pretty lenses

This past week, we received a new camera lens in the mail!!

I'm looking forward to experimenting with a lens that is well suited for blogging, and Etsy posts.
Or rather, my husband is looking forward to experimenting with his photography skills. :)

Top: Forever 21 (similar), Cardigan: J. Crew, Pants: New York and Company
Watch: Fossil

I realized yesterday that I have completely left the heels-wearing genre of my life.
I think I might need to revisit it.
Wearing a pair yesterday felt like a whole new world, and not the pleasant Aladdin carpet-riding kind.
Has it really been that long since I've donned a couple of heels?
Apparently it has! I wear boots and flats daily. There's no denying that my job is not a vortex of fashion or dressy-ness, so I suppose I haven't felt the need or desire to wear heels this year.
I've also realized that I really don't like any of my dress pants...I want fitted, smart-looking dress pants, not balloon bell-bottoms or circus clothes. I've always had trouble finding dress pants that are the right length, or the right fit...but going through my closet, I've realized I've outgrown (style-wise) a lot of my old "business/professional" type clothing. Not to say there's anything fundamentally wrong with them, but my style has just gone in a different direction over the last year or so.
I think one of the reasons I've so readily reached for dresses on a daily basis is that I'm more comfortable in them...and I hate all of my dress pants. Subconsciously.
If I do wear pants to work, I usually cheat a little and wear my bright colored denim, like my bright coral or pineapple yellow pants. Or, let's be honest, I just wear dark jeans.

That being said, I'm enjoying the style transition. I just went through my closet last night and did a clean sweep, taking out items and bidding them a fond farewell.
Sometimes it's necessary to get rid of things, to make room for more things.

Right? :)

foggy friday

I've always been a true introvert at heart.
I learned somewhere along the line that to be an introvert is all about how you charge your batteries.
Extroverts are re-charged by people - going to a party lifts them up and gives them wings for hours and hours.
Introverts may still love parties, but when they get home, they crawl into the fetal position and shut out the world for 3-5 days in order to recover.
That's me.

I love people. I always have, and most likely always will.
I love my friends and I absolutely love planning things and going out and doing weekend trips and having get-togethers. I love girl time, I love holiday parties. But there's definitely an inner balance, a delicate one, that requires me to incorporate my "alone time" into my regular schedule.

I went to Japan with a group in college, and I remember going off into the corner with another introverted guy, and we'd just say to the others, "It's introvert time."
And we'd literally just go into the corner, and sit, staring into the space, saying nothing for as long as possible. We were practically comatose. It was weird but we both really needed it.

Dress: Zulily, Sweater: Target, Tights: Target, 
Scarf: Gifted via World Market (shop!), Jewelry: Fossil

My amazing husband is such an extrovert, and he has enlivened my life in every possible way. He makes me so much braver than I ever could be alone. I'm so thankful for him.
This weekend he'll be gone for a law-school related getaway (a mediation tournament), so I'll be left to my own devices. While I used to cherish these moments by myself, I'm starting to realize how long it's been since I've had true alone time. Recharging my batteries nowadays usually involves my husband and I having a quiet night in, reading or watching TV and whatnot.
I'm suddenly feeling a bit unnerved, and I'm already wondering what in the world I'm going to do once I get off work and go back to my empty apartment.
But then I already know the answer. Pajamas. TV. Candy. Bubblebath.
It won't be so bad.

Me and my introverted self are going to have a date this weekend. Get reacquainted.
Hopefully I'll be motivated enough to get some cleaning done, and to utilize my husband's away time well.
But seeing as I've just finished Downton Abbey, this foggy Friday may just be spent drowning my sorrows in sweets and comedy shows to relieve the depression. :)

What are your plans? Also, what are your thoughts on the bright tights?
Not quite as daring as the pink tights but still pretty exciting. Buddy the Elf would be proud.

Happy Friday, all :)

apples and doilies

Dress: Ruche (shop!)(remix!), Sweater: Gifted, Scarf: Zulily
Tights: Target, Shoes: Gifted

This week has certainly been a busy one.
In the midst of it all, it's nice to find free time here and there to see good friends, watch favorite shows, and enjoy the beautiful moments.
I love this sweater, because when I first tried it on and showed my husband, he responded,
"Aww, you have a doily on your back!"
It's quite true, and quite wonderful.
I'd say doilies and apples (see the remix here) go quite well together.

cowgirls and vera wang

I have found them, guys.
The most comfortable leg coverings of all time.
Actually, to be fair, my mother found them and sent them to me as a rather delightful gift.
And they're Vera Wang, so, you know what they say.

You don't alter Vera to fit you,
you alter yourself to fit Vera!

But in this case, it doesn't matter, because these are stretchy and form fitting on purpose!

Dress: Ruche, Jacket: LOFT, Pants: Kohl's, Vera Wang (shop!)
Boots: DSW, Scarf: Gifted

Since the riding boot style has become so wildly popular, it was only a matter of time before riding pants became fashionable. They're delightful, in every way. Grab yourself a pair and thank me later.
(Plus they're crazy on sale!)

I can't remember the last time I was that comfortable throughout my desk-job day.
The dress is one of my first Ruce purchases, and one of my favorites. I've often worn it as a long blouse, with my light yellow skinny jeans or with tights and flats.
(See remixes here and here on my other blog!).

I also love the gold flecks in this Christmas-gift scarf, from my mother-in-law. It's one of my favorite scarves this winter! The infinity scarf trend is a total treasure.

Enjoy your Tuesday!
Cait

coziness + handmade accessories

I love to shop handmade.
There's something really exciting and extraordinary about owning something (art, clothing, jewelry, anything) that was made by someone else.
That's one of the reasons I really love Etsy - it's like the Ebay of handmade items.
People from all over the world can have their own "shop" in electronic form, showcasing their talents and selling their goods.

I own a little shop called Posies by Cait.
I have met hundreds of amazing people and seen hundreds of beautiful shops throughout my time on Etsy.
Recently, my cousin started her own Etsy shop, and sent me this incredible set!

It made my cozy Friday even cozier, and I can proudly say that her items are well-made, soft, and adorable.

Top: Anthropologie, Cardigan: Banana Republic (similar), Pants: Forever 21 (shop!)
Shoes: Urbanog (shop Ruche!), Headwarmer/Scarf: Roo's Loop De Loops (shop!)
Bracelet: Kate Spade 

I would highly recommend snatching up an adorable headwarmer/scarf set for yourself or a friend this winter and spring!
As a special to my blog readers, use code "Posies" for 10% off in her shop.
Can't get any better than that! Go now!
If you get one, please let me know which one and how you like it! I'd love to see them.

I hope you all have an amazing week. Mondays usually give me the blues, but I'm looking forward to every night this week. It's gonna be a good one!

See ya,
Cait