Moment of Nonsense

We are moving in T-2 days, work has been capital C "crazy" all week and my little one has a nasty cold. Because of that, I bring you this awesome card  from this amazing web-site called Bluntcard. Seriously fools, I am addicted to it.  I promise next week things might be more interesting. Maybe I will be posting paint colors, or tile swatches, or various photos of the lint lifted off the lint screen of our sweet new dryer.

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

Monday Morsels

Going into the new year my goal was to really follow a budget. After cleaning out my closet I realized there were things that I could really work into my rotation that have been sitting neglected for a long time. Of course, there were plenty of things I purged too. So I have been staying away from the stores, but that doesn't mean I haven't been looking online.  There are so many things I want/need for Spring  that I might just have to chip away at them slowly so I don't blow my budget in one fell swoop.





This looks like the perfect dress  from The LOFT for an upcoming March day wedding I will be attending. With a belted cardigan, tights and heels, it could be the perfect Winter to Spring transition dress.

Another floral number. This skirt from The Loft looks like it could be super universal and could go with many different colors.



I don't really think I need to say why I want this Kate Spade purse. It speaks for itself.

 

I am a trench coat junkie. I wear mine into the ground and my current one is on its last leg. This version from the GAP looks perfect for upcoming Spring downpours.

These bad boys from Nine West would look great with Spring pencil skirts and dreses all the way through summer. Just wish there was a peep toe to show off a cute pedicure.

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....

The Cat Makes a Cameo

So, yesterday I mentioned it was freezing but I still decided to wear a skirt and brave the elements. I was determined to take some decent shots of my outfit because I had to show off the tights I ended up wearing. I picked them up on sale at, where else, GAP because I wanted some polka dot tights. It wasn't until I was driving to work and looked down and noticed that the dots were actually hearts! I instantly felt like I was 5, 6 or even 7 when I wore  white tights with red hearts (which I always loved).
Maybe that is why they were cheap, either way I received countless comments on them from my coworkers. All seemed to like them (or at least told me that).

When it came time to taking my pics last night, Peppermint Patty, our kitty was hell bent on making an appearance in every shot... however she wasn't exactly making the classiest of cameos... I have to teach her a thing or two about being a bit more lady like.

Umm... where did my pinkie finger go? Oh, right-my pocket.



Cardigan: Target
Top: GAP
Skirt: Banana Republic
Tights: GAP
Heels: Jessica Simpson
Watch: Burberry
I was wearing a skinny black belt too, but it kept sliding around so I took it off halfway through the day.

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

A New Year

It's always important to start the year off right with the good stuff... Vintage please.

Who thought that emerald green Formica was a nice accent to a kitchen? Because I sure as heck didn't!

It is back to the grind tomorrow. Back to the routines, the early wake ups (wait that didn't stop), but I like structure, as weird as that might sound. It will be nice to get back into those high heels that have been waiting for me for 10 days, although my feet haven't, and get back to looking a bit more put together.

To celebrate my last night of vacation and the start of the new year I plan on sipping on some nice Chardonnay, eat some frozen pineapple and watch "How I Met Your Mother", because there is no better way to start off the year.

Eve of Eve

Last night I went out with some girlfriends from high school to celebrate the Eve of New Year's Eve. Well, actually it was my friend's birthday. Either way, this is me cheesing it up before I went out to get some drinks. It was so cold out so I had to dress warmly.

I love the princess dress up box that is making an appearance.

Hope everyone has an exciting New Year's Eve! Hubbs and I are out to a nice dinner and from there we will probably find ourselves on the couch trying to stay awake for a countdown.

Open Cardigan: GAP
Tank: Old Navy
Skinny Jeans: GAP
Heals: Alfani
Belt: Forever 21

Sweet Skillz

So with all of this time on my hands, I thought I would dust off the Nikon DSLR and practice some sweet photo skills. I tinkered around and was able to figure out the auto timer. But since our house is crammed and outside is gloomy, I didn't have many places to set it up. Case in point, the kitchen counter:

Hey, more plaid!

Then I started taking a bunch of pictures of all of the Donald Duck ornaments on the tree. I love Donald Duck, and for the past 10 years or so each Christmas I tend to accumulate another one. Here is a pic of the recent addition.

Still practicing on the Nikon. Gonna take me awhile to figure out better picture taking settings and tinker with lighting.

Closet O' Mine

I am on vacation until next Tuesday. I couldn't be happier... but I am finding myself with so much time. Time to make coffee, breakfast and brush my hair 537 times if I so please. Time to file my nails after I trim them rather than dash to work with unfiled razor sharp claws. Time to look through the ol' closet o' mine and realize there is a crap load of clothes I have been hanging on to that I keep thinking I just MIGHT wear when/if I get pregnant again one day and need something nice and roomy in the first trimester, or for a special night of going out which doesn't happen often enough, or maybe for a trip to Palm Springs for lounging by the pool, because heck I only wore it once on our Jamaican honeymoon and the dress wasn't on sale for the love of... you get the picture.

I worked in a trendy boutique in college very similar to Anthropologie. While working there I accumulated a lot of higher end labels (for me) that I don't even wear now, yet it was when I was really poor in college... makes sense right (My commission paid for the threads)... So a new little consignment shop has opened up close by and I want to bring in some of these things that I have never gotten rid of because they were kind of worth something....to someone? I have some Free People tops, Michael Stars, a Betsey Johnson beaded sweater which I think was like $250, a Prada purse, a Diane Von Furstenberg dress, etc. etc. All of these items don't fit me right anymore nor do I care for their more "loud" style. And btw... aside from Kate Spade, DVF is my favorite designer, so it really saddens me to part with this dress, however it was a gift and is a light purple gray and sherbert orange striped dress. On my fair skin it looks capital H- Horrendous.

Back to this tanget. With all of this time on my hands, I will be dropping off these more valuable purged items to this consignment store this week and giving the rest to Goodwill. But because I will now have so much more room in my closet... do you think I can work this item in?

This little number is one of the new Spring arrivals at Bannana Republic.

Plaid Business

Folks, I love things plaid. It is up there with tweed, sear sucker and cashmere. During the colder months I inevitably bust out plaid a lot. Plaid scarves, plaid pajamas, plaid pea coats, plaid skirts, plaid blazers, and of course, plaid shirts. Just last week I wore plaid two days in a row. So of course I couldn't help but incorporate more plaid into this short week before Christmas.

Here is a casual office look. Damn, I really need to get away from taking pictures with my Blackberry. My Canon and Nikon are feeling neglected and cheated. However, being a busy working mommy, I am all about convenience....

Cardigan: J.Crew
Plaid Shirt: Old Navy
Belt: GAP (old)
Legging Jeans: GAP
Boots: Entienne Aigner

Loop it Up

We celebrated Hanukkah with Hubbs' family this past Saturday night. Instead of getting gifts for everyone and their mom, literally, we drew names and only had to get one gift each. It was great! My trendy and future sister-in-law gave me a really cute heather gray scarf loop thing. I am not sure exactly what they are called but basically it is a huge circle that you loop around your neck as many times as you would like. I busted it out this morning. Looking at this picture it looks super sloppy, however, I have since made it look better.

I have a feeling this is going to be a staple this winter. So easy and so soft. Two of my favorite things.

Except for the scarf, the entire outfit is GAP. The sweater is from 2000 or 2001. Super old and I rarely wear it.

Festive Friday

Today is Cheesy Sweater day at work. I coordinated the event, so I thought I would show what I wore. This sweater is actually my mom's. She is an elementary school teacher so she gets a bit festive during the holidays. You can't tell because the quality of this photo is bad, but I am wearing a red turtleneck with snowmen, a snoman pin, jingle necklace, Tree earrings and antlers. Pretty awesome. People were looking at me a bit strangely when I was at Starbuck's this morning. I think they were just jealous.

Muggin'

I just wanted to give a shout out to my favorite coffee mug of all time. I collect pretty Starbuck's coffee mugs. And by collect, I mean I have about 5 or 6, not a hutch full of them on display like little figurines of kittens.

A couple of Autumn's ago, Starbuck's was doing a really pretty watercolor series of mugs for different cities around the country. It was also a time I was doing a lot of fun business travel. I found a watercolor Washington, DC mug when I was there and snagged it up. A couple of months later I was in NYC and snagged another up there.

Needless to say, both are my favorite, but I edge a little more towards the NYC mug because it is my absolute favorite place in the world. Those mugs have avoided many catasophes, somehow. Hubbs, now knows that they are not allowed in the car after I caught one in the cup holder one time. Not cool. So here we are. My NYC mug. Its sister, the DC mug, was in the dishwasher. Maybe it will get its 2 seconds of fame eventually.

Enjoying those first sips of coffee in the morning.

Thought I would add in this pic. I wore a plaid skirt on Monday and the plaid blazer above on Tuesday. I like plaid! Epecially at Christmas time.

Exercise, Shmexercise

Okay, so maybe I don't really need to work out. I already have an exercise regimen, and it includes a lot of cardio. My fitness of choice? Running. Lots of running.

And she's off...

You can't catch me! I'm helping you burn off those cookies!

Holy Guacamole, 16 Days Left...

How is it there are only 16 days left before the main event? Good thing Santa has been doing online shopping this year because there are only a few gifts left to get, but unfortunately will have to brave the stores for. Shoot.

I know one person who hasn't done his Christmas shopping yet....and that would be Hubbs. To him 16 days is about 14 days more than he needs. He is known for the late night shopping on the 23rd just so he can say he wasn't out on Christmas Eve. Okay, some years that's the case, but usually when I point out EXACTLY what I would like, he takes care of things earlier.

Things I still need to do in the next 16 days:

- Get manicure/pedicure
-Start exercising so I can combat the holiday cocktails/cookies I have been indulging in lately
-Make some cookies. My favorites are usually good ol' Sugar Cookies, Special K bars and toffee.
-Wrap presents
-Watch Love Actually, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, Home Alone and Elf
-Take Miss S to see Santa Clause

I was in a crazy rush this morning, but I had to show you my shirt. I busted out my  Canadian Tuxedo denim shirt  from 10 years ago. Seriously, I wore it in my SENIOR PICTURES!!! But, I never got rid of it. I had some sort of attachment to it, and now that they seem to be more popular, it is making its way back into the rotation.

This was taken at the end of the day. My skirt and belt looks messy at this point.

Skirt: Old Navy
Denim Shirt: GAP circa 1999
Cardigan: Kohls
Belt: Forever 21
Bracelet: Metropolitan Museum of Art NY
Tights: Hue
Socks: Hue
Boots: Entienne Aigner

Martha Stewart's Long Lost Cousin

I read a lot of awesome blogs that are written by people that have the following sweet skills:

1) Great sense of style...every.stinking.day

2) Culinary expertise when it comes to crafting the best recipes ever

3) Ability to take an object like say, socks, and take a photo of said socks with a special angle and lighting where now the socks look all exciting and stuff

4) Home decorating suaveness (is that a word?). This area is a component that I am completely lacking. As we are totally in the midst of house hunting, I have no desire or clue to decorate the shanty bungalow we are living in currently. However, I do hope to decorate our future new house with inspiration from many of the design blogs I read as well as pages from Potter Barn. Duh.

5) Craftiness. Again, not an area that I am strong in. Never been good with being patient enough to construct, build, create things. Although, I really wish I could. I am impressed on end of the cool things some of you out there are able to create out of balls of twine, toilet paper holders and bobby pins. Okay, not exactly those items, but you get what I am saying. Having a toddler makes me really want to get more crafty. While I know my way around the sewing machine, sort of, I think it would be cool to take up sewing. Maybe aprons to start... But this would require me to get a sewing machine first...

Basically, after reading awesome blogs all the time I begin to feel like Martha Stewart's inferior long lost cousin Fran, from West Virginia. No offense to those in West Virginia. I am sure it is a lovely place.

To finish off this productive post, check out my new scarf! I really love it for the color, how soft it is and the fact that it is freezing around here.

In the Christmas Spirit

I have the Holiday bug. I am loving the wintry weather, cozy nights and of course dressing the part! Hello, Fair Isle Sweaters! Today I had a casual work function (on a Saturday, ugh) but I wanted to look festive. So instead of donning my "I Love Santa" sweatshirt (I kid, I kid), I wore my always in style, red pea coat. Also, I finally found some great flat light brown riding boots.

Coat: Nordstroms
Scarf: Eddie Bauer
White Sweater: GAP
Legging Jeans: GAP
Boots: Etienne Aigner

Five Favorites Friday

I just made that up. Go ahead and steal it. I am so  freaking clever. Maybe I should of titled this post "Smart Ass Friday".
1) Favorite Ice Cream: Mint Chip from Baskin Robbins. The smaller bits of chocolate slivers are what seal the deal.

2) Favorite Sport: Baseball, although right now it's football. Tom Brady, even with that new shaggy mop of his? I'll take it.

3) Favorite Store: J.Crew. I wish there was one closer (well my bank account doesn't). Until then, I drool via the Internet.

4) Favorite 80's Song: Adult Education by Hall & Oates. There is no way I can pick just one, but this one is definitely one I have been listening to on repeat quite a lot lately.

5) Favorite Condiment: Mustard. Especially the bright yellow kind. That stuff is amazing on soft pretzels and  hot dogs. I also like spicy mustard too.
Now that I have enriched everyone's minds, have a great weekend.

Bribery is a Good Thing....

So what  that I am using these for  Potty Training. It's working... it's really working!

Don't Judge.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Folks, Thanksgiving is behind us. My ass is a bit fuller thanks to the load of carbs I demolished for four days straight. It was wonderful having a stretch of days off. I was able to clean, decorate the house to look like a Christmas Pottery Barn catalogue (well, attempted to) and got a nice start with my Christmas shopping. I said "f- the crowds! I take my my money online!". I finally ordered my holiday cards from Shutterfly after taking about two weeks to finally decide on a design. Now, I sit here second guessing the picture I chose. Ah well.

Aside from the lounging and visiting with family, Miss S took a nice tumble off the back of the couch while I was in another room. She followed that off by barfing all over the couch, not sure if it was the crab she had tasted for the first time, or the fall. Needless to say our couch cushions are still in disarray in the garage as they air out from the stench of puke. We might need to get them cleaned.... To top off the week, she took a nice header into the sidewalk yesterday evening as we gathered in the front yard to admire the lights that Hubbs so happily put up on the house, a la Clark W. Griswold. She had a nice pink scrape on her forehead this morning as she greeted her friends in preschool.

Oh... and it's been frigid. Well, frigid for the Bay Area. Here are some pics to prove my point.

Close to taking ski's out and trying some tricks.

This picture taken from my Blackberry Bold, really doesn't depict the amount of ice. Not frost, ICE.

When it's 28 degrees outside, I decide to wear a dress. Because nothing goes better than peanut butter and chocolate, like freezing weather and dresses.

Charcoal Cardigan: The LOFT
Silk Black & White Dress: Banana Republic
Tights: Hue
Faux Crocodile Black heels: Alfani
Necklace: J.Jill
Belt: Forever 21

Ten on Tuesday

Got these questions from one of the new blogs I am reading, Roots & Rings.

1. What are your plans for the holidays? Do you travel at Thanksgiving? If you celebrate Christmas, do you travel then, too?
Both Hubbs' and my families are local. So we typically don't go anywhere. Sometimes I wish we actually had far off destinations that we would be visiting, relatives to travel across country to see.  I like when the News shows the airports at Thanksgiving & Christmas with all of the travelers frantically trying to get to their loved ones. Reminds me of Love Actually.


2. How do you make the plans for the holiday? If you have a significant other, how do you decide which family to visit?
Having family close does make the Holidays tricky because its always a matter of trying to make everyone happy while spending equal time with all parties. We usually juggle a couple visits into one day which usually leads to me stressed out and  and me mumbling at various times... "we need to go, Grandma and Grandpa are waiting, the prime rib is almost done at their house! Wait, one more cocktail. Did you get the gifts? Don't forget the artichoke dip, okay, another glass of Pinot won't hurt..."

3. Do you have your Thanksgiving meal at lunch or later in the day?
Who eats at Lunch?  So I will be in bed at 3? If we are eating at my parents, we start at about 4-5. If it's at the Hubbs' side, we're not sitting down until at least 6:30 I prefer the 4-5 range so that I am passed out on the couch by 6:30.  It prevents me from filling up on four pounds of brie and crackers and allows me to fully partake in true Thanksgiving gluttony.

4. Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
I usually say I am excited to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade each year, but when I finally sit down to watch it I realize that I really don't prefer seeing floats with Soap Opera stars waving. I also like to scour the ads and map out my shopping plan of attack for Black Friday.

5. After a big meal do you lounge around or get up and take a walk?
I usually end up plopping my ass on the couch, but now that we have a little spunky toddler to chase I am able to get exercise in.

6. Do you shop on “Black Friday” or do you avoid it?
Depends on what is on my list. This year I plan on going out on Midnight before the craziness. We'll see if I actually do that. If I am not out of the house by the early morning, then I won't go out. I might just sit in and shop online instead.

7. When do you usually finish your Christmas shopping?
Probably about 2 weeks before. I really like to enjoy those last weekends before Christmas and not rush around. Plus it seems like we have more engagements so it gets hard to squeeze in shopping.

8. Do you and your significant other exchange gifts? Is there a budget?
We do exchange gifts. I usually point out exactly what I want to Hubbs: sparkles, cashmere, etc. He usually points out electronics or um... more electronics. We always set a budget so that neither of us is not surprised or feels like a moron for not throwing down enough for their gift.

9. When do you decorate for the holidays?
This weekend I will be decorating the house. However, we won't get our tree until the first weekend in December so that it is nice and fresh. I have already seen houses in our neighborhood with their lights up on their houses. Can you say Clark W. Griswold?


10. Do you go “all out” with the decor or do you keep it simple?
I would say I am go in between. Our house is typically a cross between a Pottery Barn catalogue depicting a nice mantel with fresh greenery and a Gingerbread house.

Winterizing

I have been inspired by many blogs out there focusing on using clothing they wore through the spring and summer and working them into their fall/winter wardrobes. Today I decided to Winterize this cotton GAP skirt that I wore throughout the warmer months with wedges and flats and breezy tops.

A closer shot of my argyle socks. I like argyle.



What do you think? Am I pulling it off?
Blazer: Express
White Tee: GAP
Necklace: GAP
Skirt: GAP
Tights: Hue
Socks: GAP
Boots: Nine West
Belt: Alfani?