Statement, Made.

 

I love accessories that make a statement. I don't wear a lot of jewelry so I like one piece that says it all. And of course, as you all know I love a good pair of flashy shoes!

I heard about this "trend of the month" over at Marionberry Style and decided it would be SO fun to join in! This month the trend is statement necklaces.

 

 

 So here's mine. It's not overly big but I think the shape and bright coral-y pink color make it stand out. I'm usually not one for shorter necklaces but I made an exception for this one. I love the way it accentuates the neckline or collar of your top.

 

 

 

 

The other details I love about this outfit; This is my dress from a few posts ago but I thought it demonstrated color-blocking perfectly paired with this skirt, The beautiful color and lace detail of this dress (as I'm sure I've already mentioned) as well as the exposed gold zipper in the back, My favorite pale pink t-straps that coordinate with my necklace (and my nail polish too if you could see it!).

 

 

Oh, P.S. I'm feeling much better since my not-so-great start to the week Monday!

 

 

Outfit Details:

Dress worn as Top - Target

Maxi Skirt & Necklace - Forever 21

T-Straps - Cotton On

 

(also linking to WIWW as usual)

 



Inspiration Monday: Oh, Jessica!

This week over at Two Birds, the inspiration is this photo of Jessica Alba. Yay for ANOTHER Jessica! Ha. The last Inspiration Monday I joined in was centered around Jessica Biel. I've also met a lot of bloggers named Jessica... I guess girls named Jessica just have good style?! ;)

 

 

I always love any look with a blazer, but what I really liked about Jessica's look was the way she let her colorful accessories pop on a neutral background. I chose bright sunnies and Jelly flats but I still felt too monochromatic so I ended up adding a belt and necklace as well! (I also noticed she was wearing a bow in her hair so I jumped at the chance to incorporate that!)

 

 

I was actually really thankful this look included the sunnies because I've been feeling very tired and a little under the weather today and my under-eye circles probably aren't the prettiest to look at. Ugh.. hopefully I'll be feeling more lively by morning.

 

 

 

Oh, P.S.! Did you all head over to ModCloth today for their HUGE End of Summer Sale?!! It's fantastic! I bought several things this morning, they always go SO fast so I tried to get on top of ordering ASAP. I'm super excited to see my favorite blue mushroom-adorned box come in the mail!!

 

 

Outfit Details:

Jeans - American Eagle

Tunic - ModCloth

Blazer - Thrifted (Style & Co.)

Jelly Flats - Chinese Laundry via eBay

Sunnies - Vans

Belt - Jason Wu for Target

Necklace - Forever 21

Hair bow - City Craft Fair/Farmer's Market

 

 

 



Craft Sunday: Map Heart DIY

 

I promised I'd post photos of the gift I put together for my Mom, so here it is! Although, I apologize I didn't get the best photos in my not-so-well-lit basement apartment...

I decided to make these cute heart shaped map shadow boxes because my mom is obsessed with maps. They have meaning behind them too. I used a maps from the states each of her three daughters were born and put a little tag on the back of each one with our names, birth date and place.

 

 

(this is what the back of them looks like)

 

For this project I used:

-Three 5"X7" shadow boxes

- Images of maps printed off the web

- cardboard to make the hearts "3D"

- scrapbook paper

-stamps

-a glue stick and scissors

 

The photos are pretty explanatory for how it came together, so I'll let them do the talking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I finished it off with some cute wrapping and a homemade card. My Mom LOVED it. Complete success. I'd say I'm the favorite.....

(Mom I know you're reading this and secretly nodding to yourself)

 

 

 



Black & White, 2 Ways

Hey, all! It's my Mom's birthday today, so it'll be kind of a short post as I'm headed to celebrate with her! (be watching for a DIY on my gift to her later on),

I found this cute 50's inspired top on clearance for $5 and had to have it! Funny thing is it's from Sugarlips! They always have the best stuff...

I decided to put together 2 black and white outfits. The first one is my usual girly style.

 

 

 

I thought my red t-straps would be the perfect accent for an all black and white outfit and I added a faux-pearl necklace and my teddy bear ring to sweeten it up.

 

 

 

My second outfit is casual and slouchy. I wore it Wednesday on my day off out running errands and stayed comfy all day. I love these pants because they're so comfortable but still stylish.

 

 

My sparkly slipper flats have become my go-to for adding a little flair to a casual outfit and I've been carrying this leather bag almost every day since I bought it in the Spring! (Also, I don't know what's going on with my face in this photo..Ha!)

 

 

 

Alright, I'm off to wish my amazing Mom a Happy Birthday! Hope Everyone's had a good start to the weekend!

 

 

Outfit 1:

Top - Sugarlips via ModBod

Skirt - DownEast

Flats - Forever Young Shoes

Jewelry - City Craft Fair/Farmer's Market

 

Outfit 2:

Top - Sugarlips via ModBod

Pants - Forever21

Shoes - Steve Madden via Ross

Bag - Tai Pan Trading

 



Clown Shoes

So, here's my reasoning for the slowness of getting this post up. We actually took photos of this outfit twice. I didn't like any of the first photos, the lighting was just bad and I found most of them unusable so we took more photos tonight after work. I'm happy to say these ones turned out much better!

I titled this post "clown shoes" because my Hubby often laughs at my wild taste in shoes, calling them "clown shoes". These are by far the craziest shoes I own (so far) but he surprisingly wasn't too opposed to these (possibly because I got them for free with my frequent shopper punch card). I love the funky shape of the heel and the mustard makes them stand out even more! I chose these over red, beige, or black because the other colors were too subtle for the shape and, well, it's about time I own a pair of yellow shoes!

(THIS ^ is my "I'm ecstatic with my love for these shoes!" pose)

This skirt is so gorgeous, right? I love the vintage floral look. I knew it had to be mine immediately. It's just so...ME. Oh, and they're kind of hard to see, but these earrings are my favorite steal! I usually don't wear anything by studs, but I couldn't resist these beauties for $2!!

P.S. I'm feeling SUPER lucky today! I won two giveaways and have a couple gift cards to spend! Yay!!

Outfit Details:

Lace Top - Forever 21

Skirt - Downeast

Shoes - Forever Young Shoes

Necklace - Target

Belt - Thrifted

Earrings & Ring - City Farmer's Market/Craft Fair



life lately, according to our iPhones:

[1] mama pia's birthday [2] time to drop the crib [3] teeth 

[4] homemade baby food for a month [5] caught red handed 

[6] sweet little kitty [7] lazy sunday [8] e at play [9] supper

[10] standoff [11] some tunes for the road [12] vegas airport bathroom 

[13] walking' [14] pushing the babe [15] puppy dog kisses [16] double duty daddy

Let's Talk Hair: No Heat Beach Waves.

After Elliott was born, I wound up with some wave in my hair.  I decided to play with it and see if I could cut down on the time it took to get ready in the mornings (since that time is a little more rushed these days), and much to my surprise it looked pretty good and took half the time it was taking me to blow dry and flat iron.  I've had a lot of people asking me how I'm styling it now, so I thought I'd share what I've found to be the key to scoring beach waves without using heat.

Step 1: I don't comb it out when I get out of the shower.  I just towel dry it, and run my fingers through it to loosen any tangles.  

Step 2: I work Redken's Tousle Whip through the mid-shaft and ends of the hair, and let it dry while I get Elliott and myself ready.

Step 3: Right before I walk out the door I blow dry the roots, just so they don't look flat, and I spray Wella's Ocean Spritz through the ends, scrunching as I go.

Step 4: If my bangs are refusing to cooperate (looking frizzy), I will curl about and inch wide section with my flat iron, otherwise I just finish with a light hold hairspray (such as Redken's Quick Dry).

If you have even a slight wave, give this routine a try.  I've been so pleased to find I can "get up and go" and still have hair that people stop and ask me about.

Twinkle Toes

Happy Friday! This week has flown by!! I can't complain though. No big plans this weekend, but it's nice to just relax and enjoy life. We got the fun out of the way last night seeing Iron & Wine live! He is just INCREDIBLE live and I enjoyed every song! Salt Lake City Art Council hosts a concert series in the Summer every year and it's only $5 to get in. They usually have some pretty great bands playing too! Last year we got to see Bright Eyes and I think we'll head back next Thursday to see M. Ward (the HIM in She & Him) Too bad Zooey won't be with him...I think I'd DIE!

Anyway, let me introduce you to my new favorite pair of shoes! And my newest dress. I snagged these babies at Ross! They're Steve Madden, which I love and I've been wanting to try the slipper shoe, so why not one with some sparkle!? They're also incredibly comfortable which is why they've been a fast favorite. I don't think I've taken them off the last couple days since I bought them!

The dress is from Target. I saw it last week and when I came back to buy it there was literally one left in my size! Only like 3 left altogether. Green + Lace = Happy Jessi!

Me and the Hubby are headed off for date night at the movies now. We're going to see Rock Of Ages at the local $3 theater. Hope it's not TOO cheesy! Ha. If so, only $3 wasted, right?

Outfit Details:

Dress - Target

Tights and Bow Clip/Ring - Boutique

Shoes - Steve Madden via Ross

Cardigan - Target w/ DIY elbow patches

Belt - Thrifted