Thank you all so much for the sweet comments on the hair (and the outfit, too). I've been feeling pretty unsure about whether or not to go this direction, especially since the changes are going to be somewhat incremental, but am feeling much better about it now. Plus it looks a lot closer to the inspiration photo today which is super fun!

Ornella, I didn't plan for it but was tickled that my laptop case went so well. Graphic b&w goes with everything, doesn't it?

E, woo! That means all my hair fluffing work is paying off ^^

Angie, aha yes I am definitely all-in with the daytime clutches. I do have a few non-clutch purses that I still love, but my favorite two were stolen during a break-in this winter and I just haven't felt like wearing any of the others since then. If hubby gets me that cute little satchel maybe they'll start to get more outfit time, but I definitely intend to continue representing my new kingdom well

Joy, the sweater is from H&M last spring. I think it'll last through this season and then have to go, but it's held up better than I expected.

Jenava, that sounds lovely. The high pony will look great with all of your soft outfits!

I looooove your new haircut and love your goal/inspiration even more. If I had truly curly hair, I'd be all over that style of cut. I have an irrational adoration of it. Or maybe completely rational given how cut it will look on you!

PS, the windowpane check and mint are swoon-worthy!

Oh nooooo. I heard about your burglary, Aida. Urrrggggghhhh. So sorry about that. (((HUGS))).

K, thank you! I also have a somewhat irrational love for BIG curly hair, I say somewhat because mine just doesn't get nearly as big ^^ My curls are loose and will loosen further during the day if I don't use a curling product on them, and I have to say I was completely shocked with how much a good curl product can do after not using any for years and years. Now there's no way I can go without! These days I am using Oribe Curl Shaping Mousse, which is nice and light, has a heat protectant, and can function well enough on its own without any additional products.

Angie, it was tough; most of the stuff taken was mine heh. It could've been a lot worse though, we were just so happy that the cat was safe and in hiding when we got home!

I am glad your cat was safe!
Love the hair Aida- it must be fairly curly to stay that way with the length you have now.

Lyn, using a lightweight curling product really helps my hair curl up a bit more than it would on its own naturally, as does blow drying it with a diffuser. On its own and with the aid of gravity I usually get loose spirals that relax into very loose spirals I also twirl the top set of curls around my part for some extra definition which helps a lot.

Great attitude. Aida. And bless your unharmed Kitty. Happy replacement shopping. xo