Playgrounds & Lollipops - Cocktail Hour

For the most part I love my closet and the inhabitants in it.  I love that my closet works a bit like Garanimals and everything sort of works together.  Jeans/pants + shirt + shoes and I'm set.  I've talked about it before, but when your closet works like that, you've got yourself a closet for lifestyle dressing.  I do have a hang up when it comes to getting dressed though, and that's when I'm supposed to wear "cocktail attire" to an event.  Perhaps I struggle with it because I go to a "cocktail attire" event oh, maybe once a year ;)

So when we were supposed to dress in cocktail attire for our team dinner at our last night at Camp Mighty, I was a little stumped because cocktail attire can mean very different things to different people right?  What made it harder when packing was that I didn't know the people I would be cocktailing it with.  Would they be pretty dressy or err on the side of casual?  I decided to pack the ensemble above, a simple black sequin top from Ann Taylor Loft and a black (and yikes, short!) skirt from Zara.  As I buzzed around the hotel room to get dressed Saturday night though, the look just didn't feel right.  I told Jules about 10 times that it felt too sexy-sexy.  The short skirt, the higher heels, the black tights just felt too NY's Eve-ish and, quite frankly, it looked like I was trying too hard.

So I changed into my black jeans from Ann Taylor Loft, which by the way fit amazing and hold up in the wash and haven't faded at all.  I think they were $59 and at Gap they're $69.  I threw on a blazer, and wore my wedge booties from Target.  I instantly felt more comfortable and felt more suited for the casual Palm Springs lifestyle.  I was in a rush so I just put my hair up in a bun and did a simple makeup routine of mascara and bright red lips and I was done.  I think this might end up being my go-to outfit for holiday parties.

linking up with Lindsey for WIWW!

Playgrounds & Lollipops - Pleats & Animals

{Leopard umbrella: giveaway from my St. John days; Leather Jacket: Nordstrom Savvy department; T-Shirt: James Perse; Pleated skirt: Trouve; Snakeskin Shoes: Stuart Weitzman; Jewelry: Forever 21 & Vintage}

Adding some real glamour to my day because after Monday's events, a dose of the real thing is in order.  Fall has officially arrived in Southern California and I couldn't be happier.  Have a lovely week friends.  

Linking up to Bloggers Do It Better Animal Print Challenge , Amber for Real Girl Glam  and of course Lindsey for WIWW

Blog Sugar - The Real Recap

Soon after I signed up to help Rachel plan another Blog Sugar, I knew that this blog conference was going to be different.  The 3 of us were sitting around talking during a planning session and it dawned on me that this was going to be more than anything, an awesome opportunity for woman to just come and hang out, be inspired, grow friendships.  It soon became clear that this conference wasn't going to be about primo networking opportunities and intense panels sessions where you learn how to monetize your blog.  This was going to be a place for woman (and men) to gather and connect on a much deeper level, and in my eyes, much more meaningful level.  After reading dozens of recaps, I think the mission was accomplished.

It's so easy to get lost in the rat race of blogging and fall victim to feelings of insecurities, I let it happen more than I care to admit.  On Sunday though woman of blogs all shapes and sizes, with 5 readers all the way up to 5000 readers came together in fellowship and reveled in the fact that God made us all different and unique and with our own VOICE and that voice is powerful.  No egos, no insecurities, just kinship.  Hugs, laughter, tears and squealy voices (my voice rose about 10 octaves on several occasions).  All together in one room, fueled by sugar and God's love.  That is special, that is awesome.  I felt sad on Monday morning that is was all over, but today it finally hit me just how amazing it all was, and how happy I was to be there.   

"taste and see that the Lord is good" Psalm 34:8

The 3 of us already are going through withdrawals and have planned to get together next week.  I'm sure my husband will be thrilled, "wait isn't Blog Sugar over Andrea?"  

I think Rachel and I reapplied our lipstick at least 10 times that day.  It was fun, I felt like a teenager.  I will also never wear red lipstick to an all day event again.  The Spanx might also have to be reconsidered. 

I can't believe I finally got to meet Heather.  I'm obsessed with her, and her glasses, and I think I asked too many questions during her session.  And Danielle is pretty awesome too, so happy she introduced us to Love 146.

I didn't take any pictures on Sunday.  Too busy running around taking it all in I guess.  I got to meet Mel and boy is she a sassy pants firecracker and she sent me this picture of us.  I could tell we would get along just fine if we lived closer.  Tall girls unite.

It's no exaggeration when I say that I started crying when I saw Ruthanne's photos of the night.  She is truly talented and such a sweet, funny spirit.  Thank you for being there all day and night snapping away.

I would be remiss if I also didn't give a big shout out to the lady that provided us all with that sugar for the day, April Boyer of Modern Gourmet.  I personally loved the lemon tarts the best but I've read several say the whoopie pies were amazing.  And Laura Weirtzma of Ascot Friday and her sister Erica were the creative genius behind the decor for the night.  Those girls gave Geronimo Balloons a run for their money wouldn't you say?  And thank you to all of our wonderful speakers that night.   

Thank you Rachel for your vision and your perseverance, thank you JJ for your expertise in all things conferencey and for bringing the wine ;)  Sometimes I felt like I was just along for the ride, but what a fun ride it was.

p.s. there were so many amazing friends I met in person that night but sadly I don't have any pictures with anyone (I think).  If we took a picture together, would you mind sending it to me pretty please?

I'm linking up with the Blog Sugar site where you can come and see all the other amazing recaps of the day.  And while I'm linking, I guess I might as well link up with Lindsey too for WIWW.  She was one of our awesome speakers that day and I loved getting to know this talented lady a bit more.  The dress is from Old Navy (the one I stole for $23) and you've seen the shoes and jewelry before.  Not seen are a 10 year old pair of Spanx that still perform miracles hooray!  And I got my hair colored for the first time in 7 years.  Lots of exciting stuff happened last week.  At one point I almost passed out from all the newness and excitement.

Playgrounds & Lollipops - Rules & Myths

{Blouse: Zara; Shorts: Forever 21; Shoes: Sam Edelman; 

Necklace: Stella & Dot; Watch: Michael Kors; Bracelet: J. Crew; Nails: Lucky Lucky Lavendar by OPI}

I must have been about 8 when I experienced my first lesson in fashion rules and myths.  It was early summer here in Southern California, still a bit breezy and chilly but just warm enough to wear a pair of shorts comfortably.  I slipped on a pair of khaki shorts and paired it with my favorite (and only) Lacoste sweater.  My mom, the bank teller, was ever patient with finding the best sales and managed to score me a white loose weave knit sweater with beautiful primary colored stripes.  We could have never afforded it at full price, but I didn't care.  I LOVED it!  I was a preppy girl's dream.  I think I even sported a pair of knee high socks with the outfit.  I bounced out of the house, ready for my Silver Spoons audition, happy as can be.

My sister, 9 years my elder, abruptly stopped me and declared, "You can't wear a sweater with shorts!  It's summer time, you don't wear sweaters in summer."  But why I begged?  I'm not hot, why can't I wear it?  Thoughts raced through my head; if I really can't wear it until Fall, the primary colors will look all wrong amongst the burnt siennas and emerald greens of the season.  Even at 8 I had figured out there was a color theme to the seasons.  I was heartbroken.  Looking back this all seems very dramatic and silly, but at 8 everything is dramatic isn't it?

There are still countless fashion rules and myths that we hear on a daily basis and have been somehow emblazoned into our minds as law: You can only wear white after Memorial Day and not after Labor Day.  White shoes make your feet look big.  Short girls can't wear maxis.  Black and brown don't mix.  Pleated pants hide a pooch.  And as with this outfit, horizontal stripes make you look, you know, the "F" word.  Well I say, "Screw the rules!"

Wear what you love, what makes you feel good, not what some myth or rule or trend tells you to wear.  It's your body, and it's your money.  When I saw these shorts it was love at first sight.  I loved the bold stripe, the neutral color palette and the sophisticated waistline.  It also didn't hurt that they were $14.  Yes, the age-old fashion rule about horizontal stripes immediately popped into my head, but sometimes you gotta just ignore those voices in your head and go with your gut.    

So tell me, do you abide by the rules or are you a rule breaker?  Linking up to Lindsey's WIWW

*I played around with the Pioneer Woman's Action Sets on these photos, using Lovely and Ethereal on all of them.  They were really easy and user friendly to use and you can download them here.

Playgrounds & Lollipops - Comfort Trap

"Most women wear clothes that are too big – that's the comfort trap. Women don't want to feel constrained, but I say, if you want to dress to feel as though you never got out of bed, then don't." Tim Gunn on women falling into the "comfort trap"

{Cardigan & T-Shirt: James Perse; Cotton Poplin Drawstring Pants: Old Navy Men's Section; 

Shoes: Converse; Bracelets: DIY by me}

I wonder what Tim Gunn would think of my outfit?  While I wholeheartedly agree that some women nowadays do dress a little too comfortably, preferring yoga pants as the major staple of their wardrobe, I have to say that sometimes you just need to feel comfortable.  The kind of comfort that only a baggy pair of poplin pants and an oversize cardigan can provide.  Add in a pair of Chucks for long walks around the neighborhood, chasing after kids riding Big Wheels, and you're all set.  I sort of feel a little preppy in this look too, with the mix of classic colors like Navy Blue and Kelly Green.  What do you think?

This has been my go-to outfit for the last couple of days.  Lightweight, men's parachute poplin pants that don't feel stifling when the gloom wears off and the heat cranks up, and a super soft knit cardigan that is the perfect layering piece.  While I admit the outfit is sort of androgynous, a nice pop of Coral Crush ensures I won't be mistaken for a boy.

So what do you think?  Would Mr. Gunn excuse my lazy outfit, or would he say I need to step it up a bit?  Either way, I kinda don't care.  It's officially summer and I officially have no where to go.  I'm embracing that feeling while I can.

I'm linking up with Lindsey for WIWW :)

P.S. The winner of the friendship bracelets is Katie!  Send me a note Katie with your address and I'll get them shipped out next week.  Congrats friend!

How Am I Doing? An Update to Look Good Feel Good

                       If you'd like to read the post that started Look Good Feel Good, go here
Well, I'm coming along and although we had a little misplaced bun on top of head action going on yesterday, today I am back and took out the blow dryer to do my hair.  I also left the house with makeup on instead of putting it on in the car, and I made sure to slip on a belt and earrings.  Instead of putting on my ratty old cardigan that I've been wearing lately, I took out my cute leather jacket.  It's been a challenge considering the week and what's been going on, but I'm trying hard to practice what I preach, and am feeling better for it.

How about you?  Come back on Friday for another update and an opportunity to link up!

Outfit details:

Leather jacket: Nordstrom Savvy department

T-Shirt: From job (James Perse)

Belt: Gap 

Skinny pants: J. Crew 

Boots: Sam Edelman

For today I am linking up to the Pleated Poppy's WIWW.