Guest Post: Karyn of Wren's House

December 31, 2012

Guest Post: Karyn of Wren's House

Hello Jennifhsieh friends!  My name is Karyn but you can call me Wren.  The internet and I hang out over at Wren’s House where I blog about books, clothes and the ocean (the Canadian Pacific ocean to be more specific).  I could not be more thrilled to pack up my pictures and words and trek over to Jen’s blog today while she is in Turkey.  I hope you’ll enjoy having me on this New Year’s Eve day!

I took Jen’s invitation to be a guest blogger as a challenge for myself.  Jen inspired me awhile back with her post about tights.  You can find her post here.  I find tights difficult to style but since Jen is so good at it, I challenged myself to create three looks with tights.  I would wear any of these to a NYE party.

First I went with opaque plush-lined tights. As you can see, this outfit is oh-so-much-fun.  Cute and casual.

I went a little more formal here but get this: the tights are wool and oh so comfy and warm (which is important because it is snowing). 

And finally I couldn’t resist getting all classed up with my favourite holiday dress and sheer patterned tights (from the drugstore!).  Helloooooo NYE!

I hope you are all ringing in the New Year with loved ones or maybe just your cats.  Either way I hope it is wonderful.  And a huge thank you to Jen for having me over to her blog.

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Guest Post: Ali of The Drawing Mannequin

December 30, 2012

Guest Post: Ali of The Drawing Mannequin

Well, hey there, people of Jen’s blog!  My name is Ali and I’m from The Drawing Mannequin.  It’s nice to meetcha!  Before I continue, I just wanted to say thanks to Jen for allowing me to be a guest blogger.  It’s quite the honor, and she’s quite the lovely lady and I’m glad that I’ve been able to meet such a wonderful blogging buddy as herself.

            I bought this adorable military style trench coat a few weeks ago at TJ Maxx.  I was quite wary of doing so because of the price tag and the fact that I live in Alabama, land where it doesn’t get super cold, but after getting some wear out of it recently, I’m really glad I went through with the purchase.  It cost $100 (down from $180), which isn’t too terribly much, but still quite a bit of money for a single item.  However, it’s amazing quality and I know that the purchase was worthwhile because coats never seem to fit me right.  They’re always too small in the arms because of my wide shoulders and too big in the waist, but once I put this one on and it was both cute AND fit perfectly, I knew that I really had no choice but to buy it.




            I mean, it even makes me look like a secret agent or something.  Doesn’t it?  Just call me 007.  I’ll be sneakin’ in yer windows in this thing, except not really because heels don’t really allow that.  Unless you’re a real secret agent, then you’ve probably been trained to do that kind of stuff.  But I’m not a secret agent.  I’m just Ali.

            What are you all willing to splurge on?  For me, it’s items that I know will last me a long time, such as practical leather shoes and classic pieces such as this coat.  Even though it hurts to suddenly kiss your moolah goodbye, in the end, I know it’s a good investment.

Thanks again, Jen, for letting me take over your blog for a mere day of bliss.  I hope everyone has a pleasant New Years'!

Military trenchcoat: Guess (via TJ Maxx)

Heels: man these are old so who knows really

Chevron earrings: Charming Charlie

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Off to Istanbul!

December 29, 2012

Off to Istanbul!

Today's the day and I couldn't be more excited or more nervous. 

While I'm gone, there will be plenty of guest bloggers from some of the loveliest people I have the pleasure of knowing so stay tuned. I'll try to drop in every now and then and update you guys on Turkey! Oh, and did I mention there will also be a giveaway?!

I can't wait to see Istanbul (where we'll be spending New Year's) and Malatya (where Jeremy actually lives and teaches). I know it's going to be an insane culture shock but I'm so excited to immerse myself in both cities. If you want to follow along Jeremy's adventures so far in his year-long stay in Turkey, be sure to read up on his blog, Bended Brains. I know I'm incredibly biased, but he's such a beautiful story teller and I would love it if you guys would show him some love if you have the time. :) 

P.S. He's also quite the photographer (see the below picture I stole from his blog).

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Home Is Wherever I'm With You

Home Is Wherever I'm With You

You guys. In 24 hours I will have this guy in my arms.

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The Queen Has Been Overthrown

December 27, 2012

The Queen Has Been Overthrown

Forever 21 Coat (similar), Sweater (similar), Scarf
H&M Polka Dot Top (similar)
Janice Lucky Spade Jeans c/o Level 99 USA
Yacht Flats c/o Burnetie (similar)

Finally. Snow. In my opinion, it's the only thing that makes the cold and bitter winter weather worth it. I don't think I would ever be able to live somewhere that didn't have snowfall in the winter time, and lots of it! Having lived all over the country before the age of eight, I've been able to experience the brutal cold that Michigan has to offer, the wonders of having a million amusement parks in Florida (when you're four, this is a big deal), the beauty of the Pacific coast in California, and the incredibly beautiful seasons in New Jersey. And although my memory as a child wasn't the best, I have to say I'm incredibly glad I ended up on the east coast where I get the most of what each season has to offer.

And I know what you guys are thinking. Boat Shoes? In the snow? Come on, Jen, you're not even on a boat! Have some sense. My response? I do what I want. But in all seriousness, they provided great traction in the snow and I couldn't help but wear these babies out. I'm kind of obsessed. You'll definitely see them around all the time when the warmer weather approaches.

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I Follow You Down, Down, Down

December 26, 2012

I Follow You Down, Down, Down

American Rag Jacket via Macy's
H&M Top  (similar)
Love Culture Striped Skirt (similar or similar)
DKNY Tights
Forever 21 Oxford Heels (similar)

Lately it seems like it's becoming a habit of mine to forget that the sun starts setting around 4 PM these days. I always find myself running to snap shots of my outfit during twilight which leads to super grainy photos. But to some extent, I don't really mind the extra grain since they remind me slightly of vintage cameras and developing my own film.

I'm back to the daily work grind now that the holidays are over but since our office is still closed we get to work from home. I'm taking advantage of that time to stay in my sweats and get prepared for my trip to Turkey in only a few days. Time really does go by painfully slow and ridiculously fast all at the same time. It's a tricky thing, time is. Hopefully the days leading up to my flight will speed by while the days I spend in Turkey drag on and on and on and on.

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No Place Like Home for the Holidays

December 25, 2012

No Place Like Home for the Holidays

Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas to all of those who are celebrating today! My family only celebrated Christmas culturally, not religiously, so as my brother and I got older all of our family's Christmas traditions faded away. To me, Christmas is just another day of the week except all the stores are closed and random people are texting me Merry Christmas, even if I haven't talked to them in weeks. Oh, the spirit of the holidays! I know when I have my own little family in the future I'm going to make Christmas the biggest deal in the world which will lead to tons of eye rolling. I'll be that kind of mom.

How are you guys celebrating?

Urban Outfitters Blazer
Beaded Collar Top c/o Ali & Kris
Skirt via Modswap (similar)
H&M Wedges (similar)
Mindy Clutch c/o Free Endearment

Now that it's almost 2013 I'm starting to think about resolutions or goals for the new year. I know I never stick to them anyway, but this year I really want to focus on a few things that I want to achieve for myself and really put the effort into making them happen. I'm really starting to re-evaluate everything in my life and whether or not everything or everyone around me is making me happy. I know I'm still young but I want to start setting a sturdy foundation for where I want to be in 5 or 10 years. I don't have any time to lose considering I've got big, big goals. ;)

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They Are So Wasted On Myself

December 23, 2012

They Are So Wasted On Myself

Being home always puts me in a really lazy mood where all I want to do is snuggle up in bed with my laptop and my sweats on. Lately I've been obsessed with Breaking Bad and I can't seem to stop watching consecutive episodes even though it's a really stressful show to watch. There's always something to worry about and I'm pretty sure I get way too emotionally invested into all the shows I follow. I also need to catch up on Parks and Recreation, HIMYM, and Mad Men.

I spent this afternoon braving the stores and the ridiculously crowded mall with my friend from home, Diane. We managed to get all our errands done in only a few hours and we scored some incredible deals. I haven't had a good shopping session in a really long time so it was nice to just treat myself to things that I both want and need. The main goal of the day? I got myself a nice New Years Eve outfit for when I'm celebrating in Istanbul with Jeremy and the top and skirt combined came out to a whopping $15. What a big spender. ;)

American Rag Jacket 
Forever 21 Printed Tank (similar)
Urban Outfitters Cardigan 
Janice Lucky Spade Jeans c/o Level 99 USA
Ruffle Flats c/o Pink & Pepper
Lisa Wallet c/o Free Endearment

I recently posted another article on Uloop (I'm on a roll you guys) about DIY Decorations for New Years Eve! I'm really starting to enjoy writing these articles, mainly because I've always wanted to cover very general lifestyle topics on my blog but I've never had the patience to write them out. Writing for Uloop really gives me the motivation to put energy into releasing these articles. And hey, I still get to share them with you guys! Let me know if you guys have any suggestions for future articles!

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I Know All the Words to Take You Apart

December 21, 2012

I Know All the Words to Take You Apart

Forever 21 Denim Jacket, Striped Top, Scarf (similar)
H&M Black Jeans (similar)
First Boots c/o Jellypop
Kenneth Cole Watch

Today is my last day in the city and in my office for a couple of weeks. I'm catching a train back to Jersey right after work to spend the night with a handful of old friends. I haven't seen most of them in months so it'll be a nice reunion. And hey, there's no better way to spend the "last day of existence" than watching the apocalypse with your favorite people and plenty of beers in your system, am I right?

After that I'll be spending the entire week working from home. It will be really nice to see my entire family again and catch up with friends in the area. I haven't seen most of them since Hurricane Sandy hit at the end of October and there is a lot of catching up to do! And then once that week is over? Turkey, here I come. So excited.

Oh! And don't forget to enter the Chicnova Accessories Giveaway before the end of next week. There will be three winners so your chances are even higher! ;)

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