Hound s/s 2012

It's lookbook time, y'all. May I present to you, Hound s/s 2012:

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I might have a soft spot for Hound because they're from Chicago, but that does not- repeat- does not validate my love for this collection any less. But let's face it, I gotta rep the midwest.

Though I do not have any personal anecdotes to align myself with Hound, I still felt I could call this collection my own upon first sight. With its candy-like vibrance, playful lengths and overall cheeky attitude, I think I would be hard pressed to find a summer collection that could sum me up so well. Not to mention, the tone of the line lies somewhere in the abyss that is youthful and sophisticated, which draws me even closer. I always told myself if I worked in an office setting, I would not sacrifice my aesthetic; and I feel like this collection would provide just that for me. You know, since I'm half little girl, half old lady.

The above photos are only a few from the lookbook, but you can find the rest of them here. Enjoy!

Gonna Pitch Me a Tent.

Ponytail does her own thing.

Shirt: Thrifted

Bra: American Apparel

Shorts: Gap

Belt: Target

Socks: Target

Shoes: Target

I definitely got the eyebrow raise from Matt when he came home from work to this outfit; I may be doing the sheer blouse thing a little too frequently for his liking these days. Oops! But though he is occasionally mystified by my wardrobe choices, I appreciate the fact that he understands that I dress for myself. This girl gotta do what she do.

This "grandma-ish" (says the aforementioned gentlemen) lace blouse is yet another great piece from The Wardrobe. Two words for that place: treasure chest. I just can't believe my luck there. I wish I could bring you all.

Anyway, this is my first time wearing it and I'm already thinking up a million other ways to work it.

I'm actually quite impressed with how these wedges have held up thus far, considering they're from Target. Not that I have anything against that place, but they're not exactly known for their quality footwear. And I won't say that I've worn them too terribly much...they are five inches, after all. So maybe this entire paragraph is pointless and as soon as I've posted this the buckle or t-strap will break. That is definitely something that would happen to me.

Raise your hand if you're going camping tonight! Is your hand up? Mine is! Is it sad that I'm most excited about trying Andrea's Reese's Cup s'mores? It is? Too bad. Here's to reeking of smoke for the next two days!

The First Photoshop

Did anyone run across this PAPERMAG article about pin-up photoshop-ing? It's interesting that the models who sat for the portraits were edited by the artist, even in the 50s + 60s. Check it out!

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That Purp.

Dress (Underneath): Vintage

Purple Dress: UO a couple years ago

Leggings: Walmart? : /

Sandals: Kimchi Blue

Photo quality...ugh. Don't even get me started. I sincerely apologize, and I assure you I am doing everything possible to fix this ASAP. Anyway...

Thank you for all your words of encouragement and support in the last post! That means more than I can say, and I'm already feeling a bit better! I can't wait to show y'all my new sandals when they arrive! : )

I fooled you guys yet again! This time, instead of a skirt over a dress, it's a dress over a dress! I know, I'm crazy! I scored this baby at a local vintage shop and instantly fell in love with a)the price b)the ascot and c)the opposite print on the lower half (which you'll see eventually). Just couldn't pass it up!

I don't think I would've worn leggings underneath if I didn't have to go to work, but I can't risk the wind grazin' my bum in front of a bunch of 3 year olds! Oh, the things they would have to say about that...I can hear it now...little, angelic voices screaming "Leeeaahhh!! I see your buuuutttt!" They're not above it.

Well friends, I'm off to see what the weekend has in store for me! I know for certain that the new Thai place that opened up ONE BLOCK from our apartment (!!!) and swimming are both in order- I'm a happy lady! Love you guys!

On Operating at Warp Speed

**This post is sort of diverting from where and what I was this blog to be, but I'm hoping to turn a new leaf of sorts IRL and in blogging by writing it; so here goes:

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This has been me lately. Sleepy, sure. but more than that, just run-down feeling-constantly. I'm sure it has something to do with the hustle of school, working two jobs, attempting to have a personal, social, and blogging life all at the same time, and a million other things each day, but honestly, I think the majority of my problem is that I'm not taking care of myself.

Typically, I'm an exceptionally healthy eater. But the last few weeks/month, I've gotten off the wagon in a bad way. Yesterday alone I had five chocolate chip cookies! (It's teacher appreciation week and one of my jobs is at a preschool...so...you do the math...). For me, that's a lot of junk. And my giving in to all my cravings is just making me feel tired and icky. When I eat whole foods, I feel much more like myself, not to mention more at peace and satisfied. 

Also, I've been almost solely focused on earning money for the new camera I'm planning on purchasing sometime in the near future, but have been neglecting a lot of other things that I may need. To sum this up, I think I'm moving too fast. I'm feeling haggard and worn, when I want to wake up with excitement each day. I'm constantly worried about the next couple of hours: where I need to be, what I need to be doing, how much money I'll be making, etc. It all needs to slow down. Granted, I still need to be making money, but I need to slow my body + brain down, and just relax. I need to do a little self pampering, and I need to remind myself that I'm a human being, not a machine. I need to de-stress and quit worrying/wishing/thinking my life away. I want to put more energy and thought into each thing I do, instead of spreading myself so thin. 

To achieve this, I'm going to do the following:

1. Get back on the whole foods train. Quit junk.
2. Take 1-2 days a week off from blogging.
3. Force myself to mentally slow down, and focus on what's in front of me.
4. Try my very best to do something active every day. It's hard when I work 13 hour days,
    but even a little youtube yoga would help, I think.
5. Buy myself a new pair of sandals. My other ones are falling apart.
6. Shave my legs. It's been a hot minute...don't judge.
7. Put more creativity and effort into my blog posts...even if that means they have to be
    less frequent or shorter. I really want to develop some inspiration.
8. Reinstate my nightly glass of wine : )
9. Breathe.
10. Make more friends.

I realize none of these are earth-shattering, but  small changes in day-to-day life are the ones that become permanent. What are some things you guys do to re-energize/re-start yourselves? I'd really love your input!

Thank you so much for reading. It really means a lot. Sorry, I know I say that all the time.
: )

EDIT: I'm also going to clean my house. Because, let's face it, that ish is making me crazy.