Sunday, June 30, 2013

Day 50!!!!!

Top: Charlotte Russe ( camel with black polka dots)
Skirt: Purchased from The Fort Rucker Thrift Shop (black)
Shoes: Target (burgundy)
Bracelet: Vintage (silver)
Earrings: Maurices (pink)

Believe it or not, I still have polka dots in my closet that I haven't show you all yet!  
I was on the search for a Peter Pan collar, and I found this little gem.  It has so much going for it and I LOVE that!!! Polka dots, Peter Pan collar and bead work, swoon!  





You can't really tell, but my shoes are burgundy in color.  Here is a closer look at the shoes (please ignore the dead and/or dying plants in the background).

  

I kept my jewelry simple because the collar of the shirt had so much detail.  
Note:  If your clothing has a lot of detail like this on does, it is best to keep the jewelry simple.


I spent my entire Sunday wearing this outfit.  First, I had church.  Then lunch at Mellow Mushroom with friends.  Then I met another friend for a movie.  Then back home to relieve the babysitter.  And finally, I had friends over for dinner.  I am beyond blessed this Sunday indeed!

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Day 49: Trying on the Trends at Maurices

Tank Top: Target (black)
Vest: Ross (black and white)
Jeans: GAP Outlet
Sandals: Old Navy (black)
Watch: Philip Stein, purchased in Nassau, Bahamas (black leather band with silver double watch face)
Necklace: Gift from Ingrid's Jewelers
Earrings: Maurices (silver)

Today I ran to our local Toyota dealer to test drive a mini van.  I can't believe I just admitted that!  Anyways, after I was done I decided to run across the street to Maurices to check out their latest arrivals.  I feel like I am so far out of the fashion loop nowadays since I am not making weekly trips to Target, TJ Maxx or Ross anymore.  

For me, Maurices is very hit or miss.  I like some of their items, but I am not an overall huge fan of the retail chain.  However, it was close by and I was desperate to play dress up (even if I can't buy anything).

I only had a few minutes to play before I had to return home and relieve my babysitter so I didn't waste anytime grabbing anything that seemed to be a current trend.  I will go ahead and apologize for the mirror shots.  They annoy me and I am sure they annoy you too:)

Trend: Bird and Butterfly Prints
I noticed that birds and butterfly prints are very popular right now.  This dress has both birds and butterflies, plus it has floral!  It is a cute dress, but not my style. Plus, it is so wrinkled, I can't really tell if I like it that much or not.



Trend 2: Polka Dots and Lace Everything
I tried on my FAVORITE print next.  Any guesses??? Yep, polka dot.  However, yellow looks awful on me and the dress just didn't hang right on my body.  I tried it on with another trendy item, a mint lace cardigan (double trend whammy!).  The cardigan was adorable, but it was too big (not that I could've bought it anyways).

  

Trend 3: Coral, Lace and Pretty Skirts
I found this very pretty lace skirt (have I mentioned how popular/trendy lace currently is???).  The only thing I could find to pair it with was this awful coral-y pink side ruching top (FYI, side ruching...NOT CUTE!).
If I could've, I would've bought this skirt.  I think paired with a soft pink top or my light mint cardigan, it would be adorable!!!




Trend 4: Hot Pink, Sheer and Printed Shorts
I think my face says it all!  The shorts were totally adorable and comfy, but I just don't understand why everything right now is sheer!?  By the time you add a tank underneath it is nearly too hot to wear the top.  I guess that is why embellished bras are trendy right now?!


Trend 5: Sheer and Ruffles                                          


Trend 6: Sheer and Stud Details


Trend 7: Sheer, Hardware, Sequence and Rust        


Trend 8: More Lace and Cream


Here is a closer look at the tops I tried on today.  I kind of really like the one with the zipper going down the middle!  I'm digging the color too and it has sequence on the shoulders.  I saw a lot of rust colored pieces at Maurices today.  I'm venturing to say that rust will be the next big color so go ahead and start looking out for rust colored pieces next time you are out shopping!  



I did wear an outfit to share with you all today.  Again, the main piece of this look was in my get-rid-of pile, but after seeing the re-emergence of vests lately, I decided to dig it out of my donation pile and wear it today.  It's a keeper for sure now!!!  


Happy Shopping,
Christin

Friday, June 28, 2013

Day 48: My Country Look

Top: Miley Cyrus, purchased from Wal-Mart (I can't believe I admitting I bought a Miley Cyrus top!)
Skirt: Old Navy (blue jean)
Shoes: Mia, purchased from Dillard's (brown)


Since I am a Texas girl, I thought I'd show you all my Texas look.  If I were to ever go to a rodeo, (which I won't anymore because I believe they are cruel, as well as the circus) this is what I would wear.  Of course, I'd wear blue jeans and cowboy boots if the weather were cooler, but it is hot here so a denim skirt will have to do.  


I have had this skirt in so many get-rid-of piles, but I keep pulling it out.  I've never worn this skirt until today.  I think the look is cute, although is it not my everyday style.  


This top has special meaning to me because I wore it while we were having family pictures taken for our adoption family scrapbook.  

Here is our picture.  I love this picture!!! 


Tomorrow I will have a surprise for everyone.  I am taking a field trip and that's all I can say for now.

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Day 47: Navy All The Way

Top: GAP Outlet (navy blue)
Pants: GAP Outlet (navy blue)
Sandals: Merona, purchased from Target (gold)
Necklace: Origami Owl
Bracelet: Tiffany
Watch: Fossil
Earrings: Gift

Today I spent a a few hours in the E.R. with my youngest son.  His Pediatrician thought he had something wrong with his appendix, but it ended up just being severe constipation.  Needless to say, I threw clothes on to take him to the E.R., but still tried to be as cute as possible because I knew I'd have to blog about it later.  

This is what I came up with.



Not too bad for running out of the door.  

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Day 46: I Am Blessed Beyond Belief!

Top: Purchased from Dandy Lion Boutique
Shorts: GAP Outlet
Sandals: TJ Maxx
Bracelet: Purchased from Dandy Lion Boutique


Yesterday, I shared that I had to go to court for a termination hearing.  The outcome was great and it totally made my year!  However, the day before the hearing I had a not so great experience and I need to share this story with you all as a testimony to how great God truly is!  My friend Candice was here and we had taken our kids to the pool.  Since we each have three kids, we couldn't carpool so I drove my 2011 GMC Acadia and she drove her mini van.

On the way back to my house, my car completely died.  My car suffered (more like I suffered) complete mechanical failure.  So there I was, stuck in the middle of the road on an Army Post with my car kaput!  Candice and two another passers by, pushed me out of the road.  Thank the Lord Candice was behind me.  She took all the kids back to here house while I waited on a tow truck.  A nice MP (Military Police) stayed with me until the tow showed up and the tow driver was very nice and drove me (and all my stuff) home.

Since my Pastor and his wife Joyce were meeting me at the court hearing, I asked them to swing by and pick me up so I had a ride to and from court.  As I was texting Joyce and balling my eyes out because of the situation, she reminded me that it was the devil trying to get me down.  Her reassurance helped me look at my car breakdown in a whole other light. 

 I am immeasurably blessed to have had Candice right behind me.  I am blessed to have a friends who were willing to go to court with me and take me there too.  I am blessed to have an incredible Pastor and I am blessed to have his wife as a good friend of mine.  I am blessed because I have a friend to woke up early this morning to come over and watch my kids so I could get a rental car.  I am blessed that when I shared my situation on Facebook, I had an outpouring of offers to help.  I am blessed period!


Since my car is out of commission for a while, I had to get a rental car.  I was up bright and early this morning (mainly because my five year old didn't sleep at all last night due to a terrible stomach ache).  The Enterprise Car Rental guy came to pick me up at my house and drive me to the shop/store (what do you call it anyways???) and I returned home with our rental.  That was my day.  



I LOVE this top.  I know, I love most of my clothes.  This top is cream colored lace with fabric flower detail around the collar.  ADORABLE!!!  I normally wear this top with jean trousers, but it is just too hot here for jeans!  Instead, I wore my favorite bubble gum pink shorts.  I NEVER would've thought I'd be loving and wearing pink shorts as much as I am.  


And after seeing myself in pictures wearing flats, I realize I need to wear heels whenever possible to give my legs some length and shape.  Plus, I LOVE THESE SANDALS!!!  They are comfortable and cute, and who doesn't love shoes that are both comfy and cute???

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Day 45: Ready For Court

Dress: Purchased from Modcloth (purple)
Shoes: Purchased from Target (black)
Belt: Came off another dress (black)
Earrings: Pearls, purchased from Ingrid's Jewelers in Daleville, AL
Watch: Fossil

Today was a great day!!!  We've been
foster parent's to the sweetest little girl since May 10, 2012 and today we finally had our termination hearing at the court house!  The judge terminated and now we can start the adoption process.  Hopefully soon, my family will all be under one roof again (my husband had to PCS {permanent change of station}, to Ft. Carson in May).

Anyways, Modcloth has amazing dresses for all occasions.  I bought this dress a few years ago because I loved the color and the detail on the sleeves.  I needed 'business' type dresses, but I still wanted to wear dresses that fit my personality.  If you have never checked out the Modcloth website, please follow this link and do so, www.modcloth.com.  It is AMAZING!!!  


I added a black belt as my main accessory for this look today.  Watches are a great way to add more detail to an outfit and to help break up dresses or suits that are solid colors.  I love belts and have a whole basket full of them  As a matter of fact, I dug out 6 skinny black belts out of my basket today.  In my defense, most of them came with dresses I have purchased.  Really, most of my belts have come with dresses I have purchased.  I've already admitted to my past shopping addiction, right?!:)   

I didn't want to be too dressed up for court, so I didn't wear any jewelry except, pearl studs and a watch. 


Honestly, I was still overdressed for court.  I've never been to court before so I didn't know what to expect.  Well, I sat in a hallway for 45 minutes, then I was called into a little room for 5 minutes, then it was over.  Anti-climatic, I know, but it was great news and I am so joyful right now I can't even stand it!  Thanks to all of you who have been praying for us!

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Monday, June 24, 2013

Day 44: My First Visitor!

Top: Banana Republic Factory Store (black)
Shorts: LOFT (blueish green)
Shoes: GAP (black)
Necklace and Earrings: ??? (gold and black)


I am so excited today because my girl Candice came to visit!  She lives in California and was visiting her parents in Atlanta, then drove four whole hours to see little ol' me in Alabama. 

We met up with our friend Holly (center) at the pool with all 8 kids between us.   And yes, those are nasty storm clouds in the background!


t was so nice having Candice here today.  I haven't seen her in over a year and I've missed her terribly.  Plus, I had someone over the age of 9 to take pictures for me today:)





I love the emerald/jade shorts with the black top.  I used to only wear black, because I was told black was slimming.  Well, almost anything can be slimming if it fits YOUR body correctly.  


I'm not usually one to wear matching jewelry, but owls are adorable and I'll wear as much owl jewelry as possible whenever possible.

Happy Shopping,
Christin


Sunday, June 23, 2013

Day 43: Sunday Fun-day!

Dress: Purchased from Dandy Lion Boutique
Shoes: Mossimo, purchased from Target (cobalt blue)
Earrings: Purchased from Dandy Lion Boutique (red)
Belt: Purchased from Target (red)
Necklace: Purchased from Etsy (yellow)
Cardigan: Old Navy (blue)


Today was another fun filled day!  First, we had church.  I wanted to wear something today that would work for me all day.  Usually after church I change clothes (normally into sweat pants and a t-shirt).  I couldn't do that today because I promised I'd take my boys to watch Monsters University (awesome movie by the way!).  Movie theaters and churches are always cold, so wearing a cardigan today was perfect.  


I love this floral print dress.  I really love that it has so many bright bold colors so I have an excuse to wear everything red, blue and yellow in my closet, bonus!   Plus, floral prints are very much in style right now so that is a double bonus!


The sun was setting, so it was really hard to get a good shot today, sorry!
I'll be sure to wear this outfit again so I can get some better pictures.  

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Day 42: Purple Dress Day, All Day

Dress: Target (purple)
Sandals: CL Chinese Laundry
Necklace: Burkes Outlet


Today, was a very busy day!  It started off with me having to run to my old house because I accidentally had some packages shipped there, oops!  I also had to check on my friends cats and go grocery shopping.  My afternoon was equally busy.  My oldest son, Thomas, had a Cub Scout pool party and awards ceremony.  Then after that we were invited over to a friends house for dinner.  I knew I wanted to wear something that would work for me all day, and I did!



For the first half of the day I wore my purple cotton dress with a brown bandeau bra underneath (the dress is very low cut).  FYI bandeau bras are the best idea ever!!!  I have five different colors of bandeau bras that I wear under tops and dresses that are too low cut for my comfort.


Later in the day I wore my dress over my swimsuit as a cover up.  I love it when I can get away with wearing the same thing all day for multiple occasions!

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Friday, June 21, 2013

Day 41: Completing The Look!

Top: LOFT (blue and white)
Cardi: GAP Outlet (minty blue)
Shorts: GAP Outlet (yellow)
Sandals: Old Navy (white)
Wedges: Purchased from TJ Maxx (camel brown)
Necklace: Purchased on Etsy (yellow)

I woke up this morning and decide to wear my striped LOFT tank and yellow shorts.  The look was cute, but not anything special.  Plus, this top is NOT my favorite.  It makes me look much bigger than I am because of the boxy shape and multiple striped layers going down the front of the shirt (really?! layers over the boobs???).


See, nothing special.  I knew I could make the outfit look better.
I added a light minty blue cardi (helps slim the boxiness of the top), a small yellow bauble necklace and I traded in the white sandals for brown wedges.  I really like the way a few additions (or subtractions) can really make an outfit complete!



Happy Shopping,
Christin

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Day 40: Boyfriend Jeans Take 2

Top: Purchased at TJ Maxx
Jeans: GAP Outlet
Sandals: MK Michael Kors, purchased from TJ Maxx
Bracelet: Purchased in Hawaii (green)


I love my boyfriend jeans!!!  Everyone should have a pair!  I prefer the straight leg, but I have seen them in skinny leg too.  They are the perfect summer jean.  Laid back and casual.  Roll them up to create a cooler (as in temperature) outfit.  

Today, I decided to wear an embroidered top I purchased years ago.  I've almost donated it several times because it had this stupid bow on the back, that once it was washed, became this wrinkled mess and DID NOT look cute at all!  I solved my little problem by cutting off the bow.  Easy Peasy!


I've worn these sandals almost every day this week.  When you are purchasing shoes, try to find shoes that will go with many different pieces in your wardrobe.  I've made shoe mistakes before!  I'm the girl with sequenced zebra print ballet flats.  Yep!  That's me.  They are cute, but really!  When am I going to wear them???  (except on this blog of course because I have to!)


I'm glad I held on to this top.  Mexican embroidered dresses and tops are making their way onto the fashion scene right now.  Though, this top does not have the vibrate colors like the typical Mexican garments, it does have the same feel.



Happy Shopping,
Christin

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Day 39: Shades of Blue

Top: GAP Outlet (navy blue)
Shorts: GAp Outlet (mint)
Sandals: Old Navy (white)
Necklace: Origami Owl
Earrings: Pearl studs
Watch: Fossil (silver)


It has been a very long day!  I didn't know today would be as busy as it was when I woke up this morning.  I knew I had a lot to do so I wanted to dress comfortably and cooly (does that make sense???)  

Last week I was vigorously searching my closet for this top.  I purchased it during my last shopping trip to Destin and I really wanted to wear it.  Problem was, I couldn't find it.  I have my tanks hanging 3-4 to one hanger to save room.  They are hung with matching colors so I know exactly where to look to find any color tank.  I looked where all my blue tanks were hanging and nothing.  I couldn't find it.  I dug through boxes in my garage, I search all my drawers, I even looked through my kids closets.  I thought it was lost.

But it wasn't!  I found the top when I was getting my turquoise tank (that I wore under the top I wore on Monday) off the hanger.  It was hanging on the other side of the hanger (closest to the back wall of the closet).  I smiled and laughed a little bit because I knew last week that once I stopped looking for the top that it would appear.  That's how life is isn't it!?  Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?!


If it weren't so hot outside I would've worn my hot pink cardi with this outfit.  Navy and hot pink are AMAZING together!!!  I'll prove it to you when the weather cools down:)

My sweet husband bought me two more Origami Owl charms for our anniversary.  One is a key and the other says family.  He knows me so well!


I wore white sandals today even though I have a pair of minty teal sandals I could've worn.  However, that would be too much blue.  White brightens everything up and is the perfect color addition for any summer wardrobe!  



Happy Shopping,
Christin

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Day 38: Coral and Teal!

T-shirt dress: Banana Republic Factory Store (teal)
Belt: Came off another dress (camel)
Sandals: Merona, purchased from Target (gold)
Necklace: Purchased from Urbanog.com (coral)
Earrings: Banana Republic Factory Store (gold)


I love the way coral and teal look together!  It is a perfect summer color combo!  This t-shirt dress is the perfect light weight summer dress.  I was always scared to wear a t-shirt dress because I am very curvy.  I thought for sure I'd have to wear Spanx, but that wasn't the case at all.  I did have to add a belt so I could give myself a waist.  Believe it or not, my waist is almost where the belt is.  Saying I am short waisted is an understatement!  My hand is resting on my hip bone in this picture.  Suffice it to say that belts are a short waisted girls best friend!!!


I am, once again, at the mercy of a 5 year old to take my pictures.  He is a little guy and hasn't been able to figure out a full body shot yet.   


I love this necklace!  The shades of coral are just gorgeous!  


Nate wasn't able to get a picture of my sandals, but here you can see them in the background.  Try not to die from cuteness overload.  One top of having a 5  year old take my pictures today, I also had a pre-toddler crawling all over the place.  Awe, the life of a stay at home mommy!  


Happy Shopping,
Christin

Monday, June 17, 2013

Day 37: It's My Anniversary!!!

Top: Ann Taylor LOFT
Shorts: GAP Outlet (pink)
Sandals: Merona, purchased from Target (minty teal)
Necklace: Tiffany, purchased from Tiffany
Watch: Fossil
Bracelet #1: Pandora Charm Bracelet
Bracelet#2: Tiffany, purchased from Tiffany
Earrings: Diamond loops and diamond studs


Today is my 13 year anniversary.  Since my husband currently lives in Colorado, I decided to wear as much jewelry as possible that he has given me.  I had rings on too, but my fingers are short and fat and just not blog worthy at all!!!

I normally would only wear this top with dress pants, but I'm really liking how the pink shorts make the colors in the top pop!  My lens kept fogging up today due to the recent rain storm and humidity.  Sorry if the pictures look a little blurry!



 I LOVE these shoes.  They were my last purchase before I started my one year no shopping challenge.  


My sweet little Tiffany heart locket.  I love dainty pieces of jewelry.


The diamond studs I am wearing were my Mom's.  She died and I inherited them.  I never take them off.  They mean more to me than any other piece of jewelry I have.


All the jewelry I wore today came from my husband (except the diamond studs).  The diamond loops were a push present from the birth of our second son, Nathaniel.  The rest were given to me for anniversaries or Mother's Days.  He didn't actually buy the Pandora bracelet for me, but he has given me several of the charms.  For our anniversary this year, he gave me the heart charm and the blue polka dot charm (he knows how much I LOVE polka dots!!!).  


Even though my husband isn't here with me, I still felt like I had him with me all day.  

Happy Shopping,
Christin