Its the Little Things

Yes all the little things about your outfit can really make a difference. For the most part I tend to dress pretty simple with some detail that will stand out. That way I can avoid buying things that are super trendy and focus on clothing items I can wear for several seasons. Here are some little details I have been recently sporting.

This is the color I am currently wearing. Its this perfect pinkish brown color I like. It really reminds me of my fave lip liner. I originally purchased this to fill my current crave for mannequin hands, buts its a little darker than that. But that's OK because I really like this color on me. It is OPI "Barefoot in Barcelona".



I am currently in love with this panther ring I recently purchased from Forever 21. Its silver with a bunch of rhinestones all around. I think the edgy ring adds a little bit of toughness to the plain black and white shirt and jeans I was wearing on casual Friday at work.

Here I am wearing the Ann Taylor Loft waterfall tee that I got at a great discount during the holiday season. It ended up only costing me about $8 for the shirt. It was so cute I had to buy it in a bright pink as well. I love the ruffles on the shirt. I can never have too many ruffles :) Here I paired it with black Express slacks, light pink Forever 21 cardigan, and a black skinny Target belt.

I also wanted to take a moment to mention these two lovely ladies who gave me an award on their blog. Its this little acknowledgements that make my day and make me want to keep blogging.

This Kreativ Blogger award was given to me by Rebecca from Mustangs and High Heels. She asked me to share some random facts about myself, but I did that not too long ago which you can read here.

I also received the "Easy on the Eyes" award from the lovely Andi at Saltwater Dreams. Andi always has great fashion and beauty advice.

What are your favorite little details to add to your outfits? Do you like to accessorize?

I finally found a great gift for my giveaway, now I just have to get to 100 posts and think of what type of contest I will have for it.

Currently Listening to: Soundtrack to my Broken Heart - Mario

I have my reasons

...for being absent. My computer was off to get updated (which is running much faster these days) and I have had a few things going on that have kept me busy. 2010 already seems to be an interesting year for me.

I wanted to show you all an fairly simple outfit I wore out to dinner with friends one night.

Tee and Skirt: Forever 21, Necklace NY&Co., Tights: H&M

This past month I have realized that my "go to" outfits seem to be a skirt with a long sleeve tee and a statement necklace (and if its cold I will add on a cardigan). I don't know what it is but I keep coming back to this type of outfit. Even when it rains, I substitute my heels for some boots because I don't like wearing pants and getting them wet.

I picked up this fun nail polish from Ulta last week when I went on a mini shopping spree. It is from Essie's spring line called Lilacism, a fun pastel-y purple.

The real color is little more "purple-y" than the picture. I am really feeling pastel colors and nude "mannequin nails" this spring.

Image from alllacqueredup.com

I am really loving the OPI color featured in the above image which is "Tickle My France-y".

Do you have a "go-to ensemble" or item? If so, what is it and how often to you put it together? What do you think about "mannequin hands"?

I Wanted to Love You

That is exactly how I felt about the Rodarte for Target line. I fell in love with a few pieces when I saw the pictures online so I bought 2 dresses not too long ago, but then after trying them on, I wasn't impressed. I purchased these the week before Christmas and the store was so hectic I decided to just purchase them and try them on at home.

I REALLY wanted to love this dress because it had bows and lace, but it really did nothing for my body type. Now I am not well endowed in the chest area, but it made me look really flat chested.

Now this next one worked better for me. I think it looks really cute with the lace pattern and the chiffon edging, but I really wish it were an actual lace overlay instead of just a pattern on the polyester fabric.

I don't think I will be keeping the lace patterned dress because I just don't feel that the material is worth the price.

What did you think about the Rodarte for Target line? Did you like and purchase any items? Or did you feel like me that it was all hype with nothing much to back it up?

Christmas and After Christmas Goodies

I love Christmas time because it means lots of family time and lots of eating, but I am kind of glad they are over because I need to start watching what I eat again and all these sales are not good for my wallet. Its been pretty cold here in Texas, well at least for me, and most of my winter outfits are pretty "blah". I'm sure you have noticed the lack of outfit posts.

Anyway I didn't take a picture of my Christmas outfit for a post so I had to crop myself out of a larger pic for you guys to see. Yes, I am aware that is ghetto.

Everything is from Forever 21 except for the tights from H&M.

I am in love with the necklace I am wearing. It is such a gorgeous statement necklace and can really spice up a rather plain outfit.

One of my little cousins got me these cute house slippers from Target. Apparently they are a look-a-like of a Juicy Couture pair. As long as they are cute and keep my feet warm I am happy :)

I also got some jewelry and a dress from my sister, a super cute apron from a good friend, and a neck warmer thing from another good friend.

I didn't really find anything with the after Christmas sales except some work shoes and a pair of booties. I never really liked the bootie trend, but the more I see it the more I like it. I'll post about them when I receive them. I also scored this super cute blazer from Ann Taylor Loft. They were having an additional 25% off. I tried to look for a picture on their website, but couldn't find one.

I love the ruffle detailing around the collar and how it flairs out a little at the bottom.

Any of you ladies score some great after Christmas deals or get anything you really wanted? I would love to hear about it :)

Ladies, if its ugly...its ugly!

I have to say that I love Tim Gunn and when I found out he was getting his own fashion help show a few seasons ago I was thrilled. I just about died laughing when I heard that he said "Ladies, if its ugly....its ugly!". Tim's honesty is sometimes crazy funny. If any of you haven't seen his show, Tim Gunn's Guide to Style, he helps teach women how to shop and gives them a list of the 10 essential items they need in their closet.

Basic Black Dress
Trench Coat
Dress Pants
Classic Shirt
Jeans
Any Occasion Top
Skirt
Day Dress
Jacket
Sweatsuit Alternative

I think this is a great starting point for anyone trying to revamp their wardrobe. Stick to classic pieces that you can wear any time, even in 5 years. One other thing that is mentioned on the list that he heavily emphasises is the right undergarments. Wearing the right size bra can really make a difference with your appearance and confidence.

Here are 4 of my classic pieces. My shoes are not on Tim's list, but a pair of classic black pumps should be.

Trench: NY&CO, Shirt: Banana Republic, Belt & Necklace: Forever 21, Jeans: Citizens of Humanity, Shoes: BCBG

Oh and the necklace isn't on that list, but its one of my favorite necklaces. Sorry for the bad photos again, but I think its time to retire my old point and shoot camera. I sold my old beginner dslr (which was small) and I am way too lazy to pull out my new dslr camera to shoot outfit photos. I wonder if hubs will mind me taking outfit pictures with his point and shoot. hahaha wishful thinking.

Since I am on the subject of classics, this is one of my favorite red nail polishes that can be worn at anytime. Its OPI's "Bastille My Heart", which I think was part of the "Collection de France". After I took this picture I realized I forgot to clean up the mistakes. There goes my laziness again, oh well.

Do you think Tim Gunn's list is a good list to go by? What are your favorite "go-to" pieces that will never go out of style? Any pieces you have that should be on Tim's list?

Currently Listening to La Roux - In for the Kill

The Compromise

Everyone says the hardest thing about being in a relationship is the compromise, having to stray from exactly what you want to give your partner a little bit of what they want. We have had our fair share of compromises in the almost 7 years we have been together, but there is one thing I have not given in on. I have my reasons and he has his and we both feel that each of our reasons are good ones for wanting or not wanting to give in, so for now its been pushed to the side.

It is just this one thing that I have a hard time compromising because its not like "what's for dinner?" or "who is taking out the trash?", its personal. We have talked about different options and well we just haven't come up with one that works for both of us. Anyone ever had something they couldn't come to a compromise about? Would you just give in because you don't want to create an argument?

On a lighter note, I never posted this outfit I wore to a friend's wedding ceremony. Too bad I forgot to take a picture of what I wore to the reception because we were running late and it was a complete thunderstorm that evening.

Dress: Unknown, Belt: Target, Shoes, Jessica Simpson

This is one of my favorite dresses because it is so comfortable and is a great alternative to my little black dress.

Torn

These past few weeks I haven't taken any pictures of my outfits because they just haven't been good enough. I do however have some from last month that I never got to share with you. So here is one that I wore to a co-ed bachelor party.

Top: Bebe, Jeans: Unknown, Shoes: Aldo, Bracelet: Forever 21

OK, so story about the Unknown jeans. I was going somewhere one day when clumsy me spilled a drink on my pants. I could not go out with a big drink stain on my pants so I pulled into Marshall's on the way and found these super cheap, but great fitting skinny jeans.

Swamped

Last week was very busy for me. My coworker was out of town so I was doing double the work and after 5 we had a few networking meetings and a grand opening to attend. Not to mention work decides to block photobucket and tinypic so I can't view many people's pictures or post my own.

I wore this outfit a few weeks ago to a friends birthday dinner and then out for drinks. You may remember this skirt because I posted it awhile back wanting to purchase it in green. When I went to my local UO they only had it in black and yellow.

Tank: bebe, Skirt: Urban Outfitters, Necklace: Forever 21, Shoes: Aldo

Despite the hectic week, I did make some time to buy a few items from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. Anyone else get anything from there?

Blazing

Blazer: Target, Shirt: FCUK, Jeans: Citizens of Humanity, Shoes: Nine West, Necklace: Forever 21 and Ebay.

People say when girls are little they dream about there wedding day. I never once dreamed about the dress I would wear, the flowers, the cake, none of it when I was young. What I did dream about was the man that would love me whole-heartedly (is that a word?). When I was about 15 years old I realized the kind of love that I hoped to find.

My grandmother had just passed away after a long fight with cancer. It crushed my grandfather's heart, but he was strong for the family. He arranged everything for her funeral without a cry. When it came time to place a flower on her casket, he broke down. It was the first time many of us saw him cry. He visited her grave so often that he had a special chair and umbrella that was stashed away in his car. This is what I know as love.

Love sets your heart on fire.

Lounging Around

As excited as I am that tomorrow is the start of a long weekend for me, I am sad that Hubs will probably work part of the day. So tomorrow I am going to lounge around at the house, try to see if the spa can fit me in for a massage (one that I desperately need), and possibly take some more pictures. I have only ever gotten a Swedish massage and am contemplating a deep tissue because the Swedish did nothing for me. I am thinking about asking them to do a lighter deep tissue? Is there such a thing? If you have ever had a deep tissue were you really sore the next day?

Here is something I wore when we were walking around in Playa del Carmen at night. Some of you may be wondering why some of my pictures I crop off my face and some I don't, well truth is I am not photogenic. I rather just cut my face off.

Tank and Skirt: Forever 21, Necklace: Ebay

I am normally a skirt/dress girl, but I normally don't wear anything this short. It doesn't look that short in the front but in the back it is. I always have to be careful because "baby got back" as my hubs would say it. I always have a hard time finding pants that fit me in the hips and the waist.

For those of you who wear short skirts, do you get self conscious about it? How do you prevent a wardrobe malfunction?

Have a wonderful 4th of July ladies!

Currently Listening: Outta Here - Esmee Denters

Working It

I found these photos of a work outfit that I took months ago but never had the opportunity to post it. The dress code at work is business casual, but sometimes you wouldn't think so with some of the stuff people wear into work. Even though it is Jeans Friday, you shouldn't wear cropped jeans with tennis shoes to work. Anyway here I am in my office hoping no one comes by.

Top: BCBG, Skirt: Express, Belt: Forever 21, Shoes: Aldo

I tend to wear this skirt alot because it is a great basic black skirt. I have a few basic items that I really love and have worn them out. For example a pair of flip flops from Target. I know it is nothing special, but it was the perfect shade of pewter that went with everything! It wasn't one of those foam flip flops, but one of the nicer ones?

Now when I buy a basic item that I love, I buy two of them. I always thought why would I need two of the same thing? Well, now I see it is worth it to spend the extra money for another one if it is something you use all the time and can wear out. That's why I bought two of the burnout tees from Express that I wore in this post. One in white and the other in grey.

Do you buy basic items you love in multiples?

Feeling Green

Before our trip to Mexico, I was looking for a few dresses I could wear walking around town and possibly to dinner. I think dresses that can be worn casually and a little bit more dressed up at night are key for beachy vacations. I headed over to Old Navy to see if I could find some cute flip flops and was excited to see that they were having a sale on all dresses and skirts for $15.

I love wearing bright colors especially during the summer. So I picked up the cute green halter dress with a ruffle trim. For walking through town I wore it with simple beaded flip flops and for dinner I wore them with nude wedges. The best thing about the dress were the pockets which I forgot to show off.

Here are two other green pieces that I want to buy:

Skirt from Urban Outfitters

Shirt from Gap

I love wearing bright colors during the summer. What are your favorite colors to wear besides black and white?

When in Mexico

...do as the Mexicans do. Dos Equis, Corona, and Modelo all week long! We spent time deep sea fishing, visited Xel-ha, attended a friend's wedding, kayaking, and hung out by the pool.

Anthropologie dress

Coverup: Forever 21, Sunglasses: Target

There wasn't anything special about my outfits in Mexico, it pretty much consisted of sundresses and shorts. I do have a few items from my trip I will post later along with a review of our second hotel: Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso.

I am not a person who normally makes it a point to tan, but I am really liking the tan on me right now. Do you like yourself tan or your natural skin color?

A Walk in the Park

We had some great weather this past week and since Hubs was working on a last minute job I decided to see if the girls (hubs younger cousins) wanted to go to the park and hang out. It was such a nice day I decided to take my camera with me to snap some shots.

I forgot how much fun I have taking pictures. All of my hobbies were put on the back burner when I was planning the wedding, but now that it is over and I had a few months to be absolutely lazy, I am starting to take pictures and read again.

Shorts & Necklace: Forever 21, Tee: Express, Flats: Aeropostle

I am so in love with this necklace. It makes such a plain outfit interesting. Forever 21 has really stepped up their game in the accessory department. No longer are the days of only plastic jewelry in neon colors. I'm also loving the basic burout tee because it is soo soft and v-neck. I bought the same one in gray (there goes the gray again).

Later that night we went to a friend's house for a Memorial Day BBQ andd he asked me if my shirt was see-through and before I could answer he then changed his mind and thought it was painted nude underneath. Once I told him that the nude was not painted on and that it was my actual skin (gasp!) he said that if he were Hubs he would have told me to change. I just laughed it off, but really you can't see anything because 1.) its not that sheer and 2.) its loose fitting so its not like you see everything. Either Hubs didn't notice or he just didn't care. I think its the latter because I have worn this tee on several times.

Does your husband/fiance/boyfriend ever tell you what to/not to wear?

Gray Matters.

The past few times that I actually stepped foot into the mall, I ended up buying gray colored items. I don't know what it is, but I really loving it. Its the summer and I should really be pulling out all the brights right now, but when its gray with ruffles, how can I resist?


We went to a friend's graduation from law school, to a local eatery, and finally a local bar. I was a bit dressy for the bar, but I didn't want to be under-dressed for the graduation.

Top Skirt Bracelet Necklace: Forever 21, Purse: Maurizio Taiuti

Please excuse the face in the picture, as I was trying to tell the hubs how to take the picture. And even though it didn't turn out the way I wanted, I wasn't going to ask him to take another because he was like "what is this for? why do you need this picture?" So I just stopped there. For those of you who take pictures out in public, do you ever feel weird about it?

I am so glad it is Friday! Hopefully the weather is better this weekend. Enjoy your weekend ladies!

Celebrate

This past weekend was hubs big 3-0 birthday and while we had great plans to go bowling and get real competitive with shuffleboard, it never happened. We started the day with his choice of breakfast: Migas for him and french toast for me. He then spent 6 hours in the Texas heat playing golf with a few buds. When he got home he crashed out for a few hours and decided lets just go to the bar since it was kinda late for bowling. There goes that old and boring theme again huh? Here is what I wore:

Tank and Bracelet: Forever 21, Leggings: Target, Necklace: Ebay, Shoes: Aldo

Teach Me

First off, let me say that I finally got my camera back from Best Buy. I bought my camera a few years ago and purchased their protection plan. Apparently the automatic focus motor has gone out and the guy at Geek Squad says its no big deal and it can easily be fixed. If you don't know, all of Best Buy's protection plans go through Geek Squad. Well the tech tells me it should be about 2-3 weeks to get the camera fixed.

No big deal because I don't need it for anything and just need it fixed. Well 3 weeks rolls by and I don't hear anything from them. I call to get an update and all they can tell me is the service center received my camera and are working on it. Another 2 weeks roll by and they don't have any new status. At this point I am livid that they claim they don't have a number to call the service center and that they only deal with emails. Seriously, who does business like that? Long story short, I get my camera back after about 2 months after dealing with the worse customer service ever.

Now that my rant is over, I can get to the clothes. I've noticed that pretty much all my pictures are from work outfits and the one I am about to post is another work outfit. I guess I never think about it when I am getting ready to head out on the weekends. Hopefully I can remember this weekend!

Shirt: Forever 21

Skirt: H&M

Necklace: Forever 21

I feel like this outfit makes me look like a teacher? Either way, I love this white button down. A nicely fit white button down is a "must have" for everyone's closet. It can be dressed down with a pair of jeans (a la Jen Aniston) or dressed up like the above.

I always have the hardest time finding button down shirts that fit me correctly and that do no "pop open" in the chest area. Most of my shirts I have to use clothing tape to make sure it stays closed, but with the above shirt I don't have to.

Where do you find your best button down shirts?