Cropped over Long

Vinca Dress - All Saints, ebay

 Jacket, belt - thrifted

Bracelets - vintage via Mom

Kalana Wool Crochet Tights - Sockdreams.com  

Boots - Fluevog, ebay

Necklaces - gifts

Cropped jacket over a long(ish) dress! I nabbed the jacket for 99 cents, but I think I see why it was so cheap. It's really not as flattering as it was on the hanger. But since I'm relatively new to layering and jackets, it was a good try. I did wind up switching out for this jacket because it was a little warmer and overall fit better.

The dress was purchased for my birthday from one of  my fav international ebay sellers (who sells mostly All Saints). I got a great discount since the dress is missing a button that I actually had a replacement for! I'd been wanting this dress off the site when it was $90 (on sale), but managed to get this one for $30.

Okay, this is my faux-Westwood look. I adore Vivienne Westwood looks, but clutch my chest in pain at the prices.. soo instead I work with the elements that make me love the brand: tartan, punky details like studs, tough boots and my mom's putto-bracelet.The flat boots were because I woke up with an extremely tender ball-of-foot. Not sure what I managed to do over the weekend, but anything other than the flattest flats were not happening.

I would have skipped shoes entirely, but Hubs and I have finally found a group to play D&D with and I wanted to go. We had a good night and the dress was a good idea for sitting around, however next time I should forgo the belt.

As always with Fashion Challenges, don't forget to check out our participants here on the master post. Feel free to join in the challenge late if you so choose. 

Layer Up Week: Short over Long Sleeve

Tunic - thrifted

Sweater - Kensie, thrifted

Jeans - The Limited, thrifted

Necklaces - gifts

Pearl Hart Pumps - Fluevog

Welcome to Layer Up Week! This is a Fashion Challenge created by Keely and I so we can remix our wardrobes and get the fullest inspiration from our clothes. If you're new to FC or want to play along, click the badge in my sidebar to take you to the master post. In the master post you'll also be able to see and visit all the participants of the particular challenge. Also in my sidebar, you'll find our past challenges.

This week is definitely going to be a challenge for me because the weather is calling for mid to high 60s by midweek. But I will do my best to incorporate the challenges without overheating. Today I layered my tops and my necklaces. This outfit was actually worn on Sunday. It was something comfortable and easy to wear.

I also got a (really awful) haircut over the weekend. I went in for a trim and it came out very butchered. I asked for my bangs to be trimmed "below my brows" and half of them were well above and the other half well below. Thankfully I know enough about cutting hair to fix it myself, but it really ticked me off that she didn't listen to a single thing I said. She pretty much gave me the same cut as the girl she had just finished (which I specifically said "I want X, not Y"). I wish I could find a single consistent stylist I can afford.

Coat Post

 

Kohls Plaid Coat (gift, still wearing), Fur Coat ($15, thrifted)
 

Fur Vest ($10, thrifted coat sleeves removed), Valentino Roma lined jacket ($90, etsy vintage), Floor Length Duster ($70, ~8-9 years old, Hot Topic)

 Open - Closed (Wool Trench, Sardeon Coat via All Saints)

It's outerwear-palooza. I wanted to share some of my outerwear in honor of my newest coat bought on clearance from All Saints. And also because I haven't had as much cold weather to show them off. I'll keep it short on words since there are tons of photos.

Wind in my Sails

 Tee - Route 66, thrifted

Scarf - Thrifted

Trousers - Elevenses, thrifted

Amelia Boots - Miz Mooz

Hat - Target

Jewelry - gift, gift, gift (Mom, Sheila, Keely?)

Final day of my official unofficial Sheila Week.  I remembered the brand was carried by Anthro while I was puttering around Goodwill waiting for the hubs to pick me up. These pants were in nearly perfect condition (one button needed some reinforcement), and cost me about $3. I actually came out with a few great scores, including a silk and cashmere blend sweater for D. I also snagged a skirt and 3/4 cotton tee by Patagonia. 

I probably need to do a clean out though, because right after I got out of the store, my mom called and told me "I got you some new clothes!"

I'm sure everyone was anticipating my yellow skirt, but I couldn't wait to wear these trousers. Instead of my yellow skirt, I wore the snake ring and "our boots". Sheila has these same boots in a gorgeous blood red.

This outfit is a reinterpretation of this 2009 outfit. I think my attention to details has upgraded in the past few years, but my tastes have stayed relatively the same. The biggest difference though? I wear brown now. Three years ago, I discounted this whole color range because I hated a certain shade of brown. I now appreciate rich cognacs, deep siennas and oxbloods, and my favorites - bitter cacao shades.

Don't forget everyone - Layer Up Week starts on Monday! Join up if you haven't already.

Pixie Skirt

 Cowl shirt, Coat *- All Saints

Undershirt - Old Navy, gift

Skirt - gift via Shiela

Boots - Eject

Socks - gift via Ally

Saredon Trench

Wow! Talk about color. I didn't even realize how colorful I must have been to everyone else today until seeing the photos. Day 4 of Sheila Week yields this skirt. It's got lots of lovely colors, a fun handkerchief hem and tiny bells! I literally had bells on today. It was pouring rain when hubs and I headed out to classes today. (Seriously look at the curl in my hair!!) so I had to sub the school brick wall instead of my usual one. I'm sure I got some weird looks, but I was just happy the rain slacked up for a bit

Also a little share today - My new coat! Eee. This came in the mail yesterday. Hubs had been needing a new coat for awhile, and I finally talked him into trying out All Saints. And of course, I couldn't not order me one, especially at 1/4 the retail price. I did have to hem the sleeves up an entire two inches, but I did learn how to hem a lining all by myself!

I had to add a little bit of other gifts into today's outfit with Ally's gifted socks. I usually wear these socks if you ever see me wearing my Eject boots. Something about the design matches the boots and makes me want to wear them. I felt powerful today.

Nothing like a good (slightly unintentional) theme week to make getting dressed easier. Don't forget next week starts Layer Up! Week. So I'll have a whole other week of inspired dressing coming up. Why don't you join me and Keely?

*No links are monetarily linked or ad enabled on Megan Mae Daily.

Tagged

Top - Kensie, gift via Sheila

Jacket - Michael Michael Kors, thrifted

Jeans - Levi Strauss, thrifted

Clinic Boots - Jeffery Campbell

Sheila-Week Continues! She gifted me this awesome top with a cool patterned gradient and pattern mix ruffle. I accidentally laid this jacket near the top one day and realized how perfectly the gradients went together. It's been pouring almost all day, so I stuck with jeans and really tall boots to keep my feet dry.


tagged me and here are the rules:
1. Post these rules
2. Post 11 random things about yourself
3. Answer the questions set for you by the tagger
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you have tagged to answer
5. Tag 11 'peeps'

So here are 11 random things about me:
- I got married the day after I turned 18, and just celebrated my 4th anniversary with my dear hubsies.
- I am still in college, but I've nearly finished my AS in Psychology. It's not been easy, because school caused a lot of anxiety in my life, but I've slugged along and I'm nearly at the end of this part.
- I was (and still am) a Harry Potter fan. I got the first book when I was 9 or 10 years old and got lost into one of the bigger fandoms since Trekkers and Star Wars fans. However, I'm quickly gaining a new fandom in Sherlock BBC. If you haven't seen this yet- please do!
- I read tons of information every day. I joked on someone's blog that I read "a million words a day", but it's probably even more than that. I even watch television with my Nook in hand.
- I am still working on my "book". I started writing sometime in November. I got about 11K words down in 6 days. Burnt out, I left it for a month and recently edited it. Now I'm backing to writing. I'm trying to decide on where to host it, but possibly fiction press.
- I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.
- I still don't have a driver's license. Though I'm actually working on it.. somewhat.
- I'm shy, despite the fact that I talk. A lot.
- Did I mention the Sherlock thing? I did, oh well..
- My favorite materials are wool and leather.
- I write lists obsessively.

Here are my answers to Terri's questions:
1. Paperback or e book reader?
Aaah! Both. I don't care so long as I can read it. Although my e-reader can carry many many books along with me where ever. It was a gift. I wouldn't have bought it myself, but I use it absolutely everyday.

2. Skirts or pants?
Aaah, also both.

3. Coke or Pepsi?
Ohgod Coke. I haven't had a Pepsi since I was 13? Maybe younger. I drink tea or water at places that serve Pepsi. I blame that on my years of living in Georgia.

4. Summer or winter?
Fall. Hah!

5. If you had to learn a foreign language which one would it be?
Latin. I am furious with myself that I gave into peer pressure and spent my Latin classes goofing off instead of learning. While no one "speaks" it, it's an incredible language.

6. What is your comfort food?
All food? I guess traditional Southern food. Anything really. I love food, all kinds. I do have this little Chinese place I love to go when I'm sick. They use really fresh veggies, and the wonton soup is way better than any chicken noodle soup.

7. Which fashion trend would you never wear?
Never say never. Although probably those tennis shoe high heels? I'm not really fond of them. Harem pants. Yeah, I like the idea of them, but tapered pants look awful on my chicken legs.

8. What is your dream job?
I don't know. I'm still sussing that out. I want to do everything. I'd love to be a writer, but like drawing, I don't know if that's more a hobby or what. I want to do something in fashion, or television, or marketing! I just love lots of different things.

9. Which is the next place you would like to travel to?
New York City! I've never been farther north than Lexington, Kentucky. My family never traveled very far. I'd love to go to London. It's a dream to go to the UK and travel around, sight seeing places I've only ever seen in pictures. Not sure you could actually get me on a plane though! I'd also love to go to Canada and go shopping in boutiques and Fluevog stores! *swoon~*

10. What are your wardrobe staples?
My All Saints stuff. I know, that's not staples. But I have a varied wardrobe. My favorite outfits always feel pulled together by some of my more "unique" pieces, which are usually All Saints. Or I could say my shoes. I have lots of great shoes. I suck at buying basics, so I make everything work for me as I can.

11. Who is your most favourite person in the whole world?
I guess the typical answer would be my husband, no?

I tag:
EVERYONE

Here are my questions:
1. How do you take your tea? (Coffee?)
2. Describe your winter coat or jacket. (Pick your favorite if you have it)
3. Give me an adjective!
4. Favorite guilty pleasure tv show (or movie).
5. Favorite blog.
6. If you found a $100 bill on the ground, what would you do with it? (assuming it belonged to no one, but the finder - you.)
7. Would rather receive snail mail or an email?
8. Do you like patterns or solid colored clothing?
9. Stripes or Polka Dots?!
10. Have you ever been on a plane? Where were you going?
11. Favorite accessory?

Silhouette Solutions

 Dress - Karen Kane, ebay

Over shirt - Old Navy, thrifted

Tights - Anna Sui

Flats - Frye, ebay

Necklace and snake ring - gifts via Sheila

Bag - Target clearance

Embiggen me!

Like I said last week, sitting in class requires different clothing demands than my usual daily habits. We're continuing on with the cold mornings, but sunny spring-like days. This grey dress has been invaluable as a base. I skipped the usual belt and let the tailored shirt be the only waist definition. I also wore these two pieces of jewelry that Sheila had tucked inside the pockets of the jacket she sent me! (I'm thinking of doing a Sheila-week, thoughts?)

The three fingered ring is something I've been lusting after for-ev-er. Snakes being one of my favorite jewelry motifs. The statement necklace has a good weight to it. Meaning it doesn't have the problem with slipping around like most of my necklaces.

A good pair of bright tights, comfortable shoes, and my new purse topped everything off nicely. I was comfortable all through the day. I was a little chilly around my feet until the afternoon, but I think on Thursday I'll revisit the idea of this outfit, (with a pair of boots).

Blogger Buds

Suede Jacket - Danier, gift from Sheila

Dress - Allen B, thrifted

Boots - Frye, ebay

Sheila and I don't swap with each other, instead we've been shopping for one another - on opposite sides of two countries, for months. I recently found these Tsubo sandals in her size for $6. She's sent me a number of goodies (including everyone's favorite yellow skirt) - and Saturday, this gift showed up in my mailbox.

I was originally hunting a denim jacket to add to my slowly growing arsenal of jackets. I thrifted one, but ultimately gifted it to a friend because it wasn't quite right. Sheila found this denim-colored suede jacket that is absolutely perfection for these 60F winter days (seriously, anyone else concerned over the weather?) - and it's a better alternative to denim in my book. I'm all giddy over how soft it is, how incredible the fit, and how perfectly it's going to fit into my wardrobe.

I enjoyed a great weekend of writing, watching movies, and even had a lunch out with mom (thanks to Christmas giftcards!). Life may not always be perfect, but right now, it's awesome.

Speaking of Sheila and her awesomeness - go check out her early Layer Up! week for inspiration. Also check out Elsita over at The Hidden Seed - She combined two things I'm excited about Red and Grey AND Dress over Pants.

TGIF

 Sheer blouse - LOFT, altered, thrifted

Sweater - Etoile, thrifted

Trousers - The Limited, thrifted

Shoes - Fly London

Piano Leather Tie - vintage via Mom

I remember hearing the TGIF joke from my grandmother at an age where sharing a joke with swearing in it was probably inappropriate. Because of that, hearing "TGIF" still makes me chuckle. If you haven't heard the joke, here ya go:

A business man got on an elevator.When he entered, there was a blonde already inside who greeted him with a bright, "T-G-I-F!"
He smiled at her and replied, "S-H-I-T."
She looked puzzled and repeated, "T-G-I-F," more slowly.
He again answered, "S-H-I-T."
The blonde was trying to keep it friendly, so she smiled her biggest smile, and said as sweetly as possibly, "T-G-I-F."
The man smiled back to her and once again, "S-H-I-T."
The exasperated blonde finally decided to explain."T-G-I-F' means 'Thank Goodness It's Friday.' Get it, duuhhh?"
The man answered, ''Sorry, Honey, It's Thursday."

Thankfully it's Friday for real. It's been an insanely busy first full week back to school. I've been woefully behind in my commenting, but I've kept up with reading my blogroll. I'm hoping by the end of next week, I'll have this new schedule down pat.

This outfit was pretty much a direct rip off of Bethie the Boo. Red and grey has been a major obsession of mine for the winter months, so this outfit came together so easily. The trousers were a 99 cent find. I love Limited pants because they are cut perfectly, and it seems like whoever owned them before me had them hemmed - so I didn't have to! The leather tie felt like the perfect thing to tie it all together.

Burgundy Monochromatic

Sweater Dress (altered), skirt - thrifted

Harness - Audra Jean 

Codori Crochet Tights - Sockdreams

Amelia Boots - Miz Mooz

Ahh, ever since I purchased these tights and boots, I've been trying to build the perfect outfit around them. I actually put this dress back on super saturday because it needed hemming. It was a foot too long, and on the hanger looks so plain and blah. I wound up going back for it though because I just kept thinking of things it could go with. I trimmed it a liiiittle shorter than I meant to, but that just made it a perfect option for layering.

I actually get out of one of my classes for today, but I will still be taking Tuesday and Thursday to create comfortable non-binding outfits. My favorite thing about my harnesses is the lack of lower stomach compression, but great waist definition. I hate sitting around in trousers for four hours in uncomfortable school desks. So dresses will definitely be in greater rotation, especially as it warms up.

Speaking of layering, you should join Keely and I for the latest incarnation of Fashion Challenge: Layer Up! Join us by clicking the badge in my sidebar.

Black Out

Don't adjust your screen - here at MMD, I've decided to "black out" my daily post to bring awareness to SOPA and PIPA. If you don't know what those are, I've rounded up a few helpful links to sort things out.

Big sites like Wikipedia and Reddit are shut down today.

Google explains here.(Btw have you seen Google's front page?)

Need a nerdtastic breakdown? George Takei explains why his normally busy media sites are quiet today.

You may have heard SOPA is off the table, but PIPA is not. ...And maybe not SOPA, either.

Still not getting why these two bills are so important to oppose? Here's a happy comic that dumbs everything down so we all can understand. (Warning: bleeped sockpuppets)

 Here is a response from the MPAA about the "black outs," and showing their ignorance to what these black outs are exemplifying. These sites are not punishing users, but are blatantly spreading the message that too many have missed.

SOPA and PIPA are not going to "fix" piracy and "save" American jobs. 

If you are in the US, call, email, mail letters to your representatives expressing your opinions on these bills. For those not living in the US, this may not mean much, but it means a big difference for the entirety of internet users, including you. If you know me personally, you know I am not a political person at heart, but I feel very strongly about keeping the internet a free and open media.

It's mah birthday!

 Blouse - All Saints

Tee - Hanes

Skirt - The Limited, thrifted

Cotton lined wool tights - Sockdreams

Boots - Nine West, thrifted

It's my birthday! Today I am 22. And in the interest of being an adult, I'm going to all my classes like a big girl instead of partying. I have gotten lots of well-wishing, some thoughtful pressies and cards. Even managed to snag a pair of sandals on super sale.

Admittedly, I don't know that I have too much energy to party. So I'll probably spend my not-class hours reading blogs and catching up on Grey's Anatomy via Hulu.

What my photos actually looked like.

My outfits are running about a day off schedule with the start of the school year, but hopefully I'll be back on track by the end of this week. This was yesterday's errand outfit, mostly seen in snatches beneath a coat. I'd love to re-wear this in a summer version, but the infusion of bright pink definitely helped brighten up the day. (Speaking of pink, my hair-pink is nearly washed out. I think going to the pool has killed it)

Hope everyone is having a good start to their week!

Don't forget Keely and I are starting our Layer Up Fashion Challenge starting January 30th. Click the badge in my sidebar to sign up.

Faux-fab

 Vest - Papaya, thrifted

Sweater - Jones sport, thrifted

Jeans - The limited, thrifted

Boots - Nine West, thrifted

Headband - DIY

Fake leather has improved vastly in my life time. Even "cheap" options are getting more realistic and less plastic-y. I normally still opt for real leather any time I have the chance, but I added not one, but two faux-leather pieces on my last trip to Goodwill. This NWT Papaya vest is very soft and fit great. I expect it will get a lot of wear, especially as a spring/summer layer. And more than anything I love finding clothing with "tough" details in white rather than solid black or charcoal grey.

These Nine West booties were on the shelf. I couldn't find a size but tried them on anyway. They were about a half size large, but that was perfect to add an insole into for a perfect fit. Oddly I found the size later stating "7 1/2" - a size and a half larger than my normal size. From the front, they remind me of old fashioned boxer boots.

Looking to jazz up your looks with layers? Need some inspiration? Check out Keely and my latest fashion challenge!

FC: Layer Up Inspiration

Though I only use Polyvore for these inspiration posts - I decided in an effort to remove Polyvore from my blog entirely (and begin honoring the New Year's requests), I'm trying something different for this Fashion Challenge Inspiration post.

Sheila of Ephemera is a master of layering, and I am especially impressed by her layering long sleeve under short sleeve/sleeveless dresses to extend their wearability.

Sal of Already Pretty has got some great cropped over long looks, and so does her blog and real life friend Audi of Fashion For Nerds does too.

Keely wears maxis better than anyone I know, and her long cardigan + long maxi look will keep you warm and stylish. Tanesha of Girl with Curves does a great set of layered dresses here.

Confused about how to wear a jacket over a vest? How about the even odder vest over a jacket? Give it a try!

Shen Dove of Shen Dove Style does a great job of layering her purple maxi and yellow cardigan with a jacket. Ladies don't have the monopoly on style, this pin shows how the fellas can layer their cardigans with a blazer and look super stylin' while they're at it.

Kasmira of What I Wore 2day created a perfectly timed round up of her dress over jeans looks.


Still Stuck?! Shoot me an email, or leave a comment. I'd be happy to help you out if you're feeling particularly challenged by a day's theme.

Fashion Challenge: Layer Up

Brr, it's cold up here in the Northern Hemisphere, aaaand it's Fashion Challenge time, Bloggers! Keely and I have done it again! This time we're focusing on Layering Up! It's chilly, and layers are great for keeping warm, but can also add depth and dimension to otherwise basic oufits. For those who might be in the Southern Hemisphere - don't feel left out. Please join us and show us how you layer up for the warmer months.

Remember, we don't require that you participate every single day if the challenge week. If the idea is not for you or circumstance (work, school, etc) makes the particular challenge impossible, do what is appropriate for you, but we do encourage everyone take away from this whatever inspiration you can. Don't forget to visit other participants and cheer them on.

Not sure what fashion challenge is?

How it works:

1. Sign up here on the linky. Leave a comment please! (Past Linkys get deleted when new ones are created, so that may be some incentive to leave a comment)
2. Grab the button above (save it to your computer).
3. Post the button on your sidebar or in each Fashion Challenge post and link back somewhere to one of our blogs (CasualChicKiki or MeganMaeDaily) so we know that you are participating. 
4. Dress up and post your Fashion Challenges from Monday, January 30th to Saturday, February 4th, 2012.  
5. At the end of the week email Keely at kkmkreations@live.com with your favorite Fashion Challenge outfit photo so you can be included in the post challenge round-up.

 

Still stuck? Check out all the past Fashion Challenge posts listed in my sidebar.

Fashion Snow

Coat - thrifted

Sweater - All Saints

Jeans - Joe's Jeans, thrifted new stock

Boots - Miz Mooz

Aaaah! Snow! And Class! Super busy day today, so excuse the lack of sartorial exuberance. I tossed on things that were layered and warm. I knew it would be cold, but it started snowing and sleeting midway through the day. I didn't get pictures until I got home, so it's dark, blurry, and windy. Oh, I also got my first negative comment on my fur coat. But also lots of people petted it/me.

I reacquainted with some old friends and made a couple of new ones, in which, I possibly found a new D&D group to join. I did get up early, put dinner in the oven to slow cook, and even cooked breakfast. Not sure I'll do that everyday, but it felt like a good start to my school year.

In the interest of sharing more than a boring photo and ramblings about school, here's a great video that's been going viral lately. So if you haven't checked out the Fotoshop by Adobé video, Click Here. If you have seen it or you're watching for the first time, share your feelings on the subject in the comments.

Also Keely and I have some great news for you all tomorrow, so keep a look out! Not so subtle hint - it's another Fashion Challenge!

Limetastic

Sweater - Kensie, thrifted

Dress - Karen Kane, ebay

Underskirt - thrifted

Harness - Audra Jean 

Socks - Target, gift

Vintage Shoes - etsy

I did swoon when I stumbled on this cotton sweater in goodwill. It was that perfect shade of lime-y citron. I layered it up with my fav knit dress and layered the underskirt to mirror the pink in my hair. Tall socks warded off the damp because I wanted to eek out one more day of non-boots. We're expecting "winter weather" (what the news is calling it) starting tomorrow. Tomorrow which is my first day of classes. Brr!

Sorry for today's tired face. I stayed up all night reading The Fault in Our Stars. No spoilers, but it is an amazing book that I highly recommend everyone go check out right now. Small warning: Keep some tissues handy. I spent 4 out of 6 hours bawling. So worth it. Oh! And all the copies of the first printing are signed by the author.

Fault in Our Stars

 Necklace - Etsy 

Earring - convention booth

Star Bracelet - thrifted

Shirt - Old Navy (christmas giftcard purchase)

Skirt - All Saints

Pumps - Poetic License, ebay

Thanks to everyone for your amazing conversation yesterday's post. I learned more than I expected on the topic. The word "modesty" holds a myriad of connotations, some that were unexpected for me. If you haven't weighed in, please do leave a comment on yesterday's post. 

As for today, things are little less thought provoking.  I've worn too much black since the first of the year. This outfit was a little too lightweight for the weather, but I'm staying inside so I didn't worry too much. The tee shirt is another colorway of this one. I'm not typically a multiples purchaser, but I really like the cut of this top. 

In good news, birthday goodies are trickling in! I got a lovely card and birthday gift from Ally, a bizarrely matching free birthday drink postcard from Starbucks, and my pre-ordered (signed!) copy of John Green's The Fault in Our Stars. 

Yesterday D and I celebrated my birthday early with a friend of ours who is moving back to school this week (school starts on Thursday!!!). We went swimming and had dinner at incredible restaurant I haven't been to in years. I had a crawfish pasta with a very flavorful cajun salmon. I still have half a slice of lemon curd cake in the fridge for later. Yum!

Da Stuff: glittery D10 earring, LLAP necklace, Star Bracelet

Be Not Afraid... of Your Hair

So you've made your appointment with your favorite stylist, or maybe you just walked into a local salon intending to just have that inch or two of "dead ends" (all hair is dead, people) cut off. You have that knot of dread in your stomach that the stylist will chop all your hair off and it won't be just as long as it was anymore.

Let me start my personal hair story by saying, I spent many years in my teens with a deep brown mane of long hair. I grew it out in high school to get rid of the black hair leftover from my "goth phase". I was so proud of my length that I wouldn't do more than ask for chin length or longer layers. I always parted in the middle. For years. I was stuck with hair that always felt boring. 

One February day, I got tired of the lank, tangled mess. I waltzed in a salon. The woman asked, "Just a trim?" I'm sure dozens of women sat in her chair and said just that. I didn't want to be typical, I wanted some change! "Nope, chop it off!" I exclaimed.

Now don't mistake this post for me advocating you to chop off all your hair. I've been through dozens of hair colors all shades of the rainbow. I've gotten trims to alter the shape of the growing out pixie cut. I'm now thrilled with my current a-line bob in natural henna red with pink.

But! I am sad. I read people complaining all the time that they want to, but are frightened, to try a new color or style because it might not work for them. Let me share a secret - it'll grow back. Yes, it may mean you spend some time with not your ideal perfect hair, but it may also mean you spend the next decade (or worse, decades) never knowing that another style MIGHT just suit you better.

This is my plea to try something different. If you needed a sign, now is the time to change something, do something drastic - try out that color or style you've been wishing you could. Changing your hair may be what you need to really amp up your personal style. So do me a personal favor, give yourself a chance to do something different. Even if you just take down that ponytail for the day.

Celebrate, Every Day

 Dress - Reggio, thrifted

Hepat Boots - Tsubo

Star Earrings - gift* from Keely

When you woke up this morning, pulled out your clothing for the day, did you think "this will do"? Did you feel excited, did you have an emotional response? Did you pass by that special dress, or piece you are "saving"? I'd been saving this dress for my birthday party. Like I said before though, plans changed. So I decided, Thursday is special enough to wear this fun velvet dress. I felt sassy and dressed up, even though I wasn't doing anything special.

I started feeling better yesterday after some good food and a lie-in. So D and I finally got our butts out of the house to walmart to buy him some white shirts. I finally got inspired to dye my hair the way I've been planning. I used Color Rays* in red. It started out very hot pink, but it settled closer to red this morning. I think it'll fade back to pink, but I'm super thrilled with the results right now!

*Also in case you haven't read my disclosure page: No link on Megan Mae Daily will ever be a sponsored link. Recommendations are always something I buy and use myself in real life. I do not make any money off my recommendations. Items labeled "gift" has either been freely given by my friends or family, they are not gifts of any company.

Grey's

Leather star "headband" - Target

Sweater - Gap, thrifted
Star Bandana - gift
Silk Skirt - vintage, thrifted
Leggings, boots - All Saints

The sneezy cold I had before Christmas seems to be creeping back. It's made me very draggy and wanting to sleep in when I need to be shifting my schedule back to get up for my classes. School starts back in a week (uggh), but I am actually looking forward to it.  I'm also super excited because Grey's Anatomy is starting back up tomorrow. I hate hate hate cliffhangers!

Today's sartorial choices were made based on the temps and my exhaustion. I wanted something warm and simple. This angora sweater has been a godsend for cozy days. It's not the most beautiful piece of clothing, but I guarantee if you felt it, you would have bought it too. What do you wear on days when you don't feel 100%?

Harlyqueen

 Dress - vintage

Belt - thrifted

Cotton lined wool tights - Sockdreams

Wedges - Jeffrey Campbell

Thanks to everyone who gave me feedback on my 2011 round up post. I really appreciate honest answers! I promise, no turning this blog into a polyvore thing. 

It was super chilly today. I had lots of pre-classes errands to run (omg book prices). I tossed on my vintage wool dress, wool tights, and mega-wedges for extra stomping action. This is the first time I've tried belting this dress. Most of the time belts won't hit high/wide enough for this 80s dress. I thought I'd show you guys how switching up tights, shoes and accessories can change up a very bold statement dress.

First up, a graphic print headband, light colored tights and wedge ankle boots. Next a matching hat, OTK boots, and a wrist cuff. Finally the first wearing of this dress was on my birthday last year. I wore it with my gifted Star Trek pin, fishnet tights, knee highboots and a DIY graphic print messenger bag.

Happy New Year

Tunic - thrifted

Ally Belt - DIY

Jeans - One Star, thrifted

Boots - Eject

Wrist cuff - Target

Don't let that thin tunic deceive you - we had another 30 degree weather drop, and there were flurries the whole drive to the pool. D and I decided to kick off the new year with a trip to the civic center's indoor pool to get some much needed exercise. We're both hoping to make this kind of trip a weekly (at least a couple times a month) habit. It's a minimal cost way ($3) to keep us in shape any time of year. Plus the hot pool afterwards is awesome. Did you make a New Year's Resolution? Please share it in the comments!