#21- Wind Machine

When taking outfit photos, I usually forget my wind machine.  But some days, when I'm taking frantic photos on the side of Kohl's so I can grab a quick dinner of champions at Chick-fil-A before taking care of the 2-year-olds at church, the wind decides to show up.  And the reflection of my pink blazer on my face makes it look like I'm wearing blush.  No need to spend extra time on make-up!  Just wear bright colors!  

I'm so excited that Bri picked a Third Thursday Threads theme that fell into the rules of my 30x30.  LBD for the win!  Go check out the other looks here.  

And please take my survey if you haven't yet!      

Blazer: Gap (option, option)
Necklace: InPink (exact)
Belt: NY&Co (similar)
Dress: Ann Taylor (similar, similar)
Shoes: Old Navy (similar without captoe)

#18 - Weekend Wrap-Up

Happy Monday!  Since Navy Week is over (but you can still link up until midnight!), here's a rare 30x30 outfit that doesn't actually feature anything navy.  Pretty sure it is the first one of the challenge so far.

Anyway, how about a little weekend update?

Friday evening, we went to a cookout for John's department.  We played croquet and I was terrible.  It seemed like it was going to rain all night, but never actually did.  And my hair grew fluffier and fluffier as the night progressed.

Saturday morning, I had a long overdue phone date with one of my sweet friends from high school.  It was so great to catch up with her.  I really need to prioritize keeping in touch with friends!  Then I spent the rest of the day doing random household chores - this pretty much happens every weekend if I don't want my house to spiral into a complete mess.  Saturday evening, we went over to John's parents' house for dinner and games.  We hadn't seen them in forever, so it was fun to catch up!

Sunday we had church, and then did more miscellaneous chores around the house in the afternoon.  After evening service, we had a Sunday school class get-together, which is always a good time.

All in all, it was a pretty good weekend - a nice mix of socializing and productivity.  How was your weekend?

Jacket: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Scarf: H&M (similar)
Dress: Ann Taylor (similar, similar)
Belt: Steve Madden (similar)
Sandals: Target (exact, similar)

#12 - Navy Week - Black and Blue

Black and Navy - once fashion rules dictated that never the 2 should meet.  But this is the future, and fashion rules don't really exist anymore.  (Trust me, ever since Stacey and Clinton on What Not To Wear told me I can wear white pants any time of year, I've pretty much decided all fashion rules are obsolete.)

So here's my first attempt:  Basic LBD + navy scarf & shoes.  Silver belt to give myself a waist.  I think it looks pretty cute, but then again, I am the one who came up with it.

What do you all think about wearing black and navy together?

Link up your navy looks below, and also go check out Confident Twosday!

Scarf: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Dress: Ann Taylor (similar, similar)
Belt: Chinese Laundry (similar)
Shoes: Old Navy (option, option)

Dress Week - LBD (and book talk)

What would Dress Week be without the LBD?  I really love this dress - I've said it before, but I got it from Ann Taylor for $7.  I've definitely gotten my price per wear to under 50cents.

Anyway, it's Literary Junkies day.  Here are the questions and my answers:

• What are you reading? Tell us about it!  I'm just a few chapters into This is Where I Leave You.  So far, I like it.  It seems to walk the fine line between funny and sad.
• Library or bookstore? Library all the way!  My local library is awesome! I'm really excited about a few books that are coming out this fall, because I'm near the top of the wait list at the library - this means I will probably get them pretty soon after they are released, but I don't have to pay!    
• What book(s) have you read and re-read several times?  I don't really reread books.  There are too many new ones to read, I don't want to waste time reading something when I already know what happens.  There are a few books I read as a kid that I don't remember at all and would like to read again, but they won't make it to the top of my list for awhile.  The only book I purposely read over and over again is the Bible.  
• What is the first book that made you fall in love with reading?  No idea!  I have loved to read since before I can remember. 
• Who's your favorite author? Tell us so we can binge-read!  I'm so bad at picking favorites!  A couple more recent favorites are Neil Gaiman and Rainbow Rowell.  They are very different, but both wonderful!  

Have you read anything good lately?

Also remember you can keep linking up your dress looks throughout the week!  

Scarf: Target
Dress: Ann Taylor
Belt: chinese Laundry
Sandals: Carlos Santana

2013 Goals Review

This is the outfit I wore to John's office Christmas party a few weeks ago.  It's the same dress I wore back in 2011, but I don't think anyone noticed.  I felt festive enough while still having decently comfortable shoes, and a cardigan to keep warm.  Two years ago, I was freezing, and my feet were in severe pain by the end of the night.  See, I'm learning as I go!

Anyway, as we close out the year, I need to do my final goal review.  I had 6 goals for 2013.  I did monthly check-ins, except for November.  It probably would have matched October pretty closely. 

The short story for December is that I worked out A LOT.  Like 6 times a week for the first 3 weeks.  I even went to a Zumba class in Indiana!  I didn't sew anything, or cook consistently, or do any projects around the house.  I stuck to my budget, and I read several books.  So 50/50 for the month.  And I kind of feel like exercise is my top priority, so I feel good about that!

Here's my annual summary:

• Do a Project - mostly sewing.   50% success rate, with a generous definition of "projects."  I did a couple re-fashions, but I didn't do any serious sewing projects.  I'd really like to start sewing more, but it's just hard to find the time.  Maybe in 2014.
• Work out 3x a week - on Jan 1, I decided I would set up a reward system for this.  Then I didn't actually do the rewards system at all.  I think I was about 75% successful with this one.  In the beginning of the year, I just couldn't stay healthy, so I would be good for 2-3 weeks and then off for 1-2 weeks.  I'm getting better at making myself go to the gym, and tracking with My Fitness Pal is helping, too.  
• Tackle a Project around the house - well, I never made my list of things to do, but I think I did a decent job of getting stuff done.  We painted the guest bathroom, and half of the basement.  I also did some serious de-cluttering in our various closets, and took several bags to Goodwill or consignment.  I should really make that list so I know what I should be doing!  
• Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week - this is my worst category.  I'm just inconsistent, and I haven't figured out a good system to be more consistent.  
• Stick to a clothing budget - WIN!  I was almost $100 under budget for the year.  YAY!
• Read 50 books in the year - WIN!  This is my second year reading 50 books, and I cut it close again.  

So, I did pretty well on 3 categories, passable on 2, and failed on one.  Overall, I am confident that making goals and having monthly check-ins has helped me to better than I would have otherwise.  I need to think about my 2014 goals, but I'll be sure to keep myself accountable again!

Dress: Ann Taylor
Cardigan: Old Navy
Necklace: InPink
Tights: Target
Shoes: J.Crew Factory

Popular Pinterest Inspiration

I think every single blogger has worn some version of this outfit.  I actually wore this for what should have been day 16 of TOPIO (passing on the belt from day 15), but then I realized I had already passed along everything else in this outfit, so I changed my plan.

After wearing this, I bought a more "camel" colored cardigan, and some new cognac boots, so I'll probably be wearing a different version of this outfit before too long.

Linking up with Heather today for Pinned it& Did it!

Scarf: H&M
Dress: Ann Taylor
Cardigan: Limited
Belt: Old Navy
Boots: Steve Madden

Leopard Loafers

Loafers generally aren't for me, but when I saw these leopard ones on Gap's website, I had to have them.  I wanted to try them on, so I was waiting for them to show up in stores, but never saw them, and then they were gone from the website.  I was pretty bummed, but then my sister came to the rescue and found a pair for me!  Sisters are good for so many reasons!  I've worn them quite a bit, but this is the first time they've made it into official blog photos. 

Tomorrow is link up day!  Brynn and I will both have the link up posted in the morning, so make sure you stop by and share your leopard looks!  (spoiler alert: my outfit features sequins AND leopard print.  It's pretty crazy!)

And just to be clear, my TOPIO item is the denim jacket.  I'm passing the belt along for tomorrow.

Scarf: Calvin Klein
Jacket: Izod
Dress: Ann Taylor
Belt & Shoes: Gap

Paisley Cardigan - 3 Ways!

I'm doing my Friday remix post a little different this week.  Instead of  scanning through my archives for all the ways I've worn a certain item, I'm bringing you THREE BRAND NEW OUTFITS!  Imagine I said that in the echoey movie announcer voice.  It will seem more exciting.

This cardigan is a recent purchase from Loft.  Anytime I buy something and want to wear it EVERY DAY, I know it was a good decision.  Anyway, here are 3 ways I've worn it in the past couple of weeks.

#1 - worn to work

#2 - church

#3 - casual date night

Pretty exciting, right?  I think I'll be wearing it quite a bit in the coming months.

Go check out the other remixers! I'm also linking up with Casual Friday  and Favorite Fashion Friday today! 

Outfit details
Cardigan: Loft

Outfit #1:
Dress: Ann Taylor
Belt: Old Navy
Necklace: Bass
Sandals: Love Culture

Outfit #2:
Tee: Gap
Skirt: Old Navy
Sandals: Carlos Santana 

Outfit #3:
Tee: Gap

Shorts: Gap
Sandals: Carlos Santana 

Un-Belize-able

Our next stop was in Belize, but you will have to take my word for it, because I have no photographic evidence.  We went on a cave tubing trip, and didn't bring a camera (oops!).   If you ever visit Belize, I highly recommend the Cave Tubing trip.  We basically had a little hike through the rain forest, and then went on a float trip through some really awesome caves.  I was nervous that I would feel claustrophobic, but it was totally fine.  Our tour guides were wonderful, and told us interesting stories about Belize and about the native plants.  It was an excellent day!  Thanks to Google, I can tell you it was kind of like this. 

Here are a few pictures of us that evening at dinner.  The scarf started out as a neck accessory, but quickly became a wrap to keep my shoulders warm.  

Dress: Ann Taylor
Scarf: H&M

Tale As Old As Time

Last Sunday, I went to Beauty and the Beast (the musical) with my mom-in-law and sis-in-law.  At that point, it had snowed just a little bit, and we could still take pictures on the deck. Now, we have about 6 inches of snow outside, so I'm not sure when I'll be able to venture out there again.

Anyway, the show was fabulous!  I knew it would be.  I just love the story, and the songs, and the costumes.  Disney Princesses were not as big of a deal back when I was a kid, but I do think Belle was my favorite.  Back in 2010, Beauty and the Beast was in Omaha when my sister and nieces were visiting, so we all went.  That's probably another reason I love this musical - it was SO MUCH FUN to take the girls and experience it with them.

So, I have to ask - who is your favorite Disney Princess?

Dress: Ann Taylor
Sweater: Urban Outfitters
Belt: Charming Charlie
Tights: Steve Madden
Boots: Wanted via Piperlime
Necklace: InPink

Sha la la, sha la la lo li

I had to take a break from my challenge to rock my new shoes.  These were $13 at Marshall's in Des Moines and I just had to bring them home with me.  I mean, sometimes a lady just needs some ridiculous polka dot shoes. 

I made the mistake of wearing them on a day when I had to walk back and forth to the main building a few times, and the pleather straps kind of tore my feet up.  Nothing that can't be solved by some strategically placed toe band-aids!

After work, I went to a baby shower for a co-worker.  It was a baseball themed shower, and one of the games involved spinning around a bat, and then running to the other side of the room and putting a diaper on a Cabbage Patch Kid.  I took my shoes off for this game, for fear that I might break an ankle.  Baby showers are dangerous places.  

Dress: Ann Taylor
Belt: Limited
Shoes: Madden Girl

Conference Time

After 3 days of fun with Anne, it was time to head to Scottsdale for my work conference.  This was 3 days whirlwind of working, networking with clients, and having fun with co-workers.  It was a great conference, and I was pretty much exhausted the whole time.  Here's a quick run-through of my various outfits for the various events

Opening Reception -

Ann Taylor Dress, H&M Scarf, Francesca's Belt

 First day of meetings -

Gap Dress and Cardigan, BCBGeneration Shoes

Monday night - out for dinner, shopping, and dessert with some friends:

Gap shirt, American Eagle shorts, Sak purse, Fossil sunglasses

Molten Chocolate Cake from Grand Lux Cafe - so good!

Old Navy Skirt and Cardigan, Handmade Shirt, BCBGeneration Shoes

I got back on Wednesday afternoon, and then my sister and nieces arrived a few hours later.  We're having a bunch of fun and you will probably be seeing some pictures of cute 7-year-olds in the coming days.  

Bachelorette Party

Remember this phone?  It's at my friend's house, and I have to pose with it whenever I am over there, because it is really cool and orange.  I was over there last weekend for another friend's bachelorette party.  It was pretty fun, and I got to see some friends that I haven't seen in quite awhile.  Plus there was cake!  Wedding season is in full swing, so I'll be doing "Wedding Wednesday" posts on a more regular basis again.  I know this wasn't for a wedding, but it was a wedding related activity, so I'm counting it!

Dress:  Ann Taylor
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Necklace:  InPink
Shoes: Seychelles

Wedding Wednesday - Just last week

On Friday, one of my friends from college got married.  Two of my best friends and I decided to make it a Girls' Night.  I'm sure our dates were happy to stay home.         

I'm getting a lot of use out of this $7 dress.  I think I've worn it 4 times so far.  That's less than $2 for each time.  I won't do that math on my other dresses, it's probably pretty bad.   

Dress:  Ann Taylor

Pearls:  from China

Bracelets:  gift from a friend
Belt:  from another dress

Tights:  Target

Shoes: Seychelles from DSW (not that you can see them)

'Twas the Night before Christmas...

And we were taking pictures!  This is the Ann Taylor dress I wore to the Christmas party a few weeks ago.  I'm having fun styling it in different ways.

This is my sister/best friend.  She and I have very different styles, but always have fun shopping and sometimes even share things.  Isn't her sweater cool!?  I wish she lived in the same town as me so I could steal it sometime!   

I asked my nieces what they think about our outfits and got the following comments:

M:  First, say this is me and my big sister.  She's only wearing that sweater because she can't see it.  If she could see it, it would make her dizzy.
S:  I don't know
D:  They are both kind of white at the top, like the pearl necklace and the other necklace.

E:  That's BEAUTIFUL!!!

On me:
Dress:  Ann Taylor
Sweater:  Gap
Belt: from another dress
Necklace:  InPink
Boots:  Bare Traps

On Jill:
Necklace:  from China, borrowed from me.
Everything else:  Gap

All Aboard!

Friday night, we got all dressed up for John's company's Christmas party.  It was downtown at the Durham Museum (old Union Station), so we took the opportunity to take a picture on the train.  I wish they had some landscape pictures outside the window, so it actually looked like I was going somewhere. 

I almost wore my new green glitter shoes, but I thought it was a bit much, and I was pretty sure they'd be ruined the second they got snowy.  I think I tried on 10 pairs of shoes before I settled on these.  It was the wrong decision for sure.  Next year, I need to remember that there is a LOT of standing around, so I need to wear more comfortable shoes.  By the end of the night, I almost couldn't walk, especially on the ice and snow!  As of Monday morning, my toes are still a little numb.  That can't be healthy. 

Anyway... this dress is from Ann Taylor, and it was originally $138.  The other day, I stumbled across a blogger who had bought it full price, and was explaining that sometimes it is worth it to splurge on such a great basic item.  It's on sale online now for $99.  I got it for 7.  That's right, SEVEN dollars.  That is 95% off the original price.  It makes me feel a little ridiculous that my belt cost twice as much as my dress, but I think I'll manage. 

Dress: Ann Taylor
Belt:  Francesca's
Shoes:  BCBGirl
Clutch:  Loft