Things that instantly make any outfit awesome

Red pants. If you've been checking out my outfits for a while, you know I love my red pants. You know those days when what you're wearing really makes you feel good? That's how I feel whenever I put on these red pants. Can't you tell?

Colorful scarf. For as many times as I've worn my red pants on this blog, I've worn a scarf at least three times as much. I was even dubbed "scarf enthusiast" in my company's four-year anniversary video. You can never have too many scarves, especially not as a San Francisco resident.

Statement necklace. As far as statement necklaces go, this one is a bit subtle. But I still think it completes what would otherwise be a fairly generic outfit.

Utilitarian vest. This vest has places to put bullets, so it's definitely hardcore. But it's also from Old Navy, so it's definitely not meant to really carry bullets. This vest is the perfect layer to an incomplete outfit.

Bright belt. I don't wear belts that often, so when I do, I like to make sure everyone knows it. This bright pink belt might seem out of place, but I think it's just an alternative to the statement necklace. It goes with nothing else in the outfit, and that's what I love about it.

What do you wear to make your outfits stand out? Faux fur? Arm parties? A strap-on hunchback?

Birthday bag

I'm sure you missed my non-in-HD ramblings on Thursday. (See here and here.) On Wednesday I was home sick all day. And I'm not just talking a cough-cough, sneeze-sneeze, pass-me-the-Nyquil sick. I'm talking a bucket-by-the-bed, saltine-crackers-and-gatorade kind of sick. (No, you didn't ask, but it's my blog and I'll go into detail if I want to.) I was in no state to film a video. Oddly enough, the last time I was sick like that I did film a video out of sheer boredom of having nothing else to do but sit in bed.

Maybe I'll show it to you sometime.

Other than Wednesday's mishap where I had to eat white carbs and sugar to make sure my body didn't fall apart, I've been doing rather great on my slow-carb diet. By yesterday I wasn't even that hungry come meal time and didn't really have any cravings for a sugary or salty snack. Today is "cheat day," though, which means I get to eat whatever I want.

I made the dh* roll out of bed before 8 o'clock this morning so we could go to our favorite breakfast joint and I could get some of the most delicious carbs out there. Oh. Man. So. Good.

I haven't been able to eat anything else since, but I predict some apples and peanut butter or maybe some cheese in my future (oooooh, I'm a wild one).

Target top, Gap jeggings, Old Navy booties and coat, American Eagle necklace, Banana Republic satchel

Now, on to more important things! My bag!

As you may know, my birthday was ages ago. What I wanted was some new boots. But after looking and looking I decided that no boots (except maybe these) were really piquing my interest.

So I moved on. To this:

Ever since receiving an iPad for Christmas from my in-laws, I've been searching for a structured satchel to keep it safe. But it also had to have a cross-body strap to please this scooter gal. And so this bag became my birthday gift. To myself. From myself. A couple of months late.

Ok, lovelies, it's time for me to rush off to eat more carbs and dairy products. Yum!

*I finally learned what this means in Internet-talk: Dear husband. Thanks, Google!

Anthro Birthday

Did you make it to the Anthropologie 50 percent off sale a few weeks back? I'm finally getting around to sharing an outfit photo featuring my purchase: this wispy cowl-neck sweater. I love it, and I've gotten lots of compliments, which is how I knew it was a keeper. I actually purchased two other pieces: another sweater and a cropped jacket. But I ended up returning them both after careful consideration and realizing that they weren't my style.

Did you score anything from the Anthro sale?

Anthropologie sweater, Old Navy tank and boots, Gap jeggings, F21 bracelet

Do one thing.

So, you want to know what my new plan is, now that Give Up / Take On is over? No? You just stumbled upon this blog and now you're thinking, "Who's the chick in the red pants asking me so many questions?" Well, I'll tell you who she is. She's me. And this is her blog. So either respond "Yes" to the first question, or leave.

Just kidding. You can stay. But I'm still gonna answer that question.

This month I'll be starting my "Do one thing challenge." What the heck does that mean? It means that, each month, I'll aim to accomplish one goal. Just one. It won't be so simple as "wear underwear everyday" (check!), but something that's been on my brain's to-do list for a while. Like, learn to make preserves. Or go fly fishing. (OK, that last one's not on my list, but wouldn't it be fun?)

So this month's goal is: Write a song. I used to write songs. And I'm pretty good at putting together a catchy melody, if I do say so myself (and I do!). So stay tuned, because I might even sing it for ya.

Gap cords, Old Navy boots and top

3 of 30

No title today. And not many words. My stomach is rumbly and I'm waiting for the grocery delivery man to bring me my food.

Ah, grocery delivery. It's the best.

LS Grey Thermal: Delia*s (from early college days)    Sweater: Gap    Cords: Gap    Chucks: Converse Jacket: Old Navy    Necklace: H&M