christmas cheer

Happy Merry Hurray Christmas!

These pictures are actually from the end of November -- before Thanksgiving, to be exact, which is why I didn't post them at first.

I imagined all the outrage from Thanksgiving purists and knew I had to postpone.

Campus went Christmassy pretty early this year (although really, it just felt that way because Thanksgiving was so late) and they put this giant Christmas tree right in front of my work building, and twisted wintery blue lights around the trunk of every tree lining the main road. It's pretty festive!

This outfit is so simple, but makes me so happy.

Polka dot dress, floral scarf, bright tights. 

There's nothing more comforting than classic and colorful in the holiday season. 

I haven't taken outfit photos in a few days, but soon I'll be doing a post about my hair -- I look very different from these pictures!

I wanted to do something a little fun and a little crazy, so I went for it.

I'm feeling the vibes of wintry goodness, and I just can't wait for the holidays to be in full swing.

Until then, I'll keep cozying up to every Christmas tree I see.

mixing prints: springtime

April has been passing by at an alarming rate.
The weather has been somewhat confusing, teasing spring but sneaking in some leftover winter.

I finally begin to get excited about spring trends and floral prints and cute dresses, and I walk outside and the cold wind takes me completely by surprise.
I should probably just make a habit of double checking the weather (a weather app with a Wind dial is especially valuable for dress-wearing!).

In any case, this outfit was the perfect solution for the uninvited cold day we had on Tuesday.
It had some of my favorite spring colors, including a vibrant floral print, as well as a cute dress I picked up in London in March.

Dress/Scarf: Primark in London, Belt: Ruche, Pants: Vera Wang (similar) via Kohl's (remixed, remixed), Shoes/Cardigan: gifted

I love mixing prints.
It always feels a bit daring and even a bit crazy, but every once in a while I'll see two things hanging in my closet that somehow seem destined for one another.
This outfit was kind of a great accident.

I look forward to wearing this dress on fun summer weekends, walking downtown or visiting nearby towns to go shopping.
It has cute cut-outs on the side, and has an irresistible vintage feel to it.
Also, the print is so pretty and is neutral enough to have a lot of remix potential.
It reminds me of Fox and the Hound and Where the Red Fern Grows, or the kind of old wallpaper I used to love to look at; my grandma had this great vintage wallpaper in one of her guest rooms, that had all these hidden treasures to find, like magnifying glasses and maps and glasses. I love the details of a print like this.

I've been a little daring with my wardrobe all week, layering pieces I've never layered before and trying out new dresses with odd combinations.
Today I'm wearing a dress on top of a dress.
So who knows what the future holds!

parisian rooftops

Top/Scarf: Primark in London, Sweater: Banana Republic,
Pants: Ruche (shop!), Boots: Urbanog, Sunglasses: Ruche

Mornings in Paris were my favorite.
Our apartment was warm, cozy, and happily situated on the 7th floor with a darling balcony.
It was full of natural light, and something about waking up in that atmosphere was even more than perfect. It was like a dream.

Before the cold could hit us, before the day officially began, I would spend a few minutes out on the balcony, listening to the noises of life below and straining my eyes to see as far as I could into the city.
It was surreal and beautiful, completely invigorating and personal.
I think moments like that are the ones that often stay with us the longest, after traveling.
The intimate moments, the ones no one else will ever see or feel.

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