#200

Wowee! My 200th post. 95% were outfit posts - which seems like a lot! I feel bad because my Tumblr account (which was my gateway to blogging), turned one year old this past July 15th and I didn't even acknowledge it here. My public apologies to my Tumblr  Without you, I may have never decided to create this blog. 

If you recall from my #100 post, I recapped the top five posts with the most page views. For this next group of hundred, I decided to recap my own personal top 5; completely ignoring page views and such, and strictly picking my top 5. First up, I have these two lovelies. 

Left: Routine

Right: Being bold with lace

Yeah, yeah, I know I do the smiling at the ground pose a lot. But sometimes the ground is just SO CUTE, I need to smile at it. Not really, I just have no idea what to do with my poses, and yes, after 200 posts, it still feels hashtag awk in front of the camera. But anyway, why I like these outfits: Simple silhouettes and pieces, but the details make it special - the lace inset in an otherwise basic cotton tank, the mint under layer of the pencil skirt, classic pump in a bright fun color. Both of these outfits are just so super easy, and I love easy pieces that don't *look* easy.

Left: Booties and bare legs

Middle: I forgot my shoes

Right: Best birthday ever

I love looking at a group of outfits all at once. It helps me understand my style a bit, and I'm not going to lie, I love my variety of shoes. It just makes me happy because the possibilities are endless when it comes to mixing and matching shoes with outfits. I am definitely  drawn to bold pieces. I love things that are girly and fun. I love dresses, skirts, and skinny pants.  And can I just say, if my birthday outfit didn't make the top 100, then I have failed myself!!

It hasn't been all glitter and unicorns though. There are some outfits that I look back on that I feel meh about. Here are 3 that fall into that bucket for me.

Left: Delicates

Middle: Animal print, literally

Right: Sneakers

Delicates: I love all these pieces individually, don't get me wrong, but the problem with a mesh top is having to wear something under it. I should have gone with a bandeau top or something so you can't see my straps. I feel like the straps look a little tacky and take attention away from the outfit. I also don't like my hair. I braided my hair when it was still a little bit damp, so the braid looks skinny and sad.

Animal print, literally: I love the print of this shirt. Like looove it. But when I picked it up off the rack, I was wary to buy it because I don't feel like sleeveless, collared, button up shirts are flattering on me. I bought it anyway because I could not resist the print, and now that I look at these photos - it was just as I suspected - it's not flattering. Especially paired with these chinos. I should have paired it with something more feminine to make up for it's boxy shape - a high waisted pencil skirt may have worked. I'm also interested to see what it looks like under a blazer. Maybe worn untucked with dark skinnies and a cropped blazer. I dunno. Will have to experiment with it a bit more because I am not liking it. I'm also thinking it's time to list those shoes on Poshmark because I don't feel like they fit my style anymore.

Sneakers: I'm all about the shirt over the dress thing, but the shape of this dress doesn't work well for this concept. The dress has an elastic waistband and a tulip skirt, so adding the bulk of the shirt/tie at the waist does not do anything for my shape and makes me look wider than I really am. At the time I was just trying to carry on the patriotism because it was the week of 4th of July, but meh. I over did it.

I realize that I'm my own worst critic, but I'm also human and make mistakes. I also realize that not everything I wear may work. It's ok though, it's part of the fashion evolution that is my life. I will say that's definitely one positive thing about this fashion photo diary I call my blog - I can see what worked and what didn't work and learn from them! I don't want to end on a Debbie Downer note though. If I'm being completely honest, there were two looks that were my true favorites of this last 100, but I didn't want to include them in the top 5 because I feel like I've already given them many shout outs and air time. I will go ahead and close with them now.

Left: Mint and chevron

Right: Cobalt flats

Thank you guys sooo much for reading! Seriously, every comment I get, every page view I see makes me happy that someone (several someones) out there finds me interesting enough to read about my shopping obsession. I can't say I blog just for the followers, but the readers and ladies I've met through blogging definitely make it even more fun! One last question before I go - do you have a favorite outfit of mine? I'd love to know which one and why!

Linking up with Erin and Laura

READ MORE... "#200"

The nail salon incident

Gucci sunnies

Caslon button up

NY&Co necklace

Target earrings

Animal inspired print maxi from Marshall's (option)

Express cuff

Kate Spade clutch (option)

Kenneth Cole Reaction sequin sandals (option)

These pictures reminded me of a story I've been meaning to tell you guys. You see, I've been trying to do a better job at keeping my nails painted. (My toes are almost always painted, but not my fingers.) There's a great nail place by my house, but I stopped going there about six months ago because I always seem to wait until Sunday to get my nails did, and they changed their hours and closed Sundays. Well, the most recent time I was heading to the salon, I decided to do a drive by to see if maybe it was a winter thing and they were open on Sundays again; at least til the end of summer. Sure enough, they were open.

I walked in and it looked totally different. It had a vestibule, which definitely wasn't there before. The cash wrap was on the opposite side of the room, along with all of the chairs. Hmm. Guess they were under new ownership, but what the heck, I'll give it a try. I texted the husband and told them that my nail place apparently got remodeled. Weird.

She was trying to make small talk with me while she was giving me a pedicure, but as always, I was entertaining myself on my phone - surfing the web, checking in with all my social media accounts. When it came down for her to do my fingers.... well, I can't exactly use my phone without any hands. I figured I'd go ahead and be chatty with her.

Me: So how long have you been open?

Her: Oh, awhile now.

Me: Yeah, I stopped coming here for awhile since US Nails starting closing on Sundays. Today, I decided to drive by just for the heck of it to see if you were open, and I didn't realize you all took this over and remodeled!

Her: Yeah, I guess we've been open about 3... years.

Me: *confused*

I look out the window across the street and don't see the Subway that's usually there. Wait a minute. I'm in a completely whole other different strip center!! Gosh I'm dumb sometimes and I can't even imagine what kind of thoughts were going through this lady's head. It's funny though because both nail salons are situated second from the right in the building. However, the buildings look completely different. And this is why I have the reputation of being the worst looker ever.

Linking up with Christina, and Lauren.
Christina is featuring one of my looks on her blog today, so check it out!

READ MORE... "The nail salon incident"

All white

Ruffle top from Marshall's (option, option)

Stella & Dot Brooche (option)

Forever 21 rhinestone cuff (option)

Express ring

Coach "Carly" hobo

American Eagle chinos (option)

Kate Spade pumps (option, option)

I love the idea of all white, but other than dresses, it's been years since I've paired a solid white top with a solid white bottom. The last time I did so, someone said I looked like a nurse. So, I was wary about it this time and decided to add pops of black to break up the monotony - although black is pretty tricky, too, because you could end up looking like restaurant waitstaff. This felt great though, and I loved the way it photographed also. While I don't abide by the rule of avoiding white after Labor Day, this was a nice "end of summer" outfit. Although ironically, this week is probably the hottest we have experienced all season. 

What about you? Do you wear white after Labor Day?

Linking up with Lindsey, Shanna, Bethany and Meghan,
Tara, Erin, Elle and Jacqueline

READ MORE... "All white"

Tee shirt and jeans

Kate Spade earrings

Francesca's necklace

JCrew Factory lace top

Bracelets: Kate Spade cuff (option), Topshop spiked (option, option), 

Forever 21 pyramid (option)

Kate Spade crossbody (option)

Express Stella skinnies (option)

Kate Spade pumps (w/out bow option)

Let's be honest, I'm really just wearing jeans and a tee shirt. I do try to avoid wearing jeans to work - not that it really matters, it's just my own personal preference since I have so many other things that should be getting air time. I stayed up a little too late last night watching the Justin/NSYNC bit over and over. I couldn't decide what I wanted to wear, even as I was drifting off into sleep. As expected, I was running late this morning and had no time to agonize over what to wear and what would fit right. No time to experiment - just had to grab something I knew would look fine on the first try right off the hanger, i.e. jeans and a tee shirt.

What's great though is that it's a "fancy" tee shirt. It looks fancy anyway because it's lace, but the fit is super easy and not body conscious. And really all that's left is accessories, so I built everything around this necklace. Top it off with a patent bag and satin just-tall-enough heels, and out the door I go! Well... after hair and makeup. I'm a firm believer that there are alternatives to jeans and a tee shirt that are just as comfortable, but in a ninja kind of way.

Linking up with Tori, Lauren, Erin and Laura

READ MORE... "Tee shirt and jeans"

Faking it and NSYNC

Kate Spade earrings (option), scarf, watch

Francesca's top (option) and skirt (option)

Jessica Simpson pumps (option)

Guys!!! I can't even think right now. I'm still on an NSYNC high!!! I'm seriously dying! When I got wind of a possible reunion, it was Monday and I was driving to work. I honestly and truly screamed in my car by myself and immediately started researching this rumor. It all appeared to be true, but I just held my breath until I finally saw all of them again on stage together. 

Justin's always been my favorite, I'm not going to lie. So yes, I've been enjoying his solo career for 11 years now, but all 5 guys hold a special place in my heart, and there is just something about them being on stage together again. The last time I saw them on stage together was when they performed a Bee Gees tribute at the Grammys:

So very amazing to see them on stage!! Bye Bye Bye is such a teeny bop song, but whatever! I still love them for it! And I love that they did a similar mix of the song from a previous VMA performance:

Is it sad that I remember that? Is it sad that as the camera was panning around I said - oooh hey that's his mom! And that's Johnny Wright (manager)! And oh hey that's Marty (dancer/choreographer, who also choreographed Girlfriend)! I literally sat THISCLOSE to the television with my arms in the air, dancing, and scream singing as if I was at a real concert. The beagle was terrified! And I may have cried a little. Yep, I'm that fan. And I'm probably oversharing right now, but I can't help it!!!!

Whew. Deep breaths.

Ok, so let's talk about this outfit.

I had a very long couple of days last week. We had a lot of people in out of town, which meant cocktails and late dinners and early mornings. I may have been a little bit too social one night and I was dragging myself the next morning. I threw my hair up in my foolproof bun, grabbed some basics, and then decided to tie it all together with a new scarf. It was ironic because one of my coworkers said I looked more beautiful than usual, and then one of my consultants also said the words "You look very beautiful today." So, thank you, Kate Spade, for making this magical scarf that tricks people into thinking that I've got my sh*t together!

Ok so back to NSYNC. Did you watch the VMAs or what??? Spill it!!

Linking up with Kayla.

READ MORE... "Faking it and NSYNC "

The home. T

Texas home. T

Monogram necklace from mynamenecklace.com

Bracelets: 1-James Avery w/Texas charm, 2-Tasha Link, 3-Cara wrap

NY&Co skirt (gifted) (option)

Kate Spade "Charlotte Street Sylvie" tote (option)

Report "Marks" booties (option)

I've talked about my roots here before. I was born in a suburb of Los Angeles, but I call Texas home. I grew up there, went to school there, went to college there, got my first apartment there. It will always be home to me. I saw someone wearing this tee and instantly had to have it, too. I made sure to sport my Texas charm on my bracelet and I was THISCLOSE to wearing my Texas pendant necklace also, but thought that might be going a wee bit overboard. I do love St. Louis - the four seasons, the people, the close proximity to so many other states, THE CARDINALS - but nothing beats the comfort associated with Texas.

Linking up with Jenny.

READ MORE... "The home. T"

Cardinals Care 6K & How I became a baseball fan

Via Instagram

OK, so before I go into a little bit more detail of why my birthday was the best one ever, I think I should back up and tell you how I literally turned into a crazy baseball fan overnight. I honestly never liked baseball. I thought it was boring and slow, and growing up in San Antonio, we were all about basketball, not baseball. I had no vested interest in any teams, and while I had been to a few games, it was really just for the food and people watching.

It's definitely hard not to get caught up in the post season hype when you're living in St. Louis. In 2011, the buzz was everywhere, so I decided to watch some of the post season games. This helped me get more familiar with the players and even started helping me round out some favorites. When the Cardinals were up against the Rangers in the World Series, the husband decided to see if we could get tickets to any of the home games. He convinced me that going to a World Series game was pretty few and far between, so we should take the opportunity to go, should it present itself. We managed to get tickets to game 2, sitting out behind left field in the bleachers. You could feel the energy in the stadium - it was amazing. Sadly, they ended up losing that game - the energy was completely gone and it was a different crowd as everyone walked quietly to their cars after the game.

I kept up with the series on TV, and when they came back home for game 6, we decided to try for tickets again. And basically from there, my life was never the same again. Here's a video our friend took, sitting next to us, at the game.

I remember standing there. We were down by 2. It was 2 strikes, 2 outs. I was just waiting for the last pitch, and it would be done. A great series, but we'd be done. When the ball shot out to right field, we lost sight of it and assumed it was caught. But then the crowd went crazy, and just like that we were tied. It was an emotional roller coaster from there as the Rangers answered with a 2-run home run. The game ended in the bottom of the 11th with a walk-off home run - the Cardinals winning 10-9. I literally had tears re-watching these highlights!

It was just such a high - electrifying! I can't even describe the energy in that stadium after that game! And I have never high-fived that many people in my entire life combined! It was the most fantastic, indescribable feeling-- I honestly think half the reason I love baseball so much is just for the chance to feel that elation all over again. We did end up going to game 7 as well - although, as awesome as winning the world series was - nothing will compare to the excitement from game 6. Wow. Just WOW.

So, this is the second year in a row now that we have season tickets - a quarter of a season actually, and I've definitely graduated from being a fair weather fan. The Cardinals game is on as I type this, and honestly, they're the only thing I watch on TV anymore, other than Friends via Nick at Nite. The fact that I know what "ground rule double" or "E6" or "RISP" mean amazes me. Or that someone will actually ask (or care) what my opinion is on Ryan Braun's suspension. Sometimes I don't even know who I am! Because not only am I not a huge sports fanatic in general, I absolutely never thought I would ever like baseball.

Now, let's fast forward to my birthday. I had read about the Cardinals Care 6K and thought it would be so fun! A manageable distance AND we finish on the field at Busch Stadium? How awesome is that!

I would have been happy if that's all this was! Raise money for charity, work on my fitness, and end the race in my most favorite place (not shopping related). It didn't stop there though! I had no idea I would get to meet one of my favorite pitchers, one of our closers, Jason Motte. And yep - that's Jackie Joyner Kersee to the right of us.

I think I was a bit crazy to sign up for a run on my birthday - first thing in the morning, but I can't think of a better way I could have started it off. I was glowing when I left! Literally floating, so excited and happy. But wait. You're probably wondering about my socks. No, this is not my usual running attire. You see, my favorite Cardinal is centre fielder, Jon Jay, and not only is he infamous for sporting his high socks every Sunday, but he uses the hashtag #highsocksundays on Twitter quite often. Naturally, I had to get some for myself (here). Saturday night before the race, I was trying to figure out what I wanted to wear, then  it hit me - AHA! It's Sunday! I'll wear my highsocksundays!!

Source

OK, so afterwards, we went to a local restaurant for breakfast - Sgt. Pepper's Cafe, then I showered and relaxed before leaving for my birthday manicure and pedicure. Perfection right? Well, as I was at the nail salon getting my toes did, I was surfing Instagram and found this:

Via Instagram

Whaaaa??! Those are my feet! And legs! And yeah, could they have maybe gotten a better angle? But OMG those are my highsocksundays!!! They also posted about a dozen photos from the event on Facebook. Just a handful. And my socks made it! 1.4 million people get to appreciate my highsocksundays.

Source

I'm just such a big fan, it's ridiculous. And the fact that I am now on their social media channels just makes me so happy. There were about 800 people that ran in this race with me, so I feel pretty privileged to have made this cut. Such a great life choice to wear these socks and such a great cherry on the top of an already awesome birthday!!!

Hope you enjoyed my little trip down memory lane along with my 15 minutes of stardom. What about you? What are you obsessed with? What would be your ultimate birthday?

READ MORE... "Cardinals Care 6K & How I became a baseball fan"

Remix: Striped tank

Left: Distressed chambray and color pop

Middle: The package tour

I bought this simple striped tank this summer and I feel like I reach for it all. The. Time. It's the perfect under layer. It's perfect for tucking into skirts. It's actually double layered, so it's not see through at all and it's pretty forgiving in terms of hiding imperfections. I wish it came in more colors because I would buy them all. Although, this simple white with skinny black pinstripes is crazy versatile. I love that it provides visual interest in a bottom layer compared to just a plain white tank. And it's definitely great just on its own.

Kate Spade earrings

Stella & Dot "Serenity" necklace

Banana Republic white button up (option)

Express tank (limited sizes left here)

JCrew skirt (gifted) (option)

Marc by Marc Jacobs bag (option)

Kate Spade watch

KS Saturday ring

Christian Louboutin Decollete pumps

It was a long day in this outfit, which I'm not sure was a good idea because I took these photos before even leaving for work and you can already see the skirt wrinkling. My day started at about 8am and I didn't get home until after 11:30pm. Meetings until 5, followed by a cocktail party, followed by a late dinner. I was smart though and ended up bringing flat sandals to change into for the evening festivities. There's no way my little piggies would have lasted in the most comfiest of heels for that long of a day! So happy it's Friday! Can't wait to sleep in!!

Linking up with Erin, Amy and Amber, Christina (featuring me on her blog!), Lauren.

READ MORE... "Remix: Striped tank"

Floral and leopard

H&M Floral dress (gifted) Worn as a shirt (option)

JCrew earrings (gifted)

LOFT skirt (gifted) (option)

Target pyramid bracelet and Topshop floral/spike bracelet

Kate Spade Saturday ring

Marc by Marc Jacobs bag

Enzo Angiolini pumps (option)

I seriously love how neutral leopard is. Seriously. It's a pretty prominent pattern, but it goes with everything. Including floral. I had this outfit on and almost reached for nude pumps. Then I decided to reach for one of the 43434321 paris of leopard shoes I had instead and ended up with these pumps, which I clearly need to wear more.

On another note, did you guys see the rumors of a possible NSYNC reunion on the VMAs?? OMG, I literally screamed in my car by myself when I heard it on the radio. Needless to say the DVR is set for Sunday and I am ready just in case. Either way, Justin will be there, so I can't complain, but OMG. Seriously. NSYNC. You had me at hello.

Linking up with Tara, Bethany and Meghan, Elle and Jacqueline.

READ MORE... "Floral and leopard"