It's Hot, Y'all

I'm not even from the South, but I have friends who are...so, I think I can say y'all.

Anyway, it was 94 degrees here today, which means that I couldn't be bothered to wear much of anything. But I did put on a skirt to go down to the whitewater festival that's being held here in town this weekend. We only went for a little while to watch the rafters, and it was pretty funny.

I am not wearing makeup. I didn't do my hair today. Why post? I just don't want you to think that I've forgotten about you. And my new belt looks just like Kendi's, so I'm feeling pretty cool.

Shirt: Forever 21 (thrifted), Skirt: Ann Taylor (thrifted), Belt: thrifted, Shoes: Chaco

The water cools you off up until the time you dry off. But it feels soooo good.

And the Livin' Is Easy...

One of the best parts about summer, I think, is that my family sometimes comes to visit. My mom is currently here from the great state of California (I miss you, Golden State), which has been awesome.

Currently, she is whipping cream in my kitchen for a strawberry pie. No joke.

We did mostly errands today, but it always pays to dress up for a trip to the grocery store and the post office. You never know who you're going to meet. Okay, nobody, but it's still fun to dress up.

Shirt: GAP Outlet, Cami: Downeast Basics, Earrings: Target, Shorts: Old Navy (thrifted for $2), Shoes: Chaco

Are these shorts a little loud? Maybe. But they only cost me $2, so that's good enough to snag.

Am I Going On A Safari? Maybe...

...okay, I'm not. But I still kinda liked this outfit, though I thought I should also carry a canteen and a high-powered rifle. Good thing that skirt wasn't khaki. Or there weren't any lions around.

We went up to Salida today for the FIBArk (First In Boating on the Arkansas) festival, which is filled with food, beer, great bands, and lots of kayaking. We watched a few of the kayakers play in the playwave, then had some delicious teriyaki chicken and noodles (why is fair food so stinkin' good?), walked around the town of Salida (lovely), and then took the scenic drive home...along the raging river.

You know what would have made this outfit? The $6 scarf that I refused to buy at a thrift store. Six bucks? That's highway robbery for a thrift store. It woud have gone on my hat...but alas, it was not to be. I have to stick to my buget, and that would have blown half of it! Sigh. The sacrifices...

Shirt: Jamaica Bay (thrifted), Cami: Downeast Basics, Skirt: Ann Taylor (thrifted), Bracelet: made by the cool guy at the Chacos booth! (free), Shoes: Chaco (of course), Belt: Eddie Bauer (thrifted), Hat: Liz Claiborne

I don't think this is my most stylish outfit, but I did feel pretty dressed up compared to those who were wearing cut-offs and tye-dyed shirts. It's all about perception...

Friends, Family, Pedals, and...Snow?

This weekend I drove up to Summit County, CO, to spend some time with "the girls" - including my mom, her friend, and Amber from I Heart Colorado. The "mud season" is upon us, and snow was melting quickly. The rivers are raging, creeks are cranking, and the weather is just plain gorgeous.

We biked from Copper Mountain Resort to the town of Frisco, which is the most amazing, easy, and pleasant ride you can do on two wheels. The bus even takes you to Copper for free! At the bottom, we had a delicious bagel and pastrami sandwich from Pika Bagel and Cafe - completely reccomend eating there!

And...I got to wear my cute new jacket, which I bought for $3.75. It had a little spot on it that I was nervous about getting out, but it came out beautifully. Proof that some people get rid of clothes because they are just not interested in putting in a little effort. More for me!

Shirt: GAP (swapped), Jacket: GAP (thrifted), Jeans: Old Navy (thrifted), Shoes: Chacos, Make-up: none (ha ha!)

All of the ponds are overflowing!

Blue River near Frisco, CO. Do NOT try to inner-tube this!

Downtown Breckenridge, CO. It's hot, it's cold...I'm wearing a puffy vest and flip-flops. You can't go wrong.

Shirt: GAP Favorite Tee, Vest: Obermeyer (Mom thrifted for me!), Purse: Billabong, Shorts: GAP Outlet, Shoes: Chaco, Earrings: Bejeweled 4 U (Mom's etsy store)

Now you know what I look like when I wear no make-up. For me, vacations are vacations from "getting ready" in the morning.

Thank you, Amber, for taking my photos over the weekend! XO!

Don't Believe Me?

I got this shirt at the Goodwill in Old Colorado City (some go for the hip trendy shops, I go for the second-hand treasures) on Monday. It is awesome! For some reason, I'm just all over the silky tops lately. Maybe it's the 90 degree heat... The important thing is that it only cost me $2.00, and I even got to cut the original tags (from The Limited) off! That's right, brand NEW top!

I stole this hairstyle from Misty at An Unpretentious Teacher. She didn't even get mad that I took it! We teachers have to stick together...

Can I just say that I love reading style blogs? I've never been more inspired, enlightened, and encouraged by so many positive women! Thanks (and "hello") to all my new followers - I'm excited to swap ideas and compliments with you! I gather that it's kind of a tradition to have a giveaway when you reach a certain amount...I'll start work on that right away...

Shirt: The Limited (thrifted, seriously), Pants: GAP (thrifted), Cami: Downeast Basics, Necklace: Sundance, Earrings: Kohls, Shoes: Chaco

Yesh, I know the label says $3.99 - but it was green tag day! Fify percent off, baby! (Just for the record, this top was originally $34.99, so that's, like, a lot of percent off. Not a math teacher - Language Arts teacher!)

What I Wear When I'm Cruising

Today was the best day ever. It is Blossom Festival weekend, which means that there is a parade, a craft fair, music, and a super-awesome 5K run by the river. My run time was a bit slow (first one of the summer season!), but I spent the rest of the day cruising around town on my Vespa, people-watching, and shopping at the(surprisingly empty) Goodwill. All of my favorite things in one day.

I make excuses to go to the store on my motorbike. Today I went for chips. That's right...just chips.

Headband: Goody (great for running and sports!), Shirt: Nike (thrifted), Shorts: Adidas (thrifted), Watch: Timex Ironman Triathlon (have worn them since '96 - love 'em), Shoes: Saucony (not thrifted - that's not a good idea)

Hat: Insight, Shirt: Target, Bermuda Shorts: GAP Outlet, Shoes: Chaco Flips, Sunnies: cheap-o's from who-knows-where, Motorbike: Vespa c/o my Stepmom, Linda (best X-mas present ever! Love you!)

Here's what happens when you beg and plead for four years - you finally wear people down. My step-mom gave me this Vespa (on loan) because I love it so. Sigh. I'm a lucky girl.