I need more RED in my life

On Valentine's Day I was greeted with a beautiful bouquet of lilys and tiny yellow roses, as well as a delicious (expensive!) bottle of Italian wine. That night I wore my new favorite red velvet blazer from Pretty Penny Vintage , a sheer polka dot collared blouse, my I Heart Ronson mini leather skirt, black tights, and black suede wedges. I put my hair up in clips and sported a dark red lipstick. It was understated and sexy, romantic and comfortable. In short: I felt cute. Which is something I have been struggling with recently. I am trying to be nicer to myself on a daily basis. I realized that I was putting myself down every single day, all the time. I was so mean to myself. Do you know what that's like - to never be satisfied with what you have? It's exhausting and oh so negative.  So lately I am smiling more, standing up straight, and loving myself for what I am currently. On our date we went to FIVE for cocktails and, naturally, I got a French 75 and he ordered an old fashioned.  Then we headed to the tiny old movie theater to see My Week With Marilyn. Afterwards we got a late night din at Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe (owned by Mike Dirnt of Green Day) - I had a salad, he had a patty melt. Twas a great evening.
Here are some poorly taken photos of my fit: 

Posing in my kitchen. 

Cheeeeeeese.

Blowing a kiss...in honor of Marilyn. 

The beautiful lilys. 

Peanut, sitting pretty in the window. 

Kate Spade, you have won my heart

All of these adorable bracelets from Kate Spade have sweet messages engraved in them:

"In the spotlight"

"Come full circle"

"Toe the line"

"Gild the lily"

And my personal favorite and most coveted:

Inner reads "This is the year to"

Outer reads "be curious as a cat, lose yourself in a good book, add a twist, play your cards right, make sparks fly"

(A certain kind of) Happiness Is:

A wall of colorful cute flats. 

I'll take a pair of each, 

thank you. 

Taken @ Urban Outfitters

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It's getting pretty merry up in here.

My humble Christmas decorations. 

Those are my parent's old records I acquired last year. 

Listening to Bing Crosby on the record player while decorating made me so happy!

Wrapping presents with my cat around was a challenge to say the least. Maybe I should have done this.

My boyfriend's bamboo tree all lit up with my presents underneath. 

Pretty cute if you ask me. I was inspired and surprised by his Christmas cheer this year!

This is the outside of my parent's house. So festive!

I took these last two photos at a shop down the street from me called Juniper Tree Vintage. They go ALL OUT for Christmas every year. There are multiple trees decorated to the max and everything is sparkly and kitschy and awesome. Oh, and they always have really cute vintage dresses, shoes, jewelry, etc. Go to this store or check out their blog. You won't be disappointed!

I love you more...

This is a fave necklace of mine. 

Translates (roughly) to: 

"I love you more than yesterday and less than tomorrow."

Sweet, no? 

Cheap and Fabulous

It's how I roll most of the time. 

 I am pretty much a bargain fiend. 

I have my splurges but they are few and far between. 

Here are some recent purchases I've made that are easy 

on the wallet but definitely don't skimp on style. 

Yay for sales and clothing credit cards!

Merona Milena black suede wedges 

$29.99 @ Target

Piet necklace @ Jewelmint

sells for $29.99 - I got it for $11.99 w/ promotion

 Ruffle Gauze brown polka dot shirt 

$24.50 @ Old Navy

Midi black cotton skirt @ Old Navy for $15.00 

(but can't find a picture of it online)

It looks identical to this one @ ASOS $45.74 

These small and somewhat basic buys make me excited 

to bring in the Fall weather...and with some extra dollar bills to boot! 

:)

Oh and I scored this book I've been coveting:

Patti Smith, 1969-1976 by Judy Linn

$15.00 @ Half.com

simple black heel

 

loveLOVE these little heels by Chelsea Crew. 

I found them at fancyfrenchcologne.com but they don't have my size (8). Super sad face. I know I would wear these puppies almost every night in place of my usual black ballet flats. I'd even consider getting two pairs, I love them that much.

Someone help me find them in my size somewhere on the www! 

(am considering ordering the size 9 just to try them on and see.)

Cardigan craze.

I love ALL these cardigans from GAP. 

I own the burnt sienna one at the top and am kind of obsessed with it. I find that I have an undeniable weakness for cardigans, little black dresses, ballerina flats, loose striped t-shirts, vintage inspired floral collared button up blouses and sun dresses. I will go shopping and buy a version of each almost every time. I just can't help myself. 

What are your fashion weaknesses?