Crazy Sleeves

Here's another LeTote item.  They seem to have a lot of wrap dresses.  Once agin, a cami kept me decent.  I really liked the print of this dress, and that it was longer than mid-thigh.  But it was almost too long, in that it looked weird with flats.  And what is even going on with the sleeves (pictured below)?  I'm glad it was jacket weather.  I'm starting to think the dress options from LeTote aren't going to work so well for me.  They are all too short, too tight, or wrap tops!  

Anyway, I wore this to the first Broadway show of the season with my MIL and SIL.  It's nice to have a little night out and excuse to dress up now and then.  

Jacket: Target (similar)

Dress: LeTote (use my code to get half off your first month)

Shoes: JCF (exact)

Engineer Party

I recently went with John to an engineering awards banquet.  Most of the awards were given for projects, so the people who were accepting the awards did not bring dates.  John was accepting an individual award (so proud of him!), so he was one of about 3 engineers who did get to bring a date.  And just for the record, there aren't very many female engineers.  All this means I was one of the only women and only non-engineers at the event.  There were a few awkward moments, but overall, it was a pretty nice evening.  A lot of the winning designs were actually kind of interesting (even to me!), but I didn't understand all the jokes that the presenter made.

Anyway, this is what I wore.  It's always hard for me to decide what to wear to engineering type events.  John said he was wearing a suit, but that doesn't translate into what a woman should wear.  Should I also wear a suit?  Or should I wear a cocktail dress?  How fancy or businessy should I be?  And add to that the fact that at 7 months pregnant, I can't fit into most of my skirts and dresses, so my options were limited.  I figured a black dress would be a safe bet.  And I couldn't help but add a fun necklace.  Heels were a mistake, as there was more standing around than I would have expected.

Since we were both dressed up, I even snagged John for a picture.  We clean up pretty nice, huh?

Dress: Old Navy Maternity
Necklace: Lucky B Boutique
Belt: Madden
Tights: Old Navy maternity
Shoes: JCF

Get a Job

On Friday, Brynn shared 4 jobs she has had over the years.  I thought it was fun to read, so I decided to steal it.  Because that's what blogging is all about!  So here are the jobs I had before I graduated from college and got a real job:

• Babysitting - one summer (I think I was 10 or 11), I babysat my cousin all day every day.  When I think about this now, it seems crazy.  I don't think my nieces who are 10 even stay home by themselves, let alone taking care of a toddler.  We watched The Lion King about 4000 times.  And I'm pretty sure I got paid $25 per week.  So, it wasn't a high-paying job, but at the end of the summer, I was able to buy myself a boombox (with a CD player) and a Shania Twain CD.  At the time, it seemed like a fortune.  I babysat a handful of times after that, but I wasn't really the babysitting type.  
• Mowing Lawns - my brother started a lawn-mowing business and I was his employee.  Again, I don't think I got paid enough for my efforts, but we had fun, and I got a pretty great farmer's tan.  And a lot of girls I knew didn't even know how to start a mower, so I am glad I have that particular skill, even if I haven't used it in many years.
• Law Firm Runner - in high school, I got my first "real" job, where I actually got a paycheck.  One of my friends had been working for her dad's law firm as a runner, and she quit to do something else, so they hired me.  This was when I thought I wanted to go to law school someday.  I quickly changed my mind.  But it was a pretty awesome job.  Filing was super easy, if at times boring.  I loved running errands around downtown, and going to the different courthouses.  Plus some of the other runners were cute boys, which was a nice bonus to a teenage girl. 
• Receptionist - when I moved to Indiana, I worked for a gastroenterology office as a receptionist.  Here's the thing, I hated answering the phones, so this was not an ideal job for me.  Plus patients would call with extremely gross complaints, when they really should have just asked to talk to the nurse.  And I had to file the pictures from the colonoscopies, which you can't do without looking at the pictures.  The best part of this job was that we worked 9 hour days, and then closed at noon on Fridays.  
• Target - another summer in Indiana, I ended up working at the Target.  It was weird, but pretty easy.  I got very tired of wearing red and khaki.  Whenever I am back in Indy at that Target, I sometimes see people who I was friends with for 3 months, and I'm sure they don't remember me, but I feel awkward like I should say hi.  
• Hotel Gift Shop - during college, I got hired at a local Husker gear store.  I didn't realize the owner also ran the gift shop at a hotel, which was where I mostly worked.  Again, not a high-paying job, but it was perfect during college.  I usually worked the closing shift, from about 4-10, and it was usually really slow, so I could do homework or just watch TV or read a book.  The worst part was on Husker football game days, because we ALL had to work ALL day, but he let us leave for the game if we had tickets.  So I'd wake up at like 5am, work until game time, run to the stadium where my friends were hopefully saving me a seat, and then a few minutes before the game was over, I'd run back to the store and work until 10pm or so.  In hindsight, I'm not sure how legal that was, because we didn't get breaks other than for the game.  Anyway, the Huskers were pretty terrible those years, so I started going back to my apartment during the game to take a nap and eat something.  

So there you have it - my random jobs over the years.  The law firm was probably my favorite.  What was your favorite part-time job?

Cardigan: Gap
Top: JCF
Pants: Old Navy Maternity
Shoes: JCF

Gold Skirt Remix

I think it's time to say goodbye to this skirt.  It's been a good skirt and I've worn it a lot over the last 3 years, but the overlay is getting more snags in it, so I have to let it go.  But not without a remix collage first!  So without further ado, here are 23 ways I have worn this skirt in the last 3 years:

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8
9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16
17/18/19/20/21/22/23

I remember when I bought this skirt in the summer of 2011, and thinking "how am I going to wear a gold skirt?" but I loved it and it was like $10, so I went for it.  I'm so glad I did, because I quickly learned that it's basically a neutral!  And I know I've worn it many other times, so I definitely got my money's worth.  I'm sad that it's finally going to the Goodwill pile, but it was a much-loved and frequently-worn skirt for a few years! 

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

Cardigan: Gap (similar)
Top: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Skirt: Gap (similar)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory (exact)

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)

Fall Favorites - Denim Jacket

First of all, thanks so much for all the sweet comments on my post from yesterday.  I actually woke up at about 4am and thought I should stop the post from going live, because it just made me nervous!  I have no idea why it seemed like such a big deal.  Anyway, I'm so glad I've got that out there now. And we can move on to more fun topics!  

Like Third Thursday Threads with Bri!  I'll be honest, I am not one of the "HOORAY IT'S FALL!!!!" types of girls.  I don't even like pumpkin flavored anything.  While I love actual fall weather, it's only leading to the depths of winter, which I would like to avoid as long as possible.  So you won't see me reaching for boots the first time the temperature is below 65.  My boots will get plenty of attention almost every day from November-March,  For now, my fall strategy is trying to wear my summery items as long as possible.  One of my trusty tricks is the denim jacket.  It's a heavy-enough layer to get me through the cool mornings, and it looks good with most of my skirts and dresses.  Everyone wins.  Except boots.  They have to wait.    

I think last year, I avoided tights until late November.  I'm hoping I can do the same thing this year, but it's gotten cooler in September than normal, so I don't know what that means for the rest of fall.  

Ooh, and remember next week is SKIRT WEEK!  So you can link up with Inge and me with your fun skirts (and boring skirts, I guess).    

Jacket: J.Crew Factory (exact)

Shirt: J.Crew Factory (exact)

Skirt: Gibson&Latimer (similar, similar)

Shoes: J.Crew Factory (exact)

Yikes, that's a lot of JCF!  Can you tell it's my new favorite place to shop?

Dress Week - Neglected Neutral

Dress week continues!  **Linkup after the jump.**
This dress was saved from the back of my closet during the inventory.  I haven't worn it in over a year, but I thought it was worth keeping.  I love the fit and fabric, but the color seems awkward for me to style.  But I got 2 compliments from people specifically about the color, so maybe I'm crazy.  I do really love how it looks with my leopard cardigan! 

Cardigan: H&M
Dress: Old Navy
Necklace: F21
Belt: Steve Madden
Shoes: J.Crew Factory

Suit Up

Last week, I mentioned that I had a last minute business trip.  I sort of panicked, because I didn't have a suit, and felt like I should wear one for this particular event.  So I spent a few hours shopping under duress.  It was awful!  I thought The Limited would be a sure thing, and they had a 50% off sale for all regular priced items.  It would have been great, except they didn't have my sizes in the same color skirt and blazer.  So I could have gotten a gray blazer and tan skirt, but that wasn't very helpful.  And it was too late to order online.  I actually ended up buying a tan suit at NY&Co, but I didn't like it all that much.  It was definitely a "giving up" purchase.  As I was leaving the mall, defeated with my ugly suit, I decided to take a look at the department store.  This should have been my first destination.  Seriously, what was I thinking?? 

This is the suit I ended up getting.  I'm pretty happy with it, but I wish I'd had more time to look!  I think it's pretty likely I would have gotten this one anyway.  From far away, it just looks gray, but close up there is some black/white texture going on:

Anyway, this is what I wore on my trip.  And I took these photos after a very long day in meetings and flying home.  So if I look a little rumpled/exhausted, that's why. 

I'm not sure how often I'll need to wear a full suit, but I do think I'll be able to break it up and wear the skirt and blazer with other pieces.  Hopefully it wasn't a completely foolish purchase! 

Blazer & Skirt: Le Suit via Younkers
Blouse: Gap outlet
Shoes: J.Crew Factory

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    

Leopard Cardigan

It's been a long week back in the real world.  I'm ready for another vacation, that's for sure!  Or at least I'm ready for the weekend to get caught up on laundry and like, unpack and stuff.  Here's some free advice - when you go on vacation, try not to get home late on Sunday evening.  Because you might be disoriented all week, but you will make time for important stuff like blogging.  But you might not make it to the grocery store.  Hypothetically, of course.

Anyway, a leopard print cardigan has been on my wishlist for over a year.  A few weeks before I went to Minnesota, I started looking at the H&M website, and I saw this one (now it's only $7!).  I almost ordered it, but decided to wait, because H&M sizing can be all over the place.  I was pretty excited when it was actually in the store and fit properly!    

Top & Cardigan: H&M
Skirt: Gibson & Latimer
Coat: Gap
Shoes: J.Crew Factory

Floral Week - Dresses (and a guest star)

So remember how I went to Minnesota over the weekend for my cousin's wedding?  I should be fired from blogging, because I took exactly 2 pictures at the wedding/reception.  Not of the bride and groom, or anything wedding-related, but of my dad and his brothers, posing by a tractor license plate.  They are so silly.

We got back to the hotel and I remembered that I was supposed to take pictures of this outfit for floral week.  So, we are stuck with grainy indoor pics and a hotel room background.  But there are some bonus items today to distract you from the picture quality!

First up - Who Wore It Best, featuring my niece in a dress that my mom made 23 years ago!  Delia has worn it quite a bit over the last few years and doesn't seem to mind that it is SO early 90s!  The turquoise tights really help modernize it!  

Me in 1991 and D in 2014

 Second bonus - a silly picture of us!

You still have a few days to link up your florals (after the jump below)!  It seems like spring has arrived in Nebraska, so I hope that is true wherever you all live!

Scarf & Shoes: J.Crew Factory
Cardigan: Old Navy
Dress: Gibson & Latimer
Tights: Target

Floral Week - Black & White

Let's kick off Floral Week with this outfit from the gloomiest day ever!  It was cold, sleeting and super windy, but I really loved this outfit and wanted to get pictures, so I braved the elements.  I might have to wear this again on a nicer day in the future.

Anyway, I'm back home after a fun and busy weekend, of which I'm sure I'll be posting about later and you can get a sneak preview on Instagram).  My sister and nieces are in town this week, so we will be having as much fun as possible over the next few days.

Link up information is after the jump!  Share your floral looks!    

Cardigan, Tights: Old Navy
Top: Alfani
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Skirt: Limited
Shoes: J.Crew Factory

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!  

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

Third Thursday - Beauty

When Bri announced that this month's theme was beauty, I was like "huh - I don't really do that!"  I mostly just look the way I look and then wear clothes!  My hair and make-up routine is pretty minimal.  In fact, I did a post about it back in 2012, if you are interested.  The only change for my hair is that I switched to using sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, and I use a deep-conditioner about once a week.  I also add some leave-in conditioner before I slather on the mousse.  I pretty much have 3 hairstyles - down, ponytail, and bun.  Sometimes, I will do a braid (or two).  But it's usually just down and curly!    

I don't paint my nails very often, because I am notorious for picking at any little bump.  So if the nails are perfect, I won't mess with them, but if there is even a tiny smudge, I will destroy the whole thing within a couple of days.  I should really exercise more self-control with that, because painted nails are pretty!

As you can see, I was sort of stumped, and then Bri mentioned lipstick.  Last summer, I bought some lip-stain and I really liked it, but I always forget to put it on.  So, I made sure to remember to paint my lips pink for this day!  I'm not a fan of actual lipstick, but I love the lip-stain, because the color goes on easily, and then you can add glossiness with the balm.

Anyway, maybe I'll pick up some tips from the other ladies who link up!            

Top: Gap
Cardigan, Skirt, Tights, Necklace: Old Navy
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Shoes: J.Crew Factory
Lip color: Revlon Just Bitten Lip-stain in Victorian

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