Birds of Prey

Who wants to hear a funny/weird story?  My sister told me this, after seeing the crib mobile I made for the baby's room.

At Target, the cashier guy told my sister a fun fact about mobiles.  Babies aren't entertained by them.  They actually think that birds of prey are circling and will swoop down to eat them at any moment, so the baby's survival instinct kicks in and he will be quiet and still to avoid capture.  So yeah, it is pretty effective, but parents have no idea that their newborns are terrified.

I mean, what?  Extensive research (I googled it) shows that this is not true, but I think it's ridiculous that the Target guy was sharing crazy theories!  I assume actual doctors or researchers would have figured this out and no one would use mobiles if this were the case.  But no, random Target worker, you seem to be a super legit baby expert.

Anyway, there's a random story for your Tuesday!  (and a random outfit)

Cardigan: Gap
Tunic and Jeans: Old Navy Maternity
Shoes: Target

Twofer Tuesday - Floral Scarf

I've somehow gotten way behind on outfit posts again, which is why I'm sneaking in some two-fer posts.  I tend to neglect this scarf for 6 months at a time, so I went crazy and wore it a few times in a row recently.  The jeans outfit was for work on a Friday, the dress was for church on Sunday.  And I actually wore the scarf again to work a few days later, but "Threefer Thursday" doesn't have the same ring to it, so I'll leave that outfit for another day.  

Here's your free and very obvious fashion tip for the day - a bright floral scarf is a good way to pretend it is spring when it it still super freezing outside.  (and I should note that this week is all of a sudden beautifully springy!  So I can wear actual spring clothes instead of just brightly colored winter clothes).  

Outfit #1: 

Scarf: F21
Cardigan: Gap
Dress: Loft Maternity
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Tights: H&M
Boots: Steve Madden

Outfit #2:
Scarf: F21
Sweater and Jeans: Old Navy Maternity
Boots: Steve Madden

Camelot

This is what I wore recently when I went to see the Camelot musical.  I'll be honest, most of my knowledge about King Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere is from the movie First Knight, which I thought was just about the coolest movie ever when I was 10.  The broadway show didn't quite measure up.  I mean, it was okay, but just not amazing like I expect my musicals to be.  None of the music stuck with me at all, I didn't sense any chemistry between Guinevere and Lancelot, and honestly, King Arthur just seemed way more likable, so I don't understand why she would even be tempted to leave him for Lancelot.  But whatever.  It was a fun way to spend the evening.  And it was warm enough to not wear tights, so all around a pretty good day.

Oh, and I might be a jerk for saying this, but theaters really need to have something in place for larger folks.  These seats are pretty tiny to start out with, and I was unfortunately sitting next to a guy who really needed 2 seats.  Southwest would have totally kicked him off a flight.  And yet, I had to make myself as small as possible and lean into my MIL's space to avoid contact.  I wondered if I should speak to an usher at the intermission, but what are they going to do?  And then I'd really feel like a jerk.

So maybe I would have enjoyed the show more if that hadn't been an issue.  Hopefully that guy doesn't also have season tickets.

Cardigan & Scarf: Gap
Belt: Limited
Dress: Loft Maternity
Boots: Madden

Double Sweaters and a New (old) Necklace

These 2 sweaters were hanging next to each other as they dried and I thought they needed to be worn as a team.  And then I decided that I really need a purple cardigan, like not lavender, but really purple.  And then I searched on Shopstyle and couldn't find anything remotely close to what I would like.  So, I guess I should add it to my Wish List.  And you know, update that at some point, because I don't think I've looked at it in awhile.

Oh, and more importantly, this necklace is really cool, right!  My dad got it in Israel when I was a baby, and I don't think I ever wore it (and then the string was all stretched out).  So I recently restrung the beads and then forgot about it again.  Then Meghan suggested a wooden necklace to go with this outfit, and I remembered I should really wear this one sometime!  And I'm so glad I did!

Necklace: gift
Cardigan: Gap
Sweater: Old Navy
Skirt: Gap
Tights: Target
Boots: Madden

Different but the Same

This outfit felt very familiar, so I dug into the archives.  Yep.  It's almost identical to the last time I wore this scarf and cardigan, almost a year ago.  Except my hair is shorter now, and my belly is bigger.  It's amazing how much changes and how much stays the same!

Cardigan: Gap
Scarf: Gap
Tee: Old Navy (option, option)
Skirt: Gibson & Latimer (similar, similar)
Tights: Old Navy
Boots: Madden (exact)

Floral Week - Skirt

Floral Week continues with this pencil skirt!  I'm still on the lookout for a floral pencil skirt with more colors in it, but I really like this one for now.  I don't have much to say today.  If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I'm keeping busy with my nieces this week.  We had way too much fun at the zoo yesterday, and today I'm going to surprise them with a trip to the pottery painting store.  I think they are going to love it!  Anyway, there's still time to link up your floral looks!  Info after the jump...

Also, I'm using this outfit for the pastel entry in Sarah's April Looking Lucky Style Challenge. 

Top & Cardigan:Gap
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Skirt: Bass
Necklace & Shoes: Old Navy

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

April Goal Review and a Close Enough African Violet

It is Day 2 of the Pantone Spring Color Challenge with Marissa and Heidi, which means I'm supposed to be wearing something that is "African Violet."  I'm pretty sure I don't have anything that is the exact right shade, so my light purple cardigan will have to do.

It's also the last day of April, which means I have to take stock of my goals:

1. Do a project, mostly sewing - Um, I don't think I have done any sewing. 
2. Work out 3x a week - I think so?  I haven't been keeping track as well this month, but I have been going to the gym pretty regularly, plus I went hiking and even went to a yoga class in Arizona.  For what it's worth, I'm pretty much sore all the time.  That will go away eventually, right? 
3. Tackle a project around the house - We painted half of the basement!  I also am about halfway done sorting through my dresser drawers.  I'm hoping to get rid of quite a few things, and then organize everything else so it is easier to see what I have. 
4. Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week.  LOOK, A BEAR!  Did I distract you enough that you won't notice how badly I failed at this in April?  No?  LOOK, ANOTHER BEAR!  Why am I so bad at preparing meals???
5. Stick to a clothing budget - success!
6. Read 50 books.  I'm on track with this one.  I finished 3 books in April, and am currently reading 3 books.  I'm at 16 for the year, which Goodreads says means I am on track.  I'd like to stay 1-2 books ahead of schedule, but since I am partway through 3 other books, I'll probably jump ahead soon.  

***I'm trying to figure out how to edit my photos with ipiccy, so any advice is appreciated!  Somehow, my legs look super tan in the first picture.  I'm not trying to make myself thinner or anything, just want to get the light and colors to look good.


Dress: Target
Cardigan: Gap
Belt: Limited
Sandals: Carlos Santana via DSW

Plaid Shirt Remix

 

Happy Monday!  I got home late last night from a pretty epic best friend weekend in Arizona, so I will be sorting pictures and posting more about that later this week.  For now, a little remix to kick off the week!

This picture reminded me that I have been neglecting my plaid shirt for a few months!  I specifically thought I would wear it frequently throughout the winter, because it has so many colors that I could pretty much throw any cardigan over it and look put together.   

I'm also learning that a statement necklace doesn't make a very loud statement if it is the same color as my skin.   Be honest, did you even notice that I am wearing a necklace in these pictures? 

If my archive searching is correct, this is only the 5th time I've worn this shirt.   Disgraceful, but still enough for a remix collage!  

1/2/3/4

Plaid Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Cardigan: Gap
Necklace: H&M
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Michelle D via Dillard's

I'm also linking up with AJ for her weekly remix!  You should do the same!

5 Days, 5 Ways Bonus - Purple Skirt

When I was preparing for the 5 Days, 5 Ways challenge, I thought my purple skirt would be an excellent item to feature.  After mostly finishing this post, I realized that skirts were not one of the days.  Fail!  The good news is that I am adding a bonus day to the fun of last week!

1/2/3/4/5

Digging through my archives, I realized that I usually pair this skirt with more neutral tops.  I've never had a lot of purple in my wardrobe, so I guess I don't know how to pair it with other colors.  I have had this look pinned for awhile, so I will probably try it out soon!

I am thinking I will try to do a remix post on a weekly basis.  They are some of my favorite posts to put together, and also my favorite topic to see on other style blogs.  What do you say?  Would you like that, or do you think remix posts are lame?

Top: Dillard's
Cardigan: Gap
Skirt: Sunny Leigh via Macy's
Boots: BareTraps via DSW

5 Days, 5 Ways - Leopard Top

 

This weekend, I did some closet cleaning, which resulted in a trip to the consignment shop.  I also found some old favorites in the back of my closet that have been neglected.  So, I am late to the "no longer neglected" party, but I'm jumping in here in the last week.  This leopard tank top is the only clothing item I have sewn from scratch.  I wore it a few times last winter/spring, and then apparently forgot about it.  Time to bring it back!  The above outfit was perfect for an impromptu dinner date on Saturday evening.

This is also Day 1 of the 5 Days, 5 Ways link up challenge with Whitney and Fran.  These are 2 of my favorite bloggers, so I'm excited to play along, and see what everyone else puts together.
 

Here are 4 ways I have previously worn this shirt, along with today's look (get it, 5 ways!).

1/2/3/4/5

Goal for sometime this summer: wear this top without a cardigan!  It can stand on its own, I just tend to wear it on cooler days, like a Saturday in late March, when it is snowing.  All of my summery tops are now at the front of my closet, so I hope the weather cooperates soon and I can stop wearing giant sweaters one of these days!

Outfit details
Cardigan: Gap
Shirt: handmade
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: Target