it's hard to jump in a pencil skirt

 denim shirt: thrifted (similar) // belt: old from the gap // pencil skirt: h&m // boots: macys

When I graduated college I had this idea that I was going to be wearing blazers, dress pants and pencil skirts in my high-fangled job in downtown Seattle.

(oh how I love pencil skirts.)

so shortly before graduation, I sidled on down to H&M and picked up a classic black one.

A classic black one that I rarely wear because I live in Seattle and both of my day jobs after graduation have required anything more formal than jeans.

There are guys at my current job that wear hooded sweatshirts with jeans and flip flops.

Some of them wear slippers or go in their socks around the office.

What I'm saying is that I don't get the opportunity to wear my classic black pencil skirt.

But I decided that I was going to make that opportunity. You hear about people dressing something up -- this is me, dressing something down.

Casual jeans on top, dressy skirt on the bottom. I think it works.

Except for jumping photos. Pencil skirts are not useful for jumping photos. Remember that.


happy thursday, friends.

xo, erika

p.s. don't forget to enter the shabby apple giveaway and to link up tomorrow for friday finds + favorites!

Me (and the dog) hope ...

 top: target from who knows when // pants: anthro // bracelet: junghwa // shoes: urban outfitters

 When I started doing outfit photos, I worried because there's something about it that can feel self-serving.

But to be honest, I love doing this; I love reading other blogs with outfits posts and it's become a fun challenge to figure out new looks from my closet as well as put together something that makes me feel good.

And I hope that you get something out of it too.

I hope that when you see what I wore, it inspires you to put together something new from your closet.

I hope that you decide to take a risk and decide to wear something because it makes you feel good about yourself.

I hope you see what you wear less about being "in-style" but more about expressing yourself and loving yourself.

And I hope, more than anything, that my crazy little dog, who insists on being in every photo, makes you smile.

xo, erika

p.s. i bought these shoes on sale at urban outfitters because online they said coral. they're definitely orange. but I'm ok with that.

the dirty hair manifesto (a tutorial)

 So I think you guys all know my secret by now...

I don't wash my hair that often. And before you go all "eeeewww, Erika" on me, hear me out.

Not only does this allow me to be more lazy in the morning, but it's actually not good to wash your hair daily because it can dry it out which leads to damaged hair or hair that overproduces oil.

And I know what you're thinking right now -- you're thinking that your hair is too greasy, that you can't do this, but let me tell you something. I was just like you. In high school I got up way too early to wash and blow dry my hair every day and it was rough going.

Then I got to college and well I was too busy flirting with the future husband to be washin the ol' hair, and I met a friend who taught me how to rock dirty hair.

And now I want to pass what she taught me onto you!

First off, the products:

baby powder: this product is like the best thing ever. Yes, it's great for baby bums but it also absorbs hair greasies like no one's business. Even if you have dark hair, a little bit of baby powder goes a long way. My trick? Put it in at night so it has time to absorb and you can avoid the powdered hair look.


dry shampoo: this is a recent addition to my dirty hair arsenal and I mainly use it after I workout to freshen my hair and do some major dirty hair control. Suave and Tresemme brands are great.

hair pretties: a pretty headband, or this adorable mint turban by rayna jaye is a great way to hide your greasies. Or, put it up! I have a pretty strict dirty hair schedule. Day one-- it's blow-dried, down and straightened. Day two, it gets a bit of waves, and day three it's hiding in a top knot or another updo. I love the tye for doing these sort of styles.

not pictured: teasing comb! If your hair gets limp and flat when it's dirty, I highly recommend a teasing comb that can plump it up. Also, hair with a bit of body can also hide those greasy, lank roots. (how gross of a word is lank?)

Finally, you need to know that this regime takes TIME. You have to train your hair. Right now your hair may be used to getting washed every day, so it gets greasy quickly. With time, you can train it to go longer-- just expect some really painful greasy days while you get there. But it's worth it. I promise. :) Think of it as the greasy hair olympics.

questions? comments? holla at me. I do love talking about my dirty hair. ;)

xo, erika

p.s.  I do wash my hair though-- most often every two days.  :)

shabby apple giveaway

happy monday!

Don't get me wrong. I like my day job and for the most part I'm pretty happy camper with life but I'm going to be honest. Mondays are rough. Something about that long week that s t e t c h e s seemingly endless after Monday, the early morning alarm after two days of relaxation... I could go on.

So I decided that I'd start the week off with a little giveaway with you all, because why not? It's Monday and it's rough and a chance to win $50 to Shabby Apple sounds pretty dang good.

If you're not familiar with Shabby Apple, you're missing. It's a great online boutique that has gorgeous, flattering clothes that bring to mind a more elegant era. I actually wore a Shabby Apple dress as a bridesmaid in my cousin's wedding and can vouch for how great they look on.

But enough about how much I love Shabby Apple-- how do you win?

Required entry:  Like 'em on Facebook and comment here on my blog with what you would spend your $50 on.

Extra entries:
Go like Rouge & Whimsy on Facebook and told me you did so. 
Follow this blog via google reader, bloglovin or hello cotton (and tell me you did)
fine print: this giveaway is only open to U.S. residents!

And if you're wondering,

I would buy this swimsuit:

or this polka-dotted dress:

or maybe this red one.

And if you can't wait to see if you won, how about a 10 percent discount? Use the code rougewhimsy10off.

happy monday-- hope your week begins well!

xo, erika

friday finds + favorites #3

every Friday I share some of my favorite things from around the web (and from real life.) You are all welcome to join me-- I love to see what others like!

 

love this blog post from heather 

one of the best ikea hacks i've seen in a long time on decor8. gorgeous.

this blog post from my girl leonora has some great tips on saving those dolla dolla bills

this tutorial from sew caroline! love love love

also, i bought some AMAZING things on etsy but I can't show them all yet because some of them are gifts for people (people who read this blog). but honestly, getting something in the mail is like my all-time favorite thing ever-- especially when it's a handmade item.

Can I also say that I ordered some shoes from urban outfitters and they're STILL not here but all my goodies from Etsy are? Yeah. what up small business represent.

Speaking of small biz, this post from Julie is pretty awesome.

if you're looking for new blog designs, check out this designer.

I love this photos on Chantilly's post about her island trip -- and her swimsuit is SO cute!

a recipe for lavender lemonade. must make now!

 and real life favorites:
the husband had a knee surgery and it went well. going to a trailer park mall on saturday! fresh blueberries. time for a quick thrift trip. my friend's homemade salted chocolate chip cookies.

xo, erika

I'd love to have you link your post up! All I ask is one link back to my blog somewhere on your post.:)