High Expectations

Did you know H&M does maternity clothes? Because I didn't, until I was in there a few months ago looking at the children's clothing for Brigid, and I came across the maternity section right there in the corner of the children's floor. So, I told myself that when I got pregnant again, I would most definitely be hitting up that store to spice up my nine-month wardrobe as much as possible.

And then I got pregnant again.

And you know what? That maternity section, at least in my store, was a massive disappointment. I managed to find a $17 blouse that I liked, but nothing else. And I had such high hopes! Unfulfilled shopping expectations are such a bummer...

Blouse: H&M

Skirt: Motherhood Maternity

Shoes: Nine West

Bracelets: Mango Tree

A little cognac for a rainy day...

For other neutral ideas, you can always visit Megan Mae Daily to see other participants!

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So, last night, I found out that my hair lady (stylist? hair cutter? woman responsible for reintroducing me to bangs, but also keeping me from doing anything too drastic when I was pregnant and couldn't find any hairstyle that looked good on me?) is moving to Minnesota. She and I had moved to Atlanta around the same time, and I was matched up with her blindly while booking an appointment at a salon down the street from the house Steve and I were renting at the time.

Five years later, and she's the only person who has touched my hair in the state of Georgia. I realize this is a complete non-problem in the grand scheme of things, but still...

I'm going to miss her.

And I don't know if I have it in me to break in a new hair lady after all of this time.

PS: Sorry for the terrible, terrible post titles this week. I promise, I'll try harder in the future.

Dress (as top): Calvin Klein

Skirt: H&M

Tights: Hue (from DSW)

Shoes: Nine West 

Don't forget, eShakti is offering $20 off of any order through the end of the year, when you use the promotional code NOTAHOBBY0811.

The discount code is not case sensitive. Only one gift certificate can be used per order. The code can be used any number of times until the validity period. This discount code is not applicable on our Overstock category. This cannot be combined with any other offer / discount that may be active during this period.

Also, you can find my post about the skirt the company sent me to review here.

Sick Day

I slept ten hours last night. TEN HOURS! Who does that these days?

And even though I slept a good four hours longer than I normally do, I still woke up this morning, completely exhausted. And then, it just got worse as the day went on. I think I've officially fallen victim to the toddler germs...and I'm now working from home, in sweats and the most comfortable sweater ever. That I stole from my husband. After accidentally shrinking it in the dryer.

Anywhoo...

Look! Old outfits that I never got around to posting when I actually wore them!

This was my attempt to win over the moms' group in my neighborhood with clean, shiny hair, as opposed to the unwashed mess I introduced them to the first time we met. I think it went well, considering I scored an invite to the December dinner, too. Apparently, wine is more important than clean hair in this circle. Which is why they are my kind of ladies...

(Side Note: I'd worn the dress as a top, as seen in the bottom picture, to work that day, before losing the skirt and adding boots for dinner that night...it's getting all kinds of creative up in here!)

 

Dress: F21

Cardigan: Target

Skirt: H&M

Belt: J Crew

Boots: Bare Trap (DSW)

Tights: We Love Colors

Don't forget, eShakti is offering $20 off of any order through the end of the year, when you use the promotional code NOTAHOBBY0811.

The discount code is not case sensitive. Only one gift certificate can be used per order. The code can be used any number of times until the validity period. This discount code is not applicable on our Overstock category. This cannot be combined with any other offer / discount that may be active during this period.

Also, you can find my post about the skirt the company sent me to review here.

Flattery

I wore this outfit to work last week, on the day that I happened to have a dentist appointment in the afternoon. In addition to telling me that I looked 24 (which, I don't) and that she could tell I flossed every day (which, again, I don't, unless she meant flossing every day in the week leading up to a dentist appointment, which I totally do...), the hygienist asked me if I worked in fashion. Because she'd never think of pairing polka dots with a red skirt, so she was really impressed that I had.

And all I could think, in addition to thinking this might be the nicest, most over-the-top-enthusiastic dental hygienist I'd ever encountered (which I think might be saying a lot, because I've met some really enthusiastic dental hygienists in my day...but this one gave me TWO tubes of travel toothpaste AND a small sample bottle of Lysterine, in addition to the typical toothbrush/floss combination, so she totally wins), was that I needed to introduce this poor woman to some fashion blogs. Because pairing red/black/white/one pattern is nothing compared to some of the amazingly awesome ensembles I've seen across the internet.

But hey, a compliment is a compliment, and I'll take it. I just need to make sure I'm on my game when I head back in six months...

I don't want to disappoint her, after all.

Blouse: H&M

Cardigan: Express

Skirt: Banana Republic (outlet)

Shoes: Nine West

Bracelet: Francesca's

Don't forget, eShakti is offering $20 off of any order through the end of the year, when you use the promotional code NOTAHOBBY0811.

The discount code is not case sensitive. Only one gift certificate can be used per order. The code can be used any number of times until the validity period. This discount code is not applicable on our Overstock category. This cannot be combined with any other offer / discount that may be active during this period.


Also, you can find my post about the skirt the company sent me to review here.

eShakti Skirts: A Product Review

When the lovely people at eShakti contacted me a couple of weeks ago to see if I had any interest in doing a product review for them, I jumped at the chance. I'd first heard of the company through Heather and Kayla, and after seeing those fabulous ladies model their dresses from the eShakti line, I'd started a bit of a wishlist of my own involving items from the online store.

If you haven't visited the site before, eShakti offers a wide range of clothing in both standard and custom sizes, and for those of us who don't have a standard body type, having the option of customizing any clothing order for a pretty reasonable upcharge isn't a bad thing at all.

I finally decided on the embellished florals flared skirt for review purposes because, although the idea of a custom dress does intrigue me, I am just a skirt kind of girl. Which is probably pretty obvious if you've followed me at all, for any length of time. I don't seem to wear much else, these days...

I ordered the skirt in my usual size 6, and after receiving it within a week of placing the order, I couldn't wait to try it on. It fit exactly at my natural waist, which is maybe a little higher than I'd normally wear a skirt since my short stature predictably includes a short torso (and a lower waistband seems to lengthen that shortness just a bit), but I kind of loved how it looked with this silhouette. It lends itself to a more classic feel with the high-waisted look, I think, which is what I was hoping for when I saw the flare online. Or, as one lady in the office put it when she saw me, 'I just love that skirt. It reminds me of the skirts I wore when I was younger...'.

Since she seemed to mean it as a compliment, and that's the look I actually wanted anyway, I'm going to go ahead and assume that this is a good thing in this case.

Anyway, while I was mostly pleased with this order, I was a little annoyed with the zipper. It seems a little flimsy to me, in that I feel like I need to be extra cautious when taking the skirt on and off. As someone who changes clothes at least seven times before settling on what I want to wear for the day, this could prove to be a problem in the middle of the morning rush, but it's something I can work with when I love the other aspects of the item. I also generally prefer a hook closure at the top of my zippers, which this skirt doesn't have, but I can always add one of my own with a few stitches if it turns into too much of a problem (and it wasn't at all the one time I've worn the skirt so far).

There are several other skirts from the line that I'd like to add to my wardrobe at some point, including the lace and tulle skirt and the floral embellished patch pocket skirt in red, and I definitely think I'll have to give the custom size option a try the next time I order from the site.

When the options for change include where on your waist you'd like to wear the item, as well as where on the leg you'd like it to hit, it's almost like they're speaking directly to the vertically challenged people like myself, and that's just too good to pass by...

Blouse: H&M

Skirt: c/o eShakti

Belt: Target

Shoes: Nine West

Bracelet: Kohls

Disclaimer: eShakti provided the skirt for review, but the opinions are all my own. I wouldn't have it any other way...

Lazy Days

This weekend was exhausting, and today we have rain for the first time in weeks, so Brigid and I have decided to do nothing but sit around the house all day in our scrubby clothes (Little Mermaid shorts for B, by request, of course...), watching movies and eating kettle corn that we picked up at the county fair on Saturday.

Sometimes, that's just what you have to do...

Obviously,  not being worn today...this was from work one day last week.
Dress: Banana Republic (outlet)

Cardigan: Express

Skirt: H&M

Shoes: Nine West

Maybe this can be used to describe me, too?

The weather forecast for this upcoming weekend in Atlanta reads 'sunny and pleasant' for two straight days.

Sunny and pleasant, my friends. Sunny and pleasant.

I am beyond excited by this, since we're having Brigid's birthday party on Saturday, and we're heading to a fundraising festival at Oakland Cemetery in downtown Atlanta on Sunday.* It's going to be an awesome weekend to be outside, and since that's probably just what I need after feeling cooped up in the office this week, the timing couldn't be better.

Now, if only I could fast forward through Thursday and Friday... :)

*If you ever make it to Atlanta, call me up and I'll take you to the Oakland Cemetery. It may sound like a creepy place to spend the day, but it is gorgeous. There's a field dedicated to Civil War Soldiers, a corner reserved strictly for important Atlanta mayors, and countless amazing mausoleums. Margaret Mitchell and Bobby Jones are both buried there, and it's maybe one of the most peaceful places in the city. I highly recommend stopping by if you ever get the chance.

Blouse: Banana Republic

Skirt: H&M

Belt: J Crew

Shoes: Nine West

Bracelets: Mango Tree

Lady-Like

It's Inspiration Monday again, over at Two Birds, and this week's inspiration is the always stylish Rachel Bilson:

I have to say, I absolutely adore this look. And I really enjoyed putting together something similar, myself...I just felt a little more classy and put-together than I normally do in a pair of jeans. Until I realized that one of the dogs had peed on the floor and Brigid had just rubbed syrup all over her hair, that is.

What can I say? I lead a glamorous life...

Blouse: H&M

Jeans: Michael Kors

Shoes: Steve Madden

Tiger, Take Two

This outfit is for my favorite Australia-based blogger and her Auburn Tiger of a husband...because apparently, navy blue and orange is my new go-to color combination.

Really, though, I've had this skirt for a month or two now, and it's super comfortable, but I never wear it because I can't find a top that I like with it. Nothing looks quite right tucked in, and given the flowiness of the skirt, I needed something a little more form-fitting than your basic t-shirt or tank top.

Then I picked up this tied t-shirt from the J Crew sale a couple of weeks ago, and my new favorite outfit was born.


At least until my next new favorite outfit comes along, anyway...

Worn to work last Friday:

T-shirt: J Crew

Skirt: H&M

Shoes: Cole Haan (Off Fifth - Saks outlet) 

Outlet Love

I've started tracking how much of my wardrobe (shoes, clothing, and accessories) comes from the outlets by my in-laws' house, and I've realized that if it wasn't for them, I'd either have a much smaller wardrobe (which wouldn't be the worst thing in the world), or I wouldn't be able to get my shopping fix in at discounted prices, and my husband would be hiding all of our money from me in the freezer or something, to prevent me from spending it.

Thank goodness I don't have to worry about that, you know?

(This is kind of a long way of saying that we're heading up to the lake this weekend, because Steve's aunt and uncle are in town from Cincinnati, and I'd kind of like to swing by the J Crew outlet while we're there, to see if they're having a sale at all. Is there such a thing as too many pencil skirts?)
 

Top: The Limited

Skirt: Target

Shoes: Kenneth Cole (outlet)

Belt: H&M

Bracelet: Kate Spade/James Avery

Necklace: Banana Republic (outlet)

Out of Order

So, obviously, this isn't something I wore to work this week. I may be posting from a stored bank of outfits right now, because this week has been a little crazy, and I may not be extending myself much beyond already worn combinations of cardigans and pencil skirts.

Maybe.

I think I am just a touch stressed out right now. I definitely know that I am feeling much more crabby than I am comfortable feeling. I also know that I spent twenty minutes trying to figure out why my laptop wasn't starting up at work this morning, only to realize that my computer was fine, someone had just turned the monitor off on my docking station.

I am a technological genius, obviously.

Two more days, kids. Two more days...

(worn for the 4th of July barbecue at my in-laws' place)
Tank Top: Old Navy

Sweater: Target

Shorts: Ann Taylor

Shoes: Target

Earrings: H&M

PS: I didn't get a chance to mention this yesterday, but I have a guest post up for Kimmie at Blue Paper Lanterns while she's on vacation this week...so stop by and satisfy your burning desire to know just what I carry in my oversized purse every day. And why everyone always grunts with effort if they happen to pick up my bag by mistake...

Blergh

I think I might be in a bit of a style rut this week, as evidenced by the return of my 'nightgown in dress form' dress to the rotation. That's never a good sign...

Don't get me wrong, I love this dress because it's super comfortable, but I'm never really happy when I try to dress it up for work. I'm not entirely sure it's really something that is meant to be dressed up, actually. And then I walk around feeling under-dressed for work all day, because I'm basically wearing a belted nightgown. And nobody likes that feeling, right?

Assuming, of course, that other people have walked around in a belted nightgown, I guess...

Although, now that I think about it, that's probably just me, isn't it?

I am totally falling back on my pencil skirt tomorrow...

Dress: Gap

Belt: H&M

Shoes: Nine West

Bracelets: Mango Tree

Earrings: Charlotte Russe

PS: I posted about my favorite summer lip balm over at Style Lush yesterday, if you want to check it out. And even if you don't care about my favorite summer lip balm? You should stop by anyway...there's always tons of good things going on over there!

Dressing for the weather...

Our temperatures have been hitting the mid-90s in Atlanta recently, and the response from the maintenance group in my office has been to drop the building temperatures to something close to 60 degrees, meaning that I have to dress for both summer and a somewhat mild winter these days. And in my case, that generally means a sweater, a skirt, a second sweater, and a blanket to cover my lap when the air conditioner draft is running especially strong.

I generally look awesome at my desk, I think.

At least I've been able to resist the urge to top my outfit with a ski cap and a pair of gloves, so far, no matter how tempting it's seemed...

Sweater: H&M

Skirt: J Crew

Shoes: Kenneth Cole

Watch: D&G

Necklace: Charlotte Russe

Wedding Weekend!

So, let's see...this weekend, one of Steve's old college roommates got married, which was awesome. His core group of friends from Notre Dame are all really good guys, and their significant others are some of the nicest people I've ever met. We had a great time at both the rehearsal dinner on Friday night, as well as the wedding/reception on Saturday.

Also, this weekend (which you know if you happen follow me on Twitter, and if that's the case, sorry for the repeat...), Steve outed me as a style blogger to that same lovely group of friends, which, well...

Let's just say that's not something I was planning on announcing to the group at large, because, I'm not exactly sure that 'I take pictures of myself and my outfit on a daily basis, and post them on the internet for people to comment on' translates all that well into real life.

And then, he proceeded to pull up this Style Lush post, to show everyone my lovely little dress form, and as this happened to be the wedding I was writing about, that all went over very well. And then one of the groomsmen asked me if I'd be doing a 'who wore it better' style post between myself and the dress form, so...

Sorry about the crappy iPhone pictures, but we didn't have room for the real camera on this trip.
Dress: H&M
Shoes I didn't wear: Steve Madden (from DSW)
Shoes I did wear: Kenneth Cole (from TJ Maxx)

Weekend Shopping

I know this has been mentioned by me many times, but I gave up shopping for Lent, which prevented me from shopping for most of March/April. And before that, I had just completed Kendi's winter 30x30 challenge, which kept me from shopping for all of February. So, when Easter came and went, and my self-imposed shopping ban was lifted, I hit the stores a little hard.

Target, TJ Maxx, Macy's, H&M...I've been busy.

It all culminated this weekend with several hours (and several dollars) spent at the outlet mall a couple of miles away from my in-laws' house. In my defense, I needed some new shorts. The pretty dresses and brightly colored skirts that found their way home with me? Absolutely not my fault.

Needless to say, I'll be taking another small break from shopping for the next few weeks.

Unless something I absolutely needs pops up, of course.

 

Worn shopping on Saturday: 

Tank Top: Target

Cardigan: Express

Skirt: H&M

Sandals: Target

Spring Cleaning

My closet was starting to get a little out of control again, full of clothes that I don't wear, that don't fit, that are starting to show some wear and tear. And it was starting to stress me out, because I don't handle clutter all too well. I hate not being able to find what I want, and I hate thinking that I have no pants that fit me anymore.

So, I tried on every single thing in my closet. I packed up two huge trash bags of things to donate, made one large pile of things I don't wear anymore, but couldn't quite get rid of, and kept only what I knew I'd use. And wouldn't you know it?

I totally have pants that fit! Good to know...

(Also? These are the second pair of uncomfortable shoes that I've worn in as many days. They didn't hurt to walk in, they just hurt to have on while I was sitting. Bizarre. And I will most likely be wearing flats tomorrow. I just don't know how much more my poor feet can take!)

Pants: The Limited

Blouse: H&M

Sweater: New York & Co.

Shoes: Steve Madden

Post-Easter Shopping Trip

I realized over my Lenten shopping fast that there were a few things I actually needed (yes, needed, relatively speaking) in my closet. A more fitted pencil skirt, a new pair of jeans in a shorter length, a couple of smaller belts, another pair of shorts, among other things. And, yeah...

Let's just say it didn't take me long to acquire a few of those things. I work fast, my friends.

Also? Thank goodness for spring sales racks!

 

Blouse: H&M

Skirt: Calvin Klein (from Macy's)

Shoes: Nine West

Also, thank you all for your help on my bachelorette party outfit dilemma...I'll keep you posted on my decision (and I know you're all waiting anxiously for the results!). If you care to weigh-in on another outfit issue I'm having, head over to Style Lush and check out my wedding attire question. Who knew wedding attire was such a hot button topic?!?!?

Spring Flowers

I'm starting to think this whole blogging thing might actually be working for me. Not only am I starting to figure out what I do and don't like on myself (it only took 30-some years, but whatever), but I've also picked up a couple of useful tips along the way.

Tip #1: When in doubt, belt!

I bought this dress deeply discounted at Macy's and it's kind of shapeless, and slightly unflattering when left alone. But I kind of fell in love with the pattern, and I figured it was something I could work with. And it totally was.

Tip #2: Leggings make a shorter skirt seem less...problematic.

Normally, I'd have been worried all day that my hindquarters were showing, since belting this dress took the hemline up an inch or two. But knowing that I was practically wearing pants under my dress? No worries at all.

Tip #3: Well, that one involves a scarf, and you'll just have to use your imagination this time.

Dress: Macy's

Leggings/Belt: H&M

Boots: DSW