Third Thursday Blushing

It's the Third Thursday of the month, so that means I'm linking up with Bri.  The theme for February is blush.  I don't have anything in this color, mostly because it would match my skin and wash me out.  So I grabbed my palest pink item: this necklace.  

I wore it on Valentine's Day, so decided to be as cliché as possible and wear read and pink.  Mr. Baby was still not feeling the best, so John stayed home with him and I went to church by myself.  Which is why i could wear a necklace and my hairdown.  When I got home, Mr. Baby immediately achieved a death grip on the necklace and was heartbroken when I wouldn't let him play with it.  Choking hazard, buddy!!

Anyway, that's my story.  And I'm happy to report the temps are finally rising, so we may not have snow on the deck for much longer.  You know, until the inevitable March snow storm.  

Necklace: h&m

Dress: Limited

Cardigan: Old Navy

Belt: Chinese Laundry

Boots: Madden

Another Week, Another Visitor

So I mentioned that my sister and nieces were visiting last week.  The day after they left, my mom came out, so she and I are hanging out this week.  I've recruited her help with my long list of tasks to accomplish before baby arrives, so we will be doing some sewing projects and prepping some freezer meals.  I'm pretty excited that she was able to come out for a few days.

I'm also pretty excited that baby is 37 weeks now, which means he wouldn't be considered "premature" at this point, and might not even have to visit the NICU.  That makes me really happy.  And I think we have most of the necessary items for him now, too.  Carseat is installed, bassinet is put together, and I've got a drawer full of diapers and wipes.  So pretty much this kid can come whenever he's ready now.  Of course, I am aware he'll likely take the full 40 weeks or longer, but it's nice to get to a point where I wouldn't panic completely if I went into labor.

Cardigan: JCF
Necklace: F21
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Dress: Loft Maternity
Shoes: Old Navy

Third Thursday - Sales!

If you've ever read one of my Budgeting Bloggers posts, you know I rarely buy anything for full price.  I just don't see a reason to, since it will probably go on sale (or I'll find a similar item on sale in the future).  When Bri announced the Third Thursday Threads theme for this month was favorite sale purchase, it was kind of hard to narrow down.  So I just picked a recent outfit that I really liked, and will share my shopping strategies for each item.  As a general rule, I like to get cost per wear of any item down to $1 or less.  Of course, when I am actually buying anything, I have to guess on how often and how long I will wear it, so it's not an exact science.

The dress was $16 (originally $30), which is only about 50% off, which is usually not something I would go for (especially at Old Navy), but since it is a maternity dress, I didn't want to wait.  I think I've worn it 5 or so times, and will probably wear it more in the next 6 weeks, since I'm running out of things that fit.  I probably won't make it to 16, but if I'm ever pregnant again, I think this will be a dress I still want to wear.

The cardigan was $15 (originally $55).  I love the Clare cardigan from J.Crew Factory, and I think I have it in 4 colors.  I will probably keep buying different colors, because I wear them all pretty frequently (I'm slightly shocked this one has only made the blog one other time!)

The belt was one of those 3-pack deals at TJ Maxx - I think it was probably $10 for the set, so that means this one is about $3.  I'd highly recommend looking at places like TJ Maxx or Marshall's for accessories, because they are super cheap!  It's been on the blog about 20 times, so my cost per wear is pretty fabulous at this point!

The shoes are from Target and I got them for $9 (originally $40).  They were a random find when I was grocery shopping, and just happened into the shoe section.  They must have been an online return, because they only had one pair, and it was my size, and I think black flats will always be a frequently worn item for me, and I didn't love the options I had at the time.  I've blogged them 10 times, and I've worn them way more than that.

I know I'm kind of cheating, because I didn't pick a "favorite" sale item, but I probably can't even fit into some of my favorite sale items at the moment, so I'm just making up my own rules.

Cardigan: J.Crew Factory
Dress: Old Navy Maternity
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Shoes: Target

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

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

PMT - Belt Something

Well, I'm still working through neglected items, which brings me to this scarf!  My sister-in-law gave it to me for my birthday a couple years ago and I thought it was so fun and I could just wear it with all the colors!  And then?  I don't know.  It must have gotten buried under all the other scarves and therefore neglected.  Have I really only worn it once?  Not cool!

I was anxious to wear my new maternity dress from Loft, and I think they look quite nice together.  Add a cardigan for warmth, and a belt for the PMT challenge this week, and I think I have a winning combination.  

Here's a close-up, so you can see the elephants better, and you can also see the quiltiness of my dress.

Scarf: Gift
Cardigan: Gap outlet
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Dress: Loft Maternity
Leggings: 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

#22 - Writer's Block

New hardest part of the 30x30 is that I apparently don't have 30 days worth of things to say in a month.  So let me just talk about my outfit.  I like it in theory, but I think the proportions are a little bit off.  I still need to take this skirt in a couple inches, because it's still way too big.  And the cardigan is a bit more fitted than the shirt, so I think it looks a little funny.  In a normal world, I would have switched out for a longer cardigan, but in 30x30 world, this is my only option. 

Don't forget to take the survey if you haven't yet!   

Cardigan: Gap  (similar)
Top: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Belt: Chinese Laundry (similar)
Skirt: Gap  (similar, similar)
Shoes: Old Navy (similar without captoe)

#12 - Navy Week - Black and Blue

Black and Navy - once fashion rules dictated that never the 2 should meet.  But this is the future, and fashion rules don't really exist anymore.  (Trust me, ever since Stacey and Clinton on What Not To Wear told me I can wear white pants any time of year, I've pretty much decided all fashion rules are obsolete.)

So here's my first attempt:  Basic LBD + navy scarf & shoes.  Silver belt to give myself a waist.  I think it looks pretty cute, but then again, I am the one who came up with it.

What do you all think about wearing black and navy together?

Link up your navy looks below, and also go check out Confident Twosday!

Scarf: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Dress: Ann Taylor (similar, similar)
Belt: Chinese Laundry (similar)
Shoes: Old Navy (option, option)

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

Windy City

Last week, Laura said she feels a little "4th of July" when she wears red and blue together.  I can relate!  One of my co-workers actually told me I looked patriotic in this outfit.  I guess that's okay, right?  At least red, white, and blue look nice together.  And there are not stars or stripes, so at least it's a subtle patriotism.  This skirt has been neglected all winter.  Now that it is officially spring, I should show it some love.      

The other day, I mentioned that the wind makes taking outfit pictures more difficult.  I spoke too soon.  On this particular day, I had a lot more trouble!  I got exactly one decent picture, where my hair isn't blowing all over the place.  An outtakes collage had to happen. 

Cardigan & Shoes: Old Navy
Top: H&M
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Skirt: Bass

Green Week - Polka Dot Cardigan

Get excited!  It's St. Patrick's Day and the first day of GREEN WEEK!  My husband pointed out that I'm not Catholic, so I should really be wearing orange, but green is prettier, and I don't know that I have 5 orange things to wear, so here we are.

This outfit wasn't originally supposed to include green.  My plan was to style my new gray/black dress like this outfit (one of my favorite's from Franish recently).  I was going to wear my black cardigan and boots.  Then I realized I don't really have a similar scarf, and it's close enough to spring that I decided to bust out the floral.  Then I couldn't find my black cardigan, and thought the green in the scarf would go well with my green polka dot cardigan.  Then I checked the weather and realized it wasn't going to be snowy or super freezing, so I went with wedges instead of boots.  So the actual outfit isn't really anything like the inspiration, but that's how it goes sometimes!  Maybe I'll get a chunky knit scarf and try copying Fran again in the fall.

Cardigan: Target
Scarf: H&M
Dress: Old Navy
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Shoes: J.Crew Factory

Linky info is after the jump!  

Weekend Wrap-Up

For some reason, I don't get a day off for Presidents' Day!  I mean, government offices are all closed, so why do other companies stay open?  OUTRAGE!  Mostly kidding, although I wouldn't complain if my company added some more paid holidays to the calendar.  We are in that stretch after the holidays where we have to go to work every day for like 5 months straight.  Ridiculous.  Memorial Day needs to hurry up!

Anyway, at least we have weekends!  This weekend was pretty great (and low key).  Friday night, we just grilled steaks and had a nice dinner at home.  Saturday, we went to see The Monuments Men (Hint - it's not very good!).  Sunday was church, relaxing, and then a very fun hangout in the evening with church friends.  Pretty much any blank spaces in the weekend were spent sleeping, reading, blogging, or doing laundry.  Weekend of champions, I tell ya!

Oh, and this outfit is from mid-December.  It's another good example of wearing summer clothes in the winter!  Step 1 - add a cozy wool cardigan.  Step 2 - tights and boots.

Dress: Target
Cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Tights: Old Navy
Boots: Wanted

Valentine's Week - Happy Love Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!  I decided to be crazy and try the bright red with bright pink look.  This skirt is actually "bohemian red," according to J.Crew.  Sometimes it looks a little bit orange, but I think that helps it look better with bright pink.

Anyway, John and I don't usually do anything too fancy for Valentine's Day.  All the restaurants are crowded, so we tend to celebrate a week later (if at all).  I mean, I do like an excuse to dress up and go to a nicer-than-usual dinner, but sometimes it seems like more fun to just be lazy.  Maybe we'll celebrate next weekend when the crowds aren't out!

This is my last "Valentine's Week" post, but the link-up is open until Monday, so you still have time to join in on all the fun.  Thanks to everyone who participated, especially my fabulous co-hosts!

Top & Cardigan: Old Navy
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Skirt: J.Crew Factory
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

Literary Link-Up Day

Where my nerds at?  Oh, probably judging me for the atrocious grammar of that sentence!  Anyway, it's Literary Junkies time yet again.  Here are the questions and my answers for November:

What are you currently reading? Tell us about it!


I'm almost finished with Mr. Penumbra's 24-hour Bookstore.  It's a difficult book to describe, but so far, I love it.  It's just bizarre and fun and it glows in the dark - which really confused me the first night that it was on my bedside table.  

How many books have you read this year? Do you set reading goals for yourself?


I've read 43 books this year.  I try to read 50 each year, so I'm right on track.  I love to read, but I tend to forget if I don't make it a priority.  I found that setting a goal helps me make time for reading.  

What do you think are the best and worst book-to-movie/TV show adaptations?

Hmm, there are so many bad ones!  I'd have to say Silver Linings Playbook was the worst.  They just changed so many of the critical elements of the book.  I don't know what the best is, but I thought the Harry Potter movies were a pretty good adaptation of the books.  There were some things that I would have done differently, but I felt the movies stayed true to the intention of the books.  

What is the first line of your favorite book?

I have no idea.  First, I would have to pick a favorite book, and that's pretty tricky.  I have 29 books on my "favorites" shelf on Goodreads, so I couldn't narrow it down to one favorite.   

What's your favorite quote from a book?

Again, I don't know.  So many books.  So many great quotes.  It's impossible to choose!

The Literary Junkies are chatting tonight about The Storyteller.  Next month, we are reading Safe Haven.  I have it checked out from the library, but haven't picked it up to read yet.  This will be my first Nicholas Sparks and I'm just not sure about it.  Romance is weird!  Give me books that glow in the dark instead!

I'm still passing things along.  Today it's my grandpa cardigan.

AND finally, since I don't have much flexibility to join in on Thursday, I'll be linking this navy leopard print dress up for Third Thursday Threads!    

Cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Dress: Gap
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Necklace: Limited
Boots: Wanted