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)

Blazer Week - Pink or Sangria?

Happy Blazer Week!  I'm so excited to have Danielle as my co-host this month.  Be sure to check out her blog each day to see how she's styling her blazers this week.

I'm also a little bit sad because Marisa and Heidi are doing their Pantone-Inspired Color challenge this week and I usually love jumping in on that, but most of my blazer outfits don't really align with the colors!  I'm going to try to do what I can, but it might be a long shot!

I'm pretending this blazer applies to the Sangria color for today.  Normally, I'd think of sangria as a darker pinkish-red, but the Pantone example looks pretty pink, so I'll say this blazer counts, okay?

I met John for lunch on the day I wore this outfit.  When we sat down at our table, he exclaimed with horror "Are you wearing a VEST?" and I was like, "No, this is a blazer.  Vests don't have sleeves" but he meant under the blazer.  "No, this is just a blouse.  Vests aren't sewn shut in the front middle."  And I mean, what's the problem with vests anyway?

And I feel I must explain that these pictures are from a couple weeks ago.  We now have several inches of snow on the ground, and my weather app is telling me things like "Feels like -2," so I can't get away with just a blazer as my outerwear.  Good thing I pre-planned for this week!

Anyway, link up below!  

Blazer: Gap via consignment (option, option)
Necklace: F21 (exact, similar)
Top: Target
Skirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Boots: Steve Madden (exact)

Graphic Tee Week - Ben Folds

In addition to Cardinals t-shirts, I also have an unreasonable number of concert tees (mostly Ben Folds).  I just have to buy one at every show.  This one is from the most recent concert this summer.  I really like this one - the instruments and outline of musicians are just fun.  The only problem is that I forget I'm advertising my fandom, so sometimes people will be like "oh, you like Ben Folds?" and I will immediately think HOW DID YOU KNOW?!  Before realizing that his name is plastered across my shirt.  I'm so smart sometimes. 

Link up below!

Cardigan: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Tee: Concert souvenir (exact)
Skirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Shoes: Gap factory (similar, similar)

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)

Funny Friday

It's Friday!  How about some funny things to kick off the weekend?

First, a story from the kids at church.  I'm hanging out with the 2-3 year old class on Wednesday nights this summer.  Let me just say that it is a good thing they are cute, because they are trouble!  This week, I was reading a book about farm animals to a couple of the kids.  One of the boys started asking me if I had any of the animals at my house.  It went something like this:

3yo boy:  Do you have chickens at your house?
Me: nope
3yo boy:  Do you have cows at your house?
Me: nope
3yo boy:  Do you have horses at your house?
Me: nope
3yo boy:  Do you have gooses at your house?
Me: nope
3yo boy (growing more and more concerned with each question):  Do you have cats at your house?
Me: nope
3yo boy:  Do you have a dog at your house?
Me: nope
3yo boy:  Well.... do you have a vacuum at your house?
Me: yes, I do have a vacuum.

So, at least I have something.  He seemed worried that I lived in an empty house.  I'm still not sure why we jumped from animals to cleaning machines.  Kids are so weird sometimes!  

And second, have you seen this video yet?  I love it for multiple reasons.  One, the original song is catchy, but so dirty/creepy.  I just can't listen to it. (especially since Robin Thicke looks so much like his dad, and I'm like "Dr. Seaver, noooo!") Weird Al keeps the tune, but cleans up the lyrics!  Two, I can get kind of riled up about grammar (exhibit A, exhibit B), so I hope this helps people figure out how to talk/write correctly!

Anyway, happy weekend!  Remember to link up next week with Ginny and me for Shorts Week!  

Cardigan: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Top: Gap (similar, similar)
Skirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Sandals: Carlos Santana via DSW (option, option)

Untitled

I've worn this skirt approximately one million times.  Okay, probably more like 20 times.  The point is that I wear it a lot, and I keep finding new ideas for how to wear it.  It helps that several of my favorite bloggers have a similar skirt, so there's a lot of inspiration out there.  This particular combination was inspired by this outfit from Katie.  Then I realized it's also basically just a wintry version of this outfit from last summer.

Also, I desperately need some new sunglasses!  These were an emergency purchase at a mall kiosk several years ago when I somehow ended up with no sunglasses over a holiday trip to Indiana.  They are knockoffs of something, and they aren't quite right.  My "good" pair (seen here) are purple and losing rhinestones, so they need to be done soon.  I try to avoid sunglasses in pictures, but sometimes it has to happen.  Especially on Sundays when I'm afraid of taking pictures in the shady front yard, because I don't want my neighbors to ask me what I'm doing.  It's going to happen sometime.  I should really have a response prepared that is less awkward than shouting "I POST PICTURES OF MY OUTFITS ON THE INTERNET!" and running inside.  That's my current plan.

Tee: H&M
Necklace: F21
Cardigan: J.Crew Factory
Skirt: Old Navy
Boots: Steve Madden

Green Week - Top (and Literary Junkies Day)

Day 2 of Green Week coincides with the March Literary Junkies linkup.  The green week linkup is at the bottom!  Here are my questions and answers for this month:  

What are you reading right now? Tell us about it!
I'm reading Sarah's Key.  It was recommended by several friends, and I really like it so far.  It jumps between 1942 and 2002, focused around the Vel' d'Hiv in Paris.  I'm definitely more interested in the 1942 storyline.  When it jumps back to 2002, everything just seems trivial.  I guess compared to the Holocaust, I just can't feel too bad for the wealthy American in Paris who has a kind of mean husband.  I'm expecting a connection at some point, so I'll just have to see what happens!  

What was your favorite series to read when you were a kid?
 Easy - Boxcar Children.  I pretty much read anything I could get my hands on, but this series was my favorite, by far.  I had read all of them, and then I was SO EXCITED when they started publishing more in the early 90s.  And there were so many released each year!  It was really awesome!  (Just looking at Wikipedia, I learned that the newer books were written by other authors.  I had no idea about that when I was a kid!) 

What is your favorite genre to read?  Why?
I struggle a little bit with defining genres.  Can I just say "fiction" and be done with it?  I think I read all the basic genres except romance novels.  I can't stand romance novels. 

If you wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?


Hmm, this is a tough one.  Maybe "Just Another Smith" and it could be the super interesting story of how I met John and became a Smith!  (at least, I think it's interesting, but who knows!)

What is next on your "to-read" list?  Tell us about it! 

Orange is the New Black - which I assume everyone has heard of by now!  It's a memoir of the author's time in prison.  I've heard it is pretty good, and I am excited to watch the show and compare!  

Have you read anything good lately?  Make sure to check out the other Literary Junkies!  AND remember to link up your green posts below!   


Jacket: J.Crew Factory
Tank & Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Gap

Linky info is after the jump!  

#27 - Football!

Apparently, there's some big football game going on today!  I used to care about college football a little too much, but in the past 10 years, my level of interest in football has pretty much gone to zero.  The Super Bowl just seems kind of ridiculous.  I haven't been impressed with the commercials or the halftime show in recent years.  So, chances are good I won't watch at all.  I mean, it's possible, but not likely.

That said, I hope Peyton wins.  I got to see him play a couple times in Indy, and it would be fun to see him win with his new team.

Cardigan: Gap
Shirt & Skirt: Old Navy
Pearls: gift
Boots: Steve Madden

#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

#6 - Faux Leather Triple Threat

I've had a black moto jacket on my list for YEARS.  It's just hard to find the right style and fit (for the right price), but I finally found this one at Target of all places - for 40% off!  I bought it over the weekend and just had to add it to my 30x30 remix list.  I still have one open spot, but I'm going to try to save it for later. 

This jacket isn't great for a freezing day, so I layered a sweater and a cardigan for some extra warmth.  The wind wasn't too bad, so it worked out pretty well.  It will be perfect on the 40-60 degree days!

Jacket: Target
Sweater: Limited
Cardigan & Skirt: Old Navy
Boots: Steve Madden

It was also perfect timing for Just Jacq's Triple Threat link up!
Won't you please link up with us? The rules are simple! Visit and follow justjacq and this month's cohosts, Rachel and Andi, add the button or a link back to this post and add your link! The link up is open all week so you have plenty of time to share your looks!

 

<div class="Grab button for triplethreat" style="width: 300px; margin: 0 auto;"> <a href="http://www.justjacq.com/tag/triplethreat/" rel="nofollow"> <img src="http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y506/thejustjacq/triplethreat_zps0185f6a7.jpg" alt="NBD" width="300" height="112" /> </a></div>

 

#5 - Sweaters on Sweaters

Here's a tip for surviving the POLAR VORTEX this winter.  Wear a sweater over a sweater!  I think wearing 2 thin sweaters is even warmer than wearing one bulky sweater.  Plus, you get very staticky and can see sparks when you remove your cardigan at the end of the day.  It's like FIREWORKS!  Or you may want to try rubbing a dryer sheet over both sweaters before you attempt to layer them. Use your best judgement.

Cardigan: J.Crew Factory
Scarf: H&M
Sweater & Belt: Gap
Skirt: Old Navy
Tights: TJ Maxx
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

Outlet Mall Confessions

Remember on Monday when I mentioned that I was going to the new outlet mall?  Let's just say I definitely spent all my birthday money!  A few random thoughts:

• I've never been to a mall opening before.  Rumor has it that there were crazy crowds all weekend, but Monday afternoon/evening wasn't too bad.  
• Some outlets are awesome (like J.Crew and Gap).  Some are not awesome.  There were a few that I was very excited about, but it seemed like they just had clothes from 10 years ago.  Not interested. 
• Some outlets are still too expensive for me.  I'm hoping as time goes by that they will have clearance sections and then I can find things to buy (I'm looking at you, Banana Republic!)
• J.Crew didn't have the Sylvia wedges in my size, but I tried on a different pair of heels and decided to order both the black and tan wedges online.  They had a deal for 40% off and then an additional 20% off plus free shipping, so I figure it will be easy enough to return them to the store if I don't like them.  
• I saw at least 3 people wandering around the parking lot with no idea where they had parked.  
• The restaurants out there need to open!  There was pretty much just Subway and Auntie Anne's pretzels open.  The gourmet grilled cheese places is going to be my new favorite.
• I came down with a slight case of BUY ALL THE THINGS on this shopping trip.  I'm usually better at making wise choices, but when I got home and reviewed my purchases, I realized some things will need to go back.  For example, the denim jacket that didn't seem cropped at the store but now seems very cropped!  Probably because I tried it on with a tunic-length shirt at the store.  Rookie mistake!  And the fun patterned tights that got a run when I tried to put them on yesterday morning (not sure if I can even return these, but I will try!).  I also ended up with a perfect camel-colored boyfriend cardigan, but it's dry clean only.  I'm thinking I can hand wash or delicate cycle the merino wool.  Am I crazy to think that?  I won't dry clean a cardigan.  That's just crazy.  

TOPIO Item - blazer!  (well, and the boots, but I already officially passed them on once). 

Blazer: H&M
Sweater: Gap
Necklace: Bass
Skirt: Old Navy
Boots: Steve Madden

Koi

According to J.Crew factory, this cardigan is "vibrant flame," but I'm going to call it "koi" for today's link up with Marissa and Heidi.  I almost cheated and used a coral colored outfit, but then I remembered my legitimately orange cardigan and went with it.  

The color orange doesn't have much representation in my closet.  I like it, but it starts to feel very Halloween-y to me sometimes, so I have to be careful about wearing an outfit of mostly orange and black.  I actually planned my outfit the night before I wore it, and then switched out my plain black skirt for this striped one in the morning, because I'm just spontaneous like that. 

Chambray & Cardigan: J.Crew Factory
Skirt: Old Navy

Stripe Week - Skirt

Get excited - it is STRIPES WEEK!

A pretty decent percentage (no, I didn't do the math) of the tops in my closet are striped, but I'm a firm believer that stripes should not be limited to the torso.  A black and white striped skirt is a very versatile piece, so I was happy to add this one to my closet in the spring (for only $7)  It's safe to say this will be a staple going into the fall and winter, as well.

This jacket is another item I'm feeling pretty smart about.  I bought it back in 2011 on super clearance, and it was a total impulse buy.  Now camo is having a moment and an almost identical jacket is going for $78.  I'm going to pretend I'm a visionary for buying my jacket 2 years early.

Come back every day this week for another outfit featuring stripes!  I'm going to try to challenge myself by doing different color combos, but you may see black/white again, because it's just so easy!  You should also stop by A Journey in Style to see what Kate is wearing.  Then remember to link up with us on Friday!

Jacket & Skirt: Old Navy  (similar)  (similar skirt)
Top: J.Crew Factory
Shoes: Born

Weekend Recap and Next Week's Theme

So, I may have mentioned that my mom was visiting this past weekend.  It was a quick trip, but I think we had a pretty good time.  On Saturday, we drove out to Grand Island to visit one of her best friends.  It was fun to take a little road trip and so wonderful to catch up with our friend.  I hadn't seen her since my wedding and that was 6 years ago!

Saturday evening, we went to Les Miserables at the Omaha Community Playhouse.  I wasn't sure what to expect from the local theater group, but I was very impressed!  I'll definitely be interested in future shows!  A few random thoughts (because that's what I do):

• It always bothers me that the actors have British accents.  Shouldn't everyone be French?  
• Gavroche was probably about 15.  I suspect they couldn't find a younger actor.  I just think he's supposed to be much younger and it loses some of the impact when he's a teenager.
• One of the actors' bios said she didn't realize she could sing until she had her tonsils out.  This makes a lot of sense, because I'm pretty sure I should be on Broadway, but I can't carry a tune.  I will be scheduling a tonsillectomy ASAP!     (kidding, kidding)  
• Eponine will probably always be my favorite.  She just has the best songs!  I find it so hard to believe that Marius would pick Cosette!  Eponine is always prettier and smarter and better! 
• The actor who played Marius was better (IMO) than the guy from the movie or the guy from the Broadway Across America version.  And his day job is being a sewer inspector!     
• It's weird that these actors are just regular people around Omaha.  At intermission, John and I were discussing who we liked and didn't like and then I felt awkward because we could be sitting next to someone's mom!

Anyway, the above outfit is what I wore to the show.  Which leads me nicely to my second point:

I'm doing another theme week!  I had a lot of fun during Polka Dot Week, so I'm going to try doing a theme week every so often.  Next week, I'm taking on STRIPES!  I even have an awesome co-host - Kate from A Journey in Style will be rocking stripes all week, and then we will have a linkup on Friday, October 11th. 

So get your striped outfits ready, and come link up!  

Scarf & Shoes: Target
Jacket: Izod
Tee: Gap
Skirt: Old Navy

Pinned It & Did It - Stripes and Cognac

 

This outfit is 100% inspired by Whitney.  She included it in her One Piece Many Ways post earlier this week, and since I have a similar skirt, I thought I should go ahead and make a copycat outfit.

These sandals are a new purchase.  I kind of bought 4 pairs of shoes last Friday.  In my defense, 3 of the 4 were on my Wish List, and the other pair was $3 at TJMaxx, and super cute.  And then I saw them at DSW for $55!  Basically, I spent my whole September budget over the weekend, but I found quite a few good items, so it's allowed.  Did you do any Labor Day shopping?

Linking up for Pinned it & Did it, Summer Style, Look What I Got, and Tres-Chic!

Top: Loft
Skirt: Old Navy
Belt: Gap
Sandals: Payless
Sunglasses: Nine West (also new)

Paisley Cardigan - 3 Ways!

I'm doing my Friday remix post a little different this week.  Instead of  scanning through my archives for all the ways I've worn a certain item, I'm bringing you THREE BRAND NEW OUTFITS!  Imagine I said that in the echoey movie announcer voice.  It will seem more exciting.

This cardigan is a recent purchase from Loft.  Anytime I buy something and want to wear it EVERY DAY, I know it was a good decision.  Anyway, here are 3 ways I've worn it in the past couple of weeks.

#1 - worn to work

#2 - church

#3 - casual date night

Pretty exciting, right?  I think I'll be wearing it quite a bit in the coming months.

Go check out the other remixers! I'm also linking up with Casual Friday  and Favorite Fashion Friday today! 

Outfit details
Cardigan: Loft

Outfit #1:
Dress: Ann Taylor
Belt: Old Navy
Necklace: Bass
Sandals: Love Culture

Outfit #2:
Tee: Gap
Skirt: Old Navy
Sandals: Carlos Santana 

Outfit #3:
Tee: Gap

Shorts: Gap
Sandals: Carlos Santana