I'm Fancy, huh?

Just sitting on the couch watching the Oscars in my fancy "done up" sweats and tank top, sipping wine, surfing the net and writing this blog.  Now that's multi-tasking.


Dalia MacPhee Strapless Taffeta Mermaid Gown, $298

Here's a budget-friendly dress I would've liked to wear if I went to the Oscars (or something much more low key but equally fabulous, like a... okay, let's be honest, I don't go to much that would require me to wear a long fancy dress and even if I did, I'd have to go on a serious diet, but whatever.  I still like the dress!).   

Glint 'Gillian' Sandal
in Beige Satin, $89.95

I like these cute shoes because they're neutral, could match almost anything and, hello, they have SEQUINS!!!

Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Comfy Casual Loungewear

After talking to my friend, Silk, who wanted to see what she and other mommies could wear to the park (without getting dolled up...and for a mom that can sometimes mean jeans), I decided to take on her challenge of "doing up" sweats, yoga pants and leggings... because I LOVE a challenge (and I actually enjoy wearing sweats, yoga pants and leggings too, though have been trying to dress up more because I am doing this wannabe "fashion" blog and now people put on their style goggles and look at me with judgy eyes...jk). 

So here it is, my attempt (hopefully an okay one) at "doing up" comfy casual loungewear...

YOGA PANTS - Gap (similar)
DENIM VEST - American Eagle (similar)
FLUTTER SLEEVE TOP - Old Navy (exact)
CUFF - September Rose
SHOES - Converse (exact)

I would've slid down the slide but unfortunately my butt... I mean, rear end (according to Princess Sparkles I am NOT allowed to say the B-U-T-T word.  It's not nice) would NOT fit down that slide.  Sigh. 

I liked the idea of wearing a fluorescent shirt because it brought me back to the days of my youth (when my rear end WOULD fit down that slide) and it adds a pop of color.  I wore the vest to hide the love handles, and I thought I would "do up" by accessorizing with a hat and cuff (because I can't resist a big chunky cuff!  This one is made by SEPTEMBER ROSE.  Check out her etsy shop here).

SWEAT PANTS - Victoria's Secret (similar)
STRIPED SHIRT - H&M (similar)
TURQUOISE PURSE - Target

This next outfit I did with my red Victoria Secret PINK sweats (my hubby, Camo, likes to point out that these PINK sweats are NOT actually pink.  It's really not that funny).  I decided to pair it with a striped shirt (because I'm obsessed), a black cardigan (because it looks more "done up" than a sweatshirt) and a turquoise purse (which I accidentally left outside after these pics and it rained.  Bummer).

JEGGINGS - Macys (similar)
FEDORA - Eugenia Kim for Target
PRINTED KEYHOLE CAMI - Old Navy (exact)
CARDIGAN - Ann Taylor Loft (similar)

This last one is the most fancy because I'm wearing my super sweet jeggings (say what you will about jeggings being a fashion faux pas, but they are so comfy and admit it, kinda cute).  My love affair with leggings really intensified during my pregnancy with Pigtails.  I wore a fedora because it blocks the sun and looks better than a baseball cap (my skin will be thanking me in another 10 years).  And I added color with the floral Old Navy tank and the turquoise necklace which I got in Hawaii.  I wanted to wear my Converse with this outfit too but it just didn't look right.  So I paired it with the flats.

And that's how I "do up" comfy casual loungewear.  If anyone else has any fab ideas, I (and mommies everywhere) would LOVE it if you would share!

Sequin Dress 3 Ways



SEQUIN DRESS #1
SEQUIN DRESS, MM Couture (similar)
SWEATER, Forever 21 (exact)
BELT, Express (similar)
BRACELETS, Cara (similar)
WATCH, Sprout (exact)
BOOTS, Charlotte Russe (similar)
NECKLACE, gifted (similar)



My friend, Sequins, is a self-proclaimed clothing mismatcher (is that even a word?).  She's also really good at keeping things so long that eventually they come back in style (aka "Vintage").  But rather than storing them in her closet, she actually wears them.  The other day she joked about how she used to (and still does) wear sequins on stage.  And I said to her, “You do realize sequins are back in, right?” She was super excited (yes, I said super. My daughter watches Ni-Hao Kai-lan, all right?)

SEQUIN DRESS #2
SEQUIN DRESS, MM Couture (similar)
MOTORCYCLE VEST, My Beloved (similar)
BLACK TIGHTS, Brass Plum (similar)
WATCH, La Mer (similar)
TORQUOISE NECKLACE, gifted (similar)

I'm obsessed with sequins (the clothing, not my friend).  There's something about their shininess and symmetry.  They're fabulous.  I bought this SEQUIN DRESS for $15 at Macys when they were having a sale.  It's actually much more versatile than I thought. 

SEQUIN DRESS #3
SEQUIN DRESS - MM Couture (similar)
RUFFLE TOP - Bizz (similar)
BELT - Forever 21 (similar)
WATCH - La Mer (similar)
BOOTS, Forever 21 (exact)

I decided to do "3 Ways to Wear It" Thursday.  And I wanted to post all 3 outfits at one time so you can see them side by side.  That way, if one of them sucks worse than the others, hopefully you won't notice.  Or maybe I'll get lucky and you'll think all my outfits are just like sequins, shiny and symmetrical.

A Pink Polka Dot Purse

"Those are nice nipples!"  That's what I heard my 3-year old, Princess Sparkles, say as I walked into my favorite boutique with my littlest daughter, Pigtails.  I looked down (automatic reaction for a nursing mother), and no, I hadn't had a nip slip.  Phew.

Then I cringed, praying to God she wasn't talking to some lady in her dressing room.  I see my sister, Polka Dots, running towards me with Princess Sparkles in her arms, shushing her and trying not to laugh. 

And so Princess Sparkles decides to start yelling, "Nipples!  Nipples!  Nipples!"  I give her a look and do what any other mom would do...bribe her. 

So what caused Princess Sparkles' outburst?  A purse.  It looked a lot like this one...

My Uniform

CASHMERE SWEATER - thrifted (similar)
SCARF - made by my mom (similar)
SWEAT SHORTS - Old Navy (exact)
KNEE HIGH SOCKS - Forever 21 (similar)
BOOTS - Jessica Simpson (similar)

Today was a down day...at least dress wise.  I have to admit, this is one of my favorite "uniforms" for running around: cashmere sweater, sweat shorts and boots (I know, there's probably some rule that says "boots and shorts should be left to those in their teens and early 20's" with an addendum that reads "and especially NOT for moms" but I just can't help myself.  And I gotta rock it while I still can, right?)

One of my girlfriends from college, Silk, who has kiddos the same age as mine, asked me if I would post some fashionable mom wear for the park.  This has totally got me thinking (and slightly stumped) about different outfits.  Do I do sweats?  (I mean, I love how they do sweats and wife beaters in the PINK section of Victoria's Secret...but then...should us moms really be wearing that?)  Do I do leggings?  T-shirts?  Cargos?  All of the above?

Anyway, Silk and I are going running tomorrow with the babies, so I'll ask her for more specifics.  I do love a challenge.  I think I'd like trying to "do up" sweats... just like I like wearing cashmere sweaters, sweat shorts and boots :)

Rainy Day Wish List

Rain gear is so last week...then again it's supposed to rain Friday so maybe I'm really avant.  Let's go with the latter.  In honor of my great love for trench coats...and boots, I thought I'd do a list of my favorite "rain" songs...just kidding.  Now here's my rainy day wish list!



Trench Coat
My Michelle, $51 (exact)



1. THE POLKA DOT TRENCH COAT



Why polka dots, you ask?  My response is...why not polka dots?  Not like anyone can see what you're wearing underneath the coat anyway.  You could be wearing your skivvies for all anyone knows (okay, don't do that in public, kinda creepy...but your significant other might like it!).  And it'll go with almost any color pants, though I would stick with the solids (but hey, if you wanna pair it with more polka dots or something like that, and you can rock it, then more power to ya!)



RED RAIN BOOTS
Zetta, Target $24.99 (exact)

2. RED RAIN BOOTS

I went to Princess Sparkles ballet class last week and a mom was wearing these with jeans and a sweatshirt... She looked fabulous!!!  I couldn't stop staring.  She told me she got 'em on clearance at Target for $3.  This of course made them even better.  Unfortunately, they're not on clearance now, but for $24.99, it's worth it since I could wear 'em on Friday, and I'm all about immediate gratification.



WHITE DAISY UMBRELLA
Galleria, $26.25 (exact)



3. WHITE DAISY UMBRELLA

Everyone loves getting flowers and this umbrella is like getting some everytime it rains.  And who doesn't like to see drops of water cascading down the petals?  I just think it would be a lot of fun to carry around.  

Stay dry...or if you're gonna get wet, look cute doing it!

The Best Workout Ever

Never challenge your 3-year old to a dance off.  Never.  You're not going to win.  They have much too much energy.  And somehow they look awesome doing those acrobatic moves and you look... well, ridiculous.  Needless to say, I pulled a muscle in a place I didn't know I had muscles.  Sigh.

Anyway, here's a pic Polka Dots took of me while we were setting up for Pigtails' 1st Birthday Party (yesterday).  Doesn't the sky look amazing?  (what doesn't look amazing is my hair... because it was still wet from my shower)

Khaki Twill Jacket #3

JACKET - William Rast for Target (exact)
PLAID INFINITY SCARF - made by Mom (similar)
COMFY BLACK SHIRT - (similar)
SUNGLASSES - Ralph Lauren (similar)
SKINNY JEANS - Yaso (similar)
MOTORCYCLE BOOTS - BCBGeneration (similar)
BLACK ON BLACK WATCH - Zodiac (exact)
CUFF - Heavenly Treasures

 Are you ever so full that you feel like a sausage?  Unfortunately for me it's much too often (hmm... wonder why I'm not losing all that post-baby weight).  We had some people over to celebrate Pigtails' 1st Birthday and anytime I have a party I like to have an abundance of food (Camo says I "cook for an army," and that's on regular nights NOT party ones).  But food is just one of those things that brings me great happiness... especially a brunch buffet or an 8 course Chinese meal!

Anyway, that has nothing to do with this final outfit (except maybe I shouldn't wear these skinny jeans while overeating...unless I wear a comfy black shirt like this one!).  I think I'm channeling a bit of Gwen Stefani here (a smaller, Asian version... just wish I could have her abs...or maybe I do but you can't tell because of the comfy black shirt!)

Some Things for Spring

Yesterday I got a sweet email from my girlfriend, Sneakers, complimenting my blog.  This really made my day (especially after I got scolded in Target because Pigtails kept standing up in the cart).  Sneakers and I went to college together and she's never really been interested in fashion.  She asked me to post a list of a few budget-friendly pieces I thought someone like her could wear.  So here they are...

1.  STRIPED SHIRT (because it's so french, and they always look fashionable!)

STRIPED T-SHIRT
$8.50, Old Navy (exact)

RELAXED STRIPED TOP
$13.80, Forever 21 (exact)

2.  WIDE LEG JEANS (this style is flattering on EVERYONE...be bold and try WHITE!  I know, they get dirty but that's what bleach is for!)

SHOPPING TIPS:  check out Alloy because they have jeans in all different inseams - petite and tall!  American Eagle also has great jeans in various inseams and they're having a 20% sale with free shipping this weekend)



SPOON TROUSER JEANS
$34.90, Alloy.com (exact)

TIE BELT TROUSER JEANS
$29.50, Old Navy, (exact)



3.  CORAL SWEATER (adds a pop of color and is much more versatile than you think)

BASIC KNIT CARDIGAN
$14.90, Forever 21 (exact)

MOSSIMO BOYFRIEND CARDIGAN
$17.99, Target (exact)

4.  FLORAL TOP (it's feminine, flattering and fun!  Old Navy also has a bunch of floral tops $19.50 - $24.50... check them out here)

COUNTRY FLORAL TOP
$19.80, Forever 21 (exact)

FLORAL SURPLICE TUNIC
$15.80, Forever 21 (exact)

5.  UTILITY DRESS (super functional and looks great...can be paired with sneakers, sandals, flip flops!  And for moms - like me - with infants, you can even nurse in this one!)

MOSSIMO UTILITY DRESS
$24.99, Target (exact)

LINEN-BLEND ROLL-UP DRESS
$29.50, Old Navy (exact)

6.  SLIP ONS (they're cute, comfortable, and no one REALLY likes to tie laces, right?  Both TOMS and Forever 21 have all sorts of colors, but I thought these bright ones were happy)

TOMS CANVAS SLIP-ONS
$44, Amazon (exact)

DIANA SLIP-ON SHOES
$5.50, Forever 21 (exact)

Right now Old Navy has an in-store coupon for $5 off $25.  HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Khaki Twill Jacket #2

JACKET - William Rast for Target, $15.74 (exact)
HOODED SHIRT - Target (similar)
CORDUROY SKIRT - American Eagle (similar)
EARRINGS - Forever 21, $7.80 (similar)
CUFF - Heavenly Treasures, $15
SUNGLASSES - Jessica Simpson, $24 (similar)
BOOTS - Trouve, $99.90 (similar)

Here is the second outfit with this jacket.  I mixed it with some "old" clothes from my closet (meaning, I bought it more than a few years ago).  Isn't it funny how people like to call their old clothes, "vintage?"  This one time I was going to an event and my actress girlfriend told me she was wearing "vintage," which I figured was sort of like "antique" (meaning at least 25 years old).  But the designer she mentioned hadn't even been around 25 years, so I'm thinking it was just a dress she bought a few years back and it sounded more stylish to call it "vintage."











This extremely versatile jacket is William Rast for Target.  I'm a huge fan of Target's designer collections because it allows some of us with smaller budgets to buy brands we normally wouldn't be able to.  It has great details like ruching on the sides (for those of us with the "mommy belly") and it's 100% cotton, so even people like my friend, Fierce, can wear it.  The only thing I don't like about this jacket is I bought it for $44.99 and now it's on clearance for $15.74.  So I hope someone goes out and buys it at 65% off so I can at least be happy for you!

Anyway, I better finish this up now because this "vintage" mommy better get her kiddos (and herself) ready for bed.  Goodnight!

Khaki Twill Jacket #1




JACKET - William Rast for Target, $15.74 (exact)
RUFFLE TOP - Song of Love (similar)
BLACK SKINNY JEANS - CAbi (similar)
RED PATENT HEELS - Enzo Angiolini (similar)

 Today, in between preschool and dance lessons I took Polka Dots, Princess Sparkles and Pigtails to McD's for lunch where they had a huge indoor play structure.  Princess Sparkles was, of course, over the moon to see this play area. 

Usually I'm hesitant to let her go in to those structures (due to "sick germs" and the aroma of toddler pee), however, I figured what the heck and told her 5 minutes.  After 10, I told Princess Sparkles we had to leave.  It looked like she was about to come out, then I kept seeing her in different parts of the structure.  Either she wasn't listening, didn't care, was lost, or all of the above.

20 minutes later...dance class is going to start soon and I'm still trying to talk Princess Sparkles down.  I'm starting to lose my cool.  I'm about to take off my boots and climb up after her (thank goodness I didn't wear a dress!).  Parents are staring.

Then by some miracle (aka "bribes"), Princess Sparkles emerges from the bottom of one of the tunnels.  I'm pretty frustrated though trying not to yell since I'm in public and don't want anyone to call children's services.  Really I'm just relieved I didn't have to climb in there.

Unfortunately, this probably won't be the last time something like this happens.  As parents, we can tell our kids where to go, what to do, and how to do it, but they're still going to do what they're going to do.  I'm sure we'll want to get in there and help them (unless of course it's kind of gross, too tight to fit, and smells like pee) but we won't always be able to.  And eventually they're going to have to figure things out themselves.

Anyway, it all worked out in the end and we made it to dance class just in time.  All I know is I won't be going to that McD's again...unless it's the drive-thru!





Happy Valentine's Day

Cookies we made on Valentine's Day

To celebrate Valentine's Day I went to the DENTIST.  Woohoo!  I don't actually dread going to the dentist (like most people) since I come from a very "dental" family (Polka Dots is an endodontist, my Pops is an orthodontist).  But then...I got a CAVITY.

Cavities suck because...well, they're decay in your tooth and although you're numb, it's like there's a whole CONSTRUCTION ZONE going on in your mouth...loud drilling, spraying water, air suction and a lot of pushing... oh, and don't forget the NEEDLE.  But the worst part was when Princess Sparkles asked me, "Mommy, why don't you brush your teeth?" 

Anyway, to celebrate V-day I made a 5 course meal...of LEFTOVERS.  I had actually reheated everything and had it ready to go.  I know, super romantic.  But then Camouflauge came home with an armful of food...ahi tuna, shrimp, salad, fresh bread.  Wow!  So I packed up the leftovers, put them back in the fridge and ate a really yummy meal.  Thanks, Camo!

The yummy shrimp and ahi Camo made for dinner

Camo and I don't really do gifts (though I did buy me that CAbi jacket from him), but I thought maybe we could do something cool like commit to going out to dinner sans kiddos twice a month (since I do need somewhere to wear my outfits).  With kids it's easy to forget about marriage.  You actually have to pencil in time together.  But it's important, kind of like brushing your teeth.  Because if you don't keep up with it on a consistent basis, you could end up with a cavity, and no one wants that!

3 Days, 3 Parties, 3 Dresses

I had a busy weekend.  Three parties in three days (okay, but two of them were really for the girls).  So I have to ask...


CAbi Party Outfit
JACKET - Ann Taylor Loft (similar)
DRESS - from a subway shop in Korea
WATCH - Sprout (exact)
BELT - Forever 21 (exact)
BOOTS - Charlotte Russe (similar)

Is it okay to go to a clothing party (my friend, Chanel, threw a fun CAbi party at her lovely home) and not buy anything because you're poor and in your head you're thinking, "I could buy 8 different things at Forever 21 for the price of this one jacket" (though the CAbi clothes are waaaay better quality)? 

MILITARY JACKET - CAbi (exact)





Well, I did that the last 4 parties (thank you, Chanel, for STILL inviting me because I am the worst guest ever!).  Though to be completely fair, I was pregnant for 2 of those parties, fat from being pregnant for another, and then just plain old cheap for the other one.  However, this time I finally bought something.  A black military blazer (Thanks to my hubby, Camouflage for the V-day gift!  I "needed" one of those).

Saturday Birthday Party Outfit
DRESS - Project E (similar)
HEADBAND - homemade (thanks, Mom!)
BELT - Forever 21 (similar)
BOOTS - Trouve (exact)
PAJAMAS - Carters (similar)


And is it wrong to dress up for a 4-year old birthday party then push your (almost) 1-year old away (okay, "push" is a strong word...it was more like step to the side as she's reaching for me while attempting to walk) because you don't want her greasy little potato chip hands (YES, I let her eat potato chips...don't judge) to get on your new dress you bought from Loehmanns the day before for $12 (it was on clearance and then an extra 50% off!!!)?  She didn't get hurt or anything...at least not bad :)

Bowling Birthday Party Outfit
DRESS - American Apparel (similar)
SCARF - homemade (thanks, Mom!)
WATCH - JC Penney (similar)
BELT - Forever 21 (exact)
BOOTS - Payless (similar)



 

How about wearing the same dress and booties (yes, I'll admit, they were heels) you wore to church to a 3-year old BOWLING birthday party because you figured you weren't going to bowl anyway (but duh, of course I had to get out there and help since my 3-year old can't really do it by herself)?  Just because everyone else was in jeans and sneakers doesn't mean I had to be...right?  (okay, I did almost trip over my booties when I was walking with the big bowling ball over to Princess Sparkles, then got super nervous that I would have to go get her ball when it got stuck in the middle of the alley).  But in the end no one got hurt (meaning me) and I felt cute.  In fact, I think purple and red might be my new favorite color combo...I know, it's so NOT the nude trend but oh well...

***Found a turquoise version of the American Apparel dress for $17 on swirl (here) though got mine for $6 at Loehmanns.

Check out this adorable bag!  The Daybook is having a giveaway and this is it!  I hope I win!  Or maybe you can win too (and then let me borrow it!).

Nautical Dress #3




Dress - Forever 21, $10.80 (exact)
Jacket - Target, $29.99 (similar)
Leggings - Old Navy, $5 (similar)
Boots - Forever 21, $30.80 (exact)

 

















I went out tonight (to a CAbi party at a friend's house).  I went out last night (Bunco with the mommy mafia at another friend's house).  I'm not used to all this "going out" (yeah, I know, it's only to other peoples' houses, but still, I've left my house - and my TV - and I get home at...10ish.  I remember when my nights used to start at that time!).  Yawn.  Goodnight.

Omakase



V-DAY CELEBRATION OUTFIT
Dress - Peppermint, $10 (similar)
Cardigan - Express, $29.99 (similar)
Purse - B. Makowsky, $89 (similar)
Shoes - Charlotte Russe, $35.50 (similar)



Last night my hubby, we'll call him Camouflage (since I haven't given him a nickname and I know he wants one) and I went for sushi to celebrate V-Day (Yes, I realize it was early, but hey, when you have children you squeeze it in when you can).

Camouflage and I went to our favorite sushi restaurant (we love the chef because even though we only get there maybe twice a year, he acts like he remembers us) and ordered "omakase" which sounds fancy, but literally means, "it's up to you."  Basically the sushi chef makes whatever he wants (he seems to like being "creative," and we like eating it). 

I'm still waiting for my V-day gift (though to be fair, it's not until Monday).  I like giving Camo "help" (aka "wish list") when it comes to my gifts.  That way it's easier for him, I get what I want, and unlike sushi, it doesn't have to be "omakase."

Nautical Dress #2




Dress - Forever 21, $10.80 (exact)
Hat, Forever 21, $3 (similar)
Cuff - Heavenly Treasures, $15
Sweater - Motherhood, $15 (similar)
Shoes - Target, $10 (similar)



I have this new rule.  We'll call it FASHION RULE #3 (#1 being "if you buy it, you should be able to wear it 3 ways" and #2...I'm sure I wrote another one in there somewhere).  So here it is...

"When buying a new article of clothing or pair of shoes I should wait at least 5 days before wearing it." 

That way I'll either find a bunch of things from my closet that will go with the new item OR I'll just be over it and can return it (and I'll still have that buyer's high from buying something that day, but it won't cost me anything!).  Either way it's a win-win.

Wow, I Wore 3 Outfits Today!



OUTFIT #1

Running Shirt - Target, $12.99 (exact)

Running Pants - TJ Maxx, $14.99 (similar)

Running Shoes - Asics, $59.95 (similar)

Visor - Adidas, $9.95 (similar)



Being a mom is fun...like when you finally get out to go for a run with your (almost) 1-year old because it's usually the best nap she gets all day but instead of sleeping she decides to throw a fit and in the end you only run a quarter of what you normally do, and end up having to carry your (almost) 1-year old back to the car ( 2 miles!!!). She doesn't nap but she does poop. You have to clean it in the car, you're nearly out of wipes, and it gets on stuff.



OUTFIT #2
Cardigan - Express, $29.99 (similar)
Dress - Last Chance Boutique, $10
Boots - Target, $39.99 (exact)



Later, force yourself to dress cute to 3-1/2 year old's dance class (because, you did decide to write that fashion blog, after all, and what would people think?).  Then try to keep the cute outfit on for the rest of the day.  Get uncomfortable, especially when no one in the house naps but you want to take one so you lie on the couch for 2 minutes (just enough time to fall asleep) and wake to the sound of, “Momma, I have to go poo poo!” You yell, “Can't you do it yourself?” But you know it won't be pretty and it's just better if you get up now and help (though it's best to act like you're “not helping” so 3-1/2 year old feels independent).



OUTFIT #3
Sweater - Thrift Store (Thanks, Mom!)
Shorts - GAP (similar)
Boots - UGG (similar)



Finally, go to the grocery store but wear "Old Korean Man's Sweater" (no really, looked at the tag and it's Korean) your mom bought you from the thrift store because you said you wanted something fair isle and well, it's kinda fair isle-ish.  It's also bright.  Really bright.  If you were lost in the mountains while hiking, this is the sweater you'd want to be wearing.  You consider wearing it with fringe boots, but out of better fashion judgment, decide to keep it simple. 

Realize you were wrong.  Technically it's 4 outfits since you're now wearing flannel pajama pants and v-neck t-shirt, ready for bed.  But won't get to go to bed for a few hours.  Why?  Because although it seems like you did so much today, you really didn't get anything done (is that actually possible?).  Sigh.  Oh well.  There's always tomorrow...