Tweed-y Bird

Nothing about this outfit screams "BIRD!" However, when I thought of the title, I giggled, so I kept it. 

Some lady at the mall actually yelled to me in the mall because she wanted to know where I bought my tights. I'm not entirely sure, but I went with Target. That answer seemed right and safe. You can never be too safe around people who hunt you down in the mall. 

The lady at Naturalizer spent several minutes oohing and ahhing over my black booties. She was quite surprised to learn that I bought them at Boscov's. 

When I told the ladies at Banana Republic my husband's pant size, they told me that I need to feed him more. Who says stuff like that? 

The lady at Francesca's thought my necklace was from there. Nope, NY & Co. Woot woot.

I realized that I hate shopping at the mall. I like outlet malls because they allow me to breathe fresh air in between my visit to each store, but I hate "regular" malls. I feel so claustrophobic when I reach the center. It's like I'm standing in the belly of the beast. 

What is wrong with me? 

Outfit Deets:

Blazer: Express

Shirt: Marshall's

Skirt: The Limited (last year's find)

Tights: Let's go with Target

Booties: Boscov's

I wish the lighting wasn't so craptastic. My apologies, folks. 

Crazy Diet & An Outfit

I have a really bad habit of looking into other people's carts at the market. (Am I the only one who does this?) Most times, I'm overwhelmed by the irrational, inappropriate, judgmental desire to shake them for their dietary choices. I think, "cupcakes, potato chips, the entire soda aisle, everything with sugar in it, and all frozen meals? WHY, 'MURICA, WHY!?"

Maybe I'm a little bitter because here I am watching what I eat so carefully and spending more time than I have researching good-for-me foods and supplements, yet I'm fighting an epic battle with a body that wants to kick its own ass.

In better news, I'm on this sugar-free, mostly fruit-free (except for berries-no more than three cups a day though), yeast-free, and gluten-free diet right now. I bet your stomach just shed a tear for me, and you're probably asking me why this news is "better news." It's not so bad, honestly. I've been gluten-free for maybe five years now. That took a long time to accept, but cutting out gluten made it easier to control my will power. Plus, when I consider how much better I'll feel as a result, I can overcome dieting challenges.

So, why this diet? Well, during my endoscopy last week, the gastroenterologist found yeast invading my esophagus. Yeah, even the doctor said it was weird. The nutritionist told me, "I've only seen this problem in my cancer and AIDS patients." Leave it to my body to be unique. The doctor put me on Diflucan, which is supposed to combat the yeast. Since I know food is intertwined with a person's health, I did more research. (The doctor found the yeast several years ago, and it's either still here or back again. I realized I needed to take care of business. NOW.) In my Nutritional Healing book, it talks about candida, yeast that a person's body naturally produces. However, due to certain medications (especially antibiotics and birth control, both of which I've taken too much of in the past), underlying health conditions, and other factors, candida can overgrow in a person's body. (Thrush is an overgrowth of candida.) It can overgrow to the point that it causes a blood infection. Not good. It's responsible for a host of symptoms from PMS to anxiety. It mimics many diseases, which is why it goes undetected in so many people for so long. In fact, that is the very reason my doctors confused it with Celiac disease. Going off of gluten helped me because it started starving the yeast. Anyway, my Nutritional Healing book and other resources suggest a yeast-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free diet. I figured it was worth a shot.

About a week and a half ago, I started this diet in conjunction with the Diflucan. I figured, "What could it hurt?" Well, Mother Nature rolled around yesterday, and I hadn't even realized she showed up. (News Flash: this is a miracle.) I needed fewer Advil less often, and I didn't feel like I needed to constantly remain attached to a heating pad. (Typically, Mother Nature beats the snot out of me with a baseball bat the size of a tree trunk.) The only difference in my life is this new diet. If this new diet produces these results, then I'm even more open to sticking to it. Sure, I have my moments of insanity that involve wishing for a damn gluten-free cupcake, but I keep reminding myself how much better I feel.

I like to graze, which means I love snacks. Here are some snacks that I currently enjoy:
* cottage cheese
* sugar snap peas
* air popped popcorn
* veggies dipped in hummus
* corn chips dipped in guacamole
* fresh mozzarella
* salted almonds
* pistachios
* not a snack, but water gets old, so I drink Earl Gray (not a bitter tea)

OH, and I found a great recipe for yeast-free, gluten-free pizza that I'll share with you if you wish. Just let me know :) If you're on a similar diet and want to share some snack ideas, please do so!

Anyway, I'll show you my outfit because I know that's the reason you're really here.

I considered belting this shirt, but it was so comfortable as is. I decided to keep it loose. 

These flats were probably a terrible idea. After all, a monsoon hit us today. 

I hope this picture amuses you. 

Detail shot because I felt it was necessary. 

Outfit Deets:

Shirt: NY & Co.

Necklace: $5 at Francesca's (recent)--this necklace is fun

Cobalt skinnies: Celebrity Pink via Boscov's (exact)

Flats: $5 at Target (these capped toe shoes are cute)

Dog: My parents' house (he's a lovable little dude named Blue)

See some other lovely ladies over at The Pleated Poppy and Because Shanna Said So.

Mustard & Dots

I know that turtlenecks are no longer cool, but do you really think that's going to stop me? No, ma'am. Admittedly, I'm somewhat small. These little bird bones need warmth, and if it comes in the form of a turtleneck, then so be it. Judge me all you wish.

When do you think my mom will stop buying me clothes? I hope the answer to that question is "nevah!" (Yes, spelled just like that.) She always does such a good job finding me fun stuff to wear. Does anyone else (who's quickly approaching thirty) have a Momma who still buys her clothes? I'm not talking about Italian men like my husband because dudes don't factor into this equation. I'm not sure most men ever buy or pick out their own clothes. I'm talking about grown women who still rely on their Mommas for sartorial wisdom. If I'm shopping without Momma dukes, and I'm a little leery about something, I take a picture and text it to my mom. She's saved me from multiple cases of buyer's remorse. (I know that the simple solution to that problem is simply taking back the clothes, but ain't nobody got time for that!) Anyway, the moral of this story? A girl always needs her Momma. 

Well, this girl does. 

I hope you enjoy today's outfit. 

I enjoyed wearing it. 

I dub this pose the "why did I take off my sweater?" slouch. 

It's classy. Try it out sometime.

Outfit Deets:

Sweater: The Limited

Belt: NY & Co.

Skirt: Target (gift from Momma!)

Scarf: Made by Momma!

Boots: Franco Sarto via Marshall's

Hat: Target

Linking up with the lovely Molly today. You should check it out for some other ladies' lovely looks. 

Weekend Style

My growing number of dressing room shots exponentially increases my cool factor.

Or lameness.

Whichever. 

Anyway, I really felt this outfit was worth sharing. When I ran errands, the top half hid under my coat; I needed to share the rest with someone. Okay, so the SAT kids saw my outfit that morning, but who counts a room full of seventeen year olds? I don't. I especially don't count the gawker. Every SAT I proctor, there is always a kid who finishes most sections early and then proceeds to awkwardly gawk (is there any other kind?) at me, the proctor. I hope he tests as well as he gawks. 

Are four bows overkill? Bow earrings, bow necklace, bow belt, bow shoes? 

Meh, whatever. I like it.

These pants are my favorite pants.

This scarf is my favorite scarf.

This cardigan makes me yearn for spring.

I took in four items. I bought zero.

What up, will power?

I haven't seen you in a long time ever.

Outfit Deets:

Scarf: Crocheted by Momma (similar but obviously not as awesome)

Cardigan: Target (over the summer)--(this one is cute and springy)

Button up: Express (yay for XXS)--(similar)

Pants: J. Brand via TJ Maxx--(very similar)

Bow belt: Express (in Key West, woot woot)--(similar for less than $5!)

Shoes (gray wedges you cannot see): Me Too via DSW--(cute, similar, I want these!)

Jewelry is so old that I have no idea where I bought it. 

Vest with the Fur

You see, I was almost out of the door and ready to take pretty snow pictures for you until my chesticles went concave just thinking about the frigidity that awaited me. I love you guys, but my love is not limitless.

One of my most special students told me that she liked my necklace. In a very serious tone, she said, "It's bling bling, right?" 

I nearly died.  

I may or may not have started singing "vest with the fur" to my first period students. 

You know what my favorite days of the week are? I'll tell you: my favorite days of the week are those that involve not doing my hair because it looks the same in the morning as it did when I went to sleep.

Glor-eeee-ous. 

I bought a dress at Target for $4 and a pair of shoes for $6. An outfit for $10? 

Just call me Master of the Universe. 

Factoid: My brother used to pin me down, force my arms into their opposite sleeves, and tell me to say, "Jeremy is Lord Master of the Universe" if I wanted him to release me. 

Anyone say anything funny about your outfit today? 

Catch any good deals lately? Do tell where you went and what you bought!

Outfit Deets:

Shirt: The Limited (striped shirt)

Vest: Chap's (a gift from my Momma dukes!)--fun cardigan with fur

Jeans: Express (similar)

Necklace: Forever 21 (exact)

Hat: Target (similar)

Boots: Franco Sarto via Marshall's (these are fun)

P.S. I really want to win this giveaway.

IT List!

• do you j.crew? styles up a closet staple: the tweed jacket!  Check out her gorgeous round up!
• the luxury rehab features a sneek peek of the upcoming Prabal Garang for Target line. This floral dress is just stunning! (find the luxury rehab on Twitter!)
• everything but ordinary looks simply adorable in this polka dot on polka dot look. Wearing double polka dots is definitely on my spring-to-do list! (find everything but ordinary on Twitter!)
• live. work. style. is showing her 'blogger day off' outfit, which of course is just as fabulous as her blogger day 'on' outfits! A perfectly casual and comfortable look! (find live. work. style. on Twitter!)
• rose a la mode is perfectly Florida-chic in this striped top, casual shorts with a bright pop of color by way of her purse! I love this look and am longing for spring! (find rose a la mode on Twitter!)
• my confidence + me pulls together the perfect 'comfy & cozy' work from home outfit. I am really digging this, especially with all the cold weather the midwest has been having! (find my confidence + me on Twitter!)
• a little bit of wo.we experiments with layering in a new way (to her!).  It looks adorable and was well worth trying something new! (find a little bit of wo.we on Twitter!)
• from carpools to cocktails pulls off the perfect 'day date' look. It's charming and beautiful, but also totally appropriate for the day time. See how she does it! (find from carpools to cocktails on Twitter!)
• my thrifty chic steals her husband's top and styles it so effortlessly cool. Find out how she tweaked it a bit to make it fit her perfectly! (find my thrifty chic on Twitter!)
• loop looks invested in a great navy blazer and was excited to pair it with an adorable polka dot top. The look is classic and modern - check it out! (find loop looks on Twitter!)
• the second best dishes on her two must have items in her closet and wears them together.  Hint: you are going to want these two items as well! They are classic and beautiful! (find the second best on Twitter!)
• a fashion fixation is hosting a giveaway for a gift card to LOFT!  Head on over to enter! The LOFT is having some great sales right now! (find a fashion fixation on Twitter!)
• dahlia lynn lane is talking Alt Summit, unicorns and red maxi skirts. Random perhaps, but definitely worth checking out! This outfit is so fabulous! (find dahlia lynn lane on Twitter!)
• one hundred inspirations features Olivia Palermo in floral pants and a neon top. While this look sounds wild, it is pulled off effortlessly and worth recreating!
• sweetie pie style is jumping right into spring style on her blog, and really, aren't we all totally ready for it? Check out her fun looks! (find sweetie pie style on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of good life, for information on how you can be involved... click here!

Grr, Baby, Grr.

Or should I say, "Brr, Baby, Brr?" I do suppose either statement would work. Baby, it's cold outside, but my leopard heels are on fiah! (My computer just autocorrected that word to "fish." Come on, computer, don't correct the English teacher. I meant what I typed.)

Momma dukes took my photographs today. I did not include the picture of me laughing hysterically because my mom said, "I hope that's not poop." She's a funny one, I tell ya, so is my dad who taunted the dog by farting on him and squealed when the dog actually bit his butt. It serves you right, Dad.  

I need you to know that this outfit did not work for me until I put on the necklace. I had also planned to wear a pair of nude pumps. I'm so glad my brain was firing on all cylinders this morning and chose the leopard print heels. Thank yoooou, two hour delay. 

Additionally, I felt like my work slacks felt neglected because skinny jeans are my favorite clothing children.  As a result, I revived those plaid pants yesterday and these maroon (?) pants today. My calves thank me. Every now and then, they like to take a little breather. 

Any clothes you're unearthing lately and giving a fighting chance against another article of clothing you clearly love better? 

That dog is the definition of a creeper. Not kidding.

This picture has not been edited. My eyes are that color. 

Obviously, if the picture had been edited, I would have smudged out the octopus hair flying about my head.

Mom wanted a detail shot. Isn't she cute? 

Outfit Deets:

Pants: The Limited (here are some in velvet)

Sweater: Target (LOFT, Loehmann's)

Belt: Target (cute alternative)

Blazer: Express (so dang old)--(Target is always a safe bet.)

Necklace: NY & Co. (similar)

P.S. With all of these crazy names for colors, it takes me twice as long to find similar items. I have to not only type in maroon, but also burgundy, oxblood, and red. I can't just type in yellow. I need to type in mustard. Craziness, people! Words are important.

Linking up with Mix & Match Fashion.

Professional Plaid Pants

I've been wearing primarily sweatpants for the past four days, so my mind said "uh, whaaa?" when I told it to find an outfit for work today. Confused, I stood for fifteen minutes in my closet because something was complicating my conundrum: it was supposed to be so polar bear cold that the wet wipes in my car would freeze into a block of ice (actually happened). I needed layers. Work appropriate layers. 

I thought about adding a pop of color, but I decided against it. I wanted to be white, black, and gray. 

Hey, my coat has color. 

I slept on this hair. Jealous? I thought so. 

Please tell me that the dogs make you laugh. I didn't crop them out of the picture for this very reason. 

Outfit Deets:

Blazer: NY & Co. (gray blazer)

Sweater: Old Navy (old being the key word)--(similar)

Pants: Express (old)--(more subtle ones)

Wedges: Me Too via DSW --(I love these booties)

Coat: Miss Sixty via Marshall's (last year or something)

Linked up with The Pleated Poppy. 

:)

Gray & Mint

Since I keep spending so much time at the doctor lately, I needed something to brighten up my life. I decided that a good dye job and a fun pair of mint jeans would do the trick.

As a result, I'm blonde again. And wearing ridiculously bright pants.

I even learned how to curl my hair (thanks to the sweet stylist who dyed my hair).

Am I the only one who can never make her hair smell nearly as good as it does once she leaves the salon?

P.S. I know you're jealous of my super sweet shoe storage (alliteration, whaaaat!?). We have no "mud room," so I had to improvise.

Outfit Deets:

Sweater: Sonoma via Kohl's

Mint Jeans: American Eagle

Boots: Madden Girl (yeah, did you know that brand existed?)

Coat: Pac Sun (it's really not that short; I just got all discombobulated.)

I have nothing better for you tonight because the meds make me a little woozy, and I must figure out how to grade papers woozily. Everyone gets an A! Wahooooo! 

Striped Shirt Inspiration

Since today's outfit consists of college sweats, I thought I'd try something new. I perused my Pinterest fashion board and decided that I want to show you some stripe inspiration. Stripes are everywhere, so I'm sticking with navy and white and black and white striped shirts.

I'll also provide you with some links to similar clothes. :)

Flirty & Work Appropriate:

I love how this blogger (who's taking a hiatus...sniff sniff) paired navy with a structured blazer and flowy skirt. Since it's not summer time, you could certainly throw on a pair of tights for this look. 

(Source)

Running Errands Casual:

I like this color combination, too. Mustard and navy make a pretty pair. 

Source: stylinmommies.com via Danielle on Pinterest

Add a fun scarf & military jacket:

Source: happilygrey.com via Danielle on Pinterest

   Stripes + Mint:

I love her fun necklace that ties in the pants' color. If you want to sport a winter look, add a pair of camel-colored booties and a coat.

Source: tumblr.com via Danielle on Pinterest

Edgy:

She always knocks it out of the park. Seriously. I like the edgy style she has going here with the leather jacket and olive pants. 

Source: jseverydayfashion.com via Danielle on Pinterest

Source: fashionfractions.com via Danielle on Pinterest

Classic & Casual Friday: 

It makes perfect sense to add red. It just does. Also, I like that she went with a different color heel. Oh, and her scarf on the outside of the jacket? Not entirely practical if it's super cold, but I love how it looks.

Similar Clothes:

Pink Flowy Skirt at Target / Another Pink Skirt

Navy & White Striped Shirt

Navy Blazer

Mustard Cardigan

Black Skinny Jeans

Brown booties

Military Jacket

Mint Skinny Jeans / Another Pair

Red Coat / Another Red Coat / One More
Leather Coat / Another One
Olive Pants

Here are some of my striped shirt looks:

I hope you feel sufficiently nautically inspired. 

Sweater over Dress

Excuse the craptastic lighting in these photos. 

So, I lied to you. I can wear a button down under a sweater. This look worked for me for two reasons. One, the dress had short sleeves (no lumpy arms). Two, the sweater was chunky, so I couldn't see buttons showing through it. 

Since I was driving three hours to visit my bride-to-be best friend, I wanted to be comfortable during the drive. However, I also had to leave from work, which meant I needed comfortable + work appropriate. 

LADIES, leggings are only appropriate when you cover your butt. 

So, my husband is sequestered to the couch with popsicles, water, and blankets. For the first time in our 8.5 years of being together, he has the flu. Since I have to have a procedure done tomorrow, I can't eat for nearly two days, and I haven't been able to take vitamins for a week. I am really hoping my immune system can stay strong. Please let the fact that I've been working in a petri dish for seven years be enough to ward off the sickness. 

I guess we'll see.

Outfit Deets:

Dress: Kohl's (similar)

Sweater: Forever21 (similar)

Boots: Macy's (similar, similar)

Leggings & Necklace: Gifts

Piggy bank failure. 

Who knows what's wrong with this picture?

IT List: Round Three

• DahliaLynn makes fabulous jewelry and is sharing with us how some of her customers are styling one of her most popular items! Pop over to check out this cute bauble! (find DahliaLynne on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation is bringing the turtleneck back and sporting it stylishly by layering and pairing it with a chic skirt! She nailed it! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• The Second Best has an obsession with patterned pants and picked up a new pair on the cheap! Head over to find out where she found these fun trousers and how she styled them! (find Second Best on Twitter!)
• Loop Looks shares her go-to look when she is in a time crunch (snooze, anyone?)! The bonus? It feels like wearing pajamas! (find Look Looks on Twitter!)
• My Thrifty Chic dresses down this week and is showing us her comfiest pair of jeans! Oh and they only cost her $8! Wow! (find My Thrifty Chic on Twitter!)
• From Carpools to Cocktails is rocking a chic sweatshirt with leather accents! The ultimate in comfy cute and perfect for moms! (find From Carpools to Cocktails on Twitter!)
• Little Bit of Wo.We is breaking out of her shell and mixes a masculine shirt and feminine skirt for a look that is ready for work or a dinner out! So cute! (find Little Bit of Wo.We on Twitter!)
• My Confidence + Me is taking a hint from the weather and dressing in blacks and grays - winter chic AND cozy! (find My Confidence + Me on Twitter!)
• Rose a la Mode looks impossibly chic in tulle and chambray for a friend's bridal shower - a must see! (find Rose a la Mode on Twitter!)
• Live Work Style departs from her usual and adds a pop of vibrant color into her look to match the energy she is feeling in the new year! Love! (find Live Work Style on Twitter!)
• Everything but Ordinary is making denim shorts look down right fabulous and the best part? You can rock them in the cold weather! (find Everything but Ordinary on Twitter!)
• The Luxury Rehab recaps her favorite looks from the Golden Globes and also spots the trends that are taking us in to the new year! Lots of eye candy here! (find The Luxury Rehab on Twitter!)
• Do You J.Crew? shows us tons of ways to style a pencil skirt - from casual to dressy and everything in between! A must have for every closet!
• Sweetie Pie Style rounds up 5 pieces she has her eye on for spring and they are each under $25! Pop over to pick out your favorite wallet friendly treat! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)
• Second Street East is dying over the newest issue of Lonny and found tons of inspiration for an outfit and a room! Tons of great pieces to add to your home or your wardrobe! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second Street East.

For more information on how you can be involved - click here

Dancing in the Shower

I know people sing in the shower, but is it weird that I hold dance parties in my shower? Don't worry; I invite only myself. I plug in the nifty little iHome speaker from my Momma, turn on some Pandora, and I just can't stop myself when Adam Levine starts blaring through that speaker. Who can blame me? It's a wonder I haven't slipped and whacked my face, but, ironically enough, I think I'm more graceful in the shower than I am on pavement and in shoes with good traction. Maybe I need a set of adhesive rubber duckies to prevent any injuries like shoulder dislocation. (Someone please tell me they saw the Big Bang Theory episode when Penny dislocates her shoulder in the shower, and Sheldon has to drive her to the hospital? SO funny. "Soft kitty, warm kitty....")

Also, I need you to know something. I can't wear button ups (or is it downs? What's the actual difference? Is it a cup half empty or full kind of thing?) under sweaters or anything else (except for cardigans). I see all of these fashion bloggers rock an awesome button up under a sweater (or even another button up), but I.can't.do.it. I look lumpy in the wrong places and even more flat chested than I already am (I'm nearing concave at this point. I hope I just made you think of Pitch Perfect.) I tried that whole put a tank top over the button up thing and no dice. It saddens me, folks. However, I can throw a sweater over something that has no buttons or pockets...kind of like this striped shirt dress from Old Navy.

In the fall, I styled it like this:

Today, I decided to style it like Wo:

Confession #1: I think I'm a bad ass when I look at this picture. Granted, I'm not sure how many people wearing jean jackets without Hell's Angels branded on the back are really bad ass, but I can pretend.

Confession #2: I stole my husband's sunglasses for this photo shoot. In my defense, I am the one who bought them. Is that reasoning really in my defense?

Confession #3: I had no idea how flattering standing on your toes actually is for pictures. Oh, the things I learn from fashion bloggers.

Confession #4: I'm having an awesome hair day. 

Outfit Deets:

Striped Dress: Old Navy (similar at Old Navy)

Jean Jacket: Old Navy (pretty sure this is the exact one)

Boots: Madden Girl (similar Madden Girl in gray)

Tights: Simply Vera via Kohl's 

Sweater: Kohl's (similar but currently in stores)

Scarf: Handmade by Momma dukes

Aviators: $10 at Nordstrom's (in the dudes department)