Merci

Coat: Old Navy (old)
Scarf: Kohls similar
Plaid: Gap on sale!
Boots: Avenue
Sweater: F21
Leggings: Old Navy (old)
Bag: NY&Co

I'm not sure if this would pass as radiant orchid or maybe more of a vibrant fuchsia, but for now, its my color of the year. This coat is a favorite of mine when it comes down to the chilly New England winters. I suppose long car coats are not meant for 5'1" frames but to that I say "Have you ever experienced -6 degree weather??" The length of this coat is perfect for me to wear my tall boots therefore providing another layer against the frigid temps.

I have a ton of scarves that would surprisingly coordinate with this color so its no surprise that I wear it often.
I saw this sweater before my birthday and quickly fell in love. Its long, its soft, its warm. Its perfect.

What are your favorite get warm pieces for the frigid temps? How are you staying cozy during the Polar Vortex?

Linking up this week with these lovely ladies:
Because of Jackie
Trend Spin Linkup
Style Elixir

Scallops Wrapped In Bacon

The holidays are filled with all different kinds of foods. From appetizers to desserts to cocktails there's always a little something to sample. One of my favorites this season was a scallops wrapped in bacon app that SJL brought to the table. I'm telling you....boy can cook.
(I know right?...SCORE!!!)

Plus, I mean, really- who doesn't love anything wrapped in bacon?

Original recipe here

Tips: 

• Don't forget the brown sugar on top....like we almost did....twice. 
• Don't over cook the bacon in the stove....like I did. It makes it harder to wrap but so much fun to munch.
• Add a tablespoon of garlic. Because my dad always says everything tastes better with garlic. 
• Maximize flavor by marinating overnight. 

Cheers 2014

Well here we are again. Another fresh start. 

Another year gone by full of heartache and laughter and small miracles and life lessons learned. 

Another year of resolutions. Some kept....Some broken.

This year I've decided not to be so hard on myself. 

Mostly because the resolutions I may have had in mind-  I haven't started yet.
I've still got the "There's always next Monday" attitude. 

So here's what I've got in mind for 2014...ya know....starting Monday. 

• I'd like to run a few 5ks this year. Like sign up early and prepare. Not bail at the last minute. (not that that has ever happened.)
• My first step in preparation for 2014 is becoming a morning person. I've taken on more responsibility the last half of 2013 and I began feeling like there wasn't enough hours in the day. Mostly because I was so overwhelmed at times I would go to bed early and sleep in. Then freak out when I couldn't finish everything and wondered why my house was such a mess and the laundry was never ending! At least if I wake up early I can check a few tasks off of my to do list that I won't have to worry about when my mind turns to mush at 8pm.
• I want need to be more organized. With work and school and a new job hunt and family health management and blogging organization is essential in my life. I love the feeling of zen when I wake up to a clean home or walk into a neat closet. (Side note...this is a yearly resolution. I always start out strong and then, well, what can I say. I'm not the best juggler.)
• This next one is a combination of about three thoughts I had written down. I want to pay off some debt. Which can only be done by shopping less. (I've got a few closet remix challenges lined up for this year.) And with proper planning I want to begin expanding Polka Dots and Lace. Which will take some time and investment that I'll have by being more organized and saving my pennies!

See...it will all pay off in the end. At the end of this year I can't wait to look back and see all that I've accomplished. Not to sound cliche or anything but...

Go Shawty...

I so needed this weekend. December was just so busy and went by so quickly I felt like I blinked and it was the holidays. Anyone else feel that way?

If you follow me on Insta you know that I celebrated my birthday all month this weekend .  

If you have never heard of The Melting Pot you're missing out. Its a fondue restaurant and its kind of amazing. 

Now you're probably asking yourself "Why would I want to sit and wait for my food to boil and the cheeses to melt when I can go someplace else and have it served to me already made?"

Well...my friends and I ask ourselves the same question every time we go as we impatiently wait to dip. Then once we do get our fondue on...its radio silence. Everything is so worth the wait, most especially the chocolate. We fool ourselves into thinking that we want to try new flavors and then we just devour the "Classic". Its very simple mix of chocolate and peanut butter and so delicious with a flambeed topper. You can go for cheese, just for dessert or do the entire 4 course experience including one of their yummy salads and a choice of meats and/or seafoods. 

And, for my birthday I got a free frozen cocktail. I mean...I was just so tickled (ok...maybe tipsy is a better word). All my friends, great food, fun atmosphere and a free bevvy? If I haven't convinced you yet...go to their site and sign up for their fondue club and you'll get the most delish chocolate covered strawberries....FOR FREE. Yup. I said it. FREE.

As for the rest of my weekend, SJL and I saw a movie, I stayed up late and slept in. I took naps and started a closet purge. Stay tuned to eBay for some items for sale. 

I also went to the mall with my sister and checked out some sales. I'm not really in the market for anything particular but the sales were too good to ignore. Picked up a few items I know will work well in my closet from Old Navy and American Eagle. I had a birthday coupon and a $10 off $30 for AE and got the color block shirt for $15!

Then I made a beeline to JCP for these gloves. Big thanks to Tara for the heads up! (Cheaper in store- check the website for availability- my sister and I got the last two pairs!)

What did you do this weekend? 

Tell me on Facebook or Twitter and don't forget to follow along on Instagram! 

I received no compensation for this post. I just really love the restaurant. Carry on. 

Who's Ready for a Party??

Its that time of year again! All the festivities have started...there's going to be a party or gathering pretty much every weekend from now until the new year...at least for me anyway. I've got four birthdays (including my own), two anniversary's, all the major holidays and tons of friends and family to catch up with- I'm sure you all know how that goes. 

Well there's one party I'm very excited to attend... PJ holiday/birthday party!! I don't know if I'm more excited that it will be SJL's bday or that I get to wear PJs all night which means eat/drink till my stomachs hearts content!

So of course I have to start looking at some presentable pajama attire. I don't think ratty old tee's and mens sweats are going to cut it.

 Initially I wanted to get something really funny like these, but I'm trying to spend $ on things that I'll get my dollars worth from. If I'm being honest I'll never wear those again despite the cuteness quotient. 

So here I go in search of appropriate budget friendly PJs that I will proudly wear out in public! (Well- from the house to the car and back counts right?)

PJ2 by meghan-ouellette featuring a cotton pajamas

PJ1 by meghan-ouellette featuring satin sleepwear

PJ3 by meghan-ouellette featuring a cheetah print pajamas

Which ones would you chose? Do you have a favorite or fun pair I should know about?

Tell me! I love hearing from you!

On a side note I'd like to thank everyone for still popping in from time to time. I know I haven't been blogging for a month or so now...I'm trying to find time for my hobby between going back to school and working full time and having a life! I miss you all and I promise that I'm keeping up with you all as best as I can. Does anyone have any advice for how to balance it all? Yikes! 

=0

Celeb Closet Crush: Emmy

I love celebrities. Some more than others. And there's nothing I'd love more than to raid their closets. This week I'd love to talk Emmy Rossum. Ms. Emmy can do no wrong. I've yet to see a single street style shot that I didn't want to recreate or a red carpet look that I didn't dream of wearing. 

I think its a bit weird sometimes because I know her as Fiona from Shameless...and all she wears is cutoffs and holey tanks. Complete opposites. 

Here are some of my favorite looks from Emmy. 

All photos via Pinterest. 

Visit my Pinterest page to see all my favorites. And while you're there don't forget to follow!

Who has your favorite celeb style?

Mani Monday + Shop My Closet!

Matches my favorite Shiraz...

Sally Hansen Gel color in Pat on the Black and OPI glitter (from the Serena Williams collection I think) Thank you to SJL for the added foliage. =]

Dinner...pork chops, chicken drummies and potato packets

Roxie...cause shes just too beautiful not to show off!

Happy Mani Monday! Had the day off today...after the longest workday in a while yesterday. Caught up on a few things and then enjoyed the evening outside. Haven't grilled in a while and it was absolutely perfect with a little red wine. I'm loving the weather around here...except sometimes it can be confusing  as it was nearly 90 degrees last Thursday. 


In an effort to maintain a budget, and to make room for all the cute fall items I just have to have (looking at you Lim mini bags), I've posted some items up for grabs from my closet. 

I discovered Because I Shop Too Much from an instagrammer and I decided to make an account here to support some fellow bloggers.

 I realize I won't get as much traffic as I would someplace like ebay or Poshmark but here there are no seller fees and I can easily navigate my way around everyone's closets. Also I don't have an iphone so Poshmark is out of the question. 

All payments are made via Paypal and some prices are negotiable if you send me a message. Items will remain posted for a month. 

They are either brand new or gently used.

New items will be added monthly.

Purchases are final sale. 

Here's a preview!

Click here for happy shopping!
Member name Meghan Ouellette

Linking up today with

Plane Pretty

Friday Favorites @ Style Elixir

Glitter and Gloss