October 14, 2014 by gn0mel0ver

Don’t Be Afraid

We are going to talk about boutiques.

I used to be terrified of boutique stores. I thought they would be too pricey for me to shop at. I was worried the owners would be snooty. I was scared to go in. But all of that changed a couple of years ago. I finally went into a few boutiques in my town and I was surprised to find their prices very reasonable. Especially their sale pieces.

I purchased this skirt from a local boutique (very similar skirt here) for a great price.

I recently bought my black fringe booties from the same store. They run a little big. I am usually a size 8 in boots and a size 7.5 in sandals. I took a 7.5 in these. I have found a better deal for them on Amazon than the price that I paid. I should have priced them out before purchasing. Ah, well. You can’t win them all.

And I love these booties.

Plus, I supported a local small business. The owner makes the best videos trying on clothes. Many a nights she has entertained me while I drink wine in bed. Wait! That sounds bad! I mean I watch the clothing videos whilst drinking wine in bed. Alone. Forget the title of the post. Maybe you should be afraid.

A good rule to live by is not to spend a lot of money on basic pieces. I buy all of my long sleeve tops, like this one, from Target or H & M. They are usually less than $10 on sale.

All of my local boutique’s earrings are $10. I loved the brown ones I wore with this outfit. The bangle was a local consignment shop find for $1.

I need to remind myself to step outside of my comfort zone more. Now and again, I like to explore the world around me. If you are drawn to something then try it out. You might be surprised. And you will be supporting a local small business, as well.

Do you shop your local boutiques? I think the thing that prevents me from doing so more often is time. It takes time to really go through the items and not have a clear idea what you are looking for.

But I think it is worth it. You might find a new brand you like. A new cut for your body type. Or simply a new friend in the store.

It is nice to not be afraid anymore…of boutiques.

Zombies, on the other hand, are still terrifying.

*I shared this on The Pleated Poppy.

*this post contains affiliate links. Clicking on or purchasing from certain links will provide a small income for ~~zombie repellant~~ this blog.

This post was edited using the app Afterlife’s Meadow Filter at 50%.

August 8, 2014 by gn0mel0ver

Goldilocks And The Hundred Bears

When I was eight years old, my dad built my sister and I a treehouse. It was not in the trees, but rather situated between two of them.

Up until that point, I would sit in a little bench in a berry tree nearby and ration my fruit roll up all day.

I assume that the larger handprint on the left is mine and the smaller one (but inserted with much more might and gusto) on the right is my sister’s. Those handprints speak volumes about our childhood personalities viewed from the wisdom of many years later.

I thought it fitting to wear my Anthropologie Zola Shift Dress for a trip up memory lane, so to speak. This dress is from the summer of 2013. I cannot find a similar bear dress, but I think this dress looks like a similar cut and it even has an animal print.

Whilst I never ate porridge in the treehouse. Nor did I ever sleep there, I have many fond memories of this small domain.

My dad carpeted the top and inserted an antique school desk inside so that we could play school as that was my favorite thing to do.

I like to think I was a very fair teacher. Although my sister would probably say differently.

There used to be a pail that could be raised and lowered to the ground with a pulley system. It disappeared long ago. It was my favorite part of the structure.

And although this tree house was not built in the trees. And it did not boast a secret trap door like my imagination longed for, I do declare:

“This treehouse was just right.”

Did you have a treehouse or playhouse when you were little? Have you visited it as an adult? Is it still standing?

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

July 31, 2014 by gn0mel0ver

Bohemian Black Lace

I never quite understood the allure of a little black dress until I bought this one.

What is it about wearing black that makes one feel different?

I hardly ever wear black, because I like a lot of color in my wardrobe.

I am thinking that was a poor decision.

Because what was preventing me from just adding a pop of color? I received this beaded necklace for my birthday. I love it paired with the black lace.

This Free People Lorettas Dress was a steal with my birthday discount combined with the sale price. Unfortunately, I snagged the last one (see title of post). I think this one is very similar.

I forgot my gnome, so I made one with some rocks and twigs.

But who’s looking at the gnome?

Because, those shoes?!

They were the best sale popback I have ever scored at Anthropologie (they were more than 75% off). They are Chie Mihara’s Corridor Booties. I am in love.

My husband said to me, “Um, I think that dress is see-through.”

To which I smiled. Because, yes, it is see-through, but it came with a beige slip underneath that you cannot really see because it kind of matches my skin tone.

I didn’t tell him that, though. Gotta keep him on his toes.

He eventually figured it out. Just like I have now figured out I need more black clothes in my wardrobe.

Do you own a lot of black clothing? Do you have a little black dress?

Because I loved the feeling this dress gave me, I now own five.

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

April 13, 2014 by gn0mel0ver

Spinnin’ Jennin’

Last Wednesday it was cold. It was dreary. I wanted to stay inside, but I could not. I had many errands to run. What’s a girl to do?

Put on a fun, flirty dress with some bright colors that will beat away the grey day, that’s what!

I had been lovin’ this Anthropologie Midday Dress online, but I knew I was going to wait for a good sale price on it. When I went to do reviews at the end of March, I tried this dress on and fell in love.

It is such an easy, comfortable, flattering fit. Many other women were buying this dress the day I was there. In fact, one woman wore it up to the cash register and asked if they could cut the tags off after she paid for it, because she wanted to keep it on for an event she was going to. I loved that!

I also love the spin factor of this dress.

It is fun!

May I never grow too old that I cannot enjoy a good spin! Oh! The rush!

Back to Earth. I’m graceful.

Do you have a dress you love to spin in? A way to beat a dreary day away? Please share.

P.S. More photos of this dress can be found here.

and

I shared this on The Pleated Poppy!

Gnome Lover

Stumbling through life while still having fun

booties

Don’t Be Afraid

Goldilocks And The Hundred Bears

Bohemian Black Lace

Spinnin’ Jennin’