help

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To Keep Or Not To Keep?

That is the question. Definitely not as deep as the original philosophic query but it has its place.

I think.

Maybe not.

Oh goodness, I cannot decide if this post is obnoxious or not. Probably a little of both.

When Free People had their annual 25% off sale a few weeks ago, I bought a few items with the intent of my husband gifting a few to me for Christmas. As one does.

But I am unsure of two of the items and do not know how to style the third.

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First up, Free People’s Eyelet Duster. I had originally given this top bad reviews because when I had purchased it two of the buttons had fallen off. But for the sale price coupled with the discount, I felt it was worth it even if I needed to replace the buttons. I am definitely keeping this. I like it with skinny jeans and tights. Underneath it for the picture is a white tank slip, but I did not style it with any accessories because I need ideas. I love the shape. I like the color. But I do not know how to accessorize it. What do you think?

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If I keep these boots, they will have to be wrapped up to be placed under the Christmas tree from my husband. I am simply trying them on here to see what you think. I was in love with the idea of red boots. Especially red tall boots, but now I am not so sure. Are they too superheroy? Is that a good thing? A bad thing? Too Kinky Boots? Too tall with the width of my thighs? Too attention grabbing? Just… too? Is the shape good or bad? Do you think I should exchange them for black or khaki? I do not have either of those colors in boots. I have tried them on with a few things in my closet and the two grey dresses I tried on with them look better with these. In fact, I love them with grey. But what else could be worn with them? Do you think skinny jeans? They are very comfortable. Which to me is very important but… I really am on the fence with these. Please let me know what you think.

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Finally, This jacket (sold out, but I am sure a few will popback over the next few weeks or check the availability in store). I LOVE the embroidery and colors but I am not so sure it is flattering on me. I would not wear it with this outfit, I would wear it with jeans, but I had to put it on quickly as we were running out of daylight. I am just so unsure about all of the zippers. The pockets are not deep enough to be useable. But that embroidery… Gosh, I am such a sucker for embroidery. This would be another Christmas present from my husband if you think I should keep it.

So, that is what I purchased in November. I also grabbed this dress in indigo during that sale at Free People, but I love it and it is a no-brainer. I am wearing it with grey leggings and tights with brown boots and brown accessories during the winter. In the summer, I will wear my gladiator sandals with it.

Thank you so much for any advice you can give. I know this is such a weird and maybe inappropriate post especially coming after yesterday’s heavy one. I never do things in a manner that makes any sense. I need to make my returns next week so I decided to ask for help and I, Thank you! Thank you for any you can give!

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Instagram: Please Help

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Okay, I started an Instagram account (TheGnomeLover). Finally. I am a dinosaur. New technology terrifies me. I hate social media. I know. The irony. But I don’t like the thought of everyone’s business being seen by the whole world in a constant stream of information. I like to take time to contemplate things. I like to think things over. Scrutinize the importance of what I am putting out there. Look for boogers in pictures. The idea of “instant” is scary. Sometimes it takes me a year to edit a story. I like to wait at least a week to publish an outfit post.

This is me being a risk taker.

I’m outta control.

My friend has been telling me that I need an Instagram account for my blog forever. But I was resistant. Then I thought the other day, what if Gnomelover gets taken? What if one day I actually want an Instagram Account, but I can’t get my name??? Panic set in. I tried to register it. Well, it was all ready taken. Sigh. So, I took TheGnomeLover. As in the one and only. Because I like to be as obnoxious as I possibly can.

But, anyway, I kind of don’t understand Instagram. What do you post? When you hashtag, do you use spaces? I just learned the word hashtag last month. And I use the word “learned” loosely. If my kids learned the alphabet like I learned the word “hashtag,” they would still be in kindergarten and my heart would still be whole.

How do you find people to follow? Is there a home page? Is there a search feature?

What are “likes”?

How often is too much posting to Instagram? What are the etiquette rules for Instagram? What if I like to take food pictures?

Am I ready for this?

Am I overthinking this?

If I have a booger or cellulite hanging out, will you let me know?

Gosh. Do I want to know?

Wait. Are these questions even more terrifying than pictures I could post?

I realize I could probably find these questions somewhere online, but it took me a half an hour just to find the button to sign up for an account. I am hoping you might be able to guide me in the right direction.

I think I will post stuff not on the blog and on the blog. Like yesterday I posted a picture from my house that won’t make it to the blog. And a blog picture. Maybe I will post pictures of blog posts coming up. Ollie. Murphy (who is sick. Please send good thoughts his way).

Thank you for your help! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some cave drawings that need to get done before the T-Rex comes around.

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Please Help Me! What to bring to Vegas??!!

I know. I know this post is kind of lame. And self indulgent. But I REALLY need help. My husband and I are going to Las Vegas for three nights tomorrow. I purchased some pieces I think say “Las Vegas.” But I am at a loss as to what to bring during the day. And today is Friday. We leave tomorrow morning. I have not even begun to pack.

Panic.

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For evening, I have the Scalloped Shift Dress, Lace Study Dress, and Scalloped Leather Skirt.

I do not know what to pair with the leather skirt for the evening time. I want to look sexy, but not trampy. And it has to be dressy enough for a nice dinner. And it has to be something I all ready own in my closet. You can see my dilemma. I was thinking a tight lace top, but is that too…too?

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Or is this dress a better substitute for any of the above?

I also do not feel like my bohemian style is appropriate for Las Vegas. I am thinking about just bringing jeans and a skirt or two. Maybe the Sketchbook Dress?

Am I overthinking this?

I am just so excited to get away for some alone time, I don’t want to be self conscience.

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Here is one day outfit plan with my Ping Skirt.

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And maybe my Humboldt Tunic? Except, I will wear pants this time. Probably. Maybe. Hopefully. With my pink AG Skinny Velvet pants? Or like this?

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Maybe my Ruffled Skirt? Except this is sweet. Not sexy. Is there any way to make it that latter word?

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I also recently bought this Free People Lydia X Maxi Skirt from Nordstrom Rack. I am not sure how the heck to style it. Maybe a long sleeve white or black t-shirt? But what shoes? And what jewelry? Maybe this could be a daytime outfit?

And when I say, “outfit.” Please know I am insinuating a top with that skirt. Not my belly. That would be the opposite of sexy.

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I LOVE this dress, but my husband does NOT. Does that make it an automatic “no” for a romantic getaway? Keep in mind on one of the days, I am going shopping (doing review posts for BOTH Free People and Anthropologie. If there is something you would like to see, please let me know and I will try to find it in the store to try on) and he is playing in a poker tournament. Maybe this could be my brave girl out look?

Any help or advice would greatly appreciated. Any clothes I should take instead?

Thank you! Thank you!