Military Maybe

If you have ever looked on my boards at my favorite inspirational site Go Chic or Go Home, you know that a military jacket in classic Army green has been on my wish-list for about ever.  A few years ago, you couldn't go into a retailer and NOT find one of them.  A few years ago, I didn't see the full potential of such a jacket and so never bothered to pick one up.  Since becoming a devotee of the style blogs however, I now know just how versatile such a wardrobe item can be and I want one.

Impulse control is not my strong suit as you many know if you've been reading this blog for any length of time, so when I saw this shirt in our Men's clearance section the other day I was compelled to purchase it.  I had a reward from my brand credit card which meant that I paid $.97 for it.  I like a Men's shirt for the extra length it gives, and a size XS in our store is about the same as a Boy's XXL so it is NOT a huge fitting shirt on me.  I can do this because of my girth but other, smaller people would drown in it regardless.

My determination is that since I have yet to find a jacket that fits both my style and budgetary requirements, this shirt is going to fill that closet gap for a while.  Until my jacket finds me, which I know it will some day.

Do you like the look of the tough shirt atop the feminine print dress?  I really love it.  I'll like it even more when I take a moment to iron it.  My mother would be horrified.  I was NOT a fan of how long the skirt looked, coupled with the ankle cutting wedge heels.  So, not one to be deterred, I hiked up the skirt and ended up with...

this.  I like it better I think, but unless some pinning is involved, I doubt I could keep the skirt tucked for an entire day at work.  I will be on the lookout for a floral skirt come spring, that I can assure you.  Stay tuned for more looks with this shirt, I can tell you right now you will be seeing it again!!

XO,

Alyssa

* So...I totally photoshopped myself in all of these pictures.  I was so excited to have found this shirt, that I came home and took these pics without bothering to do makeup and the result was not pretty.  Rather than chop off my head as I usually do when that happens, I went to iPiccy to play around.  This is the result of my quick attempt at coverup.  Just don't zoom in.  LOL

Made For Each Other

Look at how happy I am In this picture!!  Want to know why???  Because after waiting very patiently I was finally able to buy the pants that go perfectly with this shirt (on super cheap clearance with 30% off that)!!

I've spoken about my love/hate relationship with this shirt in a previous post (click here if you want to see it).  The gathered waistband and floaty arms require a very specific bottom to balance out the proportions, and I never liked this shirt with just plain denim.

The cut (super skinny believe it or not) and color of these pants made the pieces work together perfectly.  Add in my favorite silver bangles and blue beads and I was good to go!  Have you ever seen two pieces that were so made for each other?  I didn't think so.  It was like Garanimals for grownups.  <3.  

It's Monday so go see Patti's and Molly's crews to see what everyone has going on this week!

XO,

Alyssa

* on a side note, I've been trying to grow out my hair because it is has been forever since I had long hair.   Looking back at that other post however, I kind of like it better that style.  Now I'm not so sure what to do.  Thoughts?

Off Topic

Off Topic, (but not really).

This is 12.  She will soon be called 13, as her birthday is just a few months away.  She went to a dance at her school last night and had a friend curl her hair for the occasion.  Isn't she stunning???   Since we are managing our midlife here on this blog, I have to take a second to reflect on this moment.  Why?  Let me tell you, wait, better yet I'll show you.

Those shots were taken JUST LAST YEAR for the same dance.  One year ago, she was still my little girl.  I was the one who got to curl her hair, and dress her up and chat and be excited with.  This year, I just got to pay for the dress and put on some lip gloss.  I'm not doing well with my babies growing up.  

Don't even get me started on 15, who needs to start practicing for his Driver's permit.  There will be no photos of him here any time soon because he would rather not have me close enough to take the shot.  Unless we are playing video games together, then I'm ok. You wouldn't believe how good at video games I can be, just to score his attention for a few minutes.

I imagine it happens to all of us parents (God willing!).  We have these magnificent babies and they are our whole world as we are theirs.  Then they grow up and soon are living their lives without us.  I'm not quite there yet, but I see that on the horizon.  

I'm sure I'll accept all this someday.  Until then I will just cry into my coffee and call my Mom and Dad.  They must miss me.

XO,

Alyssa

A Little Bit of Somethin'

It's another super awesome Copycat Thursday!  Hurrah!  I may not look too pleased about it in this photo, but I assure you I am.

The above look is an idea I got from my newest blogger find...

Ms. Moy of Moy's Fashion Life: Classic and Chic.  She is smashing in her dressy version of chambray, right?  You have to go see her post to see the casual version of this look!

Here is the link to her post about it.

We all know how this goes with me though, right?  My skirt is longer than hers, so I switched up my shoes.  I had pearls instead of rhinestones, but I think the look is just the same.  AND... I required a belt.  As you can see, the belt makes all the difference for me!

It even earned a smile for the camera!  AMAZING to me how something as simple as a belt can change the way a an entire outfit works on the body--even if it is just an illusion.  It gives this outfit just that little bit of somethin' that it needed.  

XO,

Alyssa

Faded Floral

Okay, seems this week I am gravitating toward the florals in my wardrobe.

You should also note, that while the temps today were even higher than previously this week--I think we got up to 84 degrees today--I dressed for January.  It was not 84 at 7am, I assure you.  

On a sad note, those old boots had to hit the trash after work today.  Seems that "pleather" only holds onto its color for so long before it just cracks off in big chunks.  I'd say you get a good 11 years out of them before that though!  The good news is that now I get to hunt for their replacement, and I ASSURE you they will not be pleather.  Nor will they be square of toe.  Just sayin'.

XO,

Alyssa

Signs of Spring

I think I saw a Robin yesterday.  An American Robin here in Phoenix.  In case you are not a bird geek (as I am), this is NOT a typical site to see in our mostly rocky yards as they mainly feed on earthworms.  It's gotta be hard to get to the earthworms through the rocks!  Regardless, Robins are the harbingers of Spring.  Temps here in AZ have regained their normalcy and its pleasant outside again.  So bring on the Spring I say!  Open toed shoes and bare legs, I have missed you.

Wait, am I jumping the gun again?

XO,

Alyssa

Faces in the Crowd

Well, it has happened.  Someone out there has recognized my genius.  KIDDING!  I was so touched that Jackie from My Caribbean Closet considered me for this blogger to blogger award.  She is the cutest thing who lives a life I can only dream of.  Go check out her blog if you don't believe me.  No...go check it out right now regardless.

Most of my (now 8!) readers already know what this is...but for those of you who may not, the Liebster Award is simply a tool to help those bloggers with under 200 followers get the word out about themselves, and to share the love with other bloggers in the same boat.  There is no judge, no jury and no real award other than that button and some bragging rights.  You get to post that sucker on your site as confirmation that someone, somewhere likes what you have to say and what you have to offer.  There are some questions involved, to be answered and then asked and some nominations to be made as well.  Be prepared, this is the stuff that forces you to think.

So thank you again to Jackie, for including me in your list of nominees.  I hope I live up to your expectations.

Here are my answers to the 11 questions that Jackie asked her nominees.

1.  What is the best advice you ever received?

     "If you can't say something nice, then shut the fuck up".  Really, its as simple as that.          There is enough negativity in the world as it is and I don't want to add to it.  If only I could instill this in my 15 year old son towards his sister, my life would be so much easier!  Swearing isn't negative, is it?

2.  Tell us about your blog:  What kind of camera do you use to take your photos, and do you have help or take your own pictures?

     This is really two separate questions, so I'm answering the second.  I use a Nikon D3100 set on automatic because I have yet to teach myself its true features.  I use a jerry-rigged tripod of baskets and books set on a chest at the foot of my bed and use the self-timer feature to snap my lovely images with whatever natural light is available that day and the poor overhead lighting in my room.  Someday I will buy a real tripod and expand my photographic capabilities.  Until then you get background consistency.

3.  What are your five "go to" pieces in your wardrobe?

     I do not work in an office environment, so I'm sure my "go to" pieces are different from most.  I WANTED to say a black 3 piece suit (blazer, pants, skirt); white button down shirt; black shoe trinity (pumps/flats/boots); white t-shirt and a good pair of jeans because the reality is that with those staples in your wardrobe you can do anything.  The TRUTH for me though is more like:  Dark wash, boot fit jeans; black skinny jeans, black boyfriend blazer, brown riding boots and leopard flats.  And yoga pants, don't forget the yoga pants.

4.  If you could meet/interview any one person, living or dead, who would it be and why?

     I would love to sit down with President Abraham Lincoln.  Why?  Well, why wouldn't you?

5.  What "gadget" can you not live without?

     I'm not sure if it counts as a gadget, but my coffeepot is the one thing I can not live without.  You think this wit comes without a high caffeine quotient?  I think not.

6.  Saturday or Sunday?

    Friday!!  Seriously.  Saturday is almost always a work day for me and Sunday is spent thinking about how close Monday is, but Friday;  the whole weekend lies ahead of you with its 48 hours of bliss just hours away.  Friday is THE DAY.  They didn't coin the term TGIF for nothin', know what I mean?

7.  Winter or Summer?

     No contest.  Summer for sure.  I am a beach girl at heart and I despise the cold.  If we are talking about it in reference to clothing however?  I love the layering and warmth of winter clothing and despise bathing suits so there you have it.  I am, if nothing else, a contradiction even to myself.

8.  Salty or Sweet?

   Have I established the fact that I am NOT an either/or type of gal?  Give me BOTH-salty then sweet right in a row or even at the same time, but don't make me choose.  I refuse.

9.  What is your favorite holiday?

     Thanksgiving.  Sadly it is now the most rushed through holiday of the year, sandwiched as it is between the money making giants of Halloween and Christmas.  For me it is a time to pause and truly count my many blessings, to be utterly thankful for the family and friends I am privileged to walk through life with.  You eat a great meal, drink some yummy wine, laugh, chat and reminisce--how can you NOT love Thanksgiving?!

10.  In your opinion, what is your best trait or feature?

     I love my lips.  They are lush and full and dramatic.  My lips are what all those romance novelists write about.  Not that I'm reading any romance novels.  I swear.

11.  What do you wish people knew about you?

     People in "real life"?  I'm not bitchy, just shy and socially awkward.  I swear.
     People in "the blogosphere"?  You all amaze and inspire me with your creativity and I    am terribly jealous of all your great ideas.  Petty, but true.


Okay...Leibster's next requirement is 11 facts about me (as if the above 11 answers haven't been enough enlightenment)

1)  I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, which I have never had cause to utilize since none of my jobs were "in the field".

2)  I believe in natural child birth and breastfeeding but I won't debate you about it, so don't bother.

3)  I still have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing with my life.

4)  If I could do any job in the whole world, I would be an Orca trainer at Sea World.  Even though there is a large possibility that I would be eaten by said whales.

5)  I prefer babies to teenagers.  Babies are like messy luggage, teenagers are mostly just messy.

6)  I love to travel, but sometimes can't be bothered to even leave my house.

7)  I believe that technology and social media, while all well and good for the fully formed (and slightly bored) adult, will be the ruination of our youth.

8)  I could spend an entire day in my comfy chair, snuggled under my comfy blanket and reading a book or several.  If only someone would let me.

9)  I like wine, but I'm not a wine snob.

10)  I have a terrible time remembering people's names, which has led to many very awkward social encounters with my husband wherein he expects introductions.  I'd rather look rude than stupid.

11)  I have a "problem" with shoes.  That sounds worse than it actually is.  I have a PROBLEM with grammar.  That you can probably tell.


Next on the Leibster List:  My 11 Nominees! In Alpha order so as not to assign my love sequentially, as that would be impossible.  I chose these women for their wit, their style, their frugality, or their passion and because I think more people should know about them.  I want to be real life friends with all of these ladies and I think you will agree with me on that.  Go check them all out. Nominees...if you actually have more than 200 people following you already, I just couldn't find a list on your blog and I love you, so there.

Misty--Across and Down a Little Bit
Beverly--Beverly Like Hills
Amber--Butane Anvil
CC--CC's Cheap Chic
Lisa--Dreamz-n-Wishz
Niki--Fashion @ 40
Anna--For the Love of Clothes
Stacey--Gray Skies
Alice--Happiness at Mid-Life
Renita--My Life While Shopping
Debbi--She Accessorizes Well

Lastly for Leibster, here are my 11 questions for the nominees.

1.)  What did you want to be when you grew up and how/why/did that vision change when you did?
2.)  If you could only follow one blog (not your own) which would it be and why?  It doesn't have to be a fashion blog, fyi.
3.)  What is the most expensive thing you ever bought as an indulgence for yourself, and what is the story behind it?
4.)  Which word or phrase do you most overuse?
5.)  How do you relax?
6.)  What single thing would improve the quality of your life (and don't say money)?
7.)  What do you consider your greatest achievement (and children do not count here if you have them)?
8.)  What is your biggest regret?
9.)  Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.
10.)  Does your blog accurately reflect all of you, a part of you, or is your blog persona completely different from the "real" you?  Details please.
11.)  The Book or The Movie?
(and I will stop following you if you choose wrong, just so you know)


Now its your turn.  And as with any good chain letter, if you don't re-post in 11 days bad luck will eternally follow you.  I added that last bit, that's not really true.  It seems everyone changes Leibster along the way and I thought I should call a spade a spade! ;o)  Have fun and I look forward to reading all of your amazing answers.  Thanks for inspiring me!

Pearls and a satin bow screamed "Award Winner" to me.
 Ignore the Christmas tree and my never smiles for pictures DH.

XO,

Alyssa

Found at Last

It's another wonderful Copycat Thursday!!!  I really have so much fun finding pictures that match my pictures.  Oh, what?  That's not how this is supposed to work?  I'm supposed to literally copy someone else?  LOL.  Kidding of course, sort of, maybe not totally?!

This week though, it brings be great pleasure to copy from someone else.  I have finally, FINALLY found a navy blazer that I like!  So I could finally, FINALLY copy this cute girl's outfit which I have had saved forever even though I haven't been able to track down the original source of the photo.

My shirt's not as red, my jeans are not skinny and I've got no gold buttons on my jacket (yet)...but overall you can totally see it, right?  HUMOR ME.  I say, close enough.

Now you see it, my head was in the way before.

XO,

Alyssa

Tribal Trouble

Soooo, a while ago (perhaps last year?) I found this top at TJMaxx and felt that I MUST OWN IT.  "I mean, look at all those colors!" I said to myself (and probably out loud)  "I could do a million things with this I'm sure".  

Um, sad truth.  I do exactly the same thing with it every time...skinny jeans and a cardigan (cause it is a tank and you know I hate my arms).  Usually it is black skinny jeans and a cobalt cardigan but my DH shrunk those suckers beyond wearing when he "helped" me do laundry after the trip (or I may have also eaten my way out of them, not sure which one is the truth). 

Perhaps someday if I ever manage to lose some poundage (for the millionth time) I will think of a new and better way to wear this.  For now, matchy matchy wins again.  

(Parentheses rock)!

XO,

Alyssa

Fast Floral

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.  I have been working and somehow still trying to catch up from our trip.  What you are getting this week is the what I wore to work series...and for some reason blue was my go to color.

My DH has started the active portion of a very exciting grant he is working on and as a result we will have out of state faculty staying with us during the weekends for a while.  This will limit the amount of time I can steal to blog or take outfit photos as I must play the dutiful "professor's wife".

At least I can do that dressed casually and not in a stuffy business suit!!  Stay tuned for blue number 2.  Go check out the awesomeness of the Monday linkups at YOLO (or Molly's house) and Visible Monday (or Patti's house)  LOL.  

XO,

Alyssa

Copycat Throwback Thursday

I have been SAVING this copycat post for just such an occasion as this.  The occasion being that I worked all week and haven't shot any new copycat photos.  Plus, its Kendi and who doesn't love Kendi?

Link to her original post here....

What struck me first about her outfit was of course, the shoes!  Killer, amirite?  But I stepped back and noticed the lace top paired with what looks possibly like a leather jacket and thought to myself that I have everything in my closet to recreate this look--minus the shoes and the pop of color scarf.  So, you know, the important things that make the outfit.  Anyhoo, here is where I landed.

Because I didn't have those pops of color, I purposely chose to stay all in basics and I like the end effect.  On a side note...those booties hurt like Hades and I will not wear them to anything more than a sit down dinner!  LOL.  Good thing I didn't pay a whole lot for them.

XO,

Alyssa

Post Visit Pink

This week my store has been preparing for a visit from some VIP's which means I have been doing a whole lot of cleaning, folding, sorting and merchandising.  The good news is, they came through today and we were a huge success.  Whew.  I had to preface the below picture by explaining that...

because let's face it.  This is not the most inspired outfit we have ever seen, right?  It's cute, and for once its not jeans but its pretty basic.  I'm also noticing that I wore stripes two days in a row.  Perhaps I have been over thinking the Trend of the Month at Marionberry Style.  It's stripes FYI.  At least my stripes are non-neutral (as if that were a thing) ...that should set me apart from the crowd, right?

In addition to the Marionberry Style link...it is Wednesday, so that means Pleated Poppy and Whatever Whenever Wednesday link parties.  See sidebar for button links!

XO,

Alyssa

She's BAAAAACK!

Hello Darlings!!!

I'm back from my short hiatus and ready to rock and roll.  See my studded wrap bracelet, its very rock and roll don't you think?  I quickly shot this picture AFTER I got home from work and didn't notice until I posted it that I have a huge dust bunny affixed to my pant leg.  I wonder how long I was walking around like that?

On our trip back East I had taken a very edited wardrobe of mix and match pieces. I'm sure I mentioned that somewhere along the line...you can check out my "15 days one suitcase" board on my Go Chic Or Go Home page if you are so inclined to see what I had.  What I did not account for was that my unlimited eating of holiday cookies and drinking of copious amounts of wine would begin to affect my waistline before I got home.  By the end of my trip, I could not comfortably wear more than my pajamas!!  I even went out and bought a larger sized dress to wear over leggings for New Year's Eve because I had nothing left for the occasion!  Sad but true.  Still, I wouldn't trade all those indulgences with friends and family for the world.

Anyway, its good to be back in my own home and settling back into the daily routines of work, school and home life.  I've missed my closet!  I also missed the fun of planning something new to wear to show to all of you.  In honor of getting back into the swing of things, I'm linking this post to YOLO and Visible Monday. Real Girl Glam is still on vacation I guess.  See sidebar for button links!

XO,

Alyssa

Promises Promises

So...it is late on Saturday and I haven't put up my new post as I promised.  It's been a  struggle today to come up with something to post.  A brand new year is upon us and I really want to say something awesome and inspiring to start it off right.  However, I'm feeling a bit like this right now.

Twisty headed and confused.  Surely I'm not the only one who questions her life at this time of year?  January first is normally a time for reflection and resolution, and while I have been doing a great amount of reflecting I have yet to come up with one single resolution.  Mostly because I feel directionless and adrift.  I am 43 years old and I still don't know what to do with my life!  

And now my lovely, light and funny fashion blog has been weighed down with burdens it never asked for.  Good news may be on the horizon though?  I'm not sure.  Perhaps you can help me?  I have been contacted by a company who wants me to be part of a website called Fabulous Over 40.  Details were sketchy and I'm not really sure how my tiny little (3 amazing followers big) blog could possibly add to what looks like an already thriving site.  But I'm anxious to hear what they think.  And what you think.  Have you all been contacted too???  

So in 2013 I've decided to go in with no resolutions, THAT is my resolution.  I'm going in instead with my eyes wide open.  Open to consider any and all possibilities that may come my way.  Possibilities to grow as a person, a wife, a mother, daughter, sister, friend, blogger...you get the picture.

Eyes wide open darlings.

XO,

Alyssa

(my husband felt these pictures were disturbing...I think they are extreeeemly flattering!  LOL)

Almost Home

Tomorrow marks two weeks since I have been home...but really I've been "home" this whole time.

You know how you sometimes you don't know how much you miss someone or something until you have it back?  I found out this visit that I can live with the cold as much as I hate it, but I can't live happily any more without my family and friends.

2013 will be a big year folks.  Things are going to change.  Who knows how that's going to go, but hopefully it will all be good.

I hope your holidays were as wonderful as mine were, and that your New Year has started off with a bang.  I'll be back to my house tomorrow and I promise a real post by Saturday.  Until then my friends, love the ones your with.

XO,
Alyssa

Grandmom is 89 and didn't remember visiting with us...but WE remember.
Love each other, don't hold back.