May 23, 2014 by gn0mel0ver

Mexican Blanket Skirt

I love the creativity and color that symbolizes Mexico in my soul. There is so much to inspire: The Talavera, the Otomi embroidery, the Huichol beadwork, handblown glass, beautiful silver jewelry, intricate leather purses, embroidered dresses and woven blankets. I love it all.

We have Talavera tile all over our house. Even in our pool. I layer with Otomi blankets on couches and beds in our house. Each time we visit Mexico, I never ever leave enough room in my suitcase. I want to bring it all home. The lively spirit of Mexico has my heart in its grasp.

So, when I saw this vintage Mexican Blanket Skirt (similar not vintage item from Modcloth here and vintage item here and here and here) being sold from Effina Vintage, I knew my pocketbook did not stand a chance. Especially since it was exactly my size. And also, the seller was selling it very reasonably and her commentary on her items is fun.

I paired the skirt with my Anthropologie Cloth and Stone Denim Daydrifter Tee from last year (similar tee here) and my Anthropologie Almanac Sandals.

The necklaces are Free People’s Coin Necklace (given to me as a participant of Free People Me. Similar here) and Simply Livly’s Turquoise Necklace.

The Mexican Blanket was brought back from one of our trips. I thought it would be a fun prop with the skirt. I did not carry this blanket to Costco with me later in the day. Although, with all of the samples they give away, wouldn’t it be funny if I plopped this blanket down in the middle of the store and had myself a free little picnic?

That wouldn’t anger anyone.

Speaking of free samples, did you know that Trader Joe’s gives out free wine samples?!?! I also learned that on this day when I ran in there for Peonies. And walked out with Peonies and wine. Well played, Trader Joe’s! But next time, I’m bringin’ my blanket. You won’t even see me comin’.

The bracelet is Free People’s Hammered Stacked Multi Cuff

If my spirit was a skirt, this would be it. Wearing this skirt makes me feel more like “me.” Does that make sense?

What piece of clothing would your spirit inhabit? Do you own it? Do you feel more like yourself when you are wearing it? Do you think I would be able to finish my free samples of wine before I was asked to leave the store with my blanket? A curious girl would like to know.

* This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on or purchasing from certain links will result in a small commission for ~~my bail~~ this site.

* I shared this on The Pleated Poppy!

May 11, 2014 by gn0mel0ver

In The Queen’s Rose Garden

I snuck away to a rose garden the other day to take some pictures of my new Frangipani Peasant Top. I kept my eyes peeled for a Cheshire Cat, but in doing so stumbled and fell.

Just call me Tweedledum-b.

I had no idea that Frangipani was a flower until sweet Liana from The Frock and the Hound commented yesterday on my giveaway stating it was her favorite flower. I looked it up and found that Frangipani is actually Plumeria. Who knew? Well, I guess Liana did. ; )

I had purchased the Frangipani Peasant Top (sold out, kind of similar Forever 21 version here and slightly similar plus size option here) during the additional 20% off sale items and received free shipping through a store. I was unsure about it, because it was so expensive. But it was like nothing I had ever seen before. I am a sucker for baggy clothes. Especially baggy clothes with floral and crocheted lace.

I was ignorantly calling it, “Fran-ja-pan-neeee,” with a deep Southern twang around my house. Having no clue of its definition, I just thought it was a fun word to say. And whisper in my husband’s ear.

He loved that.

We went to the local rose garden to take pictures. I felt like Alice wandering through The Queen’s Garden. Except instead of falling down a rabbit hole, I fell into the cactus behind me. I, of course, would manage to fall into the only cactus in the entire rose garden. I did not say, “Frangipani!”, when I fell. Although, now that I think about it, that would be a great exclamation. Certainly more appropriate than what I probably said.

I love my new Anthropologie Scalloped Monogram Bracelet that I wore that day. I have two of them. One with my initial and the other with my husband’s. I cannot wait to pair them together.

The roses are gorgeous right now. It was nice to see blooms with this drought going on. It is such a peaceful place. Each time I am there, there is no one else visiting. They must be scared of The Queen.

I even wore my Rabbit Earrings to sneak through the garden. If you will notice, the rabbit has two different colored eyes. Kind of like a certain Mad Hatter. You don’t think this is the secret love child of The Mad Hatter and The White Rabbit do you?

If it is, you know I will love them even more. Does that make me mad?

Do you have a rose garden near you? Be sure to visit it soon. The best blooms will be gone in three weeks. And with them, any chance to visit Wonderland or the opportunity to yell, “Frangipani!” at a cactus. And that would be a shame to miss.

*The links in this post are affiliate links. Clicking on a link will result in a small commission for ~~Alice~~ this site.

P.S. Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms out there. I was lucky enough get to see my sweet mom yesterday. It was so nice. I love you Mom!

And I shared this on The Pleated Poppy!

And Because Shanna Said So

April 29, 2014 by gn0mel0ver

Gonna Try Harder

I’m boring and I’m bored. How ’bout you? I’m kind of tired of pictures of me. But what can I do? ; ) I unwittingly started a fashion blog and I am having too much fun to quit.

But I am tired of pictures of me standing in the same darn place. Sure it is easy. And I am lazy. So, it works. And I will continue to take pictures in front of my fireplace, because of both of those descriptions, but also because I happen to love my fireplace. And the lighting is good there.

But I am going to try to shake things up a bit. Take different pictures around my house.

Maybe even.

Oh my gosh. This is a biggie!

Maybe even leave my house now and again.

I tried that in my post on Sunday.

This is another attempt. In the pictures, I am wearing my Anthropologie Chevron Skirt (slightly similar skirt here and here), Anthropologie Lunation Tee, and Anthropologie Sandals from last year, Anthropologie… Okay. Just assume everything is from Anthropologie. ‘Cause it is. This includes the Star Necklace from Christmas and Layered Corset Belt.

Hmmm. That was all ready super boring. Sorry about that! On to the pictures!:

Ha! Okay! Well, I couldn’t resist the fireplace. It is my comfort zone.

I made my husband and myself Pepper Bellies for lunch. It was just the two of us at home with the kids at school. I thought it would be fun to get a cooking picture. This is my daily grind. ; )

I loved the color of the wood on the library ladder with this skirt.

And another.

Let’s try a chair. (Note: I have a stalker in the background).

Here comes another stalker.

He’s cute!

Oomph! He got me! We need to end this now, because I am about to be attacked again (see who is sneakin’ up behind me?!)!

Where else should I take outfit pictures? I am much too shy to do it obviously in public. Which space did you like the best? I need all of the help I can get! : )

P.S. I shared this on The Pleated Poppy!

April 27, 2014 by gn0mel0ver

Colima And See What I Did

Last year, Anthropologie sold the Colima Skirt. It came in many colors. I believe the final count was six. But I could be wrong.

I bought two of them. And then I could not figure out how to style the darn things. The skirts were pretty. But the hem that I thought I would like, proved to be a challenge. And they were a bit too clingy and see through.

The other day, I had an epiphany.

Why not wear them together?

Why not create the hem I wanted by layering the two together?

So I did.

I love them worn this way. Together they have become my favorite maxi skirt.

And the spin factor cannot be beat.

Trust me.

If you missed out on the Colima Skirt last year at Anthropologie, you are not out of luck. Modcloth is carrying an incredibly similar version of it in blue. They call it Sway by the Sea Skirt. It is $49.99. The original price for the Colima Skirt was $118. I am trying to decide if I need another layer to mix up the colors. Because that price is great.

I have also seen this skirt being sold in a variety of colors on eBay.

The top was a random clearance find at Nordstrom Rack last spring. It is by Cloth and Stone. You can find similar chambray shirts here and here.

Have you ever layered two skirts together? Did you end up liking the end result? What other top could I pair with these skirts?

Honesty is the best policy: The links above are affiliate links. This blog may receive a small compensation when a link is either clicked on or purchased from.

P. S. Happy Birthday to my beautiful sister, Mandi! : )

And

I shared this on The Pleated Poppy and Effortless Anthropologie.

Gnome Lover

Stumbling through life while still having fun

and

Mexican Blanket Skirt

In The Queen’s Rose Garden

Gonna Try Harder

Colima And See What I Did