Add a Scarf to Dress up an Outfit

 

 

 

Turn a simple what some might consider just a drab sweater into a cute mommy on the go style in seconds.  For this particular outfit I paired a green sweater (gifted) with a geometric scarf from Banana Republic Factory, then added a pair of boot cut jeans and topped it off with some ballet flats. Having a toddler you moms know I only had another ten to fifteen minutes to finish off the look so I opted for quick and easy makeup using Mac Mineralize Skin Finish in Semi Precious Pearl,(unfortunately this was a collector's edition but they will have other products that are similar) Eyeshadow in Jest and Lip Gloss in Viva Glam V. That left about eight minutes for hair so I broke out the Hot Tools Styling Wand (1 inch flipperless curling iron) to take my hair from frizzball to yeah I am going to say it frickin fabulous.

 

 

Step by step tips for beachy waves hairstyle
1. Day old hair is the best to start with but if you just washed your hair just dry somewhat straight it doesn't have to be perfect.
2. Curl a small section with the curling wand. Repeat all around your head.  Make sure to hold the curling wand in the downward position, wrapping the hair around the barrel downward.  (watch your fingers it gets hot)
3. Take the smallest front section and pin back w/ bobby pins
4. Finish off with a small amount of hairspray (optional)

Basics No One Should Be Without

No matter what the season is outside there are basic pieces your wardrobe cannot be without.  We've already discussed one, the much loved cardigan and in this post I wanted to focus on the tank top. I know what you are thinking a tank top in the winter, for all seasons?...my answer absolutely. It is an essential layering piece for a cardigan, sweatshirt, sweater or blazer. You will need at the very least a white and a black one. My favorite tank tops for the price and fit are from Target and JCrew Factory.  Next is a pair of boot cut jeans...the ones I have on are Mek jeans. I have to admit that although the fading, color and inseam is perfect (I am 5'7 and need an inseam of 34 or 35 in.) there is just one pet peeve I have with them...the rise seems to be just a half inch too low. I didn't notice until after I had worn them but they stretch just a little which in turn causes them to slip down just a bit more. Let me tell you it is no accident that my cardigan is long enough for a bend over and pick something up moment...Can I get that belt any tighter?  I love to pick out a "special detail" that adds a little something extra on a traditional piece so on this cardigan the chiffon trim was what jumped out to me. Well that and the price...last season I picked it up for only $10.00.

 

 

Cardigan Ann Taylor found similar, Tank Top Victoria's Secret found similar, Jeans Mek from Nordstrom Rack found similar online, Earrings Banana Republic Factory found similar, Necklace Ann Taylor Loft found similar, Shoes DSW Chinese Laundry. 

 

 

 

So we were out at Charming Charlies and what did I spy a chiffon flower on a knitted hat. Had to try that on. Loving the grey and the blue together. eek

Me looking at my sister are you sure this is cute?

Top Ten Essential Wardrobe pieces.

1. Tank Top/Cami
2. Jeans
3. Cardigan
4. Trench
5. Blazer
6. Trousers
7. Skirt
8. Blouse
9. Shorts
10. T shirt
(11. A knitted hat with a chiffon flower)

Feeling a Little Bit Country

 

Last week after a night of the CMA's I was inspired to dress a little bit country. Well I guess it would be "old country"...a lot has changed over the years and I just don't think I will ever be able to pull off the new country look.  Didn't it seem like everyone was in tight leather pants?  I am not going to name names either but I think I saw someone in a curtain yes I said it...it looked like a curtain on starch steroids. Then just as my eyes were adjusting...I think someone had stolen Ronald McDonald's boots and dyed them black who you say I'll never tell.  Let's just say if they need a stylist I am definitely available. My Top Red Carpet Looks of the night Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Neetles, Jana Kramer and Taylor Swift.

 

 

Jacket BCBG outlet found similar, Dress Kensie found  here or here, Boots Ugg (purchased at TJMaxx) found similar, Earrings JCPenny (free they sent a $10.00 free mailer) found similar, Necklace Forever 21 found similar, Ring Charming Charlies.

Oh Cardigan, How I Love Thee Let Me Count The Ways

Last week after my sister found out that I was wearing my winter coat in the house for warmth (former California girl here) she took me shopping for some warm clothes. First we went to the thrift store where I found a lot of sweaters but most were pilled or had small arms which would be perfect if I was a dinosaur but unfortunately I'm not. Next we went to Target I found the cutest cardigan on sale for $15 Target Boyfriend Cardigan by Mossimo. (I've linked to it here but online its back up to $22.99.) I went daring and veered from my normal black, brown, blue and picked yellow. Now they have lots of other styles of cardigans but this was the only one with pockets and with a toddler the more pockets the better.

 

Counting down the top five reasons why I love my Target Boyfriend Cardigan

1. Affordability. I was able to get mine on sale for $15.00. Regular price is $22.99.
2. Pockets. Perfect size for either your phone, keys or a snack for little one.
3. Color. The colors are amazing they have ten colors to choose from. Mine is Sierra Gold.
4. Comfort. Target not only thought of the perfect shape and length but also used a sweater fabric that is super soft and warm.
5. Stylish. Cardigans are so versatile that they can be worn with any type of skirts, shorts, leggings, dresses, pants and my fav skinny jeans. 

 

 

 

 

 

Cardigan Target, Top Thrifted found similar, Wedge Boots gift found similar, Clutch Nine West gifted from Ross found similar online.

Perfect Combination

 

 

 

Pink and Snakeskin does it get any better than that. Everytime I put on the pink what a minute not just pink I mean hot pink...blazer. I seem to carry a smile with me all day long. Who doesn't need reasons to smile?  Add those shoes now it's just over the top pure happiness.

 

 





I borrowed my daughters birthday polish

 

Pink Blazer and Flower Pin H&M found similar hot pink color; Necklace, Camisole (in store I paid 9.99 for the cami and 7.99 for the bracelet) and Bracelet Ann Taylor found similar here, here and here; Clutch Steve Madden found similar; Joe's Jeans (found at TJMaxx cheap) found similar, Belt Guess bought at TJmaxx found here and here and Shoes Nine West found similar.

Starting a New Path

One day out of the blue a friend suggested that we should take some kickboxing classes...Wait! What? Was she being serious? I was fifty to sixty pounds overweight. You know when your only supposed to gain thirty pounds while being pregnant...well that definitely wasn't me or my body...I didn't have any medical conditions to explain why this happened trust me I was tested at first for a thyroid problem then for a sugar problem...everything kept coming back normal. Let's just say my normal was gaining eighty pounds with my second child and around seventy five with my first...Thank Goodness the weight came off the first time but I wasn't that lucky with the second...My youngest daughter was already a year old and I wasn't getting any skinnier on my own so I decided to leap back into the workout world. Why not? What did I have to lose? Hopefully sixty pounds and not my dignity. I wasn't exactly thrilled to be in a room of skinny fit people...not to mention walls of mirrors honestly I was scared. I just knew I was going to pass out worse trip and the whole room would be staring...possibly chuckling at me. In order to prevent harsh stares from all the skinny athletic girls we picked out the perfect spot last row in the wayyyy back.


They always start class off with a five minute warm up...did I say warm up? that felt like the workout...I thought I was dying. My heart was beating out of my chest. How was I going to survive the actual workout?  Needless to say we trudged through the next 45 minutes looking at each other in disbelief, exchanging WTF's, and checking to see if we had to perform CPR on the other.  It would have been real easy to give up but we didn't. This was harder than anything we had ever done before and with the sixty pounds extra that I was carrying around it just made everything that much harder. After class we kind of panted, laughed and panted and laughed over and over again. Did we just do that? Are we going to do it again? Amazingly the answer would be yes. We just kept going and seemed to be getting stronger. We starting seeing results. Little by little we would drop one size then another. Eventually we would even get through the warm up without breaking a sweat.

Unfortunately half way through our journey my friend started having back issues and decided to take different classes. I missed my workout buddy but was still totally committed to working out...It's changed my life so much so that if I miss a few workouts I really feel absolutely crummy. Currently I take 3 classes a week in weight training and 1-2 classes a week in cardio.  And I owe it all to my friend's suggestion and commitment. I've started a new path...a healthy path...a strong path. Now If I could just make an appointment with the dietitian to lose the last 15 pounds.

 

My personal suggestions that worked for me. (by no way am I an expert please consult your doctor for personalized advice) 

-Take it slow. It takes only a second to twist an ankle or tweak your back.  I like to take classes that offer levels.  Level one is beginner, Level two intermediate, Level three advanced. I like to stay at the Level two with bursts at Level three.
-Diversify your workouts and Change it up every once in a while. Try a Spin class, Zumba, Workout Outdoors, Wii Fit can be awesome too.
-I know what your thinking times are hard and a membership is out of the question...Just walk...this is an amazing workout within itself...Push yourself try to keep increasing your distances. Me and my sister in law would walk and talk and walk and talk and before we knew it our legs were hurting we were logging in over 6 miles.  Step it up to a level two and add a minute of walking lunges.  In one of my workout classes the instructor loves to take us outside where we hop over parking lot lines, do step up on benches, perform squats and burpees. What is a burpee you ask. I'll provide a link as it is an entire blog post within itself. In Summary what I do know about them is that it is a total body workout and I cringe when I have to do them.
-Always use correct form in any exercise that you do. Workout should be taxing but never painful.
-When using weights start light and then gradually increase.
-Make sure to warm up prior to starting and stretch following. 
-Drink plenty of water.
-Be patient it took me years to lose the weight...seven years to be exact.

Walking Lunge

Burpee

Squats 

Lunch Date

 

 

I don't get that many lunch dates with my husband so I definitely wanted to wear something nice. It seems like on an everyday basis he only gets to see me in my workout gear and no makeup. What to wear what to wear what to wear argggghhhh. You know how you just stare in your closet and nothing looks cute enough or you have already worn everything a thousand times before.  The rifling started and there it was...my BCBG skirt I almost forgot about it.  Pictures don't do it justice the fabric is soooo amazing it not only has an intricate pattern but it also this unique green sheen. I purchased it at the BCBG outlet for $39.00. I paired it with a Vince sweater and Ralph Lauren Boots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BCBG skirt found similar, Vince sweater found similar, Ralph Lauren boots found similar, Ring Forever 21 found similar, Necklace JCrew Factory similar, Bracelets similar, similar .

Lounging in Leggings

 

Today was the perfect day for leggings...a little chilly with spotty rain showers. I had a few errands to run but mostly this was a lazy lounge around the house day. Why can't everyday be a legging day?  Technically you can style leggings a thousand different ways so in theory you could have enough diversity to change it up for everyday of the week.  But for me I can't because leggings have onnnneeee little design flaw. The one where they just keep stretching and stretching and stretching. Your so comfortable you keep eating and eating and eating...Does anyone else rely on their pants to tell them to stop eating?

 

When purchasing leggings make sure to get a heavier weight in the fabric so that you won't have any embarrasing moments with an unexpected show through. Also be very careful with the fit of the waistband. Make sure that it fits snug enough to where you can bend over and they won't roll down.  

 

 

 

 

 



Leggings Gap, Army Green Jacket found similar, Tank Forever 21 and Ugg Boots...Change it up...be versatile...pair with a camel booties and a necklace...or add a scarf and pair with ballet flats...I am thinking that the blue ones I just purchased would be perfect...

Marc Jacobs

I had the honor to attend my nephew's beautiful wedding located at the Vinkolet Winery.  I wish I had a reason to go back every week just to sit and overlook the scenery...isn't it something...the rolling hills...the grapes...even better the wine. 

I had purchased this dress a long time ago and it just sat in my closet...Sorry Marc Jacobs I just don't attend a lot of events. (to be quite honest I was afraid to try it on again and zip it up because I always flucuate in my weight)  Let's just say I could still breathe prior to the wedding but on the way home I couldn't wait to unzip the dress before it squeezed me to death.  Once again it was a mark down...I am sure that is not a suprise to anyone that knows me...to around fifty dollars another fabulous buy at Off Saks found similar.  The bracelets were from Target and H & M found similar.  The faux ring Nordstrom Rack.  Earrings from TJmaxx found similar and shoes I have had a long time from BCBG found similar.

My New Love

Oh skinny jeans where have you been all my life? I knew you existed but thought only skinny girls would look cute. I was wrong.

They are very comfortable and feel like pajamas so much that I asked Jeanne if I bought pajama jeans on accident, she assured me that no I didn't. Skinny jeans have made it so easy for me to dress up or stay dressed down but look dressed up. My therapist thanked me for looking put together she said most of her clients come in flannel pjs and I snickered so much, ha if she only knew, also makes me want to stake out her place and tell all the women the amazeballness of skinny jeans. 

In the pictures I'm wearing them with flats & pants rolled up, when wanting to look fancy I pair them with super perfect boots, a gift from my sister Julie (the flats were a gift from her too it's like she's a mind reader). You can also wear the jeans not rolled up but mine are not very long and would look like high waters which on Ava is hilariously cute, me, not so much. Now be warned, every brand fits differently so don't give up on first try or in my case 40 yes 40 though possibly more. My lovely sister Sandi encouraged me to keep trying every time I wanted to quit. I tried on every pair in Macy's with no luck, then went to gap & loved them but didn't love the price so next it was Old Navy they have so many different fits you may want to start there. I tried on the Rock Star super skinny fit & really felt like a rock star I broke out in an air guitar riff. Be warned go up a size if you order them or try them on. Also huge bonus, they are only $19 right now! 

Do you have a favorite brand? 

Pick Me Up Tuesday

Feeling blue??? I was until I planned a trip to the shoe store...I mean look how cute these are...how could they not make you happy...I had not been to DSW in a long time because it seemed like every time I went the shoes weren't marked down enough...well they sent me a coupon for $20.00 off a $40.00 purchase...of course I couldn't resist I just had to go...I found these amazing flats on the clearance rack (mine were 39.96 with an additional 40% off in store) and along with the coupon I ending up purchasing them for only $15.96 plus I got a free bag...Score...I paired them with a Hale Bob top that had the cutest little heart print from TJmaxx I only paid $16.99, skinnies from Gap, Juicy Couture bracelet Nordstrom Rack marked down to $19.99 and a black belt...