Juxtaposition

Weird pose, strange face, cute outfit

Lace top & long sleeve tee: Target, jeans: Charlotte Russe

, belt: thrifted, shoes: Forever 21

cute butterfly belt: thrifted from Savers

Two belts! Craziness (and what's up with my hair??!!)

Peekaboo!

So, today's photog session (doesn't that sound professional?) didn't go amazingly well. The Munchkin, who was still in his jammies kept jumping in the pics right before the camera clicked. Yes, he's adorable, but the whole internet universe really doesn't need to see his Cars jammies up close and personal. I really do mean up close. And apparently I couldn't come up with any decent poses. Seriously not a model, here. At least the outfit is cute. One of my favorite style ideas is contrasting items, ideas, colors, etc. So here we have the lacy top with the distressed jeans and menswear oxfords (girlified with chiffon ribbon by yours truly). I wore a giant pearl ring and earings and called it a day.

One of the things I've noticed through looking at pics of my outfits on a regular basis is the need to belt my tunic tops. However as I've mentioned before, I am in the process of losing weight and my jeans literally don't stay up without a belt anymore. Trust me when I say I really am okay with this. :) But, it does make for some occasional styling difficulties. So, today I wore two belts. Is there a rule against that? It did feel a little weird, but it isn't like anyone knew but me. Still.... My want list now includes the Invisibelt. At least then it wouldn't be so obvious.

Savers Love

One of my favorite places to shop in the world is Savers. If you don't have access to a Savers, I pity you. From the depths of my soul. Here's why. These are three of my favorite buys from my favorite place.

First up: Inspired by Kendi Everyday, A Day in the Life Too, and Mom's Have Style 2 I decided that I wanted to try the striped top. My criteria were 3/4 sleeves, with a boat-neck in black and white or navy and white, fitted, but not tight. Here is what I found for $7.  You can't see the label, but it is Jones New York. Awesome. You will soon see this in outfits. I'd love to hear (well, okay, read) styling ideas.

Next we have a gorgeous cream cashmere tee that I got for $3. It is Oscar de la Renta. Good buy, no? It fits perfectly and I can't wait to wear it. One caveat: it stunk. However, after running it through the Dryel process, it smelled fine. There is no way in the world I would ever in a million years be able to afford OdlR retail. Ever. So, see why I love Savers.

Lastly (at least for this post) is this pair of Liz Claiborne shoes ($3). The most neutral, comfy, cute shoes ever. They have a small wedge for a little height and a seriously cushy sole. The khaki/nude color goes with everything. Love.

What are your fave thrifted buys?

Beauty buys of the week (or month)

Beauty buys of the week, or month, or whatever. Oddly enough, I don't buy beauty products all that often. Hmm. I think that probably says something about me, but I don't think I want to know what. Anyway. I am a nail polish junkie. Not that I actually purchase an obscene amount of nail polish, just that I prefer to always have my nails painted. All. The. Time. And.... I hate chips, smudges etc. The minute the stuff starts chipping - OFF it comes. Seriously. However, I really only have time about once a week to do my nails. This means that my mani usually only lasts through about half the week before it is driving me nuts. (Yes, I know you are supposed to do a top coat every other day, blah, blah, blah. I don't have time to wait for the stuff to dry 4 times a week.) I do have a point and someday I might arrive there. :) Anyway, I recently discovered a wonderful nail polish that stays put all week. WOW! It comes in a ton of cute colors and are you ready for this, it costs $2.80 a bottle. I am in love. I will hug it and squeeze it and kiss it and it shall be mine and I shall call it George. (don't ask). So, this miracle in a very cheap bottle can be found at Forever 21 and is the Love and Beauty brand. The shade in Sunday's post is called hot pink, but is really a pretty coral shade with gold glimmeries (not a word I know, but it totally should be).

My other recent beauty purchase is this gradual tanner, hair inhibiting lotion by Nivea. Great stuff. The tan is gradual, I don't have to shave as often (always a plus, whose idea was this shaving nonsense anyway), and it doesn't make me stink for a week. Now I can bare my legs without blinding the world, or looking like an orange zebra. Not a good look. Been there, done that. Seriously. NOT A GOOD LOOK. Anyway, the lotion is about $8 and lasts for a couple of months.

NOLA bound!

 

Here is Monday's outfit. The sweater is teal with big buttons up the back, probably from Target, but I just don't remember. I love the shape with the raglan sleeves and slim fit through the torso. The jean shorts are cutoff from Cato capris. These are the best shoes ever! They are Liz Claiborne, but I got them for $3 at Savers. They have a small wedge and are ridiculously comfy for walking around in. Necklace: my creation, ring: dollar jewelry store, watch: Wal-mart clearance $9. I love this watch; it is a men's watch that I had adjusted to fit me. The face takes up my whole wrist which I love.

We are headed off the New Orleans for the week, so I am scheduling some posts for your reading pleasure. Hope ya'll have a wonderful week. God Bless.

Coral colored Sunday

 

Cute kiddo, huh. The munchkin believes that every camera in the world exists to take his picture. Could be because there has been a camera aimed at him almost constantly since his birth. Go figure. Anyway, if you look past the adorable toddler, I think yesterday's outfit was pretty cute. Sorry, I'm a day late. Sunday's are pretty crazy around our house. So, outfit-wise: gap dress: on clearance for $9, yellow cardi & belt: so old I don't even remember, coral jewelry: the dollar jewelry store, peep-toe booties: payless. I loved them so much that I splurged and paid full price. Bad me. However, they go with everything. Seriously. So, I hope you like them because you will be seeing A LOT of them this spring and summer. 

Here is what I changed into for Sunday night. White tank & khakis: Wal-mart, bronze oxfords: Forever 21 (I changed out the boring shoelaces for chiffon ribbon from Wal-mart). I added a silver bracelet from my awesome mother-in-law and a turquoise one I made. Too much color?

I didn't actually plan my outfit to match my nails, it just happened that way.  Sometimes the universe just smiles and sartorial bliss happens.

Date Night! (and 90's style)

 

Today's outfit! Much better than yesterday. I tend toward minimal in my clothing, but I love accessories. Red shoes, gigantic earings, three bracelets, and a honking big watch amp up simple jeans and drapey tee (both from Wal-mart on clearance $7 and $3). I know that it would probably look better tucked in, but as I am currently on a weight-loss journey, my jeans don't fit without a belt. My belt options for these jeans are green and hot pink. So, we can clash or be christmasy...in March. I am constitutionally unable to clash. Can't do it. I grew up in the era where THE LOOK was a huge tee (like extra-large on my then-98lb self) tucked into equally huge tight-rolled jeans, worn with matching scrunchy socks (over the jeans, mind you), white keds and matching headband or scrunchie. Yikes! So, while I am totally on board with the whole going but not matching thing - you will note that I am not wearing a jewelry set (this is a big leap forward in my style evolution) - I still cannot manage clashing. As for being a christmas decoration, I don't even wear red and green together in December. For now, the shirt will remain untucked and my green belt hidden from view.

Now on to the good stuff. We actually went on a double date tonight with some friends. Even got a babysitter for the munchkin. In keeping with rarity of the occasion, I added a red jacket and black stilettos. The jacket because we went to the movies where the goal generally seems to be to turn all movie goers into popsicle-people. Maybe the entertainment part of the brain works better on ice. I don't know. Anyway. The black stilettos are self-explanatory, don't you think.

Boring but Blessed

So, here is today's look!  Boring, I know. Here's the thing. I got dressed. Cute dress and oxfords from Target (clearance for $9 and $4 respectively), boyfriend blazer from Wal-mart (yes, I know REAL fashionistas don't shop for clothes at Wal-mart, but hey I shop where the bargains are, the jacket was $5, you can't beat that). Then the hubby came home and started talking to me. He does that. Then I talked back. Conversation ensued. After 12 years, we just can't stop talking to each other. This is a good thing in my world. And the munchkin (aka: my almost 3 year old son) needed more milk. And the dog wanted out. All at the same time. So, I got distracted. It wasn't until I was already out the door on the way to run errands that I realized a) I didn't have a single. stinking. accessory. on. !!! and b) it is St. Patty's day - where's the green? Geez. So. I look boring today. Sorry about that. However, as I was accompanied by my utterly adorable son who charms pretty much everyone he comes into contact with, I don't think anyone noticed my lack of watch, earrings, bracelets etc. Oh, and makeup. Managed to forget that too. But you know what. While waiting in line at the DMV my munchkin informed me that he loves me 'berry, berry much'! So, there. Life, even accessory-less and boring, is good. And blessed.

Two for One Day

Ah, the joys of Sundays! Stylewise, I get to wear two different outfits on one day. Can't beat that. This morning's outfit was a truly gorgeous green chiffon maxi skirt with a grey tee and belt and hot pink stilettos. There is nothing like the swish of ankle length chiffon to make you feel like a princess. I stayed low key on the accessories since I felt that yards of green chiffon was statement enough for one petite person.

Then came nap time. Yes, Sunday afternoons are reserved for nap time in our family. One simply cannot nap in yards of green chiffon, so off it came. Daytime sleeping is the best possible luxury in my mind. And.... it's free! :)

Tonight's outfit was the same grey tee, with black skinny pants, a white boyfriend jacket, and zebra stripe flats. Add some punky chains and a huge black watch and I was happy. Sometimes an outfit just makes you smile. When it happens twice in one day, well you get sartorial bliss. At least, I do.

Tomorrow is grocery day. This means another outfit. And yes, batteries for the camera. This means you can see instead of just reading about my outfits. I am still debating the best way to manage outfit pics. The easiest would be to just record the clothes. I am not model. I try to attractively dress the body I have, but there is more of it than I am happy with. I am not sure I am brave enough to put my rolls and jiggles out there for the whole wide world to view. Hmmm. We'll see where this goes.

Have a great week, ya'll.

A cheap beginning

This is my very first ever blog post. Hmmmm. I am admittedly behind on the technology front. I think I sent my first text message about a year ago. I still text in complete sentences with proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Sorry, I was an English major. For a little while, anyway. So, I'm thinking this could be fun. I'm looking forward to posting pics and hearing (well, reading) comments from others. I have totally fallen in love with KendiEveryday and MomsHaveStyle2. However, my style is totally different. I totally admire Erin, but I cannot raise a toddler in heels. Once upon a time when I worked in an office, I wore heels everyday. Nowadays, they only come out of the closet on Sundays. And then only for a couple of hours. I am a wimp. I admit it. I don't like it when my feet hurt. I also love Kendi. She cracks me up and has great style. I too love a pencil skirt. I have several. However I apparently don't have the gene/skill/gift that enables one to crawl around on the floor in said item of clothing. It too is saved for Sundays. That said, I refuse to allow a super casual lifestyle and extremely limited budget to keep me from dressing well. I don't do jeans and tees (well, I do wear jeans and tees, just not together). I only wear sneakers when I work out. I loathe tracksuits. Never fear - this does not mean that I go around naked. There are tons of amazing casual clothing options. Stay tuned, and I will show you. There will be pics, I promise. I don't promise amazing pics. However, the camera battery is dead. More batteries must be purchased before I can show off my crazy casual mommy style. Bye-bye for now, ya'll.