In The Fashionista's Closet: Neutral Territory

Yesterday I had to be easy breezy (i.e. relaxed and comfy) because the kids were testing and I needed to walk around a lot. I pulled out my Dolce Vitas that I got from Target and they were comfy...until I got to my second job! I think all of the walking during the day did me in...

Someone commented on my last post that I got a haircut but I didn't get it cut, my hair is twisted and I pinned up the twists. Hope you can see it better here. 

Earrings: Can't remember but I love them
Bracelets: Assorted

Ralph Lauren jacket: Thrifted by Reiko

Men's Bill Blass shirt: Rummage Sale

Cargos: J.C. Penney

Wedges: Dolce Vita for Target

Bag: Shopping party

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." - Oprah Winfrey

Girls Just Want to Have Fun (and Pedicures)

I met Elissa from Dress With Courage at the Aveda Salon for our complimentary pedicures from the Park Lane Blogger Event and even though we had to wait over an hour(!) for them to even begin on my pedicure we had a fun time of girl talk.

 Main reasons why Elissa is one cool chick:

She's sassy (you can totally tell that by her red spiky hair, tattoos and she wears sequins almost daily.)

She's definitely a cool mom (see #1.)

She loves thrift stores. (Nuff said.)

She's from Brooklyn (also home of Jay-Z.)

She likes Jay-Z (Need I say more?)

  

 We talked online dating (she thinks I should), favorite thrift/vintage stores, and blogs we love. The only thing missing? Tasty adult beverages!

The unmentionables (it's been waaaaaayyyy too long)

Outfit details: fedora (Target men's dept.), earrings (Aldo Accessories), men's Bill Blass white shirt (rummage sale), assorted bangles (assorted places) cargo pants (JC Penney gifted from Reiko), red peep toes and bag *seen below* (Guess and Kooba)

We weren't done until after 10 pm(!) so if you're going to Aveda, you may want to call ahead and see if there is a wait or book earlier in the day and hopefully you'll be lucky enough to work with Tosha, she was the best!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Coming To The Stage.....

 

Today was Staff Development day so no kiddies were at school. 

As we sat at our tables for training one of the teacher's told me "I have a nickname for you." 

"Ummmkay," I said expecting it to be Diva, Jazzy or most likely, Mrs. Jay Z. 

"EXOTIC!" she said, smiling proudly.

Did she say...umm...exotic?

(Here's the definition: strikingly, excitingly, or mysteriously different or unusual <exotic flavors>)

"I don't know, that makes me think about something else when I hear exotic."

(See second definition: of or relating to striptease <exotic dancing>)

"No, she said. You're different, you have your own style of dressing."

"How about 'unique'? I pleaded asked.

"NO. Exotic. That's what I'll call you."

So.......I guess my new name is Exotic which I take to mean that she either thinks that I dress mysteriously different or like a stripper.

(I wasn't even going to take outfit pics today but I wanted to show yall what exotic looks like, tee hee.)

sweater: Zara

men's Bill Blass shirt: rummage sale

jeans: 7 For All Mankind

boots: can't remember

In The Fashionista's Closet: Borrowed From the Boys

I met a friend for lunch and we ended up staying for about four hours, we had so much fun catching up. She has the most calming spirit, I thought that immediately when I first met her. (I guess opposites really do attract, I can be a little exciteable.)

Ralph Lauren blazer: (making another appearance!) Thrifted from Reiko

Men's shirt: Bill Blass (from rummage sale)

Men's belt: Thrifted

Men's jeans: Rummage sale

I have had these shoes for two years now, I shamelessly asked for them here and this is their first appearance on the blog! Say hello everyone!

  Things that I KNOW I know but needed to revisit:

1. Life is not a competition. Stop comparing yourself to other people, you don't know the sacrifices that they have had to make to get what it is you think you want. You don't have to have what they have, be your most authentic self and challenge yourself to get what it is God has in store for you. 

 

2. Focus on the positive. Be aware of and stop all negative self-talk. Write out and repeat positive affirmations and surround yourself with POSITIVE people.

 

  

3. Keep it moving. When setbacks happen, don't dwell or wallow in it, realize that there could be a lesson in it (sometimes God is trying to get your attention) dust yourself off and keep pushing forward.

We all need encouragement from time to time so take a moment and give someone a kind word, you never know who may need it....

 

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: Ocean Blue

I wanted to take pics out by the pool but people were out lounging and I got shy. I had no problem asking strangers to take my pics at my training but where I live, I'm Michael Jackson all of a sudden. Can't explain it....

It was 103 degrees outside today. I think I saw the devil waving at me.....

It's too hot to even eat! Ok, I do want a Fudge Bombstik but that's all!

I am very excited about The Rachel Zoe Project this season, I watched the last couple of episodes from Season 2 and the trip to Paris had me salivating! I watched the Season 3 opener Tuesday and now with Taylor gone and Brad not crying, I think I can do it! Bravo, Rachel! Get it? Bravo?! Because it's on the Bravo chan.....oh never mind!

Happy Weekend everyone!

Thriftiness at it's best!

Went thrifting on Sunday and all I have to say is if I ever need a formal gown for anything, I'm buying it at a thrift store! Gorgeous gowns from $7.99 to $49.99!


I found this beauty at Goodwill for a mere $7.99 but the photos don't do it justice:

Alas, size 5

Oh my gosh, this dress was SUCH a liar, the tag says 12 but it SOOOO was not, I could not even zip it up. It was so pretty and girlie, I wanted it to be mine. Notice the Goodwill tag says "S" I guess they figured out that it wasn't labeled correctly.

I found this yellow pleated Christian Dior skirt for $2.99(!) I wasn't sure about it at first because of the length, it's not long and it's not short which I think could be awkward if you wear the wrong shoe. I paired it with my white Bill Blass men's shirt (rummage sale), two multi-strand glass necklaces and Steven for Steve Madden copper sandals. I like how the necklace looks metallic in the light. I cannot for the life of me remember where I found this belt, I know that it was cheap because I can tell that I am going to need a new one soon. I'd like to find an awesome replacement for this one, I've worn this one quite a bit.


*My hair* - I twist my hair and roll and pin the twists with bobby pins.

I saw this multicolor jacket and loved it at first glance! It reminded me of those J. Crew shorts everyone had from back in the day. (Or was it Ralph Lauren?) I imagine wearing it with the sleeves rolled up and a popped collar either with dark denim wide leg jeans and a tank, thrown over a long white tank dress and flats or a long shirt and slouchy denim pants rolled up.

But I was in for a surprise because when I tried it on I discovered a VEST with the jacket. Both pieces $3.99! I want to wear the vest separately with some white wide leg pants. LOVE!

In The Fashionista's Closet

I went to a rummage sale on Saturday (more on that later, I scored BIG!), and afterwards went to a movie and had a dinner with a friend so I was excited to have someone to take pics of my outfit. This took about ten minutes, he finally gave up, I either had my eyes closed or was looking away, making a face or otherwise not being modelesque.

Hair was in a high bun, I was going for an Audrey Hepburn-ish style since I was wearing my pearls.

Mens blue and white striped Bill Blass button down - Rummage sale (I washed it first, I promise!)
7 For All Mankind jeans - Nordstrom
Blue platform wedges - Steve Madden *No good shot of these, they will make more appearances, I'm sure.
Bueno yellow bag - Marshalls (I think this bag was $20, I love the color, bought two years ago.)
Three strands of pearls - I sell these, I have two strands left, very heavy and you can double or triple loop them. Please email me for pics and prices if interested.