Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway to win a pair of earrings from Animaux. Entries are accepted until tomorrow at 11:59 p.m. PST.

I have been feeling rather uninspired lately. I don’t know if it is because of the changes that have happened recently in my life: moving and quitting a stable job to take a chance and pursue a not so stable career, and feeling rather stuck because I haven’t been able to fully settle into this new life quite yet. Or, if it is just me, not creating the opportunities to be inspired. Either way, it is time to be inspired and to inspire. What do ya’ say? What do you do to get back into the swing of things?

Maybe a 30 x 30 challenge is in my near future?

I’ll tell you what, though, I am watching the Food Network right now, and I am damn inspired to make this strawberry rhubarb crisp that Ina Garten is whipping up right now.

// Hat: Buffalo Exchange // Top: Melrose Trading Post // Pants: Thrifted via Crossroads Trading Co // Boots: Thrifted via The Salvation Army //

These boots are about a size too small for me, but I could not pass them up for $5 and will gladly be squeezing my feet into them for years to come. I know I am not the only girl who tortures her feet for shoes. Beauty is pain, right ldies? Or I am just materalistic and crazy. Either way, I love my boots. My feet, however, not so much.

When Ugly Mug and I take outfit photos, it usually consists of us walking down a street, or more likely, an alley, trying to find an interesting wall, or backdrop. This time we took pictures of that walk. It shows that not all photo sessions are what they seem; a bush with pretty flowers can be right by the dirtiest barbed wire or scary drug den. Ok, we weren’t quite near a drug den, but I do not doubt that we have been many times. In fact, I am positive there is one along my running route.

And so concludes your behind the scenes look at our lunch date walk yesterday afternoon.

All photos credit of Ugly Mug Photography

// Follow Seeking Style //

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest

Happy Friday! It so doesn’t feel like a Friday to me. I guess that’s what happens when I go home for a week. I went to visit my mama for Mother’s Day and go wedding dress shopping and guess what? I found the perfect one! It is fun and full of my personality; it is just me. I wish I could post pictures of it!

In other news, you know I have to, please listen to this. You won’t regret it.

In other other news, don’t forget to enter my giveaway to win a pair of earrings from Animaux.

• Listen to this: Vampire Weekend “Diane Young”. My computer is being a little bitch at the moment and will not get through this song without pausing, skipping, and buffering. This song only. Not cool chrome book, not cool. I’m posting this now because maybe with more people trying to listen, it will get it’s act together and act appropriately. Also because their new album came out this week. Let’s celebrate by blowing up some cars!

• Read this: I’m Still Here: Back Online After a Year Without the Internet. Last May, Paul Miller quit the internet for one year. He had planned to reconnect with human nature, himself, and the real world. He is back online now and writing about his experience. Not to spoil the big read, or you can just watch the video at the source, but he learned that the internet wasn’t making him lazy, unproductive, or disconnected. In fact, it was almost the opposite. As much as some do not like it, the world is connected through the internet, and yes, it can lead to getting lost in YouTube videos or scrolling through blog after blog (hello!), but it keeps us connected.

• Watch this: Man Animates Joke About Torilla Chips Told By His Drunk Wife. This made me laugh way more than it should have. I also think I would have laughed if I was being told the joke, without the animation, by a sober person. I amuse very easily. Please tell me this is funny to you?

• Eat this: (Paleo) Coconut Bread. So, Ugly Mug and I have jumped on the band wagon and we are doing the Whole 30 Challenge and going Paleo for 30 days. I am a big carb (read: gluten) lover, and although I eat a limited amount normally, I will still be missing it. I don’t plan on trying to make a lot of paleo breads or desserts because our whole point of doing it is to get back on track and curb our cravings that we have been satisfying more often than normal. Once in a while though, you need a little sweet treat. This coconut bread is a sweet bite and pairs amazingly with the blackberry jam from last week.

• Wear this: Maryam Nassir Zadeh: Ugh, this is just the best online store. I may not be able to afford anything, but drool away I shall! Are you even looking at this dress below? If someone was able to make this appear in my closet, I would be forever in debt. And don’t even get me started on this pleated skirt.

• Blog Love: Orchid Grey. Julie is my 70′s boho inspiration. I have been following Julie for a long time now and she never fails at posting an outfit that I complete adore and wish I had put together first, or at least copy and not have anyone notice. And that hair. Ugh, envy.

Friday Fail!

So not cute. Especially with the camera tricks that make it look like my eyeballs are on top of my eye lids. Cool.

 // Follow Seeking Style //

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest

When I was a little girl, all I wanted was to get my ears pierced. I was told that I had to wait for my tenth birthday, and I remember waiting and waiting in anticipation. When my tenth birthday came, I suddenly changed my mind. I didn’t need my ears pierced anymore. I was so over that. Truth was, I was scared shitless. I mean, who really wants to get a needle shoved through their tender earlobe. Not I.

Fast forward fifteen years, and I was finally ready to get my ears pierced. Ugly Mug took me to the mall on my birthday, and you bet I had nervous butterflies all the way there. This time, I went through with it. Let me tell you the truth: it hurt like a bitch. I’m not ashamed; except when an eight year old stolled in and out in minutes and was the bravest little thing I ever did see. So, it was done. I had pierced ears. And exactly ten weeks later, I took out my little studs to finally put in some big girl earrings. In the twenty-three seconds that I had those studs out, my holes closed up. There was no way that I was getting earrings back in. So, I gave up.

And that is the longest story ever about why you get a giveaway today.

 I was approached by Animaux, who graciously offered to send me some pieces to style, of my own choice. Either I was too excited going through the website, picking out a couple of my favorites, or I just cannot read. I chose what I thought was a necklace. Nope. Earrings. Not even close, not even a little bit. So, that means you have a chance to win the earrings that I mistook for a necklace.

Requirement:

• Follow Seeking Style on Bloglovin’

• Follow Seeking Style on Facebook

The Giveaway is open until Wednesday, May 22nd at 11:59 p.m. PST. 

Please include your email address so I can contact you if you win and leave an additional comment for the bonus entry.

 // Follow Seeking Style //

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest

Is it just me or are knees a total bitch to shave? I constantly have hairy knees and it is not for lack of trying. I currently have knicks on both of my knees. Not cool razor, not cool. So, it’s Friday. Yes, it may be late, but it still is Friday! I had the pleasure to, once again, shoot with ModCloth today and I am still on a high. They are so great and I cannot wait to see and share the photos!

I am headed back home for a short visit, some wedding dress shopping, Mother’s Day celebrating, and family time (even if I have to force them).

Do you have any Mother’s Day plans this weekend?

• Listen to this: Emeli Snade “Next to Me”. Ok, so this song isn’t exactly new. It’s been overplaying on your radio for quite some time now, but guess what? I’m still not sick of it. I actually grow to love it the more I hear it. I hope it’s played even more into summer; it is such a cranked up, windows down, warm sun on your face kind of song.

• Read this: What it’s Like Shopping at Forever 21. I know you have shopped at Forever 21. In fact, I know you still do. I do. I’m not ashamed. Actually, I am a little ashamed when I am walking through Forever 21 and I am the oldest person there. By, like, a lot. But then, I find the trend I’m looking for, for super cheap and I am back to knowing that it is ok to shop at a store that is supposedly inappropriate for my age. Reading through this reminds me how overwhemling the store can be though

• Watch this: Candidly Nicole. I don’t know how this has been a thing for two weeks and I just found out. I am in love with Nicole Richie; her style, her humor, her cutest little family. I’ve followed her since The Simple Life (shut up, you watched it too), and now I can get my Nicole fix not only on Fashion Star, but on her new AOL show, Candidly Nicole, based on her random thoughts from her Twitter feed.The first episode is about her tramp stamp. Need I say more?

• Eat this: Blackberry Jam. This is a strange recommendation, even for me, but I made this jam last night and all I want to do is eat it with a spoon. What would be Heaven, and truly embarassing to admit, is that I could sit down with this jar of jam and a jar of peanut butter and go to town. I am basically Joey Tribbiani. I am selfishly happy that Ugly Mug was not checking his bag on this flight to New York this weekend, and therefore this gift for his mom had to stay home with me. I promise to make you a batch next time Mama Ugly Mug!

• Wear this: Lauren Moffatt. So cute. Just so cute. Just look at it. Look at it here. There are more than seven things I can see in the first thirty seconds on this website that I would like to have in my possession right about now. Anymore time spent on this site will put me in debt.

• Blog love: We Wore What. I first found Danielle through Instagram and after stalking liking all her photos everyday, I finally wondered why I didn’t subscribe to her blog. She has quickly become my favorite blogger and go to when I need some inspiration. Is it going to far to say that I would trade closets with her in a second? She probably wouldn’t be too happy, but I know I would be!

Friday Fail; Jazz hands style!

 // Follow Seeking Style //

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest

Let’s pretend this is Wendesday and I’m not a day behind. It’ll be our little secret.

Yes, the rumors are true: I clean up pretty nicely. Ugly Mug and I went to dinner at Mastro’s in Beverly Hills, so posh, so snooty, and so delicious, to catch up with an old friend the other night, so I got to play dress up. I have been wanting to share this leather jacket in an outfit post since I recieved it from Crossroads Trading Co, but never felt like I had it styled well enough. When we decided on Mastro’s and I knew I was going to wear this dress, I knew this beauty would look amazing over it. You cannot go wrong with paring orange (gold?) and blue. It’s not possible. 

// Jacket: c/o Crossroads Trading Co // Dress: Urban Outfitters // Shoes: Target //

Can you tell my hair is lighter? Yeah, neither can I. I was a hair model over the weekend, basically a live Barbie doll for a day; My job was to get a hair cut, highlights, and get my hair styled all day. Pretty coushy gig. I can also thank them for this gorgeous blow outt that I let ride for a day too long. This is the first time I have ever had highlights in my hair, and only the second time I have colored my hair. Did you also know I don’t have my ears pierced? I did for about two months a couple years ago and they closed up in about 23 seconds the first time I tried to put in real earrings. I am clearly meant to be au natural.

I am so in love with the pointed shoulders and double lapels on this jacket. It is so on point. No pun intended. I wish I was clever enough to have intended that pun, though.

This dress is from the Urban Outfitters holiday collection a couple years back and I so patiently waited until it magically appeared on the sales rack for a mere $20, making it about 80% discounted from the original price. I think I need more excuses to get gussied up so I can wear it more often.

All photos credit of Ugly Mug Photography

// Follow Seeking Style //

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter

I love the drive in. The last movie, before this night, that I saw at the drive in was Dick Tracy. That tells you how long it has been since I have been to a drive in. I have been begging Ugly Mug to go to a drive in with me for years. 6 years, 11 months, and 8 days if you need an exact number. Being a movie buff, he never understood drive ins and didn’t know why someone would want a lesser movie experience, sound and screen wise. Of course, the second someone else brings it up, he agrees. That’s how it usually happens, right? As long as it got him to go, though!

// Top, Jacket, Jeans: Urban Outfitters // Shoes: Thrifted via Thrift Town // Hat: Forever 21 //

I wish I was that person who dressed to match where they were. Do you read Tieka’s blog, Selective Potential? She has the ability, or patience really, to dress to match her surroundings. Sometimes planned, sometimes not. Unfortunately, if I try and plan to do that, I have a harder time getting dressed and begin to stress out. And it’s stressing out over something so minoot and stupid. I really did want to dress in a 50′s theme for this night, but to forego stress, I went for something simple and casual. Also, I’ve been living in this crop top, so it made it easier.

Oh and it sure got cold this night. Even with the jackets and blankets we brought, I was shivering all night long. Luckily, the boys were nice enough to sit outside after the first movie and let the girls inside the back of the truck. With all the blankets, pillows, and warmth, we ended up falling asleep ten minutes into the second movie, but I wasn’t as into that movie as the first. So not into it that I cannot even remember what movie it was now! Falling asleep meant that I missed getting my giant drive in theater hot dog, so I must get us all back this summer. Truthfully, I am more concerned about the food when I go out more than anything else.

I wish I could take ownership of this truck. We asked one of our drive in neighbors if we could borrow his truck for a little photo session, because as you can see, some of us did dress for the night.

All outfit photos credit to Ugly Mug Photography.

 // Follow Seeking Style //

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter

Congratulations, we all made it through another week! Sometimes life is just about getting to the next day; whether it’s because you’re looking forward to a particular event or trying to get through a shitty day for a fresh start onto the next. But the weekends, ah, the weekends. The weekends are for enjoying the moments. Some weekends are made to savour, be lazy, enjoy the little things. Others are meant to cram so many of those unforgettable moments into each second as possible. Either way, weekends are most definitely the highlight of the week.

Happy weekend!

• Listen to this: Lissie “Shameless”. This weeks music suggestion comes from none other than Miss The Fan Files herself. If I can trust anyone to suggest some new music, it is her. I have featured Lissie before, in week two of Friday Favorites actually, so coming full circle, her new song “Shameless” is definitely worth a listen; it is giving me a 90s, alternative vibe. Very raw and stripped. There are not enough bad ass chicks these days, so let’s celebrate the ones we have, especially the underrated ones. 

• Read this: A Cup of Jo. I think I am late on the Jo train here. She may just have on of the most successful blogs, and here I am five years later, just starting to read Joanna’s blog. She writes about fashion, decor, motherhood, marriage, food, travel, basically it is the end all be all of blogs. There is something for everyone on A Cup of Jo. 

• Watch this: Pain and Gain. Because everyone else will be seeing Iron Man 3, including me, so you just may have the entire theater to yourself. I had never heard of this movie until we went to the drive in theater last weekend and everyone decided that it was what we were going see. It’s a true story about a group of body builders who kidnap, torture, and extort money from victims. And unlike the details of the true story, it is actually pretty funny. Plus, Mark Wahlberg. So, there’s that. Do me a favor and don’t read about the true story after. It will make you feel bad about enjoying the movie.

• Eat this: Pinata Cake. My apologies, I am quite aware that summer is only weeks away, and in some cases, you may be lounging on the beach already, but Sunday is Cinco De Mayo and that is an excuse for dessert. A themed dessert, really. You cannot deny a themed dessert. Or cake with candy in it.

• Wear this: Jane Sews. I just fell in love with a swimsuit. And if this was the only good piece in the whole line, I would still endorse it. That’s how in love I am. But, it’s not. Jane Sews has the cutest, preppy, vintage, 70′s vibe going on and it should definitely be worn. By me and by you.

• Blog Love: Fashion Oxygen. How cute is this girl? Cute right? Well, there’s two of them at Fashion Oxygen so double the fashion. They lean towards the tailored, preppy, sporty, masculine vs feminine look, and I cannot get enough. And, obviously, I have a way with descriptive words.

Happy Friday Fail!

Just a plain ol’ blinking fail. It happens to the best of us!

 // Follow Seeking Style //

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter

Guess what? It’s a new blog series; In What I Thrifted This Month I will be showing you… drum roll, please… What I thrifted this month! Or, in this case last month, since today is May 1st. First post for a new series and I have already failed. Bear wtih me, though.

Thrifting is not only necessary for me, I cannot begin to estimate how much money I have saved over the years by buying discounted clothing, it has now become a bit of a game. It is my form of hunting. Can I find the latest trend? Can I find those perfect pair of boots I have been lusting over, but cannot currently afford? Can I even make a little extra cash selling my own clothes? The answer is yes. I can and you can too. There is no reason why you shouldn’t try thrifting at least once. If you’re not into the idea of wearing someone else’s clothing, you can also score all types of goodies for your home at stores like Goodwill and the Salvation Army, or even your local flea market. Don’t even get me started on flea markets. My gushing over flea markets requires a whole other post.

Why would you let the perfect dress, or shoes that were made for you, but just had to go through another person first to get to you, sit in such close (and by God, affordable) proximately and be stolen by someone else? Remember my New Year’s Eve dress? Thrifted. My favorite boots? Thrifted. The blouse from Monday’s post? Thrifted. I could go on and on, but I will let the photos, and my future outfit posts, since it is a rarity when I am not wearing a thrifted piece, speak for themselves.

April brought me scores from Goodwill, Thrift Town, The Salvation Army, Freestyle Clothing Exchange, Buffalo Exchange, and, of course, Crossroads. I found so many brightly colored and patterned pieces for Spring.

*When I “thrift”, it includes consignment stores like Crossroads, Freestyle Clothing Exchange, and Buffalo Exchange, as well as what people consider the “real” thrift stores, like Goodwill and Thrift Town*

I was extremely lucky with shoes this month. I am always looking for shoes, especially boots, when thrifting. I love that they come worn in and scuffed up.

April Thrift Finds

• Goodwill: Three dresses, one blouse, two pairs of shoes
• Thrift Town: One pair of shoes
• Salvation Army: One paid of shoes
• Freestyle Clothing Exchange: One dress, one top
• Crossroads: Two dresses, three blouses, one pair of jeans
• Buffalo Exchange: One romper

Writing it out makes it seem like I have a problem. Actually, I fully admit that I do have a thrifting problem. A shopping problem in general, actually. Thank God for thrifting, or else I would also have a debt problem.

// Follow Seeking Style //

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter

It’s 7:57 p.m. on Sunday night and I have been awake approximately 3 hours this entire day. And not in a row. That is what being sick is like. It’s a bummer. On the positive side, I had a lot of colorful, very detailed dreams. My dreams are usually so detailed that oftentimes I mix them up with real life. When I woke up from one particilar dream that I thought might have been real, I had to confer with Ugly Mug to make sure what was or was not happening outside my bedroom door all day.

In other news, I just got my copy of the Spring 2013 issue of Zooey Magazine, in which I had an article published! It is surreal to see my words and name (although, my last name was misspelled), in the pages of a magazine. I’m working on getting a digital copy to post here, but if you absolutely cannot wait (which, obviously) feel free to check it out on newstands now. Actress, Mary Elizabeth Winstead is on the cover.

And now something you’ve all been waiting for: A honest to goodness, real outfit post!

// Top: Thrifted via Freestyle Clothing Exchange // Hat: Thrifted via Buffalo Exchange // Pants: H&M // Shoes: Crossroads Trading Co //

Bright colors! It must be Spring! This is the most color I think I have ever worn, like all together in my life. I like it. I am definitely going to consciously incorporate more color into my wardrobe. Maybe into life in general. We even painted an orange accent wall in our bedroom this weekend, and liked the color so much that we expanded that into two accent walls. Ugly Mug now wants to paint a third wall, nixing the accent wall idea, and possibly painting the fourth wall a beige or taupe. After all the painting and rearranging is done, I will be sharing a bedroom tour on the blog. Aaaand now I have to since I said it, so let’s hope it turns out like it looks in my head! The pressure is on.

Oh and these boots. I stalked these boots at Crossroads for months until they went on sale. They were in the new goods section and although I was in love, a $70 price tag brought me back down to earth. Good things come to those who wait; On an unsuspecting Sunday afternoon, I found these babies, in my size, in the half off section. Done and done, wham bam thank you ma’am.

Thank you to Erin for these photos!

All photos credit of Erin

// Follow Seeking Style //

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter

To say it has been an interesting week would be an understatement. I would be glad that it was Friday and the weekend is finally here, but with being unemployeed at the moment, everyday is a weekened. Hooray!

We are planning on painting and putting together a work area for me this weekend. It will be really nice to have a small space of my own in this apartment that I share with three boys.

What are your weekend plans?

p.s. I fell asleep in my jeans last night. I’m surprised I slept through the night, let alone that I was still dressed that time of night. I’m usually in pajamas by 5 p.m.

p.p.s. Happy 1 year birthday to the Friday Favoirtes series!

• Listen to this: Andrew Ripp. I just came across Andrew Ripp today, actually. He is a little pop, a little bluesy, and I noticed that he has a Christmas album, so you can guess what I will be listening to come July  December. I am really diggin’ his current single, “Cool Ya (Nobody Loves You Like I Do)“, like dancing around while I try to unpack some more, diggin’.

• Read this: An Open Letter to Beyonce Regarding her Ill-Advised Photo Embargo. Even seemingly perfect people have insecurities. Apparently Beyonce has banned photographers in an attempt keep unflattering photos, like these, from hitting the presses. Jessica Blankenship’s article is pretty spot on. Beyonce has always been about celebrating women of all kinds of beauty, but apprently not her own? Eh, I think the unflattering photos just show how hard she’s twerking working it. 

• Watch this: Jimmy Kimmel “Lie Witness News”. Everyone has that one friend who listens to the most obsure bands that no one has ever heard of (and then subsequently stops listening to them when one other person starts to like them), and you could swear they are just making up band names to look cool. So Jimmy Kimmel went to Coachella to test out the validity of these hipsters and made up band names. Apparently these hipsters are so cool, they even love bands that don’t exsist. I wish I was that cool.

• Eat this: M&M Cookies. Sometimes you just need a good old fashioned homemade cookie that reminds you of your childhood. I made a batch last night and I know the boys in my house appreciate it. I have yet to have one though, I’m trying to be good!

• Blog love: The Glamourai. I have no doubt that you know Kelly’s blog. She is one of the most well known bloggers, and for a good reason. Besides her style, my favorite part of Kelly’s blog is her behind the scenes looks at her stylist job. My favorite part of being on set is seeing how things come together.

Here’s a good ol’ fashioned Friday Fail brought to you by a preview for next Monday’s post.

// Follow Seeking Style //

Bloglovin’ // Facebook // Twitter