Mixed Media

Tshirt and skirt-H&M, Belt,necklaces-Target, Shoes-Sam Edelman, Watch-Coach,
Bracelets-Gifts, Target, F21, Sunnies-Target, Earrings-Limited

A co-worker stopped me today and said I was breaking all the rules by mixing stripes with spots and she liked it.  Funny, I didn't think there were rules anymore when it comes to style. You put together what works for you. To top off the two prints, I threw on the leopard shoes for fun. Three different prints. Awesome. I think people like to still follow rules from way back when because it's not intimidating. I know it's scary to think "can I put this print with that". But, it's really what you like and if it looks good to you, go for it! Be brave my friends, be brave. It takes practice, but once you start feeling more confident, you'll be mixing three (or more!) prints too.

Irish for a day

Blouse-Forever21, Vest-Local Boutique, Jeans-7forMankind, Belt-JCrew, Watch-Coach, Bangle-Forever21, Bracelet-Local, Earrings-Limite, Shoes-BCBG

With a name like Erin O'Leary, you would think I'm 100% Irish. I'm not. In fact, I'm such a small percentage of Irish, it's kinda comical. But, that doesn't stop me from celebrating my Irish pride on St. Patrick's Day. I wear green, eat green foods and drink green beer, but I won't, repeat won't, hit the bars on said day. It's a day for rookies and people use it as an excuse to take drinking to the extreme. I don't enjoy waiting in line for 20 minutes to get a beer or use the restroom. I also don't like being jostled around by every Tom, Dick and Harry in the place. Instead, I went to the gym, got my butt kicked by my trainer (awesome!) and then had a shamrock shake. All in all, a perfect night. What did you do on St. Patrick's Day?

La Traviata

Dress-Local store, Belt-Target, Tights-Spanx, Shoes-Steve Edelman, Earrings-For Love 21, Ring-Silpada, Necklaces (worn as bracelets around wrist)Tiffany&Co, Watch-Michele

The weekend was just what I needed after a long week that included travel for work. Friday we stayed in, made pizza and had a bottle of wine. It was the perfect end to the week. Saturday we went to the Opera. We met friends prior for dinner at Meritage in St Paul. If you haven't been, I highly recommend it. Their Classic Champagne Cocktail was lovely and dinner was delicious. Then, it was on to the opera, which I enjoyed. This was Ramesh's first time and he hasn't decided if he enjoyed it or not. He liked the music, but didn't particularly enjoy watching the show (or trying to read the subtitles for that matter). Interesting. I thought this would be his "thing". He enjoys the classics- poetry, orchestra music, history, drama... all the things you find in an opera. We'll have to try again before judgement is passed. How was your weekend? Do anything fun?

Fur-Vintage, Purse-Be&D

30 for 30 {Days 28 & 29- San Fran!}

I was in San Francisco Tues, Wed, Thurs this week (Oakland if you want to get specific, but we stayed in San Fran). It was a busy two days of wearing red and khaki and visiting stores. I did manage to wear two outfits from my 30 items though because we did squeeze in a bit of fun in while we were there.

Cami-Target, Blouse-Target, Sweater-Target, Jeans-Paige, Shoes-BCBG, Watch-Coach, Bracelet-Juicy Couture, Necklace and earrings-Limited

San Francisco is my favorite city! I'm not quite sure why I don't live there, but alas, I don't. I've been going there since I was young (we're talking like 10) with my parents, and then after college, my BFF moved there. What better excuse to visit the city then to see her. Sadly, she just moved to Reno in January. No more trips to visit her in the city, but I still have loads of friends that live there and another one moving there this summer. At some point, we will live there. Just don't think it will be anytime soon (insert sad face picture of me here). 


We didn't get to do anything in the city Tuesday night because we were at our new Oakland-Emeryville store opening and then opted to get dinner nearby. We couldn't stomach eating at 9pm (11pm our time) when we hadn't had a meal yet that day. We grabbed a bite to eat in Emeryville at Cocina Poblana. The fajitas were yummy.

Jacket-APART, Bag-Coach

Wednesday we got back into the city earlier and had a chance to run around a bit. Too bad the weather didn't want to cooperate with us - couldn't decide if it wanted to rain or just mist. Typical San Fran weather. I did get my coworker to snap a few shots of my outfit in Union Square to show you what I wore. After that, we met one of my girlfriends for all you can eat sushi at Nara sushi on Polk. It was delicious. 

Shirt-Target, Vest-Local, Jeans-Paige, Shoes-BCBG, Necklace and earrings-Limited, Watch-Coach, Bracelet-Juicy Couture

With a morning flight out of Oakland, I didn't have time to take pictures in the city, so you'll have to do with my attempted snaps from my hotel room. Not as easy as I would have liked, but it will do. One outfit left to go! WOO HOO!  

30 for 30 {Day 20-Snow Day}

Blouse-JCrew, Cami-Target, Vest-Local Boutique (props to my BFF for finding and snagging for me!), Pants-Banana Republic,
Boots-Aldo,Watch-Coach, Bracelet-Local, Bangle-Forever21, Bangle-Limited, Belt-Target, Necklaces-Gifts, Earrings-Forever21

Yep, you guessed it, still snowing! I feel like I wasted a great outfit at work today because no one was there. Between being stuck in driveways or taking the day off due to the holiday, it was a ghost town. Rats! But enough about work.

We've only got 10 days left to go in the 30 for 30. I'm feeling pretty good about my selections and what I can still remix for this last stretch. How about you? Are you taking part in the challenge? Have you been inspired by my posts to take a closer look at your clothes? Let me know, I want to hear how y'all are doing!

30 for 30 {Day 13-checked animal}

Shirt-JCrew, Cami-Target, Vest-Local Store, Skirt-BCBG, Tights-Target, Belt-LoveCulture
Boots-Aldo, Necklace and bracelet-Stella and Dot, Watch-Coach,
Earrings-unknown (I've had them since college, which makes them VERY old!)

It's Valentine's Day... do you celebrate? We don't. Every time I tell people we don't believe in Valentine's Day, they look at me like I'm an alien. I just don't get it (never did). Why do I need to show my love for someone on this particular day? Don't I love them equally all year long? When I met my husband, he shared the same thought. It helped that he's Indian and wasn't raised with this so-called holiday. This way there's no pressure to buy flowers or a gift and try to get dinner reservations at a packed restaurant. In fact, the best Valentine's day I've had was a few years ago. A bunch of girlfriends came over, we made dinner and this TO DIE FOR dessert. We sat around all night gabbing, drinking wine, and eventually polishing off the dessert right from the bowl as we passed if around the table. Good times! 


Tonight was just another night. We made dinner at home and now I'm going to finish some work for tomorrow. After that, I'll be patiently waiting for the new stamp/product releases at Papertrey Ink to go live at 11pm. Yes, I'm obsessed and really need to get a life.

Rawr!

On top of the snow, Ukrainian Formal and Indian Dinner (more on that tomorrow), it was a busy weekend for us. We had a 1st Birthday Party for our friend's daughter, Claire. I consider Claire my niece (I'm an only child and need someone to shower with gifts). I have established myself as the fashion forward aunt who spoils her with fun (and not always practical) clothes! When I came across this adorable faux fur coat at Baby Gap, I knew she had to have it. I was tempted to get the red tutu to go under it, but I need to take baby steps with the fashion - don't want to freak mom and dad out! And the polka dot leggings, they make the outfit. She's going to be one little diva.

Faux Fur Coat, Sweater Dress and Leggings - Baby Gap

Old Man Winter

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend. Here in MN, we got dumped on by old man winter, not fun.  

The snow didn't stop us from attending the 65th Anniversary Ukrainian Formal this past weekend. You'll recall, last week I posted I was in need of a purse for this outfit. I went with this fantastic clutch, from Banana Republic of all places (thanks Beckerman Girls for inspiring me to do more animal print than just the shoes!) Animal print seemed to be our theme, as my girlfriend was also decked out in a fantastic animal print gown.

Clutch, Banana Republic, $120

BCBG Dress, Cuff (Macy's), Earrings (Target)

Sam Edelman Shoes, Vintage Fur Capelet

Vintage Finds

I hit up the vintage store this weekend and hit the jackpot. I found my leopard coat and it's perfect. Vintage Neiman Marcus. I'm going to change out the buttons and then it will be divine.

While shopping, I also found this little gem:

Can't wait to wear it. They say the weather is supposed to turn cold this week. Bring it! I'm ready. Hope you all had a great weekend!

Un-sweats!

Un-sweats... is that even a word? I'm referring to the new trend of knit sweatpant style pants. When I first saw this trend, I thought to myself - never! Well, I should know better than to ever say never.  I recently invested in this pair from JCrew and I have to say that I've been living in them. They are so functional and comfortable, not to mention they look more like a pant than leggings. If you style them right, they can take you from day to night.  During the day, I wear them with a tee and flat boots, but I recently spiced it up with a sequin tank, chandelier gold earrings,a scarf and a leopard bag ~ voila - a chic, effortless outfit to hit the town in.

Un-sweats! by mplsgirl on Polyvore.com

Hats off to you!

I'll be posting a lot more cards this week - a co-worker had a baby, I have a wedding to go to, and it seems everyone has a birthday coming up in the next few weeks. The first card this week is for a friend of mine who is turning 30. I remember when I turned 30, I thought it was the end of being hip, but I soon realized you are only as old as you feel. This leopard print fedora was my inspiration (we all know how much I LOVE leopard print - see this post). Since I didn't have a stamp or die cut to make the hat, I had to draw it free hand.  Then, I used my copic markers to color the leopard print. I think it turned out pretty good and I hope she likes it!

Materials:

Paper: Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink), Sft White (Paper*Source), Peacock (Paper*Source)

Copic Markers: Burnt Umber (E29), Yellow (Y06), Black (100),  Colorless blender

Ink: Staz On Timber Brown

Impression plate: Vintage Wallpaper (Stampin' Up)

Twine: Archiver's