Guest Post: Alissa of Alissa B.

My next guest blogger is Alissa from the blog Alissa B. I immediately loved her blog when I saw that she is an English major like moi, & then her adorable outfits and lifestyle posts were the cherry on top. Not only does she have great style, but she has a great eye for photography and knows just how to frame objects to show their quiet beauty. Go check for blog for more! Thanks for posting, Alissa! xoxo Charity

 [ Cardigan  - BDG via UO, scarf - gift, top and pants (old) - American Eagle, boots - local ]

Hi, hi! I am Alissa from the blog Alissa B, and I’m coming to you from the hills & plains of Oklahoma. I was so excited when Charity asked me to do a guest post for her because of course I love her blog and want her to have an amazing time relaxing and not worrying about the interwebz.

I wanted to introduce myself with my most favorite piece of the moment, this mustard colored cardigan from Urban Outfitters. I usually tend to gravitate to neutrals and black colors, so this cardigan is a perfect pop of color for the drab winter weather. You’ve already seen me wearing it before here and here.

Enjoy new friends and come stop by at my blog to peep my photos!

Guest Post: Kaylee of Wild Flower

Hi lovelies! I hope your holidays were full of loved ones, joy, and food (and perhaps some drinks). I am on vacation with Raleigh and his parents until the first week of January, playing in the sunshine of Arizona & California, but I have set up a few guest posts for you that I know you will enjoy! First up is Kaylee from the blog Wild Flower. Kaylee is the sweetest girl, whose style ranges from delicate & girly to edgy & chic. Either way, she always looks fabulous! Not to mention her photos are always gorgeous. Go browse her outfit posts & you'll see what I mean. Thanks for posting, Kaylee!  xoxo Charity

Hello Gals and Pals! 

This is Kaylee Nicole of Wild Flower. Since the lovely miss Charity is out on vacation, I'll be posting today! The outfit I chose was partly inspired by New Year's Eve night in London. Although I am from the states I am always pulling inspiration from other countries. England is a popular favorite for myself, fashion bloggers from there always have the best style! Anyways, hope you enjoy! 

{Hat: Vintage -- Dress: Dahlia -- Cape: Vintage -- Tights: Target -- Oxfords: DIY}

These shoes scream New Year's Eve, don't they? And they were so easy to make! Check it out Here

Sorry about the cape only being in one shot, I had some exposure issues. You get the picture though right, haha, get it?  Yes, I am a nerd. Anyways I hope this gives you some kind of NYE inspiration! I plan to wear this while sipping on sparkling apple cider and watching the ball drop on TV with my boyfriend and both our families. Isn't it amazing how holidays pull everyone together?  Speaking of the holidays, did everyone have a good Christmas? I got a pair of Dr. Martens and loads of Modcloth clothing! Best Christmas ever. :) 

Thanks Charity for allowing me to post on your blog, I hope you are having a great time on vacation!

until we meet again

Going to join this handsome man in Arizona for a week of sunshine and relaxing. I hope your holidays were lovely, & I'll see you all in the new year! xoxo Charity

Happy Christmas

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord...Luke 2:8-11

Merry Christmas, y'all. Wishing you nothing but joy, laughter, and peace. 

xoxo Charity

wetlands & chocolate cake

One of my favorite places to take photos when I'm visiting home is called Howe Farm. Half of it is a dog park, half of it is a beautiful field with an old barn, a rickety fence, and a marsh area covering it...sounds glamorous, yes? I don't know, something about it just fascinates me. It's one of those ugly-pretty places.  

I bought this skirt from Tieka of Selective Potential's "Shop My Closet". I love it! I've been looking for a short pleated skirt, and the tiny blue hearts are the icing on the cake. See how Tieka styled it here!

Too handsome for his own good. 

Later in the evening, we had a small dinner with my family, the boyfriends, and some close family friends to start off my birthday weekend--I turn 21 in two days! Since Christmas sneaks up right after my birthday, I have to start early. I don't mind, really. Tonight was dinner, tomorrow is a party here at my parent's house, and Friday is going out in Seattle. Then Christmas! It's basically a 5-day party. To change my outfit from day to night, I took off the sweater, added a silver necklace, et voila! Evening ready in (literally) seconds. 

& there is always, always room for cake. Now, on to more celebrating! 

skirt: Zara, sweater, Forever 21, belt & tights: Target, shirt, boots, & necklace: borrowed from mom

December Thrifting

Another perk of being home: my mom knows all the best thrifting spots. Yesterday we got up early (early for me that is, meaning 8:45), grabbed coffee, and hit up all the tiny thrift stores in Gig Harbor run by adorable old ladies. I've noticed that Goodwill and Value Village have been upping their prices considerably over the last few years, so I love scouting out the small, independent ones--they're cheaper and usually give all of their profits to charities, hospitals, churches, or nonprofits. It's a win-win. Not to mention I got all five of these items for $13.50 altogether!   

Classic Ralph Lauren cable knit sweater, $3.00

high-waisted skinny trousers, $3.50

white grandma cardi, $2.00

leather loafers, $2.50

grandma sidebag, $2.50

I've already worn the Ralph Lauren sweater for homemade pizza, hard cider, & Elf last night, and am scheming the perfect way to style the trousers for a birthday brunch next week. Seriously, how good does a successful thrifting day feel? What are you favorite second-hand purchases so far?

south for the winter

Did you know that one of the main reasons that birds migrate in the winter is to find a better source of food? After the last few days of my mom's home-cooked meals, yummy holiday treats, and as many lattes as I can drink...I'm starting to think they have the right idea. Flying (driving) south for the winter is treating me well.

 I warned you that I wouldn't be taking this scarf off anytime soon! I wore it with this skirt (borrowed from my sister) to go thrifting and craft supply shopping with my mom and brother yesterday. Today was a day spent walking around downtown Seattle with friends from town: window shopping, sipping coffee, looking at all the Christmas lights, and catching up. It was fun and Christmas-y, and I am very proud of myself for making it through Forever 21, H&M, AND Urban Outfitters without buying a thing. I may have finally found self control in regards to shopping. Holla! 

sweater: Old Navy, skirt: Forever 21, scarf: garden and sea etsy

hunting in vintage

I know, I know--we're a bit late. But my family patiently waited for me to be done with finals before going hunting for our tree, so I got to join! Today was a clear, sunny day; a perfect day for a tree hunt. We have gone to the same tree farm for years now and the ritual doesn't change: my brother carries the saw, my mom makes a comment about how she would prefer a blue-tinted tree, I take photos, we finally agree on the perfect tree, my dad cuts it down, my brother sets it on the cart, we go inside for cookies and cider. This year was no exception. 

My sister left this fur-lined vintage coat behind when she moved to Hawaii, and it would be cruel to let it sit in a closet, right? I love the gold clasps on it. The red-wine colored scarf was an early birthday gift from my roommate Angela. She had this color featured in her shop and, considering I'm obsessed with that shade this holiday season, I had to ask her for one. I probably won't take it off for the next week. 

What color will you be wearing for the holidays?

free as a bird

I just turned in my final paper for the quarter, which means that I am now feeling oh-so-free! I am currently rewarding myself with a caramel sauce latte and play time downtown. But more importantly, it means that I have the ability to dress well again. You know, on account of being well-slept for the first time in weeks and stuff. This sweater has quickly become my most prized possession during days spent in the library and coffee shops--really, just ask my boyfriend, who has seen me in it approximately 100 times in the last two weeks. I thrifted this vintage Express skirt months ago and finally got the chance to wear it today...am officially in love with how soft it is and how perfect the length is. Also, my breakfast perfectly matched my outfit this morning. All in all: best day ever. 

Congrats to everyone who is donezo with Fall Quarter! And those of you whose finals are still looming: good luck! There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it is covered in tinsel. xoxo

skirt & hat: thrifted, sweater: Forever 21, tights: Kohl's, shoes: Old Navy