Spectacular Spectacles

Warby Parker. Google it now. If you haven't heard of this company already, I highly encourage some research on your part. I learned about this amazing brand from a friend at work the other day. They sell super cute vintage inspired glasses, and you can purchase frames and lenses for just $95! Say what?? Even more spectacular - for each pair you purchase they will donate one pair to someone in need. That just warms my heart :) There are some pretty impressive statistics on their website about the importance of access to eyewear. For example:

- Glasses can increase one's income by 20%. That’s the equivalent of creating an extra day’s work each week. Glasses are one of the most effective poverty alleviation tools in the world.
- 1 billion people don't have access to glasses, which means 15% of the world's population in unable to effectively learn or work because they can't see clearly.

And one more cool Warby Parker service? They let you try on 5 pairs for free! Yep. Pick the styles that interest you from the website, and 2 days later Mr.UPS will drop them at your door. You've got 5 days to gather the opinions of all of your friends as to which pair makes you look the most dashing. Then simply send them back with the pre-paid label - all at no cost to you. Whoot whoot! This is where you all come in blogger friends - I need votes! Post a comment for me with a vote for your fave:

1. The Langston

2. The Colton

3. The Sinclair

4. The Webb

5. The Finn

So far, Warby Parker has donated 50,000 pairs in over 36 countries world wide. Amazing. Click here for more info. Do it for your inner Clark Kent. You may not even need the cape to save the day - just the glasses!

What I Wore: Style Inspired by a Necklace

Oops, I did it again. Perhaps this could be a new love in the making? Typically I live for long pendant styles, but when you come across something like this beauty - you can't pass it up :) Who knew short necklaces could be such outfit-makers?


Clearly my addiction to all things Francesca's is growing. I of course HAD to take my Mom there for some shopping while she was here last week, and this $24 treasure made it's way home with me. She's so pretty!

I purchased a dress (weird, I know) from American Eagle about a month ago, and was struggling with how to make it look pulled together. It's not sunny enough here to just throw on a sundress with sandals and hit the road - our weather still dictates the need for layers. And in my book, if you begin layering, you've committed to creating an outfit. Original plans for my new necklace were to pair it with a denim jacket over the white dress, keeping the clothes neutral and the focus on the super cool turquoise. Fail. The denim truly looked like a jacket, not a layer (is any of this making sense? 'cause it totally does in my head) so the navy cardigan was a last minute substitution.


Aaaahhhh yes, the orange Banana Republic bag. A few years ago, I remember thinking "Why would I spend this much on a bag that is such a bold color? Shouldn't I get a neutral that will last me longer?" Negative. Neutral isn't how I roll. I took a deep breath, handed over the $$, and haven't regretted one penny of it. Hey....at least it wasn't as much as the the Hermes Birkin I've coveted for years, right? They do look pretty similar though :) The bag was equally as cute in yellow, which is the only color I could find an image of on the world wide web today. I'm too lazy to go take a close up of my own, so you'll have to use your imagination. Last but not least, I tied a Coach ponytail scarf on the handle for fun, grabbed my neutral wedges, and the turquoise necklace officially had an outfit to call home!



Celebrity Accessory of the Week

I'm very intrigued by the hat tradition that they've got going on across the pond...mostly because my noggin is gi-normous. Hats don't EVER fit me well, so I have such an affection for these, as I like to call them, "side hats." Big-headed people rejoice! This style doesn't really go over the head...all it would take is mastering the perfectly styled tilt that could cover my equally-as-big forehead. Not really an option while living here though. I think people would expect me to speak with a much fancier accent if I sported this look while in the US of A. This gal is settling into her royal role very beautifully. Looking quite regal - and receiving my nod for celebrity look of the week.



"Side hat" Beatrice, covering a bit of the forehead....not the whole thing. I think someone could learn a thing or two from reading my blog :)



Jello Gams...

Soooooo, who watched the American Idol finale and was SERIOUSLY coveting Carrie Underwood's legs? This girl. Who cares about all that singing! Let's discuss workout routines.

Come on....this is ridiculous.

I hit the gym tonight, and got my leg workout on in a major way. Now that I'm complete, rather than look like this...



I kind of look like this...
And I feel like this...

What I Wore on a Sunday in Spring!

I've got to get a better photography option for these posts, but for now I'm using this make-shift "iphone/floor length mirror" combo. Not the greatest shots, but you get the idea. This was my Sunday church ensemble last week, and although the Seattle sun isn't out regularly yet, I figured why not look like I'm dressing for spring rather than winter?


This dress is from a dangerous little place called "Madewell." Dangerous because I want one of eVeRyThiNg in the store each time I go in. Shouldn't be a surprise, because they're owned by J. Crew, aka, my mothership. It doesn't help that Madewell is next door to the Apple Store at University Village. It's inviting me in each time I'm on my break! I fell in love with the fabulous shade of green, and the shape was pretty suitable for moi - v neck, cinched waist, and pleated A-line skirt. Topped with my white denim jacket, which has become a MAJOR wardrobe staple....thanks Gap:)


These wedges I bought 100 years ago at, of all places, the Dress Barn. They are a great neutral shade of beige, go with everything, and are uber-comfortable.


And of course, accessories! We all know from previous posts that I LOVE a good skinny belt. This cork and gold version comes from a boutique called "Francesca's" - and their stuff could not be more affordable. Raise your hand if you love a good deal?

Shop here: http://www.francescascollections.com/


This little gem was purchased on a clearance rack at Banana Republic (are you guys sensing a trend in a jewelry buying location??) about 3 years ago. Bottom of a bin, $7.99, and the perfect delicate band of coral to wear when wishing summer would come soon. Last but not least, my trusty gold "dangly" (is that a word?) earrings. I will wear these ALL summer long - so guaratneed you'll see them in future posts. Hopefully in a better picture...yikes, that's a close up! They're from Banana too. Weird, I know.




Celebrity Look of the Week....

Ginnifer Goodwin is quickly becoming one of my faves. Evidenced here because she's rocking a bold color combo....girl after my own heart. LoVe lOvE LOvE this amazing green dress and quirky blue accessories. Plus, could her haircut be any cuter? And who can pull off ice blue eyeshadow outside of 1984? Apparently her. I guess I wasn't the only one taking note of her stunning ensemble. Check out Gisele in pic #2. I think she's saying, "Hey! Photographer! I'm supposed to be the one you're taking pictures of here! I'm the model." Thoughts captured in a photograph. Hilarious.




What I Wore, Theater Edition!


Last Friday night, a few of my friends and I went to see "Mary Poppins" - the musical. It was a fun evening out at the theater, and I would definitely recommend seeing the show because of all of the entertaining dance numbers! I was motivated to get a bit dressed up and wear some dancing shoes of my own too. My accessories weren't nearly as impressive as Mary's though....remember how her handbag could hold a lamp? Show off.

Today's post is my first venture into photographs of my actual self wearing the discussed ensemble. These were taken about 4 seconds before I fell into bed, so no judging my photography skills. Also - pay no attention to my messy room. The yellow cardigan in the background was ditched at the last second for the red one instead :)


This is a new sundress from American Eagle - on sale for $25! I fell in love with the grey floral, and the shape is uber-slimming because of that nipped-in waist.


Plus, the grey gave me an excuse to wear one of my favorite pieces of jewelry...my little elephant necklace! You'll RARELY see me in a short necklace - but something this cute can't be passed up while roaming through the J. Crew Outlet. $18, and worth every penny.



My red cardigan is from, where else? The Gap. Best part about it? The official color name is "killer tomato." I want that job. Creating color names in a cubicle somewhere has got to be a great way to spend your day.


Pretend the pink trim in the below photo is brown, and you've got a close up of my bag. Also from the Gap, circa 2006....clearly an oldie, but a goodie.


And last but not least, my fabulous purple wedges from Banana Republic. These were the first shoes I bought after moving to Seattle. I was a doe-eyed girl soaking up all the amazing shopping there was to offer in my new home in this "big city." Practical? No. Sentimental? Yes.