Closet -- Ally

Today's another long post - bear with me, kittens!

Makeover mania started last weekend with our closet.

Al and I are fortunate to have very spacious and ample closets. The one in our bedroom isn't a true "walk in" but it's big enough for one to "step in" and select clothing. We have a second identical closet in our guest room. It's on tap for a SERIOUS overhaul. It's a bloody mess and downright embarrassing. Of course, I'll post pics :)

Since it's so roomy, we're able to share the space and, since I'm an only child and he sorta grew up as such (his sister is 20 years his elder), we're very MINE and YOURS. The space is split, nearly, right down the center. It works and we don't bicker. Well, hardly anyway... :)

One thing evident by these before shots: we're lazy. Very very lazy.


Maddy insisted upon "helping" at first. Al says she's being as in the way as possible, but I think she's well-intended.

The closet is about twice as wide as what you see - it's almost the width of the room.















Disregard the "Great St. Louis Boobs" tshirt. haha












These are kinda my JV and Freshman teams of shoes. I have a shoe rack by the front door where the shoes in "current rotation" live. The rack in the closet (left) are shoes that are either out of season or ones I don't wear often. The other rack are shoes I rarely wear and should probably get rid of. I have more in the guest closet.

Maybe a shoe post is in the future...hum...





Al's side. That wooden chest up top was hand made by his father :) It's a lockbox and super special. I don't know what's in it, but it's likely noneofmybusiness.

For the record, Al has a LOT more clothes than this. I'm super lazy and am bad about putting away clothes. The pile on top of the shelf is his dry cleaning pile.












See how my shoes creep to his side? That's where the 50/50 rule slides (in my favor, of course).












Pile outside of the closet. More dry cleaning and stuff that really should be hung up.
















We tackled it and in a few minutes we had everything out and piled on the bed:

See the little drawers barely in frame on the right? That's where my undies and socks live. Al has something similiar on his side.















At this point we're about an hour in and a certain-someone (*cough*Maddy*cough*) was in full pouty mode:

I'm a Mean Mommy and didn't give her my full, undivided attention. The nerve!

Nevermind I made her a "spot" out of the way so she could stay upstairs with us. Brat.








Al did a little tidying up:
I love a man who vacuums -- especially one this cute!












We picked up hangers for me, an over-the-door hanger/rack/thingie for my side and a set of over-the-door hooks for Al's side. I needed a home for my belts and scarves and he needed a place to hang outfits, dry cleaning, etc.

Love this! Snagged it for $4!!


















I went with the teal hangers in lieu of pink, black or camel. I'm sure the camel or black would be more grown up, but no one sees in there but us (and now the collective internet) and a bright color is likely to make me smile in the morning. I'm quite the grump most mornings so I do whatever I can to cheer myself up.


Four hours later.... ta da!!!!!!!!!


















The canvas bins are from Target. $5.99 each - not bad! They're on sale this week for $5.50 :)

I have my bras, tanks, sleepwear, and weekend gear (old tshirts, etc) in these. I need to make labels b/c I keep forgetting where everything is!








The other shoe rack lives in the guest room now. I have big plans of turning that closet into a secondary lair for my shoes/purses. The purses live there currently.










Al got a great belt spinny rack at Bed Bath and Beyond. I gave him my old belt hanger to use for his ties.

His hangers are from Ikea.















Al's drawer thing came from Ikea also. He's had it for years.











I had a ton of coupons for Bed Bath and Beyond so everything we got was 20% off. If you don't already know this, take note: their coupons don't expire and you can use five at a time (one per item). We had eight items total so I got five and Al got three. I keep them in our cars so we always have them when we're there. The hangers were $32 after the coupon - a great deal for 50 hangers I think!

I've needed a good solution for my many necklaces but nothing's really worked. Back in my more single days (I love you, honey!) I would keep my necklaces on every doorknob in the place. Al tolerated it FAR longer than most men would, but the day he had trouble getting out of the bathroom was sorta the last straw. I moved my necklaces upstairs and really haven't worn them since. If I don't see it, I don't wear it. I decided to take a bunch of small nails, cover the inside closet walls and hang the necklaces from there.


I love it! I love standing there in the mornings (or the night before if I'm ambitious) and deciding what jewelry goes.

I'm trying to wear all the necklaces w/out repeats. So far, I'm not doing well!














The pink container on top of my drawer of drawers (*snort*) came from Target too ($2.99). I have my bracelets in it.
















Tracey told me about the clippies you can get for skirts and, of course, I picked up some of those as well! I'd read some pretty bad reviews about them, but like most things, user error is generally to blame.

They hold 2 skirts w/no issues!

$6.99 for 12 clippies











Whew!!!!!!!!!! I'm worn out! However, I'm not quite as exhausted as my furry little friend...
Still in the doorway...still pouting.

The closet may change, but the doggie stays the same.

Monday - Jamie

Dress: Cabi

Shoes: Mossimo (Target)

Bag: Brahmin

Hello all!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend! You will please have to excuse the puffy face this morning. We have a cold front that has come through NKY and it has brought every allergy possible to me :)

This dress is by far one of my absolute fav purchases. Leslie has this exact same one. If you have never been to a Cabi party, you must go. They have awesome pieces, great staples!

I am absolutely in LOVE with my bag. Now I it was a very nice present from my family. It is a Brahmin bag and I have to admit it is not the most financially sound purchase, but it's SO PRETTY!

BTW - We are fastly approaching the 4th of July holiday weekend and that means SALES! So keep an eye on your circulars. I know Macy's is having a huge shoe sale this weekend. I unfortunately and am on the job search so I will not be going, but I look forward to seeing if anyone finds any good deals.

Have a wonderful day!

Weekend -- Ally

I worked both days this weekend so I had to wear something other than pants with an elastic waist. *sigh* ;) Fortunately, we're allowed to wear denim on weekends so long as it's cute and pulled-together. No rock tshirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, etc.

Since I worked these two days, I get Monday/Friday off. Friday was spent running around with Tracey and later meeting Al and friends. I'm posting Friday's outfit with Saturday/Sunday because it's weekend enough for me!

Friday: ON LOCATION!!! :)

Black "wrap" top: NYandCo. ($12)

Jeans: Gap curvy fit

Scarf: Banana Republic (gift)

Sunnies: Maxstudio

Pink leather bangle: JCP ($10 - from my haul earlier in the month)

Bag: Michael Kors

Shoes: Crocs Prima




Just the right outfit for an afternoon of beer, shopping, beer again, free concert, then um...beer. What?!? It was my day off! Tracey supervised my behavior so I can assure I was good! :)

Saturday:
Cardi: NYandCo. ($10 super clearance)

Tank: Mossimo

Jeans: Gap

Brown peep toe wedges: Nine West

Necklace: gift











I had a belt over the tank when I left the house but I was crazy busy at work and it just had to go. I think the outfit still looks cute without it. This is the same top/cardi I wore in this post - just swapped the pants and shoes!


My mama got this necklace for me. Not sure where it came from, but knowing her, it was a steal. I learned bargain shopping at a VERY early age from an excellent teacher! :)

You can see the satiny detail on the tank a little better too. The center "v" and edge are satin and the rest is a super soft, drapey cotton. Al took the pic and it turned into more of a boob shot than I asked for. Men!


Sunday:
Black blouse: Worthington (JCP) ($17? I forget. I have it in orange too)

Denim pencil skirt: Lands' End ($35)

Belt: JCP ($8)

Flats: Crocs Prima (gift)













So let's talk about these shoes. I loathe the Crocs clogs you see people tripping over and children wearing. HATE THEM. Ditto on flip flops. I think if you're being THAT casual, you should reevaluate if you ought to leave the house in the first place.

However, these aren't those big clunky Crocs and they're downright cute. They're ridiculously comfortable and that's necessary for me when I'm at work. I walk a lot (especially on weekends when I'm flying solo) and the stilettos get old and painful. I toss these in the car most days and I also have a pair in red. My only complaint is they eat my toenail polish. I'll take them off and an entire toe will be without polish - weird!!!

How cute is this belt?? It was one of my steals from the JCP haul a couple of weeks ago. I got it for $8. The leopard is fuzzy and the black is patent. LOVE IT. The buckle kinda reminds me of the Fendi buckles, just cheaper :)



Whew! That was quite the update! I'm off tomorrow (Monday) and I hope to finish up the closet (have I ever mentioned I'm all about being lazy and putting off stuff??). I'll post pics of that annnnnd I have a fun surprise post coming up too!

Your Weekend Mission....

My dear friend Kristina is getting married next spring and has reached out to me (and our blog readers) for help. I cant get a picture of the dresses to upload but here is the link. She is getting that dress in the pacifico color which is shown in a smaller picture under "Suggested Compliments" in the bottom right--it's the vibrant blue that's shown in a couple pictures.

She would like to have the girls wear a fun, yet affordable nude/flesh tone sandal. She was thinking about gold but was worried because her dress and jewelry are all silver. Do you all think that's ok or should she stay away from mixing gold and silver?

Any ideas? Post any links of any sandals you think may be good. I'll let you know the outcome!

Leslie-- My New Shoes

Just because I was asked so nicely--here are my new shoes, both courtesy of Target.com. I've kept them laying on the floor in front of the sofa in my line of sight. I think they are my motivation to feel better. :-)

Any great ideas of what to pair either of them with that may not be obvious?

Thursday-- Leslie

Well dear bloggers, no picture. Trust me you don't want to see me. If this tells you anything, I had 2 new pair of shoes come from the UPS man Tuesday from Target and I didnt open the box until Wednesday.

I couldnt bend over to get it you see because I have a nasty case of pleurisy. If you have never heard of it (I hadnt!) basically it means that the membranes surrounding each side of my lungs are inflamed so if I try to take a semi-deep breath or cough, I have stabbing pain. Yeah it's real fun. Yes, I have the "good" drugs but they were doing absolutely nothing for me so I got to add a boatload of Ibuprofen to the dose. Yippee I felt SO good for 3 hours! Until I tried to eat and then couldn't keep any food down because the meds were too strong. So I'm finding that happy medium of extra meds and pain I can tolerate and still eat.

This is a good diet I tell you. Im compare it to "1 stomach flu away from my goal weight" as they said in the Devil Wears Prada! Im currently waiting on dear Ally to bring me the best baked potato there is when she gets off work. My diet since Tuesday consists of baked potatoes, applesauce, bananas and strawberry special K bars. Maybe I'll feel better enough tomorrow to introduce Lucky Charms to the mix.

When my mom stopped by a few minutes ago she begged me to take a picture for the blog as I had my hair up in 2 ugly lopsided ponytails to keep off my neck. I said no thank you!

So providing I am better enough to get on a plane by Sunday afternoon, Ill be in Hilton Head next week so it could be a while before you hear from me again but I PROMISE I'll be back and better than ever soon.

xoxo

Wednesday -- Ally

Our fashionable friend Leslie is super sick , so here's to her feeling better soon! You just can't be sick on vacation!!! Get better, kitten!


Cropped birdie cardi: Mossimo

Pleated tank: New York & Co.

Pants: east 5th (JCP)

Wedges: Isaac Mizrahi for Target

Michelle Obama-esque pearls: Walmart ($8)

Bracelets: gifts







I don't wear this cardigan much and for no good reason. It's plenty cute, but I think it's related to my deep hatred of birds.


I told Al the other night I think Michelle Obama will be our generation's Jackie O. Women across the country are buying dresses like hers, belts like hers and I even got a necklace like the one she wears. I'm not much for pearls, but she doesn't seem to be either. She makes them look tough and I'm trying!







These are from a couple years ago. LOVE THEM.













I finally settled with a new color for summer!

2 coats of Wet 'n Wild Golden Pink (#483C)
1 coat of OPI's Your Villa or Mine?

I think it makes my feet look dirty, but I'll get over it. I'm so used to dark toe colors!





The bracelet on the left is one I've had for almost 10 years. I got it right when I joined my sorority and it really means a lot to me. I wear it almost daily.

The one on the right is one I found while cleaning my closet this weekend! It's a Brighton and really not my style but I like it well enough.







This was a gift to myself :)

I've heard good things about Swiss Army watches and I've had this one for almost two years. The only issue I've had is with the band, and it's because the place that adjusted it did a crap job and almost broke it.

The band on this watch looks different, but it's the same watch, just a newer model.

Tuesday -- Ally

Is this the outfit you'd wear when you have to address a million-dollar mistake with a contractor? I sure hope so!! Today's not gearing up to be a good one (that juice box didn't work!) but at least I look cute!!

Shirt Dress: Worthington ($12!!!!!!!!!!!)

Tank: Old Navy (remember when I said I buy in multiples? Yeah.)

Belt: Walmart

Shoes: Charles by Charles David (via Zappos Outlet of course!)

Bracelet: Walmart

Horseshoe necklace: gift

Ring: vintage, gift







I'm still kicking myself for not getting this belt in red and blue. They were $7 or so last year @ Walmart and I got this one to go with my Oaks dress. I thought a punch of green would mix it up better than the old standard, red.

My only gripe is the belt bunches up when I sit so I have to adjust it.





You'll soon notice I wear the same jewelry over and over and over. I really only like necklaces and bracelets. I wear one ring and never wear earrings. The necklace I'm wearing was a birthday gift from my parents last year and I wear it 90% of the time. I love it so much!

Watch is a Swiss Army I bought for my self a couple of years ago when I got a big promotion. I wear it every day without fail and don't even own another to wear. It's masculine, but still small enough to not look bulky on my wrist. I'll post a pic of it another day.


My ring is a vintage diamond ring my mom gave me. Don't know a lot of history on it, just know it's stunning and I loooooooooove it.













A close up...

It was really dirty the day I took that pic, so just imagine it being sparkly :)

It needs a little work done if you can't tell. The scroll work on the sides has been broken/indented over time and it's also way too big. I wear it on my index finger but it's still too big. I just am so leary about taking it somewhere - I don't want the diamond reset or anything like that. I just want it sized and the sides fixed up.



Any local suggestions? I've heard good things about Seng downtown.

And for my shoes. They're Charles by Charles David (I guess he's lower-end line?) and hurt like hell! I don't wear them often enough for them to be super broken in, so that explains the rubbing. Thank goodness for Bandaid Blister Block!!!

Tuesday-- Leslie

Tie Neck Top: The Limited

Sweater Vest Shell: Mossimo

Grey Pinstripe Pants: Banana Republic Factory Outlet

Brown Heels: Nine West

Yellow Bag: Cato

Well, I sure hope I look better than I feel. Because I feel not so hot. You see no weekend posts from me because I hid under a blanket and slept due to whatever summer cold has taken me over and won't leave. It's my fault. I didn't listen to Jamie and take my vitamins. My goal is just getting through work for a few days and then I think recovery could come via a week in Hilton Head. :-) I warn you now, don't expect any cute outfits next week. It'll probably be swimsuit, coverup, chino skirt, tee, and flip flops for the week and I can't wait!!

Anyhow, this "vest" is actually the shell of a sweater set and I was just standing in the closet this morning and thought it may work as a vest with my lightweight tie neck top. To my surprise and happiness, it did!! These pants are just so comfy--they're a little large but I never got them tailored but they just kinda drape perfectly. A great Hilton Head find a couple years ago--I cant wait to find more good buys this year! My other objective this morning when getting dressed was something I could throw jeans on with and look cute for an alumni event after work. A simple vest, shirt and heels fit the bill!

Monday Funday -- Ally

All that closet cleaning wore this gal OUT yesterday! Putting some finishing touches on it before I share it with you all.


Top: Mossimo

Tank: Old Navy (under top)

Pants: east 5th (JCP)

Necklace/bracelet: Walmart

Shoes: Nine West









I'm generally one to avoid shiny fabrics, but I really love this shirt. It's easy and forgiving and nice year 'round.


It's kinda boobilicious so a tank under is a must.



Please ignore the bug bite on my forearm. Whilst tending to my herb and flower garden, one of the locals took a bite. OW!







I got these shoes at a Nine West outlet in 2004. Love them! I sorta feel like a badass when I wear them :)










Sorry today's such a late post - I got zero sleep last night (and consequently neither did Al b/c if I'm not happy, no one else is either) and that makes for two sleepy, cranky people. I need a juice box and a blankie!

Jamie's back!

Hello there my lovely fashionistas!

I have been quite the MIA lately and I am sorry but I was taken over by the most awful bug that kicked my butt for a total of two weeks. So during this time, I have not been cute in any way shape or form. However, the mighty bug has not stopped my shopping sense.

The Levee has a cute little shop called Tala and I never had been in there to look around (yes, I know I have worked at the Levee for over a year now). Anyway, I have found this ADORABLE purse and got it for $20 (thank goodness for Levee 10% discount!).

And thank you for a little peek into your closet Trae, so I am going to let you all take a peek into mine. The story of my closet goes like this...I have a spare bedroom in the basement of my home and after my parents moved out (they lived with me for 6 months) I did not want this room to turn into a junk room, so I decided to make it a closet. So I invested approximately $75 in clothing racks at Target (holla!). This has been SO easy for me since my laundry room is downstairs. I love being able to see and what I have and being able to pull outfits together. I turned the "closet" area of the room for my shoe room. By far my favorite room in the house!

Well I plan on being more frequent in my posts now. I do not wish that sickness on anyone! TAKE YOUR VITAMINS :)

Weekend - Tracey

T-shirt - Old Navy

Skirt - J Crew

Necklace - design by Sarah Balmer

Bangles - Forever 21

Shoes - Steve Madden


Sunday was dinner with my Step-dad, step-brother and sister and their families to celebrate a belated Father's Day. We went to the new Our Best restaurant in Jeffersonville. Now, I'm not usually one for down home country cookin', but this was some good eatin'! I had the biggest piece of peanut butter pie for dessert. The girl said it was the last piece in the pan, so instead of cutting it in half, she just gave me the whole thing!

I hate shorts and only wear them when I absolutely have to. Like doing yard work... which I NEVER do. Casual cotton skirts are my subsitute for shorts in the summer. They are cool, casual options for us ladies that don't have the prettiest of thighs.






Here is a closeup of my necklace. I've been hearing a lot of talk about "statement knecklaces" lately. I would have to say that I think this necklace would fit into that catagory. The stone is about 2" high and 1" wide, so it's pretty substantial. It was made by local artist Sarah Balmer. I have a couple of her pieces and I just love them. She uses quality materials and her pieces are done well. Her designs can be found at Scout (which I mentioned in this post here) and some other boutiques around town.





And last but not least are my leopard peep-toe flat wedges. I started thinking today when I had these on that along with my hate of Crocs, I am developing a hate of rubber flip flops. (Sorry, Les... I know you have a post wearing flippies, and you look adorable in them, but...) I guess I don't get when these started being acceptable to wear off of the beach and out to dinner? I guess about the time that it started to be acceptable to wear your pajamas to the grocery store? I just don't know. The only place I've worn rubber flip flops in the last year has been out to walk the dog and on my uncle's boat. These little flats are adorable and they take just as little effort to put on as a flip flop... and they look so much better. Just say NO to the flips, girls! I will step off of my soap box now. :)