I’ve been promising to blog about it for a while, and I finally organized enough to snap a few photos.

The room definitely has a cabin feel to it—it is a room in what seems to be a finished attic. The small doors I don’t open in any of the photos simply go into the attic.

Since it is a finished attic, everything is pretty short. I can actually touch the highest part of the ceiling while standing flat on my feet. Luckily I’m pretty short, so the room fits me perfectly. And I can’t tell you how great it is having all that extra storage space.

I’m always looking for ways to make it feel more me in terms of décor, so any suggestions are appreciated!

In case you’re wondering, I live in a very old house in Atlanta (where rent is less expensive than in many other cities), which is why I’m able to have this kind of space.

(Boots: Target. Pants: Old Navy. Striped T: F21. Blazer: Thrifted. Necklace: Family)

Don’t I look like I’m on my way to the country club for happy hour? Or about to go take a horse out for a ride? These pants are actually crop pants, and I’d been trying to find a way to wear them in the winter (without my ankles freezing off). They are perfect for tucking in to boots. The navy stripes and navy blazer are a Pinterest inspiration. I am such a Pinterest addict.

I have to go drop some stuff off at Goodwill this weekend. I’m kinda hoping I have the willpower to resist browsing the selection…I will keep you posted on my progress.

The theme of my top picks is Cole Haan, shoes, and quality over quantity.

(Full disclosure: a friend of mine works at Cole Haan, receives a very generous discount, and reaps the benefits of sample sales. I did not spend hundreds on these items, and am very grateful I’m able to snag them at such a reasonable price. I’m aware a $500 bag is absurd for most — it is for me! Nonetheless, they’re still my favorite items from this year.)

1. Cole Haan brown satchel

This is the first nice bag I’ve ever owned. Before this one, I was wearing Kohl’s purses until they ripped, in the $30-$50 range. This one will surely last me a few years.

I love the dark brown belt-like strap on this, and the burnt siena (can I get away with that Crayola namedrop? Is it siena?) color of the leather. The inside is generously sized and has nice small pockets for phones or lipstick or whatever. I’m wearing this bag 9 times out of 10 during the week, as it mostly goes with everything. Unfortunately, it’s been caught in the rain a few times and has a bit of wear and tear from that. Otherwise, I never let it touch a subway floor and it’s always by my side when I’m out and about (never trust a coat check with a nice bag!).

2. Cole Haan black interview/messenger bag

This one will only be taken out for special occasions. It’s very “I’ve made it in New York” to me. Fits a laptop and tons of other crap. The next important work meeting I have, this bag will definitely be in tow.

3. Maria Sharapova for Cole Haan ballet flats

Maria Sharapova for Cole Haan Ballet Flats, $178.00

I got these in black, not sparkly, but I couldn’t find them online.

THESE ARE NOT JUST ANY FLATS, so don’t freak out that they’re $178. These are the queen flats, the best of the best. The shoe is made with Nike Air technology, meaning the soles and heel have these cushiony pads that make them super durable and comfortable. After going through several $30 pairs of black flats in my lifetime, I’m psyched that these are going to be able to take a beating on NY sidewalks.

4. Brilliant blue GAP legging jeans

GAP legging jeans in brilliant blue, $69.95

One of the best things about being unprepared for a night over at the significant other’s is that you’re “forced” to “have to” buy a new outfit for work the next day, instead of the unthinkable repeating the outfit from the day before, or concocting something smelly and horrible from whatever has accumulated at his place over the past several months. Such was the reasoning behind this purchase — bright blue legging jeans from the GAP.

The legging jeans here are so unbelievably comfortable and offer a flattering fit (not too tight/not made for Amazonian-esque models). It’s amazing how much of my wardrobe is boosted with bright blue as its bottom half. I’ve worn these over and over and they still feel brand new.

5. TOMS shoes in black

TOMS, $44

As described here, I love my TOMS shoes. Unless it’s raining, you don’t have to think twice about throwing them on and going to run a couple errands in your neighborhood. They’re easy, comfortable, and match with mostly everything.

6. Asics Cumulus running shoes

Asics Cumulus running shoes, $109.95

I can’t even talk about how badly I needed a new pair of running shoes. Before these, I had been running in the same pair of ripped, pathetic New Balances for years — it’s been at least 3. I’ve put it off because I’m not a serious athlete, and it’s hard to spend more than $100 on something that you don’t absolutely need. After getting identical recommendations at Jack Rabbit and Paragon Sporting Goods, these Asics were the winner.

I’m on week 4 of 9 of the Couch to 5K running program right now (no treadmill — real deal running!) and training for a stairclimb in March, and so far, these shoes have been great. They’re breathable and very cushioned for the beginner athlete.

7. Under Armour flip-flops

Under Armour flip-flips, $24.99

If I had to pick one item from this list that I think everyone should have no matter what, it’s these flip-flops. My aunt Nancy was wearing these shoes on our yearly trip to Vermont. I slipped them on real quick when I needed to walk outside and grab something, and was completely blown away.

I really can’t even describe how these feel on your feet. It’s like, putting your feet onto Memory Foam. The rest of the Vermont trip I kept yapping about how much I loved these shoes so much, she ended up giving me the pair to shut me up. They are so marvelous and decently priced, I would buy fifteen more pairs.

8. Origins Peace of Mind On-the-Spot Tension Relief

Peace of Mind On-the-Spot tension relief, Origins, $11.00

“When the world closes in on you and your head feels a size too small, apply just two dabs of Origins mind-clearing formula on the back of your neck, temples and earlobes. You’ll feel a tingling sensation as pressure, tension and tightness begin to melt away.” — Origins website

This sounds like a load of marketing crap, right?

Believe it or not, it’s actually legitimate. The next time you have a throbbing hangover, use this stuff. It’s wonderful. I keep mine at the office for stressful days. Maybe it’s all in my head, but something about the smell and numbing sensation soothes me.

9. MAC lipstick

I went to MAC and told the saleswoman I wanted a lipstick that was noticeable but not ridiculous. She returned with Lustre lipstick in Viva Glam. I tried it on, loved it, bought it, and walked out the door. I wear it almost daily. $15. End of story. (Sorry Beyonce, I’m sure your firefighter red lipsticks are just lovely for you but make me look insane, see below.)

10. Old Navy compression capris

Old Navy compression capris, $39.99

Lululemon, I’m still avoiding having to buy your $80 pants like the plague. I know you’re great, I just can’t do it.

Until that day comes, these Old Navy compression capris are great. They keep me warm during cold a.m. workouts and have a little zipper for your key(s) in the back. They’re the kind of workout pants you have to constantly wash because they’re your go-tos and it’s almost disgusting how often you wear them.

11. Vera Wang glasses

Vera Wang eyewear, Sol Moscot, price varies

2011 was the year my beloved but aesthetically awful glasses broke (not pictured, thank God). I had them since I was in middle school and they finally cracked. It was time to take advantage of my big girl insurance and buy new frames.

I was horrified at my exam that my vision had become even worse (you think yours is bad? I’m -13.00 in my left, -12.50 in my right. Yeah.) Even with “thin lens technology” that I paid an extra $100 for, the lenses are still super thick, but I’m aware I have abnormally terrible eyesight, so whatever. I love these frames and despite their nerdiness, they look a million times better on me than my old ones.

—

There you have it. My 2012 Thrifty Threads resolution is to make more trips to Goodwill than I did in 2011, both for donations and for shopping. Happy new year, all!

The first are these jeans.

I call these my magic jeans. They are the Skinny Mini Flare from Old Navy. Why are they magic jeans you ask? Well, they seriously make your legs look ridiculously long (and skinny to boot). I’m only 5′ 3″, so anything that can make me seem taller works for me. Every time I wear these jeans, I get compliments. I have them in two colors (of course, not the color above, which I might have to go procure), and they have replaced my skinny jeans and jeggings as my go-to jean.

The next is my Pandora bracelet. This was a graduation present from my parents, and I’ve worn it pretty much everyday since I got it. When they gave it to me, it had five charms on it: the present, the stack of books (nerd alert), the graduation cap, the football (obviously) and the tea pot. This past weekend, I added the cupcake, the little Buddha and the pink glass charm. I had another charm bracelet growing up, but never wore it. I don’t know what it is about these Pandora bracelets, but I just love mine so much. I also love how these charms perfectly describe me: I’m a huge nerd (duh) who loves football and cupcakes; I drink a lot of tea and I try to be as zen as possible at all times. Boom.

Then come these glasses. I blogged about them and how I got them off the internet for a ridiculous price. I wear them almost every night, so it didn’t occur to me to include them. But I love them. Each time I put them on, I just love them even more.

The next one I think is pretty obvious. If you learned one thing about me all year, what was it? Oh yea, I’m obsessed with all clothes with stripes.

This was the beginning of my stripe obsession, which I blogged back in July. Since then, I have probably added at least six more striped shirts and a striped shirt dress. Yea. I had (well still have) a problem. I don’t know what it is about stripes, but I still love them. I think it is an easy pattern to wear for most people. It is hard for me to pick a favorite, but I’d have to say either the pink and gray striped one above (from Zara) or this short sleeved navy and white top from Forever 21.

I had some pretty good thrifting finds this year. I only went a few times, but whenever I went, I found piece that I love. So here are a few of my favorites.

Jacket, via Goodwill.

Navy blouse, via Salvation Army.

Gray and navy striped top (duh), via Salvation Army.

So those are my top picks for the year. My New Year’s Resolution is to stop impulse buying…specifically online clothes shopping. I’m going to take my credit cards out of my wallet. That’s how serious I am. This whole getting married thing is sorta expensive…

Hope everyone had a happy holiday!

On more than one occasion recently, I’ve noticed the reappearance of a trend involving an item I used to own — or at least I remember a time in the past when that item was in style.

What am I talking about?

Combat boots

Even though I was young during the grunge era of the early ’90s, I’ve seen the boots. Whether it was Clarissa or Elaine Benes, these were a hit back then. Recently, both Shannon and I (she was first) bought combat boots of our own.

While this is the only example I can think of right now, I know there have been others. It’s somewhat frightening when styles I’ve long-since dismissed as passé suddenly start to look appealing.

So when I’m cleaning out my closet, I can’t help but think, “Maybe I should hold onto these corduroy pants in case I feel like wearing them again someday.”

Luckily I do have the space for that type of storage right now (closet photos soon, I promise!), but that doesn’t mean I want to keep to many things around that I don’t wear.

When cleaning out your closet, how do you best determine what to keep and what to hold on to?

Piperlime, an online retailer owned by GAP,  has been distributing PSA-esque advertisements on coffee sleeves throughout New York, warning women that if they wear sweatpants, they’ll be single forever.

For some, (Piperlime Ad Tells Sweatpants-Wearing Women They’ll Send Men Running) this ad campaign is a little offensive, and notes that most men don’t find sweatpants unattractive, and don’t really care what you’re wearing. True.

I actually had a conversation with someone recently about my style evolution with sweatpants.

In Georgia, wearing sweatpants while running errands was no big deal. Especially in your college years, I can’t think of a more appropriate Sunday, I’m-going-to-Target outfit than sweatpants and your sorority’s latest T-shirt (or your newspaper’s, in my case). This wasn’t something to be ashamed of. They’re comfortable, and sometimes they’re kind of cute! And you’re probably hungover! Who cares?

In New York, I can count the number of times on one hand I’ve left my apartment in sweatpants, and most of those were when I was horribly sick and just needed to get to the pharmacy. The reason for this is for the most part, New Yorkers are incredibly visual, wardrobe-conscious people. Even at your worst, you’re expected to throw on a little makeup and put something a little matchy-matchy together. It’s sometimes exhausting.

But, I kind of like that living here forces me to think about what I’m putting on everyday. Albeit super comfortable, sweatpants are lazy. I guess the offensiveness of this campaign comes in when it suggests that you’re only dressing to attract the opposite sex. Please, Betsey Johnson says it best:  “Girls do not dress for boys. They dress for themselves, and of course, each other. If girls dressed for boys, they’d just walk around naked at all times.”

Bottom line: I love my sweatpants at home, but I agree that they should stay there. As for what men think about it … irrelevant?

Happy holidays — I will be wearing my sweatpants at home for days.

It has been a busy month or so since I last posted. Went to ATL for Thanksgiving for six days and did a bunch of wedding stuff (wedding planning is really time consuming…who knew?). My BFF Jess came to visit for a few days. Been shopping and preparing for the holidays. And working. A ton. Who knew that December was such a busy time for features? Oh yea…there are about 12 movies premiering in 10 days…but I digress.

I have still been wearing clothes, of course. I actually did a closet purge over the weekend and got rid of two bags of clothes. Yet my closet is still packed. I saw something on Pinterest that said at the beginning of the year, turn all your hangers one way, and when you wear something, turn them back the other way. Then anything you haven’t worn in the first six months, get rid of. I’m not quite sure if I am going to subscribe to that notion, but I am definitely going to be more conscious of the clothes I am wearing and not wearing.

I’m currently reading this book called “The Happiness Project” (I’ve also been reading a lot…nerd alert). Now before you ask, yes, I am happy, but this book is still rather eye-opening. In the first chapter, the author goes through her apartment and purges a lot of her clothes. She cites studies that say people sometimes get overwhelmed with too many choices (with clothing in particular) and then feel guilty when they don’t use the items enough. I know I am guilty of this. I feel as though if I don’t wear something many times, I wasted the money, which can be overwhelming when you add it all up in your head. That being said, I didn’t purge a ton, but I did jettison some items I’ve had for almost 10 years, so I feel as if that is a good step.

Moving on, here is what I am wearing today.

Sweater: Target. Dress (as a skirt): Vintage. Tights: We Love Colors. Belt: Forever 21. Boots: Target.

I’d been trying to find a work-appropriate way to wear this dress for awhile. It is one of my favorite summer pieces, but I never could think of a way to transition it. Bring on the tights, boots and a sweater. And I enjoy it…it is also very comfy. Maybe I will take a nap under my desk.

(Dress: Target. Cardigan: Swaped. Tights: Actually unsure…I thought they were my We Love Colors tights, but they are not.
Shoes: Steve Madden. Bracelet: Pandora)

The reasons for sharing were simple. a) It’s very UGA-themed (not really intentional, but I enjoy it). b) This dress was an incredibly steal. I got it awhile back off the clearance rack for 12 bucks! 12 bucks! And it’s crazy adorable. It has little birds on it that you can’t really see, but I love it. And then adding to the thrifty nature is my cardigan, which I got in a clothing swap with some friends. A win all around.

In other outfit news, I have a long-running list of future outfits to wear and I’m quite excited about it. I pulled items from my closet last night and found new things to pair them with. A good little activity for when one is bored.

Also, Telly wanted to say hi. She was wondering why I was taking a picture of myself.

But she approves of my outfit.

Found any good steals lately?

Warby Parker frames are quite popular among the blogosphere. And it’s a pretty cool concept. It’s similar to Toms where you buy a pair and they give a pair to someone in need. But what I liked was that you can get five pairs sent to you (for free, shipping both ways included) so you can try them on and see how they look. So I picked out my five and eagerly awaited. When they arrived, these two were my favorites.

(Top is Wiloughby, bottom is Pierce)

So I just had to pick one of these, right? Well. Not exactly. While I was waiting for my home try on frames to show up, I read a blog post over on Caffinerd about how she used Glasses USA to order a new pair of glasses. Being curious, I wandered on over and started looking. First thing I noticed was the amazing deals. Most of the frames were less than $100 bucks, frames included. AND they were having a 50 percent off sale. So I browsed. I immediately fell in love with these.

They are called the Noah Gray. They are similar to Pierce from Warby Parker. But then is started thinking that these looked pretty similar to the glasses I already had. If I was going to break my habit and get new glasses, I should go outside of what I usually get. Then I found these bad boys.

I’ve been big in to tortoise lately, not sure why. Both my sunglasses and my watch are tortoise. So why not embrace a pair of tortoise glasses? So I bought them. For 40 bucks. Including shipping. But without trying them on. Which made me nervous. So I waited, eagerly anticipating their arrival. Yesterday was the big day.

Sorry for the weird computer glare on the frames. And for the awkward quasi office shot. But these are the new frames, and I love them. Yes, they are kinda hipster, but you know what, I am going to be a poseur for the time being. But I highly recommend that site (and no, I am not like affiliated with them or anything). But if you need new glasses for cheap, look there.

These are like the worst photos I’ve ever taken, PS. Please see the Photobooth “setup” on my totally unmade bed. My new bedroom is essentially a funhouse because of my new mirrored dresser.

Skirt: Forever21. Bow gloves: H&M. Cardigan/Blazer: August Silk, thrift store.

So clearly pre-coffee.

I also wore a birdie brooch I bought at Cheap Thrills. With the red bow gloves (which I want a detailed photo of to show off but H&M online store leaves much to be desired) and the brooch, I felt a little Hillary Swank a la “PS, I Love You.”

This isnt mine. But it looks a lot like mine.

"I've never seen a girl in so many colors before!"

The takeaway from this is I buy a lot of random pieces that require a little planning. Come 7 a.m., I don’t feel like conceptualizing and end up wearing something I’ve worn hundreds of times before. With a little effort, it’s easy to take those hesitant pieces and turn them into a full-blown outfit.

On a completely unrelated note, I dressed up as Black Swan for Halloween this past weekend. I regret to say that I was NOT very thrifty putting it together. If I had planned — hey! There’s that planning lesson again! — I could have gone to a fabric store on 7th Avenue and made the tutu myself, and grabbed some feathers to tack on. Alas, I put it together a few days before Halloween. The strapless leotard is American Apparel (which, let’s be real, where else would I find a strapless leotard? God bless you American Apparel and your completely unwearable in real life apparel), the tutu and feathers were from an overcrowded, overpriced costume store. I’m happy with how it turned out, but next year I’m going to aim for a $50-or-less getup. Anything more for one night really isn’t worth it when you’re broke in your 20s.

Getting ready.

Almost ready. It snowed on Halloween.

The finished product.

My two out-of-town guests for the weekend, looking fresh. Here, I do not look like Natalie Portman swan, rather, swan that's irritated at the long line at CVS.

Happy belated Halloween!