Rules of Engagement

Two posts in one week!!! Who's awesome????

Allow Me to Re-Introduce Myself....

....Hi.....My name is Juanette and this is my blog.....I've been away for a bit. But I'm bbbbaaaaaaccccckkkkk baby!!!!!! I'd like to say that I've been on a cruise or finding the cure for cancer but no such luck. I've just been...tired.

There's been no real reason for my hiatus, I just haven't really felt up to blogging. I've been pretty uninspired by my outfits this summer since it's been so freaking hot (it was 106 yesterday) and working a retail job doesn't help since I have to wear "work appropriate" attire.

I did venture down to Houston a couple of weekends ago to surprise my ace, my dawg, my Sister From Another Mister, Reiko for her bridal shower. I had the greatest time filled with lots of shenanigans, about 6 hours of total sleep and P.G. 13 ratchetness (on her part, not mine, yall know I'm not telling, I'm a lady.)

Key words from the weekend: loins, bacon and Frenchy's!  

On Reiko: Necklaces: Assorted belts, vintage necklace

Dress: Dillards (It's got pockets!)

Shoes: Betsey Johnson

On me: Earrings: Aldo (Borrowed from Reiko)

Top: Ross

Bangles: Assorted

Skirt: Gifted from Reiko

Shoes: Steve Madden Luxe

We had so much fun getting ready and both of our outfits are a mesh of each other's wardrobes. We would truly be a force to be reckoned with if we both lived in the same city!

Shout out to Tiffany who saw me in the mall and told me I needed to update and the other commenters inquiring about me, thanks yall!

In The Fashionista's Closet: School Is Now In Session

Well dudes and dudettes it's back to school time and I had my first day back of substitute teaching. I was placed in the kindergarten classroom and I don't think I've ever had to wipe so many noses or tie so many shoes as I did today. And that was only half a day! 

We had a "runner" it was his first day of school ever and he did NOT want to stay with this strange lady while his parents left him possibly for good, in his mind. But after two prison break attempts we got him settled down and wiped his tears and he was a happy camper at the end of the day.

What I couldn't understand was my other kinder student who I recognized from Pre-K last year who cried off and on the WHOLE TIME he was there today. He said he missed his mom. One minute he's cutting out a gingerbread man, the next he's tearing up. I'm thinking they must be having big fun at his house for him to cry the whole day at the drop of a hat. Hell, I wanted to see what's going on at his house for that kind of reaction! Even when it was time to go and we took the kids to the auditorium for parent pickup, he started crying again (I'm guessing in anticipation of seeing his mom.) That is some mom.

I was told that the teachers were going to wear navy shirts and khakis today and this outfit is my interpretation since I don't have a plain navy shirt.

It was a good day, I am happy to feel like a contributing member of society again by working full-time. I should know about the part time job by this week and I'm busy planning some jewelry parties for the month of September.

Here's to progress, now I can start doing the essentials again. Like getting my eyebrows done. Renewing my magazine subscriptions. And buying new shoes. And that is essential people.

Cardigan Party

Cute printed cardigans all under $60!


J. Crew tipped argyle cardigan $49.99 (on sale!); Delia's Izzy dot cardigan $9.99 (on sale!)


Kimchi blue floral cardigan $48; Merona green printed cardigan $29.99


Merona crewneck cardigan $20.98 (on sale!); AE striped slim cardigan $44.50


Giraffe print cardigan $29; Cinched sleeve flower cardigan $22.80 both from Forever 21


Nygard floral print cardigan $58.80; O'Neill Malia cardigan $55.50


AE polka dot cardigan $44.50; Chelsea & Theodore printed cardigan $69

EXCEPT this one!

Anthropologie funneled folds cardigan $168

My fave find but it's beyond the $60 versions seen above. I love the asymmetrical button up style.

Tie One On

Tie neck blouses bring sweet and ladylike to the forefront and can be layered underneath blazers or simply paired with a pencil skirt to add that touch of elegance without being matronly.


Thakoon Falling Confetti blouse $990

Talbots tie neck blouse $79

Dolce & Gabbana leopard print stretch satin tie neck blouse $1,195















Fred Flare Sunset tie blouse $52

Dillard's Walter puckered satin blouse $56.40 (on sale!)

Banana Republic silk striped blouse $70


Anthropologie Laurasia Leaf blouse $98

Mother Knows Best?

My mom sent me a care package a couple of weeks ago (although I am waaaaay past college age but I tend to think of care packages as proof that she cares) and inside my box was a link chain belt. Hmmmm, interesting, I thought....I do not, I repeat, NOT let my family shop for me, I am a very specific (i.e. picky) shopper and I like to change aspects of my look so no one knows what look I will gravitate to next. (Like now I am on the lookout for a denim pencil skirt to try a preppy, boho look. But...I digress.) Skeptically, I tried the belt on and I must say, was pleasantly surprised! Chic yet simple, I am looking to pair this with a tank dress, gladiator sandals and multiple bangles. I found a long and a shorter option at one of my fave shopping spots, Forever 21.


And for a mere $10.90 and 16.90, what's not to love?


American Apparel rib racerback dress $26; Gap garment dyed dress $39.50


Urban Outfitters Deena & Ozzy wavelength chain belt $16.99 (on sale!) Forever 21 assorted
chain belt $12.80


White House Black Market multi chain belt $68; Dillards Fossil chain belt $36

But a bigger question looms. Could mom really know what's best for me? Or is this an isolated fashionable incident? The jury is still out on that but thanks, mom!