My New Favorite Outfit: May 2013

Friday, May 31, 2013

Memorial Day at Grandma's House

Monday morning the Granster and I headed to my parent's house for the morning.  My husband was working on projects around the house (we're finishing the basement), so I thought it would be nice to give him some peace for the morning. Plus, my sister and her husband were here visiting from Kansas City for the weekend.  I'd planned a super cute summery outfit, but when we got up in the morning it was rainy and gross out, hence wearing this today.  By the time we got to my parent's house it was starting to clear up which was great.  My son was able to ride his big wheel for quite a while, and my sister was able to snap a few pictures for me.  We had a great time, and my son fell asleep on the way home.  Time with family is the best. : )

Also, I'm totally feeling the blog love this week! Agi at Vodka Infused Lemonade, Amber at Real Girl Glam, and Sherry at The Life of the Party all picked different looks of mine from last week's link ups to feature this week. So sweet!  Ada at Elegance and Mommyhood also featured me along with a whole bunch of other ladies as one the best looks of last week. Definitely go check out their great blogs :)

*I think Tim Gunn might be right about capris not being flattering.  I've had these and loved them for like three years, however, they sure to make my legs look shorter then normal.  I'm not sure these will be gracing my blog again....






Top: Target $6
Cropped jeans: Target $16
Shoes: Target $12
Necklace: Stella and Dot Libby Layering
Bracelets: Stella and Dot Kalahari/Foundation


Linking up with:
Fashion Informant Friday


Thursday, May 30, 2013

A Little Nautical


Oh, summer how I love you.  Today we're off to the zoo with a handful of my girl friends and their kiddos.  Many of my friends are lucky enough to be stay at home moms, so I'm always chopping at the bit for playdates once school is out.  I feel like I can finally begin to wrap my brain around some summer plans and I've been digging into my Pinterest boards for ideas of fun things for the Granster and I to do.

I just got a bunch of new Stella and Dot goodies too, such as the necklace and cream bracelet I'm wearing today.  I could seriously order pretty much everything from the catalog and be one happpy girl, unfortunately my husband would seriously have a heart attack. : ) Today I'm wearing this new-ish cardigan I found at Goodwill for $.99 and these cute red shorts I found there too for $3.  I seriously love shorts and would like a pair in every color, please. : )








Cardigan: Jones New York $.99 (thrifted)
Top: Target ?
Shorts: Loft $3 (thrifted)
Necklace: Stella and Dot Gitane
Bracelets: Stella and Dot Julep/Renegade/Chimera
Shoes: JCrew (circa 2007ish)


Linking up with:




Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Hello, Summer Break and Go Blog Social

Today I have to work 'til noon, but after that I'm free, free, free. I'm so excited for a break. I'm sorry, but I don't know how anymore works year round. Come May, I'm just exhausted. Today's outfit is one I see myself wearing a lot this summer. I love flip flops, but couldn't help but put on my wedges. I'm telling you, this dressing casual thing is going to be work. I'm aware of how silly it sounds, but I don't feel like I know how to do it. This summer Grant and I will be at the park, zoo, museum, swimming, etc, none of which places require heels. Gasp! I'm going to work on it, but getting in a casual, cute groove might take awhile.

Also, I'm so excited to have bought my ticket for Go Blog Social in Kansas City! Anyone else sign up to go yet? Right now tickets are at the early bird price of only $99 for four days of super duper fun in August. :)






Cardigan: Target $3 (thrifted)
Top: Apt 9 ?
Skirt: Target $11
Necklace: Stella and Dot Juniper
Bracelets: Stella and Dot Renegade/ Foundation/ Chimera
Shoes: JCrew (circa 2007ish)

Linking up with:

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Style Spotlight-Coast With Me

This summer I'm excited to be starting a new series called "Style Spotlight" where I'll be featuring some of my favorite bloggers, to kick off the series I'm going to introduce you all to the lovely Rita!

Hi Friends, Followers, And Fans of My New Favorite Outfit! I'm Rita from Coast With Me. Ginny asked me to guest post for the day & answer the questions below, so let's get this show on the road:)!


1) Why did you decide to start blogging?

I had just graduated from college and was in this awkward transition phase. I call it my quarter life crisis. I had no idea what direction I was headed in and kinda felt down about it. Then my cousin introduced me to Pinterest and blogging (thank you cousin). And believe it or not....(yes I was living under a rock) the idea of blogging was completely new to me. I felt so overwhelmed (in a good way) and inspired by these beautiful photos/bloggers. Fashion/baking/music had always been a big part of my life...but somewhere along the way I lost that passion. Truth is...sometimes you have to hit bottom to realize you're strong enough to get back up. You have to do things that bring you true happiness and reignite that fire within you. So I did just that. And started blogging in January of 2012. It happened on a whim and I'm so glad I stuck to it (it's like a relationship...we've had our ups and downs....we broke up for a little while....but now we're back together and stronger than ever lol). Anyways, I'm grateful for all the amazing fellow bloggers that I've met along the way and all the lessons that I've learned over this past year. Thank you so much for making this a wonderful experience for me!
















































2) A Few Of My Daily Reads?

Too many to list. And I don't want to leave any blogs out:).
















































3) What trends are you loving and what trends are you steering clear of?

Trends that I love....neon and prints. Big statement necklaces. Flowy dresses. Colorful blazers. Utility jackets. Pleated skirts. Trends that I'm staying away from....well probably the tennis shoe wedges. Although I love them on other people and I especially love the idea behind them (comfort + height), I can't seem to find a way to incorporate it into my wardrobe. I guess I have to stay true to my style.
















































4) What's the best thing that has come out of blogging for you?

All the wonderful people that I've met. The sweet, supportive, and encouraging comments on my blog. The loyal followers:).
















































5) What piece of advice do you have for your fellow bloggers or those thinking about starting a blog?

Network. Be consistent. Be loyal to other bloggers. Post quality pics on your blog (note to self). Learn about photography (if necessary). Leave comments on other blogs. Try to guest post on other blogs (if possible). Use social media as much as possible to promote your blog. Just some of the things I've learned along the way. Other advice, be patient with your blog (double note to self). I know it gets frustrating. Trust me. No one was reading my blog for a good 8 months. It was crickets. But with diligence and hard work, things will pick up.



Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to guest post Ginny:)!

Thanks, Rita, for sharing!  Everyone, make sure to go say hi to Rita over at Coast With Me, and next week Amy of  Fashion and Beauty Finds will be sharing a little about her blog with us!


Monday, May 27, 2013

A Letter to My Readers

Blog Everyday in May Challenge, Day 27: A Letter to my readers

To all of you lovely ladies who take the time to stop by and say hi (or just stop by):

Back in the fall when I decided to take the plunge and start this little blog I had no idea what would come of it?  I had begun to follow some amazing bloggers and loved to read about their lives and see their great clothes, but wondered, "Would anyone take the time to see my blog as I saw some of my favorites?"

I've now been blogging for about seven months and I've gotten so much out of it!  Reading the comments you make totally makes my day!  I feel so loved that you guys take the time to read my blog!  I've made so many great "blogging" friends, and so wish I knew you all in real life!  Having this blog has challenged me to look my best each day, and my self-confidence has really blossomed because of that.  Thank you!

As I start my summer break this week my content will change slightly.  I'm starting a series where I will highlight some of my favorite bloggers, I'm going to start using Polyvore a little more (like a used to on for my weekend posts), and will bring you some summer looks too.  My summer style is pretty casual, I hope you understand.  I'll do my best to still bring fun outfits you'd want to recreate, and I know you all will keep me on my toes to look my best each day.

Once again, thanks so much for your support, it means the world to me!

Ginny

I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day!





Friday, May 24, 2013

White Jeans Three Ways

In super exciting news I was one of five winners in April's Thrift Store Runway Challenge, check out the other winners here.

Also, I had the opportunity to guest post at Midwest Style Bloggers and wanted to share the post with you all too.

 White jeans are all the rage right now, but knowing how to wear them isn't always easy, here are few things to keep in mind when choosing to wear white.

1.  Fit is key.  Try on several pair before buying.  Skimmers are a big trend right now, but other styles are available. Bootcut or flare might be more flattering on you, and you'll ultimately look better in a style that fits your body type.  Shape Magazine has a great article detailing this. Here's some of the basics:
  • Athletic- The flared jeans silhouette makes your legs look longer and leaner while accentuating your waist.
  • Curvy, Tall, or Petite- Bootcut will give you a sleek silhouette.
  • Boyish- Skinnys will make you look more shapely than you are.
  • Apple- Jeggings are the pant for you, they'll show off your great legs without pinching your waist.
 2.  Cost can make a difference, these jeans can be an investment piece you'll wear for years.                    Consider the quality when purchasing. Is the denim going to stretch within a half hour of wearing them, then fit incorrectly?  Sometimes spending more can pay off.

3.  White is a great neutral and almost anything can go with it! I've put together some great looks to suit almost any occasion.


Here are some other ideas for you:
Weekend Wear

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Work Wear

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Girl's Night

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Here are a few ways I've styled my white jeans:
                       


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Things I've Learned

Blog Everyday in May Challenge, Day 23 Today's topic is things I've learned that school didn't teach me.

I'd say the number one thing is how to love; that can't be taught.  As I look at all my students and all the different things I've worked on with them this year it blows my mind, but love, love wasn't one of them.  I never learned in school what it would feel like at the end of my first (blind) date with my husband, when he shook my hand and said we should at least be friends.  Yes, he did say that.  I never knew what it would feel like to take a walk with him and hear him say that he loved me.  I never learned what it felt like to walk down the isle and become his wife.  That feeling wasn't taught in school.

I also never learned what it felt like to know I had a child growing inside of me and the feelings I had when I held him for the first time.  I never knew what if felt like to hear him say "Mama" for the first time and then say "I love you" to me completely unprompted.  So, as I teacher I value education very highly, but love isn't something I can teach, it's something my students will have to experience for themselves.

Hey, I'm getting ready to BBQ it up this Memorial Day weekend.  How about you?  Have you checked out the  Lazy Days and BBQs series I took part in yet?  It'll give you all the tips you needs for the perfect fun BBQ!





Top: JCrew (circa 2007ish)
Skirt: Jones Wear $.99 (thrifted)
Necklace: Very Jane $12
Bracelets: Stella and Dot  Renegade/ Foundation/ Chimera
Shoes: DSW $25
Bag: Coach


Linking up with: