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Changing Clothes for the Changing Season

3 Nov

As I am writing this I am wearing a SWEATER! I am so excited for the changing season so I can begin wearing leggings, boots, sweaters and let’s be honest, sweat pants. I have to clarify that I like the changing of season because I do not live in an area that has crazy cold winters; just another thing to love about California’s mild temperatures!

One thing that is kind of a pain… changing out your closet for the changing of the seasons.I have to admit, I recently cleaned out my closet and it was not as easy as I thought it would be.  I still have some clothes from college (am I really going to wear that tube top ever again- probably should NOT) nor will I be able to wear the bazillions of Texas A&M t shirts I own (but do not have the heart to get rid of). I took several breaks (where I browsed outfits on pinterest put together by people WAY more fashionable than me) during the cleaning process, and would re-evaluate my “maybe keep this” items after a refresher. Following these tips helped me not decide to throw everything I have away and try to convince What Not to Wear that I need to be their newest client… Check out my article over at the USAA Military Spouse Community for tips!

Summer Obsession: Maxi Dresses

28 Jul

Maxi dresses are the BET summer item to throw on for any event. Going to meet a friend for an iced coffee? A summer BBQ? Shopping? Out to Lunch? The maxi dress has you covered (literally!) for all of those events! Here are a few I have my eye on…

SPLURGE: This one is from Anthropologie, a store I must avoid in order to stay within my budget! I really like the pattern, color and shape of this dress, although I will admit paying $158 for a cotton maxi dress is a bit much!

STEAL: This dress is $26.80 from Forever 21! Can’t beat that price! (apparently I am into tribal looking prints!)

STEAL: This dress is from Dillards by Jessica Simpson (who I can’t help but love from the Newlywed days) On sale from $148, now $53! I like tho colors and the one shoulder details!

STEAL: Last but not least the LBD (now, long black dress) classic. I like the detailing in the straps and the simplicity of the dress! This is from Kohls for only $42!

Where are you finding Maxi Dresses this summer!?

I wanna go home with the Armadillos

13 May

Or just wear two of them on this kitschy belt!  What a great way to wrap yourself in a little Texas culture.  Kate Spade  has done it again-I just cannot resist her charms.

Smoochin' 'Dillos

Searching for Sandals

15 Apr

I have been on a quest for the perfect summer sandal.  A sandal that will never let me down.  It needs to match almost all outfits in my wardrobe and keep my feet happy and comfortable.  Here are some wonderful picks that I have my eye on for 2011.

Sprinkler Rush Sandals from Anthropologie

Silvana Sandals from JCrew

Braided T-Strap Gladiator Sandals from Forever 21

*Click on the picture to be sent to the website.

Which sandals do you have your eye on?

Spring Fever

15 Mar

As soon as the weather starts to warm up, I automatically want to pull out shorts, skirts, tank tops and flip flops! I might be getting a little ahead of myself!

Once upon a time (aka last weekend) I excitedly dressed in anticipation for a lovely hike through the Sequoias with our pup Bailey! I put on my unattractive hiking pants and boots, and finished off with a pink work out top (trying to cancel out the blah of the hiking clothes). The two hour drive was beautiful! However, I noticed the temperature slowly dropping…We arrived and could not go on our planned hike because it was SNOWED IN. The story ended happily ever after, thanks to my lack of car cleaning! I knew my untidiness would come in handy at some point! I had a long-sleeved top and a light jacket in the trunk! Whoop whoop! We romped in the snow for a bit and returned home!  I blame all of the wonderful spring and summer ads I am seeing for my weather inappropriate attire!

Enough of the cold weather! Bring on spring and summer!

I am so excited about the new H&M spring and summer collection. Everything is so colorful!

Ann Taylor Loft has some really cute stuff as well. I LOVE that belt! (I don’t buy anything from there until it goes on sale! They frequently have 50%off their sale items!)

Image from AnnTaylorLoft.com

Lemoore’s shopping options are slim, but there is a Forever 21 and Kohl’s!

Forever 21 has me dreaming of summer!

 

 

Image from Forever 21

Lauren Conrad’s Summer Dresses from Kohl’s are affordable and adorable!

Image from Khols.com

Finally, you cannot go wrong with classic denim shorts!

Image from Anthropologie.com

What are you excited to wear as it warms up!?

What’s in a name?

3 Mar

A whole lot, when it comes to OPI nail polish!  This nail polish company has finally released their TEXAS collection.  I have to hand it to their creative team-when it comes to nail polish naming, they are numero uno in my heart.  With clever names like “Austin-tatious Turquoise”, “San Tan-tonio”, and “Too Hot Pink To Hold ‘Em”, who can resist? I think I will just HAVE to snag the tangerine “Y’all Come Back Ya Hear?” to support my Longhorns.  What colors are on your list?

And the Oscar goes to…

28 Feb
The whole world was watching the 2011 Academy Awards last night.  I not only watched the 2 hour show, but spent all day watching the fashion coverage on E! News.  Each year, I love to declare my favorites and then revel in the design and artistry that goes into creating these couture gowns.  Here are my top Oscar ensembles.
1. Cate Blanchett in Givenchy.

Hands down, this is my top pick for best dress this year.  Maybe even all time? Other dresses pale in comparison.  The contrasting elements of the geometric shapes, flowing chiffon, and beading detail are just wonderful.  The keyhole in the back adds a daring touch to a seemingly modest gown.  What a fresh look.

A stunning Cate Blanchett

2. Mila Kunis in Elie Saab.

Love this color.  Love the fabric choices.  Love the draping.  This color is so refreshing.  The lace is not used traditionally or as the focal point, which puts a great spin on the fabric.

A lacy Mila Kunis

3. Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein.

WOW.  Is she not a Grecian goddess in gold? Or a modern day Cleopatra?  Stunning.  This metallic color pairs well with her blonde locks.

A glittering Gwyneth Paltrow

4. Michelle Williams in Chanel Haute Couture.

Michelle never disappoints.  She always picks ensembles that are perfect proportions of feminine charm and graceful elegance.  Her stylish pixie cut creates a modern day Audrey Hepburn feel.

A feminine Michelle Williams

5. Jennifer Lawrence in Calvin Klein.

Jennifer executed this daring color with flying colors.  With only one small bracelet to accent her outfit, she pulls off simple chic.

A neon Jennifer Lawrence

And for the sidekicks:

1. Camila Alves on the arm of  boyfriend, Matthew McConaughey.

A wonderful silhouette that accents Camila’s figure perfectly.  She shines in black.

Camila Alves, stunning in black

2.  Rhea Durham with husband, Mark Whalberg.

The detailing on this blouse was beautiful on the television.  Enough Oscar bling without overdoing it.

A glittery top with a bright skirt

What designer doesn’t want to have their looks on an award winning actress? Or actor, in James Franco’s case…

James Franco in drag

All images via MSNBC

30 for 30: Outfits #1 and #2

4 Feb

Day 1 of the challenge brought a wonderfully sunshiney day to California! I actually wore a short sleeve shirt without a jacket or sweater (for 2 or 3 minutes) and my arms saw the light of day.  It was such an exciting day and a great start to our blogging project.  Briana and Amanda came over and helped me choose THE 30.  We tore apart my closet, (and dirty clothes basket) throwing clothes everywhere.  My yorkie, Gidget didn’t know what was going on.  But she did know there were cheese straws being eaten in the room.  And she almost succeeded in sneaking one or two.

Gidget picking her favorite 30

Everyone has their wardrobe staples.  A few of my staples will be shown in my 30 for 30 outfits.  Jeans play a very important role in my closet.  I have way too many and surprisingly only chose 2 pairs for my 30.  The first day I chose to go with dark skinnies, a tan leather cropped jacket, tan riding boots, and the softest striped t-shirt known to man.  I am loving this leather color right now.  Tan seems to be my new black, and it goes so well with black clothing too.  I can guarantee you will see these leather items with my black turtleneck in the next month.

Day 1 Outfit

Current/Elliot dark skinny jeans, Splendid tee from Anthropologie, tan leather motorcycle jacket from a street vendor in Florence, tan riding boots from Coach, & silver concho earrings from Lucy in Disguise*

*costume shops are GREAT places to look for jewelry.  These earrings were $3 and I have worn them a gajillion times, making them basically free.

***********

Day 2 of the challenge: still sunny, still cold.  I went with my technicolor dreamcoat on this day and a Mexican headband/ear cover to keep me toasty.  This vintage jacket is as loud as they come. And I love love love it.  I live in it.  I wear it wayyy too much. Find one thing that is unique and the epitome of your style and you have an outfit you’ll always love.  Vintage shopping can be a little overwhelming at first, but it can become manageable if you go into a store knowing the styles, colors, eras, etc that you like.

Day 2 Outfit

Current/Elliot dark skinny jeans, vintage Mexican jacket from Feathers in Austin, TX, belt from Anthropologie, booties from H&M, earrings from Forever 21, headband from a Mexican vendor in San Antonio, TX.

Welcome aboard!

3 Feb
 

Kate Moss courtesy of lastatus 

Nautical themes are EVERYWHERE in the fashion world.  From the runway shows to your local Anthropologie stores, designers are all on board with the sea friendly apparel.  I personally cannot get enough of stripes this year.  Thin stripes, thick stripes, colorful stripes, black and white stripes…I’ve been drawn to them like a moth to a flame.  There is something wonderful about a clean, crisp line on a garment.  Red, white, and blue are not just colors for our flag, but colors to wear year round! These colors are always in style.  They are classics that will live beyond trends and seasons.

 

Audrey Hepburn in classic stripes via the Vintage Gal

 

If full blown nautical isn’t your style, try adding this trend to your wardrobe in small amounts with accessories.  Jewelry, hairbands, and shoes are good ways to ease into this trend.  Details as small as gold buttons or bright piping can bring a nautical touch to your outfits.

Welcome Aboard

Click on the above picture to see prices and where to buy these items.

30 for 30: The Game Plan

2 Feb

My rendition of the 30 items I'll be remixing

10 tops

3 pants

1 pair of shorts

2 dresses

2 skirts

4 jackets

2 sweaters

6 pairs of shoes

This list almost looks like a recipe.  Let’s hope it’s a recipe for success, not disaster! I’ll be posting my day to day outfits later.

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