Tiny Bubbles

Cardi - Old Navy (thrifted); Blouse - Apt. 9 (thrifted); Skirt - JC Penny;

Boots - Macy's; Earrings, Necklace and Bracelet - Premiere

I have been waiting for months to pull these boots out from under the bed. Thank you, Mother Nature, for actually making fall feel fall-y. I'm not much of a pink person, but I couldn't pass up this blouse. The pattern, which I think looks like little bubbles, is the gorgeous mauvy color, with chocolate brown and tan and little crystal buttons and balloon sleeves, and I was in heaven. This sweater was also a great find. I had been looking for the perfect brown cardi for what seemed like forever when this elbow-sleeved, double button wrap sweater fell into my lap at a thrift store. I see this one being a fall staple for me, and I can finally retire the brown cardi with the sleeves that stretch out horribly that I've hated but couldn't part with because you have to have a brown cardi in your closet. I loved this outfit and got quite a few compliments, so I'd say this one is a winner.

Sheer Power

Cardi - Steinmart; Shirt - Old Navy (thrifted); Pants - Steinmart;

Pink Ballet Flats - Old Navy; Belt - Steinmart; Bracelet,

Earrings and Necklace - Premiere

I left the house feeling cute and so happy about how I styled this odd colored blouse which has been staring at me in my closet for months. It is so very sheer that you can see my bra, the tank I was wearing and the Kyonna body shaper that I wear for my back pain that I am embarrased to wear it without a sweater. The color is an odd purpley pink and it has gold pinstripe lines through it. I bought it because it was unique, but I haven't worn it because it was so unique I couldn't figure out what to wear with it. As I said, I was pretty happy about the outfit, but as the day wore on, my glee diminished. I blame it on the pants. They were a size 14 and I was able to zip them up no problems. Yay, I am now a 14. But they kept rolling down my belly, which was even more obvious with the super sheer shirt over them. I felt like a cow by the time I made it to school. I have a few pounds to go before I pull these pants out again.

The Outfit That Broke the Rules

Shirt - Steinmart; Scarf - Nordstrom (thrifted); Pants - Target;

Belt - Thrifted; Shoes - Payless; Earrings - Chico's;

Bracelet (really a necklace) - ME; Ring - Premiere

I think this is my new favorite picture of myself. Have I mentioned recently that I love that fall is here because my colors are back? Well, I didn't care that it was 95 degrees the day that I wore this outfit. It was officially fall, damn it!

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This scarf was a super steal with the Nordstrom tag still on it. I paid $3. The shoes I've had from Payless for about 3 years, and they are one of my faves. I was wearing brown shoes when I saw these and had to add them to the outfit. I love how all of these colors work together and will be revisiting this combo again. And, as I was starting to get upset because I haven't lost any weight in 3 weeks (mostly because I haven't been trying too hard) I realized that the pants I was wearing have been in my closet for 8 years. And they still fit. In fact, they were loose by the end of the day (and driving me nuts cause they kept falling down). So, I won't be too hard on myself. I have it on Husby's admission that I look better now that I did when he met me. Maybe he was just saying that cause it's what I wanted to hear, but I feel prettier and more stylish now that I ever have before, so even if the change has only been internal with my level of confidence, I'll still take it. Love you Husby!

The Rules

I was thinking this morning when I was getting ready for work about rules. For most parts of my life, I'm a rule follower. I obey speed limits (to the chagrin of my husband). I pay my taxes. I believe firmly in the sanctity of marriage. I try to tell the truth (sometimes too bluntly, I'm told). I'm an engineer for cripes sake!!

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I also used to have clearly defined rules as to what was acceptable fashion-wise. I was thinking about this as I broke SEVERAL fashion 'RULES' this morning.

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#1 - Your belt must match your shoes. I have shoes that match this belt, but I wanted to bring in another color from the scarf, so I dug out these deep teal beauties.

#2 - If your pants have belt loops, you must wear a belt through those loops. Yes, they are there for a reason....to be hidden by my shirt. I did wear a belt, technically....

#3 - You should limit your outfit to two colors. Seriously, where did I come up with these ideas? I shoot for at least 3 lately. Today, I have four.

#4 - Your purse must always match your outfit. I broke this rule when I found my beautiful robin's egg blue Hobo clutch. I take this purse with me everywhere, and don't worry for a second if it matches.

#5 - You should never wear a belt over a shirt. I am so glad I got over that one. When I was an hourglass pre-children, I my waist could talk for itself. Now that I'm an apple, my favorite way to highlight that I still have one is a belt. I wear one almost every day.

#6 - Labels matter. Although I do find some great brand name steals (like my $4 Stuart Weitzman's) but I shop for the look. How does it strike me on the hanger? How does it look on? Then, is it worth the money they are asking? That's really the only time that name brand comes into play for me. Style can be found everywhere, from Target to Nordstrom. Size labels also don't matter. When I shop, I'll grab three sizes of everything and pick the one that looks best on my body, not the one that is 'my size'. This week, I've worn bottoms ranging from 12-18, and shirts ranging from M to XL. To think of what I'd be missing out on!

#7 - Only wear something if you've seen someone else wear it. I am not above getting inspiration from others, or seeking out ideas when trying to re-work a favorite piece or work in a new one, but I pick out things based on how I feel about them. I seek out the unique. Since I started trusting my instincts and shopping and dressing for me, I'm much happier, more confident, and get many more compliments :-)

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Oh, I'm sure there are more. But these are the ones that were jumping out at me while I was trying to tame my bed-head mop into an acceptable configuration.

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Once Husby sends me pics, I'll show the outfit that inspired this post.

Simply Sonspiration

Cardi - Steinmart; Skirt - Ann Taylor; Tank - TJ Maxx;

Under tank - Old Navy; Shoes - Modo (thrifted); Belt - Thrifted;

Earrngs - Macy's; Ring - Premiere

Today is my first day back to school after a month-long break. Mother Nature can't decide what season she wants it to be, so I had a bit of a challenge. Wear something that wouldn't be too cold in the 65 degree morning, but that wouldn't kill me in the 90 degree afternoon, with shoes comfortable to last a work day and a trek to campus. This is the result.

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So far so good. I added the belt to give me a little bit of color and bring out the yellow stripe on the skirt, and I really like the composition. I was inspired by Simply Sonsy's yellow and blue ensemble. Jessica also reminded me that I had wide leg pants of the color in her post, which also partially inspired the look of my last post. Girl, I am glad you started blogging!

Do It Yourself

Shirt - Style & Co (Macy's); Pants and Belt - TJ Maxx;

Shoes - Steve Madden (thrifted)

Necklace, Earrings and Bracelets - ME; Ring - Premiere

Lots of details I wanted to show off today. I made this Necklace, earrings and bracelet combo last Saturday evening while Husby made me watch Milla Jovovich movies. I found the large balls, which are actually antiqued gold, copper, silver and black colored wire wrapped around and around to look like balls of yarn, at Michael's one day and, although I wasn't sure what I'd do with them, I had to take them home.

I love the color tones and the uniqueness of the pieces. And, I was complemented on how awesome my jewelry was by total strangers. That makes you feel good.

These shoes are everywhere now. I bought them about 6 months ago at Plato's Closet cause I thought they were super cool, and now they are showing up in magazines and all over TV. Glad I had the foresight to not let these babies pass me by. Also glad that there's someone in the area that has size 9.5-10 feet, great taste in shoes, and likes to recycle at Plato's Closet!

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I felt awesome this day. the outfit's shape really made me look long and lean and I felt like a million bucks. My hair, however, looks like a giant fuzzball. Note to self - keep the au naturale hair for more casually attired days.

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Second note to self...these shoes have very high heels. Do not wear again on a day that you have to stop and get groceries on the way home. You will hate your feet.

Be Careful What You Wish For

Shirt - Max Edition (Steinmart); Pants - Steinmart; Shoes - Coach (TJ MAxx);

Necklaces and Earrings - Premiere; Bracelet - Old NavyThis shirt. I love this shirt. The color. The pattern. The sleeves. the plunging neckline. The way it enhances my chest. I coveted this shirt for MONTHS. I would visit it in the Steinmart Boutuque section and try it on and see how great I looked in it, but put it back because the price was just too high for a shirt. Until finally, one day shortly before Christmas, it made it to the Red Dot Clearance rack. My 30% off coupon (as us Steinmart addicted shoppers used to get mailed to us before the invention of the Elite card) made it less than $10, and it finally came home with mama.

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That was two years ago. Then I had Eli.

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This is the kind of shirt that gathers just-so in that place right below your boobs which can make you look pregnant if your belly is a little to plump. It wasn't until now that I finally felt like my boobs actually stuck out more than my stomach (quite a feat for an apple with a modest cuppage) and I brought the shirt out of the anals of my closet and dusted it off. Pairing it with my Coach loafer wedges and some super wide leg pants I felt fantastic.

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Until I stopped to buy a soda in the afternoon and the cafeteria lady asked me how my babies where and when I was going to have this one.

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The shirt is back in retirement for a while. And I ate a whole box of cookies. Back to the diet tomorrow.

2 Suits, 1 Week

Suit - Style & Co (Macy's); Shirt - Steinmart; Necklace - Premiere; Shoes - Steinmart

I had a meeting today with a client. A very important client. And a client whose Project Manager ALWAYS wears a jacket to our meetings. The last few meetings we have had with this client I was pregnant so I tried to dress as nice as I could, so I felt like I should make up for it today with a suit.

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God, I felt boring today.

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I tried to make things a little interesting by wearing a colorful shirt, some neck bling and my funkiest flats, my black & white snakeskin loafers, but I still felt boring.

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But my hair looked fabulous, so I still felt great all day!

Pewter Suiter

Blazer - thrifted; Skirt and Belt - JC Penny; Shirt - Lane Bryant (thrifted); Shoes - Target; Necklace - Anne Klein (thrifted); Earrings - Steinmart; Bracelets - Premiere

Wow! That suit makes me look thin. Either that or it's the way I'm standing, but I like what I see. When I put on the jacket, I felt like my arms looked really beefy, but they aren't that bad. I was really apprehensive about the shirt/skirt/jewelry combination, too because the shirt is pewter and black up close, but when you look from far away, it's goldy looking. I think this looks great together. And I got quite a few compliments on my outfit today, from near strangers, so I think the world agrees with me. Why do my attempts at professional always end up looking like a 60's secretary? Damn that Zooey Deschanel!!

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And when I got dressed this morning, trying to find the perfect shoes to go with this unique shirt, I realized that I have 3 pairs of said shoes. The satin peep-toe flats in the picture were worn for the trek to and from work, while metallic pewter pumps (New York & Co - thrifted) were donned for the office. I LOVE MY SHOES!!

Eggplant Parmesan

Shirt - Cha Cha Venti (Steinmart); Pants - Style & Co (Macy's); Shoes - Madden Girl (thrifted);

Necklace - Premiere; Earrings - Chico's

I can't even begin to tell you how sexy, yet classy I felt today. It's amazing what the hint of one shoulder can do. I love this blouse becuase it's made of a light gauzy material with a huge cowl neck and under-tank which allow it to be worn three ways: traditional cowl hanging in the front, one shoulder sleek and sexy, and off of both shoulders. Since I was heading to work, I opted to bear the shoulder sans tatoo. Engineers, especially older ones, tend to scoff at body art. I loved the shirt so much that I bought it in eggplant and olive, so look for more neck possiblities in the future. Also, the skirt is kinda bloused here to hide the lines of the waistband of these pants, but could be left much longer with leggings and some knee high boots. Ooh, I'm getting excited! But that may have to wait a bit since the previously forecasted week of low 70's has been amended to a week of high 80's. Tank weather will be here a little longer.

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I putzed around more than usual between shower and dressing since my 10 month old woke up and I wanted to snuggle a bit. When I went in to brush my hair, I realized that my unbrushed coiff was mostly dry and wavy all over. I may have to do this non-brushing thing more often, cause it took two minutes to get ready and I got sooooo many compliments on my hair today.

What is Black & White and Yellow All Over?

Sweater - Thrifted; Shirt - Steinmart; Skirt - Steinmart; Boots - Steinmart; Flower Pin - Steinmart;

Necklaces - Steinmart and Macys; Bracelet & Earrings - Macy's; Belt - Steinmart

Seriously, Steinmart should be paying me for their free advertising. You can see how I qualified for Elite status?? Of course, Elite status means that I can go in whenever I want and they will apply whatever coupons are out there and available to my purchases...No more clipping/printing for me! Membership has it's rewards.

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What's not so rewarding? Husby's flash so super bright that it always makes me blink. We had to take like 20 shots today to get something where I didn't look drunk. I like my beer, but 7 am? No way! I eventually had to look away so that I could keep them open. This is actually a pretty good shot of the accessories.

Finally, he said I should use 'Jazz Hands' and my eyes would likely follow suit. Sadly, he was right.

So, I've had the yellow sweater for months, but this is the first wear. Partly becuase of the heat, but mostly because of the color. Then, the weather changed just as the gray/black/yellow thing occurred to me. I love the way it turned out.

Ruby Slippers

Cardi - Steinmart; Tunic - Steinmart; Pants - Style N Co (Macy's); Shoes - Steinmart;

Necklace & Earrings - Premiere; Bracelets - ME

They do exist. The mythical deep red patent leather Mary Janes. I wear these shoes as much as I possibly can during the cooler weather because they are so stylish AND comfortable. And Sophie calls them my 'Dorofy Shoes'. (ya know, Dorothy...) The shirt didn't photograph nearly as well as it looked. The asymetrical bottom and the floral applique made this shirt too adorable to pass up. I'm a walking Steinmart advertisement.

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If course, seeing my hair in this photo immediately prompted me to pin back my bangs with a bobby. Still trying to get the hand of making these horrible bangs doable. Try again tomorrow.

Purple Haze

Cardi - Old Navy; Shirt - NY & Co (thrifted); Skirt - JC Penny; Shoes - TJ Maxx;

Flower Pin - Steinmart; Belt - Steinmart; Necklace & Earrings - Premiere

I am in Love. With this pencil skirt. With my purple cardi. With floral pins attached to my cardi. This outfit more than makes up for the green debacle of last week. I felt and looked like a 10. I

I've also decided that Darkest Brown is my hair color for the future. And the bangs aren't so bad, if I properly side sweep them.

Veruca Salt

Shirt - TJ Maxx; Cardi - TJ Maxx; Pants - Steinmart; Belt - TJ Maxx;

Shoes - Thrifted; Bracelets and Earrings - ME

A co-worker told me I reminded her of Veruca Salt today. She assured me it was because I was dressed all in blue and not because I was large and round. These gorgeous floral flats are my favorite part. Got them for $10 from Plato's Closet, which I think is my new favorite shoe place. Macys.com said that printed flats are the hot trend this fall. Looks like I'm trendy. The pants were also once full length, but after one 'Wash Cold and Tumble Dry Low' as directed, they ended up as such. Luckily, I have really long legs and look good in ankle length pants!!

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Liking the hair a little better today....but not much. I guess I'll get used to it before I grow the bangs out some more.

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On the diet front.....I'm holding steady at 10 pounds down. After one week with my 'special friend' in town and one week super sick and eating whatever sounded good (which was mostly carbs), I haven't gained anything which makes me happy. Now lets get back on the horse to make me even happier :-)

Green with Envy

Shirt - Thrifted (and technically maternity); Skirt - thrifted; Bangle - Old Navy;

Pendant and Earrings - Premiere; Necklace - ME; Shoes - Shoe Carnival

I hated today. I hate my hair, I hate my outfit. I really hate these shoes. I looked and felt like crap today. I was tempted not to post this, but it wouldn't really be in the true spirit of what I'm doing. I need to look at the bad, too and learn not to do it again. I felt like a frumpy cow all day because the skirt was just too tight in the tummy area....and then I realized that it was a size 10 and felt much better. When I started this, I was a size 16. I can comfortably say that I'm a 14 now, so looking like a wrapped sausage in a 10 is AOK. The necklace I'm pretty proud of, though. The pendant came on a necklace when I bought it 5 years ago, but I lost it. I recently bought some beads at Michael's and made me a new one, which I think turned out pretty well.

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As for the hair....While I was sick, Husby got 500 Days of Summer from the library for me and after watching it twice, I was so in love with Zooey Deshanel that I went and cut my own bangs. Why is it that despite the fact that I regret cutting bangs every time, and spend months growing them out, that I still do it again and again when I see an actress with great fringe? Here we go again.

October Skies

Shirt - Macy's; Pants - Macy's (shortened, courtesy of Moe); Vest - Thrifted;

Earrings, Ring and Necklace - Baker's; Cuff - Premiere (Gift from Husby); Shoes - Franco Sarto (TJ Maxx)

Had to get a closeup of the ring because I think it's so cool. It's an owl and it seems like he's watching me type when I'm at work. Creepy? No..kinda feels lucky. He turns the bottom of my finger green so I can't wear him very often, but it will take a lot fot me to part with Ollie. (yes, I'm a dork and named my ring)

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I had lots of things to do this day, which required lots of walking, so I thought I'd put my Franco shoes to the test to see if they were worth keeping (I was dubious about their practicality). They failed. MISERABLY. So badly, in fact, that after 4 hours of work (where I spend most of my time in a chair) and a chiropractic appointment, I went to the Plato's Closet next door, took them off my feet and promptly sold them. I then walked barefoot around the store until I found a pair of flats that would allow me to trek to campus for my last final of the quarter without making me want to cut my feet off and found a gorgeous pair of red plaid Jessica Simpson flats which I'm sure will be coming up in posts very soon. And even Husby was proud of my practicality and inventiveness.

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As for my absence...After working two 16 hour days last week, I needed a break, so I took Friday off. Then, the family, myself included, all came down with a bug that had me out for the count until yesterday. I doubt anyone wants to see pictures of my kiddie-puke-encrusted T's and sweats with unbrushed hair or teeth. I'm back now and, aside from some nasty coughs, all of us are again healthy. More posts will be coming soon, OCTOBER!! :-)