totes mcgotes.

this is an over-used phrase in my vocabulary at the moment. sometimes i just reply with a quick "totes" for short...last night my roommate found a brand of tote bags called totes mcgotes!!!! how funny!

according to urban dictionary, totes mcgotes means:
-totally; the only appropriate response for when someone asks you to do something ridiculously cool; the cool way of saying 'totally'.

don't you love this phrase!? that's really all i've got for you, today, seeing as we got piled with more snow last night..totes.

Shoe in.

Madewell Spring line-I die. Fantastic shoes, and I have my eye on three pairs. I'll have to either a) narrow it down to one (not likely) or b) convince my roommate to get a different one than me so we can share.

This inspires me to create some funky Spring looks (especially when the temps dropped yet again and we're stuck in Winter longer).

1) The Oxford slingback, black and cream tunic, and simple khaki shorts.

2) The nubuck seaside sandal, hippy colorful top, and flirty navy lace shorts.

3) the sidewalk wedge, the sweater of many colors, and how about some basic leggings?

What do you think? I'm ready for Spring..how about you?

The atypical.

I like the odd dishes and kitchenware that Anthropologie sells. I also like mugs and cups that are more rustic... As I spied the section on their site, I was picturing the perfect outfit to wear with it..

...waking up in the morning to a nice mug of coffee....

...in a relaxed striped tunic (perhaps with leggings, boots, and a shawl sweater?)...

...sitting down to dinner in this unique flatware...

...with candlelight, something warm, and this rich colored dress...

...sipping some tea (or a hot toddy?) in the evening...

...in this sweet little frock...

Covered Up

So remember my post about this fabulous poncho/cape at Madewell? I love it. It's $198. I live in Texas, so it'd be warm enough to cover me through Winter. (I probably won't buy it, but Julie's thinking about it!). Super fantastic merino-knit sweater.

At any rate, I thought we needed to look at the competition. We have the cocoon popover, made it double-faced cashmere...yours for only $1,200 (currently sold out, but they'll find a way to provide more).
Anthropologie offers this lovely slight military-esque cape in a green motif in wool. Same price as the Madewell cape, but completely different style/uses.
Then our go-to for the less expensive versions, Modcloth offers the Manta Ray in a wool blend for $72.99.

And if you just want to achieve the cape-look, without fully committing to the trend or the money, hop over to Old Navy (not the greatest quality, but at $30-40, you can risk it).

The button-front:

Or the Marled cable-knit (which I personally love) (even though I occasionally have a fear of turtle necks):

Happy shopping :)

Ps--if all you want is the Madewell cape, spend $100+ and get free shipping with the code SCORE.

Look for Less: Kicking Around

Let's be honest. We don't live in a dream world where we can buy this whole outfit for a mere $1,204 not including taxes and shipping. We live in a reality where we are forced to find alternatives, that can be just as satisfying and cute no matter what anyone says.

I got a humorous email from Maria yesterday that said "Even if I had the money, I'd rather buy a plane ticket to Dallas rather than those boots!"

So I thought..why not come up with some alternatives? I perused Modcloth and found some cuties for dresses. For 1/4 of the price!! Can you believe it? Obviously not an exact match, but these have the same "feel" of the Anthro look at a fraction of the cost.

I particularly love this one..and the name!!

Here are some Target boots I found for less than 1/8 of the price!!! I do think that spending between $100-150 on boots is very conservative, so feel free to hit up Steve Madden, DSW, or Zappos..

Some Modcloth coats were reminiscent to the plaid one on the model...at less than 1/3 of the cost!

So let's see here...if we total up the most expensive options on this list...we get $243...then go purchase your Anthro head wrap and tights for another $50...not even $300 for the whole look when it was $1,204 for the Anthropologie look!!! What's that you say? Oh I know, I was thinking the same. Now you have extra money for other things...such as food, shelter, and rent...just kidding. I was thinking more about accessories (scarves anyone?), cupcakes, and music.

How Tuesday: Wedding Season Part I: Wedding Shower

Wedding Season begins! Don't panic. This doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. That part is very important to me since I'm attending 9 weddings this season (I'm in one, in town).

How to dress for and attend a wedding shower:
1. Note the theme of the shower-indoor, outdoor, picnic, luncheon, couples, or just ladies.

2. Bring a gift, and a date when invited to do so.

3. Wear a dress you already have, if possible.

4. Don't look better than the bride.

5. Don't outshine the bride at the shower.

6. Wear something classy-and cover up. No need to look like you're going clubbing.

7. Socialize with the guests and make sure the bride knows you're there for her.

The Gift:

1. If you are close to the bride and know her style, you can buy something personal and off-registry (I do this a lot).

2. If you are in doubt, buy off the registry. You can buy one gift for the whole wedding-or several small ones (shower, party, wedding day).

3. If you are invited to an out of town shower, order a gift online ahead of time and have it shipped.

4. Make sure the gift is wrapped with a gift receipt.

5. Include a card with a personal message to the bride (and groom).

Dress ideas:

(all under $50!!)

paired with....

paired with...

paired with...

paired with...

Modcloth is so adorable! I think I'm going to place an order...I'll let you know how it all fits, since I've ALWAYS been curious about this online shop!!