Punk Pastels

Dress: Kate Spade; Coat: JCrew; Stockings: from Japan; Shoes: Converse; Sunglasses: Karen Walker; Headband: Goody

I've had this Kate Spade shift dress for about a year, and apart from the contrast collar (which is always a must for me), the print made me feel like I was in the 1980's John Hughes classic Pretty in Pink, which I have to admit is one of my favorite movies! The overlapping dots create an almost checkerboard effect, which is made less intense by the pale mint accents. I played off the mint with this light pink hooded stadium coat from JCrew, but then upped the punk-ante with my Chuck Taylors.  Usually I only wear these on vacation (they are the perfect shoe to walk around cities in! Plus they look super cool and Parisian with a button up), but every once in a while I break them out to tone down a dress. 

Until next time, 

xo 

T

Casual Jewels

Sweater: Banana Republic; Top: JCrew; Pants: JBrand; Boots: Tory Burch; Necklace: Jennifer Zeuner

Ugh, Monday! Matt's parents were in town this weekend, so I felt like I needed a weekend from my weekend today! Hence this casual outfit. Skinny khakis with riding boots, and a stretchy top (with a jeweled neckline to dress it up) and a cardigan instead of a blazer. This might be my look all week...

Until next time, 

xo 

T

Lipstick Jungle

Top: Equipment; Jacket: Joie; Pants: Alice and Olivia; Shoes: Joie; Lipstick: Nars "Dragon Lady"

This lipstick tie-front shirt from Equipment is one of my favorite shirts that I own. The print is super fun with lipstick and mascara tubes and the tie front adds a nice retro feel. I added a pair of high waisted pants from Alice and Olivia to compensate for the slightly cropped silhouette of the top, as well as a black leather motorcycle jacket and a pair of booties.  Of course I had to wear red lipstick with a red lipstick printed top, too! 

Until next time, 

xo 

T

Girly Cool

Top: Equipment; Skirt: Piperlime; Stockings: Wolford; Booties: Target; Earrings: Chanel

It's sometimes hard to match that perfect balance between girly and cool - you can usually pull off one but not the other.  However, by pairing this Equipment blouse, with it's black hearts on nude silk, with a leather a-line mini skirt, I think I managed to do toe the line. The a-line of the mini helped off-set the fact that it was made of leather, and the hearts on the button up added a feminine touch to an otherwise masculine staple.  I added some unexpected touches with lace up booties and a braided crown (which kind of made me feel like my grandmother in a Saint Lucia ceremony for parts of the day) as well as bold Chanel earrings. It was definitely a fun Friday look! 

Until next time, 

xo 

T

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

I don't mean to brag, but my chocolate chip cookies are kind of a big deal.  I get requests for them pretty frequently, and when I make them at home, they're gone within the day! To be fair, I live with and around a bunch of army guys, so they'll eat pretty much anything, but I think this recipe is pretty good! It's the fruit of many years of chocolate chip cookie making and experimenting, so I hope you'll enjoy it! 

Ingredients: 

1.5 cups of flour

1 teaspoon of baking soda

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter

1/2 cup of brown sugar

6 tablespoons of granulated sugar 

1 large egg

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 

1-2 cups of chocolate chips (or M&M's, or chocolate chunks, or whatever else you might want in your cookies!)

Instructions: 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium size bowl. 

Cream butter and sugars in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, or in a bowl mix with a hand mixer. 

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. 

Slowly add in the flour mixture, and beat until combined. 

Using a spatula, fold in the candy/chocolate chips. 

Spoon tablespoon sized mounds of dough onto a baking sheet. 

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. 

Let sit for a minute or two and then move to a wire rack to cool, if you can wait that long! 

Until next time, 

xo 

T

Minnie Mouse Pants

Jacket: JCrew; Shirt: JCrew; Pants; Marabelle; Shoes: Tory Burch; Glasses: Chanel 

I recently bought these slouchy, pajama style pants off of Gilt, and couldn't wait for the weather to clear up so that I could wear them.  They are so happy and fun, and definitely go with the red white and blue theme that has been dominating my wardrobe lately. Bonus: they are super comfortable with their elastic waistband and easy fit, which makes them chic and on-trend as well. I have a feeling pants like these might become my new staple...

Until next time, 

xo 

T

Winter Beauty Essentials

While I love cold weather for the ample layering opportunities it affords, it definitely tends to wreak havoc on my skin and hair.  Here are a few of my favorite things to get me through the coldest months of the year: 

1. Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish: During the summer I can pretty much get away with a loofah, but the winter seems to cause more alligator skin than I care to admit. I've been using body polishes like this one since high school (playing water polo twice a day in a chlorinated pool gives you chronic dry skin...), and I discovered this one after my mom purchased it.  It's by far my favorite, I love the scent, and it does a marvelous job sloughing away dulling dead skin cells. 

2. Bumble and Bumble Mending Masque: I use Bumble and Bumble products for all my other hair care needs, and this mask was recommended to me by my old hair stylist back in California. I absolutely love it. I have fine hair that damages easily, so all of the styling that comes with the winter, as well as the drying cold air, leaves my hair sadly parched.  Using this mask once every few weeks helps keep the split ends at bay .

3. Fresh Body Oil: I originally thought body oils sounded completely gross.  I had visions of myself slipping out of chairs and staining silk blouses with the greasiness. However, as I mentioned, I've been dealing with dry skin since high school, and when things get really rough (like in the winter), no amount of lotion will do. I use body oil like this one from Fresh, and put it on just after I get out of the shower, letting it dry as I put on face lotion/brush my teeth/etc.

4. Clarisonic Pedi Foot Transformation set: I have the Clarisonic Mia scrubber for my face, which I am obsessed with and can't leave home without. If you don't have one, seriously go out and buy one right now. This pedicure system is the foot version of the Mia, and I love it *almost* as much. It keeps my feet nice and callous free, even with blister inducing boots and heels. 

5. Clarins Hand Creme: I like this hand creme, partly because of its luxurious texture, and also because of the simple, slightly old school scent. Hand creme is a no brainer during the winter, and I keep a bottle of this at my work desk so that I can use it throughout the day. 

6. Clinique Superdefense Lotion: This face moisturizer is a life saver.  I bought it during my first real winter (a trip to London when I was a teenager at Christmas time had my skin in a state of emergency) when the cold weather and indoor heating had drawn every last bit of moisture out of my skin. Using this everyday, in tandem with the Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief moisturizer at night (you can even throw in the matching mask on the weekends if you live in the tundra), will keep your skin perfectly quenched. 

Until next time, 

xo 

T

French Style

Shirt: JCrew; Skirt: JCrew; Stockings: DKNY; Boots: Hunter; Umbrella: JCrew; Necklace: Jennifer Zeuner; Earrings: Tiffany and Co. 

JCrew has been on it's A-game recently when it comes to their button ups.  I saw this French inspired shirt in the most recent catalogue, and couldn't wait to get it in the store. Paired with a navy skirt, also from JCrew, and my red Hunter boots, it was the perfect outfit for a rainy day here in the Northwest. Also, how cute is this umbrella? It's was a Valentine's gift from last year, and it makes the non-stop rain almost seem bearable, especially since it matches my new Hunter boots :)

Until next time,

xo 

T 

Valentine's Day Inspiration

Since Valentine's Day is tomorrow, I thought I'd do a little post on a few things inspired by the holiday that I wouldn't mind getting myself...

1. Alice and Olivia dress - This dress is just too much. With the cute button up and collared bodice and lip embellished skirt, it's just perfect for v-day. If I had more than a nice dinner at home planned, or if I lived in New York rather than Seattle, this is completely what I would wear. 

2. Jennifer Zeuner necklace - I am already a really big fan of Jennifer Zeuner jewelry (as is evidenced by my monogram necklace and ring), and I love this cheeky little necklace. I would totally give it to my girlfriends. 

3. Charlotte Olympia shoes - First of all, I can't get enough of Charlotte Olympia's shoe designs, or hot pink, and these are adorned with a golden heart on the sole of the shoe, so you leave little hearts everywhere you walk! How darling is that? 

4. Baublebar bangle - My friend Anna recently bought a similar bangle to this from Anthropologie that spells out "Merci," and I think that this "Love" version from Baublebar is the perfect accent for a Valentine's Day out! 

5. Kate Spade handbag - I am obsessed with this bag. I saw it a few months ago and just about died over it. The adorable pink heart clasp on the structured black leather shape is so cute and schoolgirl-esque. 

I have always loved Valentine's Day, even with or without a boyfriend, because I think that it's the perfect excuse to treat yourself to something lovely, since, after all, the most important relationship you'll ever have is with yourself! So, go treat yourself, I know I will be! 

Until next time, 

xo

T

Country Class

Jacket: JCrew; dress: Joie; scarf: Burberry; boots: Tory Burch 

Pardon the picture quality, most of these photos were taken by me while I waited out my missed connection back to Washington tonight. Boo! But this is the outfit I wore on my second (and last) day in Nashville. My girlfriends and I just went to brunch and wandered around Broadway. It was pretty fun! I can't wait to come back :) 

Until next time,

xo

T

Country Sass

Coat: JCrew; Shirt: JCrew; Necklace: JCrew; Belt: JCrew; Skirt: Theory; Boots: Tory Burch; Bag: Longchamp 

I got to go to Nashville this weekend to visit one of my favorite people in the world, my good friend Amy! She and I got to spend so much time together when our guys were stationed in Hawaii, Georgia and North Carolina together, but since North Carolina we've sadly been separated :( But, I had a free weekend so I hopped on a plane to spend Saturday and Sunday with her. And I must say that I'm loving it! 

Until next time, 

xo

T

Polka Dots

Jacket: JCrew; Gloves: Kate Spade; Stockings: Wolford; Shirt: Equipment; Sweater: JCrew; Skirt: JCrew; Shoes: Charlotte Olympia; Necklace: Tiffany and Co. 

It's no secret that I love polka dots. I love them in all shapes, sizes, and colors. I also love Peter Pan collars, flirty skirts, and my kitty flats. So, essentially, this outfit is composed of pretty much all of my favorite things. I felt like Alexa Chung when I wore this the other day to go antiquing with my friend Anna who was visiting. It was comfortable and chic and slightly 60s inspired. Love it. 

Until next time, 

xo 

T

Liebster Award

Thank you so much to Georgia Peach Mommy for nominating me for my second Liebster Award! I would not have thought last fall when I started blogging that I would be getting an award for up and coming bloggers. I feel so honored!  

Her Questions: 

1. What is it that you enjoy most about blogging? I think that the part of blogging that I enjoy the most is the expressive aspect. I get to be creative and I have an outlet for that that I wouldn't otherwise have. 
2. Where is your favorite place in the world? London! Honestly I would move there in a hot minute if I could! 
3. Who have you learned most from? My mom.  She has been through so much in her life, and is such a tough lady who has accomplished an amazing amount. She never gives up and (almost) always has the most positive attitude. 
4. What is your go to fashion piece that you will never get rid of? Oh my gosh this is such a hard question, but I would have to say ballet flats.  I've been wearing them since high school and I honestly can't imagine giving them up! 
5. What was your favorite age and why? 24. It was the first year that I felt truly comfortable in my skin and with who I was. Yay for growing into ourselves! 
6. What would people be surprised to learn about you? I love calculus! It's so nerdy and dorky, but it's true! 
7. What article of clothing (or accessory) do you own most of?  Either black pants or sweaters. Or shoes. Or stud earrings. But I think that pullover sweaters take the cake. 
8. What has been your favorite time in your life (an age, a moment, etc.)?  Graduating from college! It was honestly such a surreal moment, and a great culmination to years of hard work. 
9. What is your favorite book or your favorite author? Another tough question! I read constantly, but the book that I keep coming back to time and again is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. 
10. If you had unlimited funds, what item would you splurge on? Chanel everything. And buying things like an amazing house for my mom, a surfing trip for my boyfriend, etc. 
11. What can you not live without? Tea. I drink probably 3-4 cups of English Breakfast daily, and that's me limiting myself. Oops :)

Now, the rules stipulate that I have to nominate other bloggers and then they have to answer my questions! So here goes. 

My nominees: 

A Touch of Southern Grace

History in High Heels

Polished and Pink

The Preppy Sisters

My Questions: 

1. What is your favorite place to shop? 

2. Favorite color/color scheme? 

3. Favorite flower? 

4. What is your favorite book? 

5. What is an item of clothing/accessory that you can't live without? 

6. What is your favorite thing about the place you grew up? 

7. Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly? And why? 

8. If you could live in any other time period, when would it be? 

9. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be and why? 

10. What would be the best gift someone could give you? 

Until next time, 

xo, 

T

Northwest Grunge

Sweater: Design History, Shirt: JCrew; Pants: Rag and Bone; Boots: Tory Burch

Mondays... ugh. Since Matt has been gone, I've spent most weekends fixing up things around the house: painting, organizing, etc. This weekend I drove a bunch of furniture up from San Francisco to my house in Washington, so when Monday rolled around I was not ready for a new week. So, leggings, a chambray, and a big cozy fair isle cardigan with some big boots and a top knot were the best I could come up with. It's so cold on top of it all, so all I want is to be comfy and cozy! 

Until next time, 

xo

T