Bright Skinny Jeans and a Personal Trainer

Bucket really wants me to get in shape.

Although I've lost a lot of the pregnancy weight, I've hit a plateau.

When that happens, the best way for me to get it off is to jog

(Because I'm not going to diet, I just love food too much!!!)

I decided to start that process today, and it hurt.  Bad.

I was so out of shape, out of breath, out of energy.

I would run for a mile, then walk for a quarter.

But Bucket wasn't having it.

Whenever I'd start walking, he'd start crying.

It was like having a really tough personal trainer!

PINK SKINNIES - Target, $19 (exact)
GREEN NURSING TANK - Glamourmom (gifted)
NAVY CARDIGAN - Express, $15
WHITE WATCH - Sprout, $50
NECKLACE - GS Lillian (gifted)
FLORAL WEDGES - Chinese Laundry (thrifted), $9

An "old school" french manicure
Essie - Lapis of Luxury, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear - Pacific Blue

I'm obsessed with my bright colored skinnies and when Target had their sale last week I bought these pink babies along with some green ones (and leopard...and white).  And when Tammy at Silverstyle decided to do "Trending Through the Decades: Brights," I knew I had to wear these!  Only thing is I wasn't sure what colors to wear with them.  But then I noticed Bucket's cute little striped onesie sitting on the floor, I decided to use it for inspiration.  I topped it off with a GS Lillian statement necklace and my thrifted floral print wedges from GW. 

I know the half moon nails are what's hot, but I don't have any of those little stickers to help me do the new trend so I decided to do an "old school" french manicure with two shades of blue.  I was pleasantly surprised how they turned out!

Fashion Inspiration: Bucket in his striped onesie

Since I'm still working on getting rid of the post-pregnancy belly (believe me, I suck that baby in so hard while taking blog pics I almost pass out), I like wearing skinny jeans.  If I could, I would have every single color (and more) on Bucket's onesie.  And with the workout that little guy is putting me through, maybe in a few months I won't have to suck it in!

A Pirate, A Doctor and A Dentist

"Look, Momma, I'm a pirate!"

Princess Sparkles said with a headband across her eye like a patch. 

I giggled and told her she was very clever.

"Now I'm a doctor, see?"

Sparkles had moved her headband over her forehead.

Then she put it over her mouth.  I asked her what she was.

"Moooommmma, I'm a dentist!"  Obviously.

ORANGE CARDIGAN, BOOTIES - Old Navy
AQUA SHIRT - Gap Maternity (hand-me-down)
BROWN MATERNITY SKIRT - In Due Time (hand-me-down)
NECKLACE, CUFF, PURSE - Heavenly Treasures

Here is my attempt at wearing more color.  I usually have a very bright closet but my maternity clothes are mostly neutral.  Being almost 38 weeks, I needed the colorful pick me up.  Also, my camera broke so I'm stuck using my iPhone and only taking photos when I can find someone to do it for me.  Good thing I have my poses down.

"Arrrr!"

Dr. Sparkles

"Open wide so I can check your teeth!"

I'm really looking forward to wearing my regular clothes again.  It'll be like having a whole new wardrobe!  But until then I have to be creative, like Princess Sparkles, and find multiple ways to wear my maternity pieces!!!





Fall Brights - Red Maxi Skirt and a Fur Vest

RED CASHMERE SKIRT - Thrifted (Thanks, Mom!)
PURPLE TANK TOP - Target
BLACK CARDIGAN - Express
FUR VEST - Forever 21
LEOPARD HEELS - GoJane
NECKLACE - GS Lillian

Last night I went out with some girlfriends.  We went to dinner at Taste on Melrose and a fabulous comedy improv show called "Groundlings."  It was a really fun night out and I laughed a lot.  I told Princess Sparkles to be extra good for her daddy since she was going to Disneyland today with my cousins.  I had to drop Sparkles off really early, so I asked Camo to dress Sparkles in something I could take her and go in.  I smiled when I got home because Sparkles was indeed all ready to go, dressed in jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt.  I was surprised she didn't have her shoes on too :)

Here's what I wore on the night out with the girls.  Funny thing is I knew everyone else would be wearing jeans and a cute top but I decided to go all out.  Plus I was already thinking about what I was going to wear for "Fashion Challenge" which was Fall Brights.  At first I was just wearing the black cardigan, but after some thought I decided the fur vest really made this outfit more fun.  I was excited to also wear leopard heels (yes, I know I'm pregnant) and my GS Lillian necklace.

I love getting dressed up to go out, but I have to say that as soon as I get home I love taking off all my make up and throwing on my pajamas (even if it's in the middle of the day).  So unlike Princess Sparkles, you would never catch me sleeping in a pair of jeans...even if they were jeggings!

***Don't forget to check out the awesome $50 giveaway ZOE CLOTHING CO is hosting on my blog!

Aqua Colored Skinny Jeans, Purple Tank and a "Little" Secret

AQUA JEGGINGS - Flying Monkey (via Anonymous Venice)
GRAY CARDIGAN, PURPLE TANK - Target
COLORFUL RING NECKLACE - Jaclyn1423
MAKE-UP BAG/CLUTCH - Giveaway, Her Late Night Cravings
LAVENDAR MARY JANE PUMPS - Prada (via DSW)

"Mommy, where do babies come from?"  Princess Sparkles asked me this in the car the other day.  I've been dreading this question for a while now and debated whether to give a more "fluffy" answer.  I started out explaining that mommy and daddy loved each other and so they made a baby.  But she kept wanting more details so I finally gave her a simplified biology lesson.  I explained mommy had eggs, like a chicken or a fish, and needed daddy to fertilize them.  I prayed to God she wouldn't ask me details on the "fertilization" process.  Luckily I think I had talked so much that I bored her so she didn't ask for any more details.  Phew!

"Inspiration" for my outfit

Everybody, Everywear is doing "colored pants" so I wore my aqua jeggings, and copying the color combo on a make-up bag I won from Her Late Night Cravings, I chose a purple tank, gray cardigan and lavender pumps I bought just after I got my first real job.  They're Prada and I got them from DSW.  I remember being so excited to buy them.  They were only $100 then but they seemed so expensive at the time.

As you can see, I'm finally revealing my little secret.  Actually, it's not all that little.  So the reason Princess Sparkles and Pigtails have been wondering about babies and pretending they're pregnant (stuffing their animals inside their shirts) is because their mommy is carrying #3!!!  I've been meaning to share with you all for a while now (because it was getting mighty hard NOT to wear maternity clothes and also not reveal the belly) but I just didn't know how to do it.  So this isn't all that creative but at least I can finally tell you all... I'm pregnant...AGAIN!

Anyway, I'm excited to participate in Everybody, Everywear.  But I'm even more excited that I could still fit in my skinny little jeggings!  Even though my body will be changing a lot during these next few months, I hope I can still participate in challenges like this and also keep stylish (because I know how much I'll feel like throwing on sweats and a t-shirt sans bra!).  This is an exciting new experience for our family and I'm so glad I can finally share it with you all!

Color Blocking - Blue Dress, Coral Cardigan & Fedora - WIWW

BLUE DRESS - Old Navy
CORAL CARDIGAN - Gap Outlet
BLACK BELT - NY&Co
BRACELET - H&M
FEDORA - Eugenia Kim for Target
MULTI-COLORED WEDGES - Cynthia Vincent for Target

One thing I can say about Pigtails is she knows what she wants and goes for it.  Lately she's been interested in boys her own age (15 months), especially the ones who can't walk yet.  She likes to sneak up behind them and give them a big hug.  She's smart and must realize they can't get away.  But honestly, they don't seem to really mind all that much.

Pigtails attempts to "wear" a dress

Today I'm linking up to "What I Wore Wednesday" over at the Pleated Poppy.  I went for bright bold colors.  I wasn't feeling all that great so I figured I could use a little pick me up.  I almost wore this with my bright yellow cardigan but remembered that last Friday I wore a similar color combo.  I was also having a bad hair day, hence the hat. 

I love a fedora and bought almost every single Eugenia Kim for Target hat in the collection.  In October the Albertus Swanepoel for Target collection will arrive.  I can't wait for that!!!

Anyway, I better keep this short.  The girls want a smoothie, and when those girls want something...

White Eyelet Skirt, Turquoise Silk Tank and Yellow Cardigan

YELLOW CARDIGAN - Gap
TURQUOISE SILK TANK - Banana Republic
WHITE EYELET SKIRT - Express
MULTI-COLORED WEDGES - Cynthia Vincent for Target
TURQUOISE WRAP BRACELET - Made by my Mom
PINK TAIWANESE TURQUOISE NECKLACE - Jaclyn1423

Princess Sparkles and Pigtails never cease to inspire me with their fashion creations.  Of course 3yo Sparkles loves a tutu and she paired it with a "musical shoe."  I have to admit, I love red and turquoise together.  That girl has an eye for color!  Pigtails loves to wear everyone else's clothes (can't really blame her, it's always more fun in someone else's closet!).  She recently took one of my cardigans and turned it into a pair of pants.  Oddly, it matched pretty well too!

Cardigan "Pants"



Musical "shoe"

I know a few people asked me what I told Princess Sparkles after she asked me if the homeless man was Jesus.  I told her that I didn't think the man was Jesus, but I didn't know for sure.  Honestly, God has come in stranger forms than a homeless man (i.e. burning bush), so I didn't want to say it definitely wasn't him, you know?

Wanted to share with you all a beautiful new accessory I received a few days ago from my very first sponsor, Jaclyn1423.  She makes the most amazing jewelry and this piece is no exception.  It's Taiwanese turquoise and it's pink!!!  Definitely check out her shop, she has really great upcycled and vintage jewelry!  Here are just a few of her gorgeous pieces:

 

 
The great thing about fashion is you don't have to match...colors, prints, whatever.  The more out there, the better!  The next thing you know we'll be wearing a tambourine as a shoe and a sweater as pants.  I'm thinking Princess Sparkles and Pigtails might be ahead of the fashion curve!

***Linking this outfit up to Bloggers Do It Better!  Today is the neon/neutral trend and this is the closest thing I have since it's part of my Remix!!!

2 Way Tuesday - Wearing Red and Pink Together

RED PANTS - INC (c/o Fashion Bargainista)
PINK TANK TOP - Express
CREAM CARDIGAN - Old Navy
RED/PINK/NAVY HEELS - Charlotte Russe

Here is the outfit I got from Fashion Bargainista

Princess Sparkles loves to try new things (unless it's food that I cooked).  She loves making up new games like "pinch the heart and throw the ball," finding new ways to play with her toys (like wrapping up her duck in a towel in order "to keep him warm")  and collect new "friends" like her pet rock, "Golden Rock."  She never seems to get bored and I'm amazed at her ability to make old things new again. 

For "2 Way Tuesday" (where I remix something I already wore before) I decided to rewear a pair of red pants my blog friend, Amber Lena, gave me from her shop "Fashion Bargainista."  She was so sweet to gift them to me and I really love them!  I've been meaning to try mixing up new colors, and have been fascinated by the combination of red and pink together.  I used to think red and pink were only for Valentine's Day, but not anymore!

Anyway, I think the fun thing about spring and summer is that you get to try different color combinations.  The brighter, the better.  And the great thing about this year is not only can you mix patterns but you can mix colors.  And the more they clash, the more they actually go together!  It's an exciting way to make old things new again!

***linking this post to "What I Wear Wednesday" and "Thursdays are for Thrifters."

Color Blocking, Menswear Vest and 1970's Vintage Enamel Jewelry

GREEN/BLUE DRESS - Thakoon for Target
BLACK MENSWEAR VEST - CAbi
BLACK BELT - New York and Company
BLACK STRAPPY WEDGES - Colin Stuart
GREEN BELT (worn as necklace) - Vintage (my mom's)
BLUE ENAMEL CLIP EARRINGS - Vintage (my mom's)
YELLOW CUFF - Made by Mom

***PRINCESS SPARKLES - wearing a drawing of her face around her neck

Today Princess Sparkles rode around on her tricycle picking blackberries and eating them one at a time.  She had to ride around the corner to the other side of the house to pick the berry then ride all the way back around to wash and eat it.  It seemed a little inefficient and time consuming to do it one at a time, but my mom, Fair Isle, said she thought it was good for Princess Sparkles to appreciate each of the blackberries.

The "Fruit Week" inspiration for Friday from Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki is kiwi, so I decided to wear a little green.  This is one of the 10 dresses (yes, I'm exaggerating...a little) I got from Target when the designer dresses went on clearance for $10.  I almost returned it because I was feeling guilty for buying so many, but then it was so comfy and different than all the others! 

It was quite the challenge changing up the dress though.  So I decided to play with the color blocking by adding black accessories.  Fair Isle also had some fabulous enamel jewelry from the 1970's.  The earrings and the necklace (really a belt) are vintage pieces she owned way back when.  And the yellow cuff is something my mom made.

Anyway, I think it is important to appreciate things.  I'm sure the blackberries tasted extra special to Princess Sparkles after triking all the way around the house to get just one.  I sort of feel the same way about my designer Target dresses.  I had to wait to get them on sale, but finding them for $10 (and being able to get 5 for the price of 1) really made them extra special!

The Versatile Blogger Award

#24 - SYDNEY
GREEN BUTTON UP SHIRT - Old Navy
PURPLE TANK - Bebe
BLACK PENCIL SKIRT - Jonathan Saunders for Target
BLACK STUD HEELED CLOGS - Forever 21
WHITE NECKLACES - my Grandmother's collection
WHITE WATCH - Sprout

JEANS - Yaso
DENIM BALLET FLATS - Mossimo

Thank you so much to my fashionable new blog friend, Burning Skies, for thinking of me for this award.  Burning Skies just moved her blog so check her out!  It's always nice to get recognized (and this is much better than the trophy I got as a kid for participating in a talent contest on our family cruise where EVERYONE else got that same trophy just for showing up).  

To show my versatility, I decided I would change things up by telling you 7 random things that make me versatile:

1.  I'm short (5'2) so I can wear tunics as dresses and can always shorten jeans...though I hate when I end up with straight leg ones that used to be bell bottoms!

2.  I'm part of the "Good Eaters Club" (as my friend, Birkin, would call it... Birkin is in fact part of the "Bad Eaters Club"), so I don't really care where we go to dinner... though this can be a problem when I'm with another person who is equally as laid back and we end up debating on where to go for like an hour.

3. I wear a medium in most clothes so I can either squeeze myself into a small or put a belt over a large in case of an incredible deal on the clearance rack that I gotta have even if it doesn't quite fit right.

4. I'm a jack of many trades but master of none...so I can do a little bit of everything just okay (like sports...I can basically be on your team if you're not competitive and in desperate need of a female to fill your roster).

5. If I don't wear make-up (or stroll around with my kiddos) I can usually get carded when buying alcohol at the grocery store (of course this totally sucked when I was a teenager).

6. I'm a mom so that basically means I can multi-task and do any job that includes but is not limited to cook, housekeeper, launderer, driver, entertainer, personal assistant, party planner, motivator, accountant and nurse.

7. I can shop anyway, anywhere, anyhow (except when I'm on my shopping fast like right now...oh, and I'm a poet!).

And here is a list of some really cool bloggers that I've discovered and greatly enjoy.  I know you'll enjoy them too, so check 'em out!

Albee at Albee Lucky

Jess at Avant-Garde Living

shealennon at Bon Chic Bon Gastronomique

Kimberly at City Style

Amber Lena at Fashion Bargain Shopper Extraordinaire

Roxy Heart at Fash-uh-nee-stah

Courtney Erin at Sartorial Sidelines

Finally, in honor of the Versatile Blogger Award (thanks again Burning Skies!) I decided I would do two versions of the same general outfit.  The first one is another example of color blocking.  The second is a casual version of the same top half ('cuz my friend Shiny said she'd actually wear this one).

Color Blocking

Color blocking is a fun way to build an outfit.  It can be a little intimidating, but luckily I have Princess Sparkles to help guide me with her toy inspirations...

"THE POPPING RICE BALL"
(aka green pom pom in Potty Elmo Toilet)

Sparkles asked me to put my mouth on this and then let it pop up in the air (not exactly sure what that means, but she finds it amusing)...

KAI LAN AND HER "CHAIR"
(aka Kai lan doll stuffed into kitchen mixer holder)

Princess Sparkles uses this special contraption to help Kai lan sit up so she can demonstrate to her how to do things such as wash her hands and eat food (she also scolds her for not doing these things). 

Princess Sparkles is fantastic at mixing colors!  But if you find it intimidating (like me), try mixing one or two bright colors with black or white (or both!).  Keep the pieces simple and structured, without too much texture (i.e. ruffles).  You can even do something as simple as adding bright colored tights to a black dress!

#22 - LUGANO
BLUE MILITARY JACKET - Forever 21
PINK TANK TOP - Express
WHITE JEANS - CAbi
ANIMAL PRINT SCARF - Nordstrom Rack
BLACK STUD HEELED CLOGS - Forever 21

It's easy, fun, and can really look great (just like stuffing a doll into a kitchen mixer holder or a pom pom in a toilet)!