holy Friday

.... or in my thoughts: Oh, crap. Not only is it Friday, but it's been the sluggishly shortened week after all the hullabaloo and I definitely have not been motivated for even a shower let alone real work. Putting all the mess away, finding a hole big enough to stuff all the mother-load of Santa crap, and getting the tree out the front door to the curb without getting sap and needles into every square inch of the first floor. There's a reason why they say January is the absolute worst month of the year. 

When I'm feeling el crap-o I like to get lost in the web for a few hours to recoup some of the "specialness" that is life. So, if you're ready, I'll share with you one of my oldie yet goodies. I'm sure you've seen this before, but today is a great day to peruse the excellence that is 13 Simple steps to get you through a rough day. They're all great, but my favorite are the not you's. If that doesn't make you feel better about yourself, than I think you're pretty much hopeless. Not to mention, if only we all could live the care-free loving life of dogs. (Also a favorite of mine.) 

via 13 simple steps...

Trend Stalking: the spring dress

It's the most depressing time of the year. We come off the Holiday high only to smack flat into gloomy cold, winter-drums. All we really want is for it to be summer. Hell, I'll even take spring.

We're 2 whole months away from any signs of the birds chirping and the warmth of the sun past 7pm, at least here in the Southeast. Sorry just a bit longer there for you, New Englanders. 

Fear not, to bring some brightness into your day, I've found the cutest spring dress trends hitting the racks right this very second. 

Stripes

I told ya once, I'll tell ya again... stripes are by far the biggest trend. Classic and clean, they come back better than ever season after season.

1. Navy & Cream stripe dress $45

2. Stripe Aline dress $60

Sheer Panels aka "Window Dresses"

Window dresses have made an impact on the runway this season, with designers using panels of airy sheer chiffon to add some sex-appeal and lighten up their looks. I tend to love sheer panels when they're used appropriately, in other words, not the way Kim K likes to wear it to expose her bump.

1. French Connection Alicia dress $178

2. Lasercut sheath $228

Ruffles

Ruffles have made their way back onto the scene to accent what would be otherwise minimalist silhouettes. I like to think of it as the progression of the peplum from last season.

1. Rebecca Taylor silk chiffon mini dress $148

2. Greylin Elsa silk dress $88

Lace

Lace was all-over the runways this season, but what made it stand out the most was the super-feminine ways it was used by the designers. Lace in a dress? duh.

1. Sunblaze lace dress $328

2. Crossback Lace Dress $80

Color: Sea foam

Sea foam is the welcomed update to last season's mint. This color just screams warm weather.

1. Tracy Reese silk embellished dress $250

2. BCBG flutter slv dress $62

Color: Yves Klein Blue

What is Yves Klein Blue, you say? Yves Klein was an artist that patented this shade of blue in 1961, from his ground-breaking works from that era. The fashion community is very particular on their shade correctness, but as a layman you can just call it what it is, Royal Blue.

1. Blue long sleeve dress $47

2. Vince shirtdress $300

and one more random cute dress for good luck.

Colorblock v-neck dress $88

Let's also not forget prints..

When it comes to sun dresses, prints will always be in. Scarf print, liberty print, big bold graphic prints... it's endless. Prints are my favorite when it comes to dress shopping. Since prints are so much fun and boundless, we'll crack open that on another day.

New year, new you?

via http://sedaduas.tumblr.com/

Well, we all made it to another year. Don't lie, you know you thought the world was ending on Dec 21st.  I hope the time off with your family and friends enjoying some much needed R&R was just what the doctor ordered. 

I have had one of the most memorable holidays yet, thus far, in my wee little 28yr old life. I had the best time with my parents and brother in our first house. It was such an amazing feeling being able to host a holiday in a spacious home and being able to break-in our new dining room with a big family-style meal. I've never laughed so much in my life, or talked about so much with my mother. When I said it was a blessing (on facebook) I meant it. Sometimes time with the people that matter most is all that we need. No present under the tree could've gave me that much happiness. I hope yours was just as meaningful.

On the other hand, I'm not a big fan of New Years. I think it forces us to evaluate where we've been, where we're going, and has this awful undertone of finality. Ugh. One thing I did notice, everyone took to social media to spout how 2013 was going to be "the year" or "their year" and "big things ahead". I know 'pop.pop.fizz.fizz.' lends itself to this kind of enthusiasm at every year's end but this year seemed to be more inundated with everyone believing this was going to be the 'it' year for them. Maybe it's the lucky number 13? I too, feel that this will be my year in more ways than one. I started a list at the beginning of last December and I am hoping to accomplish much of this list. Accomplishment to me is a way to feel in charge and in control of what the year dishes. By physically checking things off my 2013 list, I should feel pretty on-top of the world by next Dec 31st. Now resolutions, I don't do resolutions. They only get broken by mid-January anyway. Kind of just like giving up something for lent. PASS.

Well, as I ease back into the routine, and we pick up where we left off here on the blog, I'd like to challenge you as my photo does above....

Let's do this.