One Dress, Two Ways || The Little Lace Dress + House of Garland Giveaway!

I bought this white lace dress on clearance months ago, but never wore it because a) I was afraid I would spill something on it, and b) I wasn't sure how to wear it. It feels so fancy, but I hardly ever go to parties. I wanted to figure out how to wear it for a regular day. 

For the first outfit, I went with a nighttime look or a party look. The first way I would think to wear a LLD (little lace dress). I wore my embellished sweater, pretty headband from House of Garland, and black heels. I'm going to gush about this lovely headband: I used to associate headbands with something little girls or Blair Waldorf wore, but all the headbands in House of Garland's Etsy shop are so elegant. They have the perfect amount of sparkle! Each headband is offered in a limited quantity, so you know you're getting something special!

Headband: ℅ House of Garland | Sweater: American Eagle | Dress: American Eagle {similar}

Tights: old {similar} | Bracelet: Forever 21 {cute option, also cute} | Knot Ring: gift
Midi Ring: JC Penney | Heels: Payless

I wanted to wear a daytime outfit with this pretty dress to prove to myself that it could be done. And yes, it certainly can! Wearing a blue boyfriend cardigan, brown belt, knee-high socks, and brown boots makes the dress more casual. Though I haven't worn the outfit out yet, I would definitely wear it to work or to class, if I still had classes to attend. 

Another cute way to casual-ize (I just made up that word) this dress would be to wear a pullover sweater in a neutral or bright color with tights and booties. How would you wear a white lace dress? 

Headband: ℅ House of Garland | Sweater: Target | Dress: American Eagle {similar}

Tights: old | Belt: thrifted {similar} | Knot Ring: gift | Midi Ring: JC Penney 

Socks: Urban Outfitters {similar} | Boots: Amazon

♥ ♥ ♥

Win this beautiful Sadie headband from House of Garland!

Open to people in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own.**

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Life Lately {End of the Year}

It's the end of the year! Wow, that went fast, didn't it? These pictures are from the last month and a half of the year; I met up with a bunch of amazing bloggers in Soho, did a lot of relaxing because I finished my thesis, and I got so many wonderful gifts from Secret Santa's, friends, and family. Despite some health problems, this has been a very nice holiday season!

Starbucks deliciousness // Met Sharon of The Tiny Heart // My blogger meet up outfit

Sunny day // An old picture of my grandparent's store // An awesome tumbler

Out of Print tote // Snow! // Little owl lip balm from my mom

Secret Santa goodies from Amy // The last of fall's leaves // Bundled up

Grand Central // Pretty photography from Lix Hewett // Foggy day

Pretty gifts from Avra // New booties // Secret Santa gifts from Alex

Drinking hot cocoa // Wearing red lipstick // Christmas gifts! So excited about my new Photoshop!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season 

and I hope you have a lovely New Year's!

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REVOLT Week 12

Wow, I've already blogged on a weekly basis for 12 weeks about REVOLT! Despite the fact that I myself haven't seen many changes, which is entirely due to the fact that I haven't exercised in the last month, I would still recommend REVOLT. The program is fun and challenging, but still doable, and you can tweak it to work for you since it's all online.

There's also an online community to keep you pumped up and on track. The videos change every month to keep things interesting, and there's a meal plan as well.

I really liked exercising using REVOLT, so I'm going to continue using the videos to get in shape. Now and then, I want to do some 5- to 8-minute minute Fitness Blender exercises because they have videos that target specific parts of the body. 

Goal: Begin exercising again!

This Year: Continue to drink lots of water and eat small portions and feel good about myself!

Weight: 126 

Have a great weekend!

What are your exercise goals for the coming year?

Did you meet your 2013 exercise goals?

Don't forget to enter to win a Crosley Record Player!

**I'm writing this post in return for free access to Revolt.**

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Favorite Things

{Sole Society booties, Poppy mug (gift from Avra) {similar}, Ghiradelli peppermint bark chocolate, "S" mug (gift from Alex), Eat Love Blog mug (gift from Amy), Feather tray (gift), Korres lip balm,

UD lipstick in Rush, Julep nail polish in Blakely (gift), Purple scarf (gift from Brittany), 

Journal (gift) & Bath & Body Works candle in Champagne Toast. 

I got so many wonderful gifts through friends and two blogger swaps (one through Rachael of Letters from a Mermaid and the other through Alex of Glory Boon)! I feel so loved! I also got a few things for myself because I couldn't resist those booties, a congratulatory lipstick, peppermint bark chocolate, and a wonderful-smelling candle. 

A few fun links:

♥ Because no one is perfect.

♥ The pictures by Jee Young Lee are so otherworldly and amazing!

♥ What is love? This video is so cute and shows what real love is.

♥ I would be so happy if these Harry Potter emojis existed!

♥ A bull-shit free guide to jump-starting your goals!

♥ Which Celtic zodiac are you? (I'm Oak.)

♥ Lynn's pictures always make me happy!

♥ This DIY antler necklace is so creative!

♥ Share your 3-minute story on ReadWave.

♥ Braids, Buns & Twists! I need this book!

♥ The power of empathy.

♥ A human undergoes animal testing for animal rights for LUSH.

♥ I was interviewed on Not Intent on Arriving & Ten Penny Dreams!

♥ Sponsor love: Jessica of Dream Mo(o)re's engagement photos are so sweet and romantic and a little sassy! I can't get enough of House of Garland's headbands! This one is especially pretty! Love this classy necklace from eFoxCity, and this cute dress from Everbuying!

♥ Say hello to my swap friends: Starry Eyes + Coffee Cups, My Life as a Teacup, You're in Brookelynn, A Writer In Love, Little Lady Little City, Pretty Lovely Whismy Darling, & A Coin for the Well. 

♥ Fashion loves: shiny skater skirt, chiffon dress, floral skirt, swiss dot top, burgundy high-low top, city girl satchel, cozy moccasins, floral headphones, these glasses, monogrammed wristlet & velvet scarf. 

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Inspired By: December's Best Selling Books

While I read a lot of books this year, I'm always finding more that I want to read! Allegiant is on my immediate to read list, but some time this year I would love to read all the books featured. Mitch Albom's novels always pull at the heartstrings, and while I normally don't like non-fiction, Humans of New York and I Am Malala sound like fascinating reads. 

Allegiant

{Click for item info}

Written by Veronica Roth, the conclusion in the Divergent series is Allegiant, which reveals all the secrets about the dystopian society that Tris Prior began to unravel in the first two novels. She finds out that her whole world was a lie and that one choice can change everything. 

Dress like the cover by wearing an orange jacket, blue tee, jeans, blue sneakers, and teardrop blue necklace. Or go for a cute casual look with a blue sweater, jeans, orange teardrop earrings, Chicago transit cuff, and boots. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

Humans of New York

Written by Brandon Stanton, and based on his popular blog Humans of New York, this book has over 400 photographs of New Yorkers and their stories. Back in 2010, Stanton began taking pictures of people in an attempt to capture the real New York. 

Go for the classic all-black New York look by wearing a black coat, sweater, jeans, and pumps with a camera ring, and black umbrella. Or wear dark colors, like this burgundy coat, navy dress, brown boots, and purple tote. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

I Am Malala

Written by Malala Yousafzai, I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban is her memoir about refusing to be silenced, fighting for her right to an education, and being shot in the head because of it. Though few expected her to survive, she recovered and has become a global symbol of peace. 

Stand up for your rights in a Radical t-shirt, floral skirt, glasses ring, pink and orange scarf, and Converse. Or copy Malala's cover by wearing a fuchsia maxi dress, infinity scarf, orange belt, banned books tote, and nude flats.  

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

The First Phone Call From Heaven

Written by Mitch Albom, The First Phone Call from Heaven is about a small town on Lake Michigan that gets worldwide attention when people start receiving phone calls from the afterlife. Is it a miracle or a hoax? Sully Harding, a widower, is determined to find out. 

Wear a black moto jacket, blue shirt dress, starry necklace and bracelet, and studded boots. Or layer a little by wearing a star print sweater over a star print dress, pink phone necklace, and black booties. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

What did you read this month?

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My Winter Reading List + 2014 Book Goal

I accomplished my goal of reading 28 books this year! In fact, I surpassed it! I've now read 35 books, so I'm thinking my reading goal for 2014 should be 32 books; something I know is achievable without being too high. 

♥ Cinder is a fairy tale reimagining of Cinderella in the far future, where there are cyborgs, a disease with no cure that has claimed many lives, and Lunars, people that live on the moon who have powers. It's a fast-paced novel with believable characters and a bit of romance. Easily my favorite of the year.

♥ Scarlet is the second novel in the Lunar Chronicles series after Cinder. It continues Cinder's journey and introduces Scarlet, a reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood. You won't be disappointed. 

♥ Fables is a series of graphic novels about fairy tale characters that have relocated to New York City after the Adversary has conquered the fable lands. For a story about the fable characters we know and love, this has a dark tone to it. 

♥ Insurgent is the second book in the Divergent series and while I didn't love it as much as the first, it was still a fun, fast-paced read about a society split into five factions and the consequences of having a society like this. 

♥ The Night Circus is a dark, whimsical story about two magicians trained since childhood who are forced to compete. They slowly fall in love, but unknown to them, only one can live at the end of the competition. 

♥ The School for Good and Evil is about two young women are taken to a school where one will learn to be Good and the other Evil, but when they get there they are taken to the wrong schools, or so they think. 

♥ Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is a novel about Jacob, who travels to a secluded island in Wales after his grandfather was killed by a monster that no one else could see. There he hopes to cast away his nightmares, but finds that there's more to the island than he originally thought. I love that there are vintage photographs throughout the novel. 

♥ The Assassin's Curse is about Ananna, a pirate's daughter, who runs away before her parents can marry her off to an allying pirate clan. After she saves the assassin that was sent after her, she inadvertently sets off a curse. 

Of the eight books I had on my summer reading list, I read five of them. Putting together an immediate to read list helped me remember which ones I really wanted to get to, and helped me not stray when I saw a shiny new book. It's so hard to resist!

This books I want to read this winter are:
♥ Allegiant (Divergent Trilogy #3) by Veronica Roth
♥ The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
♥ Shadow and Bone by (Grisha Trilogy #1) by Leigh Bardugo
♥ The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
♥ Lexicon by Max Barry
♥ Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate #1) by Gail Carriger
♥ Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff
♥ Cinnamon and Gunpowder by Eli Brown

P.S. -- Friend me on Goodreads!

Merry Christmas!

What's currently on your reading list?

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Outfit: Urban + Sponsor: House of Garland

I wouldn't consider my style to be "urban," but sometimes it's nice to branch out and try new styles, even if I wouldn't wear it all the time. Incorporating a gray beanie, moto leggings, and studded olive booties made me feel very downtown New York City. Adding this gray sweater with the crochet bottom added some softness to my outfit. Do you branch out into other styles, or mostly stick to one style?

Hat: American Eagle | Sweater: American Eagle {similar, similar} | Leggings: Forever 21
Booties: Sole Society | Necklace: American Eagle {similar} |  Knot Ring: gift
Midi Ring: JC Penney {similar, similar} | Nail Polish: Julep's Blakely (gift from Amy)

♥ ♥ ♥

Today I want to introduce you all to the Etsy store, House of Garland!

House of Garland aims to offer a limited unique line of headbands that will add a little "something" to any outfit. Nothing too loud but enough to bring attention to you. Each piece is offered in limited quantity because we all cringe at the thought of running into someone wearing the exact same thing!  (I had that experience...it...was...REAL awkward.)

New pieces will be added frequently so please follow House of Garland!

Use code "FBLAUNCH50" during checkout to get 50% off your purchase!

Shop | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

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Sponsor Spotlight: Dream Mo(o)re

Hello! Today Jessica from Dream Mo(o)re is taking over!

Hello, Sincerely Sara readers!
I’m so excited that Sara asked me to guest post! I’m Jessica and I blog over at Dream Mo(o)re.

I hope you’re all excited for Christmas because I sure am!
This is my absolute favorite time of year.

And one of my favorite holiday traditions is putting up the Christmas tree!

Okay, time for a little back story: My parents are divorced. They each remarried when I was 9, and my dad’s anniversary is November 25. For as long as I can remember we always put the Christmas tree up on my dad and stepmom’s anniversary.

This year, November 25 was the Monday before Thanksgiving, so we became one of those families that decorated for Christmas before Thanksgiving.

I love putting up the Christmas tree. It’s one of my favorite traditions about this time of year.

I hope you enjoyed my visit!
You can come visit me at my blog here!
I hope you all have a great holiday season and a Merry Christmas!!

And thank you, again Sara, for letting me guest post! It was so much fun!! :)

Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest Hop on over and say hello to Jessica!

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REVOLT Week 11

So I still haven't started exercising again, even though the pain is almost entirely gone now (yay!). It's mostly just me being lazy and calling it a reward after finishing graduate school last week, but I've taken it to an extreme by pretty much only watching movies all day. Yikes! I really need to get my butt off the couch and start exercising!

Luckily, this week I drank a lot of water and ate much smaller portions than usual, so I guess it balances out. 

Goal: Begin exercising again!

This Week: Continue to drink lots of water and eat small portions!

Weight: 126 

Have a great weekend!

Don't forget to enter to win a Crosley Record Player!

**I'm writing this post in return for free access to Revolt.**

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