easy does it...whatever "it" is...

shoes & belt: forever21. jeans: kohl's. shirt: j.crew. watch: citizen brand.

Hey guys! It's Friend Friday! Forgive my brief answers...I'm on my way to a family BBQ & fireworks. Today's topic is: my personal uniform, slash, outfit formula. 

1. What’s your go-to outfit formula? Depends on the weather and my mood, really, but for most months out of the year, it's skinny jeans and a shirt. And, who am I kidding, probably a cardigan as well, because I'm ob.SESS.ed with layering. In summer, I like to go for a random skirt and an equally random (although hopefully complementary) shirt. Hopefully I've shaved.

2. How did you come about this formula? I didn't set about to come up with a formula...these are simply the things that, over time, I've noticed that I grab when in a pinch. So...life? Life made me come up with this formula? Yes, let's go with that.

3. Do you have different formulas for different occasions in your life? Yes. When I've been pregnant, I went for anything that didn't make me look like a tent. And if it had an elastic waist, all the better. But other than that, I pretty much go by weather and how much bleach I'll be using in my forseeable kid-filled day.

4. Has it morphed over the years? I wouldn't say "morphed," but I would use the word's second-cousin "transitioned." Jeans-and-tee have been my go-to for years, but now I try to add a pop of something to make the outfit unique. A scarf, a chunky bracelet, a belt, a tuck, a braid. Something.

5. Which other blogger’s outfit formula would you like to swipe? This is going to sound like a total copout, but I'm being sincere: I wouldn't swipe anyone's, because I wear what works for me in my life and on my body. That's why it's my formula. If I were to swipe someone else's style, it wouldn't work the same for me and would ultimately disappoint me...and embarrass them, if I gave them credit. :) But don't get me wrong--I love many many bloggers' styles! Just, y'know, on the daily...I like to be me.

Happy Friday!

p.s. Check out my interview on Scrap and Run today! Thanks, Colleen!

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More Dolce Vita...

It's back. The awesomeness that is the 30x30 challenge.

 I'm participating in Kendi's 30x30 challenge this spring (read about my winter 30x30 experience here). Basically what that means is I've chosen 30 clothing items (including shoes) to rotate and remix over the next 30 days. Which would be way easy if I lived in Hawaii, because I'd simply choose 30 swimsuits and live on the beach. But I don't. Thanks for asking.

 sandals & bracelets: forever21. jeans: kohl's. shirt: j.crew. flower hairclip: downeast basics. earrings: hawaii.

You know, I'm loving the fact that I'm content with simple outfits/style lately. A top, a bottom, and a shoe. Doesn't get more basic than that. Well, I suppose it could, but...yeah. No. This is a family-friendly blog, you guys. Which means we talk about family-friendly topics and only occasionally delve into the subsurface stuff. Stuff that only adults should talk about...Like the other day when I had to clean up my 2-year-old's accident involving substance, not just liquid. That's right. Shield your eyes and your brains. Mine are permanently scarred.

But you didn't pay good money to come read about that, now, did you? Let's move on.

I almost wore a large chunky watch with this ensemble instead of the mass o' braceletage. But I thought it would be highy ironic that someone wearing a loose flowy cotton-silk blend peasant blouse would care what time it was using anything other than the sun's position in the sky. And I just happen to be that girl today. And it's been raining all day, no sun in sight. Which can only mean it's perfectly legal to go back to bed. Or never get out of bed in the first place. Pick your poison, but either way...sweet dreams to me.

Happy Monday!

p.s. And for all you die-hard fans of this blog (hey mom!), I've enclosed some outtakes below. You're welcome. Which, in a perfect world, would also translate into "I'm sorry."



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More Wet Seal...

something's wrong with my phone. it says it's not saturday today...

 shoes: american eagle outfitters. jeans: kohl's. shirt & bracelets: forever21. cami: motherhood maternity. flower clips: gift.

pose below: the karate kid, circa 1985.

Some days just don't feel like the day they actually are. Yesterday totally felt like Saturday, both to me and my husband. Today, too, 'cept a super-lame Saturday where has to go to work. I tried to convince him that his boss wanted him to take a "thunderstorm day" (very similar to a "snow day" with one minor difference. I'll leave it up to you intelligent peoples to figure out what that might be). For some reason he didn't believe me.

Fine. Ruin my pseudo-weekend. I was left to drown my sorrows in some pseudo-comfort-food, a.k.a. spinach, at lunchtime. [Editor's note: Not comforting.]

So. Fast-forward to me and the kiddos at home this afternoon. We've been working on trying harder to (translation: I'm a nazi and all but yell at them when they don't) include the 2-year-old in playtime activities. [Editor's note: That and the spinach comment above might jeopardize my mother-of-the-year award for 2011. Better learn to bake. Stat.]

A few minutes ago, a fight was about to break out amongst the kidlets, when my 5-year-old showed her alarmingly strategic brainpower.
"Addie! D'you want to play with us and be our puppy?"

The toddler nodded vigorously, definitely down with that idea. Being a housepet is one of her all-time favorite pasttimes.

"Great. C'mere, cute puppy. It's crate time!"

Sheer genius. And I can't even get mad, because they "included" her.

Happy Saturday Thursday.

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More Lucky Brand...

Not hugely original or inspiring, but it's what I'm wearing. So.

 shoes: head over heels. jeans: kohl's. belt: thrifted. shirt: gap. cardigan: j.crew. watch: target.

Knock knock.

Who's there?

Pinky.

Pinky who?

Pinky who lives in a pack of diapers!!!

[enter hysterical pint-sized laughter]

Repeat. Including the hysterical laughter. Repeat some more. Repeat as a monologue when the adult party refuses to "answer the door" anymore. Repeat to siblings, repeat to barbies, repeat to strangers and neighbors. Repeat over ice cream, repeat over vegetables, repeat over strawberries dipped in powdered sugar. Repeat repeat repeat.

You all want to come to my house now, don't you, and befriend and swap jokes with my 2-year-old. I just know you do. My husband and I can't figure out why she loves this joke so much, other than the fact that she made it up herself. (No kidding. I mean, the punchline is clever and all...) (Oh. Wait. Nope. No it's not.)

Love it or not on the 10-milionth go-round, I'm afraid Pinky is here to stay.

Happy Thursday.

p.s. If you happen to meet up with diaper-dwelling Pinky, please pass on this message: no.one's.home.

p.p.s. I know my ensemble is winter-esque and unapplicable to many of you in warmer temps. But, despite the sunshine outside, it's downright chilly around here, and I spent my pre-dressed morning goose-bumpily all over. So. Warm & cozy it is.

Want this look? Rewind (or fast-forward) to November, then shop below...

More MICHAEL Michael Kors...

get dressed quick

 boots: target. jeans: kohls. sweater: old navy. belt: thrifted (american eagle outfitters). trench coat: forever21. watch: target. flower clips: gift.

It's one of those days, guys. Wanna hear about it? No? Good, 'cause I don't want to delve into the deets. Suffice it to say there are a billion things going on today, gloomy-cold weather, potential strep throat (3rd time in a year, and that means probable tonsillectomy. please no.), frustrating Internet issues, and a day where my closet has "nothing to wear."

Makes you wanna hang with me, doesn't it.

Remember how I vowed I was done with boots until Fall? Well, I actually did mean it when I said that. But then the weather turned nasty, my errand list exploded, and my boots jumped out and hijacked my feet before I could say anything. I'm okay with it, though. There's something comforting about a well-used pair of flat boots. And a gramma-made quilt. And some homemade mac & cheese and warm applesauce to slide down a sore throat.

So. Skinnies, boots, & a top: one of my favorite (albeit overused) go-to ensembles. Throw on a trench for warmth. Done and done. What are your go-to pieces when you just don't feel like getting dressed or when you have "nothing" to wear?

Happy Thursday.

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More J.Crew...

old lady floral shirt + kid-type shoe = middle-aged me.

Check out our clean floor. Makes you want to be friends with me and visit, doesn't it. "Here, have some juice, friend. Don't worry, I blew the dust and stuff out of your cup before I poured it. You're welcome. It was nothing. Really."

shoes: converse brand. jeans: kohl's. shirt & belt: forever21. cardigan: rue21. watch: target. bracelet: burntsiena designs. necklace: downeast basics.

Apparently April showers bring...May showers. It's been raining non-stop for three days here. Not that I mind much. I happen to like frizzed-out hair, restless stir-crazy children with the sniffles, and the aroma of wet dog. I'm sure you can relate.

Oh. Wait. No I don't, and no you can't.

Today's jumping-off point was: something floral, to go along with Everybody Everywhere. This shirt wins--the colors are good, the floral print is pretty, and it's (almost) clean. BAM. I was planning on pairing it with a springy plaid skirt, but the weather saw my springtime plans and raised them 6 inches of rain. I folded.

Why am I fluently using poker references here? I think I've played the game once in my life, using stuff like swedish fish and cinnamon bears as poker chips. It was fun...until I had to drop out because I'd eaten all my wagering pieces, which was an embarrassing display of zero-self-control for a 20-something, don't you think?

Anyway. Enough about you, let's talk about me. I like this outfit's ironic combinations of feminine (necklace) and not (red Chucks), preppy (sweater) and racy (Vegas-style sequined belt), happy and dead tired. See my puffy eyes? Yeah. This Queen of Hearts was up all night working.

Happy Tuesday.

p.s. Don't forget to enter the fabulous giveaway -- see the post directly below this one.

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More Converse...

Sir Mix-A-Lot (wait, does anyone seriously remember that?)

Woah. Funky lighting alert. Nothing else is funky, though. Just the lighting. Yep.

 shoes: american eagle outfitters. jeans: kohl's. shirt: vintage. cardigan: gap. scarf: gift from sweden. belt: thrifted (american eagle). watch: target.

It doesn't look the best in these photos, but for the record: This is one of my favorite outfits. Ever.

Hey guys. Not only is today a perfect day for wearing two types of stripes, floral, polka dots, AND metallic (it said so in my horoscope. practically.), but it's also Friend Friday! Today's topic is one of my favorites: Fitness & Fashion.

1. Do you keep some kind of fitness routine? Why? Yep. I run. Because I like to eat but my metabolism is turning granny on me, I like my husband to be bigger than me (not an easy task, if you know my husb), and I feel better about myself when I exercise. Not necessarily in that order, but that's how the fingers typed it, so that's how it will remain. 

  

2. Has working out, maybe training for a marathon or something of that nature, helped with your own perception of body image? Absolutely. I've become less obsessed with how I look (as in, the size of my legs, the bulge of my belly, etc.) because I'm doing what I can to be healthy. I'll never be a waif, but I've decided this: A body that does what I put mine through is a body worth respecting.

3. When you are hitting the gym or just going out for a long walk what do you wear? Is it about functionality or fashion? Eh, I don't give one single brain cell of thought about what I wear unless it involves weather-related decisions...but I don't go to gyms, I just run outside. I don't even put makeup on, do my hair, or anything. What I'm trying to say is...y'know all those Bigfoot sightings? They were probably just me, out for a winter jog.

4. Do you feel there is a cultural perception of what you ‘should’ be doing for your own physical fitness? Maybe there used to be. Like, when my mom was in school, they had to wear skirts to gym class and wasn't allowed to do the stuff the boys were doing. I think that, these days, so many fitness options are available that it's all about choosing what works for you to get/stay fit.

5.  Dream big… what would be your ultimate fitness goal. Run a certain 100-mile race with my sister. She's already done it twice; I paced her for a snort 14-mile leg of it one time, and now I want to do it. Our family is convinced we are both missing a marble or two...and we can't exactly argue. Meh.

Happy Friday!

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More Forever 21...

warning: this post is gross. seriously.

 shoes: steve madden. jeans: kohls. shirt: old navy. blazer: thrifted (the limited). bracelet: hawaii. necklace: forever21.

I got complimented by a stranger on this ensemble today, who included the words, "I'm sorry, but I just" "looove your outfit" "!!!" and lots of pointing and waving her arms in circles. And it made me happy because I didn't even spy a seeing-eye dog anywhere in the vicinity.

Speaking of vicinity...I have exactly three enormous (and painful) zits in the vicinity of my face. Which, fine, whatever, nothing new there [Editor's note: Although I'm a little mad at my jr. high and high school Health teachers, who never even so much as hinted at the fact that such breakouts were as common at age 31 as at 14. Buuuut...I no longer have biology homework or crushes on boys with serious personal hygiene issues, so age 31 wins. But still. Would've been nice to be prepped a little about the middle-aged zitola factor].

Let's see, where was I? Oh, yes. In the middle of an extremely tasteful monologue about blemishes.
*ahem*
So, what I was going to tell you was that an underground zit sprouted inside my nose last night. Ow! But I realize that's probably information you could have a perfectly lovely day NOT knowing. So. Forget I said anything, and repeat these words in your mind: I love this blog I love this blog I love this blog.

Good. See you tomorrow, right guys?...guys?...

Happy Wednesday.

Want to be complimented by total strangers? Who wouldn't. Shop below...

More Anne Klein...

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!

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More Charles Tyrwhitt...

I will wear tights in March...I will wear tights in March...

 shoes: famous footwear maybe? jeans: kohl's. shirt: gap. vest: thrifted. belt: forever21. bracelet: don't recall. necklace: gift. poses-with-prop: discontinued.

Can someone please remind me to NOT use props in these photo shoots? I mean, really.

Hey guys. Remember how yesterday I was all (read the following in a taunting, high-pitched valley-girl voice), "I"m wearing a skirt even though it's cold and there's nothing anybody can do about it including mother nature because I am captain of the world apparently." Remember that? Kind of? No? It's okay to admit it...I hardly remember either exCEPT... 

...it turns out that the world doesn't warm up simply because some girl goes bare-legs-with-skirt. In fact, it was freezing, and I ended up wearing leg warmers all day, which probably looked stupid but I didn't care because I was chilly-cold.

So. What did I learn from this little exercise in Life's Laboratory? Several things:

(1) There's probably no reason to shave my legs until July.

(2) Mother Nature is a meanie-head.

(3) My Skinny Jeans are beloved friends and will never betray me in fickle March weather. Thank you, SJ. Remind me to buy you a treat later. Like pnut m&ms. I'll give you the green ones. And by "you," I of course mean "me."

[Editor's note: I actually did have on a skirt this morning until some friends decided to meet up at the park for a picnic lunch, so, as an older and wiser girl than the one who lived yesterday, I swapped the skirt out for jeans. I liked the skirt better, but, frankly, my goosebumps are all tuckered-out from their overstay yesterday. Poor little dears.]

Happy Thursday.

p.s. Don't forget about the awesome giveaway -- ends tomorrow (Friday) night! Hurry!

Want this look? Quick, shop below before spring actually gets here...

More Urban Outfitters...

classic casual: a stay-at-home mom's best friend (well, that and oxiclean...)

 shoes: famous footwear outlet (i think? don't recall exactly). jeans: kohl's. shirt: gap. cardigan: rue21. bracelet: forever21. flower clip: downeast. belt: thrifted (american eagle).

First of all...300 followers via GFC? Wow...thank you all, for coming and returning to my blog as often as you do! I have the most interesting, funny, and inspiring readers ever. I think another giveaway is in order next week to celebrate the big 3-0-0. Hmm... Stay tuned.

Secondly...it's Friend Friday! (See other bloggers' answers to these questions here; see my answers from last Friday here.) This week's questions deal with feminism and fashion. I'd love to hear your honest thoughts on my honest thoughts.

1. Do you think there is an incompatibility between feminism and a love for fashion? First off, for the sake of this discussion, my idea of "feminism" is the act of acknowledging and embracing the power of femininity in a woman. In that vein, no, I don't think there's an incompatibility between the two--a love for fashion, in moderation, can expand a woman's femininity and thereby increase her influence over and ability to enhance and improve her sphere. Taken to an extreme, however, I think a love for fashion (or anything else, in extremes) can be detrimental to femininity, by hindering her ability to pursue and participate in other interesting and useful subjects & activities.

2. There is more to each of us than a love for fashion, how do you incorporate every aspect of yourself into your blog? I don't know that I do. I mean, my conversational text (including both the form and content) reflects aspects of myself to some degree, I suppose (case-in-point: I heart pnut m&ms), but the point of my style/fashion blog is just that--style/fashion. Not the depths of my innermost soul (but, in case you're wondering: her name is Mildred, and she loves purple). 

3. With the fashion industry still being a male-dominated profession, how do you think it would differ if women played a larger role? Ummm... gargantuan bags/purses would always be in style? (Okay, that's a cheeky "mom" comment...I guess, honestly, I don't know a ton about the formalities of the fashion industry... I wouldn't have even known it's a male-dominated profession. Am I going to get blacklisted for admitting that?)

4. How is your self-image and the way you carry yourself informed by your beliefs? Different phases of life (e.g., high school, college, married, professional, pregnant, mom of 1, mom of 2, mom of 3) have resulted in my developing a different, more personal (and, I believe, increasingly accurate) self-image. I believe that as a human being I have a divine heritage and that as a woman I have innate abilities and roles and responsibilities to fulfill my purpose in this life. Because of that, I try to do what I believe I'm supposed to do...including taking care of, being fair to, and carrying myself in the best way possible as I see it from my current developmental vantagepoint. (Does that even make sense?)

5. Do you think clothing/makeup/hair helps communicate the truth about yourself or are those things superfluous add-ons? Both. For better or worse, I'm initially drawn to people who look approachable, clean, and nice; I can only assume (although it is an assumption) that others are initially drawn to me for similar reasons. Sometimes I probably project a more confident, happy image than I actually feel; sometimes the opposite is true. But in my reality, in the process of truly getting to know someone, somewhere along the way their insides start to speak louder than the outsides. I guess, in summary: it's important to look one's best, but it's infinitely more important to be one's best.

Happy Friday, friends!

Want this look? The easiest, most comfy ensemble EV.ER. Shop below:

More Reebok...

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...

vest it up, buttercup.

 shoes: steve madden. jeans & jacket: kohl's. shirt: a.n.a. brand. vest: thrifted (homemade). watch: target. necklace: don't recall. belt & headband: forever21.

Notice how I'm hardly smiling in any of these? I actually am smiling...inside. I've been blowing my nose so much these past two days that my nose & upper lip are raw and it hurts to smile. Upper lip? you're asking. That's so gross. What's she doing, smearing stuff around like a 2-year-old? A fair assumption, I suppose, since I was 2 years old once. But, no. I actually have an efficient noseblow. It's just thorough. And, these days, excessive.

And if THAT wasn't what you wanted to read about this morning, well, I just don't quite know what to say. 'Cept don't take great pains to eavesdrop on dinnertime conversations around here, because I've got three kiddos and maybe a husband (but I won't say for sure...but yes) who think everything to do with every type of bodily function and noise is hilariousness and repeatable joke-telling fodder.

All this insight makes you want to be my friend, doesn't it. And run, not walk, to your friendly neighborhood Wall Street guy to take out stock in kleenex company. Either way, I think your future's looking bright. As bright as my nose. And that's something.

p.s. I can't remember if it's cheating to wear a vest with the 30x30 items, but I'm going to say no because it's like an accessory. Right? (*wink wink*) Right. Glad we agree.

Happy Wednesday.

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More Asos...