Polka Dots, Chambray and a "Slumber" Party

"We're having a slumber party and we need to have pajamas on,"

Princess Sparkles told me as she and Pigtails emerged from their room in outfits.

I asked her about the sunglasses and hat she was also wearing.

"Those are just costume stuff.  It feels like a real party when you dress up."

After I put the girls to bed I kept hearing frivolity coming from their room.

"Good night, girls.  Go to bed."

"But we're having a slumber party," Princess Sparkles said.

I told her that slumber meant to sleep.

POLKA DOT SKIRT - c/o eShakti
CHAMBRAY TANK - Old Navy, $7
CORAL EARRINGS - $.99 Depot, $1
PINK/GRAY WEDGES - H&M, $5

 

ARGYLE CARDIGAN - Old Navy
RED JEANS - LTB (via Anonymous)
TANK - Alternative Apparel
KEY NECKLACE, EARRINGS - iSanctuary
FLORAL BOOTS - Dr. Martens
 

Easter nails!

 

Here are a couple outfits from the week.  The polka dot skirt was something I chose from the spring line of eShakti.  eShakti is awesome because they have tons of adorable clothes to choose from, and they will customize your clothing for you.  It's like having your own personal tailor at the click of a button.  The polka dots on the skirt are different colors which make it match with almost anything. 

 

The girls in their "slumber" party attire

There's something fabulous about having tailored clothing.  They fit better which also means they look better.  And when I dress up in clothes that look good, it feels like I'm at a party, even when I'm just "slumbering" with the kiddos!

 

Burgundy Cowboy Boots, An Anorak and Valentine's Day Pretzel Wreaths

"Can I keep these to remember you by?"

Pigtails asked my mom, Fair Isle, holding up a bag of M&Ms.

We were getting ready to leave grandma's, where the treats flow in abundance.

Because at home I try to limit sugary snacks... To bribing.

Otherwise how else would I get them to clean up toys or get in the car?

EMBROIDERED DRESS - Forever 21 (swapped)
BLACK ANORAK - Last Chance Boutique
RED PURSE - B Makowsky
BLACK BOOTS - BCBGeneration (via Macys)

TURQUOISE MOTO JACKET - Nordstrom
TRIBAL PRINT SWEATER - Old Navy
JEGGINGS - JC Penney
NECK SCARF - Made by my mom
BURGUNDY BOOTS - Goodwill (thrifted)

Polka Dot French Manicure Nails for Valentine's Day

Here are two outfits I wore today.  The first one I wore to church.  The dress was from a swap and thanks to "Inspiration Monday" from Two Birds, I paired it with an anorak and motorcycle boots.  The second outfit I wore to a 6-year old birthday party at Scooter's Jungle. 

Decorating Valentine's Day pretzel wreaths
with cookies, candy and white chocolate.

Our finished Valentine's Day pretzel wreaths.  Yum!

I'm still madly obsessed with nail art.  I change it up every few days.  It's a fun way to accessorize without spending much money.  To me it's the perfect treat!

 

Jeffrey Campbell Snakeskin Platforms, High Low Skirt and a Backseat Driver

"No red lights!  No red lights!"

Princess Sparkles chanted from the back seat as we drove home from school.

Bucket kept crying everytime we stopped so she wanted me to keep driving.

She even encouraged me to run the light, which I didn't do.

Sometimes it's an entire symphony in the back seat, with Pigtails crying too.

I've learned to tune it out, or at least turn the radio up a bit :)

TURQUOISE TRIBAL DOLMAN TOP- Old Navy, $5
BLACK HIGH LOW MAXI SKIRT - Alternative Apparel (via Anonymous LA)
NECKLACE, RING - Jewelry by Cynde Daniels
SNAKESKIN WOODEN PLATFORM - Jeffrey Campbell (via Urban Outfitters), $39

"Inspiration Monday" from Two Birds - Louise Roe

Purple French Manicure
OPI - Purple with a Purpose, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear - Lacey Lilac

Thanks to "Inspiration Monday" I decided to wear a skirt and another tribal print top.  I recently did some shopping in the Old Navy clearance section where I got this top for $5 (thanks to 30% extra off clearance)!  I also shopped at Anonymous LA since I won a $50 gift card for blogging about them a few months ago.  I got this comfy high low maxi skirt which I loooooovvve!!!  The skirt is the perfect piece to wear with my Jeffrey Campbell snakeskin wooden block platforms.  I saw the JCs online at Urban Outfitters for $40 (on clearance and with an additional coupon).  At that price I had to snatch them up!

Princess Sparkles makes a wish, "Please make my brother stop crying!"

I've been having some really fun shopping trips lately.  I'm pretty thrifty most of the time, but every once in a while I go a little crazy.  Maybe I need a few shopping "red lights" in my life.  Nah!

Fur Vest Over a Military Jacket and George Washington

 "Looks like George Washington,"

Princess Sparkles said as she looked at a picture she drew.

Camouflage and I turned to each other, impressed with Sparkles.

Must be preschool... or TV. 

Then Camo asked, "Do you know who George Washington is?"

Then Sparkles replied, "He's on the money."

BLACK EMBROIDERED DRESS - JWLA (thrifted)
OLIVE MILITARY JACKET - Old Navy
FUR VEST, EARRINGS, RING - Forever 21
BROWN MOTO BOOTS - Lucky via Macys

RIMMEL - Midnight Blue
OPI - Turquoise Shatter

I'm participating in "Fashion Challenge: Layers" from Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki.  Thursday's challenge is vest over jacket.  It took me a few tries but I finally found a look I liked...a military jacket and fur vest (I also did "layered nails" for extra credit!).  The black dress is "thrifted" from another mom's garage and I went with the brown Lucky boots (which I got on sale for $40 at Macy's) because Princess Sparkles told me to!

George Washington, "the money guy"

I have to say I get a serious thrill out of getting a good deal...thrifting, clearance racks, coupons, buying from another mom's garage!  Even if we were super rich I'd still shop at the same places.  Hopefully Sparkles and Pigtails will feel the same way and have an appreciation for "the guy on the money!"

Plaid Leggings, Sally Hansen Salon Effects and a Few Reminders

"Momma, I hungee!" 

Yesterday we had eaten but forgot to feed Pigtails since she was napping. 

Being the 2nd child is tough.  And it's not getting easier when baby arrives.

"Momma, change pants!"

She often tells me when she needs a diaper change too.  Bad mommy.

PLAID LEGGINGS - Hue (thrifted)
BROWN TANK - Gap Maternity
BLACK CARDIGAN - Motherhood Maternity
FEDORA - Forever 21
BOOTS - Frye

Sally Hansen Salon Effects

Thank goodness for leggings.  My legs are probably the thinnest part of me (though maybe not my ankles) so it's something I like to wear.  These fun leggings were a Christmas gift from my mom, Fair Isle, who thrifted them new!  And the boots are my Christmas gift from my sister-in-law, Argyle. 

I also decided to try out Sally Hansen Salon Effects.  This plaid one was on clearance at Target (since it's "Christmas-y").  Even though it comes with one set for each hand, if you have short nails like me you can cut them and get two sets out of them!  They were easier than I imagined, though I definitely had some trial and error this first time.

Pigtails "cooks" since her mommy forgets to feed her :(

Speaking of cooking, this little baby is almost ready to come out.  I'll be full term (37 weeks) on Friday.  Good thing Pigtails learned to speak early because once the new baby arrives I'll really be in need of reminders... 

***Linking up to Silverstyle's "Trending Through The Decades: Neutrals"

BP Ginger Over-the-Knee Boots and a Wedding

This morning I heard humming coming from the other room. 

I found Princess Sparkles "dancing" with our giant Nutcracker (the one she didn't break in half).  She smiled and told me, "I'm going to marry the Nutcracker."

BROWN CARDIGAN - Forever 21
NAVY TANK - 369 (thrifted)
GRAY LEGGINGS - Forever 21
BLACK FEATHER HAT - Forever 21
OVER THE KNEE BOOTS - Nordstrom

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme in Posh Plum

I almost missed "Fashion Challenge: Neutrals Week," hosted by Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki.  I've just been so distracted with the holidays (hosted a "Naughty or Nice" Bunco party last night).  So today I decided I would wear every neutral they did this week in one outfit.  The black feather hat (Monday), the gray leggings (Tuesday) and the brown sweater (Wednesday) are all from Forever 21.  The cognac OTK boots (Thursday) are the ones I'm keeping since they're real leather and I love the color and style (it was between these and some faux leather ones from F21).  Finally, the navy tank (Friday) is thrifted from another mom's garage via craigslist!  Tomorrow's challenge is color, so I guess I could say my nails are purple!

A polka dotted bride, Princess Sparkles, with her Nutcracker groom and maid of honor, Pigtails 

Some naughty and nice treats (cupcakes and angel food cake) at my Bunco party

It was a major life decision, but I'm glad I finally chose a pair of OTK boots.  The F21 ones weren't that comfortable since they were the last pair left and a size too small.  The BP ones were leather, on sale for less than $100 and my friends wanted them (which of course makes them that much more desireable).  It's not quite as important as choosing a husband (aka Nutcracker), but pretty darn close...

***Linking up to: "What We Wore Wednesday" and...

The Perfect Freelance Job

PLAID SHIRT - Old Navy
BELL BOTTOM JEANS - J Brand
RED BELT - Thrifted
BLUE/RED/PINK HEELS - Charlotte Russe

NAIL POLISH:
NYC - Fuchsia Shock Creme (111A)
SALLY HANSEN HARD AS NAILS - Strobe Light (200)

Today I had a lunch meeting with a friend, Flannel, who offered me a freelance writing gig!  I can't tell you how excited I am.  It's been tough since having kids to try and work, because the truth is (and though I never imagined I'd be doing it) I love staying home with my girls. 

Yes, most of my day is spent cleaning up after them, chauffering from school to classes, cooking dinner, folding laundry and diffusing tantrums.  But the thought of NOT being with them makes me sad, so I sort of let go of my dreams.
 
When Flannel told me that I could write AND stay at home, I burst out laughing.  No I'm kidding, but I was thrilled.  I'm writing a script for an animated series, which hopefully (if I do a great job) will turn into writing more scripts for animated shows. 

I decided to wear something casual to lunch (so I didn't look like I was trying to hard...though I totally was).  I wore Fierce's bell bottom jeans and a plaid shirt.  To give me a little confidence boost, I wore my sky high heels (thanks, Fierce, Fedora and Fancy for the early birthday present!) and put glitter on my nails to add some sparkle.

Anyway, nothing gives me more confidence than being offered an awesome job that gives me almost everything I could ask for!  And the best part?  Princess Sparkles and Pigtails can watch the show and might even think I'm the coolest mom ever!

3 Ways To Wear a Yellow Lace Skirt and a Sunshine Award

YELLOW LACE SKIRT - Chetta B (Thrifted - Thanks, Mom!)

ARGYLE SWEATER - Old Navy

WHITE TANK - Bebe

SHOES - Korea

BLACK/GRAY STRIPED SHIRT - Thakoon for Target

GRAY BELT - Forever 21

BLACK STRAPPY WEDGES - Colin Stuart

RUST/GOLD SILK TOP - Ella Moss (Thanks, Fierce!)

CREAM/GOLD/GREEN WEDGES - G-Series

Today I'm feeling like a fashion bad-ass.  I dunno why, maybe it's the neon yellow lace skirt (I know, doesn't really look neon in the pictures!) and matching nail polish.  Or the 2 sunshine awards (Thank YOU, Fash-uh-nee-stah and GretchTM!).  Or the lashes (I put on some fake ones and they always make me feel glamorous!).  Whatever it is, it totally affected the clothing I chose and the poses I did.

RULES FOR THE AWARD:
Thank the person who gave it
Write a post about it
Pass it on to 12 bloggers

I decided to do this "3 Ways To Wear a Yellow Lace Skirt" in honor of the SUNSHINE AWARD bestowed on me by the always fabulous Fash-uh-nee-stah and the extremely stylish GretchTM!  Thank you, girls, for the honor!  

I would like to give this award to: Tiffany at BREAKFAST WITH TIFFANY, THE CAT HAG, Melissa at WRITE IT IN LIPSTICK, Bonnie at GLAM KITTENS LITTEBOX, Mary at STYLEFYLES, Gracey at FASHION FOR GIANTS, Vanessa at BIG GIRL. LITTLE BUDGET. TINY TOWN, Maya at SOCCER MOM STYLE, Nnena at STAR-CROSSED SMILE, Kimberlee at OUR LIFE. UNEDITED., Melyssa at BEAUTINIQUE, and DEAR GIRL.

I was reading in a magazine that Tim Gunn suggests wearing neon colors with gray or brown.  So I decided to try it.  The first look is one I copied from the magazine where the model was wearing an argyle sweater with a similar skirt.  I decided to pair it with the shoes I bought in Korea a few years back.  The second outfit I did was a striped black/gray shirt.  Yes, I decided to mix prints.  Told you I was feeling like a bad-ass!  Finally, my last outfit was a rust shirt so kindly given to me by Fierce (you can see more pieces she gave me here).  And the shoes are the ones I wore for my wedding 5-1/2 years ago!!!

So like I was saying, I had MAJOR FASHION ATTITUDE.  However, each time I finished shooting photos I would get a little FASHION BUZZ KILL when I'd come into my room and see Pigtails.  Unfortunately, I think maybe she too was feeling like a FASHION BAD-ASS...