What I Wore: Striped Dress

This was my little coffee shop dress today.

Outfit Details: Dress, Ring: Forever21; Cardigan, Pearls: Express; Tights: H&M; Shoes: EasySpirit; Bag: Fossil

It's a little windy in Sunny California--that's what tights are for, right?!

♥ Shannon

Webstagram

Instagram is probably my favorite iPhone app because I love looking through fun pictures. It's like my favorite photographers curate a daily lookbook for me to glance through. However, if you don't have a smart phone, now you can check out Webstagram--the website version of Instagram!

You can find me there: Luck_Tree--come say hi!

♥ Shannon

What I Wore: Pencil Skirt & Pointy Shoes

Sometimes I like dreamy photos. And sometimes I like high-contrast. This is a high-contrast day.

Outfit details: Top: Charlotte Russe; Skirt: International Concepts; Heels: Tommy Hilfiger; Bag: Unknown

I've had this top since high school. Yep. High school. I absolutely love it. I love the colors. I love wearing green because I have green eyes. And yet....I can't remember the last time I wore it. But whenever I clean out my closet, I can't bring myself to get rid of it. Do you have an item like that?

♥ Shannon

Drinkify

I just stumbled upon Drinkify--it is so much fun! You type in what music you're listening to, and it recommends a cocktail for you.

I think it's pretty dead on! Although,  if you're listening to Mandy Moore, it recommends a bottle of vodka on the rocks. I'm offended! Extraordinary is fantastic! So is Wild Hope.

I digress. Try out the site and play with fun cocktails that match your music! Great for an upcoming party.

If you come across any intriguing recipes, please let me know!

♥ Shannon

Etsy Crush

I love etsy, don't you? Here are a few things I've been loving.

one two three four five six seven eight nine

Black and white chevrons, cute love prints, fun Valentine cards, and more. So many adorable things!

I think I need chevron in my home. Also, I compiled this list whilst watching many episodes of Felicity. It's taking me back! Did you watch it?

♥ Shannon

Can't Stop Thinking About...

This gorgeous editorial titled "Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves" by Harper Smith for Foam. Wow wow wow.

The rest of the images are just as stunning.

Please excuse me, must go make myself a whimsical hat and adopt a little goat.

♥ Shannon

Can't Stop Thinking About...

This hanging plant tutorial from Refinery29. I die.

Also, this Robots in Love print from LINOCUT. So cute!!!

♥ Shannon

What I Wore: This Lovely Skirt

I've been feeling a little sad this winter. You see, Los Angeles has no winter. I find myself missing the snowy woods of Maryland, wearing fun scarves and coats, making warm drinks by a fire.

Then I decided to snap out of it, and make the most of this warm weather. That means bringing out fun skirts and dresses. This skirt might be my favorite.

Outfit details: Skirt & Blouse: Express; Pumps: Mossimo; Clutch: Fashion Express; Hairpiece: Handmade

I also just unpacked my box of hairpieces, including my handmade flower. Check out the tutorial here!

♥ Shannon

5 Tips for Working from Home

It's been a challenging transition, going from a day job to working from home. Sometimes having all the time in the world worked against me; I would put off doing work because I had time to do it later...then I would get nothing accomplished. So I've put together a few tips that help me get work done:

1. Get Dressed for Work. Put on something nice and inspiring, just like you would for a fun day job. Trust me, you'll be more productive if you feel professional. I never get good work done if I'm in my PJs.

3. Have a Designated Workspace. Keep it clean and tidy, put up some inspiring artwork or quotes, and make it a lovely spot that you look forward to working in.

3. Keep a Schedule. Get into a routine so you know when it's time to work and when it's time to play. This will help keep you productive.

4. Take Breaks. Get up and stretch every hour, reward yourself with a snack break, or a tea break in the afternoon. I find this helps break up the hours, leaving me refreshed to keep at it!

5. Finish the Day. If you consistently work late into the night, you could burn out. Make sure you give yourself a closing time so you can relax at home, guilt-free. This is important! Just because you could be doing more work, doesn't mean you should.

Do you work from home? I'd love to hear any other great tips.

♥ Shannon

What I Wore: Fancy Treehouse

Wow! So. I'm buried in boxes. Don't panic--every day there are less and less boxes. And soon we will even have internet! But seriously, moving is kind of a big deal. Don't let anyone tell you that moving isn't a big deal, okay?

Outfit details: Skirt: Fancy Treehouse; Blouse: American Rag Cie; Pumps: Rockport; Watch: Fossil

I unpacked my clothes first. Yeah. Before silverware. That happened.

Moving out of the woods of Maryland into the city of Los Angeles has been a huge change. I mean, I used to take pictures of my outfits in the forest...now I take them in parking lots.

But more poignantly, it's the first time that Matt and I have been able to pursue creative ventures full time. He's finishing up his first week in film school, and I was just cast in a play here in Hollywood. Thank you to everyone who expressed their interest and support in my new career venture--per your request, I'll keep you updated.

♥ Shannon

What I Wore: Anthro!

After months--nay--years of dreaming, I finally bought myself an Anthropologie dress! It was love at first sight, truly.

Outfit details: Dress: Anthropologie; Cropped Cardi: Black House White Market; Pumps: Calvin Klein; Cameo Necklace: Thrifted

The construction of the garment is such fine quality, and I love all the little details, like the lavender slip and the oversized buttons. Oh, and it has pockets! Be still my heart.

Also, congratulations Melissa--you're the Sunshine Bliss Giveaway winner! Send me an e-mail with your address to claim your bracelet!

♥ Shannon

Five Things

I love to mark the passing of time with goals. I think it's the military girl in me that responds really well to measuring change by looking back at a year and seeing what I've accomplished. That's probably why I keep an ongoing birthday year list, 28 Before 28, and also why I identify Five Things each year to focus on.

They are not exactly resolutions for the new year, but measurable goals I'd like to accomplish this year. Here are my Five Things for 2012:

1. Write my book. I admit that this has been really intimidating me. I worked on this all last year and did everything except actually write the book. It is outlined, the chapter summaries are prepared, and I write it in my brain every night. Time to face my fear and get that baby down on paper!

2. Hanumanasana (otherwise known as the splits). During my yoga retreat in Mexico, Kathryn Budig (yoga goddess!) suggested that we choose two huge poses a year to work on--just two! Last year was a great year for me physically, and I really developed my yoga practice. This year will be about deepening my practice and hopefully repairing some of the damage my body sustained during active duty.

3. Meditate. Every day.

4. Act. Did I tell you that I moved to Hollywood to act? It was such a huge shift for me to go from "I want to be an actor" to "I am an actor". I'm in Hollywood, I'm booking jobs, I'm an actor. I can't wait to make my dreams happen this year.

5. Create. I feel so happy when I'm creating things, whether it is blogging, art journaling, painting--or the endless other artistic callings I have. I want to prioritize this part of my life because it makes me happy.

How do you like to mark the new year? Resolutions? Reflection? I'd love to hear different traditions!

♥ Shannon