Good Riddance 2009.

Cream & Gold shirt: New York & Co., denim trouser jeans: Express, snakeskin belt: New York & Co., black and gold wedges: Merona/Target

I am giving a big farewell and good riddance to 2009. This has been with no doubt the worst year of my life (beginning with the "fall out" in January and ended with the firing of Mike Leach yesterday), and I am anxiously awaiting beginning 2010 with a brand new attitude!

My only New Year's Resolution this year is to remember to breathe. I am determined to begin creating a stable and secure house, home and environment for Tommy and me.

Here is my cream and gold-flecked shirt which I wore in honor of the holiday. I was on the floor coloring maps all day, so jeans were necessary, but I wanted to add a little flare with some sparkle, and this sweater is incredibly comfortable.

Adding a little more bling with a diamond necklace from the husband, and a snakeskin belt that goes with anything!!

Long Live Captain Mike Leach!

Gray wide-leg pants: New York & Co., white and black striped shirt: Ann Taylor, green argyle vest: Tweeds (TJ Maxx), black mary janes: Payless

I claimed I was going to try to be better with this blog, but my day was distracted by the news of Texas Tech University firing Coach Mike Leach. I realized today that I am a Mike Leach fan over a Gerald Myers and Guy Bailey fan, and it is going to be hard for me to support the university while they are still in the administration. I think the way Mike Leach was treated during this entire debacle was a disgrace, and I am embarrassed to be a fan right now. I hope I am able to get over it, move on, and watch while Leach goes on to bigger things, but right now the bitterness is quite frustrating to me.

So, here's my outfit for day.

A Pitiful Excuse

coal green pants: Victoria's Secret, purple sweater: Gap, black loafers: Etienne Aigner, purple socks: ?

I feel like I've been half-assing this blog lately, for which I apologize. Hopefully after the New Year, I'll be feeling like my old self again. I've had so many issues lately--last week I visited three different ERs. I found out a while ago that I was pregnant, but then I miscarried at 10 weeks. The miscarriage brought its own set of complications, but I went to the doctor this morning, and they believe they can give me a clean bill of health...at least once my blood tests come back positive.

Tommy and I are resting assured that the timing wasn't right, and we've decided to wait a while before we start trying to get pregnant. I can spoil with Kimberly's baby in the meantime...although I haven't been too good at spoiling her lately...I expect 2010 to be a better year that involves time for those I love and like.

None of that had much to do with my outfit, so here's my post for today. This sweater is one of the few things I own from the Gap, though I can't honestly say why that is. I've mentioned on here before that I feel like Banana Republic is just a more expensive version of the Gap...but that's not entirely true. BR is also tailored towards more adult pieces--I would say more towards a working crowd than Gap is. Gap by definition should be the greatest store on earth to me, since its a place for young, preppy twenty-year olds. Usually when I go in there, however, I just leave disappointed. This sweater caught my fancy, though, because its quite cuddly. And my fixation with VS pants is easy. They come in 36" inseams!

I know this picture is blurry, but these are the warmest wool socks! And they go perfectly with my outfit!!

Christmas Eve / Back at Work

black cowl neck shirt: New York & Co., gold tweed skirt: gift from Mom & Dad (New York & Co.), black and gold lace heels: Fioni (Payless), black and gold printed camisole: New York & Co.

Man, I feel like crap today. I woke up this morning with a sore throat and felt like I was dying. I slept as late as possibly could since I probably OD'd on Nyquil last night, and then got up and dressed in a hurry. As I say, the secret to convincing yourself to get up and go to work is to get up and get dressed, so I tried to wear something dressy and cute. This skirt is from Mom & Dad, who stumbled upon a NY&Co. store closing in Austin, so I have a matching blazer, too. Love it! I initially had this shirt tucked into the skirt, but it pretty much cut me in half at the waist, so I didn't like it. Untucked it is! I wish this shirt wasn't quite so long so the lace from the cami could poke out a little.

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Turquoise shirt: New York & Co., denim skinny jeans: Express, gold belt: vintage (g-gma's), cognac boots: X-Appeal (Rack Room Shoes)

This is what I wore Christmas Eve. My family has a big Christmas Eve party at my parents' house, and its a pretty casual event. Since I was still feeling a little down from being in the hospital all last week and was taking chances just by traveling four hours to see everyone, I tried to look cute but most importantly...comfy.

Back at work...sigh

This post will be a little different today...

I was extremely busy at work on Friday, so I never had time to post my outfit for the day up. It wasn't that entertaining, but I wanted to make sure I got it up eventually, because I felt like a total frump last time I wore this shirt, and this time, I didn't feel as bad. I nearly got rid of the shirt after the last time, but I'm glad I didn't because it looked okay this time paired with jeans.

jeans: Express, shirt: New York & Co., shoes: Walmart, belt: New York & Co.

Saturday, we attended my company Christmas party in Ruidoso, NM. It was wonderful! Here's the view from our room:



Inn of the Mountain Gods, Ruidoso, New Mexico.

I did manage to snap one picture of my outfit, even though its not very clear.

Dress: some shop in Waco, pink shrug: New York & Co., black heels: Chinese Laundry, black flower: Cato, pearls: vintage (from G-Gma)

I'm not posting my outfit today. I've been on a little bit of hiatus this week because I've been to the ER three times since Sunday. On the way back from Ruidoso, I had some complications with an issue I've been having anyway, and had to stop at an ER in the middle of nowhere--Lovington, NM. They eventually sent me to the Hobbs ER for surgery...who sent me home to Midland. I came to work on Monday for a little bit, and then ended up at the Midland ER Monday afternoon. I was finally released yesterday around 4:00, and I'm back at work today, with the hope that I can make it through the day and then relax some over the holidays. Needless to say, I'm basically wearing scrubs--jeans and a black sweatshirt, and I'm too pale to put my face online today.

Maybe I'll gather some energy later. Maybe I'll go into details later. Maybe not...

Tired today...

Turquoise skirt: New York & Co., black turtleneck: Old Navy, white belt: White House Black Market, black boots: Walmart.

I'm too tired to write today. I just got home from work 40 minutes late and skipped lunch today. I feel like I got a lot accomplished though...just tired! My feet are killing me from these boots, too.

Fun bracelet!

I was proud of my eye makeup this morning...

Wearing clothes that don't fit properly makes me uncomfortable. --Confucious

Pink sweater: Ralph Lauren Sport, green button-up: Express, black tab-buckle pants: Victoria's Secret, pink and black heels: Liz Claiborne

I'm not very happy with my outfit today. I know that it looks okay, but everything about it just feels off. These pants don't really fit correctly--they're almost too short, and they're baggy in the butt a little (especially by about 3:00) but I'm glad I haven't gotten rid of them yet, because I'm having some weight issues and they're the only pair of black pants I can comfortably fit into right now. Rest assured, there is a medical reason for this weight issue, and I hope it all goes back to normal in the new year...Ugh.

I've never been a huge fan of this sweater either, but it wasn't cheap, and I feel like I need to get some use out of it. It is also too short for my torso, and so I tried to remedy this by putting a button-up underneath it to balance my body out. I think it helped for the most part, but overall, the outfit is just a little blah for me.

My shoes help, though. I still haven't managed to wear these in a creative way (I always match them) but this time I threw in some green, so at least I branched out a little bit!

Jeans when I wanna!

Skinny jeans: Express, Fuschia sweater vest: Express, Silk bow shirt: Merona/Target, amazing yellow belt: Nine West/Ross, navy socks: Cato, brown shoes: Cato

Today is a little chillier than yesterday, so I had to readjust the outfit I picked out last night. I was originally going to roll these pants up a little and pair them with gray flats, but it was a little too cold for bare ankles. I was going to be brave and wear these socks with the gray flats and still roll up my jeans, but I was just too undecided to do it this morning. Maybe I'll be brave enough to try something like that on a "casual" Friday.

Did anyone watch the Sing-Off show last night? It was mildly entertaining, but this is coming from a huge American Idol fan who was slightly annoyed with their jumping off of Fox's show to advertise their own, plus the repeatitive announcement that THEY ARE NOT USING INSTRUMENTS! Anyway, there was a group of BYU students called Noteworthy on there last night, and I though their outfits were absolutely ADORABLE! I nearly wore something similar in honor of them, but decided to wait. And now that I think about it, the colors aren't the same, but I guess I am wearing something comparible...

DAMN BOWS. One day I will learn how to tie a bow on myself that looks correct.

Feeling sexy on a Monday

leopard-print mock turtleneck: Express, green sailor-style pencil skirt: Express, nude heels: Bandolino/DSW, sweater: No Boundaries/Walmart

Felt like dressing up in some business attire today for no reason other than I knew I shouldn't be up and down on the floor and get to sit behind my desk most of the day. I've been on the phone trying to set up a plumber all morning because our toilets were overflowing all weekend--how fun is that? Hoping to start on some real work soon!

This pose is dedicated to My Nana because it was the way she posed in almost every photo I have of her...and I know she would approve of this sexy little outfit!

Look at the fab zipper on this skirt!

More InStyle for you

jeans: New York & Co., white oxford: New York & Co., red belt: New York & Co., black cowboy boots: Justin's; purple feather earrings: Aldo

Today's outfit is inspired by Eva Longoria's cool casual look on the cover of The New Secrets of Style. I usually like these jeans a lot in a cool 80s kind of stonewashed denim thing, but I didn't love it with the white oxford. I'd like a little more contrast in my top and bottom.

The good thing about pale colors...what better palette to show off purple feather earrings? Love it!

How to Beat Depression.

gray dress: Merona/Target, black tights: Walmart, black oxford shoes: Predictions/Payless, black jacket: Cato

What's the best way to deal with bad news? Dress up, of course. I've found new inspiration in the following pages of InStyle's The New Secrets of Style.


Today's outfit was inspired by Gwynie:

And me:

How freaking cute are these tights?

Working Through Lunch

Black cardigan: Sweaterworks/TJ Maxx, red knotted shirt: Express, gray and silver striped pants: New York & Co.

I'm working through lunch today because I have a doctor's appointment I have to leave a little early for this afternoon. I'm taking the time to eat a sandwich really quickly here though (yum!) and thought I would update this while doing so.

I had to wear some form of pants today because I've been up and down on the floor marking federal land sales, but I didn't want to look like I was slumming at my doctor's appointment so I broke out these pants. They are probably more of a winter fabric than a summer fabric, but I tend to wear them all year long because they are loose and comfy. I never feel particularly stylish in them, but they just feel like lovely lounge pants for work! Plus, they come out of the dryer wrinkle-free, so I rarely have to iron them!

And who could resist throwing on some color-coordinated ladybugs when given the opportunity?!

So Busy!

orange sweater: Mossimo/Target, brown skirt: TJ Maxx, cream/brown belt: Ross, brown equestrian boots: Old Navy; brown & cream houndstooth coat: Anne Klein/Burlington

I was super busy at work today and couldn't find the time to update this blog. Its now nightime and I'm laying in bed with the laptop and wanted to post this up before I got too far behind (its a slippery slope). I relished in the fact that the weather was supposed to be in the upper 60s today and went with just some really tall socks and bare legs! I wore a heavy coat and scarf just to be safe though! Luckily, it did indeed warm up some since yesterday!!

Purple velvet pants!

Purple velvet pants: Victoria's Secret, purple & silver striped oxford: New York & Co., black silver tab belt: New York & Co., black mary janes: Lower East Side/Payless




You have to be feeling pretty confident to pull off purple velvet pants, and I was feeling so today! I had a wonderful day at work--the new girl finally came and took over in the receptionist position, and I got to move to my office and start doing some official work. I spent most of my afternoon reviewing some land files and setting up a powerpoint presentation.


The high was supposed to be 54 today, but it only got up to about 31!! BRRR...its cold in here!

Snowy Day!

Yellow Checkered Oxford: Old Navy (thrifted), Denim skinny pants: Express, Green striped tank top: Old Navy, brown equestrian boots: Old Navy, brown and cream houndstooth coat: Anne Klein, seafoam green scarf: gift (almost all of them are!)

Today it snowed for the first time this year--apparently all over the state! Its sunny and snowy right now outside as I type. I'm really busy today, but wanted to get this up while I had a little free time. Yea for Fridays, and yea for snow days (even if my office isn't closed and my husband's is :P).

Argyles and Stripes Probably Don't Count as Pattern Mixing, but its cute!

Jeans: London Jean/Victoria's Secret, Argyle sweater: New York & Co., Striped bow shirt: Old Navy, black boots: George/Walmart, Black tab belt: New York & Co.



I felt like wearing jeans today (its still cold) and what freedom to be able to do that here at this job! I don't think anyone would say anything if I wore a t-shirt and jeans to work everyday (but you know better than that).

I usually don't like this sweater very much because its a little large, but I love it with this shirt underneath it! I debated on whether I should untuck the bow's tails out of the collar, but decided that I had never worn this striped shirt with the bow tails tucked in, and I liked it with this shirt that way. I went through an argyle phase about a year ago and now have about 4 sweaters to show for it! (That's why they're all the same season--sweaters!)

Tall black boots are keeping my toes toasty today, too! From what I'm hearing on the weather, snow is likely tomorrow, so it will probably be boot weather again!

Casual Cardigan day

Leather jacket: Gap (a million years ago), gray cardigan: New York & Co., pink silky print shirt: New York & Co., white pants: London Jean/Victoria's Secret, black mary janes: Lower East Side/Payless, black necklace: Express

These pictures are terrible, I know! Damn self-portraits on the iphone!!

Because this office is so casual, I don't feel guilty at all for wearing these pants. They are a cross between a pair of chinos and white denim jeans--the material is a little dressier, but the fit and design is definitely more casual.

Its a little warmer here than yesterday, but still cold. The main difference is that it isn't rainy and as windy, so it doesn't feel as bone-chilling! This cardigan is pretty much perfect for me to get through the day. There is a girl here at work who is always dressed cute, and she has inspired me to wear socks with my mary janes. I might never have considered it without seeing her do it first, but it just looks so cute!!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

black cowl neck stretchy shirt: New York & Co., pink jersey tank top: Old Navy, gray pin-striped skirt: Merona/Target, purple tights: Banana Republic, black oxford heels: Predictions/Payless, black coat: Via Spiga


I am glad it waited to get REALLY cold until I was getting out of the aforementioned fashion slump. The thought of putting on tights was a bit daunting this morning, but now that they're on, I feel so cute and warm! Let me explain: when you are six feet tall, and the majority of that height is leg, tights and panty hose are not very comfortable. I just realized about 6 months ago that not everyone had this problem. When I put on tights, I have to streeeetch them up to my thighs, and then start over again at the foot and stretch each part of the tight until it is at its maximum limit in order for each leg to reach all the way to my waist. If the tight gets twisted slightly, it is quite uncomfortable. I don't know what made me realize that people withOUT a 36" inseam probably didn't have this problem, but I do envy them for their tight-wearing comfort. These are from Banana Republic and more comfortable than most. Walmart also sells a brand that is sometimes long enough (and sometimes not). I'm on the search for extra-long tights! By the way, the tights I'm wearing today are shiny purple, not black. Its hard to tell in the picture. Maybe this close up is better:

Yellow and Blue make Cute!

Khaki pants: Victoria's Secret, Blue and Light Blue Striped Oxford: Merona/Target, Blue dotty socks: Cato, blue loafers: Rangoni, yellow belt: Nine West/Ross

Ugh! Vacation over! I'm starting Week 2 of my new job, and still trying to adjust...still to a new house, a new town, a new job, a new state of mind. I feel my fashion bug coming back to me...albeit slowly, but its coming. I was in quite a fashion funk there for a little bit.

Normally I save khaki pants for a "dressier casual" day--like a Thursday, but this office is casual all the time. Lots of people where jeans everyday. Well, you know I'm not going to do that, but I certainly don't feel guilty in khakis on a Monday. Half the office is still out on vacation anyway!

A long time ago, I bought a mustard yellow skinny belt from Walmart. Because it was from Walmart and only $3, it broke quickly. I LOVED that belt though, because you can make mustard yellow work with almost any other color it seems! So, I have been on the lookout for a similar belt, and finally found one at Ross when we moved here...for the low low price of $8! The best part of that $8 price tag is the price cut from $32, so I expect it to last a little longer than the Walmart one did!

And look, new cutesy socks from Cato because of the cooooold front that came in! :)

Happy Day Before Thanksgiving!

Gray and pink argyle shirt: Rue 21, dark denim jeans: Express, white polo: Target, black loafers: Etienne Aigner

There isn't anything too creative about this outfit, but I'm finding myself lacking in style creativity lately. There is a girl who dresses very cutely here at work (at least she has the last three days) so I'm going to have to step it up a little starting next week. Today is only a half day here at work, and I'm going to be up and down on the floor coloring some geographical maps, so comfort was key. Its also a little chilly here (though nothing what you would normally expect for a West Texas Thanksgiving). I'm really looking forward to seeing my family and stuffing my face with Thanksgiving dressing. YUM-O!

First and second day of new job

Pink sweater: Old Navy, light blue oxford: Banana Republic (thrifted), brown pin-striped skirt: New York & Co., beige heels: Bandolino, multi-colored necklace: great-grandmother, Memaw's

This necklace is vintage: it was my great-grandmother's!
I decided it was okay to go a little dressier today. I wanted to wear a skirt, but a cold front came in last night, and I didn't want to pull out any tall boots just yet. I opted to be warm on top so I'm wearing this normally kind of itchy sweater over and oxford. I have been the perfect temperature all day!

Turquoise shirt: Ross, black pants: New York & Co, snakeprint belt: New York & Co., black open toe kitten heels: No idea

This is what I worn on the first day of work. It was a little chilly, and I had been warned that this was a "casual" office, and that jeans were the norm. Well, of course, I'm not going to wear jeans everyday, but I wanted to pick something that could balance the line between business casual and slumming in denim. :P As it turns out, lots of people were in jeans, but there were some in dress pants too, and one lady in a skirt, so I didn't--nor will I--feel out of place in a dressier outfit.