2014: The Year In Style Review

So if you've kept up with my blog for any length of time, or if you've happened to have read my 'About Me' page, then you know I began this blog as a way to document my own journey into the unknown realm of "personal style". That makes it sound so much bigger than it really is, but when I made the choice to stop dressing exclusively in sweats, I was staring into this dark unknown territory and it was terrifying. I had spent years as a sheltered stay-at-home mom and my biggest excursions in those days consisted of grocery store shopping and preschool drop offs; I had completely forgotten what it was even like to "get dressed" or to "pick out clothes". I had no wardrobe, no closet, just drawers and drawers of yoga pants and t-shirts. So this being my second year blogging, I figured one of the greatest ways to take a look at how my personal style journey has evolved is to....well....see how it's evolved!

Now I'm not going to go all the way back through 2 years of outfit posts (yes, you may take a big sigh of relief) for 2 reasons. A.) that's 2 years worth of posts and this would be the world's longest post ever and B.) those first posts from the beginning are suuuuper embarrassing. It was like watching a toddler trying to figure out how to put their shoes on the right feet. It's that bad. If you really want to know where I began, you'll have to go back through the archives on your own because I really just cannot bring myself to post them a second time. Once was bad enough!

So this is just the 2014 recap. And even the outfits throughout this last year, I only chose my favorites for today because, hey, they can't all be winners. Amirite? So without further ado, here are my fashion favorites from 2014...

A Sad Farewell is Looming

That yearly farewell to summer is coming. And I am dreading it. Fall is absolutely my favorite season but it's what comes after it that I dread. It taints my view of fall. I can't anticipate my favorite season because my least favorite season follows it. Are there actually people out there who like winter? I just can't see the appeal. The days are shorter, drearier, colder and it seems to draaaaaaag on forever. It's usually about this time of the year that my seasonal depression starts to slowly creep in. So I'm holding on desperately to what last shreds of summer I can. While I was embracing fall fashion last week, not today. No dressing for fall, I'm full on summer today with this white/nautical feel....after all, no white after labor day, right? Today is the last day I can wear white this year, right? Psssh. I have never felt the need to abide by that rule. Is it actually still a "rule" anymore anyway? 

One Last Shebang

So if you notice over there in the sidebar, I've added a shop my closet at Poshmark. It took me forever to finally put together but it was a long time coming. After jean jackets came back in style and I realized I used to have one and got rid of it, I've been afraid to get rid of anything. So I have a closet (and boxes upon boxes) filled with clothes that never get worn but never get thrown out either. I'm most definitely a hoarder when it comes to clothes. I'm ashamed at just how much just hangs there neglected, but I have an unnatural fear!

So I've been forcing myself to abide by the rule "if it hasn't been worn it in a year, it's time to go". Well, it's still REALLY hard to bring myself to get rid of things! These cobalt skinnies are one of those things. I've not worn them for a year and even then I only wore theses cobalt skinnies a couple times so they are still like new. It's so hard to get rid of something that is like new! So I'm giving them one last "hoorah" to see if they really belong on the short list. Problem is, I'm still undecided! 

Summer Survival: The Date Night

Ok, so if you have followed my blog for any length of time, you ladies already know that date nights are far and few between for this mama of 3. If you're a mom, you're nodding your head, saying "Yep!". You know what that's like. So when I do get that rare chance, I take it very seriously. This is my opportunity! This is my time to shine and get all gussied up! (fyi: "gussied" is the official term) I want to step out carefree and fabulous, sans kids. I want to throw on my heels and lipstick without worrying about sticky hands, runny noses or repeated whines of "She's looking at me." "He pushed me." or my personal favorite, "The cat threw up again." (I hear that one a lot more than you would think!)

Needless to say, date nights can be a savior for me when I'm ready to pull my hair out. Summertime is by far my favorite time for these date nights. My winter ensemble consists of two styles: bulky and even more bulky. But summer, I can whip out those skirts and dresses and those (gasp!) sexy, strappy tops. I'm mommy no more; I am wife and goddess. (humor me here)

Of course, my under things have to accommodate these summer styles. I'm sorry, I am just not a fan of thongs....but I'm not a fan of underwear lines either. And do you have any idea what a pain it is to have to keep yanking at your strapless bra? You're a woman, of course you do. But what's the alternative? Have your bra showing? No thanks. Maidenform has become imperative for my summer survival. Yes, I said imperative. I want to be able to strut my stuff for my hubs on those rare date nights without worrying about what I can and can't wear based on what I have to go under it. I didn't find a babysitter so I can look mediocre....yet again. I didn't leave my worries behind so I can gain another. I want quality, comfortable, effortless pieces that help me look my best self. Don't you? Of course you do!

So I've built some of my favorite summer date night looks and have included all the necessary Maidenform pieces I need to make them perfect. It's all about surviving summer; making the best of those dates.

I Love Pockets

I really do. I don't know why I love them so much but they do genuinely make me happy. It's not like pockets are a newfangled contraption and they're not exactly hard to come by; most things come with pockets installed (in place?) but, still, I always get a thrill out of them. 

One thing I really hate is when you get a pair pants (or shorts, a skirt, whatever) and the pockets are fake. That really grinds my gears. Like, why are you withholding the pockets? Did you forget about them? Did you run out of pocket fabric at the pocket store? Did you not think I might like to put things in these false so-called "pockets"? Where is my Chapstick supposed to go? What if my hand gets tired and I need a place to rest it? Charlatan! Anyway, these pockets are real so crisis averted.

I'll Take an Order of Lace, With a Side of Lace

There is no denying that I love lace. I wear it frequently. I always find that on those "I have nothing to wear" days, lace is always an easy, go-to choice to fall back on because it always looks good and it can jazz up darn near everything. Plain pair of jeans? Lace. Shorts? Lace. Skirt? Lace. And does lace ever go out of style? I'm pretty sure lace has no expiration date. This particular top is sweet and feminine because of the lace fabric but edgy (and dare I say) a little bit sexy because of the cut and color. It could easily transform to fit any style and you know me, I love "easy"! When deciding how to wear it today though, I thought what better to pair with it but more lace?

Lace Top c/o Choies *ONLY $13.99!* // Lace Shorts c/o Oasap *ONLY $8.90!* // Bag- Target // Heels- Shoe Dazzle

What's Your Style?

Have you ever been presented with this question? There are all these categories; classic, bohemian, feminine, casual, preppy, traditional, sporty, etc., etc. but where do you fit? Where do I fit?

Day to Night: eShakti

How many times have you guys heard me lamenting over something fitting too short? Plenty! Let's be honest, I never shut up about it. Unfortunately I didn't coin the hashtag #longlegproblems but I do use it frequently...nearly everyday. I am always forced to put something back that I really love because it just doesn't fit properly. So how amazing would it be if there was such a thing as "we design it, you customize it"? What if all those times I thought "Oh I love it, if it was just a bit longer", I could turn those wishes into reality? Well with eShakti, you CAN. Yeah. You can customize their designs your way!

When browsing through the many selections Eshakti has, I was instantly drawn to this dress. I loved the color (green is my favorite!) and the key hole detail was subtle and so pretty. But then (and this is the best part) when choosing my size, I was given sooo many options! I have the option to customize, the length, the sleeves, the bust, waist, shoulder, you name it. I was actually able to make this dress fit me. The end result was this beautiful dress that hits me in all the right places and flatters me in all the right ways.

You CAN Always Get What You Want

What up t-shirt reference! (props to Superwoman) Although, I totally don't always get what I want, I'm working on it. and what a better way than to sport it on your tee?!

Lovin' Leather

It's another "Pinterest 'fit". Pinterest is like the holy grail of outfit planning for me. Every blog post I come across that inspires me gets the "pin it" treatment immediately.

This week's "Pinspiration"

via

Tell Me About It, Stud

Does anyone else think of Sandra Dee when you see these leggings? All that's missing is that leather jacket and those killer wedges....and a fun house to strut my stuff in. "I got chillllls, they're multiplyin!"

And So It Begins...

...the season of dresses. I just did a 30 under $30 post with just dresses because I love nothing more in the summer months. You don't have to put on pants (poster for laziness over here) and there's nothing to match (cause how hard is matching a top to a bottom really?). Slip it on and you're done. Boom.

Can't a Girl Get a Date Around Here?

This outfit I feel like would be the perfect "date night" attire.....but, poor me, I can't get a date! Even if we did have the time for one (which never happens) I would definitely look out of place next to the hubbarino. Do any of you have problems trying to get your husbands to dress like adults or am I the only one? Basketball shorts and a t-shirt do not an outfit make. Sorry honey but we're going on a date, not the gym!

Damn, it Feels Good to be a Gangsta...

Ok, I don't really know if it does or not. Geto Boys says it does....or at least it did in 1992. But you know what does feel good? To be back! 

As you may know, we just moved recently. But we didn't just move either, we moved into a house that was built in 1940. Aka: a house that needs a lot of love and effort spent on it's many quirks. I love an older home that has charm and is not the same cookie cutter that everyone else lives in; they have their own unique personality and they tell a story. But all that "charm" has definitely swallowed up every second of my time, trying to bring it back to life....we're still not even close to being done (I don't know if we ever will be) but I have finally gotten enough out of the way that I can spare some time for you guys! You have no idea how relieved this makes me! I've missed you!

Summer Fashion Favorites: 30 Under $30

Ahh, tis the season! It's summa, summa, summatime...

Summer is my jam, ya'll. I mean, I like spring, I like fall (dread winter) but summer is where it's at.  It's also time to break out all the skirts and dresses! They're easy and absolutely ideal for those of us who are too lazy to put on pants; what's not to love?

So in anticipation of the upcoming heat, I've compiled some favs (30 to be exact) to share with you guys. Bonus: they're all under $30! Booyah! I love when people do a post and they're all like "save vs splurge" and the "save" is like $150. Get that ish outta here! That's a splurge, homie! None of those here, you're safe to peruse at your leisure. And with 30 options to choose from, you're bound to find something you love!

Le Tote: Orange Dream Cicle

 I don't have anything to talk to you about today because I've been crazy ass busy with birthday party planning. And in the midst of this annual insanity, it occurred to me that kids really don't give a shit. I mean honestly, all they want is a sugar high and some useless junk to unwrap. We, the parents, do this to ourselves.... We're going to Chuck E. Cheese next year.

Le Tote: Feather

They're faux. They're leather. They're feather. Yep, my feather shorts. Could you imagine real feather shorts? Anyway, I've debated on actually getting a pair of these for a while now. I kept seeing them on other people and they were so cute and could be styled a million different ways but I just thought they were too "edgy" for me. I'm glad to have been wrong. I'm loving my "feather" shorts.

Le Tote: Cobalt POP

It's Monday! And I'm in a much better mood than last week. Yaaaay. Mondays don't usually encourage a good mood but I had a good weekend. And by that, I mean I didn't do anything. We sat around the house eating chili and enjoying Harry Potter weekend on ABC Family. I love Harry Potter weekend. I own all of the movies but I drop everything for HPW. All true Potter heads do, it's our thang. 

Aaaaand I began a project this weekend...for the blog...and I'm really excited about it. And I'm going to be a ball buster and make you wait to see what it is. Mwahahaha. Apparently this good mood comes with a side of evil...

All American

So I finally have a post but I had no one to take the pictures so I had to revert back to the craptastic timer. Yay. The timer truly sucks. Firstly, the brick photographs so incredibly orange and clashes with everything. It is not really that color, I promise we don't live in a pumpkin. And second, I look awful! For a long time I just thought I wasn't photogenic because I always looked way crappier in pictures but then I realized it's something to do with using the timer. Once Justin started taking them, I looked normal. I promise I'm not making this up. I don't know what it is but the pictures don't lie, yo! So I'm wasting a perfectly cute outfit on "timer pictures" but I've been post-less for too long. Bear with me peeps...

August Style

So this month I thought I'd do something different and put all of my outfits from the month of August together in one post. Just a little recap if you will. I like to be able to look back and see what worked and what didn't. It's the good, the bad and the ugly ya'll. 

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