Fancy Polar Bear

Once the temperatures dip below freezing, I think it's appropriate polar bear sweatshirt weather.  I decided to dress it up a bit with my black pencil skirt.  Because doesn't a black pencil skirt make everything look classy?  Well, maybe not everything.  But most things.

I hope you all had a nice weekend.  I unfortunately caught a cold at the end of last week, so I was mostly trying to rest and recover.  I even got a flu shot this year; why am I sick??

Sweatshirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Coat: Old Navy (similar, similar, similar)
Chambray: JCF (exact)
Skirt: Gibson&Latimer (similar, similar)
Tights: Target (exact)
Boots: Steve Madden (exact)

Just Okay

This outfit is from a few weeks ago.  I don't love it.  I don't hate it, but it's just kind of blah.  I should have added a belt or something.  Plus these tights just make me look like my legs are kind of tan, and it's going to be very disappointing when I'm actually showing my knees and they are just slightly darker than the white wall behind me. 



Top & Cardigan: J.Crew factory
Dress (as a skirt) & Tights: Old Navy
Boots: Steve Madden
Necklace: Charming Charlie

Announcing GREEN Week

Hi there!  I don't have a whole lot to say about this week or about this outfit, but I do have a fun announcement for you all!  Theme weeks are my new favorite thing, and with St. Patrick's Day coming up, it made sense to focus on all things emerald/kelly/lime/olive.  I even planned ahead this time, to give you all plenty of days to prepare!  

The week of March 17th, I'll be blogging green outfits!  I have 2 lovely co-hosts this time:  Heather and Ashley, so be sure to follow along with them as well.  You can link up with us any day that whole week to share your posts about anything green (outfit, home decor, food).  You have 10 days to prepare!  Well, really more than that, because the link will be live until the 24th, but you know what I mean!  

  

I hope you all have a great weekend!

I'm linking up with Casual Friday and Favorite Fashion Friday with Penniless Socialite & Delusions of Grandeur

Sweater: Old Navy
Chambray: J.Crew Factory
Necklace: Limited
Jeans: Gap
Boots: Madden

Mrs. Candy

On Wednesday evening, on of my 5th grade girls decided that she would call me "Mrs. Candy" instead of "Andi."  I've never given her candy, so I think she's just excited about rhyming stuff.  Kids are so weird.

Another random/funny story from Wednesday.  One of the girls is pretty tall, and she was talking about how people think she's in high school instead of 6th grade.  I told her I could relate, because I was a really tall kid, too.  I explained that I was pretty much my current height by 6th grade.  Another girl was like "WHOA, YOU WERE A GIANT 6th GRADER!" and then the first girl said "Don't make her feel bad about it!" 

Don't worry - I'm over any insecurities I had about being a giant kid. 

Cardigan: Old Navy
Chambray: J.Crew Factory
Jeans: Limited
Shoes: Gap

General Silliness

 

These shoes - I love them, but they are ridiculous.  I tend to make some questionable shopping decisions when my nieces are with me, because they just convince me that OF COURSE I need some floral sandals. Good thing these were just $10, so I'm not making expensive foolish choices.  I just need to be creative and wear them a few more times before fall sets in, because I doubt these will be a closet staple for years to come.  

In the spirit of ridiculousness, here are some silly pictures from this outfit shoot.  Sometimes my photographer/husband gets bored of me standing there smiling with my hand on my hip and tells me to do other things.  This time he was like "OK, look away from the camera and close your eyes.  When I say GO, strike a crazy pose!" 

Photography magic, I tell ya.  I should really be on America's Next Top Model.

Top: J.Crew
Skirt: Loft
Belt: Gap
Shoes: Gianni Bini via Dillard's

Label Maker

Happy Friday!  It's been another busy week, so I'm ready for the weekend!  This skirt is another item I picked up while my sister was visiting.  We just love to shop together!  It was love at first sight with this skirt, so I bought it without really thinking about how I would wear it.  When I searched on Pinterest for pink polka dot skirt, most of the pictures were of toddlers, so maybe I'm outside of my age range here!  

One thing I've been working on for the past couple weeks is my blog labels.  When I started, I was just using general labels, like colors and "dress/skirt/jeans", etc.  I wanted to have each item labeled specifically, so it is easier for you (and me) to find other ways I've worn a particular item!  So if you are interested in other ways I have worn this necklace, you can just click on the label at the bottom of the post and find all my other outfits.  Pretty slick!

It's also going to make remix posts much easier for me, because I can find exactly what I am looking for without trolling through 400+ old posts.  Pink necklace remix - BOOM!  

1/2/3/4

Linking up today with Friday Favorites, Casual Friday and Favorite Fashion Friday
Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Necklace: H&M
Skirt: Chaus
Shoes: Seychelles

Timeless Polka Dots

Are you ready for an epic remix post?  Because if my memory is correct, I've had this skirt for about 15 years.  I really wish I could find a picture of teenage Andi in it, but for some reason, I didn't take pictures of all my outfits back then.  I remember mostly wearing it with my favorite hot pink tank top and a gray cardigan (and probably some awkward platform flip-flops by Steve Madden).

I bought this at Express in (I think) 1997 or 1998.  That was back when they always had an additional 50% off clearance merchandise.  Pretty sure this skirt set me back $15.  People talk about cost/wear, but I'm talking about cost/year and we are at $1.  Seriously, probably one of my best shopping decisions ever.

Here are 12 other ways I've worn this skirt over the last year-ish:

1,2,3,4

5,6,7,8

9,10,11,12

Shirt: J.Crew factory
Belt: Old Navy
Skirt: Express
Shoes: Born
Purse: thrifted

I've Got a Number of Irrational Fears

Only a week in, and I think I need to admit that I won't be participating in the challenge every day.  I'm just going to jump in on as many days as I can manage.  Day 7's topic is the thing(s) you're most afraid of.  (dun dun dun).

• Spiders - and really all bugs except for maybe roly-polies). 
• Birds - particularly ones in buildings, like Lowe's - terrifying!)
• Lots of other animals, like snakes, bats, 
• Drowning - I love being in the ocean or a pool, but if my head goes under, I flip out!
• Getting Alzheimer's or dementia when I get old  
• Taking outfit photos in public (but I'm overcoming this one!)

If I'm not careful, I can really spiral into being afraid of every possible thing that could happen.  For example, if I call my husband, and he doesn't answer, I pretty regularly assume he has probably died.  BECAUSE WHY ELSE ISN'T HE ANSWERING???  Perfectly reasonable!  Seriously though, that's probably my biggest fear - bad things happening to the people I love.  

I'm also afraid of over-sharing on the internet!  One of the reasons I decided to join in on this challenge is because I read the topics and was sort of intimidated by them.  But then I thought it would be good for me to get out of my comfort zone and get a little more deep on the blog.  But then I realize that I'm like "hey guys, I'm sort of crazy!" and kind of want to delete this whole post and just say I'm scared of spiders.  So, I hope I'm not alone in my irrational fears.  (And if you noticed my title is stolen from a Weezer song, let's be friends!)

PS - this outfit is 100% stolen from Kendi.  That girl can rock a camo jacket!

Jacket: Old Navy
Shirt: J.Crew
Skirt: Gap
Shoes: BCBGeneration

March Budget Recap

Remember how I was going to avoid shopping in March to save up for my trip to Phoenix?  Yeah, me neither.  In my defense:

• J.Crew Factory is sneaky with their promo code emails, and I really needed some new denim shorts for this summer 
• Gap got me with Friends and Family days
• Grocery shopping at Target is dangerous  

Technically, a few of these items were purchased at the end of February (after I wrote that budget recap), but I didn't feel like updating that post, so I'm just going to detail it here.  I panicked a couple days before vacation and bought a few more summery pieces for the trip.

February Additions (this takes February from $18 to $46):

• Walmart Tank Tops: $5
• Walmart Shorts: $3
• Merona Swim Coverup:  $20

March Purchases

• J.Crew Denim Shorts: $31 (originally $58.50)
• J.Crew Corsage Tee: $9 (originally 39.50)
• Gap Cardigan (similar): $16 (originally $45)
• Xhileration Ruffle Dress (different colors):  $7.50 (originally $25)
• Merona Floral Tank:  $10 (originally $15)
• Prabal Gurung Sandals: $15 (originally $30) - still deciding whether or not to keep these!  What do you all think? (UPDATE: I returned these)
• Merona Cardigan:  $11.50 (originally $23)

March total: $100 (originally $236)  
(Updated Total: $85 (originally $206)

So I basically hit my exact monthly budget in January and March, and only spent about half in February.  This means I have about $50 extra rolling into April.  I also cashed out at the consignment shop recently, which gets added into the clothing fund.

Did you stick to your clothing budget in March?  Link up and check out the other Budgeting Bloggers!

Outfit details:
Sweater: Target
Chambray: J.Crew Factory
Necklace: Bass Outlet
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: BCBGeneration

Big Hair, Chambray, and Fake Spring

A few weeks ago, I switched to sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, and I have noticed that my hair seems less frizzy.  Then last week, I tried the new Pantene "No Crunch Curls Whip", after using only this mousse for about 10 years.  I liked how it made my curls softer, and I don't even mind how much fluffier/larger my hair is, but the tangles are out of control.  I had some giant knots in my hair that did not want to untangle.  I'm not sure if I can put up with that.  I did get a few compliments from strangers on this big hair day.

I also have to share a recent conversation with my husband, about the ever-popular chambray shirt:

• J:  You are wearing a jean shirt, aren't those out of style?
• A:  Yeah, but this is a "Chambray" shirt, totally different.
• J:  So, fashion bloggers were embarrassed that they liked Jean shirts again, so they are just calling it    something different?
• A:  Ummmm.... yeah, I guess so.    

Friday was also a gloriously warm day, and I was very excited to let my knees out to play.  Fake spring has come and gone, and we are supposed to get more snow this week.  Come on, real spring!  You can show up any time!

And finally, since everyone is talking about the coming death of Google Reader (and probably GFC), don't forget to follow me on BlogLovin!  

Jean shirt: J.Crew factory
Cardigan & Skirt: Gap
Boots: Rampage

Snow Day!

 

Take One, Pass It On Item:  purple tights from last Tuesday's post

Well, Winter Storm Q finally arrived yesterday after much speculation about how much snow it might bring.  I worked from home, because the news said getting to work would be fine, but getting home would be tricky.  I figured it would be best just to stay home, since I can remote into all the programs I need.  I was starting to feel foolish, but the snow finally started around noon, and I think we got about 7 inches by evening.

I'm glad I am a few days ahead on outfit photos, because what I wore today was definitely NOT blog-worthy, unless I start a side blog about how to wear sweatpants and slippers.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  


Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Dress and Tight: Old Navy
Necklace: H&M
Belt: Limited
Boots: BareTraps

I Heart Chambray

This is another total copycat outfit.  Whenever I get a new item of clothing, I go on Pinterest and search for it to get inspiration.  I pinned this shortly after buying my green pencil skirt.  I just love bright green and mint together!  Due to the weather, I had to add tights and boots, instead of nude pumps, so I guess it's not a total rip-off.  I do think it would be cuter with the nude heels.  Maybe I'll do that when it gets warmer!

This is my first outfit in the modified "Take One, Pass It On" challenge.  I picked my chambray shirt from Friday's post.

I am also guest posting today for Laura over at Calm Delight.  I'm showing several ways you can style a chambray shirt!  Here's a sneak peak:

Outfit details:
Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Cardigan: Gap
Skirt & Tights: Target
Boots: Wanted via Piperlime
Pearls:  gift (from China)

Baby, It's COLD Outside

Are you excited for some typical style blogger weather talk?  Well, after a few glorious days of balmy temperatures (like 40 degrees), winter has returned with a vengeance.  It snowed a few inches on Tuesday evening, and I may have overreacted by wearing my serious snow boots.  I looked especially cool after work when I changed into my workout clothes, but had to wear the boots until I got to class, because they don't want wet tennis shoes on the floor.  Then class was canceled (I seriously have the worst luck at fitness classes!).

I sort of felt like a grandpa in my chambray top and gray cardigan, even though I've never seen a grandpa in red skinny jeans.  To amp up the femininity, I wore the super cute flower necklace that Brooke gave me for Christmas.  You can kind of see it in the third picture.

Anyway, when I woke up Thursday morning, weather.com told me that it "Feels like -8" outside and I was very tempted to stay in bed.  Then Thursday evening, it was worse.

I really hope we get back into a more reasonable range of temperatures!  Otherwise, you can expect to see a rotation of skinny jeans and boots pretty much every day.

Any brilliant tips for getting dressed when it's bitterly cold outside?

Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: Tamarack

Third Thursday Blazer

It's the third Thursday of the month, so it's time for another link up with Bri!  This month, we are rocking blazers!  I thought it was a good excuse to wear my new Christmas present again.  I was also somewhat inspired by this pin.  I have to say, this is one of my favorite outfits!

On a less happy note, I wore this on Tuesday, which is the day I came down with the flu.  After a Pilates class on Monday night, I was way more sore than I expected.  As the day progressed, it became clear that it was not post-workout soreness, but it was the terrible muscle aches of the flu.  Lame.  I really hope to feel better soon, because John's grandparents are visiting this weekend, and they are so much fun!  The girls are all supposed to see Memphis on Friday, and I'm very nervous I will have to sit out!  Being sick is no fun!

Anyway, you should all go check out the other blazer looks here, and you should definitely link up in the future!

Necklace: Charming Charlie
Sweater & Jeans: Old Navy
Blazer: Gap
Chambray: J.Crew Factory
Boots: Wanted via Piperlime