Skippy Says: Honey, I'm Home (OOTD)

Well, our little mini vacation is over and, as of yesterday, I'm back to the daily grind. Of course when my daily grind is being a nanny which involves playing with a cute little baby all day, it's much more fun and pleasant than grind-y.

Thank you all for your understanding about my little brain fart. Many of you left very sweet comments, saying that you couldn't wait to see my outfits when I got back. Only one little problem with that. Since we spent our days hiking, reading, and watching T.V., my outfits pretty much consisted of sweatpants and pajamas. And as enticing as I know that sounds, I didn't snap too many photos. I did put on some respectable looking clothes a few times though, since even our pup started looking embarrassed to be seen with me.

Shop:
- Madewell long sleeve top (Bought on sale, buy similar here)
- Anthropologie floral top (Bought on sale, no longer available)
- Therapy jeggings (No online store, buy similar here or here)
 -Anthropologie coat (Bought on sale, no longer available online, may still be in some stores. Buy kind of similar here)
- Banana Republic Factory store scarf (Bought on sale circa 2010, no longer available. Buy similar here)
- Fergie via DSW shoes (Bought on sale, no longer available. Buy similar here)

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: 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: Black Friday 2011 (OOTD)

Alright friends, I've held you in suspense long enough. I know you all haven't been able to sleep wondering how my first ever Black Friday shopping experience went. Don't worry, you'll finally be able to rest easy tonight.

So, basically, in a nutshell, it was a.w.e.s.o.m.e. The night before was less awesome-- my tummy hurt from eating too much food. Specifically mashed potatoes. And maybe that extra last piece of pie. I had my alarm set to 5:00 am, but woke up at 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 4:15, and 4:30 before I finally resigned myself and got up. Not a good start to the day. But then, oh then, I arrived at Anthropologie. Because you know their extra 50% off all sale items is what got my butt in gear to finally do Black Friday. And I scored so many awesome things that all the tummy aches and lack of sleep didn't matter anymore. Like this blouse. This amazingly beautiful, 100% silk blouse, for $30. Yeah baby. That's what I'm talkin' about.

p.s.- I have decided not to do a big post with all my Black Friday finds because I think that would be rather overwhelming. Let's just say Ryan had to come to the rescue midway through to help me carry bags. Instead, I'll note at the bottom of my post if something was a Black Friday find and how much it cost. Kapisch?

Shop:

- Urban Outfitters jeans (Buy here)

- Anthropologie blouse (Black Friday find for $30- no longer available online, may still be available in some stores)

- BCBG blazer (brand new via Ebay for $9! Buy similar here)

- Anthropologie leather tote bag (Black Friday find for $50. Buy here)

- H&M belt (No longer available, buy similar here or here)

- Anthropologie shoes (Bought on sale, no longer available)

Skippy Says: I'm Hangry (OOTD)

I get Cranky when I'm hungry. As in, Ca-ran-ky. Notice the capital "C"s. You think I'm kidding? Don't let my 5 foot tall frame fool you, I am t-e-r-r-i-f-y-i-n-g. So terrifying, in fact, that my mom and Ryan have taken to carrying emergency snacks on them at all times in case hunger strikes and we're not near some place where I can get food. Now do you believe me? I told this to my boss once, and she told me that she is the same way and that when she was a little girl her mother used to send her to camp with a sign that said "Lauren gets cranky when she's hungry." I'm thinking I should get me one of those. That way, the poor random strangers I snap at for no reason sometimes might understand. Oh, and if my smile looks a little forced in the photos below (especially in the third one) it's because I was getting hangry, and wanted to get these shots done quickly so I could go eat.

Shop:
- Cotton On outlet shirt ($9! Not available online, may still be available in store)
- Banana Republic Factory store skirt (bought on sale, no longer available. Buy similar here)
- Anthropologie trenchcoat (gift from my mother-in-law, no longer available. Buy kind of similar here)
- Banana Republic Factory store scarf (bought on sale circa 2010, no longer available. Buy similar here or here)
- Hue gray tights (buy here)
- Naturalizer outlet boots (bought on sale circa 2009, no longer available. Buy similar here or here)
- Earrings from Maya Star in Austin, TX

Skippy Says: Fall Back (OOTD)

I don't know about you guys, but this time change is really messing with my head. You'd think after 25 years of life I'd be used to it, but not so much. I associate darkness with sleepytime, which is kind of a problem when it gets dark by 5:00 pm. I can't have sleepytime at 5:00 pm, especially when I can't say no to doing things. That would make for a very unproductive Skippy. But not indulging in my desire for sleepytime makes for a very cranky Skippy. And a cranky Skippy makes the life of those around her, um, unpleasant. Let's just say I'm only smiling in these photos because it's still light out.

Shop:
- H&M top (bought on sale circa 2008, no longer available)
- BCBG skirt (bought on sale circa 2010, no longer available. Buy kind of similar here)
- Vintage scarf (bought at SF vintage expo)
- Kate Spade polka dot tights (bought at DSW- not available online but I have seen them in stores. Buy similar here)
- Sofft shoes (bought at Nordstrom. Buy here)

Skippy Says: Yes Woman (OOTD)

I really need to learn how to say "no." I think it's because I'm a people pleaser, but I've never been very good at it. Except for with Ryan. Poor guy, I feel more than comfortable saying no to him. And since I have a lot of wannabe nos to get off my chest, he gets far more than his fair share.

Even though I'm only working part-time right now, I feel far busier than when I used to work full time. Because I can't say no, I end up running around doing various things I've agreed to each day. Every week I think the next one will be less busy, but somehow it never is. Ryan keeps encouraging me to take just one day to sit in my PJs and read and watch TV all day (I know, he's a keeper). As nice as that sounds, that would require saying no, and that part doesn't sound so nice. At least my closet is being put to good use since I'm getting out all the time. There's always a silver lining.

Shop:
- Forever 21 dress (bought on sale, no longer available. Buy similar here or here)
- Forever 21 jacket (circa 2004, no longer available)
- Anthropologie belt (bought on sale, no longer available. Buy similar here or here)
- Anthropologie booties (bought on sale circa 2010. no longer available. Buy kind of similar here)
- Yellow cashmere ruffle socks (gift from my mother-in-law)
- Vintage earrings

Skippy Says: Dressing Up For My Man (OOTD)

A couple of weeks ago I was bumming around online and stumbled upon an online personality test. Turns out I'm neurotic and "highly dependent." Um, yes.. Tell me something I didn't know.

Although I love travelling, I really miss my peeps at home while I'm gone. You know, probably because I'm "highly dependent" and all. This trip to Austin was the first time I've been away from Ryan for that long in years, and I really missed the daily squeezes he gives me. Though I do have to say, my friend's "big spoon" during our cuddle time was really comforting. Watch out Ryan, you've got some competition.

Ryan loves seeing me dress up (and I love him for that), but apparently sometimes my fashion choices are a little too out there for his liking. Oh, and too "Anthropologie-y." It's ok, he's just a boy and doesn't know any better. But since I'm still feeling lovey dovey after being away from him for nearly a week, I decided to put together an outfit I thought he would like. A tight little skirt should do the trick, right?

Shop:
- Anthropologie skirt (bought on sale, no longer available. Buy similar on sale here or here)
- Anthropologie top (bought on sale, no longer available)
- Zara belt (buy here)
- Anthropologie shoes (bought on sale, no longer available)
- Earrings borrowed from my mother-in-law