Things are starting to get serious

I love to shop. I don't think that's a big secret. However, I find myself always shopping in the same stores. I rarely venture outside my comfort zone stores. I can always count on my stores to come through for me. It's kind of like I'm in a relationship with all of them. All with various stages of seriousness.

I'm married to J.Crew. 100% totally committed. Sure, we have disagreements from time to time, especially over finances, but no matter what J.Crew does I'm in it for the long haul.

I'm in a serious relationship with Target, like Facebook official serious. Sometimes, the quality of our relationship causes me to have doubts. However, we usually can find a way to compromise and work it out.
 

I'm dating Banana Republic, but having high maintenance issues. I mean, I really like Banana, it has a lot to offer most of the time, but sometimes I feel like it's a little too much for me.
 

I'm secretly hooking up with Old Navy. It doesn't happen everyday or even every week, but there are definitely moments when I steal away for some ON time. It's not super serious, and I'm not really ready to let people know about it, but in moments of need, it happens.

What about you? With what stores are you in a relationship?

 

Style Statement Tuesday

It's time for Style Statement Tuesday again! The week always goes by so quickly, and I'm never quite sure what I've done with my time. I always intend to get pics for these posts way in adavance, but it never happens. Ever.

If you're new here, here's what to expect...Each week, I showcase a look I love that I think fits my style statement, which I have defined as 'Classic Casual.' It's also a place for you to link-up your outfit posts and inspirations. To read more about Style Statement Tuesday, click here.

This week's look is inspired by a Pinterest outfit I discovered last week:

I like it because it's simple, classic, and casual. Pretty much everything I ask for in a outfit. So here's what I came up with...

Top, Bangle & Skirt: J.Crew; Sandals: Target; Clutch: Gap; Ring: Forever 21; Watch: Michael Kors

I wasn't quite sure if the knotted shirt look would look right on me, but I actually really like it. I didn't feel weird at all. I think this outfit is 100% fitting with my style statement.

You can see more of my current inspirations here. I'm linking up for Style Sessions and WIWW.

Link up and share your style.

 

Weekend Shenanigans!

It's definitely a Monday. You want to know how I know? Because it's 9:30, I'm sitting at my desk nursing a cup of coffee  and reading the Wall Street Journal. That's the only thing I can stomach doing right now.

It's not that I hate my job, because I really don't. I just love the weekends when my time is my own and no one judges me if I don't do anything productive all day. Just like this weekend.

I worked out, ate great food, drank great wine, and lounged by the pool. I spent tons of time with my awesome nieces and nephews. They taught me about galloning. I swear I always learns something new when those guys are around. You can read more about those bips here.

I'm pretty sure heaven is like one long weekend. Don't you agree? Linking up here. 

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High Five For Friday

So, I didn't mean to take a little blogging break, but work got CAH-RAY-ZEE so all of my energy was focused elsewhere. It happens. But, I'm back today and happy to celebrate the most glorious day of the week!

This week, I've been thinking about my style and general lack thereof. Yes, I have some cute/nice clothes. Yes, sometimes I manage to put together a combination that looks decent. However, most of the time I look pretty average. No girl wants to look average.

That being said, I don't want to spend tons of money on new clothes. I hate feeling like I need to buy new pieces to look cute. I also hate not having any money. So, I decided I would dig deep into my closet and put together outfits with items I already own. Pinterest, of course, would be my inspiration.

Here are 5 looks I love that I think I can recreate in some way...

1. I think what appeals to me here is how effortlessly put together this looks.

2. I love the mix of luxe and casual.

 

3. I'm really digging white denim right now.

 

 

 

4. I love maxis, so this one is a no-brainer.

 

 



5. I've been wanting to try the knotted top thing, this will give me the push I need.

Here's to style and to the weekend! All images can be found on my Styled Pinterest Board. Linking up for H54F!

Style Statement Tuesday

Happy Style Statement Tuesday!

Each week, I showcase a look I love that I think fits my style statement, which I have defined as 'Classic Casual.' It's also a place for you to link-up your outfit posts and inspirations. To read more about Style Statement Tuesday, click here. As a bonus, I'm also taking Marionberry Style's Trend of the Month Challenge and adding a hat to my outfit. It's always fun to mix it up a little!

This week's look is one I've donned quite a bit lately. I'm ashamed to say how many times I've worn this dress in the last month. But I just can't help it. I love the easy style and the fact that this dress lets me eat as much as I want without letting everyone know. It definitely fits my "Classic Casual" style statement.

 

Chambray & Dress: J.Crew Factory; Fedora & Sandals: Target; Bag: JC Penney

 

 

 

 

 

Link up & share your style!

 

 

I'm linking up for Style Sessions, What I Wore Wednesday, & Trend of the Month!

 

 





"Ombre is tired." & then I cried

Friday, I was sitting in my stylist's chair, and she confirmed what I'd known, but had been denying for a couple of months. Her looking me square in the eyes and saying "Ombre is tired. You need to think about what you want to do with your color," was the jolt into reality that I needed. If you need a second to mourn, go ahead and take it.

I've been perusing Pinterest trying to find colors I love. While nothing will even take ombre's place in my heart, here are some new colors I'm considering.

Which do you like the best? I'm having a hard time deciding. These styles, plus others can be found on my Coifed Pinterest Board.

High Five For Friday!

This week was grueling. After today, I will have worked well over 50 hours. Plus, I have a big deal closing next week, so I'm on call this weekend. Oh the joys of lawyerhood. Just kidding, I really love my chosen career.

In other news, I finally got the green light from Kris on painting our bedroom a new color. Well, I didn't so much get the green light, as it was more like:

Me:  "I really like this color for our bedroom. What do you think?"
Kris:  "Yeah, I like it."

But, I'm reading through the lines and considering that the green light. I have tons of ideas. We really haven't done anything to our master suite since moved in, hopefully it'll happen soon.

I'm digging the Sherwin Williams for Pottery Barn Fall/Winter 2013 Collection. Here are my top 5 colors:

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1. Smoky Blue

2. Naval

3. Backdrop

4. Svelte Sage

5. Morning Fog

 

I would really love to use Smoky Blue, maybe with a Naval accent wall. What do you think?  Happy Friday! Linking up here.

 

 





Life Lessons from the Golden Girls

Everything I needed to know about life I learned from the Golden Girls. True story.

1. Keep cool & act maturely. That should be your motto for life.

 

2. Safe sex is never goes out of style.

 

3.  It's important to be open and honest about your feelings.



4. Get yourself some girlfriends that will tell you the brutal truth.

5. Put those tap lessons to good use. Dance parties cure just about anything.

 Have a great Thursday, just for the fun of it!

 

Fashion & Football & GBO

As you all know, I live in Tennessee. Home of the Volunteers. Can I get a GBO? that stands for go big orange, in case you don't know

Well, sports fans, kick-off is in six and a half weeks. Yep, that's just 45 days, and I'm trying to decide what I will wear to the home opener. Naturally.

If your team plays in the SEC, as all the best teams do, then you already know game day is about looking cute almost as much as it is about football. Wearing a t-shirt or jersey is a cardinal sin. Trust.

I've put together a few items I'd love to have for football season. In orange, of course.

 

What about you? What do you wear on game days? Let me know and go Vols!

Style Statement Tuesday

Welcome to Style Statement Tuesday!

Each week, I showcase a look I love that I think fits my style statement, which I have defined as 'Classic Casual.' It's also a place for you to link-up your outfit posts and inspirations. To read more about Style Statement Tuesday, click here.

This week's post is a little lackluster. As I mentioned yesterday, Kris and I went to a concert last weekend. I really meant to get a real pic of my outfit. I really did, but it didn't happen. So sorry about that. These awkward mirror pics will just have to do.

 

My main goal was to keep it cool and comfortable. I ended up knotting my skirt on one side, and that really helped.

 

 

My hair ended up going in a low bun before the concert started, but overall, I was happy with what I chose to wear. There was definitely tons of maxi skirts going on that night.

 

 

 

Link up and share your style!





 

 



Weekend Update & I'm getting too old for this sh*t

This weekend Kris and I made the 4 hour drive from Knoxville to Cincinnati to see Dave Matthews Band in concert. As Dave shows always are, it was great. However, I caught my 28 year old self saying things that my 21 year old self would have been ashamed of. Some quotes from the night...

"Will you go refill my water bottle?"

"We need orange juice for mimosas."

"Oh no! I forgot my sunscreen!"

"I don't want another drink. It's too hot."

"I'm getting pot smoke blown all in my face."

"I need to sit down; my back is starting to hurt."

"My feet are killing me."

"These people are really wasted."

So, the moral of the story? I'm too old for lawn seats.

If you are nearing 30 like me, check this out. It will blow your mind. And maybe make you a little depressed.

 

 

Happy Monday! Linking up for Weekend Shenanigans!

 

 



Fitness Survey

It has been a month of Sundays since I wrote a fitness post (which probably explains why I've put on about 4 pounds). Kris and I are really hitting the health and fitness lifestyle hard this week because we are tired of the yo-yoing. When I saw this fitness survey on Nikki's blog I knew I had to take it and share with you.

1. What did you eat for breakfast? Mixed nuts and a banana.

2. How much water do you drink a day? About 60 ounces. A lot more now that I gave up soft drinks.

3. What is your current favorite workout? I love yoga and walking. Those are my all time faves.

4. How many calories do you eat a day? 1200 is my goal, but I don’t get too mad at myself if I reach 1400. I’m doing better this week than I have in a long time.

5. What are your favorite healthy snacks? Apples. I love apples!

6. What do you usually eat for lunch? I usually pack my lunch or grab the lite nutty mixed up salad at Jason’s Deli.

7. What is your favorite body part to strength train? Arms.

8. What is your least favorite body part to strength train? Thighs, which are what needs it the most.

9. What are your “bad” food cravings? Sweets. I’m like a sugar-aholic

10. Do you take vitamins or supplements? No. I know I should, but I just don’t.

11. How often do you eat out? Once or twice a week. More often lunch than anything.

12. Do you eat fast food? Sometimes, but not often. It makes me feel gross.

13. Who is your biggest supporter? My husband.

14. Do you have a gym membership? Yes, well a yoga studio membership.

15. How many hours of sleep do you get a night? 6-8 hours

16. Do you have a “cheat” day? No, I try not to. I find that if I let myself cheat I have a harder time not cheating the next day. It’s easier for me to just stick to it. Cheat days have been my downfall every single time I’ve tried to diet.

17. Do you drink alcohol? Yes, I’m a wino. Which I don't consider a vice.

18. Do you have a workout buddy? Not really. I walk with my husband sometimes, but mostly I go it alone.

19. What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a healthy lifestyle? How I feel about myself. One healthy choice leads to another and I love how healthy choices make me feel.

20. What was the last healthy thing you did? Got up at 6am to workout!

Makeup Routine

I get a lot of questions about my makeup routine, and I've changed it up a little since my last post so I figured I'd let you know what I'm doing differently.

I have 2 makeup bags. The makeup I use day-to-day is in the smaller bag.

Before I really get into my routine, here are some things you should know about my makeup habits  and what I use:

1. I don't wear tons of makeup
2.  Generally, I'm a creature of habit when it comes to the products I use
3. It takes me about 15 minutes to apply my makeup because I'm a slowpoke
4. I spend more time on my mascara than anything else

Face:

Garnier BB Cream in Light/Medium - this product changed my life. I love that it evens out my skin tone and just generally makes it look better. It's one of the best BB creams I've used. I know it won't work for me forever, but right now I'm loving it!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser in Brightener - this was recommended to me. I don't love it, but I like it better than any other under eye concealer I've used. I'm starting to think I set my expectations too high.

Nars Concealer in Vanilla - I switched from MAC studio fix concealer to this. It's easier to apply and has the same amount of coverage.

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in N5 - love this stuff. It offers great coverage and keeps my skin finish matte. I've been using this for years.

Bare Escentuals All Over Face Color in Glee - my mom gave this to me and I really like it. It's very natural looking. When I run out, I probably won't buy it myself, but it is doing the job for now.

Eyes:

MAC Eye Shadow in Mystery - love it, been using it for years. I use this on my eyebrows and sometimes as liner.

Cover Girl Professional Super Thick Lash Mascara in Very Black - this is a new purchase for me. So far, I've been just as impressed with this as I have been with any other mascara I've ever used.

Lips:

MAC Lipstick in Loverlorn - this is the perfect pink for me. I can add a jazzy lip gloss over it to punch it up or use my lip conditioner for a more conservative approach.

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Fuchsia Fix - MAC doesn't always have this in stock, but it doesn't matter because it lasts forever. I've had this for over 3 years and it's not even half empty. Gotta love that! I couldn't find this on MAC's website, I think it's seasonal.

Routine:

Apply BB cream all over my face, being careful to blend.
Apply dark circle eraser under my eyes and blend
Apply concealer on breakouts, if necessary
Dust studio fix over my forehead, nose, and chin.
Apply blush to the apples of my cheeks and blend upward towards my hairline.
Apply mystery to my eyebrows with a slightly damp angle brush.
Curl eyelashes
Apply 1-2 coats of mascara, allowing time to dry inbetween each coat.
Curl eyelashes again.
Apply 1 more coat of mascara.
Apply lipstick and blot.
Apply lip conditioner.

I almost never wear eye shadow. Sometimes, I wear eyeliner, and when I do I dampen my angle brush and use MAC mystery to line the top lid of my eyes.

So there you have it. My "nobody paid me to try this" makeup routine. Occasionally, when I receive promotional products, I find one I really love and incorporate it into my daily routine. However, I usually always fall back on these products.

What makeup products do you love?