Closet Confession: Oh, my dear Oxford....

***

Confession: 

I am not super into oxfords in general... They always seem a little too stiff for my taste...

but, you cannot be fashionably adventurous if you don't take risks am I right? So, since oxfords have made a

comeback of sorts ( you can see my inspiration here and here) I thought I'd push my limits a tad...just for you guys...and a little for me too (he he).

***

You can't tell very well, but this oxford is a light pink...though it looks pretty white in these picture.

Also, yes, hippie girls wear pearls too...we just like them to look a like a leaf, or a bunch  of grapes lol... these are my favorite faux pearls...I haven't worn them in a while so I was happy when they worked well with this outfit.

the skinny belt actually came with a sweater I bought a couple of years ago, but I love to mix and match it with all kinds of pieces...especially a dark skinny jean!

you may have noticed the not-so-straight hair I'm sporting...well this is what I would like to call "my it's too hot to straighten my hair because it's just going to frizz' hairdo .... who else has this problem? I know it resembles something like a cross between a really bushy rat-tail and an animal's nest of some sort...but you work with what ya got people... I don't half mind it really though...I like to store things in it for later

like snacks...and the kiddos syrup from breakfast...yummm lol

I tried to tone down the accessories to keep the outfit a bit softer. Besides, pearls are usually a "statement" piece and usually I try not to wear much else with them...they speak for themselves!!

Outfit Details

Oxford: Converse

Belt: NY&CO (from a separate sweater)

Skinnies: F21

Nude Pumps: Ross (10!!!)

Pearls: cannot remember lol best guess...F21

Nail Polish: OPI "Privacy Please"

So what is your style staple? Are you preppier by nature or more of a hippie child? 

Have you gotten into the whole oxford trend yet? 

I'd love to see how you styled yours! Trust me, this girl needs help when it comes to this genre of clothing...I am too far in the fringe and flares epidemic to see much else hahaha....

joining this lovely lady this week!!!

Cheers!

Closet Confessions: It's a Circus

Confession 1:

Yes! the weather has been warm enough to wear...dum,dum,dum.... no sleeves!!!

my body is confused...but I am so happy! If it weren't for adorable boots...I would hibernate all winter, I think. lol

Confession 2:

The only good snake is a dead one.

(sorry all you snake loving people out there...you may want to turn away lol)

Soooo...why not wear it?!?!?

For as long as I could remember...I had never liked clothes with animal print.

I don't really have a reason per se, I just avoided it at all cost...thought it wasn't me.

Then bam! It was like the flood gates were opened and I saw all the wonder that was animal print...

and now I have to say I might have a problem...

It may or may not look like Barnum and Bailey threw up in my closet...

maybe not that bad...but still.

I know a lot of people who felt the same way I did...

they don't own any animal print clothing...or hello...shoes!!!

I admit it is a bold move.

Not super bold...like wearing a meat dress or anything (oh Gaga)

but too bold for some.

My advice?

Yes it is bold, but if this is your issue try to find a more neutral version of

the print...like the one I am wearing ...not a huge print...not excessively bright...but it is there.

Also, if you want to take it a step further...play down the rest of your outfit too...say, neutral pants a little cardi or sweater that is a softer tone....even go for a more muted shoe color...Or wear the print under a suit jacket....!

Or.

Start small...find a bracelet or cuff with a leather snake print...or a leopard print flat or heel...

if you are worried about wearing a skirt or top with an animal print right off the cuff...that is a great option.

Last...believe in yourself a little....give yourself some credit...you can pull it off!

Oufit Details:

Racerback top: $4 (tj maxx on sale)

Skinnies: $2 ( thrifted)

Earrings: $4 Target

Flats: $5 (Charlotte Russe on sale)

Belt: $4.80 F21

 Oh, and for the record, I don't suggest mauling any animals to get your animal print clothing lol

The faux, store bought kind works just as well!

Closet Confessions: Name that Genre

 02.06.12

Confession:

I would most appropriately fit into the "hippie category"...the 70's are kind of my self proclaimed genre of choice.

 I wouldn't go as far as to say everyone has a genre, but I would say that most people fit into a certain fashion niche even if they aren't totally all about it. Ummmm....hello, you don't think they classify the high school jocks, or the drama club-ers, or the art kids based on their dashing personalities completely right? Nope, they dress the part...whether it's for sheer comfort, or to fit in...or to feel themselves.

I never spent a great amount of time figuring out what my sense of style was...it changed here and there over the years...but the underlying theme has always kind of stayed the same. I love bell bottoms, big hair, beads, fringe, bold prints and color... I love everything stylistically about the 70's with a little mid-century, eames-esque-ness ( there is a science to my word creations, though I am apologizing for it now haha) thrown in. 

 Knowing your style is important...not like grand-scheme-of-things important, but it is just as much a part of who you are and your identity as the color of your eyes. It is part of your personality. It's fun. Also, playing with your style gives a little boost to the old confidence...and don't we need a little of that every now and again?!

feathers, owls, did I mention fringe and beads...lol....platform shoes, turquoise.... these are my eye-catchers in fashion...

Confession #2:

I have a style icon...someone in fashion I admire for her taste in clothing...but it is nothing like mine...

Who?

Audrey Hepburn.

I think it is equally important to keep pushing your style forward...it is a progression just like you are...a work in progress. So yes, while Audrey Hepburn's style is far from mine, I find little ways to incorporate her style into mine...ie, capelet, skinny jeans, and flats... (those being the most practical)

 Details:

Top: TJMaxx ( clearance rack $3 !!!)

Tank: Target

Jeans: F21

Sandals: thrifted $2 ( yes, I said sandals!!! 70 degree weather!!!! Can I get an Amen?!?!)

Earrings: Target

Bracelets/Cuffs: some gifted, turquoise one was handmade by me, and a couple are F21

So, tell me...what fashion niche or genre to you more closely fall into...and which one do you wish you fit into more (aka me liking Audrey Hepburn's mod style)?

My Top Hair Products/Tools: A Hair Guide

Hi lovelies ♥

Oh my goodness...that weekend flew by didn't it!?!

We've kicked into Monday full-swing here...though my mind is somewhere back on Saturday I think ;)

I have been getting a lot of questions about my hair lately and so I thought I would talk for

a bit about what I do, the products I use...and most importantly the tools I style my hair with.

Though I have to admit...my hair is not really something I think about a whole lot...I like my hair, don't get me wrong, but I have never considered (and still don't) it to be "great". Yes, my hair has a lot of body to it... and I do like that part...but if you have kiddos... my type of hair can be a bit of a hassle...and it certainly is more high maintenance than I would like... sheeshhh!

So, for me, the products I use, and the tools I use make my life so much easier...

and I want to share them with you ladies, because if they make getting ready (and not looking like I got electrocuted going out the door) easier for me...then I think everyone should know about it!!

Products

Shampoo: Organix Brazilian keratin therapy

Hair oil: Hana shine shield

(I also use Organix Flat iron spray)

& generally I do not use any conditioner...

I find that it makes my hair really heavy, and weird...

Because my hair is wavy/curly underneath (meaning the bottom layers of my hair) that's what gives me a lot of the body my hair has... but a volumizing mousse can give your hair a lot of the same effect if you apply it after washing!

Tools

Hair Dryer: Hana hairdryer from Misikko ( love!)

Brush: I use a large round brush similar to this (on sale btw!!!) and love it...the trick is..the larger & rounder...the more volume the brush will create when blow drying. 

 I do use a straightener, not always because I have so much hair, but occasionally I will..right now I have a regular straightener I think I bought from Target...but I have got my eye out for the

Chi straighteners ...this little lady is on my wish list...and will make straightening my hair sooo much faster!!! If you girls haven't heard about them...you need to go check them out...seriously the next best thing in hair styling!!!

Now. Can I gush to you about my hair dryer? mmmkayyy... ladies, my hairdryer is bomb. I know I just took you back to the 90's with that but seriously.

Hana is by far one of the best hair dryers .... who am I kidding...the best hair dryer I have ever had...it is seriously like going to a salon everytime I use her...yes, it's a she...and she cut my hair drying down from 45 minutes (oh I did not stutter...now aren't you glad you don't have my hair!!! lol) to about 15 minutes!!! Heaven. Pure 30-minutes-saved heaven....and I think you beautiful ladies owe it to yourselves to go clicking your way over and checking out all the great products Misikko has to offer....!

 Oh, and yes, my hair is real...all of it... but I do get asked if I have extensions a lot...which doesn't offend me...I have rocked the extensions back in 07...lol...and I would probably do it again...as long as they are done right they are great...otherwise...I look like a chia pet. No lie.

Also, many have asked if I dye/have dyed my hair and what color , etc... and no I have never dyed my hair actually...though I have to confess...I have always wanted to go red ....shhhh! don't tell...

I only get my hair cut about once a year, sadly...and if you live in my area I would be glad to share where I go! and introduce you to my awesome stylist! Last year was probably the best I have been to my hair...I actually got two haircuts in 2011!!! woohoo....!

Hope this answers some of your questions...and maybe helps you ladies (like me) with less time to do hair than what our hair requires hahah!

What are some of your go-to hair products? I would love to check some of them out!

Happy Monday!

Closet Confession: Shoe-Capades

Confession: Girl, you can most definitely where a heel...in all types of situations...
wearing them just takes practice.

I was 11 years old when my abuela ( my grandmother) bought me my first pair of platform heels...
I.thought.I.was.a.diva.
Oh, my goodness...
They were a strappy, blue number...and I fell in love.
She too, has always had a nice collection of high heels of all types...
maybe less now, but she is retired, she has earned the right to wear
whatever she wants. lol.

So, I guess you could say, I got it honest...

Outfit Details
Jacket: gift
Shirt: Julie's Closet
Tank: Target
Jeans: Forever 21
Shoes: Target ( on sale!)
Necklace: gift from my sweet SIL!
Earrings: Target

however...I don't suggest that everyone climb trees, mountains, numerous flights of stairs, etc... like
I may or may not have been known to do...
 I plead the 5th.
I do not advocate anyone doing anything in heels that will break a limb...
anyone else, that is... ;)

Chasing around kiddos in heels is a piece of cake when you get the hang of it too.... lol
Never fear, ladies...future mommas or present day mommas too...
you do not have to hang up the "big girl shoes" when you have a baby...or two...or three...
though, I would agree that you have to "work" a little harder to make that happen...
trust me, it feels good when you do...
and when you feel good about your outfit...
you feel a little better about yourself too...walk a little straighter even...

Hope you've had a great Monday everyone!

What is your favorite shoe to wear? A wedge? Boot? Flip Flops? 
you can see some of my shoe must haves here ... on Pinterest... if you want/need some shoes-spiration ( like that lol) I kinda have a whole board dedicated to it...
like a said...it's a problem ;)

Closet Confessions: Get My Dance On...

....no not really, but why not do something almost as equally as awkward?!?

Awesome, I totally thought you'd be all for that.

Those of you who don't know me...

I really don't take myself that seriously

and more often than not...I do the most embarrassing things to myself...

by accident.

Let's face it, I am not around that many people anymore...

I am a mom

therefore, I am a little socially challenged...

so why not lighten the mood by being

really embarrassingly....

myself!?!?

you, can thank me later...

or beg me never to do this again...

I will totally understand...

Now, let the roasting begin!

A music montage?

What a genius idea!

Done and done!

Oh yes I did.

and your welcome...

oh, oh what?!?!

don't smile girl...the roof is on fire!!!

anddddddd.... last but certainly not least....

that's right...I know kung fu...

shoot me...it's not the original...but this version is wayyy funnier!

Didn't know I had it in me didja...

that's okay...my self-esteem is weeping...

Now... on to the details!

Outfit:

Cardi: Target

Top: thrifted ...$2 ...I just love that number!

Jeans: Target haha

Boots: gift

Earrings: Target (noticing a theme here?! lol)

Ring: gift  Call of Earth annddddd I love it !!!!

Hope you got a giggle at this... I had a lot of fun with it...despite the self persecuting nature of this post...hahah

If you cannot laugh at yourself...who can you laugh at right?!?!

What silly, embarrassing thing have you done lately?

Closet Confessions: Be Bold

Confession:

I really love a bold print!

However:

Many of you ladies out there are a little nervous about displaying a big, bold design.

The good news:

Fear not! You are not alone, most people believe that a big, bold color or pattern makes them look larger...

and most people don't want that...at least I don't. The key is in the pairing...or combining that bold piece with in the rest of your outfit.

you could pair a big print with some lace or a bold color with lots of neutrals...the thing to keep in mind is balance...too much is, well, too much most of the time.

Don't be afraid to try a new trend or outfit style because it is bold.

Step out of your comfort zone! It can and will be fun...if you let it!

I have been wearing this shawl a lot lately... it's kind of perfect. With the mild winters here it is great too because we don't usually require super heavy winter wear. Today was an exciting 70 degrees...oh my, winter is just so terrible  (wink wink).

With this outfit, I toned down the bold Navaho-esque print with this tiered top... a statement piece in itself, it draws your eye away a bit from the print of the shawl.

Outfit Details

Cardigan/Shawl: Hallelu

Top: thrifted (forever 21) ...ummm...for $2!

Jeans: Gap (similar  style)

Shoes: thrifted ( bass) also $2 oh, yes!

Earrings: gift

Ring: gift ( Call of Earth)

Nothing super glamorous to report here... we went out for lunch together...Luca picked Zaxby's...he loves their bread wayyyyy to much lol. We also randomly decided to redo the kiddos playroom so we spent the better part of my lifetime at Lowe's rock-paper-scissors-ing it for the perfect shade of black....yes, I said black. We are goth...didn't you know? I kid. I  also am absolutely dying would love to tell you all about it...except I will wait until it is all finished and show it to you!

Weekly Challenge:

Find a bold color or print (or hey, maybe even both) and try it out! You may just like it more than you thought...and then you can thank me, or not...I probably wouldn't if I were you...but a link back to you in your fun new style would be awesome!

Hope your having a great weekend so far!

Closet Confessions: The Skinny Jean

Hello?

Are you all out there seeing this really cheesy picture of me on this fine Wednesday?

Yeah? K, good. What a crazy week it has been and I know that it has been rough on several others as well so I want to take a moment and say, I feel ya, times are tough and knowing what the right decisions are is even more difficult. I have a listening ear over here if any of you need it. Seriously. I will camp my blog rv right over to your place if you need me to. I would also say, give it to God daily, hourly. He can make a way.

Nowwwwwwww.......on to Closet Confessions!

This installment (hehe) is inspired by my dear sweet cousin all the way over in Kenya! Love her! Anyway (cause I know you're dying to hear this story...focus) S. confessed her love for flares to me after CC #1 (that's closet confessions if you got lost there) though, she said she had given in briefly (and maybe a little half-heartedly) to the skinny jean.

*Ping*

(that's the sound I hear when my mental light bulb goes off)

Duh-huh....the next CC should be about the skinny jean! Thank you, thank you S. for the inspiration! This ones for you be-be....(in a not creepy, you are my wonderful cousin, kinda way)!

soooo.... about this skinny jean situation.... Like I said before, I am a flare jeans kinda girl, so when the skinny jeans first came out I was a little hesitant....but! I have to say, though not at the very top of my list, they may be in the top 5 for favorite styles. Not everyone feels comfortable wearing them and many say that it doesn't fit their body type, which may be true, but I feel more people are afraid of the trend than are "unqualified" so to speak.

"But I wouldn't know how to wear them if I tried, Elena." Oh, no? well here are some tips: You can style them like I did with a loose and long-ish sleeveless (or with sleeves) top and platforms like polyvore's version only with sandals. It is really fun when skinny jeans are paired with leather (via logicalharmony.net) be it a jacket or even leather boots! I like this vintage skinny jean look via Atlantic-Pacific too....ahhhhh red skinnies!!!

Of course I had to hippie my outfit out a bit.... lol but you could easily grunge this look up by switching out for a skull ring and darker make-up or make it more night-worthy with a dark blazer!

Outfit Details:

Top: Target (on sale for $9!!!)

Skinny acid wash jeans- Target (on sale for $8!!!!)

Platforms: F21

Ring and Earrings: Target (on sale for $5 each!!!!)

#2 Closet Confession: Skinny Jeans Are Versatile!

How would/do you pair your skinny jeans?

Closet Confessions: In love with flare

Hi, hi, everyone! The weather is a little chilly today, and I was a tad bummed because, otherwise, it would be a perfect pool day.... ah well, there's always tomorrow.

Know how everyone is kind of programmed to have there own fashion niche? I know I do, and even if you think you have no fashion sense at all... well, you probably just haven't discovered it yet! I have several that I always call on as my "go to" items and I am going to share some of them with you! I am hoping that it will motivate a lot of us to get up and at 'em  about finding out what makes us excited about fashion! I don't have a whole lot of time as most mamma's don't so I want to incorporate quick simple outfits that don't take more than 10 minutes to get into....! Even if you are not a momma, I am sure we all want to find more ways to incorporate time-saving into our lives...so I hoping this will be a help to you! I am definitely open to some suggestions as well... I know many of you are no stranger to sharing your wonderful fashion sense and I would be more than happy to showcase some of you if you'd like!

It's no surprise that I love, love, love flare jeans... So when I read that they were back in style this season....I had a little party in my closet lol...not really, but truthfully I didn't need to stock up on flares because I already had them! I know many of you have had to go out and buy some or are looking for the perfect flare to buy...so here is my suggestion: These are the only new flares I bought...for sheer pleasure and nothing more ahaha... Here's the run-down:

Flares: The Gap (greatest pair on the market for the price I think) 

Tunic: Forever 21 (like a hundred years ago ahhaha no, for real)

Wrap Bracelet: Made by ME!

Feather Earrings: Target

 Platform Wedges: Target

Like I said above, for the price, I think these Gap jeans are ah-mazing! I thnk I paid $48 for these....yeah, not bad. If you can, want and are willing to spend the extra money... I suggest these flares, which happen to still be available...but all her stuff goes really quickly!

I love to pair my flares with a nice long tunic... gives it that boho- hippie feel we all know I love.... but you can wear these jeans in so many different ways its ridiculous... you could pair it with a boyfriend tee and a long necklace or dress it up with a nice blouse! 

 Its not hard to add a little boho feel to an outfit even if you don't necessarily wear that style all the time... just add some chunky jewelry, a feather or two (maybe in your hair or as earrings) or...my personal fave.... platforms! Natural stones always add that boho feel too and I just love adding turquoise to my outfits any time I can squeeze it in!

How do you achieve your inner hippie?

#1 Closet Confession: Flare is your Friend!

If you too love the flare... show me! I wanna see the lovelies!

Happy Thursday loves ♥

Be back layta with I ♥ Thursdays!