So 5th grade.

My hair is in serious need of some TLC. The only thing keeping me from actually becoming Ms. Frizzle is a rockin’ science-inspired dress with coordinating earrings and a magic school bus. I have the hair doowwn. I always loved her earrings btw. Volcanos. How sweet is that?!

If I had a magic school bus I’d have it take me south under the pretense of studying the scientific affects the sun has on a human. I’m feeling awfully pasty and drab these days. 

Earrings - Gifted
Scarf - H&M
Cardi - Target
Shirt - Hollister (Thrifted)
Belt - Dear (Steve & Barry's)
Jeans - Bullhead (PacSun)
Booties - Mia (Dillards)

Hair appointment scheduled for Friday. I know you were concerned. :)

Cheater.

Ok. 30 for 30 revelations. I am unapologetically a jeans girl. I love them. Aside from v-neck tees, they may be my biggest clothing obsession. Clint is a big fan too, which leads me to my second revelation. Who do you dress for? I guess it's more of a question really, but I have been really challenged by that this round. After 19 outfits I am beginning to think that I went a bit too simplistic, monotone and dull with my choices. I am craving new colors and patterns.  Also, can  you have a personal style of schizophrenic? I just feel really all over the board with my outfits. Like one day a confident daring adventurer dresses me and the next it's like I'm trying to relive the awkward high school years. I'm honestly considering stripping my closet down to my most favorite pieces and rebuilding. But I'm impatient and would want a huge shopping spree to replenish. Any pointers?

I so badly wanted to bring a smile to your face by letting you in on all of the akwardness and awesomeness of my day/week. But you see. I sat in a traffic jam for over an hour on the way home from softball practice, which pretty much turned all of my awkwards into annoyings and my awesomes into cynical sarcasms.  There’s always next Thursday. Until then, go here to get your giggles.

Speaking of jeans, I took the liberty of replacing the pair of black ankle pants in my original 30 for 30 line-up for the jeans you see today. Ohio has refused to jump on the spring bandwagon, so I choose to cover my ankles. 

Button-Up - JCrew (Thrifted)
Sweater - Target
Jeans - Abercrombie & Fitch
Shoes - Mia Girl (DSW)

If you're super bored, I thought it would be fun to wear a reader's choice outfit. A new perspective on the items I've been staring at for 20 days now. 

Boots:1 Tights:0

As promised, my first “I love this person’s blog” blog post. If you’d like to lower your self-esteem and see how celebrities and 1% of real people look after a marathon, go here. If you’re just into a great blog that will inspire you and make you laugh, go here. Ashley, you’re gorgeous and talented.  Ashley’s husband, you are a lucky man. 

Awkward and Awesomeness will happen tonight along with day 19. Bear with me.

Oh, and as that last picture points out, my boots and tights fought, and the boots won. Note to self, don't cross your legs when wearing these boots with tights. The zipper will catch and cost you $7.

chaos.

AAAAAH!!! I have so much I want to share with you! First, softball starts tomorrow and while I am incredibly excitednervous, I seriously have no idea how I am going to get my outfit pictures taken. The irony of me working in a photography studio and not having time to take pictures just kills me. I just discovered that along with Misty, Jo also gifted me a blogger award! Thank you so much ladies! It’s like having a brownie for breakfast! Admit it, you’ve done it too. I’d also like to share some of the things I’m learning this round of the 30 for 30. But one thing at a time. Here are some random things about me.

1.     I LOVE cards. I could spend hours finding just the right one, but will most likely leave with a few to add to my collection. Snail mail is a dying art. 

2.      Like an old woman, I crumple unused napkins and tissues in my hand and shove them in a pocket or under my leg. Husband says I should seek therapy when it’s up my sleeve. Until then, I will continue to find them shredded in the washer and littered under the table.

3.     I am a sloppy perfectionist. If something can’t be done just the way I want it, I put it off. Not a good thing.

4.     I may have mentioned this before, but my hatred runs so deep it garners a second reference. To steal a quote from a favorite movie, I “Hate, hate, hate. Hate, hate, hate. Double hate. Loathe entirely.” doing the dishes. I’d use paper pans if they made them. It’s all class around here ;).

5.     Husband and I have been married for eight glorious months.

6.     In about three weeks I will be an aunt. Auntie Em if you will.

7.     This probably goes without saying, but spelling is not my strong suit.

8.     I think soap operas are one of the biggest wastes of television time ever. They’re not even worthy of background noise as I finish the dishes.

9.     I prefer salty over sweet in most cases. But better yet, salty AND sweet.

10. I would love to learn a foreign language. Probably Spanish. But have you ever checked out the price of Rosetta Stone?!

11. I rotate between three fragrances. DKNY Be Delicious, Vera Wang Princess and Sexy Little Things. I love that all it takes is a subtle trace to flood my mind with the special memories that each scent holds.

Ok. These are getting weak. I was trying to be ambitious and share more things because I was given two awards, but let’s be honest. No one cares about my hatred of Soap Operas and I’m not giving out my address so what good does it do to profess my love for snail mail?

I am horrible at nominating others for these awards.  I also ruin most chain letters and put an end to forwardthisoryourlifewillsuck emails.  So I’m sorry to disappoint, but I will make this promise; when I come across a blog that I love, I’ll post about it. Pinky promise. Here are a few of my newest faves.

Natalie

Molly

Katie

Check them out and love them as I do.

More on the 30 for 30 tomorrow. As I'm sure a this text heavy entry has tried your loyalty quite enough.

Forgive me. It was my birthday.

Life is crazy. A good crazy. But still crazy. I am not ignoring the gorgeous Misty who so kindly gave me a blogger award. Or all of you lovelies who have left me such sweet comments. It is late and Clint has baseball practice before work :(. But quickly. Friday Clint and I went downtown to Fiddler on the Roof. Saturday we ate at Smashburger (yum) where Clint's family surprised me by joining us and presenting me with refrigerator icing birthday cake. (I'd share the recipe, but I'm pretty sure it's a family secret. But from a girl who doesn't like cake OR icing...it's pretty much the best thing ever.) Sunday was full of fun because I have a husband who loves me. Here's to being two dozen!

Scarf - WalMart
Earrings - Target
Shirt - WalMart
Cuff - New York & Company
Jeans - Bullhead (PacSun)
Booties - Blowfish (DSW)

See you tomorrow friends!

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

First I must say Happy Belated Birthday to my brother! 

Second as boring as it may be, I think this outfit pretty much sums up my style. Not to mention it got a thumbs up from Clint which is good. Again, solid colored v-neck tee and well-fitted jeans...not a shocker.

T-Shirt - Walmart
Necklace - Gift
Jeans - Bullhead (PacSun)
Belt - Dear (Steve & Barry's)
Shoes - Converse One Star (Target)

Awkward:
-The itchy ankle that inevitably occurs when I'm wearing my knee high boots. You can't slide your hand down the boot, but it seems silly to unzip it and forget trying to scratch through the leather.
-Trying to get out of the car only to realize you seat belt is still buckled. I'd feel really stupid if I could see my seat belt, but the funny thing is I buckled my seat belt and then decided to zip my jacket up.
-Old ladies who loose their eyebrows and the ability to draw on fake ones. No one has eyebrows like that naturally. No one. Also, your hair is white, why are those lines above your eyes red?
-The combination of letters you have to type before posting your comments. Who comes up with those? And what exactly is the purpose? Hackers can't read the squiggly random letters? Neither can I half of the time. So strange.
Awesome:
-This weather! Sometimes I forget that winter goes away. Today was a nice reminder that someday...it will.
-Honeycomb cereal. I was craving a little afternoon snack and these delicious little guys hit the spot. I kind of want some more right now...
-Softball season starts next week!
-Home videos from Husband's childhood. Still such a cutie.
-Oh hey! And now it's Friday!

The best laid plans of mice and men.

I didn’t intend for day 15 to so closely resemble day 4. And perhaps if I had not just linked you back to the offense you never would have known...

Cardi - Target
T-Shirt - Wal-Mart
Jeans - American Eagle
Shoes - Converse One Star (Target)

You see, I planned to wear my cropped black pants, but fearing the forecast of 50 degrees was inaccurate, so I threw on tights and jeans. Please forgive me.

Commercial Break

Want to see the outfit I put together for the giveaway that Kendi is hosting while I catch up on outfit posts? I thought you might.

Kelly Moore Bag Color Conundrum!

I am planning the purchase of an AMAZING new camera bag. Goodbye dull, impractical backpack bag, hello BEAUTIFUL.

If you haven’t heard of Kelly Moore Bags you should definitely check them out. These bags are functional without sacrificing fashion. I’m hoping the addition of this bag will encourage me to keep my camera on me, ready to capture the beauty all around. Not to mention it will totally up my chic factor at weddings and on senior shoots.

Ordering a product online can be so terrifying. Especially if you’re like me; bad at converting numerical size descriptions into a visual representation of what you will receive. That’s why these videos are just perfect for people like me. Trusting Kelly is not a tiny being in a dollhouse, it gives me a most practical idea of how the bag will fit my body. What a fantastic idea!

I’d like one of each bag in every color, but my freelance status and assistant salary will not allow for it.  So I’ve decided to start small and work my way towards a collection. Then, when I’ve bought each of her bags, Kelly will have to design a new bag. In need of a name she will ask me (her new bff) and I will humbly suggest “The Emily” which combines all my favorite features from each bag. Humbly.

Ok. Back to reality. I have decided my first Kelly Moore Bag will be the B-Hobo bag.  It can be worn as a shoulder bag or... cross-body; which is how I intend to wear it while I shoot. The size is perfect for my small set of lenses and single battery pack camera. Here’s where I need your help. There are so many fabulous colors to choose from. All bags are lined with a lilac colored fabric. Believe it or not, I have actually narrowed the selection for you.  Would you go safe with a neutral? Or daring with a pop of color? HELP!

Take advantage of this special February offer and get your own Kelly Moore Bag!

Week in Review

This week was odd. I feel like the days I woke up and tried the hardest too look fashionable I failed. And the days I was grabbing an accessory as I was running out the door worked best. Perhaps I am over-thinking it? 

Yes, I put the lumberjack look in the favorites column. Aside from the blue dollop on my head. Do you think that'd go away if I put a few quarters in the top? :) Pattern mixing and extreme comfort made this one a winner.

I felt the belt and necklace combo on day 11 made a plain ensemble pop. My opinion could also have been swayed by the fact that I have a hard time accessorizing. I tend to go for the simple and obvious, so when I hesitantly grabbed the orange belt and then realized I had a necklace that would bring it all together I celebrated a little victory.

And I'm pretty sure every time I wear that skirt (from day 14) it will be a favorite. I could wear it with a majority of tops in my closet so be prepared. And to think it's not even hemmed correctly! Oh, and it needs to be taken in. (It's a size 18 people!)

This challenge is so mind-blowing. But I'll have to wait to share all my epiphanies with you. I've got to get ready for work and the outfit I picked out in my head last night won't withstand these crazy cold temperatures.

I'd love to hear your thoughts! I'm sure hoping for some warmer weather. Thirty pieces gets to feeling small when you have to layer fifteen just to stay warm.

Happy Tuesday friends.

Lovely.

Do you ever wish you had a place where you could speak your mind without ridicule, tell a joke and get a genuine laugh, scream at the top of your lungs and be welcomed by a hug, cry and earn a kiss? I won't go all mushy on you, but I do love my valentine. (He's camera shy, so you get me.)

Coat - DKNY (Gift)
Shirt - Target
Belt - Target
Skirt - Thrifted
Tights - Simply Vera (Kohls)
Booties - Blowfish (DSW)

We got all gussied-up* and went out for a steak dinner. Vegetarians, I respect you, but I don't want to be you.



*A country term for showered, put on a skirt and did my make-up. In this case it would also mean I straightened my hair and shaved my legs.

Lucky #

Today was so bright and sunny that we decided to go for a bike ride. Unfortunately sunny does not automatically equal warm. One lap around the park and we headed home.

Sweater - Target
Vest - Target
Jeans - Bullhead (PacSun)
Boots - Mia Girl (Dillards)

Gotta love that BLUE sky and dose of vitamin D! 

1 do2en

A dedicated blogger, nay a devoted photographer would have brought their camera to our fun Saturday night outing. But sometimes I like the simplicity of me and husband without paparazzi ;). So just know you missed out. We went bowling and I'm pretty sure we both averaged over 100 for all three games. The best part about date nights after your married? It doesn't end! :)

Scarf - H&M
Sweater - Target
Belt - Kohls
Jeans - American Eagle
Boots - Famous Footwear

Fam11y

Sweater - H&M
Necklace - Charming Charlie
Belt - The Limited
Jeans - Bullhead (PacSun)
Shoes - Mia Girl (DSW)

I love my family. A rendezvous at Culver's was just the thing I needed to add a little sunshine to my life. Mom convinced me it'd be a good idea to take pictures inside, with an audience (she thinks I'm really self-confident and immune to the opinions of others...joke's on her) . I don't do well in front of people and Mom likes to tilt the camera. My Dad's comment on the outfit, "Now what's the idea behind wearing your belt right there? I've never been a fan of it. What's it supposed to draw attention to exactly?" My waist Dad, it's supposed to remind people that I have a waist. And it's trendy and it gives the illusion of longer legs and it added color to my otherwise monochromatic outfit and...need I go on? ALSO, I washed these jeans. Apparently it's been awhile. Whoa jeggings.

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. Date night with the Hubs? Yes please!

Ten four good buddy

But really just 10. It's Thursday. Awkward and Awesome Thursday.

Button up - JCrew (Thrifted)
Belt - The Limited
Pants - Abercrombie (Thrifted)
Shoes - Converse One Star (Target)
Earrings - Gift

Awkward:

     -As that last picture might suggest, the top of the futon is not comfortable. It was in fact...awkward.

     -Walking into the back door of a restaurant, thinking it was the front, right into the dining area, full of people, fighting your way through booths and chairs only to realize you have to exit the restaurant to get in line to order. Confused? So were we.

     -An office so cold that I never remove my coat, hat OR gloves. All day.

Awesome:

     -The day we get a real couch and move the futon to a lesser used room because we have more than one room.

     -Welcome home from work Wednesdays.

     -I get to see my family tomorrow!!!

     -The brownies I smell in our kitchen. See ya!

Lady lumberjack meets sister smurf.

Did I tell you about getting a job at Oakwood Junior High? Their mascot is the lumberjacks. No, that was not the inspiration for this outfit...but it is rather reminiscent of such things. Hence the title.

Say hello to the Jr. High softball coach. (me!)

Hat - Walmart
Scarf - Maurices
Button up - Walmart
Belt - Target
Dress - Target
Tights - Kohls
Booties - Blowfish

I felt goofy in the hat for about five minutes...until I realized just how warm it made me. And then I decided to mix plaid with plaid as if I need another reason to feel self-conscious.

Haha. Upon further review, I had every right to feel goofy in that hat. The lengths I go to to avoid a chill.  Next time I'll grab some hot chocolate and leave this beanie business to the pros.

Isn't that just the coolest mug ever?! Christmas gift from the sister-in-law...she gets me.

And then they 8.

If my face appears particularly glowy I can thank my monthly facial I get at the City Gospel Mission downtown. The first Tuesday of every month Clint and I have the privilege of volunteering with others from our church as we serve dinner to the homeless. Standing over the water-heated-serving-dishes (technical term) my face and upper body get quite the spa-like treatment. It's always a mad rush to get home from work and downtown by dinner time, so apologies for the inside, dark outside pictures.

Sweater - Kohls
Shirt - Banana Republic (Thrifted)
Jeans - American Eagle
Boots - Famous Footwear

This outfit was inspired by Sydney, only with finer stripes on the shirt and a far less fitted sweater.

Wisdom for you Wednesday:
Don't ask someone's opinion when what you really want is their compliment.

7 is my favorite number.

Scarf - Maurices
Shirt - Target
Vest - American Eagle (Thrifted)
Pants - Abercrombie & Fitch (Thrifted)
Shoes - Converse One Star (Target)

I probably should have retired these pants years ago, along with the jean vest. But I fought for these pants, and they're the most comfortable pants I own. So no, I will continue to wear them. Like it or not. It was gross out tonight, hence the wet pant legs and indoor pictures. 

Remixers! We've made it through a week! I'd love to hear your favorites. I've highlighted the ones I felt worked best.

Pick 6

The NFL would probably cringe at the idea of a football term being used on a fashion blog, but I only know a few, and how fitting that it contained the number that corresponds with the 30 for 30 remix day!

I think I tried on four outfits before finally landing on this ensemble. That's pretty sad considering I have just thirty pieces to choose from and I ended with this simple number. But the reality is this, while my initial combinations were probably much more edgy and adventurous, Clint approved of this one. I'm pretty sure he'd like a 30 for 30 compiled of well-fitting jeans and solid color tees. Maybe next time.

Earrings - H&M

Scarf - Target

Top - Mossimo (Target)

Jeans - Bullhead (PacSun)

Booties - Blowfish (DSW)

I chocked one up for the Awesome and Awkward list by capturing these photos in the presence of my in-laws. Unaware of my blog, I gave them yet another reason to pray for their dear son who married me.

As for the Superbowl game. I really enjoyed to food.

two 4 one. (worthy of a high 5)

Blazer - H&M
Cardi - American Eagle
T-Shirt - Walmart
Jeans - American Eagle
Shoes - Converse One Star (Target)

Apologies for the cheesy title. It's Saturday and I'm tired and I've had a really fun weekend. But first. That's a Mickey Mouse tee...in case you didn't notice. And it's amazing. I wish you could feel how soft it is. I'm so glad I put it in my 30 for 30. I would wear it every day, but it's a pretty recognizable item, so you might find me gross, and I don't want to risk that. I bought this gem with my little sister I love that she still wants to match me.

I enjoyed Friday with my Aunt and found a few treasures at Half Price Books for $2! Clint and I spent Friday night with friends, which is a rare (sadly) but much enjoyed experience. Pasta and Cold Stone. Not together of course. eww. But separate...my mouth is watering just reminiscing. We woke up this morning and took the first steps toward finding a home! I'm definitely not a numbers person but I have a good credit score, so that's happy, right? :) Celebrated at my sister-in-law's baby shower. Baby clothes are addictively cute. I almost bought out H&M kids and Pottery Barn Kids. Not good for maintaining that credit score... Oh, and a nap, I took a glorious nap.

Jeans - Bullhead (PacSun)
Sweater - Target
Scarf - H&M
Boots - Mia (Dillards)

As for my riveting Saturday night plans. A glass of V8 Splash, thermal pajamas, fuzzy socks and my husband sitting, molding the futon to our bums as we watch old episodes of Kitchen Nightmares. Please don't be too jealous.

Bun+bomber vest+boots=Day 3

Long Sleeve Tee - Mossimo (Target)
Bomber Vest - Xhilaration (Target)
Jeans - Bullhead (PacSun)
Boots - Mia (Dillards)

Awkward:

     -That feeling in the pit of your stomach when you hit the send button and can't remember if you replied all.

     - People slurping...anything....soup, tea, coffee...someone please turn the music up.

Awesome:

     - V8 splash. Healthy and scrumptious. Brilliant.

     - House hunting. Opens an entirely new world of day dreaming. Today I decided what colors I would use in the living room, master, study and kitchen.

Admittedly this is a weak attempt at an awkward and awesome Thursday, but you've gotta start somewhere...right?

I'm no mathematician, but I think I'm one tenth of the way through this challenge. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. :)

Two by two

Invisible fuzzies are the devil. You know the ones that get in your eye and make it nearly impossible to concentrate on your work but when you pull out a mirror to find them you can’t see a darn thing? But you can feel them! So frustrating.

The date is 2.2 and here is outfit #2 and I’m wearing 2 shirts and 2 pair of tights. Why two pair of tights? I’m tired of grabbing shear tights when I want opaque ones. Solution? Add a dark second pair underneath. So there you have it.

Shirt - Thrifted
Sweater - Mossimo
Tights - Kohls
Boots - Famous footwear
Skirt - Thrifted

It's freezing outside.

I'll take a number one, just mustard please.

Today I

            ...got shampoo in my eyes. Pantene is not tearfree (fyi).

            ...applied more mascara in and around my eyes than on my actual lashes.

            ...wore my bathing suit to work and then realized I don't even live remotely south.

Ok. So the last one isn’t true, but seriously. It’s not even fair to see bare arms and ankles on some of you ladies. I can hardly stand to expose my fingers! The one redeeming factor of living in a place that actually has a winter is the aftermath of a good ice storm. It is good for pictures and pretty much the only attractive feature of winter as far as I am concerned. God is working on His ice palace right now and achieving this beautiful masterpiece means inside pictures once again. Would posing on my dryer make me as cute as Sydney? How about my stove? Or maybe my bathroom sink? No, I know. The leather La-Z-Boy. Leather makes everything sexier. Right?...just go with it.

Shirt - Banana Republic (Thrifted)
Cardi - Mossimo
Jeans - American Eagle
Shoes - Converse One Star
Earrings - Gift

A simple start.