Back To School 2012: Fashion For Kids

It's that time again!

All the stores are starting their Back-To-School sales, and we start to think about what our kids will be wearing.

If your school shopping experience is anything like mine, it usually involves arguing over what's cool vs. what's affordable.

My kids want whatever's in style, no matter the cost.

I want to not have to take out a second mortgage on my house in order for them to achieve that "cool look".

I've done a little research on what's "in" for this season, and that way, you can be on the lookout for a good deal.

That way, we ALL win!

For Girls, the trends are:

Plaid, Bright Colors, Argyle, Anything that sparkles (think sequins and glitter!), Peace Signs, Animal Prints, Dresses and Leggings, and cutesy graphic tees.

Check out my 'Back To School For Girls' Pinterest Page for samples of some of these looks and where to find them:

For Boys, the trends are:

Plaid, Skater Style (think skinny jeans, and tees), Argyle, High-Top Shoes, Military/Camo, Layering, Fedora Hats, and Graphic Tees.

You can also check out my 'Back To School For Boys' Pinterest Page for samples of these looks, too.

Here are a few tips to help you as you shop:

• Take note of the styles that are in, and then look for them at discount places like Target or WalMart.  They may not have as big of a selection of "in" styles, but even if you can just get a few pieces there, that will help!
• Try to find jeans, khaki's, and other basics at places like Goodwill and second hand shops.  I always get lucky and find tons of Gap and Old Navy jeans at my local Goodwill!
• Try to keep from buying sweaters, coats etc. until later in the fall.  Even though they are out now, kids won't wear them for a while, and by then, the prices will be much better!
• Shop armed with coupons!  Gymboree often sends out 30% off coupons, and they also have a loyalty card.  Gap and The Children's Place do the same.  Save those for the few items that you really want that you know you won't be able to find someplace else.
• Set a Budget and stick to it!  You don't need to buy everything all at once.  Most likely, your kids can and will be wearing most of their summer shorts and tops for the first month or so.  Time is money and you can be saving for more items while they are wearing those.
• Shop Online when you can!  Often, you will get a better price for the same items as in the store!

I hope this helps you as you set out to keep your kids in style this season!

My Husband Doesn't Like What I Wear

I read an online article the other week that was something like, "10 Things Men Don't Like That Women Wear". 

It made me curious because I didn't really think that men paid much attention to what women wear. 

Some things that made the list were harem pants, Uggs and anything neon.

It made me question if there were things I wore that my own husband didn't like.

But just as I thought, my husband loves everything I wear.

Ha!  Did you believe that? 

Nope, turns out he does have some opinions about what I wear, or how I wear my hair etc.

Fortunately for me, he usually keeps them to himself.  But when I ask, he is honest, (in a kind and sensitive way, of course!)

Turns out, his main pet peeve is when I wear my hair wavy/curly.  He says that it looks unkept and he prefers that I take the time to straighten it. 

my "unkept" hair...

He also isn't a fan of boots...especially my cowgirl boots. (Obviously, he doesn't know a great thing when he sees it!)

photo link

Sometimes I listen, sometimes I don't.

Because while I like to look nice for my husband, and appreciate it when he thinks I look good, I dress more for myself than anyone else.

So what about you?  Do you dress for yourself or for your husband/others? 

Mix It Up Monday: Boots and A Skirt

There is this fashion rule that I try to follow most of the time.

That fashion rule is: Just because it's trendy doesn't mean it will look good on you!  Wear what looks good, not what everyone else is wearing!

But I have to admit that sometimes, I look at a girl in a something trendy that I'm pretty sure won't work for me, and I am SO jealous!

I just wish I was one of those girls who could pull off any look...but I'm not.

And when everyone started wearing skinny jeans or leggings with boots, I was screaming, "WHYYYY?" in my head.  Not because it doesn't look good, but because I didn't think it would look good on ME!

First of all, to find a pair of boots that will fit up over my large calves is almost impossible.

And need I explain the skinny jeans or leggings?

I didn't think so.

But after and eternity a while of watching everyone else pull off this look, I was determined to try. 

And by golly, I think I found a way to make it work.

Sweater: Garage Sale, Skirt: Goodwill, White Tee: Target, Black Shirt: Old Navy, Gray Leggings: Gap Outlet, Black Boots: Avenue Online

I still don't think I can follow every trend, (and actually, this may be the only outfit I can wear these boots and leggings with...but what the heck!), but it's nice to know that if I am willing to adjust a little, I can feel a little trendy too!

So tell me, what fashion trends have you tried lately?

I will be linking up with Momma Go Round for RMRS, and The Pleated Poppy for WIWW.

Mix It Up Monday: Halloween

Instead of posting the boring everyday outfits I wore this week, I am posting some of the costumes that I, (and a few friends), wore this past weekend to the 2 Halloween parties that we went to!

The first party was Friday night and it was a Music Mania theme.  Jeremy and I channeled Rock Of Love and went as Bret Michaels and one of his "ladies", (I use that word loosely).

And my friend, Amy and her husband went as Sharon and Ozzy...don't they look awesome?!  They win the costume contest ever year.  Overachievers!

And here's me with my friend Carrie (aka Cindy Lauper) and Amy.  Carrie is the crazy lady who throws this party every year.  Sooo thankful for these fun friends!

On Saturday, we went to my sister's annual Halloween costume party.  There was no theme for this party and I was DYING to wear my 'Flo The Progressive Girl' costume!!

My husband decided not to go with a costume change.  BOOOOOOOO!

Some of my favorites from the night were the Sock Monkey's.  Super Clever.  They had monkey ears and a monkey tail and socks pinned all over them.  

And this couple never disappoints.  This year she was a drugged out, toothless, skanky looking girl and her husband was a thug.  They played the parts a little too real if you ask me :)

And this is my friend Vickie.  She looked awesome in her Madonna outfit.  I was waiting on her to belt out some "Like a Virgin', but no such luck.

I hope you all have a great Halloween and that you too got to put on some fun outfits and be silly for a night. 

Speaking of which, what was your FAVORITE costume growing up? 

Mine was a witch when I was about 8.  I had a long black dress and my older sisters did my face in green makeup and teased up my hair really good.  It looked so great that people were asking me to come in their houses to take pictures of my costume.

As always, I will be linking up with Momma Go Round for RMRS and The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday!

Mix It Up Monday: Finally!

I know, it has been a while since I've done a fashion post.

But it's hard to remember to take pictures all the time.

Plus, my husband thinks I'm crazy when I ask him to take a picture of me all the time.

Maybe I need to invest in a tripod??

Anyhow, here's a few from this week. 

Hanging around the house and errands:

White Tank and Black long sleeved tee: Target, Red Cardigan: Garage Sale, Jeans: Goodwill, Hat: Charming Charlie

Taking my nephew for his birthday lunch (he turned 3!!):

White Tank: Old Navy, Black Sweater: Torrid, Jeans: DressBarn, Pink Scarf: ??(Super old!), Flower: Claire's

Getting ready to go to haunted houses on Friday's Date Night!:

Head Scarf/Band: A Local Festival, Black Sweater: Torrid, (shhh, same one I wore the day before!), white tank: Target, Jeans: Old Navy, Boots: American Eagle)

 At The Dayton Ballet Matinee performance of Sleepy Hollow:

Pants: Macy's, Black Shirt, shoes and cardigan: Goodwill, Belt: DressBarn, Necklace: Kohls

Running errands and going for pizza:

Black Shirt and White Tank: Target, Cardigan and pants: Goodwill, Loafers:  Elder Beerman

So, nothing really to wow you here, but it is what it is.  And FYI, my husband HATES the head scarf/band thingy, (what do you call those anyway??).  I LOVE it.  So much that I don't really care if the rest of the world hates it, I'm wearing it anyway :)

I will be linking up with Momma Go Round for RMRS and The Pleated Poppy for WIWW.  Check them out!

WIWW: I LOVE Sweaters!

Last week was kind of chilly around here, so I got to pull out some of my sweaters!!

I LOVE sweaters!!!

They keep you cosy and comfy and hide all those areas that swimsuits and shorts show off.

Yeah, I am DEFINITELY a sweater girl :)

Unfortunately, I was enjoying my sweaters so much that I forgot to take pictures of myself actually wearing them...

Except for this one:

We were going to my sisters for a get together and I remembered that I should probably get at least *one* pic for this week.

I love the layering I can do with this sweater, (and oh my.  As the winter wears on, you will see that I LOVE to layer too!), and I think the belt breaks it up a little.

And I got to wear heeled boots too!

This makes for one happy girl :)

Except it's now back in the mid 70's here...so no sweaters this week.

Gotta love Ohio weather.

I am linking up with Momma Go Round for RMRS, and The Pleated Poppy for WIWW. 

Mix It Up Monday: Style Inspiration

Lately, I have had a number of people say to me,

"I just don't know how to put an outfit together.", or

"I never know what to wear.", or

"I can't figure out what looks right on my body."

I can totally relate to these comments.  I spend way too much time agonizing about what I'm going to wear when I actually have to leave my house.

Lately, though, it has gotten a bit easier for me, and one reason is Pinterest.

I know, I know.

You're getting tired of hearing about Pinterest.

But honestly, it has been a huge help to my life, and style is just one area that it has provided inspiration.

You see, I have a style pin board.  And when I see an outfit I like on the site, (or somewhere else), I just pin it so that when I am struggling with what to wear, I go to my board for inspiration.

This is an outfit I wore this week:

Cardigan: Garage Sale, Tank: Target, Shoes: Clothes Swap, Necklace: Boutique in Waynesville.

And here is the outfit that inspired my look:

Via polyvore.com on Pinterest

You see, I don't have the *exact* pieces pictured here, but I have items that are close.  So I put them together and I have an outfit that I like. 

I have loads of outfits pinned that I have started going to when I feel like I have nothing to wear.  Plus, it also gives me ideas for new outfits that might look good on me. 

If you're not interested in Pinterest, try checking out magazines, online style sites, or copying someone Else's style when you're feeling blah.

As always, I will be linking up with Momma Go Round for RMRS, and The Pleated Poppy for WIWW.  You can go there now for some instant style inspiration of your own!

Mix It Up Monday: Let's Go Dancing!

A few weeks ago, my husband and I celebrated our 9th Anniversary.  We had agreed not to spend money on gifts, but I still wanted to do something special for him. 

So I got on Pinterest to search for ideas.  (Of course I did!)

And I found a GREAT one!   I planned one date per month for us that are in sealed envelopes and each month he gets to open one and we do it.

This past Friday was the first date, and it was Swing Dancing!

Now, my husband is NOT a dancer, so this was taking a chance that he would actually participate.

But since it was a double date with friends, and since it was a fundraiser for missionaries at our church, he went with it.

It was soooooo much fun!  We were totally not taking ourselves too seriously and it was great to do something we don't normally do together.

Before the evenings events, I was really struggling with what to wear.  It was a cool night here, but I knew that once we got to dancing, I would be hot.

Plus, I wanted to look cute on my date, but I still wanted to be comfy.

At first, I decided on a skirt with a short sleeve shirt and cardigan over it.

Skirt and Shoes: Goodwill, Black shirt: Old Navy, White Tank and Cardigan: Target

But this outfit just didn't seem like me.  I like all the pieces, and maybe to church or a wedding they would be fine.

But I needed something more fun.  So I changed into cropped jeans, threw on a different layering shirt and put a flower in my hair.

Cropped Jeans and Cardigan: Target, Shoes: Goodwill, Black Shirt: Old Navy, Striped Shirt: Clothing Swap (Old Navy), Hair Flower: Charming Charlie

There, that's more like me.

And my husband loved it too.  I think it's one of his new favorites :)

So this is what I wore on the first of our twelve pre-planned dates!

So tell me, what are some of your favorite dates?  AND, do you have a favorite date outfit?? 

I will be linking up with Momma Go Round for RMRS, and The Pleated Poppy for WIWW.

WFMW: Clothing Swap

So last weekend my friends talked me into going to my first clothing swap.

I had never been to one before and I wasn't sure what to expect.

WHAT A GREAT IDEA THIS IS!!!!!!

Here's how it works:

You go through all the clothes in your closet that you don't wear anymore or are tired of.

{I have a lot, but since it was a last minute decision for me to go, I was only able to grab 29 items...}

You also include jewelry, shoes, scarves, purses, etc.

Then load them up and take them to the swap, where they are organized and laid out by type of clothing etc.

Everyone gets one sticker, (with their initials on it), for each item they brought.

Then there is a time period, (30 minutes or so), where you get to walk around and look at all the stuff and scope out what you like.

After that, it's time to put your stickers on the stuff you want.  You only put ONE STICKER on each item you want, and if you have some left over, you keep them. 

Now, at the end, there will be more than 1 sticker on lots of items. 

For those items, an auction takes place.  Basically, you say, "I will bid 5 stickers" or whatever you think it's worth, and it keeps going until there is a winner.  Whoever wins the auction keeps the item and has to pay up the stickers, (that's what you use the leftover ones you had for), and whoever loses, gets their original sticker back so they can bid on other items.

Anything that only had 1 sticker goes to that person without going up for auction. 

After the auction is over, there is about a 30 minute free-for-all that items with no stickers can be taken. 

After that, whatever is left is donated to charity.

This idea is seriously genius and why I have not heard of it before now is beyond me.  I mean seriously??  New clothes/shoes/accessories for FREE...who wouldn't LOVE that???

I scored 3 pair of shoes, a purse, a belt, 5 pair of cute socks, (I love cute socks!), a necklace, some bracelets, and about 6 shirts.

Here are a few suggestions I would have if you want to plan one:

-Make it a smaller group of about 10-15 women or so who have a similar style, and have at least 3 or 4 women who wear the same sizes.  That way, no one feels like they brought a lot of good stuff but didn't get anything that great.

-Make it organized!  It's hard when stuff ends up in a big pile and you can't really see everything. 

-Remember to have fun!  It's great to get some new stuff for FREE, but you never want to hurt anyone's feelings or lose a friendship over a pair of shoes you both wanted.  

So have you ever been to a clothing swap?  Does yours work the same way?  I'd love to hear all about it!

I am linking up with We Are THAT Family for Works For Me Wednesday. 

Mix It Up Monday: My Gray Uniform

So when I went to look at my pictures for this week, I realized I pretty much wore the same thing every day this week. 

A pair of jeans with a top and a cardi. 

And there seems to be a theme of gray.

It's funny that I didn't even realize I was doing this until I actually looked at the pictures.

Oops.

I guess my goal for this week will be to 'Mix It Up' a little more :-)

But for now, here's a few of the outfits I wore this week:


Going out for Girls Night:

Cardigan and Black Dress: Target, Jeans:  Goodwill

Shopping:

Cardigan and shoes: Target, Tanks: Gap Outlet, Jeans: DressBarn

Church:

Don't be fooled...I put a black cardi over this later in the day...But Check out those shoes!!!  I got them for FREE at a clothing swap I went to this weekend.  Awesome idea!!  More about that on Wednesday!

So tell me, do you always find yourself going to the same things?  What colors or wardrobe pieces do you wear the most??


As always, I am linking up with Momma Go Round for RMRS, and The Pleated Poppy for WIWW.

What I Wore Wednesday: Anniversary Edition

This past weekend my in-laws were kind enough to take our girls for a couple of days so my husband and I could celebrate our ninth anniversary spending some alone time together.

IT.  WAS.  HEAVENLY.

Getting to sleep in til 11am on Sunday was completely amazing, and that alone was a wonderful gift to me.

But I have to say, my husband outdid himself this year.

It started when I got an email last week inviting me to spend the weekend with him, followed by an itinerary of the weekend events that he had planned all by himself.

Now, this may not sound special to you, but I don't think my husband has planned a single date since we started dating, (even our first one).  So this was SUPER special to me!

Plus, he included a mystery location for part of the date, so I was excited for the surprise.

And I wasn't disappointed.  My wonderful husband had re-created our first date!  It was thoughtful and sweet, and I just love him to pieces for it!

And now here are some of the outfits I wore for our special weekend:

This is what I wore while antique shopping on Saturday, which was a SUPER hot day!  Shirt: Avenue, Shorts: Target, Flip flops:  Banana Republic

This outfit I wore out on our re-created first date.  Sweater and shoes:  Target, Dress: Gap Outlet, Necklace: from a cute little antique shop in downtown Waynesville

I wore this while we did more shopping the next day.  Shirt:  Goodwill, Sweater:  Target, Jeans: Dressbarn, Flip flops: Banana Republic

This was our family Monday when we picked them up to take them to The Labor Day Festival and the weather had turned really cold!  Sweater: Target, Tanks:  Gap Outlet, Hat: Charming Charlie

I am linking up with the Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday and Real Momma Real Style at Momma Go Round!