A Birthday

This is what I wore on Saturday to celebrate my sister-in-law's birthday.  We went to a new restaurant downtown, and it was kind of a fiasco.  The College World Series was going on, so traffic and parking was ridiculous, but once we got into the restaurant, it wasn't too crowded.  But then they had a super limited menu because of the event, and I'm pretty sure (really hope) that they were using different ingredients for the food than normal.  The whole deal with the restaurant is that they have food and beers from the area, but honestly, it seemed like they went to the local Sam's Club and bought a bunch of frozen burgers and a giant bag of Ruffles potato chips.  So I don't think we will be going back there any time soon.  But we survived our first trip to the Old Market with a baby, and I assume subsequent trips will be less dramatic if the CWS isn't in town!

Anyway, after dinner we continued the celebration with presents and cupcakes and ice cream.  So that was fun!

And yeah, I'm still wearing my maternity shorts.  I just kind of love them, and if I didn't have a blog where I talk about my outfits, no one would ever know.  So, let's just keep it between us, okay?

Top: JCF
Shorts: Loft Maternity
Sandals: Target

The Green Argyle Sweater Story

 

Once upon a time, way back in 2009, my sister asked my husband for some sweater recon a few weeks before Christmas time.  Then I was packing for our trip to Indy and was deciding which sweaters to bring.  I was thinking about bring this one.  John asked in a very accusatory manner "What is that?" while pointing at my sweater drawer.  "My sweater drawer?" I was confused.  "You have TWO sweater drawers??" "um, yeah... they don't all fit in one."  I had no idea what the issue was, but he was acting super weird.

On Christmas morning, I opened the present from my sister, and it was the sweater I am wearing in today's pictures.  And then they told me the whole story.  She had asked him if I had a "green argyle sweater" and he searched in my one sweater drawer, confirming that I did not.  And then at the very last minute, he saw my green argyle sweater in my sneaky second drawer, and was very worried.

The good news is that these 2 sweaters aren't really similar at all.  One is all green, one is mostly gray with a little bit of green.  One is lighter with 3/4 sleeves.  One is wool and long-sleeve.  So there was no great crisis.  And besides, I have since gotten rid of that other sweater, but I still have this one.

I realized that some of my favorite cozy sweaters never make it to the blog, because I tend to wear them on super cold snowy days with just jeans and boots, and I don't always get pictures on those days, of those kind of boring outfits.

Sweater: Gap
Necklace: gift
Top: JCF
Jeans: Old Navy Maternity
Boots: Madden

Jailbird

This outfit seemed like a good idea in my imagination, but then I just felt like a convict all day.  I thought the chambray and leopard would break it up enough, but I was wrong.  So unless you are dressing up for Halloween, I'd caution against black/white stripes with black pants.

Sweater: Gap (similar)
Shirt: JCF (exact)
Jeans: H&M  (similar)
Shoes: Gap (similar)

Things Kids Say

How about a funny story for Thursday.  Yesterday, one of my co-workers had his kids at the office.  His son is 5, and was hilarious when he learned that there's a baby in my tummy.  He kind of moved around to the side and was checking my belly out.  And then he slowly said "I like... your... tummy."  And I said "thanks, I like it too!" and then I just laughed about it for the rest of the day.  I don't know how you elementary school teachers get anything done with kids saying silly stuff all the time!     

And here's a fun little outtake.  John was taking these pictures, and after a few, I realized that I still had my winter scarf on, which wasn't part of the outfit!  But he just kept snapping away as I noticed my mistake!  And then he told me that I had a weird strand of hair sticking out the side of my head.

Cardigan: Gap(similar)
Scarf: Gap
Top: JCF  (exact)
Jeans: H&M Mama (exact)
Boots; Madden (exact)

Baby Smith Is A...

Ninja!  I mean, based on all the kicks I've been getting this week, that's the only explanation.  Or maybe a Rockette.  But they don't let guys into the Rockettes, so he's probably a ninja.

You read that right, our baby is a BOY!  It's pretty exciting, except that boy names are completely impossible.

And if you are just here for the clothes, this outfit is a copycat of a copycat that I did last year.  The original inspiration came from Whitney's Instagram post, and featured a blue cardigan.  But then my blue cardigan was dirty, so I substituted my pink one.  I still had in my mind that I wanted to wear this outfit with the blue cardigan, so I did this a few weeks ago.  I much prefer the shirt shame-tucked, and the belt at my actual waist, but that's not happening these days, so I tried a higher belt, and didn't really like it.  But I felt like I needed the belt to go with the boots, so it stayed.  I might have to try this outfit again next January when I can (hopefully) wear a belt at the normal place!

Top: JCF (exact)
Cardigan: Old Navy
Belt: Gap (similar)
Skirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Tights: Old Navy
Boots: Madden (exact)

Cowgirl, Take 2

Okay, this outfit is like 2 months old.  What???  I think I kept bumping it back because I wear this skirt too often.  Anyway, I promise I'm not 2 months behind every day.

Maybe wearing these boots with a dress but no tights just makes them seem like cowboy boots, but I totally felt like a cowgirl in this outfit.  Again.  Not in a bad way, just in a not quite myself way.  I think this outfit might look cuter in the spring or fall with my cognac wedges, instead of the boots.

Okay, now I really think this is the last of the green grass pictures until the spring.  I think.  

Shirt: JCF (exact)
Belt: Gap (similar)
Skirt: Macy's (exact)
Boots: Steve Madden (exact)

Blazer Week - Coral Stripes

Let's just jump from yesterday's most expensive blazer to today's cheapest.  This one set me back $7, and honestly, I probably should have left it, because I haven't worn it much in the year since I got it.  It was right around the time when it seemed like every blogger I knew was buying that coral blazer from Gap and I loved it!  But I wasn't going to spend that much, and then I saw this one and thought it was close enough.  But something about it being coral and striped just makes it harder to style.

Today is also the Third Thursday of the month, which means it's time to link up with Bri.  Her theme this month is Fall Footwear.  I'm pretty sure Nebraska has decided fall is SO LAST SEASON, and we are firmly in winter.  But I did wear this particular outfit when we were having lovely fall weather.  I know some girls jump at the first slightly cool day as an opportunity to break out the boots, but I cling to my non-boot footwear as long as I possibly can, because I know my boots will start to feel boring when I have to wear them on repeat for 4 months straight.  So I wore my gold flats, which you can't really see.  But it was fall, and I had footwear, so it counts, right?

Blazer Week continues below!  Link up your looks and be sure to check out the other links!

Blazer: Jones New York via TJ Maxx
Shirt: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Skirt: Gibson&Latimer (similar, similar)
Shoes: Target (exact)

Cobalt Copycat

This outfit was 100% inspired by Danielle's version with cobalt pants.  At the beginning of the school year, she did a series of posts about teacher style, including this one about pants!  I'm not a teacher and I never wear pants, but I still really liked her outfit ideas.  And that's the nice thing about outfit inspiration - we can make adjustments for our own style/wardrobe.  And a cobalt skirt is just as nice as cobalt pants!

In other news, one week until my birthday!   Not that I'm excited or anything. Oh, and next week is all about graphic tees!  I hope you all can join in.

Top: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Belt: Old Navy (similar)
Skirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Shoes: Gap

Currently October

It's October 1st, which is just completely ridiculous.  How are we 3/4 through the year?  I'm joining in on the Currently game again this month, with Anne.  But the topics are tricky for me this time.  So,  
Smelling - I'm not smelling anything at the moment.  I should probably light a candle or something.  

Loving - the weather!  It's still been fairly warm.  I love this time of year when I can just wear a cardigan or light jacket and be comfortable!  

Planning - well, I should be planning something for John's birthday, but we always wait until the last minute to decide things.  I do have his presents purchased, so that's good.  

Baking - um, I'm not baking anything right now.  I'll probably bake a cake next week.  

Celebrating - BIRTHDAY MONTH!!  October kicks off 3 months of fun stuff.  John's birthday, my birthday, and then Thanksgiving and then Christmas!  And then basically 3 months of winter doom.  But at least we get to have fun before January arrives.  

I hope others have better answers.  Although, if you are baking something, you are probably smelling the same thing, so that would be an easy way to get 2 answers.  I should probably whip up some cookies and then re-answer those.  But then again, no.  Boring answers will have to suffice.

Blazer: Gap via consignment (option, option)
Top: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Skirt: Gap factory (similar, similar)
Shoes: Gap Factory (similar, similar)

So Nice, I Bought it Twice

Meet another new skirt.  I loved this style at Gap Factory so much, I had to buy it in both color/pattern options.  Plus, they ended up being $12 each during friends and family weekend, so I couldn't resist.  I should have taken a close up picture, but the stripes are chevron -  blue and a coral/orange/pink color.  Basically, the stripes will look like they go with most colors of tops.  But I went with the easy option of my trusty chambray popover.  Again, I like it so much that I bought a second one in the exact same color/style.

For the record, I only bought these sandals in navy, although I was very tempted to buy mint or black as well.  And it might still happen if they get even cheaper at Target.

Top: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Skirt: Gap factory
Sandals: Target (similar)

Wearing Shorts

It's time for another theme week, and July is the perfect time to be wearing some shorts.  I'm so excited to have Ginny from My New Favorite Outfit as my co-host this month.  We'll be kicking it off on Monday and wearing shorts all week long, so please join us for some or all of the days!  

So, let's talk about shorts.  I like shorts, which is weird, because I don't like pants.  And aren't shorts just pants with the legs chopped off?  It seems like a lot of women don't like shorts, because thighs should be hidden away in shame.  I always get nervous when I see/hear women with much thinner legs than me talking about how they can't wear shorts, because of how fat their thighs are.  People would definitely run in terror as you clomp down the street.  Sometimes I worry that they are right, and then my legs are definitely not shorts-worthy.  But then again, no.  Ladies: stop being crazy.  You look fine.  Buy some shorts.  It will be okay.  I promise.

It's also the Third Thursday of the month, so that means I'm joining in with Bri at Work Clothes, I Suppose.  I decided to bump my July theme to next week, so I wouldn't run into a conflict with Third Thursday Threads, and then she picked the exact same theme as I was planning, so it would have been perfect.  Oh well, just another excuse to wear shorts.    

Top: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Shorts: Loft (option, option, option)
Shoes: Sperry (exact)

Green Shorts

I often have difficulty picking a favorite color, but most of the time, it's green.  Good old-fashioned Crayola-defined green.  I remember in high school that I could never find anything that was just regular green.  Everything was forest, olive, lime -  NOT INTERESTED!  I ended up buying this ridiculous top from Casual Corner (does that still exist?) just because it was the right color.  But it was covered in sequins.  So I very carefully removed all the sequins and had a cute top.  I'm glad stores have decided green should be offered again.  And I just buy every clothing item possible in green now.  So when Kate linked to these shorts, I had to have them.  I bought them last Wednesday, and then wore them all weekend.  That's when I know I've made a good purchase - I want to wear my new item every day.

Anyway, it's Friday and that means my friend Anne's wedding is tomorrow!  Hooray!  What are you up to this weekend?

Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Necklace: F21
Shorts: Target
Shoes: Sperry via Zappo's

Nautical Week - Boat Shoes

After about 5 years of wanting boat shoes, I finally pulled the trigger on these Sperrys.  I had a Zappos gift card, so it seemed like a good time to go for it. They arrived on Thursday, and I wanted to wear them immediately, so I built this outfit around them.  I think my new skirt is pretty cute with boat shoes.  I mean, I definitely felt prepared on the off chance that I was invited to go sailing.

In other news, I'm super excited because I'm going to see Wicked tonight!  I've seen it 2 other times and it is just SO GOOD!  I'll probably pay to see it every time it comes to town, and it seems like everyone else in Omaha agrees, because it's here for a few weeks!  If you haven't seen it, I'd highly recommend you check it out if it comes to your town!

Nautical Week continues!  Linkup is after the jump!

Cardigan: Old Navy
Top: J.Crew Factory
Skirt: Gap
Shoes: Sperry (via Zappos)

April Snow & Flowers

Friday is here!  And if everything has gone according to plan, I'm on my way to Minnesota for the weekend.  My cousin is getting married this evening, and then I have a date with the Mall of America tomorrow.  I'm pretty excited for the various weekend plans, but I could do without the expected 8-13 inches of snow!  Come on, Minnesota!  Oh wait, Nebraska is also getting snow.  Come on, Midwest!  Let's get this spring started! 

In an attempt to encourage spring's arrival, next week, I'm teaming up with Brynn and Kate to pretend it is spring, even if it is still snowing.  That's right, another theme week!  We'll be posting floral outfits throughout the week, and you can join in as many days as you want!

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

Striped Blazer Remix

On Monday, it was warm enough to wear a blazer as a coat and to wear flats without freezing my ankles off!  Just a hint of spring before we get more snow this week.  February is a bit of a tease sometimes.  Anyway, I was excited to break out this blazer.  This falls into an impulse buy that actually turned out to be a good decision.  

Today, I'm linking up with Ginny, Danielle, and Nicole for their "Many Days, Many Ways" theme.  I love a good remix collage, so of course, I had to join in!  Here are 7 ways I have worn this blazer through the spring, summer, fall, and winter.  Looking at this collage, I'm thinking I need to try this with some colors not in the red/pink family.  Maybe next time!  

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

How would you style this blazer?

Blazer: Gap
Top: J.Crew Factory
Jeans & Shoes: Old Navy

#18 - Pinned & Did It

When Whitney instagrammed this outfit, I thought it was super cute, and then I realized that all of those items are in my closet.  Better yet, they are all in my 30X30 list!  The night before, I realized that my blue cardigan was in the dirty clothes pile, so I used some quick thinking to save the day.  I think the pink cardigan works just as well, right?

Also, dirty snow isn't the best background, but I'm just happy for some outdoor pictures!  This is the day I had to MacGyver a tripod, since I had apparently left mine at home!    (Yes, "MacGyver" is a totally legit verb - trust me!)

I'm linking up with Heather for Pinned It & Did It and Bri for Third Thursday Threads!  You should too!

Cardigan & Belt: Gap
Shirt: J.Crew factory
Skirt: Old Navy
Tights: Target
Boots: Steve Madden

#17 - Texas Tuxedo

This is my first "real outfit" attempt at the denim on denim look.  (Because the last time I wore this shirt with jeans, it was a Halloween costume!).  I think I like it.  I was going to skip the cardigan, but it was too cold!

I apologize for the iPhone mirror photos.  I didn't take pictures at work, because I was so excited that the sun was still out, and I'd be able to set up my tripod.  Then I walked outside and learned that there were crazy winds and it probably wouldn't be wise for me or my camera to attempt such a feat.  Normally, I'd just skip pictures, but I have to document every 30X30 outfit!  So I waited for a lull in the locker room and snapped a few quick shots.

Cardigan & Jeans: Gap
Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Shoes: Target
Long Necklace: Forever21

#8 - Layers

Saturday outfit posts might be necessary so the 30X30 doesn't drag out to far into February posts.  This is my first attempt wearing this dress as a skirt.  The outfit didn't turn out quite as cute as I imagined it. 

Anyway, it was a crazy first week back after the holidays.  Too much stuff to get done and not enough time (at work or at home!).  I'm hoping to have a very productive Saturday, but I'll probably end up wasting the day sleeping and/or reading.  You know, important stuff! 

Dress (as a skirt) and Cardigan: Gap
Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Fleece Leggings: TJ Maxx
Boots: Steve Madden

#2 - Neutrals

Colors are fun, but sometimes an all neutral outfit is okay.  I just wore extra jewelry to make up for it.  I haven't really made a full list of goals for 2014 yet, but I'm hoping to get better at blogging.  A couple things to focus on:

1. Detail shots - I'm terrible at remembering to take close-up shots of my jewelry or details on outfits. I remembered today.  I'm going to try to remember more often.
2. Social media - I made a Facebook page for the blog a few months ago, but never remember to post anything on it.  And I rarely remember to tweet or Instagram.   

Anything you would like to see more or less of in 2014?

Shirt & Cardigan: J.Crew Factory
Jeans: Gap
Boots: Steve Madden
Watch: Fossil
Spiky Bracelet: won from Inge's giveaway
Necklaces: gifts from my parents
Love bracelet: Forever21

Doctor Who

 

The problem with binge-watching television shows is that eventually you catch up, and then you have to be patient.  John and I finally jumped on the Doctor Who bandwagon several months ago, and pretty quickly worked our way from 2005 to current.  And now I have to wait until the Christmas special comes out and then I have to wait until fall of 2014.  This is ridiculous.  (hashtag: firstworldproblems)

Any other Doctor Who fans out there in style-blog-land?  Either way, what other TV shows would you recommend to keep me busy while I'm waiting for new episodes of my favorite British shows?

Jacket: Relativity
Chambray: J.Crew Factory
Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Old Navy