ALL MIXED UP!!! March 6, 2012

Beautiful day to wear stripes and floral!

Today was so beautiful!!! It wasn’t warm, but the sun was shining and that just makes me feel great.  When I got up this morning, I decided to do something, I have never done before. I mixed patterns!  *big cheesy grin* I was inspired by a past post on the blog site Everybody, Everywear that featured bloggers wearing mixed patterns.  This blog encourages bloggers to share their personal style and gain inspiration from other bloggers.  Well……..MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

I have had both of these pieces for quite some time and never really imagined putting them together, but I wanted to step out of my box.  Take a look at the pictures and tell me what you think.

Cardigan-INC@Macy's, Tank-Banana Republic, Skirt-Alfani@Macy's, Tights-Ashley Stewart, Boots-Etienne Aigner (old), Handbag-Michael Kors@Macy's, Bangles-ForLove21

Oh! My beret is borrowed from my daughter.

Me in my office. I think this picture may give you a better idea of how it looked together. *I rarely get good office pictures*

Put It In Neutral!!! February 28, 2012

Put it in neutral!

Hey y’all, hey!!!  Well……………………*sigh*it is back to work.  I just came off of a week long winter break and overall I enjoyed and got a little rest, but I sure could have used just one extra day.

One thing I did do over the break is catch up on reading blogs.  The past few months, I have been so busy with other life stuff, that I have neglected to really, read, study, meditate on, or marinate in the posts of other bloggers.  This week off gave me the chance to catch up with the posts of blogs I had not glanced at in months and also get hip to other blogs.

One blog that I subscribe to is, the Plus Side of Me with blogger Rebecca.  In yesterdays post, Rebecca did a Five Take (5 bloggers take on a particulare theme).  The Five Take theme for the post, found here, was neutrals and while Rebecca did not wear an entire outfit in neutral colors, I was inspired by her post to wear a neutral color to work today (Thank you, Rebecca!).

In the past year or so, I have acquired so many items in grey.  It was a safe segue from wearing all black, as I tried to incorportate more color into my wardrobe, but because I had added so much more color to my wardrobe (and of course still fell back on my love of black, in a pinch), I had not been wearing much grey lately.  Anyway, with the Plus Side of Me post on my mind, I decided to wear all grey to work today.  I pulled out some tried and true pieces and put myself in neutral.  It was a beautiful morning and I thought I was prepared to take pics but……………*BLURG!*..I forgot the attachment that hooks my camera to the tripod! *BLURG! again*  I had to drag one of my kiddieboos out of school during his break and have him take pictures of me.  Ironically, David G. was in neutral colors, too.  Thank you David for braving the wind and taking my pictures for me!  Tell me what you guys think of the all neutral (well I know the purse is not neutral, but work with me).

Jacket=Charter Club @Macy's (old), Turtleneck-INC @Macy's (old), Slacks-Ashley Stewart (old), Loafers-Geoxx @Nordstroms (old), Handbag-Michael Kors @Macy's

I love this jacket! It is cute opened and closed!

Oops!!! My sunglasses are by Coach @Sunglass Hut.

David G. in his neutrals for school today. I have known this boy since he was in middle school.

That boy is G! Q!

Come thru in the clutch!! February 23, 2012

I just love the clutch handbag!

I have always really loved the clutch style handbag.  It can be dainty and demure, sophisticated and glamorous, or hip and trendy.  My mother and grandmother carried clutch handbags and always liked how they just made a woman look mature and confident, like “I don’t care if this thing can just be snatched from under my arm!  It only contains a few singles and my lipstick, anyway!”

The clutch has returned to popularity in recent years and I have found myself accumulating quite a few.  Now, I don’t carry them often because I usually like to have a full arsenal of makeup and hair tools when I leave the house for work, church, shopping, or the post office.  You just don’t know who you might see, meet, or die in the arms of, so I like to be fully prepared.  I usually carry a clutch when I am going out; going out with friends, going out on a date, or going to a formal or semi-formal event.

At any rate, I have picked up a few new (or new to me) clutch handbags in recent weeks and I plan to incorporate them in some outfits in near future.  Two of the clutch handbags I picked up during the FashDet Thrift Store Crawl last month.

The peachy clutch, I would love to carry with some of the really pretty pastel items that are so hot for sping.  I imagine it with very light, mint green skinny jeans and the wispiest of cream, white, or light blue tops. *le sigh*  The black clutch I can carry with just about anything, anywhere, anytime.  The length of it just gives me a thrill, because it conjures up images of Joan Crawford.

Peach 80"s style clutch-Thrifted

Black suede like 40's style clutch-Thrifted I love that this clutch is xtra long!

Faux snake print clutch-Ashley Steward

The next two clutch handbags I caught on a humble.  I was running my little weekend errands and one of my stops was Ashley Stewart to pick up tights.  Well, they were all out of tights (apparently, they have stopped shipping them to the stores because spring is coming) but as I was walking out of the store, this red clutch caught my eye on a rack that said 50% off. I sashayed my Shonte’ up to the counter, to see if the half off price was $16 or was it half off of $16.  Beep, beep goes the scanner and I walk out of Ashley Stewart disappointed about the tights but happy over my $8 clutch.

Ain't God good?!!! I found it in blue!!!

Well, I continued to run errands and later in the day I had to go to a meeting at my church.  Now when I get to the church, no one has arrived yet so….still on a mission to get tights, I go to the Ashley Stewart near my church.  I walk in, tights display empty except for two pairs of 2x fishnets that looked like someone had taken a fork to them.  Lo and behold, though!!! What should I spy with my two brown eyes, a lone, blue faux snakeskin clutch like the one I had purchased earlier in the day.

So, I have managed to pick up four really nice (in my opinion) clutch purses for under $30 bucks.  I think I did good *pats self on back*.  I have decided to spend less on clothing, shop less, etc. and do more giving in 2012, and I feel like thrifting and purchasing item on deep, deep clearance will help me to do that.  *I was honest with God!  I won’t vow to stop shopping, but I will spend less, shop less, and buy more used stuff.*

Well, what do you think of my clutch handbags?  Do you carry clutch bags?  Let me know.

Conjuring up outfit ideas right now with my new handbags so I can……..come through in the clutch.  *I so clever! LOL*

TTYL!

Black & White & Grey All Over February 17, 2012

Grey Day

Hey y’all, hey!!! I am so feeling wearing white in the winter!!! I decided to wear my white jeans today and I gotta be honest, it was a risk.  It had snowed a few days ago and then most of the snow melted, leaving small patches of snow and large patches of mud.

I would not be deterred however, by all the mud and black slush.  Nor would I be deterred by the overcast and grey sky.  The idea of wearing my white jeans actually was an encouragement to go out and start the day, because the thought of going out on this cold, grey day was a little depressing.

Here are some pictures.  Tell me what you think.  Would you wear white in the winter?

I don't know why I like this picture so much!

Wishing I could go to my car and go to some place with sun!

*What I am wearing: Moto Style Jacket-Calvin Klein @Macy’s, White Skinny Jeans-Ashley Stewart (old), Turtleneck-INC @Macy’s, Circle Scarf-Ashley Stewart, Wedge Boots-Nine West (old), Handbag-Michael Kors @Macy’s

Whatcha doin’ Wednesday night? July 14, 2011

Hello, all!  Well, as promised I am doing another OOTD post with my fave white jeans.  I wore them to bible study yesterday, which is my typical Wednesday night activity. Now I don’t always look like this for bible study, but…………………..many times I do, because a) most of the time I am coming to church after being at work and b) sometimes I just wanna wear my stuff.  One of the reasons I blog, is to show the world that just because you are a born-again Christian,  doesn’t mean you are boring, plain, and/or dull; not all of us are stuck on wearing, “I’m too Blessed, to be Stressed” T-shirts and “Mom” jeans.

Anyways.  I paired the jeans with a new top, that I love.

Top-Charter Club @ Macy's, Jeans-Ashley Stewart, Pumps-Steve Madden @ Macy's

The detailing around the collar and the sheerness of the top, just spoke to me.

This isn't the best picture, but the collar has white beads and studs. Cute!

It said, “Buy me! Buy me with your credit card and 20%off coupon!”.  So, I did and here we are.

I plan to do a few more posts with the white jeans ( I so wish, I had picked up another pair when I had the chance).  I want to do a super casual look and another look inspired by a Dots blog post, but tell me what you think about this look.  Do ya’ like my top? Leave a comment and let me know.  TTYL!

 

 

NAPOLEON COMPLEX!!!! May 8, 2011

First, let me say HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all the mothers out there.  God bless you and I hope you enjoyed your day.

Now, on to my outfit post.  I feel like I came up SHORT in this outfit of the day!  I love the jacket I am wearing.  I got it last year from Roaman’s and I wore it a few times over the summer, but hadn’t worn it since.  I decided to pull it out today and wear with a black pencil skirt and tank.  I was high-steppin’ from my house to church and back again.  People complimented my outfit; told me how nice I looked; I took pictures before church and after. 

*BIG SIGH*

Then I took a look at the pictures and my lower lip poked out. 

Military style denim jacket-Roaman's, Tank-Target, Pencil skirt-Ashley Stewart, Wedges-Nine West

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is so awful about the outfit? I don’t like the way the skirt is looking!  I have lost a few pounds in recent weeks and many of my standard, go-to pieces, just don’t look the same *pouting*.  Because the skirt is so big in the hip and leg area, the wrinkles from where I had been sitting are more visible.  This may seem petty or trivial, but it really bothered me.  I feel like the outfit doesn’t have a crisp look.    The black pencil skirt is a staple of my wardrobe.  I need it for work of course and I sing on the Praise and Worship team at my church so I need it for…………………40 Sundays a year.

 

Let me stop complaining.  I had a great Mother’s Day overall.  My Mom was in town for my sister’s graduation from college and my son took me to dinner.  I don’t know, God’s Favorite Shoes (link to the right), put it best in her blog post today….You win some, You lose some.

My Mom and I

 

Getting out of church

Grey’s/Gray’s Anatomy March 29, 2011

  I am doing a twofer today.  I have pics of an outfit I wore on this past Sunday and the outfit I wore today.  I have just been lovin’ grey/gray (am I the only person who gets confused about which spelling of grey/gray to use? *shrug*)!  I have picked up so many grey/gray pieces lately, it’s ridiculous.  I am kinda leaning towards grey/gray and taupe/blush/nudes, as my colors for spring/summer (I’ve  got alot of backslashes in this post. What’s up with that? LOL!).

Anywhoo.  I recently purchased a super-cute, leather jacket from Roaman’s and I love it!  I wore it Sunday, just because.  Today, I wore more grey/gray.  I am on a shopping punishment for the month of March, but I could not pass up these Levi skinny jeans.  They are fab and I LOVE them.  They are fast, becoming my go-to jeans for the season. 

I love grey/gray!

I have many, many plans for them (picture royal blue suede pumps and a coral top. *sista girl look* I’m just sayin’.). 

 So here are my pics from Sunday and today.  Tell me what you think.  Are you feelin’ grey/gray, like I am?  Let me know.  TTYL!

Grey/Gray Leather Jacket-Roaman's, Rose Blouse-Ashley Stewart, Pencil Skirt-Ashley Stewart, Fishnets-Ashley Stewart, BCBG Peeptoe Pumps-Burlington Coat Factory

Levi's Skinny Jeans-Macy's, Waterfall Cardigan-Alloy, Merona Black Tank-Target, Wedge Booties-Nine West, Chandelier Earrings-ForLove21

Guess what? Chicken Butt! March 20, 2011

I really like this jacket!

Hey y’all!  Since my last post, I am feeling much better.  Have problems been solved? Have situations been resolved? Not completely, but if I have learned nothing else in this Christ walk, it is to BE STRONG and TAKE COURAGE (Psalm 31:24 ESV!  To that end, no matter what is going on, I try not to isolate myself from my source of strength, the word of God and the people of God.

That means for me, making my way to the church house for bible study and Sunday service.  My attendance and participation, edifies me; reminds me of my hope and helps me to maintain my focus on Christ.

At the end of the day………………………………….God’s got me!

Ok, so………….I have pics from church service today. I love this jacket, but for some reason when I wear it, I feel like I should be cluckin’ and peckin’.   Weird?  I know. LOL! 

Not the best frontal photo, but.........*shrug* Jacket-American Rag@Macy's, Tank-Merona@Target, Skirt-Ashley Stewart, Pumps-INC@Macy's, Bracelet-ForLove21

 

The detail in the back, just makes me feel chickenish!

Ok, so…………………I hope you had a great Sunday.  I did *big grin*!  To my situation, I say…………….Guess what?  Chicken Butt!  TTYL! ;^)

Saturday Night Special!!! February 26, 2011

Gray&Black Cardigan-DOTS, Black Tank-Ashley Stewart, Chinese Laundry Midnight Skinny-Alloy, Gray Pumps-Rainbow (summer 2010)

This is just a quick post. I wore some things today, that I acquired while on vacation.  Today was the African-American History Month event at my church and I had to emcee, act in some skits, and play stage hand. 

This is the outfit I wore tonight (I had a couple of costume changes for skits. *shrug*). Ignore my messy living room and tell me what you think?

I love the way this cardigan falls. It was the last one at DOTS.

STAYCATION HAUL! YAY!!!!! February 25, 2011

*Ahhhhhhh!*

That is the sound of a woman who has enjoyed a whole week off from work.  I have needed this break since my last real break, in the summer of 2010.  No trip, but I did plenty of shopping. This was a good time to shop, because many sites were offering 50% off already reduced prices.  I took advantage of every deal, I could reasonably afford. 

I started with Ashley Stewart‘s 25%  sale last weekend.  I picked up one regular priced item and one clearance item.  Here is a pic of the cute khaki, moto style jacket I got from Ashley Stewart’s .

Ashley Stewarts Asymetrical Zip Blazer-Cute! Looks good on!

After Ashley Stewart, Roamans had the unmitigated gaul to send me a notice that they were giving me a % off and free shipping.  Here are some pics of what I got from Roamans site.

Roamans La Redoute Sculptered Dress-Didn't get the dress in gray, but in Fuschia. I haven't tried on yet, but I have high hopes! *grin*

 

Roamans Charcoal Blanket Sweater-Looking forward to wearing this with leggings/jeggings in the spring!

 

I then moved on to Bag, Borrow, and Steal. This is the sister site of Avelle.  Avelle rents designer handbags, but BBOS sells new and pre-owned designer bags.  Well, I get their emails and came across this Juicy Couture handbag for a nice price (I had a discount code, too. *cha-ching*)

Bag, Borrow, and Steal Juicy Couture China C Leather Handbag-It is not as purple as the photo and I am grateful. The patina on it is so retro and chic! I love it and started carrying it today.

I was not finished! Oh, no! I had to get some shoes. *sistah girl look*  I got some leopard print pumps from DOTS and these cute shoes from DSW Warehouse.

DSW Kelis Pump-How cute are these?!

Lastly, I hit one of my favorite sites, Alloy.  They had a great clearance sale and I missed out on some things by one day, but I did pick up some cute pieces. 

Alloy Giovanna Puff Sleeve Dress-Haven't decided if I will wear with belt or not.

Alloy Gabriella Dolman-Cute on and blousy. Can't wait to wear!

 

Alloy-Chinese Laundry Midnight Skinny Jean/Cute, but a little low rise and loose in the waist. I will need a belt.

 

Whew! Just writing about this stuff has tuckered me out.  I only have the weekend and then back to the saltmine.  Let me get off of this computer and into my bed with some ice water and a bag of Better Made chips. TTYL!