Orange & Blue Plaid

Guys, I bought a fur vest, but the husband nixed it. I was really leery about whether or not I could pull off the trend. I bought this one at Marshall's for $39. I thought it might be too much for my small frame (it was a lot of fur),  so I tried it on in front of Jeff. He didn't even take a breath before telling me, "No. It's not you. It's that thing. It's so big. Like a wooly mammoth." Back to the store it will go. That's fine because I can use that money toward something that we'll both like better :)

However, another purchase went much better for me. I love me some flannel, especially when it comes in such lovely, bright colors! I wore this little ensemble to a friend's baby shower this weekend. It was between this outfit and another one; I let Jeff choose which one. He said, "That one. It's bright. I like it." Ah, a man after my own heart. He loves bright stuff as much as I do. (Our shoes matched today. Not kidding.)

I thought a leather jacket completed the look. No?

I stole his glasses again.

My necklace is a little bicycle and so are my earrings :)

It's so good to be blonde again.

What's up, wind and weird octopus hair? 

Outfit Deets:

Blazer: J.Lo via Kohl's (exact for $24)

Shirt: Old Navy (exact for $25)

Jeans: Uniqlo (like a year or two old)

Blue flats: Jessica Simpson via Marshall's (these are cute!)

Jacket: Wilson's Leather (similar)

Sunglasses: Nordstrom (pretty sure these are the exact ones)

Oh, and I also wore the blazer this way, too.

Today, I'm linking up with Molly and some other lovely ladies. 

Gold Blazer

Yes, I bought a gold blazer from ModCloth for $20. I had been wanting one for awhile, but I refused to pay the exorbitant prices that stores wanted to charge me. Enter ModCloth. It looked gorgeous, and I bought it despite the fact that it was final sale. It arrived in the mail, and I loved it...until I realized something: I had no idea what I planned to do with it. Haha. Instead of caving in to buyer's remorse, I set off on a quest to style it FOUR ways. I tried something date-night fancy, something work appropriate x 2, and something errand-running casual.

Look #1: Casual Friday at Work

I would wear this look on a casual Friday. Heck, I'd probably wear this bad boy on a Wednesday. I'm a rebel like that. My best friend said that she and her coworkers have to pay for their casual Fridays! (Yes, she works in the public school system.) Have you ever heard of such a thing? I think the teachers at my school would absolutely revolt if that were to happen. 

Blazer: ModCloth

Navy Blouse & Necklace: Forever 21 (blouse also worn here)

Belt: NY & Co.

Jeans: Express

Leopard heels: Aerosoles via Marshall's

 Look #2: Any Work Day of the Week

Oh.my.goodness. I actually mixed prints. I have never mixed prints before. (I'm not counting my ill-advised youth.) Anyway, I liked the black and white with the tan, but I felt there needed to be a little color. I thought red would be predictable, so I went with this pink stone.

Blazer: ModCloth

Striped Top: French Connection via Marshall's 

Leopard Heels: Aerosoles via Marshall's

Jeans: JBrand via TJMaxx

Belt: NY & Co.

Necklace: Francesca's

 Look #3: Something Date-Night Fancy

Obviously, in the winter time, I would wear tights with this look. I was just too lazy to put them on for this little photo shoot. Also, please do not zoom in on this image. I'm sure you can spy the little grizzlies living on my legs. I might even swap out the heels for cobalt or fuchsia flats.

Dress: Target (stupid thing shrunk)

Blue heels (wedding shoes!): Michael Kors via Macy's (almost two years ago)

Necklace: Francesca's (also worn here)

Belt: NY & Co.

Look #4: Running-Errands Casual

This look is probably my favorite because it's so comfortable, and I prefer comfort above all other factors in my wardrobe. If I could dress in flannel every day, I probably would. Am I the only one who says "I'm running errands," and it's really code for "I'm going shopping?" It makes me feel a little bit better about myself. 

White shirt: Mudd via Kohl's

Flats: Target

Jeans: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's

Scarf: Made by Momma! :)

Since I love you guys, I made one image that compiled all of the looks.

How would you style my gold blazer? I'd love to hear your suggestions.

(If you hate it, I understand, but I obviously won't stop wearing it!)

IT List :)

• Laura Wears dresses up a puffer vest with a few styling tricks that takes her look to the next level! Definitely one to recreate! (find Laurea Wears on Twitter!)
• Everything but Ordinary shows a little love to our friends with feathers in an adorable casual look that is ready for just about anything! So cute! (find Everything but Ordinary on Twitter!)
• Good Life proves that neon is here to stay even in the dead of winter! She is staying cozy by piling on the layers for a fun look that holds its own in the wind and snow! (find Good Life on Twitter!)
• Seersucker + Saddles gives us a spring preview when taking advantage of a little warm spell! Her skirt is to die for - a must see! (find Seersucker + Saddles on Twitter!)
• Undeniable Style is shooting for comfort but definitely isn't throwing style out the door! Pop over to check out this effortlessly chic look with a 70s vibe! (find Undeniable Style on Twitter!)
• One Hundred Inspirations recreates the ever so stylish Julianne Hough's casual LA look on a major budget! A complete outfit for under $115?! Go check it out!!
• Miss Top Ten is keeping it classy in a little black dress and letting her accessories do all of the talking! So chic! (find Miss Top Ten on Twitter!)
• My Thrifty Chic threw practicality to the wind when she found a little black cape to the tune of $4! Pop over to see where she found it and what other steals she is sporting! (find My Thrifty Chic on Twitter!)
• The Second Best found an adorable peplum top at one of her go-to stores and is giving us tips and tricks to get the most of our money when shopping! (find Second Best on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation is ready for spring and showing a hint of bare legs! This is the perfect look for when mother nature gives us a little tease with those warm temps! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• Little Bit of Wo.We is bringing a little color to her winter wardrobe and mixing it with one of the season's must haves - dots! Pop over to check out this adorable look! (find Little Bit of Wo.We on Twitter!)
• Rose a la Mode has found the perfect pair of wallet-friendly white jeans and you'll never guess where she found them! If you are in the market, you can't miss this one!(find Rose a la Mode on Twitter!)
• Pretty Preened reworked her mom's wedding gown into an amazing little white dress (with feathers!) for her reception! It is incredible! (find Pretty Preened on Twitter!)
• Sweetie Pie Style is looking ahead to spring and brings us affordable options for this season's must-have footwear! Pop over to find out where to grab a pair on the cheap! (find Sweetie Pie Style 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

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.