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

March 26, 2014 by gn0mel0ver

My March Purchases. Eep!

Thank you guys for all of the anniversary wishes. They were much appreciated! We just got home and I am working on responding to all of your sweet comments. I cannot wait to check out my favorite blogs and chat with everyone. We had a nice time, but being home feels so good. I will do a recap soon. I also did some Anthropologie reviews while I was there. (Spoiler: I did not buy anything and only added two of the fifteen items I tried on to my wishlist. And one of those items is a pair of jeans). I also was able to do some Free People reviews while I was in Vegas and I added everything I tried on except for one pair of shoes to my wishlist there. Curious to see what you think.

I had the following post ready before I left. I figured I would share what I purchased this month. Tomorrow, everything will be back to normal (knock on wood):

I am so boring this month. Well, not budget wise. Budget-wise I am weeping. That is because I went over this month. I was having the hardest month and to make myself feel better I shopped. Then I felt guilty. And worse. But I love the darn clothes. I need to slow my roll for April. I believe I say this every month… Hmmmm.

I purchased these fun Cala Pompom Sandals from Anthropologie. It is the first full price purchase I have made in a long time. The funny thing is, they had 15% off two weekends ago, so I got a price adjustment. I guess I can’t pay full price even when I try.

And I purchased this amazing hippie dress from Free People called Sweet Lady Maxi. And not so sweetly of me, I cropped the model’s head off. I did not like the hat she was wearing with the dress. It ruined it for me and is perhaps the reason this dress hit sale so soon. And also, maybe the shoes. But who am I to criticize? It is on sale from $108 to $50. I bought it in a small in the pink color and it fits perfectly. It needs a slip underneath, but that just makes it better, because it adds a fairy tale like feel. Post about this dress coming up next week!

You know what? This beheading of models thing is kind of addicting. Here I did it again. Nothing against the models, but I can picture things so much better when the dress is on a form. Anyway, I also got this Candela Heart Dress for 62% off which might be my new favorite thing. So, of course I have only been caressing it. I have been scared to wear it. I don’t want it to get hurt.

Here I left only two torsos. I am sick, man. Sick.

Marie Antoinette had nothing on me. Brahahahahah!

Forever 21 is selling these cute items that they call dresses and I call slips. The first one in coral is Backless Smock Dress for $15.80. The second one in blush is called Darling Babydoll Dress for $14.80. I bought the two different colored pink slips to layer in two different sizes so one will peek out from underneath the other. I plan on layering a fun cardigan over the pair.

I scored this Free People X Lydia Maxi Skirt from Nordstrom Rack. I wore it in Las Vegas. It is one of the few Las Vegas outfit photos I managed to capture.

This is my first photo here I did not mangle. It is me being a grown up.

Why is that so hard?

On top of all that I bought two vintage pieces (one being a belt that was featured last Thursday) from Modcloth when they did their bohemian vintage collection.

Sigh.

I think what we learned here is that I am secretly a homicidal ballerina princess who cannot stick to her budget.

Who knew?

Hey! I can see you raising your hand.

Have you been as bad as me this month? What is something that you purchased this month that you love? Or have you been so very good?

January 15, 2014 by gn0mel0ver

Mushroom Dressing

I sense a theme this week. First gnomes. Now mushrooms. I am nothing if not ~~obsessive~~ predictable.

I purchased this Toadstool Blouse back in September from Anthropologie. I just realized I never really posted about it after I bought it. It is one of my favorite purchases. I love gnomes. Everyone knows gnomes live in mushroom houses. So, it stands to reason that I would love mushrooms. On clothing. Just not to eat. Never to eat. Shudder.

Would you eat your house?
Or just wear it on a blouse?

Sorry. I’m tired.

Anyway, I think this blouse is now almost sold out (there are still some petite sizes available as of this posting), but there might be popbacks of it in different sizes.

A few months ago, I paired it with my green flounce skirt purchased last year at Anthropologie. This is my favorite way to wear it. I kind of showed this picture in my Overheard in October post. But not really. It was mostly a funny story about a man who wanted to use the mushrooms on my shirt for some groovy dreams.

Two weeks ago, I scored the AG Stevie Cords from Anthropologie during their after Christmas sale. I was not sure about them, but I love the color. I could not believe that these turquoise cords are the same exact color as the Toadstool Blouse.

I also paired it with my Ruffled Hem Sweater Vest. I am not sure about this look. What do you think?

Did you get anything during Anthropologie’s huge sale? Do you have any other ideas for me on how to wear this shirt? Do you wear the things you collect? Am I the only one?

* Also, I tried different filters with this post using the Afterlife App. Yay or nay? Thank you!

January 5, 2014 by gn0mel0ver

Poor Humboldt Tunic

I feel I owe the Humboldt Tunic (it is sold out online, but some stores might still have it. You can call customer service. Its sku# is 29392131. I am wearing a small) an apology. I think I embarrassed it when I first reviewed it, as I wore it without pants in the dressing room. And then I kind of posted it all over the internet. You can’t even google its name without finding it. I find this hilarious. Humboldt Tunic does not. I guess it didn’t deserve that. It’s not like it is one of my children I can embarrass whenever I feel like it.

Humboldt was thrilled it did not have to go home with me that day. It didn’t realize I was just biding my time. I had fallen in love with it. It just didn’t know it loved me back…yet.

Recently the Humboldt Tunic went on sale for a little more than half off at Anthropologie and I could finally bring it home (last day for the extra 25% off is Sunday. This is how my price was that low).

I could tell it was still a little scared of me, despite my many assurances that never again would I appear in a photo sans pants with it.

Notice I said, “photo.”

No wonder it doesn’t trust me.

I decided to show it a little love.

Look Humboldt, I am wearing you with pants! And, okay, these aren’t super expensive name brand pants. Maybe they were $7.50 at H & M, but hey, they’re pants. When did you get so picky?

Don’t blush Humboldt! Oh, wait. That’s just the color I bought you in.

Let’s cuddle up together in my favorite denim jacket. Do you know what pants are made of Humboldt? That’s right! Denim! So, in essence, you are right now being caressed by two pairs of pants.

You’re welcome.

And, of course, I also tried it with my favorite item (shhhh. Don’t tell Humboldt), my Ruffled Sweater Vest.

Is this covered up enough for you, Humboldt?

Humboldt, if I wear you with my favorite vest, you can hide almost your whole self behind it. Maybe nobody will even know it’s you.

This was its favorite option. Humboldt loved this cuddly vest. It hid its scars.

I think the photo is blurry from Humboldt’s tears…or my husband’s from having to take so many darn pictures.

The next day, in a delirium of fever and stuffy nose, I decided to try on Humboldt with my Paige Skinny Cords from Nordstrom Rack. It just looked too comfortable in my closet to not torment some more.

This would have been fine and dandy if I hadn’t had the thought of pairing it with my Faye Boots I got for Christmas. I just don’t think it goes. What do you think?

And its ~~security blanket~~ vest made another appearance.

I think it is going to take a while for Humboldt to trust me. Right now it is hiding in the closet. It is pressed up against three pairs of pants. Earlier it got its much needed cleanse in the washing machine. It was finally beginning to feel better when I hung the poor wretched wet thing up to dry. And there it lay, shivering all night… Plotting its revenge.

I think I hear it whimpering. Or whispering.

Who’s going to tell it I’m wearing it again tomorrow?

How do you think it would look with leggings?

Or, better yet, as a swimsuit coverup?

Poor Humboldt.

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

Gnome Lover

Stumbling through life while still having fun

blouse

In The Queen’s Rose Garden

My March Purchases. Eep!

Mushroom Dressing

Poor Humboldt Tunic