Friday!

Sorry I was MIA yesterday.  I opted for margaritas instead of blogging and figured you all would understand. 

Who watched the Royal Wedding?  I have to say I was surprisingly not into it, but I did catch a glimpse of her dress this morning and she sure did look beautiful, no?  A princess indeed.  Now, if we could only get away with wearing hats like those all the time I would be a happy, happy girl. 

And now it's the weekend!  Bring it.  What do you guys have planned?  I have my own wedding to go to tomorrow, which I'm sure will be just as grand.  Lord, I still need to figure out what to wear.  How terrible!

I hope you all have a fabulous time and enjoy the (hopefully!) lovely weather!

Simple Cream.

Sometimes simple is best.

I heart a lovely, linen dress in the summertime and I'm especially drawn to this cream one.  I'm never drawn to cream.  Unless it's on top of some pie.  Badumpcha.

Sorry 'bout that.

Plus, I am forever sold because of pockets. 

Outfit Tuesdays: Let the Sun Shine In.

Let the Sun Shine In. by justagirlandherstuff featuring crocodile handbags

I won't grumble about the weather.  I promise.  I will say, however, that it feels very strange to create outfits that I totally couldn't wear.  And not just because I can't afford them.  That's all I'm sayin'.

I hope you guys had a fantastic weekend!  I basked in my day off yesterday and did a whole lot of nothing.  But I did manage to do laundry, grocery shop, and cook this weekend so I feel a'ight.  Just call me Betty Crocker.  (please don't)

Here's to another week, friends!  

Weekendcity.

Screw the teepee, I want to spend my day HERE!  My god that looks fantastical. 

Happy weekend, friends!  What are y'all up to?  Have any fun Easter plans?

Have I ever told you that I work at a church?  Er, I don't think I have.  Anyway, that makes this week, Holy Week, quite a busy one.  I would be lying if I said I wasn't happy it's over.  Plus, a benefit of working at a church is that we get the Monday after Easter off.  Hello, three day weekend!  My family all lives far away in Georgia where they will be doing fun Easter things (egg hunt anyone?), but I plan to take this holiday weekend quietly with maybe a mimosa or two, and some Reese's peanut butter eggs.  Those are my fav-o-rite.  I live for them every year.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and get some goodies from the Easter Bunny.  Or some relaxing post-Passover, if that's how you roll!  See you on Tuesday, lovelies.

photo via pinterest

Dreamweaver.

I would like to spend my day here. 

photo: lifeamundo via Home Sweet Home

Lady in White.

It's been a while since I've posted anything wedding-related.  Right?  I saw this dress and just couldn't stop thinking about it.

I'm not usually one for the simple; this girl loves some adornment and drama, especially when it comes to a wedding dress.  But something about how this skirt flows makes me swoon.  The spaghetti straps don't seem dated and the folding across the bodice is a darling touch of texture.   

It is effortless beauty at its best and any woman should be so lucky.

Outfit Tuesdays: Summer in the City.

Summer in the City. by justagirlandherstuff featuring thong sandals

Screw the snow!  (Actually it's already gone, but I just like to complain.)  If I had my druthers I would be in a place where an outfit like this would be appropriate Right.Now.  Alas, I'm still in my puffy down coat hoping it'll break into the 40s.  (See, there I go with the complaining again.)

Maybe you live in a place more apropos.  

In that case, a tip of the flip flop to you. 

Lace and Leather.

If only Spring would really come around because I would love to wear this outfit.  Lace and leather.  Yes, please!

ps There was snow on the ground this morning.  Snow!

Edit: Does anyone else feel like it's weird I said "Lace and Leather" instead of "Leather and Lace"?  Twice!  It struck me today as strange.  Just sayin'.    

We made it.

Longest week ever, right?  We made it!

I'd love to spend this weekend at a beautiful lake like the one above.  That's actually me at the lake where I've visited many times since I was a child.  Beautiful, right?  (The weirdest thing about all this is that I went to my brother's facebook page to find a pic of this location and found that it wasn't there anymore -- the facebook page, not the pic.  What up, bro??)  We can thank my sister for this wonderful photographic evidence.

Anyway, I could handle some serenity in my life.  That's all I'll say about that (darn public forum).

I hope you all have a FANTASTIC weekend!!

Wishing and hoping.

If I had all the money in the world this pretty would be mine. 

EmersonMade.

Are we all aware of EmersonMade? 

Emerson makes some of the most incredible clothes and accessories I've ever seen.  They're not on the cheapest of sides, but I always find myself going back just to look at them.  I mean, that white tuxedo jacket with the black lapels?  COME ON!  Not to mention the amazing reversible tote she has in the first picture.  Me loves. 

If you've been watching Secrets From a Stylist then you will recognize the jacket in the second picture.  It goes with anything! 

And, of course, her classic flowers.  Where it all started. 

Seriously, ladies, you won't be disappointed: pieces like these last a lifetime.

Bonus!  Go here to see her fantastic house.  I am seething with jealousy. 

Outfit Tuesdays: A Day at the Races.

A Day at the Races. by justagirlandherstuff featuring knee length skirts

All you would need is a big floppy hat and you'd be completely ready to bet on some ponies!  I went to the horsetracks once for a bachelorette party and it was fantastically fun.  Though, all the crazy rules for betting were really overwhelming (especially after the champagne-filled ride there).  Let's just say I didn't make any money.  

Nor did I look as fabulous as you would wearing this outfit.  If I don't say so myself.   

The Golden Ticket.

I heart these bowls and think they would be a lovely addition to any home. 

Note: They are not for use with food.  But I think they would be fabulous holding jewelry, or odds and ends on your coffee table, or just as a decorative piece. 

The perfect bowl for your keys?  I think so!   (I'm one of those people that puts her keys in the same exact place whenever I step foot in my apartment.  And I'm lucky enough to have a charming, gifted bowl from Italy, but this one could give it a run for its money.)

Weekend!

Hi, friends.  Sorry for being MIA yesterday, I ended up sleeping through the past two days.  But I am back and ready for action.  It feels so strange that it's the weekend because I basically missed the last two days, but I'll take it!  And it's supposed to be stupid warm on Sunday in Chicago.

This weekend is kinda big for me because it's the one year anniversary of this here blog!  I can't believe it.  I remember starting it and having no idea what I was doing or what I wanted to achieve.  I've been so pleasantly surprised by the wonderful blogging community and all of the fantastic ladies that have become part of my daily routine.  Thank you all SO MUCH for reading and making it worth it!!  I know for a fact that I wouldn't still be doing it if it weren't for you.  You help keep a girl accountable!

Let's make this year better than the last!

What are you guys up to this weekend?  It sprung up on me, so I don't really have any set plans other than a lunch to discuss the blogging/social networking world with a friend.  I hope to find some new inspiration and drive and, really, it's couldn't be happening on a more apropos weekend.

Happy weekend, friends!  And THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

photo credit: Luis Monteiro    

Strep Throat Mini-Vacation.

I'm sicky poo; strep throat unexpectedly popped up on me.  I guess it's always unexpected.  Whatever.

I can't tell if that means I will have more time to lay around and peruse the internet and be a better blogger, or if I will be lethargic and barely check Facebook.  If last night is any example, we're leaning towards the latter.

The only thing that's been great about this so far is that I totally diagnosed myself.  I might as well be a doctor.  Seriously, I felt almost completely fine*, but noticed a strange, sore throat.  "Strep.  It must be!" thought I.  And, after feeling somewhat foolish for leaving work early to go to a Walgreens Take Care Clinic (which was awesome and I totally recommend, btw) I was quickly vindicated with a positive throat culture.  I've never felt so gratified to be sick.

If you want me, I'll be holed up in my apartment for the next 48 hours per doctor's (er, nurse practitioner's) orders.

*This has since turned into body aches and sleeplessness.  Not fun.

photo: Serious Milton by Geir Akselsens    

Frugal Outfit Tuesdays: By the Seaside.

By the Seaside. by justagirlandherstuff featuring flat shoes

I'm sure it's just because I'm itching for a vacation or a for a way to flee the city, but this outfit makes me daydream.  

I picture it with big, salt-filled hair.  My hair is always fantastic near the ocean.  Does yours react the same way?  I try to recreate it with sea spray and it's just never the same.  I usually hate when humidity comes into contact with my lovely tresses (right), but give a girl a frothy drink and some ocean waves and nothing can be wrong.  Except maybe for the searing sunburn I would inevitably receive.

Anyway.  This outfit could be a little too structured for vacation, but the beauty of it is you can just keep removing accessories and it would still be great!  

And all under $50.  thankyouverymuch.

Color blocking.

I keep seeing this dress pop up and it makes me smile every time I see it.  Though it is certainly not appropriate for my body type; I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to fit even one boob in there.  With that said, I think you should go for it!  It's from Urban Outfitters and pretty inexpensive at $59. 

The sherbet color makes me swoon and juxtaposed against the black and peach it's even more wonderful.  (Or is that navy?  Even better if it's navy!)

Get it!  Get it!  Get it! 

Well, hello, weekend!

I thought this photo was too sweet to not post.  Isn't it kind of heart-breaking/-warming at the same time?  Aw, Kermit, I know how you feel. 

Happy weekend, dear friends!  What are you up to?

I plan on brunching and shopping.  Grocery shopping, that is.  And, since it's pay day, I'm planning to buy myself a blender because I really want to start making this smoothie for breakfast.  Any recommendations (on the blender front)?  I'm headed to Target tomorrow, so definitely not anything too expensive.  I mean, blending is certainly not gonna take over my life -- no need for it to take over my pay check, right?

I've become so excited about grocery shopping lately.  I started preparing my list two days ago and just keep adding to it.  Eeep!  There are just so many recipes that I want to try (and we should all know by now that patience is not my virtue)!  And I personally love the idea of a stocked freezer all ready to go when I want to be lazy.

Well, now I'm basically talking about my errands; I'm sure you really love reading all about that.  I'll stop rambling and start the countdown to the weekend... 

I am now officially working for the weekend, friends.

photo via Nasty Hobbit