30 March 2011
28 March 2011
Polyvore Floral Ensemble
I found a fun new challenge to do! And now I'm obsessed with the Polyvore website.
I have Polyvore sets on numerous blogs and sites but I didn't know until this morning how beautifully addictive it is!
Where have I been all this time? I could have been wasting so many hours at work with this fun site. Oh, right, maybe it's a good thing I didn't know about it.
Here's my florally inspired set.
Sonia Rykiel cotton tank top, 560 GBP Miss Selfridge shrug top, 28 GBP Top, $25 Crochet tank top, $10 Dolman tee, $7.99 TopShop floral print skirt, $75 Flat shoes, $88 Dorothy Perkins leather handbag, 32 GBP Flower necklace, $15 John Lewis Women straw hat, 23 GBP TopShop hair accessory, $8 Ray Ban aviator sunglass, 135 EUR Paul & Joe - Lipstick N - # 20 (Milk Chocolate) 3.2g/0.11oz, $25 CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE PARFUM, $95 THE COSMETIC MARKET :: Makeup :: Nails :: OPI Tutti Frutti Tonga, $8.50 Table Flowers - Roses and Carnations in a Vase Singapore
I started with the gorgeous skirt and then coordinated the outfit based on that.
And of course I couldn't just have one top as an option with the skirt because that wouldn't be me. So I had to go overboard a little and give my girl a few choices.
I think the tank & yellow lacey cardigan is perfect for a weekend day outfit. I like the 3/4 sleeve top with the Sonia Rykiel tank layered over it for a work outfit. And I couldn't help but add the gray tank with crochet back...it was just too cute!
Just throw these extra tops in that cute gray Dorothy Perkins handbag and you've got your work to weekend options ready to go!
The orange flats can be used for work or play and will definitely grab envious attention from your coworkers or friends. As will the adorable flower headband you'll be wearing. For the weekend, grab your striped hat so you can protect that porcelain skin while you're out and about!
Now that you're looking at the world through your rose tinted glasses, all you need is a killer necklace, rockin lipstick, and pretty nails and you're good to go!
Don't forget a quick spritz of my favorite perfume and then treat yourself to some gorgeous roses so you have something pretty to look at after your fun weekend!
25 March 2011
FBFF: Feminism & Fashion
It's FBFF time again!
I haven't posted for FBFF in a few weeks. So when I read that it was around feminism, I wasn't sure how I felt. Is it just me or does the word feminism conjure up images of men-hating women burning their bras? And yes, I know how ridiculous that sounds.
Out of curiosity, I decided to give Google Images a try and see what came up for images of Feminism. Here are a few of my favorites...
classic feminism poster
one very intense feminist Ashley Judd
ha!
FBFF Q&A
1. Do you think there is an incompatibility between feminism and a love for fashion?
Not for me. I wouldn't call myself a feminist but I do believe in equal rights for women. And I also love fashion. So I guess it just depends on each person.
2. There is more to each of us than a love for fashion, how do you incorporate every aspect of yourself into your blog?
I think my personality comes through in my writing and blog topics. I incorporate stuff about my family and other hobbies I enjoy.
Not all of my posts revolve around fashion but I do love wearing pretty clothes and thinking I look cute in them. There's nothing wrong with that.
3. With the fashion industry still being a male-dominated profession, how do you think it would differ if women played a larger role?
Maybe women wouldn't get as frustrated when shopping for flattering clothes. I often see clothing on the rack that I know would only flatter about 2% of women out there.
4. How is your self-image and the way you carry yourself informed by your beliefs?
Most of the time these are completely separate for me.
The only instance I see any of my beliefs influencing my self-image is that I believe we were created in God's image and should treat our bodies with respect. And even though modesty can be defined differently by each individual, I try to dress modestly for me.
5. Do you think clothing/makeup/hair helps communicate the truth about yourself or are those things superfluous add-ons?
Superfluous to one person can be fun or insightful to another person. If I dressed in ill-fitting clothing that I didn't like, does that make me a more genuine person? I don't think so.
People will judge you by what they see no matter what you do.
I think that my look communicates that a woman can both dress professional and fun at the same time. I'd like to think that the colors I incorporate also present me as an open person.
What are your thoughts? I'd love to hear them!
Visit modlychic to read what other FBFF bloggers have to say on this subject!
23 March 2011
Paper Doll Project
I love it when other people dress me.
It just makes life easier when you go to your closet and don't have to internally debate what you should wear for the day.
Yesterday, I participated in The Paper Doll Project.
Here's the basic concept. All participants were put into pairs. Within each pair, each blogger chose one piece for their partner to style their outfit around.
Dude, I totally lucked out with my cool partner Sara from Skrush. I mean, how cute is she?! Go read her blog and you will love both her clothing and writing styles!
Since I recently got this fun blazer from my friend Emily's garage sale, that's the piece I picked for Sara to work with. (Thanks for not selling it and letting me have it for free, Em!)
Sara suggested I pair it with this purple floral button up that I wore during the fall 30/30 remix, as well as a brightly colored scarf, skinny pants/jeans, and short boots.
I guess I'm not the best paper doll because I actually don't own a pair of skinny pants/jeans. That's sad! Only once have I tried on skinny jeans and my big calves didn't fit. I was literally too big for skinny jeans!
So I improvised a little and decided to wear my new Banana Republic jeans I got for only $18(!!) and some chunky teal heels that were comfortable enough to wear at work all day.
I added my green yellow polka dot scarf and Shazaam! A fun new outfit emerged. I'm absolutely loving it!!
I ended up having to disrobe while at work (take off the scarf) because I was running around so much. With or without it, the outfit totally works. And maybe this will push me into searching for skinny pants now, because I know Sara's ideas were spot on.
Now go check out Sara's blog to see my suggestions for her!
And THEN, go see what the other Paper Doll Project participants wore!
Post Edit: I need a tripod so I can take pictures in locations other than my backyard.
I'm tired of seeing the same fence.
15 March 2011
Crafty Polka Dot Fun
I love to use polka dots as a main or coordinating fabric when I'm sewing. They make my job a lot easier when I'm trying to buy fabric because they complement most prints and solids so well.
Here are some past sewing projects that have incorporated polka dots as the main or complementary fabric.
Tie Onesie with stripes and polka dots
Cupcake Onesie with floral and polka dotted fabrics
Ribbon Tag baby blanket with polka dot back
One of my favorite aprons I've made! Beaters fabric with red polka dot top, trim, pocket and waistband. Adjustable neck tie was with black/white polka dot ribbon.
The Out & About Wrist Bag in black/white polka dots with pink handles.
Bag made of silk and perfect for a night out!
Coming soon...
polka dot scarf, pillows, and more fun baby onesies!
Want to see polka dots on something else? Send me your ideas for my next sewing project!
10 March 2011
Polka Dots, how I love thee!
I have always loved polka dots. They are classic, fun, timeless, and just so cute! When I see them, I smile and know that things will always be cheery as long as polka dots exist.
Here are a few polka dotted clothing items I am totally digging right now from Modcloth.
Head over to joy, et cetera to check out Elle's super cute blog and her polka dot tights!
You'll find yourself wishing you were just as adorable as her. At least I do every time I visit.
What's your favorite polka dot piece you've seen online? Link up and share with us!
Tomorrow I will be showing some cute polka dot baby items I've made.
They will also be posted in my Etsy shop once I take some pictures during daylight hours.
Happy Friday friends!! :)
09 March 2011
Here a Dot, There a Dot, Everywear a Polka Dot
This month's Everybody, Everywear challenge is polka dots!!!!!!
Could I BE more excited?!?!?!
I don't think so!!
I love a good polka dot. I even love a bad polka dot. Not sure there is such a thing but I'm sure I'd love it anyway. Maybe a bad polka dot is an ambiguously shaped dot...kinda like what the doctors say you should look for when you check out your moles for possible weirdness.
That's right. I just turned a polka dot post into a mole-checking post. Awesome.
Ok, so back to the polka dot.
Because of my love of all things polka dotted, I feel inspired by the Everybody, Everywear Challenge to do a week-long posting on polka dots. I will include current and past photos of me wearing dots, as well as just some of my favorite finds around the web of dotted fashion and fun items.
Sounds like a splendid time, right?
First on the polka dot posting agenda, here are some outfits I've recently worn that incorporate lovely polka dots. You'll notice that most of the dotted articles came from Target.
Remember when you only used to buy underwear, cheap flip-flops, and workout clothes there?
Hat, Belt, Tank: Target
Jeans: Gap
Cardigan: Target
Striped tee & jeans: GAP
Necklace: Old Navy
Cardigan: Ann Taylor
Polka dotted tee: Macy's
Denim skirt: Ann Taylor
Tights: DSW
Flats: Target
Necklace: Old Navy
same light gray striped blazer from Em
red polka dot tank: Target
dress pants: NY & Co.
snakeskin heels: Steve Madden from ideeli
necklace: Walmart
Head to toe shot. This looks trippy.
I wanted to make sure I included polka dots with prints, because I love how easily they pair with stripes or florals.
But now I realize that ALL the outfits I wore were dots and prints.
Like I said, it works.
How do YOU wear polka dots? As an accessory, article of clothing, paired with a crazy print, or classicly paired with a solid color?
psbtw...why does the spacing change in Blogger during my post? How do I keep single line spacing throughout??
04 March 2011
FBFF: Beauty Products
My first post as a member of the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday...YAY! :)
Also my first post on beauty products. That's a little strange considering I LOVE makeup and fun beauty products! I try not to walk into Sephora often for that very reason. I made the mistake of going in there on a payday for my favorite foundation...I only got a few things and spent $100. Eek!!
Talking about Sephora reminds me of the first FBFF question this week.
1. What's your favorite drug store makeup product and favorite higher-end product?
Drug store makeup: I LOVE my Revlon Colorstay eyeliner in black! My dark & beautiful brown eyes (conceited much?) need a dark pencil that's easy to apply and Revlons works bestest for me! Woah, I just browsed Revlon's website and found the eyeliner for $6.79 online, what a deal!
Higher-end product: d.j.v. beautenizer Fiberwig LX mascara!!! Before I met and married this product, I had clumpy, smearing lashes, but those lashes are no more with Fiberwig!! Easiest mascara EVER to take off...maybe I don't even take it off sometimes...and my face isn't (as) scary the next morning! Retails for $24...and totally worth every penny!!!
I also have to give a close runner up to Smashbox's Camera Ready Full Coverage Foundation. It's so smooth (like buttah) and keeps my complexion looking even. The only complaint I have is that the brush it comes with leaves brush lines on my face. And of course it is tres expensive for not much product! Retails for $38.
2. Is there one type of product that is your go-to, can't live without?
Definitely my foundation. Can't leave home without it! Ok, sometimes I do, but it's on before I arrive at my destination. And maybe applying my makeup while driving isn't the best idea!
But I also love my Mary Kay Timewise Age-Fighting Moisturizer!! I put it on every morning and most nights. It is just so refreshing on my skin.
3. What's the best hair product you've ever used?
Hmmm...I don't fuss with my hair as much when it's at a longer length. I don't like to put a lot of product in it or style it too much during the week so it stays healthy. I know this is a weird thing to say but I do love the shampoo I use. Organix Shampoo - my favorite "flavor" is the Pomegranate Green Tea. It's sulfate free and leaves my scalp feeling refreshed and not dried out! Retails for $6.99 on Drugstore.com
I also love Aveda products, especially the Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother - perfect for the humid Houston climate! Retails for $24 but I've had it about a year now since I don't use it every day.
4. Fess up, what's the worst beauty look you've tried to rock and look back at now with a little shame or apprehension that you actually did that?
Um...does a "trendy" haircut count? If so, I shall hang my head in shame as I admit to once having "The Rachel" cut as my do in high school.
Remember how the 90s were really no better than the 80s with regards to style?
5. When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic products. What do you use that helps show off your personal flare and personality?
My eye shadow. I usually use Urban Decay's Deluxe Shadow Box set. I bought it for my wedding because the pink color was perfect for a sweet day like that, and I thought the bright colors would be fun to wear on my honeymoon in Costa Rica!
Retails for $38. SO worth the money. Dude, I bought this last April and still have a few months left in it!
I like to think I have a colorful personality...plus I love to wear bright colors in my clothing! So, why not wear bright eye shadow as well?! High school girls totally compliment me all the time on my eye shadow now, haha!
Colors I wear most:
The pink in the bottom middle is gone.
The purple on the top left is nearly gone.
The green has a hole in the middle.
And the dark purple and bright blue are also wearing down.
I literally wear THE brightest colors in the mix!
Here's my typical work day makeup.
And now I'm thinking that maybe my foundation is a little on the yellow side. I have to wear 2 different colors of foundation from winter to summer.
Does everyone else run into that issue as well?
What are some of your favorite beauty products? Please share!
02 March 2011
30 at 30
I've been going back and forth on being excited and then saddened by my entrance into my 30s last week.
Almost everyone over 30 has told me it was their favorite decade!
And then most people under 30 just thinks that it's stinkin' OLD.
And then most people under 30 just thinks that it's stinkin' OLD.
That's definitely how it makes me feel...like I'm not just a young woman. I'm a woman in my 30s. Woah.
Well I've decided that I'm not gonna let it get me down. Ya hear that, you 30 year-old body, you won't bring me down! So I've come up with a To Do List of sorts for some things I want to do in the next year.
Without further ado, here are 30 things I want to do at the age of 30.
1. Go to Europe with my hubby. We've already started making plans!
2. Run a 5K...maybe even a 10K but no promises on that one.
3. Make 30 sales on Etsy. Which really equates to putting more time into my business.
4. Pay off student loans.
5. Host a tea party. I really want to make some scones! Did that link make you drool a little?
6. Sew myself a skirt or dress...something I've said I would do for almost 2 years now.
7. Make my own cheese. Yep.
8. Read the Bible daily for 1 month.
9. Take a cooking class.
10. Save $200 a month for an emergency fund...and not spend the emergency fund on shoes, ha!
11. Go skydiving. I promised my husband I'd go again someday so why not now?
12. Make pillows. Something super easy to sew and I haven't done them yet. (Thank you, cousin, for asking me to make some.)
13. Enjoy the sunset on my back patio. I have no reason for not having done this.
14. Teach a sewing class. This doesn't have to be anything fancy, maybe just a class for friends.
15. Stay at my goal weight. I just want to be able to weigh in as a Lifetime Member of Weight Watchers for a year without paying a dime.
16. Surprise my husband once a month. This could mean anything really. Just doing something nice for him that's out of the ordinary.
17. Read 10 books from the top 100 novels list.
18. Volunteer at a food kitchen or shelter.
19. Make rolled out sugar cookies with Royal icing.
20. Sew a purse with zippers. I've made one bag with a zipper and nothing else...why do they scare me so?
21. Rock red lipstick for a night out. I was going to say all day but that might freak out people at work.
22. Go 30 days without using my credit card. I'm not in debt or anything, but I definitely rely on it too much a few days before the paycheck comes in.
23. Make creme brulee. I have no idea how to put the accents on the words from within Blogger.
24. Host a craft day at my house. Fun girly time for fun crafts.
25. Pamper myself once a month. Maybe get a pedicure or facial or just relax in a nice bubble bath while listening (falling asleep) to Norah Jones on my ipod. I'll be right back...
[2 pruny hours later]
26. Buy a DSLR camera. I want to be able to take better pictures for my business and for the blog. Plus I've wanted one for years. They're just cool.
27. Mentor at a school. I've been doing mentoring for a couple months and I just want to continue to do it. It's cool to connect with kids.
28. Make a (small) quilt. Another sewing project I've been putting off but want to make time to finish...ok, start.
29. Blog once a week. Just putting this out there makes me nervous. I feel the pressure already!
30. Take my dogs to the dog park at least 6 times. It isn't near us but it isn't that far either. And I think Lucy is old enough to (hopefully but probably not) behave herself. Even if she's bad, I know she'll have a blast.
Well some of these were serious, some silly, some possibly overly ambitious. I realized I couldn't make a list of 30 really intense things so I tried to break it up into lots of different types.
What do you think? I think my readers will have fun watching me attempt some of these things on the list.
Which is your favorite of the 30?
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