Mr. Picks Mondays: So Chill

I scooped up this little dress when there was still snow on the ground. I liked it, didn't love it, but for only a few bucks, I figured I could wear it once or twice and call it good. I wasn't expecting to love it so. dang. much.

The Mr. picked it out, and I was a bit hesitant at first - not sure why, maybe it's the change in pattern right around my hips/thighs? But the length and wide shoulders make it perfect for work, it's got low-maintenance-wearability [<-- is that a thing?] (no ironing!), light and flowy, kept me cool, and, I hate to brag, but I think the color made my eyes POP! And not to mention, I received plenty of compliments on it during the course of the day. It transitioned easily from work to celebratory drinks and dinner with a friend who got a big kid job, and did I mention I was incredibly comfortable all day? 

Last summer I wore lots of pants and capris, and I was so uncomfortable most of the time.

it. was. so. hot. 

So far this spring/summer, I'm more interested in comfort, and as such, I've been wearing more skirts and dresses. And I've been significantly cooler (so far!) :)

dress: WalMart

denim jacket: from a friend (Old Navy Outlet)

sandals: Born via DSW

Spirit Animal

I know croakies don't really match my outfit, but I love those things. they keep your sunglasses RIGHT there. I'm expanding my collection - next up: monogrammed croakies

This outfit is an oldie, as well. I wore it on a day when we had a nice little taste of spring. The sun was out, it was warm, and the wind was delightfully absent. I met the Mr. and a friend for dinner and drinks after work, and we sat on a patio while we enjoyed our vittles.

I don't consider myself outdoors-y, or "one with nature," but there's something about being able to be outside and NOT freeze, when all winter you've been cooped up inside, trying to stay warm. I know some people hate the heat, but I would so much rather be hot than cold. Bring on the heat, the sunshine, the shorts and the sandals. 

Summer is my spirit animal ;)

top: American Eagle

skirt: thrifted

shoes: WalMart

necklace: Old Navy

bag: gift

Dots & Poppies

I came up with the idea for this ensemble ages ago. Then had to wait WEEKS for the weather to cooperate (it's currently cooler than 50 degrees right now. and dark. and rainy. which is FINE. however, I was hoping to spend all day today and tomorrow laying in the sun at a friend's pool. so, there's that).

And then, I waited WEEKS to post it here.

I know, I know!

Worst blogger EVER. 

To be honest with you, I haven't felt inspired/motivated lately. To blog, to play in my closet, to write anything, to impress you with my witty self. Part of it is I've been a wee bit busy - training for another half, booking flights to the Sunshine State, patio drinking, drinking Snapshots at New Belgium Brewery, and taking video of my handsome Turb rolling in the grass.

But part of it is I feel like I'm out of sorts, and this poor little blog gets neglected as a side effect.

Bear with me, if you will - that'd be great!

with my denim jacket. and my sweeties, of course

shirt: WalMart
sweater: J. CREW Factory
denim jacket: from a friend (Old Navy Outlet)
skirt: J. CREW Factory
shoes: Kohl's
neclace: Ann Taylor

America's Pastime

Several weeks ago, the Mr. got tickets to watch the Rockies play from work. So we headed to Denver for an evening of baseball - the only sport I can keep up with...!

Oh, and here's a few pictures of what I wore :)

our seats - just a few rows up on the 1st base side. it's a rough life

view from the new rooftop bar/beer garden at Coors Field

can't wait to come back to this place later in the summer!


shirt: thrifted (from the Rockies inaugural season!)
plaid button up: Old Navy
jeans: thrifted (True Religion)
shoes: COACH via DSW
North Face jacket: Sports Authority

Navy on the Job

This navy cardigan from Banana Republic is a recent acquisition. And I LOVE it. Really. My life was just one big empty shell without this cardigan. 

Kidding...

I knew I wanted a navy cardigan, but I didn't realize how much I would love wearing it. Below are two different ways I styled it for work. Both with something else navy. Of course :)

 

left: sequins & bedazzled shoes / right: flannel & tennis shoes

 

 

 

on the right: I was invited to a construction site at work for a BIG project. the timing was too perfect - I mean, I was wearing flannel, AND long pants, AND close-toed shoes.

and my pink hard hat is e'er'thang

 

on the left:

sweater: Banana Republic

sequined tank: WalMart

scarf: gift (Old Navy)

jeans: Aéropostale

flats: thrifted

on the right:

sweater: Banana Republic

flannel shirt: Old Navy

jeans: thrifted (Old Navy)

shoes: Payless

2 Basic Ingredients

 

 

  

 

 

These two outfits each contain two similar ingredients: a chambray, and polka dot pants. Yet, very different outcomes! It's like when you make banana bread, but instead of adding bananas, you add zucchini, or pumpkin. Similar inputs, change up a thing or two, and voila! A different, yet equally delicious outcome.

Have I mentioned that my chambray collection has really grown? We're talking upwards of 5 shirts...not to mention a dress...and a skirt. Don't judge - they go with everything!! So, I find myself reaching for them all the time . And if I'm shopping and see a wash or fit that I don't have, it doesn't take much for it to come home with me. Sorry not sorry?

on the left:

chambray: thrifted

pants: Ann Taylor LOFT

scarf: thrifted

sandals: Target

on the right:

chambray: Kohl's

sweater: Hollister via Plato's Closet

pants: Old Navy via Plato's Closet

flats: thrifted

Mr. Picks Mondays: Memorial Day

 

A few things to share with you today:

1) Happy Memorial Day! Thanks to all those who serve and have served. I love days like today (the 4th of July, Labor Day, and Veteran's Day more than most other holidays), because I make sure to profusely thank my favorite vets (Mom and Dad), and every other veteran I meet, for their selfless sacrifice of protecting our freedoms.

2) The next summer holiday, Independence Day, I'll be celebrating in my favorite place (the beach) with some of my favorite people - WEEEEEEEE!! In a really sweet American-flag print swimsuit. Heyooooo! I plan to spend the whole time on the beach, and when I'm not beaching it, on a boat.

3) My Mr. picked out this polka dot chambray for me to wear. And while I love it, remember my optical illusion trick when it comes to this boxy fit? This time, I layered a sweater over it. Which was totally necessary, because, hello, springtime in the Rockies.

My Dad reminded me yesterday that it snowed on Memorial Day weekend several years ago. Which is enough to make me question why I live here. I mean, I love Colorado - don't get me wrong. We have the beautiful mountains, I always know which direction I'm driving (the mountains are west. unless you are IN the mountains, and then, well, take a gander), our summers are great, winters are pretty, the skiing is spectacular, but every year, from March to May, I seriously consider moving somewhere where it DOESN'T SNOW IN MAY. Like, Florida. Or somewhere in the South. Or even California. This crazy weather is enough to drive a girl mad. Just ask my husband - every time the weather gets all wonky, I get cranky and start packing my swimsuits and flip flops, and threaten to forget how to drive in the snow.

*sigh*

But, then, the sun comes out and melts away all the snow, and I'm reminded that summertime in the Rockies is one of the most beautiful things in the world.

chambray: thrifted

sweater: Aéropostale

pants: Aéropostale

boots: Rack Room Shoes