In The Fashionista's Closet: No Muss No Fuss

I was the most tired person on the face of the planet this morning and I wish it was for doing zany and unspeakable things but it's merely me working my second job until 11:30 pm most nights. I'm grateful for its purpose at this time in my life, it is much needed. 

 

I wanted to wear something comfortable today (is that becoming the word of my life?) I just couldn't do a heel today and I'm glad I didn't because I was recruited to go on a field trip to the mall to see Santa Claus with the kindergarten classes. 

Ralph Lauren jacket: Thrifted from Reiko (Thanks chica!)

Bill Blass men's button down: rummage sale

panther print scarf: Zara (Thanks Dad!)

leggings: Newport News

handbag: thrifted

boots: Marshalls

I took my pics, or rather my recruited fashion photographer took my pics before I got "kindergarten-ed" and got dirty.

Whoever thought herding 100+ kindergarten kids through the mall was a good idea needs to talk to me....

Gotta go, duty calls, just wanted to post outfit pics before heading off to work. Have a fabulous weekend!

In The Fashionista's Closet: B. Jones Inspired

Today's outfit post was inspired by Beth of B. Jones Style.

Her way:

I dig her.

My Way:

 I loved this look when I saw it on Beth and I enjoyed it for me. Comfortable yet still style-worthy....

A kindergarden class was writing letters to Santa about gifts they wanted for their family members and this is what one kid wrote:

A MAN for his mom? I thought I misunderstood what he meant so I asked him "You want a MAN for your mom?" "Yes" he said, "a boyfriend."  "Ummmmkayyy," I said (secretly hoping someone is praying for a man for me for Christmas.) "My dad I have now is mean to her so I want her to have a new man."

I ain't trying to be funny but she already got a man and he's wishing for a NEW man??? I think that's kind of greedy......

Jacket: Thrifted

Maxi dress: Bought from a shopping party eons ago

Boots: Juicy Couture

Here's hoping Santa brings you all the things you want!

You want WHO to do WHAT?

Sorry for the lack of updates, my dad came to visit from Illinois so we've been catching up and running around town.

My dad is a runner, has been for over 25 years. He was injured in Vietnam and was told that he might not walk again without assistance. So what did he do? Took up running! He comes to Dallas every other year to run the White Rock Marathon (now he runs the half) and I cheer him on from the sidelines. It's normally around my birthday (a week earlier this year) so we get to spend time together and he gets to do something he loves to do.

 He will be 62 in a couple of weeks, can you believe?

I get so inspired when I see the marathon runners crossing the finish line, there are people of all ages, runners missing limbs and in wheelchairs, runners of all shapes and sizes, it's truly amazing to see them dedicate themselves to running the half (13 miles) or whole (26.2 miles) marathon. My dad tentatively suggested that I train to run the half marathon next year for my 40th (gasp!) birthday. I'm considering it, he is drawing me up a training program....

I want to start right away so that way I can build on the momentum of seeing those runners and my dad cross the finish line. Does anyone have any running tips or strategies? Is it a different training strategy for women than for men?

Outfit posts back next week, my sweater and tank above are from Zara, hair is a twistout with a flat twist in the front. 

In The Fashionista's Closet: All Wrapped Up

Now that the time has changed I have a small window of time to take my pics after work before it gets dark and I'm missing the mark lately. The photos in my hallway are too dark in my opinion so I came out to the landing area this evening.

Coat: Banana Republic

Bag: Kooba

I subbed an art class today and one of the kinder kids used WAAAAYYYYY too much glue and got glue on my skirt and sweater. Had.to.resist.the.urge.to.strangle.him. But thankfully (for his sake) it came out.

Sweater: Zara

Skirt: Banana Republic

Boots: Juicy Couture

Earrings: Thrifted

Belt: Thrifted

Now on to the hair. This is from a twistout on its last legs. I applied Palmer's Hair Milk as a moisturizer and combed it out with a wide tooth comb then used Eco Styler gel for the edges and rolled it. I used hair combs and bobby pins. I call this my Shug Avery look from The Color Purple (greatest movie ever btw!)

I actually saw this YouTube tutorial last week but because I like to research and practice a style before I wear it out, I wasn't going to try it today. UNTIL Reiko said that I like to research EVERYTHING (which is partly true) so I threw caution to the wind and tried it.

It turned out okay for the first time, I really felt like I looked like my mom, she used to wear here hair like this "back in the day!"

Oh and please head over to the Trendy Socialite and watch her video inspired by lil ole me!

Yay or Nay? Jessica Simpson Dany Platforms

***UPDATE*** I forgot to add a pic of one of my favorite peeps Dahlia of Mz. Fashion Closet, she has the Dany platforms in both colors! Her shoe game is ridic!!!

 
I really like the look of the Jessica Simpson Dany platforms, I think they are reminiscent of a 70's vibe but I am concerned that the heel is so high, I am 5'8 and I love a heel but I don't want to look like a giant or that I'm teetering when I walk. So, what say you, Yay or Nay on these?

Available at Zappos for $79.16 (On Sale!)

After looking for more photos of this shoe, apparently lots of ladies already love this shoe!

CaliVintage

 Fashion Zen

 Stockholm Street Style

Persephone Vintage

Corks and Caftans

In The Fashionista's Closet: Club Metro

The upside of working at a major retail store during Christmas: cute guys will flirt with you. The downside of working at a major retail store during Christmas: not-so-cute guys will try and flirt with you. From now on I am going to call this place Club Metro because all it needs is a giant disco ball in the center, it feels like a nightclub. If I would have known that all I had to do was work in the men's department of a major retail store, I might have tried this route sooner. Reiko keeps asking me "WHAT are you wearing???" because I have had funny "Girl let me tell you what happened today" guy stories every day so she acts as if I'm strolling around in tube socks and nothing else. I told her maybe it's the hair because it has really been at it's awesomest lately if I do say so myself. It's the shea butter, I tell ya.

I had dinner with a friend and this is what I wore, Reiko helped me put it together via phone, camera phone and instant message (isn't technology grand?)

 Clutch: DSW

 Jeans: Calvin Klein skinny leg

 Top: Zara

Assorted necklaces from Forever 21, chain belts, and vintage thrifted necklace

Boots: Nine West

I had the pleasure of running into not one but TWO readers of Fashion Nette-work over the weekend and I couldn't have been happier! I was so surprised because I think no one ever reads my blog but me and my mom so thanks Dionne and Brandy, you really made my day!

In The Fashionista's Closet: All Black Everything

Sorry for the lack of posts this week, I have been feeling really down this week. I didn't pass my exam that would have enabled me to get a teaching job with a school and grade level that I wanted to work with. I am beyond bummed. I was looking forward to it in the worst way. 

I also have the worst wake-you-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night sore throat and cold symptoms so I haven't worked out all week and feel pretty lousy.

 Black sweater: Ralph Lauren

Black pants: Club Monaco

Earrings: Resale shop

Belt: Target

 Ballet flats: Chanel

I took these pics quickly on my way to my part time job. Sorry it's not more exciting, the dress code is all black so I wanted to pop the look with bits of color.

I love these earrings, I found three great pair at a resale shop while going to Wendy's to cop some of their new fries. If you haven't tried them, get.on.that.now. Delish!

I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving, my time with my family will be super short as I have to work Black Friday at 5:45 am (yikes!) But at least I'll get to feel some of my mom's great hugs, they're the best!