the arduous journey that is growing out bangs...

i have had bangs for over five years now - they've been zooey deschanel thick and pixie-angled short and side-swept layered and everywhere in between.  and now, as i try to grow out my hair for winter updo potential, i am also growing out my bangs.

it is the worst.

[yes, i am writing an entire blog entry about hair while our country is debating a military strike on a foreign nation that (almost certainly) used chemical weapons on its own innocent people.  why do you ask?  if i think too much about what is happening in syria and how my country is responding, i get panic attacks and we're looking at the positive these days, so allow me to indulge in some very emotionally manageable hair talk, k?]

as i was saying, growing out bangs is the worst.  especially my thick, curly, yet somehow stringy bangs.  i learned a trick today, though.  if you pull your hair back in an updo and side swipe your bangs and shellac with hairspray so they won't even think about moving, you will feel polished.

i attempted this fresh style via the beauty department today, and while it's not nearly so perfect as in the photo (see my previous thoughts on perfection), it looks infinitely better than my usual frizzed out curlies or poofy unkempt ponytail.

this is probably one of the easiest short updo's i have tried - and i have tried several.  very unsuccessfully.

don't you just love the beauty department?  they make beauty novices like me feel great on a hump day.

things i'm into...

reading :: neil gaiman's neverwhere - just found out bbc radio made this into a series with james mcavoy, benedict cumberbatch and anthony head!
loving :: this cute tape (on sale now!) from petit collage
watching :: luther season 3, y'all!  or at least i will be when it premieres tonight at 10!
listening ::  i can't get enough of the new vampire weekend
wanting ::  this amazing crossbody bag from moorea seal

affordable gifts | for your dude

next up on the holiday gift list - some classy gifts for the dudes, all less than $50. 

beer print :: felt & wire / sound station :: restoration hardware / timex watch :: amazon / cardigan :: urban outfitters / scratch-off map :: uncommon goods / moccasins :: urban outfitters / polka dot tie :: the tie bar / laptop bag :: z-attache / navy bowtie :: april look

affordable gifts | for your bestie

the hubs and i are on a pretty tight budget this year, so i've been scouring the internet to find quality, stylish gifts that won't break the bank.  i was surprised to find a lot of great options!  over the next couple of weeks, i'll share what i find here with you.

first up, some modern, colorful options for your best gals:

 
dip-dye pendant :: snug studio / mossimo satchel :: target / owl mug :: west elm / striped cowl :: fournier /  foldover clutch :: this loves that / dipped wood box :: urban outfitters / pyramid studs :: stella & dot / monogram pendant :: anthropologie / kitty wallet :: alison rose

friday faves from pinterest

pretty vegetable tart 

via issuu.com

caprese pops

via brightnest

cute little kitchen

via apartment therapy

this room (and that blanket!)

via dust jacket

black one piece swimsuit

via piperlime

denim skater dress

via oasis

junie james' nursery

one of my besties is featured on apartment therapy today!  the nursery she created for her sweet daughter, junie james, is featured in their family section.  have a look!

our first home

2011 was a big year for us - we got married in june, my husband got a new job in july, i got a new job in october, and just before christmas we bought our first house.  we're still working on getting settled, but our little house is starting to feel like a home.

nye 2011

basically my new year's ensemble...

friday favorites | from pinterest

here are some of my favorite pins from this week!

to make:

t-shirt headband










rope welcome mat


























heart cozy




























to wear:

Bottega Veneta shoes



wool coat from FM



Land's End Scarf (also in red)



























To eat:

French Onion Grilled Cheese








Zucchini Fritters (via smitten kitchen)



Arugula Sandwich (via eat-drink-garden)

















to buy:

geometrical throw



modern credenza





















susyjack 2012 calendar



elephants

$16.99 target

$32 etsy

svenskt tenn

$148 anthropologie

loving | quicksilver

a few weeks ago, my husband and i heartily teased a friend of ours for wearing a quicksilver t-shirt.  we asked if the next time we saw him he'd be wearing a hypercolor t-shirt or a no fear t-shirt.  he insisted that we were missing the boat and we insisted that he was stuck in the 80s.  and then i saw these and realized that i am, in fact, a jerk:

fall fashion

a few styles to inspire...

 

 

 

hobo international | my new love

a new bag.  a new love.  i just cannot get over how fantastic my valentine's day present is.

technically it's a wallet that looks like a clutch.  the center is a magnet closure which holds an id slot, 3 credit card slots, and a zipped pocket.  both clutch pins open further with enough room for more cards, change, cash, etc.  it's perfect for using as a wallet or just pulling out to use as an evening bag.  and i've never once been able to fit so many necessities in such a small bag without it looking lumpy.  but this pretty girl looks sleek and lightweight all the time.  they're a bit pricey, but in my opinion, completely worth it!  mine is the lauren vintage, but there are countless styles available on hobointernational.com.

loving | love it a lot

supercute valentine's decor from love it a lot's blog.