It's me again, Margaret

I'm having a hell of a time finding a good spot at work to snap a pic. It's too dark in our house in the mornings and it's been too dang cold to go outside. Maybe I'll get this figured out soon 'cause I'm sure you're just DYING out there without me, right? ;)

Sweater: Kohl's

Pencil skirt: Kohl's

Black t-shirt: Old Navy

Tights: George via Walmart

Necklace: gift

Shoes: Calvin Klein

Fake buttons: Dollar Tree




















So since I have to dress up a bit more at the new job, I've had to buy some more clothes. Fortunately, I'm spoiled rotten and my sweet Mama has been going nuts at Kohl's on my behalf. Seriously, they should just rename the store "Mama's." She picked up this sweater and this skirt for me. I don't even have to try this stuff on - it's perfect! I hate shopping (but love to buy) and I can't even begin to tell you how much I've appreciated her picking up sweaters, skirts, and dresses for me and then picking up the tab!

Since I clearly don't shop for myself anymore, I have to fess up that Al even bought these tights. I knew he was stopping by Walmart after work the other night, so I told him to call me when he got there. The poor fella called and said, "Okay. I'm wandering around the lingerie section. Tell me what you want!" Of course they didn't have the plain black (non control top) tights I wanted in stock. So he used his best judgement and picked out these. He also picked out a patterned pair too. I'd have never bought either of these on my own, so I think I should send him out more often!

The only thing that I don't like about this sweater is that it just buttons at the top. I feel kinda smothered sometimes and really needed my neckline open today.

I've lost a few pounds recently so most of my pants have been too big. I was at Dollar Tree (my FAVORITE store) the other day and saw these fake buttons and thought they might be a good solution for my too-big-pants situation. They're made so you can get an extra inch out of your too-small pants, but they do a hell of a job cinching up my pants! Now, that Amazon link doesn't show the same exact buttons I bought, but they're pretty much identical AND they're only $1 for 8 buttons at the Dollar Tree. Seriously - don't buy a thing until you check Dollar Tree first. I get all our allergy medicine, office candy, cleaning supplies, and all sorts of stuff there.

Anyway, back to my sweater situation. It didn't look good unbuttoned and it was smothering me buttoned up top. I kept thinking, "Dang. If only I had buttons HERE." And a light bulb went off. Seriously, it was like one of those infomercials haha. I grabbed the two gray buttons and voila!

Each pack of 8 has 2 black, 2 gray, 2 tan and 2 brown buttons. They're fantastic and totally worth a buck.

I have been snapping pics of partial outfits here and there and may compile them into one big post if I get a chance this week. I've missed you, poodles!!!

Best way to start a new year...

...is with a new job! Without getting into details. let's just say I'm THRILLED to be starting a new job in 2011. I've been with my current company for seven years and was super nervous to interview with a new company. Totally different field, etc. I had to have a professional outfit for the interview and after agonizing for days (and emailing my friends constantly) I found the perfect outfit at Kohl's!

I almost match our shower curtain!!

Dress: Chaps
Blazer: Sag Harbor
Hose: No clue
Shoes: Cole Haan
Pearls: Gift

I'm in love with this dress. It's sooooo comfortable. Note I'm just under 5'3 and it hits just at my knee. If you're taller than me at all, it'll be on the short side. 

It's way dressier than my usual daily outfits and I'm sure I'll be dressing more like this now. We'll see how it affects my blogging. I can't possibly be more absent than I am now so let's hope it inspires me to post more often!

Happy 2011 everyone!!! xoxo

Unseasonably warm

It's 50 in Kentucky today. That's nuts considering it's been in the teens recently. It was so nice to leave my coat at home this morning!!

Cardi: Lands End
Tank: Lands End
Pants: Worthington via JCP
Belt: J. Crew
Shoes: Cole
Necklace: gift

Oh hey. Remember me?

I swear I didn't forget I had a blog, y'all. I'm sure I've mentioned it a time or two but I'm BUSY. This house remodeling is bananas and couple that with work and I'm one busy bee. I've also been wearing the same 10 things you've already seen - BORING. Anyhoo, Tracey and I had a Ladies Day yesterday and went shopping and to lunch and to the track. We had a great day and plan to do this on the regular. Now, for the reason you're here:

Dress: Target

Cardigan: Target

Wedges: Nine West

Sleepy, hungover face: $3 margaritas

I walked out and forgot jewelry this morning - whoops! You can see how lazy I am when I'm not blogging daily! :)

I'm having a really really hard time taking pics with my iPhone. I can't find a good spot at work to take them anymore b/c the phone won't prop itself up like my old phone would. Right now I'm rigging my business card holder on top of a paperweight and then I lean that all up against a picture frame. Kinda inconvenient.

However, I love my iPhone. I'd marry it if I could. I plan on sharing some of my favorite apps in a future post :)

So let's talk about this dress. You know how all the sections at Target run together and one second you're in regular sizes and the next you're in maternity? Okay. So I spied this a few racks over and snatched it up. Then I noticed the size was all weird. It was a 1. What the hell is a one? I read the tag and saw they considered a 1 a 14-16. Seeing as how I fluctuate between a 12 and 14 (more on the upper end these days) I thought I'd give it a whirl. It fits pretty well. I had to really cinch up the straps because the bust is pretty big on me but it's quite the relief not to have to squeeze my boobies into a dress made for a B-cup. The rest of the dress fits like a 12/14 just with more boobie room. Sweet! After looking at the Target.com site I can see this is their Juniors' Plus sizing - pretty perfect if you're on the upper end of regular women's sizing! My shopping selection at Target just grew tremendously!

What's your favorite new "find" while shopping? I'm totally stoked about this Juniors' Plus business - It's all a little on the short side, but since I'm also a little on the short side, it's all the right length!

One step up from wearing pajamas to work

That's how Tracey describes super cotton dresses like this and she's absolutely right! It's a great and comfortable way to look put together.

 purple dress: Saint Tropez West (from TJ Maxx $19)

Cardigan: Target

Necklace: Sarah Balmer

Flats: Sam Edelman

Bracelet: Coach

Watch: gift

I'm having a hard time getting a new photo spot at work now that I have an iPhone. There's not a good place to prop/lean it. Any tips?

Liberty of London for Target Peacock top

I went to Target right after work Monday night in hopes of scoring some of the fabulous Liberty of London for Target designs - I lucked out! My store's Liberty of London selections had barely been touched. SCORE! The first thing my eye fell on was the peacock halter top. The other tops didn't really appeal to me as much, but I did buy another top. I've not tried it on yet so we'll see if I keep it or not.

Tracey and I are meant to be BFF b/c I just saw her post and she bought the same top too! She's into all things peacock so I knew she'd be all over the housewares too :)

Peacock halter top: Liberty of London for Target

Cardi: NY&Co

pants: Old Navy

Heels: Cole Haan

Bracelet: Coach





A lot of the reviews online about the Liberty of London stuff complained about the shirts being polyester. When you're buying a $20 shirt at Target what the heck do you expect? I know...natural fibers are awesome blah blah blah. This top would look terrible in cotton and would cost a fortune in silk. You either get a fabulous design, a natural fiber, or a cheap price. Pick two.

How cute is the ruffle at the neck? The back has a little button and a keyhole opening. I'm not gonna lie: I had to put the shirt on backwards, button it, then turn it around. I was all thumbs this morning.

I didn't try on any of the clothing so I don't know about the sizing but I did go up a size (this is the XL) because I was worried about how it'd fit in the hips. Good thing b/c it's snug at the bottom and a little loose up top. I'm not displeased w/it, but I did find myself making sure it was pulled down all day.

I really love all these fun prints and can't get enough of the great, bright designs. I picked up a bedding set (which I'm not 100% on, but didn't want to regret not getting it later), a picture frame, and want to go back for those darn prep bowls we're all crazy about. Did any of you check it out in the store? It's all online, but sold out for the most part.

Uniform Thursday AND a giveaway!!

It's the little things that make us happiest, ya know? One of my favorite things is to check the mailbox at the end of the day. When I was little I would watch out the window for the mail to come and run out to get it. Even now, Al will skip checking the mail because he knows it's my favorite thing to do.

Today's outfit is one of those little things too. The pretty sparkly buttons on this cardigan really make it for me. I love the pretty deep pink color, but the jewel-like buttons really dress it up. I wish I had picked up another color (maybe black?) when Old Navy had these on sale a few months back.

Cardi: Old Navy

Teal top: Target

Pants: JCP

Snow boots: Target

Necklace: gift

I had to jack up the colors a little as I'm still hobbling along using my cell phone camera. I have GOT to find my camera battery charger!!

 How cute is the decoration on this top? They feel like hard little buttons or something similar under the fabric. I snagged this for $6 on my last Target visit (when I got that cute black top for $3!).

I heard on the news 49 states have had snow this year and I think we all are ready for something bright and shiny to perk us up. How about free shoes?! CSN Stores contacted me and is offering up a great pair of shoes to one of our readers.

 

These great Naturalizer loafers are a bright red patent with silver hardware. They retail for $54 and they could be YOURS if you're the lucky winner. To enter the contest just leave a comment telling me what your favorite "little thing" is. You get one entry for your comment, one entry for Tweeting about the contest, one entry for blogging about it, and one for following us. Just leave a separate comment for each and a link if necessary.

This contest is only open to US readers (sorry international gals!) and closes on 2/24/2010 at 11pm EST.

Keeping it cheap and staying warm

I'm not going to even start complaining about all the snow we're getting, seeing as how the rest of the country seems to be getting WAY more than we are. However, HOLY CRAP. SNOW!!!!

Python print cardi: NY&Co.

Fancy black tshirt: Target

Denim pencil skirt: Lands End

Tights: George via Walmart

Flats: Sam Edelman

Necklace: Gift

Bracelet: Coach




I scored this super cute tshirt at Target for $3 a couple of weeks ago. I am a sucker for plain, classic pieces and this was a great deal for such a nice design.

How pretty is that ruffled flower? I'm going to keep an eye out for more "interesting" tshirts to wear under cardigans because I think this is MUCH dressier and special.

Any big weekend plans with your sweetie? Al's promised me he'd finish our countertops this weekend. That's all the present I could ask for. Having a sink IN THE KITCHEN (and not washing dishes in the bath tub) and being able to cook w/out balancing dishes on the top of a yet-to-be-hung cabinet or in the toaster oven will be a real treat.

Thoughts on fashion blogging...

There's been a lot of talk on the blogs lately about fashion blogging and how realistic some blogs are (or more specifically, aren't). One of the first fashion blogs I ever started reading was Allie over at My Wardrobe Today. What drew me to her was she was a real woman with a real body. She wore clothes I could afford or even had in my closet. She went to work every day. I could relate to her.

However, she recently posted about why she wasn't blogging much these days. Again, I can relate. I'm not rich and skinny. I don't buy designer clothing, wear vintage fur, or pose in fabulous locations. I'm frequently uninspired, I come in to work before everyone and snap my photo, I shop the sale racks, and I'm broke as hell right now. I'm not trying to break into the fashion industry or make a living off this. I just love the sense of community I've found with this and have made some awesome friends along the way.

Kimberly at Fab Finds Under $50 weighed in on this as well as Budget Chic. I hope you take the time to read their takes as I can't agree with them more.

Now, on with the show! :)

Cardi: NY&Co

Ruffle top: NY&Co

Pencil skirt: NY&Co

Tights: George via Walmart

Leopard flats: Stuart Weitzman (via Zappos outlet for $40-ish I think)

Necklace: Target (I can't find it online but it's one of the lines from the case and it's currently 75% off. Cream, champagne, and grey pearls on goldtone metal. Very cute.)




Both my tights and skirt are brown but the lighting in my office combined w/my crappy cell phone make for the bottom half being a big blur. My camera battery died (snapped too many pics of the house renovations!) and I can't find my charger. Story of my life, y'all.

Beward the Ides of November?!

Boy did that sinus stuff really catch up to me! I've spent the past two days covered up w/a fever and blowing my nose. Fortunately, the fever broke mid-afternoon yesterday and I'm on my way to feeling much better. It's amazing how the body works, you know? The fever worked hard to kill the infection I have going on and by just letting it run its course, I'm well on my way to feeling back to normal.

Today's outfit is a great example of dressing to make you feel better. I missed the past two days of work but HAD to work today (the weekend) so I dressed in bright colors in hopes of perking up. It worked!

Cardi: NY&Co.

Birdy graphic t: Old Navy ($2.49!!!!!!)

Wide-leg jeans: Old Navy

Green Heels: Ralph Lauren

horseshoe necklace: gift


Old Navy recently had their 30% off friends & family event and I snagged this shirt off clearance for $2.49! I've not usually a fan of tshirts because most are crew neck and that's just not a good look for me. However, this is a v-neck so I couldn't say no.

I also picked up a Party Cardi at Old Navy and a cute top for layering. Keep a look out for those in the next week or so! I can't wait to wear them. What did you get at Old Navy with your 30% off coupon?

Headless horselady

Ever have one of those days when you just want to remove your head from your body? That's the kind of day I had. My sinuses are killing me and I look like a goofball. So I removed my head :)

Ikat print top: dressbarn

lime cardi: Target

Wide-leg jeans: Old Navy

Peep-toe heels: Cole Haan


Not a whole lot to say about this. I liked the outfit and was really comfortable in it. I wish I had a dozen more shirts like this. It zips up - no buttons to gap or be wonky. Brilliant!

501

I didn't even realize it, but the last post was our 500th post. Wow!! Thanks for sticking around through everything. I've been so busy lately with getting married and remodeling our house that I just can't post as often as I like. If it makes you feel better, you're not missing anything! Not many cute outfits these days.

This shot is from a couple of weeks ago and I had forgotten it was on my camera. I LOVE this dress. I have a "no ruffles on the bottom" rule when it comes to dresses and skirts but this one is so subtle that it doesn't make me look like I should be on a TLC show for short gals in bad dresses.
Dress: Target ($10!!!!)

Cardigan: Target

Necklace: had it for years. Walmart, maybe?

Bag: Furla (with vintage Echo scarf)

Shoes you can't see: Stuart Weitzman

Sunnies who've recently fallen apart and broken my heart: MaxStudio







My sweet husband (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and I met one of our favorite friends for brunch and this is what I wore. The dress was on clearance since it was from summer (it's a halter and a titscrepancy just waiting to happen) but it looks like fall to me. The brown and rusts and creams and pinks and peaches. Just love this. It's a gauzy material and has some super unflattering smocking around the waist. No way in hell would I wear this w/out a cardigan unless I was mad at y'all and never wanted you to come back. However, I believe most of the world's problems can be solved with a cardigan and this was no exception!!

Pink, brown and black.

I'm not really "feeling" today's outfit. As comfortable as it is, this sweater/wrap is only flattering on me worn this way and that's a stretch. It definitely would look better on a taller gal so it could be worn untied and loose. I also went with brown as the neutral for this dress instead of black. I think I really prefer black w/it after seeing this pic.
Dress: JC Penney

Sweater/wrap: Target

brown tights: George from Walmart

brown flats: Clarks

necklace: gift

The tights look black here, but they're brown. They're my beloved George tights from Walmart. For under $5 they're the best tights I've found. They last longer than the Merona tights from Target and they don't sag down or get all droopy. Bonus!





Fall is in full swing around these parts and I wanted to share a picture I snapped this weekend:
This is near the back of our property and all those yellows and oranges really made my day.

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:

The prodigal blogger returns...

Looks like I just took a three week vacation, huh? Whoops! My computer is still acting up. The battery is pretty much shot (has about a 7 minute life) and while that's manageable, the outlet for the plug is loose so it's a miracle to get the battery charging cable to make contact. I don't have the patience for it most nights and have been borrowing Al's when he's not looking.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it :)

In other news, I've not felt cute so I've not taken a single outfit pic in two weeks. You know what is cute? The shoes I wore in the last pic I snapped:
Cardi: NY&Co.

Orange cami: Target

Pencil skirt: NY&Co.

Necklace: Target (I think)

Leopard flats: Stuart Weitzman










Aren't these smack-your-mama-good???!!

(And no, I'd never smack my mama b/c she'd put me in the ground and that's no way for a good daughter to behave.)

I scored these for...are you ready for it? $45. Forty freaking five dollars. I <3 the Zappos sale!!

They're pony hair and soft and absolute perfection.

Ally- Payless pewter shoes

I pulled a Leslie today and every piece was from the same store. Like her, it wasn't intentional and I realized it mid-day. I was gloating to myself about how cheap my outfit was (under $40 for everything including shoes) when it clicked.
Python print cardi: NY&Co.

Ruffled shirt: NY&Co.

Pencil skirt: NY&Co.

Shoes: Payless

Necklace: gift










While cute, these shoes are definitely a trend and this will be my last time wearing them. I've worn them a total of two times and fortunately I only paid $10 for them. I'm going to be doing a MAJOR closet clean out and am considering selling them for WAY cheap (basically just covering postage). It'll mostly be shoes, purses, and a few clothing items. Does that sound like something any of you would be interested in?

Ally - Sam Edelman flats

Seeing as how I've put about a third of my outfits on the internet for you all to see, I feel as though I need to push myself a little. The reason you only see a third of them is because I'm laaazy and get comfortable with stuff and outfits and wear the same stuff/combos. It gets boring, but it does work. Great for the workplace, lousy for blogging.

I was digging in my closet the other night and realized, heh, that I have a lot of shoes. When I say "a lot" I mean "so many it's a sin." So I've decided I'm going to challenge myself to wear a different pair of shoes in each blog entry this month. That doesn't sound like a lot, but if you'll click around, you'll see I wear these flats ALL THE TIME. Al and I will eventually be moving and I have GOT to get rid of some shoes or he'll divorce me by the end of September (oh, have I mentioned we're getting married in 97 days!!!!!!!!!).

Cardigan: no idea what brand. From Marshall's

lacy cami: Old Navy

Pencil skirt: NY&Co.

long pearls: Walmart

flats: Sam Edelman










How freakin cute is this sweater? I love how it has a pearl "belt" around it.

I also love it was only $15 :)











If I have to peel myself away from my beloved flats, I'm challening you all to do the same. Break out of a rut with me! Email me at the link on the right and tell me what you're doing (send pics!!) and we'll put them on the blog!!

Thursday -- Ally

Is this week over yet?! Geeze. I hate to complain (ha!) but I don't think the weekend will ever get here. I work Saturday so I'm looking forward to Sun/Mon. I'll take what I can get!!

Cardi: NY&Co.

Flower tank: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Cole Haan

horseshoe necklace: gift from parents

Bracelet: gift from KT







So probably six months ago I emailed KT a blog post that had this fab bracelet in it but the bracelet was hundreds of dollars. I'm pretty sure I told her to hurry up and win the lottery so she could buy it for me. See? I'm a caring friend. Anyway, about two weeks after that, I get a package in the mail from Miss KT. What's inside? This bracelet. What's it look almost identical to? That spendy bracelet. It's too bad KT didn't win the lottery, but it's great I benefited. KT, thanks again. You're the best.
After fiddling with this, I've concluded the beads are actually beans. KT - shed some light on this for me b/c the card you sent with it is living in a recycling bin somewhere.










This tank was one of the purchases from The Great Shopping Event with Tracey. Per usual, Old Navy had one of those "2 for" deals so we both got a tank and saved a buck each. Sweet! I can't find the top on their website (go figure), but if it comes up, I'll update.

*****

Sara at Unwrap Life is celebrating her One Year Blogoversary! She's offering up a terrific giveaway too so be sure to check it out!!

Weekend -- Ally

The weather is dreary today, so I decided to wear a little color to help in perking up my day. I really wish I had a cardi with a small pattern (maybe a polka dot?) because it'd be so cute with this top.

Cardi: NY&Co.

Top: Banana Republic

Pants: Old Navy

Flats: Liz Claiborne

I walked out of the house and forgot all my jewelry. I hate when I do that. I've gotten so used to wearing my engagement rings (yes, that's plural on purpose) that I feel totally naked without them. However, lack of rings doesn't change the fact that we're getting married in four months!!! I'm pretty excited, y'all :)

Stay tuned this weekend, ladies. I have it on good authority we're having a flashback tomorrow :)

Thursday - Ally

I've really been MIA lately, huh? I think I'm still tired from Derby :)

Ombre cardi: Marshall's for $10!

Brown tank: H&M

Brown pencil skirt: NY&Co.

Cutest gold shoes in the world: Kate Spade

Michelle Obama pearls: Walmart

I managed to forget to take a close up shot of these shoes, but they're so freakin adorable. What makes them even cuter is their price - $44. Not bad for Kate Spade, huh?! If I can remember, I'll take a pic tonight and put it up.

***UPDATED***
What'd I tell you?? Cutest gold shoes ever.