Denim Romper - Inspiration Monday

DENIM ROMPER - Romeo and Juliet Couture
YELLOW CARDIGAN - GAP
MULTI-COLORED WEDGES - Cynthia Vincent for Target
NECKLACE - Heavenly Treasures

Monday's Inspiration:
Nicole Richie out at the park.

"Baby Legs" are really popular in our household (if you don't know what they are, they're basicall like leg warmers for little ones).  Princess Sparkles likes to wear them on her arms as accessories, while Pigtails likes to wear them under dresses (or over her pajamas, though I'm thinking THAT might be a fashion statement).  I like 'em because they're functional, and they're way easier than tights, especially when it comes to changing diapers!  And they're cute, so if they had them for adults I'd probably have a stash of them!

For "Inspiration Monday" from the wonderful ladies at Two Birds, I decided to do denim in the romper rather than the jacket since, well, that's the romper I have.  Not to mention I better save up my florals for tomorrow so I can participate in Everybody Everywear.  These multi-colored wedges have become my new "go to" shoe.  I never would've thought they would match this many outfits!  Gawd, I love wedges...almost as much as boots!

Speaking of love, what I love about a romper...you can wear it to the park with flip flops, then throw on some heels and wear it out at night.  What I don't love about a romper?  Having to go to the restroom.  But they are so comfortable and so chic, you got to love 'em.  Unlike "baby legs" (which they don't have for adults), a romper is basically an adult onesie.  A cute one.  So now I can match my kiddos!

A Mother's Day Without Kids

STRIPE DRESS - Libertine for Target
DENIM JACKET - GAP (similar)
STRAW CLOCHE - Eugenia Kim for Target
GLADIATOR WEDGES - Dolce Vida for Target (exact)
RED HANDBAG - B Makowsky



"Mommy, I love you this much!"  Princess Sparkles says as she reaches behind her back.  I think this means she loves me "circular," you know, sort of like infinity? 

I love Princess Sparkles and Pigtails too, but I have to admit that this Mother's Day was extra special because I was able to have a little break from the girls.  Saturday night Camouflage took me to dinner (I had the yummiest slab of prime rib!), then today I went to a Tea Party Fashion Show at Heavenly Treasures with my mom, Fair Isle, and grandmother, Socks.  It was so much fun and I did a lot of shopping (can't wait to show you all what I got!).

Here is an outfit I wore to a 1st Birthday party on Saturday.  It was a "Hat Party," so I wore a Eugenia Kim for Target cloche.  I'm also wearing my Libertine for Target dress and Dolce Vida for Target gladiator wedges that I'd been coveting, thanks to Daphne and Gretch.  Okay, I have to admit, lately I've been feeling a bit like a walking billboard for Target.  But I'm a mom and where else can you throw your two kids into one cart, feed them a $3 Mac n Cheese meal for lunch, and pick up a toy to entertain them, while shopping for groceries, clothes and shoes? 

Sometimes I really miss those days when all I had to do was spend my money on me, and I could buy whatever, whenever, wherever, eat out all the time without worrying about someone screaming and sleep through the night without interruption (those of you sans kiddos, ENJOY!).  But just when I think motherhood sucks, someone gives me a hug, lights up when I walk into the room, or tells me they love me infinity and my heart melts.  Maybe it's the hormones, but whatever it is, it feels good.  Real good.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you!

Red Jeans and a Fly Girl

STRIPED TOP - Truelight

RED SKINNY JEANS - LTB

STRAPPY WEDGES - Colin Stuart

BRACELETS - My Mom's (Indian town)

SUNGLASSES - Betsey Johnson

EARRINGS - My Mom's (vintage)

Today I made a trip to the Thrift store with an entire generational entourage.  I went to GW and SA with my grandma, my mom and my two little ones!  Princess Sparkles and Pigtails were actually well behaved (guess they're used to shopping).  It probably helped that my mom, Fair Isle, tootled around with Sparkles and let her pick out toys and $1 clothes.  Fair Isle would hold up various pieces and Sparkles would let her know which ones were pretty and which ones were not.  As for Pigtails, I just fed her A LOT of graham crackers.  My grandmother, Socks, didn't buy anything but enjoyed pushing around her cart and taking a nap on one of the sale couches in the middle of the store. 

I was inspired to wear my new red jeans (yet another birthday gift from Fierce, Fedora and Fancy) after seeing Jenn from the Suburb Experiment and her cute laid back outfit.  I started out with something similar then sorta morphed it into...not sure what style it is...kinda JLo in her fly girl days?  I was excited about these jeans because I know they're super versatile, in fact, I think I'll do a 3 Ways to Wear it post on it later!  I paired it with this striped top that I bought from a local boutique that was closing down.  I got it for $3.50!!!

Anyway, it was a long but fun day.  I always enjoy visiting Fair Isle and Henley, and it was nice to spend some time with Socks!  (For Mother's Day I'm going with Fair Isle and Socks to a Tea Party/Fashion Show, can't wait!).  We may all enjoy thrifting, but something we're not thrifty on is spending time together as a family!

JEAN QUEEN - GAP Patch Pocket Shorts, Modern Trousers & Overalls

TOP - Zara

PATCH POCKET SHORTS - GAP (similar in white)

DAISY STUD HEELED CLOGS - Forever 21

 TOP - Zara

MODERN TROUSER JEANS - GAP (similar)

MULTI-COLORED STRETCH BELT - Local Boutique

OVERALLS - GAP

RED TANK TOP - Old Navy

Princess Sparkles' favorite outfit usually consists of a poofy dress, glitter shoes, necklaces, bracelets and 2-3 headbands.  However, when I send her to preschool I usually dress her in jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers, so she can play hard and not get all scratched up.  AND I don't let her wear accessories.  This, of course, has caused a few meltdowns before school, because she doesn't like to go places without her added flair.  Sometimes, if I'm running late (which is pretty much always), I let Princess Sparkles wear her accessories in the car and have her take them off at the door when I say goodbye.  Luckily she doesn't usually throw tantrums in public.  Phew! 

Today while Sparkles was in preschool, Pigtails and I went for our morning run and then a quick field trip to the mall where I made a little visit to the GAP.  I wasn't planning on buying anything until...the woman handed me a 30% off coupon for Mother's Day (you can get 30% off too online by using the code GAPMOM).  Suddenly, everything looked THAT much better.  I had about 15 minutes before having to get Princess Sparkles so I quickly grabbed a bunch of things I liked, paid for them and headed out.  

So here you have it.  The purchases I made from the GAP:  A pair of PATCH POCKET SHORTS, which I like a lot, though need to get a smaller size since the waist is unusually large (similar in white), some MODERN TROUSER JEANS, which were on sale already and have great flare...though need to be hemmed badly (similar), and some cool new OVERALLS (which I'm in love with but sort of think they belong on a really tall skinny person...which, unfortunately, is not me). 

The great thing about these pieces is they're not only cute but they're extremely functional (oh, and they're 30% off)!  Too bad they don't have these items for toddlers, because maybe, just maybe, they would save me from pre-preschool morning tantrums. 

The White Out Trend - Bloggers Do It Better

WHITE EYELET SKIRT - Express
BEIGE BUTTON UP SHIRT - Old Navy
BELT - Forever 21
EARRINGS - Forever 21
SILVER/ROSE GOLD WATCH - DKNY

Charlotte Russe

BRACELETS
Gold Leather Wrap - Cara
Pearls - Gifted

NAIL POLISH
Sephora by OPI
How Many Carats?

Pigtails loves jewelry.  Not sure where she gets that :)  Just the other day we were in her "Mommy and Me" class when she took a slinky we were supposed to play with while singing, and turned it into a lovely bracelet.  It was actually a good idea and I appreciated her accessorizing.

After checking out a few posts from participants of "Bloggers Do It Better" hosted by Pretty Shiny Sparkly, I felt inspired to try out the "White Out" trend myself.  Okay, it's not exactly white out, but I did do all neutrals and tried to keep within the same vein.  I decided to go with a white eyelet skirt and a neutral button up shirt.  I also got to wear my amazing blush colored stilletos (thanks to Fancy, Fierce and Fedora for the lovely birthday gift!).  They kinda remind me of a ballerina.  Now all I need is the tutu!

I also linked up with "What I Wore Wednesday" on the Pleated Poppy. 

Anyway, I had a lot of fun playing with this outfit.  I did consider doing all white, but it's a little dangerous with my two girls.  I decided to keep the jewelry simple.  It's something I learned from Pigtails, "When accessorizing, less is more."  Unless, of course, it's a diamond, then more is more.

My New Trend: Hawaiian Dresses accessorized with a Li-Hing Mui Margarita

HAWAIIAN DRESS - Hibiscus Collection Hawaii
EARRINGS - Forever 21
WHITE WATCH - Sprout
WHITE/NATURAL ESPADRILLES - MIA

On Sparkles:
FLORAL HAWAIIAN PRINT DRESS - GAP
GREEN POLKA DOT FLOWER HEADBAND - Made by my Mom
ORANGE SEQUIN NECKLACE - Made by my Grandma (Vintage)
YELLOW RAIN BOOTS (don't ask) - Target

"My back is killing me," Princess Sparkles said as I lifted her from the cart at Target into her car seat.  I just had to look at her and laugh.  That little 3-year old listens to everything I say.  It's like having my own personal tape recorder (wait, they don't have those anymore...I meant digital voice memo thingy that I have on my iPhone).  Dangerous?  Yes.  Luckily I don't say too many real bad things.  But she's right, my back has been killing me lately...

I'm really hoping Hawaiian prints make a comeback (and so does Camo, since those are his fave "dress up" shirts).  Because I will make my sister, Polka Dots, who is living in Hawaii, send me a box of dresses (since you can get 'em at the flea market for cheap).  Or better yet, I'll fly out there myself to buy some.  You know what?  I'm not even going to wait for them to be "in," I'm just going to wear them.  Hawaii, here I come!

I really wanted to come up with a cute, stylish outfit for today, but it's just too darn hot.  So I'm bringing back the Hawaiian print (it's kind of like an ethnic print, right?).  I almost wore my kukui nut lei too (remember when those were in?).  Next thing you know I'll be singing "Tiny Bubbles" or "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (IZ's version, NOT Judy Garland's) while sipping Li-Hing Mui Margaritas (in case you want the recipe).  Or I'll just sing it once and have my personal echo sing it back to me so I can just work on my cocktail!

Inspiration Monday - High Waist Jeans

HIGH WAIST JEANS - 7 for All Mankind
NAVY SWEATER VEST - Target
GRAY/NAVY STRIPED SHIRT - Bjeweled
BROWN BELT - Thrifted
WHITE WATCH - Sprout
FRINGE PURSE - Local boutique

Today Princess Sparkles let me know that she was having a "good day."  What that usually entails is NOT getting into trouble, having a special treat (like frozen yogurt or a popsicle), and/or doing something fun like going to a friend's house or the park.  Of course all this can change into a "bad day" in less than a second, if I tell her not to do something or say she can't have candy after she's already had a treat. 

I was having trouble figuring out what to wear.  It's hot.  Real hot.  Okay, not blazing, but hot enough to just be slightly uncomfortable inside (since our AC isn't working properly).  But then I remembered seeing "Inspiration Monday" on Two Birds blog and decided I needed some fashion inspiration!

So here it is, Katie Holmes and her adorable high waist jeans.  Exciting, since I just bought a great new pair of high waist jeans at Loehmanns.  Though bad timing since just a few hours ago I sent those fabulous jeans away with my mom, Fair Isle, to be hemmed.  Oh well.  Luckily I have a second pair!

I think a good day fashion-wise for me is putting something together I hadn't thought of that looks good and makes me feel even better.  I really like these high waist jeans since they're relatively flattering.  I also like the navy vest because it tends to be slimming (good for hiding any extra stuff on my sides).  All together this outfit makes me feel great.  Guess that makes today a "good day!"

Gingham Shirt, Olive Tuxedo Shorts and Magic Heels

NAVY/WHITE GINGHAM SHIRT - Old Navy
OLIVE TUXEDO SHORTS - Lux Lux (Thanks, Fierce!)
THIN RED BELT - Forever 21
NAVY/RED/ROSE HEELS - Charlotte Russe

Princess Sparkles has really been into magic lately.  She loves to wave her wand around and say "exsta" or "magic azeda."  I'm not sure what that means exactly, but I'm assuming it's her version of "bibbidi bobbidi boo!"  She pretends to hide things and make them reappear.  Just wish she'd magically clean up her toys! 

Because I've been wearing dresses practically every week to church I decided I'd change it up a bit and wear shorts.  I got this Old Navy shirt last week for $7 in the clearance section.  I'd been wanting a gingham shirt and I liked how thin this one was.  I paired it with these tuxedo shorts and the sky high heels I got for my birthday from Fierce, Fedora and Fancy.

I gotta say, I love wearing heels.  There's something about them that make me feel confident.  Maybe it's the extra 4-5 inches, or how my legs look more toned in them.  These ones are surprisingly comfortable and match more than you'd think.  The only thing is they can be challenging when I'm carrying Pigtails down the slight incline, walking on the balls of my feet to not make too much noise as we sneak into church late.  It's a miracle I don't trip.  Or maybe it's just magic.

To Be a Princess

MY VACATION OUTFIT:
SKIRT - Kimchee & Blue
WHITE TANK - Old Navy
BLACK CARDIGAN - Motherhood
MULTI WEDGES - Cynthia Vincent for Target
PINK SCARF - Made by my Mom

"Mommy, I want to be a princess!"  That's what Princess Sparkles said while watching the Royal Wedding (on replay of course, I would've never made it until 3am - though maybe Sparkles woulda if given the chance).  I replied in the oh-so-cliche way, "You're my princess."  And she looked at me and said, "No mommy, I have to find a prince."  I chuckled and gave her a kiss.

Meanwhile, Pigtails fell asleep on a bathrug at the foot of the shower.  She was that wiped out from waking up earlier than usual (which meant Camo and I woke up early too).  Oh well, at least she's getting in her morning nap at 8am :)

Nothing could really dampen my mood.  I'm off on a one night vacation with Camo to celebrate my birthday.  We're going to go wine tasting, beer tasting, have a quiet meal where we don't have to take turns taking the kids out, and maybe I'll even get to read my book!  Yay!  I can't wait.

Anyway, better finish packing everything up for the girls' trip to see Fair Isle and Henley!  It's so nice to have family around so Camo and I can go away for a night to relax and have fun.  Makes me feel like a Princess!

Floral Dress and Denim Vest

FLORAL DRESS - Old Navy
DENIM VEST - American Eagle
BLUE SNAKESKIN CUFF - Made by my Mom
PINK WEDGES - Seychelles

Living with Princess Sparkles is sort of like being on a game show...all the time.  She loves to ask me questions about everything like, "Why don't birds eat sand?" "Who does that shovel belong to?" "Where are my dolls?" "Why don't I have lemon (phlegm) in my mouth?"  Most of the time I can answer her questions, though every once in a while she stumps me.  I do appreciate her curiosity, though not so much when I'm trying to jog with the two of them in a stroller in the blazing heat!

Here is the dress I bought yesterday from Old Navy for $5.99.  I was so excited because although it was in the clearance section, it didn't have a sticker on it.  I was gonna leave it cuz I really don't pay full price for anything, but my best friend, Plaid, made me take it up to the register just to check.  I'm so glad I did because when the lady told me how cheap it was I felt like I had hit the jackpot!

Anyway, I wore it out to my birthday dinner with Camouflage (though I paired it with a gray cardigan instead of this vest since we ate outside).  Camo and I don't exchange gifts because he knows I like to shop and buy my own things.  I appreciate that about him, because that way he/me always gets me exactly what I want.  No question about it, shopping is always my favorite gift!