hiking in stilettos

Thursday, January 13

Snow Day(s)

Although it rarely snows here in the south, we were blessed this week with a few days of true-ish winter*. Universities and businesses were closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, so our winter break joyfully extended another three days. I took full advantage of the time off to sleep in, wander around the snowy park, take lots of pictures, drink warm hazelnut coffee, watch multiple movies, bake savory scones, and spend much-needed time with my husband.

{Anyone???}

*I know all of you who live north of the Mason-Dixon line think this southern "snowstorm" is a bit ridiculous. Granted, it is. However, it is important to note that there are a mere ten snow plows available for the entire state, and I'm not even sure all of them work. Which amounts to all roads outside of the perimeter maintaining a constant icy layer. But I'm not complaining. I'll gladly take the three days off.

xoxo

copyright Hiking in Stilettos

Wednesday, January 12

Spring Dreaming

With snow piled up on my windows and ice covering the streets outside, my natural tendency is to look forward to the warmth and sunshine of spring. I did my fair share of enjoying the winter weather, but in all honesty, I am also longing for the sherbety colors and pale neutrals of the J. Crew spring collection. They fit in quite well with my recent inspiration board, non?

via

Here's looking forward to spring.

xoxo

Tuesday, January 11

Ice Ice Baby

This past Saturday night {my first in the new apartment} I attended my first hockey game. Accompanied by a few good friends and my sweet husband, I spent the evening by the ice rink cheering on the Riverhawks and {honestly} worrying slightly about a puck flying over the glass. I am certain it would have resulted in a concussion. Have you seen the way they hit the puck?! Despite the worry wort in the back of my mind, I had a great time cheering and learning about icing, boarding, and the rules of the game. Suffice to say that I've got some great friends in this town.

H&M blazer & shirt, The Loft denim & necklace, Modcloth scarf, MRKT wedges via DSW, Target men's watch

xoxo

copyright Hiking in Stilettos

Saturday, January 8

Five {little} Blessings: Moving Edition

Things have been somewhat quiet lately as I spent most of last week and this past weekend packing and moving. I may have broken the rules for the 30 for 30 in that I spent most of the week in jeans and a Rolling Stones t-shirt. The jeans were within the rules, but the tee not so much. Oops. For those of you who are new to the blog and/or just don't know, I have chosen to complete my clinical pharmacy rotations at a hospital two hours from my current home {read: away from my husband}. Hence the packing and moving of only my things. It's an unfortunate circumstance to live separately Monday - Friday, but it's also a career investment. And I have a wonderfully supportive man behind me. That being said, here are a few things that made this week {and the beginning of this journey} just a little sweeter.

An absolutely huge closet with a plethora of shelves & hooks.

Seemingly endless storage in my new bathroom. And yes, it will stay this meticulously organized.

Little notes left by my mom and sister who helped me move a few things last week.

A new coral raincoat from my fairy godmother.

The man behind the camera, whose support made this decision so much easier.

xoxo

copyright Hiking in Stilettos

Friday, January 7

Spring Inspirations

With the 30 for 30 remix underway and a huge closet overhaul behind me, I am beginning to realize that my wardrobe just isn't what I want it to be. I struggled with making this idea public, but I figured full disclosure was the best thing. I firmly believe that fashion and inspiration are continuously evolving, so why shouldn't we grow and change as well?

I look at outfits like this and this, and I'm far from impressed. Granted I like the pieces individually, but I'm not fond of the way I currently wear them. The funny thing is that I know what I like, and I know what brands fit me well. My inspiration board is covered with photos, fabric swatches, sparkles, and tassels that paint a very different picture than my closet. So here's to change. I am embracing it in many other areas of my life, so why not in my personal style as well.

Left to Right, Top to Bottom:

1, 2, 3

4, 5, 6

7, 8, 9

Does your closet reflect your personal style? Where do you find inspiration?

xoxo

Wednesday, January 5

Sun-Drenched World

I just love winter days when the sun peeks out to say hello. Despite the cold winds & bitter air, the sun holds such a warmth and promise of spring that make me smile. Isn't it funny how the weather so affects our moods? With the sun peering into our windows, I felt that this butterfly blouse needed to see another outfit. I promise to remix up{har har} the outfit posts with something else soon!

Twelve by Twelve cardigan Tucker for Target blouse, H&M skirt & faux fur stole, Vera Wang tights, Tommy Hilfiger heels, F21 earrings & ring

xoxo

Tuesday, January 4

Animal Farm

Sometimes I wonder if our house guests notice the conspicuous presence of animal-inspired decor in our home. Between the brass deer on the mantle, antler candle holders on the coffee table, and a vintage horse lamp beside the TV, it may feel more like Old McDonald's living room than a young couple's. Nonetheless, I enjoy the modern feel and earthy nostalgia that bucks, horses, and other creatures can bring to a room. Although I prefer to buy from antique and vintage stores, here are a few ideas for creating an animal farm in your own home. I just wouldn't put them all together... we really don't want to end up living like Old McDonald... or George Orwell, for that matter.

1. Love Bird Wall Art - Urban Outfitters
2. Enchanted Buck Measuring Cups - Anthropologie
3. Feather Wreath - Pier 1
4. David Dear Duck Mirror - Urban Outfitters
5. Cowhide Rug - West Elm
6. Wise 'Ol Cookie Jar - Anthropologie
7. Horse Bust - Z Gallerie
8. Woods Wallpaper - Anthropologie
9. Calico Owl Knob - Anthropologie
10. Zebra Slipper Chair - Urban Outfitters
11. Elephant Salt & Pepper - Jonathan Adler
12. Marquette Taper Holders - Z Gallerie
13. Squirrel Candle Holder - Jonathan Adler
14. Cardboard Taxidermy - Urban Outfitters
15. Trotting Thoroughbred Handles - Anthropologie

copyright Hiking in Stilettos

Sunday, January 2

*Can You Still Feel the Butterflies?

{Posing with the cowboy hat I gave my nephew for his birthday, which he insisted that I try on...}

Despite the bold pattern of this blouse, I find it relatively simple to work into my wardrobe. It pairs equally well with a patterned skirt as it does with jeans, and it layers quite nicely. Layering has definitely been a necessity lately as silk is not withstanding of the arctic southern winds we're experiencing. Not to mention the white Christmas we had! {All of you northerners with your 'real' snow are scoffing. But I do live in the south for a reason, and it's not the sweet tea. Although that is definitely a valid reason.} Looks like my next remix with this blouse may need something more substantial than this cotton blazer. I may already have something in mind....

UO blazer, Tucker for Target blouse, Anthropologie necklace, The Loft denim, Steve Madden booties, vintage & Banana Republic rings

*I've been listening to a lot of old school Jimmy Eat World lately. I think its the nostalgia of knowing that this chapter of my life is coming to a close. A new city and new opportunities. Old friends and long distances. For now, I am savoring every sweet moment that I can.

xoxo

Friday, December 31

Twenty Ten

Two thousand ten was a year filled with firsts {our first year of marriage, our first anniversary}, textbooks, laughter, late nights studying, and quite a bit of love. I have grown personally and so has this blog. I appreciate your support from the very bottom of my heart, and I look forward to another year spent in the blog world with you.

Happy New Year.

xoxo

Wednesday, December 29

Sparkle

Although I never feel that I need an excuse for wearing them, New Year's Eve is synonymous with sequins and sparkly baubles. Not that I am at all opposed. There's something to be said for starting the year off with a bit of shine. Whether you will be out on the town, celebrating at a friend's house, or tucked away in your safe & cozy living room, these pieces will have you ringing in the new year in style.

1. Dare to be Square Dress - Modcloth

2. Metallic Oxfords - Forever 21

3. Sequin Jersey Shorts - Michael Kors

4. Sequin Stripe Jacket - Topshop

5. Cinema Foyer Dress - Modcloth

6. Sequin Belt - Michael Kors

7. Sheer Sequin Scarf - Forever 21

8. Sequined Chiffon Blouse - 3.1 Philip Lim

9. Gold Glitter Bow Platform Heels - LuLu's

10. Gilded Age Skirt - Modcloth

11. Maggie Sequined Georgette Dress - Alice + Olivia

12. Teddy Bear Cocktail Bag - Urban Outfitters

13. Heart Front Top - Topshop

14. Cap & Bow Fascinator - Topshop

15. Naomi Feather & Sequin Skirt - J. Crew

Happy Sparkling.

xoxo

Monday, December 27

Seeing Red {And Blue}

When I bought flannel sheets this year, I selected the blue plaid because it looked better with my eyes than the green ones. I mean, I do have to sleep on them. Call me vain, if you will. I've got that whole rubber-glue mentality going on today. Besides, my bestie understands. Not to mention that these sheets have changed my life in the most wonderful way.

It's a similar feeling with this blue plaid shirt. It's soft and bright, and it reminds me of my flannel sheets. {Honestly. I'm obsessed. I could sleep for years on end. An intervention may be necessary.} Except that it's socially acceptable to wear a flannel shirt. Sheets not so much.