Much Happy. Very Smile.

Denim jacket, crewcuts. Rolling Stones tank top and sunglasses, TJ Maxx. BDG high waisted jeans, Urban Outfitters. Chelsea boots, Marshalls. 5-zip purse, Rebecca Minkoff. 2013 was a particularly hard year for my family because we lost a member. I don't mean a person necessarily, but we had to put my dog, Rocky, who we have had since I was six years old, to sleep. While my younger dog, Pebbles, featured here, is still alive, my whole family feels the hole that Rocky left. Pebbles was especially affected given that Rocky was a big brother figure to her. However, we have been able to shower Pebbles with twice the amount of love since Rocky's death. It's the least we could do for her. Anyways, I used to think that I was definitively a cat person. I have cat-like tendencies myself, preferring my own company, etc. However, at some point, my preferences shifted. Because I'm more of a quiet loner, I prefer people and animals who are quite different from me. My spirit is more attracted to that of dogs and dog people, so slowly, I've started to prefer the idea of having a lovely dog of my own one day. I'm not sure what kind I want, but I can't wait for the day that my pup gets to come home with me. And for those of you who spend as much time on the Internet as I do, you'll recognize the title of this post as being from the Doge meme that has catapulted to popularity recently. I found it and thought that none of my friends would think it is as funny as I do, but quickly realized that we all share an affinity for the doge. We even spent an entire Christmas party speaking just like the cute little shiba-inu. I'm glad that I have people who find such quirky things humorous, or I'd do a lot of laughing to myself.

Let's Be Real

Tulle dress, Rodarte for Target. Cashmere cardigan, gift from my mom (Dillard's). Leather belt, vintage. Heeled boots, Bear Traps (thrifted). Purse, Target. Paper flower crown, DIY. Pictures by my mom!

     I wanted to take a break from my seemingly endless "cast of characters" that I title my posts as to talk about something that has always interested me in the blogging world. While the authors of the blogs I read seem truly wonderful and fabulous based on their online representations alone, it usually takes some hefty perspective to remember that their posts aren't their lives. They don't contain the true essence of the person wearing the cute outfit. 

     No matter how much I wish it weren't the case, my life is a lot messier than its presented in my pictures. It's true that yes, I actually did wear that floral crown and dress on a day full of errands. And yes, I really did practice my new ukulele at a local park. But truth be told, without the support (and don't forget indulgence, I certainly don't) of people like my mother and Reid, my life wouldn't seem nearly as photogenic. 

     Sometimes I think I get so caught up in making sure that my life looks good "on film" that I don't necessarily have as good of a time as I would just relaxing. While I might be the type of person to enjoy the experiences that usually end up being photogenic (for instance, searching for abandoned houses), I sometimes include "must be able to take cute pictures" as a standard for my outings. I haven't found this to be too limiting as I am pretty content with my modest social life. But I never want my readers to think that this blog is a completely seamless and effortless part of my daily activities.

     As I continue to develop my skills as a blogger, I definitely want to paint a realistic picture. After all, I think realism is something the fashion industry could use more of. 

Every plan is a tiny prayer to father time

• Post every day.
• Successfully achieve taking a picture to capture my life every day (365 Project). Follow my photography adventures on my tumblr.
• Take the Project Restyle challenge.

Borrowed from the Boys

1. Teen Vogue, 2. J. Crew men's looks 3.Madewell 4.Zappos

    I have found that I have a certain admiration for men's dress. My body type is esesntially that of a twelve year old boy, so I do not mind eschewing that "buxom babe" look in favor for a more practical, preppy style. Although I'm certain any admirers might not find this side of my sartorial interests particularly appealing, I just can't stay away from the dude-inspired duds.

 From saddle shoes (like those from Bass, pictured to the right, which I received for Christmas) to oxfords and ties, all I seem to be drawn to on shopping trips lately are menswear inspired pieces. Although I love the lovely, lacy, ladylike styles as well, my inner tomboy tends to be screaming the loudest during these colder months.
    My style has become a mash up of my two favorite looks: preppy boy and romantic girl. It seems that my two sides would make the perfect couple (especially style wise).



  
Of course, I had a tomboy phase like many girls around age 8. Although I didn't outgrow mine until about age 11, I assured my mother and other concerned parents that it was "just a phase". My days of refusing to say or touch the color pink may be over, but my inclination for more sophisticated boy's clothing has just begun.

(To the left: me in my awkward years, posing in one of my favorite button up shirts. I might not rock the short sleeved button ups now, but the emphasis is on the lack of girlyness.)