First Grade Inspiration

My youngest niece is in first grade, and is a little fashionista.  Sometimes she asks her mom to send me pictures of her outfits.  Sometimes, I post them on the blog (here and here).  When my sister sent me a recent outfit picture, I just felt like I had to copy it.

I don't think I've ever worn my denim jacket over a chambray shirt, and I thought it was a fun idea. Plus I was anxious to wear my new maternity chambray top.

I even searched on Pinterest to see if this was an obvious combo I have missed, and couldn't find anything, so my niece is officially the pioneer of this idea.  As with any denim on denim, I think it's important to make sure your blues are different enough to provide a little contrast.  And if you are really cool (like the 6-year-old), a printed chambray and embellished jacket help keep things interesting.  If you aren't that cool (like me, for instance), maybe add a necklace and belt for a little shine!

I can't tell you where most of E's outfit is from, but her jacket is from the Annie collection at Target - I know this, because I bought it for her at Christmas.

I think my version would be a little better with my regular chambray popover, but it doesn't fit at the moment.  This maternity top is just a little too billowy and I think the proportions look kind of goofy.  I mean, I felt fine all day, but then looking at my pictures, I felt like it looked a little weird.  Also wrinkly, but this is real life!

Jacket: JCF
Chambray: Loft Maternity
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Skirt: Gap
Boots: Madden

Currently February

A couple weeks ago, I had the idea of wearing my new black pixie pants with this green blouse and my gray sweater.  I put it on and the proportions were just not looking right.  But I had in my head that this blouse needed to be paired with black and gray.  And then I happened upon this skirt at the Gap and it all came together.  Just pretend I ironed the skirt before wearing it, okay?  And hey, none of these are maternity clothes, so that's kind of exciting!

Oh, and it's the first Wednesday of the month, so I'm linking up with the Currently ladies (Anne and Jenna)!

Reading - Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman.  I've never been into collections of short stories, but I've liked a few recently, and I have to read anything by Neil Gaiman.  I've only read the first few stories, but I like them (no big surprise there)

Pinning - ALL THE BABY THINGS!

Eating - whatever sounds good at that very moment.  I'm not one of those pregnant ladies who wants to overshare about all my symptoms, but I think I am done with the"feeling pretty good" portion of pregnancy.  I'm now in the awkward part where I will be starving, and then 10 minutes later feel completely stuffed, even though I didn't eat anything.  I think it has a lot to do with where the baby is deciding to hang out compared to my internal organs.  So weird.

Anticipating - May 4th is exactly 3 months away, so I'm anticipating having a tiny human arrive soon!  And sort of panicking about all the things I want to get done before then.

Sweater: Gap
Blouse: Old Navy
Necklace: InPink
Skirt: Gap
Tights:Old Navy
Boots: Madden

Sneaky Dots

This dress has very subtle polka dots on it, which you can kind of see if you look closely.  Or if I post a close-up outtake where I'm laughing.  That would also work.  

And it's Tuesday, so I'm linking up with Laura for Confident Twosday!

Necklace: InPink

Cardigan: Old Navy

Dress: Old Navy Maternity

Belt: Chinese Laundry

Tights; H&M

Boots: Madden

Weekend Recap

This weekend was crazy but oh so fun! Friday evening was our Sunday School class Christmas party. These people are so fun!  Our amazing hostess spent probably way too much time creating a Christmas-themed Cranium-style game, and it was a blast.

Saturday evening, one of my other friends hosted a little cookie decorating party.  Again, so much fun to get together with some friends I hadn't seen in awhile!

On Sunday, John and I went to lunch with some close friends after church.  And then I was exhausted all afternoon, and tried to get a few things done.  I can't believe how soon Christmas will be here!  So much to accomplish before then.  And I have evening plans more often than not!

Anyway, it was a good weekend.  And here's to a good week before Christmas, as well!

Cardigan: Gap factory (similar)
Top: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Skirt: Gibson&Latimer (similar, similar)
Tights: Old Navy
Boots: Steve Madden (exact)

Graphic Tee Week - 30!!!

It's my BIRTHDAY!!  And I'm 30?  What?  So strange.  I'm not really worried about getting older, but it just doesn't feel like I can be 30 already.  Didn't I just turn 18 like five minutes ago???  I'm taking the afternoon off work and getting a much needed massage and pedicure, and then looking forward to a fun weekend of celebrating!

When I decided to do Graphic Tee week, this was the first outfit that I thought of.  I just love this tee (another of the $2.50 deals from Gap). So I wore it and loved it and saved it for my birthday post and graphic tee week finale!

Anyway, thanks to everyone that linked up!  You can still join in until Monday.  Make sure to check out all the other links and make some new friends.  Especially Priya, who totally killed it as my co-host this week!

Blazer: Gap via consignment (option, option)
Tee: Gap
Necklace: InPink (exact)
Jeans: Gap factory (similar)
Shoes: Old Navy (similar without captoe)

Weekend Update

Well, it's Monday again already!  Happens every week...  But the weekend was pretty great, so I can't complain too much.  Since John's birthday is tomorrow, it was officially birthday weekend, so we celebrated on Saturday evening with his family.  So tricky - he got to open his presents 3 days early!  Other than birthday festivities, I mostly spent the weekend catching up on chores and reading.

The most amazing fall weather has finally arrived.  I would be happy if it stayed like this until December 24th.  And then Spring can arrive on January 10th.  Give or take a few days.  I'm not picky.

Necklace: InPink (exact)
Blazer: H&M (similar)
Top: Old Navy (exact)
Jeans: Limited (exact)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory (exact)

Skirt week - Stripes

It's the end of Skirt Week, so I thought another one of my long-time favorites would be appropriate.  I absolutely love this skirt and have worn it so many times over the last couple of years.  I actually wore this outfit a couple weeks ago to work and then shopping with a friend.  She had texted me that her outfit that day was very "Andi-ish", and when we met up, she was wearing almost this exact skirt with a chambray shirt.  So we were almost embarrassigly matched at the mall.

On that same trip, I almost bought this exact skirt in a wider stripe, but decided that might be ridiculous, so I left it.  But I kind of still want to go back for it.

You can still link up your skirt posts until Monday night!  Make sure you check out the other links, and especially my amazing co-host, Inge!

Jacket: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Top: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Skirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Shoes: Target (same without patent captoe)

#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)

Defying Gravity

Last week, I got to sit in the front row at Wicked.  This is one of the perks of having season tickets to the Broadway Across America shows - I get early access to the good seats, and I don't have to pay as much for them.  It's such an incredible show, and sitting up front was even more amazing.

I was so excited about the show that I completely forgot to take outfit pictures beforehand, so I took these when I got home.  You can kind of tell I am slightly drunk on musical theater.  If I had an ounce of singing/dancing/acting talent, I'd probably quit my job and move to New York.  Okay, I wouldn't do that, because I'd miss John too much.  But you know, if I was talented enough, I bet he'd come with me.  And when I failed, I could always come back and do local theater.  That would be fun, too.  

Anyway, I took it as a good excuse to wear my airplane dress again.  Because Elphaba defies gravity, and so do airplanes.  See what I did there?

Cardigan: Gap
Dress: eShakti
Belt: Limited
Necklace: inPink
Shoes: J.Crew Factory    

Grayscale

John thought this was a fancy outfit.  I think maybe because there are no colors.  Because fancy people don't have time to wear crazy colors, so they just stick to neutrals?  Or maybe the white jeans seem fashiony, because you don't see many people wearing white pants in Nebraska in the winter.  I don't know.  All I can say is that I liked it better in real life than in pictures.  

When wearing white jeans, I really should have found a better place to stand.  The dirty snow piled up behind me isn't doing this outfit any favors.  But it was really cold and windy out, and I didn't feel like finding another spot to set up, so this is as good as it gets for today.  

Oh, and it was inspired by this pin.  So I'm linking up with Pinned It & Did It and Style Swap with Ginny and Jenn.  

Blazer: H&M

Sweater: Gap

Necklace: InPink

Jeans: Limited

Shoes: J.Crew Factory

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

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

#30 - Finished

Well, this is my last outfit of the 30X30, so I'm free to wear anything in my closet now!  It actually wasn't that bad, but I'll be happy to have a bigger pool of items to choose from.

I feel kind of tough with my black jeans, boots, and jacket!  But the pink blouse bring it into Andi territory, so I don't feel like I'm in a costume.

Jacket: Target
Shirt: Old Navy
Jeans: Gap
Necklace: InPink
Boots: Steve Madden

#25 - Try, Try Again

After my first attempt at styling this striped dress, I was worried it was a little too juvenile for me.  My second try is much better (partially helped by outdoor photos)!  I think adding the color with a cardigan instead of crazy tights is a better idea.

I'm so far behind on posting my outfits.  I'm officially done with the wearing portion of the 30X30, but I'll be finishing up the blogging portion next week. 

Dress, Cardigan, Tights: Old Navy
Necklace: InPink
Belt: TJ Maxx
Boots: Steve Madden

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

Pinned It & Did It - Copying Kendi

I've had this outfit pinned for a long time.  I mean, Kendi's original post was from 2.5 years ago.  This either means that I am way behind the fashion curve, or this is a timeless combination.  I'll choose to believe the latter.  Although, a pretty good argument could be made that Nebraska is about 6-12 months behind on trends. I've just recently started seeing regular people in bubble necklaces. And I thought I was a late adopter of that trend a year ago!

Necklace: InPink
Top & Belt: Gap
Dress & Tights: Target
Boots: Steve Madden

Winter is Here

Are you ready for more weather talk?  Because Nebraska got seriously cold last week.  When I wake up in the morning, I usually check the weather so I know how to dress accordingly.  When it says ZERO, I just want to give up and crawl back into bed.

On Saturday, I went on a returning spree at the outlet mall.  I didn't even buy anything new to replace the returns.  The parking lot was crazy, the lines were long, and I really wonder why anyone thinks it is a good idea to have an outdoor mall in Nebraska!  Put a roof on it!  Or better yet, one of those retractable roofs that they have on football stadiums.  That'd be pretty cool! 


Necklace: InPink
Sweater: Gap
Dress, Belt,Tights: Old Navy
Boots: Steve Madden

All Mixed Up

 

I'm not sure what's going on, but I've been completely confused all week about what day it is.  I think it is partly because I had extra plans after work on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  Then Thursday and today, my department is doing off-site training, so I'm working, but it's not at the office, and it's completely different than my normal day (like, I have to wake up at a normal person time, instead of sleeping in late!)  I was thinking it would be better next week, but apparently Thanksgiving is happening.  Where did November go exactly?  I have no idea.

The Take One, Pass it On challenge is almost over - just one more week!  Then I can get back to participating in link ups on the appropriate days.  I missed Pinned It & Did It yesterday, so I'm making up for it with today's outfit.  Tamara from Ordinary Fashionista is one of my favorites, and I love this outfit of hers from way back in May.  Stripes + Dots + a dash of pink?  Sign me up!  (Plus, she's kind of an amazing seamstress.)

Happy Friday!

Skirt, Cardigan, Belt: Old Navy
Tee: Gap
Necklace: InPink
Shoes: Target

When September Ends - Goal Review

Happy Monday!  I'm sure I'll be posting about my mom's visit soon, but unfortunately, it's the end of the month, so I have to do my goal review.  September was better than August, but still not pretty!

• Do a project, mostly sewing - nope.  But I do have an easy sewing project in mind, so that must count for something.  This dress ripped at the seam, so I'm going to chop it into a top instead of a dress.  I thought I'd have time to do it last week, but I have poor time management skills. 
• Work out 3x a week - I think so. 

• Tackle a project around the house - I did clean out the linen closet in the guest bathroom.  It's been a sort of mess since we moved in, because I'm never in there, so it's kind of "out of sight, out of mind."  But I finally organized it and threw away a bunch of stuff! 
• Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week - medium.  I don't know - we are home so randomly in the evenings.  I think I did okay. 
• Stick to a clothing budget - while technically over for September, I was using leftovers from prior months, so I'm still on track for the year.
• Read 50 books in 2013 - I finished 4 books in September.  I'm still 2 books behind schedule for the year, but again, once I get done with these 800 page Harry Potter books, I think I'll be able to catch up.  I'll just have to be strategic with a few shorter books.  

We're officially 75% through 2013, and I am not feeling great about my goals.  Maybe 4th quarter will be really awesome.  Are you still working on any goals or NY resolutions?  

Blazer: H&M
Top & Jeans: Gap
Necklace: InPink
Shoes: Target