peachy dreams.

all's in bloom.

2011-06-09T17:33:00.000-07:00

today was just a normal day... I watched little miss Eme Layne for a few hours, thrifted, and got dinner with Micah (my man) in the cafeteria of the hospital where he works as a secretary in the emergency room (pretty exciting stuff!). for dinner, this is what I wore.

top: thrifted | shorts: thrifted | loafers: thrifted | bag: thrifted

necklace: vintage, borrowed | ring: Forever21

total: $12

first off, I must say that this bag is simply a dream. while shopping at my favorited thrift store today, I spotted it, and knew it had to be mine. the best part? it was only 50 cents! as was this top, which I adore. it's so light and airy - perfect for this typical Georgia summer I am currently enduring.

I have a little news for you! peachy dreams will be on hiatus this coming week (Saturday to Saturday). I'll be working at a summer camp, and I won't be able to post from the campground. I'm super excited, as this is a summer tradition of mine that is always so very rewarding. I'm sure I'll have plenty of pictures for you when I get back (if I'm a good blogger and keep my camera on hand, that is).

I am terribly exhausted, so I'm off to watch a few episodes of Big Bang Theory and fall asleep (at 9pm, like the old lady I am).

happy almost weekend! xo, kelseylee.

kindred spirits.

2011-06-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

ever since I watched and read Anne of Green Gables as a young girl, I always dreamed of finding a kindred spirit. I wanted a Diana Barry to my Anne Shirley. as of late, it seems my dream has come true. my dear friend Andrew, who I featured in my last post, is exactly that. each time we spend time together (since he goes to a university in Virginia, that only occurs in the summer or holidays), it seems even more apparent than the last. today, it was just the same as always. I met him at his house, where he took my outfit photos (like the amazing friend he is) and played me a few of his most recent tunes. then, we spend three hours chatting over iced coffee (mine, of course) and tea (he got vanilla rooibos). here's what I wore...

naturally, I'm awkward when someone is taking my photos...

top: thrifted | shorts: thrifted | belt: thrifted | boots: thrifted | socks: gift

spoon ring: vintage | brooch: handmade by my great-grandfather

these lovely floral shorts were purchased at my favorite thrift store. they were only $1! since floral shorts were on my list that day, I was ecstatic! I think they were originally from Walmart, which makes them even better! this top came from another one of my favorite haunts, America's Thrift. I already have plans to remix it with this skirt.

now, I have an interesting story to share. today, while consuming delicious beverages with Andrew, I heard someone say my name. I looked up, and there was my fifth grade English teacher! we hadn't spoken in nine years, yet he still remembered my first and last name! considering I was not a trouble-maker growing up (actually, I was usually the teacher's pet, the object of much ridicule), I consider that the mark of a good teacher! since he's a writer, and Andrew is a writer, and I like to consider myself somewhat of a writer, we all hit it off and continued in conversation for quite a while. it was oddly refreshing to have grown-up conversation with someone I once saw as much older. all in all, it was a delightful evening.

well, I have a babysitting job in the morning, so I must be getting to sleep. goodnight, dears. xo, kelseylee.

meet my friend Monday 01,

2011-06-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

I've decided to start a new feature where I introduce you to my sphere of influence on the first Monday of every month! this Monday, I am introducing you to none other than my dearest friend in the world...

Andrew.

button-down, shorts: J Crew ; cardigan: Banana Republic ; shoes: Urban Outfitters

jacket: thrifted ; vest: Target ; shirt: Aero ; pants: Delia's ; belt: AE ; shoes: Urban

hat: Target ; shirt: French Connection ; pants: Delia's ; boots: J Crew

name: George Andrew

age: 20

occupation: student

hometown: Mercerville, NJ

current city: Atlanta, GA; Lynchburg, VA

where do you usually shop?
as you can see from the captions, just about anywhere!

how would you define your style?
well, I'm really trendy. the only trend I haven't really tried is "the beard"... because I can't make one yet. I like fitted clothing because I'm really skinny, and anything else makes me look like I'm drowning.

what are your hobbies?
I like to play the piano and write music; read; write; car-hoppin' at Sonic.

what are some interesting facts about you?
- I was diagnosed with leukemia when I was 16; I just finished up the last of the treatments this past December. I'm now cancer-free!
- I will never squish a cockroach. (I threw up in my mouth once because of the crunch...)
- Kelsey and I have been best friends for five years!

cheezin' it!

I hope you enjoyed my first ever "meet my friend Monday"! xo, kelseylee.

wipe the stardust from our eyes.

2011-06-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

this weekend was so jam-packed with wonderful things! time with my family has been frequent and precious as of late, and I am enjoying every minute of it. since today is my cousin's birthday (happy 1-7, Trip!), and Tuesday is my little brother's birthday (Tate, you need to stop getting older...), we had a little get-together for them at our place yesterday. we lounged by the pool and had a ton of fun. this morning, my dearest friend Andrew met me for church, and then we ventured Lenox Mall together. I saw the sartorial wonder that is Zara, and fell in love with absolutely every item in Anthropologie (guys, I would seriously live there if I could). and, here's what I wore...

top: Poetry ; bodycon skirt: Urban Outfitters ; flowy skirt: thrifted/altered ; boots: thrifted

necklace: Charming Charlie ; belt: thrifted ; double ring: Urban ; jade ring: Forever21

remember this post where I featured floaty skirts? well, I had seen them in various places, such as Urban Outfitters and on Gretchen Jones in the season 8 finale of Project Runway, but never at a price I was willing to pay. inspired by all of this, I decided to embark on a little DIY adventure. I scoured thrift stores for sheer skirts, and finally located this one. I cut out the lining, and voila! I created a piece I am quite excited about.

this look also features my very first remix item here on the blog. if you remember, I also wore this top here. it is so versatile! I can picture wearing it with almost everything in my closet, weather it be layered over a dress or paired with a pair of high-waisted shorts. it really doesn't photograph well, but I'm sure you'll still be seeing lots of this little beauty here on the blog.

tomorrow, I'm going to be introducing a band new feature entitled "meet my friends Monday"! I'm really pumped about it! I can't wait to see what you think.

I hope everyone has had a weekend as pleasant as I have. xo, kelseylee.

swoon-worthy Saturday.

2011-06-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

here are some things I'm currently swooning over...

cut-outs.
I'm really loving cut-outs of any variety right now, whether it be of paper, dresses, or shoes.


found here.

found here.

wide-brimmed straw hats.

to protect my fair face from the hot Georgia sun, I've been looking everywhere for the perfect big straw hat.

found here.

lighting.

my room has no overhead light, so I'm always looking for creative ways to brighten up the space.

found here.

tropical drinks.

my family moved back in November, and our new house has a pool. as this is out first summer here, I can't help but envision lounging by the pool with a tropical beverage in hand.

found here.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! xo, kelseylee.

your love is a melody.

2011-06-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

sorry for the absence yesterday, loves! I drove down in the early afternoon to my guy's new place, and since it was his payday,we ran all sorts of errands and got dinner (as per tradition). while grocery shopping, he bought all of the ingredients to make his amazing peach cobbler, along with some coconut milk ice cream for me. it's so very tasty, and I ate quite a bit last night... probably too much...

it's great seeing him get all settled in, and I really love the feel of his new place. and, here's what I wore...

top: hand-me-down

skirt: thrifted

hat: h&m

belt: hand-me-down

boots: thrifted

I apologize for the poor quality of these photos. I'm not sure what happened. my man shot these photos for me (in a Walmart parking lot, of all places!) as we were out and about yesterday.

so, my favorite thrift store is only about ten minutes from my house. it's called Liberty Thrift, and every cent they make goes to charity. there are even signs in their dressing rooms that say "if you shoplift from us, you're stealing from the needy." I always have a little chuckle when I spot those... anyway, everything in Liberty Thrift is usually a dollar, unless it has been deemed a "boutique item," and usually those are just items that follow more recent trends. when I was shopping there this past Tuesday, everything in the store was 50% off! as this skirt was definitely not on the "boutique" side of the store, it was only 50 cents! I was overjoyed. I ended up purchasing three skirts, a vest, four shirts, and curtains for $7.50. I'd have to say that's a record, even for me! I'm sure all of those lovely items will be making an appearance here on the blog soon.

I am now eating another helping of peach cobbler and coconut milk ice cream... I think I have a problem.

I hope you all are having a thrilling Thursday! xo, kelseylee.

pins and needles.

2011-06-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

today was a day that will be remembered for all time. I finally learned to use my sewing machine! I received by beautiful Brother sewing machine from my parents as a Christmas gift in 2008, and even after relentless begging, my mother couldn't find the time to demonstrate how to use it (she's an emergency room nurse who works 60+ hours a week, not a horrible mother, just to clear things up, haha). fortunately, my good friend Trevor happens to be home for the summer, and he had picked up the handy task from his mother and a couple of classes at school. he showed me how it's done, and I altered a beautiful pair of peach high-waisted shorts with his help. it is so much fun! actually, it's my dream to become a world-famous fashion designer one day, so I took a little baby step in that direction today.

top: Target, forever ago

shorts: thrifted

loafers: thrifted

necklace: borrowed, vintage

belt: thrifted

sorry for the poor quality of these photos; we were in a real hurry. either way, aren't these shorts a lovely color? like a red-orange? and they fit wonderfully. I've thought of a million things to wear them with. actually, the shade of these beauties is the exact same as the one in this top. as you all know, I love exact color matches. I can't wait to pair those two pieces together.

today was such a scorcher! the first day of June, and already the temperatures are soaring over 90 degrees, plus all the humidity... it was almost difficult to breathe! after learning to sew, I ran a few errands with Andrew, my dearest friend in the whole wide world (you'll be meeting him soon!). for that venture, I had to put my hair up and don my hat to keep my fair skin protected from the sun. and it's only the first of June...

well, I'm off to continue devouring the book I'm currently reading. I hope everyone had a wonderful Wednesday.

p.s. - thank you so much for all of your lovely comments! I appreciate each and every one!

coral and floral.

2011-05-31T17:39:00.000-07:00

this long weekend was so great! it was full of family time, thrifting, and some much-needed time with friends. Saturday, my man moved out of my house and back in with his best friends; as much as we miss each other, we're both really excited to have our free time back to ourselves. in fact, I spent almost four hours at the thrift store that afternoon. it was so delightful perusing each aisle with no one saying "are you ready to go?" Haha, my guy really doesn't like thrift stores all that much...

yesterday, I spent all afternoon and evening at his new place, hanging out with our friends. we had a little cook-out, and some of the guys had a little impromptu concert. ah, I really love my friends.

and now, back to reality... here's what I wore today:

top: thrifted

shorts: thrifted

belt: Poor Little Rich Girl

ring: Forever21

headband: handmade by my friend Amelia

wedges: PacSun

I know this look may be a bit matchy-matchy some, but I really like how it goes together. I got both the shorts and the top from the thrift store this weekend. I loved the floral print, and I was ecstatic when I found a shirt the exact same coral-y shade. this is what happens when I get to adventure through almost every item in a giant thrift store.

I decided to wear such a comfy outfit today because I was babysitting a darling little girl from my church. she is so adorable! her name is Eme Layne, and she babbles incessantly. I always have fun spending time with her.

well, I'm off to go get myself something to eat. have a terrific Tuesday!

swoon-worthy Saturday.

2011-05-28T11:43:00.000-07:00

a list of things I'm currently swooning over.

vintage floral wallpaper:

I am absolutely in love with all things floral at the moment, especially the patterns that cover these walls. if I could, I would cover the walls of my room in flowers...

found here.

flower tattoos:

I am more than likely getting a tattoo quite soon, and I plan on getting a daisy on my left shoulder. knowing me, this will possibly change. these beauties are an inspiration...

found here.


found here.

found here.

floaty romantic skirts:

these have been all over chictopia lately. I am absolutely in love. I'm going to have to find me one of these soon...

found here.

vintage bed frames:

for about six months, I have been looking in every thrift store I visit for a beautiful wrought-iron bed frame. these would complete my newly decorated bedroom...

found here.

I hope you all are having a lovely weekend! xxx.

just call me Switzerland.

2011-05-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

it's so beautiful out today! it's starting to feel more and more like summer. when summer hits, I tend to have super simple outfits, and this one is a prime example...

top: Urban Outfitters

skirt: thrifted vintage

belt: thrifted vintage

satchel: thrifted vintage

shoes: Target

necklace: Forever21

tribal ring: h&m

silver ring: Target

I've been really gravitating towards neutrals lately. I've always been one to wear all black, but beiges and creamy shades have been catching my eye lately. I got this skirt from my favorite thrift store. it's so soft - it feels just like a t-shirt! and isn't the back of this top a delight? it makes me so happy, and takes it one notch up from a simple black tank.

well, I'm off to go get coffee with a friend I haven't seen in a while. that seems to be a trend this week.

have a lovely weekend! xxx.

so delicate.

2011-05-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

even though I am currently unemployed, I usually have a million things to do each day. today was the first in a while that I had absolutely nothing planned. I lounged around most of the morning and early afternoon, catching up on blogs and reading, trying to make the most of such an uneventful day. to alleviate my ennui, I donned this little ensemble...

top: vintage

skirt: h&m

loafers: thrifted vintage

belt: thrifted vintage

purse: thrifted vintage

necklace: vintage

ring: Forever21

glasses: prescription

this plaid top was given to me by my great aunt. she had loads of clothes from high school (she graduated in 1974! score!) and shortly thereafter that hadn't been worn in years. this particular top came in a set with matching midi skirt and collared shirt dress. they are sure to make an appearance here soon!

this lovely bag and these great loafers were purchased on the thrifting adventure mentioned here. I had been jonesing for a bag just like this at h&m, except it was a caramel color and cost close to $40... this one was just $2.50, and was real leather! I was so pleased with this find.

in case you haven't noticed, I am super frugal. it takes so much for me to shell out more than $10 or $15 for any one item. sometimes, I splurge, but that is super rare. I just like to have more eclectic thrift store finds than fewer expensive department-store-purchased things, I suppose. I also like to sell/trade clothes I don't wear very often at places like Rag-O-Rama and Plato's Closet. and now I've begun rambling...

have a thrilling Thursday! xxx.

P.S. -- thank you all so much for your lovely comments yesterday! each one is near and dear to my heart. :) oh, and follow my blog on bloglovin!

please, before I go.

2011-05-25T20:43:00.000-07:00

what a wonderful day! late spring is one of my favorite times of year. everything is so green and lush; the songs of the birds become more frequent; there's a sense of freedom in the air. such a delight...

I've been finding myself wearing this top quite often. it's so comfortable, and its beige color and cropped fit allow it to go with almost anything in my closet. at a clearance price of $10, I knew it had to be mine!

you can see my bra strap... whoops!

crocheted cropped top: h&m

denim dress: thrifted Forever21

belt: thrifted vintage

shoes: Target

tree branch double ring: UO

jade ring: Forever21

this is what I wore for coffee and dinner with an old friend. it's always odd to hear those words coming out of my mouth... old friend. I've known this friend for nearly half of my life, yet we hadn't seen each other in over four years. somehow, we picked up right where we left off, speaking as if no time had passed at all. those relationships, the ones that stand the test of time, always amaze me. do you have any relationships like that?

well, I'm off to make a massive dent in the book I'm currently reading. happy Wednesday! xxx

darling buds of may.

2011-05-24T16:49:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the absence yesterday. I happened to be on an adventure to Ikea to purchase a long awaited armoir. isn't she a beaut?! as my bedroom is a converted formal living room, all of my belongings have been stuffed in the hall closet since we moved to my current house in November. now, every piece of clothing and every accessory is stored away to perfection. when everything has a place, I am a happy girl.

floral top: PacSun

shorts, belt, boots: thrifted vintage

shades: vintage Ray Ban

I wore this out and about with my man. we took a little road trip about an hour south to visit some good friends. everyone in our circle is so musical; it's so much fun when we all get together. they just jam away, and incredible music is created.

today has been so wonderful. hope is in the air... xxx

rhapsody.

2011-05-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

top: hand-me-down

skirt: thrifted
shoes: Simply Vera

just one picture today... not many of the photos we took today turned out so good. I suppose that's one of the downsides of taking outfit photos while cooking dinner, ha.

today, I hung out with a friend from high school, named Trevor, who was in town from college. we went to a used bookstore and thrifting, two of our favorite pastimes. it's always interesting to hang out with an old friend, to see what has and hasn't changed over the years of your friendship. no matter how much time has passed, Trevor and I usually have great fun looking through previously-used items, ha.

have a beautiful weekend. xxx

beneath your garden window

2011-05-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

crochet crop top: Poetry

floral midi skirt: thrifted

wooden heels: Target

hat, ring: h&m

it was so beautiful out today! after days of clouds and breezes, the sun decided to peak its head out today, and I was so pleased! my mood is typically dependent on the weather, so I was quite cheery today. I can't wait for the the sunny days that lay ahead.

I wore this outfit out to lunch and running errands with my man. it's his last day off before a three-day stretch of 12 hour shifts, so we're trying to squeeze in as much time together as possible. later this evening, we're going out for coffee with our dear friend to this great cafe in Midtown. they specialize in unique beverages and cheesecakes. I'm so excited!

xxx.