Happy Easter

GREEN DRESS - Sonoma (Thrifted, thanks Mom!)

BLACK CARDIGAN - Motherhood

STRAPPY GREEN CLOGS - Charles David

EARRINGS - Forever 21

BELT - Forever 21

"Mommy!  Mommy!  I want to see what Santa Claus brought me!"  This is what Princess Sparkles exclaimed early this morning.  Early.  I had mentioned a few days ago that if she behaved well then maybe the Easter Bunny would pay her a visit.  When she asked me who the Easter Bunny was, I told her he was kind of like Santa Claus.  She got that.

Here is an amazing dress Fair Isle thrifted for $1.  YES!  You saw that correctly, $1!!!  It did look a tad old fashioned at first and we were thinking of turning it into a skirt, but then decided to widen the straps and turn it into a halter (okay, I just came up with the idea but my mom did all the work).  I really love it!

Anyway, hope everyone has a HAPPY EASTER and Santa Claus brings them lots of goodies!

Anonymous Venice

 

SUEDE SKIRT - Thrifted (Thanks, Mom!)

BLACK CARDIGAN - Frenchi

WHITE TANK - Bebe

TURQUOISE NECKLACE - Gifted from Hawaii

JUTE & RAFFIA BELT - Forever 21, Gifted from Fierce

MULTI-COLORED WEDGES - Cynthia Vincent for Target

Yesterday while my mom, Fair Isle, and stepdad, Henley, were babysitting Princess Sparkles and Pigtails I decided to make the best use of my time by running down to the shop, Anonymous Venice, with my friend Fedora.  Fierce recently took a job there, so we wanted to check out the clothes.  I mean, when you got a babysitter, what's more productive than that?

I know, no shopping for 6 more days (not that I'm counting...okay, I'm totally counting).  So I didn't.  I did try stuff on though.  I mean, how could I not?  They had some fabulous jeans :)  Fedora and I rocked some great jeans (some on sale for only $25!!!) and really cute off the shoulder shirts, you know, the 80's kind with pictures of things from our childhood.  Sooooo cute.  And you can't go wrong with Fierce (my most fashionable friend) telling me what to wear and how!

Don't worry, I didn't buy anything.  But I will... in 6 days.  I even got asked out on a date by a nice young homeless man playing a guitar.  He really made my day.  Almost as much as trying on jeans and rock n' roll shirts with Fierce and Fedora!

 

PHOTOS (top lt, clockwise):
Fierce and Mohawk work it. 
Fierce helps Fedora dig through sale goodies.  The view of Venice Beach.  The Anonymous Venice storefront.

Fashion Bargain Shopper Extraordinaire - THANK YOU!

POLKA DOT TOP - Blair Boutique c/o Fashion Bargain Shopper Extraordinaire
RED PANTS - INC c/o Fashion Bargain Shopper Extraordinaire

POLKA DOT SHIRT - Blair Boutique c/o Fashion Bargain Shopper Extraordinaire
DENIM SHORTS - Paige Premium Denim
BOOTS - Forever 21

RED PANTS - INC c/o Fashion Bargain Shopper Extraordinaire
STRIPED SHIRT - Forever 21
BLAZER - Loft

Okay, so a few weeks ago the sweetest thing happened.  Amber Lena at Fashion Bargain Shopper Extraordinaire sent me an outfit just because.  I couldn't believe it!  How nice is that?!  I had been eyeing her outfits for a while now and left a comment that I thought one was cute.  I didn't even look to see if it was my size (since I'm on my shopping fast).  Amber Lena contacted me and said it wouldn't be "shopping" if she gave it to me.  Amber Lena, you really made my month.  And I'm so thankful!

The first outfit is the one Amber Lena put together, and the other two were just ways I decided to mix and match the pieces.  The polka dot shirt is so much fun!  And the red pants fit perfect.  I mean, someone hemmed them and they were exactly my size.

It's so rare that something really nice happens, especially from someone you've never even met in person!  I have to say the blogging community is amazing and I'm really appreciative of how supportive everyone is of each other. 

Definitely check out Fashion Bargain Shopper Extraordinaire!  She's got cute outfits (that she's either thrifted or owned) in all different sizes and for as little as $10!!!  Thanks again, Amber Lena!

p.s. I did a guest post here about married life on Ashley's blog After Nine to Five.  Check it out if you get a chance!

A Mini Vacation

#19 - IBIZA
WHITE DRESS - Mossimo
DENIM VEST - American Eagle
FEDORA - Eugenia Kim for Target
BLACK CLOGS - Forever 21
BELT - New York and Co.
NECKLACE - My grandmother's collection
CUFFS - Made by my mom

Today we are spending the day at the home of my mom, Fair Isle, and stepdad, Henley.  I love coming here because it's like a mini vacation.  I don't know what it is, but I feel like every time I come "home," I seem to revert into a kid.  It's like I become good for nothing. 

When I'm at my own house, I'm constantly chasing after the girls, cleaning up, feeding them and trying to get them out of the house to school, classes, playdates, etc. (phew, I'm exhausted just listing this!).  But I come here and I exercise, thumb through magazines, get fed homemade meals (snacks included!), and take naps.  It's fantastic!

Today I went with a "bohemian lite" look to change it up from yesterday's "Southwestern" one (Okay really, I went through my old looks and saw it's been a week since I wore these pieces - including the shoes - so it's time to wear them again).

And yes, I'm being brave wearing white with the kiddos around.  But like I said, I'm on a mini vacation.  Only thing I'm missing is the margarita (salted, on the rocks) and the cabana boy...but he gets off work in an hour!

LENT and a 30 Day Remix

Today begins Lent and my fasting of all things shopping... okay, not all things, but any clothing slash shoes slash accessories, etc. I know, it's going to be hard, but I can do it (maybe if I keep telling myself that, then I'll start to believe it... right?).

I decided to help me get through this time by doing a 30 day remix (thanks, Kendi!). If you don't know what a remix is, you basically pick 30 items of clothing (shoes included, accessories are not), and turn them into 30 different outfits for 30 days! Cool, right?

I know, Lent is 40 days (actually 46, but you get Sundays off). So I plan to start Monday with my remix, though I've already stopped shopping as of today. Boo hoo. I'll get through it, and I'm sure my credit card bill will be exceptionally smaller, which is good, because then I can do a mega shop for my birthday in April!!! Ayayay, already thinking of shopping and it's my first day “fasting!”

Anyway, I'm trying to figure out what my 30 pieces are going to be and I'm a little freaked out that I won't be able to put together enough outfits or will pick the “wrong” pieces and my outfits will either be boring or hideous.  Here are a few things I'm thinking about using...

 

I'm concerned that I'm using a lot of blue and green.  I think I may add some more color into the mix, and maybe another dress and/or skirt.  Still have a lot more pieces to figure out!

I know some of you have done a remix... Do you have any good tips for me?

More Flattering Tummy-Hiding Clothes

This morning I was lying in bed when Pigtails crawled over with a huge smile and gave me a big fat zerbert!!!  This is probably payback for all the times as a kid I used to "knead" my mom's belly like it was bread dough.  Yes, I have a mommy belly.  It's not huge but when I do something like NOT sit up straight or a yoga plank, it likes to come out for a visit.

And as much as I run and do sit-ups, I may never really get rid of it completely, thanks to my love affair with food (especially carbs and desserts... oh, and I like beer too!).  Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with myself, mommy belly and all, but I do like to try and wear clothes that are flattering.

As a follow-up to a post from a couple weeks ago where my friend, Gingham, asked me to come up with flattering tummy-hiding pieces, I thought I'd offer up a few more ideas...

THE MAXI DRESS.  I'm excited that the maxi dress is a hot trend for spring because not only does it make everyone appear longer and leaner, but it's extremely comfortable.  Either a dark solid color or simple pattern is perfect for obscuring a belly.

DRESS - Charlotte Russe (exact)

DENIM JACKET - Gap (similar)

NECKLACE - hand me down from my grandma

DAISY STUD HEELED CLOGS - Forever 21 (exact)

THE BUBBLE TOP.  Loose but still flattering, especially with the right neckline. A scarf is also perfect for distracting away from the belly.

BUBBLE TOP - Nordstrom (similar)

SCARF - Nordstrom 

JEANS - Goldsign

DAISY STUD HEELED CLOGS - Forever 21 (exact) 

THE PATTERNED BABY DOLL.  Fitted at the top and flaring at the bottom, this is a great way to accentuate the chest and distract away from the mid-section.  Be careful though, you don't want it to cinch too much otherwise you could risk looking pregnant.  

BABY DOLL TOP - Old Navy (similar)

OFF WHITE CARDIGAN - Old Navy (similar)

RED EARRINGS - Forever 21

I wore these polka dots and got to participate in the Everybody, Everywear event!  Super fun (and really nice of Linda at The Auspicious Life to let me participate last minute).

I think the most important thing is to feel good about yourself.  Because confidence always trumps trendy.  And if you feel good, then guarantee you're going to look good too!

Fashionable Ways to Hide a Tummy

Last night I got a huge compliment from Princess Sparkles.  She said, "Momma, this is the bestest food you ever made!"  And with that she gobbled the entire thing up.  I was shocked. 

Usually I force feed (or bribe) her to even take a bite.  It wasn't anything special either, just threw together brown rice pasta, butter, parmesan cheese, leftover broccoli and meatballs.

Anyway, one of my new mom friends, Gingham, asked me if I would put together some flattering tummy-hiding pieces.  Here are a few things I think are really great...

VEST - American Eagle (similar)
RUFFLE TOP - Song of Love (similar)
JEANS - Goldsign
SHOES - Forever 21 (exact)

- RUFFLES (girly layers provide the perfect camouflage)
- VEST (looks stylish while simultaneously hiding any extras you might have on the back and sides)



PLAID SHIRT - Forever 21 (similar)
BLACK TANK - Old Navy (similar)





- BLACK and other DARK COLORED TOPS (always slimming)
- PATTERNS (distract attention away from the stomach, and a button up shirt works similar to the vest, especially when worn open and over another top)

I really think "distracting" away from the tummy is key.  Layers are great too.  Not only are they practical for going to the park (because often it's cold in the shade, hot in the sun) but they also give an outfit dimension and automatically look more "put together."

So go ahead and try it... just throw some pieces together.  Who knows, maybe it'll be like Princess Sparkles and my mishmosh dinner, and you'll look "the bestest ever!"

3 Days, 3 Parties, 3 Dresses

I had a busy weekend.  Three parties in three days (okay, but two of them were really for the girls).  So I have to ask...


CAbi Party Outfit
JACKET - Ann Taylor Loft (similar)
DRESS - from a subway shop in Korea
WATCH - Sprout (exact)
BELT - Forever 21 (exact)
BOOTS - Charlotte Russe (similar)

Is it okay to go to a clothing party (my friend, Chanel, threw a fun CAbi party at her lovely home) and not buy anything because you're poor and in your head you're thinking, "I could buy 8 different things at Forever 21 for the price of this one jacket" (though the CAbi clothes are waaaay better quality)? 

MILITARY JACKET - CAbi (exact)





Well, I did that the last 4 parties (thank you, Chanel, for STILL inviting me because I am the worst guest ever!).  Though to be completely fair, I was pregnant for 2 of those parties, fat from being pregnant for another, and then just plain old cheap for the other one.  However, this time I finally bought something.  A black military blazer (Thanks to my hubby, Camouflage for the V-day gift!  I "needed" one of those).

Saturday Birthday Party Outfit
DRESS - Project E (similar)
HEADBAND - homemade (thanks, Mom!)
BELT - Forever 21 (similar)
BOOTS - Trouve (exact)
PAJAMAS - Carters (similar)


And is it wrong to dress up for a 4-year old birthday party then push your (almost) 1-year old away (okay, "push" is a strong word...it was more like step to the side as she's reaching for me while attempting to walk) because you don't want her greasy little potato chip hands (YES, I let her eat potato chips...don't judge) to get on your new dress you bought from Loehmanns the day before for $12 (it was on clearance and then an extra 50% off!!!)?  She didn't get hurt or anything...at least not bad :)

Bowling Birthday Party Outfit
DRESS - American Apparel (similar)
SCARF - homemade (thanks, Mom!)
WATCH - JC Penney (similar)
BELT - Forever 21 (exact)
BOOTS - Payless (similar)



 

How about wearing the same dress and booties (yes, I'll admit, they were heels) you wore to church to a 3-year old BOWLING birthday party because you figured you weren't going to bowl anyway (but duh, of course I had to get out there and help since my 3-year old can't really do it by herself)?  Just because everyone else was in jeans and sneakers doesn't mean I had to be...right?  (okay, I did almost trip over my booties when I was walking with the big bowling ball over to Princess Sparkles, then got super nervous that I would have to go get her ball when it got stuck in the middle of the alley).  But in the end no one got hurt (meaning me) and I felt cute.  In fact, I think purple and red might be my new favorite color combo...I know, it's so NOT the nude trend but oh well...

***Found a turquoise version of the American Apparel dress for $17 on swirl (here) though got mine for $6 at Loehmanns.

Omakase



V-DAY CELEBRATION OUTFIT
Dress - Peppermint, $10 (similar)
Cardigan - Express, $29.99 (similar)
Purse - B. Makowsky, $89 (similar)
Shoes - Charlotte Russe, $35.50 (similar)



Last night my hubby, we'll call him Camouflage (since I haven't given him a nickname and I know he wants one) and I went for sushi to celebrate V-Day (Yes, I realize it was early, but hey, when you have children you squeeze it in when you can).

Camouflage and I went to our favorite sushi restaurant (we love the chef because even though we only get there maybe twice a year, he acts like he remembers us) and ordered "omakase" which sounds fancy, but literally means, "it's up to you."  Basically the sushi chef makes whatever he wants (he seems to like being "creative," and we like eating it). 

I'm still waiting for my V-day gift (though to be fair, it's not until Monday).  I like giving Camo "help" (aka "wish list") when it comes to my gifts.  That way it's easier for him, I get what I want, and unlike sushi, it doesn't have to be "omakase."

Wow, I Wore 3 Outfits Today!



OUTFIT #1

Running Shirt - Target, $12.99 (exact)

Running Pants - TJ Maxx, $14.99 (similar)

Running Shoes - Asics, $59.95 (similar)

Visor - Adidas, $9.95 (similar)



Being a mom is fun...like when you finally get out to go for a run with your (almost) 1-year old because it's usually the best nap she gets all day but instead of sleeping she decides to throw a fit and in the end you only run a quarter of what you normally do, and end up having to carry your (almost) 1-year old back to the car ( 2 miles!!!). She doesn't nap but she does poop. You have to clean it in the car, you're nearly out of wipes, and it gets on stuff.



OUTFIT #2
Cardigan - Express, $29.99 (similar)
Dress - Last Chance Boutique, $10
Boots - Target, $39.99 (exact)



Later, force yourself to dress cute to 3-1/2 year old's dance class (because, you did decide to write that fashion blog, after all, and what would people think?).  Then try to keep the cute outfit on for the rest of the day.  Get uncomfortable, especially when no one in the house naps but you want to take one so you lie on the couch for 2 minutes (just enough time to fall asleep) and wake to the sound of, “Momma, I have to go poo poo!” You yell, “Can't you do it yourself?” But you know it won't be pretty and it's just better if you get up now and help (though it's best to act like you're “not helping” so 3-1/2 year old feels independent).



OUTFIT #3
Sweater - Thrift Store (Thanks, Mom!)
Shorts - GAP (similar)
Boots - UGG (similar)



Finally, go to the grocery store but wear "Old Korean Man's Sweater" (no really, looked at the tag and it's Korean) your mom bought you from the thrift store because you said you wanted something fair isle and well, it's kinda fair isle-ish.  It's also bright.  Really bright.  If you were lost in the mountains while hiking, this is the sweater you'd want to be wearing.  You consider wearing it with fringe boots, but out of better fashion judgment, decide to keep it simple. 

Realize you were wrong.  Technically it's 4 outfits since you're now wearing flannel pajama pants and v-neck t-shirt, ready for bed.  But won't get to go to bed for a few hours.  Why?  Because although it seems like you did so much today, you really didn't get anything done (is that actually possible?).  Sigh.  Oh well.  There's always tomorrow...