Outfit: Tried and True

 

There are some wardrobe pieces that become go-to items. Ya know, your fall-back every time you have no idea what to wear? For me, it's this dress. I love how versatile it is; the shape and print make it pretty casual, and easy to wear throughout the seasons. I'm actually a little embarrassed at how often I have this old, faithful dress on.  In fact, you can see the other ways I've styled it here, here, and here. Oops.

Alright, enough about clothes. Although, this is an outfit post; what did ya expect? No, really. This weekend is sure to be a good one, as my sister is coming into town and I actually have a Saturday off. That literally never happens without a request from yours truly. I plan on taking a run, making some food for Rags and Roses, and trying to see Palo Alto. I've been swooning over the trailer since it dropped, and I just can't wait any longer. When I say "James", you say "Franco". JAMES.

Have an awesome weekend, folks.

-Heather

Outfit Details:

Dress- Thrifted

Jacket- Target (thrifted)

Boots- T.J Maxx

Bag- Target

Kendra's Miami Fashion Challenge

     Today, I am thrilled to be participating in "Kendra's Miami Fashion Challenge". Kendra Thornton is a well-known travel expert, who has been featured on several news channels and shows, including Tyra Banks and Nate Berkus. I was so stoked to receive a a message from Kendra herself explaining this vacation style challenge:
     "As a mother of three, I think I'm pretty fashionable, but when my husband and I started planning a romantic getaway to Miami, I began rethinking my vacation fashion. Everyone in Miami could be right out of a fashion magazine, and while I think I'm trendy, I know I could use some help. I'm so excited for this trip to Miami because we are in desperate need of some time away to just have fun and live life a little bit. It's also special because my husband surprised me with a few gifts for our trip. As part of this getaway, I would love it if you could help me select a few outfits for my trip in Miami.

We are headed to the Delano South Beach Hotel. This was one of the most exquisite hotels to stay. We found it ranked #1 by users on the social media website gogobot. It's very posh inside and out, and it's located right on the beach. Everything that you need to do in Miami is within three miles. There are so many little cafes, bars, boutique shops and lots of art galleries. I can't wait to walk down boardwalk! I would love for a few casual outfits to head to the beach with and something transforming that I can wear from the spa to the beach to walking around South Beach during the day. At least one dressy outfit would be amazing!  I definitely want to go dancing with my husband and feel absolutely fantastic in a dress and heels. I want to thank you very much for helping me find a marvelous outfit for Miami."

               Kendra, I hope the looks below offer all the inspo you'll need for your romantic getaway!

 

Beachy and Breezy: A sheer white dress over a killer bikini, dressed up with printed bags, sunnies, and an over-sized hat.

 

Cool and Casual: Printed shorts or a flowy maxi, paired with simple jewelry and practical accessories. Perfect for a day of shopping or exploring!

A Night Out: Shine bright in a sequin top, bold jewelry, and classic black heels. Add pops of color with your bag and lip color for a fun and trendy twist!

I'd like to thank Kendra again for allowing me to take part in such a fun project! You can find out more about the travel  expert and fashionista on her social media sites: Twitter and Facebook.

-Heather

Lazy Sunday

 

This weekend went by way too quickly. My adventures first started with a road trip to Cincinnati to see Manchester Orchestra and Kevin Devine with  my dear friend, Laura; which unfortunately is not documented due to my not knowing the venue's camera policies. The bands killed it, especially Mr. Devine. Please get to know this dood if you haven't already. After the show, Laura and I headed to my sister's apartment (that she so graciously let us stay at even though she too was out of town) to begin a wild night of watching "Mermaids: The Body Found"; because I WANT TO BELIEVE, and because we like to party. I can't tell you how nice it was having a a couple days in a new place, but I did have something wonderful to come home to. Andy and I took advantage of the chilly weather that I love so much, and took a long walk before dinner.

I'm currently fighting sleep, and the reality of having to be back to work in the morning. Ugh. I hope all of you had fantastic weekends!

-Heather

Styling Blunt Bangs

I got a new haircut, and I'm kind of obsessed. I've had bangs before, but was always very bad at styling/maintaining them. Probably because they were never cut well; I have a history with bad haircuts because of my ultra-cheap nature. So, I'd just push them over to the side, and forget about them until they grew out. But, this time around, I think I finally got the luck of a cut well-done, and the hang of keeping my bangs styled. I've even found new ways to show the cut off that have gotten me out of my eternal wavy-haired rut. Here's the scoop!

Sleek and straight.

 

Tousled waves.

Messy, maiden braid/parted down the middle. It's been one of my favorite ways to wear my hair, and I'm having a lot of fun trying different parts. This one is very "Alexa Chung- inspired".

Top knot.

And, because I have to keep the option, pushed over for days I wear my hats.

These are the products that I've found help the most with my new cut: sea salt spray, anti-humidity hair spray, dry shampoo, and my trusty flat iron and curling iron. I hope this inspires you to give your locks some love.

Happy Monday!

-Heather

Outfit: Running, Returning

Andy and I got to sneak away this week to celebrate his birthday, and it ended up being one of the best days I've had in quite some time. Not for any particular reason; we didn't do anything "celebratory". In fact our day was pretty routine. We browsed at all our usual thrift stores, got pizza, walked downtown, and had a sundae at Jeni's; all things that are apart of  our Columbus trips. But, doing all those normal things seemed kind of better than normal. It kind of got me thinking about all of our other routines that I've grown to know and like so much. Cooking dinner really late, quoting Drunk History episodes 24/7, listening to records while working on posts/photos, me always having to pick the movie we watch, him making lattes while I get ready in the morning; all the little details that add to this life we're building with one another.

 

I don't usually talk about my relationship in detail on here, but I'm a really lucky gal, folks. I'm at a place in my life where things seem to be coming together in a way that seemed so far out of sight just a few months ago. And, Andy is a big part of that. I have pushed and picked and withdrawn and been prideful and stubborn more times than I can count. But, still this man has done nothing but offer support and encouragement and patience and love. That's a huge thing to know; just that someone wants to watch you succeed at all the big ideas in your head and be apart of it in the most selfless way possible. I'll refrain from getting too sappy. But, I have to admit that after some major peaks and valleys, it feels good to embrace something constant and sound. 

Goodness, look at me rambling. I almost forgot this was an outfit post. Anyways, I guess the point is that these were taken on a really good day, and some really good things are happening, and it's all just really good. So, yeah.

-Heather

Outfit Details:

Sweater- Forever 21

Top- Gabriel Brothers

Pants- American Eagle

Backpack/Boots- T.J. Maxx

The Liebster Award: Round Two

Today, I'm excited to announce that Rags and Roses has been nominated for it's second Liebster Award. Blogging has been such an adventure and learning experience for me, and it's always super rewarding to be recognized for the content and work I put out. First off, I'd like to thank Kristina of Love, Kristina for the nomination!

     The Liebster Award is a way to encourage readership and followers for new bloggers. It gets passed around and comes with it a small set of guidelines:

• Thank the amazing blogger that nominated you
• Answer the 11 questions the nominator provided
• Nominate 11 other bloggers who have less than 200 followers
• Post 11 different questions for your nominees to answer 
• Contact your nominees to let them know that you've nominated them

     Here are the questions that Kristina asked me:

1. How long have you been blogging?

     I've been blogging for just over a year now!

2.  Why did you start a blog?

     I started Rags and Roses as a creative outlet for my personal style, DIY projects, recipes, and ramblings. I had returned home from college to a place that offers little inspiration, so I decided to focus on something solely for myself. It's turned out to be my vice; having something of my own that I don't do for any other reason than being passionate about it.

3. What's your favorite place to shop?

     That's a tough one! Anywhere with good clearance, really. T.J. Maxx, Forever 21, H&M, Urban Outfitters, and ALL of the thrift stores. 

4. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?

     I'd like to go anywhere and everywhere I possibly can. I'm especially interested in visiting England, France, New York, and San Francisco.

5. What is your guilty pleasure?

     Keeping Up With the Kardashians, or crappy reality shows in general. I'm hooked! And, eating Nutella from the jar. Oopsies.

6. What is your biggest goal in life?

     My goal is just to be happy and lead a life beyond simply existing. I don't want to get caught up in striving for money, or settle into something just for stability. I want to adventure, and make the people I love proud, and just be.

7. Who is your celebrity crush?

     Oh, boy. Where should I start? Ryan Gosling, Steve Buscemi, all of the men on Parks and Rec, Lou Reed, James Franco, and many (MANY) more.

8. What's your dream job?

     I'd love to write for a magazine, like Bust or Nylon. But, ultimately, I hope to be my own boss, and own a storefront.  I'd want to sell re-purposed vintage clothing and household decor, commission artwork done locally, and maybe even run some sort of cafe out of it. 

9. City or country lover?

     I was raised in a really rural area, so I'll always love the solitude of being in the country, but I'm a city girl at heart. My sanity depends on being in a place with culture and varying types of people, ideas, art, scenery, etc.

10. What's your favorite meal of the day?

     Breakfast, for sure. I always do peanut butter and honey or avocado and tomato toast. Or, homemade spiced apple oatmeal. Or, granola bowls with Greek yogurt and fruit. Or, some kind of egg scramble with lots of veggies and cheese. I LOVE BREAKFAST.

11. Who is your greatest influence and why?

     I don't think I could pick just one! I really admire Kate Nash, Kathleen Hannah, Sylvia Plath, Kurt Cobain, Jack Kerouac, Eve Ensler, Amy Pohler, Miranda July, Andy Warhol, Sofia Coppola, Morrissey, Christopher McCandless, Gloria Steinem, and a ton more. My mom and sister are my two biggest influences, though. They've taught me how to work for the things I wish to accomplish and that there is nothing greater than family.

                                 Okay, so here are my nominations for The Leibster Award!

LaLu Bean

Velvet Coast

Hello, November

A Lion Hearted Girl

Fox and Fabric

Cranberry Deer

Sincerely Isabella

Dream in Neon

Katie Like Me
Verveine Orange
Lick My Cupcakes

                                                  And, my questions to you bloggers are:

1. What are the last five songs you've listened to?

2. Do you have any hidden talents?

3. What is your favorite book?

4. If you could pick any era to live in, which one would it be?

5. Who are a few of your icons?

6. Name three of your must-have wardrobe staples.

7. Where do you see yourself in five years?

8. What does blogging mean to you? (e.i. why did you start/what do you get out of it/etc)

9. If you could have a re-do at anything, what would it be?

10. If you could only eat one meal forever, what would it be?

11. Where do you draw inspiration from in your daily life?

Thanks again for the nomination, Kristina! I'm looking forward to seeing all of your answers, bloggers. 

-Heather

  

I'll Be Seeing You

 

Wowzer! Sorry for the little hiatus, you guys. I really have no excuses other than just needing some time to re-group. But, I'm here today for a post that probably won't register too much with most of you. But, it's one that I feel necessary to write.Things are about to get REAL emotional here, folks.

As some of you may know, my dearest friend just graduated college and moved several hours away to Georgia to FINALLY live permanently with her husband, who she had been apart from due to his job as a ranger and her being in school. Ashley has worked her butt off and has faced issues that could make the strongest person crumble, and she is so deserving of  this new adventure with her family. I could not be more proud/happy for her, but I am obvz going to miss her like crazy.

Ashley and I started off as fairly distant acquaintances, being that she graduated earlier than I did from our high school. But, towards the end of my living in Cleveland, we became pen-pals and later actual friends when I returned home. Our friendship was founded on blogging, junk food, book-love, music, and Ryan Gosling. Two or so years later, and she's one of the people I admire most in my life. 

Being back in this drab, little town would have been such a bummer without a chick with good taste/common interests, and Ashley has definitely supplied me with the best company imaginable. Coffee dates, ice cream runs, Daria marathons, impromptu road-tripping, Galentine's Day celebrations, concerts, orchard adventures, and shopping galore. Not to mention just going through a whirlwind of life situations; the stress of work, car troubles, drunk girls at concerts, complexity of the Spanish language, weridos doing "it" while trying to photograph outfit pictures; ya know the normal stuff. 

I'm wrapping this up, I promise. Ashley, know that I am so thankful to know you and be able to call you a friend. We've laughed, and cried, and laughed some more. It's been a crazy couple of years, and having you around the corner has been a total life-saver. You've taught me that being strong-willed is something to be proud of, that you can never decorate too early for Halloween, (sorry) running is worst thing ever. EVER.  Thanks for always listening to me complain, taking my (awkward) photos for this little blog of mine, and being the baddest bitch a girl could ever wish to know.

Enjoy the ride, my dear. GIRLGANG FOREVER

With love,

Heather