Small Towns

 Coming back to your hometown can be tough after having lived in the heart of a big city - especially when your hometown is anything but big. 

Sometimes I get caught up in wanting to travel and be in the midst of everything urban that I forget to appreciate the wonderful things small towns have to offer, like blueberry bushes turning red for the winter and eerily empty fields with lone pine trees.

 What I wore:
Sweater - M.Rena, courtesy of Everything's Always Sunny

Shirt and sweater tights- M.Rena at  Down To Earth

Skirt - Free People

Boots - Target (old)

Glasses - Ray Ban

Just Can't Conform

I know, I know. You're probably thinking, "Minnetonkas with that sweater dress?" Here's the lowdown. I got this dress by Theme awhile ago with several impending interviews in mind. I'm an out-of-the-box personality and my outfits reflect that, but I decided that since I have more interviews, orientations, and occasions that require more formality than my inner hippie may agree with; I needed to buy a few formal dresses.

I controlled myself and threw on a white trench from Macy's and paired the dress with my leather Kate Spade bag, which looks very office-apropos if you ask me.

But then, as I was walking out the door with grey tights and matching grey boots, I saw the latest Free People Catalogue in the mailbox and my inner hippie gave way. Out came the fringed boots and leopard tights. I just couldn't help myself. And, no, I will not be attending any interviews in these boots - at least for now.

What I wore:

Dress - Theme from Down To Earth

Coat - Liz Claiborne from Macy's

Tights - From a bazaar in Spain

Purse - Kate Spade (sample sale)

Boots - Minnetonka

Crazy Bag Lady

Sigh, the Louis Vuitton 'it bag'. From the outside it looks so chic and put-together with it's clean lines and golden brown trim.

Well, I'm here to tell you it's all a lie.

This is really what lies within:

And ALL of this:  

And this, too:

 

I have a problem, and I don't know if any of you ladies have experienced this over-stuffing-of-the-purse-dilemma that I have. It stems from a need to be prepared in all situations, but as my shoulder was hurting all morning, I came to a realization; I really do not need to lug around all of this crap on a daily basis.

What are your must-have items in your lovely satchels, purses, and clutches?

Are you shameless and carry around a corkscrew like me?

And are two lipsticks, two lip balms, and two lip glosses REALLY necessary? 

 I guess you never know when you'll be in a pinch and need to have a selection of teas AND some pumpkin flax granola. I mean really.

Cat Eyes

 My friend Kristin and I took advantage of the beautiful sunny weather the other day and did an impromptu photo shoot in our hometown. We had so much fun laughing, trying on clothes, and just being girls.

I wore this cotton dress during the day but decided to take off my sweater, throw on a Lady Gaga-esque blazer and some matching cat eye glasse, and voila - ready for night! This is the perfect day-to-night dress to throw on with anything. Did I mention that leopard, zebra, and all animal prints are neutrals for me!?

 

What I wore:

Dress - Target

Shoes - TJMaxx

Blazer - Mystree at Down To Earth 

Necklace/Sparkle ring - Down To Earth

Square ring - Good Works

A fun day with my very good friend, Kristin of Everything's Always Sunny

I'm in Miami, B$t*h!

 

I was in Miami this past week. Spending a week in a city like that can make a person realize just how small their hometown really is. I haven't been since I was a kid. I had a blast and, as is evidenced from these pictures, I ate like a pig...a Cuban pig. Now I am just counting down the days until I can go back. Que bolaaaa!?

 Miami fashions are definitely not designed in snowy Michigan. Can somebody get me some rhinestones and a disco ball? Oh, and a crystal thong bikini, because when I think of practicality...

 

  

I'm starting to think about opening up a pole dancing studio here in western Michigan. I think it would fit in well between the Christian Reformed Churches and the Bible Schools.

 CINCO PALABRAS: El Palacio de los Jugos. Think China Buffet, Cuban style. Epic.

The homeless in front of Dash Miami. The Kardashians would be proud.

 Represent!!!

 Lifeguard tower in South Beach

Stripes and Ruffles

 Who wants to guess how much I paid for this dress? All I am going to say is that I scored it for 60% off at my favorite boutique - Down To Earth. It was hidden downstairs among the other winter sale items and I saw it and immediately fell in love. Not only was it a great deal, but it has all of my favorite elements: ruffles, stripes, a belt buckle, and an exposed zipper. What more can a girl want? Well, maybe these fab-oosh Gucci glasses! (Thanks, mom!)

 

What I Wore:

Dress - Esley from Down To Earth 

Earrings and Clutch- c/o Everything's Always Sunny 

Sunglasses - Gucci

Wedges - c/o From The Mixed Up Files

Farewell To Summer

I wore this outfit just last week and in only seven days, the weather has turned cold here in Michigan. This post will most likely be my last containing shorts! I paired these ones from Gap with an embroidered button-up from Express for a simple, preppy look. With Ray-Bans and a red lip, it was the perfect way to bid farewell to summer weather.

 What I wore:

Shirt - Express (old)

Shorts - The Gap

Belt - Anthropologie

Necklace - Down To Earth

Shades - Ray-Ban

Shoes - Nicole