2012 As Told Through Outtakes

One thing I've learned in the past 10 months of this blog is that getting pictures of your outfits taken is awkward (yes, I fully get that I choose to put myself through this). So awkward that I find the need to make odd dance moves and strange faces, and many of those are caught on camera. As well as the gawky in-between poses and movements. Things you wish no one ever saw.

But I think they tell a funny story of the year on this blog, so rather than doing one of those pretty, polished year-in-review photo grids, I decided to pull some bloopers and share a thought on each. Hope you get a good laugh like I did!

An awkward neck and wine teeth in Sonoma

Forced smile on this unseasonably warm March day

The first of many, many awkward leg stances

Um, was it cold? 

I don't even know

It's fun to stay at the...Y M C A!

There's a reason why they say horizontal stripes and busy patterns are unflattering...

Told you the awkward legs would be back

Does anyone really walk like that? And play with their hair simultaneously?

Awkward leg and some shellffish cages...

What the hair? And spacey eyes?

Because THAT's attractive

So, so tired here. 

Hello veiny wrist

Meet your friend, awkward inner arm

I know people think low-rise pants went out with Britney, but this photo proves they're a MUST for me

About to squash a bug, perhaps?

Hey there, food baby

Talking to the imaginary friend on my shoulder perhaps

And just about to twirl

Disappearing arm act # 1

#2 

#3

My fall hair disaster begins

Help, I'm stuck! 

I LOVE leaves! 

Hey what are you looking at? Nothing, pale girl

Shake it out

Get me outta here! 

Why? Just, why. 

TADA! The awkard grand finale! You haven't even seen this outfit yet.

Here's to a fabulous 2013! 

Texture Overload

 [Blazer: Forever 21 (similar); Shirt: Behnaz Sarafpour for Target, via Buffalo Exchange; Pants: Francesca's (similar); Shoes: Zara; Ring & Earrings: Forever 21; Nails: OPI 'Skyfall']

I would normally balk at sticking a shiny pink & grey blazer, lace top, and black baroque print pants all in one outfit. But I couldn't find the right dress to wear to my office holiday party earlier this month (all my dresses are suited for the summer months), and this combination seemed to provide just the right dressy feel. I've since stocked up on some more season appropriate dresses, and I guess will have to wait until next year's office soiree to sport them. Unless any of you has a fancy party you'd like to invite me to? 

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Merry Christmas Eve

[Sweater: thrifted; Black shirt: Old Navy; Jeans: Forever 21; Shoes: Cole Haan; Ring: Aloha Sunday]

I wore this outfit  a couple weeks ago for the first-ever Christmas party my husband and I hosted at our home (the shoes were one of my very thoughtful Black Friday purchases). So I thought I'd reprise it on the blog tonight to say Merry Christmas Eve! Oh, and to announce the winners of the Joyo giveaway: congratulations Lauren & Alexandra!!

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Inspired Shopping

[Turtleneck: Banana Republic Outlet (old); Shirt: J.Crew factory; Jeans: Citizens of Humanity (similar); Boots; J.Crew (similar); Ring: Forever 21]

Last month when I scored some crazy deals at J.Crew, I got another big bonus: styling inspiration from the sales associate who rang me out. She wore a cute cowl neck sweater layered over a button down shirt. I had never thought to do much with a cowl neck, but after seeing this, I was excited to pull similar pieces from my own closet to recreate the look. I love the new life that layering gives to old wardrobe pieces.

Don't forget to enter my jewelry giveaway with Joyo. You have until Sunday night to score these awesome, laser-cut wood jewelry!

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Jewelry Giveaway with Joyo!

Happy Monday! I'm really excited to kick off this week with a giveaway from my new favorite (virtual) jewelry shop: Joyo! 

Joyo is modern, eco-friendly jewelry that features artistic laser-cut designs and gorgeous woods and metals. It's produced right here in Massachusetts, too! 

Don't let just my words convince you, though. Take a peek at some of these awesome pieces in the Joyo collection.

I love the modern, cool-girl feel of these pieces, so much so that I've been working them into just about every outfit of mine lately. See here, here, here, and here. I consider this stuff statement jewelry and a wardrobe staple, all at the same time. The good news is, Joyo is giving away some gorgeous pieces to TWO lucky readers of mine.

To enter the giveaway

• Follow me on Instagram, Google Friend Connect, or Bloglovin
• Leave a comment below telling me which piece above you'd like (cuff or earrings), and include an e-mail address I can contact you at
• Bonus entries for those who like the Joyo page on Facebook
• I will be announcing the winner Monday morning (Christmas Eve), so you have until Sunday at 11:59pm EST to enter

Also, if you are interested in purchasing any Joyo jewelry as a gift for a loved one (or a well-deserved treat for yourself!), be sure to order by Wednesday to ensure it ships on time :)

Photos by Mikhail Glabets