Versatile Blogger Award!

I was nominated for a Versatile Blogger Award by Leslie over at Fashion DuJour Daily! This chick is the cutest thing EVAH and she has a wonderful spirit as well. (She is my friend in my head, I've never actually met her but after I discovered her blog I went back and looked at ALL of her blog posts. I have a tendency to be quite anal in that way. (shut up, Reiko!)

So according to the rules I have to share 7 things about myself (I'm guessing they need to be true) and then pass the award on to 15 other bloggers who deserve recognition. Whew, that's a lot of bloggers, but here we go!

1. I love candy. Any type of sweet is my friend.Unfortunately for me I also need to visit the dentist quite often.

2. I imagine myself running a marathon and bought running shoes last year and actually went jogging once or twice. Okay, full disclosure, it was more walking than running. Get off my back, I am now actually using my shoes by running on the treadmill in the mornings before work. My dad is a marathon runner and will be here in December to run the White Rock Marathon and I will be cheering him on from the sidelines.

3. I am a nostalgia fanatic. If you're a regular reader you know of my love for Good Times, Diana Ross and the 50's and 70's eras. I think that is why I love vintage clothes so much, they have a story to tell. I always wonder who wore it and when. Anything that reminds me of my childhood I love. I say get these kids the old school toys that we played with, no video games. Operation, Connect Four, Hungry Hungry Hippos. Etch a Sketch! I watched "It's the Great Pumpkin, Crarlie Brown" the other night and got upset with my mom because she didn't call and remind me that it was coming on tv.

4. I want someone to throw me a surprise party. Like seriously, where I have no idea that I am getting a party and people jump out and yell surprise and I cry because I'm so shocked and overjoyed. The whole nine yards. I had a boyfriend throw me a 'surprise' birthday party in high school but I figured it out pretty easily and I think the people that came only wanted an excuse to (underage) drink. Strawberry Hill,anyone?

5. I am constantly making lists or taking notes. I love any type of cutesy notebooks or stationery and I make lists of things to do, things to look up online, I take notes in church every Sunday as if it's a college lecture (I like to go back and revisit during the week), and wishlists of clothes/accessories. Again, I am anal that way. *I said shut UP Reiko!*

6. I won't date a man that does not vote. I think that it is the LEAST you can do, voting is a privilege that everyone should exercise but if you choose not to, you do not get the right to complain about anything that deals with government. Also, I like to discuss political goings on and if you don't keep up then I can't deal with you. You can watch ESPN all you want to but I need you to watch some CNN also. MSNBC, George Stephanopoulus, something. ...I refuse to watch Keith Olbermann after he said on The View that he doesn't vote. So please come correct if you want to take me out. And please have a job. (Thanks.)

7. I secretly watch tv shows that I wouldn't dare admit to watching. 'K-Ci and JoJo Come Clean', Lisa Raye: 'The Real McCoy', Omarosa's show 'The Ultimate Merger.' More like The Ultimate Corniness, that fake LV logo backdrop killed me every time. But yes I watched, but let's keep it just between you and me......But I still won't watch the Real Housewives of Atlanta. A girl's got to draw the line somewhere. I.just.can't.do.it. 

As for the 15 bloggers, I will just pass this on to anyone who wants to respond in the comments section and would like some love for their blog. I'm not even sure that I KNOW 15 bloggers, lol. Thanks Leslie!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Minding My Own Business

I was in the thrift store yesterday with two friends, minding my own business, when the following scenario occurred:


A woman was walking around in the thrift store with no shoes on. The cashier (who called her by name) told her that she would have to start wearing shoes if she wanted to continue to come into the store. The lady said that her shoes were all packed into boxes so that is why she didn't wear any. <-< (That is me giving the lady the serious side eye.)

Okay, so maybe it is just me but I was wondering.....

1. Who packs ALL of their shoes in boxes and doesn't leave out a pair to wear?

 

2. How LONG have the shoes been packed into boxes because she has obviously been in the store before with no shoes on and now management has had to address the issue.

 ("What is that VELVET?" Yes the dress has velvet trim around the neck and sleeves.)

3. Why not buy a pair of shoes at the thrift store? She was buying a kid Halloween costume, is that more important than shoes? Your solution is to forgo shoes COMPLETELY and just walk around on the nasty pavement and store. Where they do that at???

People perplex me......

I was walking into Walmart today (again minding my own business) and a woman was walking beside me into the store brushing her teeth. SERIOUSLY lady, you had zero minutes to brush your teeth at home or at least in your car before walking into Walmart? Again I ask, WTDTA?

 

Wool jacket: Zara

Dress: Thrifted

Bag: Bought at a shopping party

Tights: Target

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

If you didn't get my "What is that velvet?" reference above please refresh your memory below:

In The Fashionista's Closet: I'm a Big Kid Now!

The staff got to wear jeans to school yesterday to support the United Way. For the small fee of $1. Hmmmm, I smell a racket but I wasn't going to pass up a chance to wear jeans. (I'm snickering as I type this because if you know me or follow this blog you know I am in dresses 95 percent of the time!)

I went and worked out this morning. (Yep, that's me patting myself on the back.)

I wanted to share a recent thrift find since it may be a while until I wear it:

 Love the glasses!

The Back

Have a fun day!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Talbots, I Apologize

I MUST apologize to Talbots for being upset that they mailed me a catalog because not only have they revamped their image but I also forgot that I have had this totally awesome skirt in my closet! 

I saw the skirt in Lucky magazine (I think the March issue) and knew it would be perfect for me! I stalked it until it went on sale and have had it in my closet ever since with the tags still on it.

It was a bit snug before but now it fits perfectly.

It reminds me of this print:

I wore this to church yesterday and service was excellent! 

It was about finding different paths to reach your desired goal if you feel stuck. You don't stay there, you find another resource. (I related to this so well.)

Have a Fashionable Day!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Better Days

Oh what a difference a couple of days make......

I'm feeling better about my situation and circumstances and even went and worked out today. (I know!) I've been doing some mini workouts at home but I actually went to the workout room at my complex and ran on the treadmill. (I KNOW!)

Maybe it's the endorphins from my workout but I feel strong and renewed. I know that I will get through this, it's just a temporary situation. Hmmmm, I guess if I want to continue to feel this way I should continue to work out??? What a concept!

I really like this photo because I think my face looks thinner. I guess I should take all of my pics from this angle.

Okay so my pledge is to work out (harder) and more regularly, I have recently caught some episodes of 'Thintervention with Jackie Warner' on Bravo and seeing the people on the show has motivated me to push myself to get the results that I want. I think it's more realistic than 'The Biggest Loser' because they aren't keeping the participants secluded, they are still allowed to go home and they make their food choices for themselves. I lost 6 pounds when I was working my second job because they were working me like it was slavery times and I want to keep that off and lose 5-10 more pounds.

Wish me luck! 

P.S. I like the way my dress is blowing in the wind here so I don't care about the random people in the background. Shoes are BCBG.

In The Fashionista's Closet: Flower Girl

What do you do when you're a blogger and you're having a 'down in the dumps' day? Why, blog of course!

 

When you're going through tough times, people say things like "It will get better soon" and "Just have faith." Well sometimes its harder to look on the bright side of things. I am tired of my station in life, of being a fool for love, of struggling financially. I consider myself to be a good person, I don't smoke or kick cats and this is my reward?

I know this is a temporary feeling and that I'll snap out of it, I just want to be on the upside of up for once, ya know? Sorry for not making this a funny, happy story but I can't do it today. (But you can still comment and tell me I look amazing.) Thanks, you're the best...

Not too much else to say today, I may be making an announcement soon......and no, I'm not pregnant.

In The Fashionista's Closet: Purple Reign

So sorry dear readers, I have been, well in a funk.....my time with my kinder kids has come and gone, they have a new teacher and I was pretty bummed. But my sweet sweet kids (and their parents) sent me away with some lovely parting gifts.....

This is a card that my dear friend made for all of the kids to sign and presented to me. One of the other teachers thought of the idea, they are belts! How cute is that?!?!

I was also busy last week with Parent/Teacher conferences and report cards so I have had barely enough time for the important things like looking for a teaching position and watching new episodes of Glee.

But I am still substituting at the same school so I still get to see my kiddies and they have an awesome (bilingual) teacher so they are in great hands.

 I was in another kindergarten class today that was soooo terrible I think we need to do some hair follicle testing for drugs or alcohol, their behavior was that bad. At one point I literally laughed out loud because I was sure someone was going to pop up and say "Smile! You're on candid camera!" and the title of the segment was going to be Bebe's Kids.

If I had them for another week I'm pretty sure I could get them in order but (thankfully) I'll be in another grade tomorrow.  Who says prayer doesn't work???

In The Fashionista's Closet: In Between Time

So my Outfit Planning Challenge last week didn't go well, at ALL, I found myself rushing to get to work because I didn't like what I was wearing EVERY TIME I planned an outfit! WTH? So this week I am back to my ole "Wear What I Feel" type self.

 Dress: Gifted

Polka dot belt: Thrifted

Shoes: Nine West

I've noticed that some of the teachers at school dress for the weather (low 80's in the afternoon so short sleeve tops and some capris) and some are dressing for Fall (i.e. boots, tights etc.) I call this 'Tweener' weather, not quite cool enough for knee high boots during the day but no longer Summer. It's often a perplexing time for me because its cool in the mornings and warmer in the afternoon so I don't want to be too hot or too cold.(Or LOOK hot, I hate that!) 

So how about you, do you dress for the weather or the season?

In The Fashionista's Closet: Hear Me Roar

 Today was Day 1 of my Outfit Planning Challenge and guess what? I FAILED!

I had a totally different outfit picked out, put it on but it didn't feel right, ya know? I wanted to start my week off right, needed something with some oomph and this leopard top fit the bill.

Top: Isaac Mizrahi Thrifted ($1!!!!!)

Belt: Thrifted

Skirt: Ross

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Good Hair Day: By me

Day 2, I begin again! Even though I changed clothes this morning I was early for work and had a pretty good day with the kiddies. My time with them is limited so I am trying to prepare myself....

I am still looking for another part time job until I find a permanent teaching position but I need one that knows that slavery is OVAH! Something fun, maybe with kids or dealing with fashion, interior design or photography would be ideal. But I can just answer phones too, I'm not picky, a livable wage would be nice....

And for your listening pleasure....OMG how much do I STILL love this song?!?!

I hope you had a Great Day!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Boho a Go-Go

Went with a friend to the Make Urban Street Bazaar in the Bishop Arts District and was disappointed. These were the same vendors (or types of vendors) that I've seen year after year at the Street Bazaar and at Dallas Craft Mafia events so there was nothing new to me. This is the last year of the bazaar but they are planning an indoor type of marketplace which I hope will be stocked with more diverse items.  

We did go to some new thrift spots and I was able to compare them to my favorite thrifting haunts. I found a couple of places that I want to add to my thrift list.

Scarf (on head) and necklace: Forever 21 Sunglasses: Armani Dress: Gifted from mom Sweater: Marshalls Bag: Thrifted Flip flops: NY and Co (Don't ask, I got these many moons ago when the store was closing.)

If you haven't yet, please watch Joan Rivers on E!'s Fashion Police, she is SO funny! She is the Queen Bee holding court with Kelly Osbourne (who has come a loooooooonnnnnnnggggg way), Giuliana Rancic and stylist George Kotsiopoulos who break down the hits and misses every week of celeb style. I got a chance to see Joan Rivers live a couple of years ago when she came to Dallas and she was truly hilarious! I also got a chance to meet her after the show and she graciously took photos with all of the people backstage. (Thanks Denise!)

She is a little bitty something and she looked great. I was giddy as you can tell by my cheesy macaroni smile!

Outfit Planning Challenge starts tomorrow so I have to get my outfits together for the week. Wish me luck!