all dressed up | Happy 2013

top: Robert Rodriguez for Neiman Marcus and Target / jeans: Uniqlo / shoes: Gucci / bangles: gift'd

Most of my wardrobe these days consists of either clothes for work, yoga or hanging out. I do my best to buy clothes that have multiple functions, but for something like New Year's Eve, something special is always best. I had looked at the Neiman's collection for Target back in December when it first released but wasn't super-impressed, especially since the prices were not in the typical Target range. However, at 50% off, I was definitely more inclined to try something, especially this top, which intrigued me online and I loved even more in person. Lots of ruffles which in not for everyone, but which I loved and works for me with my broad shoulders and height (I am not super tall, but not petite either so it doesn't overwhelm).


Our last selfie of the year
The hubs and I had a fantastic time ringing in the new year with our friends but I am having a hard time getting back on schedule. You know you are an early riser when you feel like you're running behind if you wake up at 5 AM instead of 4:30AM!

At least it's already Wednesday so the rest of the work week should go by quickly. Are you returning to work today or are you one of the lucky ones who has the rest of the week off? Either way, have a good one!

weekday casual | holiday party no. 2

HIM blazer: Theory / shirt: Gucci / jeans: Gap / shoes: Kenneth Cole
HER dress&necklace: Loft / tights: Urban Outfitters / shoes: Tory Burch

Our friend EJ throws a big holiday party every 2nd Thursday of December. Over the last few years he incorporated a photo wall, this time with a big sparkly bow.


My tights (and booties) were a hit, although I ended up taking the shoes off before the end of the party because my legs were killing me. Note to self: always bring a back up pair of flats to parties when wearing high heels.


Having a good hair night too.

Hope you have a great weekend!

BB

dress: All Saints / necklace: gift'd / shoes: BCBG / bangles: Alexis Bittar / bag: Gucci

This is my last outfit BB (a.k.a. Before Bangs). We went to an art gallery opening last Friday and this dress was perfect for the warm weather.

Now please excuse me while I go sneeze another 1023 times...

weekend update | not goodbye but see you later

This Saturday we attended not one but 2 going away parties for 2 boys that are moving away for their jobs. Both kept saying that they would be back sooner rather than later but we were still a bit sad about it.


The only photos I took were with my new Instax to give to our friend, and, of course, a photo of that Instax so I could keep a copy of it! {I have been severely lacking in taking pics this week; I wonder if that is why I have been in a melancholic mood lately}


dress: Banana / shoes: Gap / belt: J.Crew / bag: Gucci / earrings: gift'd / bangles: Alexis Bittar
I did try to brighten things up with my 39th birthday dress. Joe asked why I was so dressed up and I replied, "I am wearing flip flops, so this is casual :)!"

The weekend just reminded me that the important things in life aren't things but the relationships you keep with friends and family. I hope you were able to do something fun with the loved ones in your life!

the brown dress

dress: ABS / shoes: Payless / sunnies: Gucci / necklace: gift'd
Over the course of my  outfit documentation these past few years, I have noticed one trend in my closet - I love pretty dresses and tend to keep them for long periods of time.


I bought this one specifically to wear to our rehearsal dinner, many moons ago.


And it's made it to many other special occasions.


I am happy to have found a way to make it work in my everyday life wardrobe these days. 

a bit lost

dress: Banana / shoes: Tory Burch / sunnies: Gucci / necklace: Anthro

Now that the Olympics are over we're not sure what to do with our time. Granted, we didn't watch this past week as religiously as we did when swimming was on, but we didn't watch to miss this event:

{photo courtesy of earthlingorgeous

}One of my friends wondered how much $$ and convincing she needed to return as Posh and I've heard it is their last reunion, but I thought they looked better than when they were popular!

Accessorizing

top: LoL for Target / skirt: Old Navy / shoes: Tory Burch / sunnies: Gucci / belt: J.Crew

I love updating old closet favorites like this obnoxiously colorful top with new accessories, like this neon orange belt. After all, isn't "what separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize"? (Steel Magnolias).

weekend update | another one bites the dust

We celebrated the 40th birthday of one of my dearest friends this weekend.


Marc is really one of our favorite people ever - just someone who makes your life better by being in it.


He is well-loved by everyone!


dress: Trina Turk for Banana / shoes: Gucci / earrings: gift'd
And my outfit was a hit. I can't tell you how much I love this dress - it's comfortable, flattering and so easy to wear. {I will confess that I changed my shoes halfway through the party. I can only sacrifice so much for fashion these days!}

finally Friday

top: Anthro / skirt: Loft / shoes: old Navy / sunnies&bag: Gucci / necklace: Collingnon Designs

I work almost every other weekend so by the time my weekend off rolls around (which starts tomorrow  - woot!), I am physically and mentally exhausted. Add watching the Olympics evening events to actually see the results instead of reading them on the Internet makes an even more tired girl.

I made a decision this morning to skip my regular yoga practice (I know, the days I don't want to practice are the days I should really go - but I am practicing tomorrow when I normally take off so I've got it covered) and sleep in (which is about 6 AM instead of my usual 4:30 AM). I did do some cardio and now I am feeling ready to face this last day of the work week.


This bumper sticker made me smile yesterday. Will be my motto for the weekend!

Have a good one!

Hello, August

top, skirt & shoes: J. Crew / sunnies: Gucci

Summer is definitely in full swing where I live as the temps flirt with triple digits. One thing I truly miss about being in school is summer break and vacation. Luckily we do have a big one planned at the end of the month, so still have something to look forward to.


This skirt has been surprisingly versatile in terms of what colors can be worn with it. I went matchy-matchy this time around, but I also like the contrast of darker colors.

Go U.S.A.!

top: Anthro / skirt: J.Crew / shoes: Jeffrey Campbell / sunnies: Gucci

This weekend was spent working, scrapping and watching the Olympics. Although I was not uber-impressed with Danny Boyle's opening ceremony, I did love seeing the athletes from all over the world (and from countries I didn't even know existed) entering the stadium. So far, my favorite event to watch is swimming. As much as I think Michael Phelps is an incredible athlete, Ryan Lochte deserves his time now.

Pockets, please

dress: Banana / shoes: Old Navy / sunnies: Gucci
These days, when I am feeling lazy or uninspired, the quickest way for me to get dressed is wear a dress!


dress&belt: Anthro / shoes: Tory Burch / sunnies: Gucci / necklace: Loft
Apparently having pockets is also a requirement. Or an added bonus :)

weekend casual

top: Patrick Robinson for Target / jeans: Gap / shoes: Converse / necklace&bracelets: gift'd / turquoise bracelet: Chan Luu / bag: Gucci

Returning back to my normal schedule after a vacation always takes a few days. Because I have so much I should do, I end up not doing anything and watching Master Chef on the DVR instead. Yes, I am the world's worst procrastinator.


dress: Anthro / shoes: B. Makowsky / bangles: India / wrist chain: Calypso for Target / bag: Gucci

These outfits, for example, are from 2 weekends ago at the end of June. The first was worn on our bowling night and the 2nd on a movie date night with the hubs. Is it wrong to wish the weekend were already here instead of a work week that's just begun? 

weekend update | balls, boys and birthdays

Although this past weekend was a working one for me,  we did manage to get in some fun mini-adventures in between. One of our friends organized a bowling night on Friday at Lucky Strike, which is just a few blocks from our place.

None of us are expert bowlers by any means, but we had a great time catching up, making fun of each other's gutter balls and cheering each other's strikes.

Some of my Houston peeps! Love these guys.

On Saturday Joe took me to a new taco place for lunch. The food was so tasty - I imagine we will be returning soon.

We went to Bombay Pizza for his birthday-eve dinner and watched "Seeking a Friend for the end of the World," which was only ok.

Our main event yesterday was to see Magic Mike with some other friends. Yes, the hubs wanted to see Magic Mike on his birthday. Reason #378 that I love him! My only complaint about the movie? Less talking more dancing! It was quite funny.

Our secret stash of candy because I am cheap like that.

A selfie.

top&jeans: Gap / shoes: Target / earrings: old / scarf: Old Navy / bag: Gucci
And what I wore. I actually took photos with my big camera as well, but uploading them requires many more steps. I can't wait for the day that pictures can be directly uploaded to the internet from a real camera like the iPhone!

I hope you had a great halfway-through-the-year day!

P(F)latforms?

top: F21 / shorts: Gap / shoes: Target / sunnies&bag: Gucci / bangles: Alexis Bittar&Tiffany's

I bought these sandals a few months ago and love them, mainly because they give me the height of a tall shoe without the angle of a high heel. Yoga has me avoiding heels most of the time, but that's a story for a different day.

This outfit actually combines 3 of this week's challenges in one: bright bottoms, neon and platforms. Sometimes I like to be efficient ;)

Summer brights

top&belt: Anthro / skirt: J. Crew / shoes: Jeffrey Campbell / sunnies: Gucci

The bright colors in stores right now make me happy! I've got quite a bright wardrobe anyways, but I will be adding to to this summer, I can tell.


I bought this shirt last summer and it has proven to be a wardrobe staple throughout the year. It works as a great layer for our mild Houston winters.

And in the interest of full disclosure, most of my outfits for this week's challenge will be at least a day or two old. I find that real time blogging a bit too stressful and no one needs more stress in their life. Have a great week!

Day in, day out

top: J.Crew / skirt: Old Navy / shoes: Seychelles / sunnies&bag: Gucci

Been in bit of a rut these days with my wardrobe and routine. Don't you wish you could take summer break from work like we did in school?


I am hoping Miss Trina will help shake things up a bit in the wardrobe front today! 

FPSF

We spent a couple days in the heat this weekend at Houston's version of Coachella to see a few performances: Snoop and Afrojack on Saturday and Willie Nelson on Sunday. Even though we had the "fancy pants" tickets, this was about as close as we got to the stage. Just being at the concert for part of the day wore me out, but the people watching was worth it.


A little photo fun :)


tee: F21 / jeans: Gap / shoes: Target / sunnies&bag: Gucci

I am loving that neons are popular this summer. I may have to update all my summer tanks and tees! And for the record, I did NOT wear this to the show - only tanks and tees and the 90+ degree weather makes anything more super uncomfortable.

Hello, June

top: Anthro / skirt: Old Navy / shoes: Geox / sunnies&bag: Gucci / earrings: gift'd

TGIF, right? We've actually had a much quieter end of the month at work than I anticipated, which has been nice, but I am still ready for the weekend.


I have had this top for 2 years now and am not bored with it yet. I guess that's the beauty in created a working wardrobe of elements that I love.

We are going to the Houston Free Press Summer Fest this weekend. Despite it's name, the show is not free :) Performances will be going on all weekend but our main goal is to see Snoop and Afrojack on Saturday night and Willie Nelson on Sunday afternoon. With such a varied line-up I am sure the people-watching and photo ops will be numerous!

May, we loved you

dress: Loft / shoes: Tory Burch / sunnies&bag: Gucci / earrings: gifted

The best part about a holiday weekend is the short work week that follows. Even though we had a relaxing weekend, we were too lazy and didn't get much done. I am hoping to get "caught up" with life this coming weekend, but we've got some things planned so we'll have to see.


The months seem to be flying by and summer is already here. I am so happy we have a pool this year to escape from the heat. Gotta take advantage while we can!