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!

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!

A Birthday and Total Awkwardness

Yesterday was a milestone birthday for one of my most favorite ladies in the entire world.  We have been buds since my freshman year of college and were pledge sisters in our sorority.  We have been in each other's weddings, watched each other's babies come into this world, made some crazy traveling memories {most recently, our Vegas trip}, laughed and cried together and most importantly have been by each other's side through our most trying moments.  I consider her more of my sister than my friend.  So, this post is dedicated to her.  I am so lucky to have shared your birthday with you, and for those who know the story...she likes to party like it's 1998! 

 

Before dinner I had the Hubs snap up a few pictures of my outfit.  Okay, I must say, this was total AWKWARDNESS!!!  If you have been reading my blog, you know that most of my outfit posts are taken in the comfort of my backyard.  WOW!  I give props to you ladies that go out and shoot pictures in public.  I am not a shy or introverted girl, but I felt like a HUGE DORK posing on the sidewalk in downtown Austin.  People were seriously staring and giving us the, "you are so shallow for taking all these pictures of yourself look." All I wanted to do was shout out, "This is for my blog, people!!"  Oh well, at the end of the day, who really cares, but I will say again, big high fives for all of you that do this all the time...I think I am going to head back to my little piece of privacy.

Dress: c/o Strut in Austin | Blazer: Lauren Conrad for Kohls | Shoes: Steve Madden | Jewelry:F21

   

Can you tell that I look a little nervous in the pictures? Through my super fake smile, I was telling the hubs to hurry up and keep snapping! God love him for putting up with me. I know most of us bloggers depend on our devoted {and annoyed at times} better halves to be the men behind the scenes! Let's all go home tonight and tell them that they have been promoted to co-producer.  Do you think they would accept or decline the offer? 

Cheers to birthdays, backyards and better halves!

A Little Ray of Sunshine

So, I have been posting about some of my Jason Wu for Target finds over the last few weeks {here} and {here} and we are now on Round 3.  This is my most fave find, the yellow peplum top.

I can say with all honesty, that I did not get lucky enough to grab this from the store or website. I actually have to give all the props to my blogger friend,  Tara from fabulous but evil.  She let me in on the Jason Wu  Facebook group called Jason Wu for Target :: WuSistas & Mistas Exchange.

If you missed out on the Jason Wu craze, just click on the link above and ask to join the group.  I was accepted immediately.  I guess it's because I am "cool" like that. No, really, anyone can join! 

There are are almost 750 members of this group. It's people looking to buy or sell his merchandise.  The sellers aren't looking to make profit like those eBay scoundrels!  I got this top for retail cost, plus shipping.  If you have some stuff to sell or just want to buy, create a post and voila, people will start responding ASAP.  I posted that I was looking for this top and had 4 people respond to me in a matter of minutes.  Oh, the joys of Facebook!

The girl I bought the top from sent it to me immediately, and of course I had to wear it IMMEDIATLEY!!  I call this outfit a "Little Ray of Sunshine".  It’s bright, cheery and perfect for the warm weather we having been experiencing in Texas. Plus, can we say color blocking? Loving this trend...it let's us all be creative with our wardrobe!!

Top:Jason Wu for Target | Pants:Express | Shoes:Target | Jewelry:Forever 21 | Clutch:Forever 21

Are you tired of my Jason Wu for Target posts yet?  I hope not, because I still have a few more!

Cheers to a little ray of sunshine, the Jason Wu Facebook group and tips from other bloggers!!

Today I am linking up with

My Weekend Recap

Monday has rolled around once again. Why does it come so quick? Well, I hope you enjoyed your two days off and are ready to take on another week. 

My two day weekend turned out to be three.  I was sick on Friday and stayed in bed pretty much all day.  I think it's this bi-polar Texas weather.  One day it is 90 degrees outside and the next it's in the 50's.  I had to get better quick {insert Z-pak} because I had to head to the "Big D" {Dallas} to help throw a wedding shower for one of my college sorority sisters.  I had to make the most of spending time with some of my best friends in the whole world...no time for being sick.  We had the party at a fun and intimate winery called Times Ten Cellars.  I don't think drinking wine helped remedy my ickiness, but I put on my big girl panties and rolled with it!  I don't get too many opportunities to spend time with my best buds.  Everyone had an amazing time..lots of food, laughs, hugs and did I mention wine? 

This was the chosen outfit of the day.  I have been searching for some cobalt blue wedges and I finally found a pair that I couldn't pass up.  I think I might be 6' tall in these high rises.  And believe it or not, they are actually really comfortable.  And my pants, well it's actually a romper that is gray on top.  I threw the top over it because it was a little chilly out.  I am looking forward to wearing it without the top when it warms up again, which I am sure will be tomorrow...crazy weather! 

Blazer:Forever 21 | Romper:Thrifted | Top:Limited (Old) | Shoes:Forever 21|Jewelry:Forever 21 (Old)

And now for a few of last week's Instagram photos.  You can find more of my pics here.

1. My new Essie poilsh in Mint Candy Apple 

2. New trend for men - lizard earrings! Just kidding. The hubs was being silly!!

3. It was HOT last Wednesday! 90 degrees!!

4. Amazing sunset on Thursday.  No Photoshopping!

5. My fab find - Pastel Rose earrings from F21 - only $3.80

6. Another fab find - snake skin day clutch from Sam Moon

7. Homemade Apple Cheese Tart - Can't take the credit. Joy, it's all YOU!

8. Horrible Dallas traffic on a Saturday evening

Did you do anything fun this weekend?  Or did you come across any fab finds? 

I would love to hear from you!

Anyone watch the Academy Awards?  I watched the red carpet and that was about it. 

Michelle Williams was my fave...absolutely STUNNING!!! 

Cheers to blue suede shoes, lizard earrings and spending the weekend with your best buddies!

I am linking up today with Momtrends, BonBon Rose Girls, and Glamamom for Monday Mingle.

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!