Holiday Style

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas. I love the holidays. I truly do. It is the single thing that gets me through the brutal winter season. Each year the days start to get a little colder, a little shorter, and a little gloomier. It's seriously depressing. I think I've made that fact clear several times. But the bright spot in this dreary time of year, is the festive holiday season..... and the cookies. Let us not underestimate the power of a good chocolate chip cookie!

So since Christmas is the only thing I anticipate amidst this 6 month stretch of "blah", I go all out. Thanksgiving night? Bam, that tree is up and twinkling! And in addition to the tree, our yearly gingerbread house and tons of handmade paper snowflakes (yes, each year countless hours are spent constructing 50+ snowflakes made by yours truly; you may let your admiration flow freely), I get each of the kids a Christmas shirt and jammies. It's a yearly tradition that began when I was a kid. My mom always made us our Christmas shirts.....

So what do you love more, the hair, the brows or the acid wash jeans?

And while I forgo the impressive craft of making them myself, I still always deck the kids out out holiday style. This year, we went one step further and got personalized holiday shirts. How's that for fancy? Everything is better with your name on it, right? Assuming you don't have a unique name like my sister (Kendall) that's almost always impossible to find in souvenirs and other random knick knacks, then it's a pain. But Bright Star Kids allows you to customize them yourself, with any name or phrase you choose.

I chose this really cute reindeer design and customized Izzy's shirt with her name. Then I found this wall decal to match. And since I'm a very "matchy-matchy" kind of person, this was perfect. 

The Coolest of the Cool

That's what these glasses are. Which, of course, makes me cool by association. 

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! 

MoxieJean: The Little Fashionista

For an entire year I have had this blog and for an entire year my daughter has been asking for one of her own. She's 6. Uh...no ma'am. But that doesn't mean I can't share with her every now and again, right? Of course I can! So (drum roll please) I introduce to you, the witty, the charming, the fabulous Izzzzzyyyy!

Isn't she charming?

And there is no better time than now to share her and her wee little fashion because the new school year is upon us and I know all you mommies out there are back-to-school shopping too....and probably spending a fortune.

But, whoa, wait a second. Back the train up. I'm all frugal and thrifty over here, buying my things super cheap so I can go out and spend a fortune on the kids? Oh, no no no miss thang, I am not! Plus, we know they're just going to outgrow it all in a year (month...week...day...they never stop growing!) anyway, so why go into debt just to clothe them? I would not spend that much on myself, so I am most certainly not spending that on this messy, growin-like-a-weed, rough and tumble kid!

This year, you fellow frugal mommies can streeeeetch your back-to-school budget while still dressing your budding fashionista supa dupa fly. MoxieJean is an online consignment store that carries great brands like Gymboree, Gap, Old Navy, Baby Lulu, Ralph Lauren, etc. All at 75% or more off retail prices.
 For a mere 35 chucks, I was able to score Izzy 3 separate looks! Holy money saving steals, Batman! And MoxieJean adds hundreds of new outfits every Monday and Thursday so there is always something new to choose from, and with sizes newborn all the way through to 13-14, there's something there for your entire fashionable clan. 

So, without further adu, here is little miss Isabella sporting her back-to-school looks I scored from Moxie...

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?

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

Bedazzled

How do you solve a problem like Maria? And by Maria, I mean my husband. And by problem, I mean blurry pictures. Sometimes they're crystal clear and he impresses even myself. Other times though, they look like the hot mess below. I mean, what did you take this with, a banana?

Look Who's Back!

I'm baaa-aack! Well, I didn't necessarily leave per say. I've had some randoms and some vlogs (which were really fun to do) but, I haven't had an outfit post in a while. On that note, I was wondering what you guys think. What posts do you like to see? What are your favorite posts I do? Outfits, reviews, makeup, tutorials, the vlogs? Which do you want to see more of? 

For a while I just haven't feeling blogging as much as I used to, or as much as I wanted to. I think I've just got so bogged down by "this is my schedule, these are the posts I have to do". I wasn't blogging things as they came to me or where inspiration took me; I was blogging what I thought I was "supposed" to. It was lacking variety, spontaneity, and the (for a lack of a better word) passion I started with. So I started thinking maybe I'm the one with these imaginary expectations and I'm the one restricting myself. So, now I'm asking you. What is it you like to see here? I go to specific blogs for different reasons. This one for style inspiration, that one for hair and makeup tutorials, this one for product recommendations, that one for their sense of humor, that one for DIY, etc. What brings you to High Heels and Training Wheels?

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: Summer Blues

 You know, with school being back in, I am realizing just how terribly I'm going to miss summer. Summer is my absolute favorite for numerous reasons...firstly, no cold. I'm cold natured anyway and winter is brutal. And #2: the sun! Winter has no sun at all. It's a mix between overcast and night and it's de-press-ing! Aww woe is me. Sweet summer, I am going to miss you!

BIIIIG change for the Blincoe household....
This school year is going to be a little different for us, too. We've decided to homeschool our youngest. She's heading to our basement kindergarten and I thought it'd be the easiest to figure out if this is the right choice for our family. We didn't send her to preschool because I worked with her and she is now a grade level ahead. We've got an entire classroom set up and have all the classroom materials we need. But as kindergarten marks the first year of "real" school, I'm feeling pressure. Each of my children have different struggles with school and ideally I'd like to homeschool them all but I think I need an "easy" year under my belt to decide if it's going to be beneficial for all of them and whether to continue. Any of you moms homeschoolers? Or have any great online resources? I've been stalking Pinterest like nobodies business and I have found some great ideas but I am still completely intimidated. If I'm just using workbooks without any hands-on "creativity" I might as well send them to school! Our entire purpose is to provide them resources and experiences traditional school just can't give them. It's as much a learning experience for me as it is for her! Preschool was one thing but now we're heading into the big leagues! Trust me, this isn't the last you'll hear of our homeschooling adventures...

I Got Nothing...

I'm having trouble coming up with clever words today. You know how I love to dazzle you with my wit and charm. But today you're just going to have to be dazzled by my good looks and fabulous ensemble...assuming that's possible. Just go with it, will ya!

It's the Remix to Ignition...

...or the remix to a sequined dress. But it's still hot and fresh out the kitchen. You know, tomato tomahto.

   I don't know how "sassy" it is, but it sounded good with "sequin". I really struggled with this dress. I love the darn thing but it's just a tad bit short. My husband hates it...so I wear it anyway. I think when the weather cools down again I could pair it with leggings and we could have a nice compromise. That's what marriage is about, right? I get what I want until I can compromise. No?

A Maxi Improvement

Happy Friday everyone! I'm no longer using my phone as a camera, I'm using my amazing new Canon Rebel XT and it is awesome. But I have to say, now all of my flaws, blemishes and stray hairs are there in perfect clarity! It's a little intimidating! And my little Iz is pretty dang good because the camera may have changed, but my little photographer is still the same! I've worn this maxi dress once before but I saw this tutorial on Pinterest and it easily transformed my dress into a skirt. 

via Extra Petite

Easy peasy, right? Saves me the purchase of buying a skirt!

Well Played, Mother Nature

So, I had to go and get all cocky yesterday by wearing a tank top and shorts and what happens? It rains all night and now it's in the 50s. She sure showed me! Guess I won't be jumping the gun anymore. I solemnly vow not to wear any shorts, tank tops and/or sandals until May...or next week at the very earliest. ;)

Once again I drew inspiration from a gorgeously put together outfit from another blogger. And once again it is none other than Natalia from Ma Nouvelle Mode. I have yet to read a post from Natalia and not be inspired. Girl's got it goin' on over there!

This particular post was about remixing your wardrobe. I struggle with this immensely. I have always bought items with a specific way to wear it in mind and it never varies. This results in "closet-full-of-clothes-and-nothing-to-wear" syndrome. You know what I'm talking about. We've all been there at one time or another. I probably have hundreds (ok, maybe not hundreds but it's a lot more than I utilize) of outfit variations hanging in my closet and the key to unlocking them is simply remixing what I already own.

Natalia picked 7 items and made 7 different outfits for the week. This is not something I ever thought I could do but she makes it look effortless! I haven't pulled together 7 entire outfits but I did take a step into wearing pieces in a way I have never worn them before.

My outfit isn't a total recreation but there were key pieces and how she wore them that got my wheels turning...

Look What I Got: Crazy Cheap Finds

So I mentioned previously that I found some crazy cheap prices on some legit stuff at Walmart. Actually I mentioned that quite a few times...but anyway, I went back to check out the clearance rack again and I made out like a bandit!

So for those of you who are like me and hate math, that's a pair of skinnies, a chambray, 2 shirts and 2 nails polishes for 27 chucks. What's up! The nail polish wasn't on clearance but it was cheap anyway and I really like the colors. Very summery. This makes for chambray #3 but with prices like these, I could fill my closet with them if I really wanted to. 

Basically the lesson to be learned here is you can shop at Walmart without looking like you do...if ya know what I mean. Onto the OOTD! Here was my inspiration:

This fabulous young lady is Jenna from Wearable.Fun.Fashion. She is absolutely adorable and has great/affordable everyday style. I was following her blog long before I had my own. She has been inspiring my wardrobe for a while now and is one of the reasons I started this chaos blog. Bottom line: she's awesome and you should definitely stop by and check her out! :)

So here's my take

What I Wore Wednesday: Budget Friendly Finds

Hello, lovely people who decided to grace my blog! I'll just go ahead and say thanks immediately just for coming! I have been having so much fun with all of these awesome link-ups; I have found so many great, inspiring blogs! As you probably know, I am completely new to the bloggy world so every last bit of this was completely forgein to me. I have been meandering through and I am so glad I decided to be a part of it all. Every fashion/beauty product I have bought in the last 2 months has been completely inspired by one of you. I don't know if I could have began this journey without all of your wonderful blogs!

I have also been so encouraged by all of the lovely comments and simple page views! I honestly did not know if a single person would ever lay eyes on anything I had to share but my numbers are going up and along with it, my confidence. I find myself actually thinking every night about what I am going to wear the next day and I've been spending a few extra minutes on myself, putting on makeup and doing something with my hair. As a mom who lived in yoga pants and ponytails, this is HUGE! Again, thank you! 

So without further ado here's my budget friendly outfit of the day!

What I Wore: Copy Cat Closet

It's hump day! And today I'm linking-up at Ma Nouvelle Mode for this week's Copy Cat Challenge. I love this challenge; it is a big reason for starting this little blog of mine. (Oooh that's a cute name! 'This little blog of mine' although I'm sure it's taken) The challenge each week is an inspiration photo or a key theme such as 'stripes'. Then you come up with your own version of that outfit/theme and link up your photo on Wednesday. I've been participating on my own long before I had a blog to link up and let me tell you, it is so much fun. It really does keep you from getting in an outfit rut or a 'funk'. I even went out and bought my leopard print flats just for a challenge! Something I would never ever buy on my own and I am so glad I did because they are super duper cute! You should give it a try!

Now, here I just went on and on about how it challenges you to wear something different and then I go and cheat...on my first week! Here is this week's inspiration photo:

Source: Uploaded by user via Ma Nouvelle Mode on Pinterest

SUCH a cute outfit. But, I am just starting to inch out of my 'mom wear' and I do not own a blazer....or ANY heels! I know, right!? Especially since my blog is High Heels and Training Wheels! I feel so ashamed to admit that! I'm a fraud! Ahh! But seriously, I'm working my way up to this fabulousness and eventually the name will fit. It's a learning process, right? 

So without further ado, here is what I wore today. I finally get to link-up with my new flats from the animal print Copy Cat Challenge. Better late than never!

Shoes: TJ Maxx ($5.00) 

Jeans: Old Navy ($6.50) 

Chambray: TJ Maxx ($10.00) 

Scarf: Goodwill ($ .99) 

Braclet: ? (old) 

Grand Total: ($22.49) 

How's that for savings?? I'm very proud of my thriftiness on this one! If you haven't already, you should check out Ma Nouvelle Mode. It is such a fun blog! Natalia is very inspiring and I love all the fun stuff she posts! Well, that's it for me. Happy hump day!