Skippy Says: And They Call It Puppy Love (OOTD)

For the past few months, my best friend has been trying to convince me that a guy we supposedly hung out with in high school is real. Because apparently for some reason I've totally and completely blocked him from my memory. And despite the, um, distinguishing features she's mentioned (bowl cut, wearing a red jersey every single day, and significant B.O.) I could not, and cannot, for the the life of me remember him. But there's more. Supposedly this figment of her imagination guy was in love with another best friend of mine when we were in high school, and tonight she found a love letter he wrote to her back in the day. I know we're going to sound like horrible people, but reading that letter tonight gave me some of the best laughs I've had in months. You guys, there was a bit of everything teenage angst you could want-- knights (spelled nights) in shining armor saving their damsel in distress, castles with metaphorical walls being broken down, shakespearean quotes, and even biblical references. Apparently he was Adam, and very tempted by the forbidden fruit that she was. For realz.

p.s.- You only have a few days left to enter my giveaway here!

p.p.s- Don't forget, you still have a few days to get $20 off your purchase at eShakti by using the promo code SAYSSKIPPY0811, valid till 31st December, 2011. Considering there is stuff on their site for as cheap as $20, I'd hurry my little tush on over :)

Shop:
- Therapy skirt (SF boutique- no online store. Buy kind of similar here)
- Hand-me-down blouse from my mom's friend's daughter
- Anthropologie blazer (Bought on sale circa 2010, no longer available. Buy kind of similar here)
- Scarf from random little shop in Turkey
- Charlotte Rouse tights (Buy similar here)
- Naturalizer boots (Bought on sale circa 2008, no longer available. Buy similar on sale here)
- Club Monaco purse (Black Friday find on sale for $30, no longer available).

Skippy Says: Boogie Nights (OOTD)

Last night Ryan and I attended our first ever tango dance class. And not only did Ryan go willingly, he was excited about it. See? I told you he's a keeper. The only caveat is that I'm a little embarrassed my man can move his hips better than I can, but it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make. At least he loves dancing. So much so that all of my friends who have had the pleasure of dancing with him made him promise to save a dance for them at our wedding. And by pleasure I mean...mostly pleasure with a bit of pain and some incidental bruising thrown in for good measure. Because while he's incredibly fun to dance with, one of Ryan's favorite "moves" is to pick girls up and swing them around like raggedy ann dolls. One particularly debaucherous (read: drunken) college night this ended up in him accidentally throwing my flower girl into my roommate's fan and breaking it. And this is probably where I should mention that my flower girl is 26 years old and one of my BFFs so that you don't report him to Child Protective Services.

p.s.- You only have a few days left to enter my giveaway here!

p.p.s- Don't forget, you still have a few days to get $20 off your purchase at eShakti by using the promo code SAYSSKIPPY0811, valid till 31st December, 2011. Considering there is stuff on their site for as cheap as $20, I'd hurry my little tush on over :)

Shop:
- Anthropologie top (Bought on sale, no longer available)
- Banana Republic Factory store skirt (Bought on sale circa 2006 or 2007? No longer available. Buy similar here or here)
- Anthropologie coat (Bought on sale with an extra 50% off promotion. No longer available online but still available in some stores)
- Banana Republic Factory store scarf (Bought on sale circa 2010, no longer available. Buy kind of similar here)
- Hue tights (Buy on sale here)
- Shoes from a random little store in Germany
- Necklace gift from my aunt

Skippy Says: Diamond In The Rough (OOTD)

You guys want to know something exciting? These photos were taken on the block that we'll be moving to...someday...when the remodeling and construction on the house we bought is finally done. You know, after it finally starts. In fact, you see that sort of dilapidated looking blue house at the end of the row of beautiful houses? That's my ugly duckling, so quit badmouthing it. And while I'm waiting with baited breath for everything to finish start, I'll continue trespassing on other people's beautiful houses for my outfit shots. Because that's how I roll.

p.s.- You only have a few days left to enter my giveaway here!

p.p.s- Don't forget, you still have a few days to get $20 off your purchase at eShakti by using the promo code SAYSSKIPPY0811, valid till 31st December, 2011. Considering there is stuff on their site for as cheap as $20, I'd hurry my little tush on over :)

Shop:
- BCBG coat (Bought on sale circa 2008, no longer available)
- Mango dress (Bought on sale circa 2010. Buy similar here or here)
- Anthropologie belt (Bought circa 2008, no longer available. Buy similar here, here, or here)
- Hue tights (Buy on sale here)
- Naturalizer boots (Bought on sale circa 2009, no longer available. Buy similar on sale here)

Skippy Says: New Friends (OOTD)

Last week was a big one for me-- I had my first ever blog friend meet up. Does it make me a dork to admit that was the highlight of my week? Oh well-- you probably knew that already.

When Megan was in town for the holidays, I made good on my threats and kidnapped her to go thrifting with me. Quite honestly, I was sort of surprised she was willing to meet up, especially after I admitted that I bite. Yes, you read that right. I emailed her telling her I was  a bit nervous, and she sweetly replied that she was too, but that I shouldn't worry because she doesn't bite. And then something possessed me to admit to her that I do. You see, I have this problem with being a little too honest sometimes. And sometimes, no, often, I show my affection by little nibbles. In fact, one of my friend's families refers to me as "the biter." And for some unknown reason, I felt the need to share this with her. Thankfully, Megan was a total trooper and was willing to meet up anyway. We had such a wonderful afternoon together, and I can't wait for her to come back so we can do it again.

Yes, I'm a midget

We're being lions. Isn't it obvious? 

In case you can't see, that sign says mini skirts rock. True story.

And some detail outfit shots from earlier in the day:

Shop:
- Ambiance coat (Circa 2008, gift stolen from my mama)
- Anthropologie top (Bought on sale circa 2010, no longer available. Buy similar here or here)
- Anthropologie skirt (Bought on sale, no longer available)
- Ralph Lauren diamond pattern tights (Buy similar here or here)
- Sofft shoes (Buy here)

Skippy Says: You're Grounded (OOTD)

This dress reminds me of one I had as a little girl. Some people move forward in their fashion sense, but apparently I revert back. I'm telling you, when I was wearing those striped shirts with floral skirts back in the day it's because I knew pattern mixing would be all the rage this season.

I remember loving the dress because it felt very American to me. And lord knows that as a little immigrant kid, I wanted nothing more than to be perceived as American. So much so that I really wanted my parents to ground me because in all the books I read and TV shoes I watched kids were getting grounded left and right. But my Russian parents had no idea what this word meant. So, naturally, I took matters into my own hands. I did something really naughty, came up to show my mom, and asked "so what, are you going to ground me now?" After I explained to her what that meant she said yes, indeed, I was grounded. The teenage me wanted to kick the little girl me for teaching her that.

Shop:
- Mango dress (Bought on sale circa 2010, no longer available)
- Hue polka dot knee high socks (Not available online, buy in store at Macy's)
- Hue tights (Buy here)
- Anthropologie boots (Bought on sale, no longer available online. Still available in some stores)
- SF ThreadShow earrings

Skippy Says: Skinny Jeans Snack Bars (Skippy Bakes)

You guys ready for something a little different today? I talk about my love of clothes here a lot. But you know what else I love? Food. Oh yes, friends, I am what you would call a foodie. A vegetarian foodie, but a foodie nonetheless.

Although I love eating out, I'm a huge fan of cooking and baking at home as well. It's generally healthier, cheaper, and a whole lotta messy fun. And you know how much I love messy fun.

I recently made these snack bars for my father-in-law, but ended up devouring most of them myself. What? They're good. And since they're a lot healthier and cheaper than the store-bought variety, I can both afford and fit into some stuff I'm dying to get my grubby little hands on. Ok, maybe I can't afford a lot of it quite yet. But I'm getting there, one home-made snack bar at a time.

Skinny Jeans Snack Bars:

In a bowl mix together: 2 cups oats; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/3 cup dried sour cherries; 1/3 cup chocolate chips

In a separate bowl mix together: 1/2 cup "wet" sweetener such as honey, maple syrup, or agave; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup peanut or almond butter

Mix wet into dry until fully incorporated. Press into 8 x 8 baking tray. It should look like so:

If your're really smart, you've doubled the recipe. 

Bake at 375 for about 15-20 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Let cool before slicing into bars. Stare at the bars with creepy, lustful eyes before digging in.

Oh yeah, that's the stuff

Skippy Says: Happy Chanukah! (OOTD)

Last night was the first night of Chanukah, so in honor of that I dressed in blue and white. No, not really. More like I was still feeling a bit sick and not really up to picking out an outfit, so I had Ryan do it for me. Of course he picked out the most summery looking pieces in my closet- a thin striped t-shirt and white jeans. You know, forget that it's like 55 degrees out. And if all you East coast people want to hate right now and call me a big wussy...you're right. But I chose to live in California for a reason dagnabit. But you know I wasn't going to start from scratch. So I pulled out a jacket, scarf, and booties and called it good.

Shop:
- Anthropologie jeans (Bought on sale, no longer available. Buy similar here or here)
- Anthropologie top (Bought on sale, no longer available)
- Forever 21 jacket (Bought circa 2004, no longer available)
- Anthropologie scarf (Bought on sale, no longer available. Buy kind of similar here or here)
- Anthropologie booties (Bought on sale, no longer available)

Skippy Says: Guest Post On Feathers and Freckles

Hey ladies! I'm super excited that Megan of Feather and Freckles asked me to guest post for her while she's here visiting the Bay Area for the holidays. For those of you that don't already read her blog, you're really missing out because she is one stylish, adorable, and funny lady. Plus, she's a redhead to boot! Plus 10 points right there. So please head on over to check out my guest post and OOTD here! And if you need any extra encouragement, here's a little sneak peak.

Skippy Says: Sick Girl (Skippy Whines)

Sorry friends, no OOTD post today. Mainly because I currently bear an uncanny resemblance to this girl, grumpy unimpressed face and all:

Now, I know nobody likes a whiner. But a whiner is what you're going to get. You know how they say men are the ones that are babies when they're sick? Well, apparently I'm quite manly in some respects. What with this pity party over a little cold and getting very cranky when I'm hungry, I'm definitely getting in touch with my masculinity. And don't you let my flowery nightgown tell you otherwise. Be back tomorrow with more clothing and less whining.

Skippy Says: So A Dyslexic Man Walks Into A Bra...(OOTD)

Ok, so, while it may be kind of kitschy to wear an umbrella printed dress in the rain, sometimes a girl has to give in to her inner kitsch. Amiright? And kitsch tends to be a weakness of mine. Right up there along with stupid puns. I'm sorry, but I love stupid puns. Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married. The ceremony wasn't much, but the reception was awesome! Eh? Eh? I wonder how many followers I'll lose with that one...

Shop:
- c/o eShakti dress (Buy here) And remember, you still have time to get $20 off your purchase at eShakti by using the promo code SAYSSKIPPY0811, valid till 31st December, 2011. Considering there is stuff on their site for as cheap as $20, I'd hurry my little tush on over :)
- Anthropologie trenchcoat (Gift from my mother-in-law circa 2010, no longer available. Buy kind of similar here or here)
- Kate Spade via DSW tights (No longer available, buy similar here or here)
- Scarf from random little shop in Turkey
- Anthropologie boots (Black Friday sale find for $65. Buy on sale here)