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 die hard with a new dress

Dress:Forever 21 (of course) | Sandals: Forever 21 (of course) | Belt:Thrifted | Jewelry: Forever 21 (of course)

Okay, I can't even concentrate on this post right now because my team lost last night.  What team? MY TEAM...the San Antonio Spurs.  Those who know me well, know that I am a DIE HARD.  I even have a pink Spurs truckers' hat that I bought at a game years ago.  You remember when those were cool?  Well, it's now my rally cap and I wear it for every game...when I am at home watching of course.  No public appearances.  Anyway, MY TEAM is in the Western Conference Finals and the series was tied 2-2 until game five and we FREAKIN' lost by three points. It was a nail biter until the very last seconds.  As I am typing this, my adrenaline is still PUMPING.  Can you tell by all the CAPS?!?  I am one of those fans that screams at the TV as if MY TEAM can hear exactly what I am telling them to do.  Ross and I were so loud that my little Spurs children yelled from their bedrooms for us to be quiet.  Yes, we ARE those fans.

So, I can probably bank on most of you not giving two "sha-doobies" about the Spurs or basketball for that matter; that's why I posted this cute maxi, hi-lo dress I recently scored (no pun intended). These pictures were obviously taken before Game 5, hence the smile.  It kind of gives off the Bohemian-chic vibe.  What do you think?  I am still deciding if it's REALLY me or if I should take it back and get something more practical.   I am REALLY trying to buy more staple pieces these days, you know, items I can remix. Thoughts? Opinions? I am easily influenced. 

Anywho, sorry for the rant.  That's what friends are for right...to console one another during heartache.  Please tell me that I am NOT the only one out there that get's this worked about about a game?  I know there has to be more of us die hards out there.  If so, what team gets you fired up?

I will leave you with one last picture. I would be most grateful if you could send some good "ju-ju" our way for the Wednesday night game!  Please and thank you!

Cheers to the ritualistic chant, "GO SPURS GO!!" 

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?  

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!

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:

Orange You Glad?

I have always loved orange {maybe because it's one of my high school colors-Jacket Pride Never Dies}and it's one of the must have colors for Spring.  I am also OBSESSED {maybe a strong word} with scarves - every shape, size and color. They are my go-to for an added "pop". So, when I found this fab scarf, I already had a vision in mind...Must.Be.Paired.With.Orange.  So, I took a few items that I already had in my closet and viola...this is what I came up with.

Okay, I love hats, but not digging this fedora.  I wish I could pull off this look...at least I can say I tried...

I think I like myself much better without the hat.

 

Purple Madden Girl shoes...ladies, snag some bold colored heels...you will be in amazed of how much you have to wear with them...promise, cross my heart!

Just to show you another reason why orange and purple are a match made in fashion Heaven.

A bird's eye view...mixing florals and stripes is a good thing!  Think...."non-matchy-match" and layers!! 

 

I love mixing and matching bangles and wearing a big Texas-sized ring. 

Jacket - F21 | Stripe Top - F21 | Purple Tank - Old Navy | Jeans - Express | Shoes - Madden Girl | Hat - F21 | Bracelets - Random Places | Scarf - F21 

(I need to invest in F21 stock...it's ridiculous)

Cheers to "Orange you glad I love these colors?"  What colors do you like to pair together?

Shanna Schneider

Get the Look Here

Skinny Denim by Express
Scarves & Wraps by Forever 21