That is the question.

Alright, let’s get straight to it. The high-waisted trend is running rampant in fashion. I think little petite girls with tiny waists look so charming in this trend! I was really inspired to start trying it after seeing Julie of Orchid Grey pull it off so flawlessly. I guess my question is, am I doing it right? I really can’t tell. I do have a “bit” (okay, more than a bit–let’s be honest) of a belly that makes me feel slightly self-conscious. I don’t know. I’m really on the fence with this one. I’m not a fashionista, so I tend to dress in a way that doesn’t attract much attention. You know? I guess it’s because I’m never fully confident of my fashion sense.

Tucked.

Not tucked.

I think it looks more polished tucked when compared to it being not tucked. But, I was just wondering what you all thought of this trend? Should I leave it to the petite girls or commit to it myself? Here are a few other examples of me trying to pull it off. So, what’s the verdict? Do you have any pictures to share for inspiration? How do you get over your fashion phobias & find the confidence to try new things? I’d love to hear all about it!

Our local library has an annual sale that’s a pretty big deal around these parts! This is what I wore.

Stripey sailor sweater & ruffle tank: Forever 21
Shorts: H&M
Brown flats: Target
Bag: Moop

(Photo courtesy of my boyfriend, Kevin. Legs courtesy of my Mama.)

P.S. I’m also sorry if you haven’t been able to leave a comment in the past. This issue was brought to my attention recently & I finally fixed it. So, feel free to comment away to make up for lost time! ;)

I am such a sucker for clothing with ruffles & Etsy seller Lirola does them so well! I want them all.

With this snow storm that has just hit Cincinnati over the weekend, I find myself craving spring more than ever! To help keep myself from going insane with spring fever, I’ve decided to channel some of my longing into  a set that I can imagine myself wearing on a warm spring day; possibly while on a picnic with friends or for a walk in the park. What do you think? What outfit can you not wait to take out of your (imaginary or real) closet this spring?

Items in this set:
Brunch Date Dress : Adore Vintage Clothing Store, Vintage Dresses,…, $38
Green Ribbed Top Cardigan, 9 GBP
Oxfords, $100
East Weekend Across Body Bag, Chocolate, 65 GBP
Gilded Goldfinch Necklace, $18

I know things have been quiet here lately. So, here are two lovely items I’ve bought
on Etsy lately that I’m completely in love with! That will have to tide you over for now.

{Bag by TippiThai / Calendar by Letter C Design}

It’s warming up outside (& by “warming up” I mean it’s 31 degrees farenheit). But, more importantly, the sun is finally shining again! This change in the weather has inspired me to put on a skirt for the first time in a long, long while. And, I’ve decided to photograph the outfit in order to pull it up as proof that I do in fact own a skirt– if I should ever have to plead my case in the future. The boyfriend, my friend Jennifer & I have a date to go see the movie Avatar (in 3D IMAX!) later today. So, I thought I’d wear something a little different rather than opting for my typical jeans/hoodie combo that I seem to have been living in lately.

Cargidan & layering tanks: Gap
Denim skirt: Target
Gray Tights & knee-high navy socks: Target?
Brown leather boots: DSW (Brand is Diba)
Bird House Charm Necklace: Urban Outfitters (Click here for detailed pictures)

Hope you enjoy the sunshine today as much as I intend to!

The buttons! The ruffles! I’m tempted. Oh so tempted. What say you?
[Dogwood Ruffle bag from SweetgumHandbags for $55]

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My life has been essentially put on hold for the past two days as a result of the “white death” that has visited Cincinnati. I don’t mind at all. Personally, I think it’s quite nice. I am taking it as a sort of vacation from reality. My cat Atlas (pictured above) & myself have been busy cleaning & organizing the apartment. Alright, mostly I’ve been doing the cleaning. Atlas has been supervising the situation closely though. Yesterday I did all my laundry & have been attempting to clean out my closet & organize it in some manner. I was kind of stumped because I couldn’t figure out how to go about organizing. Should I organize by color? Type? I had no idea! I decided upon organizing by type (sweaters, button-ups, cardigans) & then by color as much as possible. This is what it ended up looking like after I was done:

What I have come to realize about my wardrobe after cleaning/organizing my closet:

1. I wear A LOT of stripes & cardigans. I need to stop buying these items.
2. I need more pants/trousers for work. I haven’t bought any proper pants for a long, long time.
3. I need more shoes. I also need to get rid of some of my shoes that I’ve been holding onto for too long.
4. I have a lot of different pieces that don’t work together. As you can see above, a lot of my closet is comprised of colors, stripes, & patterns. It makes it difficult to figure out what to wear.
5. I need to start simplifying things & working on building up my professional wardrobe by adding pieces that will work together & be versatile.

Looking for some more closet inspiration? Below are some links to some excellent sources for maintaining & organizing your wardrobe:

• The 80/20 Rule…Sartorialized from AmandaLee.org: “Pare down. Get rid of anything that doesn’t fit your body, your lifestyle, or the climate where you live. Get rid of duplicates. Get rid of anything you haven’t worn in over a year, no matter how sentimental it might be or how much you want to fit into it again.”
• Build Your Wardrobe: Let’s Start at the Very Beginning from What I Wore: The perfect advice on what essential items to buy when you are attempting to begin building your wardrobe. This post is practical & offers a breakdown that newbies like myself can really appreciate.
• Do it Yourself Closet Organization Video: This video, although seemingly simplistic, really helps break down the steps necessary into organizing a closet. Watch it.
• How to Organize your Closet from Real Simple: Three easy steps, including creating a “grab & go” section of the clothing that you wear the most often. Smart. Why didn’t I think of that?

Hopefully now when I go shopping, I know what to buy & what not to buy. What about yourself? What do you find yourself being drawn to as far as clothing is concerned?

Here are a few gems that caught my eye this year:

This messenger bag by Moop. Except I want it in gray. I just think this picture shows it off the best.

Plank Woodgrain Ring. There’s also an owl one that I like, but I am trying to avoid buying anymore owl-related items for the time being before I begin developing a reputation.

This lovely cardigan from Anthropologie. Love the slouchy pockets!

A pair of gray Toms! I’ve been wanting some for a while now.

Do you detect a color palette preference of mine? I am just a gray kind of girl, I suppose. I hope that doesn’t say anything about my personality! Now, it’s your turn. What do you want for Christmas this year? Let’s keep it strictly materialistic. None of that “world peace” mumbo-jumbo. (I kid. But, seriously.)

I am loving the jewelry by White Owl. It’s so perfectly whimsical & girly without being too over-the-top. Besides, I’m a sucker for anything that uses lace & White Owl uses it to perfection! Check out their Etsy shop for more delightful creations.