Fall in Florida

I have something to admit today: There are moments when I wonder why I picked up everything I owned in 2007 and moved it from Virginia/Maryland all the way down to Florida.

Those moments almost always occur in the middle of summer when The Sunshine State's heat index climbs into the hundreds and the humidity is so thick you feel like you need gills to breathe.

"Were the beaches and less expensive cost of living really worth it?" I ask myself as I step outside to face another frizzy-haired, sweat-drenched day.

And then--s l o w l y--summer begins to fade away. It's never really gone, mind you. But the humidity eases up, and 75 degrees really feels like, well, 75 glorious degrees.

Fall in Florida is an almost magical part of the year when spending time outside is a joy, and--as my temporary tattoo coaxes--there are plenty of opportunities to stop and smell the roses.

It's a time when the answer to my harried question in the summer is a resounding "Yes, Florida, you're worth it!"

What's your favorite thing about fall? Tell me in the comments!

Outfit details:
Goldenrod Ruffled Pullover from Anthropologie
Pants from JC Penney (old, similar)
Maddie Ghillie Wedge from Payless
Purse from H&M (old, similar from Payless)
Fox Earrings, Ring and Necklace from The Alchemy Shop
Letterpress Ring from Etsy shop Headcase Press
Temporary Tattoo from Tattly

This post contains Payless affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

One Bird, Two Birds, Pink Birds, Blue Birds

Don't know where the Dr. Seuss inspiration is coming from today, but I'm going with it!

Oh, the places I'll go in this dress! (See what I did there?) But, no, really, I'm super happy with this purchase from Simply Be because it's perfect for spring, Florida's year-round warm weather, and just about any occasion.

Shopping with friends? Check.

An outdoor music festival? Check.

Date night? Check.

Work (if I dress it up a bit and ever get a full-time job)? Check.

I'm excited about the versatility of this dress as well as the cute watercolor bird print, the ever-so-slight high-low hem that dips in the back just enough, and the SLEEVES with a little bit of poof.

Why is it so hard to find a fit-and-flare dress with short sleeves that's reasonably priced these days? Am I the only one having a difficult time?

Anyway, I feel really comfortable in this dress, which you might recognize from my Simply Be Wish List. I'm looking forward to wearing it a lot, so maybe you'll see it again in some sort of remix.

Outfit Details:

Simply Be Dress

JCPenney Hat (old, similar from Amazon)

Bamboo Sandals via ModCloth (old, similar from Bamboo, similar from ModCloth)

Perk Me Up Bag from ModCloth (sold out, similar)

Words of a Feather Necklace from ModCloth (sold out, similar in gold)

The Native Source Ring

Earrings from a local craft fair (similar from ModCloth)

Photos by my sweet fiance, Matt

This post contains ModCloth affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

Possible Valentine's Day Outfit: Mint and Polka Dots

If you couldn't tell already, I'm excited for Valentine's Day. I've enjoyed it ever since I was a kid exchanging those little store-bought Valentine's with my classmates. Now, I like it especially because I have a sweet, thoughtful honey to share it with.

Matt and I don't usually do anything too over the top on Feb. 14. He typically gets me flowers and a sweet treat (one year brownies, another cake pops!), I gift him with something random, and we go out to dinner at one of the restaurant chains down the street. Not too extravagant, but just special enough.

I'm already thinking about what I'll wear on Valentine's Day, and this outfit is a top contender. Mint green with red is one of my favorite color combos! And the bows on the sweater and polka dots on the dress are just too cute.

Are you looking forward to Valentine's Day? What are you going to wear? Tell me in the comments!

Outfit Details:

The Alchemy Shop Sweater

JCPenney Dress (old)

Target Tights (old, similar)

Amalgam of the Year Flat in Mint and Ivory from ModCloth

Fossil Scooter Charm Necklace

Earrings and Ring from different craft fairs

Vintage Purse

Photos by my sweet fiance, Matt

This post contains ModCloth affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

High Tops and Lowlights

I wouldn't call my style sporty by any means, but when I saw these Gola Liberty high top sneakers on clearance on American Eagle's website, I had to have them.

 

I was first introduced to Liberty of London when Target brought it to the masses in 2010. I went crazy for the cute, colorful prints and ended up with a few items that I still consider standouts in my wardrobe.

So, I was pumped for the shoes to arrive at my door. But once they did, I wasn't sure what I would wear them with. I rock a lot of 50s- and 60s-style dresses, and I couldn't think of a way to make these kicks work with that type of look.

I decided instead to wear them with basic black skinnies and a top with just a touch of blue. It's about as sporty as I'll ever get.

I also went darker with my hair a few days ago to better match my brunette roots.

Outfit details:
JCPenney Hat (old, similar)
Beach Bash Top from Bettie Page Clothing
Target Sweater (old, similar)
Torrid Jeans
Gola Liberty Quota High Top Sneakers
Necklace and Ring (gifts)