Moto Jacket Copycat

When I saw Inge rocking this outfit, I knew I would be copying it before too long.  I was going to just wear my gray sweater, but then it was a kind of warmer day, and I like any excuse to mix some prints, so I went with this striped tee instead.  And I decided it would be a good time to try the "regular scarf as an infinity scarf" trick.  I think it worked pretty well!  And I was having a good hair day.  So, I'll call this outfit a win!    
Thanks for all the well wishes yesterday.  I think I'm on the upswing, so hopefully I can rest this weekend and be back to normal soon!
   
I'm linking up here:  
Pinned It & Did It
Style Swap with Ginny and Jenn
Casual Friday
Favorite Fashion Friday with Penniless Socialite & Delusions of Grandeur

Scarf & Jacket: Target
Tee & Shoes: Old Navy
Jeans: Gap

February Budget and Some Girl Talk

After spending a little bit more than I should have in January, I really planned to cut back in February.  Then I picked up a few things at Target.  And then we booked a vacation and I started thinking that I needed a new swim top.  So here's the play-by-play:

Target Sailboat print tank:  $6 (originally $20)
Target Workout tanks:  $13 each
Lands End Tankini Tops (here and here):  $60 each - but I will return at least one (edit: I returned this one, as it was way too low cut!)
Bras - 2 normal, 1 strapless - not pictured:  used giftcard and Christmas money

Total:  $139 (but it will be $79)

So, I feel pretty good about the month.  I'm really excited about the workout tanks, because I have a hard time finding workout tanks with enough coverage to actually wear while exercising!  I'm also hopeful that one of the swimtops will work.  I like the print of the bottom one better, but I'm worried that the v-neck will be too low, so I ordered the other one that is straight across.  Busty girls need cute/modest swimwear, too!  So if any swimsuit designers are reading this, get on that!!   

On that topic, let's have a little girl talk.  Isn't bra shopping the worst!?  It's really tricky to find good bras when you aren't in the normal size range (in my case, narrow frame, larger cup size).  Over the years, my favorites have been ones that I randomly found at Dillard's during their semi-annual sale (because they apparently hide those sizes the rest of the year).  I decided to search Amazon for the brand I like, and I actually ordered 3 in February that will work nicely.  I even bought a strapless option for a wedding that I am in this spring, and it fits really well!  So if you have similar sizing issues, you should check out the Whimsy by Lunaire collection.  They are in the $20-30 range, and I have have a few that have held up nicely over the years.  This isn't sponsored or anything, I just wanted to share my excitement about finding bras that fit and aren't $100.  If any of you have advice or brands you recommend, let me know!     

Anyway, how'd your February budget turn out?  Link up with Franish to share your shopaholic confessions!  

Old Sweater, New Scarf

You guys, I have been sick all week, and it is not fun.  I keep thinking I'm over this cold and then I wake up feeling terrible again.  It would probably help if I actually got some rest, but I have things to do!  It just seems like I get sick at the worst times, and I don't want to bail on commitments I had previously made.   Anyway, enough whining.  Let's talk about clothes! 

This scarf is new.  It was a gift from my mother-in-law.  She's pretty good at picking out things for me.  The sweater is old.  I've had it for several years, but I usually grab my other black Gap sweater, so this one hasn't been worn as much recently.  I do really like the thin cable knit on this one.  Here's to wearing it more.

The shoes have been neglected due to weather-related necessity.  I've been wearing boots almost every day for the past 3 months.  I'm trying to sneak in other shoes as much as possible, but when it's snowy and/or super cold, comfort trumps style.  I thought the polka dots were a fun addition with the printed scarf.  

Linking up with:
Tres-Chic Fashion
What I Wore to Work
Look What I Got with Sharon and Tara

Scarf: Target
Sweater, Jeans Shoes: Gap

Neglected Chevron Skirt

My first real blog post was about refashioning this skirt.  I really thought I'd do more sewing posts on the blog, but then I don't do as much sewing as I expected I might.  But this was a good project, and I was very happy with how it turned out.  And then I haven't worn it for just over a year!  What's up with that?  It doesn't transition into summer at all, so I think it just got moved to the back of the skirts and I forgot about it.  I'll have to try wearing it in the next month before it starts to warm up.

My first outfit post featured this pink cardigan.  I've worn it a lot over the years and it's getting a little faded.  I got a sort of replacement for Christmas, but it's a little bit of a different shade, so I'm not sure I am ready to get rid of this one.  I'm allowed to have 2 pink boyfriend cardigans, right?  

Linking up with
What I Wore Wednesday 

Cardigan: Marisa Kristina
Top: Gap
Necklace: InPink
Skirt: Kenneth Cole refashioned by me
Boots: Steve Madden

Million Dollar Quartet

On Friday evening, I went with my MIL and SIL to see Million Dollar Quartet.  This is what I wore.  This dress is one that I love, but wasn't quite sure if I'd be able to wear it in the winter.  Then I bought these tan tights.  I'm still not sure how I feel about them, but I like this dress quite a bit, so I'm glad I get to wear it.

The show was pretty good.  A lot of fun oldies songs that I recognized, but I don't think I quite caught all the jokes.  The older people would crack up, and I would look at my sis-in-law and shrug.  We just aren't all that familiar with 50s pop culture!  The Elvis actor was really great.  I thought the Johnny Cash guy was a little disappointing, but I was probably unfairly comparing him to Joaquin Phoenix.  Anyway, it was a fun way to spend my Friday evening.

Dress & Cardigan: Limited
Belt: Gap
Necklace: F21
Tights: Old Navy
Boots: Steve Madden

Three Closet Orphans Combined

I love this scarf, but somehow it got buried under my other scarves and I haven't worn it in over a year (according to my blog archives, which are probably pretty accurate).  I'm happy to rescue it and start wearing it more regularly again.

The dress also got lost in my dresses.  I think I've been picking my black/white striped skirt more often and forgetting to grab the dress.  

The cardigan is a tricky one.  I bought it when Gap was having a Friends and Family sale, and I wasn't finding much, but I was just in the mood to buy something, so this cardigan came home with me.  It's a pretty thick/itchy wool fabric, but it's pastel purple.  So it's sort of confused about whether it belongs in winter or spring.

I wore this a few weeks ago, and then Heather posted a super similar outfit!   I guess great minds think alike when it comes to putting lavender and stripes with a floral scarf!  We must both be ready for spring to arrive. 

Scarf & Cardigan: Gap
Dress: Old Navy
Belt: Limited
Boots: Steve Madden

Closet Orphan - Gray Booties

Back in summer 2012, I did a little Closet Ultimatum challenge for myself.  I basically took out all the summer clothes that I hadn't worn, but wasn't quite ready to get rid of, and I gave myself a month to wear everything or it had to go.  I thought I'd do it again in the winter, but then I kind of forgot about it.  Well, in January, Danielle did a Reverse 30X30, and Kate is currently doing her No Longer Neglected posts again.  After my real 30X30, I'm more aware that extra closet clutter makes it more difficult to decide what to wear, so I should really dig out my closet orphans and either rescue them or send them away for good.

I'm not going to do an official "challenge" or anything, but I'm going to try to work in these neglected items in the next few weeks.  So first up are these gray booties.  I bought them in September, from Payless, because they were $7 and I thought I'd wear them frequently this winter.  I think I've worn them once or twice. I like them, and they are very comfortable, but they are just awkward to style for some reason.  I think I need to try them with a skirt or dress and see if that works better.

Top: J.Crew factory
Necklace: Dillard's
Sweater & Jeans: Gap
Boots: Payless

Third Thursday - Beauty

When Bri announced that this month's theme was beauty, I was like "huh - I don't really do that!"  I mostly just look the way I look and then wear clothes!  My hair and make-up routine is pretty minimal.  In fact, I did a post about it back in 2012, if you are interested.  The only change for my hair is that I switched to using sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, and I use a deep-conditioner about once a week.  I also add some leave-in conditioner before I slather on the mousse.  I pretty much have 3 hairstyles - down, ponytail, and bun.  Sometimes, I will do a braid (or two).  But it's usually just down and curly!    

I don't paint my nails very often, because I am notorious for picking at any little bump.  So if the nails are perfect, I won't mess with them, but if there is even a tiny smudge, I will destroy the whole thing within a couple of days.  I should really exercise more self-control with that, because painted nails are pretty!

As you can see, I was sort of stumped, and then Bri mentioned lipstick.  Last summer, I bought some lip-stain and I really liked it, but I always forget to put it on.  So, I made sure to remember to paint my lips pink for this day!  I'm not a fan of actual lipstick, but I love the lip-stain, because the color goes on easily, and then you can add glossiness with the balm.

Anyway, maybe I'll pick up some tips from the other ladies who link up!            

Top: Gap
Cardigan, Skirt, Tights, Necklace: Old Navy
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Shoes: J.Crew Factory
Lip color: Revlon Just Bitten Lip-stain in Victorian

Striped Blazer Remix

On Monday, it was warm enough to wear a blazer as a coat and to wear flats without freezing my ankles off!  Just a hint of spring before we get more snow this week.  February is a bit of a tease sometimes.  Anyway, I was excited to break out this blazer.  This falls into an impulse buy that actually turned out to be a good decision.  

Today, I'm linking up with Ginny, Danielle, and Nicole for their "Many Days, Many Ways" theme.  I love a good remix collage, so of course, I had to join in!  Here are 7 ways I have worn this blazer through the spring, summer, fall, and winter.  Looking at this collage, I'm thinking I need to try this with some colors not in the red/pink family.  Maybe next time!  

1/2/3/4/5/6/7

How would you style this blazer?

Blazer: Gap
Top: J.Crew Factory
Jeans & Shoes: Old Navy

Literary Junkies

It's the Third Tuesday of the month, and that means LITERARY JUNKIES DAY!!  I'm very excited to be co-hosting the linkup this month.  See all the details below!  

Here are this month's questions and my answers:

1. What are you reading right now? Tell us about it! 

I'm almost finished with The Girl You Left Behind.  It starts out in France during WWI, and then moves to modern day London.  So far, I like it!  

2. What books are on your bedside table at the moment? 

Right now, I don't have any books on my bedside table!  I usually have a stack of library books, but I don't have any checked out at the moment.  I'm reading The Girl You Left Behind on my Kindle app, so I don't even have that sitting there!  

3. Amazon recently released the 100 books to read in a lifetime. What did they miss that you would add? 

I would add East of Eden and A Tale of Two Cities.  Oh, and The Chronicles of Narnia (at least #1). 

4. Are there any books being published in 2014 that you are anxiously awaiting? If so, what are they? 

 There are 2 that I am very excited about - Edge of Eternity and Landline.  I keep checking the library website to see if they have pre-ordered copies yet.  I want to get on the waiting list ASAP!  

5. Name the next 3 books in your To Be Read List (the ones you will be reading next on your list.) 

This will mostly be based on when my holds are available from the library.  So, my next book will be The Good Luck of Right Now, because it is ready to pick up.  After that, I don't know.  I'm hoping I will get Serena and What Alice Forgot soon, so I can read them for our next 2 book club chats!

Sweater: Gap
Scarf: Target
Jeans: Limited
Boots: Wanted

<a href="http://pinkheelspinktruck.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Pink Heels Pink Truck" src="http://pinkheelspinktruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Literary-Junkies-Button.png" width="250" height="250" /></a>

Hello Fellow Book Lovers! It's the 3rd Tuesday of the month...Literary Junkies Link Party Day!! And Literary Junkies Book Club Twitter party (tonight at 7pm CST). A time where all our fellow book lovers get together and share our love and joy of books! Grab our button, grab the questions below, write your post and link up with us!! LITERARY JUNKIES HOSTED BY LIFE WITH A SIDE OF COFFEE AND PINK HEELS PINK TRUCK YOUR JANUARY CO-HOST: ANDI JUST ANOTHER SMITH  
Now it's your turn! Grab the questions, grab our button, mingle with your fellow #LiteraryJunkies and link up your post below.

Weekend Wrap-Up

For some reason, I don't get a day off for Presidents' Day!  I mean, government offices are all closed, so why do other companies stay open?  OUTRAGE!  Mostly kidding, although I wouldn't complain if my company added some more paid holidays to the calendar.  We are in that stretch after the holidays where we have to go to work every day for like 5 months straight.  Ridiculous.  Memorial Day needs to hurry up!

Anyway, at least we have weekends!  This weekend was pretty great (and low key).  Friday night, we just grilled steaks and had a nice dinner at home.  Saturday, we went to see The Monuments Men (Hint - it's not very good!).  Sunday was church, relaxing, and then a very fun hangout in the evening with church friends.  Pretty much any blank spaces in the weekend were spent sleeping, reading, blogging, or doing laundry.  Weekend of champions, I tell ya!

Oh, and this outfit is from mid-December.  It's another good example of wearing summer clothes in the winter!  Step 1 - add a cozy wool cardigan.  Step 2 - tights and boots.

Dress: Target
Cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Tights: Old Navy
Boots: Wanted

Valentine's Week - Happy Love Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!  I decided to be crazy and try the bright red with bright pink look.  This skirt is actually "bohemian red," according to J.Crew.  Sometimes it looks a little bit orange, but I think that helps it look better with bright pink.

Anyway, John and I don't usually do anything too fancy for Valentine's Day.  All the restaurants are crowded, so we tend to celebrate a week later (if at all).  I mean, I do like an excuse to dress up and go to a nicer-than-usual dinner, but sometimes it seems like more fun to just be lazy.  Maybe we'll celebrate next weekend when the crowds aren't out!

This is my last "Valentine's Week" post, but the link-up is open until Monday, so you still have time to join in on all the fun.  Thanks to everyone who participated, especially my fabulous co-hosts!

Top & Cardigan: Old Navy
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Skirt: J.Crew Factory
Boots: Steve Madden

Valentine's Week - Pink Dress

Well, I ran out of pink and red things that would look good together, and I'm saving the grand finale for tomorrow, so today is just a pink dress.  But it's very pink, so that has to count for something.

I just bought this dress in January, and this is the first time I've worn it.  It should probably be the last.  I really love the style, fit, and color - but it's just too short.  It seemed a reasonable length in the dressing room, but it must have shrunk on the drive home, because it's barely fingertip length now!  And the there's no seam allowance to let the hem out at all.  I've just been wanting a fit-and-flare shirt dress like this for so long, I think I was blinded to the flaws.  Oh well - at least it was only $6!  I should be able to make most of that back at the consignment shop, right??

Although, I do wonder if I could chop out the lining and add a few inches of solid pink.  Would that look pretty or stupid?  And please don't say "yes."

Dress: Gap
Sweater: Urban Outfitters
Belt: Limited
Boots: Steve Madden

Valentine's Week - More Red & Pink

 

I think this outfit might be ridiculous, but I just love it anyway.  I have totally been neglecting this skirt since the cold weather arrived.  Yes, it's a summery fabric and color, but some fleece-lined tights and boots help transition it into the winter months.  I don't do the whole "closet transition" thing like some of you.  Other than shorts and heavier sweaters, I think most of my wardrobe is pretty translatable to all seasons.  Which is good, because there isn't a lot of warning when the seasons will be changing.  And yes, sometimes we experience all 4 seasons within a couple of days!  It's very confusing.

Top, Cardigan, Belt: Old Navy

Necklace: InPink

Skirt: Loft

Boots: Steve Madden

Valentine's Week - Pink & Red Layers

Valentine's Week continues with a red sweater and a pink button-up shirt.  I think the lighter pink is an easy way to try red & pink together.  I even tried Fran's trick of layering a tank top over the shirt to prevent bulkiness and awkward bumps!  Remember you can link up all week with your red or pink posts!           

These might be my favorite outfit photos ever!  Saturday evening, it started snowing when we were at dinner.  When we got home, we thought it would be fun to give outside snowy pictures a try.  I think they turned out really fun!  I was freezing, but it was totally worth it! 

Top, Sweater, Jeans: Gap
Boots: Steve Madden

Valentine's Week - Red Jeans

It's the first day of VALENTINE'S WEEK and I'm kicking it off with a little red and pink combination.  I'm so excited to have 5 lovely co-hosts for this theme week!  Make sure you go check out Laura, Kate, Inge, Brynn,  and Danielle to see how they are styling red and/or pink this week.  (And you can link up your own posts any day this week!) 

 

Now I have tried to rock red and pink in the past, and it ended up in the 2013 Hall of Shame.  In that outfit, I went all in, and it was too much, but that's how fashion goes sometime.  So, today I'm going for a smaller scale.  It's possible I will get more adventurous as the week progresses, but for today, just a pale pink necklace with my red jeans.

Here's a free piece of advice - when you are wearing a light-colored wool sweater, and a dark colored blazer, by the end of the day, it will look like you were snuggling with a polar bear.  So maybe throw a lint roller into your purse!    

Sweater: Gap
Blazer & Necklace: H&M
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: Steve Madden