What makes me happy

Red Dress: Ann Taylor LOFT.  Sparkle Shoes: Nine West.

 

   

This is another date night pic from our lovely stay-cation and the man actually allowed me to post a picture of him too!!  Isn’t he dashing?  (gush)  :)

This red dress was a labor of love.  I spied on it and tried it on 4 times before purchasing.  Initially it was about $170, then it was on sale for $90 range, then $50 when I actually purchased it (if I remember correctly it was only $50 b/c I got a coupon via advertising).  While I love holding out and getting items on sale, often that luck doesn’t happen. 

If you know you have to have something – then I say spend the $$ – but if you can afford to give or take, then hold out and you may find a fabulous deal!  Another tip to finding deals is to know the store.  Is it a store that often has sales or coupons?  Is it a store that only holds a few sizes of each item in stock and easily gets picked over?  etc… this will ensure you shop (and save!) wisely.

Nine West shoes found on discount @ TJ Maxx.

If you couldn’t tell, sales (& my man!) make me happy  :)

My Favorites

As we near the end of the year, I always like to look back through my “fashion diary” and find my favorite outfits for the year.  I was thinking I may even print them out and post the pics in my closet for inspiration (ps. updated closet post coming next!!). 

It was only after I downloaded the pics in this post that I realized all my fave looks were all skirts / dresses / or tunics.  I guess I shouldn’t be surprised… I’m just not a pants type of gal!

   

I think these 3 were from the year before, but still some of my faves!

 

My Favorite!

This is my new favorite outfit of the moment, so please excuse the many pics I am about to show… (drumroll, please)

 

Top: NY & Co.  Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft.  Jewelry: Anne Taylor Loft.  Heech Wedges: Nine West.

Ruffle Love

 

Pink polka dot cardigan: Target.  Ruffle top: Macy’s.  Jeans: NY & Co.  Shoes: Newport News. 

 

I love that ruffles are still “in” this season, but really – I’d wear them whether they were or not. 

 

The good on ruffles:

1. If your smaller on top, ruffles can balance out your frame and bring symmetry to your figure.

2. Ruffles are an easy way to bring visual interest to an otherwise basic outfit.

3. Ruffles can fit almost any personality – they can be big and bold, or delicate and dainty.  Choose the ruffle style that works best for you!

4. Ruffled items are everywhere now, so they’re easy to find if you want to purchase.  If you’re trying ruffles for the first time, try Forever 21, H&M, Alloy.com, or Delias for affordable ruffle experiments.

The bad on ruffles:

1. Be wary of where you wear them on your body, because ruffles add bulk.  If you are looking to slim your hips, or camouflage broad shoulders – those are not the places to add ruffles.

2. Just like any bold pattern or color, ruffles can overwhelm. Remember when you look in the mirror – your should first see YOU, not your clothes.  If all you see is ruffles, you probably need to scale down.

3. They are a trend, so they won’t be around forever.  I suggest spending less on trendy items and more on staple items, so look for affordable ruffle options vs. spending high dollar for something that may not be in style next season. 

Follow the dress

 

It was so lovely out today!  I actually started out on the wrong side of the bed this morning… I had been out at the Red’s game the previous night (they won!) which was a ton of fun, but I didn’t sleep well and had a lot on my mind.  And my nerves from “stuff” going on lately was actually making me feed ill   :(

Even when I’m not in my normal happy mood, I still try and dress cheerfully and I find it helps.  What could be more cheerful than this red printed dress?  It always feels fun and fancy with the bright pattern and silk tie.

Thankfully, the day took cue from my dress and turned around quite nicely.  I took a long lunch and sat outside at a nice little downtown park, I left work at 4:55pm (mark the record books people!) to get home a bit earlier than normal, and got to run and workout while the sun was still out.  Finally, I treated myself to a fabulous Dewey’s inferno buffalo chicken pizza and am about to watch some mindless tv (new moon anyone?).

Shhh! Don’t tell…

  

Shoes: steve madden luxe.  Pants: express.  Blazer: forever XXI.  Lace Top: newport news.

Don’t tell, but I’m wearing sexy shoes underneath my professional business ensemble again!  Ahh, I love my heels.  Seriously – can anyone say addiction?

This outfit overall may be a bit dark in color, but it’s got a lot of added spice with the lace, heels, and statement bag!

I also played around a bit this morning to see if I could make my party girl top work for the office.  Even though I didn’t end up wearing the outfit – I think I made it work, so I want to share the pic.  Who says you can’t go from party to professional?

My Favorite Things

 

 

Lavender / blue top: Forever XXI.   Jeans: JC Penny’s.  Earrings: Apricot Lane.  Ring: Forever XXI.  Shoes H&M.

Thank goodness I’m posting a picture from earlier this week when I was in a much happier normal mood…  I had a really really rough day today and am actually still a bit down in the dumps…

So - I’m going to do the “Sound of Music” remedy and will think of my favorite things to cheer me up.  Let’s see…

• dark molten lava chocolate cake
• a hot bubble bath
• puppies to wrestle and cuddle with
• soft breeze, warm sun and a welcoming white sandy beach
• smells of Christmas – pine, cinnamon, apple pie
• old sounds of Sinatra
• classic soothing sounds of Debussy, Mozart, Chopin, & Bach
• driving with no destination other than adventure
• colorful fragrant tulips, lilacs, and lavender
• food! from sinful fried chicken to decadent filet mignon
• dancing without care to Lady Gaga & Rihanna
• friends that have stuck through the good and bad times
• family – the true vow to love for better or for worse 
• looking in someone’s eyes and feeling that “spark”
• butterflies (in the stomach & in the air!)

I actually feel a little better…   :) 

What do you do to ease the stress of the day and make yourself feel better when down in the dumps?