Lace Dress 4 Ways for Fall/Winter

Yesterday I had a little impromptu photo shoot at home. I've been meaning to put this post together for awhile, but it always seemed like it was going to be a huge hassle to take good pictures for four different outfits so I put it off. Finally I decided to just take them in the backyard, to make wardrobe changes simple. But it was super super windy. And really bright, and then really dark (thanks clouds). I tried my best to edit these light discrepancies, but I apologize for weird color changes that resulted from these corrections (I'm still new to this photo editing business). Thanks Will, for playing camera man.

You've seen me wear this dress before, and as I mentioned it is one of my all time favorite clothing items. When I purchased it a year ago, I had no idea it would become such a stable in my wardrobe. I thought it would be fun to share with you a few different ways I like to wear it. Now that Fall is definitely here (and it is only getting colder), I am using full advantage of my wardrobe. I love to layer pieces in unexpected ways, which comes in handy when I want to wear a dress. Which is always; I'm wearing a dress 90% of the time. My dresses are my favorite clothing items and what I feel most cute and comfortable in, so I don't let cold weather stop me from wearing them. If anything, cold weather encourages more creativity in my daily outfits.

I hope you like what I've come up with, and perhaps it will encourage you to continue to wear some of your favorite dresses well into the cold seasons. It's all about the layers, ladies.

Pair it with Bold Colors:

Dress: Bohme, last year

Coat: Target, years ago (similar)

Scarf: Forever 21, years ago (similar)

Tights: Urban Outfitters (similar)

Boots: ModCloth 

Bold colors aren't reserved for just summer, you can wear then whenever you want! Shocking, I know. Fall and Winter clothes can be a bit devoid of color, but don't be afraid to add color again if you feel like it. In fact, I like putting together a bright, bold ensemble on particularly cold and dreary days. This mustard coat I own really comes in handy. Mustard is a great Fall color and instantly adds a bit of happiness/sunshine unknowingly to my outfit/day. Add even more color with a coordinating scarf and a bold pair of tights.

Try Out Some Unconventional Layers:

Dress: Bohme, last year
Skirt: Target, last year (similar / similar)
Tights: Target (similar)
Boots: Target (similar)

Adding layers doesn't always have to mean piling on sweaters and coats. If it's a nice Fall day, try pairing your dress with something you've never tried before, like putting a dress underneath or a skirt over (and wearing your dress like a shirt). You may be surprised at what you come up with and by how much you like it. I love this skirt, but I never know what to pair it with and usually opt for a plain blouse. I love the new option I have created! Down play the flowery, flowy, feminine feel by adding a pair of boots.

Add Just a Touch of Men's Wear:

Dress: Bohme, last year
Men's shirt: borrowed
Belt: Came with this dress
Tights: Target
Oxfords: Urban Outfitters (similar, though mine were not cow hide and were much cheaper)

This has to be my favorite of the four looks. I really love all of these outfits, but I feel this one is the greatest reflection of my style. Simple and sweet. I put the lace dress over a men's button up shirt and rolled the sleeves up for a casual look. I will say, though, that wearing a shirt under something it is much larger than (my dress) is a bit difficult and would probably require a lot of adjusting through out the day, as it kept bunching up (especially around the shoulders). I loved this color combination, though, and couldn't resist. If you have a button up of your own that fits you well, it may be a better option. Wear with plain black tights and polish everything off with a bow belt and oxfords.

Get All Cozied Up:

Dress: Bohme, last year
Turtleneck: H&M, last year (similar / similar)
Coat: Old Navy (similar)
Tights: Target
Flats: 1318 Fashion

I wear this outfit all the time in the butt-cold depths of winter. This super chunky H&M turtleneck is a cold weather must-have, for me. It is so incredibly cozy and I'll pull it over just about everything. Pairing it with dresses and skirts is my favorite, though. I think it is a bit unexpected and a bit juxtaposed as well. The delicate lace really contradicts and balances out the chunky knit wonderfully. Add a coat of a contrasting color and some golden toes and you're set.

How would you wear this lace dress for Fall/Winter? And do you try to stay fashionable in the cold?

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Stylish Shorties

one / two / three / four / five / six

Since cutting my hair, I have been having to get used to the fact that I now have less styling options. It's been a couple years (I tried growing it out for so long) since I've been anywhere near this length and it is taking time to adjust. I won't lie though, even when I had long hair I rarely did it. Bed hair wasn't as rough when I had long hair, and if I did have a terribly bad hair day I could quickly pull it into a messy bun or control it with a braid. I love my simple short hair, but I do really miss crown braids sometimes. Now with short hair and feeling like I have less last-minute type options, I wish this encouraged me to spend more days doing my hair. But in reality, it means I am walking around most of the time with a matted bed head. Lumpy hair is totally fashionable, right?

These, shall we say, hair goals I have collected at least make wish I took the time to style my hair more often. I think that is a step in the right direction. It is also making me want to take even more length off. I'll probably keep this cut for awhile, but going through old pictures from the last time I had a pixie, I'm feeling scissor happy. Perhaps I'll have to cut it all off for my birthday. . . In the meantime, do any of you with short hair have tips for simple management? Should I just be a big girl and wash my hair more often?

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Finding Inspiration in the Simplest Things

I've been finding inspiration in the simplest and strangest of places lately.

1. the first drops of fall leaves from colorful trees
2. the prettiest little thrift-found globe I've had for years
3. the tiny curls I've been getting in my hair
4. a (recently dug out from the depths of a box) pinecone garland
5. the textures and variety in baby Pip's fur
6. a simple rock from my rock collection
7. the last flowering survivors

I love textures and notice them often. I'm sure I'm not the only one who finds inspiration in little moments like these. Are you inspired by the changing season happening around you?

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Fish Creek, Idaho

This weekend was absolutely wonderful and relaxing. Thursday afternoon we made the journey up north to Fish Creek to spend a few days among the trees. As many of you know, Will works for Fish and Game. This was our incentive to make the 6 hour drive there; Will was filling in for someone at the fish trap up there. Although I would take that drive (granted I'm always the passenger) any day, it is especially lovely this time of year with the fall colors appearing, deer roaming, and rain pouring.

We arrived around 8:00 PM Thursday, meaning it was already pitch black night and nothing but stars. We parked the car and made camp in the back of it (the other guy working there was already down for the night) under layers of blankets to keep out the cold. We woke early the next morning and I had time to myself to explore the area while Will helped with the trap. Little did I know that Will actually didn't have much to do up here, as far as work goes. Basically, they just need an extra person there in case it rains and the trap gets flushed with a lot of fish. I guess just two days before we arrived there was near 2000 fish one morning. That is a lot! The most we saw was around 80. We helped with other duties where we could.

Regardless, this weekend was a great getaway. I sure missed northern Idaho. It is a completely different world up there. The forest is denser, the mountains larger, the rivers colder, and everything seems a bit magical. Although I grew up in Boise and call it home again right now, northern Idaho will always feel more like home to me. And it isn't just one place up there, I feel a little bit of myself is every tiny old town. There is so much character there; it is damp, green, and a bit rundown.

And it was so cold, so so butt cold while we where there. I don't think it got much below freezing, but between the wind and being near the water and under the trees the air had quite a bite to it. I was packed in tight below layers of thermals, a sweater, a sweatshirt, a down jacket,  and a wool coat. I was glad to have brought multiple layers of wool socks too, although lacing up my hiking boots was a bit difficult. I spent each morning huddled next to a wood stove (they had placed in their work tent) sipping on coffee and petting the dogs. We ended each night with a fire and a warm meal.

Most of my time up there was spent snuggled up with one of the four pups they had up there and reading my book. And lots of exploring. I am so spoiled to be able to tag along on trips like this and have so much time to relax outdoors. I feel at home and myself in the trees and I'm sure they'll be calling my name again soon.

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Goals for October

October things (so far): Scout in a sea of blankets / extra heat while I work / homemade tomato soup / Pippin in the rain 

My goals for this month are rather simple and the list is shorter than usual. A few of these goals have been on my list for the past two months but I think that is just fine. Some times things just need more attention then usual. I'm loving this month so far and I'm about to love it even more as I'm leaving for a little camping trip in a few hours. Everyone needs an escape once in awhile, and I yearn for one more often than not. I've been feeling rather productive lately and a break will be appreciated. I hope to continue that productivity though, especially in regards to content I put here, for I have lots of ideas swarming in my head.

Goals for October:

1. Enjoy the weather. This is easy for me to do this time of year, but I'm putting it here anyway as it is also the time of year that I want nothing more than a cozy book in bed with a side of tea. I need to make time for both. Once the leaves start to change everything will be so magical and I don't want to miss it. Photo shoots galore!

2. Craft away. As I mentioned in my September list, my creativity has been on such a high lately. I don't want it to stop. I need to start organizing more time to devote purely for allowing myself to create. I have high hopes for my Halloween costume this year, and Christmas gifts are going to start accumulating in mass. There are few things I love more than making gifts for people, so I better start early, right?

3. Plan and execute. Although my creativity has been through the roof, I must admit that I let the majority of the ideas I have go undone. I've also been scheming about a lot of post I want to write and a few changes (good ones) I want to make around here. I think a lot of the time I get overwhelmed by the amount of things I want, and as a result do none of them. It's time that I make these ideas reality, though. Perhaps I should break them down and add them to my schedule slowly.

4. Read. I know, I know, I just said I've been tempted to do nothing by lay in bed with a book when really I should be getting outside. But I must admit that isn't too bad a craving. I just need to prioritize my time better, because there is so much I want to read it is maddening.

I hope your October is going well so far and that it continues to do so. Eat all the pumpkin flavored things! I'll see you lovelies on Monday.

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Tiny Inspired Work Space

As I previously mentioned, we recently upgraded our two sad old computers for one that is brand new and shiny. I've been sitting pretty with a macbook air for a few days now and couldn't be happier about it. Once we got everything transitioned over to the new computer (thanks time machine)  and everything was all set up, I couldn't help but also want to update my work area.

I call this space my corner office, when really most of the time spent here is used to look at cats on tumblr. But because it's also where I do all the work for this little blog, I like having a space that feels fresh and inspired. And it definitely needed a change. This little corner of our bedroom has always felt cramped to me. Turning the tv cart (that serves as my desk) at an angle made all the difference. I also built a make shift stand for the tv/second monitor, to add space and depth. My favorite part about this little update in that I managed it all with things we already owned, and every functional and decorative piece has a story.

This tv cart we originally used to house an aquarium on top, storing all the aquarium tools below in the cabinets. The aquarium didn't make the transition with us into our current home though, and I decided to use it as a desk (since our room was already short on space). It was a second hand store find, too! Other vintage pieces include the Japanese tea cups that store my pens, pencils, and paint brushes as well as the mini loaf pans I dug from the depths of a kitchen cabinet to use as additional storage. They are perfect for holding all our USB cords and look nice and clean. Before I only had the map and hats hanging, but I decided this corner now needed something extra. I put a bit of my ever growing feather collection to use, which I think adds a lovely touch under a little collection of art prints, drawings, and old special photos. I may change this wall up as my mood permits, but for now I am loving the feel of it.

Do you change your work area often to feel inspired?

Just one more thing: Jessica of Life Laid Bear featured me on her blog today. Head over there and check out her cute pups and lovely blog and see my answers to some fun questions!

*Art prints by Ruben Ireland, Dima Rebus, and Ani Castillo. Desktop background by Oana Befort.

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October Wishlist: Cold Weather Casual

first outfit: jacket / sweater / pants / boots
second outfit: sweater / dress / belt / loafers / tights

Everyone is well aware of how much I love cold weather. I am so happy that it is here to stay for a good while. I'm already excited for halloween and the holidays to follow as well. Fall and Winter (winter especially), of all the seasons, seem to have a bit of magic to them. I think it's the crisp air and how the world becomes entirely different.

I have very few summer clothes, so it is very exciting when the weather cools down each year as I finally have a full wardrobe to play around with again. I love to layer things in new ways; I've already made a whole bunch of new outfit combinations this year. I've had this cute, simple polka dot dress for years (since the 9th grade!) but have only recently paired it with a pullover sweater. The result is cute, with the little collar popping out, but still comfy and cozy. I love sweaters over dresses, it creates a rather lovely laid back feminine feel that I adore.

This is my favorite time of year for shopping, naturally, as it is my favorite season for clothes and weather. So, I've been avoiding stores for I know I'd be too tempted to buy more than I need. Will and I just purchased a new computer (IT IS SO NICE ERMAHGERD) and I am the lucky owner of a new iPhone. So, you know, I won't be spending money for awhile. But I'm still browsing online on occasion and dreaming of new sweaters (I really don't need anymore, though).

Have you added anything fun to your wardrobe yet now that it's full on Fall?

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