Lost in my garden

I've spent the last two months wandering. I've been fighting with my employer to, strangely enough, let me go, and let me leave with what I think I'm owed. They've been less than cooperative and it has been exhausting. I'm hopefully at the end of the fight now but I'm left with a new task - what do I actually want to do? My old job had been something I fortunately fell into, making my way through undergrad. Before this moment, I've never stopped to actually think about this question. I have pie-in-the-sky dreams of course, but nothing grounded in reality. I expect this summer I'll have a lot more wandering through gardens to do...

Lost in the garden;
Dress: Anthropologie Beda Shirtdress in white
Bag: Urban Outfitters BDG Primary Satchel
Shoes: Steve Madden lea oxfords (old and trusted favourites)
Accessories: Urban Outfitters leather belt
Anthropologie Meadowlark cameo necklace
Urban Outfitters floral metal hairband
Ruffian for Anthropologie floral lace tights

This dress is a challenge to wear. The preppy cut and collar is a bit outside of how I normally style myself. I have trouble thinking the bright white and stiff collar go with much of anything. Bright red maybe, but outside of fresh strawberries, that is a colour I avoid. It sounds silly, but it's an accurate piece for my relationship to my old job. I put on this dress and feel comfortable, but I never feel quite like myself.

Courtesy of my backyard.

High Tea and elderflower scones

When I'm distressed about my professional life, I tend to retreat into the all my favourite sections of my closet - lace blouses, pastel skirts, bows, and of course anything pink. They all remind me that the dry, cubicle-ruled parts of my life aren't everything.

I was forcibly transferred to a new office this week. My old project was discontinued and it's funny how much I already miss working on it in my old office with old coworkers and we haven't even said our final good-byes yet. We started the send off with an informal cook-off party, giving me an excuse to do the other thing that keeps my mind off the world: baking. I made elderflower orange scones, and served them with fresh blueberries, vegan "clotted cream" and strawberry jam.

High Tea & Elderflower Scones;
Outer: Leifsdottir cream ruffle coat
Old Navy pink ruffle cardigan
Accessories: Juicy Couture pink bow scarf
Disney Couture gold Alice silhouette necklace
Anthropologie Rippled Ribbon Belt in sky
Urban Outfitters metal flower hairband
Hue opaque tights in black
Top: Anthropologie High Tea Blouse
Bottom: Anthropologie Sagebrush Skirt
Shoes: Madden Girl black patent heels
Bag: Coach Madison Sabrina in pink

Pacific's Edge

This was my first proper Valentine's Day. Being taken away to be wined and dined on a romantic outing was a new experience, and I had so much fun dressing up for the occasion. I wear so much pink on a daily basis that it doesn't feel too special to dress up in it for Valentine's Day. We went down the coast a bit for the weekend, and once I saw the sun set over Highway 1, the pinks mixed with the pale blues, and I knew my dress would be perfect for the holiday.

We had an amazing dinner, where I neglected to take any photos. I was too overcome with the gorgeous views of the Pacific ocean, the taste of my champagne and the most delicious risotto I'd ever tasted. You can take a peek at the photos on Yelp for just how stunning the sunset over the ocean looked during our dinner, taken by some other diners not floating on as many clouds as me.

Pacific's Edge;
Outerwear: Anthropologie Leifsdottir Floe & Current Coat
Dress: Anthropologie Dreamy Wanderings dress
Bag: Coach Madison Sabrina in pink
Legwear: Topshop mauve tights
Shoes: Madden Girl patent blush pumps
Accessories: Anthropologie Trimmed Necklace in pink
Pink heart ring (super old gift!)

I was also delighted to show off another find off my White Whales list. The Floe & Current coat is admittedly a little too small for the fullest part of my chest, but I'm loath to give it up just yet. I have to think on it a bit longer since for now, I'm just too excited to show off that beautiful robin's egg blue. I've been dreaming of pairing this with outfits for years, so I'm having some fun before I decide if I should turn it back over to eBay and hold out for finding the bigger size. Choices, choices...

Lantern's Glow

I made a post recently listing my favourite Anthropologie items that got away from me. Most of the items I've been pining after for at least two years, so I didn't expect to suddenly find the items after sharing my list but for two items, that's exactly what happened. There must be some sort of magic from writing down their names. Years of never seeing my size and before I even hit publish on the post, they showed up on eBay. I didn't get the best deal on this dress, but after a certain point of pining after it, I didn't care. I did get a deal on the other item though so I felt it balanced out. Both items were in perfect shape and I was giddy with excitement when they both fit perfectly. I'll be posting an outfit with the other item soon!

Lantern's Glow;
Dress: Anthropologie Lantern's Glow Dress
Cardigan: Anthropologie In For A Frill Cardigan
Accessories: Urban Outfitters typewriter initial necklace
Urban Outfitters metal flower hairband
Bag: Mulberry for Target patent satchel
Legwear: Anthropologie Mademoiselle Tights
Shoes: Steve Madden patent pumps

This dress is even better than I remember it! The waistband is in a perfect spot and it is as flattering as I could hope. I love the bird design so much that I didn't feel up to adding colour to the rest of my outfit to distract from it. I'm feeling really subdued lately, and wearing a lot of neutrals. Maybe it's the gray weather. Or maybe, as much as I prefer colour in my life, I'm admitting sometimes an item looks best left to stand-out.

I really adore this cardigan, though I'm not showing it off to its best. I was concerned with the slightly baggy fit, but I've just scored a small on a pop-back to exchange my medium. I've really been scanning my wishlists at Anthropologie more than usual. The new arrivals have been doing nothing for me. I expect to be trolling eBay even more often so maybe my luck will continue to the rest of my list..!

Fresh Perspective

First, I want to thank the new followers I've gained since I last posted. I can't believe how many people follow my little style musings. Thanks everyone and welcome!

On to some unpleasant news, some life events have been holding a monopoly over my time and I didn't feel up to blogging. Last week my family had to make the choice to put down our dog, Luke (he's made it in my blog here and here, since he used to sneak into every photoshoot). I'm pretty devastated since, as those who have been through it know, losing pets just rips out your heart. Between the loss of a family friend and our dog in the past few weeks, my family's 2011 is not off to a great start. I'm soldiering on for the time being, trying to use my styling as a creative outlet to keep my mind off everything else.

I decided to tackle a trend that frankly I have found unappealing. The open, asymmetrical cardigan is something that I have seen and thought could never be cute. I had completely written it off until I was trying to style certain dresses in my closet. For pieces as fantastical as the Lolland Sweater Dress, which is just begging to be worn by a Scandinavian princess, a regular cardigan looked far too structured and modern. Suddenly the thought of one of those draped cardigans drifted by and I couldn't get it out. Luckily one was on its second price cut at Anthropologie allowing me to try it on and see if perhaps the right outfit would sell me on the look.

Fresh Perspective;
Hair: Urban Outfitters gold leaf hairband
Dress: Anthropologie Lolland Sweater Dress
Cardigan: Anthropologie Fresh Perspective cardi
Legwear: Hue opaque black tights
Shoes: Steve Madden heaven flats
Accessories: Topshop golden swallow and flower necklace
Urban Outfitters metal filigree stretch belt

I'm still not completely sure this style of cardigan is at all flattering to my shape, but I am a bit in love with how well it goes with this dress. I expect I will be trying it with a few more while the weather stays cool.

Rawr!

Alright, here is one of my favourite Christmas gifts I received this year. I love this silly polar bear sweater so much! I'm never one for "animal print" clothing, but images of actual animals, I'm all about. Urban Outfitters and their other brands are always good for a quirky animal or two on a dress, sweater, skirt, scarf, you name it.

Rawr;
Top: Urban Outfitters Polar Bear pullover
Necklace: Urban Outfitters typewriter initial necklace
Bottom: Anthropologie Alena skirt in pink & Anthropologie Scant Summer Petticoat
Legwear: Hue black tights
Shoes: Steve Madden black buckle boots
Bag: Pink lace bag from karmaloop
Outerwear: DKNY ivory ruffle peacoat
Accessory: Soft pink scarf (gift)


I'm still sad I missed out on Anthropologie's Shrewd Stitches Stole which I think, along with this sweater, were the silliest (read: cutest!) animal items released over the holidays. Unlike my foxy friend, the polar bear was a far more wallet friendly price for this much whimsy. I felt a lot less guilty putting this on my Christmas list.

I don't show it off enough, but the Alena skirt from Anthropologie is one of my best loved articles of clothing. I wish Anthro offered a few more items so perfectly pale pink. The pale pink helped me keep everything icy in theme but not totally monochromatic. I'm all for bringing a bit more colour into my outfits, especially if that colour is pink.

I've also grabbed one of my favourite pieces of outwear to show off. I'm a sucker for cream coats, no matter how impractical they are in practice. Cream just looks so beautiful in winter! I love to be able to stand out from the sea of black.

Year of the Rabbit

Catching up on the last of the winter holidays, here is my New Year's Eve ensemble. New Year's seemed like the perfect place to display my Lanvin for H&M dress. Gray with a gold sash seemed perfectly festive, and easily matched with other shiny accessories. I'm becoming more fond of gold lately so I again broke out the Ulltra glitter heels. I had to add a few nods to the holiday with my jewelry choices.

I'm into dressing a bit literally when it comes to holidays or occasions, as corny as that seems. I know that's a bit "too much" for some people, but I find it so fun. Maybe that's my old theatrical penchant for wearing costumes. Honestly if I could dress in costumes on a daily basis, I would probably give in to that temptation. Do you consciously match a holiday or event when you dress up?


Happy New Year;
Dress: Lanvin ♥ H&M gray tulle dress with gold sash
Necklaces: Forever21 faux pocket watch & double key necklaces
Rings: Modcloth Time on Your Hands clock ring & silver rabbit ring (gift from a friend)
Legwear: Anna Sui for Anthropologie Minuet in 3/4ths tights
Shoes: Steve Madden Ulltra gold glitter heels

The Lanvin dress is almost overwhelming in its volume but that is exactly what I adored about the look. I had to sit with my dress half on my friends' laps at my New Year's Eve party, but everyone found it entertaining. This dress is definitely a fantasy and I'm so happy I could indulge for New Year's. I also got to break out my new Anna Sui pink gold shimmer lip gloss and the Paul & Joe rosegold nail polish to match the outfit. I had to take the latter off before the photos but I'll feature it again one day soon.

A Christmas Carol [Christmas Outfit 3 of 3]

I have been meaning to post these outfits for some time, but as they say, life got in the way. After my lovely, relaxing holidays, I'm sorry to say my family lost one of its oldest friends. A longtime friend of my dad's passed away, and though he's not one to show a lot of emotion, he's devastated. My mum was out of town at the time, so in-between some long work hours, I tried my best to take care of him for the last week. I've really been quite sad about things for my ole dad. I know you always idealize your parents, like even as they get old, to you they just can't be that old, but he really is too young to be losing his friends this way. It's hard to start the new year this way. At least after some reminiscing with other friends and his friends' family, my dad's in better spirits today.

Here is the last of my belated Christmas celebration outfits. The gorgeous dress was a Christmas present from my mum. I decided I couldn't wait to wear it. I found it was perfect to make a good impression on Boyfriend's grandparents, whom I met for the first time on Christmas Day.

A Christmas Carol;
Dress: Anthropologie Peggy Sue dress
Necklace: Accessorize brown and peach Y-drop necklace
Cardigan: Old Navy ruffle cardigan
Legwear: Accessorize white lace tights
Shoes: Steve Madden brown kitten heels (superrrr old!)

On the mantle behind me, you can see some of my mum's Scandinavian Santas, as well as a bit of the Anthropologie "Happy Holidays" garland I purchased last New Year. The garland is simple cream, with silver, gold, and green beading with dangling leaves to embellish it. At over $100 before the holidays, I never thought to buy it. However after Christmas sales at a mere $20, it had to be mine. I got to show it off this year and it's just as gorgeous as I remember.

I've also sneakily included another entry in my book set, showing off Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." I couldn't let the holidays end without reading this story at least once.

Christmas Eve [Christmas Outfit 2 of 3]

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! I've taken a nice break from blogging to enjoy what was one of the best Christmas celebrations I've ever had. I've a bit caught up in the happy spirit so forgive me for neglecting to comment on post out there! Starting today I have a few posts lined up, first to finish off my holiday celebrations off, then to show off some of my beautiful gifts.

For Christmas Eve, I like to sparkle and go as over the top girly and fun as I can. I wore nothing but pink tulle and lace last year, and this year I couldn't resist the Spinning Lace dress. I've been wearing this dress quite often, and I admit this isn't my favourite outfit I've made with it, but it was festive and sparkly fun none the less. I wanted to match my mum's adorable mini tree in the dining room. She always gets one smaller tree that is nothing but shades of blue, silver, and pale gold. My two new accessories in their shades of pearly taupe, blue and subtle gold shimmer were perfect accents.

Christmas Eve;
Hair: Anthropologie Floating Gardenia hairband
Dress: Anthropologie / Tracy Reese Spinning Lace dress
Top: H&M taupe shrug
Belt: Anthropologie Dewy Sash belt in blue
Necklace: Topshop floral cameo necklace
Legwear: Hue tights in blue
Shoes: Steve Madden Ulltra gold glitter heels

I look forward to catching up on the holiday looks sported by the Anthropologie blogging community over the weekend!

Christmas Party [Christmas Outfit 1 of 3]

It's time to wish everyone who celebrates a very Merry Christmas! My holiday preparation has already been rather hectic but I'm still so excited for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The outfit in tonight's post is one of my three big outfits for the season. You'll have to endure three different Christmas posts, dear readers.

My parents always throw a big party for our family friends a few days before Christmas, so I went with something a bit easily elegant to be able to rush around greeting every guest, posing for pictures.
I wanted to thank the community at Effortless Anthropologie for helping me track down this beautiful frock. I had to call at least a dozen stores to get this beauty and I couldn't be happier with it. The shift style silhouette makes me a bit nervous because it doesn't suit my body type normally. This dress though has enough of an A cut that I feel it's forgiving of my curves.

Christmas Party;
Dress: Anthropologie Discovered Lace Dress
Necklaces: Urban Outfitters typewriter key initial & Miss Selfridge
rose & pearl ribbon
Bottom: Anthropologie Scant Summer Petticoat
Legwear: Topshop dusty rose tights
Shoes: Steve Madden Heaven leather flats

Making a special appearance in my holiday posts is my mum's beautiful Christmas decorations. She's been collecting Christmas pieces all her life and goes all out decorating our home. Many of her items, and all my favourites, are from Scandinavia. Her family is Danish, so we've been to that part of the world many times over the years, though she is the only one lucky enough to have gone at Christmas. I really love Christmas decor. Besides the traditional Scandinavian pieces, she mixes in a lot of Victorian items, 1940s vintage, and even some fun modern items.

Blair Waldorf

I've been resisting for a while, but I have to admit that I've fallen for Gossip Girl. I love my bubble gum TV, especially when it involves people as well dressed as Blair Waldorf. I have lusted after nearly everything she's worn. While I don't have the money to afford most of it, I decided to try my best with my closet of high street items to create something in Blair's style. Sure my dress is H&M rather than Chanel, my pearls are fake, and my Mulberry is from Target, but I think I captured the spirit of Ms Waldorf.

Blair Waldorf;
Hair: Forever21 ivory bow hairban
Dress: H&M pale pink dress with black trim (thanks to Anjali of goldenmeans for posting about this dress a few seasons back!)
Cardigan: Old Navy white ruffle trim cardigan
Necklace: Anthropologie Perpetual Spring pearl beaded necklace
Legwear: Ruffian for Anthropologie Lacy Vine tights
Shoes: Steve Madden heaven leather flat
Bag: Mulberry for Target patent satchel

The one item I could see Blair approving of are my couture Ruffian tights. I wish I had bought multiple pairs of these when Anthropologie sold them last year. They are nothing like any other pair of tights I've owned. I definitely see the allure of couture hosiery now.

Beauxbatons

I alluded to it in a past post, but it's time to out myself. My name is Alissa, and I'm a Harry Potter nerd - a big Harry Potter nerd. I spent Thanksgiving with my family and dear friend Amanda in Orlando, enjoying Disneyworld and more importantly, Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I was in heaven. Since I still haven't come down from the joy of the theme park, this outfit is my unabashed ode to my favourite book series.

Beauxbatons;
Hair: Urban Outfitters metal floral hairband
Cardigan: H&M gold boyfriend cardigan
Top: Beauxbatons Academy tee from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Necklace: Foever21 double chained key necklace
Ring: Topshop pink unicorn ring (I forgot to wear this for the photoshoot, but I have a close-up below!)
Skirt: Anthropologie Leifsdottir From-The-Sky skirt
Legwear: Hue opaque tights in black
Shoes: Steve Madden heaven leather Flat
Bag: Mulberry for Target patent satchel

I am a big fan of graphic t-shirts. I am convinced that they can still be a chic and beautiful outfit given the right design and the right outfit. With this Beauxbatons shirt, I knew its reference was subtle enough, and its design beautiful enough to still look fashionable. The one thing I wish is that I had an ice or Tiffany shade of blue cardigan to go with this shirt as well.

At Boyfriend's request, I have two special guests in my final photos: Sirius Black (played by my dog Luke), and Arthur, my Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes Wonder Witch pink pygmy puff (I told you I was a big nerd).