Happy Friday!

In case you weren't aware - this weekend is the season opener for Boise State.  This means a big huge Blue & Orange party that we're throwing that includes a TON of food and yelling.  Oh yes, there will be yelling at the TV - that's a guarantee.  We'll apologize to the neighbors beforehand.

With that in mind - and since that's all anyone can talk about around my house - enjoy some Boise Stuff!!!

Normally I would link up and tell you where I got this stuff, but since I know not all of the people who stumble across this blog are Boise fans, I'll just tell you really fast: Bronco Shop, The Blue & Orange Store & Lady Fanatics.  The Whistle necklace is from Forever 21 and the orange nail polish was found at Urban Outfitters.

I'll have you know that the middle shirts - I have the blue one being shipped to me as we speak.  Because a new year means a new Boise shirt.  That's just the way it goes around here.

And because polyvore is awesome - they had some great game day selections too:

Bleed Blue by jessajill featuring light weight jeans


Yes, I did check on those shoes and they're no longer available for that color where they were advertised at Nordstroms.  Boo.  Regardless, I'd totally wear this on gameday.  To work too, if they'd let me.  As it is I couldn't find any work-related blue and orange choices.  So you have to show your pride in other ways, right?

I would include shoes within this category but the only ones that truly fit are the Nike's shown above.  And honestly I can't find a good example and link!! 

And honestly you don't wear heels to these kinds of events.  You'll break something if someone else doesn't already.  Fans are CRAZY!


Have a great weekend folks!  And know that I'll be biting my nails tomorrow night!  Go BSU!!!

Window Shoppin 8/24

While it's still hot outside and summer is still in full swing, I of course, have my eye on Fall wear.  I do this every year.  The minute I see new cute fall stuff, I begin wishing that it was fall so I can wear all of it.  Truthfully I love wearing long sleeves. I love cute jackets.  I love boots.  Its not to say I don't like warm weather, I'm just one of those people who would love to live somewhere that never snowed, there was just Autumn weather all Winter long.  Spring could be 3 months, Summer could last as long as summer does but just straight Autumn until March.  That would be perfect.

Also Autumn in Utah is gorgeous.  I know back East gives that statement a run for the money with all the beautiful trees everywhere.  But Autumn is very distinct here.  Who knows what its going to be like this year.  Things have been crazy what with the extra long Winter and skipping Spring all together.  Lets not talk about it anymore.

And while I'd like to pretend that I know what I'm talking about and wear these things I pick out on a daily basis - this outfit right here - is exactly what I wear during Fall.  It may not be fashion forward but this screams me.

Everyday Autumn by jessajill featuring rope jewelry

I love cardigans because they're versatile.  I love comfortable jeans that do me the favor of sculpting my butt while they're at it.  And we all know I love Toms.  I would happily wear this or a variation of this every day in Fall.  Except this little number's overall cost totals $428.  Which I'm far too cheap to do.  I'll admit to purchasing jeans for over $100 because they went above and beyond the call of jeans.  My butt becomes a wonder to behold, alright?  I just plain wouldn't spend $95 on a plain white shirt.  You just can't make me.

So of course lets see if we can do any better...

 1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here.

Darker?  Yes, but we still have the same concept.  And yes, while they're still Toms, the cheaper Charlotte Russe version doesn't give a pair to a child in need.  The plain white tee is $6.50 which is actually cheaper than the go-to plain white crew necks I buy at Downeast basics for $14.99.  But I am a fan of the material Downeast uses...

This outfit's total is $164.29.  Much more reasonable.  I'm also a big fan of the lace effect on that cardigan as well.  Which is something the J.Crew cardigan doesn't have.

And because I can't help myself, here are some other fun finds:

 Source

 Source

 Source

While I realize this headband is meant to be worn a certain way, meaning across the forehead, I just don't do that.  More power to the women that do, but I wear my headbands like a normal headband.

 Source

Source

Hopefully your computer screen isn't as dark as mine and lets you see the detailing on this skirt.  It's really cute!

Well that's all for today.  Hopefully you're sailing through the week without any dragging.  (Like mine.)  Have a lovely Hump Day!

Window Shoppin 8/17

It's the middle of the week.  Are you going to make it to Friday?  I sure hope I am.  Slow weeks are murder.  This week my first pair of Tom's came and I was so happy to see them.  I'm in love.  I found them at Zumiez for $5 less than any other place selling them in store so I swooped in!  Except they didn't have what I wanted so I made an online order in store - free shipping is a beautiful thing and they arrived 5 days later!  I'm a happy girl!  I think the coral ones are next!

I'm still in that mode where I see all the cute fall stuff and want to wear it...now.  Except it's far too hot outside right now for anything less than short sleeves and open toe shoes.  Actually its been a little stormy here, but that just makes things muggy - not cool.  

Either way I wish I could wear some of the cute fall things coming out!

So with that in mind I found these lovely finds and decided I would love to have this on today instead of the plain t-shirt and jeans ensemble.

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here.

While this looks a little more "Spring" than fall, I have to say I'm in love with the colors.  The pattern on the cami reminds me of patterns from the early nineties but this pattern doesn't give me flashbacks of leggings or anything else I wore back then - so we're good.  I usually avoid patterns or fashions I've worn once before.  I don't care if it was kindergarten - I've already done it. And not to brag or anything but when I wore those fashions in kindergarten - I rocked them.

And I'm still obsessed with Polyvore.  I can't help myself.  I could make fashion sets all day if I could.  Its just a good time if you're a fan of clothing and shoes.  If you don't already have a Polyvore account I suggest you try it.  Oodles of fun.

Coral & Beige by jessajill featuring beaded jewelry

This outfit...well this outfit's total comes to $3,883.  Which should easily take care of my mortgage for a few months.  The bag is Yves Saint Laurent.  The shoes are Christian Laboutin.  You get the picture.  While they're very pretty, they're something I'll never be able to afford.  I've come to terms with this fact and I'm ok with it.  All the same lets see if we can do better?

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here.

First of all - yes the sweater is gray, but the picture was throwing a tantrum so if you'd like to see it the link should take you there.  Also those earrings come in a set so you're actually getting more for your money.

This outfit totals $191.23.  When compared to the outfit above, that's a steal.  I'm still one of those people who takes a look at this outfit and thinks "I could do better."  And go out and search for the same outfit for even less.  Its a sickness.  Obviously you're not going to be able to find exact replicas unless you know exactly where to find really awesome knock offs, but keeping with the theme - you have the same outfit concept. 

Well that's all the playing around I have time for today.  What are some of your finds?

Cheerio!

Houndstooth is something that brings to mind certain images.  Maybe it's more of a refined and classy blazer.  And maybe it's something like this:

Or this:

And maybe that's just me.  In fact it may even invoke a bad British accent and I may throw haughty stereotypical British sayings into my everyday conversation.  "Jolly good!"  "I do say, Sir!"  And the like.  You know, the kind of sayings you're positive nobody says in England, or at least they haven't in about 100 years.  If anyone does, would you kindly let me know?  Because I would very much like to be their friend.  

But stereotypical English sayings aside, houndstooth is a pattern that has been around longer than Sherlock Holmes.  And just like Sherlock Holmes mysteries, it's roots are in Scotland.  (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is Scottish, not English.  Go ahead and count that as your "thing you learned today."  Thanks Wikipedia!)  Houndstooth originated in woven cloth of the Scottish Lowlands.  Which is another random pearl of wisdom you get to take home with you today.

Even still I do say, tis jolly fun to dust off one's English sayings whilst smoking a pipe and wearing a houndstooth cap atop your head!  Ok, I'm stopping now.


And then I find out Toms has houndstooth shoes and I swoon:

Source

I've quickly developed a crush on them and have added them to my "One Day I Will Own These" list.  Because, honestly - how cute are these?!

Look how cute they can be:

Polyvore

This is yet another outfit I couldn't really afford.  The shoes I can, but the rest is out of my price price range.  Its still a lot of fun to play.

And houndstooth is all over everywhere else too:

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here.

A lot of these are handmade Etsy finds.  I LOVE the houndstooth pillow.  And the purse?  Are you kidding me?  That ruffle clutch is also catching my attention.

And then there are always houndstooth pumps:

Source

Brand: Oh Deer!

Style: Toffee: Houndstooth

Price: $96.69

Sold out too.  Too bad, they're perfect for work wear.

And there are these gems too:

Source

Brand: Pinup Coutoure

Style: Bella in Houndstooth

Price: $80.00

While I'm not a fan of bows, these are actually kinda cute.  I'm loving the heel too.  I'm a sucker for serious pumps.

Well I believe I've rambled on long enough about houndstooth.  And hopefully I haven't offended any British followers.  I'll have you know my blood is very English rich so really, I'm just poking fun at my own heritage.  Have a lovely weekend everyone!  New project goes up Sunday!

Sweat butt & Lace - the makings of a great Friday

The weekend never seems to get here fast enough.  While there isn't anything planned really, I just look forward to days where I don't have to do anything or have to be anywhere.  While I may end up going to the gym, I might not too.  Especially after what happened the other night.

I've found zero motivation for the gym lately.  I don't know what it is but it's been torture for me.  I can't get into any sort of workout, I watch the clock because I promise myself I'll be there for an hour and almost every single time I cave and leave after 40 minutes.  It's pathetic.  I know all it'll take is a great article about staying in shape or seeing an old skinnier picture of myself, but I can't focus.  But last night I ended up making some progress.  I pushed myself on the bike, I cycled harder and longer than I have before.  I pushed past the burning legs and I pushed past the jello legs.  I was shiny, disgusting, bright red but I felt accomplished!  I knew I looked like a hot mess as I walked to the drinking fountain, but it's the gym - we're all in this together, right?  We're all sweating piles of accomplishment.  I went over to the drinking fountain and as I walked over I noticed my husband jogging over to catch up with me with a look on his face that said that he was about to tell me something funny.

I thought maybe he'd caught somebody dancing to their iPod music, forgetting they weren't at home.  It happens a lot.  Not this time.  As I bent over to take a drink my husband informed me, "You have sweat butt."  He laughed as all the blood left my face.  It took me a minute to realize what he meant.  Did he mean Swass?  And if he did, how did he know?  There would be no way for him to tell!  Of course, when he mentioned my butt, immediately my hands covered it and I threw my backside against the wall.  There's a door to a conference room next to the drinking fountain and it has a small window next to it, so I relied on the reflection to give it to me straight.  Sure enough - there was a lovely drooping dark spot circling my booty.  I didn't want to believe it!  I'm one of those weird people who don't sweat very much.  My friends tell me they hate working out with me because I don't sweat!  At the very worst I shine!  But there it was, staring back at me, a lovely sweat butt for all the world to see.  I shouldn't have cared, but I asked for the keys so I could go home and change.  My husband, seeing this situation as entertaining, told me to just get over it - everyone's sweaty.  It's true, but I was horrified.  I ended up pulling my tank way down over my butt.  Thank heavens it was a material that allowed it.  I stuck to all the sitting machines for the rest of the night and kept pulling at my tank to make sure nobody could see my dreaded sweat butt.  Yes, I realize it could have been much worse.  I could have been wearing gray pants to really enhance the sweat butt.  The sweat spot could have been in a much more embarrassing location. And really, who cares at the gym to see a person sweating?  I don't, but since it was happening to me so of course it was 100 times worse and it was all I could think about for the rest of the night.

So in order to get my mind off of recent events I did a lace roundup.  Why?  Because I wanna. 
 

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here.

First of all - how awesome is that lace manicure?!  I will try this...I truly will one day.  The instructions are in the link - if anyone else tries this please let me know if its worth the effort.  I'm also loving the lace necklace.  Its so pretty and delicate looking!

And then of course there are lace shoes:

 Found: Express

Price: $118.00

If these were $30, we'd be talking.

 Found: Heels

Brand: Guess

Style: Handola

Price: $99.99

I LOVE a good peep toe, sling back.  And with lace?  Love.

Well that's all for today.  I hope you all have a great weekend, devoid of embarrassment and filled with fun.  See ya Sunday!

Linking up at Peace Love & Applesauce's Friday Shoegasm! 

Fridays Rock

 I know I just came back from a long vacation so I shouldn't get to talk about how happy I am that it's the weekend.  But I am.  This week kicked my trash.  It hasn't been the best or brightest, that's for sure.  But you just keep moving forward, right?  Hopefully things start looking up soon.

Today I'll just get right down to it and tell you that this little search began with that blazer.  Yes, I'm still on the hunt for a good blazer.  I came this close to buying one at Charlotte Russe before I left for vacation but my husband stopped me...I had already spent what I budgeted to spend.  We like to keep each other in check, the hubs and I.  I guess I'm just pouting a little bit because I want to find one for under $30.  I need to just scour my local Forever 21.

I did find a few options at Charlotte Russe, like the blazer seen below.  I like how airy it looks, casual and airy because summer is still well in swing.  Monday is August, which means it's going to get downright uncomfortable and hot around here and anything airy is good.

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here.

I'm loving the lace overlay on the things I found.  Beige is a good staple but its important not to overdo it.  What I mean is that you shouldn't wear all of these items at once.  Stacy & Clinton would find you and throat punch you.  Not really, but I'm positive they'd want to.  I'm also loving that headband - yes that's a headband on #7 - it's kind of hard to tell.

And because it's Friday we need to discuss some serious shoes.

Found: Heels
Brand: Promise Shoes
Model: Casual-Nude
Price: $49.99


These are just plain hot.  Nuf' said.

Found: Heels
Brand: Report Signature
Model: Leeton - Blush
Price: $189.99

Wouldn't it be nice to just drop that kind of cash on shoes and not worry about it?  Ah, one can dream.  And that's exactly what I'm doing.

Alright well have a good one folks, hopefully things stop being so crazy and I find the time to craft and contribute to this blog of mine!

Hoo Are You? #46

I'm back at work after a six day break. The break can't be called a "vacation" because it included a trip to rural Idaho for a funeral. I was able to get back home Friday evening and used up the rest of the vacation to find the will to craft and rest my weary (both physically and emotionally) self.

So since I've had such a long break and have another one coming up in 8 days, I decided I should probably just post something already!

So thanks to Night Owl Crafting I'm participating in another "Hoo Are You?"







1. How did you spend the 4th of July?

Well, it wasn't that spectacular. Since everything has been up in the air with leaving town for a funeral, we didn't really put together a plan for the 4th. Last year we were in Las Vegas, the year before we went up the canyon, roasted S'mores and made it down in time for fireworks. But this year, we got Olive Garden to-go, and watched a movie and then watched the TV celebration. I wouldn't suggest it as a patriotic celebration of your freedom.

2. What were a couple of your favorite things you ate on the 4th of July?

Well...yesterday I had both the Zuppe Toscana soup and the Carbonara Chicken and Ravioli and both were really, really good. In fact, I get to eat the rest of it tonight! However, in the past my favorite 4th of July treats have been anything hot off the grill and pie. Because I'm a flag-waving American and I love grilled foods too.


5. Did you watch fireworks?

We discussed it and looked up all the places that would have shows in the valley, but because of city budget cuts, and the fact that I HATE the parking nightmare after the fireworks are over, we decided to just scrap the idea. We ended up leaving all the windows open, watching the neighborhood fireworks and watching the Macy's 4th of July celebration on TV. Fun Fact: up until yesterday I had absolutely no idea there were TV specials for the 4th of July. Ever since I can remember we were outside with sparklers or at Town Days Celebrations. And I'm going to make it a goal to never watch TV fireworks again. Not even close to as cool as the real thing.

4. What is your favorite firework?

The really, really big ones they always use for the finales. The kind that are so big that you're slightly worried because they seem a little too close. The kind that are so loud that you feel the boom in your bones and even though you're anticipating it, it still makes you jump. They're usually gold and really glittery too. I love those ones.

5. How hot was it where you were for the 4th?

Not as hot as it usually is on the 4th. It's usually pushing 100 but yesterday was overcast and as the sun went down it was hovering at 81 degrees. Which was nice, but not at all common. Then again the weather has been weird like that all year. Weird enough that people went skiing yesterday...in bikinis and speedos.

Happy Friday to you!

Oh it's Friday once again and I now have 19 days until I leave for vacation. So much needs to be done, its scary. I was just informed that family will be staying at our house the night before we leave so they can break up their long drive. Which is absolutely fine - the entire reason we have a guest bedroom, but that part of my brain that thinks that everything needs to be super clean for house guests just had a heart attack. My house is a wreck right now. I know I have 19 days, but I borrow trouble like a pro, and it's on my mind...(my baseboards! I need to clean those baseboards!)

So in order to keep my mind off of things that stress me out, I've window shopped and today I looked for fun silvery things:

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here.

Of course Toms are featured. At this point you should know my feelings about them. I've decided to shop in the kids section. I have small feet so I could potentially save $10. (I know...I have a problem.) I'm loving the mustache stuff too. While I'm try not to jump on the bandwagon, I really want a mustache necklace. They're hilarious. I normally wouldn't wear the corset, but I have seen some very cute and creative ways to wear them, so don't count them out!


And since Friday wouldn't be Friday without some hot shoes:

Link Here.

Heels.com
Report Signature: Neptune
Color: Gunmetal
Price: $224.99

*Way more than I would spend...but oh they're pretty*


Link Here.
Heels.com
Chinese Laundry: Traffic Jam
Color: Silver
Price: $74.99
*I LOVE the little peep toe. I can't get enough platforms!*

Link Here.
Heels.com
Michael Antonio: Keme
Color: Silver Glitter
Price: $54.99

*They sparkle. No idea what I'd wear them with...but...they sparkle.*

Well, that was fun. Now I'm back to thinking about steam cleaning my floors and organizing my laundry room. So much needs to be done!!


Have an awesome weekend - new project should be up Sunday.



Linking up to the Friday Shoegasm over at Peace, Love & Applesauce!

Wrap it up for the weekend!

This week.


Well this week was a week that I may end up discussing at a later date. If not, just know that this week was interesting to say the least. I hope this next week gets a little less crazy!

I'm so very, unbelievably thrilled that it is FINALLY Friday. It seemed it would never get here. And this lovely weekend it's Father's Day no less! We'll be hanging out with my Dad and Grandpa a little bit and sending love to my Father in Law too!


I'm afraid this upcoming vacation will be one that is SO very needed and I plan on enjoying every last second of it. Hopefully hanging out by the lake, enjoying the water, hanging out with family and soaking in some vitamin D!

Now I know I've probably done pink before but it just feels so beachy!

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here . 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here. 8. Here.

I love the polka dot and ruffle combination of that swim suit. I probably won't buy it because I'm convinced I can find something similar at a lower price, but I love it. I love fedoras - I have a cute one. It's straw and has a cute orange fabric stripe on it. I wore it on the last beachy vacation and it kept the sun out of my eyes. And what is a good beach vacation without a good tote? That's where you stuff the flip flops, the sunblock, the towel, magazine and bottle of water. Seriously, if you have all that and a nice beach - you're good to go. And of course the cruiser bike. This bike is the closest I could find to the one I actually have. Mine is also pink - and so cute and fun. It too came on the last beachy vacation and it was glorious riding it around on the boardwalk. Isn't it adorable?



And of course because it's Friday and I can't help myself:

Found here.

Canvas Strap Cork Wedge
Charlotte Russe
$25.50

I like them because they feel beachy too.


And no worries - I'm planning on using plenty of this:

Window Shoppin' 6/15/11

Last weekend I had my first shopping trip in months. Well, actually since my birthday in March. I went with the sole purpose to purchase Toms shoes.

That didn't happen. I saw them, I tried them, I couldn't commit. I just couldn't.


Mostly because I was distracted by a purse the second I walked into the store. An aqua purse, with zippers ruffled down the front and pockets for all of my what-nots. And just like that I was walking out of the shoe store with a purse instead of Toms. It was all a blur. So now my purse woes are momentarily solved. (That is if this new purse holds its own and nothing horrible happens to it.) I also purchased this top from Charlotte Russe too. I like it! So yeah, the Tom's budget was spent and now I'm wondering if I'll purchase them next month before we leave on vacation.

Along with that one shirt I saw at Charlotte Russe. And that other one I saw at American Eagle. And that other shirt at Hollister. Why is it when you go shopping for one specific thing, you find a ton of stuff you want but can't buy? And when you go shopping for the sake of shopping you never find anything? It's unbelievably frustrating!

Well today is no different. I've been on the lookout for some pants - other than jeans. Maybe some like Little Miss Momma has on in this post. She tells me they're having 40% off and they were clearance - which means I need to head to my nearest Banana Republic outlet quickly. I can't seem to find the pair online, so I found a nice alternative and put an outfit together.

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here.

I think this outfit would be cute with a low messy side bun or an ultra chic top knot bun. I don't have long enough hair for either, but if I did - that's how I'd style my hair when wearing this outfit. That's just me though. What I love about this is that those pants are $24.50 - which is a screaming steal compared to the MEK's I bought last. The shoes are kind of 70's platform but I like em'! And of course you need a pop of color with some jewelry!

Here are some more cute finds:

Found here.

I love the texture of this skirt! I'm also dying to try a good a-line skirt like this too.

Found here.
Now why are these jeans so special? They're $10.50. Meaning if I try them on and they fit, they're mine. That's a deal where you wonder what's wrong with them. But then you remember they're $10 and if they fall apart, well you're only out $10.

Found here.
These cute heels call to me too. And because I can't get enough...

Found here.
They come in black too!

Well that's all for today. I'll still slowly be picking up things here and there for my upcoming vacation.

What are some of your finds?

Playing Catch-up! & I Heart Them: Ninexmuse

Hi. My name is Jessa, and I'm a procrastinator.


So much so that when things got a little too brain-fried crazy yesterday, I completely forgot my name, let alone the fact that I had a blog that could use a little attention.

Unfortunately the brain-fried craziness is going to continue this week and doesn't show signs of stopping. I'm warning you all beforehand that the blog might get a little neglected due to the fact that I need to figure out where I placed my brain. Sorry. I'll do my best, I promise.


Now: onto the regularly scheduled program...from yesterday.

*First let me just say: I have never talked to the head honcho at any of these Etsy shops. I haven't been asked nor do I get anything out of discussing these Etsy shops. I'm just telling you because I "heart" them.


Today I'd like to tell you about NineXMuse. A lovely jewelry shop with some vintage flair.

The shop is based out of California and also Hong Kong? I'm not sure about which is what, but the designs are lovely. There's a little bit for everyone if you're looking to wear something that suits your personality. Whether that's understated or a little more quirky - they have everything you need.

Take a look:

I love this necklace.

I love this feather necklace too.

As you can see, lots to choose from any many I didn't even include because of all the variety. Take a peek, you'll be happy you did!