NOLA - Ally & Tracey

We're baaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! We had the BEST weekend - I'm still worn out! I think I need a vacation to recover from my vacation! I had lofty plans of taking outfit pics every day, but frankly we couldn't be bothered...too much to do!

Tracey and I are big beer fans. And not the cheap Miller Lite crap...but good beer. I guess we're beer snobs :) Tracey was told about the Abita Brewery tour by a friend and made arrangements for us to rent a car and visit.

The best part of the tour? FREE BEER. And not just free beer, but all the free beer you want. When you walk in, the nice lady tells you to get a cup and belly up. She didn't have to tell us twice!! They had over a dozen varieties and it was awesome to try brews we can't get here in Louisville.

We had lunch at the Abita Brew Pub and it was delicious. Tracey tried a sampler!

Saturday we spent shopping in the Quarter. It lookss like all we did was drink, but hell. It was New Orleans. It's encouraged. :) There are bars everywhere and you can get a to-go cup for your beer at even the nicest of places.

We went to Bayona for dinner Saturday night and it was amazing! We didn't get a proper group shot prior to our meal so this had to do. I'm wearing one of my eBay Echo scarves!

And that's really all that's fit to print! No, no pictures of us earning beads (I'm too much of a prude for that!), but the rest are of us all hot and sweaty and that's just not cute. Cheap, yes. Cute, no.

Word to the wise: Don't drink a Hurricaine just because Tracey tells you to. After you do that, don't drink three more either. It'll hurt a LOT the next day. I might have worn sunglasses inside on Sunday, but I won't confirm that.

More fall colors...

Dress: Mossimo

Fall Colors Scarf: NY and Co

Brown Patent Pumps: Chinese Laundry

What is it about this dress that photographs pinkish? I promise you it's very red in person so my scarf with the brown, orange and deep reds does not clash. I also have the scarf even around the waist despite the fact that it looks like it's going up in the picture. I think I was holding my hips weird in this picture. Whatever.

It's amazing what a difference a new "belt" can make-- it completely changes the look of the dress and I always receive a ton of compliments when I wear a wrap dress with a different belt.

Thanks again to Ally (and Sara Blakely....) who gave me this dress (and made it wearable). It's super comfy and I'm loving finding some new ways to wear it.

Trying a trend

Feathered Headband: Forever 21

Sweater, Skirt and Tights: Limited

Pumps: Type A

I live in tights. I think pantyhose should be outlawed. It's either bare legged or tights for me. That said, it's surprising that I've never given the whole patterned tights thing a try. I grabbed a pair with a coupon at The Limited in my go to color scheme of red, black and white-- figured that would be the easiest way to try to incorporate.

I'm not sure what I think after wearing these today (although I will say I wasn't cold in the office for the first time in literally months!). I received a ton of comments and most were compliments. But I think my problem with the outfit is that I feel short and squatty in it. I think my sweater wasn't laying right when the picture was taken and most importantly, I think the skirt is about 2-3 inches too long. I think to really pull off the patterned tights well and not look short with the pattern, the skirt needs to hit fully above the knee. What do you think?

I have also purchased magenta tights. I have a cute flapper dress that I think they may be cute with. But despite what my In Style tells me, I'm a little scared of looking too 80's. I'll have to try it on a day I'm feeling really brave!

Weekend-Jamie

Skirt: JC Penny

Shoes: Target

Bag: B's Purse

Weekends are either jammed packed or laid back...so of course I had originally thought I would have a laid back weekend, but low-and-behold it got crammed. I did an 8 hour long wine tasting yesterday and I don't believe I have stood on my feet and done more talking since I was at the Bengals - needless to say I was in bed on a Saturday night by 9pm. When my alarm clock went off this morning I hit snooze twice and ended up running late for church. I was in a little bit of a panic when I realized I did not lay out my outfit the night before like I always do. (side note-this may sound a little like too much effort but I swear it saves some precious sleeping time in the morning!)...I did remember that I had a steal of a purchase from JC Penny not too long ago, my khaki skirt! This was originally and $80 skirt specified for the spring time, but for the sale price of $20, I knew I could make it work for fall. So I threw that on and continued my simple white t-shirt trend and jazzed the outfit up with some cute go-to shoes and purse and topped it off with my pearls. **PEARLS NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE!!!*** I say not too shabby for a girl running really late this morning!

Friday - Jamie

I can tell that the weather is finally starting to turn to a consistent fall temperature and I am ALL ABOUT IT!!! I know we all love scarves around here, but I have to tell you I am a little obsessed with them, obsessed. I have been on the scarf trend going into year three and I don't think I will never grow out of them. So I decided to show you how many I have and this does not include my cute little hanky scarfs I have :)

Today I had lunch with a friend and had to run errands all day, so I figured a simple white tee, jeans and patent leather flats along with my scarf (the Limited on sale) for a pop of color would do. I was downtown today and I have to admit, I felt so cute. I had my little outfit and aviator sunglasses and I got more compliments on my outfit. Casual CAN be cute!

Flirty, Flouncy, Fun and Fall

Sweater: Limited

Skirt: Banana Republic Factory Outlet

Necklace: B-day present from Jamie

Pumps: Rampage

I love wearing this skirt. I've had it for years (a Hilton Head vacation find) but I never grow tired of it. It really can only be worn in the fall--the colors of brown, red, orange and ivory and the leaves pattern make it a decisively one season outfit. But because of that I've kept it longer. It's sheer from about 4 inches above the knee and down and just flounces along breezing out behind me when I walk. It's one of those skirts that you just want to walk down the street in--and perfect for a beautiful fall day!

At least my hair looked good....

Scarf: Mossimo (tied like Ally yesterday)

Black Button Down: NY and Co

Skirt (with exposed zipper in back): Express

Pumps: Pleaser

Ended up having a 2-hour commute this morning...because while in stop and go traffic because of another accident, I was stopped and the driver in the car behind me looked down for a split second and looked back up and I was stopped. And she wasn't. Needless to say, a fender bender rear end collision was in order. Good news is that I'm fine, the accident wasn't my fault, and the damage is minimal so I'll just get it fixed and it'll be over. Bad news was that I had to stand on the side of the highway for an hour waiting on an officer to come file the accident report.

I learned today a lot of people take the same route to work as I do. Like a lot. Multiple emails, phone calls and calls to my office to ask the secretary if I was ok followed. (I make a habit to try to not look at accident scenes because I always think about how that must stink to have an accident and then have everyone driving by staring at you. I nearly just started waving to cars driving by this morning as they stopped to look, I felt so on display!)

However, my personal favorite email came courtesy of a good friend and former co-worker who emailed to say she hadn't had her morning coffee but was that me on the side of the road? Was I ok? And if so, my hair looked great!

Hahahaha! At least if you have to stand on the side of the road for an hour, it's important to be having a good hair day. Priorities!

Wednesday -- Ally

Have I mentioned I'm going on a little vacation tomorrow? Tracey, Kim, and I are going to New Orleans for a loooooong girls-only weekend. I don't know of three people who need to get the hell out of town more and that's EXACTLY what we'll be doing.

No blogging, no email, none of it. If all goes well, I'll be so preoccupied with, um...adult beverages....that I won't give a hoot about email!

We'll be back Monday so expect a big Big Easy update :)


Top: NY&Co.

Skirt: NY&Co.

Belt: Walmart

Wedges: Nine West











I clearly had a coupon and some City Cash I just HAD TO SPEND, huh? I got the skirt for $15 (and one just like it in grey) and the top for $13. I love the top so much I want to go back and get it in some solid colors. I can't wait to wear my other new pieces, but one in particular needs much colder weather.

I expect you to all behave and post lots of cute outfits while we're gone. We won't be doing either, so someone has to make our mothers' proud!!

Fall Colors

Teal Top and Orange Cami: Limited

Brown Skirt (bit of plaid in it): CAbi

Orange Pumps: Schutz

Multi-colored strand necklace: Forever 21

Farmers Tan/Sunburn and Bleary Eyed Sleepy Look: Courtesy of the Ryder Cup

I'm looking pretty sleepy today. And showing off a bad sunburn. But like I said earlier, best sunburn I've ever had!

Decided to "officially" welcome in fall with some orange and brown- 2 very "fall-like" colors. Love these orange pumps still. I had a lady stop me on the street today and comment on them. I always get a kick out of it when something like that happens.

Now if only I had purple pumps or a great purple sweater or coat....I've said that before haven't I? I bet Santa reads this blog....Santa, purple is the color of the season. Just sayin'. XOXO.

Tuesday -- Ally

I'm awfully sleepy-eyed this morning...I need a nap already!

I cleaned up at New York & Company this weekend and this sweater and cami are part of the haul.

Cardigan: NY&Co.

Cami: NY&Co.

Cuffed pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Cole Haan

Necklace: Walmart




This has got to be one of the most comfortable outfits I have - I felt like I was in PJs! I'm going to keep my eye on these cardigans because I'm pretty sure I need more! They're the perfect length and even have a bit of ruching on the sides.

Anyone watch Gossip Girl? Just when I think I'm too old for it (ditto with 90210), I get sucked back in...

Ryder Cup Fashion

For those of you not living in Louisville or not sports fans, the Ryder Cup was this past weekend. It's the biggest sporting event in golf, pitting the best of the Americans against the Europeans. If you haven't already picked up by reading the blog, I'm a massive sports fan. I've been to some fabulous games before. I've been to 2 PGA Championships; traveled to Texas A&M, Annapolis, Texas and Ohio St for football games; numerous Bowl Games; the UofL vs WVU game in 2006 where a national championship berth was on the line (only to be dashed by Rutgers the following week but I try to forget that) and I was so excited and nervous I couldn't eat all day; and most notably the 2005 Final Four in St. Louis where Louisville played Illinois. I've seen a lot-- but I have never seen anything like the excitement, the atmosphere and the exhilaration of the Ryder Cup! Where else can you hear Europeans sing Ole, see Leprechauns on the course, watch a US player ride his driver down the fairway like a stick horse Happy Gilmore style or see golf fans do the wave and cheer when a ball hits the water? I'm still on such a high right now that I would place the experience above the Final 4 on my list of life sporting events-- I can safely say the only thing that could eclipse the Ryder Cup would be seeing UofL win a national championship in person.

And the U.S. won the Cup! I was worried when I realized I ate Lucky Charms for breakfast that morning. I was hoping that I didn't curse the team and my ever reasonable father assured me that I didn't. And what a celebration it was!



Anyhow, I'm gushing. Let me get to the point.

As interesting as anything was seeing the difference in fashion between the Americans and Europeans. The Americans were classic all week -- khaki, navy and red--and even argyle one day! (A special shout out to the self proclaimed "bad-ass and man of the people" Anthony Kim who always has a blingy belt buckle-- his specially made Ryder Cup buckle is pictured below).













In contrast to the classic Americans, the Europeans were....well, very European. They wore shirts that (particularly in person) were the brightest aquamarine you've ever seen. Pair them with snug fitting white pants and well....they were very European. Enough said.












Just as interesting was what the WAGS (Wives and Girfriends) were wearing. Their outfits coordinated as well. Like the men, the American women went classic, wearing versions of navy, khaki and red. (The wives of the team captains assist in the design of the women's and men's wardrobes). Pictured below is what they wore Saturday. On Sunday the women simply wore navy skirts and red polos. They coordinated well with the men each day and their outfits were flattering on each and every body type.









I was so very disappointed in the European women though! Their best outfit day (pictured below) was a blah unflattering shirt of pale yellow and white with khakis. And that was the good day. The worst was 2 days they made them wear (and I don't lie) ivory polyester gauchos with cargo pockets (and a pale blue tank which you didn't even notice because of how awful the ivory cargo gauchos were). They were so dreadful I scoured the internet for a pic and could not find one. What was even worse was just that they were so unflattering-- the Euro WAGS were all tiny blonde things- and they didn't even look good in them.









So what did I wear you ask?

Saturday, I was auditioning for the American Wives and Girlfriends club. (Hunter Mahan- above in red hitting the shot of the tournament- is my new golf crush- and he's a bachelor. Hunter-- call me. Look how well I already fit in! I know the sport, I'll cheer for you....call me Hunter.)

And I promised my dad a shout out. When the rain started Saturday morning and my hair was quickly wilting, Dad saved the day by giving me his khaki and red (it even matched) ball cap. Thanks Dad! And the picture below was taken at 5:50 a.m. and was the best I looked all day--the drizzle started at 6:45 a.m. and on went the ball cap.


Red Tee: Old Navy

Men's Stripe Necktie worn as belt: Ralph Lauren

Khaki Skirt: J Crew

Sneakers: Keds















Sunday I wore my official Ryder Cup polo, khakis and a red bracelet since Captain Paul Azinger asked us to wear red.

White Ryder Cup Polo: Some overpriced brand of logo wear

Khakis: Limited

Bracelet: Forever 21

Sneakers: Keds

Monday - Jamie's new haircut

Good morning! Ok, so I have been going back and forth on what to do with my hair for some time now (Leslie can vouch for this). It took me a year to grow it and I have just gotten so bored and need something new, however I was so attached to the length that it was a hard to choice to part with it. But enough was enough and I needed something new. Well my "sign" came to me during lunch the other day while I was watching What Not To Wear. Nick was cutting this girl's hair and she, like me, was afraid. He said to her "Hair is an accessory, not a permanent fixture"-and the lightbulb went off. This will forever be my mantra when it comes to hair.

So into the salon I went and she cut 8 inches off. Unfortunately it was not enough to donate, which I was disappointed about, but she said the ends were so dead anyway that they would not have used it. I am very happy with it and is such a nice change!

Monday -- Ally

I hope everyone had a great weekend. With the exception of my allergies acting up, mine was wonderful :)

Have you visited Sal yet? If not, get over there! I sent her our scarf-tying resources last week and she was sweet enough to put video tutorials on her site! Go check 'em out.

Sweater: NY&Co.

Denim skirt: Old Navy (yes. I have three now.)

Green wedges: Antonio Melanni (Dillard's house brand)

Silk argyle scarf: eBay











This is the cutest scarf! The print is so preppy and it really was shown off nicely this way.

If you want to try it yourself, click here or watch Sal's video tutorial. It's the second one and very cleverly named "neck wrap."

Coming Monday - Jamie cut her hair...

Yes, I finally took the plunge and cut 8 inches of hair. I am a disaster from working Oktoberfest, so I will be posting fresh faced photos tomorrow. Till then fashionistas!

Friday -- Ally

Happy Friday, y'all!! Just like last week, this short week seemed to go on forever. The weather is supposed to be great this weekend (no Ike winds!!) and we're going to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, KY on Saturday.

Today I tried something new - I mixed two patterns that don't "go" together. I think it was subtle enough to not bug me and I even got a compliment on the look.

Dress: JCP

Pink silk dress (visible at bottom): Old Navy (link is the same dress, but a different pattern)

Belt: NY&Co

Flats: Sam Edelman (via Zappos outlet)








This dress buttons all the way down and really needs something under it to keep from being too "open" at the bottom. I had picked up this shirt dress from JCP several months ago for $12 and the pink/white dress came from Old Navy (during the Ike storm!) for $10. The pink dress is clearly a summer dress and WAY more revealing (and frankly unflattering) than what I'm comfortable wearing.

Kinda cute, huh? I unbuttoned the bottom button of the dress so you could see the pink dress a little more.









Notice anything different about this post? Maybe the picture quality is better? Maybe you're right! As I mentioned some time ago, my camera (my really really nice camera) was stolen and I've made do with my cell phone since. However, seeing as how I'm a spoiled brat, Mama and Daddy surprised me with a new one earlier this week!

Not only did they replace my old one, but it's the "upgraded" model too - swanky!! I'll be the first to admit I'm spoiled rotten. I got a lot of crap for being an only child when I was younger, but the serious spoiling didn't begin until I was too old to ruin. :) You know, like now. Thanks for the new camera and I promise not to ask for money, get knocked up, or develop a drug addiction. :)

The Europeans Are Coming!

Well, actually they are already here! Yes, Ryder Cup week has arrived so I put on some red, white and blue today. I figure it's good practice for figuring out what to wear to the course this weekend (yes, I'm going to cheer on Team USA--I was planning to blog on Ryder Cup fashion, however cameras are not allowed in not are cell phones--don't even get me started--so you're stuck with just seeing what I decide to wear).

Ally handed me down the red dress I'm wearing today--it's funny because it's very cherry red in person but has a pink tint in photos. It looks like the scarf red doesn't match--but it really did well in person. Thanks again to Kimberly for sending my way.

Red Wrap Dress: Mossimo

Nude Pumps: Vis a Vie

Scarf: Thrifted via Kimberly

(I'm totally laughing as this picture was taken but it's the only one I have so you get it--my heel had gotten caught as I was trying to playfully kick for the camera at the perfect time so you get a tilted head and squinty, laughing eyes as a result!)

I was inspired today by Ms. Jessica Simpson who all of a sudden has gone classy lass in her dressing. I'm liking what she's been wearing lately though!

September Challenge Wrap Up

Hello Fashionistas! Many apologies for not having the September Challenge wrapped up on Sunday but I have unfortunately been without Internet for 4 days, but YES I am now back. Trace girl I hope you are doing ok! It is amazing how much you rely on the internet for the day to day, I made it through thought with my blackberry but it is definitely not the same, so thank you to the Insight man who got me connected!

A big THANK YOU to all who participated this month with the "sporting" your favorite colors, ha ha, get it, sporting?? Ok, I am cracking myself up! I do want to give my shout outs to Kimberly, Ohthatgirl, Audi, E, Hillary, Leah, Shoegal and all of our participants. Please see some of the of the adorable pictures above. I will colaborate with my cuties here and contact the winner. For those who have been affected by the recent weather, please know that we are thinking about you and wishing you the best. And you look great throughout it all!

Tuesday -- Ally

With Tuesday being my Monday, I'm in a constant state of "What day is today?" For the rest of the week, I'll be checking my calendar several times a day.

Green silk blend cardi: NY&Co.

Black tshirt under cardi: Old Navy

Black pants: Old Navy

Scarf: Echo (via ebay)

Shoes: Sofft (via Zappos outlet)










I recently scored a great deal on a bunch of scarves on ebay. This black/white silk one is one of my favorites. If you click on "Echo" above, you can see the scarf unfolded. It's super versatile and I'm sure I'll wear it out in no time!

Don't forget to email us for the scarf-tying resources. I used them to get today's look.











I've never really cared for cuffed pants, but these won me over. Hell, I could've been killed over them! haha

Al and I were in Old Navy during Sunday's Ike Wind storm when the skylight on the roof blew off. They evacuated us but not before I used my 40% off coupon to score these pants for $12. Mama didn't raise a fool! I wasn't leaving without my bargain!


There are still a lot of folks in Louisville without power...including Tracey! She's been roughing it and last I talked to her, she was killing time at a nearby redneck bar...she was spotting mullets! I'm going to keep her company tomorrow, so I'll be sure to report back on the "scenery."

Jamie's internet is also down, so we're going to be running at half-speed until these ladies get connected again.

Welcome Back Fall!

Swingy Bronze Jacket: CAbi

Ruched Cami: Mossimo

Flare Pants: The Limited

Red Patent Pumps: Pleaser

Multi-Colored Feathered Headband and Necklace: Forever 21

Welcome back Fall. It's good to see you. I've missed you the last 10 months. Don't think that now that you've arrived, that you can go back to wherever it is you come from. I expect you to stay for the next few months. Especially since I bought lots of cute new clothes in your honor this past weekend. You know I like to wear my new things the minute they arrive and I fully expect your cooperation.

Speaking of things in your honor, I put on one of my favorite coats this morning. Well, really it's a spring coat but I think the color and weight makes it multi-versatile and I've been waiting til fall to wear it again so I think that counts, don't you? I do prefer this jacket with a pant that isn't quite so flared--more a bootcut, but these were the first black ones I pulled off the hanger this morning so they'll work.

I'm channeling my inner Blair Waldorf with my feathered headband. I hope you like it. What can I say, I'm so excited that you've come to visit again, that the headband can be in your honor as well!

I rode home from work today with my sunroof open, Fall. And I have my screen door open with the breeze coming in. I'm going to forgive you for that temper tantrum that you threw this past weekend with 75 mpg wind gusts. What can I say, forgiveness is easy when you are one of the few with power.

Welcome back to Louisville, Fall. Take your coat off (or should I say "put your coat on"?) and stay awhile.

I really love my....

You know that section in one of the celebrity magazines (I think it's US Weekly but I can't keep them straight) where they show celebs wearing the same garment or accessory multiple times?

Well, today I'm having my own.

I really love my...Limited blue and white striped ruffle wrap shirt!

It's just so versatile and looks cute by itsself or layered underneath something with the ruffles sticking out. I've recently worn it two different ways shown below. You can also see other ways I've used the shirt in an outfit here , here and here.

What garment or accessory in your closet do you really love and wear often?


Left Picture:

Vest and Jeans: Limited

Pumps: Nine West

Right Picture:

Polka dot skirt: Limited

Peep Toe Pumps: Steve Madden

Feathered Headband: Forever 21