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

#28 - Pretty or Stupid?

When John is playing photographer, I can never tell if the pictures are good, or if I'm making strange faces or awkward movements.  On this particular day, I said "Do I look pretty or stupid?"  He replied "yes."  I'm going to assume he didn't hear the second half of the question.

Cardigan & Skirt: Old Navy
Top: Gap
Necklace: Bass
Tights: Target
Boots: Steve Madden

Christmas Recap

So, Christmas already feels like several weeks ago, but it was really only last week.  As I mentioned earlier this week, John and I made the trek out to Indiana to spend the week with my family.  It was so much fun (and kind of a blur)!  I didn't do a very good job of taking pictures, but here are a few good ones.

sisters!  

Nieces and Nephews on Christmas morning

We played a lot of games, like Ping Pong, Scrabble, Disney Apples to Apples, Dutch Blitz, Chinese Checkers, Carcassonne, and Charades.  The kids are getting old enough to participate in more complex games and I love it!  One funny story: my nephew accused me of being a computer when I kept winning at Dutch Blitz.  Then I had to play with one arm behind my back.

On Christmas Eve afternoon, my sister and I took the kids to see Frozen.  It was pretty cute.  At lunch (before the movie), my youngest niece said I should order 2 cookies.  "One for you and one for your TRUE LOVE!"  My sister said "Who is her true love?" and E replied "I don't know - maybe Uncle John?"  These kids just crack me up!

The week went by way too fast and I already miss my family like crazy!  I'm so grateful for technology so I can see pictures of them and keep in touch so easily.

Here's the only noteworthy outfit of the week - from Christmas Eve:

In other news, I'm going to do a 30X30 challenge this month.  I believe the original credit for this idea goes to the always fabulous Kendi, but several bloggers have done it over the years.  Both AJ and Brynn are doing it this January, so I decided to quit being a chicken and jump in as well.  I haven't finalized my 30 items, but these four are on the list, so this can be my first official outfit of the challenge.  One down, twenty-nine to go!

Cardigan & Skirt & Tights:  Old Navy
Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Boots: Steve Madden

Stripe Week - Blazer

This blazer.  It's ridiculous.  I knew it was ridiculous when I bought it, but it was only $7, and I'd had a rough week, so some emotional shopping was inevitable.  And I thought a coral striped blazer would be a pretty good addition to my closet.  And then it hung in my closet for a month, because I didn't really know what to wear with it. 

Pinterest was almost no help.  I guess a white and coral striped blazer just isn't that common.  But I wasn't going to give up.  Then I saw this pin, and decided to flip the colors around to suit my ridiculous blazer.  I really like how it turned out!

I've since thought up several other outfits for this blazer.  I just had to get over the initial block.  Now I'll probably try to wear it a lot before winter officially arrives.

Remember to link up with Kate and me tomorrow with your striped outfits!      

Today I'm linking up with Pinned It & Did It, What I Wore to Work, Look What I Got, and Tres-Chic.

Blazer: Jones New York
Tank: Gap
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: BCBGeneration

Order in the Court

Apparently my new recipe for getting dressed is a graphic tee + skirt + boyfriend cardi + cute flats.  (exhibit A)  Apparently I also like to include "exhibit A" language in my posts about these outfits.  I have no idea why.  Maybe it's because middle school Andi wanted to be a lawyer.  Then I worked for lawyers when I was in high school and I didn't want to be one anymore.  Then one of my favorite college classes was Business Law, but it wasn't enough to sway me back into the legal field.  So I'll just use what I imagine may be legal jargon on my fashion blog.  Everyone wins.  Except for actual lawyers, because they will probably be embarrassed by my improper use of said jargon.  OBJECTION!  SUSTAINED!  HEARSAY! ALLEGATIONS!  I should really watch more Law & Order to brush up on this stuff!

I rest my case.  

Tee & Shoes: Gap
Cardigan: Marisa Kristina
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Skirt: Old Navy

EPIC Black Pencil Skirt Remix

Get excited!  It's Friday Remix time with AJ Wears Clothes, and I'm going crazy today with 20 ways I've worn my black pencil skirt.  Then I got all philosophical/economical about budgets and shopping, so you can read my thoughts on that as well!
 
I bought this skirt at Old Navy a million years ago (okay, maybe more like 8).  I don't remember exactly when I bought it, but I know it was on clearance for $10.  I also know that I paired it with this blazer (also $10) whenever I needed a "suit" throughout college.  I definitely wore my makeshift suit for all my interviews when I was looking for my first grownup job, and I bet no one noticed it wasn't a legit suit at all.

1/2/3/4/5

As bloggers, we talk a lot about remixing, and cost-per-wear, and how to make wise budget choices.  I've heard that cost-per-wear should be about $1 for any given item.  By my calculations, I've probably worn this skirt about 80 times, which puts the cost-per-wear right around $0.12.  That's ridiculous.

6/7/8/9/10

With that in mind, I realized that (without realizing it) I also consider supply/demand when I am shopping for something.  A black pencil skirt is a wardrobe staple, so by generally accepted accounting fashion blog budget principles, you can spend more money on it than you would spend on something super trendy.  But it's also something you can probably find any time of year at any number of stores.  So while I could have spent $80 on it, and my cost-per-wear would still be reasonable, why would I spend that much money on something that I can find for $10?

11/12/13/14/15

In comparison, I bought these sandals last summer for $40.  That's a lot of money for me to spend on a pair of shoes, but I'd been looking for cute and comfortable flat black sandals for about 2 years and hadn't found any that I loved.  These will fall apart before I get to 12 cents per wear, but I doubt I would have a nice pair of flat sandals if I was holding out for a $10 price tag. 

16/17/18/19/20

Finally, I will just add that each person will have a different set of items that are harder to find.  Skirts generally work for me, so I won't spend very much unless it is really unique.  Button-up shirts are a completely different story, so I can't go to Old Navy and by a chambray for $10.  Maybe you are the opposite.  I think it depends a lot on body type, and also how frequently you are out shopping. 

If you are still reading, thanks for sticking with me!  Do you think my theory makes sense?

Top: Gap
Skirt: Old Navy
Necklace: InPink
Sandals: Carlos Santana

PS - this skirt also defies the laws of physics, because it still fits me despite the 30lbs or so I have gained since I bought it.  

Blue Shoes Remix

 

Fact - I've always been a shoe person.  I blame this partially on the fact that I had to wear a uniform to school, so shoes were one of the only ways to express my fashion sense in my middle and high school years (and weird earrings, but we won't get into that).  The shoe section at Target pretty regularly has hidden treasures in the clearance section.  My favorite ones are these blue cap-toe flats.  I got them last year at the end of the summer.  I wear them a lot, so they were the obvious choice for the We Love Target - Shoes day.

Normally, I put an outfit together and then look at my shoe options and pick the best one.  This week, I was trying to start with the shoes and completely drew a blank on what to wear.  Then I remembered that Bri Marie has the same shoes, and decided to re-interpret her lace and cobalt look. My lace top isn't striped, so I improvised and put a striped tee underneath it.  I feel sort of like MacGyver. 

Here are TEN ways to rock some blue shoes:

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

Striped shirt and skirt: Old Navy
Lace Shirt: H&M
Shoes: Target

Southpaw Problems

Day 16, Thursday: Something difficult about your "lot in life" and how you're working to overcome it

I'm left-handed (very, very, very left-handed).  Honestly, I'm sort of proud to be a lefty, but there are some major obstacles.  Most right-handed people don't even realize how many things are specifically designed with handedness in mind.  Just a small list of my many troubles over the years:

• Scissors - using right-handed scissors is THE WORST!  The thumb-hole angle is all wrong and is pretty painful to use for very long.  I have a pair of lefty scissors that I got when I was in elementary school and I am very protective of them.  

• Sports - maybe I'm just uncoordinated (probably the case), but it was very difficult to learn sports when pretty much all of the coaches were right-handed.  In PE class, we all had to perfect a right-handed lay-up, even the lefties!  Not fair at all.  Equipment is also harder to find and usually more expensive.  A few years ago, I was interested in learning how to golf, and I had to buy a set of lefty clubs online, because I couldn't find any in stores (and I couldn't borrow any from all my righty friends).  In college, I played intramural softball, and I didn't have my old lefty mitt at school.  They said they had extra equipment available, but they didn't mention that the only lefty glove was no longer laced together (and also smelled funky).  I couldn't catch anything! 

• Writing - even if you find a lefty notebook (which I used all through school), writing is still a mess.  I don't hook my hand over the page like some lefties, so I almost always had ink stains on my hand and smeared writing on the paper.  In high school, my English teacher decided that we needed to hand-write our papers for a few months, instead of typing.  I still don't know the purpose of this other than to make my life miserable.  I frequently got points docked for sloppiness because the ink was smeared.  I wonder if life is easier for left-handed people who live in "right-to-left language" countries.  And don't even get me started about trying to write in a 3-ring binder! 

• Eating - at sit-down meals, I try to sit on the left end of the table, but it doesn't always work out.  When my neighbor and I inevitably bump elbows, everyone always blames the lefty.  

• Basic items - again, you've probably never noticed this, but several basic household items are made for right-handed people.  Can-openers, measuring cups, pencil sharpeners, tape measures. Even a plain old sauce pan is designed to pour out of the left side, meaning I have to use my weaker arm, or twist my left arm awkwardly to pour anything.  

• Desks - those stupid desks that pretty much make up every classroom from middle school through college.  There was usually 1 lefty desk in each classroom, but more than 1 lefty student.  True story, during my accounting final in college, I was sitting at a righty desk, and twisted sideways in the chair to write my answers.  In a moment of frustration (and back pain) I sat back regularly and propped my right elbow up on the desk, not realizing the catapult situation that would happen.  My calculator and pencil flew across the room.  So embarrassing.  I should have told that story the other day.  

• SAT/ACT discrimination - I hope this isn't a common occurrence.  When I went to take these big important tests, they corralled all the left-handed kids into a group.  I assumed they would take us to a magical room filled with left-handed desks.  No.  They took us to a dark, creepy room in the basement that still had long table desks.  It was pretty unnerving.  I maintain I would have scored higher if I had been in a normal room!  

So there's my big sob-story.  I try to make the best of it, and most of the time, it's not a big deal, but I like buying lefty-specific products when I see them!  Rumor has it that left-handed people have a life expectancy 9 years shorter than right-handed people, so that's sort of unpleasant.  It's probably because we have higher stress levels trying to work around this crazy right-handed world!  I also read somewhere that lefties have smarter kids, which I completely believe (my mom is left-handed, too!).  

close-up to prove the polka dots are stars

It's also Third Thursday Threads time!  The theme for this month is WORKWEAR, which is super easy, because most of my outfits are worn to work.  My office is pretty casual, so I decided to pick one of my dressier recent outfits.  I also learned that I shouldn't stand in front of red brick when I am wearing a coral cardigan, because it will look very orange.


Blouse: Alfani via Macy's
Cardigan and Skirt: Old Navy
Belt: Chinese Laundry via TJ Maxx
Shoes: Born via Dillard's

Plaid Shirt Remix

 

Happy Monday!  I got home late last night from a pretty epic best friend weekend in Arizona, so I will be sorting pictures and posting more about that later this week.  For now, a little remix to kick off the week!

This picture reminded me that I have been neglecting my plaid shirt for a few months!  I specifically thought I would wear it frequently throughout the winter, because it has so many colors that I could pretty much throw any cardigan over it and look put together.   

I'm also learning that a statement necklace doesn't make a very loud statement if it is the same color as my skin.   Be honest, did you even notice that I am wearing a necklace in these pictures? 

If my archive searching is correct, this is only the 5th time I've worn this shirt.   Disgraceful, but still enough for a remix collage!  

1/2/3/4

Plaid Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Cardigan: Gap
Necklace: H&M
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Michelle D via Dillard's

I'm also linking up with AJ for her weekly remix!  You should do the same!

March in Review

Great news, everyone!  I was 100% successful at all my goals in March...

April Fool's!*

I wasn't quite 100% successful.  My excuses this month include vacation and trying to get caught up from being on vacation.  Let's see how everything shakes out:

1. Do a project, mostly sewing - I did sew a new button on a shirt that I wanted to take to consignment, but I don't think that counts.  I'm also about 99% finished with painting an anchor on a sweater, to look like this.  Hopefully it will turn out wearable!     
2. Work out - I'm calling this a success.  I got a fair amount of exercise on vacation, just from walking all over the place, and even went to the gym on the boat one day!  Since we got back, I've been pretty good about getting to the gym at least 3 times a week.  
3. Tackle a project around the house - I'm hoping to declutter the house one step at a time.  In March, I was able to clean out my closet, and took a big bag of items to Goodwill, and another stack to consignment.  I still need to tackle the items in my dressers, but I have a good start.  
4. Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week.  Cue some failure music here.  After vacation, I haven't really gotten back into the swing of things with cooking, or like, having groceries on hand to cook.  
5. Stick to a clothing budget - success!
6. Read 50 books in the year - March was a good month for reading!  It's amazing how much I can read  on vacation when I am not bothered with things like working.  I read 5 books on vacation and 2 others since we got back.  That puts me at 13 for the year, which means I am right on track to hit 50.

One quarter into the year, and I feel pretty good about everything.  I am definitely doing better this year than I did in 2012!  I think the monthly check-ins are helping keep me accountable, as well as having more specific goals. 

How are you all doing on any resolutions or goals for the year? 

Outfit details:
Button-down shirt: New York & Co
Top: Max Studio (via Marshall's)
Belt: Charming Charlie
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Guess

*I really hate April Fool's Day.  I am just worried all day that I will be tricked somehow, and I don't really see the fun in it, at all. 

Brick Wall

 

Take One, Pass It On Item:  polka dot cardigan from last Monday

**In a less blatant form of copycatting, this outfit is inspired by Kate, again.  I'm still not convinced that a tucked in shirt is the right look for me, but I'm trying to give it a fair shake.

I'm also linking up with Bri for Third Thursday Threads!  The theme this month is polka dots, so it sort of worked out perfectly that I was passing along this cardigan.   

In other news... Look!  A brick wall as a background!  I sort of feel like a legit fashion blogger now.  Lunch dates with quick photo sessions may be the answer to my outfit photo problems.  I have been trying to take pictures in the morning, but I usually have wet hair and sleepy eyes.  And, let's be honest - I get to work late enough without adding 10 minutes for self-timer pictures.  After work, it's dark outside and my outfit is wrinkled from sitting all day.  At lunch, my clothes are only wrinkled by a half-day's worth of sitting, my hair is dry, and my eyes aren't sleepy (which would be relevant if I wasn't wearing sunglasses).  Plus lunch dates are awesome!  

Cardigan and Skirt: Old Navy
Shirt: NY&Co
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Shoes: Seychelles
Purse: Target

Bubble Necklace Bandwagon

I'm finally jumping on the bubble necklace bandwagon.  I wasn't really sure about them when I first started seeing them.  Then I liked them, but wasn't about to spend $88 for the J.Crew version.  Then I started seeing them at Charming Charlie, but still wasn't sure.  Then I got 2 gold watches for Christmas, so I decided to swap one out for the bubble necklace.  So this is technically a Christmas present. (Thanks, Mom and Dad!)

I'll also confess that Hilary Duff inspired this outfit.  Since I was a teenager when she became famous on the Disney channel, this is sort of embarrassing for me.  Wikipedia just told me that she is now married and has a baby, and now I feel old!  The internet is a crazy place.

The giveaway is still open - tell all your friends!  

Coat: Gap
Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Seychelles
Necklace: Charming Charlie

Third Quarter Reflection

Where did Jul-Sep go?  I can't believe it is already time to review my goals.  My instinct tells me I am not doing very well, but let's have a look:

1. Be more active!  Um....pass?  Jul-Sep was not awesome for motivation.  I mostly blame my own laziness, but it was also ridiculously hot outside for most of the summer and we were traveling more than usual.  John and I played tennis a few times, but I have not had a consistent routine at all.  I have a coupon for 30 days at Curves, so I am starting that this week.  I've never been to a Curves, so I hope it's a good gym for me! 
2. Be a More Discerning Shopper.  This is so subjective, but I think I am doing better.  I have been trying harder to have list in mind of things I want to add to my wardrobe instead of just buying whatever is cute and on sale.  Just this past weekend, I had an armload of clearance dresses from Banana Republic that I was going to try on, because they were like $15 each!  Then I thought about it, and realized they were all summer dresses that wouldn't transition into fall/winter very well.  And I wasn't sure I would like any of them next summer, so I put them back without even taking the time to try on.  That's progress, my friends!
3. Be a better wife!  Mostly in the realm of dinner preparation.  I haven't been keeping track of this, but I think I am doing better.  I should really have a measurable goal for this.  I'll have to think about that and determine one. 
4. Be more creative!   The beginning of July was a good time for creativity.  I made the July 4th tank top, and fixed up my purse from Goodwill.   I also recently painted my front door, which is kind of creative, right?  I'm also re-decorating the hall bathroom, and am halfway through attempting this project.     
5.  Read 50 books in 2012.  It was a good quarter for reading, at least!  I read 17 books in Jul-Sep and am now at 40 for the year, which puts me 3 books ahead of schedule.   I was worried I wouldn't be able to hit my goal on this, but I feel like I am on track now.  Just have to read 10 books in the next 3 months - shouldn't be a problem!


Top: J. Crew
Cardigan: Gap
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Michelle D via Dillard's

Give a Little Bit

Marisa Kristina Cardi, Old Navy top and skirt, Born shoes

At some point, I decided I would host my first giveaway whenever I got to 50 followers.  Well, on August 18th, this finally happened!  Then we went on vacation and life has just been crazy, but I am keeping my word, even if it is a month late!

I was shopping with a friend last week and we wandered into Charming Charlie (Have you been there?  It's fabulous!  Oh, and this is not a sponsored post at all, I'm just gushing on my own).  I picked up this necklace for myself, but then remembered I was supposed to do a giveaway.  I almost bought 2, but then I decided that was ridiculous and I would just buy one for the giveaway.

Thank you all for reading my silly little blog.  It has been almost a year and I still get so excited with every new follower and comment.  I mean, I started this blog as a creative outlet for myself, but the community of bloggers just makes it a lot more fun! 

I wish I could give you all a new necklace (or a new car), but I am not Oprah, so we have to settle for 1 winner this time.    Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below, and I will pick a winner next week.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The "Would Of" Epidemic

I have noticed a trend lately, but it's not a fashion trend.  It's an improper English trend.  People seem to think that saying "would of" is a legitimate word pairing.  I've seen it in Facebook statuses, blog posts, even in a book I was reading.  This is not a thing!  It's "would have" not "would of."

I also learned how to be popular with my Facebook friends: just make a status ranting about grammar!

Skirt & Cardigan: Old Navy
Top: I.N. Studio
Shoes: Target