Happy hair day

It's been awhile since I've had a haircut that I've been happy with. There's this guy I've been going to the last five years and he sorda disappeared for a couple of years. Well thankfully I found him again!!  It's my classic do--I love this cut but he's really the only one who can do it well on me. Happy day today. 

Nordstrom Rack

With the weather cooling down and our trip to Portland coming up, I needed to buy EV some cool weathered clothes. We are blessed to have an awesome friend who gives us tons of hand-me-downs which covers most items most seasons. But for some reason this season she had tons of tops with not many bottoms. So I went shopping.

I can say that I've never been to Nordstrom Rack before. I think it's because I don't go to Lenox or North Point mall often. That all changed Sat thanks to my sister. Although I didn't find anything for EV or myself. I had to share with the world the most amazing find. I bought these shoes for Jimmy for $5. Yes, you read that correctly, for a total of $5. These shoes were originally $95. The brand is Rockport and it looks pretty kick-ass on Jimmy's feet. 

I foresee returning to Nordstrom Rack in the near future!

Airport Fashion

I do quite a bit of traveling and I've gotten both packing and dressing down to a science. For me, it's all about comfort, easy, and efficiency. I don't like to be the one holding up the line because I can't get my shoes off or taking things out of my carry-on. I travel light. For a two night trip, a simple large longchamp bag is plenty. 

Wearing:

Jcrew chambrey top

Old Navy floral print jeans

Steve Madden sandals 

Rugs

Rugs can make a huge difference in terms of how a space looks in your house. It can bring warmth, personality, and color to your room. The biggest challenge is finding the right rug, the right size, and the right price. And really it comes down to price cause I can often find a beautiful rug that's as large as I need it to be but usually WAY out of my budget. So when we renovated our house and got more hardwoods with a different color scheme, it was obvious that we needed new rugs. So, everyday I've been stalking online outlet sites like Joss and Main, One Kings Lane, and Gilt. Whenever we get a chance on the weekends we were going to Ballard's Backroom, Ikea, and Frontgate outlet. I've also been checking for sales on West Elm, Anthropologie, and Pottery Barn.

Well, today's the day we finally made a rug purchase. I'm usually a very decisive person but buying a rug has been the most indecisive I've been in forever. Now, the three things I mentioned above, I've come to realize you can't have all three. So, today we went to the Frontgate outlet in Roswell and bought a rug for an amazing price but it's smaller than I wanted. However, for the price and the look, it'll do until I find that perfect rug if it even exists. So, here it is. We paid $159 for an 8x10 rug (down from $599). It's perfect thickness and softness. 

Summer Days

This summer has been the rainiest. It's also sometimes cold in the mornings so I've been less than motivated to pull together outfits much less take pictures of them. I also have the problem of finding the right time. I'm usually running out the door in the mornings and by the time I get home I quickly change into my "home clothes". 

Anyways, I've been really into wearing short skirts lately. It helps my legs look longer and it's a great alternative to shorts for work. I love this linen skirt from Madewell and this tuxedo top is old but is another item I wear all the time. The shoes are from Zara and they are from the kids section. Love the detailing on them!!  I'm having a hair crisis so please ignore the poof on my head!

Custom Furniture

I think furniture shopping is one of the most stressful things to do, especially if you are looking for something very specific.  When we started renovating our home, I started to look for counter stools.  Let me tell you, it was not easy.  I had a vision of what I wanted these stools to look like and nothing online satisfied that vision.  My first thought was, I just needed to find the right shape.  I figured I could always repaint and reupholster.  Finding the right shape is not as easy as you think.  I wanted something that had upholstery on the seat and the back.  I wanted something that looked old french country.  And most importantly it needed to be affordable. Everything I found online looked the same and whenever I found something that could potentially be something I would consider, it was $$$$.  One day I found some stools for inspiration.  It was someone on etsy who collected stools from garage sales and thrift stores and reupholstered them.  After a few etsy convos with her, I was convinced that there was no way I was going to find what I wanted for the price I wanted.  I figured we just had to stand by our table with no chairs for awhile.

Then I went to Scott Antique Market and came across a company called Renewed Traditions.  They had the most amazing furniture and the price tag was unbelievable.  I was shocked.  Not only was I able to get my stools with my own fabric, but I also was able to get my farmhouse table and my entryway console and I paid a fraction of what I would have paid.  Seriously, if you haven't been to Scott's then check out their website and schedule yourself to go pronto.   Don't forget to print the coupon (it's per person).  Not only will you save some serious cash but you'll get furniture pieces that are unique, beautiful, and last a lifetime.  See below my chairs.  My table is currently being made.  Can't wait to get back to Scott's.

Pure Barre

Confession... 

I have not been working out consistently. Honestly, my whole life I have never been an active person who loves to hike, run, workout, etc. I've been such a hypocrite. My job, I lecture other people they need to be healthy by eating right and exercising and I wasn't even following my own advice. 

For the past few years, I've been getting tired so easily that I would get so frustrated at myself for always needing to nap or rest.

Recently my friend introduced me to Pure Barre. To me, it's a mixture of pilates, yoga, and dance, but you can read their website for a better description. I am lucky that I only live 10 minutes from one of there locations in Atlanta. I got the $100 one month unlimited promotion deal. I went at least 3-4 times a week and I think the first week I went 5 days in a row and got sick from overworking my body. After exactly one month, my weight is about the same, but I feel better and stronger. I have noticed that my skinny jeans are tolerable after meals and every part of me feels tighter. I use to have a belly that wouldn't go away, but I am proud to say this summer I can wear a bikini and not feel so self-conscious.

I talked it over with Chris if I should continue or not because it's not cheap! But, overall, I feel better, look better, and I finally found something I am committed to.

Cheers to exercising!

Outfit of the day -

White t-shirt from banana outlet (old). Similar to here
Merona polka dot chambray skirt
Clarks brown sandals
Coach crossbody (old). similar to here

weekend gone bad

My outfits this weekend was very simple and casual. I love that I am almost complete with having all my essential clothing items. There are only a few more things I want to buy for this summer, and I think I am done purchasing for this season. 

This post may be longer than usual.

So, this weekend was filled with hanging out with friends and enjoying the weekend.

Well, of course something had to happen. My husband and I went to the mall with another married couple to grab some refreshments and also to stay out of the sun. We bought smoothies and the guys bought lots of candy (usually we don't buy candy, so it's a big treat for the hubby). Well, the girls wanted to stop by F21 while the guys went to another store. My friend and I were having fun looking around but mostly just talking to each other. We each found a pair of shorts and while I was about to purchase my item, I realized my wallet was gone. I panicked. I knew I wasn't the type of person to be clumsy, but to make sure I checked the fitting room and my friend went else where to look.  Basically, I knew there was nothing else I could do. My hands were shaking and I just tried calling my husband, but of course he didn't pick up. So, I went near a front entrance where it was more quiet and started to call all my credit card company. My girlfriend tried to find our husbands, but with no luck so she went back into F21. Thanks to my friend's ability to find things, she found my wallet hidden under a pile of clothes. The only thing that was stolen was my cash and coins. Everything else was still there.

I am still shocked that this happened. My purse was closed, but I guess my zipper wasn't facing toward me and I don't really remember bumping into anyone.

But, I wanted everyone to know this happened so that you guys will be more aware and careful while shopping.

For me, I think I'll be doing more online shopping for awhile...

First outfit -

Black Madewell blazer. 

Striped t-shirt from Madewell. Similar to here

Shorts from Madewell. Similar to here.

Sam Edelman nude flats here.

LV purse

F21 sunnies

Second outfit-

Grey t-shirt from Anthropologie.

Black shorts from Madewell here.

Zara heels here.

LV purse.

Chloe sunnies

Sunday wear

I have problems with colored jeans. I only have a few pairs of colored jeans, but I am never 100% satisfied. With colored jeans, I am scared of wearing bright colors for my bottom half. Maybe because I am bottom heavy and I have short legs, I don't want to emphasize my legs so much. The price of these coral jeans was only $14 from Madewell, but they don't fit me perfectly. I altered these jeans and it makes a big difference, but because these jeans are stretchy, they become loose after a few hours of wear. I have tried buying smaller size jeans, and the jeans end up being still too tight in the wrong areas. I wish jeans had adjustable waist bands so I can adjust my jeans myself.

Do you guys have any recommendations?

Wearing -

HM white peplum top. similar to here
Madewell coral jeans. similar to here and here
Clarks sandals
F21 sunnies

Haircuts

Just  got my hair did!!

I went to a new hair salon today. Honestly, I have major problems committing to a hair stylist. I mostly hit up Korean hair salons, but I hate how Korean stylists decide what looks good on you and cut and color your hair whatever they feel like it's right. I find that my haircuts from Korean places look good the first week or two, and then looks whatever. 

Today, I tried a trendy hip place in Inman Park area, and I don't know what to think. I like my hair color, but my hair stylist cut my hair so much shorter than I thought she would. I'm a little disappointed I wont be able to curl my hair for awhile. 

But, I'm going to give my hair stylist another try. 

Wearing -

F21 Bicycle shirt
Yellow shorts from Gap outlet (old). Similar to here
Clarks sandals (bought them 25% off)
F21 sunnies
LV purse (old).

It's been awhile

I haven't been blogging much, and I don't know the reason. 

I am planning to pick up blogging again! :)

Anyways, I hope everyone is having a great start on their Memorial weekend. Chris and I are taking things easy, just relaxing at home and enjoying my last few days of freedom before work starts.

I recently ordered a few things from Zara and honestly didn't like Zara much in the past, but I do love this year line of clothes.

I bought these new culotte shorts from Zara. They are perfect for me because they are shorts but look like a skirt. In the summer, I mostly wear shorts because I'm not very lady like and I always end exposing my undies. The few times I do wear skirts, I always wear workout shorts underneath to make sure I don't have another wardrobe malfunction. Long story short, I end up being uncomfortable.

What I am wearing -
culotte shorts from Zara
jean jacket from Madewell
sandals from Zara
Grey shirt from Anthropologie. Similar to here

Simple coral

This is a new favorite outfit. Besides from being super comfortable, I love the simplicity of it and the colors. I predict that this shirt will be worn all the time this summer and these pants were practically free from Gap. The pants were $8 (it was marked down to $14.97 and an additional 40% off). I love a great deal!!

White sleeveless top--Anthropologie
Coral skinny jeans--Gap
Flip flops--Old Navy

Mother's Day

It's been awhile since either my sister or myself have posted. It's been a combination of being very busy with work, home renovations, and life in general. It's also been rainy and dreary week after week. So, here's my attempt to revitalize our blog.

Today is Mother's Day and as I find it an important day to acknowledge our mothers and the women in our lives that have molded us, loved us, and have been patient with us. I am also very sensitive to those who desire so greatly to be mothers or who have lost a child.

I am just grateful that I get to go to worship service with Jimmy today and get to spend a Sunday with my family. This outfit is not new but it's a summer favorite. Both top and bottom are from Loft and I wear the shirt practically every other day.

Kids clothes for petite women

So, there seems to be a trend with petite women wearing kids clothes and I have to say I am very tempted.  When you have short legs like me or a size 5.5 feet then finding clothes that fit right are a challenge.  Everything has to either be tailored or passed up on because it doesn't fit correctly.  Not only that but kids clothes are cheaper than adult clothes.  Now, I'm not talking about clothes from places like Justice or even Gymboree.  I'm talking about clothes from Crewcuts or Zara Kids.  My current obssession has been with Zara Kids.  Their stuff is so cute and not just for EV but for myself as well!

Who would even believe that these are kids shoes:

I'm contemplating buying EV the coral pair and myself one of the animal print. 

 

My understanding is sometimes the rise or hips are not the best fitting for adult women, but depending on the cut pants, jackets, and shoes can be good (and affordable) options.

 

Does anyone else incorporate kids clothes into their wardrobe?



Maxi Dresses

Everyone who knows me know that I will choose comfort over style. I love how so many stores are providing more than one version of maxi dresses! Even last year I had a hard time finding a maxi dress that was not too long, too tight, or a maxi that made you kinda look preggos.

I am happy to announce I was able to find an affordable maxi dress that fit! 

Wow, I know. I was so excited that I even told my friend during dinner tonight. My husband told me in the car that I went a little overboard.  

If you are reading this my friend, sorry you had to listen to me for 20 minutes about clothes!

By the way, H&M is having their mid-season sale. Additional 50% off their sale items.

Wearing-

Black maxi from H&M
Jean jacket from Madewell
Sandals from TJ Maxx (old). similar to here
Sunnies from F21. similar to here
Coach crossbody (old). similar to here

comfortable wear

Tonight Chris and I are eating korean bbq and I had to dress accordingly. 

I quickly changed into leggings and a loose fitted top so my stomach can get big and full without feeling restricted.

I also walked a lap around my neighborhood so I wouldn't feel guilty eating so much tonight.

Hope everyone else has a good weekend!

Wearing -

Black leggings from Target.

Grey loose shirt from TJ maxx.

Grey cardigan from Madewell. Similar to here

Sunglasses from Chloe. Similar to here

Black Classic Canvas Toms