Schooled

After yesterday's hair debacle, I decided to go the opposite route and do nothing today.  Say hello to what doing nothing to your hair looks like.  It certainly brings new meaning to the term effortless - or maybe less effort is more appropriate.  I need a haircut style but I am not sure what to do since I have an obvious lack of hair styling skill and time.  Plus, I am still desperately growing it out from my pixie cut two years ago.  Yes, 2 years! Do you see why there is hesitancy?  The kids will be in college before these locks are finally long.

Since I grew up with short hair, I really don't know what to do with long hair (see evidence in pretty much every picture I have ever posted).  Sometime last year I discovered online hair tutorials and have been watching them to teach myself how to do my little girl's hair.  In case you are wondering, Cute Girls Hairstyles is one of my favorites.   There are some mommy-friendly styles on there too (ummm, now you know where I learned my "fancy" side twists).  Along the way, I also stumbled upon the genius of Kate at The Small Things Blog who is a professional hair stylist who posts video's online.  Oh, and she lives in NC too.  Another local.  I like it.

So, let's see if 2012 can bring some better looking hairstyles around here.  Can I have a cheers for hairspray, curling irons and flat irons?!

P.S. If you don't see any changes in my pictures, it's because the attempt failed miserably and I had to shower out the evidence just like yesterday. Or, I couldn't get my act together to coordinate getting dressed and doing my hair.  I know you all would rather see me dressed with messy hair than naked with it styled to perfection.

Daily Style File
Sweater:  Gap (Spring 2010)
Top:  Gap (Winter 2011)
Skirt:  Old Navy (Fall 2011) last worn here
Bracelet:  Source unknown
Belt: Anthropologie (Spring 2011) last worn here
Boots:  Schuler & Sons Philadelphia via Anthropologie (Holiday 2011) last worn here

I Wore It Where?
preschool, errands

Swing top

A couple of weeks ago, I twisted my daughter's wet hair into little buns all over her head before bed.  The result in the morning was nothing short of fabulous with luscious, natural looking curls all over her almost 4 year old head.  Don't worry, there was no Toddlers & Tiaras going on over here.

Last night I had the brilliant idea to do the same to my own hair.  Why should my preschooler have all the fun?  Well, let me just say I was a sight to be seen when I woke up this morning. By the time I took my hair out, it was literally no less than a foot wide and came no longer than my ears.  It was a frizzy, albeit curly, mess.  Instead of debuting a perfectly coiffed head of hair for you today, I am sporting the plain Jane twisted pull back 'do.  And, if you are wondering, I had to shower and deep condition to coax my hair back to normal.

You all know by now that turtlenecks are like t-shirts in my closet.  I wear them all the time and with everything.  Well, one thing I don't wear all the time is swing tops.  If you have ever been pregnant, you know that after pregnancy you have an insane dislike of anything maternity or maternity-looking as well as an overarching fear that people will still think you are pregnant.  At least I do.  All those fears went out the window when I saw this top.   I love it and don't care what anyone thinks.  It's hard to see in the pictures, but it even has little tonal, flocked hearts all over it.  Love.  Plus, it hides any holiday indulging and looks chic paired with a number of items in my closet.  If you want to try the same, just layer it with something fitted so your shape isn't lost in the layers.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Old Navy (Fall 2011) last worn here
Top:  Forever 21 (Holiday 2011)
Jeans:  Gap (Spring 2011) last worn here
Necklace:  Anthropologie (Holiday 2011)
Clogs: Anthropologie  (Spring 2011) last worn here

I Wore It Where?
storytime, errands

Pattern play

I'm not usually one to wear a whole bunch of new items at once.  You know, I like to ease them into my wardrobe and savor the tags and newness of the item before they get dried food, sticky fingers and runny noses all over them.  But, it's a new year people and today I decided to just go for it.  Aside from my jeans and necklace, my clothes today are brand spanking new.  And since I haven't make a public thank you to Anthropologie, I'll do so now. 

Thank for you for your end-of-year-clearance-mega-sale, Anthropologie.  You have revived my wardrobe at minimal cost.  Can I have a whoop whoop for $158 tops for only $20?!

And just so you know how excited I am, I added a picture that looks like I am skipping.  Or maybe it's a happy dance.  By someone with no rhythm.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Forever 21 (Winter 2011)
Open cardigan:  Porridge via Anthropologie (Winter 2011)
Jeans: Anoname via Nordstrom Rack (Fall 2008)
Necklace: Source Unknown (old)
Belt: Anthropologie (Winter 2011)
Shoes: JBrand Shoes via Anthropologie (Winter 2011)

I Wore It Where?
errands

New year, new outfit

I wish I could say I rang in the New Year wearing sequins and glitter.  But, that didn't happen.  Something along the lines of yoga pants and a movie is more accurate.  At least I can say I started 2012 well rested from a full nights sleep.  Now that is looking at the glass half full, right?

I can also say I started New Year's Day off right by hanging out with family and friends.  It was a casual, family baking, tea drinking, friend talking, playground playing kind of day.  What kind of outfit goes with that?  Jeans, of course, and just to start the New Year off on the right foot, a striped turtleneck - you know, to really go wild and crazy.  My outfit was a total mix of old and new.  Just the way I like it and kind of fitting for the first day of the year.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Pilero and the Letterpress via Anthropologie (Winter 2011)
Wrap cardigan: Diane von Furstenberg (Winter 2005)
Jeans:  True Religion via T.J.Maxx (Fall 2008) similar linked, last worn here
Necklace:  David Aubrey via Anthropologie (Winter 2011)
Shoes:  Zigi soho via DSW (Spring 2011)

I Wore It Where?
errands, playdate 

Blousy and bracelets

We are supposed to experience a cold snap next week.  In anticipation, I wanted to give these new kicks a try before tights/socks are a necessity and not just a fashion choice.  Isn't that how you hunker down for cold weather too?  For $14.98 at Gap, I not only got shoes and ankle bracelets in one but they also bear a striking resemblance to these Lanvin flats. According to my calculation though, I paid way less than just the tax would have cost on the Lanvin version. Did I mention they are leather, too?  Maybe not lambskin, but I think I can deal.

If you know me, then you know I shop anywhere.  Really.  If you don't know me, well, I just told you.  I shop anywhere.  Any size.  This dress is plus size and I totally appreciate it for its blousy, beautiful self.  Plus, it's Michael Kors and uber-comfortable.  Need I say more?  I mean, I have worn things upside down and backwards.  So what's in a size?  As Tim Gunn would say, "Make it work."  Mission accomplished.

P.S. Check out my updated Accessories, Shoes, and Monthly Style Files pages!

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Mossimo via Target (Fall 2011) last worn here
Dress:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom (Summer 2011)
Scarf:  Tarnish via Nordstrom (Winter 2010)
Belt:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Shoes: Gap (Winter 2011)

I Wore It Where?
playdate, errands

Hello yellow

A little bit of color can go a long way sometimes.  I like that my yellow necklace and boots are just peeking out today.  Well hello, yellow.

Something about my tunic has always reminded me of a men's nightshirt.  Yes, for the record, those still exist.  But shouldn't.  Don't google it because all sorts of visuals will come up that you will wish you hadn't seen. Ask me how I know.  FYI - There is nothing redeeming about a men's nightshirt but at least now I no longer see as much similarity between my tunic and the aforementioned man item.  Getting back to my men's nightshirt tunic....

This tunic can be a little difficult to wear since it doesn't have much shape but layering solved the problem.  The wide leg jeans help to balance the shape (or lack thereof) and, a belt gives it what it doesn't have - a waist.  Of course a turtleneck would have worked perfectly under it, but I decided to stay true to the v-neckline and wear my necklace more like a scarf by tucking the longer strands in.  Not quite as warm, but pretty indeed. 

Daily Style File
Sweater:  Halogen via Nordstrom (old)
Tunic:  J.Crew via the J.Crew Warehouse Sale (Fall 2011)
Jeans:  7 For All Mankind via T.J.Maxx (Fall 2008) similar linked
Necklace:  H&M (old)
Belt:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Boots:  BCBGirls (old)

I Wore It Where?
errands

Gray day

I'm not one to let anyone dictate what I wear.  Except for Mother Nature.  And sometimes I don't listen to her either.  However, instead of fighting the gray and rainy day around here today, I decided to use it as my outfit inspiration. Rainboots + overcoat + legwarmers = gray day.  Seems fitting.

Have you ever noticed how the rain makes a not-so-cold day seem really cold? 

Daily Style File
T-shirt:  Old Navy (Spring 2011)
Shawl cardigan:  Tahari via T.J.Maxx (Fall 2009)
Jacket:  Scarlett
Jeans:  Gap (Spring 2011)
Necklace:  Anthropologie (Fall 2011)
Legwarmers:  Xhilaration via Target (Fall 2011) last worn here
Rain boots:  Old Navy (Fall 2011) last worn here
   
I Wore It Where?
storytime, children's museum

The day after

It's hard to believe Christmas has come and gone.  I wish my bleepin' cold would do the same.  Since we ventured out today (along with the rest of the population, apparently) I decided it was best to put on a happy face and get dressed.

This sweater was as close as I could get to my bathrobe, which I wore all day on Christmas.  Oh, and did I mention it is on upside down?  It looks great right side up (short with an extra large rolled collar) but I accidentally put it on upside down.  And liked it.  The shoulder seam became a makeshift waist line and the whole thing took on a sweater coat look.  Since I tend to make my own fashion rules, I went with it.

Oh, and behold my new necklace.  A gift from the hubs and totally awesome.  Mixed metal fringe.  Ummm....thank you.  thank you.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Sweater:  Improvd via Nordstrom (Winter 2010)
Jeans:  Madewell via the JCrew Warehouse Sale (Fall 2011)
Necklace:  Free People (Fall 2011)
Boots:  Schuler & Sons Philadelphia via Anthropologie (Holiday 2011)

I Wore It Where?
errands

Eve attire

Here we are on Monday, and I am just posting my Christmas Eve outfit.  The holidays tend to just pass right on by, but this year was especially so since I was nice and medicated on Dayquil and Nyquil.  Yes,  am still sick with a nasty cold.  What better way to tell a cold to beat it and not come back than a hot pink pleated skirt and a leopard print belt?  I thought so too.

Most everyone we saw on Christmas Eve was wearing red.  But, pink is the new red.  Right?  Regardless, Santa let my kids sit on his lap extra long.  Maybe it was the pink skirt or the fact that I realized it is slightly see-through.  When I got home.  Whoops.  Merry Christmas, Santa!

Daily Style File
Dress (worn as shirt):  Xhilaration by Target (Spring 2011)
Cardigan:  White House Black Market (Summer 2008)
Skirt:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Belt:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Boots:  Mix No. 6 via DSW (Spring 2011)

I Wore It Where?
mall 

Sick or slick?

I went to bed last night pretty sure I was getting sick and woke up 100% sure of it.  After staying in my pj's all morning and shamelessly letting my 3.5 year old watch holiday movies and eat popcorn while the babe slept and I rested, I decided it was time to venture out to Costco.  I threw on this outfit and slicked my hair.  'Cuz slicked hair is the best way to hide the fact that your sinuses feel like they are going to explode.  I also thought maybe I could trick myself into feeling like I am totally healthy and not sick 2 days before Christmas when I still have lots of wrapping and toy assembly to do.  Not working yet, but I am hopeful.

There's not much to this outfit, but I feel like it looks like I took some time to think about what I was going to wear when really I didn't.  At all.  Oh, and if you think my eyebrows look like they are fading into nothing at the ends, they are.  I got them threaded yesterday and the lady took some creative liberties.  Note to self:  remember to tell the threading lady that 2 rows of hair does not constitute an eyebrow.  Just sayin'.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Shrug:  Express (Fall 2006)
Pants:  Aftershower Shop on Etsy (Spring 2011)
Necklace:  Anthropologie (Summer 2011)
Boots: Steven by Steve Madden (Fall 2008)

I Wore It Where?
Costco 

Laundry confession

I have a confession to make.  I dread doing laundry.  It's not the actual washing that I mind but rather the folding and putting it away.  It's a little weird seeing that I love clothes so much.  I just like clean, already folded, and put away clothes.  An aunt of mine once said that my wrinkled, unfolded laundry makes her eyes twitch.  Isn't that what an iron is for?

Since I don't want Santa to be scared off by my piles of laundry when he comes down our chimney this weekend, I have resigned myself to stay in the house today until it is all taken care of.  Or maybe it is a feeble attempt to stay away from the Anthropologie sale I mentioned yesterday (I went twice).

As luck would have it, I got dressed this Sunday.  Sundays are often comfy clothes/no photo days.  But, we had a birthday party to attend and I try to look presentable for little kids parties so I don't scare anyone.  Speaking of which, wear cute socks to parties when they are at a place like The Little Gym. You don't want to have to spend the entire party coming up with excuses as to why your socks are mangled while your kids socks are perfectly matched (or worse, trying to hide holes your socks while your kid somersaults around the gym).

  

Daily Style File

Top:  Elizabeth & James via T.J.Maxx (Fall 2011) last worn here

Turtleneck:  Mossimo via Target (Fall 2011)

Dress:  Xhilaration by Target (Spring 2011) similar linked

Necklaces:  Simply Vera by Vera Wang for Kohl's (Fall 2009) last worn here

Socks:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)

Boots:  Nine West Vintage America via Belk (Fall 2011)

I Wore It Where?

birthday party, lunch, errands

Orange crush

I'm so glad color and pattern have made their way into my closet (as opposed to my college years when black prevailed) because it makes it okay that I bought this bright orange skirt and have it plastered to my a-double-s today.  Perhaps that is a perk of adulthood, an unabashed feeling of it's okay to love what you wear and wear what you love.

If you know me, you know I have an awful habit that when people compliment my clothes, I answer with "I got it at x store for only $y."  Seriously, I just spurt it out.  It's like I am some sort of math genius - but totally not.  It doesn't matter if the item was bought 5 days ago or 5 years ago.  I can't remember to buy milk half the time, but have no fear because I can rattle off the contents and prices for almost all items in my closet.  Sigh.

For good measure, this outfit cost under $38 (minus the boots).  Want a breakdown?  I know you do.  Turtleneck $7, Camisole $4.97, Skirt $7.80, Bracelets $9.97, Belt $8.  The boots were $65 on sale + coupon for anyone wondering.  None of the orange pieces were purchased during the same season or from the same store but they all work together.  J.Crew's catalog is just one of the latest to show that same color on color is on-trend right now and can give great outfit and color inspiration. 

P.S. Wearing gray with bright skirts rather than black softens the color and makes it feel more updated.

RUN over to Anthropologie.  PRONTO.  
They are practically giving things away today 12.20.11:

 

P.P.S. I think it was fate that my outfit matched their sale.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Camisole:  Gap (Summer 2011)
Skirt:  Forever 21 (Fall 2011)
Bracelets: Bebe (Summer 2010)
Belt:  Gap (Fall 2011)
Boots:Nine West Vintage America via Belk (Fall 2011)

I Wore It Where?
preschool, storytime, mall