streets of my youth.

Hat: don't remember, Cape/Scarf: Africa, Belt: thrifted, Leggings: Everlast, Shoes: Urban Original, Purse: Urban Outfitters, Glasses: Michael Kors (prescription).

I spent the last week visiting family in the tiny town I grew up in.

When we moved to Portland two years ago, I despised going back.

For many reasons that are probably still too sensitive to bring up in such a public place as the web.

But for the first time ever, I didn't hate it.

I found myself laying in my old bed, walking up and down the cul-de-sac, and watching the sunny/snowy/rainy weather land on the park behind my parents house and I actually kind of missed it! 

I even cried a little when I got home.

I guess I just needed time to detach from my past life to let some wounds heal and ultimately appreciate the place I grew up! 

I'm glad I gave it another chance : ) 

this bag.

Scarf: Charlotte Russe, Sweater: Ross, Pants: Levi's, Shoes: Trouve from Nordstrom, Purse: c/o YesStyle

I picked out this bag myself, and couldn't wait to receive it from YesStyle.

It was the #1 bestseller, so I was pretty confident when I picked it out.

When I ripped open the box in excitement, I was pretty disappointed because there was a really dark burnish effect. Not to mention, the straps and sides don't lay right. 

But now that I'm looking at the pictures it doesn't look so bad? 

Hmmm... Maybe with a bit more wear, the straps will lay right. 

CopyCats-- Week 4

via

I haven't been loving my last few copycats... and this would be another one of them. I die for the inspiration look and then put my own spin on things and it all falls down. 

But because I have no choice (and have had over a month to choose) here is my copy:

Top & Skirt: Thrifted, Tights: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Ross.

Let's see what the rest of you came up with! 

(linkup below)

CopyCat reminder!

Just another reminder that the next CopyCat link up will be happening THIS Friday (the day after tomorrow) right here on Frills. You don't have to be a fashion blogger to participate! You can take cellphone pics in the mirror or if that's still too scary, you can put together a CopyCat look using the Polyvore method and link up here so we can see what you've done! 

Here is the code for the button you need to have on your post:

<div align="center"><a href="http://frills4thrills.blogspot.com/p/copy-cats.html" title="frillsforthirllscopycat"><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g146/sarah_christine122/Picture6-1-2.png" alt="frillsforthirllscopycat" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

And if you have any other questions, read all about the series here.

man style.

Blazer: Urban Outfitters, Plaid Shirt: Thrifted, Vest: Thrifted, Pants: H&M, Shoes: Thrifted.

Some girls like their manly man.

I like mine too. 

And I also really like that he looks like he walked out of a J. Crew magazine.

HOTNESS ALL OVA!

Don't forget that the CopyCat link up is THIS FRIDAY! Take your pictures and post your link here on Friday.

no time to chat, but...

Leggings: YesStyle (similar), Blazer: Vintage, Blouse: Vintage, Necklace: Forever 21, Booties: Trouve from Nordstrom, Clutch: Can't remember...

I have family in town from Colorado, so I don't have time to chat.

But the other day I wore leopard print pants. 

They've been sitting in my closet for a few weeks now, and I finally put them on in front of the camera.

You just gotta take risks sometimes.

i had the BEST lunch yesterday.

Necklace: Nordstrom, Sweater: forever 21, Blazer: The Limited thrifted, Jeans: forever 21, Booties: Urban Original.

I had the most amazing lunch yesterday!!!!!!!!!!

Normally my lunches aren't blogworthy, but this one totally is.

I can't stop thinking about it.

I got the Broadway Veggie sandwich and a bowl of Broccoli Cheddar soup from Bridge City Cafe.

I still can't stop thinking about it.

Broccoli cheddar is my absolute favorite soup in the world, but it's hard to find sometimes.

Now I know they have it here! 

Maybe I shouldn't be so excited about food, but I can't help it! 

Is there a food that you love but is hard to find? 

valentines day at the theatre.

This was the first year Ian and I did anything really special for v-day.
You know, beyond a dinner out.
We went to sushi and then to see Disney's Beauty and the Beast on Broadway! It was seriously fun.
Hence the lack of pictures.
What did you do?

gets me every time.

Sunnies: Asos, Scarf: Charlotte Russe, Shirt: Vintage, Leggings: H&M, Boots, Kohl's, Purse: Vintage Dooney & Bourke.

 Flipping through channels and I somehow always end up on The Spanish Channel.

And I don't know spanish. 

Something about those bright colors... they draw me in! 

Also, my bum was totally covered in these sheer-er-than-i-thought leggings. I'll be wearing them with dresses from now on.

happy birthday to my lover!

Happy 27th birthday to the most kind, patient, dependable, funny, responsible, smart, manly guy I know!

I'm so lucky you picked me--you're seriously the best guy I've ever met.

I will never grow tired of you. 

Ever never.

sometimes things speak to me.

Necklace: Nordstrom, Shirt: H&M, Blazer: Banana Republic thrifted, Jeans: f21, Shoes: Target (old).

The title probably makes me sound a little looney, but I have a feeling you creative thinkers will get me.

Sometimes things speak to me.

Like, when I'm scrolling through Pinterest I'm like "bleh" at a lot of things BUT THEN I SEE IT. Something that jumps out at me as if it has a little ring of light glowing around it. 

It also happens to me when I'm shopping at stores that have an overwhelming inventory (*Forever 21*). Sometimes I get too freaked out and have to leave, but other times things speak to me and it helps me sift through all the other stuff I don't want.

Do you know what I'm saying?

Also, if you missed my post yesterday, the CopyCat linkup will be happening on the last Friday of every month for now. So get your post ready for February 24th! 

copycat--update

If you have or plan to participate in the CopyCat linkup here on frills, this is an update to let you know that we will be switching from every Friday to the last Friday of the month. That means that the next linkup will be happening on February 24th! I hope you will all join and I'll be sure to send out more reminders when the day gets closer.

How to Mix Patterns.

1. Mix patterns of different sizes (i.e. a bold graphic floral with a subtle pinstripe).

2. Mix a neutral colored pattern with a multicolored pattern.

3. Mix a simple pattern (like stripes or dots) with a more complex pattern (like floral or plaid).

4. Mix patterns that are in the same color scheme.

5. If you're gonna go crazy with color, mix subtle patterns rather than graphic patterns.

Does this help you mix patterns? It's really a lot easier than you think. Just start trying stuff on together and your eye will tell you what works!