Organizing Small Spaces: Office Inspiration

I complain about my lack of horizontal space in my apartment all the time. Living in a big city on a tiny budget, usually ends in this type of scenario. I have more than some, but less than I'd like. Notice I said "like" instead of "need." I don't need all the shit I have, I just happen to want it all. My apartment is under 800 square feet (I'd guess closer to 700 sq ft). It is an older building with rounded ceilings and weird doorways. My husband and I, just have too many things in our little apartment. It is NEVER organized. I try to keep the clutter confined to a couple corners here and there, but stuff accumulates everywhere, all. the. time.

My husband and I never planned on being in this apartment longer than a year, but it's been 2.5. We like the neighborhood and we're not willing to sacrifice moving to a slightly bigger place and trading our commute times or our safety. So, I am trying to work with what I have. The first project on my list is an office space. We have a desk in our bedroom, but my husband recently moved his computer into the kitchen (because our kitchen table is really just a decoration). Now that he has vacated the bedroom, I want to create a home office space. I want to have an organized space were I can file important documents, sort mail and blog. I am thinking mass shelving is the way to go, since I lack floor space, I will need to build up.

I am planning on using my three day weekend to sort this all out, so I have turned to Pinterest for inspiration! If you have any tips on organizing small spaces, I am all ears!

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Anything + Everything Blog Hop #10

You may recognize this skirt from my Lucky FABB recap post. I wore this on the first day of the conference last month. Although I really like this skirt, it can be really obnoxious to wear! The elastic waistband is forever riding up and I keep having to tug on it. I hate having to fidget with clothing while I am out in public. In all honesty, I'm begining to hate anything with an elastic waistband, even those dresses with a stretchy seam to make them an empire waist annoy me. I have a really short torso and the elastic is infamous for hitting me in the worst spot on my hips and making me look 3 inches wider than I really am. I am all about defining your waist with a belt, but these garments with built-in elastic waists bands are just not doing it for me. It's sheath dresses and woven skirts all the way for me from now on!

Top: Forever 21 (similar) // Skirt: Aqua // Ring: Charlotte Russe // Necklace: Forever 21 (similar) //

 Heels: Steve Madden

Welcome to the 10th Anything + Everything blog hop!! I can't believe it's been ten weeks already!! Tuesdays have become one of my favorite days, because I get to meet so many new bloggers! If you're new to this hop, it's really simple. There is a very short list of directions below, and you can basically link up anything (and everything) you've been working on lately! Whether it's your new favorite recipe, the skirt you just scored on clearance, or your summer playlist, share it all! Starting this week, I am doing things a little different however, I am going to start featuring a new blogger every week, from the previous week's link up!

This week's featured Blogger is, Val from Style to Envy. Val's neon lace blouse immediately caught my eye and I had to know where it came from! Sadly, it is from the Parbal Gurung collection for Target and they're all sold out. I guess that's another thing I'll cross my fingers to find at the thrift store!

The Rules for the Anything + Everything Link Up:

1. Follow your Host

     Tori from My Thrifty Chic

      Facebook

      Bloglovin'

      Twitter

2. Grab the button and post it within your post, or on your side bar. 

(If you do not provide a back link, you will not be able to link up)

3. Visit as many blogs as you can, because after all, that's what a blog hop is all about!

 

<a href="http://www.mythriftychic.com//"><img border="0" src="http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o773/tori_thompson1/bloghoppic_zps9a75a943.jpg"/></a>

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5 ways to wear a maxi: the short girls guide

I have been sharing a couple of my new maxis lately, and I have received the exact same response from multiple people, “I’m too short for a maxi.”  Believe me, I thought the same thing at one time too! I am a whopping 5’4, (5’5 on a good day). I used to think I looked like an Oompa Loompa in a maxi too. I owned 3 different Maxi dresses and I only wore one of them once. I tried to wear them, but every time, I just felt like a giant blob in a jersey knit. I even went as far as giving away my dresses because I never wore them. It took me a over a year before I became fully comfortable in a maxi. I know that sounds pretty ridiculous, but getting used to a new silhouette can be difficult. When you're short and curvy, you tend to stay away from anything that will accentuate those things. I can't pinpoint the exact moment when my fear of maxis vanished, but I have some tips to ease you into them!

First things first, you have to get used to wearing a maxi. It is a totally different silhouette than you are probably used to. The only other time women wear floor length dresses is at their wedding and to prom. I suggest wearing a maxi around the house for a couple days, that way you can get used to the fit. I hate going out in public and feeling self conscious, so I suggest practicing wearing a maxi first. I know this probably sounds totally outlandish, but it works (Compare this tip to how you would wear a pair of shoes around the house to make sure you like how they fit too).

Now, onto my styling tips! I have put together 5 ways to style your maxi to ensure you look your best! The things to remember when wearing a maxi, are to make sure you define your waist, and make sure the fit is not too tight or too big. Also take into account the length of the hem. You don't want to be tripping over your hem, or looking like you're waiting for a flood, accessorize your shoes accordingly. Other than that, you should have fun with it! There is a reason Rachel Zoe will forever make maxis apart of her runway collections; they are an amazing garment!

 Michael Kors ball gown dress / Zalando sandals / Sole Society Floral Necklace

The easiest way to define your waist and avoid looking like a blob (in anything) is to use a belt. Belts are my very best friend, and if you do not use them, you should! By using a belt with a maxi you will be able to break up all that fabric. If you do not use a belt with a solid colored maxi, all people will see is one continuous sheet of fabric. By using a belt you cause their eye to see you in two sections instead of one, thus, creating beautiful curves and defining your waist.

Jack Wills scoop neck tank / Phase Eight stripe maxi skirt, $84 / Report flat sandals / 

CC SKYE feather bangle

 If you are nervous about wearing a maxi dress, you can try a maxi skirt instead! By using separates, you are defining your waist the same was a belt would. When you wear a maxi skirt, you have even more styling options than a dress. I still suggest keeping your top fitted however, a billowy top with just add more girth.. and nobody want that.

Oasis Animal Print Maxi / Natalia Cork sandals / Humble Chic Triangle Necklace

Another style of maxi that is popular right now, are the sheer bottom ones. The sheer maxis are great because while they are floor length, but they still allow your legs to be visible.  So, if you're really afraid of wearing a maxi, try one of these out first, it's like a short dress, but has a little extra fabric around your calves ;). 

Oasis Maxi Pleat Dress / Jessica Simpson platform sandals / Jade Luna necklace

 Maxi dresses aren't just for a day at the beach, they can be really elegant too! I actually prefer a structured maxi to a knit, because they are more slimming. Woven fabrics are more structured and therefore they hug your curves in all the right places.

John Lewis beach maxi dress / HM jean jacket / Sonya Red heels /  Statement necklace

If you struggle with your weight, I'm sure you've been told to stay away from prints. I disagree! I think prints are wonderful and I think everyone should embrace a little more print, and a little more color! The rule of thumb with prints is to make sure your the print size is scaled appropriately to your body type. What does that mean? Basically, if you're on the heavier side, where smaller prints. A larger print can make you look wider than you are. Also, throw that horizontal stripe rule out the window! Stripes are for everyone, and it just becomes a taste level. Yes, some stripes can make you look bigger, but not all. 

Do not be afraid to at least try new things. If you don't love what they look like once you've given it a shot, then that's fair. Trust me, once you've become comfortable with a maxi, you'll wonder why it took you so long to try them!

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