Somewhere in the Midi

Regardless if whether some of us fail to measure up in the height department, I'm living in midi skirts and dresses this summer. The topic of midi skirts has come up many times during Stylecaster's weekly #stylechat on Twitter, with some saying they only look flattering on lanky gals. Even though I'm only 5'4", there's nothing wedges can't fix when it comes to these skirts.

This midi skirt from Aritizia was the first one I ever purchased. It didn't take long after seeing how adorable it looks with many of my shoes to invest in more midi-length items.

 I wore this outfit during a weekend outing with my husband in Westfield, New Jersey to do a little shopping and photo location scouting. Turns out that I've ended up taking photos in front of churches a lot in this town. Not that I mind since they're so pretty.  And luckily, there was no one around.

No matter how many years I've been at this blogging thing, I'll probably always feel uncomfortable taking photos in public. Let's be real: It's awkward and people definitely shoot you looks of all sorts. That's why you have to develop your own ninja style as a blogger... The art of uncover picture taking in public. Should be a book...

Outfit:

Leopard Print Top - Old Navy / Jersey Midi Skirt - Aritzia / Urban Expressions Handbag / Peep Toe Wedges - Nine West / Personalized Bracelet - Brooklyn Charm / Hand Me Down Bracelet - Henri Bendel 

The Perils of Pink

Even though I do consider myself to be a girly girl, I think I still hold on to some tomboy tendencies. Don't get me wrong - on the outside, I'm a total pink-loving lady. But, that doesn't mean I don't know how to play with the boys... or curse like one. Sorry, mom.

Outfit:

Gnome Enterprises Bunnie Tee / BDG Jeans - Urban Outfitters / Tassel Smoking Flats - Nine West / Urban Expressions Handbag (purchased at South Moon Under) / Gold Knuckle Ring - Urban Outfitters / Gold Studded Bangles - Forever 21 

I wasn't always this into pink and whatnot. As a kid, I played softball and used to watch wrestling with my dad (and still do with my husband). I was absolutely more athletic then than I am now. I blame my bangs... I don't like to sweat, and I certainly don't like to go camping or be outdoors unless its surrounded by sand.

But I think holding on to some tomboy tendencies toughened me up. In elementary school, I was the shortest, tiniest girl in the class, which opened the door to some kids picking on me. Would I call it bullying - sometimes. I definitely had days when I faked an illness so I didn't have to go to school. But, I think for all the times I was picked on, now, as an adult, I've got a much thicker, more opinionated, stronger skin. It just happens to be dressed up in a bunnie t-shirt.

The 30-Day No Shopping Challenge Is Back!

I've been bad.

I  might have went a little nuts and accidentally bought more shoes than I really needed within the last two weeks. Three to be exact. And... I also might have treated myself to something I've had my eye on for a while...

It started when I needed a pair of transitional winter/spring shoes for when the weather is too cold for flats, but warm enough not to need boots. Eventually, I found em...

These grey booties by Mia Shoes haven't left my feet since I bought em! They're beyond comfortable, look great with everything and are just adorable!

Outfit:

Blush Blazer - Gap

Striped Pop Art Tunic - Forever 21

Grey Stretch Leggings - Zara

Pampa Wedge Booties - Mia Shoes

Urban Expressions Bag - c/o

Rivet Wrap Bracelet - Henri Bendel

Purple Braided Friendship Bracelet - Madewell

Sterling Heart Bracelet - ?... a craft fair

So, to counteract my spending, I'm bringing back the 30-Day No Shopping Challenge! Last year, I was successful... but barely made it. This year, I'm upping the ante!

The rules are as follows:
1. Starting March 12, I can not shop for 30 days, or until April 12.
2. At any point, if I buy anything non-essential needed (toiletries, household cleaning items, food, etc.) I must write a post on my blog displaying my shame.
3. I can't buy beauty products that are not essential to my daily grooming and upkeep - This rule is new as I am a nail polish junkie.
4. I cannot convince Mike or anyone else to buy something for me and hold on to it for the remainder of my shopping ban - I tried this on Mike last year, and it sorta worked (he bought me a shirt I was coveting after the 30 days).

And, I'm challenging YOU! Think you can last 30 days without buying anything? I'd love to hear your progress if you take the challenge!

Let the madness begin!

Wearing England

It''ll be a year since I've seen my family in England. Mike and I visited for Christmas, but we won't be going out there this year. That doesn't stop me from thinking about my family and how much I really love my visits across the pond.

Outfit:

Floral print peasant dress - Miss Selfridge

Black leggings - Hue

Lace-up combat boots - Steve Madden (bought last year, similar style here)

Pam quilted mini satchel - gift from UrbanExpressions.com

Rings - Stone Agate Ring - H&M - Black Onyx Ring - Etsy

While my first favorite thing about England is my family, my second is shopping. Wow, shocker right? Stores like Top Shop, Dorothy Perkins, and the place where I bought this dress, Miss Selfridge are among the stores I always need to stop in. 

Some people buy souvenirs when they're vacationing. For me, its clothes. 

I own nothing like it,  and knew I wouldn't find it back home . Plus, I can wear a dress any day. So glad I bought this little frock home with me...

The combat boots where also bought last year solely for my UK trip - I needed something warm and stylish, and I thought the boots has a British military vibe. 

Maybe I was British in another life?

Daily Buzz Style 9x9: Bright Fall Pants

Me? Up for a challenge? Always!

When Daily Buzz Style put me to task to create a look with colored pants for fall, I knew exactly which pants I'd style: my newly-acquired red jeans. 

Outfit:

Button front cotton chambray shirt - Old Navy

Red jeans - Forever 21

Folded ankle cuff boots - DSW

Rendezvous Bag - gift from Urban Expressions (also available at DSW)

Owl pendant necklace - Forever 21

Washed Gold Square Case Wrap Watch - gift from La Mer

Red jeans really are a go-to for fall - and I'm not complaining. I live in jeans, so any chance to wear them with a little flair is welcoming, even if this color does resemble a hyper-colored tomato. For me, I found it best to play it minimalist - a solid blouse or top is all you need. Too much print and your outfit will resemble a confused hipster... and I happen to like hipsters.

My button-front top came straight out of my closet from Old Navy. But the pants I scored at Forever 21 for $22! And the boots, DSW had these Jack Sparrow-esque shoes in my size...  I normally wouldn't like a rolled cuff, but since I can tuck any pair of jeans into them, their staying put. 

Tucking my shirt in isn't even an option as I don't want my pants giving off the appearance that I have on mom jeans... until I'm at least in my 50s. Then again, if I saw a mom rocking some bright red pants, I'd have to high-five her.

Flat Footed

While it'd be nice to let you all think I live in heels, I don't. I know it's the fashion blogger think to do, but I like to be as mobile as possibly... and that calls for sometimes wearing my oxfords. These are my first pair, but I'm already on the search for another... patent leather or even a more traditional loafer.

Outfit:

Jersey blazer - Mandee

Printed empire-waist dress - Forever 21

Tights - Target

Oxfords - Mandee

Quinn Bag - c/o Urban Expressions

Leather cuff and silver bangle - Craft fair and Macys

We've had some really miserable weather in NJ lately. Very overcast and uninspiring. Regardless of the dreary temperatures, I feel the need to wear something with a bit of color (even though my outfit is mainly black). Black is my favorite shade, but this year, I'm trying to punch it up a little with bright neons and complimentary patterns. Maybe that's why I don't mind taking jumping photos in the middle of the park?

Tonight I'm attending the first night of NJ Fashion & Beauty Week! Check back for a recap!