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"?

Just a Girl

One of my favorite magazines to read is Instyle. I was looking through the December issue and it featured so many goodies, great new pieces and some great ideas for party hair. What really caught my attention was the Beauty Talk with Gwen Stefani.

Image from justjared.com

When I think of Gwen, two things come to mind: platinum blonde hair and bright red lips. While I will never try to duplicate Gwen's hair color, I have tried to get those famous red lips. I was glad to see that she shared some of her favorite beauty must haves, including her red lipstick.

Russian Red from MAC. Image from maccosmetics.com

Gwen also uses MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation. I used to use this in college but then felt that it was making my skin oily. Well now that I realized that I was putting way to much on my skin (as far as cleansers and toner), I think I am going to try Studio Fix again soon. Gwen thinks that it still gives her a natural look.

Image from maccosmetics.com

So there are lots of ladies who are still on the search for a great mascara. What works for one girl might not work for another, but I am so glad I found this mascara a few months ago. It really adds volume to my lashes and its inexpensive. Gwen said her sister-in-law introduced her to this and it makes her lashes really thick and full.

Image from drugstore.com

I am sure that Gwen's hair needs some serious deep conditioning because she dyes it so much. But I was really surprised when she said that she uses Pantene Restoratives Time Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner, apparently her hairdresser gave it to her. Lots of people don't like to use drugstore shampoo brands because they feel that it doesn't do anything for your hair. I wonder if this particular shampoo and conditioner is an exception.

Image from drugstore.com

Are you surprised that Gwen's must have products are items everyday people use? Are any of her favorites your favorites or products you despise?

These boots were made for dancing...

Sorry for the lack of posts ladies, but I have been under the weather. Its been freezing cold (to me at least) in Texas and I caught this horrible cough. Two bottles of nasty cough medicine later and I am almost 100% better.

So today was a big day for lots of Houstonians, the lineup for the Houston Rodeo was released!!! OK I know many of you probably don't care for country music or seeing kids chase after some calves, but its just something hubs and I look forward to every year. The Rodeo lasts about the whole month of March and kicks off the the BBQ cookoff. Texans don't play when it comes to BBQ so they throw a big party for the cookoff to start things off right. The rodeo season is then followed by a month of awesome concerts! There is also the carnival that is fun for kids and "older kids", but if you don't care for the games you have to have the food.

Ever try fried oreos? How about a fried snicker? I know you guys are probably reading this in disgust, but seriously you need to try some fried oreos.

Image from wikihow.com

Rodeo time is also the time you see people dusting their cowboy boots. There was a time when cowboy boots were the trend and everybody was trying to get their hands on a pair, but here in Texas they are always fashionable :).

I wanted to show you ladies some pictures of some cute looks in cowboy boots.

Image from instyle.com

Image from splendicity.com

Image from hollyscoop.com

How do you feel about cowboy boots? Did you fall for the trend? Is it more than just a trend to you?

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?

Only 7?

I was tagged by Veronika to share 7 quirky facts about myself with all of you. I'll try not to share anything that will make you think that I am completely out of my mind :)

1. I have lived in Houston all my life, a true Texan :) I wanted to move to Austin and go to UT, but I think my mom knew that it was the #1 party school at the time and made me stay back. I am sure my life would be completely different now if I went. I don't know if I would have ever met my hubs if I went to Austin.

Image from kir.com

2. I always carry a cardigan with me because I get cold pretty easily. Unless its in the middle of a heat wave in Texas, you will find the AC vents in the car pointing away from me. And my nose starts running when I get cold. I think I am allergic to the cold, is that even possible?

3. I listen to wide variety of music. You will find Zach Brown Band, Jay-Z, Michael Buble, Joshua Radin, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and random remakes.

Image from fanpop.com

4. I am awesome guitar and drum player in Rockband. Yes I love playing all the musical games like Guitar Hero, Rockband, and even Singstar.

5. I love drinking Lemonade and Ice Tea together. If you have never tried it please do! Just mix half and half, it is so good. And of course being from the south I love me some sweet tea.

6. I love the feeling of my teeth right after they are brushed. I don't know why, its just so nice and clean. I am so glad that I bought a Sonicare toothbrush because I noticed a huge difference after the first use.

Image from dentist.net

7. When I eat I like to save the best for last. Some of my friends disagree with my method and tell me that I should it the best first because what if I get too full to eat the best? Well I can tell when I am getting full so I stop and eat the best :)

And here are a few bloggers that I follow and would love to get hear their quirky facts:

Fashion Bananas
Femme Rationale
BonBon Rose
A Haute Mess

Have a Happy New Year's! Here is to a fabulous 2010!

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 :)

Empire State of Mind

I was doing my usual rounds catching up on blogs when I saw that With Love... had a trailer for 'Sex and the City 2"! I loved the series and the first movie. I didn't even realize there was already a trailer out for it. And you know I have to show it to you ladies.

The moment I heard 'Empire State of Mind' playing at the beginning of the trailer, I knew it was going to be good. The trailer really didn't give anything away (although I wish it did). I can't wait to see what happens in this movie. I've already marked my calendar for the premier and I might, just might try to catch the midnight showing.

The only thing that gives the fashion the show has a run for its money is Carrie's closet. Yes, I am in love with her closet. Here was the closet in her apartment. Nothing crazy fantastic, but heck much better than mine!

And then there was the gorgeous white closet that housed those beautiful blue Manolos.


One day......my closet will look this amazing.

And here are some other fabulous closets of famous celebrities. I know many of us have seen Mariah Carey and Paris Hilton's so I focused on other celebs for this post.

Eva Longoria Parker

Miley Cyrus

Fergie

Christina Aguilera

Anyone else have serious closet envy right now? I think my fave has to be Christina's, what about you?