New Toy

Once again, I am traveling for work, so taking pics will be a challenge this week.  I have a couple of extra pics saved that I will try to schedule.  So, in lieu of an outfit post today, I thought I would share a picture of my new toy.  


Even though my blog is still a newborn, I  have high hopes that it will last awhile. Sooo, I have been on the hunt for an ah-mazing deal on an SLR camera.  Neither I nor my picture-taking buddy JD are professional photographers, but I firmly believe in having the right tools for the job.  Plus, I am a little OCD so whenever I try something new, I get obsessed with accessories and go all out buying them.  (Remind me to tell you about the ONE time I tried to play bball and bought tons of gear.)  I am also a firm believer in sales, bargains, on tha cheap, clearance, etc.  So enter, my search through most of the pawn shops in Greensboro for a camera.  I briefly thought about buying a new one, but again since we are not pros, I didn't want to pay a pro price.  I found this little guy, with the box, instructions, 2 lenses & all of the cords for about 50% less than the lowest sale price around!  Now I can't promise the pics will miraculously become amazing, but hey, at least JD and I will look good shooting them.

I have to say, even though I still don't really know how to use most of the features, it does take great pics!

Canon EOS Rebel XS w/EFS 18-55mm lens attached, and extra  EF 50mm lens

Lesson for the day:  pawn shops are your friend.  It just might be a pawn shoppy Christmas for my peeps this year!


Do any of you shop @ pawn shops?  Aren't they just another form of thrifting?  


Happy Tuesday!

Emerald City

Something you should know about me is that I pick out and iron both Muffin's and my clothes for the week on Sundays.  I watch the weather channel, check my weather apps and watch the local weather (a bit OCD eh?), then I decide on a theme or mindset for us for the 5 work/school days.  Admittedly, I am a control freak. Couple that with the fact that I can't get out of bed on time, and you can't beat that Sunday thing.  It really makes getting dressed easier, because I can "shop" my closet and put things together that I wouldn't normally do if I were pressed for time.


So with that being said, I give you my OOTD...  I actually wore this almost 2 weeks ago, but I'm just getting around to posting it.  I am really digging the emerald tones in the shirt and jacket.  It's a little bit county and a little bit rock and roll, or maybe it's more like City Mouse/Country mouse.  At any rate, like I've said before (here), I love a clothing contradiction.  The plaid shirt and velvet jacket combo somehow make me happy.  Or maybe it's the fact that I got this jacket for $9.50 from Loft c/o a bunch of Rewards cards!  Booyah!

Blazer:  Loft (here), Shirt:  J Crew, Jeans:  Gap 1969 Curvy Jeans (here), Shoes:  Nine West, Necklace/Earrings:  NY&Co

And for further validation of this creation, Kendi wore a similar look in her Mad for Plaid post on the same day that I wore this!  Nice, huh?


Happy Tuesday!

Dots, Stripes & Turkeys Oh My!

Hello Blogger buddies!  I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving and did some super Black Friday shopping!  I spent most of my Turkey day with my family and the bf.  And just because I'm corny cool like that, I dressed Muffin and myself alike.  Obviously, I can only do this while she's still little -- cause pretty soon she's going to discover that Mommy is not nearly as cool as she thinks I am right now!


Since she is a junior fashionista, and her wardrobe rivals most adults, I had a few options to choose.  We did a little pattern mixing with nearly identical striped cardis and polka-dotted tanks.   I initially planned for her to wear skinny jeans too, but I try to pick my battles and her whining for "soft pants" won.

Me:  Cardi:  Loft, Tank:  Ann Taylor, Skinnies:  TJ Maxx, Flats:  Nine West
Muffin:  Cardi:  GapKids, Tank:  Old Navy, Leggings:  Target, Shoes:  Satin Chuck Taylors

What do you think of Mothers and daughters who dress alike or in the same "theme"?  Corny or cute?  

Happy Monday!

GIVING THANKS

I apologize for not posting pics over the last couple of days, but the Holiday prep had me pretty busy.  Today, instead of the usual post, I want to list the things/people for which I am thankful.  I know most bloggers do this, but I think it is important to take time out from focusing on ourselves and express gratitude for other things.

Soooo, without further adieu, my List of Thanks:

1. My Lord & Savior who continues to bless me everyday in spite of myself
2. My lil Muffin - who I call my "battery" because she keeps me going
3. My family - for their unconditional love and honesty even when I don't want to hear it
4. The Bf - Mr. D - who is quite possibly one of the best people I know
5. My friends - esp KM & JD - even if they don't know it, they are two of the most inspiring women I know
6. This wonderful blogging community which I am so excited to become a part of - I look forward to growing and getting to know more of you

This is a really abbreviated list - but I am so blessed and thankful for everything in my life, that I just can't list it all!  

O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good, for his mercy endureth forever.

1 Chronicles 16:34

Fall Festival

Today this outfit pays homage to Thanksgiving.  

Sweater:  Ann Taylor, Tee:  Ann Taylor, Jeans:  Wrangler (Sample Sale), Shoes:  Nicole (DSW), Necklace/Earrings:  Charming Charlies

I feel like my whole get up screams food.  Let's see:  Turkey colored jeans - check!, Carrot colored tee - check!, Sweet potato pie colored shoes - Check!, Gravy colored sweater - check!.  I actually had on an off white belt  that was in the rice color family, but we had a pre-Thanksgiving lunch at work and the belt just made me look like I was wearing a hula hoop.  So that was definitely a no-go for the rest of the day.

As a special treat, I have finally convinced my buddy JD, who normally takes my pics to come from behind the camera.  JD's outfit is perfect for this time of year.  I'm digging the color combo.  As a matter of fact, I think I'm going to have to borrow that skirt!

Sweater:  Ann Taylor, Skirt:  Ann Taylor,  Boots:  Bjorn, Boot Sox:  Hue, Necklace: J Crew, Watch:  Fossil

Can you tell that her boot sox match her skirt exactly.  So cool!

So is anyone else dressing like a  menu these days?

Happy Tuesday!

Pattern Play & a Pop

I have been dying to try wearing different patterns.  And this outfit sort of fell together.  It all started with me trying to find something not so neutral to wear with these Loft striped trousers.  I was determined not to wear the usual black or pink top.  But nothing looked right.  That is, until I spotted my silky polka-dot blouse that technically should have been all wrong.  But I went with it, wore it to work today, and loved it! 

Jacket:  Copper Key (Dillards Spring 2010), Blouse:  Marshalls (2006?), Trousers:  Loft (Summer 2011), Patent pumps:  Bandolino (Summer 2010)

  I thought the red moto-style jacket for an added pop of color was a nice touch.

SN:  I apologize for these pics.  JD and I didn't get around to our usual photo shoot @ work.  My Mother took these this evening for me.  In her defense, the lighting was pretty poor, but I'm still planning to get her photography lessons for Christmas!

Nightmare on Elm St

You may have noticed that my blog has been a little quiet this week.  After a week of travel, meetings and more meetings, I pre-programmed my mind to be really low-key today.  So I took the easy way out - I went all matchy-matchy with the red in the sweater and my tee and threw on a fav pair of Wranglers.  

Cardi: Loft (Summer 2011), L/S Tee: Gap (ancient), Jeans: Wrangler (2010), Belt:  F21 (Fall 2011), Boots: Bronx So today (2009)

I actually thought of this post title on Sunday when I picked out this outfit.  My office is located on Elm St, and this cardi is definitely Kruger-esque - so voila, the ensemble labeled itself.  Besides the irony of my clothes, this whole get-up is rather uninspired - and sadly I planned it that way.

But the boots, ohhh these boots.  I love them so much I should name them.  They are not at all comfy, but they're so funky I suck up the pain and strut anyway (then when no one is looking, I limp like a wounded puppy). 

After this stressful week, it's a lucky thing I didn't have a leather glove w/knives laying around...


Happy Friday!

Color Me Chilly

Today is the first super chilly day we’ve had this week with a High of about 50.  Nothing like a chunky sweater layered over a silky tank to keep you cozy.  Plus, there is something about pairing Spring colors with Wintry fabrics….it’s kinda like a clothing contradiction.  Now, I’m about to tear into a pack of Skittles…maybe I should spare the green ones in honor of my britches.  Nah, I want to taste the rainbow! 

Cardi – HM (Winter 2010), Paisley tank: Talbots outlet (Summer 2011), Cords:  Loft.com (Fall 2011), Suede booties: Enzo Angiolini from Shoewoo.com (Fall 2010)

I recently bought these Modern Slim Straight Cords from Loft, in a red shade and this Skittle green and I love them!

Happy Friday – have a fan-tabulous weekend!

The Long & Short of It

There is something about Fall that makes me want to wear tights with everything.  Given that I am 5’10 and my legs are literally 3ft long – it was a no brainer to pair funky tights with my fav sparkly shorts.  

Cardi:  Loft (Spring 2011), Pokey-dotty shell:  Ann Taylor (Fall 2011), Glittery shorts:  Loft (Fall 2010), Tights:  Hue (Kayser-Roth sample sale), Shoes:  Nine West (2009?), Tote:  Ann Taylor (early Spring 2011)

  Can we talk about how fabulous this piece of luggage bag is??  My friend JD "made" me buy it earlier this year. I've only carried it twice - but I love it!  It's HUGE and 100% leather!  Inside I have my iPad, yarn & crochet hooks, and Muffin's dance leotard, ballet, tap AND jazz shoes - not to mention my other "purse-y" stuff.  Winning!

I am digging this profusion of polka dots!

 What I’m learning about Fashion 101 through blogs:  when in doubt - either belt it, throw on a cardi or call attention to those gams with outrageous tights.  I mean, that’s the long and short(s) of it.  Case Closed.


Happy Thursday!

Blue Suede Shoes

I almost titled this post “Elvis Impersonator”, but I couldn't strike one of his poses to save my life.  Besides, the pumps made the choice too obvious.

Jacket:  Gap (ancient), Tee:  Loft (Spring 2011), Jeans:  Wrangler (sample sale @ work), Shoes:  Nine West (early Fall 2011), Belt:  Gap (ancient),  Bracelets:  Rope- F21 (Spring 2011) & Silver Bangles (Loft outlet Summer 2011), Beaded Necklace & Earrings:  Bijuju (Summer 2010?), Tassel Necklace:  Banana Republic (early Spring 2011)

 Here’s a funny story about these jeans….I work for a denim company, so jeans are pretty much a standard issue around my office.  And obviously, I have TONS of them.  This morning, as I was getting ready, I knocked a jar of hair conditioner off the counter and it splattered the leg of my jeans.  My lil Muffin said, “Ooooooh Mommy!  You gotta be more careful, you messed up your pants!  You can’t wear them now.”  But, quick like a cat, I went into my closet and pulled out an identical pair!  Apparently nothing will keep me from impersonating The King!

My work badge just really sets this off - doesn't it?
I leave you with these words:  ‘Well, it's one for the money, Two for the show, Three to get ready, Now go, cat, go. But don't you step on my blue suede shoes .You can do anything but lay off of my blue suede shoes.”

Thank you, thank you very much. 

Lost in Translation

Every once in a while you plan out an outfit that is uber cu-yute in your head...  then you put it on, and that image does NOT translate into reality.  Well, ladies & gents, today I bring you such an ensemble:   

Cardigan:  J Crew Outlet (Spring 2011), Tank:  Gap Outlet (Summer 2011), Skinnies:  Loft (Fall 2010), Boots:  Anne Klein (Shoewoo.com Fall 2010), Wrap Bracelets:  The Limited (Summer 2011), Watch:  Timex (Target), Neon Watchstrap:  J Crew (Summer 2011)

Separately, I love each of these pieces, but somehow I don’t think they’re working together.  Is it the boots?  Am I under accessorized?  To be honest, accessories is an area that I struggle with – sometimes I just don’t feel like putting a bunch of crap on! LOL

Anyhoo, if any of my 7 followers feel like leaving a comment, please tell me how you would have styled this differently.

Hey Mr. Preying Mantis - get ur own photo shoot!

Tall Snob Giveaway: Women's Tall PJ Pants

Before my daily outfit post, I am linking up to one of my favorite blogs: Tall Snob.  


They are hosting a giveaway for a super hard-to-find item....Women's Tall Pajama Pants - up to a 38" inseam!  For my "vertically blessed" sisters - I know you understand how much of a big deal this is.  

So please, click on over to Tall Snob at (http://www.tallsnob.com/2011/11/new-giveaway-womens-tall-pajamas-up-to.html) then check out Lacey's Etsy shop Tall Girl Crafts.  Don't forget to  enter the giveaway.  And if you're lucky enough to win - you can feel free to gift the pants (Size M, 36" inseam please) to moi!

Happy clicking!

A Classic

Lately, all the blogs & style mags are featuring the classic trench coat as a wardrobe staple.  Luckily, I stumbled upon this trench skirt online at Ann Taylor (now $79.99 + 25% off) a month or so ago.  Now that I have my own classic trench, maybe I can live out my dreams of being a flasher Private Investigator.

Top: Loft (Fall 2010), Skirt:  AnnTaylor (Fall 2011), Tights: Hue (ancient), Shoes:  Nine West (Summer 2011),  Necklace & Earrings:  Loft (Summer 2011), Cuff:  Mom (old)

A big thanks to my new followers, and words of encouragement from fellow bloggers!

Happy Monday!