Unofficial Start of Summer

Photo taken by my lovely Mother

I can't believe Memorial Day weekend is gone! I'm still in shock that 2010 is almost half over. I better make the second half of the year count! Like most people in the U.S., Memorial Day weekend signifies the unofficial start of summer to me. The weather sure did, prove to feel summery with its heat. But despite some discomfort when the temperature soars, I really do like summertime. There are so many fun outdoor summer activities to partake in. Since I'm not taking a real vacation this summer, I plan to do at least one 'staycation' and explore my city and find some things I've never done before. Summer also makes me think of warm weather treats, speaking of warm weather treats, I could really go for a water ice and soft pretzel right now...

Dress: Target

Shoes: thrifted

Bag: thrifted (Botkier for Target)

Sunnies: Marshalls

Earrings: Modcloth

Bringing my own sunshine

On some days, you just have to bring your own sunshine to the world around you. It can be in the form of smile or in your choice of clothing which is what I sought to do when I wore this dress the other day. I find in most instances that my mood can't help but to improve if I am wearing something cheerful. Does that happen to you too?

Dress: thrifted

Belt: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Zappos

Necklace: JessLC

Bracelet: thrifted

Earrings: gift

What I Wish I Wore: Date Nite

Dress: Modcloth
Shoes: Endless
Earrings: JessLC
Locket: Modcloth
Clutch: Endless

This dress caught my eye because it looks like it could easily transition from day to evening with a cardigan or blazer and different accessories. My self-imposed one month shopping hiatus is getting to me. I find myself staring wistfully at my closet each morning wishing there was something new (or new to me) in there. I have successfully stayed out of my favorite 'brick and mortar' stores for most of the month, but window shopping on the Internet is another story...temptation is everywhere. If I can make it through Memorial Day weekend without any clothing purchases, I'll be home free!

I was prompted to lessen my spending after looking at my purchases through Mint and realizing that I had very little to show for the money leaving my checking account. Though I didn't deprive myself, I really tried to think about my purchases more this month and ask myself if I really needed the item I was considering. Though I plan to get a few items, I'm going to keep my 'spending awareness' up during the month of June and will make an effort to make my money stretch as far as possible. I think some thrifting is in order...I usually just save my thrifting for when I'm Philly visiting family, but I'll have to find some spots to go to in DC. Suggestions are welcome!

Do you implement shopping 'pauses' to get your spending in balance?

Easy Breezy Saturdays

I love Saturday mornings. Easy breezy Saturdays call for even easier outfits. I sure do miss the store I purchased this skirt from. It was so convenient to pop in there during my Saturday walks...Now I'm going to go back to eating my whole-made vegan lemon scones and tea. Happy Saturday!

Top: Banana Republic

Skirt: Vintage

Shoes: Target

Necklace: Forever 21

Earrings: H&M

Sunnies: Target

ArchAndroid

This post title is inspired by the album I've had on repeat for the past few days; Janelle Monae's ArchAndroid. I have to say it's a winner. It's varied, but all of the pieces fit into a tapestry of great music. Ms. Monae is stylish in her own right; her penchant for classic menswear pieces with a feminine touches rivals my love of classic shapes of skirts/dresses.

As for today's outfit, this skirt is what I would consider it to be a wardrobe work-horse. I wear skirts frequently as can be surmised by looking at previous outfit photos on this blog. But the shape of this skirt works best for my short, curvy figure. Though I like straight/pencil skirts; flared skirts are my favorites and I am of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" school of thought. Polka dots never go out of style for me and this shirt purchased over a year ago is now a seasonal favorite. Now if only I had sewing skills to make some skirts and tops myself...ah something to aspire to.

Shirt: H&M

Skirt: Target

Shoes: Payless

Belt: H&M

If I Could Shop....

Via Sally Jane Vintage

Via Sally Jane Vintage

If I wasn't on a self-imposed shopping ban this month, I'd do purchase some items from this great Etsy Shop. Being fiscally responsible is hard...Shopping for vintage items on Etsy is so convenient for those of us who aren't car owners.

Spring? Please Come Back....

Dear Spring Weather,

I appreciate your visits, but would really like it if you stick around until September and stop being shy. It feels really odd to wear tights, a cardigan and scarf in mid-May....

Shirt: Target

Skirt: Urban Outfitters

Cardigan: H&M

Scarf: H&M

Flats: H&M

Tights: Hue via Madewell

Alek Wek by Andrew Yee for 'How To Spend It Magazine'

I love the styling of this editorial of model Alek Wek. The print mixing and saturation of color is fansatastic! See the rest here.

Put Your Records On...

The title of this post was inspired by a song and the fact that music plays a pretty large role in my life for some of the following reasons though I have no singing skills and have completely forgotten how to read music:

1. I was on the choir all four years of high school which thankfully had some very excellent singers, so my little voice blended in quite well. One of my current favorite shows is Glee probably in part because of the fond memories I have of singing on my alma mater's choir.
2. I usually have music playing quietly during most of my work day and when I am doing homework or studying at home I often take "dance breaks" to dance to what ever song I have on repeat in my iTunes library or playing on Pandora radio.
3. If I had more disposable income, I'd see all of my favorite musical artists when they were performing locally. Since this isn't a reality right now, I'm really choosey because concerts are pricey!

As for this outfit, I just love this skirt, it has become a favorite and I look forward to styling it more casually with sleeveless tops, platform sandals and some bold accessories very soon.

Jacket: Forever 21

Top: Banana Republic

Skirt: Thrifted

Shoes: Nine West

Necklace: vendor at Eastern Market

Sunnies: Target

Song currently on repeat: 'Nothing Can Come Between Us' by Sade

Muted Florals

I don't really have much to say about how this outfit together. I rarely put my outfits together the night before though I'm sure that would save me time on my morning routine. I just grabbed the first thing I put my hands on when I opened my closet which happened to be this dress and thought my short sleeve blazer would make it a bit more work appropriate. I really must remember to switch out my shoes in my desk so I can wear something other than my same black sling backs. Am I the only one that keeps at least one pair of heels in her desk at all times? I do this mainly to save some room in my bag during my daily commute. But doing this means I have a few pairs of shoes that don't get put in rotation all that often.

Now I'm off to procrastinate a little before buckling down to finish a paper I have to turn in later this week. The joys of being a part time student....

Dress: Urban Outfitters

Blazer: The Loft (bought when it was called Ann Taylor Loft)

Shoes: Payless

Cami: Old Navy

Earrings: H&M

T-shirts for a book lover

inspired by

via

I am a self-described bibliophile. My love for books and fashion are pretty much tied, so imagine my delight when I discovered these T-shirts. I also like the mission of the company that makes them, Out of Print Clothing. For each shirt sold, one book is donated to a community in need though an organization called Books for Africa. Check them out.

Recent Thrifted Finds: Yellow Dress

On a recent trip to New York, I purchased this dress from Beacon's Closet in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Please excuse the slight wrinkles in this dress. In my excitement to try it on, I forgot to iron it. I love Beacon's Closet and the Buffalo Exchange. The Philly location of the Buffalo Exchange which I visit on trips home is so-so to me, but the Brooklyn location is great! For me, both stores rival each other for my favorite clothing exchange/thrift/vintage stores. I usually find at least one hidden treasure when I visit either of these stores.

I really want to make an effort to shop more consciously and shop at more thrift stores and reasonably priced vintage stores. It's a 'greener' way to shop and can sometimes be economically. Wearing used clothing does not bother me at all. I like that some of my clothing has a history and that I've giving it another lease on life by wearing it after someone else has decided to part with it. I'm going to start scouting out more thrift stores in my city, if I come across any good ones, I'll definitely give them a shout-out on this blog for any people who live in or visit Washington, DC.

I think I'll get a lot of wear out of this yellow dress this summer. I love dresses because they require it's only one step to get dressed! I decided to limit my purchases to only essential items this month, but next month, I'll definitely be on the lookout for more warm weather appropriate dresses.