Building A Snowgnome

Oh the joy! In my secret heart of hearts was a dream that I did not think I could even dare to close my eyes to think of. It involved my children playing in the snow. In our yard. Building a snowman.

IMG_2200.JPG

It doesn’t seem like a big dream, but there it was in my heart of hearts.

So when my husband woke me up on New Year’s Eve excitedly exclaiming that it was snowing, I thought I was still dreaming. It was still dark outside, and it did not seem real.

IMG_2269.JPG

But it was. In Southern California, it snowed.

IMG_2246.JPG

We woke our kids up and told them to quickly get dressed in warm clothes and shoes. And we all traipsed outside to play in the snow in the dark. Our silhouettes were lit by the streetlamps and Christmas lights twinkling on the street. It felt surreal and I understood how Harry Potter must have felt when Hagrid greeted him in the lighthouse that very first night.

Anything seemed possible.

gnomegif

My kids built a snowman with my husband that I turned into a snowgnome.

He was much happier that way.

As one always is in a red pointy hat.

Did you build a snowman or snowgnome this season? Please tell me I am not the only one with a gnome hat or two.

*Outfit details: My sweater is one that I purchased from the flea market last month. I talked about it more in this post. Anthropologie has a cool cardigan out right now that is also reminiscent of an afghan or blanket. I also found this one on Etsy. If you can crochet, there are many different crochet cardigan patterns available for purchase there for around $3 so you could make your own. I was very lucky and only paid $30 for my sweater. The sleeveless chambray dress was an Anthropologie popback last year from Cloth and Stone (now sold out, similar shaped dress here).

*I shared this on The Pleated Poppy.

Mexican Blanket Skirt

20140521-163713.jpg

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.

20140512-182949.jpg

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.

20140512-182708.jpg

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.

20140512-182825.jpg

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’.

20140512-182646.jpg

The bracelet is Free People’s Hammered Stacked Multi Cuff

20140512-182900.jpg

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

20140512-182925.jpg

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!

Colima And See What I Did

20140426-002516.jpg

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?

20140426-003254.jpg

So I did.

20140426-002854.jpg

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

20140426-002825.jpg

And the spin factor cannot be beat.

20140426-003211.jpg

Trust me.

20140426-002602.jpg

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.

My Denim Dress

I purchased this Cloth & Stone’s Chambray Maxi Dress from Anthropologie as a popback in October. It was 68% off. It is so comfortable and soft. It is one of my favorite dresses in my closet.

It is strapless! Gulp!

This means I can only wear it in the fall and the winter. I have to wear a cardigan with it.

20140211-174310.jpg

20140211-174336.jpg

I first styled it with my little Angel of the North Pointelle Wisp Cardigan in olive that I bought for 74% off around the same time.

20140211-174502.jpg

20140211-174524.jpg

And recently I styled it with my Anthropologie Pooch Posse Cardigan I bought in the summertime when it hit sale. It has a bulldog on it! How could I resist?

I wore this to The Lazy Dog Cafe. ‘Cause I could. I cannot resist a theme.

How do you style a denim dress or skirt? So far, I have been boring with this dress and have only have paired it with cardigans. Any other ideas on how to style it without revealing that the dress is strapless?

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