Monday, May 5, 2014

Floral Dress, Burgundy Cowboy Boots and Something Private

"I wonder why butt is so private,"
Princess Sparkles said to herself while waiting for a bath.
I tell the girls they're called private parts because they're private
so don't talk about them with other people (not that they listen).
Then Sparkles looked at her little tush and said,
"I mean, it's just a little line."


FLORAL DRESS - H&M, $10
AQUA CARDIGAN - Target, $15
OFF-WHITE BELT - Thrifted
HEELED BOOTS - Dolce Vita, thrifted


BLUE DRESS - Mossimo, thrifted
GRAY SWEATER - Labworks, Target
CHEVRON NECKLACE - iSanctuary
BURGUNDY COWBOY BOOTS - Thrfited



Here are a few outfits I've worn recently, both of them comprised of mostly thrifted stuff.  The first dress is one I got from my good friend, Fedora.  This is the most comfortable dress ever.  And what's even better is it's flattering and only $10!!!  The belt and shoes are both thrifted as well.  In the second outfit both the navy dress and burgundy boots are thrifted.  The gray lab works sweater is amazingly soft, and I love it a lot.


Sparkles loses her 2nd tooth!

Princess Sparkles does her cheerleading class


This last week I celebrated a birthday.  I got a lot of really cute things like those olive boots (thanks, Mom!) and floral dress (thanks, Fedora!).  But I also got really emotional and  I'm not exactly sure why.  I mean, it's just a little birthday.


Sunday, April 6, 2014

Hunter Wedges, Phillip Lim, and a Spy-da Fighta

"Oh no, spy-da!  Spy-da!"
Bucket shouted as he stomped on what he thought was a spider.
"Bad guy, hi-ya!" He said with a kick.
Really it was just a dark spot on the garage floor.
Aww, he's my little hero.


PEACOAT - Old Navy, $10
NAVY CORDS - Romeo and Juliet (via Loehmanns)
GRAY WEDGE RAINBOOTS - Hunter (gifted)

BROWN CROC SHORTS - Rich and Skinny (via Rack)
BLUE TANK - Phillip Lim for Target, $6
GRAY CARDIGAN - Target
NECKLACE - iSanctuary
WOOD BRACELET - Shop with a Mission
NAVY BOOTIES - Rag and Bone

Here are a few outfits I've worn recently.  Our weather has been all over the place.  One day it'll be rainy and I'll wear navy cords, my $10 Old Navy peacoat and my wedged Hunter boots (thanks, Argyle!).  Then the next day it'll be like summer and I'll be in my brown croc Rich and Skinny shorts I got on clearance at the Rack, with my Phillip Lim for Target tank (also clearance) and Rag and Bone booties.


Bucket, my little spy-da fighta!

Transitions are always a challenge.  Whether it's picking an outfit in between seasons or going from full-time mom to full-time mom with part-time work.  But it's all good and I'm really lucky.  I have supportive friends and family who always help me out.  They're my heroes!





Sunday, March 16, 2014

Green Leather, Varsity Jacket and a Flying Fish

"I'm a flying fish!"
Pigtails growled as she climbed out of the pool after swim lessons.
She may not know many strokes yet but she has perfected the belly flop.
Pigtails loves swimming and can't stop smiling during her entire lesson.
I have to admit, when watching her, I can't stop smiling either.


GREEN LEATHER SKIRT - thrifted
BLACK SHIRT - Alternative Apparel
NECKLACE - c/o GS Lillian
BRACELET - Shop with a Mission
CAGE HEELS - Kelsey Dagger (via Loehmanns)

LEOPARD SKATER SKIRT - Nordstrom Rack
VARSITY JACKET - Forever 21
NECKLACE - iSanctuary
WORK BOOTIES - Forever 21

Here are a few outfits from the last few weeks.  The first outfit I wore in preparation for St. Patty's Day.  My mom, Fair Isle, thrifted that amazing green leather skirt for me which I paired with the amazing necklace made by my blog friend, Shelly of GS Lillian.  The varsity jacket is my new fave.  It seems to go with everything.  I'm also in love with skater skirts, and got this leopard one on clearance at Nordstrom Rack.


The 4-year old flying fish 

You're never too old (or too young) to try something new.  Pigtails just had her 4th birthday and decided she can now do things on her own like peel a tangerine and buckle her seatbelt.  As you can see in the pics, I decided to try something new too - a shorter haircut!





Sunday, February 23, 2014

Cyclic Nail Polish, Madden Boots and Snow Party

"It's a snow party!"
Princes Sparkles exclaimed as I peeked into the den.
She had cut paper into tiny pieces and thrown it everywhere.
Sparkles played DJ while Pigtails became Bucket's personal stylist.
Then they danced.
I told Sparkles to please clean up afterwards.
She nodded then shouted, "Let's throw snowballs!"


EMBROIDERED BLACK DRESS - JWLA (bought second hand)
CAMOUFLAGE SCARF - Cejon (via Loehmanns)
BROWN BOOTS - Steve Madden

ANIMAL PRINT SWEATER - Nordstrom Rack
PONY HAIR BLACK BOOTS - Steven by Steve Madden (thrifted)
BARBED WIRE EARRINGS - iSanctuary (via Share)
NON-TOXIC BLUE NAIL POLISH - in Olympia, by Cyclic

Here are a few outfits I actually wore on the same day.  The first is a dress I bought via Craigslist when I was pregnant.  I paired it with my fave rugged Steve Madden boots and a camouflage scarf.  I'm linking this outfit up with "Inspiration Monday" from Two Birds.  The second outfit I wore on date night.  It's an animal print sweater that has an actual leopard's face on it.  I wore it with my fabulous pony hair boots I thrifted with Mary Jo from "Trust Your Style."  The nail polish is Cyclic, a new water-based, non-toxic nail polish that comes in an amazing crystal bottle.


Bucket, styled by Pigtails, wears her purple sweatshirt and Dora socks to Sparkles' "snow" party.

It may be snowing in other parts of the country (and in our den), but outside it's a cool 70 degrees .  I can't believe it's winter!  Somedays it's so warm outside I just have to pretend it's winter by wearing boots and scarves!  And the only snow we have around here is paper.






Thursday, February 6, 2014

Steve Madden Coleton Boots, Sanctuary Fur Vest and a Birthday Boy

"Mmm, cake.  Delicious." 
Bucket said as I gave him a birthday cupcake.
Bucket loves to eat.  Unfortunately it's not always from a plate.
I'll find him grabbing snacks from his car seat, the floor, 
a restaurant booth, even the bottom of his shoe!
I recently took him off dairy, then found him 
hiding in the pantry eating cheese crackers.
Oh Bucket, what am I going to do with you?!


GRAY DRESS - BCBG (thrifted), $9
FUR VEST - Sanctuary (via Nordstrom)
EARRINGS - iSanctuary
BOOTS - Steve Madden

DENIM JACKET - Gap Outlet, $13
GRAY EMBELLISHED TANK - Phillip Lim for Target, $6
BROWN LEGGINGS - Express
EARRINGS - iSanctuary
BOOTS - Steve Madden

Here are a few recent outfits.  The first is what I wore to my cousin's baby shower.  The BCBG dress is thrifted from GW and I paired it with my Sanctuary fur vest I price matched at Nordstrom.  The second outfit is a Philip Lim for Target top I found on clearance for $6 and a denim jacket from the Gap outlet I got for $13.  The boots are Steve Madden and I also found them at the outlets.


Birthday Boy, Bucket, and his dairy free frosting goatee

My Steve Madden boots are absolutely delicious.  I love how they're rugged yet fitted and match with practically everything.  They're also so comfortable.  Even though they're new they look worn, kinda like a cracker on the bottom of Bucket's shoe.






Sunday, January 26, 2014

Flying Monkey Jeans, Argyle and a Plane Ride

"I wish I could be on a plane forever,"
Pigtails exclaimed as we drove by the airport.
"Mommy, can we go to Jersey again?"
"Why would you want to go to Jersey?"
Princess Sparkles interjected.
"And what's Jersey anyway?  It's New Jersey.  I want to go to Hawaii."
Sounds good to me (except for the part about
being on a plane forever with 3 kids!)

TEAL SWEATER - Loft
SKINNY JEANS - Flying Monkey
BRACELET - Downtown LA
FUR SUEDE BOOTIES - Linea Paolo (thrifted)
HAT - Shop With A Mission (formerly Heavenly Treasures)

OLIVE SUEDE SKIRT - Thrifted
ARGYLE SWEATER - Target
NAVY BOOTIES - Rag and Bone

Here are a few outfits I've worn recently.  In the first, the sweater was a sale purchase from the Loft last year, along with my favorite Flying Monkey jeans, a Shop With A Mission hat and some thrifted Linea Paolo booties.  My sister bought me the cute crossbody purse from Hong Kong.  The second outfit is a thrifted olive suede skirt from my mom, an argyle sweater from Target and my navy Rag and Bone boots.


Princess Sparkles, Bucket and Pigtails - "Flying Superheros"

I love writing, but the last few months I've been doing it a lot, thanks to a couple freelance jobs.  It's made it challenging to keep up with the blog.  Maybe I need a vacation to Jersey, or better yet, Hawaii!  Doesn't really matter, as long as the plane ride doesn't take forever.  









Monday, January 6, 2014

Peplum Leather Jacket, Anorak with Leather Sleeves and A New Year's Resolution

"What's a resolution?"
Princess Sparkles wondered after I asked her if she had one for New Year's.
I explained it was kind of like a goal -- something she wanted to do or learn.
She thought for a little bit then smiled,
"I'd like to learn the password to your phone."
Ha!  Good luck with that one, kid.


GRAY PEPLUM JACKET - Bernardo via Loehmanns, $25
BLUE PRINTED TOP - Target, $10
BLACK MULLET SKIRT - Alternative Apparel
NAVY BOOTS - Rag and Bone via American Rag

OLIVE ANORAK WITH LEATHER SLEEVES - Charlotte Russe, $20
BLACK SWEATER - Gap (thrifted)
PLAID LEGGINGS - Hue
OLIVE LACE UP BOOTS - Qupid

I know, I always have my obsessions.  My winter one has been jackets -- kinda impractical since I live in 70 degree weather, but oh so adorable.  The first gray leather jacket is a peplum and I got it at Loehmanns on Black Friday.  I just really liked it.  I paired it with a Target top I forgot to return, an Alternative Apparel mullet skirt and my navy Rag and Bone booties.  The second jacket I got from Charlotte Russe for $20!  It has shearling in it so it's nice and warm.  And the leather sleeves stole my heart.


Sparkles celebrates New Year's with a glass of bubbly... Sparkling Cider.

There's something about a jacket that really pulls together an outfit.  Because let's be honest, you can wear sweats and throw on a cute coat and all people will really notice is that fabulous jacket you're wearing.  So, my New Year's Resolution is going to be looking put together (i.e. wearing the new coats I bought!).  Oh, and not letting my kids find out the password to my cell phone.





Monday, December 30, 2013

Thrifted Kilt, Leather Bracelet Watch and a Christmas List

"Why can't Santa give me everything on my list?"
Princess Sparkles asked when I informed her Santa only gives one gift.
I told her there were a lot of children in the world.
"Well, Mommy, you get everything you want!"
Camouflage interjected from the kitchen,
"No we don't.  Sometimes we want peace and quiet, but we don't get that."


GRAY JACKET - thrifted
BROWN SWEATER - swapped
BURGUNDY LEGGINGS - Forever 21
PURPLE HANDBAG - B Makowsky (thrifted)
BLACK BOOTS - Frye


PLAID PLEATED SKIRT - thrifted
WHITE SWEATER - Target
CROCODILE HANDBAG - Badgley Mischka (thrifted)
SHOES - thrifted

Here are a few holiday outfits I wore.  The first are some F21 faux leather leggings I paired with a thrifted jacket and purse (B Makowsky!), a hand-me-down sweater, and the fabulous Frye boots my sis-in-law gave me for Christmas a few years back.  The second outfit is a plaid skirt, shoes and Bagdley Mischka purse, all thrifted!  My mom found the latter two.  


WOMEN'S BRACELET WATCH - Born Pretty



I recently received a women's watch from Born Pretty to review.  I have to say I was skeptical at first, seeing that the bracelet watch was less than $10.  But when I tried it on, I couldn't believe how amazing it was!  Not only was it stylish, but easy to wear with strings you pull to tighten.  It's made out of real leather with wooden beads, and looks way more expensive then it is!  Definitely check out their site, there are so many watches to choose from and Spinning Threads readers can get an extra 10% off by using the code CLAIRELC10.




I love the holiday season.  It's filled with so many fun and funny moments --

- Princess Sparkles' 5 page Christmas list
- Pigtails handing me ads she cut out to practice using scissors 
(and tell me what she wants for Christmas) 
- Princess Sparkles telling my sister her friend at school told her Santa is 
just your parents putting presents in your stocking but she doesn't believe that.
- Bucket finally getting some "boy" toys.




But most of all I appreciate being at home with the family, even though I don't always get peace and quiet.  Santa might only dish out one gift but there are fantastic after-Christmas sales and sometimes I even get cool things in the mail, like leather bracelet watches!





Monday, November 25, 2013

Tutu Skirt, Diamond Stud Earrings and a Clapper

Bang, bang.  Bucket pounded his truck against the wall.
I asked him what he was doing and he smiled.
Then he banged the truck again.
The lamp turned on and he was so excited.
I realized he was playing with the lights, that stinker.
And yes, we have a clapper
(thanks to a white elephant at Camouflage's work).

TUTU - Thrifted
SWEATER - Caslon, Swapped
SHEARLING BLACK MOTO VEST - Loehmanns
BLACK COMBAT BOOTS - Zigi Girl, Nordstrom
DIAMOND STUD EARRINGS - c/o Anjolee

BLUE STRIPED TOP - Old Navy, $8
BLACK PRINTED JEANS - Foreign Exchange, $10
SPIKEY BALLET FLATS - Target
BARBED WIRE EARRINGS - iSanctuary

This week I wore a thrifted tutu to church with a moto vest and combat boots.  I'm in love with these boots because they're comfortable.  I got them during the anniversary sale at Nordstrom.  The cashmere sweater I got during a swap with friends and the vest is from Loehmanns.  The second outfit is an everyday casual one.  The top is Old Navy clearance and the jeans were $10 at Foreign Exchange.






I also wanted to mention these awesome Diamond Stud Earrings I got from Anjolee.  I wore them with the first outfit because I liked the juxtaposition of something classy with my combat boots and moto vest.  Anjolee customizes jewelry according to preference of metal type, diamond size, gemstone quality and size.  They have a ton of birthstones to choose from and their website makes it really easy to design the perfect piece of jewelry.


Bucket drives the truck he used to turn on the light behind him.

I love my new Diamond Stud Earrings.  They match everything and they always look good.  I also appreciate that they never go out of style, kinda like the Clapper.