Spring Fashion Week: VII

To celebrate the last day of Spring Fashion Week, I wanted to share a few things I’ve learned about my style, style in general & blogging over the last week.

1. I like to wear cardigans. The first four outfits that I posted this week included cardigans. (Oh and on day 2 I forgot to credit the Gap with my super soft, green striped cashmere cardigan.)
2. Unexpected color can be easily added with shoes. I’ve got some crazy bright shoes and I’m not afraid to use them.
3. Thrifting is a GOLDmine that I have yet to tap. I would love to hone my skills.
4. There are a lot of ladies with really amazing style out there, and I’m prepared to steal each and every one of your looks!
5. Blogging is MUCH more fun when it’s done in community. I’ve been a semi-silent blog reader forever. After this week, my silence has been broken!  I'm stoked to continue to read and chat with the other bloggers I "met."
6. Hearing (or reading) that you look great, or that your outfit is cute never, ever, ever gets old.

Now, without further ado, here’s my seventh and final look.
I’m calling this one my, “Please, Mr. Paparazzi, no more pictures" look.

* The shirt & supersized sunglasses were bought at Target. Seriously, half of my wardrobe comes from that place.
* The white jeans (which I do also wear during the winter) are Calvin Klein and I got them at one of Macy’s weekly “biggest sales of the year.”
* The coral wedges and matching earrings are from Payless.
* One of my bracelets is another piece my mother-in-law bequeathed to me from her awesome jewelry collection. As far as the trio of brown bead bracelets goes, I’m clueless as to their origin.

I guess a week in front of the camera brings out my sassy side.

It's probably a good thing this week is over, who knows what tomorrow's pictures might have looked like.

Ummm, I pulled the jeans up a bit to get a shot of the shoes. I swear they aren't that length in person...

 
That’s it, folks.  The very last day of Spring Fashion Week 2010. But don't fret, all the ladies’ fantabulous looks are still posted on Emery Jo’s blog, moms are for everyone. Isn't she so amazing for hosting all this fun?  (Thanks, Emery)  And as long as I'm handing out thanks... Thanks, readers, for humoring me checking out my pics all week. And more importantly, thank you for the kind compliments and for posting such great inspirational looks!  Next week it’s back to regularly scheduled programming. Thankfully, I’m taking away a couple of new blogs to read and a bunch of new fashion ideas. I'm hoping maybe you are too!

Spring Fahion Week: VI

I thought the first time I would wear this dress would be to my cousin’s baby shower.  It's happening, as I type, in the Lou. But, as we all know life happens and plans change. Now, instead of spending this weekend in St. Louis, we’re having Easter in Chattanooga. Which means this dress has been repurposed. Instead of wearing it to celebrate the coming birth of those two little twin boys with my extended family, I get to wear it on a sushi date with my handsome hubby. Date with the hubby + sushi = Pretty fun way to spend the evening. I’m definitely missing the extended family, and all the craziness that comes with them, but I am quite content with my consolation prize.

That’s why this outfit is called my “repurposed” look.

*My dress is from the Liberty of London line for Target. You can find it HERE.
*I’ve had these fishnet stockings for more than 20 years. They were purchased as part of a dance recital costume when I was in middle school. They’ve been through the war with me and I love, love, love them.
*My ballet flats are also from Target. I do love a pop of color.
*Headband I found at Kohl’s on sale… but, I’ve seen them in stores EVERYWHERE. It’s not the most unique accessory, but I think it’s adorable.

Please try to ignore the funky, old-lady-with-droopy-nylons-like bunching happening at my ankle. It's difficult, I know.

After a week of posing here's how I feel about having my picture taken. Attractive, right?

Welp, I guess tomorrow is the very last day of Spring Fashion Week. It’s not too late to check out all the ladies’ looks over at Emery Jo’s blog, moms are for everyone.

Happy Easter, everyone.

Spring Fashion Week: V

Heaps of thanks to you for all the sweet, inspiring love that you’ve been showing this week. I was super reluctant to participate, and now I’m just so very, very glad that I have played along. It’s been such a blast.

Today’s outfit is fully inspired by a couple of lovely ladies who are also taking part in Spring Fashion Week. Emery Jo’s fashion tip “Find people whose style you like, and try to re-create it with what you've got!” got me thinking about Rachael’s Wednesday outfit (which turns out was inspired by Katy’s Tuesday outfit). So, here’s what I found in my closet this morning (though, it is technically afternoon by now).

We’ll call this the “running around and getting stuff done look.”

-Plaid shirt is Mossimo Supply Co (aka ~ Target).
-Grey tank & khaki skirt are wardrobe staples that have been my friends for awhile. Originally they lived in an Old Navy store.
-My grommet belt came with a pair of pants that I, we'll just say "outgrew", but thankfully the belt still works.
-Yellow loafers are made by Me TOO. I found them at Marshall’s and they are ridiculously comfortable and blissfully close to feeling like slippers. Incidentally, I rescued these very shoes from the jaws of this beast this morning. He only chews shoes occasionally*.
-Necklace was a gift picked with love from Leo Handmade Gallery a fantastic local shop.

Back for some pics in the giant living room mirror.

The very best part about this outfit is its comfort factor. I’ve been playing dress up and enjoying the sunshine all week, so today it’s time to get down to business. I have some very glamorous tasks to complete including tackling the pile of laundry that has taken over my closet.

In the interest of full disclosure, this was not the FIRST outfit I put on today. However, I will spare you from seeing my workout clothes. I shook my thang with Miss Olivia (who inspired today's 'do) this morning in a cardio dance class. It wasn’t pretty (of course I'm speaking only of myself, not of Olivia) but it sure was fun.

AANNNNND as long as you’re in a reading mood, you should take a few more minutes and visit Spring Fashion week central. (Spring Fashion Week) There are some really stylish ladies showing off their duds.  You REALLY should visit now before this wonderful week ends!

*occasionally = anytime he can get his teeth on them

Spring Fashion Week: IV

It’s another beautiful day here. I’m telling you, the Spring in Chattanooga is just like a big fat carrot dangling in front of my face. Actually, it’s a talking carrot saying, “You know that you love me. Stop telling yourself I’m not where you want to live. Fall under my spell…” Typically, I just chomp on the carrot to shut it up and go right back to missing St. Louis. Hmmmmmmmmm

On a different subject, Spring Fashion Week is coming to a close. *Tear* I’m having such fun that I might incorporate this whole posting outfits pictures as an occasional feature. I’ll have to keep bribing Lexi with mango smoothies (and perhaps chocolate chip cookies?) to do that, though. Maybe if you guys leave abundant, and well deserved, praise for her work in the comment section that will help too!  Since, I'm full of suggestions today, apparently... You should also check out Spring Fashion Week central.  Emery Jo's blog is where it's at, fo'sho.

Today, I have a “demure” look for you.

This is what I love about fashion. One day you can be edgy and the next day you’re demure. Fun, Fun, Fun

*The lilac embellished cardi is an Old Navy find and I’ve got a basic white cami underneath.
*The striped skirt is made by J Crew.
*I got the lavender socks from target. I’m so excited to be trying out the whole socks and heels thing I told you about!
*These brown shoes have been in my closet (actually, several different closets) for YEARS. I haven’t a clue from whence they came.
*The belt, I made myself when I was in High School.  It was all the rage then, but I still love it now.
*The pearls are a beautiful family heirloom that my mother in law (who has a jewelry collection to DIE for) passed to me! They’re Mikimoto and I always feel like a lady when I wear them.

I read that to look "great" in posed pics you need to wear a berry lip color and stick out your boo-tay.

Here's me doing both.

Never, not even one time in my life have I liked a picture of me that shows my birthmark.

This photo changes my WHOLE perspective.

By the Way, It’s Thankful Thursday around here too. But the list of things I’m thankful for is so long right now, I can’t really nail it down to one. And for those of you visiting for the first time, let me make it VERY clear lest you think life is always sunshine and roses around our house. IT. IS. NOT. But, I received some wise advice this week. A friend said, “This season will end.” She wasn’t being snarky or pessimistic or a downer or anything.  She was just being real. She reminded me to enjoy every moment and be thankful.

So, I am. Believe me.

Spring Fashion Week: III

Just when I thought Spring Fashion Week couldn’t get more fun, my girl Lexi stepped onto the scene. Not only is she a dear, dear friend, she is also a really creative and talented photographer (and don’t you let her tell you any differently… because she will. I’m serious, she’s talented, intelligent, funny, beautiful and humble – if I didn’t love her, I’d hate her.) I’ve chosen these particular pictures (there are a bunch more that were great, too!) because they’ll help me tell the story of our VERY FUN afternoon. Sunshine, mango smoothies and lots of laughter were on the menu. It really doesn’t get much better than that!

I call this one my “edgy look.” (Yes, this is truly about as edgy as I get…)

*Mustard yellow boyfriend sweater is from my favoritist of favorites Urban Outfitters last (?) year. The label says BDG.
*Black embellished tank is from Old Navy.
*Mini Jean skirt is from Express. Judging by the length I’m guessing I bought it in the ‘90s some time.
*Super cool black and white knee socks can be found here.
*Black boots AGAIN. I promise I won’t wear them EVERY day this week. But they are just my ABSOLUTE favorites!  But, I swear, I have other shoes.
*The key charm and chain were birthday gifts from hubby. I love it. He found it on Etsy, but he can’t remember where.
*The hibiscus necklace was a memento from a Hawaii trip several years ago.
*And those silver hoop earrings are probably the only thing that I own that I wear MORE than my black boots. You can NEVER go wrong with a nice silver hoop, you know?

Lexi said, "Give me some angst." I answered with a look that communicated, "Something smells bad."

Here, I'm channeling Ricky Bobby. "I'm not sure what to do with my hands."

Here I am dreaming of my future as a blog fashion model.  Lexi, you've altered my destiny.

See everybody tomorrow!!

Spring Fashion Week: II

So, uhhh, my pictures weren't working for a HUGE part of yesterday.  But if you just scroll on down, you can now SEE my outfit.  Thank you, flickr.  Nothing like a little technical difficulty to start out the week.

Moving On.

I have got to admit that I am loving this Fashion Week thing. I've even assembled a mini team to help! I had my favorite Lisa consult on accessories and give final approval on my choices for the rest of the week. Wait, is that against the rules? I hope not, because tomorrow I have the one and only Lexi helping me take some pictures (see blurriness that is today’s pic to understand why). Yah for friends pitching in and supporting the fun!! Plus, yesterday I got to visit a whole gaggle of new blogs that I would never have found without Emery Jo's help! Woo Hoo!

Isn’t it fun being a girl? I mean, not ALL the time. But, a whole lot of the time, right?

Now for the Look:

*These MOST adorable shoes are from PAYLESS. Can you believe it? I saw them and fell in love at first site.
*The jeans are Gap denim from a couple of years ago. Incredibly comfortable.  I always wish I was a designer denim kind of girl... but I just love me some Gap jeans.
*This super cute shirt is ON SALE at Target this week. If you like it, go to the store now and bring it home to your closet.
*Not a clue where I got these earrings. They've been in the jewelry box since I was single (which seems like a whole other life by now...).
* Headband is probably from the Gap. It looks like a Gap print. Again, it's been around awhile.
*Charm bracelet was a gift from my godmother several years ago. It commemorates the sacraments I received when I was a child... and Catholic. Shout out to my Catholic homies! I figured it was an appropriate accessory during Holy Week.

my stylist, who it seems cannot be bothered with all this picture taking when it doesn't involve HIM

So, fun story about the top. I bought it last week when I went into Target for something else. Admit it, it happens to you too. Then, as I was browsing through the paper on Sunday, I saw my adorable new shirt ON SALE. The hubby encouraged me to see if they price match, but I was reluctant and pessimistic. I have just not had the best experiences with Target's return policy. But, there's a happy, happy ending to the story. When I brought the shirt back ~ tag already removed ~ the girl behind the counter SMILED at me as she refunded the price difference! I’ve never been so happy to be wrong. I was so elated that I turned right around and spent the money in the accessories department. Let's be honest, how tough is it to spend money in Target? Not. Too. Difficult.

Spring Fashion Week: I

Okay, here goes....
As promised, this week is Spring Fashion Week around A Foreign Land.

Yesterday, the handsome hubby and I caught a few moments between rain clouds to snap a shot of outfit number 1 at Renaissance Park.  Thought I'd share not only my outfit but a taste of our newest discovery in Chattanooga.  Drum roll please, THE PARK IS DOG FRIENDLY!!!  WOO HOO.

Now back to the fashion. Here’s what I put together:

*The grey and white striped tunic and black leggings are H&M steals.  (Apparently my position has changed?!?)
*My cardi and white cami are from Old Navy.
*The hat I bought with my sister in law in "the" mall somewhere… but I can’t remember where. Vicki? Do you remember?
*The boots are my current FAVORITES and I’m trying to figure out how to transition them to my Spring wardrobe. I can wear black boots in the Spring, right?!?!  Good, because I wear them constantly. I got them on Amazon around Christmas and the tags say Rocket Dog.
*The necklaces, which I love, are completely lost in this shot. Unfortunately, I don’t have a fancy dancy camera to get the detail (though I tried below) and do them justice. But, the salt water pearls were a gift from my Pops several years ago when he went to the Bahamas.  They are a great “go to” piece. I’m also wearing a super fun necklace which was a Christmas gift from my way-more-stylish-than-me cousin, Amie. She tells me that you can browse other cute pieces (I guess mine's one of kind) in Clare Etheridge's portfolio here.

Funny thing, yesterday when we started taking pictures I got all shy in front of the camera! HUH?!?!? Hopefully, the awkwardness will wear off and I’ll loosen up a bit! Otherwise, there’s just no future for me in blog fashion modeling.

For more fun, FASHION moments check out the EPICENTER of Spring Fashion Week here.