one more day 'til vegas

My college roommate is getting married in Vegas on Friday. I'm a lovely bridesmaid. I haven't tried on the dress since it has been altered. Hmmm ... maybe I should do that. Not that it matters. I suppose I just have to squeeze myself into it no matter what. At least I'm not the one that has to look good! So this is my last day of work before a long weekend and perhaps some above freezing temperatures. Hallelujah!

Shoes: BCBG

Skirt: Express. I love high waisted skirts.

Cami: Limited. These are the best seamless camis, in my opinion. They cost a bit more than some of the less expensive stores, but they hold up really well and you can often times get them on sale.

Cardi: Also Express

Necklace: Target

tuesday temptation

Today's temptation is actually one that I fnally gave into. If you've been keeping up, you know that I really really want these. Like REALLY REALLY REALLY want them. I have put them in my Macy's shopping cart twice and even gone so far as to click the checkout link, but with shipping they were ending up being more than $100, and I just couldn't get myself to pull the trigger.

Yesterday, I made a quick stop at TJ Maxx to see if I could find a crossbody bag that I liked for Vegas. I was holding one that I thought would work and it was only $24, when I decided just to peruse the shoe section. Big mistake! Or big score ... depending on how you look at it. I found these ...

For under $50. I just HAD to have them. HAD TO. I thought that I really wanted the gold ones, but I think I will in all honesty get more use out of this black patent pair. So let me add these babies to the list of indiscretion on the right. *Hangs head in shame, but secretly smiles because they are so pretty*

And PS I didn't purchase the crossbody bag.

what i'm wearing

I know you just LOOOOVE the originality of the post title, yes? Be honest. My brain just doesn't work anymore. It's unfortunate. I feel like I have nothing interesting to say. Whilst trekking across the sea of asphalt this morning, I decided it was because I haven't had a warm vacation this winter. The cold is really wearing me down. Headed to Las Vegas on Thursday for a wedding. Maybe it will be the break I need? I think my inability to come up with something interesting to post about has further been illustrated in my outfit.

This picture is awfully dark ... boo iPhone and work bathroom.

Booties: Steve Madden. Gus picked these out several years ago. I love them.
Tights: They are purple ... just use your imagination
Skirt: Forever 21. I've owned this for months and months and now I've worn it twice in the last two months. Go me!
Sweater: H&M. I wish it were longer. Long enough to wear with leggings. GAWD, I love leggings.
Necklaces: Target

monday ... AGAIN

We've been in the new place since the beginning of this month and are STILL trying to find places to put EVERYTHING. We have so much sh*t!! Two trips to IKEA and we are still unable to actually purchase anything because I just CANNOT bring myself to pay $400 for a kitchen island that Gus insists he can build for $100. I let him build a wardrobe because again I just couldn't spend $200 for one at IKEA. Materials cost about $75, but he built this gigantic contraption that requires us to rearrange the bedroom yet AGAIN. Why do I feel like my life is so hard? Like how do people deal? Why can't we just unpack our sh*t and be done with it? I just don't understand. OK sorry. RANT OVER. And here's what I'm wearing ...

Boots: Nine West. Purchased last year and I still love them!

Tights: JCPenney. I usually don't remember where I purchase tights from, but today I had to open up a brand spankin' new pair.

Dress: Forever21. This has had to be mended once already, but for less than $20, what does one expect?

Necklace: Sarah Jessica Parker Bitten. Too bad there is no more Steve & Barry's in MN. Boo.

Good news though. I finally got another bite on my craigslist ad where I've been trying to sell the snowboard that I'm too uncoordinated to use. Let's hope I can sell it. A couple hundred extra bucks would sure be nice!

i *heart* casual friday

My workplace is v. casual everyday, but I try to only make it a once a week thing. Plus I had to hike through the skyways this morning for an appointment. I'm excited to be wearing this jacket because it has been in storage since June! I almost forgot I had it.

Shoes: Target

Jeans: 7FAMK. I've had these for several years and just saw this morning that the inside seam is starting to rip. Damn my fat thighs. I turned 30 and my hips, ass, and thighs blew up. I'm sort of worried that it is going to split while a work, which I'm pretty certain would be embarrassing.

Tanks: Old Navy and Target

Jacket: Old Navy. From the kids section! For a while I could wear kids pants, but again my 30th birthday hit and it was all over.

Necklace: Target

Have a good weekend!

shine on

I know you are sick of the "I'm still unpacking and my closet is a disaster" excuse. Too bad. There are still boxes and boxes of unpacked clothes in the bedroom and some clothes are unpacked and just in piles because there is NOWHERE to put them!

Anywho, I'm still not quite sure I have the hang of the sequins in the daytime trend, but I thought I would try it.

Shoes: Target. You can still get them here.

Pants: J Crew toothpick cords

Tank: Express. I have owned this for several years and have only worn it twice. It's honestly not that comfortable. The stitching on the inside from all the sequins is kind of itchy. In case you were wondering ...

Jacket: Forever 21. I noticed that military/safari-ish jackets are coming back. I saw a couple on the Old Navy and Gap websites. I'm thinking this piece will suffice for that trend. Voila!

Earrings: Arden B

I am in desperate need of something that will house all my jewelry .... necklaces, bracelets, earrings. Any ideas? I wanted to put up a peg board and hang all my necklaces on hooks. Gus nayed it. Boo Gus. So I'm still tying to figure it out.

hump day

The whole unpacking thing is really a drag. We need to buy/steal/purchase/build a wardrobe for Gus's clothes. Right now I've given him one clothing rod in my closet, which means I still have clothes in boxes and boot boxes under the dresser. But thou shall not complain ... RIGHT? I'm such a complainer, but I think it is my coping mechanism, so that's OK ... I think - at least I'm saying it is OK. And here's what I'm wearing ...

Shoes: Jessica Simpson (don't judge), they are the Louboutin knock-offs, but I really really like them. I wear them ALOT and they probably need to be re-soled if that is possible on cheapie shoes
Pants: Wal-Mart of all places! I typically stay away from the store given the shady business practices, but I did just read in Oprah's magazine that Wal-Mart is one of the 100 things in this world that are actually getting better - so maybe they are giving their employees affordable healthcare and paying them overtime. Anyway, these cords are comfy, stretchy, skinny, and cost much much less than J Crew cords. I think I paid like $11 for these.
Shirt: Banana Republic
Necklaces: Random
Bracelet: Arden B

i'm baaaack!

Sorry for the hiatus! We took a little vacation and drove out to Big Sky for a little skiing with family. Gus even learned how to ski, which is awesome because I was sort of wondering how I married a guy who couldn't ski and was allergic to dogs. So I spent last week in my ski bunny outfit and despite being on vacation did.not.shop.at.all.

But, I'm back to reality. If you recall, we just moved so my closet is still in shambles. Oh yeah and I feel like sh!t lately. So this whole trying to think of outfits and looking cute has been really difficult. This one needs some refinement and the belt is wonky.

Shoes: Marshalls

Pants: Forever 21

T-neck: Kenneth Cole

Jacket: No idea, but I think I got it at Von Maur

Belt: Old Navy

I really think these shoes would look adorable with this outfit ... WANT THEM! And want it to be warm enough to wear them. Please.

i like to move it move it

NOT. Seriously. So exhausted. For the cost of renting a truck and a couple dollies and buying lunch and dinner for a friend and two strangers, we are moved! It took FOREVER and was literally exhausting. Two trips in a 16 foot truck and we still have a couple carloads of stuff in our old place. My feet hurt so much from standing around unpacking. Boo. But, now I'm at work where I can sit on my butt for 8 hours and perhaps recuperate.

Here's the outfit. Don't judge. I'm living out of boxes and a few suitcases. I'm lucky I didn't come to work in my yoga pants.

Boots: Uggs. I got them as a gift during the boot moratorium. Gus was unhappy.

Skirt: Gap

Tee: Gap

Sweater: Old Navy

I really am unhappy with this outfit, but at least I'm not naked. I'm still so tired that I'm having a hard time typing. I don't even have the energy to proofread this so pardon and any spelling/grammatical errors.

ask me anything (first edition)

As of yet, I haven't received all that many questions. Just in case people start asking more, I thought I'd start a Q&A feature.  Here's one I received from Josie as a post comment.

I have a random question for you...I'm in MN also and I was just wondering if you are wearing heels to interviews (like, walking from the car to the building) and if so, how do you avoid salt on the pants?! Or falling on your butt? lol I'm interviewing also and struggle with this. Good luck w/your interviews!

Josie,
Yes, I wear heels to interviews. I wear heels almost exclusively because I feel short and stumpy in flats. At my interview on Thursday, I ran into all the problems you described. Actually, I'm not sure I got salt on my pants, but I did almost fall on my butt while trying to walk briskly down an icy hill. My advice? Allow yourself plenty of time to find parking and walk from your car to the interview.

As far as the salt thing goes? Wear really high heels so that your pants don't drag on the ground. Just kidding. Try Zakkerz. I don't actually own these, but if I had to walk farther than across the really big parking lot at work, I might try them.

Good luck with your interviews too!

want it. get it.

Lately, I've been desirous of multi-buckle shooties (boots + shoes = shooties). Gus hates this term, so I use it as often as possible. I'm a nice wife. No really, I am. I just like to give him a hard time. These are covetable and they are even on sale. Do you want to know how much they are on sale? I hope you are sitting down while reading this ... they are 30% off at Shopbop and are ONLY $836.50! OMG! REALLY? They are Balmains though and they are really pretty, BUT if I spent more than $800 on a pair of shooties, Gus might divorce me (not really, but he'd be really really upset with me). And I don't think even being adorably cute while wearing them would soften him up. But if you have $800 plus to spare and your spouse won't divorce you, then by all means buy them because original prices almost $1200! WHAT A DEAL!

If you are anything like me, you'll probably need to get these instead. They are on the GoJane website, which is really one of my favorites for finding shoe knock-offs. And while they might come off a bit pleather-y, they are, after all, only $30 and you can probably stay married. Given the moratorium on boots (or shooties) in our house, I would probably still be given a hard time for buying $30 shooties, but suffice it to say it would be much easier to take than the HELL I'd get for $800 ones! So for the sake of my relationship, I'll take these.

all the little ants go marching ...

*singing* They all do it the same.  This is how I feel when I sit in the line of cars waiting to turn right into the compound also known as where I work. Sigh.

But, it's FRIDAY! We have a busy weekend. Picking up keys to our new place tonight and then dinner with my aunt and uncle, who are in from out of town. Moving day tomorrow. Superbowl and unpacking on Sunday! We, including Carl Rove, have been invited to a Superbowl party and hopefully we can make a cameo. Carl Rove loves going places. He's getting soooo big!

Today's outfit is inspired by this outfit on Love at First Shop.

I would really like to be better at posing for and taking pictures. I feel like this picture does not capture how cute I actually am. Or maybe I'm just not that cute. Also a possibility. Bad hair day today. Sigh. AGAIN.

Boots: GoJane. Yes, you've seen them before, but really I love them. They are the right height, both heel and shaft (yes, I said shaft) and they are super comfy.

Tights: HOT PINK from Old Navy.

Dress: J Crew. Likely purchased on a day when J Crew had an additional percentage off sale prices because that is almost the only time I ever buy J Crew.

Jacket: Ann Taylor. I thrifted this for like $4. I typically have a hard time with thrift stores. I can never find anything cute and am normally appalled by the smell. Keep in mind, I'm in MN and it seems like outlets and thrift stores here are never as exciting as those in other places like New York. I miss NYC.

My biggest criticism of my outfit is that I really need a long necklace like the inspiration outfit. Unfortunately, my jewelry has been packed away and is waiting to be moved to our new place.

And just for fun, here's my little baby, Carl Rove. This was taken a few weeks ago and he's probably gained 5 lbs since then. He's so cute.

                                   

fingers crossed

Wearing my best "I'm an ambitious young attorney and you KNOW you want to hire me" suit today because I have .... drumroll please ... an interview! I've interviewed for so many jobs over the past six months, mostly jobs that I am pretty sure I could tolerate, while continuing to look for my dream job and even jobs that I probably don't want and may or may not be able to tolerate, while continuing to look for my dream job.

But, like I've mentioned earlier ... THIS IS MY YEAR. I'm going to make 2010 my bitch and find a job that I not only can tolerate, but that I might even *gasp* like. I imagine it won't be easy and quite frankly it HAS NOT been easy, but I will get there.

Please excuse the weird wrinkle on my ass. Ew.

Shoes: Cole Haan, purchased for the low low price of $15 at TJ Maxx, you can find some GREAT deals on Cole Haan at TJ Maxx and Marshall's

Suit: FAVORITE SUIT EVER. I feel like I could kick some ass and take some names in this suit. Elie Tahari from the Tahari outlet in Aurora, IL. Illinois (and probably every other place on the planet) has better outlet malls than Minnesota.

Tee: Banana Republic, I also own it in black and I love both of them.

And I feel like my hair looks extra awesome today even though you can't tell from the picture. Wish me luck!

jungle boogie

It is soooo cold. Are you sick of hearing me say this? Well, I'm sick of always being cold. Here's another lawyer-ly, but not really outfit. I applied for a job and today I have to take the "assessment" to see if the even want to interview me. I've been struggling in the job search since last April. GRRRRR (I guess that is fitting for my leopard print dress). Leopards growl, right? Or do they hiss? Just in case HIIISSSS too.

Shoes: BCG platform pumps, I wear these quite a bit

Dress: Ann Taylor, purchased on super sale, like 40% off clearance or something

Belt: Old Navy

Jacket: Tahari, one of my favorite jackets even though I own like 4 black blazers

Necklace: Forever 21

Stay warm friends! I'm off to find myself some tea to warm me up!

tuesday temptation - looong one

It is not spring in Minnesota. It is not even close to spring. In fact, Punxsutawney Phil has predicted 6 more weeks of winter, which in Minnesota speak means like 12 more years weeks of winter. Damn you, Punxsutawney Phil.

But alas, fashion waits for no one. Not even Punxsutawney Phil. Spring fashion is popping up online EVERYWHERE. It may be in the stores too, but I mostly quit going to stores so I wouldn't know. Today's Tuesday Temptation is dedicated to my picks for the new arrivals @ Old Navy.

What really makes Old Navy so tempting is the fact that it is soooo inexpensive. Who is going to pay $40 for a t-shirt from Shopbop when you can buy a similar one for $8 at Old Navy. I mean who even knew they could make t-shirts for $8? And if they can, why would anyone pay more?

So without further ado, here are my top five picks from Old Navy.

1. This isn't a new arrival per se. It's been on the website for several weeks, but I WANT IT! I think it would be just adorable this spring with some fun flats or driving mocs? Yes? And it is only $15.

2. I love rompers. Love them. I suppose they aren't for everyone, but I find them adorable. I would wear this army green number with some red wedges and a khaki safari jacket with some cool ethnic inspired beads. Oh yes, and this little romper will set you back $24.

3. Let's call it a comeback! So happy that leggings have made a comeback and continue to persevere. I wear them so much that Gus has even commented on how often I wear them. Last year I loved the liquid leggings (let's be honest, I still do), but this year I've become particularly fond of the denim-look leggings or "jeggings." Love that term. Jeans + Leggings = jeggings? Get it? These from Old Navy are only $16.50. And they have zippers! Eeeeek!

 

4. You can never have too many cardigans. I have a stack of them. They are a super versatile item. J Crew often has adorable cardis at exorbitant prices. But leave it to Old Navy to give J Crew a run for their money and keep some money in your pocket. Old Navy has some really cute embellished cardis this season, but this one is my favorite. The flower applique cardigan is affordably priced at $26.50.

5. How about a piece of flair? Just not 50 pieces, OK? This necklace would look great with that little romper in #2 and it is onlly $12.50!

Happy Shopping everyone (but me...)

case of the mondays

I think my hair has a case of the Mondays. For some reason, this morning when I woke up I thought my hair looked sort of cute, in the I didn't try to hard and my hair looks fabulously tousled kind of way. Now I realize it just looks like I have bedhead or crazy cat hair lady. I really wish I could find a hairtie in my giant suitcase of a purse. Anyway, here's what I'm wearing.

Shoes: Nine West

Pants: H&M, they have these cute little sailor buttons on them that you can't see, but I love

Top: Banana Republic

Jacket: BCBG