Cat Scratch Fever

Two things about cat scratch fever references...

First, Ted Nugent in a loin cloth. Google that up.

Second, since I've moved, the amount of feral cats in my neighborhood is crazy. Every morning when I walk out my door on the way to work, there's a black cat starring me down. I think it's because I'm more of a dog person that I get a little wigged out by it. At least I can pay homage to thuggish felines in this cat print top. And since I'm required to wear dressier clothes to work, I figured I could get a way a button up blouse with cats on it.

Outfit:

Cat Print Pleated Blouse - c/o  Urban1972.com

Black Skinny Pants - ?

BCBGeneration Secret B Leopard Shoes - Macys

Bracelets 

Spiked Bracelet - Forever 21

Polished Brass Bangle - J Crew

Chain Link Bangle - Forever 21

I love that the pattern is slightly abstract... and that'd you'd have to get all up on it to really tell it's kitties.

So, creepy black cat... this outfit's for you. Please stay away from my breath and my car's under carriage.

In-betweeners

 Outfit:

Jacket - H&M

Chambray shirt - Old Navy

Pleather vest - Mandee 

Tights - Forever 21

Shoes - DSW 

Messenger Bag - Macys 

Yes, the In-Betweeners is a hysterical show on BBC (not sure if it's still on in the U.S), but it is also a reference to wardrobe items that can be worn in the winter and transition into spring. But not all items have this versatility.

Take, for instance, winter coats. I hate the bulky jackets. Most of em are not fashionable at all. I try to buy coats that don't make me look like Randy from A Christmas Story (Ralphy's brother). This happened to me as a child (thanks, Mom), and I'm definitely not trying to recreate looking like a line backer.

Plus, you get hot in em indoors. Finding that balance between practical coat and stylish outerwear can be hard. No wonder I like in-between coats - warm enough to wear when it's cold, but light enough for spring weather.

Trenches are good as long as they have lining. I'm constantly cold, so in order to off-set my shivering, I dress in layers under lighter jackets. Yesterday was a bit windy, but I was going to the mall with my hubby, and didn't feel like wearing a heavy coat that I'd more than likely take off and have to lug around. The trip itself was a little disappointing as retail is in the in-between phase where there's a lot of solids and knits... I'm waiting for prints and summer sandals. But in the meantime, this jacket suffices to cloak my bones.

Shopping-ologie

Sometimes I get bored and need to change something up. Usually, I'll go shopping but when I'm really in need of some refreshing, I'll get my hair glazed. It was a spur of the moment decision, as I called in the morning and had an appointment set for the afternoon.

The results: A darker brown with a tint of red.

The salon I go to, Bangz (no coincidence to my own) in Montclair, NJ is located near a slue of shops on Church Street, including Urban Outfitters, small jewelry and clothes boutiques, bakeries and the newest, Anthropologie. Going to the salon is just another excuse to shop since they are in close proximity to each other.

Anthropologie is all types of grand, but my three top reasons for going there:

1. It always smells good.

2. I'd live there. Whomever does their decor, I'd like to hire them to revamp my own digs. This particular store has two levels, all of which is decked out in chic housewares and of course, clothes in Anthropologie's signature aesthetic.

I never noticed the books they carry, but wishlist, here I come.

3. The sale rack

While I peruse the entire store, I never miss the sale section. I've had a lot of luck in this part of the store... everything I've ever purchased has been found there. Saturday was no exception. After shuffling through racks, I took my three potentials to the fitting room.

1. Blue cropped overcoat - $39. This color breaks my color barrier in that I don't own anything cobalt blue. The color and shape of the jacket was adorbs, and as you can see, goes well with what I wore that day. The coat's versatility factor was a plus.

2. Butterfly printed tank - $29. The print on this lightweight, cotton tank immediately caught my attention. I adore abstract prints, and being that I'm finished with buying winter clothes, this top also checked off a lot of pluses.

 3. Striped three-quarter sleeve blouse -  $39. Initially, I liked the color and the pintucked bib. But once I tried it on, not so much.

So, which one did I buy? Check back to find out which one made the cut!