Puppy Love and Pet Peeves

Jake insisted on making an appearance for the Valentines Day photo shoot.  And who am I to deny him his place in the spotlight?  It is pure puppy love!

 
Luckily we had a "dress down" day at school on Tuesday for Valentine's Day so I was able to be a bit festive with my clothing.  There are certain things I have to keep in mind while choosing an outfit for school though...

1. Will I be devastated if I get product on my outfit?  I work with various facial cleansers, lotions, clay masks, waxes and other messy things while I'm at school and chances are, I will be wearing some of it by the end of the day. I wasn't going to be devastated if I got product on any of the pieces and they are all machine washable - yay!
2. Will I be comfortable in this outfit while giving facials, providing waxing services and while walking around on a tile floor?  I love wearing skirts and dresses but they require a certain amount of awareness.  While giving a facial, it isn't my priority to make sure I'm sitting lady-like.  The leggings addressed that concern and kept me from inadvertently flashing anyone!
3. Is the outfit "salon professional" or comparable to what a client would expect to see if they were at a salon, day spa or professional skin care setting?  While I wouldn't wear this if I worked in a day spa setting, I felt like I could walk in to a salon and be right at home with this attire.  Although, I was surprised to see what others considered appropriate - not judging - ok, maybe I'm judging. 

Some general thoughts on dressing salon profesh: UGGs = Ugg! If your look makes Ke$ha look modest, reconsider! Hooded sweatshirts make a statement and that statement is "I didn't care enough to get dressed this morning."  A pink pajama shirt has its place, and it isn't at school.  If you walk in heels like both of your ankles are sprained, I have a hard time taking you seriously. --- That's all, rant over

Just joking, rant not quite over.  One final pet peeve:

No where in the word is there an "M" - I can't even tell you how I cringe when I hear "Happy Valentime's Day!" 

VAL - EN - TINE'S DAY

Say it with me now!

VAL - EN - TINE'S DAY!

 I'm terrible, I know. 

Outfit Details
Pink Dress: Merona via Target
Denim Jacket: Bacci via Ross
Black Leggings: Ann Taylor Loft
Black Belt: NY&Co
Blue Ballet Flats: Lindsay Phillips via Marshall's
Blue Hinged Watch: Charming Charlie

Nothin' Too Fancy

Black and a pinch of color from Charming Charlie!

Keeping within the dress code at school, I bring you an outfit of entirely black.  I really shouldn't complain too much about this.  A few years back the school had a dress code of ALL WHITE.  You heard me correctly... white!  I'm in school with people interested in careers the beauty industry, not future health care professionals.  Thankfully there was a student rebellion a few years ago and now we have a wide horizon of white and black!

Tuesday through Thursday we have theory (class) in the morning and then we see clients in the afternoon. I tend to keep it pretty simple on those days.  I dress for comfort and warmth.  But on Friday and Saturday we see clients all day long.  I try to dress it up a little by adding a splash of color or print with accessories.  Colors and patterns are permitted as long as they are kept to accessories.

I thought the bright blue watch would be a great addition to this all black ensemble.  It was one of the items I recently picked up at Charming Charlie.  Training as an esthetician includes having my hands in cleanser, lotion, moisturizer, wax, and other cosmetics all day long.  I also have many timed treatments through out the day so it is more important that I regularly wear a watch.  When I saw this hinged watch in bright blue I knew it would be a great way to add a dash of color to my limited wardrobe. Not only is it cute and sparkly, but the hinge allows me to remove the watch with out getting product all over the band... score!

Here is a close-up of my make up for the day - mind you the photos were taken after a full day at school.

The other thing about a limited wardrobe is that it really pushes me to be more creative with my hair and makeup. It is a small way to feel a little different in a sea of black lab coats.

Would there be any interest in cosmetic reviews or tutorials in the future? I don't claim to be a pro (yet) but I'd love to share some of the not-so great products I'm running across as I get further in to my learning. Let me know what you think!

Outfit Details
Black Dress: Fashion Bug
Black Leggings: kikaPaprika
Black Belt with Snake Detail: NY&Co
Black Patent Flats: Nicole via Ross
Blue Hinged Watch: charming charlie

Wear No Black Week: Day 2 - Peaches and Denim

Day two of the Wear No Black Week challenge hosted by Urban Darling's Facebook page.

My first instinct was to pair my peach blouse with my brown skirt this morning.  Once I put it on, I realized it was just a boring substitution for black and I was hoping for something a little more lively than that.  The peach colored top with the blue in the denim did feel a little more interesting although not very creative.   

I went to my local Goodwill at lunch and found three awesome skirts.  I've decided I'm just not a huge fan of pants anymore.  They have their place and I'm not ready to toss them out but I just feel better when I wear a skirt.  Prettier, more feminine, put together, maybe even sassy. Back to the story... I went in to just look around and wound up with a black and white paisley (Jones New York) skirt that I intend to shorten by about 24 inches, a peach colored a-line skirt (can't remember), and a fantastic pink and green striped  number (DKNY).  For less than $15 I ended up with 3 skirts that are very different from any that I have in my closet.  I'll post pictures tomorrow because I'm just too tired to hang them up and take photos tonight!

Outfit Details
Peach Cowl Neck Top: Ross
Denim Skirt: Merona via Target
Sequined Sandals: Bass Outlet
White Woven Belt: NY & Co
Silver Necklace: Cookie Lee

Instant Sleeves (and a pesky hair)

I checked the mail after vacation and found a white envelope package with my name on it.  I don't do a lot of online shopping for clothing so I couldn't think of what it might be.  When I opened it up, I found LucieLu Instant Sleeves in taupe.  I entered the online giveaway hosted by Jessica at Surely Sonsy and I WON!  It was such a fantastic little surprise to find in the mail.

I know we've seen a very similar outfit just recently but the taupe in the instant sleeves matched the taupe in the design and I had to take the skirt out for a spin again.  These little sleeves are great.  I was able to keep the slim silhouette of the camisole and I was able to make it work appropriate.  Some of the details that are hard to see are the pucker at the shoulder and the slight gathering that run the length of the sleeves. LOVE.

I'm now debating what color to pick up next!  Thank you Jessica and Lucie Lu!!!

This stupid hair would not behave.  I must have redone my "poof" a half dozen times to try to get that little sucker to behave... but to no avail.  A coworker even came by to try to help with that little devil horn.  Guess what?  It popped right back up!  Oh well...

Outfit Details
Instant Sleeves - Lucie Lu via Surely Sonsy giveaway
Black Camisole with Lace Detail - Express
Floral Skirt - Apt 9 via Goodwill
Black Flats - Nicole via Ross
Necklace - Cookie Lee 

Gingham and Birthdays

The weather forecast for June 28th was for rain and cooler temps so I didn't think twice about grabbing chinos and a button down shirt to keep myself properly covered for this unusually cool weather.  The look was a little drab with just the top and pants so I grabbed for the brightest belt I have.  I was pleased with how the look came together.  I did chuckle a little though when I pulled up my blog roll and found another snazzy lady rocking the blue gingham on her daily outfit post.


Lena - Erica - Tiffany

After work on Tuesday, I headed over to Blue Nami sushi to celebrate Erica's (my middle sister) birthday.  A little bit of rain freakin' down poor didn't stop us from enjoying family time and yummy sushi.  Lena, Erica and I are all Cancers.  Our birthdays are all within a week of each other - ok, so they are seven years younger, but who's counting?

Brooklynn and Momma


The great thing about having a baby around family gatherings is that there is never any lull what-so-ever - her entertainment value is priceless.  She is babbling, drinking water out of her sippy cup, trying to pull off my jewelry, playing drums on the table, and in general, being just about the cutest thing ever.

Baby B isn't afraid of going bold with colors!

Did I mention that she is a good sport? I'm the mean auntie that handed her a lemon wedge - it was hysterical. I wish we would have captured the squidgy face expression she had with the first taste.  Maybe I should feel bad about handing her something so sour but after the first time, she kept grabbing the lemon and putting it back in her mouth - still making a face each time of course!

Outfit Details
Blue Gingham Ruffle Buttondown: Old Navy
Grey Chinos: NY & Co
Pink Skinny Belt: Target
Black Flats: Nicole via Ross
Necklace: Cookie Lee

An Easy Choice

Very little sleep, a ton of sun, and a few way too many adult beverages left me low on the creative juices.  After a long weekend in Las Vegas, I needed an outfit that didn't require a lot of thought.

I wore this outfit to work on Tuesday. It's possible I brought summer back to Northern California with me from Vegas because it was warm on my way out the door at 7:30 AM.  This top is great for the summer because it's a light weight cotton and completely airy.   While these flip-flops are a really fun design, they are not great for wearing all day.  Even though I've had them since 2002, the strap still digs in to my foot and they become uncomfortable if I walk around too much. But I do love the Geisha style heel so I can't bring myself to get rid of them.

I had an audience while I was taking photos.  It usually bothers me a little bit when others are staring while I'm doing outfit shots but this guy is usually quietly supportive while I'm doing my thing.

Jake the Wonder Dog

Outfit Details
Shirt: Fred David via Ross
Skirt: Merona via Target
White Woven Belt: NY&Co
Wooden Flip-Flops: Candies

Viva Las Vegas

Last weekend was the girls trip to Las Vegas.  We had a great time but I only managed to get a few usable pictures - strangers never seem to slow down long enough to steady the camera for a decent photo.  Outfit photos from the first day seem to be the only usable ones on my camera!

*This may be one of my favorite "less than $20 outfits" ever!

I love the pattern and the colors on this skirt.  I'm hoping to find a top with royal blue accents soon. The outfit was super comfortable for travel - even the wedge shoes were easy to wear for the whole day.

I'm going to check with my friends that were on the trip to see if there are any other photos worth sharing.  Is that a sign of a good trip when you don't slow down long enough to take many pictures?

Outfit Details
Embellished Tank Top - Old Navy ($3 - can you believe it?)
Skirt - Merona via Free Style ($2 - can you believe it?)
Wedge Sandals - Franco Sarto via Ebay ($9 - can you believe it?)
Belt - NY&Co via Ross ($5 - can you believe it?)

It's All About the Shoes

I'd like to welcome Spring to Northern California.  It may not have hit 80 degrees in Auburn today but it did hit 80 in Roseville where I spent most of my day. So without further ado, I bring you... an outfit post!  But first I'd like to show you to my new little rays of sunshine.

Last weekend I went in to Off Broadway Shoes in Citrus Heights to check out the selection.  I was specifically looking to replace a pair of black wedges that I got rid of at the end of last summer.  The pair that I really liked was not available in my size.  I looked through the clearance section and these shoes immediately jumped out at me. I tried them on and loved them but I was trying to stay focused on what I'd come for.  It was hard to leave them behind, especially because they were 1/2 off of $49.50.

The next morning I pulled up Kimberly's Fab Finds Under $50 and guess what I found - Summer Must Have: Yellow Shoes.  A whole post dedicated to the awesomeness of bright yellow shoes!  That was enough of a sign for me.  Did you know that you can get a $5 coupon for signing up to receive special offers from Off Broadway Shoes? I signed up, printed my coupon and went back for these super lovely, yellow, Steve Madden wedges.  I got out the door for a little over $20!!!

This outfit was pretty uneventful but I've mentioned in the past, I like keep it simple the first time I wear an exciting new thing. Just a little black and white with a sunny splash of yellow!

Outfit Details
Black Cropped Pants: Larry Levine via Ross 
White T-shirt: Gap
Lovely Yellow Wedges: Steve Madden via Off Broadway Shoes
Necklace: Cookie Lee

Splish Splash Swimwear

I guess it is apparent that I'm not afraid of color when it comes to swimwear.  I know that so many people think that black is a slimming color but I think it is such a boring choice when it comes to swimwear. On top of that, my skin is so pale right now (due to lack of sun this spring) that I think black might to too stark a contrast and make me appear larger.  The one piece bathing suit seemed to be the way to go this summer so I sought out suits with a little bit of visual interest.

This weekend I'm going to Las Vegas with my girlfriends and I'm so excited to wear these little darlings poolside!  Let me introduce you to them individually...



Vamp - Jantzen



There were so many things to love about this Jantzen suit.  The rouching on the sides help to distract from any of the lumps and bumps hiding beneath and the length of the "skirt" on the suit is fabulous.  It has a halter strap if I so choose but I love the fact that I won't have to worry about tan lines with this suit.  It also ties in the back so I can adjust the top.  This is important to make sure the girls are getting the support they need.  I found this suit at TJ Maxx for $24.99 but the same suit can be found here for right around $50.  Jantzen has so many other fabulous suits right now.  They also have a great blog that features previous as well as current designs... http://jantzenswim.blogspot.com/.



Gabar



I initially loved the ruffle along the v-neck on this suit.  I've never heard of this designer before and had a hard time finding out where one might go to find this suit online - I did see a few similar ones listed on Ebay.  I found it at Ross for $19.99.  It had a tiny little bow that really didn't fit in with the rest of the suit so I took it off once I got home.  The coverage on this bust line is great and I really like that the straps are adjustable.  I often find that a suit that fits perfectly while dry often needs some adjusting after I've been in the water - problem solved!





Tommy Bahama

 I actually got this suit a while back (a year or two ago) but I've only worn it once.  Usually Tommy Bahama suits retail well over $100 but I was able to pick this one up at the factory outlet for under $30. This is another suit that I can adjust easily due to the tie behind the neck design.  Similar suit.

Looking at all of these suits together I'm  noticing a bit of a throw-back theme.  I think I might be able to wear any of them to a Mad Men poolside cocktail party.  Now I just need to find a cute little white wrap to finish off these great suits!

By the way, it is supposed to 79 degrees tomorrow... Hopefully we will get to 80 degrees and then I'll have an outfit post for you.  Fingers crossed!

Black, White and a Little of the In Between

While I was on my unintentional bloggy-break I was still taking pictures with the best of intentions of posting them.  Have no fear, I did get dressed everyday even though I wasn't posting.

Looking back on the photos it appears as if I was on a color ban.  The strange thing is that I've really been trying to get more color in my wardrobe.  I've been diligent about picking up bright colors and fun patterns the past few times I've been shopping - but you can't tell from these pictures!

Top: Loft

Black Cropped Pants: Loft

Shoes: Carlos Santana via Ross

Bracelets: Cookie Lee

Top: Pure Energy via Target

Black Wide-Leg Cropped Pants: Larry Levine via Ross

Belt: NY&Co

Shoes: Anne Klein 

Earrings: Cookie Lee 

Top: eci via Macy's

Skirt: Sunny Leigh via Macy's
Belt: NY&Co

Black Flats: Nicole via Ross

Pomp and Circumstance

Today my little cousin, Lena, graduated from California State University, Chico... Go Lena!  It is always wonderful to watch a loved one reach such an incredible goal.  I'm positive she will go far in life.

My favorite thing about Lena's sense of style is that it is unpredictable.  She had on this fabulous blue gingham dress and cute, white heels with bows on the ankle straps.  The outfit had a retro feel and it looked great on her.  

My outfit pulled double duty this weekend.  I wore it to a friend's birthday party on Saturday night and then put it right back on to go to the graduation.  I know, I know... so unoriginal but I had to be out of the house a little after 6am and I didn't have enough energy to come up with anything different.  Plus the dress was just so bright and airy feeling.

Outfit Details
Maxi Dress - Ross
Teal Tank - Lauren Conrad via Chic Boutique Consignment
Denim Jacket - Baccini via Ross
White Flip Flops - Old Navy
Necklace - Cookie Lee
Heart-face Watch - Lucky Brand via Macy's

May Showers Bring...

I am so ready for some good weather.  On Sunday I had the heater on in the house, I was curled up under a pile of blankets while we watched the movie 2012 (terrible, unbelievable, way too long).  Outside a raging storm was going on - thunder, lightening, pouring rain... and then hail.  Large hail.  In mid May!  The crazy weather is causing little league games to be postponed, Amgen Tour of California bicycle riders to be inconvenienced, outdoor events to be really uncomfortable for this time of year.  The greater Sacramento area has a tendency to skip seasons entirely and I have a feeling we are bypassing Spring this year.  On my drive home the sign on the freeway has warned of snow over the Donner Summit the past week and like I mentioned previously... It is mid May!

When I left the house this morning it was still sprinkling a little bit and not very warm by northern California standards so I went with what would keep me warm.  I thought the outfit was a little boring and I felt like I needed a pop of color so I grabbed the teal scarf.  The scarf looked better most of the day when it hung a little lower - I retied it right before leaving work (unfortunately a little higher) and wasn't crazy about the results.

What worked: I was warm.  I liked the teal scarf with the brown and white combo.

What didn't: The buckle on my boots got caught on the hem of the skirt a few times making for awkward moments.  My hair - limpness and I need a trim badly!

Outfit Details
White Sheer Blouse - Style&Co via Macy's
Brown A-line Skirt - Rafaella via Ross
Boots - Style&Co via Macy's
Scarf - Target

Ok, I'll admit it... I shop at Kmart!

This sweater was one of my first purchases after my 30 for 30 challenge was over.  And do you know where I went??? Kmart... you heard me right.  Kmart was one of the only stores in the town where I grew up and I can't remember a time where I actually wanted to buy any piece of clothing there.  During school, no one would ever admit getting clothes there, and if you had to, you'd make up some store name if anyone asked you about your clothes... serious. 


I was inspired to go in and give it a chance again after seeing a few really cute items that Tina from T Minus, T Plus and Kimberly from Fab Finds Under $50  purchased from Kmart over the past couple of months.  The sweater was $3.99 and I picked up a beautifully patterned skirt for $3.99 as well.  For less that $10, I got two pieces that play well with a number of things in my closet. 

Check this out -
$3.99 - Sweater
$7.49 - Skirt
$6.99 - Tank
$5.99 - Belt
$0.00 - Boots (purchased with gift card from Dad)
Outfit total = under $25!!! 

Outfit Details
Floral Cardigan - Kmart
Cream Tank with Lace Detail - American Eagle
Brown A-line Skirt - Ross
Brown Boots - Style&Co via Macy's
Necklace - Cookie Lee

Case of the Cold Office

I've mentioned before that my new office has bipolar temperature issues so I have to be sure to grab a sweater or light jacket while getting ready in the morning.  I grabbed my hooded jacket because I thought the blue and the lime would play off of each other well.  

While I liked the way the colors worked with each other, I didn't like all of the volume at the bottom.  I think next time I will grab a shorter sweater or something a little more form fitting.  I feel like the jacket/pants combo made me look much larger than I would like. 

Outfit Details
Blue Hooded Jacket - kikaPaprika
Embellished Lime Tshirt - Old Navy
Black Cropped Pants - Larry Levine via Ross
Black Flats - Nicole via Ross

#25 - A Blah Basic

Items 6, 22, 27

#23 - Step in Time

Items 8, 9, 29

#22 - One Ouftit, Four Looks

Items 18, 24, 30

#19 - Sweater Swan Song

,

Items 8, 13, 15, 29

#17 - Yay

Items 4, 22, 27

#13 Will You Be Mine?

Items 8, 11, 21, 26