holy cow - it's 2013!

i've been so busy busy w/ the whole crazy move that i haven't even stopped by to wish you all a very happy new year! what the!?! it's already almost mid-month! have you set any resolutions? me? well - no. i'm currently trying to feel like i'm not a stranger in our new home! resolving to do anything other than exist and unpack is a bit over-whelming.

mom flew into town last friday and she has been so helpful. it's amazing what little things like a waste basket in your laundry room or a night light in the bathroom do to make a house a home. she's also determined to get me to put things on the wall. she claims it will make us feel more settled. and you know what? she's right! so thankful for all the furniture wade's parents and grandparents have given to us. and my dad drives down today w/ 1 final truck load!

i have a confession. our new house was featured on apartment therapy this past week - go here check it out ... it looks amazing. however ... it's felt a little discouraging. everyone's all "WOW your house looks amazing" and i'm all "oh if you only could see it now." we look like such a downgrade. boxes, temporary decorations, furniture that needs refinished, tweaked, yada yada. and this is where you all remind me that the former owner lived there for like 8 years. yah yah, i know.

how about  few pics of the OUTSIDE of our house. it still looks pretty pretty. these were part of the christmas shoot we did w/ the amazing alissa saylor prior to our move. please check her out!

{photos: alissa saylor photography}

my honey-do list and personal to do lists are growing! we have so many fun ideas for the new place. first off however we have to do the practical things like buy gutters and install insulation and get a termite contract. woot woot. things that really look impressive on the blog. :-/

back tomorrow w/ a fun little update!

31 days to a better photo

on the eve of february, we're officially 1 month into 2012 people. how's it going? 

i confess - i've already blown one of my resolutions. that's right i fell off the "ice chewing" wagon w/in just a few short weeks of the new year. [enter lecture from my dentist.] i am however excited w/ a few add'l goals w + i have set. we're running a half (barefoot). we're paying off all our debt except our student loans (by june!). we're budgeting & therefore saving enough to purchase our first home possibly this year. and ... we have a really fun trip planned. i mean REALLY fun.

while i'm not ready to reveal the details of our trip yet (isn't that evil!?! ... bah ha ha), i am starting to plan ahead! and 1 thing that's super important before a big trip is honed camera skillz.

i've blogged about darcy of my 3 boybarians' 31 days challenge before. she hits on everything from dSLR 101 to photo composition to finishing your images in photoshop! oh snap!

so here's the challenge: there are 29 days this february (happy birthday, leap year babies) meaning by march 2nd - we'll be pros! here's the full 31 days.

i could use a little blog accountability. who wants to join me? link up below to commit. then we'll post about our experience + link up every friday to share our progress.

don't have a blog to link? please please please still join along (+ let me know w/ a comment below!)

credits:
blackjack - dafont
aw conqueror inline - font squirrel
camera graphic - stephanie corfee
31 days to a better photo - my 3 boybarians

during the merry happy ...

my office shuts down the week between merry christmas and happy new year. i commonly refer to it as my "merry happy". while most adults work (including mr. munday), this year i got a kick start on spring cleaning. why not? it's 56º outside on january 5th - feels like spring to me!

the ultimate challenge for mini apartment living is figuring out where to hide your junk. in 2011 - our attack was simple: shove it in a closet and shut the door. not this year, people. mission organization 2012. it's amazing how adding shelves to 2 closets can kick start an organization revolution. now i'm gung-ho ... leave no "closet" behind.
a few things on my to do list:

the challenge: the multi-tasker (1 part crafts, 1 part luggage storage, 1 part coat closet, and 2 parts holiday storage)

1 // purchase an over the door storage system like this one featured on better homes and gardens for gift wrap + ribbons. cute cute.

{source: bhg}

2 // add a couple xtra bookshelves. what for you ask? see #3.

3 // organize my fabric samples w/ the fabric organizer (or a version of my own). totally inspired by stef of girl. inspired ... these fabric organizers make her collection not only pretty pretty but also completely practical.

{source: girl. inspired}

the challenge: a distasteful pantry

1 // in my dreams, we would have a pantry just like this ginormous beauty by emersonmade featured in the design*sponge book. filled w/ anchor hocking heritage hill jars and french hermetic terrines. in the meantime, finally a use for the (over) 200 mason jars & jelly jars left over from our wedding.

 

{source: design*sponge}

the challenge: a very cluttered linen closet w/ lots and lots of little things to store.

1 // install a door mounted spice rack to store medicine. once installed, it's the perfect opportunity to toss all expired meds & cosmetics! random factoid for your thursday: did you know that you shouldn't store your medicine in your actual medicine cabinet? the heat and humidity can cause meds to lose potency before the expiration date. hmm. 

{source: cabinetparts.com}

2 // want to know a secret? i moved an entire apartment once in BASKETS. slight addiction. but one can never have too many bins, baskets, and boxes! 3 of my favorite words. a few canvas storage bins like these found at the container store are totally the ideal way to store small items that might otherwise create clutter.

 {source: bhg}

3 // i'm also pretty smitten about those "shelf within shelf" organizers above. maybe w/ one of those, i could pull out the sheet i need w/o unfolding the entire stack.

okay truth is - this list could go on and on and on. inspired? what's the one room you totally need to declutter A-SNAP?!?

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there's still time! be sure to sign up for the noonday giveaway. three fabulous noonday necklaces to choose from in you win & entering is super easy so go check it out. click the banner below for all the details:

it's a brand new day!

hello friends ...

can you believe it!?! it's 2012!

i'm hoping you had as enjoyable of a holiday as we had! for the past 3 years, we've spent christmas eve day w/ wade's family - then driven 7hrs during the night to spend christmas day w/ my family. this year, instead we spent the entire christmas weekend with his family and new years weekend w/ my family. so much better!

and the week between? i worked my tail off reorganizing/cleaning our little apt --- a great kick start to 2012. oh and i finally got around to making a christmas gift:

{wooden dolls for my niece - daddy, nyah, haven and mommy (my sister, brooke) - can't you see the family resemblance? i kid.}

so - any resolutions?

i have made 2:

1 // i am an ice chewing addict - at least a glass or 2 a day. in fact, ice has become my ultimate favorite snack. i crave it. best treat ever: crushed shaved ice w/out any flavor. yes - i'm aware this habit is sooo bad for my teeth. and yes - i'm iron deficient. in 2012, i resolve to STOP CHEWING ICE. 

2 // in 2011, i resolved to be a blogger. and i have had so many awesome blogging experiences and have met so many awesome blog buddies. but the task of blogging daily totally stressed/stresses me out! truth is - i have a loooong list of things i want to accomplish in 2012 (remember my 30 before 30 list - wow i've fallen behind). also, wade and i are training to run a 1/2 marathon together (my 2nd, his first) for barefoot republic and a trip to ethiopia some time this summer! so in 2012, i resolve to continue to blog ... but only when i really enjoy it!

i hope you'll continue to stop by occasionally and share life w/ us!
here's to a fantastic 2012. :)

5 christmas confessions ...

1 // besides our mistletoe treeskirt (which i love) and 6 days worth of cookies ... i have been completely unmotivated this holiday season. i've not made a single gift. there's no homemade wreath. you won't be receiving a clever christmas card this year. and when you visit this holiday season, you will not be munching on black olive penguins as adorable and ridiculous as they are:

{source: foodie w/ a family}

when i was in hawaii visiting my sister, i asked her why she hadn't posted any pictures on facebook of her kiddos in their halloween costumes. she felt their costumes weren't anything special this year. w/ a 3 year old, a 13mo old and a husband on deployment - she was lucky to squeeze in a shower and a little mommy alone time @ the end of the day ... let alone time to create pinterest-worthy halloween costumes.

facebook and pinterest can really make you feel inadequate, eh? there are so many amazing ideas out there. i get it, sis.  i go through days/weeks feeling completely disappointed in myself for lacking creativity. not to mention time management. while i don't have kids, i have a full-time job and a husband and i have to remind myself daily that blogging is a hobby - and it's supposed to be fun!

my ultimate favorite blog reads are those that admit they are not perfect - the real moms with real homes and real jobs. for the record: my kitchen table is stacked w/ paperwork to be filed. we need to make a run to the recycling center or we will be cardboard boxed out of house and home. and i won't even start to explain my closets.

on the bright side - holiday starts tomorrow! i am thankful to have the 23rd through the 1st off. hooray. i made it through another year! forewarning: we are still proud to live in a home sans internet. a case of the mundays might be a bit quiet for the next 2 weeks. and if it is, see you in 2012!

2 // the tree looks amazing and i've wanted to snap a picture of it all week - but as mentioned, our apartment is a wreck! in addition to the filing + the recycling, there is a pile of presents that need to be wrapped - and the couch is covered w/ clean (luckily - folded) laundry.

on the bright side - tonight we have nothing to do besides a little gym time. then i am determined to straighten & snap a photo or two. have you seen this post on bokeh filters?

 

 {source: the friendly fox}

3 // i totally botched wade's christmas present. we weren't going to buy each other gifts this year. instead we were going to buy a house (wouldn't that have been a fun surprise?). unfortunately/fortunately that fell through. so we decided to spend $30 on each other. wade has been wanting to take a drawing class + asked for a sketchbook. i thought it would be clever to buy him a book called let's make some great art. today while checking in on my order, i found that a) it wouldn't be delivered until mid-january and b) it's for children 8 and up. woops. order cancelled. now a quick lunch time shopping trip is in store.

on the bright side - for those that DO have children, let's make some great art looks like a super fun book. be sure to check it out.

 {source: let's make some great art}

4 // and he's not the only one i/we still need to buy for. i have found that dads are the ultimate hardest people to buy for in the world. do you agree? who's the hardest person to buy for on your list?

on the bright side - we aren't doing christmas w/ my side of the family until next weekend. best thing about delayed christmas? after christmas shopping! last year during our $10 christmas exchange, a major steal purchase of the first season of glee was a major hit. cha-ching. (fyi - neither of us has ever watched an episode.)

5 // as a grand finale ... i will not be finishing the final 6 days of gluten-free christmas. it's true. wade and i are over cookies! somebody get us a carrot.

on the bright side - though i'm frustrated w/ myself for setting a goal and not reaching it, my waist line will thank me later. the best thing about doing even 6 days is that i have learned so much more about gfree grains. and i'm thrilled to finally bake treats that taste normal or better. need more recipes? check out this little list of gfree treats i've pinned:

{clockwise from upper left}
 andes mint or macadamian nut choc chip cookies via make it, love it
gingerbread cupcakes via lemon drop

peanut butter pretzel bites via two tiny kitchens (use glutinos pretzels!)

pistachio date cookie slices via simply gluten free

thankfully ... in the end - none of the hustle and bustle of the season really matters. my husband loves me besides the fact that our apartment is mostly my mess. our dads will continue to love us even if they each get another tie. we have shelter even if it isn't trimmed w/ magnolia leaves @ $10 a foot. and we have the true meaning of christmas - a Savior. 

his law is love and his gospel is peace. 

may your holiday be filled w/ both.

confession: a bit of a shopping spree

wade needs new clothes! ... like bad. he started running regularly about a month or two ago. that plus our time at the gym = low rider jeans that no belt can remedy. luckily we devoted a small portion of our budget to a clothing fund under the advice "if you're gonna need it anyway, budget for it."

so i did a little shopping ...

... for him:

{clockwise from upper left: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5}

and ... for her (bc honestly blair needs new clothes too!):

{clockwise from upper left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

... yah. a little shopping. but do you see those prices?

last night we received a catalog in the mail from lands'end canvas. i'm SO impressed w/ their line (and w/ their customer service - we're talking a handwritten note w/ my last order!). the canvas line @ lands'end is more fashion-oriented and perfect for young professionals. right up the j.crew alley - yet more affordable.

 {click to shop!}

right now they are having a fall sale - we're talking ULTRA LOW prices, people!
3 jeans, 1 corduroy, 2 t-shirts, 1 tank, 1 blouse, 1 polo + 1 sweater = $150.00

and check out this promo code (expires 10/15) for $10 off + free shipping over $50.00:
MJ11 pin: 4423

so have you had a chance to check out lands'end canvas?

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again ... you have until FRIDAY (tomorrow!) to sign up for the stella & dot giveaway hosted by independent stylist melissa olson. don't miss out. click the logo above for details!

best of ...

our climbing gym has very few chick magazines - it's all politics or outdoor adventure blah. as a result, i've read through every O magazine from 2008. apparently way back when, she did a series called "oprah's best life" (maybe it continues?). for today's little bloggety-blog i found inspiration in o's monthly "best of" interviews. a fun little opportunity to reflect & share a bit:

BEST HABIT // making the bed everyday. we have a very small apartment w/ 4 rooms (kitchen, living room, bedroom and bath). i can't imagine having 1/4 of the house unkempt. nowadays, however, wade beats me to the task!

{how to make your bed like a soldier via the art of manliness}

BEST SUBJECT IN SCHOOL // physics. truth! i had a professor in college that thought i was majoring in physics. my real major was commercial voice w/ an emphasis in music business. i should have however stuck w/ physics - i'm sure the pay would be better. ;)

BEST TIME-WASTER // pinterest. come on now - if you've discovered it ... you will agree. i can easily waste an entire hour sifting through inspiration. not on pinterest? click on my profile below to see what all the fuss is about.

BEST QUOTE // "God accepts us just the way we are, but loves us too much to let us stay that way." - rob bell

BEST GUILTY PLEASURE // reality tv. it's true. last weekend w + i stayed in a hotel w/ CABLE! and while he napped i watched jersey shores. honestly - bc i'm super vanilla ... it's entertaining to see all the craziness i've (thankfully) missed out on. i live vicariously through snooki for an hour - and then realize how great i really have it. ha! anyone checked out that show love in the wild? seriously where do they come up w/ this stuff!

BEST SHORTCUT TO FEELING BEAUTIFUL // 30 minutes in the sun. a little vitamin D and a bit of pink on the cheeks and i feel rejuvenated. when the sun just won't cooperate (october-march in nashville) a little peach blush on the apples of the cheeks does the trick.

BEST HIDDEN TALENT // i am the queen when it comes to making a cheap knockoff. i thank my bargain shopping mother for this trait! this summer, we've traveled a bit too much + i've been doing freelance design projects for a little $$ ... so i haven't posted many new projects. i'm pretty excited for colder months when we spend more time in.

{free people // my version}

BEST FOOD FIX // 1 cup of vanilla non-fat yogurt + 1/4 cup of udi's original granola + a handful of almonds = heaven! especially in the heat of summer when a mid-day binge can weigh you down for the rest of the day.

BEST RECENT READ // i'm already halfway through the catcher in the rye (1/12th of #10 on my 30 before 30) and i really am enjoying it! but as far as a book that i've recently completed, i loooooooved the help. we attempted to start a book club a year ago but life got super busy. pretty excited to get the girls back together to go see the film!

BEST SATURDAY MORNING // when we first got married, we were determined to prove my mom/sisters wrong and use our gifted waffle maker. each week i came up w/ a new recipe. finally we're looking forward to a saturday morning at home. tradition continued! these blackberry cobbler waffles from how sweet it is look divine (and perfectly in season)!

{source: how sweet it is}

BEST COBWEB CLEARER // yoga! i have horrible balance ... horrible! a yoga class requires my full attention. i mean seriously try and hold a headstand while sorting out your "to do" list. it presents the perfect opportunity to clear my mind of the frustrations/responsibilities of the day for at least an hour.

w + i finally have a night off tonight. and speaking of "to do" list ... mine it growing. hopefully i'll have something new to contribute to the world wide web tomorrow. in the meantime ...what's your "best of ..."?

{30 before 30} my birthday challenge

so yup ... it's my birthday! w + i are headed to grand rapids, michigan for the coast guard festival this weekend and more importantly to celebrate the recent nuptials of our friends taylor and reid. but before we go, i'm kicking off a BIG OL' challenge for the last year of my 20s ...

my 30 before 30 list:

1 // finish our wedding book!

2 // be able to do 15 of those special pushups where you hold plank and touch your knee to your shoulder in between ... pushup, right knee, pushup, left knee = 1.

3 // enter a pie into the martinsville agricultural fair pie contest.

4 // learn how to make homemade gluten free gnocchi.

5 // take a hip-hop dance class.

6 // knit my own pair of socks. and wear them!
7 // crochet flowers.

8 // take a cooking class.

9 // do an unexpected/romantic thing for wadely (at least) once a week.

10 // read a book a month from time magazine's all time 100 novels.
1 - 8/13 catcher in the rye
2 - 8/28 animal farm  
3 - atonement
4 - revolutionary road 
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

11 // go to a roller derby match.

12 // see a movie by myself.

13 // walk to work 2x a week.

14 // create and keep a budget.

15 // learn 5 christmas carols on the piano & accompany a family sing-a-long during the holidays.

16 // learn at least 1 non-christmas song on the piano.
17 // purposefully run into the "mean girl" from high school when home visiting my grandma - and ask her about her life + little girl. (this might kill me - or at least give me hives.)

18 // find an organization i’m passionate about and volunteer my time regularly.

19 // send 1 postcard/handwritten note to a different family member or friend each month.
1 - 8/13 care package to bro-in-law 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

20 // relearn to write in cursive - and become comfortable w/ my penmanship.

21 // go to a u-pick farm.

22 // host a fancy dinner party and use china!

23 // open an etsy shop.

24 // purchase and master the tajine.

25 // watch the sunrise at percy warner park.

26 // purchase & complete a coloring book.

27 // finish rosetta stone french. (this is a BIG ol' challenge!)

28 // take a pottery class through metro parks. {8/22 - enrolled!}

29 // read a book on music therapy.
30 // visit ethiopia.

maybe ...

{source: apolkadotblog.com}

sometimes i feel like if w + i had a kid, i'd have a whole lot more to blog about:

* maybe bc i wouldn't have a full-time job. {fingers crossed.}
* maybe bc i would have all kinds of wisdom to share.
* maybe bc i would take so many more pictures.
* maybe bc there are so many cute (and hilarious) baby ideas online.
{oh yes i did just link to mustached binkies!}

ho hmm ...

well it's not gonna happen, peeps. not yet at least.

* maybe instead we'll move overseas.
* maybe instead i'll have a killer cool blog about our adventures.
* maybe then we'll have killer cool international-born babies

maybe!

{ps - i am however absolutely thrilled to be "auntie blair" to all the sweet babies our friends are expecting! yay!}

{fun facts}

1 // i have a freckle that just appeared last year in the middle of my bottom lip. i should probably get it checked. but i've always wanted freckles - so i'm pretty proud of my 1!

Click to Zoom
Click to Zoom

{alyssa miller by ellen von unwerth}

2 // we have bunny ears and a digital box on our tv so we are very limited. we flip between reruns of criminal minds (creepy i know) and lost on dvd. i watched the first 3 seasons of lost religiously back when it was on tv ... but this is all brand new to wade. hello, 2004! we're hoping to pick up season 4 before this rainy weekend inside.

3 // i am obsessed w/ retro homemaker inspired tattoos. i was after all president of the "future homemakers of america" during my senior year of high school:

{source: abeautifulmess, my girl thursday}

... but don't worry wade, i will stick w/ the 1 tiny tattoo i already have.

4 // my grandma bought all of her granddaughters 2 pearls for christmas and their birthdays each year. wade had my pearls strung for me for our wedding.

5 // speaking of jewelry ... besides my wedding rings and a little bird/postcard necklace that is sentimental bc i found it while wade and i were long distance, i wear very little jewelry. i simply forget to put it on! but i would love to collect victorian era rings as katie of i go by katie does. her collection is absolutely stunning:

{source: i go by katie}

6 // if we could live anywhere in the world, we would pack up and move to a french speaking country. i received rosetta stone for christmas last year to begin preparing. ;) however neither of us has been very diligent in our studies. boo.

7 // i am not ashamed to copycat. one of my summer interns has the cutest feather extensions. i found these on etsy that are pretty pretty. hmmm ...

{sorce: soulshots}

8 // i am not easily starstruck probably bc of my job in the music business. however one time i ran into the former bachelor, travis stork, in line at the grocery store and nearly sweat through my shirt (gross. true.). i hadn't even watched the show! but i knew how obsessed my mom and aunts were w/ him. the only other (non-musical) celebrity i can remember running into was kirk cameron when i was about 11. not nearly as cool!

9 // i said my first cuss word in the 8th grade after a rough drive home from school to my oldest sister. i swore (no pun intended) that i wouldn't swear again. unfortunately one particular extremely frustrating co-worker has weakened me. :( okay that's no excuse. i want to overcome my potty mouth before we have kids.

{source: simplycutebykarin on etsy}

10 // i also say "acrossed" (more like "acrost") which drives my husband crazy. if i give up saying "acrossed" ... he will likely give up cussing too. ;)

eye eye captain

{yes, grammar pals ... i know it should be "aye aye".}

i fully intended to follow up w/ a regular eye dr after my lasik surgery ... get this ... 5 YEARS ago. time flies. after having 2 people randomly mention eye dr appointments to me on tuesday, i called and scheduled an appt for this morning.

i'm a nervous wreck before all doctor appts. case in point: i've had 1 self-inflicted cavity - the effect of a borderline ocd teenager and a push pin (ouch!). yet twice a year, i drag myself to the dentist knowing my time has come ... this time the dentist will inform me that he needs to pull them all.

serious anxiety issues, eh? apparently going to the eye doctor results in equal unnecessary fears. quite possibly why it's been 5 years.

{source: masikawa}

20/20, people! silly to worry myself all morning.

five years in and definitely the only con i have to lasik surgery is no longer needing frames. too many cute styles. what do you think ... fake frames - necessary style accessory or just silly? i lean towards the latter despite how much as i love the frames above.

pulling my hair out ...

i have 7 albums due to the plant by next thursday!!! that's right i said SEVEN.

4 to art direct and 3 to design in house. not to mention my regular crazy workload ... 2 digital books, 3 stickers, countless ads, 10 catalog ocards, 2 photo shoots to choose selects from and a couple of christmas pitches (yes i said christmas!). i'm pulling my hair out here!

wade is heading out of town on sunday for the week - the big national conference he's been planning for months. and then IF i can wrap all 7 of my projects, we are leaving town for an entire week. heading to rural illinois and eliminating all forms of work communication! {fingers crossed} again ... i'm pulling my hair out here!

speaking of hair ... i got a bit of a trim last night. as much as i would love to go crazy - and try something in the sincerley, jules vein ...

{source: sincerely, jules}

... i opted for my same ol' same ol'.

i've mentioned before that i'm growing my hair out. it was chin length before i met wade. over the years, it's been a bit of everything - short, long, curly, straight, highlighted, lowlighted ... even red at one point (i'll try to find proof!)! currently ... i'm plain jane - long and natural.

and with every inch, i am more motivated to let it grow and grow.

they say you should get your hair chopped every 6-8 weeks to keep it healthy, right!?! 6-8 weeks for me is cutting off the most recent growth. sigh. but then there's the issue of split ends if you don't regularly trim!?! ho hmm.

confession: i am a bit obsessed w/ trimming my split ends! it's pretty much my go-to when i'm bored or in an uncomfortable situation ... or just breathing.

my latest plan of attack ... better product. specifically - the dermOrganic morrocan argan oil hair treatment trio:

dermOrganic uses argan oil - which i've spoken about before. while we were honeymooning in essaouira, morocco we were told over and over and over again to pick up a bottle of two of argan oil bc it's so much cheaper there. of course instead, wade ended up with a white linen hippie shirt (that he's never worn in public!) and i ended up w/ some leather elf looking shoes (that i've never worn in public!). and then about a month after returning to the states, i found a sample of pure argan oil at sephora and have been hooked (and broke) ever since!

dermOrganic's argan oil hair treatments claim to provide nourishment for the hair with radiant and healthy shine. in addition to argan oil, they are rich in omega-6, antioxidants and vitamin E that penetrate the hair to create a barrier against the damaging effects of heat, sun and wind. oh - and they're 100% vegan and gluten free. sweet!

today is day 2 - and i'll admit my hair looks good. and it smells good! :)

what are your split end tricks? ... and what do you think - should i go crazy and get a subtle ombre w/ birthday money later this summer!?! (crazy subtle, if you will.)

{closet intervention} the tops

i did a little shopping last night! and wade informed me this morning that he was proud of me. i guess it has been a while since i bought myself a couple of things - not including craft supplies or things for the house.

i was proud of myself too ... i stuck to the list! i found a great pair of sanctuary casual chinos for just $29.99 and 2 rebecca beason scoop neck tees (black/white) on sale for $9.99 (marked down from $82.00) according to today's {closet intervention}. don't get me wrong - i definitely carried my usual armful of random items around the store. but the point is i convinced myself to only purchase these 3 staple items! victory! (also a lesson in patience ... once i have my essentials together, you can bet i'll add some of those accent pieces.)

today we're talking {closet intervention} tops:

{click to shop}

the essentials - and my must-have:

1 // white cotton button down shirt - urban outfitters bdg classic breezy button-down {19.99}
2 // white silk button down shirt - asos bow blouse {55.40}
3 // fitted tees (white/black/grey) - old navy scoop-neck tee {8.50}
4 // fitted tanks (white/black/grey) - jcrew perfect-fit tank {14.50} ... i have about 8 of these (w/ at least 5 in white!)

{click to shop}

the essentials - and my must-have:

5 // long-sleeve striped tee - jcrew perfect-fit stripe snap tee {39.50}
6 // neutral cardigan - gap beaded grandpa cardigan {34.99}
7 // colored cardigan - ruche pick-a-posy cardigan {43.99}
8 // flowy floral blouse - anthropologie heartsease habotai blouse {98.00} ... this was sort of a challenge for me as i'm not always that into girlie girlie floral prints. though a little xtra $ - i do love this little top.
9 // thin v-neck sweater - madewell academy sweater {39.99} ... LOVE the bleached linen. in case you really want to buy this for me - i wear a medium!
10 // tunic length top or sweater - dkny pullover w/ ruched side seam {86.99}

okay - confession: i am the queen of cardigans! so that's 2 items automatically marked off this list. then again ... isn't that pick-a-posy cardigan cute. hmm ... maybe it wouldn't hurt to have just one more. ha ha.

your turn - what item off the {closet intervention} list thus far do you have covered?