Loose ends

Two months ago I started a style challenge where I was supposed to choose some neglected items from my closet and create four outfits with each of them.
I started out pretty strong, but then, rather than finishing before Italy, or bringing any of those items with me, I just let them sit in the closet. On Friday they confronted me for being such a lazy, style challenge neglecter, so I decided I had better finish!

The Brushstoke Top

I feel like this look is so very un-me.
Shorts, first of all, I am still making peace with. I actually made these myself when I was feeling inspired by Vera Wang's 2010 Resort Collection. This is my first time wearing them, and I paired them with a satin top, of all things!

To save myself from feeling too much of a satin overload, I added as much leather as I could, with a belt from Urban Outfitters, my Italy sandals, and clutch. Also sporting my nOir hedgehog ring.

Previous pairings (I couldn't even remember what I'd worn this with before...)

The Sequin Tank

Next was the sequined tank, which I was so unsure of when I bought it, but now I really quite love it. I'm not even completely sick of it. The turquoise belt was newly thrifted last weekend, the skirt is from Macy's, the earrings made by me, and the shoes and bracelet were borrowed from my mother and sister.

When it was on before

The velvet blazer

This dress is Max Studio found at TJMaxx, and is what I consider a super fancy designer item. Haha. The hemline actually falls about five inches below my knee, but rather than destroy the really pretty hem, I just blouse it. The sandals are by my favorite Made in the USA shoe brand, Onex, and the pendant is from Kohl's.

One last look



Anyone who would like to give me the award for slowest style challenge completion, I'll happily accept.

And speaking of awards, I actually have two to post:

A big thanks to Nicola-x for the Sunshine Award!

Rules

- Put the award on your blog

- Pass the award to 12 positive and creative bloggers

- Link the chosen ones within your posts

- Inform the chosen ones by commenting on their blog

- Share the love and the link to the person who gave it to you

So I'm passing this on to
Accessory Pirate
The Antique Pearl
Blessed are the Meek
CHOUCHOU
Closet Obsessions
Diamonds and Tulle
Dolly Features
Haute Like Wasabi 
Lemondrop Vintage
Modesty is Pretty
Mon Mode Blog
Not Just Another Blonde in Beijing

And thanks to Margaret for the I love Your Blog Award!

The Rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you.

2. Copy the award and place it on your blog

3. Link the person that nominated you

4. Nominate 15 bloggers

I'm passing this one on to..... Everyone who commented on my last post. How about that!

Also I have to thank Lemon Drop Vintage, I won her purse giveaway and they are lovely!

It was so fun to have a pile of boxes and birthday cards to come home to, it was like second birthday.
I must share a couple of my favorite gifts:

A pair of converse sneakers. They seem like a regular pair of Chucks, but no -- they are my custom designed Chucks, that I mentioned in this blog post two months ago, and my super awesome friend got them for me!!!

This super glamorous beaded skirt from Urban Outfitters - So excited to wear it, I don't think I'll bother waiting for a special occasion.

And what second birthday would be complete with out cake? Sure, my funny little Italy cake was nice, but my mom has made me a birthday cake for 23 years, and I wouldn't want to stop now. So my cake request was a chocolate cake with cannolli filling and chocolate gnash. Definitely a winner.