blue Monday

We're getting closer and closer to meeting our new addition! Tough to say when, because, I'm not sure if you know this, but babies don't arrive on our schedules or time tables. Nor do they provide an ETA.

I've heard I better get used to it - my schedule will no longer be my own. That is proving to be pretty tough for this planner, list-maker, and scheduler. BUT, all for a good reason, my friends! I'm working (best I can, anyways) at being better at "going with the flow" and increasing my ability to adapt and be flexible - we'll see how I handle rolling with a newborn!

That being said, comfort is key lately, and I don't anticipate that going away after the baby arrives. So, a stretchy maxi skirt and soft shirt paired with easy accessories in the form of a denim jacket, beaded necklace and sandals were perfect for this "blue Monday" ;)

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

the sweater saga, part 2 + sweaters 10 & 11

I'm counting this sweatshirt and warm charcoal-colored maxi skirt as sweaters 10 and 11.

Keep reading to hear more about my thoughts on my closet, my sweaters, and minimalism...

part 1 of the Sweater Saga here

My purpose in sharing my "Sweater Saga" on my little blog is not to gloat and show off how many sweaters (or other items of clothing I own), or impress anyone with my precise mathematics of 31 sweaters in 31 days. But in the past year, I've become really intrigued and fascinated with the idea of minimalism.

Before you stop reading, I'm not saying I'm going to become extreme and give away all of my possessions and move into a tiny home, but I have been trying to incorporate some minimalist principles to my life. I've started asking myself: "Do I really need this? Should this even enter my home?" I'm trying to be very thoughtful when it comes to bringing items into my home or adding things to my life - I've discovered that stuff overwhelms me. Easily. Upkeeping it, moving it, cleaning it, maintaining it.

This is something I've got lots of thoughts about, so stay tuned...

Oh, oh, and I linked up this outfit from the other day over here for a weekly style challenge!

sweatshirt: American Eagle

v-neck: Target

scarf: WalMart

skirt: thrifted

boots: c/o Aéropostale

my friend has a blog. and wears cute outfits.

This is my friend, Chelsea. The friend who loves Harry Potter as much as I do (we did Harry Potter trivia together a few weeks back). 

See what she's wearing above?

What about below?

A gray tee, neon maxi, and a denim jacket. She thought this outfit up all on her own - no outside influence. I kept complimenting her - I mean, a simple tee and a super fun maxi for a fun Saturday outing is the perfect combination.

So, imagine our surprise when she sees her outfit (on someone else) on Pinterest! She sent me this screenshot, saying something witty along the lines "Stole my look!":

Obviously the people creating these style tips saw her at Harry Potter trivia and needed to replicate her outfit, and then post it on the internet. Well done, Chels.

#Pinterestcopiedyou

Here she is with her husband. Had a blast at their wedding last summer - I danced the night away and had to be dragged off the dance floor...

She recently started a blog that you should definitely check out, especially if you're interested in fitness and/or running. Or if you want a good laugh (or 12). This girl and I are on the same level of hilarity (which is high - a very high level of hilarity) and Mean Girls quotes.

Here's her blog: Colorado Kicks.

Check her out, follow her, have several laughs, and be sure to report back.

Oh, and here's a bathroom selfie of her cute outfit, showing off the short layer underneath the maxi. She's cute, funny, AND knows how to dress?

Keeper.

Fo Sho.

Mr. Picks Mondays: Oldies

the sash in the back

The Mr. chose this tiered almost-but-not-quite-maxi skirt that I’ve had since...my senior year of high school...

Its triple-print-mixing and pretty color has helped it survive many closet clean-outs. The bow on the back helps, too ;)

I wore this to work (for part of the day - I went on a jobsite tour, and had to wear pants AND close-toed shoes AND a hard hat AND a neon vest for that part) and then to dinner with the Mr. to celebrate our second wedding anniversary. We went to Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar - we’ve been trying to get there for ages. Oh. My. Word. Delicious. 

I’m a huge fan of seafood - crab, shrimp, mussels, clams, oysters, calamari, you name it. I love it. Turns out they have all-evening happy hour on Mondays. So, we indulged and tried a bit of everything on the menu. And it was all divine. I would eat seafood all day, every day if I could. But I’m sure my checking account wouldn’t appreciate that...

shirt: WalMart

skirt: Nordstrom

Cleopatra sandals: WalMart

Spirit Animal

I know croakies don't really match my outfit, but I love those things. they keep your sunglasses RIGHT there. I'm expanding my collection - next up: monogrammed croakies

This outfit is an oldie, as well. I wore it on a day when we had a nice little taste of spring. The sun was out, it was warm, and the wind was delightfully absent. I met the Mr. and a friend for dinner and drinks after work, and we sat on a patio while we enjoyed our vittles.

I don't consider myself outdoors-y, or "one with nature," but there's something about being able to be outside and NOT freeze, when all winter you've been cooped up inside, trying to stay warm. I know some people hate the heat, but I would so much rather be hot than cold. Bring on the heat, the sunshine, the shorts and the sandals. 

Summer is my spirit animal ;)

top: American Eagle

skirt: thrifted

shoes: WalMart

necklace: Old Navy

bag: gift

Mr. Picks Mondays: Covering up (Some Overindulging)

the sweater-y knit of my maxi skirt

I don't know why, but I have a hard time with this skirt (and it's charcoal gray twin). They're both a heavy, sweater knit and have slits on one side. Easy to pair with boots, or even flats. Perfect for chilly weather, except for when there is moisture on the ground, as they kinda-sorta skim the earth, and I simply can't have the bottom 2 inches of my skirt soaked through. 

Maybe it's the fit? They've got an elastic waistband that can easily produce some muffin-top, especially in a too-snug top. Enter a chambray button up. Not too snug, still on trend, and perfect for after the holidays, when I've overindulged in treats & fancy beverages.

I realize the last time I wore this skirt, I paired it with this same chambray. So much for my remixing skills...

*shakes head*

Buttttt, totally different look this time! This time is more of a "wintery-fresh-with-boots" look, and last time was a "purple-y-scarf-and-blustery-bun" look...too much? ;)

chambray: thrifted

skirt: thrifted

boots: Rack Room Shoes

scarf: gift

linking up:

DC in Style for Monday Bloom

The Style Record for Monday Must Haves

Still Being Molly for Funday Monday

Fizz and Frosting for Mix it Mondays

Doubly Laced (and less than stellar pictures)

my photographer was working on a night project this evening

lace on top

aaaand

lace on bottom

a new "pretty" from Trends, which has temporarily closed its doors while they move to a new location

and sorry for these super grainy pictures - it started to rain while we were taking these...

I'm linking up over here today, where the theme is lace. Soooooo, being the super blogger that I am (jklolzlolz), I have not one, but TWO (TWO!!) outfits with lace to share with you. The first is obviously a lace top with a hi-low maxi, and the second features a lacey-sort-of skirt that I just love. My mom picked out both skirts for me last summer, and I have to say, I think she did good, don't you? 

However, she did have a critique about my second outfit from today's post. She (and my husband) said the shirt was too casual for the rest of my outfit. I'm not sure that I agree - it's all about stretching your wardrobe and crossing/breaking style boundaries and rules, right? Right?? #wearwhiteafterlaborday Help me out here, guys! 

What's a bit funny about this combination is that my husband first critiqued me, then said "I want to know what your mom thinks about your outfit. I think she'll say the same thing I did." So, I asked my mom and she said the. exact. same. thing (that the shirt was too casual for the rest of the outfit). So, of course I burst out laughing then had to explain to her what my husband had said and how he guessed her response. Do they think along the same lines or what?? Maybe they both just like to give me a hard time...

1st outfit

top: gift from a friend

skirt: Nordstrom

sandals: WalMart

necklace: WalMart

2nd outfit

chambray: Kohl's

skirt: Nordstrom

heels: Target

necklace: Trends

Lime & Cobalt

Some lime & cobalt in a flowy top and maxi (and a lack of makeup) to start off the weekend. 

Happy Friday!

tank: Kohl's

sweater: Trends

skirt: Chico's (thrifted)

sandals: Gap

Navy & Neon

I know, I know. I tell my real life friends about my blog, and then POOF! disappear for a few days. But I've been busy (I know everyone says that and it's my least favorite excuse to hear come out of peoples' mouths because it means "I was too busy for YOU") but, I was busy! I mean, I went to Vegas. BUSYBUSYBUSY. So, cut me some slack, will ya?

I went to Lost Wages for a dear friend's bachelorette party for a quick 48 hours - pictures to come! We  had fun, but Vegas isn't really my speed - it's a bit too fast. Consider Sin City the fast lane - I'm waaaay over in the right lane, with the little old ladies merging. Regardless of the difference in speeds, we merged lanes and had a fun girls' trip. I think our bride-to-be is ready for her bride-dom & wife-dom (just made those up - ya like?)

And here's that maxi skirt again. And twirling. Again ;)

I'll be here the rest of the week, simply because my life is slowing down for the next 2.5 days, but then picks up again right after! Whoever said summer is a slower time was confused...it just doesn't stop!

shirt: Kohl's

skirt: thrifted

sandals: WalMart

jewelry: Kohl's

linking up over here today :)