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.

LiaMolly Coinpurse Copycat (OOTD)

I was browsing Pinterest the other day, and came across a family photograph that featured one of my favorite LiaMolly sweaters. I took a closer look and realized that I had all the elements of the outfit! So I pulled it out to wear to work this week.
LiaMolly just moved it's knitting work here to the US, and seems to be in a restructuring/manufacturing phase, so I haven't seen anything new come out for a while, but I can't wait to see the new line.
Pinterest Idea Here.
Real Translation Here:

In This Outfit:
Sweater: Anthropologie LiaMolly Coin-Purse Cardigan
Blouse: Anthropologie Twisted Ascot Tee
Jeans: Citizen of Humanity Rocket High Rise via Piperlime
Boots: Ciao Bella Thabata via DSW (new style here)
Bracelet: Vintage Marcasite from my Grandmother
Earrings: Pearl Hoop via Dillards (check out this bargain copycat!)

I'm A Fan (But Not A Very Happy One...)

I've mentioned my love for football before (ad nauseum, I'm sure). This season was tough for my Cowboys. Squeaking enough wins to keep hope alive, but not to make us think we actually had a chance for a Superbowl win. I won't bore you with my thoughts on restructuring, since this is a fashion blog. But lets talk about gear, huh?
I grew up watching the Cowboys with my dad on Sunday afternoons, but didn't really start following closely until I was an adult, as a way to connect more with my husband. He is a NY Giants fan, so the rivalry is strong in our house. Back in the day, a women's football fan shirt was either a mens small, or a children's large. That's what all my old Cowboys shirts were made up of.
Womens fan gear has come a LONG way in the past 5 years.
Jay and I were able to take the two younger kids down to Dallas for a game in November, so I had a chance to don my fan gear.

In This Outfit:
Jacket: Pink Brand Hoodie Zip-up Jacket
T-Shirt: Pink Brand Tee (here in a hoodie)
Jeans: Gap Straight Jean, old (new ones here)
Shoes: Converse, grey via DSW (size down from your normal size)

Here is the back of my jacket:

Obviously, I am not happy about how my team did this season, but I am nothing, if not loyal. The fan love isn't just coming from me. My friend Kara is a huge football girl too, and proudly sports her fan gear. (She, like me, also brainwashes her kids into it too.)

Kara is wearing a Nike Tom Brady jersey. Ajuma and Job are also sporting Patriots kids gear!
I love the friendly rivalry Kara and I share about football. She and Susan are my two football girlfriends. We love to talk some smack. (I'm glad Susan is a Texas girl!)

My favorite Christmas gift? This jersey:

Nike NFL Dallas Cowboys DeMarcus Ware Women's Football Away Limited Jersey

My husband knows the way to a girls heart.

There's always next year, right?

Getting Dressed

In spite of my lack of attention here, I have been getting dressed every day. (Okay, well MOST days.)
I even managed to take a few photos, which I neglected to post right away.

 Sunday lunch with the family.
In this outfit:
Dress: Anthropologie Snowy Egret Shift (a very cute bird dress)
Jacket: Ann Taylor (thrifted)(an exact replica)
Shoes: Loft (old)(nine west version)
Necklace: thrifted(similar)

 Trying on new lipstick at Sephora.

 My girlfriends and I love to Instagram our nail polish. This one's one of my favorites.
Essie Tarte Deco (from Ulta) with Sephora by OPI Gold.

 Me with my babies in SouthLake, Dallas.

 In this outfit:
Sweater: Point Hem by Marsh Landing (thrifted) (similar)
Jeans: Anthropologie AG Farrah Skinny (here)
Necklace: Anthropologie Orinoco
Boots: DSW Ciao Bella Thabata (new style here)

 Me and Mr College boy, who is home on break.
In this outfit:
Sweater: Anthropologie Climate Control Cardigan (similar-ish)
Blouse: Madewell Flowersketch Peplum (in solids)
Jeans: Citizen of Humanity Rocket High Rise in Crispy (find them here)
Earrings: Anthropologie Muriel

 Work OOTD
In this outfit:
Blouse: Anthropologie Bagatelle Buttondown (find it here)
Skirt: Anthropologie Haute Skirt (tweed pencil)
Belt: J Crew Skinny (find it here)
Tights: Anthropologie Pindot Tights (similar)
Boots: DSW Ciao Bella Thabata (new style here)

Christmas Eve Service
In this outfit:
Blouse: J Crew Haberdashery Buttondown (here)
Skirt: Banana Republic Lace Pencil Skirt (find it here)
Belt: Anthropologie Windmill Bow Belt (cute imitation)
Shoes: Anthropologie Malbec Heels (very similar, also cute in a wedge)

As you can see, I've been trying to pull out the skirts and dresses more. What have you been reaching for lately?

College Life

Since I didn't go to college, I didn't experience the feelings of going away and separating from my family and having to figure it out. I was a momma, and had to grow up fast.
I shared with you earlier that being a college mom is difficult. I am hoping to get some feedback from you, my dear readers. Will you share your college experiences with me? The good and the bad? And maybe some suggestions on how to have a great relationship with my college aged son? I would so much appreciate it...
I hope I don't sound like I am complaining, I just hope that by hearing some different perspectives, it might give me encouragement.

In This Outfit:

Flared & Cabled Sweaterdress, Anthro (similar in grey & navy, red w/ sleeves, i LOVE this!)
Cardigan Sweater, J Crew Factory (here, here)
Emmie Ballet Flat, Lucky (here, all different colors here)
Unearthed Necklace, Anthro (similar style, beautiful turquoise)
And completely un-related but I just had an OMG moment. Have you guys seen this?! Where have I been?

Living In Zombie-ville

Well, Halloween is over, but the spooky things are still going on.
Who knew having a college kid was going to be this hard? Letting go of control has been one of the hardest parts of parenting I have ever dealt with. Especially knowing that your child is not making the best of decisions. It is stretching my faith, and my prayer life, that's for sure. The every day drama of the younger kids at home is a cake-walk, comparatively.
Fashion is light. It's an easy thing to think about, when everything else seems a mess. So honestly, it's a mindless exercise that releases stress for me. I take parenting very seriously, not fashion. It's an outlet. You happen to see the majority of that outlet, not my real life. I hope that conveys.
I may have mentioned this before, but the best parenting advice I ever heard was:
"When you you have success, don't take too much credit, and when you have failure, don't take too much blame." For someone who wishes so much to raise godly, happy children, that is important to remember.

In This Outfit:
Night Moves Chemise, Anthro (similar with sleeves, almost exact)
Arched Pleats Pullover, Anthro (similar)
Orinoco Necklace, Anthro (similar)
Emmie Ballet Flat, Lucky (via Shoebuy) (here, other colors here)

Cooler Weather Comin'!

Last week, the weather dipped into cooler temps a little, and I was excited to pull out my new Frye boots to wear for the first time! I finally decided on this pair, and I can't believe how luxurious they are.

Frye Melissa Logo Boot

They ended up taking my whole first paycheck, but Jay knew how long I had been desiring a pair, so he helped me decide which ones to keep, and which to send back. (I also ordered these to try.)

Frye Melissa Button

I realized later that my OOTD was kind of dark, and you can't really see the details, but the leather work is beautiful, and they are very comfy. I wore this to work, and the next day I wore them with skinny jeans for a volleyball game. 

 In This Outfit:
Shirt: Gap Pocket Tee (similar, and here too)
Skirt: Easy Keeper Skirt, Anthro (beautiful alternative, similar color scheme)
Boots: Frye Melissa Logo, Piperlime (similar here, and here)
Tights: Gap
Necklace: Fossil, Dillards
Belt: Thrifted (similar)

I couldn't help but share a sweet photo I grabbed of my little Mr. Handsome over the weekend. We were vegging out on the couch, and he looked so sweet.

I'm off to pack for California! Happy Wednesday!

Impact

Source: callmecraz-ee.tumblr.com via Debra on Pinterest

The latest Bible Study I am participating in has lined up nicely with the messages we have been hearing at church (I LOVE it when God does that!), and it has all come around to impacting the people around us.
I often wonder what my impact is. What legacy would I leave to my friends and family- and now coworkers) if I were suddenly gone? Would it be the kindness I strive so desperately for? Or would it be that I was a grump in the morning. (I am.) What would my children remember most about me?
In the things I have been reading and learning the last few weeks, those thoughts have extended outward more. There are so many hurting people. I am reminded of this poster I saw on Pinterest.

Source: crushculdesac.tumblr.com via Jasmine on Pinterest

It's easy to get caught up in the irrelevant. Hello, I write a fashion blog, I understand how hypocritical that can sound. It's hard to see beyond the tip of your nose sometimes. Our schedules can be overwhelming, and make us feel overdrawn.
But what if we stepped out and just started putting into practice the things we know to be true? What if we looked for just one way to start impacting the people beyond our four walls? I don't want to say what that looks like for you, but for me, it starts with just finding one person to encourage. To show Christ's love with feet on it. Walking the thing out.
What does that look like for you?

In This Outfit:
Dress: Anthro Daytripper Dress (navy) (cheaper substitute)
Sweater: F21 Lace Cardigan, old (similar)
Shoes: Steve Madden Karisma (here in black, cute in turquoise)

More Thoughts From A Foodie

A very BIG thank you to everyone who posted on my original post (here) giving me tips and suggestions. I have cut way back on my baking and trying to be more selective about the sweets I choose. I am already feeling more normal- as normal as I can get, anyway...

So my next question is... Can you give me suggestions for simple dinners that I can get on the table in about 45 minutes start to finish? My little Mr. Handsome plays football, and by the time I pick up my daughter from volleyball and get home, I only have an hour to fix dinner, eat and get my son ready for practice. This is only 2-3 nights a week, so a few ideas would be so much appreciated!

I did find this soup recipe, and I am going to give it a try.

Sunday's OOTD below. Looking at the pictures, it is rather uninspired, but it felt good when I was wearing it! Haha!

Sweater: Thrifted (similar, and here) 

Blouse: Anthro Twisted Ascot Tee (beautiful substitution)

Skirt: Anthro Peppering Skirt (similar, ruched here)

Shoes: Anthro Within The Lines Heels (similar, and colorful!)

Life Catch-Up

When I started working at Gap, I hoped I would have an opportunity to use my creativeness as an asset to the store. I thought that it would take 6 months or more to get that kind of notice, but only about 2 weeks after I started, I got a call at home from the general manager of our store about working more with social media, visuals and events. It's the position I dreamed of. I have had a lot to learn, and still am learning, but I love it! I am so excited to have an opportunity like this, and grateful to every one I work with for being so patient and answering my thousands of questions.
I have been working random crazy hours, so my blog posts are sparse because I am still getting used to balancing my family responsibilities, working, plus a heavy running schedule right now. I'm exhausted!
Here are a couple outfits I have been saving up to share with you.

 Sweater: Anthro Contoured Crewneck (similar and here)
Blouse: Gap chiffon tank, thrifted (similar and here)
Jeans: Anthro AG Farrah (here and here)
Boots: Hunter Original Wellies
Necklace: Anthro Kulfi Strands (similar and here)

 Shirt: J Crew Haberdashery (similar, love this!, cheaper)
Sweater: J Crew Tippi in Heart Me (cheaper)
Jeans: Target Mossimo Skinny in Snow Leopard (also here)
Shoes: Aldo Bowering Flat (similar)