Pink Cords, Jeffrey Campbells and Other Stuff

"Baby, fetch!"

Princess Sparkles said as she threw a ball down the hallway.

Sparkles was trying to get Bucket away from her stuff.

Now that Bucket walks, he gets into everything.

He especially loves pie tins, sandwich bags, his sisters' stuff, 

the trash and the toilet.  Oh baby.



DENIM AND LEATHER MOTO JACKET - Forever 21, $8
BLACK EMBROIDER DRESS - Last Chance Boutique
LEATHER BOOTS - Goodwill, $7
SUNGLASSES, SOCKS - Forever 21
EARRINGS - Vintage (hand-me-down from mom!)

PRINTED PINK CORDS, PURPLE TANK - Target
GRAY SWEATER - Hand-me-down
WEDGE BOOTIES - Jeffrey Campbell

Here is the new denim and leather moto jacket I got off the clearance racks of F21 for $8!  I'm wearing it with the thrifted leather boots I found at GW for $7!  In the second outfit are the new printed pink cords I got at Target on clearance for $7.  I paired them with purple and gray.  I'm linking this outfit up to "Inspiration Monday" from Two Birds.

Bucket wears his sister's art work while exploring the kitchen

I'm obsessed with the clearance racks and can't believe all the great deals.  They're even cheaper than the thrift store (or eating out!).  Especially Forever 21, who is having a 50% off already reduced prices.  I can't help but go in, head straight for clearance and get into everything!!!

Patterned Denim Jacket and a Poopy Day

"Watch out for dog poop,"

I told Pigtails after we dropped Princess Sparkles at school.

She nodded and walked along the stroller.

Then as I loaded her into the car, I smelled it.

Pigtails had missed the dry piece of poop I pointed out only to step in a wet one.

It was all over her pants, her socks and her shoes.

I threw away her shoes and put on the only pair of pants in my car... Bucket's.

After I cleaned her up she pointed to the grass and said,

"It's a poop land."  Tell me about it.
 

MULLET SKIRT, TANK - Alternative Apparel, $10 and $5 (via Karmaloop)
PATTERNED DENIM JACKET - Forever 21, $22.50
GRAY WEDGE BOOTIES - Jeffrey Campbell

Monday's Inspiration - Eva Mendes

This week's "Inspiration Monday" from Two Birds is Eva Mendes in a skirt and t-shirt.  My kind of outfit!  I got this Alternative Apparel skirt on clearance (with a $10 off coupon) at Miss KL (Karmaloop's women's site) for $10.  The denim jacket I had been eyeing at F21 and when there was free shipping I ordered it.  I know I've been wearing my Jeffrey Campbell's almost every day but I just love them!

Pigtails poses near the "poop land"

"Yay, I can fit into Bucket's pants and they even match!"

My obsession with t-shirts has now carried over into my skirts.  I love a comfy "t-shirt" skirt.   It's almost as snuggly as wearing a pair of "culottes" that belong to your baby brother!!!

 

Denim Vest, Chambray, and A Personal Dresser

Mornings are always a challenge.

Getting everyone up, fed and out the door - on time - is nearly impossible.

I really appreciate when Camouflage helps me out.

He often gets cereal, brushes teeth and changes diapers.

The other day he helped get the girls dressed.

It's funny how we each dress the kids...

I like skinny jeans, skirts and mixed prints.

Camo likes t-shirts and cargos.

Monday's Inspiration - Katie Holmes

STRIPED SHORTS - Lamb (thrifted), $6
GREEN NURSING TANK - Glamourmom
OMBRE DENIM VEST - Forever 21, $29
SHELL NECKLACE - gifted from Hawaii
BRACELET - Heavenly Treasures

Today's "Inspiration Monday" from Two Birds is Katie Holmes in a chambray dress.  I do wish I had a chambray dress but since I don't I decided to wear a pair of striped chambray shorts (which are Lamb and I thrifted new at GW for $6!) and my new ombre denim vest I got at F21 on a recent shopping trip with my friend, Fancy.  I saw it on the mannequin on my way out and ran back in to get it.  The shell necklace was given to me by my sister, Polka Dots, and the shoes are Vince Camuto thrifted new from GW.



Princess Sparkles in an outfit by Camouflage



It's so great that someone somewhere decided that denim on denim was no longer a "fashion don't."  Because it's a fun look and super comfy.  Just like my kids' fashion is influenced by which parent dresses them in the morning, I have magazines and other bloggers (and Inspiration Mondays!) to help me with my style!



Princess Pirate Superhero and Animal Print Platforms - Inspiration Monday

ORANGE SWEATER - Buffalo (via Loehmanns)
DENIM MIDI SKIRT - Buffalo (hand-me-down)
CREAM TANK - Old Navy
BELT - Furla (vintage)
EARRINGS - Jewelry party
ANIMAL PRINT PLATFORM HEELS - GoJane

"Princess Pirate Superhero!!!"  That's what Princess Sparkles shouted as she ran into my room wearing a leotard over a t-shirt, tutu, one striped leg warmer and a dog stuffed into her skirt.  Then she did a big jump with her arm thrusted high.  I asked her what her super power was and she told me it was "playing, flying and saving her dog."  She also informed me that Pigtails was her sidekick and sidekicks "listen to their superheroes."


Princess Pirate Superhero and her Sidekick

For "Inspiration Monday" from  Two Birds, I decided to do a twist on Ali Larter's look.  First, I don't have light colored jeans I could currently squeeze my belly into so I found this long denim skirt my friend Fedora handed down to me.  I went with the orange sweater because it has little sequins on it and I really wanted to wear my leopard platform heels.

Today I'm watching Fedora's daughter.   It's good practice for having 3 kids.  We'll be visiting the park, maybe even Target.  Luckily I wore this outfit yesterday and NOT today because I won't be doing any "superhero saving" in that skirt and those heels! 

Remixing an Old Favorite - Olive Dress

OLIVE DRESS - Gap Outlet
WHITE DENIM JACKET - Bill Blass (thrifted)
EARRINGS, BELT - Forever 21
ORANGE BOOTIES - Go Jane

How I Wore The Olive Dress Back In March
GRAY MOTO JACKET - H&M
PLAID INFINITY SCARF - Made by my mom
BLACK LEGGINGS - Old Navy
OPEN TOE BOOTS - Charlotte Russe

It's "Remix Week," the fashion challenge put on by Megan Mae at "Megan Mae Daily" and Keely at "Casual Chic Kiki."  Today I decided to remix a simple olive dress that I actually wore during my first 30 Day Remix.  I paired it with a thrifted white denim jacket, a belt and my new orange boots (totally Jeffrey Campbell knock offs) from GoJane.com.  Oh, and I accessorized with a beautiful flower from Princess Sparkles.  She came home from a picnic and said, "Mommy I have a surprise for you.  Close your eyes."  And she handed me the beautiful sunflower.  It really made my day.

Today I'm recovering from a long weekend.  A really long weekend.  We spent Saturday cleaning up and prepping the house for Sparkles' birthday party.  I didn't go overboard like I have the last three years, since now I have two girls and I'm sure for Sparkles' 5th birthday I'm gonna have to do something big again!  I will definitely post pics from the party and of my homemade cake later this week, but for now I will leave you with some of my favorite birthday quotes from Princess Sparkles...

"We can have a celebration but I'm not going to be 4." 
Aren't you supposed to wait until you're at least 30 before you decide you don't want to get older?

"Where's the pizza, cake and presents?  It's not my birthday."
On her real birthday 2 days before the party

"This rocket is so much fun!  Literally." 
When playing with one of her favorite birthday gifts, a stomp rocket

"Today I'm a princess.  A real princess."
Before getting into her castle bouncer

Thrifted Trapeze Tank and an Announcement

AQUA TRAPEZE TANK - Calvin Klein (Thrifted - Thanks, mom!)
BLACK CARDIGAN - Express

WHITE JEANS - James Jeans

WHITE WRAP BRACELET - Cara

BLACK WEDGES - Colin Stuart

I have an announcement to make... I am going to be a grandmother!  And I'm not even going to be a grandmother of 1 but 2 little babies (not human babies either, but a cow and a rhino).  Yesterday morning Princess Sparkles came to me with her plush cow stuffed in her dress telling me she had a baby in her belly.  Then five seconds later, Pigtails came running in with a little figurine in her shirt too (the rhino), only she has to hold it in there with her hands because it's so little!  I'm just so proud!



Princess Sparkles' baby belly



Pigtails "carries" her baby

I wanted to wear something thrifted today so I could link up to Spunky Chateau's "Thursdays are for Thrifters."  Do you ever get stuck because you try and plan an outfit around one piece?  Sometimes I even plan around a pair of shoes, especially if they're new.  I actually started out with a different thrifted shirt, but after NOT being able to figure out what to wear with it I went with this shirt that my mom thrifted for me.  I wore my go-to white jeans because, well, I was so discouraged after my first outfit dilemma that I couldn't figure out what else to wear!

The outfit turned out fine, I think.  Though I have to say it's sometimes hard to photograph loose trapeze tops like this because they have a tendency to look shapeless.  I think it helped to put that black cardi on.  But although this shirt has plenty of room, unlike Princess Sparkles and Pigtails, I will never ever be stuffing anything in it!

Wearing Stripes With Stripes - 2 Way Tuesday

STRIPED BLAZER - Loft
STRIPED SHIRT - Forever 21

DENIM CUT-OFFS - Paige Premiun Denim

WEDGE BOOTS - Jeffrey Campbell

EARRINGS - from a street vendor

WRAP BRACELET - Cara

RED BELT - Thrifted

STRIPED JACKET - Loft
FLORAL DRESS - Old Navy

NECKLACE - Gifted

PINK SHOES - Seychelles

I love watching my girls dress themselves (or in Pigtails' case, attempt to dress herself).  They come up with the best outfits.  Princess Sparkles loves anything girly, especially a tutu and will often layer it with a Hawaiian dress then add a flower headband.  Sometimes she'll even throw on a bathing suit for extra pizzazz.  Pigtails gravitates more toward a casual comfy style and often likes to wear a pajama onesie over whatever else she's been forced to wear.

Isn't it amazing how versatile a striped blazer can be?  I love that mixing and matching prints is "in."  Makes putting together clothes so much more interesting.  I wasn't sure about the stripes on stripes but once I put it together I actually really liked it!  I've seen other bloggers doing it and thought it looked fun.

Anyway, I think one thing I can learn from my girls is there really is no such thing as style rules.  If you like it and feel good in it, then it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks (unless you like to be naked, like Pigtails, then maybe you should try and find something else to wear).  And really, confidence is the best accessory!

***Linking up to Everybody, Everywear's Pattern Mixing Challenge!

White Denim Jacket, Floral Dress and Motorcycle Ankle Boots - Inspiration Monday

FLORAL DRESS - Forever 21
WHITE DENIM JACKET - Bill Blass (thrifted)
FEATHER EARRINGS - Charlotte Russe
SUNGLASSES - Kenneth Cole
BROWN MOTO BOOTS - Lucky

Inspiration Monday - Sienna Miller

"Mommy, I'm so so so so sorry."  I always cringe when I hear Princess Sparkles say this.  I'm never sure if it's a real bad problem or just something she thinks might make me upset.  Thank goodness it's usually nothing big (like a few drops of milk on the table), but every once in a while...

Today's Inspiration Monday from Two Birds is Sienna Miller.  I would've LOVED to wear my denim vest, like Sienna, however, I just wore it Friday and thought two posts in a row wearing the exact same vest might be a little overkill.  So I went with my thrifted white denim jacket instead.  I love wearing moto boots with a girly dress, and find that it looks best on me when the dress is on the shorter side.  And I love these suede Lucky boots because I found them at Macy's on sale for $40!!!

Anyway, today is a mellow day for the girls and I.  For some reason, Mondays are our day to recover from the weekend.  We seem to always have a lot going on on our "days off."  Though being at home always seems to expose us to the possibility of one of those "so sorry" moments.  Let's just hope that if one of them occurs it's just a few drops of milk on the floor and not the whole gallon!

Matching Denim on Denim

DENIM VEST - American Eagle
CAPRIS - American Eagle
T-SHIRT -
RED BELT - Thrifted
WHITE LEATHER CUFF - Made by my mom

MULTI RING NECKLACE - Jaclyn1423

RED/BLUE/PINK HEELS - Charlotte Russe

I'm always amazed at Pigtails' fearlessness.  She is not afraid to do anything.  Sometimes it's great, like when she's at her swim lessons, and sometimes it's not so great, like when we're at the playground and she wants to run down a steep slide.  She always seems to have some sort of "war wound," usually on her face where everyone can see.  Her current one is a huge shiner/scrape on her left cheek which she got from one of our many park visits when she tripped and caught herself with her face.

Today I think I broke a fashion rule.  Oops!  I want to say there are major rules about wearing denim on denim and I just can't keep up with what they are anymore.  But I believe you are NOT supposed to wear two pieces of denim in matching colors and that is exactly what I'm doing today.  It seemed like my t-shirt was lonely by itself and since I love a vest, I went with my denim one.  (Oh, and that pink band around my elbow is NOT a fashion statement, I just had to get blood taken at the doctor's office).

I kinda liked how the look turned out in the end.  I might've gotten a serious scolding from Tim Gunn (who probaby would've also said short people shouldn't wear capris...in fact, I think I just read him saying that in my magazine) but sorry, Mr. Gunn, I'm doing it anyway.  I guess I'm taking a page from Pigtails' book on fearlessness but only when it comes to fashion.

Lace Jacket, Jeffrey Campbell Boots and Lots of Bracelets

LACE JACKET - Forever 21

GRAY DRESS - Gifted

DENIM BELT - Style Xpress

LEATHER CROSSBODY BAG - Thrifted

EASE-UP ESPADRILLE BOOTS - Jeffrey Campbell

BRACELETS - see below

ARM PARTY

Right:

PEARL BRACELETS - made by a friend

WATCH - Michael Kors

GOLD LEATHER STUD BRACELET - Cara

WHITE LEATHER STUD BRACELET - Cara

Left:

BEADED BRACLETS - Forever 21

BROWN LEATHER GOLD CUFF - made by my mom

CREAM/GOLD MULTI STRAND BRACELET - H&M

"Mommy, you're wearing skates!"  That's what Princess Sparkles said to me when she saw me wearing my new pair of Jeffrey Campbell wedge booties (thanks to my sister, Polka Dots, for the belated birthday gift!).  I had to laugh because it actually didn't occur to me that they looked like skates but once she said it I realized she was right. 



My "Skates" - Jeffrey Campbell



Today's theme is "arm party," thanks to Pretty Shiny Sparkly's "Bloggers Do It Better" challenge.  I'm really excited to be trying my hand at bangles galore (speaking of Bangles, in elementary school I did a dance to "Walk Like an Egyptian" for a talent show...but anyway).  I've always wished I was a better accessorizer, but find myself usually keeping it simple.  So this was a lot of fun for me to try!

Because I was heavily accessorized, I decided to keep the outfit simple with neutral colors.  I was thrilled to wear my lace jacket again and finally got to wear a french dress (literally from France) my good friend, Fedora, gave me in a pile of hand-me-downs.  The purse was thrifted by my mom, Fair Isle, and the belt was only $.50 at a local store!!! 

Thrifted Crossbody Bag

Anyway, this summer has been a whirlwind.  Can't believe it's already August!  We've definitely been keeping busy with lots of activities.  Too bad my Jeffrey Campbell's don't have wheels on them, it'd make keeping up with my girls a heck of a lot easier!

***Linking up to Pleated Poppy's "What I Wore Wednesday," "Bloggers Do It Better" and "Thursdays are for Thrifters" at Spunky Chateau

Daytime Sparkle - Sequin Dress, Denim Jacket and Booties

SEQUIN DRESS - MM Couture
DENIM JACKET - Gap
BOOTIES - Charlotte Russe
PINK CUFF - Made by my mom
PINK TURQUOISE NECKLACE - Jaclyn1423

Sequin detail on my dress

Since Pigtails now goes to Moms Day Out, today I actually had some alone time.  Okay, not really alone, but I didn't have to drag the kids around with me.  And I got to do something I rarely have the opportunity to do... get a haircut!  Afterwards I made a quick stop by the mall and then went off to pick up the girls.  I will say seeing their little faces after a morning away is always so nice.  They light up when I walk in and run to give me a hug.  It's so sweet!

Today I'm doing "Sparkle for Day," another Summer Trends Challenge from the lovely ladies at Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki.  I haven't worn this sequin dress in forever but I do kinda love it because despite it's bling it's actually pretty casual.  I decided to dress it down with a denim jacket and some booties.  For color I went with pink, and the gorgeous necklace Jaclyn sent me from her etsy shop, Jaclyn1423 (don't forget you can get a 15% off discount with code 14spinningthreads23!).

Anyway, tomorrow is our big trip.  We had a bunch of drama with the airline (basically our assigned seat mysteriously went to other people).  So I'm a tad stressed since we're traveling with the girls.  But I know it'll workout somehow and I'll get through it...I hope.  I definitely needed a little sparkle in my life today, not only from my dress but from those cute little faces that come running to me when I pick them up!

***Please enter my giveaway here.  Thanks!