we all live in a greenish-blue submarine...

 sandals: don't recall. skirt: gap. shirt: gift. watch: target.

So, solids & color-blocking are hot now. Which is great--who doesn't love color, especially in big chunks? It's like eating a milkshake with enormous hunks of butterfinger in there. Which, actually, is a point of contention between my adorable husband and myself. He prefers his milkshakes to be smooth, flavored ice cream. Me? I want them to be a crunchy, chunky food group.

I know. It's a huge marital compromise when we have to share a milkshake. Frankly, it's a miracle we've made it almost ten years together. But there are solutions to every problem, and this obstacle in our marriage is no different: Fortunately for us, we both firmly believe that sharing ice cream is for wimps, and we get our own.

Problem solved. Not to brag, but I think we're masters in diplomacy. It's a shame we're not in politics. And also a shame that politicians don't deal in ice cream.

So. Solid color-blocking. Awesome and all, but this girl [Editor's note: Two thumbs pointing backwards at myself] loves prints. Solution? Block together prints of the same color. Which, when that color happens to be a greenish blue like what dominates this ensemble, doubles as a costume for a walking piece of seaweed. Total win-win. 

 Happy Monday.

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More Asos...

post-camping, a mascara wand looks pretty fancy...

 shoes: thrifted. reversible skirt: gap. shirt: j.crew. belt: husband's. hair barrettes: don't recall. watch: target.

 Please notice which shoes are on which feet on my 2-year-old below. She dresses herself, p.s. In a word: colorful. :)

Hey guys, I'm back from the camping trip. It was awesome on many levels and un-hygienic on many others. Amazing to me how, at the first footfall into campground territory, I'm all about the 18-second-rule for eating off the ground, letting (who am I kidding...encouraging) my kids to pee on trees, and feeling incredibly refreshed after using a single baby wipe as a daily shower. But I'm back, my washer & dryer have been running full-tilt since Wednesday night, and I'm making up for some serious unbrushed teeth time.

Anywho, more on my disgusting camp habits later. (You're welcome.) It's Friend Friday! Today's topic is: Locational Influences.

1. What part of the world do you blog from? Utah, in the United States.

2. If you had to describe the overall mode of dress for where you live what would you say? I'd say that, overall, people dress conservatively. And, for most, a few years "behind."

3. Do you fit in with the status quo around you or do you break the mold? I feel like I dress conservatively but with flair and/or unique style. So I fit in but don't blend in, if that makes sense.

4. If you have lived or traveled to another part of the country/world did your clothing choices evolve? Not really. I've traveled a couple of times in Europe and different states in the U.S. and pack more for weather or travel itinerary than for "fitting in." I don't buy clothes that are otherwise abnormal for me just for a trip, in other words.

5. If you had to describe your style by naming a specific city, what would you be? Okay, this is probably totally lame, but I'd say Twisp, Oregon. It's this dinky little town we drove through once on a family trip when I was little, but the town was totally unique and proud of every last square inch of itself, if my memory serves correctly. There. Hard question. But fun to think about.

Happy Friday!

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More Volcom...

elastic-waisted and loving it



shoes: don't recall. skirt & shirt: gap. belt & necklace: forever21. bracelet: burntsiena designs. earrings: gift/homemade.

Raise your hand if you're (a) built like a box or (b) know someone who is. Chances are good that none of you raised your hand. Not because neither A nor B qualifies, but rather because you're thinking to yourself, "she can't see me, I'm not raising my hand" or "man, that is some good mango-pineapple salsa I'm eating here" or "zzzzzzzzzzz."

This little ensemble is one I like to call, "The Little Box That Should." It's an inspiring tale of a girl who, despite lacking much by way of feminine curves, managed to put together a semi-girlish ensemble that embodies a bead-wearing-free-spirit-bent-on-reminding-suburbanites-to-save-the-rainforests. Notice my freshly-showered (i.e. wet) hair? It's 'cause there's no electricity in the forest for a blow dryer. Even my sandals look like tree roots.

So. Full skirts supposedly give square-built women some hips. I don't know that this actually is the case here. And the belt cutting my torso exactly in half doesn't do much to elongate my frame. But for some reason, despite what it isn't, I'm loving what this outfit is: a t-shirt and an elastic-waisted anything, perfect prep for Thanksgiving feasting. Sure, I'm four months early, but I like to be prepared.

So. Pass me a pie and turn up the TV, will ya?

Happy Tuesday.

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More Forever 21...

Just like they say in German: donkey-shins.

  shoes: steve madden. skirt & shirt: gap. skirt extender: a slip shop. cardigan: don't recall (more than a decade old). turquoise necklace: forever21. silver necklace: earned.

I felt brighter/springier/fresher in this ensemble than these photos reflect. That's kind of becoming a pattern for me. Maybe I'm in denial about how my outfits actually come together? Hmm...

This week I'm grateful for:

- primary kids (3-12 years old) singing their hearts out.

- spending quality time with my husband. Like, one night we sat talking and looking out our living room windows at dusk after tucking the kids in...and before we both knew it, it was well into night-time. He makes me laugh and understands me and doesn't judge me and is my best friend. So cheesy, I know, and you can all roll your eyes, but in this weekly gratitude list, it must be said. 

- electric beaters.

- food from a box that, actually, turns out delicious. Okay, fine, edible.

- an 80-cents-off-a-gallon surprise coupon at the gas pump.

- jogging.

- sometimes not jogging.

- my kids when they don't talk rudely. These moments are becoming sparser these days, so I'm particularly grateful when they do happen.

- the temple.

- big dreams.

- going to bed by 10:30 p.m. instead of 3:30 a.m.

- homemade oreos.

- house slippers.

- when my daughter compliments me, several times, on how "nice" or "cute" I look that day.

- creative outlets, like this blog and home design projects and grantwriting.

Happy Sunday!

just a little outfit I like to call: zebra in a rain forest.

 boots: (all together now) target. tights & necklace: don't recall. skirt: gap. tunic & belt: forever21. cardigan: the limited. bracelet: open jewelry market in hawaii.

So many style blogs out there have beautiful photos. The outfits are good, too, but the photography itself is straight-up eye candy. I'm very impressed.

And then...there's this blog. Self-timer, same exact backdrop every day. Sure, the poses are slightly modified on the daily, but all in all, the only thing that really changes around here is what I'm wearing. (And, FINE, the zit placement on my face. Blugh.) 

There are loads of cool photog sites in my town, and I've toyed with the idea of branching out. But I've decided against it for a few reasons: (1) As much as I love you all, I'm just too lazy to tote kids around to take some photos of myself. (2) I'm lazy. (3) I have kids. (4) Did I mention I'm lazy? "Lazy with Children"...sweet name for a TV show... 

It's just about all I can do to get these pics snapped in the morning whilst the kids dine on a fabulous homemade breakfast (homemade by a man named General Mills...ever heard of him?). I'm not making excuses, I'm just saying. That's why I photog, day in and day out, in this spot in my house: it's convenient and I can multitask while doing it. Bam. Done and done. Still in the Mother of the Year running.

But that's not to say these self-photo shoots run like clockwork every day. Even in this controlled environment, complications arise. Like this morning. But it's the cutest, most free-spirited little complication I've ever seen: 

Happy Thursday.

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More Lily White...

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...

stuffy solids turn playful

 boots & watch: target. tights: giftedn. magic skirt: gap. shirt: j.crew. belt: don't recall.

Today's jumping-off point was this shirt. I adore everything about it--the color, the cowl neck, the sleeves, everything. But for some reason, I'm having a hard time styling it. So I decided that I'd put it on and see what else flew out of my closet and landed on my body, Mary Poppins cleanup-style.

[Editor's note: Maybe it's just me...it's probably just me...but has anyone else DREAMed of being able to snap your fingers and have results like that? Clean house, straightened appearance, birds singing outside the window? Hello. If I ever run into a genie-filled-lamp, the Magic Snap is TOTally in running. Along with an endless supply of calorie-free-yet-still-delicious pnut m&ms. I'd tell you my idea for the 3rd wish, but I haven't narrowed it down yet, and you just can't be too hasty in making these important life decisions. So.]

Ahem. Since I've worn pants the past couple of days, a skirt was in order. But no pencil skirt. (I definitely overestimated my desire to wear pencil skirts during this 30x30) Which leaves magic skirt. I almost wore the print side, but it's snowy and chilly and I wanted to be warmer with boots (for the four-thousandth time this week) and some colored tights.

Solid shirt, solid skirt, solid tights, and solid footwear. Normally I don't do this.much.solid.color. But today I left it alone. Simple belt, hairstyle, and a watch as my only other accessory. I think the color of the tights just ties in the whole look here. A bit Unexpected and Maybe Awesome.

Speaking of unexpected... *snap*

Nuts. Dishes are still dirty. Never hurts to try, though, right? *snap* Okay. I'll sto*snap*p. No really. Don*snap*e. I wanted to wash the dishes by hand anyways. So. Joke's on you, Poppins.

[Editor's note: Outtakes below. Legitimate pose attempts in all their magnificent embarrassingness. I have nothing to say for myself, 'cept that a Magic Snap would reeeeeally come in handy right about now. Clean these right off all our computers.]



Happy Friday.

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More J.Crew...

ready, set, be funny...

Use your imaginations, kids. There's a "10" in there somewhere.

boots: target. tights: don't recall.  slip: a slip shop. skirt: gap. shirt: banana republic. cardigan: rue21. necklace: gifted. belt: forever21.

May I have a re-do of yesterday's post? Pretty please? I meant it to be light-hearted and optimistic; I'm afraid it read as a somber prelude to depression. So let's lighten the mood, shall we? With some wit. And humor. Real soon, I'm going to write something funny. Hilarious, even. Useful for humorous ice-breaking fodder at your next party. Wait for it. Waiiiiiit for iiiiiittttttttt.... 

Dang. I got nothin.

My roommates in college (the same ones responsible for Item #1 here. tsk tsk. such bad influences on poor innocent bystanding me...) were all hilarious. All of them. Well, okay, MOST of them. And the ones who weren't funny (i.e., me) usually laughed so hard we turned purple and couldn't breathe and were thereafter dubbed "Purps." But we most assuredly drew the line at peeing our pants. Maybe.

ANYways. Sometimes if things got too serious or quiet or boring, one of us would turn to someone at random and demand, "be funny!" The person then had to do/say/be something funny. Which is virtually impossible to do on-the-spot. It's like when people say, "what's your most embarrassing moment?" or "think of two truths and a lie" or "what's your kid's name?" Can NEVER think of a response right then, but give me about 15 hours, and I'll come up with something sweet. Something hilarious and clever and repeatable.

[Editor's note: Actually, I can remember all my kids' names. I was just kidding about that. It was more of a lighthearted jab directed at Pocket, who, after the delivery of our third child, couldn't remember her name to save his life. Or his good-standing with my dad, who was waiting patiently on the other end of the phone for his newest granddaughter's name and deets. Those poor husbands, man. Poor poor little dears. So exhausted after watching their wives give birth... :) ]

On a completely unrelated note, remember this fabulous slip from A Slip Shop? It always makes me want to break out in some sort of dance in that day's photo shoot, and I won't even apologize because, frankly, it's not my fault. The slip just makes me so happy! You should all get yourselves one, too.

Then you could dance in front of your camera and post the pics for all the world to see. Your mother, like mine, will be so proud of your feminine dignity. Right mom?...mom?... Hmmm...she must've stepped out for a sec. But trust me, guys. She's way proud and not embarrassed of me at all.

Happy Thursday!

p.s. This skirt that I'm wearing today? Same as this one. Do YOU have a magic skirt?
p.p.s. Another product review coming up this weekend from Kosher Casual! You guys, I couldn't be more excited about it. The skirt they kindly sent me is cuuuuute.

Want a look that makes you dance? Check out the stuff below AND Kaity's shop...

More Enzo Angiolini...

they call it puppy love...

In my head, my body loooked smaller and my arms were much, much larger. I guess, in the grand scheme of things, I'd rather have a lame-looking number four than those proportions, though. So.

shoes: american eagle outfitters. legwarmers: amazon (i think). tights: don't recall. skirt & shirt: gap. cardigan: j.crew. flower pin: downeast outfitters.

Charlie really wanted to be part of today's photo shoot. I tried to get him to look at the camera so you could see how cute he is, but he could only feast his brown puppy-dog eyes [Editor's note: No, seriously. They really are brown, and he really is a puppy.] on me. Because he loves me with that one-of-a-kind love that exists only between a dog and his beloved owner...and, in Charlie's case, between him and any human being who pets him and gives him treats. (Remind me why I'm a dog owner again? Oh, right. Because shoveling the backyard is so fun. I forgot.)

Actually, we were reading all about canines before we picked what kind of dog we wanted last Fall. In one of our books on boxers, we read that this breed tends to be fiercely loyal and protective; that they can sense if their loved ones are afraid or wary of someone and will compensate with protective bravery. After picking out our puppy, our 6-year-old son informed us, "Don't worry guys. I'll be so so nice to you so Charlie won't attack you."

Thank you, son. Because your dad and I were both quivering at the idea of an 8-week-old puppy attack. And also? Go clean your room.

Happy Pocket-Gets-Home-Today Friday! What, you're not celebrating too? Strange.

How I wore these items last: skirt, cardigan, leg warmers, ruffle shirt

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More Coldwater Creek...

black turtleneckishness

I missed church today...didn't want to spread the strep-love. But I think I'm over the throat-on-fire hump now, and I know I've milked the sympathy, so... I won't bring it up again. Pinky swear.

shoes: head over heels. tights: don't recall. skirt & turtleneck: gap. belt: taken from a skirt from kohl's. necklace: gifted.

Today's jumping-off point was on the hit-list from yesterday's closet purge: turtleneck. I almost purged it because it has an awkward length--can't really be worn with a belt or without one. (And you know me and my belt love... "unbeltable" is pretty much a death sentence in my closet.) But I didn't WANT to toss this shirt.

Here's the thing about turtlenecks: ridiculous name. And they have a bad rap. (No offense, but I think schoolteachers in general have singlehandedly over- and ill-used this item of clothing to the point of its becoming an eye-rolling brunt of jokes and mocking. Like the Christmas sweater.) But still. I happen to like a turtleneck. Just like I like Def Lepard. Can't explain it, and some of you may never visit this blog again because of it. All I can say is...pour some sugar on me.

(ahem) I paired this black necky-neck with a brightly patterned skirt (the reverse side of this one) and added a chunky wooden necklace. So it wouldn't seem so stuffy. And so dark. Because, a turtleneck causes a looooootttt of unbroken mass-o'-black [Editor's note: An abyss, if you will.] [Assistant Editor's note: Oooh, abyss! Good word.] on a body's top half, especially if that body is also broad shouldered and built like a box. Like mine.

So. Wear the skirt a little higher-waisted than normal, add a wide belt, some thick (but not opaque--too much color-chunkiness already, what with the turtle) tights, and brown heels. I like their stitching and buckle detail, but I think booties would look cute here too. I was tempted to pull my hair up today like I did here, but it just kind of fell into this 'do. And I don't like to fight with my hair. Because it usually wins.

Happy Sunday.

Want this look?    skirt    turtleneck

gap womens turtleneck