life lately...

Life lately has been crazy.  I have to admit, driving 4 hours a week to spend a night for these classes has been tough.  Don't get me wrong, I'm loving it, and finding the classes super interesting. But between the traveling, losing a day and a half of work, the homework... life has been on the back burner. 

I'm extremely excited for the holiday season to be just around the corner.  We've hosted our first Christmas party here at the house, which was a great time, and we've had each of our staff dinners in the past few weeks.  On top of that, my Christmas shopping has officially been finished for over a week.  This is my last week of work, then I'm off until after the New Year.  I'm so thankful I saved vacation days for the end of the year, because I'm definitely needed some R&R.  I'm thinking this weekend will consist of a wee bit of baking, perhaps The Hobbit (part 2), and then we start our family Christmas dinners on Sunday!

I have to admit, I've missed not blogging.  Not only have I not had time, but when I get home from work, the sun is down, so taking pictures just isn't as fun when they're indoors without natural light.  These pictures were taken several weekends ago, and I'm only getting the chance to post them now! I've still been making an effort to switch up my outfits, so I'll be sure to repeat those outfits in the coming weeks.  On that note, it's one week (1!!!) until Christmas Eve! My favourite day of the year.  So amidst this craziness is a whole lot of excitement! 

     cardigan, shirt: forever 21

     shorts: modcloth

     boots: aldo

who wears short shorts?

black shorts, styled casually and dressy

 i thought it would be fun to style the same top and shorts two ways, to show how easy it is to create different looks and feels in a matter of minutes.

today's pieces: demilla abode lace top & sweet black tea pocket shorts, both from ruche

in my first look, which i dub the 'casual' look, i added the top and shorts with some black tights, because it's cold here.  any short pieces definitely need tights to keep the legs warm.  i added a belt for shape, but i left my top untucked, for a more comfy-casual look.  adding a beanie and black cowboy boots finished off my outfit. 

 in my second oufit, i tucked the blouse in, to make the outfit 'neater'.  i kept the belt, because i like having a defined waist.  i took off the beanie, and honestly, i would probably wear my hair in a high ballerina bun with this outfit, to even make it a bit more posh.  while i kept my black tights, i traded in my cowboy boots for black t-strap shoes.  

         blouse, shorts: ruche
         boots: marrs, aldo
         shoes: chelsea crew nolita's, lulu's
         beanie: urban oufitters
         tights: we love colors
         belt: melissa's
         necklace: etsy

    .....

there you have it.  a very simple way to dress up or dress down short shorts and a blouse.

:)

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inspired...

dress & necklace: ruche, tights: american apparel, shoes: aldo, belt: melissa's

.....

just a quick post since i've already posted today!  have you checked out yesterday's sweetheart's  blog??  i found her via instagram, and i'm swooning over her style.  she's so romantical.  and she almost always has on white/cream tights... so... i figure, i can do it!  cream tights are really an effort for me.  i find i either look like a little girl or alice in wonderland.  but i just love them on everyone else... so after looking at her blog last night, i was inspired.

i didn't quite pull it off as she does, but hopefully with some time and effort, i'll get it!

:)

j.