I LOVE Pockets!

An outfit post. Wow, aren't you proud?! Today, I'm excited to share my FAVORITE new skirt from one of my favorite stores, TJ Maxx. I find myself trying to wear it nearly every day lately. It has so many great elements that have fast made it a staple item:
(in order of excitement!)
1. POCKETS!
2. Buttons
3. High Waist
4. Flattering Fit
5. Quality Denim
6. Comfortable

On other days, I've paired it with a solid mustard yellow top, a bright red top with 3/4 sleeves, or a darker floral sleeveless blouse. I always tuck it in because that lovely waist is one of the best aspects of the skirt.

I'd also like to highlight the lovely back of the skirt that gives the waistline a little elasticity, adding to the comfort. Now, if you're like me at all, running around places constantly, it's great to have that go-to skirt that looks and feels great.

Oh, and check out the exposed zipper on my floral top (above). That was the selling point for me - plus, I'm a sucker for anything in cream. 

Finally, I have to mention my NEW-to-me huraches from a recent thrifting adventure. Ever since I discovered my grandma's pair several years ago, I have been a bit obsessed with this style of sandals. I wore hers until they finally decided to give out on me (that was a sad day). Fortunately, I happened upon this pair for $2 in my size a couple weeks ago. It was love! 

What I Wore:
Floral Top - $10.48 - Target (sale!)
Denim Skirt by WD-NY - $18 - TJ Maxx
Vintage Hurache Sandals - $2 - Thrifted
Plastic Headband - $5 - Ulta

As always, thank you for reading! <3

xoxo,
Sarah

Fashionable Face: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Alright, so today's post might as well be an excuse to talk about one of my many celebrity "crushes," all of which are always recognized for their impeccable sense of style.

Back when I first noticed Joseph Gordon-Levitt in 10 Things I Hate About You, I was actually a little more into Heath Ledger. But ever since he starred in (500) Days of Summer and Inception, Joe (can I call him that?!) has stolen my heart.

Whether he is rockin' a tailored suit (complete with a vest or bowtie), slicking his hair back or keeping it a tad shaggy, or making that signature "Joe" grin, Joseph Gordon-Levitt always looks clean cut. I think he looks old school yet timeless. Based on looks alone, he's the kind of guy your parents would be proud to see you bring home. Beyond giving off that feeling of being a respectable guy, he is also full of personality and unexpected talents. Seriously, have you SEEN him dance in (500) Days or during his opening number on SNL?

My sister and I get especially smiley when Joe talks...he just says some words in a really cute way. Part of this comes from him being an actor playing different characters, but I want to believe that some of it is just him. For instance, while he's portraying Jason Mraz on The Mellow Show SNL sketch, he talks about "playing music for girls." And he owns that accent for his character in Inception. It's just cute!

Okay, I'll stop gushing about this man of style now and leave you to enjoy his impressive dance moves  and contagious grins in this video from (500) Days.



xoxo,
Sarah

P.S. For another dance routine from Joe (featuring Zooey Deschanel), click here!

The ever-popular stream of consciousness blog

In anticipation to a very busy summer, I started a mini blog in early June. As much as I love writing full-blown posts for you lovely people, my schedule this summer has only been conducive to short snippets into what I am thinking about, listening to, or admiring. Hence, the creation of It's a Lovely Life, which has long been my twitter user name as well (follow me @itsalovelylife). You might have noticed the reference to "lovely life" in the subtitle of this blog.

Hope that you are already a reader there, but, if not, check it out!

Again, thanks for bearing with me this summer and continuing to check back. I have really enjoyed reading your sweet comments. Get excited for a packed-out fall with fashionable conversation. I have been brainstorming all summer!

xoxo,
Sarah

I ran away to the mountains...

How funny is it that I have updated on the first and last days of this month? It has not been intentional, I promise. Life has been a balancing act more than usual lately because of my main job as an event coordinator. I really enjoy it, but it has been a very busy season in my line of work. And sleep has just happened to win out against blogging. Plus, I have been doing a little traveling...

Yes, I spent a few days with the mountains in my own "backyard." Since one of my dearest friends from college was tying the knot, my bestie and I went out for the bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, and outdoor wedding--meaning, fun times were had by all and new friends were made. We especially enjoyed staying up late on Friday night playing ninja and signs with the boys. Oh, and I cannot forget to mention being eaten to death by mosquitoes...never seems to matter as much when you are having fun though. 

Anyway, the wedding was beautiful. The bachelorette party was hysterical. And my first go at fondue was divine. Wish I could still be trekking around in the mountains, enjoying the cool evening breeze, and taking in the unique style of those living in the area. I will have to elaborate on the "mountain girl" look at another time, as I am still deciding which elements I want to incorporate into my wardrobe. I bought a cute pair of sunglasses for starters! 

As always, thanks for reading! Once the summer is over, I should have more time to talk.

xoxo,

Sarah

Ramblings of a fashion blogger with fishtail braids

You know what I love most about freelance writing? Meeting new people and being inspired by them!  There is just something especially cool about working alongside other bloggers and writers and not only reading their work from afar. Joining a blog team allows you to move from "commenter" to "team member," and all kinds of learning opportunities ensue...at least, that has been my experience!

Most recently, I have been inspired by Katy Jones, a fellow N.E.E.T. blogger and the author behind Dirty Hems. Katy has a knack for organizing and presenting relevant and fun D.I.Y. tutorials. She posted a tutorial (with video) about fishtail braids a few weeks ago, and, as you can see from the snapshots above, I tried it out!

Watching Katy's adorable tutorial sent me back to elementary days when french and fishtail braids were all the rage amongst my friends. Most of my braiding know-how actually came from playing hair at slumber parties or reading Braids & Bows.

Let me just say that this instructional book (published in 1992!) came with a slew of hair accessories, including metallic hair ties, funky ribbon, and a SCRUNCHY! That was a big deal to a little girl in those days. I would curl up in a comfy chair and pour over the book for hours and then rush on to practice braiding on my American Girl doll. Yes, those were the days!

xoxo,
Sarah

Black & White Only Please

Apart from being excessively interested in fashion, blogging, and both those things combined, I also work during the day putting my marketing degree to good use. Last week, I had the opportunity to attend an amazing event for work with some pretty notable people in my area. It was a dress-up occasion, which made me especially excited. Not surprisingly, I had just as much fun coming up with an outfit as I did meeting some fabulous people! 

What I Wore:
* Little black dress by Ruby Rox from Ross
* White patent leather pumps by Michelle D from Dillard's
* Vintage white clutch from my grandma
* Retro sunglasses from a local boutique
* White earrings from H&M (in NYC)

Do you like my black and white theme? It had been a while since I worked that combo, so I enjoyed the classic simplicity of the look.


What a fun night!

xoxo,
Sarah

P.S. I ended up wearing those pumps for over three hours, and there was not much of an opportunity to sit. So my feet gladly enjoyed flats the day following the event!

Film Fashion: An Education

Ever since hearing about An Education, I have been wanting to see it. Last weekend, I finally had the chance to grab a copy of the movie, along with some very unhealthy snacks, and watched it with my best friend. Word on street has been that the storyline and fashion of this movie are equally thrilling, and the rumor was proven true...at least in my opinion!

The movie follows the life of a young girl, named Jenny Millar (Carey Mulligan), who thinks she is missing out on life through her monotonous and seemingly boring days studying to get into Oxford. While going to the university has always been the dream and plan for Jenny and her parents, she is mostly ready to make decisions for herself and be a grown up. But a door into adulthood comes much sooner than expected when she meets an unlikely yet attractive man (Peter Sarsgaard) and his friends. As these new acquaintances and accompanying situations throw her for a loop, her wardrobe fittingly changes and shows her transformation from girl to woman.

In addition to telling an interesting story, An Education is filled with beautiful fashion. I especially adored the floral dresses worn by Jenny during the Paris segment. When I spent last Saturday at the mall with my mother, I kept gravitating toward dresses that looked very similar to those seen in the movie. So the movie obviously inspired me. 

Here are a couple of my own takes on 60s fashion, as seen in An Education:

1) Tweed Shift Dress by Michael Kors - $129.50 - Macy's or Bloomingdale's; 2) Cultured Pearl Earrings - $1,175 - Tiffany & Co; 3) Metallic Clutch - $52 - Endless.com; 4) Vintage 60s Socialite Pumps - $32 - Revolving Styles

1) Bow Detail Cotton Dress - $117.90 - Nordstrom; 2) Retro Sunglasses - $5.80 - Forever 21; 3) Vintage Flower-Etched Pendant - $11 - In the Past; 4) Black Pumps - $69.99 - Dillard's; 5) Checkbook with Flap Purse - $18 - Urban Outfitters

xoxo,

Sarah

* Note: Movie images via IMDB