My Weekend In Collage

My Weekend In Collage by karen-ashley featuring print dresses

My Weekend In Collage

My Weekend In Collage by karen-ashley featuring hobo handbags

Overall, this weekend was pretty quiet.  Spent most of it running around here and there trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on my list, which was kind of a waste seeing as I ended up buying everything online Saturday night. 

I rocked my favorite new 7 For All Man Kind jeans, cuffed (yes, I know the ones in the collage are not 7's, but I couldn't find a good pic to use, so I'm pretending) with a pair of white Converse (which I'm not sure that I'm cool enough to pull off, but the comfort was well worth it -- and in my mind, I looked pretty cool), and had lunch at Jimmy John's - yum.

Although, I didn't have much luck finding gifts there, Anthropologie had an awesome sale -- sweaters and outerwear were 1/2 off, plus I had a 15% off coupon since it's my birthday month!  I picked up an off white version of the sweater in the collage above and an awesome green leather journal (I've never been one to journal - but I have the urge to try it out).  Also, I got this cute light weight, grey cardi!  Love it - definitely one of those versatile dress up or dress down pieces. (and p.s. - I love Anthropologie's dressing rooms)

I saw Breaking Dawn (again ... I swear it gets better every time), finished Mindy Kaling's book (which if you haven't read it, you need to -- all kinds of awesome) and now I'm watching Once Upon A Time while I type this (and being majorly disappointed that Pan Am is not on tonight).

Lastly, I was watching Eclipse on Friday night and started thinking about Robert Frost's poem "Fire and Ice" that Bella is reading at the beginning.  I've read the poem before and watched Eclipse like 100 times, but never really thought much of it.  I did a quick google search, and before I got distracted with online shoe shopping or something like that, I read that some say the poem was inspired by Dante Alighieri's The Inferno - so I ambitiously picked up a copy while out shopping -- hopefully my good intentions will come to life and I'll actually read it  I'm suddenly, and randomly, intrigued to say the least!

Well, off to relax a bit more before the always dreaded work-week starts.  Goodnight!

Wardrobe Wednesday

So, since Bethany Joy Galeotti's Wardrobe Wednesday's are pretty much my favorite thing ever, I figured I would try it out and post my own (please ignore my weird expression -- I think I need some practice on taking self portraits)

I've been really into red and black lately, I think because I just recently colored my hair from a blonde/light red to a dark (almost black) brown, and apparently, I think wearing more red and black is the best way to show it off!  Anyways...

Cardigan:  Ann Taylor Loft

Top:  Target

Skirt:  JCrew

Polish:  O.P.I. Rainbow Connection over Black Onyx

Shoes:  JCrew

Tights:  Spanx

I ran out of the house pretty quickly and forgot to put on some jewelry (oops) but i was planning on wearing my new Jewel Mint Swan Bracelet.  Seriously, if you haven't checked out Jewel Mint yet, do it!  I've ordered a few pieces already but this bracelet is my favorite so far!  It's surprisingly versatile and I wear it all the time!

Lastly, I just received the new Sam Edelman Lorna pumps that I ordered over the weekend in the mail today!  I'm so excited to rock these with some awesome skinny jeans!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Wardrobe Wednesday!

My Weekend In Collage

My Weekend In Collage by karen-ashley featuring western shirts

My Weekend In Collage

My Weekend In Collage by karen-ashley featuring chain jewelry

My Weekend In Collage

My Weekend In Collage by karen-ashley featuring a shawl collar cardigan

Breaking...... headboards??

So this week has been an emotional roller coaster for me (tv and movie wise).  We said Good Bye One Tree Hill on Wednesday and Breaking Dawn (finally) premiered this weekend!

Since I'm still in denial that filming for OTH is officially over, I thought I'd focus my attention on the wonderfulness that is Edward Cullen instead!  I saw the movie yesterday and have not been able to stop thinking about it since.  So, as I sit in a quiet corner of Panera enjoying some tomato soup and an iced green tea on this dreary day, I thought I'd put pen to paper (so to speak) and write down my thoughts on this wonderful story.

I was late to the game when it comes to Twilight.  I attempted to read the first book when they became popular and didn't really get into it.  As with many things, I became distracted and moved on.  About a month ago, on a boring afternoon at home, I decided to give it another go and watch the movie!  I'm not sure exactly what changed, but i do know that I was instantly in love, and ran out to buy New Moon and Eclipse and waited in anticipation, for Breaking Dawn.  I read the book and re-watched the first 3 movies... and couldn't get enough!

What is it about Edward Cullen that draws us in so much?  While he will surely tell you it's his sent and the way he looks (which certainly doesn't hurt) there is something more deep than that about him.  The idea that he would do anything to protect the woman he loves and keep her safe and happy FOREVER is something that I think we all want.  He puts her well-being ahead of his own temptations and desires.  He is old fashioned and makes you think of the days when gentleman really did exist, and although I have yet to meet such a guy in the real world, a girl can dream (and watch movies about romantic vampires).

I thought this movie, in particular, was great.  There was romance, comedy, action and undeniable love!  Of course people will complain that they took some liberties with the book (it's called adapting for a reason, folks) I thought it was well done.  And while the every-one-is-talking-about-it honeymoon scene was fantastic, I find myself thinking about the simpler moments. Charlie's hilarious wedding toast, Edwards "let's start with forever" makes-me-weak-in-the-knees toast, and Jessica standing by the larger than life cake saying "i thought it would be bigger" (one of my personal favorite laughable moments).

Needless to say, I fell in love with Edward Cullen all over again yesterday and will absolutely be watching this film again and again (can the DVD please come out already?!)

So if you are like I was and think vampires just aren't for you, I highly recommend giving it another try!

And last, but certainly not least, can we just take a moment to drool over Bella's dress?! G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S.!!!!!!

(p.s. there aren't too many pictures of this dress floating around the web yet -- once they start popping up,  I'll update with a clearer shot)