Black Polka Dot Maternity Dress Remix

Here's what I wore for dinner on my half birthday.  The subtle dots on this dress were just begging to be paired with the more obvious polka dots on the cardigan.  And then of course, I had to add some color.  

This dress has been another one of my favorite maternity items.  It's not exactly rocket science, but here are 7 ways I've worn it throughout pregnancy.  

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

I'm sure I could wear it many different ways - at the very least with more different colors of cardigans!  Or maybe even some non-black shoes!  So here's some free advice for anyone (pregnant or not):  a basic black dress is going to be very versatile!  I know, I'm pretty brilliant.

Cardigan: Old Navy
Dress: Old Navy Maternity (top 10 remix item)
Shoes: Target

Winter Planes

This is one of those dresses that makes more sense in the summer, but I like it too much to ignore for half the year.  The nice thing about this dress being slightly too big when I got it is that it still fits when I'm 5 months pregnant!  And most of my normal dresses are not even possible right now, so this makes me happy.  Looking at these pictures, there's a lot of white and black and snow going on, so I'm glad I wore the bright pink necklace.

You can also tell that I'm doing the "it's freezing" smile, and only took these 2 pictures, so you know, I'm super committed.  It's just that there was still a teensy bit of light when I got home, so I had to take advantage of it!

Necklace: Dillard's
Dress: eshakti (navy option)
Cardigan: Gap (similar)
Tights: Old Navy
Boots: Madden (exact)

Getting Old

Most of the time, I'm not too worried about getting older.  I mean, I'm on my last few months as a 20-something, but 30 seems okay.  Every once in awhile though, something happens that makes me feel really old.  One of these things happened yesterday at the eye doctor.  My previous eye doctor moved away, so I got to see the new guy who replaced her at the office.  He was great, but I think he was younger than me.  I mean, it's possible that he just looks young.  Anyway, if he is in fact younger than me, I'm pretty sure it's the first time I've been older than a medical provider.  It feels kind of weird. But hey, my eyes haven't gotten worse, so that's something to be happy about! 

At least I still wear color combinations that a Kindergartener would approve. 

Cardigan: J.Crew Factory
Necklace: Dillard's
Top: Old Navy
Skirt: Target
Flats: Payless

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

Foreshadowing

I may have hinted on Friday that I'd be wearing these white jeans again.  The Take One, Pass It On challenge is an excellent excuse to repeat my favorites without feeling guilty!

The weekend was nice, but always too short.  On Saturday, I finished season 3 of Downton Abbey.  I had heard that the ending was heartbreaking, but wow.  The Brits sure know how to destroy hopes and dreams!  Now I need to figure out how to watch season 4! 

On a happier note, I'm venturing to the new outlet mall after work today, hoping that the crazy weekend crowds will be gone.  My friend Brooke (you may remember her from Halloween) and I made plans to check it out (which is good, because I probably would have gone on Saturday and never found a parking spot!).  I've been scoping out the J.Crew Factory website in preparation. I'm hoping to try on these shoes and buy them if they are as wonderful as they seem.  Expectations are high, so I will probably be disappointed!  (see what I did there?  Lowering my own expectations with pessimism is one of my top skills!)

Cardigan:Urban Outfitters
Shirt: J.Crew factory
Jeans: Limited
Shoes: Old navy

Polka Dot Week - Jeans

Welcome to POLKA DOT WEEK!  After unintentionally wearing polka dots almost every day last week, it just made sense to make a little theme week on the blog.  Polka dots are awesome.  If you disagree, just leave now.  (I'm kidding.  You can stay, but you might not want to.)       

Polka dots have really taken off in the last few years, and this is one trend I am totally on board with.  Kim recently posted about being boring or being trendy and it got me thinking.  After writing a really long comment on her post, I realized polka dots are an example of a trend that isn't really trendy as much as it is a classic pattern that comes and goes in popularity.  I've always loved polka dots, but rarely found polka dotted items in stores.  I bought this skirt about 15 years ago, even though no one else I knew was wearing polka dots at the time.  I just liked it.  Now polka dots are everywhere, and my closet reflects that availability.

These jeans were a Labor Day sale purchase from Limited.  Printed denim is definitely a current trend.  I don't think I will still be wearing these jeans in 15 years, but you never know! 

Stay tuned this week for more outfits made up of polka dots, and get ready for Friday, where you can link up your favorite polka dot styles!

Top: Target
Cardigan: Old Navy
Necklace: Dillard's
Jeans: Limited
Sandals: Love Culture

Longest Short Week EVER (and a theme for next week)

Is it just me, or has this 4-day work week been dragging on?  I'm so ready for the weekend!

Without realizing it, I wore polka dots almost every day this week.  Since I post my outfits about a week after wearing them, I decided that next week will be a theme week for the blog!  Polka dots every day!  It's very exciting, I promise!

Sooo... would you all be interested in a little linkup next Friday to share your favorite polka dot outfits?  Let me know!

I'm also linking up with Casual Friday  and Favorite Fashion Friday today!  

Dress: Target
Necklace: Dillard's
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Sandals: Love Culture

August Goal Confessions

Well, August has come and gone and I'm still just slacking on my goals.  I'm not even going to make excuses for myself.  Here's the damage:   

• Do a project, mostly sewing - nope 
• Work out 3x a week - I probably worked out 3 times total.  Fail. 

• Tackle a project around the house -Operation Closet Clean-out is in progress and I hope to get a lot done this weekend. 
• Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week - not even close
• Stick to a clothing budget -  success!
• Read 50 books in 2013 - I'm falling behind, partly because I abandoned a book that I had started.  I've read 30 books this year, but I should be at 32, to be on track for 50.  I'm not too worried, because I tend to read more in the fall and winter.  I'm sure I can catch back up.  

 I don't even know what to say about this.  I've got a million excuses and none of them are worth whining about here, so I'll just say I hope I can get my act together in September!  

How are you doing on your goals?  Any advice on how I can do better?

Outfit note:  I must give credit to Kate for the idea of putting a navy tee with coral/pink floral shorts.  The cardigan was necessary, because my office gets cold sometimes.  

Top: Gap
Cardigan: Old Navy
Shorts: Loft
Necklace: Dillard's
Sandals: Love Culture

Back to Normal

 

When I bought these shorts and this sweater at Loft, I knew I would wear them together at some point.  I think I have a mild addiction to mixing prints!

Anyway, as you may have noticed, it has been a completely crazy summer.  I feel like I have just been running from one thing to the next for the last 4 months.  It's been a lot of fun, but I am ready to get back into some sort of routine again. I've got big plans for going to the grocery store on Saturday, right after I sleep in as late as possible.  It's a glamorous life, I know.    

Sweater & Shorts: Loft
Jacket: Izod
Shoes: Gap
Necklace: Dillard's

Goals Review for June

Happy July!  The good news is that my sister and nieces are in town and we are likely having way too much fun!  The bad news is that a new month means it is goal review time!  June was rough, for various reasons.  It was another busy month of traveling to a few places, and trying to spend time with friends and family as much as possible, while maintaining some order around my house and trying to stay on top of things at work.  It just feels like there is a lot going on right now!  This review is going to be painful - try not to judge me too much.  I reserve the right to bend the rules on all subjects. 

• Do a project, mostly sewing - well... I did re-hem my gold skirt.  AND I found 2 old necklaces that my dad bought in Israel in the 80s, and I re-strung them.  So, those are both projects, right?     
• Work out 3x a week - not so much.  I've had a lot going on in the evenings, and just haven't made exercise a priority.  Funny thing is, I've actually lost weight this month, because I started tracking my calories.  I'm down about 8 pounds!  It's a good reminder that diet and exercise are both so important.  I'm also kicking myself, because imagine how much more I would have lost if I'd been consistently exercising this month!! 
• Tackle a project around the house - I haven't done any big projects, but I am still making progress toward sorting and getting rid of things.  It's hard to tackle projects when I'm not around on the weekends. 
• Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week - yeah, not so much on this one either.  
• Stick to a clothing budget - success!  This is the only goal I can consistently achieve! 
• Read 50 books.  I'm falling behind on this one.  I've finished just 2 books in June, but I'm halfway through 2 other books.  

So yeah, June was not a banner month for my goals!    I suspect July won't be much better, as I have a lot of stuff still going on, but I will try to get on track!  

Halfway through the year, I'm feeling sort of like a failure, but I'm doing better than I did last year!  Small victories, right?

How are you doing on your annual goals??  

Cardigan & Skirt: Loft
Top: Old Navy
Shoes: Anne Klein

Confetti Shirt

When I saw Whitney and Kate wearing confetti shirts, I added it to my "want" list, so I was pretty excited when I found this one at Gap for $10.  Yes, it's exactly the same one Whitney has.  I have a feeling I will be wearing it a lot this summer.  You may remember it from my Orlando recap post.

The early evening light was not working out at all to show the fun colorful dots, so I had to go inside for a few close-up shots.

Also, I hate to beg for followers, but since Google Reader is going away, here's your friendly reminder to keep up with me on Bloglovin.   I migrated everything over a few months ago, and I actually prefer it to Google Reader, so I'm not as sad as I was at first.

Linking up today with Agi's Tres Chic, Look What I Got, and Summer Style.

Top and Cardigan: Gap
Skirt: Limited
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Necklace: Macy's
Shoes: BCBGeneration

Another Day, Another Mixed Print Outfit

Lately, I just want to MIX ALL THE PRINTS!  Floral and stripes are one of my favorite combinations, so it is likely that I would have come up with this outfit on my own eventually, but I was helped along the way by this and this.

So, I was recently nominated for a Liebster award by the super sweet Brynn. Since I've been blogging for awhile and still have less than 200 followers, this is my 4th time to get this award (previous posts here and here), so I'm not going to do the whole thing again.  But I will answer Brynn's questions.  (and you should go visit her, because she is great!  Plus she is doing a 30X30 challenge in July, which I am still too chicken to attempt). 

1. What do you like to do in your free time?  I read a lot, and watch a lot of TV (usually something on Netflix because I have no patience for watching shows in real time).  Obviously I like to shop.  When I have more free time, I like to get a little crafty with sewing or other projects.  
2. If you could have a dinner party with any three famous people (dead or alive), who would they be and why?  This question is overwhelming!  I mean, ANYONE from ANY TIME?  Also, I'm not that interested in having dinner with celebrities.  Honestly (if I'm not being afraid of getting religious on the internet), my first choice is Jesus.  Anyone else at this dinner would be ignored.  
3. What is your favorite household chore and why?  Favorite chore?  Seriously, Brynn???  I guess my least-hated chore is doing the laundry.  I like how I can be "doing laundry" all day, but it is mostly remembering to transfer to the dryer, and start a new load.  Plus the clean clothes smell so good, and I can fold them while watching TV.     
4. What's your favorite item of clothing that you currently own?  Again, this is hard to answer because everything is my favorite!  Lately, I've been pretty excited about my navy/white striped blazer and want to wear it all the time, but it's not the best for 90+ degree days! 
5. When you're on a road trip, what is your go-to music?  I usually put my iTunes on shuffle and just let it play.  It ends up being a lot of Ben Folds, Weezer, and Regina Spektor. 

How would you answer her questions?

Necklace: Dillard's
Top: Alfani
Cardigan: Old Navy (Dyed by me)
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Seychelles

Today I am linking up with What I Wore Wednesday and  Fashion and Beauty Finds.

5 Days, 5 Ways - Dresses

Most of the dresses that I wear on a regular basis have already been the subject of a remix collage, so it took some digging to find another one that I've worn enough times.  I landed on this faux wrap dress from Target.  I think I bought it in 2007, because it was on sale.  Then I hardly ever wore it, because I thought it looked weird with a cami underneath, and it wasn't decent alone.  Once I got a little more creative, I realized I could layer a button-down under the shirt, and I really like it that way! I also noticed that I usually wear it with crazy tights.

5 ways:  

1/2/3/4/5

 Shirt: Gap
Dress: Target
Belt: Limited
Necklace: Dillard's
Boots: BareTraps via DSW

Winter is Coming

As I mentioned on Saturday, Nebraska can't really decide on a season.  I almost wore shorts to run errands on Saturday, but it just didn't feel right for November.  Then Sunday morning I had to bust out my big winter coat.  The rest of this week is supposed to be more fall-like, so I am hoping for some more moderate days before the cold months set in.

I keep seeing "Winter is Coming" in random places and I'm never sure if people mean for it to be a Game of Thrones reference or not.  I also don't like how the TV show (which I haven't seen) is called "Game of Thrones," but the book series is really "A Song of Ice and Fire."  I just finished book three, and will likely finish four and five in the next few weeks and then I will have to be patient, because I suspect book six won't be out for a few years.  I should really wait to start a series until all the books are out!

Any recommendations for good books I should add to my list?

Coat: Old Navy
Sweater: Gap
Skirt: Autograph
Shoes: Seychelles
Necklace: Dillards