SOULFISHING: a blogette

 Day 17/30 After celebrating Thanksgiving with friends in L.A., Bob and I were off for a Vegas Weekend!! This was our first night out- You can tell I’m wearing something NOT on the 30x30 challenge- and that would be my heaviest coat.  It was freezing, freezing, so freakin’ cold in Vegas. Even in the Casinos I had to wear my coat.  (the tunic and the boots are in the challenge) I also added thick knee high socks and a huge super warm scarf. I was cozy! 

The first night we met our friends Zane and Chris out for a few drinks around the strip. We actually bar hopped (which is my favorite way to do Vegas) and settled somewhere inside Planet Hollywood.  A very good way to start out our weekend!

I’m just getting back to uploading pictures, so expect quite a few in the next day or two! We went hiking in Red Rock Canyon and took a road trip (for Vagabond3) to Area 51! It was awesome.

outfit details: Tunic- guess, boots- bcbgeneration, coat- Marshalls, tights and scarf- gifts Free People, socks- target

It’s hard to be anything but thankful when you are surrounded by so much love. This last year has been a roller coaster of emotions, some of the highest of highs- um, I freakin’ traveled around the world!!!, ran my first 1/2 marathon- and the lowest of lows, but luckily and thankfully I’ve had such a fantastic support system that celebrates and helps with me through both extremes.  

As much as I wish I was with my family on Thanksgiving, I had a lovely dinner with close friends and our doggies. (who are our family.) We had hot cider and pigs n’ a blanket for apps, followed by way to much turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, corn cassarole, mac n’ cheese, stuffing, rolls, pumpkin pie and Bob’s homemade apple pie. We were so full even though we really didn’t put a dent in it!

Afterwards, we took the dogs for a long walk and played boardgames with minimal arguing!! Some boardgames require debates!!! We left feeling so happy and when we got home, snuggled on the couch watching Away we Go. (such a great movie)

one person i’m most thankful for today (and everyday) is bob. he knows me better than i may know myself, he only wants me to be the happiest i can be, he’s sweet and thoughtful and buys me flowers on the most random days, he cleans the dishes and takes such great care of our dogs- I am so in love with him,  and every day a little bit more.

outfit details: dress- banana republic and boots- bcbgeneration (part of the challenge) tights (not pictured)- free people, scarf- handmade by me.

Thanksgiving Eve Day 15/30 

Bob and I went to Toluca Lake to pick up some last minute Thanksgiving stuff, like the ham and pumpkin pie.  (Bob made an apple pie and it was so delicious) I love the holidays- you bundle up, everyone is happy and merry and since it’s been kind of chilly this week, it’s actually felt like the holidays.  

This outfit was started with the tights and worked my way around the green colors- This dress is adorable but oh, so thin- I actually layered a long sleeve shirt underneath even though you can’t see it. It was absolutely necessary- especially with the wind. 

outfit details: dress- tucker for target, jacket- AE, shoes- nine west (all part of the 30x30), tights- free people- gift from momma, belt- target

I’m probably not the only one here, but I save images from magazines in a huge folder, have it separated by season and when I’m feeling like I have “nothing to wear”, I look through it to get inspiration.  This was one of those inspiration shots. The original look was dark shorts, pink tights, black booties, and a maroon sweater.  Since I don’t have a maroon sweater in my 30x30 I thought I’d bring some the pink up and wear this butterfly button up. Super cute, loved the result. Problem was- from inside my house it looked like it was going to be about 68 degrees but really the high was about 57.  So when we went to get tacos, Bob made me put on his sweater because I was shivering. Good boyfriend, bad remixer.  oh, well- the sweater is pretty cute with the look, too.

I’m getting so excited for Thanksgiving! I bought my ham today and tomorrow Bob’s making a homemade apple pie (secret family recipe) and i’m making mac n’ cheese. Yum!!! Are you making anything for Thanksgiving?!

outfit details: shorts- the limited, shoes- report- button-up- target (all part of the 30x30) tights- target, boyfriends sweater- gap, belt- target

Day 13/30 So, it has gotten ridiculously cold here. Like arctic cold. And, since it was 90 degrees at the beginning of November, I did not properly prepare my 30x30 for these extreme temps. Needless to say, I have about seventy layers on- all part of my 30x30, but a ton of layers nonetheless.

First, I wore this shirt the other day, but I turned in inside out to let the stripes be super small and kind of blend in with the rest of the look. Second, this cropped sweater has totally become the MVP of my 30x30. I always loved it, but I’m finding so many more ways and things to wear with it. Third, this skirt- the last time I wore it in the challenge, I wore it with over the knee socks (which I loved that look), but it is transitioning into fall/winter great with these thick sweater tights.

anyway- hope everyone had a great day. getting ready for Thanksgiving around here- have to go get my ham tomorrow from Honey Baked Ham… delicious and so easy!! 

outfit details: sweater- free people, skirt- french connection via marshalls via my momma, shirt- gap, tights- target, purse- betsey johnson, boots- bcbgeneration

Day 12/30 So, I got a comment the other day about fancy dinners or parties during the 30x30 and what would I do… 

I always kind of over-dress anyway, but I purposely added two “fancy” dresses for the challenge. It’d be great for when we have parties to go to, but I also wanted to find ways to wear these dresses out for more casual evenings too. This was my first experiment and I while normally I wouldn’t pair gray with browns and golds, I actually don’t mind the look. I also added the big gray scarf to tie in and add even an even more laid back feel.  

What about you? Do you have any fancy parties to attend during the challenge? Will you be using something not in the challenge? 

outfit details: dress- anthropologie, cardigan- f21, boots- bcbgeneration (all in the challenge) scarf- self made

Day 11/30 On Saturday afternoon, Bob and I went to Target.  As you can tell by the huge dark clouds looming above me- I deciding best to snap a few photos of my 30x30 before it flooded.  (Yep- I pulled a Coastal Chicster and took my photos at Target!!!)

oh, yeah… and I also changed my hair color. A little something something for winter.  Don’t worry- the blonde will be back. I feel like a completely different person with dark hair- not a bad thing- but also, not really myself. Weird how hair can be that powerful. 

This outfit was the perfect solution for a lazy saturday afternoon. I went and had brunch at this little place in Hollywood with a friend that I lived with while I lived in London. She was totally shocked to meet up and I looked so different! Too funny. 

This sweater is so warm- almost too warm- but really cozy.  I’ll have to remember that it’s like it’s own little heater when the weather gets colder.

Also, I’m playing catch up from this past weekend, so I’ll probably be posting a few more days photos tonight!

outfit details: t-shirt and jeans- gap, sweater- F21, shoes- urban outfitters (all part of the challenge), sunnies- fossil, purse- betsey johnson.

Nordstrom has some cute party ideas complete with head to toe looks, food recipes and drink suggestions… I’m loving this them of country cocktail party! what a cute spin on the traditional holiday party!!

(photos via nordstrom.com)

Day 10/30 Yesterday, Bob and I went into Hollywood to meet the other actor in his webisode. We ran through the script and talked about characters and then about life in Hollywood. It’s always interesting to meet people who have lived here longer than us to see what they love/ hate about the city. I’m pretty pumped to film on Sunday- I’ll definitely do a post on it!

The outfit, as cute as it is, was kind of a last moment deal. It is getting a little cooler here and I knew we were going to be sitting outside, so jeans were on my list. The other parts just kind of fell together. I love this sweater (esp. with a long sleeve shirt underneath) and just think the whole look comes together nicely. 

I hope everyone has an exciting weekend!! I’m getting my hair done today- woo hoo!! 

outfit details: jeans and tee- gap, sweater- free people, boots- bcbgeneration- all part of the remix. and really, the sunnies, purse and ring should have been too, because they seem to be my go-to accessories as of late.

So… i’ve never been a leopard print person.  I don’t know why, I think people who add it in with it on a belt or with a jacket look totally chic and cute.  I’ve always just leaned towards bright colors and crazy prints…

But this skirt to me- it (kind of) speaks to leopard print without actually being leopard print.  It’s actually little feathers, but the camel, black and browns together just say leopard to me. So, anyway, I’m wearing leopard print today. :)

I thought this outfit was a little calmer than the looks I’ve been wearing lately. I feel all city girl in this. High heels, faux leopard print and all black. Well, actually not all black- the shoes, bag and sunnies all have brown, too. 

I love this outfit. I love the swingyness of the skirt, these shoes are so comfortable and make me feel like a total babe, and I just was really happy in this. Outfit success in my book. Did your outfit make you feel happy today?!

outfit details: skirt, top- free people, shoes- nine west (all part of the 30x30 challenge) tights- target, bag- betsey johnson, sunnies- fossil, bracelet- lucky brand

Day 8/30 Something about this dress begs to be worn with these shoes. I’ve worn this dress about four times since I got it, and all except one time I’ve worn these shoes. I think the style of the two are so different that somehow it works together. Like the dress is sweet and the shoes are rockstar. 

I’m wearing another one of my circle scarves I made- and I love making these and then having people on the street compliment me and ask where they can get one… I’m thinking I might need to start an Etsy!! Maybe one circle scarf for $10 bucks or something. I’d obviously have to research what other circle scarves are going for… I don’t know- would any of you buy something like that on etsy? eh- we’ll see.

also, I’m thinking about getting my hair done with low lights at the top and keeping the blonde at the bottom… I might miss the blonde all over but it might be a nice change?! maybe- calling my hair lady today.

outfit details: Dress- Tucker for Target, Shoes- Kenneth Cole, leggings- Target (all part of the remix challenge), belt- thrifted, purse- betsey johnson, ring- lucky brand

Day 7/30 I’m not gonna lie- I got more than a few looks wearing this out. Maybe it was the blue tights.  maybe it was the Victorian top… or the huge butterflies on my dress.  I’m not sure what one thing it was… but the combo probably didn’t help either. Tomorrow I’ll go for a much more neutral palette. Black and Brown. No. Just black. Eh- who am I kidding. I loved this outfit. I still do. It’s crazy and kind of clown like, (I think that’s because of the blue tights) but it’s totally me- totally loud and crazy and dancing in the streets kind of way.

An old lady with crazy red hair and an even crazier outfit than I had on, complimented me. I’ll probably be that crazy lady when I grow up and I’m okay with that. 

outfit details: Dress- Free People, Tunic- Guess, Shoes- Urban Outfitters (all part of the 30x30 challenge), tights- target, belt- JCrew outlet, purse- Betsey Johnson

Day 6/30 Saturday, several friends and I went to some apple orchards in Oak Glen, Ca.  It’s about 90 minutes outside of Los Angeles, but you feel like you’re in a completely different world. The picking season is almost over, but they still had tons of different apples to try and apple products to buy.  We walked away with one 5 pound apple crumb pie (that the four of us devoured), apple milkshake, and apple butter.  While we were there, Bob also tried one of there apple burritos which was amazing.

The weather was perfect- not too chilly but nice with my wool dress and circle scarf. The trees were all changing, apples all over the ground and the sunset was gorgeous! Such a great day!

On to the outfit: I saw this dress a few years ago on the Banana Republic site and I loved it. For whatever reason, I just had to have it. I love the wrap silhouette and the color. But it was 125 dollars.  So I waited. And waited. And waited. Until, finally it wasn’t listed online anymore. I was devastated. So, on a limb I went to BR and tried my luck.  And there it was… One lonely orange dress in my size.  It was totally meant to be. It was also marked down to 35 bucks. Score!! I can’t really wear it year around because the wool does get hot, but I love it every single season when I pull it out of my winter clothes storage and run around like cinderella. 

outfit details: Dress- BR, Boots- BCBGeneration (Both part of the remix), socks- target, circle scarf- handmade by me!

Day 5/30

I feel all angsty in this… like I just got to Hollywood and I’m gonna take the world by storm, but not in a wide-eyed sweet girl approach- more like I could kick your butt approach.  Don’t you feel that way about this look?!  (just me?) haha…

But for real, these shorts cost 7 dollars. Yep… 7. My friend Rebecca and I walked into the mall, randomly walked into Limited (which, I’m not going lie… I thought had gone out of business…) found these cute shorts, we both tried them on and in five minutes had paid for them and left.  It was the fastest shopping experience of my life! And they are perfect!! I love the length because sometimes shorts can be too short and can only be playtime shorts- but these could easily transition into more professional situations. 

I met Bob for lunch in Hollywood and we ate at our favorite sports bar. Delicious buffalo chicken quesidillas and pulled pork sliders- yum!! Anyway- I’m rambling… I hope you have a great weekend!!! 

outfit details: jacket, shorts, shirt and boots- all remix items. tights- Marshalls, belt- target, sunnies- Fossil. 

This outfit is a bit of a risk for me. Why, you ask? because I usually dress wayyy more girly and for some reason (despite the butterfly shirt and flowery tights peeking out from my shoes), I feel kind of stuffy, kind of masculine in this outfit. Does that even make sense? Maybe not. Eh.

Day 4/30. I bought new tights- new expensive brand tights (even though I got them from T.J.Maxx) and as I was putting them on today- first day of wearing them- they got a huge, I’m talking massive, run in them.  Are you F’in kidding me?! Even though I only spent 10 bucks on them, they normally would cost like 40 at Nordstroms. I was pissed! But I didn’t want to just throw them away, so I looked at my 30X30 items and tried to figure out what could I do with tights with a run in them. And then it hit me- wear them as socks. so, this was my attempt at doing that. I’m happy they did get one wear (they are so freaking cute) and I like how they peek out. ugh, Well, this challenge is about thinking about my clothes in new ways- and even though I might never wear this type of look again, I’m happy I tried it.

goodness… I’m ready for tomorrow! Friday, woohoo! What are you doing?  I think we are going to an Apple Orchard about an hour away.  Apple picking, cider, bbq and hikes.  I’m so excited!

outfit details: cardigan, button down, jeans and shoes- all from the 30x30 challenge. belt- target, necklace- gift from Bob’s mom Ann Taylor, tights- T. J.Maxx.

So I jumped on the over the knee socks bandwagon today… I rode that wagon all the way to Rubio’s for some fish tacos and quality chats with my friends.  Tuesdays have become this wonderful tradition where we all meet, eat tacos and talk about our lives. Some people do this over beers, some do it over tea- we do it over tacos. It seems pretty fitting since I review the best tacos from around the world on my travel site. What can I say… I love tacos. Oh, and I love my friends, too.

This little outfit came together in my head when I was plotting out my outfits for the challenge.  It is DAY 3/30.  I wouldn’t say I’m out of ideas- in fact every morning when I wake up, I don’t know which of the outfits I want to wear because I love all the different combos so much.  Is this happening for you? Anyway, I love this skirt and wore it all spring and summer long so I really wanted to try and style it for fall, too.  I think it works perfectly! The weather was deceiving today… it looked super sunny (which is why I opted for a tank) but was actually quite chilly.  Thank goodness I had one of my remix jackets in my car.  I also found a can of pineapple juice in there! 

outfit details: skirt, jacket, boots and tank- all from the remix challenge. socks- target, purse- betsey johnson, belt- gap, ear rings- lucky brand

thanks Zane for the photos!

Day 2/30:

Brrr… it’s cold outside!! It was dark by the time we went to the dog park and took outfit photos.  Dark and cold and windy. Literally all the chairs at the dog park were turned over like it was a zombie movie and no one was left alive.  Kind of spooky actually! 

I loved Whatiwore’s look from last week as she headed off to camp for the weekend and kept thinking about that combo of plaid and riding pants and couldn’t shake it.  So, with some of my remix challenge clothes, I tried to recreate it.  I added the pops of coral to feel a little more like me and less like a lumberjack. Even though I felt pretty cozy in this while we were inside… I definitely could have used a thicker jacket.  

oh, so for my new followers- yay!- I thought I’d include one of Bob (since I talk about him a lot) and he’s my photographer. Sometimes I take my own, but mainly they are by him.  and we don’t have a fancy camera- just a plain ole point and shoot. So- that’s Bob!

outfit details: (from the challenge) Pants, boots, plaid shirt and cardigan. Belt- Gap, necklace- AE and bag- Betsey Johnson.

Starting the challenge today, I felt like a giddy school girl excited about where my locker would be located (hopefully next to the cute boy) and what all my friends would be wearing… Luckily, I get to see what everyones wearing for the challenge all from the comfort of my laptop, papasan chair and hot chocolate!

This week the weather changed dramatically- a cold front came in and I’m loving it. Bob and I got all dressed up and went to lunch at a new burger place and then a movie. Both were a little less than impressive but that kind of made it funny. (thinking positive here!) 

For the first day (of the challenge), I wanted to wear something that made me feel special- the dress- and something that made it not too fancy. This cardigan worked perfect.  I love the grunge feel it gives to the whole look.  And the berry tights- LOVE!!

oh, and my little brother got ENGAGED!!!! He did it in NYC on their anniversary! Congrats, Stefan!! (Can you tell how happy I am- and proud!) 

outfit details: Dress (free people), cardigan (F21), shoes (report)- 3 items from the challenge.  tights- HUE, belt- from another dress, necklace- lucky brand, bag- betsey johnson