMint Nixon
Blazer: Forever 21
Jeans: Gap 1969 Always Skinny
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylors
Sunglasses: Cotton On
Purse: Orla Kiely

 

I remember being so mad when I moved from Chicago, where NO ONE had my car to San Francisco, where EVERYONE did.  All the hipsters ruined my independent personality! 

Speaking of hipsters, I guess I must have drank the Kool-Aid -- this is a kinda hipsterish outfit.  I even have the polka dot sunglasses!  I really love being able to throw a blazer over a casual outfit and sneakers.  It's just such a contradictory combination.  Bonus points that the flowers on my blazer match my car! 

Hope everyone's having a great September! 

Thanks for stopping by!    

OOTD: Backyardigans

 
Outfit Details
Top: Style Mint Lennox Tee
Bottoms: AG Stevie Ankle Cords
Shoes: All Black
Scarf: Anthropologie
Sunglasses: Stunners

One of the things I miss about living at home with my parents is the presence of a backyard.  While I may not be sliding through a Crocodile Mile or practicing my soccer skills, I could certainly take advantage of one with a good bock and a glass of wine.  Luckily, the BF's sister has a house nearby, so I can vicariously live her priviledged backyard owning life.   I also use her to vicariously have kids, be married and write a food blog.

The title of this blog is also homage to one of my favorite children's cartoons I found as an adult - the Backyardigans.  And after watching it with my god child a few years ago, I totally don't watch it on my own.  Really.

Thanks for stopping by!