in which the photos don't match my insides.

 shoes: don't recall. shorts: american eagle. shirt: j.crew. belt: thrifted (american eagle). bracelets: forever21. earrings: hawaii.

Traveling in Europe about 10 years ago, I was stopped and scrutinized at customs after handing them my passport. When I smile, my eyes nearly disappear into squintiness, and my smiling passport photo looked nothing like the straight-faced me. I'm sure it was for less than 10 seconds that they alternated between looking up at me and down at my photo, but it felt like an eternity. An eternity packed with crimes that I never committed but felt guilty of.

[Epilogue: Eventually they let me through, and I proceeded to eat my weight in Italian ice cream.]

My best friend growing up called them "happy clown eyes," because she said they turn into two rainbow-shaped arcs like what jolly clowns paint on their faces. Which is nice of her to try to say, but...really? Clowns? Yipes. Those guys are creepy, whether their eyes are painted happy or sad or dead.

I've always been surprised to see photos of when I'm smiling, because I look so different (a.k.a. weird) from how I feel (a.k.a. normal). Regardless, it's how my face is built, and I figure I've got a few pretty solid options for how to deal with it:

(1) botox and/or plastic surgery. With such a face, I wouldn't physically be able to smile, which means no disappearing squint-eyes ever again! Tempting. Oh. Wait. Nope. Not tempting. At all.

(2) practice and perfect a mouth-only smile. Hello teeth. And also goose-bumpy insincerity.

(3) never smile again. But I find myself too funny for that option...and my husband would miss my solo hysterical laughing fits, I just know it.

(4) just go with it. Done and done. Exhibit A:

Happy Friday!

Want this look? Click below...

More Forever 21...

red: a neutralizer or distraction? discuss...

Wow, it's only Day 3 and I'm already getting lame with the rhymes. Dah well.

 shoes: converse brand. skirt: american eagle. shirt: j.crew. sash: off a shirt from downeast basics. necklace: handmade by daughter with keychain pendant from an eiffel tower souvenier shop in paris.

I love this shirt. Love the snaps on the sleeves. Love the neckline. Love the weight and fit of the fabric. Love it all.

Wanna know a secret? C'mere. Closer...closerrrrrrr... This shirt is cream-based, and the skirt is white-based. I have always--ALWAYS--had a thing for keeping those two separate. Combining them is like drinking orange juice or eating sour patch kids right after brushing your teeth. (Guess which activity loses out almost every time around here?) (Wait, don't guess. It's alarming how well you guys are already acquainted with my limited dental hygiene habits...) (Okay, so that's not exactly true. I sure don't floss like a champ, but I brush my teeth! Faithfully! Often! I swear!)

[Editor's note: Um, the Punctuation Police called and said they're running out of parentheses and exclamation marks. Easy does it.]

(psssst...Editor...the Jerk Store called and said they're running out of YOU!)

And if you've never watched Seinfeld and/or are unacquainted with the fabulous fictional character that is George Costanza, you won't understand that last parenthetical aside. And also? My heart bleeds for you.

So. Cream, meet white. White, cream. Let's throw in a pop o' red and call it a day, shall we?

Happy Wednesday.

Want this look? It's super fun to wear! Click below...

More American Apparel...

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.

Want this look? Shop below for even cuter stuff...

More J.Crew...

New Feature: Unexpected & Maybe Awesome Linkup

Unexpected & Maybe Awesome

 shoes: steve madden. jeans: don't recall. sash: taken off an old navy shirt. shirt: gap. belt: forever21. jacket: banana republic. necklace: gift.

I'm loving surprising details lately. Well, mostly...I found a (literal) little peanut butter handprint on the thigh of my jeans a few days ago that was dry and crusty (a.k.a. who knows how long it'd been there), which was actually an unexpected detail I could've done without.

But MOST of the time, whether it's something small, like a unique pendant on a necklace, or something huge, like the entire ensemble, I'm loving unexpected (and maybe awesome) details. It's like George Washington Carver said: "When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way you will command the attention of the world."

And what's your purpose in life, if not world domination? Be honest... 

ANYways. I think mixing unexpected stuff into our daily lives makes us more creative, more spontaneous, and more easy-going. My Unexpected & Maybe Awesome component in this ensemble is the off-centered sash and the wide armness of the bolero-esque jacket. I like the whimsy. And I like how I copied myself from a couple months ago. That's unexpected, right? Right.

So. I'd LOVE to see your ideas and implementation of Unexpected and Maybe Awesome. Anything goes. Maybe you wore cowboy boots with a dress, maybe you wore pearls with jeans, maybe you wore three shirts, maybe you wore a random color...or eight random colors. Whatever! Make it an unexpected surprise for all of us. Which is kind of the point. :)

Here's what you do:

<br /> <a border="0" href="http://adayinlifetoo.blogspot.com/search/label/unexpected and maybe awesome" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff436/bnsmart/UaMA_button.jpg"/></a><br />

1. Put this button on your blog or in your linked-up post.

2. Click the "Click here to enter" button.

3. On "Link it to:" link to one specific Unexpected & Maybe Awesome outfit post from your blog.

4. On "Caption or Title:" explain, in 25 letters or fewer, what's unexpected & maybe awesome in the ensemble (e.g., Boots with lace skirt.) If you need more space, you can expound on the unexpectedness and awesomeness that is You in this post's comment section.

Let the expectation of the unexpected begin! (linkup Wednesday & Thursday)

spring has sprung...okay, it hasn't, but it will...you hear me, spring? you WILL.

 shoes: mudd brand. skirt: american eagle. shirt: forever21. belt: thrifted. necklace & flower clip: downeast basics.

Someone commented the other day how tired they were of seeing people in winter scarves and tights and boots. I hadn't really thought about it until now, but...me too! Sick sick sick of wearing them. So. In a fit of "in-your-face-Old-Man-Winter" (which could, in a pinch, also double as "whose-legs-are-whiter-Old-Man-Winter's-or-mine") I'm treating you all to a delightful view of my non-tighted (and alarmingly colorless) legs. You're welcome.

Today's jumping-off point was this springy floral shirt. (I don't know if the universe is susceptible to subliminal messages, but, hey, it's worth a shot.) Paired, and I don't know why, with this mini-plaid skirt. That's "mini" as in the plaid pattern itself, NOT "mini" as in the skirt. Again, you're welcome. Some days my benevolance-ness is just overwhelming, I know.

I was absolutely digging the combo...until this polka-dotted belt flew out of my closet and landed at my ankles. Obviously, a belt around one's ankles will never ever do, but...dared I add a third print to this already jarring-ly busy ensemble?

(Here's where, if this were a TV show, we'd cut to commercial, and you'd spend the next 2.4 minutes discussing the options before me, the pros and cons of each, and how your sister's-best-friend's-niece once faced a similar dilemma and what she did about it. However, circumstances being as they are, I'll just take this moment to say: don't forget to check out this week's giveaway!)

Annnnnd, we're back. And, oh yes. I dared. A trifecta of mixed-pattern spring-y-ness, and legs that glow in and of themselves like the very sun in the sky. It's a win-win-WIN. Flowers will be sprouting forth wherever I walk today, I daresay.

Happy Wednesday.

Want this look? Shop below...

More Biviel...

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...

he's got plans...and he might just maybe figure out how to use 'em

boots: target. tights & faux pearls: don't recall. skirt: gap. shirt: thrifted. cardigan: rue21. flower clip & polka dot sash: downeast outfitters.

Every week, my son's 1st grade teacher sends home his past week's completed schoolwork. Last night's was a typical compilation of oversized jaggedy penmanship and sloppy abstract coloring.

[Editor's note: My son's strengths are many, but fine-motor-skills-requiring schoolwork is not one of them. Which is fine. I have a brilliant, successful 41-year-old brother whose current handwriting looks like a 9-year-old's, so I'm not losing sleep over here.]

So. Glancing through the schoolwork, I come across a page that made me laugh. Out loud. It started with the printed words, "I need my teeth..." followed by three lines for the student to fill in the blanks about why they do, indeed, need their teeth. My son's reasons were as follows: (ahem)

(1) to smile. (yep)

(2) to chew. (absolutely)

(3) to atrakt a mate.

There you have it, folks. A 6-year-old on the fast-track to dental-dom and wedded bliss.

Happy Tuesday!

p.s. It's polka dot day on everybody, everywhere. I forgot and wore polka dots yesterday. Heh. Silly me. So today's look featured the sash that came with yesterday's shirt. Nice save, right? (Answer: Yes. Very nice.)

Want this look? Aww, that's sweet of you. Check out the stuff below...

More Asos...

2 wrongs don't make a right...but how about 14 wrongs? what then?

 shoes: steve madden. tights: forever21. skirt & shirt: gap. cardigan: j.crew. belt: thrifted (american eagle). scarf: gift (old navy).

 There's absolutely no method to this madness...and I'm afraid it shows. Yet, surprisingly enough, I couldn't feel more comfortable or presentable.

Which is a good thing, because I spent more than an hour at the school district office this morning for kindergarten registration...along with millions, nay - BILLIONS, of other people. I had no idea the entire state's population is swarming to my area and will be entering my child's kindergarten class, but I suppose it's true. I saw the number of people myself. And my eyes don't lie.

(Except when they read the caloric content on some delicious foods that I happen to want seconds of. Then they tend to omit a few numbers from lame categories like "calories" and "fat." Which is actually way more astute than I would expect ocular orbits to be. I should eat more carrots to reward them for their loyalty. Should.)

So. My daughter didn't get registered today, her very kindergarten (and, skipping a few minor developmental years, collegiate) existence is at risk of falling through the cracks. But don't you fret, because today's a lucky day for you all: Outtakes. Extra-awesome ones. Any by "awesome" I of course mean "please, readers, come back tomorrow...please...readers?...reader?...mom?..."

Happy Tuesday.

Want this look? Just throw on random stuff from your closet until you're dressed. Orrrr shop below. Either way.

More Gap...

i heart colored tights. and, sure, love in general...

 boots: target. tights & bracelet: f21. skirt & shirt: gap. belt: thrifted (american eagle outfitters). necklace: don't recall.

Happy Valentines Day! Or, as I used to know it as, Single Awareness Day. I already busted out my only 30x30 article of clothing in a Color-o-Love yesterday, so I decided to go completely neutral today then BAM. Red colored tights! Totally a nod to the holiday in a small (yet effective) way. My own little flirtation with the world.

Not really. See how I can't wink in the photo above? See how, in the next photo, I seem to think that a sufficient celebration of the holiday is trying to make my arms form a heart? See how, lastly, I'm ashamed of myself? Flirtation with the world nothin'. It's all I can do to keep my grubby little fingers out of the conversation hearts around here. Actually, truth be told, those things are...how do I say it lovingly...not delicious. (Sorry, Brach's. But they aren't.) 

But we buy them anyway. Every year. I dunno why...have you ever tried to create a cohesive sentence with them, let alone conversation? It's impossible. I think the closest I ever came was when I was 10. Something like: HEY CUTIE BE MINE. NO WAY(?) TOO BAD DEAR ONE. EMAIL ME. BYE."

Yes, it was a riveting play-by-play of a breakup conversation. I'm sure your emotions ran high, as mine did, when you got to the climax of the scene, but you were able to laugh through your tears when you saw the protagonist's resiliency. It's a beautiful scene, and I haven't been able to re-create a comparable conversationally-hearted one since. Sighhhh...

Anyways. It's a fabulous holiday to spend with the one(s) you love. Which is what I'm off to do. And, bonus, my knees match the balloons. So.

Happy Monday.

Want this look? Check out how you can get it...

More The Limited...

Just a pleasant sabbath day...circa 1940

I love Lucy, anyone? At least, that's kinda what I felt like today. And loved every minute of it.

So here's the deal. I got this dress a few years back, and I love it because it appears very simple but it's got a lot going on. Like a thin black pinstripe, full skirt, full-front buttons, a matching sash belt, tuxedo-ish pleats on the bodice, and a demi collar. (Okay, actually, I've never even heard of a demi collar. TOTally made that word up, but can you see what I'm talking about? A collar that isn't really a collar? What's that called, anyway?) I've always worn the dress with the matching sash belt and called it good.

Not today, my friends. I needed COLOR today. So I pulled out my trusty cardigan-o'-brightness and, if that wasn't blinding enough, added a silky red sash for shine. And polka dots. And shine.

[Editor's note: I'm naturally built like a square. A big hunk-o-box in girl form -- no waist, no hips, no chest to speak of. So. I wear belts to pretend I have a girlish figure. Sometimes I worry that I'm just emphasizing the fact that I am, in fact, a box. But today I got over it and wore the belt anyway because, hey, box or no, who can resist a little polka dot action every now and then?]

Ahem. Anyway. In the true spirit of midcentury womens wear, I added a feminine pearl necklace. And the closest thing I had to a corsage. (Recognize the flower? I wore it in my hair here.) And some --surprise!--bracelets. Pull on some classic black houndstooth tights and my trusty chunky mary janes, and we're good to go.

[Editor's note: I feel like I owe you all an explanation about the shoes. I know chunky mary janes are out of "season" or whatever. But I have an especially soft spot in my heart for all things mary jane. Period. Including those with chunky heels and unsightly rounded toes. I've had these shoes for years and still love them. So scoff all you like, you fashion purists, but I wear them happily and will probably continue to do so for the next 23 years, much to the embarrassment of my kids. I hope.]

[Assistant Editor's note: The Editor can occasionally be a pompous windbag and was becoming such in the course of this post. I've sent her to the office kitchen to find a cake to nibble on while I wrap up here, which, without Editor, should take about two seconds.]

Happy Sunday.