Style Statement Tuesday

I can't believe it's time for another Style Statement Tuesday. Last week is like a blur. I'm not sure what happened.

 

This week I'm bring you my mint jeans in winter look. I bought the jeans in spring of 2012. I was a little apprehensive about them; they were a little too trendy for me. Slowly, I've found a way to work them into my wardrobe in a way that fits my style.

Shirt: J.Crew Factory; Sweater: Gap (old); Jeans & Shoes: Target

The button-up shirt and a sweater combo is kind of my thing, so this outfit really feels like I'm being authentic and true to my 'Classic Pretty' style statement without being too boring or too off-the-wall. I'm so glad I found a way to wear these jeans in the winter without looking like a hot mess.

These pics make me realize how badly I need a new camera. Mine is from 2010. Don't judge. My dad has a super sweet Nikon I'm trying to talk him into lending me. So far it hasn't worked. Our house has just awful lighting, so I hope a new camera will do the trick. Often times, my schedule doesn't allow me to do "off-site" photo shoots. So all that to say, I'm sorry for the shitty quality of the pictures. Forgive me. 

Link up and share your style! Also, I'm guest posting on Glossy Blonde today, go check it out!

Name brand workout apparel: do or don't?

Let me paint the scene for you. You're at the gym; you're in the zone, sweating like crazy. You feel like a human power house. Nothing can stop you.

Suddenly, you remember you're wearing 'no name' workout clothes. In an instant, your muscles turn to jelly, and you can no longer find the strength to go on. You lay prostrate on the floor cursing yourself for not splurging on the $100 running/yoga pants that could've taken you from mere human to workout god. If only you could go back in time; but, it's too late.

OK, seriously, has that ever happened? I'm going to go out on a limb here and say "hell, no." So tell me then, why do people pay large amounts of money for workout clothes? Are they really worth it? Let's talk it out.

I love clothes as much as the next person, but I've never been able to justify spending more than $25 on an item of clothing I'm only going to sweat buckets in and on, i.e., wear to the gym. Am I missing out on something? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the way those expensive tank tops and yoga pants/capris look. They're beautiful; and the fabric is definitely top notch. But, all I'm going to do is sweat my butt off (I hope/wish!) in them, and no matter how you slice it a sweaty tank top is a sweaty tank top. I just can't do it. When I'm considering whether I want to take the plunge I always think, do I want these yoga pants or do I want that new skirt at J.Crew? The skirt wins. Every. time.

So unless one of you can convince me a $60 tank top will make me faster, stronger, or skinnier (if I'm paying $60 for it, it better do all 3!) than a $20 tank top, I'm going to say name brand workout clothes: DON'T. At least for me. 

I'd love to hear what you think!

$98

$8

19.99

$82

$16 for 2

19.99

Style Statement Tuesday: Jeans and a Tee

Welcome back to Style Statement Tuesday! I'm interrupting my "copy Pinterest looks" and bringing you more of a classic look.

Sometimes I don't feel like putting a lot of time into an outfit, but I want to look effortlessly cool. I can achieve a great look, be true to my style statement, and get dressed with almost zero thought by wearing a black t-shirt and jeans. I wish I would've carried a bright colored clutch or thrown on a patterned scarf, but hindsight is 20/20, right?

I threw on diamond earrings, a rose gold watch, and black wedges to complete the look

When outside, aviator sunglasses make this outfit look classic and cool

Style Statement Tuesday

I'm out of town on business, so I don't have a post for you today. I'd still love for you to link up! Have a great Tuesday!

Summer, fare thee well

This weekend I scrambled around trying to wear all the summer clothes and accessories I hadn't worn yet or won't wear after today. It was kind of fun.

I also tried to get my house in order because next week several of my friends will be in town, and they haven't seen our new house. I got a few projects done, and I'm pretty happy with the way they turned out.

The cherry on top of my weekend was Kris buying me a silk dress from Banana Republic. What a sweet thing for a husband to do. Now, I need to go somewhere fabulous so I can wear it. 

I have to work for a little while today, but I'm leaving mid afternoon to spend a little time with Kris. What did you do to celebrate the unofficial end of summer?

PS - come back tomorrow for some exciting news

An old dresser got a face lift

Taking my navy and white stripe skirt for a spin

Last funky summer nail polish

My DIY wall art for our office

Starfish earrings one last time

Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Ashley! She is the winner of the earring giveaway!

Thanks to everyone for following via GFC or liking my Facebook page. I appreciate all of you. If you didn't win, don't fret I'll be hosting another giveaway soon. What would guys like to see me giveaway next time? I love your feedback!

Congrats again, Ashley!

Let's have a giveaway

I saw these earrings and fell in love with them. So, I'm giving them to one of you! Winner will be announced Friday morning. All you have to do is follow me via GFC or like my Facebook page (extra entry if you do both!) and leave me a comment with your email so I can contact you if you win. Happy Tuesday!

Hair Dos & Husbands

You know what's really funny? Some days, I spend an obscene amount of time trying to make my hair look perfect. I blow dry, curl, tease, and hairspray until my arms are tired. Recently, after spending half an hour to achieve the perfect loose curls, I asked my husband if he liked my hair best that way, because I that's how I prefer my hair. He assured me he liked it, but then said, "I really like it best when you wear it in a ponytail to the side." Uh, WHAT?! I said, "That hairstyle takes about 30 seconds. You're telling me 30 second hair looks better than 30 minute hair?" He shrugged. Men. I've spent the 27 years looking for hair perfection, and it was a side ponytail all along. I laugh to keep from crying.

Yesterday was a don't wash your hair day for me. But really, aren't most days? I gave my hair all of 5 minutes and this is what happened. I'm sure my husband loved it.

After a long day, the hair still looks the same

Loose french braid from right to left

Side bangs

Pulled to the left in a low ponytail

a few hairpins to tame fly aways

It's the small things

We've been in our new house now for 7 weeks. Boxes are unpacked and most everything is in its place. Except for the pictures. They've been leaning against their intended walls for almost 6 weeks.

I was starting to think we'd never get around to hanging them, and that houses with wall art were an urban myth. Oh me of little faith.

When I got home tonight, I couldn't believe my eyes. There were 3 pictures hung in the kitchen thanks to my husband. You may be wondering why I'm so excited about 3 pictures, especially when there are about 20-30 more that still need to be hung. Well, I'll tell you; it's the small things that keep me going. A win is a win, and I'll take what I can get. Plus, I'm secretly hoping the others will magically hang themselves out of jealousy or something. A girl can dream.

A little retro flair for the kitchen

Above our stove, a little cheesy, but I like it

I think it looks good here

Another shot, our living room is to the right

Our first date restaurant menu, this is to the left of the fork and spoon

What I Wore

I wore this outfit to work last week. I've had the cardigan for 2 or 3 years, but I just got the a couple of weeks ago. I bought it because I think this is the kind of dress you can wear almost anywhere. If I added gold strappy sandals and a gold belt, I could wear it to a wedding. If I wore silver flats and a bright belt, I could wear it casually. Obviously, I can wear it to work. The possibilities seem to be endless. Plus, it was $13.98. Even if I wear it twice I'll get my money's worth. I'm not exactly a trendsetter in this dress, but I like it. What do you think?

New necklaces

I just got these necklaces (click here and here to purchase), and I love them! What do you think?

Nightly Skincare Routine

Here's how I show my skin love every night. Note, I do not have face wash listed. I take my showers at night, so my face gets washed then. I don't really consider that part of my "nightly routine." (Click here to read about beauty products I love, here to read about my makeup routine, and here for healthy skin tips.)

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...I have very oily, very sensitive skin. I'm finally in a relationship with my skin that is not toxic. My routine works for me; it may not work for you. I'm interested to hear what you've found that works for you. I think the main thing with skin care (but, I'm no dermatologist) is making sure you keep your skin clean and moisturized. It took me years to realize that even oily skin needs moisture.

On a side note, I'm thinking about doing a giveaway. If I did, would you guys be interested?

1. Clinique Clarifying Lotion Number 4. I use this all over my (clean) face and neck.
2. Clinique Dramatically Moisturizing Gel. I use this immediately after 1. all over my face and neck.
3. Josie Maran Argon Oil. I use this before I go to bed under and around my eyes.
4. Bare Minerals Pure Transformation Night Treatment.I use this after 4. sinks into my skin lightly dusted over my face.
5. MAC Prep+Prime Future Length Lash Serum. I use this after 5. on the growth line of my top lashes.
6. C.O. Bigelow My Favorite Night Balm. I use this before I go to bed all over my lips. 

Weekend: Wonderful

I had a great weekend! I was the perfect balance of productive and lazy. Those are my favorite kinds of weekends!

I'm all about heart health

This little guy kept me company all weekend

I love this hairstyle, is it for me?

Fourth of July(ish) Nails

Happy Birthday, America!

To be patriotic in a not so obvious way, I gave my nails a little makeover. The blue isn't old glory blue and there are no stripes, but I think it's a great modern look. Instead of screaming "I'm proud to be an American" in an obnoxious  way, my nails are saying "America, yeah it's cool."

How are you celebrating?