Using the "REAL" Camera Today

Green top: Merona (Target), gray/brown skirt: TJ Maxx, beige tights: George (Walmart), black lace up oxfords: Predictions (Payless)

This morning I broke out the “real” camera, and already I can see the improvement in the quality of photos. I don’t have a tripod yet, so I’m still working on the balancing act of figuring out how to tilt the camera against my bookcase just so in order to capture my whole body in the photo. But I’m pretty happy with the pictures for the most part!

I always feel rather old-fashioned in this skirt, and I’m not sure if it’s the print or just the length and fullness of it. That being said, I don’t feel old-fashioned in a bad way. In fact, I today I chose to pair it with accessories to play up the image. The tights feel almost crocheted to me, and paired with the oxfords, it seems like an English farmhouse vibe.

Do you remember these Brighton bracelets/belts from the 90s? That’s right, I’m bringing them back single-handedly! I can recall lusting after these braided objects…Brighton was the height of couture in my small hometown upon my arrival into high school. I’m so glad I managed to hold on to one of these bracelets with which to reminisce.

Do you ever wear anything in tribute to *those* days?

Dressing inappropriately for a friend's house :)

turquoise tank: Old Navy, white oxford: NY&Co., black skirt: Express

We're having dinner/drinks at a friend's house right now, and I realized that I needed to get a picture of my outfit tonight to post.  Generally my weekend outfits are pretty basic--jeans and whatever top I feel like wearing, but my husband promised me a "night out" tonight, so I dressed it up a little. 

We're about to head downtown (downtown Midland, that is) to try a new bar--The Mahogany.  I'll let you know the consensus.  Don't worry, we're taking a cab!

Eek! Lots of bright colors this way!

yellow t-shirt: Old Navy, pink t-shirt: Old Navy, red flower: flower off of thrifted jacket, red belt: NY&Co., denim trouser jeans: Express, black flats: Walmart

Today I was in the mood to do a little color mixing.  Even though I feel extra casual today in two t-shirts and jeans, I don't mind because its turning into a beautiful (albeit, a little windy) day outside.  I'm glad I'm wearing bright colors in the spirit of my pseudo-spring temperatures.

Close-up:

This is not the first time I've mixed red and pink together, or mustard and red, but it is the first time I've attempted all three together.  I think it works, but honestly, I feel like its fun and casual, so I don't really care...which I think is a definite sign that it "works" for me!

AND, I'm even wearing a bright shiny piece of Christianity (its my ironic cross) to add a little more sparkle, as if the colors themselves weren't enough!! :)

New Booties

gray ruffledy shirt: Cato, white pants: Victoria's Secret, gray booties: Cato, diamonds:  The Husband

(Look, no NY&Co!  Should have saved this for next week! :P)

Another non-exciting outfit, BUT I really wanted to wear this shirt. I bought it a few weeks ago, and still haven’t worn it. I thought at the time that it would look best under a cardigan, but it’s too warm today to wear one, and since it’s Thursday, I can get away with a little more casual look anyway.  And I amped it up a little with some diamonds, which by the way, when you move to a new town and are still trying to meet people, really can substitute for a best friend--at least temporarily.  (Which is in no way a disparaging remark towards The Best Friend, KML, just to be clear.)

(Close up of the shirt--cute!)

Also, I’m wearing my new booties! This is a trend I’ve struggled with accepting for almost a year now. I have been on the lookout for a pair without a ridiculously high heel on them, but was beginning to think that was an oxymoron—booties without a heel. I found these at Cato, and the best part (besides the fun patent gray color and semi-low heel) is that they were on sale for $14! I know that means they’re not real leather and will probably be scuffed and torn by this time next year, but I had come to the conclusion that I wasn’t willing to spend much more on this trend without “testing the waters” so to speak.  Plus, I hate the word "bootie".  I feel ridiculous saying it.

These BOOTIES (ugh) have also worked a miracle. I’m actually looking forward to cooler temperatures next week…because I can’t wait to wear these booties with a dress and some tights! Curse myself for saying it, but I can handle a few more weeks of winter weather…sigh.

(P.S.  This last pic is horrible.  I promise--there was no self-fulfilling prophecy yet--I did not go out and scuff my boots already!  Just one more example in a long line of evidence why I should get off my lazy bum and take REAL pictures, not iPhone shots.)

Short Over Long

purple shirt: Express, white cardigan/shawl: willi smith (TJ Maxx), gray and white pin-striped pants: NY&Co., black mary janes: Payless

Today’s outfit isn’t very creative, but I like the classic lines of it. I needed to wear pants today because I’ve been putting off some filing which requires me to sprawl very ladylike on the floor, but its still pseudo-summer temperatures outside. These pants are very light weight and very comfortable, and this shirt is the kind I always tell my mom that you can wear and feel just as relaxed and comfy as a t-shirt does, but looks a lot dressier.


It hangs just a little low on my waist, which is a perfect concealer for the slight tummy I’ve acquired since the holidays (and since my unofficial ban on the gym, apparently). I topped it with a cropped cardigan shawl that buttons at the center.

Overall, it’s a relaxed look that is perfect for a day of filing on the floor. I did throw on some heels, however, though I was tempted to wear flats since the elevator is broken…that lack of gym going is evident about the time I reach the 5th floor…but I didn’t want the outfit to be too casual. I am wearing a ponytail, after all!

Warm Winter Week (say it three more times)

green and blue shirt: "Plaid" (TJ Maxx), pleated denim skirt: Larry Levine (Ross), pink belt: I can never remember, black shoes: Dustee's / Lubbock

I realize it's not summer yet, really I do. I’m having serious warm weather withdrawals, and I think it's because I moved from Houston in October, when its still basically summertime there (I think the temperatures had dropped to the 90's) to Midland, where we have official seasons. That was quite a wakeup call to my system.


So now, in mid-January, I have this lovely warm front. The high today is 74. Being it's January, and I have experience with West Texas weather, I know this beautiful weather won’t last long, and before I know it, ice and snow and wind will be roaring their ugly, ugly heads again before finally giving way to Spring sometime in late March or April.
So I’m taking advantage of this warm weather and breaking out some you-probably-shouldn’t-be-wearing-that-in-the-dead-of-January clothing. Screw you, Winter.
I got a little picture happy this morning. Can you tell warm weather puts me in a happy mood? Also, this is a big day for me, because I’m not wearing ONE PIECE of clothing that is from New York and Company (or Express, for that matter).

Can you see the ruffledy-pleats on this skirt? They give it some character, but in all honesty, they assist in making my hips look 18 inches wider, too. Thanks, pleats.

A close up of my shirt, which was an odd purchase for me. I’m more of a solid kind of girl, and even my printed shirts are usually more conservative. Plus, the elastic bands on the sleeves kind of bother me. But, I thought it was cute and allowed me to step out of my little preppy box a little, so here ya go. Paired with a pink accessories, of course.

A mini product review for you. My mom uses Head & Shoulders shampoo because she has dry ears. I used H&S the first time at her house, and actually really liked it. I also have a tendency for dry ears (well, only my right one) so I decided to start using it, too. I recently purchased the pink Smooth & Silky H&S, and IT IS AMAZING. My hair is so soft and shiny. I left it straight on purpose (as opposed to being lazy or running late, as usual) to show off how pretty it looked. I even took a picture for you.

Pretty, ain’t it? AND, I haven’t had a haircut since the beginning of October. NOW you’re impressed, huh?

Are you sure you're the same skirt?

brown bow skirt: Moda Int'l (Victoria Secret), white oxford: NY&Co., brown heels: White Stag (Walmart), brown headband: Cato

Glorious beautiful weather!  The temperature is currently 63 degrees and the high is 71 today.  Its supposed to be beautiful all week long!  I try not to complain these days about Fall, because I can break out some of my winter clothes at that time without freezing my butt off (I wish), but I get sick of winter in about one week.  I'm glad for a bit of reprieve from the coats and tights, but by the time the next cold front blows in, its just going to be that much harder to accept!  And I have no doubt another cold front will come in before the throws of winter are finished for this year.  I'll just enjoy my week of pretend-Spring for now!

This skirt is new, and I'm a little disappointed in it.  I've been admiring it for some time (okay, I've been stalking it for years) in the Victoria's Secret catalog, but have always wondered if it was worth springing for the $40 sale price (plus shipping).  Now that I have it in my hot little hands, I still can't answer that question.  I don't think $40 (er, $50) is too much to spend on a skirt, but this one in real life is not quite the same as it is in the catalog. 

See...

A bit sad in comparison, wouldn't you say?

I considered sending it back, but I might try to do some magic with some double-sided tape when I wear it again.  I'll look like that VS model, yet...Bahahahaha.

Pretty gold vintage necklace from my Nana.

I know I look a bit demented here.  I'm still not sure why I didn't crop that terrible face out.  Oh well.  Don't make fun of my hair.  I'm on the lookout for someone here in Midland.  It takes a lot for me to trust someone new with my hair.

P.S.  I'm all caught up on my sleep and feel FABULOUS!  15 hours of sleep on Friday night helped A LOT.

First time at The Hemenway

pink silk shirt: The Limited, black pants: Express, black jacket: The Limited, black flats: Walmart

I'm having too much fun with new friends tonight.  We went to a new place tonight.  It's call,ed The Hemenway and it proports to be a cigar bar, but really its more like the wine bar I always wanted in Midland.

I can't type much because I'm finally...hmmm, forgot what I was going to say.  Anyway, this outfit seemed perfect before I went out--black pants (albiet, tight) and a jacket to go with it.  Love it!

Yummy.  Now for Always Sunny reruns!  YEA!!!!

P.S.  I don't think this is a very good picture, but that's what I think happens when I let my husband be in charge...ugh.

Too Tired!

brown sweater: NY&Co., white and black camp shirt: NY&Co., jeans: Victoria's Secret, belt: NY&Co., brown shoes: Cato

Too tired to write much, sorry.  Anticipating getting some sleep tonight.  Rolling on 2 hours from last night, and about 15 hours from the entire week prior.  UGH.

Pretty Pink Scarf

white sweater: NY & Co., gray wide leg pants: NY & Co., pink scarf: NY & Co., pink heels: Bandolino (DSW)

So much for my resolution not to wear anything from NY & Co.  I'll have to try tomorrow!

This is my normal process for picking out my outfit:  I choose it the night before, and sometimes I have something in mind that I want to wear, and sometimes I glance around my closet until once piece jumps out at me.  If that doesn't work, I'll go to my personal lookbook notebook I have at home with magazine pictures to inspire me.  If that still doesn't help, I'll usually read some of the motivational quotes in there to convince me that its worth the time to put some effort into my look and FIND SOMETHING CUTE!  Sometimes, I'll look to an accessory--a piece of jewelry or some shoes or something I haven't worn in a while, and build a whole outfit around that. 

That's what I had to do in today's instance.  Last night, I swear, I looked in my closet for something to wear for a whole hour.  I checked the dryer to make sure there wasn't something FABULOUS in there...it was empty.  I watched some American Idol.  I went back to the closet.  I sent a text.  I went back to the closet.  I finally remember this scarf, which is the last article I bought in SA that I haven't worn, and jumped up and down that I had something new to wear, no matter how small.  And then the closet shuffle started again.  I tried on about 4 pairs of pants, but nothing looked just right.  My black pants felt too tight, or too short, or were all linty.  I didn't feel like wearing khaki.  I finally decided on these gray pants, but then I had to find a shirt that didn't clash with the scarf and would keep me warm for the cold front I was anticipating coming in today. 

After another 20 minutes of trying on one shirt after another (tucked in, untucked, belted, with an undershirt, with a collared shirt...) I finally decided on this lovely, soft, warm, neutral sweater.  So, my outfit is a little uninspired today--I mean, wow, a bright scarf paired with a white sweater and gray pants..., but I really did put more effort than you know into it.  I did throw in the pink shoes to give myself a little symmetry and to try to make it obvious that I do actually own some colorful pieces, even if they are all accessories in this case.

I'm not as upset as I seem by my outfit, though.  I think it turned out fine.  Especially considering I'm rocking on about 4 hours of sleep again from last night.  Oh, come home, husband!

Gray and white today

Gray dress: Merona (Target), black vest: TJ Maxx, white tights: George (Walmart), black oxford shoes: Predictions (Payless), red snakeskin belt: New York & Co.

Congratulations to myself on 4 consecutive hours of sleep last night, and 6 hours total. I feel more like myself today, and I’m in a good mood thus far because of it. I’ve also had two cups of coffee, so I hope I don’t crash before lunch!

I really liked Londyn’s vest with a dress that she wore last week, so I paired mine with a gray dress today. I was digging through my tights box in my closet and found these white ones that I bought last year. They are the most comfortable pair of tights I’ve ever owned. I actually barely have to struggle to get them on. You’d think I’d wear them all the time, wouldn’t you? Maybe, now that I remember I own them!  What are your opinions on wearing white tights in the warmer months?  Are tights strictly winter wear?

P.S.  The point of this pose was not to point my boobs out as far as I could.  I'm not really sure WHAT the point of it was, but I was feeling skinny in this belt today, so maybe it had something to do with that...maybe...

I bought this belt on my trip to San Antonio at New York and Company with Ashley for $6!! LOVE IT!

And, a tribute to my old Alpha Sigma Alpha, a ladybug bracelet from college that I pulled out. I really need to get some more red jewelry, which I have been saying for approximately 3 years now.

Trying to Look Awake in yellow, black and white.

yellow oxford: George (Walmart), black and white houndstooth skirt: Cato, black boots: George (Walmart), black disco ball necklace: Express

Wow, this is a really inexpensive outfit. I think my necklace probably cost more than the rest of the pieces of my outfit, including my boots! Surprisingly, this oxford is a really nice material for being from Walmart. Its really stiff, and its perfect for popping the collar, which I've done!! :) Next I'll be shopping at Vineyard Vines, watchout!

I've decided that next time I wear this skirt, I'm going to try to mix it with a subtle print. I think I could pull it off as long as it was a bright color with a simple print since the houndstooth is so bold. I'll be on the lookout for that...even if its just a scarf or something...

Still tired! Working on about 9 hours of sleep for the past two days now. UGH! Come home, husband :)

Oscar the Fish

Today is a special post in the sense that I do not look special today! My husband went out of town for a week yesterday, and I DO NOT sleep well when he is not home, at least not the first couple of nights. As such, I got about 4 hours of sleep last night, never picked anything out to wear, and threw on some jeans and a sweater of his today! Oh, the humiliation, now that I've had a cup of coffee and a REAL Coke and the caffeine is kicking in. So, I'm not posting an outfit on here today because everyone would shudder and cringe at the 80s-style jeans, the oversize sweater and the haphazard ponytail I threw up a few hours ago. Fashionista, I am not today.

However, I do have some pretty pictures to put up! I have a new member of my family, and this one is all mine. Meet Oscar, my betta! I set him up in his new home here at my office, and he is full of personality! He is always staring at (admiring) me (and I'm not even dressed cute today--he's going to be so impressed tomorrow!), and when I get up to talk to him, he will swim around his bowl to look at me. We've already had a few games of hide-and-seek. (Oscar always wins.) He in no way feels immasculated because he is pink and purple. That's just how he rolls...er, swims.

This is Oscar.

This is Oscar battling a plant.

Oscar and the air bubble.

Oh hai, says Oscar the Fish!

Go Cowboys!!

blue Cowboys shirt: Walmart, white and blue undershirt: Old Navy, jeans: Express, pink belt: ?, blue drink: Barefoot Bubbly, blue carasao, blueberries

I'm updating this now before I finish my 6th drink of the evening...we're having people over for the first game of the Cowboys. We're in the 4th quarter and winning by a landslide so far, so we're all just enjoying our drinks and having good conversation.

Here's my lovely Cowboys' outfit that I bought last night in honor of our party, and here is a fabulous picture of my beautiful, festive, thematic blue drink!

Isn't it beautiful!!!!! :)

Blog Resolutions

yellow v-neck shirt: Express, cream undershirt: New York & Co., red belt: New York & Co., houndstooth blazer: New York & Co. (I'm sensing a pattern), denim jeans: Express, red and black shoes: Target

I have three goals, or resolutions, if you will, for my blog this year.

1. I'm going to try to be more social on here. I don't have many followers, but I know that's because I don't go out and seek any. I hardly follow anyone on here either, which makes my exposure very limited. My Flickr account is hit often, so I'd like to gather a few more followers on my blog, as well.

2. I'm going to try to wear an outfit a week that doesn't have one piece of clothing from New York & Co. If this blog has taught me anything about my retail patterns, its that I shop at NY&Co. a lot. This may not seem like much of a challenge, but it will be, because the majority of my closet is NY&Co. I just love their pieces, I like their prices normally, and they have the BEST coupons imagineable to help me take advantage of it all! However, this goal should be a little easier to meet this year since the nearest NY&Co to me is TWO HOURS AWAY!! EEEkkkk!!

3. I'm tired of taking pics with my iPhone. They aren't very good quality and I realize that, but my computer at home is dying. I'm going to have to take over the hubby's laptop for my extracurricular blogging activities. Taking pictures with my camera at home requires me to wake up earlier, too, so that I have time to take the pictures and then upload them and at least email them to myself for editing later. This is a long-term, just by the end of the year goal that I plan on concentrating on over a period of time.

The high today is 30, but I didn't even bring a coat to work with me. This houndstooth blazer is quite warm, despite the 3/4 sleeves on it. The socks I'm wearing with these shoes are keeping my toes toasty, too. I love the ketchup and mustard combination of the yellow shirt and red belt, too, and that the black and white in the jacket help downplay the bright color combination and make it work friendly.

Red shoes to match! :)

Brr! It's Cold Out There!

blue sweater: Old Navy, blue button-up: Express, khaki wide-leg pants: Victoria's Secret, brown loafers: Cato


Today I had the cutest little outfit planned, but the problem was just that: It was little! The skirt and thin oxford I had picked out for today will have to wait until next week because it is COLD here! The high today is supposed to be 28, so it was definitely in the teens this morning. Surprisingly, the roads and skies are clear and it’s actually a nice Winter day outside.

This outfit consists of all of my most-shopped stores: the sweater from Old Navy (which really I don’t shop at that often, but seem to have clothes still in my closet leftover from high school…amazing!), the button-up from Express, the pants from Victoria’s Secret, socks from New York & Co., and shoes from Cato. If I just had those few stores, I’d be able to buy clothes for the rest of my life! I think that says something about me, and my goal this year should probably be to incorporate some new stores into my closet, but honestly, I love those stores and don’t want to stop shopping at them! Plus, as you know, I can’t be too picky about where my pants come from, because only a few places have a 36” inseam!

Tonight we’re having some people over for the Championship game. This is pretty much the only time of the year that I root for the Longhorns (which is a back-handed compliment, because in it, I acknowledge that they often go to the Championship game, or at least come close to it.) Good luck, Texas…!

Wearing White in Winter

gray psychedelic-patterned oxford: New York & Co., white jeans: Victoria's Secret, black "cowgirl" belt: Walmart, black boots: Justin

I have a style-inspiration book that I flip open at least once a day. In it, I tape anything that inspires me--from the most simple oxford and pencil skirt combination to something wacky and crazy and colorful that I know I'd never wear...but feel like I can downplay just enough to pull off. There are a lot of makeup looks in there, too--mostly eye makeup since that's really the only thing I play with everyday. I also have inspiration style quotes--many from Audrey Hepburn and CoCo Chanel, but basically anything that I can read and immediately want to feel more elegant, put together, or sexier.

In addition, I also sometimes write down "outfit ideas", but they usually aren't as effective. I did this a lot when I was addicted to Gossip Girl--I'd try to copy down what Blair was wearing to some effect that I thought I could get away with. Unfortunately, if its not visual, I'm not as good at recreating it...or even attempting to.

Anyway, the point is, I was flipping through some earlier entries in my book, and I read:

"Consider buying white jeans. Just consider it!!"

Funny to me now, because I have these white jeans, and I love them! I like that I can wear them during every season. They look great in the summer with a denim halter, and they look good in the winter with a fluffy sweater. Yea for white jeans!!


Disco ball necklace from Express!



"Cowgirl" belt from Walmart -- only $5!

Take a Bow in Bows!

coral bow shirt: New York & Co., black 3/4 sleeve shirt: ?, black and brown striped skirt: Old Navy, black bow tights: New York & Co., black and gold-buckle wedges: Merona/Target

I feel like total, complete crap again today! Luckily, I picked this outfit out last night before I started feeling so bad, or else you know I'd have just tossed on some jeans and a comfortable shirt. I bought these tights this weekend with Ashley, and even if they wouldn't have been on sale for $9, I would have paid almost any price imaginable for them! I'm addicted to bows right now, most likely because of GingerSnap's influence, and these bows are to-die-for! Unfortunately, as with most tights on me, they are a little too short and thus stretched the maximum uncomfortable limit to fit on my long legs. Damn this height!

Emerald is in the background of this picture, and surprisingly didn't make fun of me when I told her about this fashion blog :) Not that I would have cared too much, but still...I need to convince more of my friends to get on blogger!

In All Black

black and white detailed oxford: New York & Co., black pants: New York & Co., black boots: George (Walmart), white belt: White House Black Market


Today I'm either inspired by a magazine picture I saw months ago featuring a mom and daughter and showing moms how to wear their daughter's clothes (it was a short sleeve button up black shirt, black pants, and black boots) or Johnny Cash.


Our weekend was spent in San Antonio visiting my brother and his girlfriend, (and seeing Tech win the Alamo Bowl despite the Mike Leach conspiracy, er, controversy), and Ashley and I ran to the mall while we were there. We didn't spend too much time there, but it was lovely to be back in a city that had stores--namely, New York & Co. I saw this shirt and fell in love with it immediately...and then saw that it was on sale for $19.99!!

(A close-up of the shirt)

Today, I'm happy to be back at work and a structured routine again, and am even going to tackle a spin class at the gym today. Back in shape body, here I come...