Straight Up Poser

Top: Lauren Conrad for Kohls | Skirt: Forever 21 | Shoes: Payless | Necklace: Sam Moon | Bracelets: Sam Moon, F21 | Sunglasses: F21

I went out on a limb with these shots. I told Ross that I needed to "spice" up my outfit posts.  I seem to consistently pose the same way time and again...a big smile, one knee bent with a hand on my hip.  I have never liked my profile nor my "serious" face.  I feel most comfortable looking straight at the camera, smiling and planning how I stand in pictures. Like most women, I know my "good" side and what angles aren't flattering.  I think we have all taken enough pictures to have our stances nailed down to an art.  Please tell me that I am not alone on this one.

Anyway, I just went for it, I pretended, for about 10 minutes, to be one of those oh-so-famous fashion bloggers or Pinterest celebrities.  Beside the fact that I slightly chuckle looking at myself, I think Ross did a nice job of capturing a few non-poser pictures. I couldn't resist being a "poser" in a least one. It's tradition on this here blog...a big smile, one knee slightly bent and a hand close to my hip.

Cheers to spicing things up!

A Forever Friend

Top:Lauren Conrad @ Kohl's | Skirt:Forever 21 | Shoes:Lucky Brand | Jewelry:Forever 21

If you have been reading my blog, you know it's no secret or surprise that I have a slight addiction to Forever 21. Many of you have commented that you don't ever have any luck shopping there.  I am not sure if it's because the one close to you doesn't carry a large selection or if it's because yours is too big and you don't know where to start.  I also think people tend to shy away because there is a perception that Forever 21 is geared toward teens, women in their early twenties, for the super slender and is not well made...for lack of a better term, cheap.

I am here to defend my shopping mecca.  I have numerous pieces that I have purchased from there that still look brand new.  In fact, no lie, I have a khaki pencil shirt that I purchased there nearly five years ago. Yes, my friends, Forever 21 actually carries timeless, classic pieces. 

I receive more compliments on a $29.00 dress I get from there than an $100.00 one from Banana Republic.  It never fails and people always seemed shocked at the fact that it came from Forever 21.

And their accessories, I almost refuse to shop for jewelry anywhere else.  I am not going to say that I have never had a necklace break or a ring discolor my finger slightly, but for the most part their jewelry is pretty durable and you just can't beat the prices.

I can't stress enough that with all their different lines, there is something for every lady, no matter your size or shape. The best part, being the budget shopper that I am, is I can walk out of there with a bag full of goodies for $100 or less.  

If you don't have a Forever 21 close buy; their online store is pretty fabulous.  I have found the accessory section to be much larger online than in stores.  Take a peek, you just might be surprised at what you find!

I will hold this store dear to my heart.  We have a very strong bond...somewhat of a monogamous relationship. Well, I say that until the day (hopefully in the VERY near future) that H&M finally opens in Austin. Then, I will have to seriously rethink my relationships.

What store could you be a spokesperson for?  

Nice 80's Outfit...

Dress:Target / Belt:Another Skirt / Sandals:Payless / Earrings:Forever 21 / Bracelets:Francesca's & Forever 21

I wore this outfit to our crawfish boil on Saturday and this was the comment I received from one of the gents, "Nice, 80's outfit. I didn't know it was a costume party". Funny guy, right?

I am pretty positive that most men don't get the neon trend or have a clue about color blocking or the mint craze or accent nail polish, but do "we" honestly dress for "them" anyway?  I say not. We all know that for the most part, women dress to impress other women.  I mean we are the ones that compliment each another.  I don't hear my dude friends walking up to me saying, "Love those wedges. Where are they from?" or "Your statement necklace is so pretty? Can I borrow it?"  

Do you agree?   

Eighties style or not, I really do hope the neon colors stick around awhile. If they don't, oh well, at least I will have plenty of options for future costume parties.

In case you were wondering, the crawfish boil was a huge success.  We were so blessed to have had so many good friends and family attend.  The food was amazing, the weather was perfect, lots of laughs were had and plenty of memories were made. 

Don't forget to enter my giveaway, if you haven't already!  

Cheers to making it a great week!

Today I am linking up with these fine ladies!

My Best Investment

Want to know what I think every girl should invest in?  Nope, it's not a white dress because you can find one anywhere.  It's not a statement necklace because you can grab a cute one at Forever 21 for under $15.00.  Well, what's left in this outfit?  You guessed it...my boots!  Some of you might be rolling your eyes right about now or clicking your way onto another blog. I am okay with that, but I am sticking to my guns on this one.  

Ladies, you do not have to be from the South, live on a farm or know how to two-step to rock a pair of cowgirl boots.  My only suggestion is to invest in a quality pair that will last you for years to come.  I promise, whether you believe it or not, you will wear them more than you think.  Something about slipping on a pair of boots makes me feel a little sexy and sassy...and that doesn't happen very often {the sexy part}.

You can wear them a million different ways {here} and {here} and add your own twist to finish off the look.  Out of everything I own in my closet, my Lucchese boots are by far my best investment and if that makes me a Country Bumpkin, so be it.

Dress:T.J. Maxx (old)  | Boots:Lucchese | Necklace and Ring:Forever 21| Earrings:My wedding gift from Ross               

Doesn't this picture make you want to buy a pair just so you can kick up your boots?  

I also wanted to share some quick pics from my date night with Ross. We went to see Alan Jackson Friday night.  I have been a huge fan for years. So, I was pretty pumped to finally get to see him "live" and he didn't disappoint. If I haven't mentioned this before, I love country music {really, most any kind of music} and love it even more when it's live. Needless to say, we weren't feeling too hot on Saturday morning.  Let's just say the $4.00 pints got the best of us.

 

What has been your best investment related to clothing?
I know we all play favorites to something in our closet.

Cheers a little "Boot Scootin' Boogie"!

Today I am linking up with these fine ladies!

Round Two with Jason Wu

Okay, ladies here is another one of my Jason Wu for Target purchases.  In case you didn't already know, I was one of the crazies that got up early and was at Target when they opened.  I snagged this little dress and this one too {here}.  

Oh, and if you thought your mind was playing tricks on you, it's not, I am a little darker in these pictures! And I am NOT wearing hose!! 

I used a self tanner last night that I am loving, just need to work on my feet...kind of turned out Oompa-Loompa style! Regardless of my piggies, this is the best self-tanner I have found and it doesn't stink!!  It's called Xen-Tan and I got it at Ulta. Do you have one that you swear by?  I am tired of my Elmer's Glue legs, feet, arms, hands, elbows, neck, face, fingers, toes...you get the picture! I am ready for some "real" color!

Dress:Jason Wu for Target | Cardigan:Nordstrom | Shoes:Target | Bracelet & Ring:F21 | Necklace:Thrifted

Cheers to a real tan and of course Jason Wu for this fun and affordable clothing line!

Today I am linking up with these lovely ladies.  Hop over for some additional inspirations!

My New Favorite Skirt

Am I the only one that gets excited to check my mailbox every day once I have ordered something online? I love turning the key, slowly opening the little door, peaking in with one eye shut, hoping that there is something, other than junk mail and bills, tucked away deep inside. 

After checking the mail five days in a row, it finally arrived, my new favorite skirt!  You are probably thinking to yourself, "Really, this girl gets excited about a $23.00 skirt from Forever 21?"  Yep, I really do and did! I know, I am not 21 anymore, but Forever 21 is still my go-to store and it takes up the majority of my closet.  Just because you are past your twenties doesn't mean you aren't allowed to shop there anymore .  They have so many lines now that fit all sizes and shapes of women, it's super affordable, they carry all the latest trends, have an abundance of accessories and did I mention affordable?   I will also say that they have really stepped up their quality.  I have things from Forever 21 that have lasted longer than some of my higher end, "splurge" items.

Anyway, back to my new favorite skirt.  I was so excited to try it on that {embarrassingly enough} I put together this outfit without having anywhere to go.  When you get something in the mail, do you immediately start trying it on with other things you already have in your closet?  Or am I the only one?  I hope not.

I wanted to share my new fab find with you ladies.  So, I grabbed my camera last night and kindly asked the hubs if he would, once again, take a few pics of me for this post.  We walked next door to my neighbor's house {I needed a new backdrop} and we snapped these up.  Please don't judge.  I just wanted to get this up ASAP in case you wanted to make the purchase too.  Stuff goes fast online and in the stores. 

Skirt:Forever 21 | Top:Old Navy | Belt:From Another Dress | Shoes:Aldo | All Jewelry:Forever 21

What is your new favorite purchase?

Cheers to checking the mail, new skirts and husbands that take pictures of their crazy wives!

My Lunch Break with Jason Wu

I wish I could have lunch with Jason Wu.  I am just happy enough to wear a dress from his new line at Target.  I actually was on a lunch date with my husband in these pictures {thanks, hubs, for snapping my pics}. We rendezvoused at 11:30 AM at one of our favorite local Mexican eateries.  It was worth every single calorie and fat gram...chips, salsa, queso, jalapeno ranch and a big, steamy, greasy plate of cheese enchiladas!  I needed a serious siesta after that treat.  

I must admit, that I was one of the "crazies" that hit my local Target store {okay, two Target stores} bright and early on Sunday morning to snag up as much Jason Wu for Target as I could. I am not exaggerating, it was all gone in a matter of minutes. You know what I mean if you were in the stores that day. I was lucky enough to grab a few dresses and a black pleated skirt.  I am sure you will be seeing my purchases in future posts.

I replaced the black tie that came with the dress with a thin, pink leather belt.

One of my favorite, cooler weather looks...tights with black ankle boots.

I kept my accessories to a minimum.  I didn't feel like I needed too many extras.

Dress:Jason Wu for Target | Cardigan:Mossimo | Tights:Forever 21 | Boots:Payless  

Sunglasses:XOXO | Necklace & Ring:Forever 21 | Belt:Target

Watch:Fossil | Bracelets:Vintage from my Grandmother

If you missed out on the Jason Wu goods, there's still hope!  I heard, from a reliable source, that Target is going to slowly replenish their stock online this week.  I am almost positive the actual retail stores will not be receiving any additional merchandise.  So, be sure to check online to see what's been added.  I must admit, there are a couple of items that I still REALLY want.  Fingers are crossed that they will be available soon!!

Cheers to Mexican food, the person that invented queso and Jason Wu for Target!

Today I am linking up with: