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!

 

Black, White and A Goldfish Costume

"Mommy, fish,"

Pigtails said to me as she dragged over her Halloween costume.

I was shocked.  She screamed everytime I put her in it in October.

Pigtails climbed into her costume.  "Zip!  Tie!"

Maybe it was the pet fish Camouflage just bought the girls

or that Princess Sparkles was tootling around in it...

But whatever it was Pigtails wanted to wear her goldfish costume!

POLKA DOT DRESS - Motherhood Maternity (thrifted)
FLOWER HEADBAND, PEARL EARRINGS - Downtown LA
PEARL BRACELETS - Heavenly Treasures
BLACK FLOWER CLUTCH - Nine West
OXFORD T-STRAP HEELS - Forever 21 (thrifted)

SALLY HANSEN XTREME WEAR - Strobe Light
LOVE & BEAUTY (FOREVER 21) - Grey

This is what I wore to my "baby sprinkle" (sort of a mini "baby shower") that my mom friends threw for me.  They were so sweet to celebrate the upcoming little one with brunch and gifts.  I was so honored and had a great time.  My sister, Polka Dots, thrifted this dress for me from GW in Hawaii and I found these shoes at the local GW.  They were new!  The black and white ensemble worked out perfect to link up to "Everybody, Everywear!"

I love wearing black and white, it's such a classic color combo and can be worn anytime during the year.  Kind of like a fishy Halloween costume that might not "work" for trick-or-treating in October but makes a cozy outfit in January!

Thrifted Treasures - Yee-haw!

PURPLE CARDIGAN - Cynthia Rowley (thrifted) - via my mom
BLUE MATERNITY JEANS - Paige Premium Denim (thrifted) - $25
POLKA DOT BOW TIE SHIRT - I Heart Ronson (thrifted) - $2
FUR VEST - Sanctuary via Nordstrom - $50
HAT - Albertus Swanepoel for Target - $20
BLACK MARY JANES - Dr. Scholl's

Monday's Inspiration - Jessica Alba

"Yee-haw!"  Pigtails loves to shout this as she rides her stuffed animals around the house.  The other day I laughed when I found her riding Nemo, wearing a straw hat and waving it around.  She's created her own amusement park to entertain herself!

"Yee-haw!"

This is the outfit I wore to a baby shower at my house last week.  It was cold and rainy that day so I wore lots of layers.  The outfit also works for "Inspiration Monday," hosted by Two Birds, which is Jessica Alba wearing a fur vest and jeans.  The polka dot top, maternity jeans and the purple sweater are all thrifted, and the fur vest is my "go to" from Nordstrom.

Lately I've been scoring at the thrift store, especially with shoes and handbags.  I think it helps I go every week with my mom, Fair Isle.  I love finding a good deal, it makes me want to wave my Albertus Swanepoel for Target hat in the air and yell "Yee-haw!" 

Red and White Polka Dot Cardigan and GS Lillian Statement Necklace

POLKA DOT CARDIGAN - Anonymous Venice (exact)
RED TANK TOP - Target
OLIVE SKIRT - Forever 21
WORKMAN BOOTS - Forever 21
STATEMENT NECKLACE - GS Lillian

Almost 20 weeks pregnant!

My fabulous GS Lillian necklace (THANK YOU, SHELLY!!!)

Pigtails hands me a rock.

"Snuggle!"  It's something my girls say to me daily.  It means they want to cuddle on my bed and I love it (though sometimes it gets complicated when one asks to snuggle and the other one tries to get in on the action).  They each have different reasons for saying it to me.  For Pigtails, she says it because she wants my attention (translation: "Momma, stop blogging and hold me!").  For Princess Sparkles, it's her way of trying to get out of going to bed.  I'll tell her, "time for sleep" and she'll say, "but I want to snuggle with you!"  Of course, it works everytime.

Today I'm wearing my new polka dot cardi from Anonymous Venice.  My girlfriend, Fierce, gifted me with it (I love my friends!).  Whenever I wear red I seem to gravitate towards olive.  I know it's kinda  "Christmas-y" but I like it.  I'm also wearing a gorgeous necklace designed by Shelly at GS Lillian.  I'm obsessed with her pieces and bought a necklace and cuff.  When she accidentally sent me the wrong necklace (this turquoise and red one) she sent me the right piece and let me keep this one!  I couldn't believe her generosity and I'm loving this colorful piece! 

Also, I'm linking up to Silverstyle's "Trending Through The Decades: Polka Dots."  It's a really fun way to check out how people of different ages style this fabulous trend!  So if you have some polka dots you're dying to wear (or if you just wanna check out how others are styling them) then check out Silverstyle!

Anyway, I'm really trying to accessorize more.  There's something about a statement necklace that really makes an outfit and GS Lillian has some of the most beautiful stuff.  Shelly even has a "sample sale" where you can get some of her pieces for a serious steal ($20!).  Everytime I go there, I want to buy something.  It's kinda like when Princess Sparkles or Pigtails ask me to snuggle, I just can't help myself!

Mixing Prints - Stripes and Florals

FLORAL DRESS - Old Navy
STRIPED BLAZER - Loft
PINK SHOES - Seychelles
WATCH - DKNY
LARIAT - Gift (Thanks, Lashes!)

Today I took Princess Sparkles and Pigtails on a watermelon tour at Tanaka Farms.  It was an hour away but it was so worth the trip.  The girls had so much fun riding in the cart pulled by a tractor as we got to stop and try the freshest vegetables and fruits along the way.  Pigtails even ate a raw green onion bulb, which really surprised me.  I've never seen the girls eat veggies like this, let alone raw ones!  I think it was worth driving and paying for the tour just to have the girls eat fresh, organic vegetables!

Pigtails enjoying melon

This week is going to be a fashionably challenging one.  Literally.  There are so many fashion challenges going on that I actually have to try and do two at the same time on a few of the days!  But I have to say it does make getting dressed a lot of fun. 

Since I did "Inspiration Monday" yesterday, I went with the "Summer Trends" challenge presented by Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki, of mixing stripes and florals.  I went with my Old Navy floral dress that I got on clearance for $6 and the striped jacket from the Loft which I've really come to adore.

Anyway, I gotta say even though it's not always easy to participate in these link ups and challenges, I do always have a good time and in the end I'm so glad I did it.  Kind of like taking the girls out on a tiring but fun day of eating vegetables!

***Enter my giveaway and get 15% off when you shop at Jaclyn1423 with code 14spinningthreads23!

Menswear - Inspiration Monday

RED BUTTON-UP - Brass Plum (found in Polka Dots' closet)
SILK NAVY TIE - Verugia (Camouflage's)
BLACK MENSWEAR VEST - CAbi
ROSE/SILVER MENS STYLE WATCH - DKNY
VINTAGE PURSE - Thrifted (Thanks, Mom!)
NAVY/PINK/RED HEELS - Charlotte Russe

Pigtails is a comedian.  She loves to crack up Princess Sparkles.  In the bath tub she'll make faces and funny sounds just to make her sister laugh.  Of course her sister may be laughing at something else, but it doesn't matter.  Pigtails also thinks farts are funny, and laughs whenever she does one.  The other night I asked Princess Sparkles why she was laughing so hard in the bathtub and she said Pigtails "was an alien." 

Today's "Inspiration Monday" from the ladies at Two Birds is menswear.  I've been getting a lot of practice putting together these types of outfits, thanks also to Friday's Bloggers Do It Better.  I'm actually starting to really enjoy this look (though I still have to get Camouflage to do the tie for me).  There's something strangely sexy about women wearing men's clothes.  However, I'm not sure about the reverse (though I bet some people would disagree with me) because I don't think I'd enjoy seeing Camo dressed in my clothes (plus I'd be afraid he'd stretch them out!).

Despite feeling good in the menswear, I asked Princess Sparkles if I looked good.  She stared at me for a while then gave me a very timid, "yeah."  I looked at her for a moment and asked again.  She looked at me, shook her head and said, "no, Mommy."  Princess Sparkles probably thinks I look like an alien!  Oh well.

"One Lovely Blog" Award

Today I got up early and rushed to get the girls out the door  for preschool when suddenly I realized... Princess Sparkles is on spring break (okay, it wasn't suddenly but THREE people had texted me that morning to see if we wanted to hang out and all mentioned spring break and then a light bulb finally went on in my head). 

Wanting to not "mess up" my routine (which basically consists of a morning run), I decided to pull out the double stroller and go for a run with my cousin, Leopard, who I hadn't seen in quite a while.  Leopard had offered to push one stroller, but unfortunately I only had an umbrella stroller and that would so be a mistake to jog with.

But let me tell you about another mistake.  Pushing a double stroller (NOT a jogging one, despite the brand being "Baby Jogger") with two girls, stuff (including LOTS of snacks and waters) and plenty of stuffed animals.  It only weighed about, I don't know, 80 lbs!!!  Somehow I managed to finish the 4-1/2 mile jog but I must've been burning more calories than usual since the entire way back all I could think about was eating a huge cheeseburger!

Anyway, GretchTM awarded me the "One Lovely Blog" Award, which I am so very honored to receive.  Her blog is fantastic, she has such a classic, simple style that I wish I could replicate.  Thank you so much, Gretch!

I have to post 7 random things about myself, so to keep it interesting and in the fashion theme, I decided to tell you what I love about each of these dresses I bought today (YES I BOUGHT 7, but I had to entertain the girls somehow, so OF COURSE I took them to TARGET!!!  And since they won't let me try stuff on without going nuts, I decided to buy ALL these dresses, try them on at home, then return the ones I don't want).  So do me a favor and let me know which are your favorites, okay?

1. I love to wear black, especially in family photos, because it's always flattering even when I forget to suck in my stomach!



Alice Temperley for Target



2. I have an obsession with stripes and would pretty much buy anything (yes, anything) in this pattern.



Libertine for Target



3. My sister, Polka Dots, didn't realize she had so many polka dot clothes until I gave her the blog nickname.



Zac Posen for Target



4.  A skinny red belt is one of my favorite accessories (I have 2!) because it gives just the right pop of color.



Jonathan Saunders for Target



 5. I love animal print and own a pair of cow boots (not to be confused with cowboy boots - hope they make a comeback!)



Rogan for Target



6. If I had to pick a favorite "uniform," it would be a plaid shirt and jeans (followed closely by shorts and boots).




Luella Bartley for Target



7. I always love the bohemian look.  It's probably my favorite style in the magazines and I wish I wore it more.



Jovovich-Hawk for Target



So here are the blogs I'd LOVE to pass this award along to:

Tara at This Life, Redefined, Lei at White Sky Project, Mrs. J at Watch Me Dress, Rosy of Raindrops on Rosy, Claire of My Little Life, Sunny Days and Starry Nights, Andrea Grace of Always Say Grace, Jane of Love Makes the Girl, Emily of Tinfoils Tiaras, Sophie at Country Girl Does Norfolk, Ashley at Free Honey, Jenn of The Suburb Experiment, Khla at Next Happiness, Heidi at Heidi-and-Seek,  and Lacy at Uphill & Smiling.

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!