Stuff I Wore: An Uncontrollable Mess

The title of this post references the mess that is my apartment, but also the mess that my hair stylist was the last time I got a hair cut.

As you can see from this picture, my apartment is a mess.  At the time this photo was taken a few weeks ago, work was crazy (still is) and laziness was setting in outside of the office.  As you can also see from the boxes in the background, I also went on a little online shopping binge.  The Scot was pretty busy with work and school, so spending 15 minutes in the morning taking my picture was not high on his of priorities (I know, his priorities are not straight...haha).  This picture was a result of a snap and run.

Dress // Target
Cardigan // Joe Fresh, worn here, similar here
Necklace // Debenham's, similar here
Tights // Hue
Yellow Flats // ??, worn here, similar here

And now on to my hair stylist.  She is adorable and bubbly and awesome and I always envy her style.  Last time I saw my stylist, she was wearing that Target dress.  She looked so cute and I knew I wanted that dress.  However, when she bent over in that dress, I could see her entire booty!  A mess!   So, I purchased the dress in one of my Target hauls, but I sized up in the dress to get a little length and paired it with tights.  In the summer I may even just put some spandex shorts on underneath just in case.

In honor of this Target dress I'm linking up with Fabulous But Evil for Target Tuesday and sharing a few other Target dresses.

Strapless Dress
I love the pattern mixing in this dress!

Chambray Shirtdress
I think this is the perfect substitute for Anthropologie's pricier Fremont Dress

Stuff I Wore: I'm THAT Neighbor (OOTD)

Whoa, I did not realize how rough I looked that day.  
Cardigan // Joe Fresh, similar here

Necklace // J. Crew Factory, worn here, similar here

Top // Target

Jeans // Banana Republic, similar here

Shoes // Old crumpled yellow flats that I will wear until they fall apart or I find a pair I like as much, whichever comes first.

I feel as though I'm that neighbor.  You know, the one all the other neighbors talk about and just can't quite figure out.  Yep, that's me.  So here are a few of the reasons why:
1. I can often be heard yelling "No!" "Get out of there!" "Don't eat that!"...at the dog or the cats.  The other night one of the cats got a hold of a chicken bone off of the Scot's dinner plate.  I proceeded to chase the cat around yelling "Catch him! He has a chicken bone!  He's going to choke and die!"
2. One day the dog did her business and then proceeded to sit down right in a pile of her own business.  So, I had to try and clean her butt off with a baby wipe.  However, my dog thought I was playing a game and tried to run away, so I was chasing the dog around outside with a baby wipe.  I am pretty sure all my neighbors think I wipe my dogs butt every time she poops.
3. I talk to my dog A LOT.  Sometimes I forget I am outside in front of other people and I'll be talking to her.  "Gaia what should we have for dinner?"  "Gaia, hurry up, I have to get back to my TV shows."
4. AND I prance around outside while the Scot takes pictures of me.  The chill from the cold weather and my embarrassment are the reasons that most of my photos are taken indoors.

AND did you notice I'm trying out the whole cuffed jeans thing?  I was a little scared, but I think I pulled it off.

Stuff I Wore: A Bicycle Built for Two Outfits (and a wine tasting)

I might be over-wearing my Target Bicycle Skirt.  Might.  I wore it twice over the last few weeks.  Twice.  I try not to repeat clothing items too much in such a short time span, especially not those as unique as a red bicycle printed skirt.  But, I did it.  

Bicycle Built for Two Outfits by veggielawyer

I wore it to work with just a simple gray cardigan and brown cami.

Tank and Shoes // Target, shoes worn here, similar here

Sweater Tights // Hue

Cardigan and Necklace // Banana Republic, similar cardigan

I got these stacking rings on sale at The Limited for $5!!

And then I just switched out the top half of the outfit and I wore the skirt again to work with a chambray shirt I picked up at Old Navy.  Seriously. everything in this outfit is the same as above except the shirt and necklace.  I hope I'm not boring my co-workers (or my blog readers).  

But, the second permutation of this outfit was a little more important because I wore it for a big night out.  A few weekends ago we traveled down to South Jersey for a wine tasting.  I got a Groupon for a $20 couple's wine tasting at the Valenzano Winery.  We packed ourselves into the car, dragged another couple along and got a dog sitter.  

And let me tell you, Valenzano Winery rocked it.  The place is absolutely gorgeous and my friends, of course, had to conveniently mention that it's the perfect place for a wedding.  They had an acoustic band, unlimited tastings and each couple got a plate of cheese, crackers and grapes.  AND THEN, we each got a bottle of wine.  I don't mean each couple, I mean each PERSON.  $20 well spent.  The tasting of their cranberry sparkling wine (Cranpagne, get it?  haha) was worth it.  Mmmmm....I'm thinking about making a mimosa with it.  

Well, while we were down there, we figured we should get a hotel and then get drunk at a Chili's.  Yeah we party pretty hard.  The next day we went into Philly for some sightseeing...and more drinking.  My liver needs a break.  

Daydream Believer (OOTD 2.2.12)

 So originally this post was going to be about breaking fashion rules and mixing black and brown...blah, blah blah.  But in light of Davy Jones' death, I decided to change the theme.

Similar Skirt
Blouse worn here, similar here
Similar Wedges

Davy Jones was my first official celebrity crush.  Yes, you read that correctly.  I'm a Daybreak Believer and I took that last train to Clarksville.  When I was in kindergarten reruns of The Monkees were on Nickelodeon after school.  I, not realizing there had been a significant passing of time since the filming of The Monkees told my mom that Davy Jones was the cutest boy ever and I wanted to be his girlfriend.  My mom tried to explain to me that Davy Jones was 15 years older than her and that the show was filmed 15 years ago.  I didn't believe it and said, "But Mom, look at the TV, he's A LOT younger than you."  Not only was I an idiot, but I was also kind of a jerk.

On another unrelated topic, As you can probably tell, I messed with my blog layout the other night.  The Scot picked out the header and background combo.  The rose images are courtesy of Pugly Pixel, an awesome design blog with tons of freebies.  I just need to find a spot on the blog to give them credit. I know, the Scot is now an integral part of the blog: photographer and now consultant.  

Stuff I Wore: Navigating Curves (OOTD 1.10.12)

Occasionally I have a 14 year old girl moment where I irrationally throw a fit about something.  "Occasionally" could mean several times a week right?  Lucky for the world, these moments pass very quickly and only happen behind closed doors.  However, now that The Scot has moved in, he is privy to these moments.  (and apparently now the internet is too). 

Skirt worn here, similar here; Similar Sweater; Shoes worn here and similar here. 

OOTD 1.10.12 by veggielawyer

And "occasionally" these fits are directed at The Scot.  So, when I put on this outfit, The Scot says, "You look very [pause] curvy."  My response, "You paused!  What does that mean?!"  His reply (and saving grace), "No I meant like Joan Holloway curvy."  I take that as a compliment, but for future reference, don't say anything besides, "You look great" to me before 7 am and when I'm going to be late for work.  Because I will over-analyze and throw a 15 minute fit.

Also, based upon Gaia's interest in my skirt, I assume its made of Snausage fibers.  Seriously, out of about 20 pictures, this is the one in which she was least present.

Stuff I Wore: Sew Talented (OOTD 1.9.12)

Note: It looks like Google Friend Connect is going away in March for non-Blogger users.  So, make sure to follow me on Bloglovin or Google Reader.

Also, I've updated my "About Me" page, so you you want to know more about me, that's obviously the spot to go.

One of the benefits of shopping at nicer stores like J. Crew and Anthro is the service.  I had a particularly positive interaction with a J. Crew associate a few weeks ago.

I originally started the day off in these adorable Coach flats.  They're a few years old and I was perplexed as to why I hadn't worn them in awhile.  Around lunch time I figured out why; the top of the shoes dig painfully into my feet.  So, off to the consignment shop they went.

I had been eyeing this skirt for awhile at J. Crew.  So when it went on sale (plus an extra 30% off) I snatched it right up.  Unfortunately, I realized that the top button was hanging on by a thread.  I mentioned it to a store associate, but they didn't have any more in my size.  I figured, for the price, it was worth it to sew the button back on myself.  The store associate was nice enough to give me an additional 15% off on top of the already HUGE discount.  I think she gave me the student discount.  So, I got this skirt for $30 thanks to a sweet store associate.

Cardigan; Similar Skirt; Similar Camisole; Similar Earrings;

OOTD 1.9.12 by veggielawyer 

J Crew wool pleated skirt
£130 - net-a-porter.com

Tights
$50 - target.com

Lauren Conrad Floral Ruffle Camisole
$22 - kohls.com

Steve madden shoes
$40 - famousfootwear.com

J Crew Crystal Brulee Bracelet
$45 - jcrew.com

Lauren Conrad gold tone earrings
$8.40 - kohls.com

Stuff I Wore: A Bicycle Built for Two (OOTD 1.3.12)

Yipee!  You get two posts today!  I really have to make a dent in my outfit archives.
I bought this skirt between Christmas and New Year and just could not wait to debut it at work.  A few other bloggers have also fallen in love with this skirt too (Elizabeth at Behind the Dressing Room Door and S at The Delightful Find).  I went simple with just a gray sweater and brown ribbed tights.

I'd appreciate any styling suggestions or links to other blogs featuring this skirt.  I'll definitely be wearing this skirt straight into spring and summer.

Xhilaration  Pleated Button Up Skirt

And because I loved it so much (and because I'm OCD), I went back to Target and bought it in another color and print.  Yes, those are little purple keys.  When I first purchased the bicycle print skirt I saw this one and asked myself, "So I really need two funky printed skirts?"  The answer at the time was no, but upon reflection I realized it was a big fat yes.

Stuff I Wore: First Outfit of the New Year (OOTD 1.2.12)

Similar Dress here and here
Similar Boots

I wanted to start the new year off right.  So, I put on one of my favorites, Anthro's Sing Sweetly Party Dress.  And I took some new and improved pictures outside!

Since the Scot just moved in, we needed to purchase a few things for the apartment.  He insisted on having a desk and bookshelf.  So, off to Ikea we went.  We easily found a desk and bookshelf, but then it took us the rest of the afternoon to agree on a desk chair.  The Ikea portion of our trip was pretty short, about an hour.  And then it took us 4 hours to find a mutually agreeable desk chair.  The desk is in the  living room, so I told him I don't want it to look like a cubicle, but he really wanted one of those high-backed swively office chairs.  We settled on a faux leather chair from Marshall's.  I think it was originally part of a dining room set, so we got it for $50.  I guess if the biggest fight we've ever had has been about a chair things can't be so bad!

Stuff I Wore: OOTD 12.29.11

Polyvore Set
Similar Dress here and here
Similar Boots

And here's another outfit I wore during my casual week between Christmas and New Year's.  I think this will finally finish up my outfits from 2011.  

I was meeting my friends for dinner that night, so I decided to go a little less casual than jeans.  I bought this dress on my trip to Cyprus in October, which I still have to finish posting about.  And as you can see from the background, I could not decide what to wear.  This is what happens when I do not plan ahead.

Dinner was great and I got to catch up with a friend who moved to Miami a few years ago and only comes home to New Jersey for holidays.  I felt like my butterfly-printed summer dress would make her feel more at home.  I figured throwing on a pair of leggings, boots and a cardigan makes a sun dress appropriate for winter...right?  I was wrong.  I was FREEZING all day.  Seriously, this dress is made of the thinnest cotton known to man.  Note to self, what is cute is not always practical.

But how could I resist this adorable butterfly print.

Stuff I Wore: Have a Mice Day (OOTD 12.28.11)

I'm slowly working through my backlog of outfits.  I just got so much great stuff during Anthro's big sales and for Christmas.  So, you might be getting two posts a day for a few days.  I know, you are quivering with excitement.

Polyvore Set.
I forgot to mention that the J. Crew Crystal Brulee Bracelet was a Christmas present from my sister! (similar)
Similar Boots

This outfit is pretty simple, but I think the rhinestone bracelet and the mouse-print shirt add something special.  I went over to my parents' after work to celebrate Christmas #987 with my aunt and uncle from South Carolina.  Seriously, Christmas NEVER ends with my family.  

I knew this was a good outfit when my sister looked at me and said, "I actually like what you're wearing today."  That's as good of a compliment as you can get from my sister.

Check out the mouse print,  complete with cheese.  Too cute!!

Stuff I Wore: Striped Casual Friday (OOTD 12.23.11)

Similar Skirt
Similar Boots
Similar Necklace

So, this is my bedroom pre-The Scot move and takeover.  My next few outfit posts will feature a giant mess in the background.

I picked up this skirt a few months ago at Forever 21 because it reminded me of pricier Bailey 44 pieces (and because it's just as comfy as a pair of sweat pants).

striped midis by veggielawyer featuring forever 21 skirts

Bailey 44 knee length black skirt
$107 - revolveclothing.com

Forever 21 skirt
$8.50 - forever21.com

Stuff I Wore: Clean Slate

My new camera arrived in the mail a few days ago, a Canon S95.  I am just not ready for a DSLR, but I am going to start perusing used ones on Ebay in the coming months.  So, I am going to overload you with noisy OOTD photos one last time.  I am just going to rip it off like a band aid and show you my remaining outfits in one fell swoop and start the new year off with better photos.  My New Year's resolution (besides volunteering more) is to provide you with better quality photos.  This probably means I'll have to start enlisting the help of The Scot in the mornings to take some outdoor shots.  On second thought, maybe I'll just get a tripod.
This first outfit is composed completely of items I purchased on Black Friday and while Anthro ran their most recent 50% off sale items promotion.  I was really skeptical about the Triad Peasant Blouse, but it's such a great versatile piece.  I thought it looked too short and Little House on the Prairie-esque.  I was very wrong.  I've also worn it out after work with just a pair of jeans.

OOTD 12.13.11 (Polyvore Set) 

And here are more Anthro items that I got at the 50% off sale.  The Endless Corduroy Skirt is so darn cute.

OOTD 12.15.11 (Polyvore Set)

This casual outfit is a result of my J. Crew outlet outing with my sister.  My sister and I disagree almost completely on fashion.  She's more khakis and polo shirts and I'm more...well, bright pink and rhinestones.  There is really only one thing we agree on, and that is J. Crew.  When we walked into the outlet, my sister said, "I feel like I'm home."

OOTD 12.18.11 (Polyvore Set)
I apparently don't make my bed on Sundays...don't tell my mom.

And I organized this last outfit around my Secret Santa gift from work.  Somehow my secretay knew I would love a sparkly leopard print scarf!

OOTD 12.22.11 (sorry no Polyvore!)

A close-up of my awesome Christmas gift.