My First eShakti Dress

I feel like I've found a goldmine, and its name is eShakti.

I'd seen eShakti dresses on other bloggers, but I'd only ever skimmed the site.

That changed over the summer when I took a closer look and realized the degree to which I could tailor the items I was interested in.

The Quest for the Perfect Short-Sleeve Maxi Dress

I had only one fashion goal this summer.

Find a maxi dress with short sleeves.

It might sound simple, but it's no easy feat. Think about the maxis you've seen on your shopping adventures. Most of them are sleeveless, aren't they?

A Dress as Comfy as a Sweatshirt

It's funny how you can change your mind over time, no matter how long or short the passage.

Merry Christmas!

This month has been pretty hectic, but I didn't want Christmas to go by without wishing everyone a happy holiday.

Here's a look at my Christmas outfit (a bit toned down for work). I've been living in this holly garland for most of the month.

Strike a Pose: Betsey Johnson Camera Bag

I've been into photography for as long as I can remember.

When I was a kid, someone gifted me a small camera with Mickey Mouse on it just like this one before a big trip to Disney World.

It was the kind of camera that took 110 film and flash cubes. Ah, memories.

At first, I ended up with a lot of blurry shots and pictures of my pointer finger. But after a while, I got pretty good at taking photos.

My interest led to a minor in photography, and now I shoot photos for the newspapers/websites I work for.

So, I was immediately drawn to this adorable Betsey Johnson purse shaped like a camera from ModCloth. I had originally planned to tell my mother-in-law about it and ModCloth's handy 2014 Gift Guide. The bag would be the perfect Christmas present.

But when a shipping snafu caused ModCloth to offer me 15 percent off my next order, it was the perfect opportunity to go ahead and get the purse as an early birthday present for myself.

It's so cute, and I especially love the little details, like the jeweled flash and "3 2 1" words and phrases around the lens.

Are you into photography? How did you get started? Tell me in the comments.

Outfit details:
Coach Tour Dress in Houndstooth from ModCloth
T-Shirt from Old Navy
Tights from Target
Moccasins from Minnetonka (I've had these for at least 10 years, and they're still going strong.)
Betsey Johnson Photographic Charm Bag from ModCloth
Ring from Etsy shop I Am So Not Cool
Locket from Old Navy (old)
Hat handmade by my grandmother

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

Holiday Gifting Ideas from ModCloth

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

When it comes to Christmas, my mother-in-law's motto is go big or go home.

She hosts all the relatives on Christmas Eve and immediate family on Christmas Day, cooks a spread of delicious food, and puts Santa to shame with her gift giving skills.

I'm not the easiest person to shop for, so The Legend (a well-deserved nickname that was recently bestowed upon her) always asks me to create a wish list so she knows what I'd like to unwrap on Christmas Day.

The list usually ends up full of items from ModCloth, who just so happens to be making gifting pretty easy this year with their 2014 Holiday Gift Guide. You can shop using their handy categories, or check out presents inspired by trendsetting bloggers.

Here are three items from the guide that I'm including on my list this year:

• Betsey Johnson Photographic Charm Bag

• Frame of Radiance Jewelry Holder
• I Want to Warm Your Hands Mug

What's on your holiday wish list? Tell me in the comments.

The Prettiest Bernie Dexter Dress

Aside from my wedding gown, this Bernie Dexter dress is probably the most gorgeous piece of clothing I own.

I actually wore it to an afterparty I had the night of my July 5 wedding:

Although I didn't end up with many pictures of myself during the party, I made a mental note to recreate the look so I could blog about it. My friend recently had a fancy bridal shower, which was the perfect opportunity to re-style the outfit.

Bernie Dexter dresses are known for their pretty prints and pin up cuts. The cherry blossom print on this dress is so beautiful, and the fit is very flattering. A few of my favorite fellow bloggers have posted about this dress (or similar cuts) and talked about how much they love it, too. You can check out how they styled it:

• Southern (California) Belle
• The Soubrette Brunette
• Konadlicious
• Triple Thread
• Gracefully Vintage
• Betty Le Bonbon

You'll notice that I made the dress my own by cutting off the attached cincture and using my own belt. I actually ended up using the cincture as a hair ribbon, which helped tie the outfit together.

Do you have any Bernie Dexter dresses? Which print is your favorite? Tell me in the comments.

Outfit details:
Scene and Believed Dress by Bernie Dexter from ModCloth (no longer available)
Sweater from Express (old)
Shoes from Macy's (unavailable online, similar)
Belt vintage, thrifted
Purse from Urban Outfitters (old, similar)
Necklace from local craft fair
Ring from Etsy shop RRKK (one-of-a-kind)
Earrings from Icing (old, similar)
Temporary Tattoo from Tattly

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

November Wish List

Here's what I'm wishing for this month.

1. Vintage Flowers Temporary Tattoos from Etsy shop Pepper Ink, $20
You already know I'm currently obsessed with temporary tattoos, and these watercolor-y ones are just so pretty.

2. Sueded Pointed-Toe Flats from Old Navy, $20
I have these in teal, and they're super comfy. Plus, I'm really liking the color fuchia for fall.

3. Floral Print Satin Dress from Forever 21, $24.80
Can't go wrong with a floral print, amiright?

4. Silla Yellow Flats from B.A.I.T Footwear, $38
I've been eyeing these for a while now. I don't have any shoes from B.A.I.T. Totally seems like I should. ;)

5. Branches of Silver Leaves Headband from Icing, $10.50
Is there anything that says fall more than leaves?

6. Prancing in the Reindeer Dress from ModCloth, $89.99
This dress reminds me of my iPad case, which is basically the cutest. I love the colors and the deer.

What are you wishing for this month? Tell me in the comments!

This post contains Forever 21 and ModCloth affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

What I Wore to Oktoberfest

Before we get into the outfit, let's first talk about a change I made last week.

I went back to my natural hair color, brunette, with the help of Chris from Chic Image Lounge. Not only did he give me a beautiful sombre color, which is really popular for fall, he also did a keratin treatment, which made my course, frizzy hair smooth and shiny. I'm loving the overall look.

Want to know what hairstyles are on trend this season? I had the opportunity to connect with Chris and other hair stylists for a story I wrote for TBO Seen. Check it out: 8 hair trends to try this fall.

OK, on to the outfit.

Here's a random fact you might not know about me: I'm 1/4 German. So, when October rolls around, you better believe I'm searching for a local Oktoberfest celebration with German beer, food and oompah music.

Lucky for me, there are several Oktoberfest events in the Tampa Bay area. Here's another shameless TBO Seen plug for those who live around these parts: 5 Oktoberfest celebrations to check out in Tampa Bay. There's still one Oktoberfest on the list coming up next weekend.

This dress was one of my go-to's throughout the summer, and it's still going strong into fall. There's something about white lace that I just adore.

Come to think of it, these shoes have also been go-to's lately. They're closed-toe, but they have an all-over, cut-out pattern, which make them perfect for Florida fall.

And speaking of perfect, my purse is a beer mug, and one of my necklace charms is a tiny beer stein. Need I say more? :)

Outfit details:

Dress from Anthropologie (old; similar from H&M, similar from Target)

Shoes from ModCloth (similar)

Purse from Spirit Halloween

Zodiac Necklace from The Alchemy Shop

Beer Stein Charm from Fossil (I couldn't find this online, but I bought it at the store within the last month.)

Ring from Torrid

Temporary Tattoo from Tattly

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

It's a Chambray Kind of Day

And a day for silly faces, apparently.

I'm loving the versatility of this chambray dress from ModCloth. The weather doesn't usually get too chilly here in Florida, but on the few days that it does cool off this season, I'll be able to wear this dress with tights and a cute sweater. Or leggings, boots and a thick belt. The possibilities are many.

While it's still warm, I'm wearing it with some cute flats and bare legs.

(The dress looks a bit purple in this photo, but it's definitely blue.)

Outfit details:

Dress and Flats from ModCloth (similar flats)

Purse from Oasap

Zodiac Necklace from The Alchemy Shop

Locket from Etsy shop Mama's Little Babies

XO Ring from Charming Charlie

Letterpress Ring from Etsy shop Headcase Press

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

What's Black, White and Red All Over

The outfit I wore over the weekend to the St. Pete Indie Market, that's what!

Matt and I checked out the once-a-month makers faire on Saturday, and there were so many cute, handmade, and vintage items. I walked away with a working pocket watch/locket necklace from Lauralie Bradford, one of my favorite local jewelry makers. You can check out her shop, The Genesis, on Etsy.

Here's the necklace:

I got this classic-looking dress recently because I had nothing like it in my wardrobe. Although I've only been wearing it with red accessories so far, it's a versatile piece that I'll be able to change up frequently. Versatility is what I seem to be gravitating more toward lately.

Outfit details:
Dress from Old Navy (color sold out online)
Flats from Charlotte Russe (old, similar)
Belt and Sunglasses from Target (neither available online)
Purse from Urban Outfitters (old, similar)
Hair Bow from ModCloth (freebie)
Ring from Topshop (old, similar)
Zodiac Necklace from The Alchemy Shop
Moon Necklace (gift)
Spike Necklace from Forever 21 (old, similar)

This post contains Urban Outfitters, ModCloth and Forever 21 affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.