Houndstooth Friday

I've been in a serious style slump, kittens. I gained a couple pounds on the honeymoon (it's all in my face it seems. UGH) and nothing feels cute or blog-worthy. This outfit, however, felt great and it looked good too. However, the double chin wasn't invited to the outfit, but showed up anyway. Not sharing that. haha

Houndstooth cardigan: Target

Dress: J. Crew

Belt: Walmart

Flats: Sam Edelman

Bracelet: Forever 21










For an item I've only had for 2 weeks, this dress has already been blogged twice - it's a keeper for sure!! I took a close-up pic of the ruffles this time:

Excuse the lint. I hadn't lint-rolled myself yet :)

I'm not sure who the top of this dress is cut for, but it sure as heck isn't cut for me. I had to pin it today b/c wearing a tank under it is just not easy. Too much riding up.







I snagged this bracelet at Forever 21 earlier in the summer (or spring??) for $4:

Black Tie on a Budget

As I sit here watching the Emmy Awards, I am looking at all the FABULOUS gowns and thinking about how expensive they are and way out of the average person's reach. It got me to thinking about the black tie affair that I was just at this past weekend, The KentuckyBourbon Festival Tasting and Gala. Like most of us, I was shopping on a budget. I found this great dress at Nordstrom's online on sale for $78.90. The jewelry was picked up at Forever 21 and is a lot cuter and sparkly in person! I already owned the shoes and the Rafe silver clutch that I carried, which helped with the budget. As I shopped I looked for a dress that I knew would work with silver or gold shoes since I already owned both of those.

I wish I hadn't been such a dork and actually gotten a few full length pictures of me being all fancy, but all the bourbon was flowing and I had sensory overload and my ADD set in. Sorry, Ladies!

Dress - Nordie's , $78.90

Shoes - Nine West outlet, $25.00

Earrings - Forever 21, $8.80

Bracelet - Forever 21 , $10.80

So, there you have it! Black tie for under $125. Most celebs on the red carpet have underwear on that cost more than that. :)

First and Last

Dress - Merona Target

Navy cardigan - Gap

Gold Peep Toe Kitten Heels - AK Anne Klein via Zappos Outlet

Owl Necklace - Forever 21














So, When I left this morning I felt kinda great. All cury, and bangin' and fabulous.. THEN I looked at this picture and OMG. I hate what this dress does to my thighs. It shows every little lump, bump, and crevice. I'm even wearing Spanx. This will probably be the 1st and last time that I wear this. Darn it!


























Ally has shown you her cute owl knecklace from Forever21 and here is mine! Mine is a little blinged out. I'm not sure you can tell from the pic, but he has little rhinestones around his eyes. He's so cute!

I got these great little gold peep toes from the Zappos outlet when Ally and I went a few weeks ago. They are having another big sale!! After all discounts they were $25. A great deal!

And the winner is... !!!

Black and White Floral Print Skirt - Cato

White blouse - Cato

Black cardigan - JCrew Jackie

Long silver necklace (that you can't see in the pic) - Forever21

Red heels - Gucci via Saks Off 5th












I'm a little late posting this, but here is the outfit that I wore on my 1st day at the new job. I was in a rush and only snapped one picture, but you get the idea of it. The JCrew Jackie Cardigan is my absolute favorite cardigan out there. I think it's perfection and if I could afford it, I would own several more. They hold up very well. This is my 2nd year with this one. Strange thing though, the ones you buy at the outlet are crap. I guess you get what you pay for sometimes!!
And I know the shoes aren't "cheap", but I did get them well below retail at Saks Off 5th Outlet.
I'm also wearing a long silver, multi strand necklace from Forever121, but it doesn't really show up in the picture.
I think the next time I wear this, I'll try to throw in a little more color up top. It's kind of snoozeworthy til you get to the shoes :)

So, now for the giveaway winner! Drumroll, please......!!!










































It's Kayla from over at Internal Sequin Issues! Congrats, Kayla!! I hope you enjoy everything :)

Ally - Nine West pumps

While I do a pretty good job finding cute jewelry at Forever 21, I'm also not a stick-thin 15-year-old and most of their clothing doesn't even come close to fitting me. I've not tried ordering from their other lines online, but what I've seen is very nice. The quality isn't the best, but it is a good source for something cute and trendy.

On a recent shopping trip with Tracey (see a pattern??) we swung by to see if anything would catch our eye. I made round after round in the store and FINALLY saw this top right before I left. I tried it on because I hate their return policy and much to my surprise it fit. Not only did it fit, but it's kinda too big in spots. It's really flowy and REALLY low cut. For what it's worth, I got the large. Usually a large at F21 is WAY TOO SMALL in the chest department, but I think their sizing is so skewed it's a crap shoot.
Polka dot top: F21

red tank: Target

pants: Old Navy

red pointy toe shoes: Nine West

bracelet: Walmart

Ally - Steve Madden almond toes

Did y'all see us on Corporette.com? Pretty exciting stuff. If you're coming here from there, welcome!

As you may know, my fiance's name is Al. I *might* have a slight Southern accent (Kimberly, KT, Erin...it's your call. haha) so some words aren't pronounced the way The Queen would. When Tracey and I went to Forever 21 a couple weeks back I saw this adorable owl necklace and I just had to have it. It occurred to me right then that I say "Al" and "owl" exactly the same way. *sigh*
Lime tshirt: Old Navy

black tank: Old Navy

pants: JCP

Al Necklace: Forever 21

shoes: Steven/Steve Madden










Isn't he the cutest little guy??? I didn't realize his little eyes were jewels until mid-afternoon - too darling.

I do need to buy an extender for him though b/c he's on the last hook and it hits at the worst spot on me. He gets "nestled" and that's just no good.












*note* I think I need a cami/tank that's not cotton with this shirt. It's clinging and lumping and jumping and ugh. Suggestions?

Casual Friday - Tracey

Cardigan - Gap

Blouse - Forever21, LOVE21 line

Jeans - Gap, Essential Fit jeans

Shoes - Enzo Angolini via Nordstrom Rack

Snake necklace - Jessica Elliot

Hi, Ladies!! Sorry for the ugly backdrop. My house is a work in progress at the moment and I was in a hurry this morning and didn't have time to take the tripod and camera outside. It's too bad you can't see all of the black and white picture behind me. It's this fabulous print of Marilyn Monroe. I'm still trying to decide where I'm going to hang it, so it's been hanging around in various areas of my house for a couple of weeks now :)

So, as I reflect on the year since we started this blog, I realize this has been a very crazy year for me. Lots of major life changes. The death of my sweet momma, then I decided to go back to school, and then most recently the decision to leave the career I've had for the last 11 years and venture out into a totally different field. It's been crazy, but I'm really excited about the great opportunites that I have going forward.

I'm sure by now many of you have heard about Forever21's more "contemporary" line, Love21. It's supposed to be a more "mature" line of clothes and I have to say that I've been impressed by a few things that I've seen online. Our local F21 supposedly didn't have any Love21 items instore, but somehow when Ally and I were there on Wednesday, there was ONE item there. I had heard that the sizing was a little more generous than the traditional F21 line and I'd have to say from my experience with this top that it's true. I am normally a Large at F21 (On a skinny day!), but in this top I took a Medium. I've always been a fan of F21's cheap accesories and now I'm really excited about the possibility of picking up a few age appropriate clothing items! :)

Tuesday -- Ally

Tracey wasn't fibbing when she said we did some shopping this weekend. While I didn't spend much money, I cleaned up! I'll be showing off my new deals over the next few days!

Green linen shirt: H&M

black tank (under shirt): Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Necklace: Forever 21

Cutest Gold Shoes In The World: Kate Spade

Bracelets: Old Navy







Please disregard the wrinkles in this shirt. I took this pic at the end of the day and well, you know how linen is. Oy. It's a super cute shirt and has little ties on each side that cinch in the middle - perfect if you're curvy.
How AMAZING is this necklace?? Seriously. I love love love it. I went simple with my outfit today so you could really see the necklace. I think it'd be so chic with a simple black v-neck dress too...









And, in case you missed 'em last time, The Cutest Gold Shoes In The World.

Breaking out the white--jeans?!?!

Wrap Tee: CAbi (Spring 2009)

White Jeans: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Bronze Heels: Via Spiga

Trench: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Multicolored Necklace: Forever 21

I can hardly believe it but I bought white jeans. And I love them. Feel like I'm getting back in touch with my 80's side :-) Now all I need are some bright colored denim. Yeah, maybe not. I'll stick with white! I have a feeling these are going to become my summer staple.

(And side note...you can also tell that this loquat color is going to be my new favorite color of the season. I've seen it all over and am a big fan--a color I had previously not had in my closet at all!)

The weather is finally starting to cooperate and feel like a week before Derby! (As you can see in the background, hello sunlight!) It's a nice warm day and while it was brisk in the morning, it was warm in the afternoon. As opposed to taking 2 pictures, one with the jacket on and one with it off, I decided to just hold it open so you can see what's on underneath for when it gets warm!

Not fighting the weather anymore...just working with it!

Bronze Jacket: CAbi (Spring 2008)

Orange Cami: Old Navy

Cigarette Pants: CAbi (Fall 2008)

Orange Pumps: Schutz

Multi-Colored Necklace: Forever 21

Silver Necklace: The Limited

Was thinking today that I hadnt worn my orange pumps in a long time so wanted to pull them out. The orange cami seemed perfect to tie the outfit together--but it photographed more of a peach color. Let me assure you it's absolutely a deeper orange and I am not mixing peach and burnt orange colors together today.

Rainy mornings = lined spring coat. And no flip in the hair. Ive decided to quit fighting nature and when the weather isn't cooperative, I'll simply wear the hair straight. It only took me 27 years to get to that mature viewpoint!

Thursday - Tracey

Rhinestone button cardigan - NY and CO

Skirt- Target Merona

Tank - Old Navy

Necklace - Forever21

Shoes - Sofft from Zappos Outlet

Not too much to say about this outfit... I do however love the rhinestone buttons on this cardi.
Would you guys call this a "peacock blue" or a teal? I'm not sure. I do love it though and I think it looks great with gray.
I'm also cracking up over the goofy look on my face. Oh, what a long day it has been!

What we are willing to do for our favorite items

Houndstooth Pencil Skirt: Issac Mizrahi for Target

White Button Down: The Limited

Black Wrap Tee: CAbi

Black Tights: Merona (that I ripped late in the day on the jagged zipper on on my boots--ugh! First time I had worn them too!!!)

Boots: Maripa

Pearl Headband: Forever 21

More classic black and white...Sometimes it just works. I do carry a red patent-material purse so the outfit does get a dash of color. I also wore a cobalt blue scarf with my coat for the day for some more color.

My favorite wrap tee again in this picture....I really didn't think it would be able to be layered. Most of the time, thin tees like that look bulky with a thicker layer underneath, but this one had the perfect stretch and layered perfectly I thought! I can't wait until the teal tee arrives at the end of the month!!! (Yea for sample sales!)

Side note--you can probably tell I love my pearl headband. It's a simple cheapy from Forever 21. Well I wore it a couple days ago to work as well and it was a nasty, gross rainy day which makes my ultra straight, fine hair go ultra stringy and limp. I was in the bathroom attempting hair recovery and took the headband out to toss my head upside down to fluff. Well the headband fell off the sink and little pearl beads went rolling everywhere! It takes a great item for me to get down on my hands and knees in the bathroom and pick up the pieces! Luckily a coworker had some crazy glue so while my hair was unrepairable that day, my headband was (after I wiped hand sanitizer all over me of course)!

Side note 2-- I don't own a tripod so I'm limited on surfaces where I can lay my camera to take pictures. This means your new backdrop every day is my Christmas tree!

It's all about the coat

Red Leather Jacket with Houndstooth Trim: Speigel

Black Turtleneck: Apt 9/Kohl's

Tweed Pants: Limited

Pearls: Graduation Gift

Pearl Headband: Forever 21

Black Pumps: BCBGirls

I've mentioned before that I have an obsession with winter coats. It's so bad that, at the age of 27, I feel like I have to smuggle my new ones into my own place because my mother lectures me because I buy so many! However, when you have a job where you walk a lot downtown, sometimes the coat is the most important part of an outfit. Today's coat is my absolute favorite.

I went for ladylike and simple with my outfit--the black turtleneck has ruching at the shoulders and neckline and my pearls added to the simple, girly look. However, the coat takes it from simple and ladylike to flashy I think. I saw this coat in the Spiegel catalog a couple years ago and immediately handed it over to Santa. I must have been good that year. :-)

I don't typically take photos in my outerwear but I'm going to make a point to in the next few weeks with all of the various ones so you can see the collection. The great thing about coats is they last forever so you can build a collection without forking out a lot at once. And would you believe, as many coats as I own, that I don't own a basic black or khaki trench coat? That's one of Tim Gunn's 10 essentials! I put that on the Santa this for this year!

All about the pearls

Purple pintucked turtleneck: Apt 9/Kohl's

Bronze jacket and charcoal pants: CAbi

Chunky metal and pearl necklace: Limited

Pearl Headband: Forever 21

Platform Pumps: Type A

I saw this necklace on clearance at the Limited last weekend and decided it was a must-have. I love the gold chunky strands with the big pearls as well--it is ladylike but has a bit of edge all at once. I took a picture with and without the jacket because I literally kept taking it off and on all day long--one room was hot and the next was cold so I figured it was only fair to see it both ways!

I walked into the hospital this afternoon for a meeting and had a lady I work with stop and say she loved my jacket (it looks so much better in person than it photographs) and the chunky necklace....and that I look like I could be walking the streets of New York--in Kentucky! Don't you love a comment like that??? Totally makes you smile a little more and walk a little taller! I really think it was the necklace though that changed the look of the entire outfit and transformed it from a very basic ensemble to a more exciting one. A great clearance purchase, that's for sure!

Basic Black (and White)

Knit Jacket and High Waisted Pencil Skirt: CAbi

White Cuffed Button Down: Banana Republic

Pearl Headband: Forever 21

Black Tights: Merona

Peep Toe Houndstooth Pumps: Chinese Laundry

Sometimes basic black and white just works. I debated quite a bit about adding a bit of color to this outfit but decided against it and instead chose to stay classic and ladylike for the day. I'm glad I did--I think it helped the shoes stand out and be the statement piece (I'm wearing peep toes with tights everyone--I'm trying to get over my aforementioned issues!). And I received a ton of compliments all day- my purse was red patent leather so I did have a small pop of color.

I commented a month or so ago that I like tights but hate hose and got a couple questions asking why I liked one but hated the other--weren't they the same thing? The answer is no, they absolutely are not! Tights, being thick, at least provide some warmth whereas pantyhose provide none. I'm not a major fan of either honestly (although as we all know, I am enjoying colored tights) but if I'm going to have to cover my legs and not just be able to go bare legged, I'm at least going to be warm! Also hose run all the time the minute your fingernail grazes them and tights are sturdier. And there are more choices you can use to personalize with tights over hose. Hence all my reasons for hating pantyhose and liking tights. Random but there you go. And Merona/Target has by far the best tights for the price.

I know we aren't a book club on here but with the post title "Basic Black" I feel the need to recommend one of my favorite career/life advice books of the same name by Hearst Publishing CEO Cathie Black. I highly recommend it to any up and coming career woman!

PS - GO VOTE!!!!!!!! I don't care who you vote for--well, I hope you vote for my guy -- but even if you don't, I just want you to vote! I've never missed an election and don't plan to start now. When I turned 18, I was most excited to register to vote--I'm such a political nerd!

And if you wear your "I Voted" sticker to Krispy Kreme today, you get a free doughnut!!!! Don't even get me started that my county is cheap and doesn't give out stickers. I'm going to have to see if someone will loan me theirs!

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!

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

Labor Day at the Redneck Riviera!!

Leopard print strapless maxi dress- Forever21

Sunglasses - Gucci from Off Fith Outlet store

Tote Bag - Longchamp

Pewter leather flip flops - Scoop sample sale

Sunscreen - Shiseido SPF 55 lotion

Happy Labor Day, everyone! I hope that every one had a safe and happy long holiday weekend. I know I did! I was in need of som true R&R this weekend and I definitely got it!

My Aunt and Uncle have a little place down on the Indiana side of the Ohio River. It's a little community of camping trailers and mobile homes right on the water. There are some actual houses that people live in full time, but the majority of them are just weekend places. I lovingly refer to this area as the "Redneck Riviera" because that's exactly what it is.. and I gotta say, I love it down there. Everyone parks their cars for the weekend and the main mode of transportation from one friend's cabin to the next freind's cabin is a golf cart. No one cares what they look like and everyone waves at you when you drive by. I think my outfit was more suited for Boca Raton than the Redneck Riviera, but I was cool and comfortable for the most part (I wasn't about to let these thighs see the light of day) which is what I was really looking for on this hot, sunny, and humid day.

I have to give a rave for this Shiseido sunscreen. It's a lower SPF than I've been wearing for the last few years, but after not being too pleased with the brand that I used last Summer after I wore it earlier in the Spring, I decided to give this one a shot. The results were good. After being in the sun for the greater part of the afernoon, I am not the least bit pink. I'm pretty darn impressed with it.

This is the only time you will see me post wearing a flip flop. The last time I tried to wear a non-rubber bottomed shoe on my Uncle's boat, he made me leave them at the dock. I can't be having my cute shoes unsupervised on the dock at the Redneck Riviera, so I had to cave under the pressure.

Showing some Olympic spirit!

RED Cardigan: The Limited

WHITE Cami: The Limited

BLUE Belt: Forever 21

Skirt: J Crew

Shoes: MIA






WHITE button down: Bitten

RED bangle: Forever 21

BLUE jeans: CAbi

RED Shoes: Diba

Belt: CAbi














Got so mad at the Chinese cutting off the national anthem on Michael Phelps' medal ceremony (on the word "free" at that) Saturday evening that I had to answer my Olympic Challenge twice. I'm just glad I didn't agree to dress in red, white and blue for the number of days of gold medals Michael Phelps wins!

Decided to wear some of my favorite "outfit" shoes to accomplish the challenge--they themselves meet the criteria. I threw on the red cardigan and khaki shirt this morning. And decided if I was going to be flaming USA, I may as well go all out so threw on the blue belt.

I went for a far more subtle look on Saturday evening when I went to movie, dinner and drinks with Jamie and some of our other friends. It was a gorgeous evening and we sat outside on the patio for almost 4 hours just talking and laughing. I only live 90 minutes from my Northern Kentucky friends--but still don't see them far enough so it was wonderful to get some true quality time.

I'm not the only one wearing red, white and blue this week showing their Olympic spirit! Kelly showed off her USA spirit and our favorite Shoegal and WorkthatWardrobe girls showed off their Great Britain spirit! Thanks for participating--it's not too late for the rest of you!!