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.

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.