Wearing: Fit + Cabled

Dress: Anthro Fit + Cabled

Shirt: Anthro Shine Through

Coat: H+M

Boots: Nicole Miller

Watch: AE

Bag: Nine West

   It's funny how the thing that irritates you most about a person when he's alive becomes the very thing you miss most about him when he's gone. Nathaniel and I were different as night and day. He was street smart, driven and focused. I was driven...I just never quite knew where I was driving to. I spent my childhood annoyed with him for thinking he was always right, for knowing so much about everything. I have to admit he did have just cause to be aggravated at times. The first time I filled my car up with gas after getting my driver's license, I had very carefully squeezed the nozzle up to $18.50 worth of gas and was headed in to pay when Nathaniel glanced at the pump and asked, "Why didn't you put twenty dollars in?"

   "I did", I said, "but I only have a twenty-dollar bill and I wanted to make sure I had enough to cover the tax."

Nathaniel hung his head like he had somehow failed me in the worst way. 

   "Kristina", he spoke with great control, though I could sense he was seconds away from losing it, "the tax is already included in the price." 

   I felt like such a...well, there really aren't words. But, of course, I laughed at myself.  I had always been that girl, the book-smart one whose IQ never quite made up for what was lacking in common sense. 

   I'd like to think I've gained a bit of savoir-faire since then, but the raw truth is that I'm still a little off--head in the clouds--a bit too awkward to actually be cool...but maybe, hopefully...my natural exuberance is the thing you'll miss most about me when I'm gone.

Excerpt from After Nathaniel

Thanks to everyone who's been participating in the Style Me for South Africa contest. I'm gonna keep it open until the 11th hour (which is this Saturday).  I'm excited to try out all the options!  And all the music ideas...I love discovering new artists and you've come through for me in a big way. Have a fabulous week, mah dears.

Wearing: Enchanting Eyes

I don't know how the husbie stands living with me.

I would hate living with someone who's head is in the clouds all the time.

My mind will be bouncin' all over the place and he'll say,

"Kristina? Are you still among us?"

I mean, it would be one thing if my thoughts actually went somewhere, but they really just twist and tumble in all sorts of random circles. Seriously, I can't even follow my own thoughts, so I'm sure I come off as completely disoriented most the time.

And actually, I'm ok with that. Might as well like yourself, right?

But fo' sho', I'd have a hard time living with someone like me.

Hmm...where was I? Maybe I should erase everything and start over?

I mean, my mind has already moved on to something else, so it's sure to be different...

I know exactly how this horse feels...I could just kiss these shoes, too!

(Anthro In a Twinkling dress, Shine Through top, and Enchanting Eyes belt, Crown Vintage Hudson Oxfords)

Photos Courtesy of Janelle's LookNook

I'm designing an extra special giveaway dress right now, so if you wanna chance at a free dress, make sure to check back! Here's a picture of Meredith (so adorable) wearing the dress she won from my last giveaway. You can check out her blog--Yours, Mine and Ours...

November 25, Twenty-Ten

I'm thankful for:

the sun, even when it doesn't shine,

the rain, even when it ruins my hair.

Makenzie, because she's such a girl (just like me),

lots of friends, though I hate when lots of miles separate us,

fabric, because it's so much fun to manipulate,

chocolate, because even though it can't solve life's problems,

it does make them seem temporarily small and silly

compared to sheer taste-bud ecstasy,

Reagan, because there's never a dull moment with him,

tears, because they wash away the emotional junk,

parents, because without them I'd be nothing,

hugs,even when they're not long enough,

Konrad, because he reminds me of my brother,

laughter, because it keeps me sane,

criticism, because it keeps me grounded,

confidence, though there are times I should second-guess myself,

a relationship with Christ, because without Him,

I'm the most bitter, unlovable version of myself,

Scott, there's no such thing as too much time with him,

music, because it communicates with a place deep inside me,

love, because it always remains,

and you, for taking the time to read this.

(Gap herringbone blazer, Anthropologie Streaked Light skirt and Shine Through Button up, Mia Cadet booties, Orla Kiely print bag)