January Round-Up!

{Clockwise from top left: 1/2/3/4/5/6}

I can't believe January is already over! Time is absolutely flying. It's terrifying how much more quickly that seems to happen the older you get. Pretty soon it will be July and summer will be in full swing. Stop moving, time!

Think Spring....?

I rushed home from work last night to take outfit photos, hoping that since it's staying light later, that I would be able to take photos outside. Alas, it bus schedules and evening traffic ordained that it was not meant to be. Guess another couple weeks of indoor photos is in order. Unless I miraculously start having more time in the morning to take photos then. Maybe?

 Sometime last year, I pinned this look and knew that I had to recreate it. It's so great! However, it wasn't until this past weekend that I picked up a sweater that would be appropriate. Better late than never, right? Also, I clearly am wearing green pants, but I don't have red ones! I think I need to remedy this. Because red is awesome, amiright?

The Ever Elusive Camera Bag

Guys, I really like taking pictures. Really. And I want to carry my camera with me all the time. But, well, DSLR cameras aren't exactly small, you know? Add in a lens or two and you've got a lot of stuff! And, while I love my little backpack camera bag, it's very obviously a camera bag. I need something that can handle my camera and all the stuff that I carry on a daily basis to and from work that still looks presentable! This is a lot harder than I thought...

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

Fortunately, I rounded up my top 10 favorite camera bags. I really need to get my hands on one (or all?) of these!

For you photographers out there, what do you carry your camera in? Do you bring it with you every day?

Outside!

Stop the presses! It was warm enough outside to actually be outside. What's more, I was outside for 10 minutes without a coat and it was fine! Hooray! Since it was so nice, today, I was able to head out and run some much-needed errands.

Attention, Attention!

I've decided that after a year of blogging, it was time to grow up and become one of the big girls. Starting today, you can find My Confidence + Me at www.myconfidenceandme.com!! Everyone, update your bookmarks, STAT!

The "IT" List: January 25th

AKA: How is it already almost February?!

• do you j.crew? styles up a closet staple: the tweed jacket!  Check out her gorgeous round up!
• the luxury rehab features a sneek peek of the upcoming Prabal Garang for Target line. This floral dress is just stunning! (find the luxury rehab on Twitter!)
• everything but ordinary looks simply adorable in this polka dot on polka dot look. Wearing double polka dots is definitely on my spring-to-do list! (find everything but ordinary on Twitter!)
• live. work. style. is showing her 'blogger day off' outfit, which of course is just as fabulous as her blogger day 'on' outfits! A perfectly casual and comfortable look! (find live. work. style. on Twitter!)
• rose a la mode is perfectly Florida-chic in this striped top, casual shorts with a bright pop of color by way of her purse! I love this look and am longing for spring! (find rose a la mode on Twitter!)
• my confidence + me pulls together the perfect 'comfy & cozy' work from home outfit. I am really digging this, especially with all the cold weather the midwest has been having! (find my confidence + me on Twitter!)
• a little bit of wo.we experiments with layering in a new way (to her!).  It looks adorable and was well worth trying something new! (find a little bit of wo.we on Twitter!)
• from carpools to cocktails pulls off the perfect 'day date' look. It's charming and beautiful, but also totally appropriate for the day time. See how she does it! (find from carpools to cocktails on Twitter!)
• my thrifty chic steals her husband's top and styles it so effortlessly cool. Find out how she tweaked it a bit to make it fit her perfectly! (find my thrifty chic on Twitter!)
• loop looks invested in a great navy blazer and was excited to pair it with an adorable polka dot top. The look is classic and modern - check it out! (find loop looks on Twitter!)
• the second best dishes on her two must have items in her closet and wears them together.  Hint: you are going to want these two items as well! They are classic and beautiful! (find the second best on Twitter!)
• a fashion fixation is hosting a giveaway for a gift card to LOFT!  Head on over to enter! The LOFT is having some great sales right now! (find a fashion fixation on Twitter!)
• dahlia lynn lane is talking Alt Summit, unicorns and red maxi skirts. Random perhaps, but definitely worth checking out! This outfit is so fabulous! (find dahlia lynn lane on Twitter!)
• one hundred inspirations features Olivia Palermo in floral pants and a neon top. While this look sounds wild, it is pulled off effortlessly and worth recreating!
• sweetie pie style is jumping right into spring style on her blog, and really, aren't we all totally ready for it? Check out her fun looks! (find sweetie pie style on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of good life, for information on how you can be involved... click here!

Curly Girl: The Beginning

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As you may have noticed, I've got curly, wavy, frizzy, puffy hair. I'm still coming to terms with it. For years, I straightened my hair, but I just can't anymore. It was fine when 1) my hair was shorter and 2) I was in school and could take 5 hours to get ready in the morning. But that's just not practical when you've got a big girl job!

However, since going curly, I just haven't been able to master taking proper care of my hair. It requires such different treatment! However, after doing extensive research (seriously, I was sick last Friday and spent most of my day googling how to care of my hair), I believe that I have the perfect method. It been tested by lots of curlies out there, and it is the method proposed by the Devachan salon in New York, which originated a particular method of cutting hair specific to curls! They're the experts, so I better trust them!

The method, which you may have heard of, is called the Curly Girl method (from Lorraine Massey's book of the same name), or no-poo. No-poo (or low-poo), you may ask? What is that? Well, in a nutshell, you eliminate shampoo.

Work from Home Edition

top | leggings | glasses | slippers

Today may be a holiday (and Inauguration Day!), but I have to work. Since I can't actually get to work (you know, that whole presidential parade thing shuts down all some streets), I'm doing it from the comfort of my couch. Because I will be on the computer all day, I dressed in something comfortable and casual, as well as warm. You can find me today wearing the exact outfit above! This sweatshirt from Lululemon is, hands down, the most awesome thing ever. I want 10 more! Thanks, little bro!

The "IT" List: January 18, 2013!!

• DahliaLynn makes fabulous jewelry and is sharing with us how some of her customers are styling one of her most popular items! Pop over to check out this cute bauble! (find DahliaLynne on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation is bringing the turtleneck back and sporting it stylishly by layering and pairing it with a chic skirt! She nailed it! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• The Second Best has an obsession with patterned pants and picked up a new pair on the cheap! Head over to find out where she found these fun trousers and how she styled them! (find Second Best on Twitter!)
• Loop Looks shares her go-to look when she is in a time crunch (snooze, anyone?)! The bonus? It feels like wearing pajamas! (find Look Looks on Twitter!)
• My Thrifty Chic dresses down this week and is showing us her comfiest pair of jeans! Oh and they only cost her $8! Wow! (find My Thrifty Chic on Twitter!)
• From Carpools to Cocktails is rocking a chic sweatshirt with leather accents! The ultimate in comfy cute and perfect for moms! (find From Carpools to Cocktails on Twitter!)
• Little Bit of Wo.We is breaking out of her shell and mixes a masculine shirt and feminine skirt for a look that is ready for work or a dinner out! So cute! (find Little Bit of Wo.We on Twitter!)
• My Confidence + Me is taking a hint from the weather and dressing in blacks and grays - winter chic AND cozy! (find My Confidence + Me on Twitter!)
• Rose a la Mode looks impossibly chic in tulle and chambray for a friend's bridal shower - a must see! (find Rose a la Mode on Twitter!)
• Live Work Style departs from her usual and adds a pop of vibrant color into her look to match the energy she is feeling in the new year! Love! (find Live Work Style on Twitter!)
• Everything but Ordinary is making denim shorts look down right fabulous and the best part? You can rock them in the cold weather! (find Everything but Ordinary on Twitter!)
• The Luxury Rehab recaps her favorite looks from the Golden Globes and also spots the trends that are taking us in to the new year! Lots of eye candy here! (find The Luxury Rehab on Twitter!)
• Do You J.Crew? shows us tons of ways to style a pencil skirt - from casual to dressy and everything in between! A must have for every closet!
• Sweetie Pie Style rounds up 5 pieces she has her eye on for spring and they are each under $25! Pop over to pick out your favorite wallet friendly treat! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)
• Second Street East is dying over the newest issue of Lonny and found tons of inspiration for an outfit and a room! Tons of great pieces to add to your home or your wardrobe! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second Street East.

For more information on how you can be involved - click here

Latest Obsession: Blazers

{from top to bottom: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7}

Maybe I'm a little slow to the game, but I am lately obsessed with blazers. I have a couple (one needs tailoring and it's on my to-do list), but I want more! They're so awesome, and versatile and can be used to dress up even a simple outfit. 

So far, I have a boyfriend blazer (the one that needs tailoring), a gray blazer, and a tweed jacket that can pass as a blazer. But I need a black one! And a colored one! And more tweed (with elbow patches)! There are so many to choose from.

Where did you find your favorite blazer?

Gray

This is the dreariest week! It rained all weekend, it rained all day today and some of yesterday, and I think it's supposed to rain at least part of the day for the rest of the week! Where is the sun! I want to take outfit photos outside!

Due to the icky weather, I decided to dress in sad shades again. Except I really love my gray pants (have I worn them on the blog yet? I don't think so) and I really really love this gap snood. I want one in every color. Or any knit snood. Ever.

Golden Globes: The Good, The Bad and The HOLY GOD, WHAT ARE YOU WEARING?!

Ladies. Let's talk the Golden Globes, in which celebs and their entourages ate, drank, and had a good time on our televisions this past Sunday. I always look forward to awards season, because I get to look at pretty men and women in pretty clothes that I will never be able to afford. Red carpets are always a good time. But this year? WOW. If you follow me on Twitter, you will see that I felt this year's red carpet was just abominable. Ill-fitting dresses, terrible prints, worse hair. It all just came together to amazingly underwhelming. Here are my pics for the good, the bad, and the...well, indescribable.
The Good:

I'm not a huge fan of Hayden Panettiere, either in real life or on Nashville, but there's no denying that she's a good fit for her bitchy, immature character. There's also no question that this is a good dress for her. It fits, and while a little wedding dress-y, it's a good color and style for her.

Julianne Moore, who is one of my favorite actresses, consistently kills it, and this awesome black and white combo is no different. #winning

Winter Accessory Love

{top row l-r: gloves | hat | gloves; middle row: scarf | hat | mittens | hat; bottom row: gloves(sold out) | scarf | snood | snood}

Even on days (like yesterday) when the weather in DC is more spring than winter, I can't stop ogling adorable winter accessories. There's nothing like chunky knits, amiright? There are so many scarves, hats, and gloves on my wishlist right now, it isn't even funny! Especially since work is so cold, and my scarf never leaves my neck, from the time I leave the house until the time I get home in the afternoon. And the snood? My new favorite accessory. Ever.

What are your favorite winter accessories?

The "IT" List: January 11th, 2013

I can't believe it's already mid-January. Time, stop flying!!

• DahliaLynn loved getting all snuggled up in her cape and a little fur for the snowy weather while visiting family for the holidays! So fab! (find DahliaLynne on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation is making a statement with her jewels and tights but keeping it neutral everywhere else! Throw a tried and true denim jacket on top and this is one cute look! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• The Second Best is channeling her inner Rachel Zoe by showing off her lean legs in platform booties! Just as fabulous as the diva herself! (find Second Best on Twitter!)
• Loop Looks takes it back to basics with a simple dress and breaks her own rule of three! Pop over to check it out! (find Look Looks on Twitter!)
• My Thrifty Chic lets her accessories shine in an outfit that only cost her $40! Head over to find out where she shops for such great deals!! (find My Thrifty Chic on Twitter!)
• From Carpools to Cocktails is all about comfort and wears her go-to leggings and sweater ensemble! She keeps it chic in a more fitted silhouette - love! (find From Carpools to Cocktails on Twitter!)
• Little Bit of Wo.We shows us her love of color in a bright blazer that is sure to beat the winter blues! Paired with a great pair of jeans, this look is perfect for a put together weekend! (find Little Bit of Wo.We on Twitter!)
• My Confidence + Me has the cute casual look down pat! Pop over to see how she used layers to keep this look interesting! (find My Confidence + Me on Twitter!)
• Rose a la Mode is shopping the Neiman Marcus for Target sale and found an amazing sweatshirt! Go check out how she styled her new find! (find Rose a la Mode on Twitter!)
• Live Work Style keeps her work outfit interesting by mixing floral and leopard for some pattern fun! She also has an amazing tip for how to dress casual at the office! (find Live Work Style on Twitter!)
• Everything but Ordinary shows us her edgy side in leather and pleats! She looks like she stepped straight out of a magazine! (find Everything but Ordinary on Twitter!)
• The Luxury Rehab goes glam in fabulous sequin top and you won't believe where she found it! This is a must see! (find The Luxury Rehab on Twitter!)
• Do You J.Crew? is giving us a refresher course on how to style the infamous chambray top! Definitely something for everyone here!
• Sweetie Pie Style has discovered the snood and can't get enough! Pop over for her top picks for this must-have winter accessory! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)
• Second Street East recreates a traditional meets modern dining room into an outfit and a room! She also found an amazing DIY for the chandelier - go check it out! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second Street East.

For more information on how you can be involved - click here

Winter Beauty Solutions

Winter air leaves me feeling so dry! Living in the city, which requires me to be outside walking to and from places all day just saps the moisture right out of my skin, and running the heat and working in a museum (low relative humidity is good for most kinds of objects) makes it even worse. Every year, I turn to a concoction of salves and serums to try to alleviate the weather and have found some tried and true remedies!

1. Neutrogena naturals multi-vitamin nourishing night cream - This little (read large, it lasts forever) pot is a lifesaver! It's creamy and thick, but doesn't leave a gummy film on your face. My skin, which is oily as all get out and acne prone drinks this stuff up after my nightly shower. Bonuses? It's all natural, contains vitamins, and smells really good. I'm a huge fan of the Neutrogena naturals line!

2. EOS Lip Balm Sphere - I'm sure you've seen these babies all over the blogosphere, but they really are as great as everyone says! Cute, they fit right into your hand and pack some serious moisture. They also come in a lot of yummy, fruity scents, but I prefer your standard mint.

3. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream - I hate wearing gloves (can't use my phone!), so my hands are always exposed to the elements. This stuff is a lifesaver. It's rich and thick and does wonders for my extra dry hands.

4. Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Lotion - I've got curly hair, and as curlygirl knows, they need conditioner. Lots, and lots, and lots of conditioner. Especially in the winter, where cold air and low humidity dries them out like anything else. After I absolutely drench my hair with conditioner in the shower and rise some most of it out, I flip my head over and massage some of this through my curls. Olive oil is really good for both your skin and hair (as well as your heart) and this stuff provides my hair with a little extra to soak up to keep my curls from frizzing out of control!

5. Jergen's Ultra Healing Lotion - My skin is super dry on a good day, so in winter it's even worse. This lotion, which is geared specifically towards super dry skin works wonders.

6. Johnson & Johnson's Baby Oil - Like I said, my skin is super dry, and while I can usually get away with shaving my legs using my body wash followed by lotion, in the winter I need a little bit more. I actually just read about this trick, but using baby oil works so much better than shaving cream and is cheaper, too!

7. Fresh Sugar Lip Balm - The only non-drugstore item in my arsenal, this lip balm is hands down the best. I apply it before bed each night and wake up with soft, smooth lips. It's great!

Denim

Gosh, it's only mid-week but it feels like it should be Friday already! I hate how long the first full week after a break feels. It's torturous. It doesn't help that I still feel like I'm not seeing any daylight during the day. I wish my office could be in a greenhouse, so I was under the sun all day but still protected from the cold. Alas!

Boots, Boots, Boots, and Boots.

I will be the first to admit that I'm just a little obsessed with boots. Every winter I can't seem to stop myself from adding another pair to my growing collection (a collection, mind you, that is fast outgrowing the confines of my closet), and now that I am adding booties to the mix, well. It's getting bad.

{Clockwise from top left: Frye Melissa Button | Frye Dorado | Carlos Santana (similar) | Enzo Angiolini Saylem Boot | Ralph Lauren (similar) | Sam Edelman Petty | Madewell Zipcode Bootie | Frye Harness Boot

As you can see, it's a little ridiculous. However, boots are so great with everything (you can see how I've worn some of them here, here, here, here, and here). I'm obsessed!

How many pairs of boots or booties do you own?

And for your viewing pleasure, here's a GIF! Now I know how to make them. Look out!

Christmas Eve

Somehow I forgot these pictures in the switch from old computer to my new! This is what I wore on Christmas Eve at my parents house. I always have the best intentions to dress nicely, but we're so low-key that it never actually happens! There's just too many laughs, hilarious stories from our childhoods (my family is big on embarrassing each other) and too much food!

The IT List!

I am so excited to start off the new year as a part of the IT List! Check it out!

• DahliaLynne looks absolutely stunning in a vintage gold skirt and plaid for her holiday card! Love her husband's outfit, too! (find DahliaLynne on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation has perfected her bun and looks so chic in black and white! Head over to find out what tutorial she used to create her new hair obsession! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• The Second Best is whipping out her trusty Uggs for a look that is perfect to run weekend errands in! Cute and comfy? That's a win-win! (find Second Best on Twitter!)
• Loop Looks goes for a monochromatic look in fifty shades of gray (ok, not fifty...). Such a cute and easy outfit for the office! (find Look Looks on Twitter!)
• My Thrifty Chic is mad for plaid and she found it in an unexpected place for next to nothing! Pop over to see how she is styling her new find and some fun pictures, too! (find My Thrifty Chic on Twitter!)
• From Carpools to Cocktails paired sequins and cargos for a look that was casual enough for spending New Years Eve with the kids. Cute!! (find From Carpools to Cocktails on Twitter!)
• Little Bit of Wo.We is ready for the snow in leather, tweed and fur! She has managed to be dressed up and still look cozy and warm - impressive!
• My Confidence + Me recaps her holiday party outfit and looks stunning in light blue and lace! This one should definitely be carried over into the new year! (find My Confidence + Me on Twitter!)
• Rose a la Mode is keeping the winter blues away by dressing up in a festive outfit complete with plaid and a little bling! So cute! (find Rose a la Mode on Twitter!)
• Live Work Style is taking tips from her mom's wardrobe 20 years ago and is sporting and updated version of a trend from the 80's! Pop over to check out this cute look! (find Live Work Style on Twitter!)
• Good Life keeps it simple in tone on tone grey and boyfriend jeans! The epitome of comfy cute! (find Good Life on Twitter!)
• The Luxury Rehab rounds up 7 of her favorite looks from 2012 - tons of eye candy and inspiration in this post! Go check it out! (find The Luxury Rehab on Twitter!)
• Sweetie Pie Style is shopping the new color of the year! She found tons of cute accessories in this lush color to freshen up your wardrobe! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)
• Second Street East is taking color inspiration from a new years resolution and turning it into an outfit and a room - such cute looks! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second Street East.

For more information on how you can be involved - click here

Happy New Year!

Happy 2013! I can't believe 2012 is over. It was such a busy year! Every year, I make it a point to think of some resolutions. I usually forget about them after approximately a month, but it's still nice to have some goals, right? Right. Onward to the resolutions.

1. Keep my resolutions! (probably the hardest one...)
2. Post at least 2 outfits per week and sprinkle in some other fashion-related posts.
3. Go to the gym 3x per week (preferably more)
4. Attend some classes at said gym! Zumba!
5. Find a job that makes me happy and fulfilled.
6. Organize my space so that it fits everything.
7. Take at least one photograph per day.
8. Take a photography course, either online or in person.
9. Travel somewhere.
10. Save money!

What are your resolutions? How do you go about keeping them?

Happy New Year!!