Playgrounds & Lollipops - EBEW Lace Challenge

(Sweater - Anthropologie, Linen Pants - c/o James Perse, Sandals - Sam Edelman, Watch - Michael Kors, 

Bracelets - J. Crew, Forever 21, Stella & Dot, self made DIY )

What is it about super loose clothes, particularly linen pants, that make you feel like you should be on a vacation in a tropical island?  Taking leisurely strolls to dinner where you'll overlook a gorgeous beach.  Instead, I'm really just standing in a packed parking lot waiting for a table at a crowded restaurant to celebrate my husband's birthday.  Happy Birthday my love :)

Never mind though, because I feel fresh as a daisy and even a 30 minute wait with 2 very hungry kids can't get me down.  It's my favorite part of warm weather; sun-kissed skin, just a touch of makeup and a free pass to never have to break out the hairdryer.  As you can see I'm still sporting the side braid, nothing really special here.  My cousin has promised to teach me how to do a fishtail braid, but I'm convinced I will fail miserably because of my freakishly weak upper body strength.  Just achieving this simple braid leaves my arms feeling like I did 50 shoulder presses.   

I'm taking part in the Everybody, Everywear Lace challenge for the first time, where I incorporate a bit of lace into my outfit.  With just a bit of lace at the waistline, I'd say I sneaked into this challenge by the skin of my teeth.  And I'm about to tell you something that may make you want to shoot me.  I got this loose weave sweater a few weeks ago at Anthropologie for twenty bucks.

Lesson to be learned here my friends?  After scouring the sale racks and coming up bone dry, take a peek through the "go back" rack before you depart.  There are usually jewels to be unearthed there.  True story, I swear.  One woman's "go backs" are another woman's "go-to" right?

Another lesson to be learned here is no matter what your budget, always shop.  Don't always buy, but always keep your eyes peeled for something special, window shop if you will.  Many times you will come up empty handed and will leave a store feeling satisfied that you didn't buy anything.  "Yes, I have will power, I am in control" kind of feeling.  But every now and then you will find something great at a fantastic deal and you will not feel so guilty about picking it up.  Case in point, this sweater here as well as this camo jacket.  It's when you try to go on starvation diets that you fall off the wagon and want to buy everything in sight.  Or is that just me?  At any rate, that is the best and most valuable lesson I have learned these past 6 months in my Project 2011 Buy Less, Give More challenge, and I thought I'd share it with you my friends :)

Have a great Hump Day!  

I'm also linking up with Lindsey over at the Pleated Poppy :)