New Pretty Spring Dresses

I'm so excited that the snow has finally melted (even though we did get a few flurries last week...) and I thought I'd share with you guys a few of the dresses I've recently bought in preparation for Spring weather.

This gorgeous yellow eyelet lace dress I purchased at The Limited. I was immediately drawn to the cheery, bright color and the 50s-esque silhouette when I spotted it on the rack. I held it up to my shoulders and excitedly asked my boyfriend what he thought of it.

He said it looked like cheese.

Though I suffered a crushing moment where I feared I would never be able to unsee the cheesiness, I resolved not to let his offhand comment bother me.

 I fell in love with the dress after trying it on. I'm on the bustier side, so I have a problem with button-gaping when it comes to off the rack pieces but this lace dress is incredibly flattering. Instead of buttoning all the way up, it comes to a V-neck midway across the chest, which is quite becoming on well endowed ladies. I can button it all the way up with zero worries about showing more skin than intended. This is a perfect dress for women with large chests who like a vintage look.

I forgot to mention: not to be discouraged by my skeptical boyfriend, I have henceforth referred to it as "the cheese dress." Put me next to Lady Gaga and we could be a walking meat and cheese platter.

This blue floral sundress is from Tommy Hilfiger. It struck me while I was shopping that 13 year old me would be so weirded out by the prospect of shopping there because, y'know, that's a prep store. I was super non-conformist and exclusively bought clothes at Hot Topic because it like, expressed how different I was. Or something. I don't know.

I just self-cringed a little. That was a dark time in my life, let us not speak of it further.

Anyway, I think this dress would look gorgeous with the big white straw sunhat I bought for Puerto Rico (but never ended up wearing because of the wind, boo.) Can't wait for the rain to let up so I can give it a whirl!

I'm ashamed to admit it, but as much as I adore vintage and retro styles I rarely ever go thrifting. It's a combination of feeling overwhelmed by the generally disorganized racks and feeling discouraged because of the aforementioned bust issue.

 When I decided on a whim to go to Atomic Katz, a local vintage store my discouragement was only reaffirmed as I zipped up gorgeous dresses with ease... right up until mid-ribcage when it became apparent there would be no closing them up without taking some very drastic measures.

This mint dress was the only one I had zero issue with, and strangely enough it's another with buttons. Since this is one of the first vintage missions I've come back from successfully, I'm itching to search for more shops around my area and hopefully expand my vintage wardrobe.

What have you bought for Spring? Tell me in the comments!

Spring 2013 Wishlist

// Nail Polish // Sunglasses // Sunhat // Earrings // Gloves // Tote // Sun Dress // Pink Flats // Sleeveless Blouse // Polka Dot Skirt // Coral Blazer // Trench Coat // Hot Pink Pumps //

Looooot of stuff on this wishlist. I feel a little greedy, but Spring is my favorite season for fashion. I've been bitching a lot lately about how the weather is totally cramping my style, and now that it's March I feel like I can finally start looking forward to Spring shopping -- the weather is perfect for light layers, the colors are bright and cheery, floral prints everywhere... whew, I need to sit down before I get too excited.

My personal aesthetic for the season is going to focus on color combinations. I'm really loving black + white + hot pink right now (with polka dots, for good measure) as well as the effortless chic feel of camel + coral. The former is already a pretty gosh darn easy color scheme to pull off for me with what I have in my closet, though the latter is going to take some strategic purchasing.

I actually already have two trench coats; one hot pink and one leopard print, but I somehow haven't procured the staple tan colored trench. How is that even possible? One of my main missions for the season is going to be to add this essential to my wardrobe. Target has great trenches out right now, and they're on the cheaper side for those who are budget conscious and looking to do the same.

Know what else I could really use? Some sleeveless blouses. I layer cardigans and blazers over plain camis quite a bit, but getting a pretty bow-blouse without the bunching sleeves would be much cuter and more comfortable!

Everything else is more icing than cake. I love the look of a pair of dainty gloves with a sundress, and I definitely need a new pair of sunglasses before I go on vacation to Puerto Rico this month (Wooo, Spring Break! Just kidding, I'm not a woo girl.) I also recently rekindled my love affair with quirky rhinestone animal brooches, which are obviously far from being essential but add a little oomph to any outfit.

What are you lusting after this Spring? Tell me in the comments! 

February Activity Ideas

Confession time: I love Valentine's Day. Not even for the mushy-romantic stuff. I love it because stores are full of really cheap, tacky decorations and novelties that are pink and shaped like hearts and I love that kind of crap. I found candles that look like chocolate truffles in the Valentine's section of the dollar store the other day and I geeked out. I'm currently trying to think of a way to creatively display them -- on a cake stand with some toiletries, perhaps? 

I also just like the general aesthetic that permeates February because of the holiday. The flowers are such a lovely sight after a couple months of winter, and of course everything is pink and red. While you're enjoying the romantic, pretty appeal of the month you can also try some of these activities to really get in "the mood!"

♥ If you're into crafting, baking, cooking or decorating you can check out my Valentine's Day Pinterest Board for some inspiration. Sadly I can't make any of the sweet treats because of my diet, so you'll have to try them for me. And then send me long, adjective-dense descriptions of how delicious they were.

♥ If your weather is as awful as it is here (it's currently -5 degrees) and you're trapped inside a lot, use the time to take up a new hobby. I've been meaning to try soap making!  Anyone have any experience with it?

♥ Spring is in sight! Start making a wishlist for your Spring fashion wants and needs. It's my favorite season because it's cool enough that layering is an option, but warm enough that you don't have to bundle up beyond any hope of looking cute. I'm dying for a coral colored blazer or cardigan this year. What about you?

♥ If you're single and have a tendency to get bummed out on Valentine's day, set up a romantic evening for just yourself. It sounds really lame, but trust me I do this sort of thing all the time and it's amazing. Treat yourself to a massage or pedicure, cook your favorite dinner, drink wine and eat chocolate while watching a movie... there are lots of possibilities here!

♥ Decorate your living space with candles. Even if you're not involved with someone or not having a romantic evening, candles are really soothing and can be an easy way to treat yourself to some love.

♥ If candles aren't your thing or you're not allowed to have them for some reason (like living in a dorm) then decorate with flowers or string lights instead. Fairy lights especially add a really cozy, whimsical vibe to a room.

♥ Valentine's Day isn't the only holiday in February, Chinese New Year is on the 10th. Regardless of your ethnic background, it can be fun to celebrate. Instead of ordering take out, why not cook a traditional Chinese meal at home?

♥ Hand-craft cute cards for your friends and family. Use glitter, lace or whatever you have around. Or, for kicks purposefully make them really sloppy -- your friends will probably love them just as much, if not more.

♥ If you're lazy then just buy a pack of pre-made Adventure Time [or insert favorite cartoon here] Valentine's and a bag of lollipops and pass those out. Same effect, less work right?

What sort of things do you have planned for February? Tell me in the comments!