Plaid Separates + Tan Heels

Why, hello there, three day weekend. Please come in and stay forever. I spent most of the weekend with Jon kind of celebrating Valentine's Day, but mostly hanging out in our pajamas watching a bunch of movies and eating cupcakes. If that's not a successful holiday, then I don't know what is.

As for this outfit, I can't believe that I had not worn this top and skirt together on the blog yet. I bought them together right before Fleet Collection (RIP) ended, but have mostly made use out of them as separates. As you've probably been able to tell from my photos, I've gotten far more use of this skirt and it remains one of my most beloved pieces. I tend to forget about the top for some reason, however, I finally decided that it was time they be paired together. Boy, am I glad I did. They really make for the perfect plaid "dress" together. I need to make use out of them as a pair more often. Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Apricity again. Every time I wear Fleet Collection pieces, it's unspoken law that I need to remind everyone that while the brand no longer exists, its successor Apricity is just as adorable. Now go enjoy, and buy me all of the things.

Lovely Dresses for Lovely Weekends

I'm going to keep this post short and sweet because I'm writing it during a free moment over the busy weekend. I just want to drop by real quick to say that everything about this weekend is/was wonderful for so many reasons. It included seeing multiple of my favorite people who were in town, a night staying at my parents' house, good food, a birthday celebration for my mom, and one boy who I may or may not have gotten to see for the first time in a couple of months. Should I tell that story soon? I'll get around to it eventually, I'm sure.

This is dress is one of those pieces that has sat in my closet for a few months. It's a Modcloth piece that I got from a Facebook swap, and for some reason I didn't love it at first when I got it. I've since grown to appreciate it, and I'm glad to have another easy black dress to throw on. This was the perfect outfit for grabbing lunch and walking around Downtown Fullerton with my brother and oldest childhood friend on Saturday before heading to my parents' house. I'm seriously loving these Saturdays off.

Let's Chat with Tiny Mountains + A Giveaway

It's been a while since I've introduced you to another Etsy store through my "Let's Chat" feature, but I'm more than pleased to bring you a new one today. Meet Tatiana of Tiny Mountains. I was immediately drawn to the gem and stone jewelry that Tatiana makes since she has a knack for using rich materials to create easy to wear designs. They're pieces that not only go with everything, but are also great conversation starters. Tatiana was kind enough to send me this ring (which you can also see in Monday's post) and pin, and she's also being kind enough to treat one of you lucky readers to a beautiful pair of earrings and a bobby pin. Enter to win after the jump, but first, get to know Tatiana and Tiny Mountains a bit better.

How and when did Tiny Mountains start?
Tiny Mountains didn't exactly start, it kind of slowly (painfully slowly!) emerged from my need to design, to be my own boss, and to wear something different. And it's still emerging -- I do not see it as a completed project, there is always room for improvement, a need for a change, be it branding, packaging, design, etc. I'm never content, and I always doubt what I do.
But initially, of course, I wanted to make my own jewelry. Does it ever start any differently? I didn't like what I was offered at the shops, and I wanted to make what I liked. And I like my jewelry wild and spiky. So that's what I did.

What are some of your favorite materials to work with?
Minerals and rocks are my favorites. I like them plain, I like them shiny, I like them clear and I like them opaque. I am not a gemmologist, nor am I a believer in healing properties of crystals, so basically I'm just a person who likes shiny things. Hm, is it too bad?