Housekeeping (and an OOTD share)

A BIG thanks to those of you who have participated in my closet clean-out sale. I sent out a big batch of packages last week, and will send all the recently paid items out this afternoon. I will be going through and deleting sold items for the send packages. I apologize for being slow the last few days. I had an unexpected burst of hours at work, so I am utilizing my day off today to catch up.

There is an interesting conversation going on today at Lisa of Respect The Shoes' blog about monetizing. I thought I would clarify my policy on monetizing. I have started adding links to OOTD and reviewed items as a way to find it or find a replacement. I try to be very careful to keep it natural, and I have always tried to have a giveaway as I earn a little money. I don't want my posts to be clogged with ads and links, as I find that annoying in other blogs. Believe me, we aren't talking big bucks, here. Just enough to pay my google storage fees, do the occasional giveaway and maybe buy some Starbucks. (Or as-in Lisa's case, some pizza. Haha!) I always want to be as transparent as possible, so I thought I'd toss that out. If you as a reader ever dislike something that is easily fixed, please communicate with me. I'm happy to discuss, and value kind feedback. Thoughts?

I found a few old OOTD's, and thought I'd share them today.

 Outfit details here.

 Outfit details here.

 Outfit details here.

You Asked For It

The response to my posts written about my family life has been overwhelming. I feel like I sound like a broken record, but I can't tell you how much it means to me to have your encouragement and concern for my family.
Last week, I had the most embarrassing turned amazing situation. I was at first mortified then overwhelmed.
As you may remember, Jay and I took our son to college last week. We drove up Wednesday evening, then attended Parent/New Student Orientation Thursday all day, moved him into his dorm on Friday, and returned home. I tried very much to keep off that subject both in the blog and in daily activities last week, because my emotions were so close to the surface.
We had the opportunity to meet TJ's roommate and his parents on Thursday at orientation, and made arrangements to meet up for dinner as a group that evening in Leawood. This gave us time to let Jay take TJ shoe shopping and for me to hit J Crew and Anthro before dinner.
I noticed that Madewell was very close to Anthropologie, and I had never had an opportunity to see a store location (only shopped online), so I ran in to take a turn thru the store and try a few things on. While browsing, I noticed one of the employees looked very familiar to me, and when we looked at each other, she said the same thing to me. So we got to talking, and she told me she was recruited from Anthro to run the new Madewell store. She asked about my family, and I told her what we were in town for, and we talked for a long time about college and opportunity, as well as the retail world (I told her about my new job). Can I just tell you, she gave me great feedback about joining the working world, was very encouraging about my ability to engage customers, and was excited about all the things going on in our family. I walked away thinking, "Wow! You feel like you are so alone sometimes, but she remembered me, and remembered parts of my life."  I was amazed.
On to Anthropologie.... I decided to return this and this after finding out I got the job, because I really wanted more things that would fit into a work wardrobe easier. So I set about doing my usual store routine browsing around the walls of the store and working my way in, and gathering things to try on. While I was in the fitting room, Jay called to say they were finished and heading my way. I asked him to bring my returns in so I could exchange.
I wrapped up and headed to the register, and while checking out, chatted as usual with the salesgirl. As I was about finished the salesgirl one register over said, "I just want to tell you, I am so glad I was here when you came in." Um, huh?
She said, "I read your blog every day, and I just love it. I saw your husband and son and knew you were here somewhere." I wanted to crawl under the desk I was so mortified. I know that might seem absurd. I mean, I put myself "out there" every time I post or add photo's, but in some ways, I still feel invisible. This was the first time I've ever been out and someone recognized me. I told her I was shocked and happy to meet her, and my cashier said, "Oh, yeah, we all read your blog." Again, I was shocked. Not unhappy, just shocked! But here's what got me. The first girl (Darn my brain! I WISH I had asked for her name!) said, "I have kids, and sometimes I feel like I will never get it right. When you talk about your kids, I can relate to that."
The ways blogging has changed my life will continue to be a surprise to me.  I never thought I would meet all of the amazing women I have had the opportunity to meet- whether virtually or in person. I count myself one lucky girl. It is risky to put yourself out like this. I love fashion, probably too much. But I adore my family, and to have someone say, "I can tell. It shows. I feel like I know you." I mean that just blows my mind. And I am grateful. They were excited about my job opportunity as well, and promised to come visit me in Wichita. I am thrilled for the visit!
When I told Jay and TJ what happened, they said, "Oh, well when we walked in, they said, 'Oh hey guys, the couch is over there and empty.'" They were like, "Okay, we're supposed to sit and not touch anything!" Haha.

Orientation Day
What I Wore:
J Crew Haberdashery Shirt (here, cheaper here)
J Crew Cafe Capri in Warm Jade (here, cheaper here)
J Crew Jackie Cardigan (here, i like this too)
Steve Madden Karisma Bow Flat (similar, i like these too, and these)
J Crew Link Bracelet (here, similar & cheaper)

Me and my Bud

TJ's nice, big dorm room.

Saying Goodbye
What I Wore:
Gap 1969 Real Straight Distressed Jeans (here, similar & cheaper)
Shirt: J Crew Perfect Buffalo Check (similar)
Sweater: J Crew Tippi in Heart Me (here)
Shoes: Grey Chuck Taylors (here)

So now that I know you care about my family, you are going to be hearing about them more...
You asked for it! :)

Thoughts on Blogging

I love blogging. I love the creative outlet, and the accountability it provides in sticking to interesting outfit combo's, and the push to re-mix my wardrobe. Since this is essentially a fashion blog, I try to stick pretty close to that.  However, my life is not hugely made up of fashion stuff, so I also write about things I am thinking about and sometimes, about my family.

Dress: Anthropologie Shimmer Stripes Sweaterdress

Sweater: Anthropologie Arched Pleats Pullover

Belt: Anthropologie Macadam Belt (backward)

Tights: Lands End

Boots: Target Kachiri

Necklace: Gift from children

Bracelets: Tiffany & Co.

I lost a reader today. I don't take it personally, since I have lost and gained readers before, but it did get me wondering....
What makes you open up a blog? What keeps you reading? In other words, what content are you looking for?  I try to keep a balance of writing about what is important to me, while respecting the opinions and ideas of my readers.

When I read a blog, I am drawn to a witty writing style, useful information, and great pictures. Not all of my blog roll provides all three, sometimes it is just one at a time. I love to read about people who are genuine and warm, which is one of the most interesting side notes of blogging. I have been able to meet some amazing women I would never have been able to come into contact with in life.
What are your thoughts?

2011 Re-Cap Post (Not Your Mother's Recap)

When I started preparing for this post, I took a look back over the blog, starting in January. What I saw there surprised me a little. I had planned to write a Hits/Misses post, using different outfits from the past year.  What I noticed, though, is that I had quite a few misses, and a lot more closet staples I would consider the "workhorse" of my wardrobe.  The other thing I noticed, is that I was a lot more lighthearted and sarcastic earlier in the year. I don't know what changed my writing, but I suspect the move and the stress of supporting my husband in said change has just made me a little more heavy hearted.  I don't feel like a different person in many ways, except that I feel stronger, more able to handle difficult situations, and willing to change than ever. I am so proud of my husband, and his strong work ethic (a trait I can only attribute to my amazing mother in law), but the past year has brought a lot of change.  Some of it amazingly good, and others very difficult.  This period of time from June to now- and even to the coming June is the longest I have ever been away from home.  We fly home at the end of May for my sister in law's wedding, and the kids and I plan to stay home for a month, so it is exciting to have that to look forward to.
What does all this mean?  Well, I am always analyzing, editing, and thinking about new ideas. (Can you tell I have been accused of being an "over-analyzer"?) I want to get back to a lighter way of writing, as well as adding more food for thought.  This is a fashion blog, and I DO love me some fashion, but there is much more to me than the surface.  I also plan to focus a lot on more ways to wear the same item.  Perhaps a "One outfit 3 ways" series.  I know that is one of my favorite things to see in other blogs, so I would like to give that a try. What do you think?
In addition to these things, I plan to hit the work-outs pretty hard.  I have already started back to my clean eating, and adding to my regular runs.  I am looking for a marathon to sign up for, as that really helps with my accountability. I feel better, and look better when I am running and lifting weights.  I came across this great article about the importance of weight lifting, so that is something I am going to work harder on.
Now! On to the fun stuff. While looking back over my outfit photo's, I noticed a few pieces that I tend to use over and over. So I decided to focus on that.
First up, the Button-down.

Brooks Brothers button-down.

J Crew Perfect Buffalo check

Mossimo Chambray stripe, via Target

Mossimo Chambray, Target

J Crew Perfect Shirt, buffalo check
This was one of my favorite outfits of the year. I have not regretted this skirt purchase one bit.

J Crew Tartan plaid

J Crew button-down, thrifted

Izod button-down, thrifted

J Crew Perfect Shirt, buffalo check

Brooks Brothers button-down, thrifted

Believe it or not, I had many more, but this should just give you an idea.  I really embraced the button-downs, from everything to solo and layering uses.  Aside from the versatility of them, they are also one of the easiest things to find at the thrift store. My blue and white stripe Brooks Brothers was thrifted for pennies, and I treat it as a staple and wear it every week, in some form or fashion. It washes beautifully, and goes with everything. As you can see, many times over the past year I treated patterns as a neutral. Since I don't like "normal" anyway, it works for me.  I love pattern mixing.
Another thing I used a ton this year was belts, almost all thrifted.

Just a couple of years ago, I only owned 3 belts. Now, thanks to thrifting, and a few choice Anthropologie sales, I have two belt racks overflowing. Again, there were many more pictures, but as you can see, belts can take an outfit to the next level.
I would say my third closet staple are neutral shoes. I have really tried to embrace that more, realizing that not every piece of an outfit needs to be stand-out.

I walked all over NYC in my Sperry Top-Siders.

Within the lines heels, Anthro

Nine West Nuncio pump

Stacked Strap Heel, Anthr
My favorite shoe purchase, by far.

As you can see, it was a full year of fashion for me, but for the coming year, I want to focus and direct this blog in a clearer way.
What is your favorite closet staple? The "thing" you reach for most often?
What are your suggestions for cleaning up the blog and editing content?

What I Wore (Christmas Eve)

Ever since I was a little girl, my Dad always took us out to Red Lobster on Christmas Eve. We didn't have much money growing up, and back then, this was a special treat. We have continued the tradition as we have all gotten older, and now my kids ask, "Are we going to Red Lobster?" One of the first things they did when we moved here was look for a Red Lobster so we could go out on Christmas Eve. My whole family joined us here this Christmas, since Jay couldn't take much time off. We had a house full! But we were happy to have everyone. Now the clean-up begins.

Kid- captured on my iPhone.

My sister Valerie and I leaving for church.

My sister hated this outfit, saying gray and green don't match.

Shirt: Anthropologie Voltante Tee
Skirt: J Crew No. 2 Pencil in Viridian Green
Shoes: Anthropologie Satin Swoops Heels
Belt: Green Leather, thrifted

We all piled in cars and went to Red Lobster, then the Christmas Eve service at church. It was such a lovely service, and the perfect reminder of why we celebrate Christmas.

I had hoped to do a end of year re-cap of style and the evolution of my blog, but with so much going on with family, it wasn't possible until now. I hope you will indulge me another week, while I clean house, and get my kids back to school. I would love to write a post about some hits and misses.

A very Happy New Year to each and every one of you. The friendships I have formed through blogging have meant the world to me. I love to hear from my readers! I hope to meet more of you face to face this year. (That means you, Sonia A!)

Blogger Meet-Up (Oh What Fun!)

While we were in San Francisco, not only did I get to meet my friend Peggy in REAL life, I also got to meet a couple of other Bay area bloggers. We went to Anthropologie in Downtown San Fran, and shopped and talked.  My pictures are soft, because I am sticking to my photography class rules, and refusing to use flash. I think the sales girl in the dressing room popped the flash once, b/c she kept getting frustrated. Haha!

I was enchanted with the interior of the downtown store. They had the most amazing replica of the Golden Gate Bridge made out of Rice-A-Roni boxes!

I got to meet Bethy from Style Aesthetic, and Anjali from Love and Wardrobe.

Yep, this is my stalker position. I thought I could get better pis from above, where they didn't know I was watching.
(I was right!)

Bethy

Cute displays in the downstairs.
One of the many reasons I love this store.

Peggy and Anjali chatting in the dressing room.

Anjali rocking the Neo-Refinement Pullover

Here's the gang.

What do you wear to a fashion blogger meet-up?
I wore my Fortunes Favor Jumper (per Susans suggestion),  Unearthed Necklace, Cherokee Cardi, and strappy sandals.

Bethy opening her gift from Peggy, she brought us all one!

The gifter!

Anjali, showing hers off. A necklace with a camera pendant. How appropriate!
Thanks, Peggy!

Thanks for taking the time to meet Peggy and I, girls! It was great! :)