Horsetoothin' around

A few weeks ago, some of my husband's family came up to visit us for an evening. My mother-in-law packed a lovely picnic lunch, and we all took a drive up to Horsetooth Reservoir, just west of Fort Collins.

Confession: I've lived in the area for several years, and this was the fifth time I've been to the reservoir...once was at night, twice on hikes that overlooked the water (no time to look, only concerned about breathing and getting back to the air-conditioning), and the other was a boating expedition, where I was more focused on tubing and drinks.

So, we went to Horsetooth, picnic-ed (is that a word?), and I was gently reminded how beautiful the view is. The view, the water, the mountains, and all of the green trees and bushes. It was warm, but not hot, and of course there was a breeze to keep everything moving.

In essence, a lovely summer evening.

I threw on these anchor print shorts after work, going for a monochromatic look with my navy blue shirt. The anchors also seemed a bit fitting because of the marina and boats at the res (in retrospect, of course I dressed for a nautical theme ;] ) At times, these shorts can look pajama-esque, but a navy button-up helps to elevate them a bit, and keep them looking more sharp & smart than lounge-y.

I'm trying to enjoy all of the summer things before fall gets here and we are inundated with Pumpkin Spice lattes and pictures of leaves and sweaters and boots (can you tell how I feel about fall taking over everything?).

On that note, I've got plans today to celebrate a new friend's wedding at a poolside reception, and then enjoy a free music festival with more friends (and great beer).

Here's to a few more weeks of gorgeous summer, Colorado!

button up: thrifted (J Crew)

shorts: J Crew Factory

sandals: Target

beautiful nature: c/o of Colorful Colorado

linking up:

DC in Style // Shopping My Closet // Sydney Fashion Hunter

The Red Closet Diary // A Pocketful of Polka Dots // Classy Yet Trendy

Tucker Up

girl crush

Ta da! Here is what I wore to see Miranda Lambert perform at Cheyenne Frontier Days ("the Daddy of 'em all"). We saw Tim McGraw last summer, (read that about here) and even before he came on stage, the rodeo announced the headliners for this coming year. Miranda was one of them, so we decided then and there that we had to come. The Mr. is a big Miranda fan (he likes "angry chick country," as he calls it. So of course we'll try to see Carrie Underwood sometime, too).

But this year, we were smarter, and we purchased seats in the stands, away from the drunken hot mess that is the "Party Zone," which is closer to the stage. So we were able to sit, enjoy one of our favorite musicians, and not spill our overpriced beers.

As for my outfit, I tried to lean a little towards rock n' roll (I know. really? me?), but Miranda is known for her bad-ass looks & bandanas & leather & studs & gun-baring shirts, and I wanted to dress appropriately for my girl crush. Enter my red studded tank (the only studded item I own). The vest was more of a completer piece but added some nice dimension (and warmth!), denim skirt and boots, because, obvi. A headband and braid because I ran out of time to my hair, per usual. And black earrings for a teeny bit more edge.

We had a great time at the show, and getting to and from Cheyenne, Wyoming, is SO much easier than Denver. There's less traffic, it's a shorter drive (for us), and the rodeo really has their shuttles and mass parking system worked out.

So, count on us going to Cheyenne Frontier Days every year.

Especially if they keep bringing in great performers, like they have been for a long time.

Maybe we'll even check out the actual rodeo.

See ya next year, CFD!

red studded tank: Old Navy

white vest: thrifted (Levi's)

denim skirt: Old Navy

boots: Steve Madden via DSW

crossbody bag: thrifted

flashback

I'm not a big fan of this look, for a few reasons, but in the interest of showing you what I actually wore, here it is. Allow me to explain, my friends.

- It looked a lot better in my head. It's a fool-proof formula: embroidered tank, high-waisted A-line skirt, neon flats, mixed metal accessories. But how it all came together? A flop. Womp womp.

- The proportions of these items of clothing feel "off." Too big in some places and too small in other places. The skirt seems a bit too long and lifeless. The tank is snug in the chest, yet with lots of fabric at my waist.

- The jewelry and accessories I chose bring me back to high school - this feels (and looks) similar to something I would have worn in my youth, with ripped jeans and sports team sweatshirts.

In other news, this skirt has made its way to my "donation" pile, and I'm feeling ok about it. Something my high school self would probably not be able to do. Look at me, all grown up!

tank: from a friend

skirt: thrifted

neon flats: Kohl's

belt: thrifted

fallen behind

How is it that I've fallen so behind on posting my outfit pictures? This denim on denim look with a neon accent was worn the day of my last book club get together. And last night was our most recent meeting (we meet once a month)...

Yikes! So far behind!

I'd hate to be sharing outfits with sandals and shorts in the middle of winter, but, at this rate, that's entirely possible. A busy spring has led to a busy summer, and it's looking to be a busy fall.

Anyone else amazed that's mid-August, already? Yeah, me too.

chambray: Aéropostale

bermuda shorts: Aéropostale

neon flats: Kohl's

linking up:

Cappuccino and Fashion // Book of Leisure

switching it up

This chambray dress is such a wardrobe staple that it gets worn pretty often. And I keep trying to think up different ways to style it. The latest I've come up with: this tan and brown belt with brown wedges. I added a headband and some jewelry to add a little more dimension.

When you wear the same pieces over and over, do you wear them the exact same every time, or try and switch it up?

chambray dress: Kohl's

belt: Target

brown wedges: DSW

linking up:

The Red Closet Diary

easy summer dressing

Is there anything that screams "SUMMER" more than white pants? Methinks no. And pairing those white pants with a light blouse that make your eyes pop is a no-brainer. And of course, a light jacket for this chilly air-conditioned offices.

Ta da! Easy summer dressing, all in a day's work!

blue shirt: Eddie Bauer

white pants: Old Navy

white sandals: DSW

jacket: thrifted (Land's End)

linking up:

Cappuccino & Fashion // Sydney Fashion Hunter

I do deClaire // DC in Style

oh, the compliments

Somehow, this dress always garners me oodles of compliments when I wear it. Don't misunderstand me - I'm not fishing here, nor am I downplaying this dress.

It's black, cotton, nice floral print, and a skater-style fit.

I'm just not entirely sure what is so special about it.

Sure, it's comfortable, and I can easily dress it up or down - I'm just unable to put my finger on what exactly is so great about it. BUT, you better believe I'll keep wearing it and graciously accepting compliments until I do.

dress: c/o Aéropostale

black sandals: Kohl's

necklace: borrowed from Rocksbox