Pickin' for Plaid

Over the weekend, mom and I went to Putnam, CT for some bonding time over antique/thrift shopping.  I arrived with a list.  I left with a vintage plaid jacket, a 1970's floral maxi dress, and nothing from the aforementioned list.  While a wooden ladder and brackets for the kitchen are still eluding me, the winter weather is not... so I'm breaking out the plaid jacket. 

Jacket:  Vintage (from Panache Consignment)

Jeans:  BR Factory

Chambray Shirt:  Old Navy (similar)

Sweater:  Gap Outlet (older)

Necklace:  Ebay (search: statement necklace)

Places to shop in Putnam, CT:

Cafe:  Victoria Station Cafe - adorable, vintage vibe with homemade baked goods.  We both noshed on fresh from the oven scones and drooled over the gynormous cupcakes!

Antiques:  Antiques Marketplace and Jeremiah's Antiques.  Both had amazing inventory but most things were either out of my price range or not on my "list".

Thrift:  Panache was a delightful little consignment shop.  Clean, friendly staff, and quality clothing, shoes and accessories.  Small vintage selection, but clearly that didn't stop me from finding a few things.  Mom left with a faux fur reversible coat to add to her collection!

Sailing Away

Recently, we took a glorious 3 day Disney Cruise.  It was magical, exciting and pretty much the last time I was warm.  New England Winter, I am done with you. 

With Spring nearing and Cruise memories still fresh, I'm focusing in on one of my favorite styles, Nautical.  And again this year, Nautical is IN!  Actually, I'm not sure if it ever went "out", I mean, why would it?  Regardless, nautical prints are anchored into my closet (see what I did there) and I am a huge supporter of it never going out of style.  I am also a huge supporter of coordinating family outfits for certain moments/events.  I'm not ashamed of it... I can't say the same for them:

KIDS:  T-shirts = Gap Outlet, shorts = Target

HUBBIE:  Shirt = Under Armor Outlet, shorts = Banana Republic Factory Store

ME:  Hat = Forever 21, Sweater = Banana Republic Factory Store, Skirt = J. Crew Factory, 

Shoes = Aerosoles via TJ Maxx

Want to add some Nautical into your wardrobe?  These pieces can sail right into your closet and still leave you money for a getaway cruise! (#4 may or may not be in my online shopping cart as I type this).

One:  Gap

Two:  Old Navy

Three:  ModCloth

Four:  J. Crew Factory

Still hesitant to jump aboard?  Here are some simple options to add just a touch of nautical style.

Earrings:  Modcloth

Shoes:  Zappos

For more nautical inspiration, check out my Pinterest page!

Armed with Gold and Green

The bracelet stack.  As with all "trends", I've seen this one before (think 1980's jelly bracelets - I could fit 50 on one arm!).  This time around, however, I am enjoying the styles that highlight different colors, textures, sizes.  I really feel like you can't go wrong with this - so take some chances, rummage through your old jewelry and see how your arm delights in being wrapped with so much treasure!  Check out some of my latest stacks -

Wearing:
Gold set of Alex & Ani (gift from sister-in-law)
Monogram set of 3 (gift from my mom at Christmas via Georgie Wedding)
Cameo Clasp (vintage - found at Crompton Collective)

Wearing:
Gold set of Alex & Ani (gift from sister-in-law)
Monogram set of 3 (gift from my mom at Christmas via Georgie Wedding)
Green stretch bands (self made via For the Makers)
Green braid with gold charm (self made via For the Makers)

Do the wave!

Technically this is not a new trend... but for someone who is hair styling challenged, anytime I can get something to work, I get excited.  So I write about it thinking (and hoping) I'm not the only woman with this "issue".


What I am talking about is my new found love for the curling iron.  Back in the 80's when big hair was in and the curling iron/aqua net love affair was all the rage, I had to rely on a perm to get my bangs sky high (and even then they were weak).  Why you ask?  Well, because I couldn't figure out the damn curling iron.  My tween-age hands just couldn't grasp the concept.  Looking back, I now know that I was basically rolling my hair backwards OVER the clip creating a horrible crimp.  But also looking back, I don't have big hair :)

Now it is 2013 and I am loving the loose/beach waves look.  It gives me another option then just using the flat iron.  So, I dusted off my curling iron (OK, I bought a new one) and set out to learn the wave.  While I was doing OK on my own, I wasn't achieving the look I wanted.  Then I came across this tutorial - short, simple and something I could handle.

Take it from this curling iron flunkie - you CAN do this! 
Happy Waving!!