You know you want it. Giveaway reminder.

So...you don't have a baby?

You don't know anybody that's preggers or has a baby?

That's okay....

You should still enter the contest hosted by Wellness Baby to win this awesome necklace!

I mean, just look how cute that Chewbeads necklace is!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.

And look, I'm not pregnant....and I don't have a baby....and it still looks great!

So, hop on over here and leave a comment to enter.

Remember, you get 2 entries if you are also a follower!

You have until midnight tonight to enter, and then I will announce the winner by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning!

GOOD LUCK!

What 3 Things I'm Obsessed With

It's been a longgggggggg week, so let's just get to it!
1)  I ordered these grey ankle boots from Old Navy, and I am seriously crushing on them.

I mean, come on.

That's a cutie patootie little bootie.

They are on sale right now for $30!
 And good news! Until the end of the day, Old Navy is running between 15-20% off of your total purchase depending on how much you spend, so check out their website for details.
 They look GREAT with skinny jeans and leggings tucked into them, but they look just as good with a boot cut pant over them.  

I had been looking for a grey pair of short boots, but all I kept finding were suede.  I like the look of suede, but I wanted leather so they would hold up when it rains.  These fit the bill perfectly.

I have no doubt that I am going to wear the heck out of these this fall and winter.

2)

These Pony Ballerina flats from Boden.

In the words of Rachel Zoe, "I die."

I cannot think of a colored skinny jean that these wouldn't want to go out with.

I love the grosgrain binding and bow detail, and I adore the hot pink accent with the grey and black "pony print".  If you click the link above, you will see they also come with either a green or blue accent.  I love them all. I think they would make some pair of colored skinny jeans...or even some regular jeans for that matter....very happy.

3)  These tall brown boots at Francesca's.
That's a pretty boot.
Nuff' said.

Love the side zipper.
Love the double buckle.
Love the scrunched leather on the top of the foot.

Love it all

Don't have any idea why I'm obsessed with footwear this week, but I am.
I'm obsessed with footwear, and Mix and Match Mama is obsessed with chicken.
That seems about right.

Also, every so often I am going to feature some pics that friends send me that are somehow inspired by this blog.  It has been seriously surprising to me how many friends and strangers have contacted me saying they wore something in particular and/or bought something in particular because of this blog.  I LOVE to hear that! :)

This first picture is from a bff since high school, my friend Kasey.  She had read what I said about Redken All Soft products on my very first What Three Things I'm Obsessed With post, and she knew she had to give them a whirl.

She did, and that very night she was texting me about how gorgeous her hair was.

Her actual text said this:

"Well, all I have to say is that Salon Selectives may have to give up their motto, because I look like I just stepped out of a salon.

People are going to want to run their fingers through this stuff." 
I laughed so hard.
I love my friends. :)
To be honest, the word "stuff" might have actually said something else.
Sometimes I feel a curse word is appropriate, especially when it makes something extra funny.
(Don't you all agree that the ecards on Pinterest are funnier when they have curse words in them?
Why is that?!?!)
And, let's all be honest with each other right now,
who now has the Salon Selectives theme song in their head?
Salon style.  Salon selectives. Salon glow. Salon Selectives.
Like you just stepped out of a salon.
Salon Selectives!

That's Kasey on the right with her gorgeous, shiny, and silky hair.

I mean, that really is some shiny hair.
I would not mind running my fingers through that gorgeous mane one bit.

And finally...I thought I would link up to some sales in case any of you ladies would like to do some shopping over the weekend!
*LOFT is having 40% off selected full price merchandise when you enter code NOW40.
*Now through October 1st, it's buy one piece of clothing get one 50% off at Francesca's.
*Now through Sunday,  25% OFF & FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OF $150+ WITH CODE STYLE25 at J Crew Factory and Factory Outlet.
*As mentioned before, through the end of the day at Old Navy, you can get between 15-20% off your total order with code ONSAVEBIG.  (If you are going to the store, make sure to print the coupon off from their website).
 *At GAP, 30% OFF REGULAR PRICE ITEMS WHEN YOU USE YOUR GapCard, BananaCard, and Old Navy card. ONLINE AND IN STORES. ENDS 9/30. ENTER GCSTYLE. 
(I don't have a GAP card, so this one angers me a bit!)

Now go forth and shop!
But before you do, dong forget to
ENTER THE CONTEST to win a Hudson Chewbeads necklace!!!

My Very First Giveaweay!!!

I had a sweet friend from high school find my blog and
ask me if I would like to do a fun giveaway from her store!

Um, let me think about that for a minute.
YES, PLEASE!

Meredith is the Store Manager/ Buyer for Wellness Baby, this cute little store on Routh Street in Uptown in Dallas. This is what Meredith had to say about the store:
At Wellness Baby we provide parents and their little ones with the most stylish and highest quality products available. Our inventory is stocked with the healthiest, safest and most unique products on the market today.

You can either go into the precious store, or you can shop online.  You can even register with them!

I didn't know exactly how I was going to work a baby giveaway into my style blog, but when she told me what she wanted to give me, it made perfect sense!

Have you guys heard of Chewbeads?

Let me tell you a little bit about them:

• Beads are made with 100% silicone (similar to pacifiers & nipples)
• Soft on babies gums and emerging teeth
• Easily cleaned with dish soap & water, also dishwasher safe!
• No BPA, PVC, Phthalates, Cadmium, or Lead
• Necklaces have a breakaway clasp for added safety
• Necklaces are a great sensory tool to help your baby focus while nursing
• Bracelets are a colorful reminder of which side you've just nursed

So basically, a baby can go all sorts of baby on these necklaces, and it doesn't matter!
(You know I could tell you the story of when I had a baby and all he had to chew on was my thumb....when he was walking up hill both ways to school.....in the snow.)
Okay, I may have taken the liberty of merging a couple of stories, but seriously,
babies nowadays have it made! :)
But let's not forget the most important thing about these necklaces.
THEY. ARE. DARLING!
Because, let's be real ladies, they can be all sorts of good for the little ones, but if they're ugly....
Mama's not going to wear it.

 One of my preggo besties graciously agreed to model the turquoise Hudson necklace (the necklace I am giving away!) while recreating a Pinterest outfit since that's what we do here!  :)
Isn't she just the cutest?
And can you believe this is her 3rd pregnancy in 4 years?
Go Erika...Go Erika....Go Erika.
And listen, I completely agree with Erika here.  WHY would you wear a plain black shirt when you could wear a striped shirt?
Her outfit is soooooo cute, and don't you think the necklace just pulls it all together?!?
This is a really great necklace people.  :)

 And you wanna know a secret?
 Erika is wearing the HUE denim leggings I talked about on Monday.
You know, the ones I love and adore?!?
They aren't maternity, but Erika is wearing them just below her belly.
Her sweet hubby thought she looked so cute hot :) in them that he even suggested she go buy another pair.  Score!
See Monday's post for the low down on these AWESOME pants if you're curious.

So..I KNOW you want to win this necklace.

The only thing I don't know is if you want to win it for yourself or for a friend.
(I LOVE the idea of giving it as a gift, because it's a gift for the baby AND the mommy!
Mommy needs some love too!)

HOW DO YOU ENTER?
Well, that's easy!
Leave me a comment, and that's 1 entry for you in the contest!
If you become a follower (click "join this site" on the bottom right hand corner), that's a 2nd entry.
Make sure you tell me in your comment if you are a new follower or an old follower, but either way you will get you a 2nd entry into the contest.
That's it!
I will stop taking entries Sunday night at midnight (09/30),
and I will announce the winner Monday morning (10/01).

Good Lucky Everybody!

And thank you Wellness Baby and Meredith for introducing us to Chewbeads!

Oh, one more thing. 
 I browsed the Wellness Baby site one afternoon just to take a look at all the awesomeness that they have to offer, and I've got to say that this bag ALMOST
makes me want to have another baby.

 Almost.
;)

Oh.....and p.s.......who says you have to be a mama to wear this necklace?
This necklace is greatness whether you've got a baby on your hip chewing on it or not!
GOOD LUCK FRIENDS!
p.p.s.  Check back tomorrow for another edition of WHAT 3 THINGS I'M OBSESSED WITH!

   www.wellnessbabystore.com
(You can also find them on facebook and twitter!)

  

Pinterest told Mix and Match Mama To....

Okay friends.....I'm SO excited, because today I am having one of my besties guest post.

I know her as Shay, but some of you may know her as Mix and Match Mama!

 Shay started an awesome blog a little over a year ago where she features tons of yummy recipes, with the tag line that "it's more about the method than the recipe".
She makes quick, easy, and nutritious dinners almost every night of the week.
She does it with ease using a fail- proof method, and then mixing and matching it countless ways!
GENIUS I tell ya!
Basically,
Shay is mixing and matching your pantry with all of her awesome recipes,
and I am mixing and matching your closet with Pinterest inspired outfits.

If we could just get your laundry done and your kids put to bed, we would totally be a 1-stop shop.
We'll work on it.

 If you don't know Shay and aren't familiar with her blog, I can almost guarantee you know her little brother.

I'll give you a couple of hints.
Her brother is:
smart,
sweet,
he loves his family,
he loves Jesus,
hmmmmm....it seems like I'm forgetting something....
oh yeah, he is smokin' hot.
Who is it?
Wait for it....
...................................
...........................................................
!!!!!!!!SEAN LOWE!!!!!!!!
Yes, ma'm!
 Shay's little brother was Top 3 on Emily Maynard's season of The Bachelorette.  And I think there is no question that he is the classiest contestant the show has ever seen.
Always a gentleman, and he represented his family so well.
AND....I don't know if you heard the big news yesterday?!?
Sean has just been announced as the front man for this season of The Bachelor!!!!!!!!

Swoon.
Did you hear that?
Single ladies across America just screamed with glee.
Shay, Sean, and Me :)


So.....without further ado....
Here is Mix and Match Mama (a.k.a. Sean's Big Sister), telling us what Pinterest Made HER Do!

Hi...my name is Shay and I'm the Mix and Match Mama. I take simple recipes and mix and match them different ways to make fast, family friendly meals for busy women on the go. I love taking a recipe and then tweaking it just a tad to give me a whole new meal without any fuss.

I get a lot of ideas from Pinterest, but rarely do I use the recipe without changing it up a bit...until this one...Pinterest told me to make these white chocolate s'mores bars, and I did. There wasn't any way I could mix and match them to make them better.
Click HERE to see the original recipe. They have a cake mix base, a graham cracker layer, marshmallows, white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. You see why I didn't change anything?! Perfection! I'm so glad Pinterest told me to!

Enjoy your white chocolate s'mores bars this fall.
And check me out for other recipes to make your family happy and dinner time easy.
I'm off now...see you next time!

HOLD UP.
Sheaffer here again.
You didn't think I was going to let her leave without mixing and matching an outfit did you?
Nope.....I gave her a challenge....and she rose to the occasion, Shay style.
PINTEREST MADE HER DO IT!

I would like to call this look "Aye Chi Wah Wah"
Dang, girl.
Challenge initiated, accepted, and totally rocked.

Black tank: American Eagle
Pink Mini Skirt: LOFT (yep, my friends love LOFT too)
The LOFT no longer has this exact skirt, but they have this similar one (also in pink) and this cute corduroy one (not in pink, but in lots of other great fall colors).
Leopard Heels: Target
(the link isn't to the exact same heels, but they are very similar)
Gold Bangles: Nordstrom
Nail Polish: OPI Every Month is Oktoberfest

Thanks Shay!
Love the recipe AND the look!
And.....thanks for supporting me so much on this new adventure I'm taking on in blog land.
I couldn't do it without ya!
Love you friend!

p.s.  Come back tomorrow for my very first giveaway!
I'll give you one hint....it's TURQUOISE!

Shopping with Sheaffer :)

 I got out of the house yesterday (Monday) for the first time since Thursday night.  

My little family was hit HARD with a stomach bug.
 It took all of us out:  me, the hubby, the kid, even the dog.
I wish I could say I was kidding about the dog part.
Having everybody sick at the same time was NO BUENO.  We were still a little slower yesterday than normal and took it easy most of the day, but the little one and I got out for a bit.

So....where did we go on our little outing?
Did you not see on Big Mama that skinny jeans were on sale at Old Navy for $19?
Yep, that's where we went.

I mean, I felt like I deserved a little something for cleaning up dog puke when I myself was puking.

And let's be honest, there's no better time to try on skinny jeans then after you've had a stomach bug.
Right? :)

Wanna come shopping with me?

Let's go!

I have to say that I'm not usually a big Old Navy shopper,
 not that you would have known that yesterday.  

I felt like there was SO MUCH STUFF that I HAD to have.

In fact, I wanted to try on more, but the 4 year old that was with me was on my case to get to Target to get him a Transformer.  And the little fella deserved it after his last several days.

I didn't buy everything you see in these pics, but I totally wanted to.

Now, I will warn you, sometimes the prices that Old Navy has in their stores is better than what they have on the website. And, sometimes they run online sales (where you enter a code and get a certain % off your total purchase) that they don't honor in the stores.  So, I will provide you with the link, but I will also tell you what I got them for in the store yesterday if I notice a difference in the online price.

The cords were on sale for $19! (regularly $34.50)
  They were such a cute fit and came in an array of different colors.  I did have to go up a size, which is never fun.  But I got over it because they were so flipping cheap.

These sweaters were on sale for $15!  Loved the v-neck, and they were sooooooo soft.  They came in several different solids and several different stripes.

plain grey and striped grey v-neck sweaters             lavendar skinny cords

 polka dot camis
I can see these layered under so many different things!

I could not find the link to these, but they were on sale for $8 in the store. Great colors and a cute little lace detail on the top.

The sweatpants came in several different colors too, and I really liked the way they fit; low on the hips and a good length.

The green skinny jeans were something that I had been looking for.  Again, I had to go up a size, but they were only $19 like the cords!  The striped sweater was on sale for $20, and just think of all the possibilities with different colored skinny jeans or cords with this sweater!

The dress wasn't on sale, but it was only $24.50!  Imagine all of the fall and winter styling options!

 sweat pants        grey striped sweater      green skinny jeans       striped dress

I tried on several other shirts, and I really liked them all!
 striped boatneck tee       lavendar "silk" shirt      kelly green v-neck sweater      rust button up

Like I said, I didn't buy everything above....but it wasn't because I didn't want to.
I really do try to exercise some self-control when shopping :), so I typically don't buy
something if it's not on sale.
Especially at Gap, Old Navy, and The LOFT.

All 3 of those stores have pretty much adopted the Hobby Lobby philosophy of retail.
If you have ever shopped Hobby Lobby, then you totally know what that means.

Basically, if something isn't on sale this week, it will be the next week.
And, all 3 of those stores are also constantly running 2 or 3 day promotions where you get a certain % off your entire purchase.

So, if it's not on sale, I don't buy it.  Easy peasy.

If I want it that badly, I will check back the next week!
{Okay...so I just checked all of the links, and I realized that they no longer seem to have lavendar cords, the lavendar "silk" shirt, or the kelly green sweater.  However, they do still have all of them in several other color options.}

Oh....before I go, I thought I would do a quick Pinterest inspired outfit.
I feel like I am saying this all the time....but I never would have put this outfit together on my own.
Nope. Not me.  Not in a million years.
But I totally dig it!

Green Cardigan:  LOFT
Cream layered shirt:  LOFT
Leggings:  Francesca's (had trouble finding on the website, $12 in store)
Right now at Fracesca's, they are running a buy one piece of clothing get one for 50% off through October 1st! Awesome!!!
Necklaces:  LOFT
Earrings:  Express
Boots:  Ross

Besides the leggings (which I purchased a couple of weeks ago), everything else is several years old, so i can't link to any of it.  Sorry!
Still, I bet a lot of you have similar pieces in your closet already.
  If you do, throw them together, and call it an outfit!

p.s.  If "Shopping with Sheaffer" is popular, I will make it a semi-regular post, so let me know what you think! And when I go shopping, I will call it "research".  Yeah, the hubby will buy that for sure.

What 3 Things I'm Obsessed With - special MONDAY edition

First of all, if you are visiting from Big Mama.....
WELCOME!
I am thrilled that you guys are here!
I have been reading Melanie's blog for a couple of years now, and I promise you if I ever were to lay eyes on her I would politely throw her in my car, take her to Mi Cocina, and we would sit for hours  talking about fashion and kids and bean dip, all while eating table-side guacamole and sipping on margaritas.
It would be delightful.
 Sure, she'd be scared at first.  But I'm quite certain she would warm up to me.
ANYway, when I e-mailed Melanie last week asking her to take a look at my new blog, and she e-mailed me back the very same day saying sweet things about the blog and letting me know she was going to link to me on Fashion Friday, I was understandably over the moon. 
I mean, the jumping up and down on my part should even have been expected.
Right?
:)
I am seriously tickled you guys stopped by to see what my little corner of blog land is all about!
Here are some examples of me doing my thing:
Taking outfits that I've pinned on Pinterest, and recreating them with clothes out of my own closet.

Look #1,  Look #2,  Look #3, and  Look #4

Then, every Friday (I do know that today is Monday, work with me people) ,
I highlight What 3 Things I'm Obsessed With!
Think Big Mama meets Andy Cohen. :)

So, what am I obsessed with this week?
Let me tell ya.....

{First and foremost, for my regular readers, I certainly hope the fact that I am obsessed with my denim shirt is simply understood by now.}

1. 

This dress I got from the GAP Outlet last week. 

I would totally link to it if I could, but GAP outlet clothes cannot be found online.  Boo!

It was regularly $59.99, but it was 50% off. 

I've been seeing lots of short dresses on Pinterest styled with tights and boots for the fall and winter, so I've been on a mission to find one and make it mine.  
I loved the color and the material of this one, and I figured I could style it lots of different ways.

I was right.

Go me.
And yes, Mom.....I imagine it would have in fact looked even better if I would have taken the time to
run an iron over it.
Live and learn.

 There are dresses like this all over the place, so even though I can't link to this exact dress, you can easily find one if you're interested! 

        What about this blue one at GAP?

Or this orange one at Old Navy?
(seems kind of similar to mine, but longer)

Or maybe this one at Bloom?

2.

Thanks to a tip from a reader last week (thanks Rachel!),
my #2 pick for this week is Hue leggings.
THEY. ARE. CRAZY. AWESOME.
Melanie - you are going to need to rock these at some Aggie games fo sho!
Here is Rachel's comment:
Hi! Your blog is great! I love leopard print! One thing that I'm obsessed (have them in almost every color!) with are Hue denim leggings..they come in all sorts of colors and fit perfectly!
They would look great paired with that Loft top you posted today and a pair of riding boots!!
They come in every color you can think of. I got the grey, and I LOVE and ADORE them.
Can you love and adore a pair of pants?
I think you can.

 Do you know what they are?
They are a totally hip and cool version of a pajama jean. 
NO. LIE.
The only reservation I have about these pants is wondering if I'm ever going to
want to wear anything else.  I mean, why would I?   
I got mine at Nordstrom (in the hosiery department). If you aren't sure about them, you should read all of the GLOWING reviews online.  People are crazy for these leggings, and for good reason.
They will be soooo cute with a denim shirt, a white oxford shirt, or anything long and layered.
And they will of course be perfection with tall boots.
Let's not even talk about the cardigan and scarf options...I simply don't have the time.
I'm thinking I need the coral ones...and maybe even the grey leopard ones.
(I styled mine with short boots and a short top in the above pictures so you could get a really good idea of their overall look.  Oh, and I apologize for the crotch shot, but I thought you might want to see that they look like they have a zipper.)
So, thank you Rachel!  Your obsession is now officially my obsession too! 

3. 

Okay, so this one isn't fashion related at all.  But I'm telling you that you want to know about my #3.
Scratch that, you NEED to know about my #3.
Your taste buds will thank you.  Your waistline, not so much.

Snickerdoodle Neiman Marcus Bars.

Oh yeah, baby.

One of my besties, Shay at Mix and Match Mama, came up with this recipe and they are heavenly.
You might not know Shay, but it's possible that you know her brother.
I'll give you a couple of hints.
Her brother is:
smart,
sweet,
he loves his family,
he loves Jesus,
hmmmmm....it seems like I'm forgetting something....
oh yeah, he is smokin' hot.
Who is it?
Wait for it....

Shay's little brother is SEAN LOWE!!!!!
And I don't know if you've heard...but the rumor is that he might be the next Bachelor?!?

 Shay  will of course nether confirm nor deny this rumor.  Dangit!
Still, hop on over to Mix and Match Mama and check her out.
Word of caution:
When you make these snickerdoodle bars, you probably should make them for some type of event.
If you just make these for your family, it's possible that you could walk by them with a fork throughout the day, and eat around 1/2 of the pan without even knowing it.
Allegedly.

So, this week I'm obsessed with a dress that can be styled for fall and winter, HUE leggings, and Shay's snickerdoodle bars. 
Amen.

p.s.  I'm curious if anybody has picked up any of my obsessions?
My post on September 7th highlighted:
Essie Miss Fancy Pants polish (a perfect shade for fall)
Nars Sweet Dreams lip gloss (super shiny and very pretty)
Redken ALL SOFT shampoo and conditioner
(It will change your hair and your life, because shampoo can totally be life-changing. Right ladies?)

My post on September 14th highlighted:
the LOFT bracelet
the LOFT camp shirt
pretty much anything leopard (boots, flats, or scarf)

My post on September 21st highlighted:
mint green necklaces
brass earrings

I know that Cassie over at Hi Sugarplum bought the etsy bubble necklace I highlighted this past Friday, and I can't wait to see how she styles it!  All of her spaces and outfits are just too cute!
Also..if any of you have an obsession that you think I need to know about...
By all means...SHARE!
Maybe YOUR obsession will become MY obsession?!?

Thanks again Big Mama for sending your peeps to my neck of the woods!
It was a thrill for me, I tell ya.
A thrill.  :)

p.s.  I have my first giveaway sometime later this week (probably Thursday)!
 So, stop by again to enter!

What 3 Things I'm Obsessed With

First things First...
If you are here from Hi Sugarplum!, so glad you stopped by to check out my blog!
It was so sweet of Cassie to send you over here!
And if you're not familiar with Hi Sugarplum!, you totally should be.
Just look how cute she is!

She has awesome before/after pics of her darling house, some great DIY projects, and she dresses like she stepped right out of a fashion magazine really cool home interior magazine!
You will LOVE her beautiful blog and you will definitely be inspired!

So, if you're new to my blog, I typically take outfits that I've pinned on Pinterest, and I recreate them with things out of my own closet! 
Like here.

And here.

 And every Friday, I do a post on What 3 Things I'm Obsessed With!
Along the way there might even be a funny story or two (see below, it's a good one). :)
So, what am I obsessed with right now?
I'm so glad you asked.

1)  My Mint Green Necklace

I got this necklace at the J Crew Factory Outlet this summer.  Of course they no longer have any in stock (dangit!), but they do have lots of other really cute pieces!
(And I'm not sure how long it's lasting, but if you enter the code LOVEIT, you can get an extra 30% off items that are already on sale!)
I was able to find some mint green necklaces for you on etsy that are great, and if you are brave enough to buy one, I think you will be amazed at how many colors go well with mint green. 

What about this one?
It looks SUPER similar to the J Crew bubble necklaces that are WAY more expensive!
This one is only $16! 

This one totally SCREAMS my friend Shay.
Shay - buy this today. Please.
How cute would you be standing in your kitchen, in one of your striped shirts and your colored skinny jeans, bracelets probably up to your elbows, wearing this necklace, and
whipping up your Salted Caramel Mocha Frappacino bundt cake.

 And Cassie - I know this isn't an exact match for the J Crew version, but it's only $16....

and DARLING!

Or what about this one?

So what are you thinking about these little beauties?
I certainly hope you are thinking that mama needs a mint green necklace.
I mean, let's be real.
You've probably had a really hard week, and one of these necklaces could be a little treat you give yourself for not losing your cool one of the 74 times you probably wanted to (and would have been totally justified I'm sure) lose your cool.
Yep, you deserve a little positive reinforcement.
Buy one, and don't even feel bad about it. 

2) Brass Earrings
 I bought these brass earring at Limited a couple of months ago for 50% off, which made them about $11.  I tried finding them on their website, but they no longer have them.
So sad for you, because these earrings are legit.
They are too legit.  Too legit to quit.
Sorry.
I don't know how they always do it, but they have this power to really change the look of an outfit and make me look like I'm trying harder than I really am, which I totally appreciate.

I found some similar ones here.

and if you're not into big earrings, there is a smaller version here.

3)  Okay...so this is totally random...but I couldn't decide what else I wanted to highlight this week, so I have decided to share a story from my life. 

 I've told the story to soooooo many people (so I guess that it can be classified as an obsession?) because it's just that good.

Now it's your turn to hear the story and have a little laugh at my expense.
Here goes nothin'....

This summer I had a college friend's wedding to attend.

Two nights before the wedding, I texted two friends who I was going to be meeting at the pool the next day to see if either one of them had a clutch for me to borrow.

Well....one of my girlfriends texted me back and asked me a question that I wasn't expecting:

Chanel or Gucci?

Hmmmmm.

I don't know?
Decisions, decisions. 

HELLO?

EITHER!

So, the next day, I ended up going over to her house to play dress up!
It's okay if you are TOTALLY jealous, because you TOTALLY should be.
:)

Sure, I was wearing a Target romper and hadn't washed my hair in a couple of days,
but I still had a flipping blast.

A Chanel bag, a fur vest, Jimmy Choo's, pearls, Gucci shades, diamond hoop earrings, and some other serious bling....
all with my Target romper and dirty hair. 

SO. MUCH. FUN.
See?
Fun.

Well, I ended up deciding on the Chanel clutch and the Jimmy Choo's for the wedding.

 I had the best time that night with all of my college friends and felt SO snazzy in my designer accessories (and I only had a small coronary when the Chanel fell on the floor at one point).

The wedding was of course beautiful, and the reception was awesome with so many neat little touches.  One of those touches being a signature wedding shot (an absolutely delicious signature wedding shot), which just might have something to do with what I'm about to tell you.

Heather (the GORGEOUS bride, see below) had a photo booth set up where her guests could make flip books.  

My friend Jamie and I hopped in, grabbed some props (I of course decided to highlight my borrowed Chanel bag), and proceeded to shake it for the camera.

I may or may not have indulged in one or two three or four of those signature shots by this point.

Well, after I got back to the hotel that night, 

I texted the picture on the right to my bff Lisa at 1:30 a.m.

Except oops......No I didn't.

I had texted it to one of my therapy kid's mom, Mary Lisa.
I'm going to give that a minute for you guys to let that sink in.

Yep,

I texted the pic of me dancing and acting a fool....

at 1:30 a.m. in the morning.....
in a fedora no less.....
to a mother who trusts me with her child as his therapist.
 NOT. COOL.
But.....
 maybe a little funny.
;0
THANK HEAVENS, the mama was cool with it.
When I texted her this next morning apologizing,
she just blew it off and said she would use it as blackmail material.
:)
SO thankful for that mama and her sense of humor!

So, in review,
I'm obsessed with mint green necklaces, brass filigree earrings, and a story that should mortify me (but instead just makes me laugh and shake my head at myself).
Come back next week for lots of new Pinterest inspired outfits,
and of course check back next Friday for a new list of 3 things I'm Obsessed With!


Thanks again to Cassie at Hi Sugarplum for sending some peeps my way!
I can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve next week.  I tell ya, it's gonna be hard to beat these fabric lined book cases that I am in love with.

And purely FYI.....
LOFT is having 40% off their sale.
LOFT's sale is on sale.
AND if you buy a top or sweater, you get the 2nd one 50% off.

Operation Denim Shirt: Look #4

It's been over a week since I have worn my denim shirt, so it was high time to pull it back out again.

I mean, OBVIOUSLY.

I styled mine a little bit differently than the inspiration pic by putting a white tank underneath it and by wearing a brass pendent instead of brass chains. 

And, I'm thinking I actually like my look a bit better?!?!

(Inspiration photo pinned, but original source not found.)

Denim Shirt:  find similar one here

(outlet version sold out at this time) 

I'm telling you, this is the PERFECT denim shirt.

White Tank: White House, Black Market (they have the best camis....really good quality)

Necklace: Lucky (they no longer have this necklace, but they have tons of cute accessories)

Black Leggings:  Francesca's (only $12...might have to go into the store)

Tall brown boots:  Ross

So, this is the 4th look with the denim shirt... 

and I feel like I've just barely scraped the tip of the denim shirt iceberg. 

I've got lots more denim looks in me. 

For instance, and this is just off the top of my head.....

Maybe I'll wear it belted at the waist with a pink belt with silver hearts, white pleated shorts that hit just above the knee, and laceless white keds with some white and blue plaid socks scrunched down around my ankles.

Oh wait.........

that's been done......

Yep, I've been rocking denim (I believe back then we referred to it exclusively as "chambray")

since around 1986

I think the pic above was the first day of 6th  grade.

And NOTHING says I own 6th grade like white pleated knee length shorts.

Right?

Linking up with two-thirty five designs, an awesome blog I found just this morning,

and I am already obsessed!!!!

This girl is sooo cute and soooo funny!

Dang She's Bossy....but she's usually right

It's SO simple.

Blue Jeans with a Blue Shirt.

Simple, right?

Then why in the world have I never worn blue jeans with a blue shirt?

I'm not sure this outfit photographed as cute as it was, but I really liked the way this one came out.

The hubby liked it too.

And I really liked the jewelry. 

This was the first time I have layered necklaces.

Pinterest has been telling me to layer necklaces for the last couple of months, but I kept ignoring her.

She can be so bossy sometimes.  

(Ya know....I really wish she would stop bossing me to make something with Nutella, 

because I'm NOT interested. )

However, I have learned that MOST of the time she is right, so I eventually give in.

Here she is telling me 3 separate times to layer my necklaces.

I finally was like "Sheesh!  Alright already!"

And what do you know, I LOVED the layered necklace look.

She might be bossy, but she knows her stuff.

(Inspiration photo pinned, but specific blog post not found.)

I like how Kendi's jeans are much lighter, but I had to work with what I had that day.

Note to self....buy lighter boyfriend jeans.

Oh, really fast...

You know I've talked about my love for Kendi and her blog.  (After you jump over to her blog, you might want to check out Bloom too, her darling store.)

Well, I got to meet Kendi's mama last week!  

She was SO sweet and super stylish!  Duh!  Of course she would be!

I was all like "Hi Kim.  I'm your daughter's stalker."

Ha!  :)

She had actually even read the blog that day (a mutual friend had sent it to her), 

which was super cool! 

Blue Shirt:  LOFT

Jeans:  GAP

earrings:  LOFT

shorter 2 strand necklace:  Target

long necklace:  LOFT

shoes:  Target

One more thing...I forgot to ask you earlier this week if any of you took advantage of The LOFT 40% off sale on Saturday?  

I did.  Which should really come as no surprise.

I had several friends that did too.  As did my mom.

I got an e-mail from my dad on Saturday night

with the subject line:  Thanks Blog Lady

It went a little something like this:

Your mom shopped The Loft  40% off sale today.

Now, there is a charge of $318.57.

Apparently, you are wrong. 40% off is not the same as free.

Oops!  Sorry Dad!

But let's be real, I got my math skills from mom.

Alli's Rule AND a Scarf Tutorial

 So I have this friend Alli. 

Alli and I met during our college years.
I went to OU, and she went to A&M with my two best high school girlfriends, so we got to know each other over the years at bridal showers, bachelorette parties, weddings, baby showers, and some girl weekends.

Alli and I clicked the moment we met, but we've grown even closer over the last several years (our boys were born 6 weeks apart and we got to go through all of the first time mommy stuff together).
I really do love me some Alli.

She is just as sweet as can be, is the best type of cheerleader friend (know what I mean?),
and is the most awesome prayer warrior.  

Plus, she has just the right amount of SASSY thrown in.

I'm all about sassy.

A sassy prayer warrior?

YES, PLEASE!

Well, it should come as no surprise given her history that Alli has been super supportive of this blog!

She forwarded it to like 50 friends and then started sending me pics of outfits 

that Pinterest made her do. 

So.......I thought I would feature Alli today and some of her Pinterest looks.
Love you friend!

****************************************************************

Look #1:

I would like to call this look "Urban cowgirl".

 Denim shirt: American Eagle
Belt: Gap*
Black Jeans: The Limited
Brown boots: DSW
Alli remembers purchasing that belt in 1994 for $6.99.  I'm super impressed that this belt has lasted 17 years in her closet, and I am even MORE IMPRESSED that Alli's waist has remained the same size for 17 years.
Alli, you go on with your bad self.
And I must say, I've never seen a denim shirt look more sexy.
A sassy and sexy prayer warrior.
That's a hard look to pull off, but she totally does.
:)

************************************************************

Look #2:
I would like to name this look "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy"

Sleeveless shirt: Target
Scarf: Francesca's
Jeans: Old Navy
Cowboy Boots: They were her mom's and are like 40 years old!

I love how Alli put a scarf with a sleeveless shirt because Pinterest told her to!
Still, I know that a lot of you are still unsure about scarves.  In fact, a reader named Kasady (Hi Kassady!) commented on my Scarves are Magical post asking if I had any tips on how to wear scarves.  Well, I did a little digging and I found this awesome youtube video! This darling girl shows you 25 different ways to wear a scarf in 4 1/2 minutes!  I learned more from watching that video than I did an entire semester in Physics for Non-Majors in college.

Now, before I let you go, I have one more thing to share.  Alli and I actually met at the mall today with our kids and some other friends, and she shared a little fashion tidbit with me that I would like to now pass on to you.
There was a dress that I was really liking at Fossil, but I couldn't decide if I wanted to get it or not because it was $70 (which is more than I typically spend on an individual piece of clothing).
She asked me if I followed the 3 Day Rule.  Hmmmm.  I was not aware of the 3 day rule.
Well, if there is a purchase she can't decide on, she typically leaves the store without it.
HOWEVER, if she is still thinking about it after 3 days, she will go back and get it.
I told her that I thought that was a good idea in theory, but what if you thought about it for 3 days, had fallen more in love with it, and then you went back to find out it's no .elonger there.
That would be heartbreaking.  No?
That's when she told me about the other rule she sometimes follows:  The 3 minute Rule.
If she's still super passionate about something after 3 whole minutes, she will go ahead and buy it.
Yes.
I like the 3 minute rule better.
From henceforth, we will refer to it as "Alli's Rule".

 Alli, I love that we have been friends "forever", and I am going to become a
firm subscriber to Alli's Rule.. 
I can't wait to see the next outfits you send me!