@EmersonMade my day!

Shirt: Gap | Sweater: J.Crew | Gold Coin Necklace: Emersonmade | Jeans: 7FAM | Boots: Dolce Vita

I have seriously slacked on outfit posts this week. I'll blame it on the fact that things have really started to pick up at work, we've had quite a few house showings this week, and my co-worker Jayna has been crashing with us due to a faulty car. Such is life. I've also been drowning in inspiration on a personal project and just trying to find the time to get all of my ideas out of my head and onto paper! I donned this comfy look to start my weekend out right; feeling chic and looking put together. Very much looking forward to a great weekend with friends! And please take a moment to admire my Emersonmade necklace! Isn't it perfect? You can get yours here!

What are your plans?

Sprint-spirations.

Various sources. 

Yesterday I shared with you my "Sprinter" shopping guide, and today, the inspiration behind those items. As you can see, many of the items are present: white jeans, cropped trousers, chic flats and neutral classics. I can't stop looking at all of these photos! So lovely! Who or what is inspiring you in this in-between season?

Sprinting towards "Spri-nter."

The amount of spring clothes and collections flooding my mailbox and Google Reader are ridiculous. Mostly because it's still JANUARY and freezing cold here in Oregon. So, I've set my eyes on pieces that follow the spring trends, while still allowing me to maintain some semblance of temperature awareness. I'm totally digging the natural colors, more stripes (of course) and this beautiful J.Crew tuxedo shirt. All of these pieces could be worn from now until the end of August with a little modification here and there! I can see a lot of these pieces becoming my "Spri-nter" uniform.

What do you wear in the in-betweens?

1. Sailor Sweater, J.Crew, $88.*
2. Aubin & Wills, Net-a-Porter, $42.
3. Cece Cracker Metallic Ballet Flats, J.Crew, $128.
4. New Cafe Capri, J.Crew, $79.50.
5. Dearie Me Wedges, Anthropologie, $150.
6. Rail Straight Jeans in White Wash, Madewell, $95.
7. Gold Coin Necklace, Emersonmade, $68.*
8. Large Market Basket, Dundee General Store, $63.95.
9. Tuxedo Shirt, J.Crew, $150.

*I have actually purchased these items.

Menu Monday.

Monday
Breakfast: Grapefruit, slice of sourdough bread
Lunch: Salad Bar, Apple
Dinner: Leeks Penne (adapted from this recipe)

Tuesday
Breakfast: Grapefruit, slice of sourdough bread
Lunch: Salad Bar, Clementine
Dinner: Eat out [Movie with Kerrianne and Jayna]

Wednesday
Breakfast: Bread, Fruit
Lunch: Sweet & Sour Fruit and Vegetable Salad, Bread and cheese
Dinner: Spinach Salad & Bruschetta [Girl's Night]

Thursday
Breakfast: Bread & Jam, Clementine

Lunch: Cucumber Salad, Bread and cheese

Dinner: Grilled Steak w/ Red Wine Sauce, Green Salad

Friday
Breakfast: Bread & Jam, Clementine

Lunch: Eat out

Dinner: Abby's Pizza (BIL's Basketball game)

Saturday
[Skiing w/ Fab Four]
Breakfast: Breakfast Tart w/ Pancetta and Green Onions

Lunch: Sandwiches

Dinner: Eat out

Sunday
Breakfast: Toast, Fruit

Lunch: Small Group (everyone brings something)

Dinner: Eat out

Vive la Clem.

Images via Marie Claire, February 2011

French actress Clémence Poésy is beautiful, talented and stylish. She's also been the face of one of my very favorite designers, Chloé, and has starred in one of my very favorite series (Harry Potter!) as Fleur Delacour. But aside from all of that, she captures this unique, effortless beauty that really speaks to me. She never looks overdone, often wearing menswear inspired looks and loose natural hair styles. She often wears little to no makeup and flat shoes, despite her small stature. She has truly moved to the top of my style icon list and I couldn't help but share these gorgeous photos of her from February's issue of Marie Claire.

Happy Friday!

Caped Crusader.

Boucle Cape: Anthropologie | Blouse: J.Crew | Roxanne Skinny Jeans: 7FAM | Booties: Jessica Simpson | Ring: Vintage

Capes were a big trend this winter, and since it is still fully winter in Oregon- despite the fact that spring clothes are everywhere- I decided I'd break this cape out of my closet. I always end up loving this piece once I have it on, but it's a bit intimidating to build an outfit around with it's wide "wings" and bright color. I do love it though. Total sale rack score, too.

I've had a pretty crazy week, but not because of anything going on in my life. In fact, a few of the things I've really wanted to happen in my life, have been happening to a friend. And you know what? I've really enjoyed being there for her and going through the process with her. I'm feeling really glad that I've been able to be a part of her life and support her through this, and it's really taken my mind of the lack of changes in my own life. Friendship for the win!

How's your week going?

Tatted Up.

Cardigan, Dress: J.Crew | Trellis Tights: Anthropologie | Belt: Urban Outfitters | Boots: Dolce Vita

I wore this outfit to a wedding we attended December 28 (with a pair of cognac heels instead of boots) and got quite a few comments on it, so I thought I'd recycle it. A lot of people thought I had tattooed my legs. Which would be very out of character for me, but it was kind of fun to fake it for a night!

I feel like I've been really out of touch with you all lately, between the holidays and this last weekend of having family here, but I'm totally going to be back around here more often soon. It's not for a lack of thought and inspiration, let me tell you, it's almost too much inspiration and thoughtfulness to put into words! :)

What's new with you?

That 70's Girl.

Top: Tucker for Target | Jackie Cardigan: J.Crew | Jeans: MiH Marrakesh | Wedges: Cynthia Vincent for Target

It's my Friday! And my Mom is coming to visit this weekend and I'm totally waiting to hear her say, "I had jeans just like that in high school," when I see her this afternoon. But I'll just laugh, because I love everything about these jeans. The brand, the wash, the rise and even the bell-bottom. I also love the way that this blouse, which was under $30, goes with basically every other color in my wardrobe. And that my hair is finally long enough to fit in a braid. And that it was almost 60 degrees outside this morning. Perhaps that little black rain cloud that's been hovering over my head might just blow away today...

What have you all been up to?

Amidst my @MiHJeans.

Blazer: J.Crew | Tee: Gap | Jeans: MiH Roadtrip Jean | Booties: Jessica Simpson

Man this week has been blah. I'd avoided the usual January doldrums and sleepless nights that usually come, but boy did they set in this week. I'm trying really hard to keep my attitude positive, so if you have any extra happy thoughts, please do share! A high point of the week has certainly been the receipt of my MiH Roadtrip Jeans that fit like an absolute glove, and that I got for a steal ($69!) on Swirl. I've been falling more and more in love with the brand and their traditional British denim and this is my second pair. I could not be happier with them. And I think they go perfectly with my brown tweed, don't you?

Uniformity.

Cardigan: Nordstrom | Curtain Call Top: Anthropologie | Jeans: 7FAM | Boots: Dolce Vita | Glasses: D&G | Ring: Vintage

Add this to the list of "uniforms" I've been sporting this winter. I snagged this top on sale from Anthropologie after trying it on sometimes this summer. Their move-to-sale timing will never cease to mystify me, but it was one of the best purchases I've ever made. I've worn it a ton, I feel great in it, and it will be easy to convert for warmer months. You can't really tell but it's got some super flattering ruching and an asymmetrical hem that makes my waist look teeny-tiny. This cardigan is another piece that has withstood the test of time. I think this is it's third winter with me and it still looks brand new. I bought it at Nordstrom and I've often thought of buying another since I've worn it so often. It was so nice to wake up this morning and throw this on, knowing it would be comfortable and make me look and feel great. Those French, they're really onto something. :)

I'm also super excited because everytime I wear my hair straight I realize 1) how long it's getting and 2) how much closer I am to having the color grown out. Taylor always laughs when I say this, but I swear I'll never dye my hair again. I was born with the shade I have and messing with it did me no good. Good thing ombre hair styles were "in" this year, because I certainly have one going on.

How were your weekends? What do you throw on on Monday morning?

Closed doors.

Photo credit unknown.

This week I came upon a closed door.
It was a door I was so desperately hoping to go through.
A door I could picture myself going through.
A door I was sure it was time to go through.
A door that would theoretically lead to other doors that I also wanted to go through.
But that door did not open when it came time like I had hoped.
It remained closed.
It remained closed and the peace and patience and hope I had been cultivating within, disappeared.
And I got angry, and frustrated and said things like, "life's not fair."

But wouldn't you know, as soon as I hung my head, turned around and walked away in defeat, a window opened.
A window opened and inspiration flew in the window.
Flew in and hit me in the face.
Not hard, but like a soft reminder.
A reminder that there is a plan.
And it is good.

Inspiration flew in and reminded me of the things I have hoped for far longer that that open door
And along with that inspiration, motivation.
Motivation to start something frightening, something potentially life changing and something I've dreamed about my whole life.
Motivation to take the narrow path, full of hard work and sacrifice.
A path that will lead to many more doors, some open, some closed.
A path that leads to to a beautiful end goal and a life I've always wanted.

Thank God for closed doors.

Wellies & Tweed.

Blazer, pants: J.Crew | Tee: Target | Vest: Forever 21 | Wellies: Hunter

I started this outfit out with my black boots on, I just need to get that off my chest. I tried to stay true to Black Boots Week, but then I put on this tweed jacket which arrived last night (yay! for Final Sale) and it asked me, nay! begged me to put on my green wellies. I mean wellies and tweed? That's a match made in heaven. I'm a big fan of menswear-inspired styles and this outfit is making me feel oh-so-debonair on this dreary Thursday.

What's up with you? 

Leather Look-a-like.

Hat: Urban Outfitters | Cafe Racer Jacket: Anthropologie | Pashmina: Target | Tee: J.Crew | Jeans: 7FAM | Boots: Steve Madden

So in case you haven't noticed the fact that I've worn these boots every single day this week, I'll take this opportunity to point it out and declare this Black Boots Week. You know, like Shark Week, but with less blood and sea creatures. Anyway...I've had this photo of Rachel Bilson stowed away in my inspiration archives for a long time, but when I saw this zoomed-in version of the shot last week, I was re-inspired to give her adorable look a go. I had all the makings of her look, except a beret, so I picked this one up at UO last night before Taylor and I'd impromptu dinner date.

What do we think? Bilson-esque?

Mossy Morning.

Jackie Cardigan, pants: J.Crew | Sea's Epitome Shirt: Anthropologie | Boots: Steve Madden

I slept terrible last night. Just awful. I had two very real nightmares and wanted nothing more than to stay in bed when my alarm went off this morning. However, this was not an option so I drug myself out of bed and proceeded to stare at my closet for a mere five seconds before picking out these pants, boots and sweater. Uniform dressing for the win! :) I then had a slight revelation and thought this shirt would give my tired self the extra kick and punch of color I was so desperately in need of. I'm still tired, but I do like how this outfit turned out.

How are your Tuesdays going?

Get in my Kitchen!

1. All-Clad Williams and Sonoma (W&S), Gourmet Double-Burner Grill, $79.95.
2. Sur La Table, Fromage Mitt, $6.36.
3. Sur La Table, Stainless Steel Measuring Cups, $43.96.
4. Amazon, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, $51.48.
5. Anthropologie, Apellation Utensil Jar, $28.00.
6. Lyptus, Edge Grain 24 x 18 inch Cutting Board, $93.99.
7. W&S, Spider Skimmer, $18.
8. Staub, Yellow Round Cocotte, $234.
9. W&S, Herbs of Provence, $18.
10. Kamenstein, Round Magnetic Tin, $1.99 each.
11. Anthropologie, Farmer's Egg Crate, $14.
12. Basic French. Colorful Cotton Foutas, $35.

My wardrobe was not the only aspect of my life when I fell in love with France last year. As I read through the French Women Don't Get Fat series, and started shopping and cooking organically with raw foods, I was reminded how much I enjoy being in the kitchen and using a variety of tricks and tools. I've even been reading my cookbooks for fun! Don't pass out Mom. :) Above are just a few items I'd love to have as I continue to plan and cook a variety of great meals!

What are your go-to kitchen items? What are you jonesing for?

Man in the Mirror.

Coat: Gap | Sweater, scarf: J.Crew | Jeans: 7FAM | Boots: Steve Madden | Tank: Nordstrom

Ever since early December and the onslaught of my Francophility (totally a word), I've been trying to embrace the idea of dressing more simple and chic and with a "uniform" mentality. For purpose of honing my wardrobe, establishing my personal style and good old peace of mind. I've lived in boots and skinny jeans and this scarf (and usually my tweed blazer) and honestly, have felt so chic and put together almost every day. Sticking with what works, works! :)

Also, I would just like to brag that this coat is from my freshman year of highschool. Talk about a timeless piece!

Menu Monday!

It's that time again! Time to plan the week's meals. There's not too much on our schedule this week except for family's basketball games this weekend and for me, a movie date with Kerrianne (most likely Thursday). We're also planning to have a little "date" night at home on Wednesday. So...here's what we'll be eating!

Monday
Mimosa Soup
Bread
Green Salad w/ homemade vinagrette

Tuesday
Potato Gratin a la Normandie
Green Salad

Wednesday 
[Date Night]

Macaroni with Spinach and Pancetta
Pears with Chocolate and Pepper (for dessert)

Thursday
[Movie w/ Kerrianne)

Friday & Saturday
[Basketball Games]

Sunday
Chicken Tatin

Perhaps this week, I'll try to take some photos of the food I'm making? I have a hard time doing so b/c usually I'm so focused on things turning out! Speaking of turning out, we made a beef tenderloin for New Year's Eve that was to die for! That, and my SIL's cookies, was pretty much the highlight of NYE.

What did y'all do!?