~ Home Is Where the Heart Is ~

Title for this post is pretty self-explanatory!  I had to make the extremely boring drive home today (5 hours in a car by yourself--too much time alone with my thoughts!).  But I made the most of it--I listen to lectures from my online class (what better time to study!) and stopped to pick up some of my favorite wine: Traminette from Tabor Hill Winery.

 I came home to get a chance to see my grandfathers...who both, coincidently, have been in the hospital for awhile, and to go see Jenna.  Even though it's a long drive, I love coming home--get to see family, sleep in own (old) bed, and I get to see my pooch:

This is my dog Molly--she's 13-years old, and seems to be limping a little bit more every time I come home, but every time I walk in the door, she greets me with her little "happy dance" and her "stutter-bark" saying "Hello, I've missed you!".  I'm a little obsessed with my dog, but someone this cute, how could you not be?!

Before I left MI today, I did get a chance to document my vintage piece of the day:

 I found this jacket at a consignment store in Michigan, and I immediately fell in love with it.  It's made of a light-cordaroy material with has a faux-fur (detachable) collar and detailed design.  It's one of the most unique coats I've ever seen, which was why I was so drawn to it.  There's no label inside, which just adds to it's intrigue.  Plus, it was only $20--there was no doubt it was coming home with me!

I don't know what it is about this coat, but I feel so regal when I wear it!  I always feel I must be wearing my best attire underneath, and heels are a must.  It's definitely my "instant good mood" coat--something every girl should have :)

So to wear with my "regal jacket", I opted for a beaded blouse, black skinny jeans and knee-high black boots. I'm usually not a fan of tucking my shirts in (looks good on everyone else, no so much on me), but apparently I was feeling it today (maybe it was the coat), so I just went for it!

Blouse: Banana Republic
Jeans: Gap
Sunglasses: Marshalls
Necklace: gift from Andy
Watch: Michael Kors
Bracelets, Tiffany's (cuff and tennis); Vintage (bangle-my grandmother's)
Rings:  Vintage; "Half-Marathon ring"; gift from my mother; Coach; Tiffany's

Oh, and for those of you who have been keeping count--today has been exactly ONE MONTH since I've started my challenge!  I have officially worn something different from my closet each day, and still have many more outfits to create!  I'm kind of interested to see how long I can actually go, so of course I'll continuing blogging my outfit ideas and vintage finds and all sorts of fun stuff!

I have to admit--however--I kind of failed on my "No Shopping" challenge.  It was a little slip up, but I actually got the "OK" from Andy (since he was the Challenge Commissioner), so I guess we can't consider it a complete failure.  My moment of weakness was when I saw this dress online at Express:
http://www.express.com/rouched-back-evening-gown-44928-43/refine/Type/Dress/control/page/2/show/3/index.pro (sorry, picture won't upload).  I have been looking for a maxi-black dress for a long time, and as soon as I saw that it was long (a must for tall me!) and the back (I have a weakness for low/bare back designs), I knew I was in trouble.  Plus, with an additional 50% off, it came to $24.99 (orig. $98).  I text Andy, and he "agreed" to let me purchase it, but said I couldn't wear it until after my month was up (not that hard when it's 30° in Michigan!), but of course I agreed.

But as far as buying anything else at the mall, I've stuck to the deal.  I didn't even use any of my gift cards from Christmas (this was something I was told I could do--just couldn't spend any of my own money), but I felt like that was cheating, so I resisted.  And even though my month is up, I don't feel a startling urge to go crazy at the mall--I've made a list of essentials I would like to purchase (chambray shirt, leopard coat, black maxi-dress-->CHECK!), so I think (hopefully) my shopping will continue to decrease, especially since I've learned just how much I can make do with what I already own!

HAPPY THURSDAY!!