Heavenly Treasures Goodies and Some Awards

ZEBRA EARRINGS (similar) - Heavenly Treasures (Kenya)
7-IN-1 (worn as bracelet above, necklace below) - Heavenly Treasures (Thailand)
BLACK AND GOLD TOTE - Heavenly Treasures (Cambodia)
STRIPED SCARF - Heavenly Treasures (Kenya)

Heavenly Treasures even has purses for little girls

(Princess Sparkles is modeling a $5 sequin purse from Thailand)

Below is the 7-in-1, a lariat you can wear at least 7 ways

I had such an amazing weekend.  I got to hang out with a bunch of really neat women and hear a phenomenal speaker from a project called "Zoe" share about God and her work saving children from human trafficking.  All I can say is, "Wow."

I wanted to display some cool things I got from Heavenly Treasures (who helped sponsor the women's retreat).  Most of the things I even got as giveaways!  Like I mentioned before, all the money you spend gets reinvested into these artisans from third world countries and are donated to organizations like "Zoe."  So go online or call their store (for even more products) and do a little shopping to help someone out!

 

Also, I've recently received some cool awards and wanted to thank those blog friends for thinking of me.  I received a Sunshine Award (see a previous post for this award) from Debbie at "Thrifty Girl Vintage."   She's an amazing thrifter and has a very fun sense of style!  I also owe a HUGE thank you to Alex at "Of Mice and Minutiae" who gave me the really cool One Lovely Blog Award in April (previous post for this award).  Alex has a refreshingly quirky style that oozes cool (and she's a fantastic writer!).  Finally, Sophie at Country Girl Does Norfolk gave me the Blog Mas Divertido Award.  Sophie has a fabulous eclectic style and can mix clothes flawlessly!

So here's what I have to do:  Thank the person who gave it to me, answer questions, and pick 3 bloggers to pass the award on to (and contact them)...

If you did another blog, what would it be about? 
I'd sell my old clothes.

If you could change your name, what would it be? 
Something unisex like "Alex" or "Ryan"

If you could be born again, would you like to be a man or a woman? 
Woman.  I think it's amazing what we can do!

If you could realize one wish, what would it be? 
Own a pair of Louboutins

If you had a power, which one would you like to have? 
I'd love to be able to fly.

If you had to buy a lot of perfumes from one specific brand, which one would it be? 
Marc Jacobs or those Harajuku Lovers ones cuz they got those cute little dolls.

If you had won a holiday, which place would you like to go to? 
Some cool African safari trip or a shopping trip to Asia!!!

And here are the 3 very different bloggers I'd like to share this award with:

Meagan at Spunky Chateau (creative thrifter who makes vintage feel so fresh!)
Taylor at It's My Cardi (a down to earth mom with a beautifully classic sense of style)
Lexy at Quirky Explosion (wild, fun, eccentric and can pull off patterns and colors like you couldn't imagine!)

Prep School - Bloggers Do It Better

SWEATER VEST WITH MOCK SHIRT - Apartment 9 (Thrifted)
MEN'S TIE - Mara (Thanks, Henley!)
KHAKI SHORTS - Stoosh
CLUTCH - Cortenay (Vintage)
T-STRAP DENIM HEELS - Forever 21
PINK WATCH - Tommy Hilfiger

Today when I arrived at Fair Isle's house, Princess Sparkles turned to my mom (who was wearing a green gingham button up shirt) and said, "You're wearing a boy's shirt."  Fair Isle replied, "Girls can wear boys' clothes AND girls' clothes."  Princess Sparkles smiled.  She liked that idea.

I too liked the idea and was excited to see that the Bloggers Do It Better challenge was Prep School.  The requirement was to wear a tie, vest and/or blazer.  I've never actually tried this "menswear" look.  But there's something really fun about it!  I might have to start stealing Camouflage's ties (he doesn't wear 'em that often, anyways).

Well, I'm off to a women's church retreat this weekend.  It'll be nice to have some time sans kiddos to fellowship, listen to a speaker, do crafts and possibly get a little shopping in.  I think I'll keep my tie on too.  Because I love the idea of wearing menswear to a women's retreat!

Animal Print Top and Midi Skirt

ANIMAL PRINT TOP - Bella D (TJ Maxx)
BLACK SILK ORGANZA MIDI SKIRT - Studio M (Thrifted)
RAFFIA BELT - Forever 21
GOLD WEDGES - Charles David
CUFF and WOODEN BRACELET - Heavenly Treasures

My husband, Camouflage, loves his beer.  He's actually being very sweet to me tonight by skipping his beer club meeting to watch the girls because I'm going out for my girlfriend's birthday.  But not only does Camo drink beer, he actually makes it.  It's like a science, he has to measure everything out and make sure the temperature is just right.  Then he let's it sit and ferment for a month or so.  Depending on the temperature and the amount of sugar/yeast, it will either be delicious or...not so delicious.

Camo keeps his brewing beer warm

Today is "Thursdays are for Thrifters" via Spunky Chateau.  I decided to wear my thrifted silk organza midi skirt (c/o Fair Isle - Thanks, Mom!) and pair it with animal print, since it's been a week since I've worn anything jungle.  I love animal print because it's a neutral and matches everything (in fact, I think I'll try it next with some bright colored jeans!). 

Anyway, wanted to thank all my blog friends for their lovely comments.  It's so much fun to read and helps me decide what to wear.  Seriously, if it weren't for you guys, I'd be wearing sweats and wife beaters (okay, maybe not, but it's nice to know someone is seeing my outfits!).

Camo has his beer making and I have my blog.  We're so lucky to have these hobbies.  And while there aren't too many similarities between the two, they both are a little scientific.  Because just like he has to put the right amount of ingredients at just the right temperature, I have to match the right colors, textures, patterns and pair them with just the right accessories.  See?  Science.

3 Ways to Wear a Lace Jacket

LACE JACKET - Forever 21
BLACK FLOWER DRESS - Last Chance Boutique
COMBAT BOOTS - Trouve (Nordstrom)
BLACK CUFF - Express
BROWN BELT - Forever 21

CORAL BURNOUT TANK - Kersh (Loehmanns)
SKINNY JEANS - Yaso (Macy's)
GOLD WEDGES - Charles David

TURQUOISE SILK TANK - Banana Republic
FAUX LEATHER SHORTS - Forever 21
BROWN/SILVER BELT - Vintage
MULTI-COLORED WEDGES - Cynthia Vincent for Target

I love that Princess Sparkles and Pigtails both can be so girly with their dresses, accessories and glitter shoes, and yet so rough and tumble.  It's such a juxtaposition.  The other day they were playing around and I came out to find Princess Sparkles with a bloody nose.  Pigtails had accidentally head butted her.  I freaked internally (I've somehow trained myself NOT to scream because it just makes them more upset) and I quickly cleaned her up.  It helped that Camo told her he gets bloody noses too (though not for the same reasons).

Today I decided to try out this lace jacket from Forever 21.  I'm not sure I'm going to keep it, because I also bought a white linen blazer and it's very hard to justify two jackets.  But then I decided to do another "3 Ways to Wear" it post and I suddenly realized, wow, this is so versatile.  I can dress up a pair of jeans, girly up a pair of faux leather shorts or even wear it with a dress and some bad-ass boots.

Anyway, kind of loving this jacket.  Darn!  It has some really great details and it's a lot of fun.  It's so girly, but when paired with the right piece of rockin' leather wear or ripped up jeans, it makes for a great juxtaposition!

3 Ways to Wear Red Jeans

RED SKINNY JEANS - Little Big
WHITE TANK - Loveappella
YELLOW CARDIGAN - Gap Outlet
DAISY STUD HEELED CLOGS - Forever 21

NAVY/WHITE GINGHAM SHIRT - Old Navy
NAVY/RED/PINK HEELS - Charlotte Russe

OLIVE JACKET - Old Navy
BLACK STRAPPY WEDGES - Colin Stuart

Today is a rainy day.  In fact, it made me NOT want to get out of bed but just snuggle with the girls and watch TV.  I actually think Princess Sparkles would've gone for that (though we would've had to watch her cartoons), but Pigtails would've wanted to run around so that probably wouldn't have worked anyway.   

Obviously these pictures were not taken today.  I took them over the weekend in preparation for my "3 Ways to Wear" post.  I love my skinny red jeans, but I will say I was intimidated by them.  What do you wear with them?  Surprisingly I found that they're actually quite versatile.  Here are some things I tried...

BRIGHT COLORS

- you can wear a bright cardigan like this sunny yellow one.  Or I'm thinking even aqua or purple might pair nicely with it.  If that's too intimidating, you can always just use an accent piece like a purse or statement necklace (turquoise would be lovely!).

PATTERNS

- I wore a blue and white gingham shirt from Old Navy.  But in the past I also paired a black and white polka dot shirt, a navy/white striped shirt and a striped tan and black shirt with some red pants (check those out here and here).

NEUTRALS

- obviously white, black and tan are fabulous with red.  In fact, I kept gravitating toward my white shirt.  I decided to try olive, and despite my fear that it might be slightly "Christmas-y," I just went for it.

Anyway, red jeans are fun and I think everyone should at least try them!  Plus you can wear them in spring or fall, or rainy days in spring that seem like fall!

Skinny Cargo Pants, Sequin Tank and Striped Cardigan - Inspiration Monday

OLIVE SKINNY CARGO PANTS - Old Navy
STRIPED CARDIGAN - Pretty Good
SEQUIN TANK TOP - Old Navy
FEDORA - Eugenia Kim for Target
DAISY STUD HEELED CLOGS - Forever 21

Yesterday at Fedora's house, I found Princess Sparkles and her friends applying make-up on each other.  It was funny to hear them tell each other, "close your eyes" as they smeared lipstick all over each other's faces.  They looked like they belonged in the movie, "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane" or clones of Robert Smith from the Cure.

Today's "Inspiration Monday" comes from Drew Barrymore.  Thanks to Two Birds for the link!  At first I was trying too hard to copy Drew's look, then I finally let go and did my own thing.  I decided to make my military piece be the skinny pants and did the stripes in the sweater.  And I went with a sequin tank (because everything needs a little bling!). 

Anyway, today I'm a little tired...as is Princess Sparkles and Pigtails.  Maybe too many activities over the weekend.  I better do as Princess Sparkles and her buddies do and apply some make-up (though not quite as heavy handed) so at least I look awake in Pigtail's baby class!

Welcome to the Jungle Print: Heavenly Treasures

JUNGLE PRINT DRESS - Heavenly Treasures
GLADIATOR WEDGES - Dolce Vita for Target
CANARY PURSE - Thrifted (Thanks, Mom!)
BELT - Loehmanns (Borrowed from Mom)
BRACELETS - Heavenly Treasures (Borrowed from Mom)

I have a new obsession.  Okay, let's be honest, I have a lot of obsessions: stripes, wedges, florals, dresses, cardigans...I could go on and on.  But at this moment, I'm loving jungle prints...whether they're leopard, tribal, or straight up jungle.  This is straight up jungle.  And I'm so very thankful to Heavenly Treasures for giving me a place to buy this original dress from young designers in Thailand.

I think my hubby, Camouflage, would really appreciate this dress because, well, it's camouflage, at least in this jungle-like background in Fair Isle's back yard.  I tried to give you a few fierce poses to go with the theme, but the hammock wasn't cooperating, and instead collapsed.  The only thing fierce was the look on Pigtails' face when I fell. 

What I love about Heavenly Treasures is it's an organization dedicated to helping people in developing countries become self-sufficient through their handicrafts.  They assist them in building micro-enterprises and give them access to markets.  And 100% of your purchases (yes, all of it!) is reinvested into the livelihood projects.  So check them out and better yet, buy something totally unique and beautiful! 

I have a gift.  It's spending money (sorry, Camo).  And Heavenly Treasures allows me to use my gift.  Because nothing feels better than "saving the world" through shopping!

Fashion Heimlich

TYE-DYED SKIRT - Thakoon for Target (Thrifted)
CORAL CARDIGAN - Gap Outlet
WHITE TANK - Bebe
BLUE PURSE - Linea Pelle for Target
MULTI-COLORED WEDGES - Cynthia Vincent for Target
BEADED BLACK CUFF - Heavenly Treasures



"Help!  I've fallen and I can't get up."  Does anyone remember that Life Call commercial where a mature woman (will refrain from calling her "old" since she's probably not as old as I remember) falls to the ground and calls for help?  That's how I felt yesterday with that dress.

I wanted to ask Princess Sparkles to help me but I knew there was no way she had the strength to pull that dress off.  It was tight.  Real tight.  It was going to take someone taller and stronger to do the job.

Enter Stripes, my dear mommy friend whom I have a play date slash wine date with every Wednesday afternoon.  Thank goodness for her because she performed what she called the FASHION HEIMLICH on me in her garage.  My body was jerking everywhere and my feet were even off the ground at some points as she yanked at the dress, twisted, manuevered, jammed her hands in there and finally got me out unscathed (the dress too was miraculously intact!).  Yay for Stripes!  (check out her blog!)

Anyway, here is a skirt I thrifted (of course, it's Thakoon for Target...I don't know why I have such an obsession, it's becoming scary), and a $15 cardi I got from the GAP outlet.  I'm in love with the color.  I also mixed prints and wore my "go to" Cynthia Vincent for Target (of course) wedges.  I was excited to link up to "Thursdays are for Thrifters." 
Thank you all for your awesome comments!  And honestly, as Mrs. J mentioned, I did feel like Ross on "Friends."  Luckily the dress breathes better than leather pants (though not much since I wanna say it was polyester!  Yikes!).  I'm off to return that thing now and hopefully NOT buy anymore clothes from Target (at least for today).

A Fashion Emergency

"TOO SMALL FOR ME" DRESS - Luella Bartley for Target
WHITE HENLEY SHIRT - Old Navy
BLACK T-BACK VEST - CAbi
RED SLINGBACK HEELS - Enzo Angiolini

Help!  I'm having a fashion emergency.  No, it's not that I don't have shoes to match a dress or my favorite white top is now pink.  But I'M STUCK IN A DRESS!!!  Literally.  I cannot pull myself out of it.  In fact, I'm going to have to wear it over to a friends house to have her pull it off of me.  And I still fear that it might not be possible.

FLASHBACK.  2 Hours Ago...

I pick up Princess Sparkles and ask her where she wants to food shop.  Trader Joe's?  She can get a balloon.  Of course she chooses Target (a girl after my own heart) and of course I peruse the clearance section and find those darn designer dresses for $10!  Of course buy up all the ones I returned.  Of course they weren't all my size.

Now herein lies the problem.  NEVER SQUEEZE YOURSELF INTO A DRESS THAT IS TOO SMALL FOR YOU.  NEVER.  I somehow managed to wiggle myself into this cute one.  And for a second I thought it actually looked pretty good.  Then I went to take it off.  I can't get the right grip to pull it over my linebacker shoulders.  And it definitely won't be sliding over my momma hips.

CUT TO:  Now. 

I had a cute outfit but this dress isn't coming off, so I had to work with it.  I'd really prefer not to cut the dress.  But we'll have to see.  I'm heading over to my friend, Stripes, house soon for a playdate slash "please help me yank this dress off my body" date.  You'll have to wait to see how it turns out.  But you might be seeing a "3 Ways to Wear a Dress that doesn't fit you" post.

TO BE CONTINUED...

p.s. despite the Fashion Emergency, I did link up to the Pleated Poppy and "What I Wore Wednesday!"

Floral Dress and White Denim - Everybody Everywear

FLORAL DRESS - Forever 21
WHITE DENIM JACKET - Bill Blass (Thrifted)
GREEN WEDGES - Seychelles
GREEN CLUTCH - Heavenly Treasures
BELT - Forever 21
EARRINGS - Amrita Singh

Today while Princess Sparkles was at preschool, I emerged from a shower to find Pigtails sprawled out on her sister's bed playing with her "special" dolls.  She was having the best time ever.  I do my best to make Princess Sparkles share with her baby sister (and vice versa), but it's definitely a daily challenge.  But without Sparkles around, Pigtails had a free for all and played independently (which gave me some time to actually relax while getting dressed).

I gotta say, I really love Everybody Everywear because not only do you get some fabulous fashion inspiration but you get to participate in something fun with other bloggers.  Also, it made getting dressed today a lot easier since I only have a handful of florals to choose from (and Pigtails was occupied).  I decided to go with my Forever 21 floral "dress" (if you're 5'2 and under OR tunic if you're taller than that) and wear it with the awesome cropped white denim jacket I thrifted with my mom, Fair Isle, last week.  I even wore some floral earrings and threw in a floral purse for good measure (okay, suddenly I'm thinking I may have taken this floral thing too far...oh well).

Anyway, I was about to take pictures in my front yard when I saw my neighbor.  I waved then immediately made my way to the backyard.  I wasn't feeling like striking a pose and having my neighbor think I'm some ego-maniac who likes to take pictures of myself.  It's hard enough getting a good photo, let alone having somebody watching you (I'm still traumatized from when Polka Dots used to snap photos and laugh at me!).  Whether it's sprawling out on someone else's bed and playing with their stuff or striking poses in various outfits, I think there are some things that are better to do when no one else is around.