Almost (Wordless) Wednesday

Amidst a super-busy week, I decided to give myself a bit of grace and write a little less, today.

The message I hope to convey is: There are times when allowing oneself to recharge takes top priority over all else!

Cashmere Coat: Neiman Marcus

Scarf: c/o Elabore Store

Button Down: American Apparel Outfitters

Sweater: Abercrombie & Fitch (thrifted)

Gray Jeans: Forever 21

Sunnies: c/o Firmoo

Handbag: Kate Spade Saturday

Boots: Nine West

Gloves: Vintage Coach (gifted)

Lipstick: NARS Funny Face

Joy & peace! T.

This post will be linked (on Tuesday) to Style Sessions, Garay Treasures and Confident Twosday.  On Wednesday, I'll link to The Pleated Poppy and Whatcha Wearing Wednesday. 

Inspiration in Style & Life...

 
Yes, I've sang praises many a time before (here) about inspiration (and, the joy it brings me).  Amidst cold, gray and snow-laden weather, however, sharing what's recently inspired me (and brought me added bliss) seems to be more than the needed thing to do (smile)!

Check out this great blog post to see what inspired me to sport my cherished moto jacket (an investment, wish list item I bought on clearance a few months ago).  This great jacket hanging in the closet doesn't give me feelings of elation.  Wearing it, though; that makes me happy (and, that's a good thing)! In fact, I'm vowing to don this jacket much more often.

Those who read the blog frequently know I adore red lipstick.  It's especially fun to wear when it's dark and gloomy outside--makes the world feel a bit brighter in my estimation! Check out this great blog post which inspired me to try a great tip related to red lipstick application.

My home is a haven, and I am thankful for my dear husband's ever-present optimism, support and love.  When I step out into the "real world," though, I'm finding a lot of really crabby folks out there as of late (must be the weather, huh?). The other day, having encountered too many of these individuals to count (in one single day), I was inspired by this lovely thought from SARK (an author and fellow blogger): "We all have the opportunity to take something that previously hurt us and turn it into a gift for someone else."  Guess what? From that point forward, for every testy person I dealt with that day, I turned around and did something extra-nice for someone else I encountered! 

Here's a link to SARK's Facebook page.  Interestingly enough, she's featured a whole lot of great stuff on the topic of inspiration, too!

Faux Fur Beret: Vintage (Etsy)

Sunnies: Ray Ban

Necklace: Vintage & Re-purposed (Etsy)

Moto Jacket: Michael Kors

Turtleneck: Target

Jeans: American Eagle Outfitter (older & son's discarded pair)

Boots: Vintage Kinney (Vintage Vogue in Bloomington, IN)

Lipstick: Lancome Red Stiletto
Handbag: The Leather Satchel Company (via Asos)

So, my friends... What's inspiring you as of late?  Please share! I think we all need a bit of added inspiration these days (xx).

Joy, hugs & peace, T.

BTW, I'm linking this post to Not Dead Yet Style (Sunday) and the Two Birds' Inspiration Monday (Monday).  

Polyvore-inspired Style in Action...

Hope your Valentine's Day weekend was a fab one! Mine indeed was. I'd hoped to take photos amongst the lovely WinterFest ice sculptures lining our beautiful downtown...

Mother Nature, however, sent us a mix of wet snow mixed with icy particles on Saturday morning. This truly didn't lend itself to photo taking--out in the elements. As a result, after our breakfast date (downtown), we found a covered locale at a local shopping plaza to snap a few shots.

The outfit I'm wearing was inspired by this past post.  In fact, the Polyvore board I created (inspiring this outfit) is featured directly below).

Afternoon at the WinterFest by tinatickledpink featuring how to wear boots

I love creating Polyvore inspiration boards! They help me to creatively style pieces already hanging in my closet--as well as determine what future purchases might best compliment what I currently own.

Beanie: American Eagle Outfitters (gifted)

Sunnies: Ray Ban

Scarf: Local Boutique Purchase (Calico, Sage & Thyme)

Top: Nautica

Gray Jeans: Forever 21

Gray Suede Booties: G.C. Shoes (Boutique Purchase)

Watch: Kate Spade (gifted)

Handbag: Coach

Lipstick: NARS Afghan Red

Share with me your thoughts regarding my outfit, Polyvore, your weekend--whatever (smile).  Would love hearing from you!

Joy, hugs & peace, T.

BTW, I'm linking this post to Not Dead Yet Style (Sunday) and the Two Birds' Inspiration Monday (Monday).  This post will be linked (on Tuesday) to Style Sessions, Garay Treasures and Confident Twosday.  On Wednesday, I'll link to The Pleated Poppy and Whatcha Wearing Wednesday. 

Appreciating Beauty (Where I Haven't Always)

Have I ever mentioned I'm not a "winter person?" I'm pretty sure I have (smile).

When I look at the gorgeous winter scenery in these pics, however, it's hard not to pause and appreciate the natural beauty. Luscious, fluffy snow blanketing the ground, statuesque bare trees and those deep blue skies; what's not to savor?

In 2015, I'm striving to see a bit more beauty everywhere.  Rather than wish it away, I'm trying to appreciate each day in this season (even those that are icy and frigidly chilling!).

 Boucle Blazer: Investments (Dillard's)

Anchor Scarf: Old Navy

Sweater: Banana Republic (thrifted)

Skirt: Banana Republic (consigned)

Boots: Nine West

Handbag: Coach

Sunnies: Ray Ban

Tights: Simply Vera Wang

Leather Gloves: Vintage (Cactus Flower in Bloomington, IN)

Enamel & Rhinestone Ship Wheel Brooch: Vintage (Etsy)

Where are you seeing beauty as of late?  Would love hearing about it!

Joy, grace & peace, T.

This post will be linked (on Tuesday) to Style Sessions, Garay Treasures and Confident Twosday.  On Wednesday, I'll link to The Pleated Poppy and What Wives Wear. 

Style Thoughts: Marsala

Pantone recently named Marsala the "color of the year." It's a gorgeous shade; don't you think?

It's funny, but as much as I love burgundy and cranberry toned hues, I have very little of them in my wardrobe.  I'm vowing to add a few more items in this color range in 2015.

I'm hoping to do a bit of thrift store browsing one Saturday afternoon this month.  Who knows? Maybe I'll luck into a fab find there; might even be something Marsala (smile).

This lipstick is pretty close to the color Marsala. It's Clinique's Angel Red. I actually purchased it last fall, and it's since been a fave of mine.

 Sunnies: Betsey Johnson

Chambray: Fossil

Gloves: Target

Jeans: J.Crew Factory

Boots: Nine West

Belt: Banana Republic

Statement Necklace: Jennifer Lopez via Kohl's

Handbag: Vera Bradley (gifted)

Lipstick: Clinique Angel Red

Share with me your thoughts on Marsala.  Would love hearing them!

Hugs, peace & joy, T.

BTW, I'm linking this post to Not Dead Yet Style (Sunday) and the Two Birds' Inspiration Monday (Monday).  

Reads: Present & Recent...

Busy as I was, I'm truly excited to share that I read a couple of books during the month of January!

Last month, I read:

• Ooh La La! French Women's Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Every Day by Jamie Cat Callen; and
• Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek by May Van Wagenen

Both were decent reads, but I was especially touched by Van Wagenen's book; highly recommend it.

 Faux Fur Coat: Ann Taylor (Consigned)

Savasana Throw as a Scarf: TranquiliT

Top: L.L. Bean

Sunnies: Ray Ban

Handbag: Vintage Coach (Etsy)

Jeans: Loft

Booties: Nine West 

Here's what I'm currently reading.  It was one of my holiday gifts from Mark (smile).

What are you reading (or have recently read)? Would love to hear!

Peace + grace, T.

This post will be linked (on Tuesday) to Style Sessions, and Confident Twosday.  On Wednesday, I'll link to The Pleated Poppy and What Wives Wear. 

Aligning with Nature

I adore being outdoors; enjoying the sunshine softly touching my face and basking in natural settings.  It's generally tough to do so this time of year, though--at least where I live.

Last Friday (the day these pics were taken) the daytime temperature high was a mere 18 degrees.  Believe me, that's cold!  Oh, and did I add that the wind was sharply blowing--All. Day. Long? Plus, there's patches of ice strategically placed upon every walkway in town.

What's nice is that even though I'm not getting outdoors (as much as I'd like right now), I still feel I'm aligned with nature.  I'm just doing so in a very special way...

I observe the phases of the moon (it's waxing right now--full moon later this week!).  Unless I'm having breakfast out, I also enjoy dining while gazing out onto my lovely backyard each morning. And, I'm in tune to natural cycles (I can literally feel the daylight hours increasing with each passing day!).

Someday soon, spring will arrive.  I'll savor walks outdoors, magical moments in my precious flower gardens, and sacred evenings on the patio; watching the sun set.  In the meantime, I'm enjoying the heightened sense of natural alignment this glorious season is gifting me.

Beanie: American Eagle Outfitters (gifted)

Sunnies: Ray Ban

Coat: J.Crew

Fisherman Sweater: Tommy Hilfiger (consigned)

Turtleneck: Target

Black Jeans: L.L. Bean Signature

Boots: Nine West

Leather Gloves: Coach

Handbag: Coach

Pendant: Phi Beta Kappa Key (earned as a college undergrad)

I know it's summertime for some of you reading right now.  Regardless the season you are experiencing, how are you currently aligning yourself with nature?  Please share!

Joy & peace, T.

BTW, I'm linking this post to Not Dead Yet Style (Sunday) and the Two Birds' Inspiration Monday (Monday).