THE Bag

Today I decided to do a post with MY bag.  This is THE bag, you know the one that you covet forever and finally convince your husband (your parents, your roommate...yourself), that you will never buy another bag again after this one because it is perfect.  You totally justify the fact that the price of said bag is 3 times as much as you would usually spend on a bag because you will never need another one again and it is classic.  This is the last brown bag that you will ever need or buy.  Come on fashionistas you all have this story.  Maybe it is a jacket, skirt, shoes...you know you have done this. How long did it take you to buy another brown bag, perfect pair of black pumps, leather jacket...?  I don't think it took me very long...okay I don't want to talk about it... (am I the only one who did this?)

Well lovlies, this is my perfect brown bag, and it is perfect.  I love it and I thought it might need a little post time with me, maybe a few.  I hate to say it has been living in the top of my closet lately (I am so fickle!!)   I am sure it enjoyed the fresh air of this day.

 The bad thing about the" never will I buy another," argument, is that it only works once (unless it is to yourself and then I bet you could get away with it a few times :)  So use it wisely.  

P.S. This is day 2 of my "no stripes" week.  I have to admit I have already been tempted about 4 times today.  I don't know if I can be strong enough.

Shirt: Banana Republic Outlet: | Pants: Jcrew | Heels: Aldo | Perfect Brown Hand Bag: Kate Spade | Belt: Forever 21 | Bracelet: Jcrew | Necklace: Jcrew via Ebay

Black and Tan

When I was growing up we had the ultimate ice cream parlor in our community.  It was a family owned business by the name of Leatherbys.  The ice cream was amazing and they gave you A TON of it (I am serious people, we are talking mountains of ice cream and rivers of toppings...your mouth is watering isn't it.?)  All of their toppings were/are homemade.  Our got to go there for special occasions and later I went there after nearly every big school dance and it was always incredible.  My husband, me and our boys lived in the community I grew up in for a little bit and I would take my kids there.  They also thought it was/is ice cream heaven.  If any of you who are reading this live in Utah, you need to visit if you haven't.  Any of you who don't live here ever visit Utah...go, it is life changing (well, really good anyway).

One of my favorite things to get there was this awesome sundae called "Annie's Black and Tan" (it was some gal's name, I think it was Annie, for the sake of the example, lets assume it was Annie.  I think all of the ice cream creations are named after people in their family...anyway...)   This creation was homemade hot fudge with homemade caramel sauce (I always get extra caramel...my favorite). 

You may be wondering why in the world I shared that story.  Well...this outfit is both black and tan, and not only do black and tan taste divine together, I really like how black and tan look together...OK Moving on.

Did you notice there are NO STRIPES in this outfit?  Not one.  I have to say it is quite the accomplishment for me.  I will admit however...I ordered a striped blazer online last night.  I fell off the wagon, I am ashamed.  They are just so cute!  There is a little print mixing in this outfit.  Can you see this pin dotted shirt?  I just discovered the concept of layering two shirts and once again, a little mixing up has opened my wardrobe up to so many possibilities.

I was thinking that I might try to make it a week without wearing stripes in my posts.  I wonder if I could do it.  I wouldn't bet any money on it or anything, but it might be fun to try a stripe-less week.  Consider this day 1.

Pin Dot Shirt: Ann Taylor | Checked Shirt: Jcrew | Jacket: Ann Taylor | Jeans: Aeropostale | Heels: Steve Madden (similar) | Bracelet: Jcrew |
Earrings: Had them forever, no idea

Later this day I had a meeting I had to dress up for and I changed the jeans for a knee length straight skirt and loved that look too.  No pics though.

Sunday Afternoon Casual

 I was so sad to wake up after a day of kite flying, BBQing and sunburns to a dreary, rainy day.  I am so ready for spring and it seems to take intermissions a lot around here (is it called an intermission when there is more than one?  Maybe it is a time out, like a basketball game).  Not that I am opposed to a good spring rain, love the smell, but this day was dreary.  Lame.

 We did however get out my boys shorts which they were so excited about.  Excited enough to put some on right on the spot.  My oldest had a serious mixed prints outfit, only not in a good way :)  It was a striped shirt and camo shorts look with his black church socks.  It was good.  He got a few comments on it from the neighbors. 

 In other news, my iphone is out of commission.  I am so sad about it!  It got wet and now will only receive calls and text.  What am I going to do without a phone!????!!  It is tragic.

 I borrowed these shoes from my amazing friend/picture taker Brittany.  I think I have fallen in love with Toms.  Yes I am a bit late to get on the band wagon, but they were like a bit of heaven on my feet.  I am getting some!

 Cardigan: Forever 21 | Shirt: Jcrew | Jeans: AE | Shoes: Toms (borrowed) | Jewelry: Jcrew | Headband: H&M

Navy and Pink

If the truth be told I am a bit of a classic gal, in everything.  I love black, I love classic lines and fabrics.  I add a bit of trendy to most of my outfits, but as a whole they are usually still pretty classic.  Since I started this blog however, I have been looking for different ways to wear my go-to classics.  I usually wear this outfit with just the skirt and the navy top.  I thought it would be fun to change it up, so I looked through the old closet and found this pink button down and put it under it.  I think you would be amazed at how versatile your wardrobe is if you just think outside the box and mix things up a little bit. 

It was fun to have a little pop of spring with my navy.  This pink shirt I am wearing is my favorite shirt ever!  I bought it from Jcrew years ago, and I wear it whenever I can. Sometimes  you don't have to buy something new to have something new on.  Change things up, wear things together you haven't before.  It makes a huge difference and your wardrobe is suddenly doubled.

Sweater: Ann Taylor | Shirt: Jcrew | Skirt: Ann Taylor | Boots: Aldo (They are on serious clearance!!)| Jewelry: Macy's, Jcrew

Maxi Dress and Denim

 My husband and I like to always plan a little Friday night activity each week for our boys.  Last night we went on a little bike ride.  It was the first time I got to ride my new bike!  Even though I woke up seriously sore this morning, I had so much fun and I think biking is something I could really get into.  It was so fun!

As we rode my Josh explained all of the hand signals for turning left, right and slowing down.  It was so cute to see the boys (the three on bikes, McKay our two year old was in the bike trailer) practice as we rode. 

 We rode to a park and let the boys play a little bit, but they were more excited to ride their bikes, so we quickly got back on the bikes and rode on into the fragrant evening.  Spring is so full of wonderful smells.  Last night was mixed with burning weeds and new growth.  I liked it.

 I am starting to think of what I want to put on our family summer bucket list.  I think I will add some springy things too, like puddle jumping, finding buds on trees, flying kites, taking picture in a blossom covered orchard and checking out the baby animals at a local farm. 

 The world is so amazing, and sometimes in my hurry to get to the warmth of summer, I skip over the miracle of spring. 

Jacket: Gap | Dress: Hive and Honey via Piperlime | Espadrilles: Tribeca via Dillards | Necklace: Macys | Bracelets: Macys, Ann Taylor, Jcrew

Hopefully this year I will be more patient and let time pass as slowly as it wants to.

Dotty

I am huge polka dot fan.  Have been for a long time and as a result I have a closet full of them.  Does anyone else have something like that...a fashion fetish if you will?  I'd love to hear about them!  Well, dots happen to be one of mine (stripes being another).  Well, I thought it would be grand if these dots could all hang out together. 

They were thrilled...

My little side kick who insisted on being in the pictures.  It was hilarious, he would go and stand right in front of Brittany as she was trying to take a picture.  My poor boys have been a bit "over-documented" in their life times so I think when one of them sees a camera about the place the stop and smile.  Yes, they are well trained...most days.

The weather was so gorgeous today!  My cute Josh (the hubs) took me to buy a bike.  He has wanted our family to take bike rides together for a long time, the only problem was that I didn't have one.  I had my heart set on a pink beach cruiser with a wicker basket that I could put tulips in, because I am sure I was going to be picking tulips often when I went on bike rides, you know the wild ones, that grow on the side of the road here in Utah (okay there aren't any, but wouldn't that be great!?)...Well, the truth is that I am going to be trying to keep up with 4 boys and a fast bike ride loving husband and the guy at the bike shop let me know that on my beach cruiser I would be left in the dust, especially if I was pulling my 2 year old in the bike trailer...so I got a pink and black number that is still cute, just not beach cruiser cute.  It would look just dorky with a wicker basket on the front so that was thrown out too.  But I am still glad to get a bike!

I felt so funny trying it out in the parking lot.  The last time I rode a bike was when I was in college because I had a job and no car.  It was awesome, except for the fact that I had to wear "professional" dress at work and I lived at the top of a huge hill.  So in honor of safety I put on my bike helmet, then I tucked my cream flowy slacks into my sock so they wouldn't get all black from the chain and rode to the bottom of the hill.  At the bottom of the hill while I was waiting for the light to change so I could cross the street(with my helmet on and my pants tucked into my sock mind you), my ex-boyfriend and his new girl friend were turning left and went right past me...yep they saw me...and I wanted to sink into the sidewalk, but instead I laughed, and laughed and laughed all the way to work.  The story was classic, but I still have a slight aversion to bike helmets and cream flowy pants.  I am going to have to get over the bike helmet one though :)  And I will never tuck my flowy pants into my socks again...I promise.

Sweater: Banana Republic | Shirt: H&M | Skirt: Jcrew | Belt: Forever 21 | Tights: ASOS | Heels: Aldo | Necklace: Banana Republic | Pearl necklace: gift | Bracelet: Jcrew

So really, I am interested.  What is your fashion fetish/obsession? 

Pictures by Awesome Friend Brittany

What I Wore-Sage and Country Blue

 I have to be honest here, this post should be called "What I WISH I had Worn."  I DID wear most of this outfit, but I had my leopard flats and not these boots.  I love them, but I think they would have been a little much to wear to my Kindergartener's class to read with the kids. 

 The hard thing with fashion and being a stay at home mom is that most of my day consists of helping kids, cleaning the house, doing arts and crafts, helping with homework, going grocery shopping and the list goes on of things that I do that any sort of dressy fashion is sooooo impractical.  I love fashion though, so I do make a bit of an effort :) 

 These boots are more of my church/dates boots, but I really truly love them (and they are camel, one of my favorite colors...see previous post :)  I wish with all of my heart that I were like Victoria Beckham walking around with my boys, going to soccer games looking like a rock star at all times and wearing 5 inch stilettos.  I ADORE her style, poise and class, but alas, I need a bit of comfort in my day and stilettos for long periods of time (even my comfy ones) don't work for me.  Maybe one day :) 

Would it be okay however that even though I told you about the shoe swap (I never could keep a secret), you just imagined this is what I wore all day???  Thanks. :)

Ultra high stilettos however are definitely my favorite shoe of choice.  I LOVE wearing them and probably would every day if ya know, they weren't a bit much for running errands, cleaning toilets and volunteering at the school.  But I do wear them a lot.

 The artsy edit...

Shirt: Layers (yep old as they aren't even in business anymore...but it is a great shirt) | Jacket: Nordstrom | Jeans: American Eagle | Boots: Amazon | Earrings: Nordstrom (BP) | Bracelet: Jcrew

Photos by awesome friend Brittany

Sunday-Classic But Not Boring

 I really like classic clothing. I try however to make it not be boring.  That can once again be accomplished with accessories.  This is one of the outfits I have in my rotation of clothing for Sundays.  It is pretty classic and has the possibility of being boring.  I decided that instead of picking colors that blended in with the skirt and top, I would pick something that was a little different.  I normally wear brown boots with this outfit, I decided to change it up and wear my new polka dot hose that I LOVE! 

 My hot little husband/photographer cut off my feet in most of the pictures:)  Normally I wear a white collared shirt under this cardigan, this time I chose a sequined tank. 

 My necklace is from this cute etsy shop and I LOVE it.  I first saw one like it on Glee and me loving all things Emma Pillsbury had to have it!  It always makes for a fun focal point in an outfit. 

 My bag is my handy dandy church bag that I got from Kate Spade years ago.  I love it, even though it is getting pretty worn.  It fits my books and things perfectly. 

 I also love super tall heels.  These are from my favorite place to buy heels, Aldo.  Their shoes are always comfortable on my feet. That is a must with heels for me.  Most of my heels are from there. 

Sweater: Ann Taylor Loft | Sequin Tank: Jcrew | Skirt: Bass | Tights: ASOS | Heels: Aldo | Bag: Kate Spade |  Necklace: Etsy

Red and Taupe

 Tomorrow is St. Patrick's day so really I should be doing a post on green...except I don't really have any green.  I usually wear the same green shirt every year in honor of the day.  I am sort of a holiday nut and can't let a holiday go by without celebrating.  Hmmm...maybe tomorrow will be the green outfit.

 Each time my boys get new shoes they insist on sleeping in them.  My husband totally condones this practicis and claims I don't remember being a child, because all children need to do this with their new shoes...I don' t think I ever did that.  Maybe I don't remember being a kid!  My 6 year old even slept in his new roller blades!  Well, can I tell you these boot are the first pair of shoes that I really DO want to sleep in (meaning I don't ever want to take them off!)  I am in love with them and their whole look!

 I am currently trying to figure out how to wear them with a dress on Sunday :)

 Aren't they lovely? Oh ebay (and Steve Madden) I am in your debt FOREVER! 

 I wonder how my husband will feel about these babies if I do decide to sleep in them.

Jacket: Jcrew | Cardigan: Banana Republic | Shirt: Banana Republic | Jeans: Nordstrom | Boots: Steve Madden via Ebay

What I Wore-Black and White...and Yellow

 So I had all of these pictures ready to go, got them uploaded to the post and...realized I had failed to photoshop a loan strap that was showing...you know the ones, the ones that shouldn't be showing especially in a fashion post.  My photographer (husband) has claimed that his duties are limited to pushing the button on the camera, not checking for fashion faux pas :)  So I just went through, got rid of the cursed strap and we are back in business, but maybe I should have left it because now you know it was there in the first place.  I really never was very good at playing it cool. 

I just got these booties in the mail today and couldn't wait to put them in an outfit!!!!  I almost wore them to caucus tonight which would have been a huge mistake...it was long and as much as I love wearing heels (don't they just make you feel FEMININE?!  I love them), I don't love them for hours and hours. 

 Speaking of going to caucus, I had never gone before! I got my degree in Political Science and I love national politics (and all things D.C.), but have never done a whole lot of local politics.  I went tonight and got a little too into it.  I think my ending sentence at the thing was yelling "ya Brinkerhoff.." (someone who had just been voted as an alternate delegate by a narrow victory), and the shame of getting a little too into the whole things set in after I left.  My husband and I laughed about it all the way home especially the fact that I may have been the only person in the history of the country to cheer at a caucus as loudly and passionately as I did for an ALTERNATE delegate.  Who cheers for delegates at all for that matter?  Maybe I should stay away from politics.

 But I guess I won't be staying too far away because I myself was nominated to be a delegate.  We were each supposed to say something about why everyone should vote for us, I got up and said something lame about how much I like politics and ended up being the alternate county delegate. 

 Well, it was an experience I will say and I have a feeling the stories of my passion might be circulating around the neighborhood soon. 

Top: Old Navy | Jeans: Nordstrom  |  Booties: Steve Madden via Ebay  | Belt: Forever 21