A Few Of My Favorite Things

We still have 80's in the forecast for this week, so here's another summer outfit!  Okay, in all honesty, this picture is from a while ago, I'm just really behind on posting outfits.  And this one contains a few of my very favorite things!

Top: Forever 21 / Shorts: Old Navy / Shoes: TOMS

1.  Polka dots!  I love this shirt.  It's so fun with the small and large dots!

2.  Colored bottoms.  As I have mentioned before, I have these shorts in a bunch of different colors.  I hope to expand my colored skinnies collection, as well.  I love a neutral top with a colored bottom!

3.  TOMS!  You also already know about my love for these shoes!  I'm having the hardest time deciding which pair to get next!

4.  Short hair.  I get so many compliments on my hair, I don't think I'll ever go long again!

5.  Sunshine!  Not looking forward to the lack of sunshine that comes with winter... :-(

6.  My back yard.  We were so blessed to get a really nice sized back yard, with a line of trees at the rear, when we built our house.  I really think we got the best lot in the neighborhood.

Well, I'm off to a triple bridal shower at church!  Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Little Black Dress - 3 Ways!

*First of all, I am so frustrated with my horrible photography...  but I don't have time to redo anything, so here it is.  Ugh.*

Today I'm participating in Audrey's One Piece Many Ways link-up over at Putting Me Together.  You simply take a piece of clothing and show several different ways to wear it!  I chose the little black dress that I got the weekend before last at Forever 21.  Here it is:

 Dress: Forever 21

First up, a date night look.  Not that we get to go on those...  I purchased these funky wedges while on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic in high school.  I don't remember the last time I actually wore them, but I'll probably never get rid of them.

 

Necklace: GroopDealz / Belt: H&M / Shoes: Dominican Republic

I'm calling this next outfit my church look.  :)  As a stay at home mom, I don't really need work looks, like other bloggers!  Before discovering style blogs, I never would have thought to wear a shirt over a dress... but it totally works! 

Top: Forever 21 / Belt: Garage Sale / Flats: Target

And now for a super casual look.  Super comfortable.  I love it.  Knotting a tee is another new thing for me.  I actually think it's kind of cute!  And of course I had to throw on my beloved TOMS!

 

Tee: Forever 21 / Shoes: TOMS

I love doing these different challenges!  It's really making me look at my clothes differently!  So. Much. Fun!  :-D

Linking up: The Pleated Poppy, Because Shanna Said So, Get Your Pretty On,  Suburbs Mama

7x7 Remix (Take TWO!)

I had so much fun participating in the 7x7 Remix challenge last time, that I decided to do another one this month!  This time, I'm linking up over at Ma Nouvelle Mode!

I actually only ended up selecting and using 6 pieces, plus all of my shoes and accessories.  I just couldn't decide on a 7th piece that I really wanted to use, and I didn't really need it!  So here are my six pieces!

Navy Tee:  JCPenney

Striped Tee:  Old Navy

Purple Tank: Old Navy

White Shorts: Old Navy

Palm Print Shorts: Old Navy

Skinnies:  Old Navy

Oh My!  I didn't realize until now that all but one of my pieces is from Old Navy.  I swear I shop at other stores!

And now, my outfits, in no particular order!

Outfit #1:

Flip Flops: Old Navy

Super casual outfit.  You'll see these flip flops in a bunch of pictures...  I really wish I had a pair of navy TOMS!  I think this challenge helped me figure out what to buy next!  ;-)

Outfit #2:

Necklace: GroopDealz

Sandals: Old Navy

A little dressier...  :-)  (Sorry about the blurry photo...)

Outfit #3:

Flip Flops: Old Navy

Perfect for the ninety degree weather we've had all week!

Outfit #4:

Shoes: TOMS

Still absolutely in LOVE with my new TOMS!!

Outfit #5:

Scarf: Very Jane

It may be hot outside, but it sure can be cold inside!  A scarf is a nice addition to a summer outfit for those times when you step inside and someone's gone a little overboard with the air conditioning!

Outfit #6:

Flip Flops:  Old Navy

Trying out some pattern mixing again!  I like it!  Really wish I had those navy TOMS, though!  OMG, look at what I just found!!!  I think I might need these!

Outfit #7:

Scarf:  GroopDealz

Flats: Target

This outfit makes me ready for fall!

And a couple extra outfits, for good measure!

Outfit #8:

 

Shoes: TOMS 

I never would have put this outfit together without this challenge, but I think I like it!  (And again, sorry for the blurry photo...  Grr.)

Outfit #9:

Shoes: TOMS

Okay, this outfit is the same as #5, but without the scarf, and I changed my shoes.  Just had to include another picture of my awesome TOMS!

*If you want to read more about how much I love TOMS, check out this post.  And click here to save $20 off a pair for yourself!*

 This was so much fun!  I love seeing how buying the right pieces can give you so many choices for outfits!  And accessories give you even more variety!

Also linking up for WIWW! (Even though I'm a day late!)  And What We Wore.

Shorts + Tee.... and Repeat!

I haven't been taking a lot of outfit photos lately...  I've been busy, and it's been hot!  Most of my outfits have been pretty plain... a pair of cutoffs and a tee or tank...

Exhibit A:

Tee:  JCPenney / Shorts: Old Navy / Shoes: TOMS

Exhibit B:

Tee:  JCPenney / Shorts: Old Navy / Sandals: Target

Yep, exact same tee and shorts, just in different colors...  The tees I found on a clearance rack and loved the colors, so I bought both.  And I actually own the shorts in eight, yes EIGHT, different colors!  I only had two pairs of shorts at the beginning of this summer, so when I found a style that works for me (at a great price!) I kinda went hog wild!  I actually bought five in the store, then a couple weeks later ordered three more online.  Cutoffs just make sense for my stay at home mom lifestyle!

AND.....  Guess what came today?!  My new TOMS!!!  And I'm in LOVE!  They are SOOO pretty!

Don't forget, you can get a pair for yourself for $20 off, just by following this link!  You and I will both be happy if you do, because you'll have an awesome new pair of shoes, and I'll get a credit towards my next pair!  Win, win!  :-D

TOMS

You've seen my TOMS a few times around here.  I LOVE them!  So I'm going to dedicate a whole post to them!

I really wanted a pair of shoes (not sandals!) that would be comfortable and supportive for a long day of walking.  I always hate wearing tennis shoes for a day at the zoo, but don't want sore feet either!  After hearing over and over how comfortable these shoes are, from ladies like Sheaffer from Pinterest Told Me To, I decided that TOMS were just what I was looking for!  Tons of super cute styles, and my feet wouldn't hate me at the end of a long day.

I usually don't spend even close to that much on a pair of shoes, but you know what, I'm worth a splurge from time to time!  I went ahead and bought myself a pair for Mother's Day!  :-D  Since there isn't anywhere nearby to buy TOMS, I decided to take a chance and order a pair online.  After reading all sorts of reviews, I concluded that ordering a 1/2 size down from my normal shoe size would be best.  I'm usually an 8, so I ordered a 7 1/2.  I also ran to Target and picked up some cotton no show socks.  Nobody wants sweaty, stinky shoes!

 

My shoes were delivered in a week, and it was love at first sight!  They were just as gorgeous in real life as they were in the online photos!  And they're not just pretty, they really are comfortable!  I've worn them a bunch, as they look good with just about everything!  Jeans, shorts, I'd even wear them with a skirt if I had one!  Most recently, I wore them on the 4th of July to walk from our house to the fireworks.  It was about a mile each way, and I never once thought about my feet!  I love these shoes!

Actually, I love them so much, that I just ordered myself another pair!!!  They should be here on Friday!

If I haven't convinced you yet that you need a pair, hear this:  for every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS gives a pair to a child in need, in over 60 countries around the world!  One For One.

SO, now that you know that you can't live another day without a pair of TOMS, click this link for $20 off your purchase!!  You'll get a great deal, and I'll get some credit, too!  ;-)  AND, shipping is free this month!

I am in no way being compensated for this post.  I just REALLY love my TOMS, and wanted to express that love, as well as offer you a hefty discount, so you can feel the love, too!

Linking up:
What I Wore Wednesday

Faker

I suppose a real fashion blogger probably would have worn this outfit with the shirt tucked in and a belt.  I'm sure you have already figured out, though, that I am most definitely NOT a real fashion blogger.  :-D  Good thing I'm a faker, because this is how I wore it!

  Shirt: Kohl's / Shorts: Old Navy / Shoes: TOMS

I don't really have much else to say about this outfit.  I wore it.  It was comfortable.  And I haven't done an outfit post in a while, so I felt like I'd better get on it!

In some blog related news, I wanted to make sure that all ten of my followers know that Google Reader is about to disappear, and you should create a Bloglovin' account and follow me through that! :)  Cassie over at Hi Sugarplum! wrote a great post all about it!

And I made a Contact page where you can find links to my Facebook and Pinterest, as well as my email.  Let's keep in touch! 

Anti-Sweats

Today I'm linking up at The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday.  The point of WIWW is to get out of your yoga pants (which is what I am currently wearing!  Ha!) and put some effort into how you look.  Why?  Because it will make you feel better!  I know slapping a little makeup on and putting real clothes on makes a huge difference for me! 

Yesterday was cold, wet and windy, and felt like a sweatpants kind of day.  This outfit was my alternative to wearing head to toe fleece.  :)

 

Scarf: Very Jane / Tee: Old Navy / Sweater: JCPenney / Jeans: Old Navy / Shoes: TOMS

I purposefully bought this sweater a couple sizes big, for those days when I just want to feel comfy.  The jeans are O.L.D.  They used to be a favorite pair, and most definitely did not have holes in the knees when I bought them...  I've worn them a *few* times!  And the scarf I was actually wearing for warmth.  On June 4th.  That's just wrong.  But I was comfortable AND productive.  Yay me!

Pop of Spring

This outfit basically represents the weather around here lately... mostly dark and gray, with an occasional pop of spring. We have had SO MUCH rain, so when the sun finally peeks out, we try our best to take advantage of it.  I am so thankful for our big back yard.  What a blessing it is to have room for the kids to run off some energy!

I wasn't able to get a single picture without my little sidekick.  But that's okay, he's one of my favorite accessories.  ;-)

Tee: Old Navy; Scarf: Very Jane; Skinnies: Old Navy; Shoes: TOMS

When I got done with my photos, Koen wanted to do his own photo shoot.  It. Was. Hilarious.  I use a timer to take my photos and run back and forth over and over, so he did the same thing, even though I was taking his picture.  So funny the things kids pick up on!

Here is his "deer in the headlights" pose...

And his "happy as a clam" pose...

And of course, his "too cute for words" pose!

I ABSOLUTELY ADORE HIM!!!

Poser

Trying out some new poses today!  I feel like a dork!  Haha!  I thought about not even posting this outfit, because I don't love it, but hey, this is what I wore for a day hanging out at home.  Better than sweatpants!  And I realized the next day that these jeans weren't the jeans I thought I was wearing all day, they were a smaller pair that I didn't think fit well yet.  So woohoo for that! 

Scarf: GroopDealz;  Top: JCPenney; Jeans: Old Navy; Shoes: TOMS

And a couple random thoughts for today...

The new season of The Bachelorette started this week!  So exciting!  Yes, my guilty pleasure...  We actually watched the first half of the show Monday night and the second half last night.  We don't watch any TV until the kids are in bed, and we were just too tired Monday night to stay up long enough to watch the whole show!  So yeah, some of those guys...  WOW.  And I don't mean that in a good way!  So proud of her for kicking Fantasy Suite Creep to the curb!  Did anyone else think Larry the ER Doctor got totally weird when he was talking to her?  Take my glasses off... put my glasses back on..  take my glasses back off...  apologize 15 times for "the dip."  Bye bye!  I'm disappointed surprised that she kept Mr. Shirtless around.  He seems shallow and self-absorbed.  Eww.  Right off the bat, I'm liking Bryden and Drew.  I think they'll both make it far.  Can't wait for next week!

And, at the other end of the spectrum...

Remember way back in January when I made the insane resolution to read a book a month??  Yeah, me neither.  Haha!  Seriously, I think I read a chapter, maybe two, that month...  And not another page.  Untillll yesterday!  I picked my book back up, skimmed through the first chapter (that I have already fully read twice), and read two more chapters.  It was a beautiful day, and I was able to sit outside and read while the kids played.  Hopefully I will do more of this!

New Hobby

About six months ago, through Pinterest of course, I discovered the world of style blogs!  And I. Was. Hooked.  See, I was creeping up on my 30th birthday, and I realized that I still had no clue how to dress myself.  I just wanted to look cute, y'all!  And age appropriate!  And still be able to roll around on the floor with my kids.  AND do all this on a very limited budget!  Little did I know, there were other people out there trying to do the same thing, figuring it out, and even sharing about it on the world wide web!  Who knew I, of all people, could be so interested in fashion?!  But not runway fashion... everyday, real-life, modest fashion.  I started working on discovering my own style, and growing my wardrobe.  I've made some mistakes, but I'm learning!  Some of the blogs that have been super helpful and inspiring include Putting Me Together, ...for Lauren and Lauren, and Franish.  I also enjoy Blue Paper Lanterns, Freckled Fashionista, kristina in retroworter, Stylin' Mommies and Along the Lines of Style.  I used to have quite a long list of blogs I was following, but have cut back to my favorites, although I still follow a bunch on Pinterest and Facebook!

Soooo, I've decided that I want to join in on the fun!  I've been hesitant to start doing outfit posts, as I still don't feel like I know what I'm doing...  and I don't really have a clue how to use my fancy camera.  But we all have to start somewhere, and I think this will be a fun new hobby for me!

Without further ado, here is my first official outfit!  :-D  Trendy, comfortable and affordable!  Just the way I like it!

Adorable little photo bomber I have there, huh?!

Chambray top: JCPenney;  Mint Skinnies: Kohl's;  Shoes: TOMS