Sunshine On a Cloudy Day (and Book Talk)

The day I wore this was just plain gloomy.  So I did what any ridiculous blogger would do - wear bright yellow.  I will bring the sunshine myself, thanks very much (and have My Girl stuck in my head all day). 

Anyway, it's the Third Tuesday of the month, which means it is time to talk about books with the Literary Junkies! Here are the May questions and my answers:

1. What are you currently reading? Tell us about it!  I just finished Where'd You Go, Bernadette, which is our book club pick for May.  It's a crazy book, but I really liked it.  If you've read it, you should join the twitter chat tonight!

2. Do you judge a book by its cover? What cover elements make you not want to pick up a book?  Yes, I definitely judge books based on their covers. Like, if there are people kissing or almost kissing on the cover, it's probably not going to be my favorite.  I'm looking at you, Nicholas Sparks. 

3. Do you participate in any other bookish link-ups? Tell us about them so we can join next time!  Nope, other than the Summer Book Challenge!

4. Have you ever watched a movie that was better than its book version? Explain yourself!  Hmm, this is tough, but Emma comes to mind.  I loved the Gwyneth Paltrow movie when I was younger, and then I tried to read the book and wasn't interested at all.  Maybe because I already knew the plot?  I don't know.  Maybe I should try reading it again sometime.  Who knows if that movie is even good?  I don't trust my 12-year-old self to have great taste in films!
  

5. Summer is here! Do you read more often during any particular season?  I think I read a little bit less in the summer, because life seems busier, but I do have a few trips coming up so I'll have plane time to read.  I think I read the most during the winter, when it's too cold to do anything else.

6. What is the worst book you've read this year? Why?  I have to say Breakfast at Tiffany's.  I didn't hate it, but I just didn't really like it either.  I don't know what I thought it was about, but it was way different than my expectations.  I'm planning to watch the movie and then do a movie vs. book post.  So, stay tuned for my thoughts on both!   

How would you answer these questions?  

Tee & Blazer: Gap
Jeans: Limited
Shoes: Old Navy

Striped Blazer Remix

On Monday, it was warm enough to wear a blazer as a coat and to wear flats without freezing my ankles off!  Just a hint of spring before we get more snow this week.  February is a bit of a tease sometimes.  Anyway, I was excited to break out this blazer.  This falls into an impulse buy that actually turned out to be a good decision.  

Today, I'm linking up with Ginny, Danielle, and Nicole for their "Many Days, Many Ways" theme.  I love a good remix collage, so of course, I had to join in!  Here are 7 ways I have worn this blazer through the spring, summer, fall, and winter.  Looking at this collage, I'm thinking I need to try this with some colors not in the red/pink family.  Maybe next time!  

1/2/3/4/5/6/7

How would you style this blazer?

Blazer: Gap
Top: J.Crew Factory
Jeans & Shoes: Old Navy

Turkey Hangover

 

Well, I don't know about you, but I ate entirely too much turkey yesterday.  Seriously though, I hope you all had a great day celebrating Thanksgiving.  We had a fabulous meal, and then a lazy afternoon watching football (well, I may have been reading a book), and then played games in the evening.  My ridiculous winning streak at Settlers of Catan continues, much to the dismay of my competitors!

I'm still not sure if I'm going to venture out to do any shopping today.  I'm tempted to swing by the mall next to my house, but I know it will be packed.  Maybe later in the day?  Or maybe not.  There are just a few things I have my eye on and would like to check out.

It's also the last day of the Take One, Pass It On challenge.  I'll do a little recap of the month for tomorrow.  Oh, and it's almost December, so I probably need to write up a budget post and a goals review.  Time is flying!

Blazer & Jeans: Gap
Top: J.Crew Factory
Shoes: Old Navy

All the Birthdays!

October is birthday month!  John's birthday was last week, and mine is next week, so I usually try to make as many excuses for celebrating as possible.  We should really just take the whole month off work and go on an epic vacation or something.  Maybe next year...

Anyway, I wore this to work on John's birthday and then we went out to dinner.  I took advantage of the brick wall of the restaurant, because that's what fashion bloggers do.

This also marks the first time I've worn this blazer with the sleeves unrolled, but I didn't count on the neon lining still showing.  Oh well, it kind of goes with the skirt, right?

Blazer & Tee: Gap
Necklace: Bass Outlet
Skirt: Loft
Shoes: BCBGeneration

Awkward Fashion Blogger

 

I wore this to work a couple weeks ago.  After work, I met up with some friends for Jazz on the Green.  I was going to take pictures at the park by my office, because it's always empty (always = the 3 other times I have gone to take pictures there).  Then there was a whole group of guys playing basketball, so I panicked and figured I would just take pictures when I got to Jazz on the Green

I didn't realize how crowded it would be, and that I would end up in a random parking lot.  I quickly set up my tripod and snapped a few pics, while feeling very self conscious as people stared at me.  Then I switched my heels and blazer for flip flops and a jean jacket and had a lovely evening with my friends!

Fashion blogging is so weird.  

Top: Von Maur
Blazer: Gap
Shorts: J.Crew Factory
Sandals: Anne Klein

Books!

It's time for the Literary Junkies Link-up again.  Before I get to the questions, just a quick comment about my outfit.  I've determined that this blazer makes every outfit my favorite outfit.  I'm excited to unroll the sleeves when it gets cooler, and then I can wear it with even more colors!

Anyway, books! Here are this month's questions and my answers: 

1. What are you currently reading? Tell us about it!

I just finished The White Princess by Philippa Gregory.  It is the final book in her Cousins' War series, which I really enjoyed.  I'll probably end up posting a review about the series soon.  Up next is Delirium by Lauren Oliver.  I've heard it is really good, so I hope that is true! 

2. What is one book you think every person should read at least once in their life? Why?

I'm sticking to fiction here.  I think everyone should read A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.  It's just such a beautiful story.  Also, the Chronicles of Narnia books are at the top of my list.     

3. Do you think you could ever write a book? If so what genre would it be?

I don't know.  In theory, I think it would be fun to be an author, but I don't think I have the creativity for it.  If I wrote a book, it would probably need to be a memoir (which I don't know if I'm quite interesting enough for anyone to read), or some kind of non-fiction. 

4. Do you listen to audiobooks? Do you look for the same things in an audiobook that you do in one you'll read?

I really like Audiobooks for long car rides.  Generally I am in the car with someone else (usually my husband), so I try to find books that we will both be interested in.  I also try to find a book that is a reasonable length for the amount of time that we will be in the car, so we will be able to finish it, but still have time for listening to music and talking to each other.   

5. Can you suggest a book of each type for others to try:
Fantasy - Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Nonfiction - Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Fiction - The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Romance - eh, I can't really get into romance novels.  I guess I liked Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Classics - East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Young Adult - The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Have you read anything good lately? 

outfit details:
Blazer: Gap
Top: H&M
Skirt: Bass
Shoes: BCBGeneration

Neon Accents and Mixing Prints

Third Thursday Threads is here and the theme of the month is NEON!

This blazer - I want to wear it every day!  The neon lining is my favorite, but it does make styling a little bit tricky.  After playing around in my closet, I put this together.  I really love this outfit.  The mixed prints are a little bit crazy, but since the colors are the same (and fairly neutral), I think/hope it stays on the classy side of the line.  The neon pink belt and neon coral-ish lining add some fun to the look.

I do think that this blazer will be more versatile if/when I unroll the sleeves, but right now I am trying to think of all the options with the lining showing!  How would you style this blazer?  I really want to wear it with white pants, but haven't found any that I love yet.

I'm also linking up with What I Wore to Work and Tres Chic Fashion Thursday and Favorite Fashion Friday! 

Dress & Blazer: Gap
Belt: Chinese Laundry via TJ Maxx
Shoes: BCBGeneration

May Goals Review

I'm sorry, but where did May go?  It really flew by, but I think I say that every month.  I'm really starting to resent my 5 months ago self for saying I would do monthly goal review posts.  It's not always fun to confess my failures each month.  Let's get to it, I guess:

1. Do a project, mostly sewing - Yep, I did a sewing project this month!  Memorial Day is the secret of my success.  I even have a post written up about my re-fashion project scheduled for this week! 
2. Work out 3x a week - probably not so much.  The first half of the month was busy with graduation stuff and family in town.  The rest of the month I have just been un-motivated lazy.  I think I've gone to Zumba class every Monday, and maybe gone to the gym a couple more times total this month.  (Ugly truth - I weighed myself for the first time in awhile and it is not good.  I need to get serious about losing some weight!)    
3. Tackle a project around the house - serious sorting and decluttering is happening!  We pulled everything out of the storage closet and took a carload of stuff to Goodwill.  I've sorted through a few more dresser drawers and 2 more bags to donate.  And I finally am getting rid of some of my old formal dresses from high school!  They are being sold at my in-laws garage sale this weekend, so hopefully I get some more shopping money! 
4. Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week - this is still my worst one.  In my defense, I didn't need to cook for the first 2 weeks of May, because we were so busy with family stuff and eating out or at John's parents' house.  Then we had leftovers from the graduation party.  I think I've made a few legitimate meals in the last couple weeks, but I honestly don't remember. 
5. Stick to a clothing budget - success! 
6. Read 50 books.  I'm still on track for the year with 20 so far.  I read 4 books in May, which is pretty good considering all the graduation/family stuff we had going on. 

I mean, I succeeded at 4 of 6, but I still feel like a failure this month.  Probably because my top priority should be working out regularly.  I'm hoping to get on track in June, but I'll be honest, the summer is going to be crazy busy!  

It's also the last day of the "We Love Target" party with Whitney and Heidi.  Today's topic is "Favorite Score," which is really hard to pick.  I went with this floral top, because it's one of my recent favorite buys.  Plus I was excited to wear my new Gap blazer!  

Blazer: Gap

Top: Target

Jeans: Von Maur

Shoes: BCBGeneration