OH, SO EASY

When I bought this skirt over the winter, I never thought I would wear it sans tights.  It was a little too short/tight/insecurity-inducing.  Well, my workout routine must really be paying off, because I busted it out on Friday and fell in love all over again.  Then I did the helicopter:

The fabric is so, so soft and light weight.  Paired with a simple tank and bright shoes, it was the perfect piece for a hot summer day.  And I must admit, I was having one of those "my body's rockin' right now" kind of days - even after the giant taco salad I destroyed for lunch.  And a colossal cupcake.  But we all deserve a ton of those days, no?  (Okay, even after my soapbox post about touting our body confidence, I still feel funny admitting that I loved my body this day.  Must practice this more!)

Aaaand because I've been watching a lot of Glee lately ... JAZZ HANDS!

Tank: Target, $6 - Skirt: JCP, $11ish - Shoes: Target, $17 - Bangles: vintage

COMPLETELY SAPPED

Does the warm weather zap the energy out of anyone else?  I don't thing it's the weather so much as the fact that I just don't stop going when it's nice out.  I've officially finished the first 2 weeks of my 10K training, and I think that's really starting to catch up with me.  Either way, it's a good kind of tired.  You know, the kind that comes after too much fun and loads of productivity.

Iggy knows what I mean:

Yesterday, I woke up feeling like a sack of cement.  I could barely get myself out of bed.  Needless to say, my creativity had seen better days, too.  This is why it's good to have a couple of back-up outfits put together in the back of your closet.  I had intended to pair a neck scarf and my wedges with this, but that was a little too much work.  So instead, I kept the shoes low and comfy and threw on a lot of silver jewelry.  For something so uninspired, I really like the way it turned out.

As for exhaustion - I came home yesterday afternoon and crashed during my 4-hour break from work.  The only bad thing?  When I went back to work, I kept greeting people with "good morning."  Um, yeah - it was 6pm.

Vest: 30¢ - Jumpsuit: 15¢ - Shoes: Ross, $9 - various rings

THREE (PLUS A BUNCH) FOR THURSDAY

Okay, this is the mother of all remix posts, but I couldn't resist.  Every time I wear this jacket, I think about how it has been the best $2 purchase ever.  I bought it this time last year and have worn it almost every month since.  Out of curiosity, I went back and gathered up all those outfits.  It includes some of my favorites! Keep in mind that these are only the times that I actually photographed it - there are even a few I didn't include.  The cost per wear on this piece is well under a dime!

P.S.  These pictures make it clear that 2 things have grown significantly in the last year:
1. my style and 2. my hair!

Whew!  I'm going to bed now.

AMERICAN GOTHIC

Like that goofy grin?  About one second before this photo, John walked by and grabbed my butt.  Such debauchery!

I have a love-hate relationship with this skirt.  I've tried to kick it to the curb on may occasion, but I just can't seem to let it go and always end up taking it back.  I do like it - I just hate that it's cut so straight.  I think it's been established more than once that I am not cut quite so straight.

But pairing stripes with stripes and lots of metal seems to be the perfect remedy. I feel like such a rebel with my punked-out patriotic vibe.  Seriously, who would mess with this:

Jacket: Thrifted, $2 - Tank: Ross, $8ish - Necklace: BonTon, $6 - Skirt: The Loft, $20ish - Shoes: SM via Ross, $15

IN A TIGHT SPOT

About 2 seconds before my first snap, my camera lens fell off of my camera and through the slats on the deck.  I was very sad.  After taking my photos, I tried to MacGyver it out, but to no avail.  So, I waited until the meatball got home, and together, we showed that deck who's boss.  Though, I now have a salad tong that may never be the same.

This outfit is a little cutesy for me, but I really like it.  I think it's the shirt that always makes me feel that way.  It's so soft and breezy, and perfect for summer weather.  So, I guess I can forgive its cutesy-ness for that.

The sun was sailing in and out of the clouds while I was taking pictures, so the the lighting is different in almost all the shots.  Is anyone else still recovering from the weekend?

Top: The Loft, $20 - Pants: org. Gap, B Green Loft, $8 - Sandals: Ross, $11 - Jacket: Thrifted, $2

I thought this last photo was hysterical, so I thought I'd share.  I have no idea what I was doing, but I can promise you, I was not doing the running man pose on purpose.  Even Iggy is aware of the awkwardness!

HOT LOVIN'

Friday was one of those days that started really hot, then cooled and rained, then got hot again - i.e. the perfect summer day.

And what could be better on a perfect summer day than a perfect outfit.  I'm loving everything about this.  It's so casual, so breezy and cool, and so me.  One thing I've realized about myself: come summertime, I hate getting ready.  I love my clothes. I love looking pulled together and stylish.  But I hate the actual time and energy it takes to get ready.  It's just too darn nice outside and I want to soak up every second of it that I can.  So, what's that mean for my summer style?

It means that it has to come together in 20 minutes or less - wardrobe, hair and make-up (hence, the hats and/or wet looks).  So far, I've been doing pretty good.  I'm also finding that it's a great exercise in knowing your style and just letting things flow.  It doesn't have to be hard.  The clothing and make-up are minimal at this point and it's all about easy accessorizing - the hat, the earring, the lipstick.  I did start off with a different belt, but in keeping with the spirit of the time constraints (and getting to work and all), I grabbed this one on my way out the door and changed in the car at Sheetz while John pumped gas.  Multi.  Tasker.

Hat: c/o PacSun - Tank: Target, $6 - Pants: JCP, 4 sizes too big, altered, cuffed, $25ish

Belt: Gap, $5 - Shoes: Ross, $9

RAMBLINGS OF A MONDAY (ER, TUESDAY) AFTERNOON

Come on, people - yesterday was a holiday!

1.  I'm glad to have a few hours to myself today.  While the weekend was top notch, I am super exhausted.  This morning when I awoke, I felt like a sack of cement.  Normally, I hate the rain, but today, it all seems fitting.

2.  I'm so far behind on emails - I swear, I'm getting to it.

3.  This Saturday is our sixth wedding anniversary.  Wow, that went fast.  And I don't regret a second of it.  I'll be sure to do a sappy post for ya'll.

4.  I found out this weekend that I have a bit of a local following.  That is people who are not obligated by blood or friendship to read my blog.  So, holla!  Track me down - say hi!  And if you're doing a clothing swap anytime soon, I'm so in!

5.  Question for you - I'm looking for some wedding blogs to advertise on.  For those of you in the midst of wedding planning, what are your favorite wedding blogs?

Be right back with an outfit post!