FBFF: Fitness & Fashion

FBFF time. I like this week's questions. I have been thinking of incorporating some fitness into my blog, but wasn't sure how to go about it.

1. Do you keep some kind of fitness routine? Why?

Most definitely! I have had lots of different fitness routines throughout the years but what has finally worked for me and kept me dedicated is the Boot Camp Challenge I participate in. I started doing the sessions last year, before my wedding, and I have continued since then. I have found that I always work out more vigorously and more regularly when I am participating in a group workout. I will show up more when I'm being held accountable by my workout buddies and I push myself harder when I have more fit people to compare myself to.

And why do I have a fitness routine...first because I don't want to be overweight or unhealthy. I was overweight for a majority of my adult life (75 pounds lost!) and I don't ever want to be that unhealthy again. For me, it was not only the lack of exercise, but also a major lack of knowlege regarding portion control and how unhealthy the foods were that I was eating. I really had no clue how bad many of my favorite foods were until I did food journaling when I started Weight Watchers in 2003. But now I also exercise because I like it. Plus it gives me energy during the day when I've already worked out at 5:30 in the morning and I seem to sleep better at night as well. Plus it's nice when you work hard, lose some inches, and fit into smaller pants, YAY!

2. Has working out, maybe training for a marathon or something of that nature, helped with your own perception of body image?

Even after being at a healthy weight the last few years, I still struggle with having a good body image. Sometimes I see myself feeling guilty over a 40 calorie thing of candy. Those are the times I try to reassess and look at the big picture. I remind myself of all my progress into becoming a healthier person. And being at a healthy weight has definitely increased my self confidence. I still feel vulnerable when I try something on that be a little tighter-fitting, but if it is flattering (and not slutty), then I can take pride in being able to fit into that style.

3. When you are hitting the gym or just going out for a long walk what do you wear? Is it about functionality or fashion?

Workout Attire by lemondrop_linz featuring a longsleeve tee

Roxy longsleeve tee, $12
Nike yoga activewear, $25
Aerie cropped pants, $30
Nike sports bra, 28 GBP
Anne Klein nylon socks, $7.95
Wooden ship, $19
New balance athletic shoes, $50

It's definitely more about functionality for me. I want to be comfortable when I'm working out. That being said, I still try to be a little fashionable. If I'm wearing pants, I don't want them to look like they are high waters when I'm running outside or on the treadmill.

During the summer (which has already begun here in Texas), I usually wear knee-length pants. I don't usually feel comfortable wearing shorts because they ride up too much while I'm working out and I don't want to worry about flashing anyone. I often wear a tank top or racerback tank on top. If it's for boot camp and a little chilly, I'll wear a long sleeve tee for a layer until I'm warmed up.

A good sports bra is key when working out...you don't wanna be flopping around and distracting people at the gym! And this may be TMI, but you also have to consider whether your underclothes will give you a wedgie...there's just no right way to pick a wedgie in public.

4. Do you feel there is a cultural perception of what you "should" be doing for your own physical fitness?

I always hated how everyone and their mom were "runners." I say "runners" because I used to think that anyone who would run for exercise was a runner. But once I got over my hatred for running and stopped labeling people who ran, I realized that it wasn't so bad. I only hated it because it was hard for me to do it. But after using it as a supplimental cardio to my boot camp workouts, I started enjoying it. Plus I take my dogs with me a lot too so they get some exercise. That's what Cesar Milan says to do!

5. Dream big...what would be your ultimate fitness goal.

I think I'd want to do a triathlon. I'm sure most people would say run a marathon, but I actually have no desire to do that. For some reason, it just looks crazy to me! That probably has to do with my weird perception of "runners" again, haha.

But I think I could handle a triathlon...with training, of course. I have done (half) of an MS150, and I like to swim and now like to run, so why not?

And maybe I would do a half marathon. That doesn't seem quite as nutty to me as a full one does.

In honor of fitness day at FBFF, I've combined my outfit pics with some exercise!!

If you haven't jumped on a trampoline in a long time, you'd be surprised on how much work it is!

It burns a lot of calories and it's easy on the joints.

I LOVE my new top and skirt!!

Thanks for letting me jump on your trampoline and also for taking pics of me on it, Tami!

top: Dillard's, gray (looks blue) pencil skirt: Target, red kitten heels: had forever?

So what's involved in your typical fitness routine? I always love hearing more fitness tips that I can incorporate, so please share!

And have a lovely weekend!

Rollin With My Homies

wordless wednesday

FBFF: Inspiration...a little late

Dude, this is embarrassing...I forgot to schedule this post so it would post automatically. And here it is, Monday, not Friday. Oh well, I'm posting it anyway.

So I guess you'll just have to deal with it.

FBFF time again. Which means it's also Good Friday AND Earth Day!

(or at least it was!!)

1. Which celebrity (celebrities) do you look to for fashion inspiration?

I really don't have a certain celebrity that I look to for fashion inspiration. I will flip through magazines and like some celebrity styles I see, but I am not following them and copying their every move or anything.

2. When it comes to your own personal style, what inspires you?

I'm inspired by many other fashion bloggers out there. When I'm looking in my closet, I will remember something I saw another blogger try and it will encourage me to try my own version of that.

I'm also inspired by new trends that look like they will stick around. I don't want to try every trend that is out there, but if I think it will stand the test of time or I just think it's super cute, then I'll take a stab at it myself. But I can also accept that not every trend will work for my body type and I'm perfectly fine with that!

3. How do you hope to inspire your readers?

With regards to fashion, I hope that I inspire my readers to have fun with colors and think outside of the normal outfits they create.

I also hope that I make people laugh a little when they come to my blog.

4. Outside the realm of fashion, who/what inspires you?

I guess it depends on what we're talking about here. This could really be anything.

If we're talking about crafts and sewing, I'm inspired by other crafty bloggers, as well as beautiful fabrics I see online and in stores.

If we're talking about life in general, then we could get really corny here...my husband, my family, and my friends.

5. Since Idol is ending...which songs inspire you?

I don't watch Idol. Sorry peeps if I disappointed you.

But I love music and many songs inspire me. Right now, I'm listening to the new Foo Fighters album. And I just went to an amazing concert recently of one of my new fave bands - Fitz & The Tantrums. LOVE them!

yeah, these are super boring answers. so now you're wondering why I even bothered posting them late...I don't really know.

but hey, here's a little outfit pic for you...

I'm trying to experiment with mixing patterns more often. I like how the repetitive subtle print of this navy tank works well with the colorful floral print on the cardigan.

Oh and I totally had 4 layers on above the waist...and they were not needed for warmth.

Cardigan: Old Navy. Navy print tank: garage sale. Black tank: Downeast Basics. Light gray tank, orange belt: Target. Jeans: GAP.

I don't remember what shoes I was wearing but you can't see them anyway.

I also find that after looking at these pics, I could really use a necklace.

So what inspires YOU?

Awkward & Awesome Thursday

I decided to join in with Sydney's Awkward & Awesome Thursdays today. Plenty of awkward things happen to me all the time so I'm sure I can fill up today's post with some recent ones. And actually, I started this post 3 weeks ago, so now I have even more awkward awesomeness to share...or awesome awkwardness. Is it just me or does the word awkward look weird after you type it 5 or so times?

No, I'm not on drugs.

Awkward is...

realizing you still have a size sticker on your cardigan...AND it's the second full day you've worn it

having to get gross trash out of your dog's mouth...the special monthly kind

waiting in stop & go traffic just to get to work late.

someone clipping their fingernail right beside you and it popping out and coming within an inch of your eye...and the dude didn't even notice!

my work's safety dept giving out safety glasses the following week as part of EYE SAFETY MONTH... "Come ON!" (Arrested Dev anyone?)

taking an outfit picture beside the drainage pipe of my house...that's just weird

Awesome is...

my husband cooking for me, which he does A LOT. Recent yummy creations include a tortilla chip encrusted pork tenderloin and the mussels I recently posted.

my dog sleeping through the night

being 2 weeks away from our 1st wedding anniversary

martinis...shaken, not stirred. also, did you know that James Bond made vodka martinis the cool kid thing? before the movies came along, most martinis were made with gin. little fun fact for you (courtesy of my husband, the smart one)

being measured at the end of my last boot camp session and finding out that I've lost weight AND inches, wahoo!

fitting into the smallest size pants I've ever worn in my adult life!!

Do you have a recent Awkward or Awesome moment you want to share? Well then do it already!

See y'all tomorrow for the weekly FBFF post!

Inspiration Outfit: Gwen Stefani

Were you missing my outfit posts? Never fear, one is here! Yes, I'm Dr. Seuss now. But I'm not a doctor, so Mrs. Seuss perhaps?

Ok so I have to forewarn y'all. You're going to see the inspiration photo and then my outfit photo and go "huh?" But remember, the inspiration outfit is just that...inspiration...not replication, people! At least that is how I view it.

Although I have to admit that I do wish I had some closer options for this one, but I think I still managed fairly well.

So here's the original inspiration outfit, picked out by 2 birds:

Gwen, you are so effortlessly hot. Seriously. I mean, who else can pull off 6 inch heels, sagging bf jeans with plaid shirt open to show off flat killer abs?!

Hey, don't look at me. I definitely can't pull that off...so I went the easy route with this one.

But what I love about these little challenges is that it's just got me thinking more about the clothes in my closet. I have worn unique outfits each week that I wouldn't have normally paired together. And it's not that I'm going so crazy creative, it's just that I hadn't thought of it before.

My take on Gwen's outfit:

Plaid shirt: Walmart (I know!), green tank: JCP, skirt: LOFT, Steve Madden pumps: DSW

necklace: Francesca's, earrings?

Lucy is such a jealous little B, wanting all the attention!

Now that you're thoroughly confused as to my choices, here's my thought process.

1. I had to make this work appropriate. So even though I can wear jeans to work, I wouldn't cuff them like that anyway and I'm really trying not to wear jeans until I hit Thursday. It just forces me to wear nicer dress pants and skirts I don't normally wear. As a side note, I also went to a concert that night and tried to cuff my jeans with the rest of the outfit the same. Husband said it looked good, but all my jeans are bootcut so I felt like it was too bulky.

2. I totally had the perfect blue checkered shirt to wear that I had bought at the J. Crew Outlet. I wore it under a v-neck sweater one day (this was obviously while it was still cold in Houston, so probably about 6 weeks ago) to work and at the end of the day, I was stretching my arms and riiiiip. Thankfully they took it back. So I had no other plaid shirt options.

3. Even if I a) had heels that tall, then I still wouldn't be able to b) walk in them or c) wear them to work all day.

4. I like the outfit I ended up with and I think it still points to Gwen's inspirational outfit a tad. Hey, I'm taking her outfit and making MY version of it, so there!

So what are your thoughts on my version of the outfit?

also, look what I made this past weekend.

the flowers, not the nosy puppy.


but really I just planted them in a planter on the patio.

Oh and hey guys, come over to 2 Birds to check out how other people were inspired by Gwen's outfit!

Earth Week at Lemon Drop

Earth Day and Good Friday are the same day this year, how fun! So not only will I get Friday off from work, but I can also do something green to help our planet.

It's still to be determined what the "something green" will be that I'll do...maybe the husband and I should start recycling. I know, I know, it's something we should already be doing. I just keep forgetting to go buy the bins at Home Depot. Isn't it a little funny (ironic perhaps?) that you have to go buy stuff in order to get rid of the stuff you bought and don't want?

I really am going somewhere with this post. I have been on more of a fashion kick lately on my posts, which is totally cool with y'all, I'm sure. But I also want to include some crafts or sewing projects I've done.

In celebration of Earth Day this week, I'm going to offer a Lemon Drop special for my readers, so get excited!!

I'm going to offer $3 off for this Tree Hugger onesie:

Also available in Long Sleeve onesies!

Only $9!!!!

And $5 off this Tree Hugger slouch bag:

I only have 1 bag in stock, but that doesn't mean y'all have to compete for it...I'll make one just for you!

If you want to take advantage of this deal, you can work it one of the following ways:

1. Leave a comment here that you want to buy it and I'll create a custom listing for you.

2. Convo me on Etsy and I'll create a custom listing for you.

3. Purchase the item and say Earth Day Special in the notes to seller and I will refund the discount via Paypal.

If you like the fabrics in the bag, but want me to create a custom style just for you, then let me know and I'll honor the discount for you.

Happy Earth Day/Week, my friends!!!

Springtime Sunday in Paris

Hope y'all had (and are maybe still having?) a beautiful weekend!

I made this spring Parisian inspired Polyvore set a few weeks ago and forgot about it. Now I'm sharing its cuteness. Don't you just love these picks?

Springtime Sunday in Paris by lemondrop_linz featuring cap sleeve tops

Rocha John Rocha ruffle top, 27 GBP Rue21 plaid top, $20 Zip up jacket, $39 Full skirt, $37 Cap sleeve top, $30 Little Women, $20 Platform shoes, $85 River Island black pump shoes, 25 GBP Printed handbag, $83 ASOS beading earring, $18 Nautical bracelet, $43 Antique silver ring, $15 TopShop enamel jewelry, $20 Wrap necklace, $15 Wrap scarve, $18 Folding umbrella, $130 Two tone hat, $30 Camel belt, $8.90 d.j.v. beautenizer Fiberwig LX Pure Black, $24 MAC Lipstick, $15 Urban Decay Cosmetics - 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil Heart Chatsworth Teacup & Saucer - Table Top Nina Campbell, 15 GBP Eiffel Tower Large, Wall Words and Decals by Trading Phrases, $70 Buy Fabiano Art - Purr-fect - Easyart.com, 9.95 GBP Graves, 35 GBP Brew La La Bottle Opener, $20

I included some of my favorite things - polka dots, ruffled cardigans, floppy hats, Audrey Hepburn, dangly earrings, white wine, bright colors, florals, and even one of my favorite books, Little Women.

This Polyvore set is perfect for a Sunday brunch with friends. I love brunch, don't you?

Well the weekend's over but at least this is a short week at work...hope it is for you too!

FBFF: Gratitude

Lucy's been invading my blog pics a lot lately so I figured I'd just give in and feature her on her own. Satisfied, puppy?

Hey peeps. It's the official one-year anniversary of FBFF. Katy at Modly Chic wanted to do some questions about gratitude for this week.

From Katy: "We each have so many people in our lives and in the blogging community who have helped us along the way. It's time to shine the spotlight on them and give credit where credit is due."

Because I am still pretty new to blogging, a lot of my answers will probably be centered more about my gratitude in my personal life than just concerning my blog.

1. When it comes to me personally - I owe a lot of who I am to:

My parents and my husband.

2. When it comes to me professionally - I owe a lot of who I am to:

Is it lame to say ditto?

3. When it comes to the art of blogging, I'm grateful to these people for helping me through some rough spots:

I'd like to thank someone here, but I don't feel like I've hit a rough spot...yet.

4. One blogging challenge I'm grateful happened because it made me stronger was...

Honestly, just blogging at all is often a challenge.

5. To my readers, I'd like to say...

Well, first, I can't even believe you're still here, reading this. Thanks y'all!

Seriously, sometimes I reread my post and just shake my head at myself. I write how I talk, which is also how I think. I just let it flow out.

So all that was to say THANK YOU for giving me the time of day, for stopping by and leaving sweet comments, and for just caring enough to be here. You rock!!

See what other FBFFers are saying here.

So what do y'all have planned for this weekend?

My husband and I are going to the Houston Zoo tomorrow, YAY!

But first, we're going to see the Toadies tonight!!

My Man Made Mussels Marinara

Talk about alliteration in that Post Title. Whew. Try to say that fast 10 X in a row. Seriously, try it. I gave up after fumbling the 3rd try.

I love to bake yummy sweets and my husband cooks the most amazing dinners. So why not share the love with my readers and show you some recipes we've attempted (me) or created (husband). Maybe you'll find some food inspiration.

For the fashion lovers, I'm in no way suggesting that this will become a food only blog...I definitely don't have the time and patience for that!

Today I'm sharing a creation my husband recently made last week. He went to the store to buy some ingredients for dinner and saw some fresh mussels there and couldn't resist to get them. I asked my dear husband to write up a recipe for the dish he made and he gladly did so. Please note that I did nothing at all to help with this dish...except to eat it!

1. Make rice, whatever kind you want. [I'm going to assume stove top kind will work pretty well since that's what the husband used.]

A long grain and wild rice combo was used here. Pasta would be good too. At the end of the rice cooking, add a can of diced tomatoes; add salt, pepper, garlic, and olive oil to taste. Add some shredded cheese and stire. Manchego cheese was used for this dish.

2. Meanwhile, cook fresh, sliced chorizo in a pan with a little olive oil, about 7 minutes. Add shrimp and cook about 5 minutes. Add a can of crushed tomatoes and a little water. Let it stew for a bit.

3. When you have 10 minutes left on your rice, add the mussels to the pan and cover. Turn the heat to medium-high if it isn't already. The mussels should only take about 5 minutes to open up. After they open, uncover and spoon some of the sauce onto the mussels and mix them up with the rest of it.

4. Serve the proteins and sauce on top of the rice. Spoon remaining sauce over all of it.

Any combination of proteins and rice/pasta would work. You could use chicken instead of chorizo, calamari instea of shrimp or mussels. You could add peppers and onions for a more Spanish style or you could add Italian herbs and use parmesan instead of machego for the cheese.

**Tips for working with mussels: Discard any mussels that are open when you bought them. Before cooking, wash them thoroughly and remove the beards, if not already removed.

Maybe you're like me and didn't know what a beard is on a mussel. It is some furry stuff that grows on it. Most mollusks have beards when they come out of the ocean. They are usually removed before you buy them, but not always if you get them from a specialty store.

Next food post will feature pound cake...stay tuned!

Any food creations you've made recently and want to share?

Maxi-ed Out

I'm participating in the Every Body Every Wear challenge with my maxi dress today. Technically speaking, I participated yesterday, but I never seem to get my post up on the same day of the challenge. Oh well, I guess I am just too busy with the little things...like work and life! Of course I could always plan ahead and wear the outfits before the day of the challenge, but that's just not how I roll.

I've only worn this maxi dress once before today...on my honeymoon in Costa Rica!

See? Told ya. Hey look! I had a tan at some point!

Aww, we're so adorable. I can't believe our 1 year anniversary is almost here! Still have to think of what I will be giving my husband for an anniversary gift...men are hard to shop for!

Ok, where was I? Right, maxi dress.

So here's how I remixed it a little to make it more work appropriate and less beachwear.

Lucy is stealing the show in all the blog pics this week!

Dress: Macy's. SS sweater: Gap. Cardigan, Belt, Black flats: Target.

Close up of jewelry. Earrings: Target? / Necklace: Charming Charlie

I really like this dress, but it's hard getting past the idea of it being a dress for the beach. Once I styled it and wore it, though, I really liked what came out of it.

And I probably got the most compliments from coworkers in a single day when I wore this outfit. I wasn't even sure about it when I walked out the door, but isn't it funny how a few nice words can make you feel good? So I guess I would call this a pretty successful outfit.

Do you have any pieces that you have forced into a specific drawer of your brain? (haha, get it?) Maybe a skirt or dress or top that you think can only be worn to a specific location or event?

If so, share your piece and maybe we can help each other by styling a new outfit for you!

Check out how others styled their maxi dresses and skirts over here at EBEW!

Inspiration Outfit: Diane Kruger

I decided to join in again for Two Birds Inspiration Monday. I'm just a day behind.

This week, we are basing our looks on Diane Kruger's look below.

Super cute, right?

Definitely not wearing boots in April though! I live in Texas...it was almost 90 degrees this past weekend!

My look below is about as inspired as I could get yesterday morning. I had such little sleep Sunday night with neighbors having a party and VERY loud music until 3:00 am!

I mean, really?? On a Sunday night?!?!

Top: Target. Skirt: Sears. Shoes: Endless. Earrings: White House Black Market. Ring: James Avery.

I'm actually pulling my skirt up in the pic above. Sexy, I know. And thank my dog Lucy for grabbing the spotlight with her butt shot, haha.

The skirt was so big it fell at my hips and kinda become a midi skirt for the day.

If it were a straighter skirt as it looks in this pic, I think it might work better.

Trying to pull off a messy cute bun...falling down by the end of the day.

This is the skirt I wanted to wear with this striped button down. Isn't it super cute with the belt over it? It would've been my first attempt to rock a belt over the waist of a skirt.

But I couldn't walk around all day like this...I actually pulled this skirt up (also too big), folded over a portion of the waist and put the belt on. It worked fine for a pic, but not so much in the real world.

So now I'm realizing that all my a-line skirts are now hitting me at the hip. I haven't worn some of them in so long that I've lost inches since I last wore them. I'm not complaining that they are too big, I'm super excited about that! I'm just sayin' that I didn't realize I actually had an excuse to go shopping!

But it's a lot harder to shop when you actually need a specific piece...don't you think?

So anyway, how do y'all like my inspired outfit? How would you change it?

I definitely want the skirt to be higher so I could wear a skinny belt with it, but that wasn't gonna happen this morning. And maybe I'd incorporate more color because I definitely think it's lacking my usual bright and cheery colors I like.

What I enjoy about these inspiration outfits is that I think outside the box (or closet!) a little more than usual when I am getting ready. I haven't worn this top with any skirt yet and I rarely wear this skirt.

FBFF: Spring Trends

FBFF Topic this week is Spring Trends!

What are the top 5 Spring Trends that you are looking forward to seeing/sporting this season?

Of course I chose clothing & shoes trends to feature!!

Spring Trend #1: Wedge Sandals!!

Well apparently they only show images of the right shoe. All images from DSW.

Does this not make you wanna go shoe shopping? With so many adorable wedges out there, I know I'll be buying some soon. This is sad, but I have some amazing royal blue ruffle wedge sandals sitting in my closet that have never been worn. I'm making a resolution now to wear them in the next month.

Spring Trend #2 is Florals

Spring Trend 2011: Florals by lemondrop_linz featuring a striped hat

Dorothy Perkins white day dress, 24 GBP Rue21 floral cocktail dress, $30 River Island purple floral dress, 25 GBP Floral top, $57 TopShop floral top, $45 TopShop skirt, $60 French Connection floral skirt, 47 GBP J Crew floral swimwear, 35 GBP J crew bathing suit, 35 GBP Floral print pumps, $99 Floral print bag, 60 GBP Fat Face floral handbag, 35 GBP Juicy Couture polka dot hat, $58 H by Henry holland, 15 GBP Forever21 striped hat, $12

I'm seeing both bright big floral prints and small vintage florals and I'm loving it all! I definitely think some florals can pair together, but you just have to be careful if you don't want to come across as eclectic. By the way, all the picks above are less than $100!

Spring Trend # 3 is Wide Leg Pants

Spring Trend 2011: wide leg pants by lemondrop_linz featuring high waisted pants

TopShop linen pants, $80 ASOS pleated pants, $81 Adam wide leg pants, $84 Black pants, $180 Akira Black Label high waisted pants, $45 Topshop, $76 ASOS wide leg pants, $54 Stoneware Hearts, ABC Carpet & Home, $50 MERCI GUSTAVE Eiffel Tower, 49 EUR

Pants are really going retro this spring and channeling the 70s. What I like about wide leg pants now is that they have more of a classic look these days. And also, they're SO flattering for almost every body shape!

I don't think I'm really feeling the red floral pants, but all the other ones I would totally buy.

I included the Eiffel Tower because it's wearing wide leg pants too!

Spring Trend # 4 are this season's color trends: Orange & Chartreuse!!

Spring Trend 2011: Color Trends by lemondrop_linz featuring cotton dresses

Dorothy Perkins cotton dress, 40 GBP Lemlem tunic, 59 GBP Calypso crochet tunic, $68 Betty Jackson Black ribbed cardigan, 38 GBP Principles by Ben de Lisi top, 32 GBP Kate Frankfurt jacket TopShop cotton skirt, $70 Cork wedge, $140 Windsmoor, 25 GBP CB2 - chartreuse floor pillow, $60 Set of 4 Porcelain Chartreuse Measuring Spoons, $2.50 Chartreuse Green Glass Candle, $2.75

I adore these bright colors!! I own some orange in my closet but I'm thinking I need to fill in some of the gaps with a few lovely chartreuse pieces.

And maybe it's just me, but as I'm looking at this Polyvore set, I'm really loving these 2 colors paired together...challenge accepted! I'm going to find some chartreuse to style with the orange I own and feature it on the blog.

Spring Trend #5 is Neutrals

Spring Trend 2011: Neutrals by lemondrop_linz featuring an envelope clutch

Oasis shift dress, 25 GBP Vanessa Bruno scoop neck tank, 28 GBP John Lewis top, 35 GBP Dorothy Perkins short sleeve top, 28 GBP Twill blazer, 30 GBP Dorothy Perkins crochet dress, 28 GBP Dorothy Perkins wide leg pants, 26 GBP Dorothy Perkins linen skirt, 23 GBP Rue21 crochet skirt, $22 Calvin Klein high heel shoes, $30 Dorothy Perkins brogue shoes, 25 GBP Dorothy Perkins envelope clutch, 10 GBP BCBG Max Azria fringe scarve, $98 Cream belt, $32 Straw hat, $18 Linea Linea Neutral checked short, 28 GBP windows to the soul eye shadow palette philosophy, $38

SO maybe this choice threw you off a little. Neutrals...on ME? But seeing them over and over in magazines and online is just making me love them even more.

Layering neutrals is really big for the spring, but just make sure you don't get all matchy matchy with it. You want to stay monochromatic.

What are your favorite spring trends you are seeing and wanting to show off?

Any pieces above you are craving?

Or how bout any ideas for styling some of these trends?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Check out other fave spring trends within the FBFF group over at Modly Chic.

Inspiration Monday Follow-up

So I am finally posting the actual outfit I wore for two birds' inspiration monday this week. Check out my last post to see what I thought I might wear without having my closet right in front of me.

Um, please just scroll down...I think it would look dumb if I linked to my last post.

Here are the changes I made.

Cardigan & Scarf: Target / T-shirt: Old Navy / Coach bag: gift from in-laws / Skirt: too old to remember

Tights: Urban Outfitters / Snakeskin Heels: Steve Madden

James Avery necklace

I think this outfit would work even better if my skirt was a little shorter.

I have to admit...I may like just the tee and skirt together the best.

The screen print tee that I have in a bluer shade of green was just being cut off too much by the skirt and not working. So I went with a plain kelly green tee instead.

The purple cardigan looked decent with the green tee, but the orange just caught my eye more and made me go Hmmmm, that's interesting.

Y'all know I love color (did you think I was gonna channel Paula Deen and say butter??), but I don't think I've ever paired green and orange together. I've just never thought of it.

But I think it's a pairing I like...almost as much as a fudgey brownie & a glass of milk!

Because of this challenge, I also found how versatile this polka dot skirt can be! I wore it higher today to make it skim the knee and look more empire waist. I'm thinking it will be an easy piece to remix.

How do you like the outfit I ended up with?

What changes would you make? Hey, I'm all for constructive criticism!

Inspiration Monday with Two Birds

So I was going to participate in Two Birds' Inspiration Monday that they did today. They share an inspiration picture of a certain look and then whomever wants to shares their take on that inspiration with clothes from their own closet.

Here's this week's look.

But this morning, I actually dried my hair and fixed it (only because I just got it cut on Saturday), so I lacked the motivation and the time to find a cute outfit within the parameter of the Monday challenge.

Here's what I wanna do instead. Now that I'm obsessed with Polyvore (and maybe have 5 more sets I have yet to share with you all...you are so excited now, aren't you?!!), then why not take a few minutes here and there at work today to recreate an outfit there?! I tried to use similar pieces to what I have in my closet so it would sort of be the same idea. And maybe...I said maybe...I will also go home and recreate the look with real live clothing! Then we'll see how my clothing compares to my Polyvore set, which compares to the Two Birds Inspiration Monday look.

Whew...are you even still with me?

If so, check out my Polyvore inspired look below.

2 Birds Inspiration Monday Polka Dot Skirt by lemondrop_linz

So let me explain this set. What I'm centering this look around is a black polka dot skirt, green tee, and ruffle belt that I own.

I couldn't just show you similar things from my closet that I'd pair with it. Obviously, I had to give myself...er, you...more options to choose from. Everything on the left, from those adorable yellow oxford heels and Kate Spade purse to the retro glasses and striped blazer...and even a blue blazer thrown in there for a slightly more casual look. This is what I'd want to own and wear with the outfit.

But my runner-up outfit, AKA items similar to ones I actually own, is on the right. I'd go with the snakeskin heels, my (still new) Coach bag, some bright yellow accessories, and then either a gray striped or purple cardi. I'd have to see the cardigan on to decide what I liked best.

Stay tuned this week to find out how I really wore my inspired look.

Notice I didn't say tomorrow...who knows which day this week I'll actually wear it. You'll just have to come back to find out!

So which are your favorite pieces?