Misfit #7:Shawty

Number 7 in my misfit collection is this dress.

Now, don't get me wrong...I love the dress, but it is really, really short! In fact, you may notice that my cardigan actually hangs lower than the dress itself.

It really is a shame, because it's such a sweet little dress and it really is very "me," but flashing my thong as I walk to school to pick up my youngest isn't so "me". (Stop picturing my underwear thank you! haha)

Styling the dress in the summer is difficult, because it's too warm to pair with tights (although I did pair with a skirt seen here), but fall has brought more options for wearing this dress, whether with tights, leggings or even jeans. So, thankfully I can enjoy some wear out of it without the fear of flashing everyone!

Dress(remix), Belt (Came with another cardigan) and Cuff:Ruche/Tights and Necklace:Target/Booties:Kohl's/Purse:Coach/Cardigan:NY&Co.

I don't think I'll be tossing this misfit, I'll just be wearing it more like a tunic and keeping all the "bits" under wraps!

And how about we are almost done with the 10 and 2 challenge! Wow...only 3 more pieces to go and then there will be some restyling of the ones I've decided to keep! 

With regard to the 100 day Stretch, thank you so much for all your supportive comments, it really means a lot to me to know you're all behind me...especially since everyone close to me is pretty insistent that I won't be able to do it! Glad I can count on all of you!

Taxicab Confessions

My 4th misfit, this black and white dress, was a little dull on it's own, but I didn't want to pair it with a black cardigan or blazer, so I went with my mustard cardi. The result of which has left me looking a little too much like a checkered cab!

So, why is this thrifted find my next installment in the 10 and 2? It is extremely tight...which is OK, but it is also extremely low cut. Without my olive scarf tucked into the neckline, my little tater tots would be popping out all over the place! Frequent readers may recall my aversion to flaunting the funbags, and this dress flaunts them and then some!

So, for a woman who enjoys some good ol' fashioned mammary flashing moments, this dress is well suited, but for this pancake breasted woman, it doesn't work. I'd love to tuck a white button down beneath the dress, but sadly, it's tight enough that trying to tuck a shirt into it this morning was a definite no go and I couldn't leave the house with exposed tots, so I grabbed my favorite scarf and convinced myself that it totally worked!

This dress also has some rather interesting(?) details. Such as the flower on the front and these ruffles in the rear, because if you're not impressed enough with breasts that go taytay in a win(swaying in the wind, thanks "Nell"), then how about a flower? And, if that doesn't do it for you, just watch my heini ruffles as I walk away...oh yeah!

Dress:Thrifted/Cardigan and Scarf:Target/Patterned Tights:Anne Klein/Jewelry:Lia Sophia/Shoes:Kohl's

I'm not sure...The jury is still out on this one. I may be able to do some styling tweaking and hang on to it, but do I feel that strongly about it? eh...no.

What do you think?

This Dress

This dress is the one by which all my other dresses should be compared. I want to introduce it to all my other dresses and tell them this is what they should aspire to be...but I won't, because I'd still like to wear my other dresses some time and I don't want my closet to revolt!

Dress with Belt:MNG By Mango Via J.C. Penney/Shoes:Kohl's/Earrings:1928 (gift)

Acceptance

We all have "things" about ourselves we would prefer were different or don't like. For example, after three children and an amazingly expandable stomach (who knew they could get that big!), my abs are no more and shall never return. In their place I have this soft mass, covered in what looks like a road map...also known as stretch marks! For this reason, you will never see me in a bikini, I mean NEVER! Perhaps I could get laser surgery to fix the road map, and I understand they can even give ab implants (no way!), however, rather than worrying about what I would prefer were different, I accept it as it is and move on.

I don't look at other women's stomach's with envy either. Jealousy makes no sense...that only makes ME feel bad, and why would I want that? 

I also have that incredible gummy smile you see there. Huge teeth and massive gums right?! I used to only half smile when I was much younger as I felt embarrassed by my smile.Now I smile almost constantly...really, people have called me "smiley," and do you know I get tons of compliments on my smile? Do you know why? Not because my gums are sexy, but because my smile is genuine, when it's offered it is from a place of sincerity and that's what people see! I learned a while ago to accept me as I am...even when there were things I needed to change. For example before I lost a little weight, I accepted myself at the weight I was and was happier that way, but my low cholesterol diet resulted in some weight loss and I'm OK with that too.

Whatever you do. start it by accepting your own appearance. Love the skin you are in, love your body in all it's flawed perfection, it's your temple, carrying you through this world...no one elses body can do that for you and wishing it were different hurts one person...you! See that flawed smile of mine up there, as flawed as it is, my lips are my favorite feature, you will rarely see me without lipstick because I like to accentuate the positive! So accept you as YOU are RIGHT NOW! and feel free to play with parts of you that you love, rock that cinched belt to highlight your hourglass figure, wear those rockin heels to show off your hot legs, but most of all wear the confidence of knowing you are so beautiful! You are fabulous! You are so uniquely and amazingly and perfectly YOU! I love that about you!

Dress, Scarf and Belt/H&M/Cardigan:Kohl's/Shoes:Kohl's/Necklace:Lia Sophia/Ring:Ruche

P.S. you'll note that I'm wearing H&M, and I had mentioned them in my post the other day. Well, I've continued my research and found this: Worthy of praise H&M demonstrates a sophisticated understanding and commitment to improving their ethical credentials for all their clothes. They're up-front about what they've done and how much more there is to do and have more than the odd tokenistic project or case study to prove they're serious. They have a great Corporate Social Responsibility section on their website - something markedly lacking amongst less pro-active stores. So, for now, I'm thinking H&M is working really hard and I'm grateful!

Rainy Day

Last February, James, Scott, Kristy and I went to a formal Valentines Dinner at the University.

See, there we all are. It was lovely night, cocktail attire required. For which I bought this terrific black lace wrap dress!

Please excuse the quality of the pics, they were taken with my phone. But, the dress was beautiful, perhaps a little revealing, but on this occasion, I didn't mind letting the tots out to play a little! HAHAHAHA!

(neither did James).

Anyway, I love the dress, but cocktail attire isn't frequently required in my day to day to life, so on this rainy Labor day, I decided to try a little mixing to see if I could make it work more for day to day....

Sorry about these pics too...we had to shoot indoors due to the rain and we're still getting the hang of it!

Dress:Ark and Co. Via Ruche/Dollman Sweater:Ruche/Shoes:Kohl's/Belt:Ruche/Silver Necklace:Lia Sophia/Earrings:Vintage/Beaded Bracelet and Necklace:Made by Ashton for me!

Boomer was very excited by indoor pictures on this rainy day, so he just had to get in on the action!

Also, I must mention, you may notice the beaded necklace and bracelet? Ashton made them for me last night, and was so excited when I told her I'd wear them on the blog!

Anyway, what do you think? Did I take this cocktail dress from formal to everyday?

Not To Be a Debbie Downer...

I know, we fashionista's love our clothes, we love shopping and shiny things and bargains! Have you ever wondered where those clothes and bargains come from though? Me, being me, I'm always checking with my conscience...I frequently object to things other people are okay with. I once boycotted China for years...honestly, do you know how hard it is to boycott China? Seriously, like everything is made there nowadays! I have refused to buy anything Nike for as long as I can remember because they have been known to contract with "sweatshops" abroad. I can deal with knockoffs, I mean for me, it's not really an ethical violation to copy something great and make it available for the masses (i.e. Forever 21), but I'm not OK with human rights violations!

I can gladly say this dress is free from any human rights violations, as it is thrifted and vintage, I can't say the same for the other contents of my closet. I am sad to report that I have quite a few pieces from The Gap (and Banana Republic and Old Navy). I don't plan to toss them, but I won't be gifting them with my business in the future. The Gap and it's other stores, have been charged with having contracts with sweatshops, some of which force children as young as 8 to work and have forced women to have abortions so they can continue to work. While the Gap isn't directly doing this, they are employing those who are, so with good conscience, I can't shop there. But in this day of Fast-Fashion, where can I shop? Apparently very few places...similar charges have been made against Zara, H&M, Forever 21 and Target! Doing some research, it's been hard to tell if the charges are accurate, or if the companies have cleaned up their acts, but it is certainly worth some more investigation!

Dress:Thrifted/Necklace:Kohl's/Bracelet:Lia Sophia/Shoes:Journeys

So, sadly, as much as I love clothes and expressing myself and encouraging everyone to embrace their "fab," I also have to ensure that I am not promoting or purchasing items that have in any way hurt my fellow human beings. I'll be a lot more cautious in the future, especially when I see a bargain, the true price of which is usually human life and dignity. Not to be a Debbie downer, but how about you? Ya wanna boycott China with me?

Professor Mix n' Match

Earlier this year when I started teaching at the University, my friends teased that I needed a sweater with elbow patches. hahahaha, said I through my teeth, but when I stumbled across this sweater at H&M over the summer, I fell in love! So, my friends will be tickled that the next semester of teaching will include elbow patches!

Cardigan:H&M/Dress, worn as skirt(Remix):Ruche/Shoes:Kohl's/Necklace:Lia Sophia/Bangle:B.Moss

Poor Bessie!

I don't know if I've told you this, but I practically live in my car. Between my two primary jobs I cover a 10 (or more) county area. On any given day I may be commuting at least two hours away from home. This morning was such a day. I was headed to Clarion County, about a two hour drive, to give two classes. I was excited because it was a new training I had written and today would be the first time I tested it out. So, I left my house, all prettied up and ready for my exciting day, and several miles from home I noted a clanking sound coming from my car. "hmmmm?" thinks I, "does it always do that?" and continued to drive. 

Me, pouting about what you are about to read...

 

By the time I got to the toll road, the noise got louder.----Now, let's pause here for a moment before I describe what I did next, because I really am a bright woman. I mean, I'm no rocket scientist, but I have a brain that functions quite well 99% of the time. OK, to resume story----Apparently, my reaction to the louder clanking noise was to enter some strange grieving process, the first step of which is denial. I turned up the radio! As if drowning out the noise would make it go away? ( really Cheryl? Really?!) Then Bessie (my car) made it clear I could ignore her exhaustion no longer...BOOM, BAM, a thud...then smoke! I managed to pull Bessie over to the side of the road, where I sat astonished for a moment.

Poor, poor Bessie...OK, this isn't her in the picture, because Bessie is at the car doctor...but you get the point!

Long story short...I managed to make it to Clarion after making some calls, even though I made it late, and Bessie will hopefully be fixed. I was shaken, on the verge of tears, and prepared to have a nervous breakdown, but, everyone I really needed in that moment, from James, to my mom, to my sister, my co-worker and my boss, acted swiftly and primarily with concern for me. While I don't recommend starting your day this way...I have to say that when Bessie gets sick, or there is some other horrible thing happening in my life, people amaze me with their love and support. So the next time it's a tough day, don't be afraid to reach out for help, because it's amazing how many people are willing, and you discover the strength of your support system! I am one lucky woman....with one tired car.

Skirt:B.Moss/Cardigan:NY&Co./Dress (Worn as Blouse)(remix) and Cuff:Ruche/Necklace:Lia Sophia/Earrings:Target/Belt:Thrifted/Shoes:TJ Maxx

WARNING!

*****WARNING*****

Picture heavy post to follow!

tee hee...I'm not sure how many are too many pics, but today we walked downtown and Savannah found this terrific wall to snap pics in front of and got some great pictures...so I'm showing off my daughter's handy work!

 Dress:Ruche/Shoes:DSW/Scarf:Target/Earrings:Lia Sophia/Watch:Eddie Bauer/Belt:Thrifted

 It was a just a teeny bit windy!

 On Ashton Skirt and Shoes:Target/Tee: Hybrid Tee's

On Savannah Shirt:Thrifted/Jeans:J.C. Penny's/Shoes:Finish Line

Dress sans scarf.

Have a great week Lovelies!

A Shark

 

I once heard that blogs are like sharks...if they don't keep moving, they die. I neglected my poor blog for two days in a row! I know...the horror! I hope she's OK? On Sunday, I pretty much stayed in my pajamas all day as I rearranged and cleaned my house, did paperwork and had some Bowenwork done. Still tired from not resting at all over the weekend, yesterday I just decided to skip blogging in favor of a little more cleaning followed my mindless TV on the couch. But...duhna, duhna, duhna...I'm back! (Does that look the right sound for the jaws music?hmmmmm?)

 

Dress and Shoes:Thrifted/Necklace:Lane Bryant

 

P.S. I love this dress...it's thrifted so I bought it for like $2.50, it's easy shape means I can do any number of things with it, but I decided to just add some pearls and go! Easy fab!

Undercover Tots

I absolutely love this dress. It is a very lightweight knit that is comfortable in the summer and I really can just throw it on and look good!

There is one issue though...see that scarf? it's very strategically placed to hide my tots. "The girls" as some may call them are rather exposed in this dress as it's so low cut. Typically, I wear a tank underneath, but today I decided to go with a scarf.

My tots have been through a lot, they've never been in abundance, they nursed three children and as I'm now tipping the scales toward late 30's, gravity is doing it's work as well! -brief pause here to give it up to Victoria's Secret. The Wonder Bra really is a wonder...keeps my tots where they should be instead of tucked into my belt where they would be without it!-

So, I have many reasons for keeping "the girls" undercover, but more than gravity, nursing or itty bitty size, my concern is for modesty. I have never felt comfortable exposing too much skin. I want people to see me not the jubblies! (have you ever noticed that when there is exposed cleavage in a room everyone is compelled to stare at it...you just can't help it!) While it's probably not fair, we are judged first and foremost by appearance, I want my appearance to say something other than "I may or may not be lactating," and I want people to see me. I know some women are happy to flaunt their "funbags" and I'm not judging, if you're OK with it, go for it! But as for me, I'll keep my tots under wraps...I don't think I have to bare all to be sexy, in fact, I'm hopeful that it's sexier to leave something to the imagination (but please stop imagining my tots now-thanks!)

Dress:Calvin Klein/Scarf:Gap/Belt:thrifted/Earrings:Target/Shoes:American Eagle for Payless/Toggle Bracelet:Tiffany/Ring:Trendz The Salon Spa/

"Don't Stop Me Now..."

"...Im havin such a good time, Im havin a ball!" Yes, I am quoting Queen again! Life is just so sweet! I awoke early this morning, to this rainy, peaceful, quiet Saturday. No one else was up in the house and I sipped my coffee while listening to the rain hit the windows and the birds quietly chirping. It was such a peaceful morning! Then, at an extremely early hour for a Saturday, the mailman delivered two, yes two packages! One was my necklace from The Shine Project, the other a new dress from Rouche! It was wonderful! I knew immediately that today would be a great day!

See, here's my necklace! The other piece says FAB! Isn't that great. Tucked inside the package was Ashley's card and on the back it reads "Go ahead, let the world see you SHINE"! Truly, can you think of anything better? So, if you haven't, go visit the blog, and you can also stop by The Daybook, where there is a Shine Project Giveaway!

...And here's my dress! Isn't it fabulous?!!!! I have multiple ideas in mind for styling it through the winter! I can't wait to try it numerous ways!

Dress:"Thulian Pleated Dress" Ruche/Flower Pin (borrowed from another top):Ruche/Cardigan, Belt and Shoes:Target/Necklace:The Shine Project

So...really, I could not have been in a better mood today! That was just my morning! After I got ready, I took Savannah to get her hair done. She has been begging for years, and I've always said no, thinking she's too young, it's too costly, she'll ruin her hair etc...Savannah was starting to soften me to the idea when I saw this post from Keiko Lynn and I caved!

So,Savannah and I rode to the salon, singing to all my Queen favorites as she giddily anticipated finally expressing herself the way she wants to! Take a look at this!

My pictures don't do her justice! It looks amazing, and she even has a feather in it! I have to admit I'm jealous! I would love to at least have a feather put in my hair, but I think I'd quickly be unemployed and since I have to pay for Savannah's hair, that's probably not a good idea! Savannah was smiling from ear to ear in the chair, and everyone was watching in amazement as her hair was transformed! What a great afternoon! Thanks to Stefanie at Cristo Bello who helped Savannah decide what to do and then spent hours today creating this look! Incredible! 

So, I'm still singing Queen in my head "I'm floating around in ecstasy, so don't stop me now!" And Savannah is at the mall to debut her new hair to all her friends. I am either the coolest mom ever or a horrible parent for letting her do this. But I think Savannah and I are both voting for coolest mom ever!