OOTD: Paisley Pop

 

My mother was in town visiting this weekend, which was awesome. I don't realize how much I miss my mom being around until she is here. On Saturday night, we went out to dinner and I thought you might want to see my fancy-shmancy new dress. I have already wore it twice and it is Tuesday.

 

My favorite part is that it is a dress within a dress: there is a navy under dress that has the sheer paisley print over the top. I'm a big fan of the maxi - they just flow into the wind! #geek

 

The teal braided hobo bag I purchased this fall but I liked the teal contrast with the multitude of blues, khakis and reds in the print.

 

Hope you guys had a great weekend. I know I did.

 

Yours xx

 

 

 

Dress: Target / Bag: Teal Hobo Bag / Jacket: 1969 Denim Jacket / Shoes: Similar Found Here

 

Disclaimer: Everything mentioned above was purchased with my own money or were gifts, pictures were taken with my camera (unless otherwise noted/credited) and all opinions are mine and in no way represent anyone or anything other than me, myself and I. This is NOT a sponsored blog post. You're beautiful.

 

All Black Everything: A Miranda Kerr Inspired Look

Late last week I spent a solid 2 hours on E! Online's Big Picture gallery. This gallery is a collection of newly updated photos of celebrities being... well, normal. Most of the time, I'm looking at the gallery to see what celeb are wearing and where they are going. (Yep, I feed into the whole pop culture celebrity obsessed.)

This week I found a photo of Miranda Kerr. I consistently looooove her day to day looks. Plus, she is absolutely gorgeous! Her look is very classic pieces but with an edge. She seems to love a good coat, and a dash of the unexpected like a leopard ballet flat. She doesn't tend to over accessorize but her accessories do make (or break) her looks. You could say she is a style icon for me...I go as far as saying an inspiration, for sure.

I took one of the images I found and did a bit of interpretation with some items in my closet. It was a step outside of what I usually wear, a big heaping brave step, but a fun one!

The image of inspiration:

 

 

My interpretation:

 



 



I'm fairly certain I spent far less money on my outfit than Miss Kerr. I love the fringe on her jacket and her long black dress. I used my black skirt and a black shirt tucked in to recreate the feel of her dress.. The black jacket is from Old Navy (I spent $13.00 on it; the black one is sold out online. I thought I would link it anyway!); Skirt, bag (reviewed here) and scarf (and the boots in the black color that you can't see...) are all Target finds from over the years. And the lipstick is Revlon Colorburst matte balm in Striking, which you can get at any drugstore.

 

This was definitely a different look that I usually do. In fact, I can't remember the last time I wore all black. Actually, I think I was a fourth grader and about to be in a play about Greek mythology and all black was our required costume.

 

I spent the afternoon at Barnes and Noble. It was an interesting day well spent. And by spent, I truly mean spent. I do not need to go book shopping for quite some time.

 

 

 

I hope you have all had a wonderful week. And that, with the right inspiration, you can break your own rules!!

 

Yours xx

Fashion Friday: June 14th, 2013

As I said earlier this week, I've been doing a bit of exploring lately. I took a walk about downtown St. Cloud, MN this week as well as Lake George. It was around 8AM and finally, FINALLY, after too many days of clouds and rain, it was sunny.  I loved all the different colors and textures that greeted me on this morning. I took some images...I hope you enjoy.

And this week, I went to a Twins game at Target Field. Go TWINS! (They won too! It was an awesome game!) Plus, I figured out how to do panoramic shots with my iPhone. It was all very exciting!

Have a happy Friday, everyone! Cheers to the weekend!

About as Target Geek-y you can get...Spot with Target Field and Target Center. Go Bullseye!

Yours xx

Disclaimer: Everything mentioned above was purchased with my own money, pictures were taken with my camera (unless otherwise noted/credited)  and all opinions are mine. and in no way represent anyone or anything other than me, myself and I. This is NOT a sponsored blog post. You're beautiful.

What I Wore: A Summer Selection

When traveling bring all you favorite pieces! All of them!!

Disclaimer: A collection of mirror selfies await you.

Yea, I wore the black pants again. What are you going to do about it?? I love them. While the weather has been less than summer, jeans are still appropriate. This polka dot shirt has seen so many days. I'm constantly wearing it and pairing it with different accessories. It was chilly and I turned to my trusty denim jacket. The necklace, seen on this post in both cream and mint, can be found online in cream, pink and black.

If you follow me on Instagram, you've seen this guy: the awesomely amazing peach blazer from Herbergers, now on clearance! I cuffed up the sleeves making it more casual and not so business. Black pocket tee from Target, skinny jeans from Old Navy and the cream version of the previous necklace made this outfit perfect to do a bit of shopping in.

I know, denim on denim. I swore to myself that I would never. But I did. I'm sorry. I even did a bit of a Pinterest searching to make sure I was doing this look okay. The dark jeans and lighter wash shirt seemed to be the common thread throughout all my denim on denim searching. So, I tried it and it seemed to work. 

Ahhh summer time dresses!! I've previously professed my love of dresses so I thought I would wear my favorite spring/summer navy dress (couldn't find exact but I linked the Old Navy summer dresses above) with the mint necklace. Plus, it was nice and warm this day. YAY for summer...finally.

I'm on a blogging spree this week! Wee! 

Yours xx

Disclaimer: Everything mentioned above was purchased with my own money and all opinions are mine. This is NOT a sponsored blog post. You're beautiful.

Every day in May... + What I Wore: Last week of School

There is a blog challenge for May started by the lovely Jenni, from Story of My Life, challenging bloggers to blog everyday in May. I would love to partake but, um, May's going to be a bit ridiculous for me (MAYbe I will complete all the prompts in July but with a Hemline twist, who knows) so I've decided that instead of doing the prompts everyday, each week I will complete the prompts in one post.

There are no rules for the prompts. They can be interpreted however the blogger feels. So, away we go...

Day 1: The Story of your life in 250 words or less.

I suck at describing myself or my life. So, I'm letting a poem I wrote in Creative Writing do it for me. We had 15 or so questions to answer about ourselves (parents, character traits, favorite word/celebrity/place/phrase), as well as brands we would endorse without being paid, a striking image, a question, annoyance, and something you wish you could have but can't due to unforeseen changes. Damn I miss Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper! I think I had it like everyday during junior high. Without further ado...Table for 1

A pregnant woman sits alone at the bar,

I wonder if she notices me, a bystander in her world.

Silly, fuse toed, daughter of Joe and Tami, once McVay,

lover of London, fan of Jennifer Lawrence, me.

Literally, living the dream & loving it.

I want to skip towards her in my TOMs, like her child will,

plop down on the stool next to her, and ask:

What came first: the bagel or the donut?

Instead, I slyly snap a picture with my phone, share it, tweeting:

“Pregnant woman at a bar—I wonder what she ordered? #water”

Gum-smacking, knuckle cracking Waitress startles me:

I lust for a Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper, but settle for a “Diet Coke, please.”

Day 2: Educate us on something you know a lot about or are good at. Take any approach you'd like (serious and educational or funny and sarcastic)

Something-Nothing Days

I would like to take this time to educate you all on how to do nothing for an entire day while still doing something. I have spent many a day, wrapped up in a blanket, reading or watching copious amounts of Netflix. I'd say I'm quite the expert. You will need a space that is private (ie bedroom, TV room, living room, etc) where you can spread about 3-5 pillows, creating a sort-of headboard to lean against. Keeping, at least one pillow to the right or left of you to place your computer (portable DVD player, what-have-you) to watch your television selections. I prefer computer do take the occasionally Facebook-Twitter-Pinterest break. Feel free, if not located in your bed, to take the comforter/duvet with you to your location. Comfort is very much important.

Now most would say snacks would be the next important item but I will argue that hydration is key. I like to begin my something-nothing days with a bit of tea, or coffee. Then proceed quickly to lemonade (summer/spring) or hot tea (fall/winter). But, pro-tip number one, always keep water near, especially in a container with a lid and straw. Nobody likes to attempt to drink water out of a bottle and, SPLAT, all over your shirt. Awful. (First world problem? Yeah, I think so). 

Show selection... this is the perfect time to go through that Netflix Instant Queue and starting watching one of the 19 shows you've placed in there. My recommendations vary from Classics (to me) Gilmore Girls (many a Christmas break spent with my favorite Girls); One Tree Hill (remember: there is only one); Gossip Girl (if you have a flair for the dramatic and fashionable); or if you are feeling particularly nerdy: Dr. Who. My current obsession: Mad Men (Don Draper...*swoon*). And books, c'mon now, you can't go wrong with any choice but Harry Potter (shocking...) always keep me comforted on these something-nothing days.

(I'm skipping Day 3: something that makes you uncomfortable)....

Day 4: Favorite quote

I've got two. Both are very self-explanatory as to why they are my favorite. My first is Dumbledore's speech to Harry in King's Cross during the final book. 

Help will always be given at Hogwarts, Harry, to those who ask for it. I've always prized myself on my ability to turn a phrase. Words are, in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic, capable of both inflicting injury and remedying it. But I would, in this case, amend my original statement to this: Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who deserve it. Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and above all, all those who live without love.

And my second favorite is widely misquoted as being said by Nelson Mandela. It is a (paraphrased) poem by Marianne Williamson.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were all meant to shine as children do. It is not just in some of us, its in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Day 5: Publicly profess your love and devotion for one of your friends/family member.

I really hope that you, yes, you the one reading this, knows that you are loved. I want you to know that I love you. I think you are beautiful, and smart. You bring light into my world. You are cherished. You were born with the ability and purpose to change someone's world. So, I, Haley, publicly profess my love to you, my reader. 

Day 6: If you couldn't answer with your job, how would you answer the question: "What do you do?"

My goal in life is to inspire and to be inspired. So, that's what I do. 

Day 7: The thing you are most afraid of.

Failure. But aren't we all?

Annnnnd the Hemline twist? "What I Wore: Last week of School"

Oh the last week of actual class during my undergraduate career! What is one to wear! I wore my black skinny jeans from Sears, black tuxedo flats from Target, "leather" jacket also from Target, and a Mint knit sweater from JcPenney. My black bag in from Urban Outfitters and tree necklace from, you guessed it, Target.

I loved this outfit. It was perfectly spring sweater and by adding the jacket, I could wear it during the not-so-spring welcome. I can't wait to wear it more during the summer!!

Again this semester my university held the Jazz Swing Dance. I wore a dress from Karisma. It was on super-sale, like $10 I believe, which it just too good to pass up!! My shoes are from Herberger's about two years ago. They have gotten their wear. I love the colors of this look! And yes, I did dance the night away! Curious what I wore last semester?? Holiday Party + Jazz Swing Dance

Check out my graduation gift to myself?? Oh yea, a reusable Starbucks cup. Best. Purchase. Ever. This was my actual last day of college outfit. Scarf  was a gift but it is from The Buckle and my sunglasses are from Old Navy. 

Yours xx

Zara Office City Bag Dupe

I have been on the hunt/prowl for a "big girl" bag that is functional, yet gorgeous. I don't want to be victim to the borrowed-my-mom's-briefcase type situation on my first day out in the real world, which isn't even my biggest issue. My biggest issue: budget. Where can I find the perfect "big girl" bag still on my college girl budget?

I found this AMAZING "big girl" bag from Zara. It is beautiful! There are three main zipper compartments, and the middle zipper pocket is padded which makes it perfect for a laptop. The two compartments between the zipper bits have magnetic pop shut.

There is an organizational compartment to keep a phone, wallet, and a zipper pocket to keep things extra safe. Two sturdy handles with a detachable long strap which allow for toting or shoulder-holding. As far as looks go, it's got that black textured polyurethane and the lining is maroon polyester. This bag has everything that I am looking for. *checks price* *face palm*

As an avid Target shopper, and all-around Target fan, I was more than excited to look through their selection of "big girl" bags. Sunday afternoon, shopping with my mom (whom I had told about my lovely want/need for this Zara bag) when, tucked away on the bottom shelf...there it was...the Zar...ahem, Large Structured Tote Handbag-Black. If I were to ever find a dupe on a designer bag, I'm unbelievably overjoyed that it was this one!!

Large zipper pockets, one for a laptop...check! Magnetic compartments...half check (no magnet; shouldn't be too much of a problem once I start putting items in)! Organizational compartment...check! Zip pocket for extra safety...check! Two sturdy handles with detachable strap...check!!

The Target bag even mirrors the textured outer layer but instead of the Zara hatching pattern it is more of a dotted texture. Only detectable under super-de-duper close examination. The Target bag has more triangular  hinges and it is more of a silver colored hardware versus the Zara gold. But, those are small prices to pay when you, in fact, aren't really paying! This bag is $60 less than the Zara bag.

Oofta! Crisis solved! Big it on, real world! Now, only if my final papers would write themselves...

Yours in all her "big girl" bag, real-world ready ways xx

Oh and if you like some of the other Zara handbags, keep looking on Target, specifically the brand Merona...you might find yourself a dupe of another.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All the items mentioned above were purchased with my own money, or as a graduation gift from my loving parents. :) You're pretty.

Fashion Friday: January 18, 2013

This week, inspiration seemed to find me wherever I went. I started out my week by watching the captivating Masterpiece Classic: Downton Abbey. For this season, they gained the corporate sponsor of Ralph Lauren and his commercial aired before the episode. He is discussing his craft and where he finds his inspiration. I'm inherently jealous of anyone who can articulate their inspirations like he does. I'd consider myself a bit of a generalist when it comes to inspiration. His words inspired me to not accept the ordinary, not only in fashion, but also in life. His dialogue got my creative juices flowing (obviously) so I transcribed it for you to be inspired as well! And as per usual, more amazing fashions (also made easy by The Golden Globes!!). Congratulations on another week of 2013 completed!

"This is not a job. This is a joy. Doing the women's collection, you've got to create something and make it new every season. I'm drawing inspiration from my life, from history, from movies, from books, from everything I see. The best pleasure is the creativity and not accepting the ordinary." --Ralph Lauren

First: It's a Target ad and, if you haven't figured it out yet, I L-O-V-E  Target. Also, Old Man Winter... I accept your sweater as apology.

Sparkly bow because why not? 

Noted, Dowager Countess of Grantham. 

What's a closet? 

Truth.  

You know you read it as Captain Jack...

Naomi Watts looked absolutely stunning! 

Miranda Kerr (oh and a bit of Orlando Bloom eye-candy) is ravishing! 

I love Adele for several reasons, but mostly because she rocks Burberry like a boss. Black long sleeve dress with embellished neckline... Get it, girl! Beautiful! Plus, she scored a high-five from James Bond (erm, Daniel Craig) and a Golden Globe for Skyfall. 

2 for the 1

Who doesn't love a good deal? Today, I've got a 2 for 1 fashion special for you!

Find them HERE!

First, TOMS. If you haven't heard of TOMS do yourself a favor and familiarize yourself with the one for one movement. For each pair of shoes purchased, TOMS gives a pair to a child in need. We've all got a TOMS story. If you are anything like me, you've got several TOMS stories. I can't wait to embark on my next story with these babies.

       

Second, Christmas break is almost over (insert sad face), but before I head back into the daily grind, I'd share my all time favorite lounge outfit, complete with accessories.

Everything is better in a Chunky Knit Sweater (Here). I said I was on the hunt for a black bag, and several fell into my lap in consecutive days; this is the first.  I've finished this lounge outfit with a beaded necklace (thrifted) and a maroon pair of tuxedo flats.

As of next week changes will be made to my blog. Don't worry, all will be for the positive...well, I hope.

Happy New Year! YAY 2013!