Small Style (Little Leps)

 Dress, Poly Flinders, hand me down. Basket, vintage, ebay, about 10. Sandals, Old Navy clearance last fall, 5. Headband, Target dollar bin.

 Ava "styles" herself most days. This day was no different. She pack some crayons in her basket. You never no when you'll have an art emergency!

 Clementine is REALLY into wearing shoes right now, but still not walking. She'll be one on Saturday.

 Janie and Jack dress and shoes, 5.00 from a friend who was clearing out.

Oh, I love how this picture turned out! And fitting the thrifty theme of this post, I salvaged the chair from my great grandmas basement. It was totally forties lilac colored velvet, with a little discoloration around the bottom of the skirt.
Then a few years ago I had it professionally cleaned but they turned it rusty orange. I complained of course and they paid to have it reupholstered. So I got it done in jade...since no one manufactures lilac velvet anymore. So that's the story of a free chair, and dressing 2  girls for 21.00 including shoes and accessories.
Of course it's not just about saving money. I want my girls to feel beautiful and know that they are valuable and worth splurging on every once and awhile. But I also want them to know they boundless opportunities it they just look a little further than the mall.

So of course I'm linking up with Morgan today-go check out the cute kids!

Outfit for being alone:)

ANNOUNCEMENT: I AM FEATURED ON MY SWEET GIRL KATIE'S BLOG TODAY--YOU MUST GO CHECK IT OUT. YOU WILL LOVE THIS GIRL! Because she's awesome!

My friend offered to have my kids over for a few hours this morning. I was so excited about this I seriously could not sleep last night! I spent most of my time reading art books at Barnes and Noble...

Jeans, Mavi, 90. Tank, Old Navy, 5. Bag, made by me from upholstery from my great grandmas chair...read more on that tomorrow. Boots, Ariat, souvenir from Texas.

 Top bangle, gold, antique. Souvenir from Chicago. Middle, gold family heirloom. Free-thanks mom! Bottom, brass heart, made these friendship bracelets for my girlfriends for Valentines Day this year.

 Sterling drusy earrings, Anthropologie, 30. Souvenir from Chicago.

I got this book in Chicago and was totally inspired to  paint these! In true mom fashion, I made one for Clementine's first birthday (Saturday!) that is a family tree of sorts.

 Me in my signature boots, Rett in his fave Converse lo tops and Ray Bans, Ava in her "Dorfee" slippers and Clem with her tiny bare feet.

And this one for my sister who loves owls. I was going to title it "Val the Owl" (her name) but thought she'd get mad!

Who are you?

     Who are you Mama? Where are you going? What will you be when you get there?

I was a stressed out mom, but I have peace. I am a content mom.

I am going where He leads me. I have relinquished the control I thought I had. (Nothing like your husband leaving for a year in Iraq to help you adjust your priorities.)

I don't know what I'll be, but the beauty of loosening the grip of "control"? I don't need to know. It's not my place or even desire to know any more. I'm just grateful to  be on the right road. Knowing that where I end up is not placed on MY shoulders? Oh, I wish you could know the peace that brings, because I can't even put it into words.

I spent a lot of time trying to find my place in the world. But really maybe my place is place-less. The Bible says we are to be in the world, not OF the world. It's clear to me now, but it's been a rough road to reach this conclusion.

I cannot tell you how comforting it is to be content with who you are and where you are. I know where I am is a great place to be! And that realization has rooted me in all areas of my life-especially my appearance.

My style in a nutshell:
Clean, classic Americana. I love fitted tops, jeans, a-line skirts and dresses. Cowboy boots, roomy bags, big sunglasses. I love retro references, but I don't love wading through 300 vintage dresses, only to find that the one I can't live without has pit stains!

I love heavy cat eyes, but they're not the most flattering on my eyes and my husband isn't a fan, so I kinda dropped those.
I adore my freckles, and usually go for a very natural face.
I don't do anything to my hair but comb it since it's longer now and I'm trying to grow it a few more inches. I baby it with John Frieda Root Awakening shampoo and conditioner.

I believe that accessories really make (and remake) the outfit. I have a ton, but tend to wear the same ones for a week or two, then move onto something new. Which is usually something old. Yep, I pretty much recycle  from my own stash.

What I ALWAYS go for: black, charcoal, gray. Dark denim. Leopard, but only of it's more classy than trashy. (It's a very fine line!) Vintage and retro items as they meet these requirements.

I SPARINGLY add in cherry red or jade green. But not at the same time! A little color goes a long way with a neutral background. It really does take center stage, so you don't need much.

NEVER: Light denim, heavily whiskered or faded on the thighs denim. Frumpy cut denim. Denim vests, hats or bags. Really, it should be on your legs or a classic jacket. Keep it simple and classic. Athletic sneakers worn for non-athletic activities. And Wal-Mart does NOT qualify, even though it always feel like a mad rush. Sorry!

All this to say: I know what I like, I know what works for me. And by sticking with this simple palette and mix and match separates I know I can easily add in similar things for a lot of variety. It gives confidence to KNOW.

Feeling good about who I am affects the way I present myself. Just as my emotions affected my appearance when I felt really, really bad about myself. Parenting is not easy. But God has released me from so much pressure and given me so much joy.

Farm fresh summer do tutorial

 This is a tutorial for the hairstyle I rocked yesterday. And okay, pretty much every day...First off, meet my trusty assistant. If I'm in the bathroom, she's there. If I'm trying to type, she's there, stabbing the keys with an Industrial Sharpie. And sticking charcoal pencils in my coffee. Yum.

 Here's what you need: pony tail holder, a few bobby pins, one or 2 Goody Spin Pins are great too. Basic hairspray, a few clipped blossoms, and a rat tail comb. If you have fly aways like me, try  John Frieda Fly Away Tamer is awesome, as long as you're not out in the wind. (Hey, Chicago!)

 Comb your hair an put it in a high ponytail.

 Tease the tail with the rat tail comb. A lot.

 Now wrap it into a circle and pin the end under. If you have a Spin Pin, twist it right through the middle. Then secure the edges with bobby pins. I use about 6.

 TIP: I spray the pins liberally with hairspray before putting them in. They stay exactly where I put them instead of slipping put as soon as I get in the car.
Now spray the flower stem with hairspray, push it into your bun and secure it with another bobby pin.

 Spray the whole head lightly with hair spray.

 Now if you are taming fly aways, brush a tiny amount around you hairline.

All done! I love doing this style on it's own, but it's even better with a few fresh flowers. You smell good. And as my friend Sandee said yesterday, "You look like a painting."

Sunday morning church style

  You know the best way to make your outfit standout right? "Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!"

RayBan Wayfarers, gift from my husband. The first Christmas after Ava was born. I felt so bad about myself at that time, and really didn't want any clothes because I was so fat (60 or 70 pounds over pre pregnancy weight still to go) and I have loved these and felt cute in them ever since. They fit well, they work well, they go with everything.  Recommend!!

 Miss Trish of Capri (which I already love!) for Target. My in-laws gave me a 25.00 gift card for Target. These were 24.99. Enough said!

 I'm not sure the maker of this dress, as I got it Goodwill and it has no tag. 6.00.

 Can you see my red headed assistant playing with art supplies in the corner?

Purse, thrifted Talbots, 1.00 Lilies, free from my yard.

Which totals the outfit, head to toe, at 7.00 out of pocket.

Tune in tomorrow for an updo tutorial if you like this idea!

Contest results! Questions answered!

Park outfit: Shorts, Gap capri's cut off, gift. Top, Old Navy from way back, 8. sandals, Birkenstock, 60. Necklace, Anthropologie, 38. Headband, Bloomsbury Loft at Country Living Fair, 18.

And now onto the important stuff: THE WINNERS! For best question, Emily.http://www.emilyrenee.blogspot.com/ And for the random link up winner, Kelli!

From E:

I'm not a mom, but I also have no idea what looks good on my body, makeup or clothes. I'm in the process of losing weight and tired of the same old-same old frumpy look. What are your suggestions for those "between" days when you're losing weight, but not at your ideal, so you don't want to spend any real $$$ on stuff??
(How's that for a complicated question??)

Dear E,

So easy, you'll faint. You get 2-3 easy summer dresses in a neutral color. Just above or below the knee, cap sleeves, wrap style or empire waist is universally flattering. I would start at Target, about 30.00 should get you one of these babies. Purchasing with a flowy fit in mind, you should get more wear than with a fitted style which you will quickly be too small for.

Just rotate them and change up accessories, which I'm sure you have plenty of! Wear with a wedge, or flat sandal for a cute summer look that's neat as a pin!

Now, take it from me: I gained 98 pounds with my first baby and punished myself by not allowing myself anything nice till I lost the weight. Well, guess what? I'm still bigger than I was before, ie I never lost all of the weight, but my philosophy has changed. Because I felt horrible for about two whole years. And then I got pregnant again and got a new outlook:

I would reccomend rewarding yourself for progress by buying a cute little accessory that you really love, and add that to your new look. You need to feel good about how you look, but investing in clothes right now just isn't smart. Accessories are a great investment item because a fab ring or necklace and shoes can make a Target dress look AMAZING!

As for a beauty routine, I would go to the Clinique or Clarins counter at Macy's and ask for a basic face. I would then think about what you liked and what you didn't and go from there-you can sub in discount products from CVS.

I personally like Garnier moisturizer, Smashbox Photo Primer (totally worth the investment-makes skin look great!!!) and powder mineral make up and BOIING concealer from Benefit. Then maybe a cheapo mascara and Maybelline eyebrow pencil. Blush is very flattering if you use the right shade. Lip gloss is another you can skimp on, then you're good to go!

And congrats-you're the best (ok only) question-you have won an hour of closet counseling from me! Now if you want to meet at Target for some serious shopping, at you place for a closet clean out, or whatever, just contact me and we'll set you up!

Feature Friday: Kelli

      I met Kelli at a garage sale and instantly loved this outfit! I asked if I could snap a pic to share of course. I adore leopard prints and love that she paired the cardi with a polka dot skirt!

     Here are a few more photos she wanted to share and her mom style advice for funky fun loving style that she embodies:

     "Sweater: I always carry a light sweater where ever I go. I find air conditioning to be too much and like to be prepared. This one is from Old Navy, on clearance for about $12.

Tanks were hand me downs. I do a clothing swap every year and it is so fun to get all my lady friends together for food and wine. We all bring clothing we no longer want and swap away. Then whatever isn't claimed by the end of the evening gets donated. 

Skirt: I love skirts and dresses. I find them more comfortable and more suited for my body than shorts. Plus you can wear them any season with tights and boots. This is my favorite for the summer this year. It is from banana republic, on sale for $15.

Shoes: These are my easy peasy converse one stars for summer. They are great because I am always having to take my shoes on and off to help the little man in and out of the sandbox or baby pool. I got them on Goodwill for $2.

I would define my style as easy, comfortable and a little funky. My mother always giggled at the outfits that I would pick out as a child and I think that good attention stuck with me. I love fun colors and patterns. But with kids you must keep it simple and easy to get around in. I have never been into tight clothing or heels. I love to be able to be spontaneous with my days so I want fun clothing that I can dance, cook, make art or be chill in. Whatever the day may bring. I love necklaces, scarves and earrings but haven't gotten back in the habit  of wearing them. I still carry Greysan in the ergo on my back most days and those grabby fingers deter me from adding to his temptation. 

I love to shop at Garage sales, goodwill, cactus flower and other second hand places. I shop there mostly for economical reasons to feed my clothing addition on a budget. I also shop at these places because I love vintage dresses. I have currently cut myself off from dress shopping until I wear the heck out of the ones I have. 

I do save up for a good shopping spree at Banana republic and to purchase great dresses from where my husband works, Global Gifts. I try to shop ecologically and socially responsible (Banana republic not included). 

I think it is very important for mom's to remember what they love and what their passions are and to make time for them. For me that is a good night out with my girl friends, cooking really great whole food, tearing up my yard to someday have a beautiful garden space and maintaining my fashion style. Things for yourself take some planning and a little longer when you are a mom but are well worth the time and energy!"

 

Well said! Kelli has a toddler son and is a teacher at Harmony school.

Small style

 Clementine wore shoes for the first time all morning! She was so happy to try on shoes this week, so I decided to put them on her. She was showing them off to everyone-so proud to wear Ava's oldies.
Also can you even believe how cute her HUGE top teeth are?!

      Ava was proud to wear her Daddy shirt that I made her. We got tees on clearance at Old Navy last fall for .25, and I had some iron on printer paper from years ago that I got as a gift. And yes it does say "I <3 Daddy Dog." That's what she calls him, and no I do not know why...She also insisted on wearing a book bag my sister gave her as a preschool graduation gift. 'Cause it's red and glittery just like "Dorfee's" shoes!

Clementine: Pillowcase dress-me. Shoes, Gymboree, handed from Ava, garage sale find 1.00. Flower barette, Kroger, 3.00 (These are the best barrettes I have found for her fine hair, get yourself one or three!) Janie and Jack shoe in hand, handed down.

Ava: Tee, .25, Old Navy. Skirt, 12, D Signed, Target. Flip flops, 9, Target. Leopard hair bows, 1.00 clearance, Gymboree.


So that puts the total at 27.25, head to toe, for 2 kids. Not bad!

     I'm linking up with Morgan-go check out the other cuties!

Dear Mom

      Dress, Old Navy clearance, 6. Sandals, Miss Trish for Target, 25 (birthday $$$) Bag, 2, garage sale. (I LOVE that this bag has black in it-I buy lots of black and gray and I know it will all go together.) Antique gold bracelets, 33 in Chicago, the other is a family heirloom. And let's not forget my ever-present accessory- my coffee! Fire King mug, vintage, .25 at a garage sale.

                                          Grand total, 41.25 out of my pocket!

     And now, Dear Moms, a little note to you.

You are the linchpin of the family. Especially if you stay at home and do most of the grunt work yourself!

You have value. You are worth department store lipstick. You do not deserve only clearance from CVS, although if you find something that you love and it's on clearance at CVS, go for it!

You are also allowed to wear the lipstick around the house, the park or the grocery. It's cheaper than booze or chocolate in the long run, and it's pretty effective as a mood booster.

You are not obligated to wear your husbands stained t shirts as pj's (guilty, doing it right now!!), your teen's hand-me-down stretch boot cut jeans that shrunk and she doesn't want, even if they are "perfectly good" and only a few inches too short for you. Also, please give yourself a pass on the tops that are stained with breast milk, Popsicles, smashed up fruit, grease, paint or spaghetti sauce. (Also guilty, especially because it seems to always happen to new ones!)

If you feel like since you stay at home, you don't need to buy new clothes, make up, or other "luxuries"? Well, not only DO you need to, if you can't remember the last time you bought something that made you feel pretty amazing-run and do it. Now! Okay, tomorrow, whatever. But don't put it off! You are that important!

I learned these lessons from my own mom. Because these are things some one should have said to her 30 years ago, but she had to wait for me to grow up and say them to her myself.

Because my mom was depressed and had no self esteem or sense of self worth. Because she "didn't work" and didn't "need" to look nice, she didn't look nice. She looked like she felt-frazzled, worn down, sagging face and body. This is true-she did not get her hair cut for ten TEN years because she felt guilty spending the money. And if you recall Princess Leia? She had the same hair style.

What some one should have said to my mom was "Go out and get a bra that fits and boosts. Your boobs are huge-own it. And it does not have to be white cotton."

"Take care of the person you want to be. Not the basic feeding care. The, 'I really care for this person God has made me and I am nurturing this person' care."

"Depression does not mean you're not praying hard enough or not praying the right prayer. Go to the doctor!"

"Take care of yourself so you can take care of your children. You will feel better if you feel good about your own self. God will fill you up to pour you out, but you have to do more that pray the words. Get up and start exercising, eating right and making an effort. He gives you a tool box, not a magic wand, Dear."

What no one said: "You are valuable as a person. God created you and loves you as you are, but too much to leave you that way. Stop wallowing and start living!"

And that is why I urge you, moms, with much conviction: If you are wearing mom jeans and no make up, invest some time in figuring out what you like and what looks good on you. If you like jeans, get some amazing ones and wear them to death. If you like a bare face, take care of your skin. And make it a daily ritual to get ready for your day with a few minutes to invest in your own self. Your family will thank you.

Oh and if you think you LIKE mom jeans and splotchy skin? I think you need to spend some  serious time with yourself, ASAP. You are just as valuable as everyone else in the family!

*I am not saying go spend tons of money or time you don't have. Live within your means and resources. But know that you are worth a splurge here and there and a few minutes to your self, even if you only like to wear moisturizer and tee shirts!

outfit for Target and so on...

      Headband, Bloomsbury Loft, 18 at the Country Living Fair. Cut off Charlotte Russe capri's, 13. Old Navy tee, 5. Necklace, Anthropolgie, 38. Birkenstocks, 60 on eBay. Belt, 13, Target.

     Oh my gosh! I look so skinny in this picture, I can't believe it's me! Seriously-I'm back!!
PS-Don't forget the contest girls!

Ask a question, win a prize!!

     Style questions for the Strawberry Blonde Leopard? Ask away! Saturday I will post answers to any question you ask me! Please just comment on this post, and I will do my best. Also I would love to hear any thought or comments in general...
     My favorite question will win a prize!!
     PS: If you blog and you link me, I will enter you to win a prize!
     PPS: If you post the link to this post on Facebook so your friends can enter, leave a comment telling me so I can enter you to win as well.

      So to recap: there are 2 prizes available. One for linking me on your blog or Facebook. And one for my favorite question! To enter to win, just comment on this post with your question or to tell me you linked me You can enter up to 3 comments, for 3 chances to win!

     Oh, you wanna know WHAT you can win, right? Each prize is....A 90 minute closet counseling session with the SB Leopard!!! Need wardrobe advice? Someone to help purge your closet? Update your beauty routine? Sit on your bed and tell you you're pretty for an hour and a half? I'm at your fashion disposal for 90 minutes! And if you're put of town? Phone, email, Skype...I'm yours baby!

     So ask away, Mama!

Saturday morning I have an hour to myself!! outfit

     Shorts used to be capris (so over capris!!) cut off, Gap, gift from om. Top, American Eagle, 29. Sandals, Birkenstock Madrid's, 60. Antique gold cuffs, 33 in Chicago and the other is a family heirloom (one of a pair). Earrings, Anthropologie 30.

  PS: Dear Frankie, I am desperately in need a a good photo for this contest. Wish you were here.
   PPS: Good luck!

Sunday morning church style

      Yeah, it was "one of those mornings" as Sundays usually are. Trying to get everyone fed, clean, seasonally appropriately dressed an not dirty again before we leave, not so easy. Especially when you are doing the single mom thing.

      Dress, Old Navy, 25. Not my favorite fit wise, but I like the trendy print and colors and I needed a dress for C's dedication earlier this year, and this was it. Shoes, BCBG, 40 at TJ Maxx. Bag, 2, and flowers, 6. Antique gold bracelets, 32 for one, the other is a family heirloom. Hair pin, made from a clip on single earring that used to be Nana's. I cut the clip off with wire cutters and super-glued it to a booby pin.

      I grabbed this cardi for a buck at an estate sale yesterday-just wanted to share. Obviously I wont be wearing it for a while!

     By the way, did you notice the little girl in the background? She was taking my room apart in the sixty three seconds I was taking pictures...

last minute outfit

      I was so happy my friend Elee invited us to dinner last night! I was also still in my pj's and without a bit of make up. 10 minutes is a luxury for me right now, but my kids were good and I moved fast!

     Tank, Old Navy, 5. Shorts, American Eagle, 12. Birkenstock Madrid sandals, eBay, 60. Ray Ban Wayfarers, gift from my husband. Purse, garage sale (where I met upcoming featured mom, Kelli!) 2, and the flowers I got from JoAnn's and added with hot glue.

     I've already gotten a ton of compliments on it and just did it yesterday-for well under 10!

Outfit for outdoor playdate

     Jeans cut off, Charlotte Russe years ago, 13. I'm super-into cut offs this summer for some reason. They're just so cool! Top, Gap, years ago, gift from Mom. Boots, Ariat. Earrings, 9, from my friend Abra. Ring, pink sapphire from my husband a few Christmas' ago.

     Even though it's hot, I can't resist wearing these boots a few times during the summer. They are such a signature piece of mine, and super comfortable. What can I saw, I'm a little bit redneck I guess. I'm a born and bred Hoosier, ok?