Pink. It's not even a question.

I am SO overly excited, about this years Pantone color of the year for 2011. Ridiculously excited.



Pantone Color of 2011, Honeysuckle

For anyone who knows me, you know I'm a HUGE fan of pink. Bright, cheery pinks; subdued, pastel powdery pinks, and sometimes even bright, almost neon pinks. I live for pink. If I can get something in pink, you better believe I'm doing it. (Even my favorite band ever, sings a song about my favorite color ever)
Pantone today, released it's color of the year, Honeysuckle, and I am beyond thrilled. From the Pantone site, they describe the color as: Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world.

And today, it just goes with our fashion. (Yes, I am listening to that song while I type this..."inspiration" is what I'm calling it, but really, it's just an opportunity to play a less played CD by my boyfriend, Steven.)

 I have a huge collection of pink beads in shades similar to this. I have more pink beads than I've been able to use in this shade. You better believe I'm taking advantage.

You see, it's not quite so new to me. I have been using this color for some time now, and I would like to show you the petal & pink contributions (from 2009 and 2010 mind you) supporting this "brave new color":

L-R clockwise: Pink Flourish, Bauble in pink, Berry mini baubles, Preppy bracelet

As you can see, I'm prepared, and you can expect to see plenty more of this shade in my shop for the time being. I love working with bright cheery pinks, and even when Pantone announces its next new color of the year, this color will still be with me. I may no longer be a little girl in pigtails with pink everything, but that girl has grown up, and continued with the color and made it mature with her.

Pink. It's like red but not quite.

29...and 30!!

DONE!!!! FIN!!!! FINITO!!!! END!!!!!!

First the nitty gritty:

Day 29: Anthro top, Gap Modern Boot pants, Nine West pumps, petal & pink Icicle earrings

Where: Work. Plan and Simple

Day 30: Anthro top, J.Crew Jackie Cardigan, Express Editor pants, Target heels, petal & pink Icicle earrings.

Where: Work and errands.

Thoughts: Honestly, I am so so so so so happy to be done with this challenge. I've taken a lot from it, sure. But really, honestly and truthfully I've missed the diversity of my overflowing closet. Primarily with shoes, secondly with layering pieces. About a week or so into the challenge, I read a blog post from Amber, who said that she couldn't (wouldn't) do a challenge like this limiting her wardrobe because she's a layer-er. Any of my friends who know me, also know that I too, am a layer fiend. Summer, Winter, it doesn't matter, I layer it on. It's primarily why I chose 6 cardigan pieces. To layer. However, even picking 4 "fancy" tank/camis, I just couldn't get into it, and my dressing took a turn towards the simple. Sure, I've got PLENTY of jewelry to pick from, and a fair share of scarves and belts, but looking at my outfits, I really just wasn't feeling it. I stuck to it though, I'm not a quitter, but in the end, I don't think I got what others take away from it. I've really enjoyed this challenge, and I've found a few new twitter friends and blogs to read, but I'm just happy to get back into my closet, my precious shoes, and dress like me again...dripping in layers.

Now if you'll need me, I'll be rolling around in my closet, petting my shoes I've been longing for.

And, if you need something to do, be sure to check out the giveaway over at Amber's Notebook. It's a good one! (including a coupon code!).

Days 25-28. Almost done!

Alright, lets just get straight to it, shall we? I've got a tree to decorate and soup in the crock pot!

Day 25: Gap cardigan, Gap skinny jeans, Mod Cloth scarf, Naughty Monkey Detective boots.

Where: Work.

Day 26: Express lace trim cami, J.Crew Jackie Cardigan, Gap skinny jeans, Steve Madden flats, petal & pink necklace (coming in January to my shop!)

Where: Work.

Day 27: Gap black tee, Gap Skinny jeans (have I mentioned I live in these and own multiple pairs? Can't say enough great things about them!), Naughty Monkey Detective boots (also love love love these), petal & pink necklace and earrings.

Where: Christmas tree shopping, Shopping for holiday decor, dinner out with husband. Overall a nice Saturday!

Day 28: Express lace trim cami, Gap Cardigan, J.Crew Vintage Matchstick Cords, Nine West flats

Where: Laundry and grocery shopping. (I won't lie, I needed to do laundry so I can wear my skinny jeans again.)

Thoughts: Okay, this challenge has been eye opening. Especially when it comes to my warm weather wardrobe, but I'll get into that on day 30. I can say that I am missing the rest of my clothes and getting really tired of these pieces. I also didn't account for the fact that while it was still 60 degrees when the challenge started, it is now only going to be in the 30's this week, and I don't have much that accounts for chilly temperatures.

Just 2 more days, I will make it!

1,000 follower giveaway winner!!!!

Congrats to Amanda! (@primandpropah on twitter) You won the giveaway!

What I know is that she will be getting the Icicle earrings sent to her, what you should do is check out her blog. Any blog that has crafty meets, badass tanks, meets martini, meets cupcake and includes pink banner is right up my alley! She's got crafty-ness and fashion and a picture with the wall street bull in NYC that is hysterical.

Amanda, please email me at petalandpink {at} gmail {dot} com. (Take that email grabber software thing, I learned that trick from the knot, suckahs.)

For those who didn't win, thank you for entering and I'm sure I'll find another reason later on for another giveaway. I'm sure I'll hit another milestone that I'll want to celebrate. (like 100 etsy sales, only 36 to go!) Although at this rate, I might get 2k twitter followers first!

Days 21-24. What I wore.

This isn't original, but this is clever. I wore TWO outfits yesterday! Which means I'm all caught up from my lazy pajama day after Thanksgiving! This is a big deal to me not because I want to shop (although, boy do I!) but because now my challenge will end on Tuesday, and I am free to wear whatever I want the day of my work Holiday party. Which just seems really refreshing.

How did I wear two outfits you may ask? Well, I went to work like I do most other days, and while at work, my husband emailed me asking me out on a date. A date?! Sure thing! Of course, going out in work clothes is not really my thing, so I came home and changed. I figured it was the perfect chance to put on a new outfit for the challenge and catch up. (I'm missing the rest of my closet at this moment, and this is a big deal to be one more outfit closer to reuniting with certain items). So now, I'm on track to finish on time. Huzzah!

So here are my outfits:

Day 21: Target dress and tights, Nordstrom scarf, Nine West flats

Where: Work.

Thoughts: I really wasn't feeling styling my hair that morning. Hence the poodle on my head.

Day 22a: J.Crew Jackie cardigan, Banana Flower embellished top, Express Editor pants, Target shoes, petal and pink necklace (an old favorite)

Where: Work again my friends. I walked to the PO and the shoes were comfy, they always impress me for Target shoes.

Thoughts: I need to cut back on soup at lunch, the sodium is making me puffy.

Day 22b: Same BR top, Gap Cardigan, Gap Skinnies, Naughty Monkey Detective boots, petal and pink necklace

Where: A super sexy date to Office Depot, Starbucks and Barnes and Noble. Starbucks and BN was supposed to be the date, but I was out of mailing envelopes and Office Depot is across the street.

Thoughts: I was so much more comfortable in this outfit than what I wore all day at work. I also drank my weight in water, so that may have helped.

Day 24: Anthro top, Grey Gap Modern Boot pants, Nine West pumps.

Where: work

Thoughts: Why yes, those are my Steve Madden flats in the picture. You see, while I still wear the "death shoes" I have taken to switching in and out of flats to get to/from my office. I left work and realized. Yup. Shoes are still at my desk. I got to my car and realized "ugh. I forgot the asparagus and buttermilk in the fridge, now I have to go back." (What doesn't everyone buy random groceries at lunch?) On the walk back to my office thought "Well, at least I can pick up my shoes..." and then drove home with my asparagus and buttermilk and cursed at my shoes...still sitting next to my desk. It was one of those days.

My other impressions? Well, I'm thinking now I should have gone by outfit numbers instead of calling them days...Also, at this point, I just want to be done. I feel like I have worn every single article of clothing this week alone, and even though I know it's not true, I just want something different. A plain sweater (it's getting cold!) or my pinstripe pants...just something not these clothes. Although, I do have some fun (to me) outfits planned for the next few days. Here's hoping they turn out!

Don't forget, just a little longer until my giveaway closes, don't forget to enter!

Faux-hem. How-to.

I'm short. Like 5'4" if I haven't just come out of the dryer, short. So pants, jeans especially, can run long on me. As a wee one, I embrace heels. I love heels. But sometimes, a girl just wants the comfort of flats. I'm anti going anywhere but the gym when it comes to athletic sneakers, and I think the times friends of mine have seen me outside a workout situation in my sneaks is all of 2 times. I moved in flip flops. I'm that anti-sneaker. So sometimes my jeans run long, and I want to wear flats, and until just last spring, I just dealt with it. I let my jeans get walked on, which always ends up with ratty, torn, jean bottoms. Nothing ruins a pair faster. I would sometimes tuck my jeans under, but then you lose the hem stitch, and it can look a little funny. I've seen contraptions to work on your hems and shorten them, but again, you mostly lose the hem, or you have some flourescent, bedazzeled device hanging out at your hem and that's just not me. After googling "faux hem", "fake hem", "shorten your jeans keep the hem", and about a dozen other phrases along those lines, I've seen my fair share of how-to's, video tutorials, and weirdo contraptions to use on your pants. I've finally found a way that works for me, and it's really quite simple. So here goes. 4 easy steps to faux-hem your jeans.

Okay, not so much a step, but as you see here...long jeans, flat shoes. Your shoes that you want to wear...you'll want those on. It will help dictate your length to faux-hem.

Then, cuff your pants to the length you want them to be. I do both legs at the same time, to help ensure they're even.

Then (and this is the tricky part but once you get the hang of it, you're golden) hold onto the hem of your jeans and tuck the cuff underneath into your leg.

Viola! Adjust hem, bunching as needed. You can see here in the close up a little fold line, but once you stand up, it's really hard to notice. And the closer the fold is to the hem, the harder it is to see even close up. (As seen with the back part of the leg in this shot).

Optional: Use a safety pin or a regualr pin to pin the inside to hold it more secure. Just be sure to hide the pins as well. I haven't had any issues with my jeans coming undone. I think if I was doing this with a pair of dress pants, I may want to use some pins to hold them.

Easy peasy. Now you'll be able to wear your favortie jeans with heels or flats. And if you're doing the 30 for 30 challenge, you may be able to squeak out a few more outfits with this little trick.

My boots. For less.

I've been meaning to share this. I was shopping at the mall with my mother not too long ago. (It was day 1 of the 30 for 30 challenge to be exact. I was worried about being strong and shopping and ruining it all on the first day. I was good, and didn't buy, but my wallet was really confused.)

Anyway, I was shopping and as I walked through the shoe section with my mom (the torture!) she pointed to a pair of boots and said "Aren't those your boots?"

Madden Girl Zoiiee boots ($63.96 at Zappos)

Wow. Kind of. Yeah. They're actually really close! Contrast zipper, buckles, ruching at the bend, very close indeed.

My boots (from DSW in Black here) are a more cognac shade, and have 2 buckles at the top, and are genuine leather, not a man made synthetic. However, comparing the two prices, the Madden Girl ones are less than half! If I had paid the full $150 for the ones from DSW (I paid $30), I would have been upset. I can't vouch for the comfort of the Madden Girl Zoiiee, but I absolutely love my SM ones, and the comfort is there in those. I wear them all day, and never have had any problems with them.



If you're looking for a similar pair without the buckles, check out these ones by Mix No.6. I wasn't impressed with them in person, but they may work with your budget/style choice.



Days 18-20

10 more days left. I think this is the part where I start going a little bit crazy. Or maybe it's the onslaught of all things Holiday for the next month that's coming on...either way, here's what I wore for days 18-20!

Day 18: Top, Cardigan, and Skinnies: Gap. Boots: Steve Madden, socks: Target, Neckalce: Forever 21 (or 29 in my case. *wink wink*)

Where: Thanksgiving dinner (house hopping for the best eats!)

Day 19: J.Crew Jackie Cardigan, Anthro top, Gap skinnies, Steve Madden boots

Where: Running errands

Day 20: Anthro Cardigan, Gap Forever Straight Jeans, Steve Madden Flats

Where: My parents house

Thoughts: First of all, I tweeted on Thanksgiving about wearing my black dress and this cardigan. But, I really wanted to wear those boots. I live in them. But when I put them on, the proportions were all off. So I tossed on this instead. The cardigan was still great when it came to hiding the extra servings of cheese potatoes, rolls, and cake/pie gallore.  Also, I'm now a day behind on the challenge. You see, the day after Thanksgiving...I don't leave my apartment. I have always taken the day after Thanksgiving as a sort of mental health day. The most strenuous thing I did all day was shower and put on clean lazy clothes. And I'll tell you this...It. Was. Glorious. I also REALLY love outift 19. I love the way the boots and teal go together. I also think that I wore this outfit in a way, that made it look new to me (on me?) I don't know. All I know is that my husband asked me if this was a new shirt. 1. I wore it last week. 2. It's over a year old. Either way, I'm taking it as a win for the challenge!

I faux hemmed my pants again today. I will have that how-to for you later on this week. I have currently over 160 pictures to go through. I was a beading machine, and created a ton of new jewelry and photographed the hell out of it. I also have the DIY steps for my earring holder to go through, and the faux hem. My computer and I will be inseperable over the next few days. However, if you follow me on twitter, you've seen a few of the pieces I've created for my etsy, and the final product of my earring holder/display. And if you don't follow me...these are the kind of things you're missing out on. Well, that, and my giveaway. ;)



Days 14-17

For days 14-17, this is what I wore:

Day 14: J.Crew Jackie Cardigan, Banana Republic top, Gap skinny jeans, Steve Madden boots (Target boot socks over jeans), Tiffany & Co bangle

Where: Errands and laundry

Day 15: Anthropologie top, Express Editor pants, Nine West heels

Where: Work

Day 16: Gap cardigan, Express lace trim cami, J.Crew Matchstick vintage style cords, Steve Madden flats

Where: Work, walking about the city on my lunch break

Day 17: Express ruffle fly away cardigan, Express lace trim cami, Gap skinny jeans, Naughty Monkey Detective boots, necklaces by me.

Where: Work, running errands after work.

Thoughts: There isn't much I have to say about many of the pictures. However, day 16...I had a 2 hour ride home and needed to take the picture of my outfit. So, I got home grabbed my camera, turned it on, only to find out it was on...and my battery was drained. I threw the battery on the charger and stuffed my face with Triscuits while waiting for a slight bit of a charge. I was hungry, and cranky. So that was me in a post Triscuit, 2 hour commute haze. I actually had better pictures but I got a little delete happy and this was the only picture I had left. Luckily I caught myself when I had this one lonely picture left. I wouldn't be happy if I had to change to retake a picture!

In general, I'm going through withdrawal from the rest of my wardrobe. My other clothes are calling to me, and I miss them. I suppose I could take a day off, but I know if I fall off the wagon, it's going to be hard to get back on it. I'm going to push through. I will make it. I may have to remove all my clothes for this challenge from my closet, but I will get through it! Accessories, I'm calling on you now. Help me push on!

In other news, I've got free shipping going on in my Etsy shop for Thanksgiving weekend. (Including "cyber Monday") so if you're looking to get a start on your Holiday shopping, be sure to check it out. The free shipping extends into any custom orders placed in these days.

Also, be sure to check out the giveaway I have going on now. I've reached my twitter milestone!

1,000 follower giveaway!!!

I've reached a twitter milestone! I now have ONE THOUSAND followers on twitter!

Back when I realized I was close, I decided I would do a giveaway for hitting it. It's taken longer than I thought, I mean I think I'm pretty interesting, not all of the twitterverse does I suppose. But I've made it. My way of thanking you, my little twitter followers is with at giveaway! I'm offering one lucky winner a pair of earrings! You can pick one of the three following pairs. They're all my personal favorites, and I wear them quite often. Your picks:

Icicle

Little Black Dress (pick from black, clear or pink)

Indigo-go

The deets:

• This giveaway will be open for one week. At 11:59 pm (EST) on Wednesday, December 1, the giveaway will close, all entries after that will not be valid.
• There are 3 ways to enter, you may enter once a day by each method. Any multiple entries within the same day will be disqualified.
• Most importantly, you must follow petal & pink on twitter (@petalandpink).

How to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post including which pair you want and your twitter name (so I can make sure you follow me).
2. Tweet this: @petalandpink is giving away a pair of earrings, find out more here: http://bit.ly/hJblj7 (or something similar. Be sure to include @petalandpink and a link to this blog post since twitter doesn't like you tweeting the same thing more than once)
3. If you have a blog, blog about this giveaway, and leave a second comment here linking back to your post

The winner will be announced here (and on twitter!) on Thursday, December 2nd.

Good luck to all!

New items!

Man, it has been a month for me. Times have been crazy, and I'm looking forward to the fact that aside from a work holiday party, and a dentist appointment, I have absolutely nothing planned for the next few weeks. (Although I'm sure Holiday crazy will take over soon).

I've been beading up a storm, and I've fallen way behind on listing new items on Etsy. I've also fallen behind on renewing items there, too. It's hard to keep up sometimes! I have taken pictures this past weekend, and I promise new items are coming almost daily moving forward!

La Mer. Deep Blue Bracelet

Days 6-13 of the challenge

Whew! It has been a week for me! I'm both sad and happy it is over. I've run the gamut of emotions, and I'm looking forward to some stability. Not to mention that Thanksgiving is coming up fast! I've got plenty to be thankful for, but I haven't quite caught the holiday cheer. Here's hoping this short week at work will help me along. And if not, I'll get the holiday "spirit" via Pumpkin Pie Martini's at my aunt's house. (if you know what I mean...and I think you do.)

Now, onto the outfits!

Day 6: Anthro blouse, Gap skinnies, Steve Madden boots.

Where: A baby shower. Like the hundredth it seems within the past few months. (or third whatevs). This was husband saying "Show me happy to go to a baby shower!" I think my sarcasm is obvious.

Day 7: Gap top, Gap skinnies, Nine West flats, Coach Tote, DKNY sunnies

Where: Road trip with the husband, errands.

Day 8: Anthro sweater, Express lace trim cami, Gap skinnies, Steve Madden Flats, petal & pink bracelet

Where: Work. We were moving files from one cabinet to another. I work in HR, there's a lot of files. We all dressed casual Monday for this.



Thoughts on these days: My hair looked way better in person on Day 6. Looking at it in the picture though, you'd never know! I also swear I washed the skinny jeans Sunday night (Day 7). I live in my skinny jeans, and I actually own 2 pairs of them. I considered just switching to the clean pair, but felt it might be cheating. lol. I love the sweater in Day 8. It's comfortable and the colors are fun. I don't know if it's the angle of the picture or not, but seeing it in a picture, I question the proportion of the print though. I guess we'll see what else happens during this challenge and that sweater.

Day 9: Anthro top, Gap Modern Boot pants in grey, Nine West pumps, petal & pink bracelet

Where: Work. It wasn't too much of an eventful day, honestly.

Day 10: J.Crew Jackie Cardigan, Express Editor pants, Target Mary Janes, DIY bracelet via Beadin' Path

Where: Work. Running a few errands after work.

Day 11: Gap sweater, Express lace trim cami, Ann Taylor Loft pencil skirt, Target Mary Janes

Where: Work, Training session, drinks with husband.



Thoughts: Day 9, I was inspired by another piece of jewelry I've made. I don't know why I never think of mixing jewel tones with my dark grey pants. It was a really warm day, and I enjoyed not having to wear a cardigan or jacket at work. Day 10, I really wanted to wear my coral toned layered bracelet, and love the combination with a silver-grey shade. Day 11, I'm not sure of the proportions of the outfit, but my calves look diesel! Thank-you, Body Pump!

Day 12: Gap Cardigan, Express lace trim cami, Gap Forever Straight jeans, Nine West pumps, petal & pink earrings

Where: Work. Casual Friday. Not feeling color. It happens

Day 13: J.Crew Jackie Cardigan, Express lace trim cami, Gap Forever Straight jeans, Nine West flats, T&Co bangle.

Where: Errands, errands, and a few more errands.

Thoughts: I purposely wanted to post these two pictures together. It's the same pair of jeans, but the hem is different lengths. I've found an amazing trick to hemming long jeans to make them flat-appropriate. You even get to still see the original hem on the jean so it looks really natural. I've also been slowly working on mixing prints. The leopard print with the print on the bangle were big for me. The bangles print is subtle, but the shape/design of the print actually compliment each other nicely.

Overall 30 for 30 thoughts: So far, so good. I really feel like I need to start kicking it into gear with the accessories. Scarves, belts, etc. I've got them all. I don't know why I'm so lazy with them lately. 

Coming up: I still need to do the DIY on the jewelry holder, and I want to also show you how I do the hem on my pants, so that will be coming up too. And I'm preeety sure that there's a giveaway this week since my twitter is at 1,000 followers!! I'm just waiting to maintain that number for a few days since twitter counts can vary often!







I am not a fashion blogger.

I have to give a huge amount of credit to those fashion bloggers who can do daily "Outfit of the day" posts.

I cannot do that. I found out by day 5 of the 30 for 30 challenge that I was not able to keep up with this. Luckily, having gotten through days 1-5, I've come to a conclusion. I'm no longer doing daily outfit posts. I'm still doing the challenge, but I really need to dedicate the time after my 9-5 to petal and pink. It's almost the holiday season, and I need to stock up the shop. And, a fashion blog is not what I want this to become (although I'll still share things I've bought/lusting after/searching for in terms of fashion talk).

What's going to happen? During the week, I'll post any thoughts I'm having about the challenge. Over the weekend, I'll post the outfits I've worn during the week. So, on Saturday, the 20th, I'll post outfits from 11/13-11/19.

So, what are my first impressions of days 1-5 of this challenge? So far, so good. However, I haven't worn everything yet. I've still got variety! One thing I do wish? I wish I had chosen a few more casual tops. While I do live in cardigans/tanks during the week, I would have liked to have a bit more variety for days where I'm just doing laundry and running errands. The no shopping has been easy. But I can--and often do--go more than a week without shopping.

Day 5. Semi-pro on casual Friday

Jeans: Gap

Blouse: Old Navy (years ago on clearance for $3!)

Shoes: Target (last fall but still available!)
Belt: Express (in hematite)

Bracelet: petal and pink

I had a reception thing I had planned at work today, where the President would be speaking to a small group of people. I work in a casual environment, so business dress is not always appropriate, especially on Fridays. This is what I wore to work today. For the reception, I threw a blazer that I keep at my desk (primarily for when I'm pulled into interviews) to up the ante for the reception.

I learned a few things about this outfit though:

1. My jeans gape a little in the back. Which means I had to retuck my shirt in the back every. single. time. I stood up.

2. My jeans have bled (despite being washed a few times), thus staining the bottom of my shirt a light indigo color.

3. These puffy sleeves show even through the blazer I put on, so things get bunchy and awkward.

I'm a big advocate for every girl (woman? I feel that makes us all sound old...) owning a white blouse. Not a boring "Table for two?" kind of blouse but one that makes a playful wink to the white blouse. My next one won't have so much going on in the sleeves so it's easier to layer though.

Also, these shoes are a total knock-off of these Calvin Klein shoes (which were available in grey)...I loved them last year when I saw them at Macy's, but couldn't justify their cost ($115ish) at a time where I already had 3 pairs of shoes I was buying. (I'm a shoe whore...my closet, and under my bed are stuffed with shoes) so I was excited to find these at Target for a fraction of the price.

This weekend I'm hoping to get my craft on. I've got plans for an earring holder (DIY coming with that!) and plenty of jewelry (I never finished the piece I was hoping to wear with today's outfit). Hopefully I can find some down time to do it! I also want to roast a whole chicken, and bake molasses cookies. We'll see how far I get with it all!

Day 4. Comfort

Cardigan: Gap (last year)

Ruffle tissue tank: J.Crew (last year)

Jeans: Gap Always Skinny

Boots: Steve Madden (via DSW)

Earrings: petal and pink

Sunnies: Michael Kors

I realized today that I was in charge of my own destiny...er...photos. Husband was out after work, and I went to the gym. So what's a girl to do? Set the camera on the bookcase, do the timer and try to get some outfit shots. All of this was happening when I was supposed to be heading out the door. Talk about a lack of planning.

I will say that I like morning light much better in my pictures, and it's more agreeable for me when it comes to fiddling with my camera settings. I'll probably do this more often.

Comfort was key in today's outfit, and this cardigan is so cozy. I just wrap myself up in it and it is like a blanket around me. These boots I got for a steal. Between my $10 reward, $5 birthday coupon, a sale ($50 off $150 purchases) and a gift card, I only paid $30 for these, and I live in them. I was concerned originally about the contrast zipper when I saw them online, but I figured I could grab a fabric marker and make it black if it bugged me. But it turns out, I don't even care. I actually kind of like it!

Day 3. Monochromatic

Dress: Target

Ruffle fly-away top: Express (last year)

Belt: Nordstrom

Tights: Gap

Boots: Naughty Monkey Detective

Jewelry: White house/Black Market, Petal and pink

Today's outfit is one that I pictured in my head, and was worried may come out a hot mess, but I like how it turned out. Sometimes this happens. 99% of the time it's a disaster. The only disaster in this, is the picture. I was not in the mood to fix lighting and camera settings, and sadly the best picture is this out-take (as you can see, husband pointed out that my buckle on my boot is acting out). Oh well, it happens! I have never claimed to be a model or a fashion blogger. In fact, I'm far from both.

This dress is hands down the best $10 I've ever spent at Target. It's pretty versatile, and lucky for me I'm short, which means it's not nearly as short on me as it is on the model online. I have to say, that the hemline pushes work appropriate-ness, but thanks to tights I feel like hemlines can be a little shorter in the workplace now and it's okay. The v-neck on this is narrow, but somewhat deep. Thankfully I've got small bubbies, and it's not inappropriate or vulgar. Although, the depth of it has caused some fidgeting when I wear it to work. My boss said she liked my outfit today, and being HR and all, if she didn't, I would also know. Length and depth are a-okay this way in the workplace!

I bought this belt during one of Nordstroms big sales back in 2004. I'm surprised that I still have it, and that my 2004 Erin bought it. Style was just something I wanted, but seriously lacked back then. I do need to find out how to adjust this belt though, it's a bit big, slides around, and goes from sitting in the right spot to the "omg no. just no" spot, and in general has caused a constant adjusting of my top to make sure all the pieces stay in place. I thought I could just adjust it (there are holes for it) over the silver part, but apparently not. I have, however, successfully broken it or at least loosened it and have had to fix it a couple times today. (Note: It looks like I have to unscrew to rivet-y thing and adjust that way...I'll have to bust out my tools when I get a chance)

Tonight, I plan on getting my craft on. I want to make something, for an outfit I may wear Friday. I have a reception thing at work with the President, and I need to be President appropriate, but I also want to wear jeans. Accessories will be key in pulling this off.



Day the second. Updated 70's?

Cardigan: J.Crew

Tank: Express

Pants: Gap (modern boot)

Shoes: Nine West

Jewelry: petal and pink (necklaces aren't in the shop)

This outfit, isn't a risk per se, but I for some reason never thought of wearing this cardigan with my grey pants. Which is strange...I like these colors together! I have earrings in my shop in this color combination, I've made myself a bracelet with it...why I didn't translate my jewelry and beads into real wearable clothing is beyond me! I was feeling all excited and confident when I passed a coworker who said "I like your outfit, the colors are like an updated 70's office attire". I said "thanks." but I don't think I meant it.

I have a love/hate relationship with these shoes. I love that they're comfy, tall, the essential black heel for me, and I wear them multiple times a week. However, they've been nicknamed my "death shoes". The leather stretched (after 1 wear!) and as I was walking in my parking lot at work, I stepped out of one shoe, plummeting the 4 inches to my death. As I was trying to (not so gracefully) hold my bag, purse, coffee and catch myself from falling flat on my face, the other shoe kicked me out and I found myself standing barefoot with a horrified look on my face in the grody parking lot. I've put heel bumper things to help with the fit and to help prevent me from walking out of my shoes, but I still don't trust these shoes just yet. I now find myself carrying a pair of flats with me "just in case". I might go to a cobbler (is that what they're still called?) and get real inserts since the ones I buy seem to fall off after a few weeks. I haven't attempted these shoes in a night out, because of this fear, and really, these bad daddies are just screaming for a night out.

Anyone have any suggestions for keeping these shoes on my feet? I haven't been able to find the Foot Petals brand, so I do have those on my radar, and I may just have to do it through Amazon. Also, colors? 70's? Nay?

Day the first. a big ol' yawn of an outfit

top: Gap

pants: J.Crew

flats: Steve Madden

jewelry: Tiffany's, petal and pink

I guess I'm easing into this challenge. Taking a simple outfit with simple accessories. Some people like to start off with a bang, not me. I like to set the bar low, so I can then exceed expectations and always keep people on their toes.

Actually, a lot of this outfit has to do with a few things:

1. I've had an emotionally draining weekend. This is easy dress, and that's all I had the mental capacity for.

2. After work, I'm going shopping with my mom for a baby shower gift. Last time I did, I wore an outfit that could have led others to think I was the one expecting. Lesson learned.

3. Since I'll be shopping straight from work, I needed to wear my flats. My other shoe options aren't quite how I want to start out my work week (boots would mean jeans, heels are a no-go for all day on my feet followed with a shopping trip).

4. I've just recently started to be more experimental with my wardrobe selections, which means this challenge will help pull me out of my comfort zone...but today all I wanted was comfort and since work doesn't approve of yoga pants, flip flops and a 10 year old hoodie, this is what they got.

On a positive note, I should say I bought these cords over the summer and I was quite relieved they still fit. I've had a few lazy months when it came to working out, and it was nice to know they fit. Even after eating my face off in Milwaukee. Better yet, these cords pass the "voop, voop" test. You know, the sound corduroy pants can make when you walk? These are silent. As all pants should be seen, not heard. Score!

Gap also has gotten quite a bit of my money lately. They have been so far removed from my closet for so long, and now the majority of my remix items are Gap. Way to make a comeback, Gap!

 I'm going to have to study up on how others pose. This pose makes my booty look large...not a good look. I promise a more interesting outfit tomorrow, and more of an effort going forward.

In conclusion, I'd also like to thank New England weather for the giant "F-you" that it gave me this morning. As if I wasn't dealing with enough already, I walked out to my car to find a sleet-y, slushy, almost snow like substance on my car. Thanks, that makes this mood all the better.

Better post tomorrow. Promise.

30 for 30 remix items

Alright, without further ado, here are my 30 for 30 items!

I have to say, it's 75% inspiring 25% intimidating. I feel like I have a good bunch from my closet to work with. I was pulling things thinking "Thank goodness I don't work in a corporate setting." that would be harder I think. I say this all so smugly now, but I'm sure by day 20 I'll be in want for something different.

Husband is thrilled for the no shopping bit of this. So much so, he suggested I do this every month. Oh Dan. I'm putting him to work though. He's going to be the one to take all the pictures since he poo-poo'd the tripod idea I had. Take that, Mr. Money-pants!

The week in review

This week has been pretty eventful for me! A lot of risks were taken, and I've certainly stepped out of my comfort zone. But, it's all a part of taking strides towards my bucket list to my 20's!

Numbers that I've been working on:
#9 shop smarter. I've got a lot of clothes. I've worked on the part where I'm no longer donating clothes that still have tags attached (that was always such a huge waste of money). But I still shop. A lot. So, in an attempt to reacquaint myself with my closet, and the clothes I do have, I have decided to join in Kendi and her 30 for 30 clothes remix. I'm to pick 30 items from my closet, and remix those into outfits for the next 30 days. And the big catch. NO SHOPPING! No shopping for 30 days will be a second to me. Followed only by that one time I did it after college, and the end result was a giant shopping binge at Banana Republic where I then spent the money I saved, and the entire following months shopping budget. That would be a major fail right there, my friends. So, I'll be posting my 30 items, and my 30 outfits over the next 30 days. I will rely heavily on accessories (which are not included in the 30 items) so we'll see just how much it does change things up. It will also spark my creativity I'm sure as I'm looking for new accessories, which will also mean, I'll be making more things, which brings me to my next part of this week.

#8 expand petal & pink. I entered the Martha Stewart Crafts Department "Call to Crafty Arms"! Ah! I wanted to vomit the second I clicked send. And I didn't stop shaking until just now. According to the official rules, they'll be posting the 5 finalists as early as 6pm today, or as late as sometime on November 12. Needless to say, I'll be stalking that page for awhile! I don't expect much, but it would be nice to see my little petal & pink up there! Also, there will be new items created, and posted as a result of the remix challenge, which will be great just before the Holiday season kicks into full blast!

Also happening this week, Dan turned 30! I've been giving him a hard time and teasing him relentlessly about being an "Old Man". He keeps on telling me something about payback, but I'll just cry. Tears always work. (amiright?) Also, it means, as I've pointed out, he's a "decade" older than me! My husband is in his 30's, while his youngin' of a wife is in her 20's. What a stud he is. However, this was more fun when we first started dating and he looked like a cradle-robber being in his 20's, with a girlfriend who was just a teenager. Ahh young love...I still have no idea how he's put up with me this long! (especially after that time when we were past the 3 month dating mark and I told him I could no longer return him to the boyfriend store...)

I'll be sure to keep you updated about the Crafts Dept contest, and be on the look out for my 30 items this weekend!

You can't win if you don't try!

This morning on twitter, I saw someone mention "A Call to Crafty Arms" and read it. And sat on it. Thought about it. And read it again.

Do I think I will be picked as a finalist? No. I'm sure the Crafts Dept. at Martha Stewart is being inundated with amazing crafters hoping for the same opportunity. And selling jewelry, an already overly saturated handmade market, I realize I stand a better shot at winning the lottery. However, when I sent it to my husband, his reply was "You can't win if you don't try!"

And then I realized (for the millionth time).

Rejection is part of this whole handmade/selling world. Not everybody is going to love what I make. Not everyone is going to want to buy it. Every time someone looks at my shop and doesn't buy anything, in essence, they're rejecting me. But, some people do buy. When I'm dedicated to petal & pink, I sell. And I sell regularly. Someone out there likes it, and really that's what drives me. Creating is therapeutic to me. Be it jewelry, paper crafts, photography, baking, something about these things calm me, refresh me, and drive me.

Really, the worst thing that could come out of this, is they totally ignore me and move onto someone who I'm sure is amazing and fabulous, and just as deserving as the opportunity. And really, just sitting it out means I don't even get the chance to win...and how cool would that be?! (And I've got plenty of time off I can take at my 9 to 5 to create away for it.)

Bucket list to my 20's

So seeing as how I've been super blogger...oh wait...

So seeing as how I suck at blogging, I decided to share this with all 4 of my followers (hi!). In an attempt to get me blogging more, I figured this would be a fun way to do it.

Back when I turned 28, I felt a sense of impending doom with the big 3-0 coming. Something about 28 made 30 really scary. Now that I'm 29, I'm telling 30 to bring it. (Yeah, you heard me dirty thirty, bring. it. on.) I digress. When I turned 28, I started this list of things I wanted to do BEFORE I turn into a pumpkin and my non-existent children send me to the old folks home.

So here it is...in all it's glory.

Bucket List to my 20's
1. Run a 10k (My friend Betsy, suggested this distance to me about a year ago when I first started to run to change up elliptical boredom, I should probably get on it...I mean, she's running her first marathon this weekend, she knows her stuff!)
2. Go to Paris
3. Find my voice
4. Be my healthiest
5. Buy a house
6. Get organized (!)
7. Start a garden (this comes in conjunction with number 5)
8. Expand Petal & Pink
9. Shop smarter
10. Volunteer
11. Eat more locally
12. Take in more local culture
13. Be less judgemental
14. Learn a language
15. Kayak in the ocean
16. Hike Dan's "advanced" trail
17. Mountain bike
18. Get a puppy!!!!!!! (also in conjunction with number 5 and happens 1 second after it occurs)
19. Learn to knit
20. Learn to drive a standard

I should say, some of these are in progress (being healthiest, eating locally, shopping better, and being less judgemental) and will probably always be a continuous thing in my life from here on out. Other items are superficial and silly, sure, but they are things I've always said I wanted to do, and here it is, years later and nothing. Some items (Paris, house and items that come from the house) will be cutting it close. Unfortunately buying a house and travelling to Paris are both costly, and will be hard to do within a year. But, I've been wanting to go to Paris since 5 year old me found out about Paris and it's fashion. (5yr old me also wanted to be a fashion designer, or study abroad a la Sabrina).

Most importantly, it's been a year, and I've only crossed ONE item off my list. ONE. I need to get crackalackin'.

Things I Don't Get

This installment: WHY people feel the need to comment on other people's food.

This past Sunday, I was at the checkout for my weekly groceries when the woman at the register commented on my weeks take. "Wow, you eat really healthy." Really? Do I need your commentary? Thank you for noticing? What do you say to that? Well, little miss nosy didn't even give me a chance to reply when she followed that with, "What's your secret?" My secret? There's no secret...if I don't buy it, I won't eat it. Therefore, junk food tends to stay out of my cart. Viola! Brilliant! How about that?!

It's not just that, it's the "Ew, that looks so gross." and the "That's all your eating?" that really get to me. In a society overflowing with giant servings and plates the size of tables, I get that a lot of people see servings disproportionately, but if you don't know my eating habits, or what I've had during the day, or what I plan to stuff my face with later on, please mind your own plate. It makes me feel weird, and I get cranky when you comment on my food. And really, just because I may like something, and you don't, doesn't automatically make my food gross. If you watched me dump curdled milk over my cereal, sure it would look gross, but very rarely do I need your two cents on that...I know that would look gross. Even when friends order something I wouldn't eat, I don't turn my nose up and poo-poo their food choice. I'm not eating it, I don't care. Just like you're not eating my whatever it is grossing you out, so just let it be. Mmm'kay?

Torn.

Every now and again, I get a little tweet happy and I feel the need to pull in the reigns. I mean, sometimes I'm funny, witty and sarcastic. Other times I'm boring. Sometimes I feel like I've got something to contribute, others I feel like I'm tweeting just to people don't start to un-follow me (it does help me with my Etsy to tweet).

I feel empowered to have a voice and multiple platforms on which to express it. I have mentioned it before here, but I went to school for writing, and when I want, I can make a point. I love writing, after all, I am a grammar nerd. Dan caught me once distracting myself from cleaning by reading the illustrated Elements of Style, and I (99% of the time) like cleaning!

This, I feel is probably where my writing background comes in and I realize, that I have no point. What I say has no purpose or direction. Essentially, I'd edit myself out if I had the ability because it isn't clear and concise. Thankfully, only in a rare time, do I get what I'll call "Erin-pression" I'm not depressed, but I'm certainly not myself. It falls usually when there's a big event, be it for better or for worse, but I start analyzing the words I use.

Words are so powerful and moving, but they can also be rather useless in a world that's so saturated with media and technology. Words help, but a picture can be just as poignant. I found myself last week complaining with coworkers about how hot it was in our office (no AC) when I happened to glance at a calendar realizing there was a date coming up that struck a cord with me. I realized in that instant that who cares? Really, if I could change the reasons for that dates sensitivity and be stuck in a sticky, sickly gross office for the rest of my professional career, I'd do it.

I tweet/blog/email about random crap that bothers me like traffic. Well here's something brilliant, I accepted a job in the city 19 miles from where I live. I knew taking this job that there would be a commute with hundreds of others every day that would muck up my mornings and evenings. And more importantly, I was not the only one that had to deal with it. Really, I don't get too bothered, I get temporarily annoyed, no sooner do I arrive at a job I really love, or my apartment that houses a husband whom I really love, that a slight inconvenience is nothing compared to how thankful I am for both.

Do I think my words will change the world? Absolutely not. However, as of recent events in my life, I will begin to look at the big picture. Sure, it's hot in my office, but I don't live in this office. There are homeless people on the city streets who would love to be able to call my office theirs, who would drive miles for a job at a pay less than mine just to have health insurance and food on the table.

In a few more words than I'd like to with this rambling, I'm going to continue to use my voice, but the whiny bitch is being muted.

fin.

Things I don't get

Okay, so there's a lot of things I don't quite get. But, I think this will be a regular thing I do in order to express my confusion, frustration, shock, whatever it is.

Today's topic: Cat-calling.

So this morning, I'm walking to Dunkin' Donuts to get my morning coffee and as I'm walking I pass a group of 5 or so guys. They immediately start up, and I ignore them. From the group I get "oooh sexy walk" because obviously I'm working the street like I'm working a McQueen runway, a kissy sound, and god only knows what in some language I don't know.

So really, what was I supposed to do? Rip off my clothes right there and say "let's go"? And honestly, had I stopped and said something, what would they follow it up with? "Hi, I'm Jeremy..."? Oh man, you're such a dreamboat! How'd you know I've been waiting to hear those words all my life!

Seriously, it was just too much before my morning coffee. Don't these people know that while I'm awake, I'm not functioning (and sometimes rather grumpy) until I have that coffee? I just don't get it. What is it that makes guys feel the need to call out to women in that kind of way. Do I look like the kind of person that wants to feel like a piece of meat? Was it because I was wearing open-toe shoes? Maybe these guys have a foot thing, and really enjoyed my blue painted toenails? Either way fella's, you just amuse me...and then I belittle you and mock you later. Don't say I didn't warn you.

...And if it was the feet, you've got the wrong girl.

Why hello there!

What have we here? A sad and lonely, extremely neglected blog? Yes, I thought it was familiar. Last post was welcoming Spring, and here we are now...July 1.

I've been doing a whole lot of workin', and workin' out. I've been looking at beads, but not doing much with them. I did, however, make my cousin a gorgeous prom necklace:



And it got me thinking. Really long and hard thinking. The kind of thinking where I just have words and thoughts running through my head and I get reeeal quiet. That kind of thinking. Dan would catch me deep in thought while he was talking. No, husband, I was not thinking deeply about the Pawn Stars episode we just watched, sorry. But I've essentially come to a conclusion...

STOP THE CRAP, ERIN

This applies to much I have had going on in my life. Writing is what calls to me. You have no idea how many little thoughts I've had where I was then followed with "I should write about that" and not just for this little bloggity-blog...but in all areas. I have a writing degree, I've always been a writer...ever since I could write...and before then, I drew out my stories and thoughts (you should see my "stories" from when I was 4 in which our heroine, yours truly, goes to get jelly beans with her Finny...if you know my Nana, she'll proudly show them.) So, here I am....writing.

Much like what I like to do with my jewelry, my writing (and thus, the direction of this blog) will be everywhere. Fashion? Yup! Food? Oh you betcha! Etsy and jewelry? Oh yes! Trashy Real Housewives gossip? omg. gimme! Random thoughts and stream of conscious flow? Yes, and I apologize in advance.

Also, along with the cutting of the crap, my etsy will be undergoing similar reconstructive procedures again. But don't worry, it's still going to be way more pretty than Joan Rivers. (Oh...she's not pretty, her reconstructions have kind of gone bad, haven't they?) well I guess gettin' pretty will be easy then! Huzzah!

In conclusion, I've always had my voice, but now I'm going to vocalize it. If for no other reason than to make sure Dan doesn't think that I'm really that interested in what Chumlee does when he's allowed to ride a tiny vintage motorbike.

Happy Spring!

(photo credit, moi)

Spring has (temporarily) sprung here in Boston! (shush, no talk of the rain and 40 degree weather next week) It makes me want to go outdoors, take long walks on my lunch break, go hiking, sit and read under a tree...you get the picture. On my lunch break today, I saw lots of girls in their cute flip flops, open toe shoes, and pretty pedicured feet. Which made me long for my flip flops (and maybe these wedges, yet to move into my closet), but alas, I didn't get my pedicure for the spring yet.

Who would have expected 70 degrees after a monsoon and freezing rain earlier this week (oh...New England Weather). It just means one thing...my couch and I have a hot date tonight for an at home pedicure so I can at least wear my flippy floppys (ha) tomorrow while this warmth remains. My color of choice you ask? My favorite bright hot magenta-y pink. OPI's La Paz-itively Hot! (Also the color I wore for my wedding day, what what?)

Enjoy the weather!!!

Craving Summer

And here comes that time of year...

Not spring, not winter. Yesterday it was a balmy mid-40 temperature here, today...snow. The daffodils are no doubt saying "wtf" to mother nature. I start itching for spring clothes, bright colors, and no more winter anything. I was looking into my closet the other day realizing..."man it's boring in here." I had a distinct lack of color. Granted some of that is due to my spring/summer clothes being packed away, but I did start to think...I need yellows! Orange! Grape-y shades of purple! I tend to load up on blues and greens in the warmer weather, but this year I'm making a vow. I'm buying yellows, and oranges, and even purples...AND WEARING THEM!

So while bored at work, I've been slowly collecting yellows and oranges and purples in polyvore over the span of the past 2 weeks. And behold my springing into summer set. A bit of inspiration for me. Hopefully, some of this will wind up in my wardrobe and brighten up my closet.

Springing into Summer by eecummings featuring J Crew

The dress so nice they named it twice

New York, New York Dress

(Anthropologie, $168)

Every now and then (okay, almost daily) I take a little trip to a few favorite websites of mine. While looking around Anthro, feeling a little spring in the air, I came across this little number. Love. I'm always looking for fun Spring/Summer dresses, and this one is perfect. I love the water color painted look to the print. The shape is what I do best, and the colors are so fun and feminine and subdued and just waited for me to play them up. This might just have to come home with me...eventually. But for now, I just wait and hope for a sale.

Dear John Cusack...

WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?!?