Small Town Fashionista

A couple of weekends ago, I stopped by Anthropologie on the way to pick up our new puppy. I was under time constraints, so I didn't get to try on as many things as I would have liked, but I did manage to snap a few pics for reviews. It was a disappointing trip since pretty much everything I tried on looked horrible on me that day, but I did manage to find one gem out of the bunch.

Ostara Mesh Chemise ($88). This dress caught my eye as soon as I saw it online, so it was at the top of my list of things to try on in the store. It looked great on the hanger, but I was very disappointed once I got it on my body. The top portion hung down weird at my waist line, and the front of the dress seemed a little too short in proportion to the back. I know, I know, I love me some mullet action, but this mullet was a little too intense even for this girl. Still, looking at this picture, I'm wondering if things would have gone better in a smaller size. I tried a medium, but perhaps the small would have been a better fit. Also, the beaded belt they paired it with in the catalog shot might have made a difference. I was bummed, because I really wanted this dress to work. I think I will give it a try in a small the next time I'm in the store. For now, it's a pass.

Damia Strapless Chemise ($78). Same dress, different material, same result.

Knotted Cherry Halter ($58). This top had a cool, retro vibe that appealed to me. In addition, the price was right, so I decided to try it on. The store didn't have any mediums left, so I had a decision to make: was the small or the large going back to the dressing room with me? The voices of commenters past played out in my head, "Size up! Size up! Size up!" I went with the large. The fit did nothing for me, and the little "belt" at the waist was just weird. On a positive note, the material is extremely comfortable. A size medium might have made a difference here, but I'm not into this top enough to go through the trouble to find out. Although, it might be worth it to prove the size police wrong. Pass.

Decadent Layers Shell ($148). This little top is simply gorgeous. I picked it up knowing it wouldn't work on me, but I just had to give it a try. Once I got back to the fitting room, I saw it on a SA and my jaw dropped. It looked so good on her. The back is to die for. I really, really wanted this to work. I tried a medium and a small, and I think the medium was a better fit. My bra was sticking out underneath the lace in the back, so I asked the SA what kind of bras people were wearing with it. Her answer: they didn't wear a bra. Unfortunately, that is not an option for me. Another issue was that the front of the top was very short and boxy, making me look really wide. These things combined with the price ruled this top out. If you are tiny, run, don't walk, to your nearest Anthropologie and buy this top. It's pricey, but you won't regret it!

Convivial Midi Dress ($168). I was intrigued by this dress when I saw it on the hanger. I was digging the print and the cutout shoulders. The bright pink tassels? Not so much. However, the tassels are a part of the removable belt, so I thought I would try the dress on in hopes of pairing it with a better belt. I tried a size 6, and it was huge everywhere except the arms. The bottom part of the arms was pretty tight almost to the point of being uncomfortable. I knew if I sized down so the rest of the dress fit properly the arms would be unbearably tight. Also, I didn't care for the pink thread woven around the neckline. It didn't seem to make sense without the dreaded pink tassels. Pass.

Diamondflower Mini Dress ($118). Ah, finally, we have a winner! I was beginning to think I wouldn't find anything to make me smile during this trip. See my face in this picture. That's what I thought about this shopping trip. LOL! I always chuckle at how pissed off I look in my fitting room pictures. Hey, shopping is hard work. I'm just keeping it real. Anyway, I thought this dress was going to go the way of the other dresses on this day. From the front it looked great, but from the side it made me look 6 months pregnant. For some reason, the back of the dress weirdly hung away from my body. I wasn't ready to give up yet, though, so I grabbed the belt I had worn into the store that day and threw it around my waist. Walla (aka viola)! This dress was instantly transformed from fumpy to sexy. It was enough to turn that frown upside down. Purchased!

CONVERSATION

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Top: Anthropologie Tied-Hem Tank - Size S
Skirt: Old Navy - Size 6

Earrings and Ring: The Limited

Bracelet: Anthropologie

"Love, it is our honour. Love, it is our all. Love goes on forever. Yeah, love it is our home." - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Well, hello there! Remember me? It's been awhile since I last graced these parts. I decided it was time to join the land of the Internets once again. Well, actually, I've just now had time to catch my breath and take the time to write out a post. Oh, and the fact that I actually have Internet access now doesn't hurt any either.

I am one tired lady. As a testament to how exhausted I've been, I haven't even thought about fashion since last Tuesday and, trust me, that never happens. What has had me so out of sorts? We FINALLY moved into our new house on Wednesday! More accurately, we moved into our new house Wednesday through Sunday. It was the most brutal move of my life. It's amazing how much stuff we've accumulated over the last year. Also, it's strange how heavy it all is. Cheap furniture ain't lightweight, that's for sure! I have worked my ass off these last few days...literally. It has been a big change from sitting behind a desk everyday to doing physical labor every waking hour. Today is the first day in a week that I actually feel like a human being. I've been a sweaty, stinky, grungy, grimy, moving machine. We have gotten a lot done, but there is still so much to do.

I wore this outfit way back last week before my whole world turned topsy-turvy. I think I was anxious about the impending move, because I look really angry in all these photos. Either that or the boiling hot sun was blinding me and making me hotter than a lady standing out in the middle of a field of Queen Anne's Lace on a hot, humid day. Oh the crazy things I do for this blog. I was so itchy when I got out of this field that I wanted to scratch my skin off. Thankfully, I refrained. I've got enough to deal with at the moment.

I never thought I'd say this, but it's been good to return to work today and get back to some sort of normalcy. However, over the next few weeks, my nights are going to be filled with all sorts of nesting activites. We still have a bed, 2 dressers, and a nightstand to put together. There are lighting and plumbing fixtures to be installed. There is painting to be done, and pictures to be hung. And that's just the inside. The yard is a whole' nother beast. Let's just say there is poison ivy in very large quantities.

As much as I'm complaining, don't let me fool you. I'm loving this time in my life. I'm soaking in every minute of it. Well, maybe not the ones where I'm too exhausted to move, but you know what I mean. It's a special time. Jerry and I are all growed up now. We like to joke around and say we've graduated from college and are full-fledged adults now. I can't wait to see what this new chapter in our life brings!

CONVERSATION

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CONVERSATION

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Top: Anthropologie Remolino Lace Pullover - Size M

Jeans: Pilcro High-Waisted Flares - Size 28

Shoes: Anthropologie Wishbone Wedges

Bracelets: Anthropologie Kruos Bracelet

Earrings and Ring: The Limited

Butterfly Pin: My Daughter, Kiley

"A delicate balance...and this just feels like spinning plates." - Radiohead

Well, it's been a few days, hasn't it? I've been a very busy girl. We are FINALLY closing on our house today, so we have been occupied with preparing for the move. In addition, the school year is coming to a close and my days and nights have been filled with end of school activities with my kids. Oh, and we picked up our puppy this weekend. So, a lot of exciting changes have been happening in my life.

This outfit is from last week. I saw this sweater on a reader who is also a Facebook friend and instantly knew I needed it in my life. The butterfly pin was a gift from my daughter for Mother's Day. She made it herself. I think it's pretty good work for a 4 year old. I was a little apprehensive about pining it on my sweater. In addition to being beautiful this sweater is extremely delicate. Thankfully, I was able to stick it through holes in the sweater and actually pin it to the cami underneath.

Speaking of being delicate, my anxiety level has been back up lately. All the changes, even though they are exciting, have upped my stress level. The ride home with the puppy was especially rough. I think I tried to do too much in one day. Jerry and I drove 2 hours to Anthro, so I could redeem his birthday discount (our birthdays are only 4 days apart), then we drove 2 hours to pick up the puppy, and then we drove yet another 2 hours home. On the way home, the puppy got sick 3 times in the car, and I found myself feeling very overwhelmed and anxious. I'm feeling much better today. The puppy has gotten settled, and we've all gotten used to one another. Of course, now that we are all settled again, it's time to move into a new house. Never a dull moment. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Radiohead - Like Spinning Plates

CONVERSATION

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Top: C/O Oasap Short Front Hem Open Shoulder T-Shirt - One Size

Jeans: AE Jeggings - Size 8

Shoes: AE

Necklace: Anthropologie

"The cold shoulder, folded arms, and looking up." - Imogen Heap

I don't know if you've noticed, but I've got myself a little ad over there on my sidebar. I was contacted a few weeks ago by a representative for the online store Oasap, and she made me an offer I didn't want to refuse: free merchandise in exchange for blogging about it. I have to say I've always been slightly jealous of bloggers who get c/o items, so I was excited to get my own free swag.

I started the process rolling by browsing their website. At first, I was overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of items they had to offer, but, thankfully, the website offered some filtering options that helped narrow down my search. Oasap carries an wide array of styles and products. There is literally something for everyone and every occasion. Some of their merchandise is a little "out there" for me. It looks more like something I would wear for Halloween rather than a day at the office, but to each her own. You gotta love a store that caters to women from all walks of life. I was able to find many things that fit my style, but I decided to play it safe and get something I knew would work for me. I was certain that this black tee with the cut out shoulders would be a welcome addition to my closet. It's such a fun and comfortable top, and it's got some sweet mullet action going on with the hem line. I was a little skeptical about the "one size fits all" business, but this top looked flowy enough that the one size just might work on me. I placed my order and within a few days my top arrived.

I was thrilled when I pulled it out of the package and it fit perfectly. I decided to pair it with jeggings, sandals, and a statement necklace. I really love how this outfit turned out. The only negative I can think of is my shoulders got a little cold in the chilly restaurant we ate dinner in after this photo shoot. Oh well, a girls got to be willing to suffer a little for fashion. One things for sure, I will not be giving Oasap the cold shoulder. ;-) I highly recommend this top and the Oasap shopping experience.

Imogen Heap - Earth

CONVERSATION

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Dress: Anthropologie Sky Trails Maxi Dress - Size XS

Sweater: Old Navy - Size M

Necklace: Anthropologie

"I bet when I leave my body for the sky the wait will be worth it." - Local Natives

I've been thinking a lot about death lately. One of my mom's good friends is dying, and it has been weighing heavily on my mind. Just a week ago, she had no idea that anything serious was wrong with her and now she is on her death bed. Also, a couple of weeks ago our neighbor died. She was a sweet little lady who had just dropped by the apartment a few days before her death to invite us to her church. She had been watching TV with some friends and was getting ready for bed when she had a stroke and died a few hours later. It scares me, how quickly we can be gone and how fragile life is.

I've never had anyone close to me die, so I don't handle death very well. All my grandparents died when I was very little, and I don't remember much about them. I do remember my paternal grandfather would hold out change in his hand and would snatch it away and put it back in his pocket before I could get a hold of any of it. Apparently, he found this very entertaining, and from what I've heard, he loved money, so I guess this fit his personality. I also remember my maternal grandmother allowing me to play her piano. She had 8 children (all girls), so, as you can imagine, she had tons of grandchildren. I don't know why, but I was the only one she would allow to bang on her piano. She left it to me when she died, and it's sitting in my apartment as I type this. My kids like to bang on it.

I have no idea why I'm rambling on about all this. I guess I just realize how important it is to make connections with people while we're here and live life to the fullest. I wish I could have known my grandparents better, but nothing can be done about that now. However, something can be done about the relationships I have with the people who are still here. I'm trying, but I can't do it alone, and it's frustrating.

I visited my mom for Mother's Day and all she did was vent to me about how everyone disappoints her: me, my sister, my nephew, and the list goes on and on. I had such a hard time picking out a Mother's Day card for her because none of them fit the relationship we have. As I browsed through the cards, they just got sappier and sappier. Does anyone really have these kind of relationships with their mother? "Thanks for always being supportive" - yeah right. "You are kind, caring, and the best mom in the world" - she'd know I was full of shit with that one. I finally settled for one with a Thomas Kinkaid painting (she really likes his work) and a message wishing her a great day. During my visit with her, I found out that my dad still doesn't want to speak to me. My mom said I might as well give up on that, because he doesn't love me. She doesn't think he's capable of love. As you can tell, we had a really lovely visit.

Given all this, I am still not going to give up on my parents. As long as I have breath in my body, I will let them know that I care about them and would like to have a relationship with them. In their absence, I will enjoy spending time with those who want to be around me, and I will raise my kids with more love and support than I ever received. If I do this, when my day comes to leave this place, I will have no regrets.