Owl Be Sweatin' Across the Pond

You know I love running.

You know I love owls.

Did I ever imagine that it would be possible to combine the two?! No way!

I came across the Owl Be Sweatin' Etsy shop a few weeks ago and was so excited! Not going to lie; the name is definitely what drew me to this wonderful shop, but I am so happy it did! They sell headbands specifically designed not to budge on your head while you run or exercise. Not to mention they are beyond cute!

Let me backtrack here: I'm not really a headband wearing runner. I sometimes would wear the so called 'no-slip' (lies!!) ones that I picked up at Target or a Lululemon one that collected and retained my sweat more than anything else. I was constantly having to adjust them! It just wasn't worth the hassle.

Never again will I settle for lackluster headbands. I promise these Owl Be Sweatin' ones will change your life! (I sound like one of those cheesy sales people you see on TV... I promise I'm not!)

How cute?!

All the headbands come with an adjustable strap, and when I say they do not budge, I mean they do not budge. I've ran outside in them and on a treadmill; they stayed put the entire time! No slipping whatsoever. I even tested them out around the house; it didn't move and didn't give me a headache! Quite the miracle as far as headbands go!

They have a bunch of styles to choose from! I had a hard time picking which ones I wanted to buy, but couldn't say no to the owl print! Typical Tay.

Sidenote, I don't even use those headphones for running. If Owl' Be Sweatin wants to make the perfect headphones too I'd be all over that.

I also picked out this chevron one; isn't the color just perfect for spring/summer?!

Both of mine are the 1 inch headbands, which work very well with my hair. It kept all my frizz back the entire time! They also have 1.5 inch thickness if you need a bit more coverage.

Honestly, if you are a runner or any kind of athlete, these are perfect in every way possible. I mean it!

What do you think?? Are you a headband wearing runner or a headband skeptic like I was?? Visit their shop and see for yourself!

(This is not a sponsored post. I paid for the headbands with my own money; I contacted one of the shop owners Mallory and asked if they would be kind enough to ship to England which was an amazing favor she did for me! All opinions are my own!)

Inside The Wardrobe: What? It's Memorial Day?

So in America it's Memorial Day weekend, which was always the best! You got the day off, went to BBQs, spent time with friends...

Here in England, it's just a bank holiday. If someone would like to tell me officially why we have Monday off, that would be great. However, I'm not complaining! (Especially not complaining because in one weeks time, I will be packing my bags for Egypt!)

So I really didn't need a 'Memorial Day' outfit, since I guess the holiday doesn't exist here really. However, weather pertaining, we could still have a very lovely 3 day weekend here anyway!

Dress . . Sunnies . . Bikini Top . . Bikini Bottoms . . Sandals . . Bag

Last bank holiday/3 day weekend I actually got a sun burn.... IN ENGLAND! My Florida-native skin was confused. 

Anyway, the bikini maybe a bit overkill. With my luck this weekend will be filled with rain. But I can dream, right? I told you, I'm in Egypt mode already! I couldn't resist the scallops around the edges. I'm also trying out this new phase called 'dress like an adult' as opposed to 'dress in lazy clothes or college spring break get up'. I'll let you know how that goes. 

Happy 3 day weekend everyone!

What's your outfit of choice this weekend?

Inside The Wardrobe - Spring Is Here, Kind Of

For the first time (minus when I had that little 5 month adventure on the cruise ship...) in my life I'm not in Florida for Spring. Not like Florida gets seasons anyway, but at least I could always count on the sun shining and Target having new bathing suits and sandals for the first day of Spring.

Which makes me think.

The first day of spring really isn't the first spring day for most places, is it? I mean, I wouldn't go outside today in a strapless floral dress today. But hey, I can dream, right?

Dress . . Flats . . Sunnies . . Earrings . . Necklace

So this is more inspiration for the first spring day. Floral dress. Aviator sunglasses (which I normally live in when the sun... you know... comes out to play... a rarity in England). Simple crochet flats.

Can't wait for the first spring day!

Springtime. Has it made an appearance where you live?? What are your essential items for springtime?

(Link up with My Friday's Fancies)

Inside The Wardrobe - Lucky Green

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone! Well, for Sunday at least. Green is my fave color in case you didn't know. So wearing green is never a faux pas in my wardrobe!

I'm actually doing a 10K on Sunday. And unfortunately I won't be running it in this lovely get up. If I could, I would!

Dress . . Tights . . Flats . . Rings . . Necklace . . Bracelet

Of course I went for green and gold! I feel those are very St. Patrick's Day appropriate. Green like leprechauns. Pots of gold. Yes, I think this is very fitting.

And random owl bracelet. Well to be honest, not that random for me. I've accumulated so much owl jewelry over the years (when I was packing to move to England I think I counted at least 15 owl necklaces alone...) that it's probably a rare occasion if I don't have an owl on. Not that I think owls are particularly lucky, but if I'm dressing for luck it will probably include an owl. Just sayin'!

What do you wear for luck?? What are you sporting this year for St. Patty's Day??

(Link up with My Friday's Fancies)

Inside The Wardrobe - Embrace The Lace

I have been SO out of the loop with "My Friday's Fancies". Holy cow. It has been weeks. It's normally one of my favourite posts of the week! But with the wedding, the half marathon, the fever (read: the Hiatus), and Wedding Week on the blog, I haven't had the time!

So if you're new around here (or just forgotten), I do a British version of Friday's Fancies called "Inside the Wardrobe". My only rule is that the clothes/shoes/accessories HAVE to be from UK stores. No American stores allowed! #ExpatProblems

This week is all about lace!

Personally, I tend to stay away from lacey items. They look gorgeous and girly, but my brain just goes "Crap, you have to hand wash this?! Well that's not happening..."

As I get older, I should just embrace (the lace... had to do it!) the fact that clothing items need tending to and I should be a big girl about it.

Anyway, that being said........

 Dress . . Flats . . Bag . . Earrings . . Neckalce

When I saw the dress, it immediately reminded of Blair Waldorf circa Season 1 (whenever that was. I was in high school. And the CW had a writers strike somewhere in the middle.) I definitely channeled her while creating the outfit... Minus the big headband!

I like reserved look of the dress. I mean, I'm usually all about the V-necks! But I recently bought a Peter-Pan collared dress that was a bit covered up at the top and realised I can broaden my horizons.

And I'm in love with the necklace! (I actually have it!) The chain changes lengths; it goes well with everything!! 

Let's talk lace: How do you pull off the look? Make it girly? Edgy? What do you think?

(Link up with My Friday's Fancies)

Inside The Wardrobe: What's Black, White, & Red all over?

A newspaper! Isn't that the answer to that joke? I can't really remember... I haven't heard it since I was about 7...

But what is black, white, and READ all over? Today's "Inside the Wardrobe" outfit, of course!

Jumper . . Trousers . . Bracelet . . Flats . . Bag . . Book

I wasn't really a fan of an all black and white colour scheme until I started putting together this outfit. I originally thought, I need a chic black and white dress.

And what do I find?? The total opposite.

A comfy outfit perfect for when my nose is in a book for hours.... I mean days....

See? Black and white.... and read all over! 

(And I just had to add this book to my outfit today. On Tuesday I confessed how overly obsessed I get with any good book series. The "Infernal Devices" has officially captured my heart this week. Cassandra Clare also wrote one of my other favourite series called "The Mortal Instruments". [Hint, they're making it into a movie this year. Read it before all the teeny boppers do!] I delayed buying this series because I knew I'd be an anti-social readaholic. Let's just say this readaholic relapsed. Oops.)

How do you like monochrome outfits? Are you all for this black and white trend or do you prefer to be red all over? Or green all over? Or a jubilee of colours all over??

(Link up with My Friday's Fancies)

Inside The Wardrobe: Admiring From Afar

Let's be honest. I spend loads of time on Pinterest. Most of the time, I automatically click the humour section so I can have a good laugh at e-cards and cats. But my second favourite thing to do is to click on the women's fashion section and play a little game that I like to call "admiring from afar".

Admiring from afar can be played by anyone at anytime. It's a fun and addicting game for all ages! Basically it's online window shopping for fabulous people with a less than fabulous budget. Or less than fabulous creativity when it come to styling. Or both!

I found this outfit here. After admiring from afar for a while, I realized I had a massive outfit crush on it. 

Shirt . . Skirt . . Earrings . . Flats . . Necklace . . Belt . . Bag

  

Outfit crush for a few reasons. 

1) I love high-waisted skirts but feel like whenever I style them I look like a pilgrim. 

2) Mint green. 

3) It looks so girly without being over the top. 

I obviously tweaked my "mint to be" outfit a bit. I don't particularly like those bauble necklaces (no offense if you do! They're cute but I'd probably never buy one...) so I added a simpler necklace so you can see the pink collar on the shirt.  And the original shoes for this were bright yellow heels. I opted for a comfier and more subtle alternative.

But if I could just rip all the clothes out of the screen and put them inside my wardrobe, I would!   

What is your "outfit crush"? Do they tend to be outfits out of your comfort zone or ones that you would put together yourself?

(Link up with My Friday's Fancies)

Inside The Wardrobe: One Short Day To The Emerald City

Kermit said it's not easy being green. Love you, Kermit, but I disagree!

Green is my absolute favourite colour! More specifically, peridot green is my fave; but emerald is a lovely stone, too!

Dress . . Shoes . . Necklace . . Belt . . Bag

The outfit it a little bit springy for the current weather here in England, but hopefully my optimistic green polka dot dress means that the weather man will be on my side these next few months! (I kind of need him to be on my side with a February wedding coming up! And a February half marathon... Do I mention these enough?!)

Anyone recognize the Wicked lyrics?!

Is emerald (or any shade of green) a colour that's going to make many appearances inside your wardrobe this year??

(Link up with My Friday's Fancies)

Inside The Wardrobe: New Year, New Me!

I thought a lot about what I wanted 2013 to encompass. I came up with many different adjectives. Bold. Determined. Creative. I couldn't decide on one, yet alone an outfit to incorporate this adjective into.

As you may or may not know, a lot is happening in 2013! More specifically, next month I get married and run my first my first half marathon. Not in the same day though! But nearly in the same week. I know, I'm crazy.

I finally decided that the new me is going to be fearless.

Top . . Jeggings . . Shoes . . Earrings . . Necklace . . Bracelet

Being fearless doesn't mean not having fears. It means controlling and overcoming them when it matters most. I think that's what I need most this year; to throw myself in wholeheartedly to situations both in and out of my comfort zone. I realized that I like taking risks and also taking control of situations.

This is the "toughest" outfit I could muster to show my fearlessness. When I think of being fearless, I think of the color black, but also a bold "in your face" color. I fell in love with this top and decided these leather-like jeggings were completely out of my comfort zone!

Here's to a fearless 2013!

What's your "new year, new you" word for 2013?? 

(Link up with My Friday's Fancies)

Inside The Wardrobe: NYE

New Years Eve is great! Most people I've spoken to aren't particularly thrilled for 2013 to come along because of the negative connotation with the number 13. But 13 is my lucky number, so I genuinely cannot wait!

I've had a little ponder about some New Years resolutions and I think 2013 is going to be one hell-of-a year!

I don't really like going out on New Years Eve like normal people. I'd rather stay at home and watch the New York ball drop or Big Ben at midnight depending on which continent I'm on.

But when I saw this dress in store, I couldn't help but think that it was perfect for a  NYE night out! (Even if I'm not partaking in it myself)

Dress . . Earrings . . Clutch . . Shoes . . Rings . . Nail Polish

(The quote is inspired by my home girl Taylor Swift's song "Starlight". I love it. I want to dance to it all day long and throw sparkles in the air. I asked the Fiance if we can play it at our wedding celebration and he said, "well, it's customary to play songs that people actually KNOW." I'm the bride; I'll dance and throw glitter to whatever songs I want!) 

Normally I'm not this "matchy matchy" with my outfits. But the silver/blue/black just sort of caught my eye. It started with the shoes (if I could only walk in heels.......) and then just worked its way up with other accessories. 

Side note, I've been in love with stackable rings. I think both that and Essie nail polish are my 2012 staples that will continue on in 2013!

What do you do on New Years Eve? Do you go out and party or have a quiet night in? Have you thought about resolutions yet?? 

(Link up with My Friday's Fancies)

Inside The Wardrobe: Jolly For Jumpers

I've been wanting an "ugly sweater" for a while now. Finally after the millionth time of me saying "ugly sweater", the Fiance said "it's not an ugly sweater, it's a Christmas jumper!"

Oops! Expat lingo always gets the best of me.

Whether you get them from charity shops, eBay, or the back of your mom/mum's closet/wardrobe, ugly Christmas jumpers are making a comeback in 2012! I can't even count the amount of photos I've seen of friends going to "ugly Christmas sweater" parties or "tacky Christmas jumper" pub crawls!

Clearly, I'm a big fan. I'm definitely rocking a jumper sometime in the next few days for Christmas family celebrations!

Jumper . . Trousers . . Earrings . . Clutch . . Boots

Not only are jumpers super warm and cozy, they are comfortable. I'm the youngest in the family (both sets... The Fiance's family and my own) so that means that when we open presents I get relegated to sitting on the floor. Therefore, my Christmas outfit has to withstand many hours of Christmas fun all over the place! Simple but festive outfits like this are perfect for me!

What are you wearing this year for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?? A jumper so ugly that it's cute? Do you dress up a bit more?? 

(Link up with My Friday's Fancies)

Inside The Wardrobe: Serious Sparkle

Sparkles are kind of my best friend. 

Love them on nail polish.

Love them on shoes (glitter Toms for the win).

Love them in any way, shape, or form.

Top . . Trousers . . Necklace . . Clutch . . Flats

What's great about Christmas time is that you can always get away with wearing sparkly outfits. (and naturally, buying more sparkly outfits!)

I fell in love with these shoes because they're a unique twist on the two tone flats that are popular these days. I normally don't go for gold accessories, but I thought it complimented the sparkly top better than any other color!

And of course, a girly play on "keep calm and carry on". Very British, indeed!

Lets talk about sparkles. Only for special occasions (New Years Eve, parties, etc.) or for daily use?

(Link up with My Friday's Fancies)

Inside The Wardrobe: What Is Plaid?

Whenever I say "plaid" here, I get strange looks.

Apparently, the American "plaid" is the British "check".

Noted.

Personally, when I think of checkered print, I think of a checkered (racing) flag. More of a distinct tessellation, less of an overlapping pattern. (I can't believe I just used the word tessellation. #MathNerd)

But going on the "I'm in England and speak English" thing, I shall use the word checkered. 

I LOVE checkered prints. I secretly wish I had a uniform in school so I could have worn polo shirts, checkered skirts, and knee high socks. Call me crazy.

But nowadays, anytime I wear checkered shirts with my glasses (too lazy for contacts most days), I get called a wannabe hipster. (As opposed to any other day where I just get called Amy Farrah Fowler. PICK A SIDE, PEOPLE! I CAN'T BE BOTH!) For the record, I'm not a wannabe hipster. Just a girl with poor eyesight.

So I'm going to go with a more subtle checkered print.

Jumper . . Shirt . . Trousers . . Shoes . . Necklace

I really like layers as the weather gets colder. I think check shirts go great under plain jumpers with the collar over the top and the checkered sleeves rolled up over the jumper's sleeves.

(Since the red is a bit of a contrast to the green trousers, I'd definitely keep the check shirt tucked in but leave the jumper out.)

And how cute is that dog necklace??? I know normally I'm an owl fiend, but I couldn't resist this little pup! 

How do you like to style check/plaid prints?? 
And totally off topic, do you have a celebrity look alike? Do people constantly tell you that you look like someone else?? (Like I get, "hey, you look like that girl from The Big Bang Theory!")

(Link up with My Friday's Fancies)

Inside The Wardrobe: Dress Yourself!

I like clothes. A lot.

What girl doesn't like clothes, really?

I started being a shopaholic at an early age. I have an older sister and our weekends consisted of spending lots of time at the mall. Isn't that what older sisters are for?? (Because shopping with parents was so not cool when I was younger. Now I'd kill to go shopping and not have to worry about spending my own money!)

I'd say that when I dress myself, I dress for comfort more than anything. And now so more than ever; I walk everywhere here in England and I don't want to be walking 20 minutes somewhere wishing I'd worn something more practical.

Cardigan . . Trousers . . Tank/Vest . . Shoes . . Necklace . . Mug

(2 things about this outfit. First, that cardigan has sequins in it. Love. Second, I actually have that owl necklace. I got it in Mexico, but apparently can be found in England!)

This outfit screams Taylor for 2 reasons: Owls and a cardigan.

I love my cardigan collection. My friends used to call me "Mr. Feeny" (from Boy Meets World) because they said I dressed like him with all my cardigans. Whatever people; everybody loves Mr. Feeny! 

And of course, if I'm home and comfy, there's probably a cuppa tea nearby in my fave owl mug.

(Side note, ohmigod it's the last day of November.... Eeeek!! Whose opening their advent calendars tomorrow morning with excitement?!?! I know I am!!)

What is your personal style? Do you have typical YOU style staples (like my cardigans and owls?) 

(Link up with My Friday's Fancies)

Inside the Wardrobe: Black Friday 2012

Nothing irritates someone who works in retail more than the words BLACK FRIDAY.

(For those of you not familiar, Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving where there are massive sales, long queues to get into stores, and crazy people attacking other people for electronic items. It also, in my opinion, ruined a lot of what Thanksgiving is about by making workers go in at midnight for the sake of insane shoppers. I'll save that rant for another time.)

I've worked nearly every Black Friday since I was 16. I've gotten to work at 4 AM. I've dealt with irritating savings-hungry customers. I've arrived at work over an hour in advance just to attempt to find parking. I've made cupcakes for my team to boost morale. I've braved the chaos that is the food court. I've done and seen it all.

Now that I'm in England, Black Friday is a thing of the past. No Thanksgiving = No Black Friday. (I know, I know, Boxing Day Sales. We'll cross that bridge when we get there.)

So to me here in England, Friday the 23rd of November is just another day to shop.

This week was inspired by Black Friday, and of course, the color black. 

Dress . . Tights . . Scarf . . Jacket . . Flats . . Earrings

I feel like any time I wear a lot of black, someone always brings it up as being weird. One time I wore a black dress with leggings my parents said "What are YOU mourning today?!" Cool.

So whenever I wear black, I like to add some color by wearing a patterned scarf. I usually go for floral prints, but I fell in love with this scarf because it has discrete owls all over it!

I'm also in love with tights right now. I think it's because I never really got the chance to wear fashion tights in Florida (tights for dance class though, I know all about!) except when my mom dressed me up when I was 6 to keep me warm from the cold front that was 59 degrees Fahrenheit. I have a pair of burgundy tights like those and they go really great with black and cream outfits!

Finally, top it off with an edgy jacket to stay warm and simple flats to stay comfy during the 12+ hour shopping day that is Black Friday.

Hope you guys in America have fun shopping today and that everyone stays safe! As for England, well like I said, today is just another excuse to go shopping! But apparently ASDA and Amazon were advertizing Black Friday sales online only! So how about THAT!

Anybody have Black Friday horror stories?! Either from working retail or from shopping?? 
What do you like to wear when you go shopping? Do you dress up or do you tend to stay casual? 
Does anyone in England wish there was a Black Friday equivalent over here? Would you take advantage of the sales or would the crowds scare you away? 

(Link up with My Friday's Fancies)

Inside The Wardrobe: Autumn Treats/Faves

I've been following {av} for a long time now. Long before I even thought of having a blog of my own. And definitely long before I knew moving to England was possible for me. She is an all around great writer and runner, but also puts together outfits I could only dream about. (Not to mention her blog is called {long distance loving}; obviously that was my life for the past few years!) 

Which is why I'm challenging myself to go out of my comfort zone and link up with {av}'s My Friday Fancies to do a UK-friendly fashion segment. No USA stores allowed. Only online stores in the UK. Not even if they have international shipping from the States. Nope. Not allowed. The UK versions of stores, however, are allowed. (i.e. I know Top Shop is in New York and H&M is all over)

I've completely detached myself from all my old favorite stores from back in America (although, I can't seem to take myself off Sephora's email list! Can't part with them yet I'm afraid...) so it's about time I tried something new!

I remember when things I would take back with me from England were so novel and unique. So I'm going to fall in love with everything British all over again. 

I have to warn you, I'm dreadful at putting together outfits. If I could leave the house in my owl PJ bottoms everyday, I would! But seeing as I'm in my 20s, I feel like I should make an effort.

And I'd say my style is different to a lot of other women's. I hate the color pink. I like flats, not heels. I spend most of my time trying to curl my hair instead of straighten it. And I swear I am president of the LEGGINGS ARE NOT TROUSERS club (my transatlantic friend knows what I'm talking about).  

Story of my life.

So you have been warned. You may see a lot of owls appear here. You may also hate what I have picked out. I'm sorry in advance.

This week, the theme was Autumn Faves and Autumn Treats.

Not only am I a big fan of not wearing leggings as trousers, I'm probably a bigger fan of pumpkin flavor.

Where would Autumn be without pumpkin? Pumpkin Spiced Lattes. Pumpkin Pie. Pumpkin Hershey's Kisses (Those exist, I promise. And they taste like love and magic).

My favorite thing to wake up to in autumn, however, is pumpkin pancakes on a chilly weekend.

Jumper .. Trousers .. Scarf .. Boots .. Earrings .. Legwarmers

I'm not really a fan of wearing the color orange, but I really like warm colors like peach, tan, cream, and brown. 

I'm also a big fan of legwarmers (no, I was not born in the 80s). I bought a bunch of leg warmers (which were SO HARD to find by the way!) a year or so ago to help me run in the cold when I spent Christmas in England. Then, I started wearing them to just keep me warm in general. Now they're popping up in every store I go in!

I always wear my legwarmers with my trusty UGG Boots. I wish I could own every color and style of these boots; they are amazingly comfortable no matter who says that they UGG-LY!

And of course, pumpkin pancakes done best by I-HOP, but can be made at home quite easily with pumpkin spice. (Hey, I promised I'd keep my clothing items exclusive to the UK. I did not say that meant my favorite treat as well!)

What are your favorite autumn treats? Are you a big fan of pumpkin, too?
And help me out! What are your favorite UK stores? How can I make the transition from USA to UK style?