a {hearty} pin for the win!

Hi, friends! Lots going on today. I should start by saying: I got a new camera lens (Canon 50 mm f/1.8 II)! My poor lil' Rebel lens was nearly kaput, and I've been itching to invest in a new one anyway. It finally came in the mail the other day, and my sweet friend Kelley was kind enough to take pictures for me like right away (this is outside my office).

Since I'm all about updating previous lists, I'll add that my new lens should help me accomplish a couple of my "blogging resolutions": better outfit posts & getting better at photography. Still have a lot to learn about the new lens, but already I think the pictures look awesome! On the note of resolutions: I've been playing around with my header as well. What do you think? 

See, lots to cover today!!

| earrings: Old Navy | sweater: J. Crew Factory | shirt: Old Navy | skirt: Old Navy | belt: LOFT |          | shoes: Marshall's |

So, the outfit. I know it seems like I'm being super festive (or at least finally acknowledging the holiday on my blog) but really, I love hearts year-round and I've been wearing this sweater non-stop. Am I the only one that does this? Find an item in your closet that you love and then wear it non-stop? 

It helps that my mother/boss/bf at work, Christine (I like to say she "hired me and then raised me") has the SAME exact sweater! Is this why I got hired? Maybe! Am I ok with that? Definitely! I keep trying to wear it and hope that we "accidentally" wear it on the same day, hasn't happened yet, but I think the odds are going up. 

Another thing that's happening non-stop: blingy earrings. Maybe it's because I've been watching American Hustle (and I say "been watching" because I've sat down to watch it in pieces like FOUR times and I'm STILL not done). Maybe it's because jewelry is usually an after-thought in the morning and glamorous earrings are the easiest way to say "I tried", no other pieces required! 

For whatever the reason, I can't stop wearing blingy earrings with everything: t-shirts, this sweater, to the gym (I have been quoted as saying "Accessories do NOT come off for practice!"). Love 'em. 

If you follow me on Pinterest (shameless plug) you may have noticed I've gone crazy pinning tons of outfits. I've been feeling a little uninspired as of late. So now I am charged up with sooo many ideas. I love the idea of a "pinned it and did it" type challenge (though not a fan of that name, really). This outfit is 100% copied from this pin. How'd I do? 

This belt was my own addition to the pin. I figured, I have a couple prints/colors going on here, why not add another?

And this picture was when Kelley said "Now I just want you to be cute and be yourself!" I immediately went into crazy mode. This is what Valentine's Day does to me.

I'll finish by saying: wherever you end up on this Valentine's Day, I hope you feel loved! I also hope you feel chocolate, that never hurts. XO! 

linked up with Red & Pink Valentine's Week here

and Thursday Take Over here