Pocahontas

Some accessories are so good that they just have to be worn again and again. That's how I feel about this scarf. Yes, it's the same scarf. Instead of wrapping it around twice, I tied the ends together so that it would hang longer. If you have long hair, this technique works well regardless of how you tie it because it won't be seen. If you have shorter hair, you'll probably have to play with it a little to make the knot look pretty. Regardless, I love the dramatic effect tying it this way has on an outfit. For this scarf in particular, the colors are perfect for fall, the sequins are right on trend and the tribal print looks great with my comfy moccasins. The result was a cute and relaxing Sunday afternoon outfit!

deception

Looks can be deceiving. For instance, in this picture I look happy because I'm smiling, when in reality my allergies are killing me! Deception is also the number of hours I thought I would get back this week due to being on fall break. Wrong... again. It is for these two reasons that I don't have many pictures to show today.  Like my fellow bloggers out there, I'm having a hard time adjusting to photos in darker lighting since the sun is now going down earlier. So, I'll leave with you two that actually flatter the outfit and don't show my annoyance with mother nature.

Tobias Designs

Sterling Silver with Anodized Aluminum Necklace

This past Saturday I was privileged to get to visit with Britta McKee, a local jewelry designer and owner of Tobias Designs. Britta graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in metalsmithing and jewelry and, let me tell you, this jewelry designer has some major talent. I dropped by to see Britta at her workshop, which just happens to be located in her home (side note: nicest person ever, with the cutest little family ever... felt like I had known her for years by the time I left!). 

Britta likes for each person to interpret her work in their own way and I was immediately drawn to a nature-inspired theme. Her collection reminds me part of leaves floating from the tree tops during autumn and part of flowers blooming in spring. Not to mention how she effortlessly intertwines surprising materials into her jewelry (you must check out her wool rings below - so cool!). In fact, quite a few of her pieces are made from anodized aluminum, like the necklace seen above. 

Autumn Rain

Fortunately for me, Britta is so nice that I was able to play dress up try on a few pieces! I have to tell you that wearing her jewelry is as fun as it looks. I could have stayed all day gazing at her work and trying to figure out a way to take it all home! 

Junkyard Beauty - talk about a statement necklace!

Anodize Earrings

I saw these fun little rings in her Etsy shop prior to visiting with her and was completely intrigued. So, of course the first question I asked was "what are these made of?!" Wool. She bought these cute little bundles of wool from another Etsy shop owner because they looked cool and then decided that they would make great rings! Ingenious.

Transparent Music

And, I have to admit that while I loved her entire collection, I was completely enamored with her rings. She has a vast assortment of beautiful and unique rings. Rings that make a statement. I, however, had my sights set on this little cutie - The Dipin' Dots ring. And, at the end of our visit she was so kind as to let me take it home. Thank you Britta!

Burnt Corn and Junkyard Beauty

Negative Flats Ring - this was the first piece she ever sold!

So, now you know where to go to get a great statement necklace or conversation starting ring! Go check out her gallery and Etsy shop today!

influenced from afar

Despite the fact that we're just now coming up on 1 year of marriage (sigh), the hubby and I are already thinking about our 2nd anniversary... because to celebrate we're going backpacking through Europe for 3 weeks! We both love to travel (if you haven't noticed), and with a booked solid year ahead of us - final year of my Masters (holla!) - we've decided that next October will be the perfect time to run away together for a while :)  With that being said, this outfit kind of makes me think of our upcoming adventure. I believe lace has gone slightly unappreciated in the US up until recently, while the French and Spanish have always managed to incorporate it quite nicely into their cultures. So, I was quite pleased to find this lace top hanging from a sale rack at Kohl's about 6 months ago. At only $12 - magnifique! 

A Boost of Confidence

shades, Ralph Lauren; dress, Gianni Bini; watch, Fossil; shoes, Dolce Vita

I almost didn't get this shot in today.  It was so beautiful outside that I decided to forego running at the gym so that I could take the kiddles for a walk around the park.  However, before our walk, I decided that I must share.  I love this dress!  No matter when or where I wear it, I always receive compliments.  However, more importantly, I love the way it makes me feel.  Sometimes the write piece of clothing can make you feel just a little more confident and make your day a little more brighter.  Not a bad way to wrap up the week!

Camouflage

shades, Ralph Lauren; cardigan, Old Navy; dress, Target; bracelet, Tiffanys; shoes, Rampage via Piperlime

After an entire week of rain and 55 degree weather, we finally saw sunny skies today.  And, the result... a few flowers decided to come out to visit.  Not a bad Monday at all!

in a land far, far away

cardigan, Kohl's; shirt, thrifted; jeans, Levis; bag and moccasins, Payless samples

I have one more exam left.  One stinkin' exam, which kept me inside the majority of Saturday studying.  However, while my body might have been hunched over a computer, my mind kept me wandering through one warm summer adventure after another, in a land far, far away.  To make matters worse, it was quite chilly outside this weekend (high: 57 degrees) which meant sandals and summery dresses were out of the equation.  So, instead of a warm land far, far away; I had to settle for a somehwat cool, small spot of land I call my backyard. 

secret garden

tee, Old Navy; skirt, Talbots; sandals, Dolce Vita;

red necklace, my grandmother's; bracelet & earrings, Payless samples

I took these photos yesterday afternoon in our backyard.  I love these photos, because in them our yard resembles some sort of secret garden.  Now don't let me mislead you, there is really nothing garden-like about our yard.  With two very rambunctious dogs running around, getting anything to grow is no easy task.  But between the gate to the fence, the beautiful angle of the sun, and the stepping stones (I do love those) I suddenly see our backyard in a very charming light.  Have a great weekend, dear readers!