Who What Wear for Target

I love a good collaboration.  Target pretty much knocks it out of the park every time so it was not surprising when I saw the collection for them by Who What Wear.  Since they rarely have any collab in my local Target I went on a shopping spree online.  Some things worked and some didn't but it was all amazing.

Here's my first look from the Who What Wear collection for Target:

Shirt and Blazer: Who What Wear for Target
Pants: Old Navy
Shoes: who knows anymore
Jewelry: Stella and Dot and Kate Spade

Blog Evolution

Hey folks!

I've taken a bit of a break but I'm back with hopefully a new sense of blogging.  I know I've said that before and failed miserably, but stick with me!

So, tell me what you want to see on the blog?  Pics of my looks each day, trends I'm loving, links to things I love?

Meanwhile, here are some of my recent favorite looks!

Baby Love

A few weeks ago, I helped throw a shower for one of my work besties, Lauren of 912 ELM Tree.   We had a great time celebrating Lauren and Baby Joe!

I was in charge of the decorations and since we knew Lauren was having a boy, I went with a mustache theme. I found a great set of decorations from Etsy seller Busy Chickadees. She was great to work with and it was super easy to take the files to Office Depot to be printed. Only drawback was cutting out all those mustaches! 

I may have gone a smidge overboard, but it was so much fun! Here are some shots of the decorations and a group shot of the mama-to-be and all of the shower attendees!

No more pencils, no more books...

It's official! Summer break has begun! I think I was just as excited as the students this year! 

I promptly started summer vacay with lunch with two of my favorites from school and a trip to the gym! Tomorrow I get my hair done and hopefully a little shopping!

Look Who's Back, Back Again

Hey dear friends!

I've gotten several inquiries about when I am going to start blogging again. I feel like I keep making attempts to really get back into it, but have failed. I promise to make every effort to reup this blog. 

You all know about my surgery last year. I have really struggled to feel myself since then. I'm not back to my clothes and that's been really hard for me. I have been pretty down and have been waiting to get back to some semblance of normal. I'm realizing that this process is going to take a lot longer than I ever anticipated. In addition, I've found I have some food intolerances and that has been a major adjustment. 

I hope to bring you all a little bit of fashion  and a little bit of what's happening in my life, whether it is what I'm wearing, buying, decorating, eating, or doing. I hope you'll stick with me and thanks for reading!

Bloglovin

I've moved all of my subscriptions over to Bloglovin and now you can search for me there too!

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4618747/?claim=ypg48nbfv2h">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

100th Post!

 

 

 

Happy 100th post to me!  I can't believe my year anniversary of the blog and 100th post fell so close together.  Thanks for everyone that has stuck with me over the past year and hundred posts! I was recently, ok not so recently but I finally got around to doing this, given the Liebster award so I chose to use my 100th post to get this going...

 

 

 

 

Thanks to A Matchy Matchy Midlife, for nominating me for the Liebster award!  For those of you who don't know, the Liebster Award is designed for bloggers with a small number of followers to gain some attention and to share some blog love with other bloggers!  There is no competition, but I get a fab button and to answer some questions and then pass it on.  Here goes...


1.) What did you want to be when you grew up and how/why/did that vision change when you did? I'm pretty sure I went from astronaut, to pediatrition, to physical therapist, to teacher, to librarian, to....I'm still not sure what I want to do when I grow up!!
2.) If you could only follow one blog (not your own) which would it be and why? It doesn't have to be a fashion blog, fyi.  Wow...that is a toughie.  Probably Kendi Everyday because I love her fashion sense and humor.
3.) What is the most expensive thing you ever bought as an indulgence for yourself, and what is the story behind it? This is so sad, but the most expensive thing I've purchased for myself is my Coach purse.  And it was from the outlet store.  No real story behind it other than I wanted one and my friend and I went crazy in the store... I think my friend bought two or three bags that day!
4.) Which word or phrase do you most overuse?  Really? Actually, I'm not sure what I overuse....
5.) How do you relax? Watching TV, reading, or walking around a store.  Something about shopping makes me so happy.  I feel like that's a pretty strange answer, but true.  The mall is my happy place!!
6.) What single thing would improve the quality of your life (and don't say money)? A personal trainer.  I'd love to be in awesome shape but need someone to kick my butt!
7.) What do you consider your greatest achievement (and children do not count here if you have them)? Beware, this is going to be super schmaltzy, but probably a couple of my former students.  One of my little darlings that I had in 4th grade is now a junior in high school.  She still visits with me and I'm very proud of how awesome she is. 
8.) What is your biggest regret? I don't know how much I regret this because I wouldn't have made some of the best friends ever, but I ALMOST took a job in Texas right after graduation but wimped out at the last minute.  Sometimes I wonder how my life would have turned out if I went.
9.) Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you. I have no clue.  I'm double jointed?  I love any movie that has singing and dancing, even if it is terrible? I am scared to death of Kevin Bacon?  Take your pick.
10.) Does your blog accurately reflect all of you, a part of you, or is your blog persona completely different from the "real" you? Details please.  I try so hard to make this blog the real me.  I may gloss over some details, but for the most part what you read is what you get. 
11.) The Book or The Movie? Book.  Would a librarian say anything different?!

Next I have to tell you 11 things about myself (is there anything that people don't know about me?)

1. I originally went to college to become a physical therapist but changed schools and majors my sophmore year.

2. My favorite animal is a gorilla thanks to Mrs. Cromwell's animal project in 2nd grade.

3. I've been friends with one of my best friends since we were in Kindergarten. (27 years now...EEP!)

4. I have an unhealthy love for teen shows...especially ABC Family shows- Switched at Birth, Lying Game, Bunheads...

5. I love vintage inspired clothes.

6.  While I enjoy putting together clothes, I suck at decorating my house.  Thank goodness I have Joi to help me out!

7.  My favorite singers include James Morrison, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, and Gavin DeGraw. But I also love Elton John and Billy Joel as well as the oldies and pop music.

8. I can't remember dates and other important history events, but I can quote movies and tv shows like no one's business!

9.  If it were possible, I'd probably live on bread, potatoes, and cake.

10.  My bucket list includes a trip to Africa.

11. My secret (okay, not so secret) dream is to be Kathleen Kelly from You've Got Mail.

Last I get to choose some lovely ladies to pass this award to, so here are some beautiful, funny, smart gals that I am lucky enough to call friends and their blogs that I think you should check out!

Lauren-912 ELM Tree
Amy-Strivingtobeabetterme
Sarah-The Cynical Mom
Sarah-Best Decade Ever

Ladies I've tagged, you are to answer the questions I answered above, tell your readers 11 things about yourself, and then tag some people!

32

In a few days I'll be turning 33.  As it gets closer and closer to the big day of double threes, I've been reflecting on the past year.  It has been a year of really high highs and few lows.  Instead of dwelling on the lows, I'm going to focus on the great things that happened this year:

My best friend getting married and TWO different opportunities to hang out with my very best friends of over 10 years.

(Don't worry, Alison is not naked, but the frame cut out the dress!)

My brother getting married...and gaining a sister!

(Cara and I)

My first mission trip along with my first trip outside of the U.S. and first time on another continent.

(In Quito, Ecuador with the group at the top of the Teleferico)

Winning the Emerson Excellence in Education Award at my school.

Getting a new car!

(Not my actual car, but haven't had a chance to take a pic yet!)

Spending Christmas with my brother and sister-in-law (even though I was on crutches and couldn't walk!)


While I'm sad to see 32 go, I'm very excited about what 33 will bring!  I have very high hopes and expectations for this coming year and I can't wait to see what happens.  Until the 9th, I will be belting out this song while substituting 32 for each time she sings 22!

Blogiversary

Today is my one year blogiversary.  I can't believe it has been a year since I started this blog.  I had thought about starting a blog and started various versions of a blog but it was a lunch with some friends from work that really tipped me over the edge.  I know I've taken some breaks and I may not be completely consistent, but I appreciate everyone that has stuck with me to read!

Birchbox

Do you all know about Birchbox? 

My sneaky brother managed to fool my mom, sister-in-law, and I at Christmas and surprised each of us with a Birchbox subscription.  I'd love to shake the hands of the women behind Birchbox, because they are very smart ladies! 

Each month, Birchbox sends me a box of 4-5 beauty product samples.  Not one use and you are finished samples, but substantial multiple use samples.  The boxes are tailored to the profile you create and I could not be happier. 

I've gotten everything from lotion, to hair masks, to perfume, to tinted moisturizer, to nail polish. 

Birchbox is great because you really get a feel for the product and whether or not you'd like to purchase a full size version.  Then you can visit Birchbox.com and purchase your full size product.  Each time you write a review of one of your samples you earn points toward the purchase of a full size product.  GENIUS!

Here's a pic of my February Birchbox:

This box had a Ghirardelli chocolate (which I ate upon the box's arrival :)), a Color Club nail polish in a cherry red called Mamba, Jouer matte moisture tint, Kerastase masque chroma riche hair mask, and Vasanti brighten up enzymatic face rejuvenator.  While I like them all, I REALLY like the nail polish and tinted moisturizer.  The hair mask was also great and smells pretty good too.

For about $10 a month, you too can get a Birchbox each month!  Check out Birchbox.com for more info!

P.S.-Birchbox did not ask nor pay me for this post. 

True Love

Anyone who reads this blog knows that I love Target.  While I have a slight obsession with some other brands, when it comes to what I actually purchase and where I spend my money, Target is where it's at. 

One of the great things of about Target is that they have been collaborating with some great designers to bring higher fashion to the masses.  Target's latest collaboration is with Prabal Gurung.  Unfortunately, I was stuck inside and healing when this collection came was released, but luckily, my computer was ready online to make some purchases. 

Ok, I went a little nuts at checkout, but I figured I'd take anything I didn't like back.  So, I have a pile of Prabal sitting in my bedroom waiting for me to decide what I actually want to keep.  Not everything fit, which made things a little easier, but it's like picking my favorite child. 

Here's a look at my loot in all of it's glory!

 

 

Seen here are 3 dresses, 1 shirt, 3 pair of shoes, and one pair of earrings.  Go big or go home! 

 I'll most likely keep the following:

Both pair of flats http://www.target.com/p/women-s-prabal-gurung-for-target-pointy-toe-flat-black/-/A-14302680#prodSlot=medium_1_1

Sleeveless Blouse http://www.target.com/p/prabal-gurung-for-target-sleeveless-blouse-in-first-date-print/-/A-14318761#prodSlot=medium_2_14

Floral Dress http://www.target.com/p/prabal-gurung-for-target-dress-w-full-skirt-in-floral-crush-print/-/A-14330910#prodSlot=medium_2_33

Earrings http://www.target.com/p/prabal-gurung-for-target-crystal-stone-earrings-silver/-/A-14308142#prodSlot=medium_1_37

Spring Love

Spring is almost here and I'm ready to revamp my closet!  Unfortunately, my bank account doesn't agree, so I'm bringing you some of my favorite pieces and looks for spring.

http://www.gap.com/browse/outfit.do?cid=87375&oid=OUT-351595002

Obviously, I'm still feeling the chambray shirt.  I don't think that is going away anytime soon.  I currently have 4 different chambray shirts in my closet, and I may just be adding another one in this color soon.  I love how Gap paired the chambray with the pretty floral dress.  I'm pretty obsessed with floral prints this year so I'm hoping to add this dress to my closet soon!

 

http://www.gap.com/browse/outfit.do?cid=87375&oid=OUT-448854022

Ok, who didn't have a denim vest in the late 80's and the 90's?!  Loving the color of this shirtdress from Gap as well as the denim vest.  It is fresh, clean, and bright.  Perfect for spring!

 

http://www.madewell.com/newarrivals/dressesskirts/PRDOVR~86772/86772.jsp

Clearly my love of chambray and dresses have had a love child.  Add in the fact that it is striped and has a slight vintage feel and it was love at first sight.  Birchbox sent me a $25 off coupon to Madewell, so this dress may have a new home soon!

 

 

http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SWEATERS/cardigans/PRDOVR~65388/65388.jsp

Ok, I know it is supposed to be getting warmer soon, but I LOVE this sweater.  I love the pattern and that I could pair it with just about anything from jeans to shorts to a springy dress.  No wonder it is sold out online at Madewell!  Plus, I saw it featured on a Birchbox video so I feel like my love for it has been sealed. 

 

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=10018&pid=386306&vid=1&scid=386306012

Oh, Old Navy, you know the way to my heart!  I'm loving the color of this eyelet dress.  I can just picture this dress belted, and paired with a cardi and flats.  Perfect for everyday wear!

 

http://www.jcrew.com/browse/multi_product_detail.jsp?externalProductCodes=22015%3A99196%3A31377%3A87664&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302042182&bmUID=jRKoUem

And, of course, no dream closet would be complete without some JCrew styles.  I love how they blended this structured ladylike jacket with the military skinny pants.  Perfect mix of soft and hard. 

 

http://www.jcrew.com/browse/multi_product_detail.jsp?externalProductCodes=85093%3A37265%3A17755%3A59659%3A87664&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302032936&bmUID=jRKoUel

I'm pretty sure JCrew has the mixture of textures and prints down to a science.  And that is a science class I'd like to take. 

 

Hope you enjoy my pics for spring fashion.  Let me know what  you think...

Life Happens

Hello....is anyone still checking in here? 

I apologize for the extended break.  Lots of stuff, well, life happened and before I knew it, it had been months since I last blogged. 

Just when I thought I was ready to start blogging again, I had an accident.  The staff at the school I work at decided to surprise the students with a flash mob right before winter break.  In our very last rehearsal for the surprise performance, I twisted my knee.  In fact, I injured it so bad that here I am over a month later recovering from ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair.  So, no fun fashion for me.  In fact, finding pants and clothes that fit over the braces I've had to wear and finding shirts that are comfortable while using crutches is even harder than you'd think.  For the past week and a half I've been in shorts and t-shirts. 

All this to say, I'm hoping to get back to blogging regularly soon.  Until then, enjoy the flash mob that I didn't get to perform:

The Dark Side

I found this cute dress at Target, or as I like to say it Tar-jay.  We all know how much I love a good deal and Target.  This dress is pretty simple but I like the black trim and detailing.  Also, it is extremely comfortable.  Something I always look for in clothes.  I think next time I wear it I need to add a little color to brighten things up a bit...maybe add some accessories. 

 

Entire look from Target!

Fan Club

In an effort to cheer on our local baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals, the students and staff at work wore t-shirts in honor of the run to the World Series.  Unfortunately, we didn't make it that far, but we all had a good time dressing down and rallying support!

 

Sweater and shoes: Old Navy

Jeans: Banana Republic Outlet

T-shirt: gift from my dad

Checklist

Throw together some of my favorite things and you have an outfit:

Favorite necklace....Check

Polka Dots.....Check

Sweater......Check

Jeans.......Check

High bun (so I don't have to fix my hair)....Check

 

Sometimes you just go with whatever works.

 

 

Sweater and shirt: Old Navy

Jeans: Gap

Necklace: Francessca's

Shoes: Anthropologie

Hearty Heart Heart

Sensing a pattern here with the colored pants?  Yep, it is not at all weird that I've made three colored pants posts in a row.  Get ready for a lot more posts with the colored trend, you guys. 

 

At least I'm not wearing polka dots, stripes, chevron, or my favorite necklace, right?

 

 

Shirt and sweater: Old Navy

Pants: Lauren Conrad for Kohls

Shoes: Toms

Just Dots

Hello again!  This is obviously the season of the colored pants for me.  I'm a little obsessed with all sorts of colors available for me to wear!  And this sweater is a new favorite.  I think I've worn it at least 4-5 times in the last several weeks.  Crazy much?

 

 

Sweater, shirt, pants: Old Navy
Shoes: Toms
Necklace: Otavalo Market

Colorful

Hey, hey, hey! 

This lovely outfit was from a little while ago when I attended baby Kailee's first birthday!  I had not worn these pants before and I have to say I like what I did here.  I wanted color but to not look like a clown.  I ended up moving the belt, but looking back on pictures, I actually like it over the sweater.  Please pardon the weird look on my face in these pictures.  Clearly, I need to work on my blue steel.

 

Sweater: H & M

Shirt: Loft

Belt: Target

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Toms

Necklace: Francesca's

Confession

Here's what I wore today...well, not quite.  These pants are actually lounge pants from Old Navy.  No, I did not wear these pants to work today.  I wore regular black dress pants but they were a little, ahem, tight uncomfortable, so I immediately changed into these stretchy pants as soon as I got home.  I figure you get the gist of what I wore without the actual pants I wore. I totally forgot I had this shirt and adding the necklace made it look just a little more dressy. 

Shirt, cami: Old Navy
Pants: Gap (the real ones I wore)
Shoes: Target
Necklace: Francessca's Collections