If you live in the Louisville area...

Get thee to Zappos Monday anytime from 10-7!

They are having the most amazing sale-- anywhere from 20-60% off each already discounted item depending on the color sticker.

Then, an additional 20% off your entire purchase (or 30% off the sandals).

Pictures to follow, but my receipt shows I saved $91 buying 2 pair of shoes and my friend Tiffany bought 2 pair and saved over $170 off retail! It's worth the drive--huge, quality selection as well--several designer pairs, basic pumps, "outfit shoes" and heels in every color-- for next to nothing.

Go Labor Day. Trust me.

What is your signature look?

I loved the recent post on Style It Less, asking if you have a signature look and if so, what is it?

I believe everyone, at their core, has a signature look. You may try to go away from it with trends, haircuts, colors, makeup, etc but inevitably you always seem to come back. Because your signature look is where you feel most like you. (There is your psychology for the day from Dr. Leslie)

Thinking about myself, I think I have a few "signature looks":

• My hair. It's always been short (never in my lifetime past my shoulders) and has been flippy most of my adult life. Oh sure, sometimes it may be shorter, sometimes it may be a bit longer; one month it could be choppy, the next structured, the next soft curls. But at the core, it's short and it flips in some way. I tried to move away from it for a short period of time into a short, straight bob, but alas in the end, it didn't take long to come back to "me" and my signature look (although my family, in hatred of the failed bob, would tell you it took forever...).
  
• My high heels--most of the time with extremely pointy toes. I love heels. In fact, I'm convinced my foot is in a permanent arch. It's a rare day indeed that you don't see me in heels, even on the weekend. Oh it happens, but I feel short, squatty, and "un-me" the entire day without them. I'm quite sure my feet and/or back will give out one day as a result of my heel wearing and walking in them for miles--but until then, I'll stand taller, prouder and sassier in my heels.
• Dark lipstick--its usually a reddish brown and I feel completely pale without a bold lipstick
  

What do you think? Do you think everyone has a signature look? And if so what is yours?

Speaking of First Ladies...and Second Ladies...

I watched live the announcement today of Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate. I had read that she was a former 1st runner-up to Miss Alaska so I expected a fashion forward look.

When she came out in a black suit, I was a tad disappointed but understood--it's the "conservative" party, she's being announced as a VP candidate...so black is safe. It was a great cut suit, with a pencil skirt that showed a feminine shape. So I shrugged and thought "ok, that works."

Then later this evening, I'm looking at other photos and I see her shoes--red patent leather heels! Love it!! A flash of edge to the conservative look. And oh my she wasn't wearing pantyhose. The news just keeps getting better.

Regardless of which party you're for, it's an exciting year to be a female and see women show that you can be powerful and feminine!

TGILong Weekend - Ally

I'm so ready for a long weekend...boy do I need it! This week has been really stressful and I can't wait to sleep in and go to a local festival or two with Al.

I 've worn this dress/cardi combo before and I had promised I'd wear brown w/this dress next time, but my brown cardi was just off. The color isn't right. I need another one first - but next time!!

Cardi: NY&Co

Dress: JCP

Michelle Obama pearls: Walmart

Mug: *shrugs* It's my fav, though.

Flats: Sam Edelman (not shown)









I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend! Learn more about Labor Day!

A little blurry it seems....

Cardigan: Red

Navy pants: CAbi

Belt: CAbi

Tan Tank: The Limited

Brown Pumps: Nine West

It seems appropriate to still rock some red, white and blue in honor of the democratic process being celebrated the next 2 weeks with the Democratic National Convention and Republication National Convention. If you've read my bio, you know my dream job is to be a First Lady (I'm not picky--I'll take either marrying a Governor or a President, I'm flexible). I'm fascinated by politics and love watching all the speeches of both parties. That's all I'll say about politics or my opinions since this is not a political blog and when I get started...well, it's hard to stop :-)

I'm blurry again. And I don't know why. It probably is fitting though because with the Olympics backed up to conventions, I haven't slept a normal number of hours for weeks now. I'm feeling a bit bleary eyed myself!

Or is the picture fine and my eyes are just blurry? No, I think it's the picture. I think.

Thursday -- Ally

After my Sad Sack Sally out fit from yesterday, I had to punch it up with some color!

Sweater: Target

Denim pencil skirt: Lands' End

Shoes: Target

Bag: JCP

Necklace: I have no idea!!










I like these colors all together best (yes, I'm still carrying this big, pink bag!) but the yellow shoes are too comfortable to NOT wear them every day! Besides, E inspired me with her pretty cardi yesterday! (By the way, how sweet is Kimberly for sending her a surprise?)

Cute cute cute.

Nic @ Domestic Sophisticate has these shoes and seems to love them as much as I do!

Green up your shopping

What you're about to read isn't a rant, but a rave. I had one of the most surprising, and wonderful customer service experiences this week.

As you may or may not know, Al and I are very committed to environmental concerns. We recycle everything we possibly can, always bring reusable bags to the store, limit utility usage, drive fuel efficient vehicles, and really try to do the right thing. We owe it to ourselves and our children's children to do something about our impact on the earth. Did I say this wasn't a rant? Whoops! :)

Back to the raving...

I bought two small zip around bags from Target several months ago. I carried them in my purse constantly and used the heck out of them. About two weeks ago, the zipper on one of the bags came off the track. Still usable, but not as convenient. I checked my local Targets for more bags, but they were out. The label on the bag said GreenBag.info so I checked them out. Ends up, they made most of the reusable bags we have - neat!

I sent an email to their US office asking if I could purchase a bag directly from them since my store was out. Nina, the sweet lady who responded, asked me to mail her the bag and she'd gladly replace it. Woah! Here I was willing to give them money, and she was going to replace my bag for free! I sent it off right away and had actually forgotten about it until UPS knocked on my door yesterday.

I had a box from Nina at GreenBag.info FULL OF BAGS of all sizes!!!!! Not only did she replace my Target zippy bag, but she included five other styles and a handwritten note.

The bags all laid out - sorry for the bad lighting. I was SO excited I couldn't be bothered with making the dog move or closing the other curtain.

The bags included:
Zippy purse-sized Target bag
Velcro purse-sized Whole Foods bag
wine bottle bag (woo woo!!)
Big Target bag (folds and snaps too!)
Big GreenBag.info tote with great outside pockets
Large NYU bag
I am still so excited and thrilled over this. Most companies don't take the time to even personally respond to an email and GreenBag.info not only did that, but they went above and beyond my expectations.

Thank you, GreenBag.info!

Next time you leave to go grocery shopping, bring your own bags! Tracey's doing it too now and I hope others who don't will start. If you don't have bags, I recommend checking out the GreenBag.info bags not only b/c they were so wonderful to me, but I really do like their bags best. They're soft, fold up nicely, are very strong (Al and I can do a HUGE grocery haul and only use 4 bags), and don't get all stinky from being stuffed in a storage bag all the time.

Stick some bags in your car, one at the office, hang them on your door - no point in having great bags if you forget to use them! I feel compelled to point out I'm not being paid or compensated in any way by this company...it's no different from us raving about shoes or dresses! Target doesn't pay us to talk about the clearance rack (though they really should, right?)

I'd love to hear from you who've "gone green." What do you do to make the world a better, cleaner place?

Wednesday -- Ally

Everytime I caught a glimpse of myself today I couldn't help but think of "The Dark Knight" and say, "Why so serious?" I look like I'm about to haul off to a funeral, but I guess I was in a mood this morning when I got dressed.

Dress: Mossimo (bought years ago at Target)

Flats: Sam Edelman ($28!!!!!!!!!!! Zappos outlet)

Necklace: vintage via MeMaw










I started to crop this photo more, but I'm so proud of my herbs and marigolds and other flowers/plants that I left them in :) I have three big container pots with herbs, four window boxes with marigolds (most from seed), snap dragons, snowcaps & basil, and another big pot FULL of marigolds (all from seed). I get excited to check on "the flower babies" each day after work.

To date, Maddy's the only living thing I've managed to keep alive, so this is a big deal!

This is another necklace from my MeMaw. It also comes with matching clip-on earrings but I'm not an earring gal, so I never wear them.

I think the clasp is so pretty so I like to wear it toward the front - no sense in hiding it!

My apologies for the lack of posts over here the past week. I'm still recovering from my great weekend with Krissa/Sparky! More on that to come :)

A ladylike look

Cardigan: The Limited

Black Tank: Old Navy

Black Skirt: The Limited

Shoes: Diba

Note to self looking at this picture....I need my new Old Navy camis to arrive in the mail soon....because this one has faded and my blacks don't match as a result. Don't you love it when that happens when you walk out the door in the morning running late, look at yourself in the natural light of the car, and think "Oh crap"? That was me with my mismatching blacks. Luckily it's black so I don't think it was too bad and I was inside all day long anyhow.

I went for a ladylike look today with the black and white emphasis with red accent. I amped up the ladylike look with pearls--necklace, bracelet and earrings. I don't wear my pearls that often and I always feel like a "classy lass" when I do.

There's a funny story with this cardigan. One of my co-workers and I have a tendency to have similar style. Occasionally we spend our "lunch" visiting the mall and on one of those days, we both walked into the Limited, saw this sweater and eyed it the rest of the visit. Unfortunately, it wasn't on sale and neither of us was willing to pay $50 for it. We left without the sweater but joked that the question was which one of us would break down first--because one of us would have that sweater!

When I arrived home that evening, waiting for me in the mailbox was a new set of coupons from the Limited. Seems like a sign, huh? You can see the outcome!

Weekend Wear

Top and Cami: The Limited

Denim Pencil Skirt: Gap

Orange Pumps: Schutz

Multicolored Necklace: Forever 21

Went out Saturday night for dinner with friends...despite all living within 20 minutes of each other, we hadn't gotten together to catch up for a month! It was beyond great to catch up over wine, calamari and seafood/pizza (depending on who's plate you were looking at) as we ate overlooking one of prettiest spots in the city. An ideal way to spend a Saturday evening as far as I'm concerned!

(I have no clue why but I am blurry in this picture. But I think this picture is better than the one below. What does it say when I look better blurry?!?!)






Ruched tank: Merona

Pants: CAbi

Yellow Pumps: Nine West

Scarf: The Limited

Sunday was a busy (and hot!) day so comfort was key. I had church in the morning and had to be back that afternoon because orchestra was playing for a special service that evening. Luckily, homemade ice cream followed the service. I adore homemade ice cream. Really I just adore ice cream in general. Now the whole blogesphere knows how I can be bribed. But I digress...

I found this fabulous new lightweight scarf at the Limited--fair warning, I think scarves may be my new fall staple! I've been collecting them nonstop for a couple months now and just waiting to wear them. I saw this one at the Limited and decided it was a must have because it has black, white, gray and yellow in it--and most importantly would allow me more ways to incorporate my fabulous new yellow pumps!

Since Allison already outed my affinity for recycling my church outfits early in the week, I'll admit that while this outfit wasn't worn on Monday, it probably will be sometime later in the week, with a tshirt since sleeveless isn't allowed in the office. What? None of my co-workers I see frequently go to my church. Why not??? Don't even shake your head at me--because I bet a lot of you do it too!!

Olympic Challenge Wrap Up

As I type this, I am watching the Olympic Closing Ceremonies which means 3 things:

#1: I'll be able to start sleeping through the night again at normal intervals I hope
#2: No more swimmer boys for 4 more years
#3: Our first "Blogger Challenge", the Olympic Challenge, has come to and end.

I'm kinda sad to see all of the above come to an end--because they have been so entertaining and fun to watch! I thought everyone may enjoy seeing all the photos of the patriotic red, white and blue lined up next to each other. We saw so many great looks! The simple denim with red and white accents; navy wrap dresses accented with red shoes; and then innovative looks unique all in their own. Did you have a favorite outfit?

Many thanks to all our participants! Each of their posts and blogs have been linked throughout the past 2 weeks. You can search for a particular blogger if you like by searching the keyword "Blogger Challenge."

Jamie will be posting our next Blogger Challenge in a couple weeks. You get one clue: Get your game faces on!

A fashionable rant

Is it just me or does it completely annoy you when stores and their complementary websites do not run the same sales/deals? Victoria's Secret is classic for this--it'll be the semi-annual sale in the catalog so I'll head to the store only to see it's a normal day there. I find it totally annoying.

Today, I found out that Old Navy has the same annoying practice. It wasn't the $12 denim I headed in for today (I can hardly believe I'm saying this...but I don't need any new denim). What I do need are some new camis. I'm a huge fan of the lace trimmed Old Navy camis--they are cotton, comfy, not so spandexy that you have to wear something over them, and the lace looks quite pretty peeking out under tops or jackets. I have ones in black and white that are literally fraying and I promised myself when they next returned that I would get new ones to retire the fraying camis.

So I see online that the camis are available in multiple colors and are only $6 if you buy more than one. YES!!! So today I head to the store on my way to meet some friends for dinner. I walk in the door to the table of camis where I see a sign posted for $10 (regular price $12.50). What happened to $6????

I asked the nice sales girl who informs me that they do occasionally run better deals online or vice versa. So then, I'm forced to do the math in the store of whether it's cheaper to buy online and pay shipping or buy in the store with my 10% off coupon. (The better deal was still online since I was buying for my mom and myself and we would split shipping--besides there was greater selection online in both sizes and colors). But how 100% completely annoying is it that I had to stand in Old Navy, on the weekend when my brain should not have to put forth this much effort, and do math in my head so I could figure out the best deal?

Yes, I'm cheap. But isn't that the point of this blog??

(In case you're wondering, I purchased white, black, orange and purple and they averaged out to $7.64 each when purchasing online as opposed to $9.54 each in the store. And I did that all in my head as I was typing this post. I already fried my poor brain for the day so why not. Impressive, huh?)

Friday -- Ally

TGIF, y'all! I have a super fun, exciting weekend and am ready to get the heck out of Dodge!

One of my favorite hot ladies and my DAB, Krissa (aka Sparky) is coming down to visit all the way from Peoria, IL. I've not seen her since last October and we're LONG overdue for a girly weekend of beer, movies and painted toes.


Top: NY&Co.

Skirt: Target

Necklace: Walmart

Shoes: Kohl's











I'm in a bit of a black/white/pop-of-color rut this week. It's one of my favorite looks and it's super easy. I love how I can wear just about anything with this skirt and it's SO comfortable too.

These were an impulse purchase a few months ago. I wanted some cute red shoes to wear with the dress I actually wore yesterday. I have red pumps but I wanted something patent and open toed. We were at Kohl's getting Al shoes and of course I needed a pair too!

Unfortunately, they pinch my piggies so they're more for show than go.





I hope everyone has a GREAT weekend. Stay tuned for a guest post from Miss Sparky!!

Femininity Meets Men's Wear

Vest, Ruffled Wrap Top and Pencil Skirt: The Limited

Shoes: BCBG Girls

I think my favorite way to incorporate the men's wear trend is with ultra feminine components. You can't get more feminine than ruffles and a sleek pencil skirt to show off feminine curves. The main objective today was something that would look equally cute with a pair of jeans--I hosted Book Club and had just literally 5 minutes to change after work before everyone showed up so I wanted to simply take off the skirt and heels and throw on jeans and wedges and still look cute to host. I think this fit the bill!

(Side note, our book was Basic Black by Cathie Black-- a easy, conversational read from the head of Hearst magazines who offers her advice on getting ahead in business and in life--a must read for those in the early stages of their career in particular in my opinion...)

I also like seeing the stripes paired next to the subtle plaid. A year ago, I never would have put any type of print under this vest, feeling like if I had a print on the vest, I must have a solid shirt. The stripes add so much more and I'm glad I'm feeling more and more comfortable with mixing those prints. If only I could work up to florals and stripes--still not there yet!

On a Blogger Challenge note, I'm thrilled to see that so many people are enjoying the challenge and are excited to see it carry on! The Queen of Pattern Mixing herself, Miss Audi, completed the Olympic Challenge today--love the polka dots mixed with plaid!! I hope to have an eye that good one day!

Wednesday -- Leslie

Top: GO International

Cami: The Limited

Pants: CAbi

Pumps: Pleaser

Day at the Desk = Comfort. That was my main objective when getting dressed today. These pants are very loose and drapey and the shirt is as well so it's very comfy. The only problem is that my office seems determined to give me a cold. It is so cold that we literally have to put the space heater on (and take turns at that because more than one on blows the fuse) in the middle of August!!! Then we go outside and its 90 degrees. Then we come back inside and shiver. I'm so going to catch a cold from work!

Side note, we had another Olympic Challenge participant today. Leah over at Make it Fabulous showed us all how simple it is to show Olympic spirit and looks sporty chic in doing so! The Olympics are over Saturday so if you haven't participated, be sure to this week! I'll do a post next week rolling up all the outfits.

In fact, Blogger Challenge has been so popular that we are going to continue by having a new challenge every month! Jamie will be issuing our September challenge and like this one, you'll have 2 weeks to participate. I hope you're having as much fun staring at your closet and finding new ways to wear the items to meet the "challenge" as we are!

(Off topic, why do I feel like my face has looked so puffy the last 2 days?!?! Maybe I'm dreaming but I feel like it does! It's probably due to the lack of sleep from watching the Olympics at all hours of the night for over a week now. Or the 2 scoops of Graeter's Banana Chip last weekend. Mmmm, Banana Chip. Yeah it's the lack of sleep, for sure.)

Thursday -- Ally

Dress: Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit (JCP)

Belt: NY&Co

Shoes: Target














The belt looks weird in the picture but it looked cute in the mirror. Maybe I'm standing lopsided or something. Anyway. The belt did come off after morning coffee because my office was REALLY hot and I couldn't stand the restriction of it.

I LOVE this belt. I especially love how it matches my cute cute cute raspberry patent bag too! I'm still carrying it - best $25-ish I've spent in ages. Too bad it's really heavy. Every one who has picked it up in the past two weeks has had the same response, "Jeeze...what do you have in here?!?!"

One more red, white and blue....

Madras Jacket: Ann Taylor Loft

Blue Tank: Gap

Red Necklace: Just Jewelry

White Pants: The Limited

Tan Pumps: Charles by Charles David

I promised one more red, white and blue outfit if Michael Phelps won 8 golds...and I don't break my promises! Plus, I figured it may be one of the last chances I have to get my white pants in before they go out of season. Yes, I am one of those girls who doesn't wear white after Labor Day. I'll wear winter white pants--but not crisp summer white. I'm sure some people think I'm old fashioned. But I'm an old fashioned kinda gal. Sometimes. Most of the time. When it suits me.

Like Allison, I'm going to miss swimming at the Olympics. What will I miss you ask? I'm going to miss the thrill of the race, the excitement of the chase and Aaron Peirsol's face (mine and Jamie's favorite swimmer boy was left off of Allison's pictures--maybe she'll rectify the situation)! :-) 4 more years til swimmer boys again. Maybe Allison will continue Mantastic Mondays to get us through it.

Flashback to the 80's - My Poison Concert Experience

"Ain't Nothin but a Good Time" - Have you ever gone somewhere where you are more entertained by the people in the crowd rather than the actual event you are attending? Well that was my experience Saturday night at the Poison Concert - Mullets, bad makeup, ratted old concert shirts, the second-hand "smoke", and relentless cries of "WAHOOO! and YEEEEAAAHHH ROCK ON!" and that was just the women! The ranges of ages is what made laugh the hardest. I saw actual children there, teenagers, all the way up to people that I am sure were at the original Poison Concert 22 years ago.

Well to truly feel a part of the experience, my friend Dana and I decided that yes we too will contribute to the evening. The pictures really do not do my hair and make up justice but you get the idea. As Leslie knows, I really like big hair normally but this was a true feet. I got the top of my ponytail to make me at least 3 inches taller than I am. I also busted out the bright pink blush and lipstick. Regardless, it was a great time and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have also posted a picture of some of the guys we were with, they went all out. Hilarious! And my boy Bret, adorable as ever in his tight jean, botoxed, hair extensioned way! My only disappointment for the evening is that these guys have to be getting old because we left the concert at 10:30, yes you read that right 10:30. I just imagined it was their bed time :)

Have a wonderful day fashionistas! MUAH!

Gold Medal Monday - Ally

What a weekend! Surely you didn't miss Saturday night's swimming final when Phelps won his 8th gold medal...wow. It was so exciting! I was at a local restaurant with some girlfriends and the whole place went nuts when he won. I managed not to cry along with his family and that's saying something because I usually cry right along with the Olympians and their families.

I've publicly denounced Leslie's Olympic Blog Challenge due to my not dressing in "themes" and because I don't wear white (it's horrid on me!). However, seeing as how I've stared at the swimmers' torsos to wantonly, I suppose it's only fair to play along. *sigh* I sure am going to miss those half naked, wet bodies...four more years, right?

Dress: Mossimo (E has it too!)

Belt: Walmart

Shoes: Target














Al told me my dress looked purple this morning. Seeing as how he's The Laundry Master, it's his fault it's a different hue, no? I'm not sure why it looks purpleish but it sorta does. Oh well.


I've had these shoes for several years and I LOVE THEM. They match everything, they're comfortable and they're cute.

They're also gold, silver, and bronze. How appropriate. :)

I would have worn some Phelpesian Gold shoes, but my gold flats hurt a LOT and I just can't spend a day at work with sore feets!



And now, ladies, for your viewing pleasure...some Monday Morning Manjoyment:

Feel free to clicky on the pics to make them bigger. You know, so you can, uh...appreciate athletic sporting events. Yeah. It's cultural and stuff.

I know. You're welcome ;)