Favorites Friday

I've been absent, I know. Work is been too busy and I haven't found an ounce of time for anything. So let's get back into it with a Favorites Friday. Here are some of my favorites for Spring.

White Pants: I had the perfect pair last summer from Banana Republic, however, I washed them and failed to take out the hot pink Post-It note out of the pocket. Basically, I now have a pair of pastel pink pants, which, unless you are in Kindergarten, I haven't found to be a flattering color. This pair from GAP look to be perfect to wear with wedges through the Spring & Summer months.

Essie in Sugar Daddy: Until recenlty I thought that the only time I could pull off nail polish was if I went to get an actual manicure. I found this perfect color that I can put on myself and not see any mess ups. And to be honest, the consistency is really nice so it actually looks perfect right off the bat.

Loreal Sublime Bronze AirBrush: I am Norwegian and German which translates to: one white ass chick. So I fake it through the warmer months with self tanner.  I usually try a couple of them each year and this is the first one. I prefer the sprays because it doesn't leave a thick layer subject to streaking and also provides a more even look. This one also doesn't stink.

Bright Flats: Just picked up this pair from Target last week and I love them. Teal is the perfect color combo to pink, yellow, red, camel, brown,  black, white, pretty much everything. We all know my love for flats. Here is the pair for you to show off your cute pedicures too!

Aviators: I love Aviator sunglasses. I will take them any day over the big plastic version (not that they look bad) but to me, Aviators look chic and sexy and especially on those days at work when I have a big meeting and am looking fly, just putting them on gives me Instant Confidence. True Story. I am actually on the hunt for some new ones. I have a pair of really nice D&G aviators that have gotten bent while in the hands of a little toddler girl I know... so must get a new pair! Might just stick to the originals this time....

Tina Fey: I have been on the Tina Fay bandwagon before there was a bandwagon. I've always admired her talent, wit, and ability to hold it down in a boys club. As soon as I heard she was putting a book out, I knew I had to get it. Just ordered it on Amazon and I can't wait to start reading it this weekend.

What are your Spring essential Favorites?

Liz Claiborne for JCPenney?

While reading the latest issue of Real Simple (one of my faves), I noticed some advertisements for Liz Claiborne's new line at JCPenney. Actually, I don't know if it's new, I just know that the ads and the clothes caught my eye.

First off, our JCPenney is a little worse for wear.

Second off, I haven't shopped at a JCPenney since I was 7 when I used to order outfits through a catalogue my grandma would give me to choose from for Christmas or Birthdays.

Third, I typically associate Liz Claiborne with  women my mom's age.

However, the ads sucked me in and I guess I became what the Creative Agency behind the ads, wanted me to be....sold. So sold, that I actually checked out JCPenney online to see if I could find the cute little pink dress in the ad , however.... not in my size. Some of the other items, didn't look as cute as the ad, duh, but hey it looks like Liz Claiborne has helped JCP's profits soar. That's the business side of my brain talking now. So this partnership doesn't seem to be bad for the retailer.

I couldn't find the ad online, but here is one picture of a pink blouse that I thought was cute. The ads were a mix between the latest Tommy Hilfiger and the Kate Spade- Bryce Howard Dallas print ad campaigns.

Thankful Thursday: Rain Edition

I almost got washed away by sheets of rain on my way to work today. So with that in mind, I decided to post a Thankful Thursday- Rain Edition.

Rain Boots: I don't have Hunter Boots, however, after this rain season I think they are due for next year. Instead I rock my rain boots from Century 21 I picked up when I was in NYC and stuck in a rainstorm. I've already received plenty of compliments on them today.

Rain Jacket: While not fancy, I picked up this ultra light weight rain jacket from Old Navy last Spring and I wear it a ton. I am not an umbrella girl, I usually already have my hands full and they never seem to keep me as dry as when I just use a hood. Hoods are money.

Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Hair Spray: This works really well in wet conditions. I hate flat ironing my hair and then it getting frizzy or limp as soon an ounce of moisture touches it. I found this sucker a couple of months ago and it is my hair spray staple. It works- true story.

Cover Girl Powder: Again, totally not a fancy item, but I keep it in my purse. Since I do rely on my hood my face gets a bit slick in the rain. This sucker fixes it all and brings me back to normal in 2 seconds.

Sofia Blanc de Blancs: Of course, what is best at the end of a waterlogged day? A little bubbly. This one is not fancy, but for a girl who's favorite alcoholic beverage is bubbles, this gets the job done, and looks pretty too!

What do you rely on when there are hurricane conditions outside?

Spring Fling

The weather on the west coast has been horrendous. It sure as heck does not feel like Spring, maybe a bit more like January. It was my Birfday on Saturday. It also poured all day long. Hubbs and I had a date night where we participated in a little Happy Hour and then tried a new French bistro. I then enjoyed some awesome carrot cake cupcakes that Hubbs picked up for me, my favorite. I somewhat followed the March Madness games but realized I was going crazy calculating possible outcomes. I am hovering towards the top of the pool, but we all know how quickly things can change. 

I did make it by the Gap Friends & Family Sale and picked up little S and Hubbs some gear. Oh, and I got a belt.  I bought Miss S some Spring clothes, but really it's hard to think about Spring when there is a forecast for torrential downpours for the next 10 days. Some things that I am vying for Spring, when this weather clears up.

This looks like black but it's navy.Nothing more chic to me than Navy. I prefer it over black any day.

These look like the perfect Spring staple to wear with skirts and my favorite-cropped pants!

Birthday Bliss

Okay, so I feel like my few and far between posts of late have only been of me bitching about being sick. Well, ain't that the truth. Since we moved I have been sick off and on and so has Hubbs, and little S. My cough just now seems to be going away (but not without the help of a little Codeine to help me sleep through it all). I finally feel like I am getting back to normal.

And without further ado... my b-day is just a week and a half away so I of course need to share what is on my wish-wish-wish list. For some reason Blogger isn't allowing me to upload pics, so I am linking, which is so not cool.

A new popcorn popper. I make a bowl of air popped popcorn almost every night. It is the best, but my cheapo popper from Walmart is on it's last leg. I am thinking I need a slight upgrade. I was looking at the fancier Cusinart, but it didn't get good reviews. This one looks like it will get the job done right.

Some casual wedges. I need a comfy pair to wear with skirts, etc. for the upcoming warm weather season. These in Navy look cute and practical.

This purse looks oh so pretty... and a great selection for spring & summer.

And of course no new purse would be complete without a nice wallet to go along with it. I love the red one of these.

Now I need to catch up on all my blogs!

The Plague

I think it was a week ago that I might of bragged about no one in the house being sick anymore. Karma is a bitch.  Because not even 24 hours later I was hit with the nastiest flu. It is now in my lungs and I sound like a tired sealion on the docks of the SF Bay.

So, my outfits have been lame, my hair a mess from the fever sweating, and through it all I have taken my ass to work. I know, I'm such a moran. But today, I am going  home early. Because something has to give.... and it can't be my sanity.

Reasons Why I Like Spring

I think we might be done battling the last round of flu in the house and I finally have a minute to take a breather and check out what's been going on. You know it's been a crazy week when you don't have a chance to check US Weekly and learn from Hubbs that Jessica Alba is pregnant and Ashlee Simpson is getting divorced. Seriously... it's been THAT nuts.So let's talk about the season that is peeking it's head out around here. Well not the past few days (brrrrrr), but will be here before I know it.

Aside from Spring being the season of my birthday, there are a few more reasons why this season is a nice companion to Winter, Summer and Fall.. Like, fall it's an in between-er. Not yet warm, still wet, yet you can probably shed those tights and bare some leg, if you dare...especially my white legs. Here are some other reasons why I enjoy Spring.

-Cherry Blossoms, or really any blooming tree. Our new house has a blooming Tulip tree right outside our kitchen window, so while I do dishes I get to look at something pretty.

One day I will whitness the famed Cherry Blossoms in DC. Until then, I dream through pictures.

-New sunglasses. During Spring time I try to work in a new pair of shades.

These ones from Tory Burch would look fabulous with my usual Spring outfit of a trench, light pants, blousy top and canvas blazer.



-Potato Pancakes: I am so not Irish, however my mom can make a mean St. Patty's Day dinner. And the best part of that: Potato Pancakes. Seriously, I could eat my annual spud quota in one sitting. True story.

These ones below look just like the ones she makes, but taken from Food Network.

-March Madness: Last year I came THIS CLOSE to winning some sweet moola in my office pool. Really I don't follow college basketball, however, it is thrilling watching it all unfold, especially when some cash is involved.

Going Casual

We have been having some gorgeous weather lately. Very Spring Like. So of course, this means wearing lighter colors . Here is a little number I wore this past Friday. Perfect for a casual day in the office. Don't mind the blurry shot. Not sure what happened there.

 Cardigan: Old Navy
Top: GAP
Scarf: GAP
Jeans: GAP
Knee Socks: Charter Club
Belt: Who knows
Boots: Etienne Aigner

Happy Valentine's Day to Me

I think this would be the perfect Valentine's Day gift, dontcha think? Normally I am not a red car kind of girl-but this one... this one I can do. I have a serious obsession with Volvos. I am on my first and see myself owning one from here on out. This could be a trade up? Um... wait back to reality....Just bought a house, remember?

Saddle Up to the Bar

I mentioned here that our new house has a wet bar in the living room. While some people, those that may be civilized, would remove it, this bad boy ain't going nowhere. Because how many people can say they have a bar in their living room....? That's right. You can bet your fenced in trampolines that on any given Sunday during football season, any evening in Summer during baseball season, or heck, maybe just because, I will be fixing a cocktail or pouring a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Because I can. In the living room.

Again with the fame whore cat trying to sneak in a shot.

Cardigan: Old Navy

Plaid Blouse: GAP Outlet

Belt: Macy's

Skinny Pants: GAP

Ballet Flats: GAP

Necklace: F21

This is what Sick Looks Like

People. I am in the trenches of Flu-Ville. I have never been this permanently cranky from being sick. Today I was home with little one. My patience was thin, the garage door got stuck going down, the internet and cable decided to call it a day at noon, then when emptying the dishwasher, I dropped one of my Riedel "O" glasses which led to millions of little pieces of glass scattered all over the place. At Target the bed skirt I went to get, was out. Go figure. What I did do a lot of? Watch the squirrels in our backyard tease our dog and cat inside the house. Oh, and watch footage of that big ass storm hitting the Mid West. That alone, is keeping things in perspective.

This is Lucy who is currently sitting at my side waiting for me to drop some popcorn.

Sick as a Dog

We moved! People, we moved! We. Are. In.  I made a first real meal and it feels like home! There is still so much unpacking to do. I just don't have the energy... been a bit under the weather. In fact, I feel like crap, but still drug myself to work today. I've been downing Emergen-C for the past few days, but it doesn't seem to be working. To keep my moving forward, I envision that I have a bouquet of flowers, similar to these sitting on my desk to look at.

On Point

Hey Guess what? I still haven't packed much. We have 5 days until we move... my excuse is that I have to wait until Hubbs is done doing structural stuff before I deliver goods. But I did buy a new refrigerator! And a washer and dryer! And new bedding! At least the appliances will be delivered and we don't have to pack those.

However, check out these shoes that I uncovered while sorting through things that I should probably be packing. They are super old Alfani kitten heel tweed shoes, I have worn them probably less than 5 times. I used to love Alfani shoes for being so comfortable, but somewhere a long the line they changed up their quality.  More newer Alfani's tare the most uncomfortable things my tootsies touch.

Wow, how the burnt orange carpet at work really goes nicely with the shoes, dontcha think?

I don't wear pointy toed shoes much anymore. Not sure why, maybe it is my love of peep and round toes?

Moving, Moving, Moving

I've mentioned in a previous post, that we were house hunting. Well, friends, we found a house and got the keys! To kick things off, Hubbs has been at the new house all weekend knocking down walls and what not to create a nice master suite, since before it was miniature.

The house is definetly one that has plenty of projects, but even with the 1970's light fixtures, formica in some areas of the kitchen countertops ???, and wet bar in the living room (which btw, is staying, because hello....wet bar in the living room!),  it is still a great house. It just means that when we are done doing these big projects, the house will be exactly the way we like.

We are so excited that just next weekend we will be in our new house! I am not excited about the packing I have yet to do... guess I should get on that.

Fashion Foot Fix

I have been having some foot issues. Particularily with my left foot and my heels are contributing to the problem- GASP! I've been ignoring this for awhile now because my feet still looked pretty (I have pretty feet, if I must say) so I just chalked the problem up to the actual heels but the truth is, each pair seems to enhance my problem. No matter if it is a cheap pair or nicer pair, at the end of the day, it's not fun. I have even been oblivious to the fact that I have altered my walk to help alleviate the pain. Again, this I am just finally realizing really isn't normal.

If I wear flats, my feet are much better, I whizz around with no worries, and especially, no ghetto limp. My mom pretty much put an intervention on my ass the other day, mandating that I wear more flats so the problem does not get worse.

I guess... if I have to. The truth is I love wearing flats, my issue is just finding the right pants to work well with them. Skinny jeans have definetly helped me in this area, however, I still don't have many "flat friendly" pants that LOOK GOOD. My  new favorite pair of pants are black cropped skinny jeans from GAP. I wear them all the time, with heels and with flats, they look so chic to me. Very Audrey Hepburn.

GAP just introduced some new cropped skinny styles that I can't wait to try out. And in case anyone is wondering, my shopping ban goes out the window on this factor because this is for the health of my feet. Here are some styles I am itching to get. They look to be super universal.

Cropped Slim Trousers in Flint Gray.

Cropped Skinny Trouser Jeans

Disclaimer: I wear heels probably 4 out 5 days a week at work. This problem is making me change up my work fashion game by reducing my heel days down to 3. I wear flats on weekends.  At this point I can't give up the style and look of heels, I just like them too much. Let's try baby steps, and then go from there.

Black & White

While cleaning out my closet I came across this skirt from GAP sfrom several summers ago. I figured I would dust it off and pair it with some tights and call it a day. This pic is at the end of the day, hence the shiny and tired face. Let me just say I received many compliments on the outfit today, I think  florals in the winter cheer people up. What do you think?

Blouse: Old Navy

Skirt: GAP
Tights: Macy's
Heels: Jessica Simpson
Belt: Target

Is it Weird...

That I want these outfits that I saw in a GAP Kids ad?

Seriously? How cute are those pastel jeans with the ballet flats?

I wonder what their largest size goes up to....

Moody Monday

It's a freezing Monday in the Bay Area today. And like any other freezing Monday, I wore a skirt  for some reason which I am still trying to figure out.... but  that is a whole other post.... What is on my mind during this cold air blast before the next rainstorm, is being some place tropical.

Hubbs and I have miles coming out of our ears, we need to use them quickly. We've contemplated taking a trip to Hawaii or Mexico in the near future, however, I just can't get past my love affair with the Bahamas and the Caribbean. We went to Jamaica on our honeymoon and it just felt so magical. Different than when I am in Hawaii.

I saw this place online and can't stop daydreaming about it. Whatever gets you through the day!

Maxi-mize

I have been seeing a lot of long skirts lately, which I wasn't so sure about because I automatically think of an old American Eagle long denim skirt I wore back in college and I shudder just picturing it. I since then have eliminated the "maxi skirt" from my wardrobe, even if they looked comfy, I couldn't get past the grade school teacher look that I always thought they threw off. It wasn't until I saw this pic of Olivia Palermo (one of my style icons) on a Glamour blog this morning that I realized I just might have to score one this Spring.

Troop Leader

I had a bigger vision for today's outfit, however, my original skirt just didn't work. It was too wrinkled but the length was better. I pulled a skirt from the Second String a.k.a the back up. The length was not great, it was just too long, but I ran out of time and had to live with it. So I got the outfit on, and realized it was an "okay outfit", probably a solid 5.5.

It wasn't until I was dropping Little One off at preschool that I noticed with my jacket on I looked like a freaking Girl Scout Troop Leader. Proof is in the pudding. While I was a loyal Girl Scout back in the day, unless you are the age where you can still drink out of a juice box and have graham crackers after your nap, then it becomes a lot harder to pull off a with brown tights, a khaki skirt and a green jacket.

I even match the rug!

Denim Shirt: Banana Republic
Corduroy Skirt: GAP (old, probably from when it was still THE GAP)
Belt: Same
Polka Dot Tights: GAP
Heels: Style & Co
Jacket: Old Navy
Scarf: Charter Club
Necklace: GAP
Bracelet: NY Metropolitan Museum of Art