old lady in braids: to trust or not to trust? that is the question

I read somewhere once that women over 30 shouldn't wear braids unless they were stylishly loose and messy.

 

 shoes: Converse
jeans: Kohl's
cobalt v-neck tee: J. Crew
pastel striped cardigan: Gap
green skinny belt: J. Crew
 

Which is like a chicken-and-egg scenario, at least for me, because, hi. My hair is at the disposal of my 18-month-old all day, and believe me...

 

 

...she pulls my hair Loose often and with ease, and Messy is her middle name. Practically.

 

 

So the lesson I think we can all take away is: if you're older than 30, just hang out with an almost-toddler to keep yourself totally young and hip. Which is absolutely true if by "young and hip," you understand that I actually mean "slightly unkempt and exhausted."

 

 

But the tradeoff? Worth it. Absolutely.

 

Happy Thursday.

 

 

Shop similar stuff below:

ModCloth Plus Sweaters · Diesel Skinny Denim · Athleta Sport Tops

{shared: Everyday Fashion & Finance, Get Your Pretty On, Her & Nicole, Kiwi Women's Style, My Fashion Forward Blog, Style Elixir, The Life of the Party Blog, The Mrs and the Momma, The Pleated Poppy, }

Harlequin diamonds, anyone?

You guys, I'm a sucker for argyle. It's the inherent nerdiness in me -- I blame genetics, you know. Just can't help it.

 

The home-dec version of argyle, as far as I'm concerned, is harlequin diamonds. And I've been wanting to do something like this little DIY project forEVer:

 

Fortunately for me, Forever arrived earlier this week.

 

Come see how you can do one, too! Or just check out my house stuff in general. Just because it's fun.

I love shoes because they fit when nothing else does.

This is what I wore today, blah blah blah.

 shoes: converse. pants & hoodie: gap. shirt: duo maternity.

Anyone who uses the word "blah" in the first sentence of a style blog post (and then repeats it twice more) probably shouldn't be writing a post at all. And yet, here I am. And here you are. For what reason is a mystery to me, but my grandmother always told me to seize opportunities, so I will.

[Editor's note: Actually, she rarely told me that. Her words of wisdom were more like, "here's $20, why don't you go get us something yummy at KFC," and "you're my favorite grandchild." She was awesome. And KFC is, on occasion, delicious.]

Ahem. 

Despite the randomness of a hoodie and button-up combo (not to mention the chucks and khakis...shhh, there there), may I still brag about my tummy-toting self for a moment? Today's lengthy to-do list is all but finished (and I didn't even cheat and include stuff like "roll out of bed" and "put on deodorant" for once), I have a dinner idea and ingreds, and I finished the sudoku in today's paper even though my pencil was really dull and I couldn't find a sharpener.

PLUS I didn't say something snarky to the guy at the grocery store who s.t.a.r.e.d. at my belly during an awkward shopping cart approach-and-pass. Let's be proud.

Happy Tuesday.

similar stuff (maternity & regular):

More Converse...

bacon by any other name...

 shoes: converse brand. skirt: american eagle. shirt & bracelets: forever21. sash: off a shirt from kohl's. watch: target. earrings: hawaii.

Today's jumping-off point was EBEW's "pattern mixing" theme. You all probably know by now that I love me a mixed print or eight. In one ensemble. Which, really, if you took that exaggerative statemet literally, would be equivalent to a hole in one, a 3/4 court buzzer shot, and three Heath blizzards from DQ, all in the same day.

So far, I've only mastered the DQ blizzard, but that's okay because those puppies are delish. Do I feel a little white-trashy proclaiming that? Sure. But it's not that different from how I feel after settling in with a gigantic bowl o' popcorned butter to watch Swamp People and finding that, after awhile, I really don't even need the subtitles. If you've seen the show, you'll know what I mean.

So. Enough about you, let's talk about me. I like the irony of the girly pink satin bow/belt and the Chucks in this outfit. Unexpected & Maybe Awesome for me here. Like bacon in our salad for dinner last night. Something is definitely right in the world when everyone at the table is happily gobbling up salad as the main course, as long as that "something" is spelled B-A-C-O-N.

Happy Tuesday.

p.s. Ad slots are available for the coming month; contact me if you're interested! brittneynesmart [at] yahoo [dot] com

Want this look? Shop below.

More Converse...

singin' (and wearin') the blues

 shoes: converse brand. skirt: american eagle outfitters. shirt: vintage/gift. belt: forever21. bracelets: don't recall. earrings: gift/homemade.

 I'm super grumpy today, guys. My poor children. I thought that throwing on a pair of Chucks would help, and it did, for sure. Meaning that everyone's still alive, and I'm keeping my voice pleasantly neutral 87% of the time, despite my wanting to yell and/or lock myself in my room all day and let the forces that be...be. Like the force of milk spilling out of the carton alllllllll over the floor. And the force of polly pockets being flown at siblings' heads. And the force of toy box after toy box being dumped out everywhere.

So. Here's what I wore. It's nothing out-of-control inspirational. But it's cool. And it's comfy. And it's not a full-length spandex bodysuit in color: nude, like what I spied a team of female runners wearing for a recent race. So, I figure, that's 3 points in the black. Booyah.

Happy Wednesday.

Want this look (sans grumps of course)? Click below...

More Converse...

snain, snain, go a-snay...

 shoes: converse brand. jeans & jacket: kohl's. shirt: gap. belt: don't recall. bracelet: forever21. flower hair clips: gift. earrings: hawaii.

Hey guys. It's Friend Friday, topic:

What are the top 5 Spring trends that you are looking forward to seeing/sporting this season?

1. Salmon/coral colored anything.

2. Maxi dresses.

3. Strappy metallic sandals.

4. Floralicious...ness.

5. Skirts skirts skirts. And more skirts.

Welp. There you have it. Quite possibly the shortest post you'll ever read on this blog. Enjoy it while it lasts...

...because it's not lasting long. Remember how, just yesterday, it was totally springy and warm and sunny outside in my world? Guess who now has substantial evidence to prove, beyond reasonable doubt, Mother Nature's bipolarity? Yeah, ME. Because today is snaining (my pet name for nasty snow-rain), dark and gloomy, cold. Boo.

When I was younger, I always wanted to live somewhere it rained a lot. Like Seattle or Portland. I found the gloom of a rainy day somewhat cozy and heartwarming. I also liked a boy with a mullet in 5th grade. So. Nothing against Seattle or Portland. It's just that my pre-teen preferences were questionable and shouldn't be used against me now.

But there's a silver lining to the snain. It's spelled "s-i-l-v-e-r l-i-n-i-n-g" but is pronounced "mint chocolate chip ice cream with homemade hot fudge sauce." Mmmm...

Happy Friday.

p.s. Check out my guest post for No Guilt Fashion's Mom Week!

Want this look? Check out the stuff below...

More Charles Tyrwhitt...

a day late & a dollar short

Warning: This non-makeup/5-second outfit is nothing to write home about. But it's Saturday, folks, and I'm good with it if you are. And if you're not? Welp...I'm still good with it.

shoes: converse brand. jeans: kohl's. shirt, puffy vest, & hat: gap. belt: Pocket's.

I've decided to participate in ModlyChic's Friend Friday (one day late this week, but for a good reason!), where I get to answer Katy's five thought-provoking questions about style/fashion blogging each Friday. Don't roll your eyes and click away just yet...well, fine, you can. But, really, what better things do you have to do than read my innermost (kind of) thoughts on this blog? Oh. Right. Dishes, laundry, housework, schoolwork, job, kids, practically any other hobby/pasttime. Got it. Well...carry on.

Today's question is a 5-in-1 deal: So far, what have been the 5 hardest blogging lessons you’ve learned during this process and have helped make you a better blogger as a result.

Blogging Lesson 1: I can't/won't please everyone. Obviously. Everyone's different, with individual tastes, styles, preferences, comfort zones, bodies, etc. I get that. I've had to learn to shift my blogging focus away from styling myself to meet others' approval, and toward deciphering my own individual style--what works for me, my life, my mood, my nature, my closet.

Blogging Lesson 2: Don't check blog stats. When I first started blogging, I checked my blog's stats borderline-obsessively. If a few more people visited/commented one day than the day previous, I was ecstatic. If fewer did, I had to fight an abysmal mood. For the sake of my husband's and children's well-being, I had to stop letting stats affect me...which means check them less often. Like, hardly ever.

Blogging Lesson 3: I make myself vulnerable in doing what I do (blogging). That's part of the deal, for better or worse. Understanding that simple truth helps me keep my reaction to comments and responses in check.

Blogging Lesson 4: Real life is waaaay more important than blogging. Always and forever amen.

Blogging Lesson 5: People I know in real-life have varied responses when they find out that I have a style blog. Absolutely fair, we're all entitled. But, to be honest, it's sometimes a challenge to not get embarrassed or defensive if my real-life peeps think style blogging is superficial and vain. The reasons I do it are my own, and I've found this blogging community to intelligent, humorous, and inspiring...so I don't need to "defend" myself. Just smile and nod. :)

And, if you're interested in reading more, go check out other bloggers' lessons learned!

Happy Friday Saturday.

Want this look for your next Saturday? You got it...check out below:

More Vans...

T minus 26 minutes

 shoes: converse brand. jeans: kohl's. shirt: gift/vintage. blazer: thrifted. watch: target. necklace: don't recall.

Guess who did NOT sleep well last night? (Please tell me you guessed I'm talking about myself, because if you didn't and you're now racking your brain as to who among your acquaintance didn't sleep well last night and how in the world would I know them well enough to blog about them, then we're going to have to start from the scratchiest of scratch, and I'm too tired to do that...because it's ME! I'M the one who didn't sleep well last night. Thankyouverymuch.)

I have no idea why, either, but the fact remains: I, who normally sleep so still it makes a sleeping log look like a Riverdancer, tossed and turned and turned and tossed all through the night. (There's a point to this sob story...I'll get there.)

[Editor's note: Note the above reference to Irish dancing? Since tomorrow St. Patty's? Heads up. Get yo' green on.] [Assistant Editor's note: Forgive Editor's lame use of "yo'." I tried to talk her out of it, but she just glared at me and muttered something that sounded like "fo' shizzle"...so I let it be.]

Ahem. So, long story short (hah!), I totally slept through my normal wakeup time this morning. I had exactly 26 minutes to get myself and the three kidlets up, dressed, breakfasted, and ready for school/the day. So I whirlwinded by my closet on my way to the girls' room, and this is what the centrifugal forces threw onto my body. I'm not naked, so it'll do.

But...isn't the embroidery on this shirt pretty? I like how it balances out the somewhat masculinity of the blazer. And how the Cons keep things lighthearted (a little Unexpected and Maybe Awesome here). Plus, they're easy to kick off when I take a mid-morning nap. Boom-shahka.

Happy Wednesday!

Want this look? Sleep in, roll out of bed, then shop below:

More Asos...

because I'm the mom, that's why...

shoes: converse brand. socks: smith's marketplace. skirt: gap. shirt & belt: thrifted. cardigan: old navy. watch: target. earrings: hawaii. necklace: don't recall. balloon: dollar store on valentine's day.

It is with full understanding that I'll probably be shunned by the fashion purists of the world (all of whom flock to this blog on the daily to adjust their own style decisions. Natch.), but I couldn't help myself: Red chucks it was, and had to be. They make no sense here, and I recognize that. The beautiful thing, though, is that they fit right in, because in all actuality, NOTHING makes sense in this ensemble. Some days are just like that, at least for me.

Mysterious, no?

No? Just plain weird? Drat. I've always wanted to be that woman-with-a-hint-of-a-what's-her-story?-aura. Okay, that's a lie. I've never wanted to be that woman. I've mostly wanted to be the woman who is able to eat like a horse and end up losing weight. Got myself an O-fer.

Instead, I guess I'll settle for being the woman I actually am: an active mommy who enjoys doing pleasantly unexpected things like baking cookies at dinnertime (check), reading 4 stories at bedtime instead of 2 (check), and wearing red converse with a floral pencil skirt and uber-bright sweater (check-check).

Oh, and for the record, I would've nixed the knee-highs in lieu of bare legs to simplify this a bit, but it's still too blasted cold for that. So. I figured another faux paux (sp?) couldn't hurt...this one's on the house.

pssst...Purists? See y'all tomorrow, right guys?....ladies?...oh esteemed ones?...aw nuts.

Happy happy Thursday!

Want this look? If so...let's hang out. Seriously. Check out the similar stuff below:

More Talbots...

a stay-at-home mom's take on "casual friday"

View the following photos with this song running through your hot little heads:

Most of these things are not like the others.

Most of these things just do-on't belong.

Can you tell which things are not like the others

By the time I finish this song?

shoes: converse all-stars. pants: gap. long-sleeved tee: american eagle outfitters. tee: old navy. belt: downeast outfitters. watch: target. necklace: gifted. awesome poses: one-of-a-kind original discontinued vintage. sorry.

 Today is totally Casual Friday at my house. Today is also the day where the words "casual" and "completely random" are synonymous. But...frankly? I love today's ensemble. Which is probably alarming to most of you. In fact, I'm seeing in my minds-eye a hasty retreat to thousands hundreds tens upon tens of computers' "back" buttons. Fair enough.

But for those of you still here (gold stars for you all):

Hi, I'm Brittney. I'm a stay-at-home mom of young kids, and I sometimes get my days mixed up. Mondays become Thursdays and Tuesdays are often dead-ringers for Wednesdays. This hasn't really been a problem until the past year or two, with my son now in school...he's probably the only kid in 1st grade who regularly shows up to gym class with his library book. (Remember my Mother of the Year plaque? It hasn't come yet, but I'm confident it will...)

But Fridays, my friends, are never mixed up. Fridays shine like a beacon in the night of the weekday...um...nights. A glowing lighthouse for all troubled waters to see.

Wow, you're saying to yourselves. She waxes poetic. Odd for someone who wears long-sleeved tees under graphic tees and pairs them both with plaid trousers. Or, probably you're actually saying to yourselves, What should I make for dinner? or It's true!! 'E' really DOES equal 'MC-squared'! [Editor's note: If your thoughts fall along the latter option, I'll quietly walk away right now, no questions asked, and I'll never trouble your superior mind again.]

Today's jumping-off point: Guess. Seriously, go back, look at the photos, and take a stab at what my jumping-off point was today. Anyone guess these pants? You win. Which is strange to me, because these pants are totally preppy/workwear (wide cuff and everything), whereas the layered tees are exactly opposite. What would you call today's look, anyway? Would you call it: Preppy-lawyers'-kid-who-excels-in-math-and-classic-violin-recitals-but-secretly-plays-the-bass-in-a-garage-band-while-her-boxer-puppy-lays-on-some-carpet-remnants-in-the-corner? No way! That's exactly what I thought, too! What are the odds? Because, really, that's pretty specific...

Anyway. The plaid in the pants is neutral enough that I paired them with a mid-scale graphic tee (long-sleeved under is strictly for warmth, but I like the color it adds). I love the fatty gold boyfriend watch with all this, as well as the blue Converse--a little Unexpected & Maybe Awesome. Overall, despite lots going on, this ensemble's colors are chunky and muted. 'Cept the belt. It adds a bit of whimsy, a pop of color, and a bit of a "huh?" factor. Triple dip.

Happy happy Friday!

Want this look? plaid pants  graphic tee  boyfriend watch  blue converse  yellow belt

More Puma...

taming the wild beast within. or at least embracing him... her... whatever.

 shoes: converse brand. jeans, long-sleeve tee, & vest: gap (what the trifecta? that. is. embarrassing.). belt: pocket's. watch: citizen brand. hairthing: gifted.

I don't know about you, but I think puffy vests are awesome. And warm. Which is a huge win-win when you check the outside thermometer every hour *fingers crossed* that you get to the 15-degrees mark that day, and heaven forbid mother nature sends you into the blazing-hot 20s because you'd probably have to break out the shorts and have a luau in such balmy temps.

I'm not bitter. I'm just sayin. It ain't hot.

(ahem) So. Puffy vest. Love mine. Throw it on over a long-sleeved tee, and we're in business. After donning some dark wash jeans, of course, because otherwise (a) chilly! and (b) gross. I was warm at this point, but felt rather, well, puffy. I happened to glance at my belt hanger...a crazy idea forming in my hot little head...

...with an internal monologue that went a little something like this: A belt? Over a PUFFY vest? Dare I? No way. I'll look like the Michelin man! Wait, is it MISHuhlin or muSHELLin? Hmmm...note to self: pay attention next tire commercial. But hopefully it won't be that one where the old lady chucks a tire in the store window...seen THAT about a bajillion times. Oh. Belts. Let's go brown.

I belted it up, donned the thickest most comfiest warmest socks I could find (Pocket's, natch), threw on my fave red converse shoes [Editor's note: They're actually my only red converse shoes, in case you're wondering. Which makes them my favorite and, technically, also my least favorite. I think I just blew someone's mind.], and braided my hair into two messy free-spirited braids. And added one loosey-goosey braid for my front bangs and pinned it back with a flower. Which I think is Unexpected and Maybe Awesome. Goes with the whole outdoorsy-backwoods(wo)man-devil-may-care vibe of today.

Happy Thursday.

Want this look? converse vest jeans long-sleeved tee
  

womens down vest