It's Totally Hot Out Here

I wore my mustard colored tights to try to brighten my mood. I can't seem to sleep this week. Consider me a sad Panda.

I love these tights though and I don't know the brand. I would like to since I want dozens more. I found them at some shop on Abbott Kinney and didn't think they were going to last but they have and that makes me happy. Yay.

dress: Ross, tights: ?; boots: Victoria's Secret catalogue (like 7 years ago); coat: Target; earrings + bracelet: I made; ring: H&M

I wore the jacket in the morning and it was totally unneccessary considering it was around 75 degrees at 7:45 in the morning.  Today is even hotter too.

Yesterday on the way home my back was full 'o sweat when I got out of the car. Ew gross. This, however may be a sign the heat is here to stay 'cause that's what happens when you live somewhere that gets hotter than the sun. We'll see...

You know what else makes me happy? This ring!

An Orange Spring

You ever had one of those weeks where there feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day? That’s how this week is shaping up so far. I just feel kinda frustrated…so I wore something bright. Looking at this dress, I can’t help but laugh at how loud it is. I always get so many compliments on it when I wear it. I think this is the Year of the Orange. I’m starting to see it everywhere. I totally dig it.

I have no funny stories today my friends. My brain is tuckered – just like my dress (Tucker for Target)! Hahahaha *cheese*

Aren't the roses beautiful? I'm so happy everything is coming back to life after a cold winter!

I did stop into Target the other day to grab some various items and I walked past the re-issue of some of the Designers for Target dresses. This one came back, but in navy. It was so not half as fun as all of these flowers. I was also kind of surprised as to what styles they reissued and the ones that got left out. I think I liked most of the ones left out. I didn’t see the 1 Thakoon dress I kinda salivated after. This is all a good thing though – my closet will spit back out any new dresses I bring home until I wear my other newest acquisitions. Logical – yes? Yes J

dress: Tucker for Target; tights: Assets via barenecessities.com; boots: Steve Madden online "Nettle"; earrings: H&M; hair flower: I made

Have a good Tuesday!

Tiny Lights

That weekend was waaaayyyy TOO SHORT! (Not the rapper.) I had such a nice long weekend the weekend before last that I’m totally not used to only 2 days. Funny how 1 long weekend can totally throw everything off…

The funnest part of the weekend was that we went to a hockey game on Saturday and the KINGS won! Yay!

We also saw David Boreanaz – yum (he’s a cheating bastard – but totally hot.)

Since it was a day game, we came home and it was still light out. I thought I would trot on over to the Salvation Army. I didn’t need anything, but I had the urge to shop. I figured the safest place to go was the cheapest place I could think of and that always delivers. I made it to SA and they were recarpeting – *How dare they! I need to fulfill a hormonal desire to shop!* Good thing the Goodwill is a couple of miles down the way. I hadn’t been to the Goodwill in ages since SA is fabulous. It was organized and not very busy. Strange – but even with these chill attributes – the chaos of the Salvie still has my heart.

I found a dress and a shirt. I need to alter the dress something awful though. It’s hideous as is, I think I can make it hideous awesome by working with the hem and such. We’ll see what I come up with. This time I’ll actually have before and after pictures. I feel so on top of things!

This cranberry peacoat was a great price at Costco this winter and I loved the color so I brought it home (after I paid of course). I have a herringbone coat similar so to make it more of it’s own style I decided to add a bit of retro appeal with the removable collar. (I used this tutorial from Colette Patterns. Super easy to follow even though faux fur is stupid to work with. It slips everywhere if you don't have the right lining - like I didn't.) I loved this faux fur when I found it at Joann’s on clearance – its so soft and doesn’t come off in your hand when you pet it J. It was pretty neat that I was able to make something fun and usable out of it. Even though the collar is removable, I never take it off. I think it’s too fabulous!

(Yes, I still write on my hand like I was 12...)

top: Inspira via SA; peacoat: Calvin Klein via Costco; pants: H&M; boots: Steve Madden online "Ottowa"; earrings: F21

Like my hair? This is my “I’m so sick of my hair, I don’t know what else to do with it today” look. I need to start putting more effort into this growing mass of dry redness.

Happy Monday! I gotta go catch up on my blog reading J

(this has been stuck in my head all day! I just love it)

The Awesomeness That Is Clearance

I went for "springy" with this outfit and kinda ended up looking pretty "wintry", but so did the day so it totally worked out. I took these pictures during a break in the rain and it was ccccccold.

I had pulled my lil heater closer to my chair and huddled near my keyboard all day. Maybe I should have grabbed a jacket on the way into work? *Der* All this talk about spring distracted me from my surroundings.

When we were in the mountains last weekend, my friend's wife and son and I went to the outlets. What is it about mountain towns and outlets? I know of so many, I guess it's to give people something to do. 'Cause if you don't want to stay in the house, there's not a tremendous amount of options during the winter in these small tourist towns. (I couldn't hit the mountain and I got a bit tired of reading.) The stores were very mountain-centric, Van Heusen, Bass, Ralph Lauren, Coach, and various others. (I feel like those first stores are staples in the outlet community.)

 I love a challenge! I always seem to find stuff at the Bass Outlet, but I also found some great jewelry at Van Heusen. Color me pleasantly surprised!

boots: Bass Outlet; skirt: Target; tights: Assets via BareNecessities.com; top: Goodwill(I've been wearing this sucker since high school!)

See my new little booties? I LOVE THEM! Here's their story:

I was checking out the super clearance section and I got so lucky. I saw these gems out of the corner of my eye. "Hmm, let me get a closer look at these babies. Wait a minute- I know these boots!" I was totally excited - I saw these at DSW for around $70! I couldn't afford them, but the Bargain Gods were smiling on me this day, my friends. Oh yes they were...

The price on the box $109 - price that made them mine - $20!

Say What?! Oh heck yeah!

I've been on the fence about getting a pair of moccasins (they remind me of being a kid and having a matching pink pair to my sister's white pair - 80s awesome!) I'm not sure if I want a color or simple brown.  So anyway, I saw these and liked the moccasin influence through the suede and the fringe details. And for the price, I was sure as heck going to give 'em a try.

 Does that ever happen to you? That the bargain makes the item so much more appealing than it was full price? I guess in retrospect that's kind of how I shop. That's how I end up with a bunch of weird sh*% that I love. 

I haven't been shopping much lately and it was a nice reward.

Spring Torential Showers

I bought this dress on Overstock.com and it was a total pain in the arse to get. It was the last one so I ordered it, they sent me a Jessica McClintock clutch – gee thanks, not what I wanted, so I promptly called customer service to complain and to see what the likelihood of me actually getting the dress I wanted. They were helpful, but the answer was “we can send you an email when it’s back in stock”…grrrr. Well, that means it’s up to me to check the website constantly to see if the person who wanted the clutch would return the dress when they accidentally received it. (I got the email after I purchased it for the 2nd time.) The supervisor dude gave me a $10 coupon to shop at Overstock.com since their fulfillment department screwed up. That made it better. I managed to snag the dress when they re-listed it and instead of $30, I paid $20 and now here’s the dress.

The biggest bummer? It was such an ordeal to get, I was almost positive it would fit perfectly since this brand fits me well, but it didn’t really. It’s a bit short in the torso, a little wide and it REALLY emphasizes the size of my chest. I wore it around for a while and the husband liked it so it grew on me when I paired it with a belt, but I kinda ended up keeping it on principal. I sure hope I get my cost per wear outta this. $20 isn’t really that big of a bargain in my closet…

What do you think?

-“Totally regretful, it doesn’t look awesome – bummer”

Or

-“Great choice to keep it, you should wear it everyday”

Either way, I love my red tights. They are so bold and RED! Brilliant!

dress: Tiana B. via Overstock.com; flats: American Eagle via Payless; tights: Assets via Barenecessities.com; belt: UO; necklace & earrings: I made; bracelet: Claire's

Wednesday is almost over, now I get to go brave the rain riddled traffic of the 101 freeway…Frick

J

St. Patty's Day Redemption

I feel like I'm getting back on track here. I meant to do so much before we left last Thursday, getting this post up was one for them, but time was not on my side Mick Jagger! We took a nice trip with some friends up to Mammoth Mountain and experienced so much snow - it was AWESOME! I have a whole new respect for those of you who actually live in the snow. What the heck?! That icy powdery stuff that comes from the sky is EVERYWHERE! We have totally taken being able to jump in your car and drive off without having to shovel snow for granted multiplied by 12!! When we were digging, I thought, how do those bloggers do this in a cute outfit?! Shoot - it's impossible and COLD! Then the roof dumped all of it's snow on the area we just cleared...LOL

I celebrated St. Patty's Day in this festive green that I thought would only be suited with yellow tights, kind of like a Sprite can. Luckily, I don't get strange looks often, not because what I'm wearing isn't weird, it just isn't that out of the ordinary in my area. This ensemble however, got a few eyebrows raised. I think it's the tights. They kind of throw me off too, but I embrace instead of discriminate - so there!

dress & tights: Target; necklace: It's A Wrap; boots: Steve Madden; sweater: Salvation Army

I knew I wanted to wear this necklace again since the last time I wore it, I decided St. Patty's Day would be it's redemption. I think it pulled everything in the outfit together and  now it has bee properly redeemed as a cute accessory. I need to try it as a belt next.

Have a great rest of your Tuesday!

All of the plants are blooming around my yard and the French Lavender is so fragrant. I just stare at it and the smell gets stronger - Love it!

A Day Late and A Dollar Short

Yikes! I meant to get this out last Thursday before we left on our little vacation to the snow, but I ran outta time. Sweet Jane of Love Makes The Girl  awarded me this lovely “Versatile Blogger Award” Since I haven’t received one of these before I was honored Jane thought of me. Thanks Jane!! Please go check out her site – she’s got fabulous style! And is a talented seamstress to boot J

So here we go:

The Rules:
-Link back to the person that awarded you this award.
-Share 7 things about yourself.
-Award 7 recently "discovered" bloggers. (I've been following a couple below for a while now- but who am I to stay within the rules? Ha!)
-Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award.


These are my seven bloggers to award:

Amy of  A Place No Spaceships Go

She has the coolest cat and great style!

Anita of Thick Threads

A whole lotta rock n roll - her hair is killer and her style edgy - love it!

Hope of  Hope And The Dress Code

I wish I could look as together as this girl daily! My school counselors weren't half this cool...

Matt of A Different Sort Of Fashionista

He's got a great style and he's daring enough to show us his stuff!

Kerri of Old Lady Chic

Um, can I have everything from her closet?! Nuf said!

Annie of Wattlebird

She always has some fun new knitting project and she can literally make ANYTHING into a knitted hat. It's extremely impressive. Lots of content variety too!

April of Ape-Z 

Her smile is infectious -  she always looks like she's having a good time in her vibrant prints.

and about me:

1. My morning is not complete without a cup of coffee (it could be brown water – it doesn’t matter, I must have it – it’s totally mental)

2. If my animals weren’t around to constantly entertain me (they could just stand there and stare at me and I think its adorable) I would be bored to tears
3. I’ve been with my husband for almost ½ of my life - 12 years, married for 4.5
4. My ability to procrastinate rivals that of your average college student – that’s where I honed my skills
5. I swear a fair amount, especially when I’m joking around, but not when I write. It loses its comic/dramatic effect when it’s written out.
6. I watch a lot of T.V. – I can associate most occurrences in my life with an episode of Seinfeld (yup, I remember when it was on in Prime time – sweet geezus that makes me feel old)
7. My ultimate life goal – to be Entertained…

Thanks again Jane!

My Dog Ruby - The Goat

I was just informed that Ruby (1 of our K9 mischief makers) was inside since the lawn was getting mowed this morning and she decided to have the rest of a wayward Butterfinger that I left too close to the edge of the counter top. Over the past couple of months she’s worked her way through 2 loaves of sourdough bread, ¼ of a loaf of wheat bread (she had a sourdough loaf first), and now the Butterfinger. I’m considering leaving out an open container of milk so she can wash it all down properly!

Of course when I hear these stories (since my husband gets home first and reports what the dogs got into that day while I sit in traffic) I laugh so hard. (I laugh after hearing what she devoured to make sure it’s nothing that can hurt her, the Butterfinger was ½ a bar and there’s not enough chocolate for her size to impact her at all negatively. I’m sure she thoroughly enjoyed the crispy peanut butter inside.) I have infinite patience with my dogs and when they do something naughty, it’s generally because we left something out for them to access (or too close to the side of the counter – ah hem KellyAnn) so it's our fault ultimately. Ruby just so happens to be part goat so she’ll eat ANYTHING! My other dog Harley would have had a piece of sourdough bread only after he smothered it in butter and that isn’t likely since he has no thumbs, so he’s generally not the piggy of the group, Ruby fulfills that role – gladly I might add. *big proud smile* She's such a little character.

dress: Target; boots: Steve Madden via Steve Madden store

I took these pics right after I returned home from my hair appt. Man I love a fresh cut and dye. I feel 100% better about my do. I never realize how important it is to have a good hair day until I don’t. And I didn’t for many days. My confidence picked up almost immediately. Too bad it had to cost $160 (+ $25 tip) to get there. I gotta find another salon. $65 for a haircut is INSANE, so why does it look so good?! Grrrrr…

I've been frequenting a couple of Los Angeles style bloggers sites. A common bit of foliage that shows up all the time - Palm Trees. I never really paid much attention, but they are EVERYWHERE. They're even all over my lil suburban neighborhood...

Tomorrow’s St. Paddys – did you pick out your green outfit yet?

*Welcome new followers! I'm so happy you're here!

*Seasoned followers: I dig you!

Dyslexic Heart

This outfit:

makes me feel like I just fell out of this movie:

This was such a popular movie with me and my friends -the soundtrack is EPIC! It encompassed the grunge style and mindset that was so popular at the time (and was my first introduction to Kyra Sedgwick - forget The Closer - she's forever Linda.) Of course the characters were waaaaay older than we were, but we thought they were the coolest – Living surrounded by artists and socially conscious people trying to figure out why we’re all here while embodying the popular alternative style of the 90s.

I’m having a hard time figuring out how else to wear a long skirt without boots that I don’t look like I’m dressing 10 years older than I am. I think I have a block. My mom used to wear long skirts in the 80s with sweaters and flats, very of that time, however if anything I put on evokes those memories, I have to change. I think its because I would associate that look with her age range – which was way older than me. Now that I am pretty much around that age, I feel like I have to avoid what has the “old” connotation. Weird hang-up right? I think so…

I wore the hat outside and my hair up inside. I didn’t used to feel this way, but when I’m indoors and gonna stay somewhere a while, I feel like I need to take my hat off- Like it’s too much accessory to have no purpose on my head indoors. (So then I have to worry about what my do looks like after I remove its cover.)

I need to get over this stuff stat.

Speaking of over – how much longer is this day?

If I Move Too Fast, Will I Catch On Fire?

That weekend went by way too fast. I need another one stat! I didn't get everything I wanted done so I need just one more day...

I'll try to be more positive - "Cheers to Monday! But I'd prefer if you were Thursday so I could drink Guinness and eat tasty St. Patrick's Day goodies." Do you guys have your green outfits planned? I don't but I'm looking forward to collecting stuff from my closet.

dress: Simply Vera via Kohl's; tights: Assets via barenecessities.com; belt: Target; Flats: Payless; scull bracelet: Tarina Tarentino via Gilt

This is the last of my Kohl's finds from my trip a couple of weeks ago. This was a major clearance dress. At first I HATED the print (I think my actual outburst was "good lord that is hideous, why? - but I like the bow thingy..."), but all doubts aside I grabbed it to try on since I liked the style. When I dropped it over my head, I immediately knew I could work with it. It's such a classic 60s cut (with a bit of a longer hem of course) that I even started to like the print. I was a little concerned with the cheap polyester blend though. I figured it would be static-y all day or if I moved to fast I would catch on fire - but no such awful things happened. Yay.

and as for the rest of YOU- Have a great Monday!

It's Still Winter, But On My Dress - It's Spring!

Oh heaven, its Friday! Im getting my do done and I get to start a fun weekend. We have 2 parties to attend Saturday and Sunday which guarantees great food and drinks. It’s amazing how excited we get about food. I hate to cook so when someone else does it, its magic!

dress: Apt9 via Kohl's; tights: Target; heels: Dolce Vita via Dolce Vita Store; jewelry: I made; coat: Victoria's Secret online

This is another dress I found at Kohl’s. I was so drawn to the print and then the style was actually something I liked. (And it was so affordable at $25 for a nice dress. And thanks to a coupon it was an even better deal.) I love the cap sleeves and the pleats from the neckline are so pretty. Its a retro cut that I think is so timeless. I’m kinda impressed at the construction. It actually has it’s own lining – yay, I don’t have to grab a slip! The size 10 looked better, but I couldn’t move freely, so I went with the 12 and belted it. Now I need to hem it about an inch. *grrrr* That’s gonna be a lame project. I have to do the under slip too L Ah well, what I do for a print I like…

look at the pleats at the neckline - I like that little finish, it adds sumthin sumthin to the back.

Anyway, I doubt I will get to re-hemming this week. Hopefully, I’ll get inspired to complete some projects whilst relaxing next week. Today I get to go get my hair recolored. It's been far too long. I miss my bright red.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Welcome to all new followers! I'm sooooooo happy you're here.

To all my seasoned followers (and commenters), you are so awesome! Thank you for being you!

Sometimes All You Need Is A Little Chili's

Today I’m feeling better than yesterday. I made a conscious effort to pick up my mood. I decided to treat us to take out from Chili’s. It kinda worked on pushing both our moods upwards. For some reason the Quesadilla Explosion Salad was super and I ate every last bite, my hubby ate all of his too (which isn’t out of the ordinary really, but for me it was J) I felt better right away, maybe my blood sugar was low, like all day…

dress: ELLE via Kohl's; sweater: Element (gift); socks: UO; boots: Steve Madden (Nettle); Earrings: H&M

On to more interesting things like THIS DRESS!!!! I am in love and it’s navy calico from Kohl’s. I had a coupon and a gift card so on my trip home from work last Friday I stopped into Kohl’s. I had 2 things I wanted – a dress with a print and/or a top that I like. (I’m having such a hard time finding a good fit in tops lately so I’ve been looking everywhere I go. Evey thing is just so expensive.) No tops, but dresses – oh heck yes! I wasn’t planning on finding so many, but I did. I had on a pretty grey print before I tried on this baby and I really dug it. But what sold me on this one (I had to chose – $41.99 is a lot of moolah for me to spend on a dress, spending it twice wasn’t going to work. I had to decide on one L) was when I put it on, I breathed out “oh” a happy surprise. This was the perfect dress *big smile*. I just know every time I wear it, I’m going to be happy. It’s such a neat style, very 70s through the skirt, but with 80s lace on the top.

My girlfriend and I went to BCBG in Brentwood. The girl in the shop was helping my friend when she diverted herself from her bee line to the dressing room to tell me she liked my style. Well shucks! That made my day!!!! So I skipped around the rest of the “over my budget” racks with a smile.

I think I want one of their Bandage skirts. I love the fabric and the fit. I’m going to be trolling ebay for a deal. I won’t pay reg. price of $148. Kinda nuts. BCBG is one of my favorite designers, it fits me and I love the designs. I hope to have a fabulous shin dig that I have to buy a new fancy dress for soon. A girl can dream right?

Happy Wednesday!

I’m off to catch up on my blog reading and commenting (which I've been terrible at this week.)