Big Girl Pants Be Gone

Today, I put on my big girl pants, and actually believed it. Then I changed my mind and went for a skirt. No need for pants to tell me I'm a big girl anymore.

{Shirt} Old Navy  {Skirt} Forever 21  {Wedges} Thrifted 
{Necklace} Forever 21  {Bangles} Forever 21

After many, many, many years, I am a paid woman. After nearly a month of working, I get my first paycheck today. Seeing big girl numbers, not 'Starbucks barista' wage made my heart flutter a little. Yes, my work is rewarding. But getting paid to do such a rewarding thing just makes it a wee bit sweeter. 

Having to be a starving grad student pushed me to hone my thrifting skills, as well as helped me discover unique resources like Craigslist and estate sales for everything from home decor, sweet furniture, even my car. I am thankful for those times that make me appreciate the 'fruits of my labor' and teaching me that style doesn't have to come store bought. 

In other news, I'm about to tear through Anthropologie in a dollar sign induced spending craze.

Stately Design

Shirt: Old Navy (2012)  Skirt: Gap Outlet (2012)  Belt: Forever 21 (2012)
Wedges: Payless (2012)  Necklace: Forever 21 (2009)  Bangles: Forever 21 (2012)

I saw this wall while heading to my neighborhood Goodwill a few weeks ago, and decided I needed to make it mine. 

So I headed over to the Texas Department of Public Safety and took these photos. Yes, behind this wall, tickets are processed, ideas for snazzy new street signs are composed and a cop mannequin stands in all his glory, scaring the living daylights out of innocent photo takers. Like Micah. 

To cut costs, it seems that the DPS has employed a dummy cop (no pun intended) to stand guard at the front, scaring off the baddies who have come for justice in the off hours. Or girls in skirts wanting to take a pretty picture. I think even in wedges I can outrun that guy.

Pile It On

'Dressing' yourself is not the same as 'clothing' yourself.

When you dress yourself, you build an outfit, complete with accessories, and complimentary hair and makeup. When you clothe yourself, you are simply putting on something to cover up your nekkid. I am guilty of clothing myself more than I care to admit. I feel rather accomplished if I manage earrings and all my wobbly bits are covered. 

So, I have placed the challenge on myself to put on three accessories every time I dress myself. That could mean jewelry, a scarf or a belt. I have quite a few scarves and belts, but am lacking in necklaces (usually because I have a scarf on) and bracelets

Lately I have found myself wanting to try out bracelets and necklaces more, and catch myself browsing for them online at Forever 21. They have a huge variety and the prices are the lowest I've seen anywhere. Here are some of the ones I am trying not to run out and buy, but probably will anyway! At these prices, how do I resist?

All products today were from Forever 21!

1 Blue Bangles //  2 Rose/Mint Bangles //  3 Multi Bangles //  4 Rosette Necklace //  5 Rosette Swag Necklace //  6 Bird Charm //  7 Stone Hinge Bracelet //  8 Garden Cuff //  9 Cutout Bracelet // 10 Beaded Necklace //