Cubicle Sweet Cubicle

Do you have my stapler?

I’m having a hard time adjusting to working in a cubicle. I know I’m lucky that I’m not in a tiny square–I share a large cubicle with 3 of my coworkers, but it still feels like a stark and uninspiring space. I’ve been trying to slowly bring in things to make it feel more like the home away from home that it is. I love these ideas:

Cubicle “wallpaper”! You could do this with patterned paper from the craft store.

Obviously I can’t have this awesome plant stand in my cube, but just look how fresh this office looks with something living in it! I’d go for something like this.

Sticking to a color palette adds a pop to your corner without creating more visual clutter. I also love the bunting-flag banner!

Photos of family and friends are a must, but I also like the idea of featuring a quote that makes you smile or inspires you. This is another favorite.

Happy supplies make for a happy worker: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Enjoy the rest of your week!!

Look What I Found

I can’t believe it’s been so long since I posted something here! I’ve been BUSY… and I have a lot of updates, so this is going to be more of a “Look What I Did/Am Doing” post than a look what I found. It’s kind of all about me…sorry?!?

So here’s what’s changed:

1. I got a job. A real, big-girl, no-more-napping-all-day job! I’ll be working as a Merchandise Analyst for a large department store starting September 17th! I’m super excited if you can’t tell by the exclamation points!

2. That job ^^^, that one I just mentioned….yeah, it’s in Milwaukee, WI. I lived in Columbus, OH until a week ago…so we’re still getting settled in. The move was a big step out of my comfort zone.

3. By “we” I mean Nic and myself. We’ve never lived together before but he, very graciously, picked up and moved with me to MKE (he loves me! he really loves me!), so now we have our own cozy little apartment in the city.

4. I’m challenging myself to blog once per week. It might be fashion related, might be home(apartment!)-decor related, or it might get a little personal up in here. But I’m going to try to do it. I might have trouble sticking to this because I’m starting a new job…so who knows how exhausted I’ll be?! But I want to try because I really like using this blog as a creative outlet for myself….even if no one else is reading.

And just in case you were feeling cheated, here are a few look what I found links:

* Sadie & Dasie is my new favorite blog for pin-worthy posts. Plus, her dogs are absolutely adorable!

* I know it’s no where close to Spring, but ODL’s Spring collection has me on the hunt for the perfect yellow skirt….or sweater, or shoes, or….anything, really to pair with bold stripes and plaids.

* We can walk to the grocery from our new apt, and this diy (no-sew!) reusable tote bag will definitely come in handy. I can’t wait to make one….you only need fabric, duct tape, and staples!

* I just discovered the blog Home Again…which features the beautiful homes of some exceptionally creative Milwaukeeans.

I Need A Vacation

Was anyone else obsessed with these movies? I wish this post was detective-related so I could justify posting this

I really do need a vacation, though. I am graduating this Sunday, and then on June 25th I’m leaving for Hawaii! I’m also headed to Siesta Key in August! I’ve never been to either location and I’m super excited to just relax and get some summer reading (and maybe a few Mai Tais!) in. This is what I’m planning on taking to the beach:

1. SUNNYLIFE classic tote, $24 jossandmain.com (you need a membership to purchase this)

2. Orange beach towel, $26

3. Old Navy jeweled capri sandal, $19 – I hate flip flops, but they are a must for slipping on and off at the beach. I think these are really fun and whimsical.

4. Wet seal floppy hat, $13

5. J. Crew chambray cover up, $60

6, 7. Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver and 50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James are both on the top of my summer reading list this year.

8. J. Crew seersucker underwire tank, $82

9. Dorothy Perkins tummy control swimsuit, $49 … they are sold out of these now, but this is my favorite bathing suit ever! It has really great support on top, looks young but still modest enough, and has side ruching which is really flattering! I’m hoping they stock more in different colors soon!

10. St. Tropez self tan bronzing mousse, $40 – I’ve tried a bagillion self tanners and this is by far the best. It looks really natural and brown, not orange: people always ask if I’ve been in the tanning bed when I use it. It’s definitely worth the price.

11. Frederic Fekkai beachcomber leave-in conditioner, $25

Are you going on any fun trips this summer? What are your travel essentials?

Up the Creek

So, remember back in this post when I said you shouldn’t be afraid to shop in unexpected places? Well, this weekend I pretty much took that advice to the extreme. The extreme of extremes. WAY out there. Further than I ever thought I would take it. I’m just going to spit it out…IboughtanecklacefromColdwaterCreek. Yeah. I bought a necklace from Coldwater Creek.

For those of you who don’t know…. Coldwater Creek is basically the go-to for mom jeans, kindergarten teacher’s embroidered sweater vests, and weird Paris-themed collage t-shirts (someone tell me you know what I’m talking about). However, this past weekend my Grandma wanted me to exchange some items for her in a store near campus. I was actually surprised. There were some wearable things in there. I fell in love with a necklace, which was 50% off so I had to buy it:

Cute right? It sorta reminded me of this necklace that J, from J’s Everyday Fashion, wears pretty often

Anyway, the lesson is: don’t be afraid to shop at a particular store because of what you think they sell–you might miss out on some great stuff!

And just to prove it: a couple outfits featuring a few things I love from Coldwater Creek (yep, I love stuff from Coldwater Creek….I’ll never get tired of saying that).

1. Gap panama hat, $26

2. Jane Norman Egyptian spike necklace, $29

3. AE Festival Shortie, $26.50

4. Sam Edelman Petty bootie, $160

5. Nasty Gal woven clutch, $48

6. Coldwater Creek colorblock top, $50

1. Coldwater Creek knit dress, $55

2. Denim shirt – tie it up for a super casual look….any denim shirt will do–I get mine from the Men’s section in Walmart (like this one)

3.Coldwater Creek citron bib necklace, $50 (currently on sale for $25! )

4. J. Crew farmer’s market tote, $45

5. Tretorn T58 sneaker, $44

P.S. I also liked this (picture it with simple flat sandals for a day at the flea market) and this (perfect for work).

Fall 2011 Wardrobe Planner

So I saw this on A Pair and a Spare and I think it’s a great way to not only plan what you want to buy for a new season, but also to see what you already have and visualize outfits. I made one for myself of basic things I already own–or the closest thing I could find a picture of online– and then I did a couple outfit ideas with accessories and trendy items for fall (can you tell I’m bored at home – waiting for school to start?). I highly recommend heading over to Polyvore and making one yourself – you’ll be surprised how versatile your wardrobe is!

Fall Essentials

*Click images for details on specific items

Outfit Ideas

Casual and comfy – incorporating desert style wedge boots, a collar necklace, and wine-colored lips for some fall spice

Two ways to wear leopard (or any animal print – python is also big for fall) – Note pop of Yves Klein blue.

Sweater dress day (with a wide-brimmed hat) to night (with Miu Miu glitter heels—I DIY-ed a pair!)