Changes

Yes, I've done it.  I've gone back to red.  Hope you like it.  

Thin Tops and Wavy Hair

Rushing around to get to work in the morning because someone kept you up all night? Yeah, me neither.  But, I was still running around trying to find something decent to wear and driving myself crazy because I didn't fold and put away laundry yesterday like I swore I would do. Not to mention I needed to put waves in my hair to keep from wearing a bun to work again.  So I wound up wearing this top, purchased on sale at Old Navy at a 75% off sale.  I liked the color and feel of the fabric.  It's very lightweight and now I see why.  It's also very thin.  Of course this allows the fabric to drape in all the right places, but still, it's thin.  

 Put together with jeans and flats I felt somewhat casual for my last day at work before the holiday.  I needed that today.  

Flats, jeans, belt and top all from Old Navy. K necklace-DIY and bubble locket from Whimsical Willows Boutique.

It's Monday...

 and I woke up with a smile on my face and a great outlook for the day.  Bring it on!  Some great conversation and a relaxed weekend helped push me into Monday with an air of happiness.  This is a very short week for work and I'm excited to see what the four day weekend will bring.   Looking forward to good food and the company of loved ones and friends.   

 For the longest time now I've been trying to find a way to wear this bolero type jacket. It may be one of those pieces I will have to donate if I can't find more ways than one to wear it.  That's one of the perks of shopping your closet. You have a better handle on what you really should keep and what you just need to get rid of.  How do you like the skirt?  I scored this deal at Target over the weekend. On clearance for $11.48 and a Target gift card for $10, gave it to me at a steal of $1.48.  It's a bit long for my taste but with sheer stockings and a black t-shirt, I think the outfit came together.  

 Don't you just love it when your hair does exactly what you want it to?  I wanted a soft long look and look what happened.  I got just what I asked for. Thank you hair gods for listening.  I really didn't want to do a high bun again today, although I think it would have made this look a bit more polished.  I just didn't want to feel school marmish today.  

 It's just me, a cup of joe and some Joss Stone this morning.  All my employees have taken the week off to enjoy their families.  It should be a very quiet day and week, something I'm in need of.  

Heels-Steve Madden c/o DSW, Sheer Stockings (yes, stockings require garters)-VS, T-shirt/Banana Republic, Bolero Jacket-can't remember, Necklace-NY&Co

Friday Wrap Up

  

Another cool morning here in San Diego called for another cardigan.  Surely you can see I'm a layering kind of girl.  When I lived in Monterey many years ago I layered all the time.  You simply have to layer when you live right on the bay.  It was beautiful there and the weather was nice nearly all the time, it's just the wind and cool air would insist that you put on multiple layers and they weren't always fashionable either.  I'm hoping I broke that pattern living close to San Diego.  

Heels-Steve Madden c/o DSW, Rock Star Skinnies-ON
Mens Hanes Tank-WalMart, Cardigan-Thrifted. Necklaces-DIY, Belt-Target

Thursday Neutrals

 Do you ever feel like Thursday should be a neutral day?  Well, I always feel that way.  To me, Thursday is a neutral day, thus I'm wearing neutrals.  I actually copied this look from here. J's Everyday Fashion is definitely one of my inspiration go to's. 

  

 Most of the time it's difficult to decide which pics you leave in and which ones to cut out.  Today, no problem.  This chambray top feels a bit too small in the chest area so I worry all the time about showing boobage. Today was one of those days. Many shots of boobage. M would have liked to see that.  Not going to happen today, sorry.  I cut them all out. The pics with the boobage that is.  

 I liked this combination of neutral colors and decided it was worth the try.  Not exactly the same as J's Everyday Fashion, but hey, I thought we're supposed to find inspiration not be copy cats.  Although I can do copy cat too, soooo easily.  

 Jacket-Target, Chambray Top and Skinnies-ON, Heals-Chinese Laundry c/o Marshalls, Watch-Walmart, Bracelet-Claires, necklace-Christmas Gift

Exhausted But Still Standing

 If I look tired, let me tell you, I am.  It was an exhausting evening after an exhausting day.  For those of you who were concerned, no need to worry now.  The lump I found turned out to be a cyst and the doctor quickly aspirated it to give me some mental relief yesterday afternoon.  Thank you to M for accompanying me to the doctor mid afternoon.  I really appreciate your coming when I needed you to be there.  That reason for my exhaustive evening was also a good thing, so rest assured all is good on the home front.  Kim is a happy camper for now. 

 Another cool morning led me to pull out one of my favorite cardigans. I have many, so  I'm telling you, I'm about to do an all out kibosh on spending for clothing for 60 days soon.  I have way too much clothing and I really do need to go back through it all to relieve my poor closet rods.  What better time to do it than the upcoming winter months.  San Diego weather isn't all that bad, but it does help when trying to decide what layering pieces you want to keep or not.

 I love this blue with a dark gray and black.  

 Cardigan-Target, Shirt and skinnies-ON, flats-Gap, Hanes Men's Tank-WalMart, K Necklace-DIY, Bubble locket-Whimsical Willows Boutique 

Very casual as there were more meetings and tons of errands to run today. See ya tomorrow.  

That Kind of Day...Again

Every day I wake up hoping for a day better than yesterday.  Today was not to be that day.  I've been feeling especially sick lately and still trying to get in my daily workout really puts me in starvation mode.  I hate not eating.  Eating is one of my favorite things to do, but I can gain some serious weight really fast if I don't watch it. The gym is a must but the gym here at the apartment complex is really just for maintenance. So, I'm back at 24 hour fitness.

 I always feel better after a workout but with the rapid weight loss of late, I just felt drained.  I thought it best to relax a bit longer and I had the day off anyway, so why not? When I did finally get up to get things done, appointments and visiting a friend, I decided this ensemble fit the bill.  I wanted to be relaxed and polished at the same time, Jennifer Aniston style.  What once were tight jeans are now loose, boyfriend jeans style, so I rolled the hem up and put on my sneakers. It was too cold for sandals and too warm for UGGS. The sneakers fit the bill.

 V-Neck T from Target, Blazer also from Target, Belt from Old Navy, Necklace-DIY and Earrings from Target. 

 Yes, my hair is up in a bun again.  I love it.  When I don't have time to style my hair it goes up in a bun.  I use this little squishy thingy from Target. You can find it over where the Goodie headbands are.  I receive compliments on it all the time.  I don't use it like the regular sock bun.  I pull the bun thingy all the way to the end of my ponytail and begin rolling it towards my head.  That gives me the perfect bun and you don't really need to use bobby pins to hold it in place, but I like to because I move my head and body a lot these days. I want it to stay up.  

 Aren't I the perfect cross between messy and polished?  I like it and I'm usually pretty happy with this sort of look.  Speaking of my bad self, I got word today that it's not me! Yay! Thought I was going crazy again.  

 On a serious note though,  I do need to plug something here.  Please, please, please do your regular self breast exams.  I just found another lump yesterday and have to go back to the doctor a few times this week to see if it can be aspirated or if it's the real thing.  Its huge and it hurts a little which is different than the last time.  No worries all, I'll be fine.  I always am. I'll keep you posted.  

  Love and hugs to my peeps, you know who you are:-) 

Such a Beautiful Day

Who knew this morning when I got up to head out I would have such a wonderful day?

 I headed out for an event at Camp Pendleton this morning to meet someone who could help me.  I had no idea how, but suffice it to say he did.  He made me see things I would never have seen without a man pointing it out to me.  Everything is very clear to me now and when I later discussed it with my girl Mia, we agreed, this man knows what he's talking about.  It took a wounded veteran to show me how valuable I am as a person and a woman. Thank you NB, it was a pleasure to meet you and thank you for both the wisdom and reading my blog;-)

And I can't say this enough.  Loreal's BB cream is wonderful. I know I've said it a few times already, but I just love how my skin is really looking so much better these days.  The pic up top was taken this morning and the one below was taken around 9pm tonight. I think it holds up quite well. Even though my ex would tell me all the time I didn't need it, a girl still wants to look good for herself if anything.  This cream is great and is similar to the tinted moisturizers we used in Europe.  Loving it.  

Today felt like an orange shoe kind of day.  And believe me I got noticed.  So many compliments from women and men.  Shoes-Urban Outfitters, khaki skinnies, belt-ON, Cami-Kohls, Silk top-Banana Republic, Cardigan-NY&C, Earrings-Target, K Necklace-DIY and Bubble locket-Whimsical Willows Boutique.

Movie Night

Movie Night is something I haven't done in a very long time.  Going to the movies takes a big bite out of your budget and when you support a family of five on one income it's very difficult for everyone to go often.  So we just didn't go.  Now that my family situation has changed I still have to live on a budget but now going to the movies is actually included in that.  Movies at the movie theater, what a treat! Having two friends tag along makes it even better.  To start, it's understood, NO ONE talks during the movie.  Why pay that much money to go see a movie to have someone talk all the way through it? Ugh, annoying, I dislike it when we're watching movies at home too.  Secondly, coffee afterwards to discuss the movies highlights.  And lastly, everyone must share their goodies during the movie.  I won't be indulging because of my upset stomach. 

Can you tell I'm kinda ick right now?

I have this thing about being cold in a movie theater.  A light cardigan or jacket is a must.  I decided to wear this lightweight sweater I grabbed at a 75% off sale at Old Navy. It looks pink here but it's really more of a bright peachy color. I'm also loving Loreal's BB creme. No more heavy makeup. Feels light on my skin.  And it's just my color.

 Hanes men's tank under the sweater.  Victoria's Secret London Jean, Old Navy flats and earrings from Target.

 Comfy movie wear.  In case you're wondering, I'm down 14 pounds today. Of course it's mostly stress and flu related but I'm back in the gym tomorrow hopefully. The Pho really helped. I even had leftovers for today. Yay! No more thunder thighs! 

Did anyone see Ellen D do the dance for all of us sick at home today?

Rainy Days and Pho

 It was rainy and nasty out this morning as I headed to work.  No bother, I kind of felt like wearing a jacket anyway.  Stuck with the basics to keep from having to think about it too much as my brain has been bleeding from all the drama of late.  You ever have that feeling that you made a bad decision so long ago and there just seems to be no way it will be resolved quickly?  Sometimes that's just the way it is. There's no rhyme or reason to it, it just is.

Shoes-Nine West c/o Ross, Jeans-Gap, Shirt-bought in Italy, Blazer-ON, necklace-DIY, Earrings-Target and Ring-Vegas

 Funny how when you throw on a blazer suddenly everyone takes you seriously? What's that all about?

  Neutrals for meetings always works. 

Wearing my new favorite shoes again. 

Straight clean lines is what I wanted today.  I would say I succeeded. Wouldn't you? On my way to get Pho with friends.  So need it after not posting yesterday.  This flu is kicking my butt. Early dinner and then early to bed for a date with my Kindle.

A Day at the Courthouse

 Let me just say this, anytime you think you're going to spend any length of time at a government office of some kind, be prepared with reading material and comfortable clothes. Realizing that I need to just give in and give him what he wants, I filed for divorce today.  That's never easy and if I look like a schlep, well, that's because I feel like one.  I had no idea it would take that long to fill out, proof read and file documents.  So I was there nearly the whole day.  Not a fun experience but one thing I kept thinking is thank goodness I dressed comfortably.  

 The weather maintained an even temp today which was great for what I had on.  I'm glad I walked outside this morning to gauge the weather.  

 Skinnies-ON, Cardigan and shoes-Gap, Mens Hanes tank-WalMart, Necklace-DIY

 I'm telling you, DMV, courthouse, SS office, whatever, get comfy.

New Shoes and Split Ends

Can I just say right now how much I love these shoes? Love, love, love em! They bring me such joy and one fella even told me how great my legs look today.  It's the shoes I tell ya! I captured these puppies on a trip with my girl M to Ross one afternoon.  I was so giddy with joy at the selection of shoes to choose from. I had to make only one selection because the old pocketbook was screaming.  These shoes just called out to me to take them home and wear them on my pretty feet. 

I played dress up in an oversize shirt today.  Mostly because I'm tired of my chest popping the top buttons on my blouse all the time.  I bought this top from Marshall's oh so long ago and have never worn it.  I thought it would look great in a slouchy sort of way, so on it went with my staple black skirt and tank.  I really, really wanted to wear the shoes today so I figured they would go whether they really did or not.   I thought this outfit appropriate for a briefing to the Battalion Commander.  I love my job! And it feels great to be back in the saddle again. 

Skirt, Tank-ON, Shoes-Nine West c/o Ross, Blouse-Marshall's, Earrings-Gifted from my girl Tiff.  

Happy Shoes were calling out to me, "Take me, take me home, please." What else could I do?  

I want to say I'm grateful for Nexxus Salon Hair Care Pro-Mend Split End Binding.  After just one use my hair is sleek and manageable.  I love it.  See how pretty? The hair cut helps too.

Other Patterns and Friday Wrap Up

Another great day to end another great week.  Maybe not so much for outfits but overall on the career front, it turns out there's a reason to celebrate.  I can't divulge the news just yet, but suffice it to say, things are looking up. I look forward to what the future holds.

 On another note, glad to hear my family on the East coast is getting by okay.  My thoughts and prayers are with those who still struggle with the aftermath of Sandy and thank heavens so many are getting through. 

Monday

Tuesday
Not an outfit I know, but I'm happy with how my lanterns turned out.

Wednesday

Thursday

My uniform for today is made of this pattern c/o United States Army Reserve:-)


Here's to hoping everyone has a great weekend!

Feeling Pretty

Do you ever have one of those days when someone makes you feel um mm....not so pretty?  There's a reason why people do that and without delving too deep into their psyche, suffice it to say, it makes them feel better.  No bother, drive on. There are plenty of people in the world who think you are totally awesome.  I learned that today and the revelation came from a very unlikely source. So many surprises lately. 

  We can't control what others are going to think of us. Even the prettiest of people, those the media tells us are beautiful, are not the prettiest to everyone.  Someone once said to me, "show me the most beautiful, most desirable woman in the world and I'll show you a man who doesn't care for her." You simply can't do anything about those in the world who are going to dislike you no matter how pretty, personable or charismatic you are.  So if you go through life believing in yourself and working to be happy with you, the rest will follow.    

 Happiness is being barefoot with braids.  I'm certain of it.   

 Is anyone else stuck with loads of Halloween candy?  

Skinnies, shoes and shirt-ON, Boyfriend sweater-Target, Earrings-Europe, K Necklace-DIY

Bubble Locket-Whimsical Willows Boutique