outfit for library playdate

     Tee, American Eagle, 10. shorts and leopard sandals we've already covered. Vintage bangle, 3.00. Clementine's dress, Old Navy clearance last year, 2.00.
  
  Ok, so you are probably getting beat over the head with 2 things if you've followed along so far:
1: You don't need to spend a lot to look pulled together while doing the M.O.M. job. And
2: I do not need a lot of variety to feel put together! Sorry if you're getting bored...but here's a preview of an upcoming feature mom...isn't she adorable?

     In a Goodwill top, garage sale shorts and 3 year old sandals from Express.

Even though...

     I LoVe looking at pretty pictures and am a visually inspired person.

Even though I can't afford a lot of the things I truly love, I refuse to buy mediocre any longer. I may only wear 3 outfits over and over, but they will be outfits I love and feel confident in.

Even though I will never be a size 2, or 6, I'm happy in the size God made me. I refuse to get fat because it's easy. I refuse to let my body go just because I can. I use Wii yoga, hard work and trying to stay on my feet when I can (not hard with 2 kids!) and eating less processed and more fresh foods.

Even though I cannot afford to buy the outfits, I still love reading through fashion mags and style books. I refuse to not be inspired by things out of my reach, AND i refuse to covet things I can't afford. I will not let Satan steal the joy of being a girl by poisoning the well with comparison. (by the way, I know comparison is a HUGE issue for us ladies. And I'm not making light of it-I just try my best to put my foot down and not tolerate it.)

     Even though the "only people" I might see all day is my family and my dentist, I refuse to lose myself to practicality and the expense of my personhood. So yeah you might see me wearing a full face of make up to go to the grocery. In fact, most likely you'll never see me withOUT make up. Not because I'm insecure. Because I know that it gives me a boost and when you're a mom, you can usually use a boost!

    One of the most inspiring  books I read recently was The Ellements of Personal Style. I got it from the library! I also love The Well Dressed Home by Anette Tatum. And the blog Blonde Episodes is pretty fun too.
     What do you find inspiring, and what do you refuse to give up? I'm dying to know!

outfit for errands and lunch with a friend

      Shorts, cut off from old Limited jeans. I know they were less than 20.00 on clearance. Top from American Eagle, 29.00. Locket from hospital, Clem's baby picture inside, 29.00. Boots, Ariat from Cavender's in Texas. They were around 200 I think...but at cost per wear, they are cheap because I wear them a lot. And I love them so I am rarely tempted to buy cheap stuff that will fall apart because I love these more. True story: It was a 115 heat index when we were in Corpus and I still wore them on the beach, baby!

     But I thought maybe these were better today? Which would you choose? (It's hot!!)

     Also, I'm so motivated to get rid of stuff I don't love....I did this this morning!

Sunday morning church style

     Tee, pre-Clemmie. 5.00 Old Navy. Skirt, pre-Ava(!!6!!) 6.00 MaJoR clearance at Limied. Ring, 4.00 Forever 21. Basket purse from my great grandma, free.
Which puts us at 15.00 for this cute outfit, the shoes and wayfarers were gifts.
   

  As I was trying on my planned outfit, I realized the shirt was kind flimsy for church (white tank). The next one too...Already I have dressed better for my camera phone. Isn't that crazy?! But yes I have started a pile of castoffs, after being more critical and less "I can wear it around the house..."
     And I also looking at things with an eye for the photograph, They. Are. Too. Big.

     I am so inspired right now girls! And I have a few of you lined up to interview and share your great mommy style very soon!

Saturday morning farmer's market style

Let me apologize for the blurry pics up front, but I'm totally addicted to using my i Phone 4 for a camera, because I NEVER have a spare second to grab my real camera...so, sorry.

This out fit:

Jacket, Old Navy (do NOT recommend this store for much, but I use this jacket all the time and I do love it.) About 30.00 last spring. Totally a key piece when you're rotating 3 maternity dresses and can't fit into anything else!

Top, 29.50 from American Eagle. I waited to get it on clearance till they sold out of the darker charcoal color in my size that I wanted. (I rarely buy online unless the shipping is free.) Bought with Christmas cash from my husband.

Shorts, American Eagle clearance about 5 years ago. I'm sure they were 10-12 dollars, and one of my few bright colored items. They look great with gray and black tops!

Sandals, Miss Trish of Capri for Target, 24.99 which I bought with a birthday gift card.

Wayfarers from my husband.

Noir ring, got with a ton of coupons from Swirl.com for 11.00



A vendor at the farmer's market commented, "What a creative family!" "I guess all families are..." I said. "Well, it takes a pretty self-confident woman to wear pussy cat shoes!"
Not sure, but I think he meant it as a compliment. And also? they're leopards!!

Style Guidelines Make It Easy

Okay, they make it easIER.

I have a few guidelines that I try to follow when it comes to styling my look. And when I stray from them, I usually regret it.

1) Know where to splurge and where to save. My splurges include:

a) shoes I wear a lot, such as my Ariat boots and Birkenstocks for summer.
b) jeans. I wear them tons and I'd rather have a few great pairs than a hundred so-so ones.
c)make up. I feel stronger about this one as I see more signs of aging on my face.

All of these tie into my signature look:, natural hair and clean but made up face, big sunglasses, jeans or a dress and statement shoes. In winter I also have a few great coats to pull it together.

2) Know what looks good on YOU. For me it's fitted but not too tight and slim or flared skirts and pants. I'm a total pear shape. I also look good in lilac, gray and pink but I can pull off almost any color. However I mostly buy denims, black and gray to gets as many outfits as possible with what I already have. It's been a slow integration but worth it!

3)Be as picky as possible. Your closet is the art museum, you are the curator. Only include what meets all your criteria for the most pleasing result. Don't settle for okay when amazing is attainable. Add to your collection very carefully.

While we all throw on a big tee shirt and pj pants some days, don't let the M.O.M. title lull you into complicity. I personally never feel better than when I am a little put together. Even if it is "just family." And okay, I dont mind being the most dressed person in the room. It's me!

I hope this blog gets your style mojo moving, and mine too! Please share your style guidelines with me, I am dying to hear what they are.
Ray Ban Wayfarers, gift from my husband. Leopard pea coat, 40.00 Forever 21, with Christmas money several year ago. Peony in hair, my back yard. (plant was hand-me-down from mom)