gifts: valentine's day

We're only a few days away from the month of love!
February is characterized by bright reds and pinks, flowers and candies, friends and loved ones.
Love is truly in the air in the weeks surrounding Valentine's Day.

However, I think it should be a time to celebrate all the forms of love in your life. All those relationships that are dear to you.
I remember growing up and not being able to wait until I could give away some little Happy Valentine's Day cards to all my favorite friends.
I don't remember when I stopped doing that. Probably around the same boy-crazy time when Valentine's Day became all about cute guys, and not as much about friends and showing love to those you care about.
So plan to celebrate this year with some sweet accessories, lots of desserts, and a few dates with your favorite people! Whether that be your best friends, your sister, your mother, or your husband/boyfriend.
Take the time to send a card or a gift to show someone they're loved this February!

Ruby Red Kiss Earrings, from Ruche

Card by Rifle Paper Co., from Ruche

Sweet mini brooches, by Sweetkeetle on Etsy

Valentine's Day studs, by Posies by Cait on Etsy

Hand-embroidered necklace,
by Poppy and Fern on Etsy

Chocolate lollipops, by Xocolatl Chocolate on Etsy

Funny Valentine's Day Card, by Wit and Whistle on Etsy

Little Envelopes Studs, by Rare Indeed on Etsy

Hand-sculpted Book Necklace, by A Child of Whimsy on Etsy

Red Heart Earrings, by Chelsea Girl Designs on Etsy

E.E. Cummings Print, by Old English Co. on Etsy

Red and Lace Pendant Necklace, by The Whirlwind on Etsy

Strawberry Chocolate Truffles, by Xocolatl Chocolate on Etsy

Etsy is a ridiculously great place to look for unique gifts for any occasion!
Handmade and often one-of-a-kind, you can pretty much find anything and everything you're looking for, from small business men and women around the world.

What are your favorite gift ideas for Valentine's Day?
Any outfit ideas, or favorite places to go for a date night?

Dustin and I are planning on a romantic dinner out and a movie. Classic!
Last year, I also decorated the apartment for Valentine's Day and had a bunch of girlfriends over for a chick-flick movie night. It was a blast!

Whatever your plans are, enjoy preparing for the month of love and treat yourself to a truffle or two. ;)

Cait

new hair + parisian flair

It was almost warm enough yesterday to go without a coat in the early evening. Almost. 
Today, it is a boiling 66 degrees and I'm already planning on getting a snow cone after work!
I can't wait to soak up the warmth of the afternoon.

Cardigan: J. Crew, Scarf: Gifted/World Market (shop), Dress: Ruche (similar, similar)
Jeans: Forever 21 (shop), Boots: Urbanog (similar, similar), Headband: J. Crew

I did it.

I cut my hair!

I talked about it earlier (last week), and managed to get to the salon for a fresh bob.

It's not super short, which I'm happy about! But even so, my husband cringed a little at the first cut.

Men do love long hair!

For the first time, I went for the a-line lob look. Unfortunately, I made that bangs-cutting mistake earlier this year, so they're still growing out and get in the way of a true, straight a-line cut.

To me, this outfit speaks volumes in favor of travel. 
I think Melina from The Caffeinated Closet has been a subtle influence to that effect!
I'm dreaming of Paris often these days, hoping we can make a trip there soon.
I think my subconscious was working toward a Paris-worthy outfit yesterday, with the classic stripes and layers.

Short dresses make for great layering tools in cold weather.
This dress served as a very comfortable tunic yesterday, layered over jeans, combat boots and a scarf and cardigan!

This spot on the hill is a pretty incredible view of Lynchburg.
I got a bit distracted from picture-taking as lights started to twinkle in the early evening light, lit from all the houses and businesses sprawled out below.

 Without the layers, the dress is soft and sweet, little fabric-twist bows on each shoulder.

Warm weather will definitely be welcome!

Can't wait for that snow cone in an hour or two. :)

Enjoy your Tuesday, too!
Cait

catty dresses and afternoon teas

Today's outfit is a cutesie print at its finest.
It's hard to do a cat-print right, but I think this dress definitely pulls it off.
Thanks to LOFT for producing such an adorable dress!
It was one of my favorite holiday-shopping finds.

Dress: LOFT (shop), Cardigan: Ireland, Tights: Target
Booties: Urbanog (shop), Necklace: Lia Sophia, Earrings: Chelsea Girl Designs 

I've gotten really used to having pockets on my dresses - almost to the point of being disappointed when I try on a dress without them!
But there's nothing better than a sweet, comfy shift dress with a cutesie print and side pockets.

This picnic area on our street is completely overrun by the hand of winter.
All the leaves in Lynchburg have somehow managed to congregate here, taking over every inch of ground with brown, crunchy foliage.
It was like a storybook, or some old poem.

The Land of the Leaves

The leaves go dancing, twirling 'til dawn.

They swirl until the night is gone.

They join together in amber-hued songs,

Browns and oranges joining the throngs.

Before the sun rises to see what they've done,

The leaves are all gathered enjoying their fun.

Every step taken brings a sweet crunchy sound,

The leaves have joined forces to cover the ground!

It was amazing to be out in the afternoon sunshine, after such a freezing week!

It was almost up to the 40s, which seems warm in comparison. It was such a beautiful day!

This morning, I slept in a little and and finished the book I had been reading, making coffee and taking my time getting ready.
I had an afternoon date with a friend to go to our little tea house downtown! I had been wanting to go for a few months, and we finally had a reservation set up for a relaxing hour or two sipping on hot sweet tea and munching on scones.

Sometimes there's nothing better than some fancy girl time.
It was the perfect Saturday!

I hope you get to take some time this weekend to get a little dressed up and enjoy a special outing.
Enjoying the simple things (like cat-print dresses) is the best way to spend a Saturday.

Cait