Amber's {outfit} Notebook: Setting the Tone

There's something so comforting about coming home. It always feels like a fresh start, or maybe it's Monday that makes things feel like a fresh start to me. With a new month just on the horizon I am setting mini goals for myself and planning my schedule to make time for them. Now that the days longer and the weather warmer it seems so much easier to fit in time to make it to the gym, and later sunsets make evening walks so much more enjoyable. I am also hoping to put some time into my garden this coming week. Taking time to think about myself and my goals always makes me feel so much better, especially when things, like emails, can pile up so quickly after a weekend away. I look forward to an April full of gardening, fresh and healthy meals, and a putting a little more exercise in the books.

I am looking forward to ditching my boots in April as well.

Style Tip: When wearing flowy blouses pair with a long pendant necklaces to keep the top from appearing to baggy. They help reign everything in, when you aren't relying on a belt for waist definition. Also make sure to pair with slimming jeans and a fitted cardigan, opt for only one piece that doesn't define your figure.

Joie Glendale cheetah top, similar olive sweater, Forever 21 pendant and sunglasses, deena and ozzy boots and J Brand martini jeans.

I'd love to hear what some of your current goals or plans are for yourself and how you take accountability for achieving them.

Amber's {outfit} Notebook

Rain Drops Keep Falling on my Head

There's something about patterns that just make me happy. I'm always drawn to stripes, polka dots and checkers. They are magnetizing in the same way bows and sequins are, they make anything cute. And on a gloomy day like today I think doubling up on patterns is necessary. Seriously spring and sunshine, where are you?

Similar shirt, skirt, deena and ozzy boots

If you haven't already:
Check out my tribute to the stunning Elizabeth Taylor
and
Vote on what dress I should wear to the Charity Fashion Show.

Look of the Day: It's Elementary, My Dear Watson

Yesterday I organized my closet, got dressed for the first time this week, and went out to eat with Casey. It was a good day, after a slow start to the week. Pretty sure Cupid struck me with the strep-throat arrow instead of the love-sick one. Not so bad because it forced me, after much resistance, to finally make the trip to the doctor to get my tonsillectomy on a roll. Not looking forward to it but I'm not interested in spending my summer like last year's. I'll take the trip to Europe and leave the hospital stays. Casey and I ended our day with dinner at five thirty (happy hour) and Jeopardy. We are ready for our condo in Florida now, no retirement needed.

But really, was anyone surprised that Watson won last night? It was cool to see, but the guys had no chance. Watson had complete buzz-in accuracy and obviously no human error, emotion or nervousness. He was funny though - not that he was trying to be. I was happy to see Ken Jennings make a run for it at the end. However, I was surprised Ken didn't wage more at the end; especially after Watson's 'Toronto' final Jeopardy response the previous night. All in all, it was a very cool special to watch.

With the weather rainy and windy (crazy windy!) I went with bright colors for my outfit.

Pink, yellow, blue and sprinkles.
Not the cupcake kind but the spot on my jeans is a rain drop on the camera lens.

It's jacket time.

Kimichi Blue Jacket, White Dress Shop top, Forever 21 sweater, Citizens of Humanity Jeans, Deena and Ozzy Boots and Marc by Marc Jacobs purse.

Have a great Thursday!

Look of the Day: Not Your Average

"Don't think you're on the right road just because it’s a well-beaten path. "
Unknown

Every once in awhile I see a item of clothing, a pair of shoes, or a piece of jewelry, that stands out to me so much. I have to have it. For instance my new Marc by Marc Jacobs purse. For a girl who doesn't own a collection of purses, was pink a practical color to buy? Maybe not, but I didn't think about that; I just loved it so much it didn't matter - and I've worn it every day since. I find that the items that I fall in love with at first sight are the pieces I wear the most, I receive the most compliments for and are the longest standing pieces that I own. I purchased this coat about four years ago and it is still one of my favorite pieces. While it doesn't get worn a whole lot in the California weather, when it does get worn, it gets noticed. I had quite a few people ask me where I got my jacket and I felt a little bad when I told them that it's not longer available, but it's kind of nice to know you're not going to be wearing the same {black} jacket as everyone else on the block. So go dig up some old favorites in your closet, search around on Ebay or hit your local vintage store. Go find something to make yourself stand out in the crowd.

While the jacket was needed for the foggy morning, I shed it later in the day when the sun and warmth came out.

I love the button back that this blouse has.

Juicy Jacket (similar Juicy coat with faux fur in red), Citizens of Humanity Morrison jeans, Urban Outfitters Blouse (similar color,
and with a similar button back)and my go-to Deena and Ozzy boots.

Sometimes it's nice to reach for anything other then typical, don't you agree?

Look of the Day: Layered Lace

On Sunday my Step Mom, Rena, took my family out to lunch to celebrate my Dad and Uncle's birthdays. It was still very nice out and downtown where we were eating were buzzing with excitement for the Football playoffs. We shared sushi and stories and enjoyed the Sunday afternoon together.
I took advantage of the nice weather and wore a skirt. The second layer of lace tights (over a pair of black ones) was a last minute addition and they made all the difference. I received the most compliments of the day for my tights.

Urban kirt and top, Nordstrom Cardigan, Forever 21 Tights and Deena and Ozzy Boots.

I just came up with a Let's Make a Steal Idea, and my goal is to make it this week.
What is one goal you have for yourself this week?

Look of the Day: Perfectly Pinned

Yesterday I went out to dinner with my girlfriends V, Jen and Annie. Annie just got back from a trip to Japan, Thailand and Singapore, so it was fun to hear about her experiences-- which included feeding a baby tiger and elephant. She also gave us some souvenirs. Thanks Annie!

My experimentation with pattern mixing patterns continued yesterday as I mixed stripes and gingham.

Nordstom Cardigan, Rodate for Target striped shirt, Abercrombie button up, Citizens of Humanity Jeans and Deena and Ozzy boots.

The outfit was missing a little something so I added a big flower, Emerson Made style.
It made all the difference!

Happy Friday! Anyone have any fun plans for the weekend?

Look of the Day: Decades Collide

If you couldn't tell by my last post I am totally feeling the Seventies vibe that is going on this spring. I've even been brushing up on my favorite Seventies movies, like Love Story, Annie Hall, and Bullitt, to get in the mood. While this outfit isn't really 70's inspired it did have me feeling a little like Ali McGraw in Love story, so I threw on some glasses like her for fun.
Expect to see lots of seventies inspired fashion here on the blog this spring. It's the perfect time for this trend to be hot, because the husband's '71 Challanger should be all nice and refurbished by spring. Which means I'll be cruising around town pretending I live in that era. I guess I should start busting out my vintage pyrex now...

H&M jeggings {similar}, Forever 21 Sweater, Nordstrom BP button up shirt {similar}, Deena and Ozzy Boots {only $39 now}, Forever 21 specs.


the one and only.

What decade's fashion inspires you the most?

Look of the Day: What a Beautiful Mess I'm In

I've mentioned before that I can be messy. And one of the things I am attempting in the New Year to to be neater and have less clutter. I am blessed by how much I received for Christmas but before I put away all my new things I decided it's time to purge and let go of things I have been hanging on to for far too long. I even looked through my blog to see what pieces I wear over and over and this Urban top has made it's appearance several times, most recently in my "ode to Gwen Stefani" (also seen here, and here).My reward for myself when I finish cleaning is to set up my new iPad that my Dad gave me. I work well when I have a reward in sight.

Let's be honest here this is an old outfit I never posted. When my desk and girly room are clean new outfits will resume.

J Brand Leggings, Deena and Ozzy Boots, Forever 21 cardigan, Urban outfitters blouse, and Stella and Dot necklace.

By the way my Deena and Ozzy boots are now on sale at Urban Outfitters for only $39.99. I wear these things almost everyday and they are so comfortable and go with everything. Check them out here. And to see some of the other ways I have worn them click here.

Look of the Day: Baby, It's Cold Outside

Last night I was invited to attend a Gilt City shopping event at Gump's in San Francisco. I absolutely love the city during the winter time and you know me, all you have to say is shopping and Champagne and I'm there! Now you East Coasters and Mid Westerners are going to laugh at me, but when the temperature drops below 60' I get cold! So I used my trip to the city as an excuse to bundle up.
The event I attended was a lot of fun. We shopped around the store and sipped on some yummy Gloria Ferrer Sparkling wines. Gump's had amazing Christmas ornaments so I purchased a couple for presents. They even gave us gift bags when we left the store, with ornaments inside as well! I hope to attend some more Gilt City events in the future! To Join Gilt City click here, even if it's not in your city it is a great place to check out deals and events for when you are traveling! Thanks again to Lindsay for inviting me!

Anthropologie jacket, Forever 21 sweater, Forever 21 chunk knit beanie, JBrand Jeggings, and Deena and Ozzy boots tread boots .

What is your favorite way to stay warm?

Look of the Day: Ride 'Em Cowgirl

Yesterday my car died twice. Three times if you count when I finally managed to get it to the shop. Jumping my car in the rain isn't exactly my favorite thing to do. But that's the price I pay for being stubborn and not letting go of my car for 10 years -- I'm pretty attached to that thing.

So now I am cruising Casey's truck around town. And this outfit seemed to fit it perfectly. There are few types of flannel. We have the Kurt Cobain grunge flannel, the girly flannel, the Christmas flannel, pajama flannel and the lumberjack flannel. I think this flannel qualifies as the latter. And it matches the Dodge perfectly. I feel a bit like a cowgirl driving around the big pickup truck.

A tucked in blouse and and belted jeans is one of my go-to outfits. I love the look every time.
{variations here, here and here}

Miss Pennie Lane came out to play.

Oh my, why must you break down this time of year.
The car I mean, not me.

Forever 21 top, Citizen of Humanity Morrison Slim leg jeans, Deena and Ozzy boots, LF Stores Earrings.

What is one of your go-to outfits?

Look Of the Day: Teenage Dreams

Back in high school each night my best friend Jamie and I would methodically plan out our outfits for the next day over the telephone (you know that old land line thing). We both had sisters and each other's closet's to pull pieces from, so in all we had three closet to choose from. Wearing the same top or sweater in the same month was something that rarely happened.

Now I only have one closet to pull from so I have to make sure it's good. So I think about what I know: Season's are predictable, I lived in the Bay area long enough I know the climate by now. And think about what I like: I know in winter and fall I'll want to wear plaids. I'll also want to wear sweaters and boots. So when I buy pieces I know I'll want to wear it allows me to easily update my outfit each new season.

All I did to update this outfit from last year was add new boots and socks. Looking at what pieces I really like and want to wear helps me from mindlessly purchasing items that I won't wear often or won't wear more then one season. It also helps me from having panic moments while looking at my closet and thinking 'what the heck am I going to wear?'. Because you know, I can no longer call Jamie the night before and ask her what tops she has in her closet that I could borrow.

Free People Plaid dress from 2009 similar one here, Urban Outfitters sweater 2009, Deena and Ozzy boots, Forever 21 socks, Etsy necklace.

How do you avoid the whole 'I have nothing to wear' syndrome.

Look of the Day: Chartreuse By Any Other Name

Chartreuse is fast becoming one of my favorite colors. Funny thing is, I didn't know what color chartreuse was until just a few years ago. You see, I was under the impression chartreuse was a reddish shade. I never mentioned my mistake before but today I decided to investigate aka Google. Good old Wikipedia informed me that it was not my mistake for not correctly knowing what hue chartreuse is; in fact it was Crayola's fault.

"This was a mistake most likely due to the fact that the Crayola crayon company incorrectly labeled an amber-like color in 1972 as being chartreuse; this color was in 1990 re-labeled Atomic Tangerine."
{via wikipedia page "chartreuse"}

Ah ha! Right in the prime of my color learning experience and the height of my crayon usage, Crayola had misinformed me. It wasn't my mistake after all, perhaps it was my mistake for relying on Crayola for my color expertise. In any case, I am a big fan of crayons. To this day I have a jar full of them on my desk. So I forgive you Crayola for misguiding me, we all make mistakes.

"We could learn a lot from crayons; some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, while others bright, some have weird names, but they all have learned to live together in the same box."

~Robert Fulghum~

That's not junk in the trunk, that's an iPhone in the pocket.

Forever 21 Sweater, Nordstom Button up Top, Jbrand jeggins, Deena and Ozzy Tread boots.

Have a great Friday and weekend!!

Look of the Day: Aren't You Plaid?

Now when the days gets shorter and the nights longer, I tend to get sent in to a state of grey and black abyss. I remember one time in college, my cohort made fun of me asking if my closet was all grey.
I tried to fight the urge to live in black in black and grey, and you know who helps me out a ton? My good friend Plaid. There's nothing I love more then a good plaid shirt. So when I saw this dolman sleeved plaid shirt at Forever 21 I knew it had to be mine. Dolman sleeves make me a sucker every time.

Plaid and fall go together like a peanut butter and jelly.

Forever 21 Dolman Plaid shirt, Forever 21 sweater, J Brand Jeggings, Deena and Ozzy tread Boots.

Miss Pennie Lane wanted some love too. She is currently rocking her new winter coat.

Happy Thursday!

Look of the Day: It's That Time of Year

In my arsenal of clothes I like to have pieces that are easy to throw on and easy to mix and match. Comfy sweaters and scarfs are easy pieces to grab and still look put together. And really can you ever have enough plaid? I think not.

This outfit was perfect to run holiday errands in and stay warm. I am really excited about the gift-baskets I am making this year, but they requires lots of running around and hunting for specific items. All to make them more personal, my dear.

The scarf just made me feel so festive! I just love the Holiday Season.

Similar sweater, Similar Scarf, Deena and Ozzy Tread boots.

Is everyone as enamored by this time as year as I am?