Friday, October 29, 2010
what to wear: Happy Weekend!
This is what my weekend is going to look like... minus these exact slippers, which I hope to make mine soon! Aren't they darling? Cozy pants, cozy sweaters and lot of tea! This is probably too forward thinking, but wouldn't this make a great Christmas morning outfit too?
yes I can, no I can't.
I think I have mentioned (or complained) about being sick of late. I thought it was a cold, but it was a full blown respiratory infection and now I have a bruised rib from coughing and I never get sick. Seriously. I have been at the end of my rope. I went to the doctor yesterday, but in general I have been finding myself feeling sicker and not better. I'm still waiting for all these meds to kick in.
Recently in pilates our instructor reminded us of the power of positive thinking while working out. We were working on the V-sit, which is a challenging move and she reminded us to focus on doing it and not the pain or challenge or the fact that your legs are shaking uncontrollably.
With this cold I keep waking up every day and trying to do my usual thing... errands, gym, shower, make-up, blog, play with kids. Telling myself the whole time "you can do it, you can beat this cold." Except sometimes that's not always best. At the doctor yesterday he told me I should have been in to see him weeks ago. I had make it worse by pushing through.
So while positive thinking has a place in our lives, it's more important to learn to listen to our bodies and souls and know when to back down. The next step with this sickness is pneumonia. And if I were to get pneumonia I would have really been in trouble.
As women, we need to learn when we "can" and when we "can't" and also to learn that it's okay to not be able to do everything. No one has super powers, including me. Sometimes we need to give ourselves a "pass" to heal and do what we need to do. I'll be doing just that this weekend!
And sometimes you just have to show re-runs of your past outfits and pass it for a new blog post. Sometimes you just have to step back.
Recently in pilates our instructor reminded us of the power of positive thinking while working out. We were working on the V-sit, which is a challenging move and she reminded us to focus on doing it and not the pain or challenge or the fact that your legs are shaking uncontrollably.
With this cold I keep waking up every day and trying to do my usual thing... errands, gym, shower, make-up, blog, play with kids. Telling myself the whole time "you can do it, you can beat this cold." Except sometimes that's not always best. At the doctor yesterday he told me I should have been in to see him weeks ago. I had make it worse by pushing through.
So while positive thinking has a place in our lives, it's more important to learn to listen to our bodies and souls and know when to back down. The next step with this sickness is pneumonia. And if I were to get pneumonia I would have really been in trouble.
As women, we need to learn when we "can" and when we "can't" and also to learn that it's okay to not be able to do everything. No one has super powers, including me. Sometimes we need to give ourselves a "pass" to heal and do what we need to do. I'll be doing just that this weekend!
And sometimes you just have to show re-runs of your past outfits and pass it for a new blog post. Sometimes you just have to step back.
the "it" list... October 29, 2010!
- good life for less has the perfect fall outfit from the perfect summer dress. Check it out!
- adella avenue kicks off a great new series that pits East vs. West. And whether you live on either coast or some where in between you'll love it. This week she chooses fall shoes suitable for each coasts' weather!
- merci blah blah goes all spooky on us with spooky library decor. It's making me rethink my own Halloween decorations. I just love all these spooky but inspired rooms!
- jewelscapes definitely inspires with this fall outfit popping with yellow! I just love this look... yellow is so alluring this time of year! And you know she always has each outfit perfectly accessorized!
- closet confections fakes it 'til she makes it... why spend three grand on a coat when you can get a perfect alternative from Forever 21. I love this coat on her!
- good tots! pulls together 3 great maternity looks all using one pair of jeans. If you are expecting a baby or know someone that is, you will love these looks!
- you can call my chris has a fun series called "fight the frump" - this week she features bold tights. They are a great way to not only avoid looking frumpy... but to look down right festive!
- really cute stuff has your hard-to-buy-for Christmas list in the bag. These monogrammed notecards are super classy and practical. They are perfect for teachers, co-workers and long lost friends.
- rose a la mode is seriously rocking winter shorts. I am so inspired to try this look, she has it perfected!
- dressing mommy is giving away a gorgeous pair of JessLC paisley earrings. Go.... go enter NOW!
- karina, ink whips up an adorable fall place setting using apples and other fall goodies. She makes it look effortless - I'd love some of these on my fall table!
- fashionably southern gives lace a try... and likes it! She tracks down some great lace tops - some of which I am completely in love with for fall!
- sweetie pie pumpkin noodle celebrates vanity this week... get a sneak peek into the stylish vanities of fellow bloggers and inspiration galore for creating your own vanity spot at home!
- one hundred inspirations gets you this great fall outfit that Reese Witherspoon is wearing for only about $100. This is definitely a look to snag!
~~~
Interested in learning more about the "it" list or being featured on it? Click here for details!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
good look for less, EXPRESS!
Today's looks are for Holli... she is a working mom that works in a business casual setting and has a 15 month old baby. She has found that since having a baby that her weight has fluctuated, maybe more than she would like, which I think a lot of us can relate to. She also doesn't really know what her "personal style" is. So she is stuck on how to dress the best for her style and body.
For Holli I wanted to choose versatile and classic pieces that will make her look and feel great. Personal style is very personal, so I chose a few trendy pieces, a few classic pieces and a few fun pieces... my hope is through trying some of these items, she will find which of them she is more drawn to.
For a day with the kids or just running errands, this is a sophisticated but comfortable outfit. It's great to have a few of these in your arsenal, especially as the weather cools!
This is a great business casual outfit... and can even be dressed up more by swapping out black trousers for these dark wash jeans. What I love most about this outfit is that each piece is simple, but together they make a beautiful outfit. The jewelry adds a definite feminine touch.
For Holli I wanted to choose versatile and classic pieces that will make her look and feel great. Personal style is very personal, so I chose a few trendy pieces, a few classic pieces and a few fun pieces... my hope is through trying some of these items, she will find which of them she is more drawn to.
Classic navy blue trousers and layers up top make for a simple but refined look. And of course, the leopard print heels add a bit of fun!
For a day with the kids or just running errands, this is a sophisticated but comfortable outfit. It's great to have a few of these in your arsenal, especially as the weather cools!
This is a great business casual outfit... and can even be dressed up more by swapping out black trousers for these dark wash jeans. What I love most about this outfit is that each piece is simple, but together they make a beautiful outfit. The jewelry adds a definite feminine touch.
Happy Shopping Holli!
~~~
Interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services? Click here!
check it out: spooky jewelry!
This isn't my usual style... but it's hard to not get into the spooky spirit of Halloween! If I had an adult party to go to it would be super fun to sport some of these super spooky jewelry pieces! I'm just doing the kid stuff this year though. What about you? Are you dressing up at all for Halloween?
Skull Ring, Asos, $17.24
Jessica Kagan Cushman Cuff, Max & Chloe, $170
Betsey Johnson Skull Earrings, Macy's, $40
Alkemie Spiderweb Ring, Shopbop, $155
Betsey Johnson Spider Statement Necklace, Piperlime, $150
Skull Ring, Asos, $17.24
Jessica Kagan Cushman Cuff, Max & Chloe, $170
Betsey Johnson Skull Earrings, Macy's, $40
Alkemie Spiderweb Ring, Shopbop, $155
Betsey Johnson Spider Statement Necklace, Piperlime, $150
Bwhahahaha! Stay spooky!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
are you "it"?
If you are a blogger that is interested in increasing your traffic and getting the word out about your great blog then check out the details on how you can become involved here (note, PLEASE read the info on the link if you are interested)!
The "it" list is receiving tens of thousands of views each week... that is a huge number of eyes on your blog posts! So what are you waiting for? Join the fun!
PLEASE NOTE: Time is limited in 2010 for the "it" list! It will go on hiatus for Thanksgiving week (which is only 4 weeks away - yikes!!!)... AND it will go on hiatus for ALL OF DECEMBER... so if you want in, NOW is the time!!
find me elsewhere...
I've got adorable maternity outfits over at good tots! today! Check it!
I'm also showing off my vanity area over on Sweetie Pie Pumpkin noodle... check it out and don't miss her whole series... it's REALLY good!
See you around in blog world!
my outfit: cozy layers!
So my son has a joke that I find endlessly funny for I don't know what reason... basically the joke is him just saying: "Hey mom, I'm looking for the thing with the thing with the thing... have you seen it?" Or "Have you heard about the thing with the thing with the thing." Or any variation of those two. Don't ask me why, must be his tone of voice or silliness or seriousness when saying it. But I just die laughing.
This outfit kind of reminds me of that joke... It's "the sweater with the sweater with the jacket." ya know?
Yeah, you got that right... two sweaters. What can I say I get cold!
Any chance I can get a couple of myself cloned... you know for a jill with a jill with a jill? This time of year is always SO busy, with Halloween, my sons upcoming birthday then straight to the holidays, oh, and if you haven't heard... I launched a new blog too. You know... for all of my free time. (yeah right!) You should stop by... it's pretty cute and fun over there!
This outfit kind of reminds me of that joke... It's "the sweater with the sweater with the jacket." ya know?
Yeah, you got that right... two sweaters. What can I say I get cold!
Any chance I can get a couple of myself cloned... you know for a jill with a jill with a jill? This time of year is always SO busy, with Halloween, my sons upcoming birthday then straight to the holidays, oh, and if you haven't heard... I launched a new blog too. You know... for all of my free time. (yeah right!) You should stop by... it's pretty cute and fun over there!
So I am now taking applications for nannies, email answerers, ghost writers, house cleaners, dinner makers and nap takers (a girl has got to get some rest!). Your name has to be Jill though. And the pay stinks. Sorry!
Details:
White Sweater, LOFT (similar)
Striped Sweater, Forever 21 (similar)
Jeans, Seven for all Mankind (similar)
Clogs, UGG
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
shopping guide: orange-you-glad?
It's Halloween week and not only are my kids already buzzing on candy (that is probably my fault!) - so am I! How can you resist those miniature bites of sugary goodness? If you have read this blog for a while you know that one of my obsessions is candy. This year I am particularly enjoying the Sponge Bob Crabby Patty gummis. I know, 32 going on 7. That's how I roll.
I thought it would be fun to do an orange themed Shopping Guide this week... in case you are going to be stylishly dressing the part. I don't usually do costumes... but a touch of orange I can definitely do!
(details: 1. Flamingo Flat, Seychelles, $90.65 2. Merino Wool Sweater, Forever 21, $24.80 3. Nixon Time Teller, shopbop.com, $60 4. Essie Nail Polish, beauty.com, $8 5. Time-In Time-Out Belt, Anthropologie, $30 6. Cotton Desert Shirt, JCrew, $65 7. Cambridge Shawl Collar Sweater, JCrew, $59.99)
(details: 1. Flamingo Flat, Seychelles, $90.65 2. Merino Wool Sweater, Forever 21, $24.80 3. Nixon Time Teller, shopbop.com, $60 4. Essie Nail Polish, beauty.com, $8 5. Time-In Time-Out Belt, Anthropologie, $30 6. Cotton Desert Shirt, JCrew, $65 7. Cambridge Shawl Collar Sweater, JCrew, $59.99)
How do you celebrate Halloween!?!?
my outfit: copy cat!
First things first... I have to admit that this outfit is a dead-on copy cat of Kendi's recent maxi dress outfit. Sorry Kendi! Or you're welcome... I'm not sure which one, since imitation is the most sincere (albeit unoriginal) form of flattery.
We had a little Indian Summer - I know you're not supposed to call it that, but I don't know what else Indian Summer means besides it gets cold and then warm again and the warm part is the Indian Summer. Don't kill me here peeps. Any way the dress + the scarf + the jacket was perfect because parts of the day were jacket + dress, other parts were dress + scarf and even still other parts were only dress or all three, jacket + dress + scarf. Whew, did you catch that?
What I MEAN to say, is that it was a versatile outfit for the weather. There.
I have a question though... what the heck do you do with your hair once you have been growing it out forever? It's been over a year I have been growing it, with little trims here and there to keep it healthy. But then, it's just... hair. And lots of it. Stuck to my clothes and all over my bathroom floor and just every where. So it's getting pulled back a lot more, because frankly I can stand to cut it and I don't have the time to do it all the time. This is a predicament folks! Please tell, are pony tails (like this one) acceptable? I sure hope so!
It's true... she came up with the outfit. I just followed in suit. In my own clothes, of course... these clothes aren't Kendi's. Promise.
If you want an outfit you can feel completely lazy in but still look decent, a maxi dress is the way to go. It's almost cozier than pajamas. And for a Monday morning (you know I'm always behind in posting, right?) it was just what the doctor ordered.
We had a little Indian Summer - I know you're not supposed to call it that, but I don't know what else Indian Summer means besides it gets cold and then warm again and the warm part is the Indian Summer. Don't kill me here peeps. Any way the dress + the scarf + the jacket was perfect because parts of the day were jacket + dress, other parts were dress + scarf and even still other parts were only dress or all three, jacket + dress + scarf. Whew, did you catch that?
What I MEAN to say, is that it was a versatile outfit for the weather. There.
I have a question though... what the heck do you do with your hair once you have been growing it out forever? It's been over a year I have been growing it, with little trims here and there to keep it healthy. But then, it's just... hair. And lots of it. Stuck to my clothes and all over my bathroom floor and just every where. So it's getting pulled back a lot more, because frankly I can stand to cut it and I don't have the time to do it all the time. This is a predicament folks! Please tell, are pony tails (like this one) acceptable? I sure hope so!
Details:
Dress, Old Navy (similar)
Scarf, Limited (similar)
Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target (similar)
Monday, October 25, 2010
good look for less, Alice!
Today I have another great wardrobe consult... you may remember Alice from earlier this fall, she was ready to update her wardrobe for fall and wanted some really great investment pieces as well as classic and mix and matchable pieces (her previous consult is HERE). She recently contacted me for some winter wear (and to update her Christmas list)... Let's take a look at some of her outfits.
Alice is mom, so she needs simple outfit combos that work on the go! She already owned this gorgeous white puffer coat. To that I added some classic and simple pieces like a chambray top and cords. It's instant classic with no fuss.
Alice loves the simplicity of skinny jeans, as do I. Here some super cozy Uggs and a puffer vest make for a great warm layer over a simple striped top. I love this look!
Mmmmm.... cozy sweaters and cute hats! If it weren't for all the snow, it would be fun to dress for winter! Although... this outfit makes it bearable! Alice owned these jeans already and wanted to include them with the outfits. I am huge fan of wide leg pants this winter - and that is great news for all of you that don't really care for skinnies!
And just one more outfit because they are all so darn cute... a variation of all of the above... super simple, super cute!
Happy Shopping Alice!
~~~
Interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services? Click here!
my outfit: mrs. drapey!
That's Mrs. Drapey - not to be confused with Mrs. Draper. The new Mrs. Draper is sweet French-Canadian Megan. She stole Don's heart and about all the women in America lost their dream "bad guy". Although, if you're still single, he may still have you... that's how he rolls, you know.
ANY WAYS....
Last week I was slouchy, this week drapey... The day I wore this outfit I woke up raring to go to they gym... but my nasty cough is STILL with me folks. Still! I figured my fellow gym patrons and the staff wouldn't so much appreciate a lady hacking her lung out on the elliptical or on the abs floor so I took a pass.
For the record it is going on almost three weeks of no gym for me with Vegas and all this sickness. We are on high alert. We are getting scared. We are losing our breath on the stairs again. This is not good.
Instead of heading to the gym I took my energies out on my house, which in retrospect was a good idea. I prepped and organized all the winter clothes for the kids (scarfs, hats, gloves, etc) and inventoried what we still need and got rid of what doesn't fit, etc. I also organized their closets and even the basement a little. I probably did my stairs (basement to 2nd floor) 10 times or so. So maybe I'm even with the gym after all.
If you read this blog last winter you will recognize this sweater... it was deemed the "Mrs. Roper" sweater. Ahhh... good old Mrs. Roper. I was happy to drag it out again. It's warm, but light as a breeze. I look like I could maybe also fly in it... hmmm.
ANY WAYS....
Last week I was slouchy, this week drapey... The day I wore this outfit I woke up raring to go to they gym... but my nasty cough is STILL with me folks. Still! I figured my fellow gym patrons and the staff wouldn't so much appreciate a lady hacking her lung out on the elliptical or on the abs floor so I took a pass.
For the record it is going on almost three weeks of no gym for me with Vegas and all this sickness. We are on high alert. We are getting scared. We are losing our breath on the stairs again. This is not good.
Instead of heading to the gym I took my energies out on my house, which in retrospect was a good idea. I prepped and organized all the winter clothes for the kids (scarfs, hats, gloves, etc) and inventoried what we still need and got rid of what doesn't fit, etc. I also organized their closets and even the basement a little. I probably did my stairs (basement to 2nd floor) 10 times or so. So maybe I'm even with the gym after all.
If you read this blog last winter you will recognize this sweater... it was deemed the "Mrs. Roper" sweater. Ahhh... good old Mrs. Roper. I was happy to drag it out again. It's warm, but light as a breeze. I look like I could maybe also fly in it... hmmm.
Details
Sweater, F21 (similar)
Tank, F21 (similar)
Jeans, F21 (similar)
Necklace, Etsy - Mandy's Yellow Corner
Belt, Gap (similar)
Boots, Nine West (similar)
Saturday, October 23, 2010
casa good life: fall decor!
I've been busy decorating here and there for fall. Of course, with the kids' help! I just love decorating for fall - plus I like that most of the decor can transfer from Halloween to Thanksgiving... I'm practical like that!
Here is our little mudroom/school-central area. I got TONS of pumpkins at the local nursery for buy one get one. The big round one will get craved... but until then... bwhahaha!
More pumpkins! Bwhahaha!
Here they are in my kitchen/hall... LOVE + pumpkins = bwhahahaha!
This is my driveway... I found that when it comes to fall, God decorates best for the season! I just had to snap this photo (from my car) when I stopped for mail the other day. This is why I love living in the "country." This is also why we don't get trick or treaters... do you blame them? Never know what's around then bend! bwhahaha!
This little wire tree I bought ages ago... the kids helped me "dress" it with real leaves... again, could really use the fake webs here! bwhahaha!
I pretty much stalked this tree every time I drove by it... now the leaves are gone, I'm glad I snatched a picture quick! bwhahaha!
My dining room got cozied up a bit... I can never get enough gourds! bwhahaha!
The mantel is always my favorite place to decorate... I heart this "spooky" cat. Isn't she adorable? I looked for fake cobwebs at two stores and couldn't find them... but when I do... bwhahaha!
Here is our little mudroom/school-central area. I got TONS of pumpkins at the local nursery for buy one get one. The big round one will get craved... but until then... bwhahaha!
More pumpkins! Bwhahaha!
Here they are in my kitchen/hall... LOVE + pumpkins = bwhahahaha!
This is my driveway... I found that when it comes to fall, God decorates best for the season! I just had to snap this photo (from my car) when I stopped for mail the other day. This is why I love living in the "country." This is also why we don't get trick or treaters... do you blame them? Never know what's around then bend! bwhahaha!
This little wire tree I bought ages ago... the kids helped me "dress" it with real leaves... again, could really use the fake webs here! bwhahaha!
I pretty much stalked this tree every time I drove by it... now the leaves are gone, I'm glad I snatched a picture quick! bwhahaha!
My dining room got cozied up a bit... I can never get enough gourds! bwhahaha!
Acorns in an olive dish at the sink window, um, yes, please! bwhahaha!
Friday, October 22, 2010
what to wear: Happy Weekend!
Yay! It's almost the weekend! I'll be spending this weekend doing the usual fall activities... maybe some Friday Night Lights, Saturday morning soccer and maybe a visit to the apple orchards. Now that the weather is really cooling off, time is limited to do all these fun activities! Have a great weekend whatever you do!
the "it" list... October 22, 2010!
- honey dearest has her fall decor all set for the season. Stop by to get some inspiration for your own home... I know I can never get enough gourds this time of year!
- rose a la mode found the *cutest* boots at Aldo this week. I absolutely love the hidden wedge heel on these boots... now I am crushing on them too!
- jewelscapes pairs a zebra scarf with a zebra print ring that is just gorgeous! A match made in heaven if you ask me! That ring is amazing.
- merci blah blah is practicing dressing like a countess. Fur vest and a back draped dress. Check and check! This ensemble is sexy chic!
- one sweet find just opened her etsy shop... stuff is flying off the shelves, so stop by soon. I've got my eye on this sweet white foo dog. Yes, please!
- 100 inspirations brings you their editors picks each week featuring amazing items all under $100. This week they feature sweaters, faux fur vests and boots. It must be fall!
- maggie rose's shop carries one of my favorite staples for wrapping gifts: baker's twine! Perfect to add to hostess gifts or holiday gifts this time of year!
- dressing mommy gives a nod to menswear with this super chic and modern look. I just love this blazer!
- closet confections takes one LBD (little black dress) and creates five amazing outfits for any occasion - you just HAVE to see these!
- good tots! just launched this week... a stylin' blog for moms and their kids. Make sure you stop by and check out these great outfits for family photos!
- adella avenue pulled together a great ensemble suitable for fall travel... but I would wear this any day! Perfectly casual-chic!
- sweetie pie pumpkin noodle is working on revamping a room in her house to be an office... she pulled together some decor inspiration that will have you absolutely smitten!
- fashionably southern tries leggings for the first time and is in love. I know what she means! I love this outfit!
- really cute stuff carries these amazing personalized notepads in all sorts of styles from leopard print, to chevron to tribal print. I can't choose a favorite... they are all just SO fun!
- you can call me chris loves all things printed or using Kraft paper. I agree whole-heartedly and you will too when you see the inspiration she's pulled together. This makes me want to get creative!
- good life for less pulls together great flats all for under $50. Flats are a great staple for fall... and you will have a hard time deciding which of these pairs you like more!
Have a fabulous weekend!
~~~
If you are interested in learning more about the "it" list... click here or email goodlifeforless @ gmail.com!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
hi & lo (JCrew inspired!)
It's time for another hi & lo post! You all know how much I am loving JCrew lately... but let's be honest, sometimes their prices are a leeeetle tough to swallow. Today I am featuring some of my favorite JCrew finds... and their "stunt doubles", that also happen to be a little easier on the pocket book!
So what do you think? Could some of these be a good alternative?
JCrew Toothpick Cords, $79.50
Old Navy Skinny Cords, $34.50
JCrew Tissue Turtleneck Tee, $34.50
Old Navy Jersey Turtleneck Tee, $14.50
JCrew Drapey Sequin Tee, $69.50
Old Navy Embellished Tank, $14.50
Old Navy Cable Sweater, $29.50
Victoria's Secret Sequin Skirt, $79.50
So what do you think? Could some of these be a good alternative?
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