Archive for November 2015
Sunday Casual
Posted on: November 30, 2015
- In: Black & White | Boho Outfits | Boots | Burgundy | fall | Fall Fashion Colors | Petite
- 3 Comments
I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving Weekend!
I enjoyed the short time we had with our college kids home,
but they’ll be back for a longer time in just two weeks!
Linking Up With Visible Monday!
Today the temperatures were pretty nice, so I went for a 3/4 sleeve paisley top
under the black and white wrap from Jane.com.
I am getting quite a kick out of these wraps that are coming out and being called ponchos.
If anything they are an open poncho.
Traditionally this type of garment was longer and called a ruana, which I tended to steer clear of with
my petite height as they overwhelmed me.
Here’s what Amazon has to offer when I searched “Open Poncho” , so I guess it is a thing!
I gave my fringe boots a break and wore my boots purchased in Ireland last year.
My pants are jogger style from Old Navy. (Cyber Monday sale is 40% off Everything)
I got a kick out of my 13 year old niece mentioning wanting this style pants.
I love them becasue nothing beats them for comfort and the opposite juxtapositon
of styling them with tops and heeled shoes is near and dear to my ying/yang loving heart.
Gratitude
I am so grateful for the closeness I see among my children, not something I take for granted as there is 4 1/2 yrs between each of them.
I am grateful that my hotflashes have subsided and that I’ve slept the past two nights with no sleep aids.
I am grateful my husband took my son off to Ihop for some quality time together today, while I stayed home alone, sometimes this homeschooling mother just needs a break.
I am grateful for a very relaxing low key Sunday, even if both our teams lost…
Festive Element – Velvet
Posted on: November 25, 2015
- In: fall | Fall Fashion Colors | florals | Gratitude
- 2 Comments
This is my first outfit to sneak in a festive element for the season
into every day outfits, as promoted by You Look Fab .
I bought this lovely green velvet top by One World for the season,
as velvet was listed as one of the trends. Since I bought it on clearance,
it is only available in large and plus sizes.
I actually bought it in red , too…
I added a few new leathers and faux leathers this season as well,
and this seafoam 0ne by Guilana is going to become my favorite.
I will definitely by pairing down my collection of faux leathers as this season ends
A woman only needs so many and I think I’ve overdone this category in my wardrobe.
Putging those will be hard, but it is something I must face to really have only items that I adore and ones I grab often. This one will definitely make the cut and stay!
My green cords and pumps are from previous seasons.
The pumps were my 49th b’day present to myself.
The shoes are from Chadwicks and still available , Here.
My Dear Readers, This Thanksgiving falls on my father’s b’day and I dedicate my outfit to his memory,
as green was his favorite color. When you lose your father at the tender age of 13, you seek to find tiny threads
to bind you and keep him close to your heart. I’ve done that with the color green in my style and once even owned
a green leather couch to embrace his memory. For any who are missing loved ones at this time of year ,
I hope you embrace them in small ways like this one and know that they are always with you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Gratitude
I am grateful that my daughter made it here from Boston, this mom was feeling some anxiety about her flying.
I am grateful for a fun night with all 4 of my kids present and my brother and niece who stopped by.
I am grateful for the laughter and the connection as we all enjoy this time together.
I am grateful that my oldest brought a new card game( Forbidden Island) and played with his two younger brothers, with ages of 29, 20 and 15 , anything that can connect them is rare and special. The game was unique that you play as a team, not against each other but against the game. Unique and a great bonding for friends and families.
I am grateful for the love of family and friends and this special time of year when we show our appreciation for each other.
Pinterest Inspiration- Neutrals
Posted on: November 24, 2015
- In: animal Print | Boots | fall | Fall Fashion Colors | Grey | Homeschooling | Mom On the Go | Pinterest Inspiration
- 2 Comments
When I Saw The Inspiration Photo ,
I just knew I had to do my own version of the look.
The great thing about using Pinterest for Inspiration is
that it’s not about copying the look exactly, It’s about using things
in your wardrobe in ways you might not have thought to do.
Well at least this version is in that category, other times it is more about copying.
If one pair of fringe booties is good, than two is even better, right?
Well at least in girl fashionista world, it is!
You can find my boots on Amazon, HERE
Here’s the inspiration, what appealed to me was the color combination
of grey with tan along with the bonus leopard print.
Of course I used my more casual Old Navy pants(no longer available) for my Mom at home lifestyle.
I also took the liberty of subbing a tan very open weaved sweater.
This my dear readers was the perfect weight for my indoor temperatures
when dealing with these crazy hot flashes.
My sweater can be found at Jolly Chic , HERE
The arms of this sweater are long for my petite height, so if yours are longer no worries!
It was fun to wear something that I wouldn’t have thought to do myself.
Some days a fashionista just needs some outside inspiration.
I really loved changing out the black purse and shoes in the inspiration for
my boots and Dooney purse.
My You Look Fab women taught me that this shade bookends my hair color.
I highly recommend Angie.s site as she is so informative as a stylist herself and has a very active forum of very supportive fashionistas who give honest but kindhearted feedback, should you have questions. Be Sure to check out her site!
Dear Readers, Speaking of YOU LOOK FAB, Style Guru Angie put forth a challenge to start with tomorrow and not waiting for just a holiday party to get festive for the season. She proposed that we could do it for the entire month leading up to Christmas. While I probably won’t do that many looks, I will try for a few here and there.
She specifically said to dress down for your lifestyle or work appropriate looks, but to have extra sparkle or texture , anything with extra pizazz even red lip gloss qualifies.
While Sparkle and touches of Fur are obvious, I instantly thought of velvet, so that’s where I will start.
Stay tuned tomorrow as I embrace the Challenge for the first time…
Gratitude
I am grateful that my homeschooling has been so successful as my reluctant reader picked out a book to read when he was at Bjs and even began reading it in the car on the ride home. This is the first time he’s reading for his own pleasure and not an assignment from me! DH and I are delighted and feeling like we recieved an early Christmas present!
I am grateful for a dear friend and our fun Facebook chats , we do so often and today we had quite fun laughing and imagining oursleves doing something more daring.
I am grateful that my daughter called me when she was feeling like giving up and distraught over applying to PHD programs and that after our conversation and problem solving that she had direction and was empowered.
I am grateful that I will get the chance to hug my daughter tight and see her relax for a few days.
I am grateful that the fever I had this morning broke and that I was feeling well enough to get some housecleaning done.
I am grateful that DH moved the turkey from the freezer to the frig, saving me from lifting that 22lbs. This might just be the first time he’s ever taken it upon himself to do such a thing… unless you count the year my sciatica was acting up and he and the kids did all the dinner prep for the holiday while I sat on a heating pad, lol!
- In: Boho Outfits | Boots | Burgundy | fall | Fall Fashion Colors | Gratitude | Grey | Mom On the Go | Vest
- Leave a Comment
Well it looks like we are heading into a week of Highs in the 40’s to 70…..
Go figure, I will have to check daily to see what to wear, lol!
I am glad I took photos of my Saturday outfit, as Sunday it was raining!
I don’t know where my bangs went in this shot and almost didn’t use the picture because of it.
Alas I have a hair appointment for Monday, but not sure I will make it.
My bangs came back out, lol!
I love these burgundy paisley embossed skinny cords and have had them for
a few years now and will continue to get great use from this season.
My sweater and vest are both from Just Fab, bought at the end of last season.
The vest is still available, HERE
My fringe boots are the first ones I grab these days, neglecting the ones
I bought in Ireland last Fall.
I am carying my Issac Mizrahi leather wallet (comes in 6 colors) , as I was headed for a
short walk to the store to pick up last minute Thanksgiving items.
Gratitude
I am grateful that I can count the days til my kids come home from college.
I am grateful for kind hearted compassionate, giving friends.
I am grateful for the closeness of my family.
I am grateful for a mostly headache free day.
I am grateful for my husband and son being out getting haircuts and shopping together, while I had time to write this post with no interruption or distractions.
Houndstooth Pants
Posted on: November 18, 2015
- In: Black & White | Boho Outfits | Boots | fall | Gratitude | Green | Outfits with scarfs
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If you are a regular reader, you may remember these houndstooth cords from last season.
I love them because like any white and black pattern it can be worn with any color top.
I highly recommend a black and white patterned bottom to increase versatility in your wardrobe.
This was Monday’s outfit in which I was feeling ok, until late afternnon,
when a slammin migraine hit and I didn’t get a blog post done for that day.
I was having auras and light sensitivity all day Tuesday as well.
The fun part of this outfit is the black scarf that when added to my sweater,
looks like it’s almost part of the sweater.
I liked the added fringe element to coordinate with my fringe boots.
Just for fun, here is what I wore on Sunday when we took a rode trip to near our son’s college,
to meet with him to celebrate his birthday and watch both my game and his father’s back to back, for a
total of over 7 hours spent at Dave & Busters. It was a great day with my guys!
Who would have thought you could take a classic mens wear houndstooth
print and add elements like fringe and a hobo bag to give it a boho vibe?
Leave it to me, my boho side is strong!
Gratitude
I am grateful that my husband was available to take my son to is bowling group today.
I am grateful that I didn’t have a migraine today, but alas sinus issues have set in, lol.
I am grateful for the beautiful sunny 70 degree day today.
I am grateful that I was feeling ok enough to spend Sunday with my son to celebrate his 2oth.
I am grateful to my son’s friends for putting together a surprise party , sneaking in and decorating his apartment, and making him a cake on his actual birthday, and the fun family group texting that went on when he sent us all pictures.
Grey and Burgundy
Posted on: November 13, 2015
- In: Burgundy | Creating a versatile wardrobe | Dresses and Skirts | fall | Gratitude | Grey | Mom On the Go | Petite
- 2 Comments
I love trying out dresses from Jane.com
This is one I got from there and it’s a gauzy lined one with 3.4 sleeves and aztec embroidery.
I assumed when looking at this one, that it would indeed be too short for me to wear as a dress,
but would make a great tunic and layering piece for Fall/Winter.
It was quite a windy day and made for fun trying to get my
sweater to cooperate. I love the multi media sweater I bought on clearance
over the summer because it is lighter weight and a good option for these days of hot flashes.
The good news is that is was a wonderful Sunny Day!
I want to note that as a petite woman, it works best when layering this length ,
to have the dress or tunic and sweater length to be similar , creating only one
horizontal break. Shorter jackets or sweaters just make for the wrong proportions.
My burgundy leggings are by Kate & Mallory found HERE,
and part of my switching from cheap F21 leggings to Ponte knit versions.
I’ve had great sucess with both these and the Old Navy ones.
My purse and shoes are both thrifted items , which I get a lot of use from.
Dear Readers, two days with no migraines makes for a happy Tracey, lol!
I was able to do a make up coffee date, which turned into mall walking and dinner too,
7 with a dear friend before she takes off for a 3 month
trip to see her children and grandchildren, which made for a good day!
Wishing You All A Fabulous Weekend!!!!
Gratitude
I am grateful for a fun day with a dear friend.
I am grateful for a fun chat with my daughter as she discussed things she wants to do when she comes home for Thanksgiving!
I am grateful for the extra sleep (I fell back asleep after an inital 8am. wake up and awoke at 12:45!)
I am grateful for the love of family and friends, and for my Dear Readers and fellow bloggers.
Faux Suede Leggings
Posted on: November 12, 2015
- In: Boho Outfits | Boots | fall | Gratitude | Green | Neutrals | Outfits with scarfs | Trends
- 2 Comments
Suede is a big trend for the Season, but then again it’s a classic.
I think it’s so funny when things like this are listed as a trend.
The thing that isn’t classic is the different silhouettes like these faux suede leggings.
These are by my favorite Evine line, Kate & Mallory and can be found, HERE
I read the reviews of this and saw that they ran small
and ordered mine up one size to a large , and that was the perfect fit.
I keep finding myself rubbing them, as they feel so soft.
My scarf was part of Jane.com grab bag that I bought and I rather like the colors.
It has a seafoam or mint shade, along with grey and cognac, making it useful for all three leather jackets I own.
Here’s a better look at my earrings, which are still available at TJ Maxx, HERE
I bought them in purple as well , as part of my need for earrings because I rely on my hoop ones a lot.
I bought the olive Diane Gilman fringe v-neck sweater at the end of the season last winter
and wore it only once or twice before the weather changed.
I hope to get more use of it this season.
Today the temperatures were mid 70’s and the sweater was comfortable,
as winter arrives I’ll add a shirt or turtleneck underneath for more warmth.
I’ve mentioned my love of Diane Gilman jeans a lot , but I should mention too,
that she designs tops with a very strong boho vibe ,
HERE is What she currently offers in tops.
Dear Readers, today was the first day in about a week that I wasn’t dealing with nausea and migraine level headaches, so let’s hope that is behind me. Feeling that way made me crave nothing but carbs, but the good news was I wasn’t hungry often enough to go overboard at all. Thank goodness for that at least!
Gratitude
I am grateful for the 26 days of gratitude that is giving me a letter and asking what that sparks for gratitude. Today’s was B and I chose the word Brothers, and feel blessed to have one older and one younger who are both kind hearted and giving .
I am grateful for a fun conversation with my son away at college , as he went to BJ’s to pick up his contacts and they were closed for an hour, so he killed that hour by chatting with both myself and his brother. I’ll take quality moments like that whenever I can get them.
I am grateful that my son is really enjoying his Biology lab and all the disccting , since his goal is eye surgery, the fact that he is matter of fact about the whole thing is a good sign.
I am grateful that my son has been so awesome about my nausea and not complaining about my not feeling like cooking. It was great to ask him what he wanted for dinner tonight and for him to not even hesitate and replying, Kiebalsa and Pierogies! I use a turkey version for lower fat and it was good for me to eat a warm dinner as I’ve had cereal for a few days.
The Color Citron
Posted on: November 10, 2015
- In: Black & White | Boots | fall | Pinterest Inspiration
- 3 Comments
Dear Readers, Humor me today and ignore my bad hair day
and non vibrant smile, as I was in migraine hell, yesterday.
I can’t believe I actually put a look together, lol
Jogger pants, citron top and cozy aztec print sweater.
Comfy cozy for a day on the couch…
Over the summer I pinned this look and thought, I need a little citron in my wardrobe.
I found my top on a JollyChic, a site that has asian sizing so be careful, I even size up one from my measurements ,
as this top I’m wearing has a white longer layer that I tucked in as it pull tight across my hips.
While I may not have the right citron top, I wanted to feauture the color as it really is versaitle.
It pairs well with Grey, Navy, Cobalt, Olive , Green, White, Brown, and even orange.
I made a Pinterst Board Here for some fun visuals.
This very popular pin was one I saw over the summer too and prompted
me to search out my sweater.
I found mine from OSO CASUALS , HERE
Here’s hoping my migraine is better today, cause this has been going on
for too many days now. It’s more sinus related due to these huge swings in
our temperatures, along with menopausal sleep disturbances.
Gratitude
I am grateful that my son finally went to financial aid and straightened things out, he’s been so busy and they had taken a two week break, so it’s been a long time issue, but over now!
I am grateful to my brother for scoring me the perfect master bathroom vanity for a much needed makeover.
I am grateful that when DH had all day off yesterday, that he was productive and helpful around the house, I now have a lamp next to my make up table, lol!
I am grateful that my husband ended his day with a late appointment and a sale, gotta love time with family and still being successful. This is why he made the career change two years ago!
I am grateful at how responsible my homeschooler is being this year with getting his work done independentally and without my having to nag! Knock on wood , this continues and we are over that hump!
I am grateful for Halmark Channel and the Christmas movies that have been keeping me company these last few days of not feeling so well…
” That Looks Irelandly”
Posted on: November 9, 2015
- In: Boots | Date Night | fall | Green
- 1 Comment
Yes, I am well aware that “Irelandly” is not a real word,
However, it was the cute repsonse my son had
when I came out in this outfit , yesterday.
With my kids all growing up and my youngest being 15, the days of such fun
ways of expressing themselves have gone away,mostly….
So when they do arise, this mother delights in it and is grateful!
With temperatures in the 50’s yesterday,
I practically ran to my room to put this outfit together.
It’s been in my head since I purchased this sweater in anticipation of Fall.
I have a lot of sweaters, but none that make quite a statement as this baby does.
I love everything about it, the shawl color, the gold buttons on the sleeves, the 3 button closure,
the length, the waistband knitted design in the back.
It’s an Antthony, “Highlander Sweater Coat via Hsn,
and comes in 8 colors and sizes xs – 3x .
I loved this so much that I bought my daughter a different color for Christmas.
Shhh, don’t tell her, it’s safe for me to post , as she is way too busy in graduate school to
bother to read her mother’s little blog…lol!
My blouse with the gold detail was actually part of a grab bag of items from Jane.com
I must say that grab bag came with two very ugly pairs of the softest leggings ever, that are now pj bottoms. Too be expected when ones dares to gamble on a grab bag, lol.
I must say that these fun fringe booties by Not Rated via Amazon were a great addition to my boot collection,
and even DH makes a comment about them every time I’ve worn them. He also said that I need to repeat this look for a date night , soon…. you don’t have to twist my arm baby!
Dear Readers My ponte knit leatherette detail leggings are Old Navy from last year.
While on the topic of leggings, if you have not yet ditched those cheaper thin versions,
I highly recommend you invest in some ponte knit ones, they are so much thicker, warmer and
to a great job of sucking everything in… Yes they do cost more , but in my opinion are worth it!
Old Navy has two options Here and my newest favorite line on Evine, Kate & Mallory has
a leatherette side panel option, HERE and either slim leg or bootcut versions HERE
Please note, I make no compensation for my blogging, so give these recommendations based solely because I adore something!
Gratitude
I am grateful for the one blustery cold day that appeared , yesterday that allowed me to debut my sweater, gotta say this fashionista is so ready for Fall and getting out my leathers and jackets…
I am grateful for a fun Sunday of watching Football, our teams were both televised and on at the same time, which made for a fun run to the other room or shouting at each other our games progress. It was fun when his game finished and he came to watch the nail biting end to my Steelers win!
I am grateful that despite being away at college that my Nicholas was keeping up with our games and called and was chatting with us about them. I loved giving me phone to DH and hearing the two of them having a long discussion and watching his game together. I love that my kids don’t just call Mom, but talk to their father too!
I am grateful that I found a dresser on a local Facebook online garage sale. I really needed an option for my sweaters and also wanted someting to off set the dresser my husband has on his side of the bed for symmetry.
I am grateful for my husband for taking me to get the dresser after our games were over and for his fun dash to Home Depot just 8 minutes before they closed to obtain shelf pegs that it needed, so that I was able to put all my sweaters away last night….. Okay Fall/Winter I am really ready now!
Happy Monday Dear Readers, Thanks for Stopping By!
Comments are much appreciated and make my day!
Burgundy & Navy Color Combo
Posted on: November 5, 2015
- In: Boho Outfits | Burgundy | fall | Gratitude | Mom On the Go | Navy | Pattern Mixing | prints
- 4 Comments
I absolutely love burgundy and Navy together in outfits.
Lately with these crazy temperatures that are frustrating the daylights out
of this lover of Fall and her boots.
It’s certainly giving me a great opportunity to get some great use of my pumps.
I could wear this outfit type often , with Old Navy Pixie pants , a topper and
a variety of shirt silhouettes to keep it interesting.
As a stay at home Mom, I had settled on lots of jeans in different colors and silhouettes.
This past year I’ve added several pants from Old Navy and am much happier with the variety.
Here is another way I’ve worn Navy and Burgundy in the past.
My sweater is reversible , with the other side being the print you see here.
I could have worn it without the folds and it would have been solid navy,
I like that it can be worn four different ways depending on whether you highlight the reverse side or not.
It’s my first purchase of ATTITUDES BY RENEE found at QVC
It’s $39.95 and comes in three color options, sizes xs to 3x and is made of a poly blend.
My purse is a vintage Aigner one I thrifted and absolutely adore,
my mother was a big Aigner fan and it reminds me of her.
I fully embraced the floppy hat trend that is going strong for the season,
this one is by Rachel Zoe via QVC.
Gratitude
I am grateful the my husband worked in the evening on Weds. and was able to join in for our homeschool bowling day and that my son stayed after with him to get in some extra practice.
I am grateful that there is a bowling league starting in December that will be Sunday evenings that my husband and I will join and it will earn us a fun trip to Atlantic City this summer.
I am grateful that my daughter who is feeling overwhelemed with her internship, her masters homework and projects and applying to PHD programs , called me just for some compassion and Mom love!
I am grateful that my husband’s job is going well and his new boss is appreciative of him. My dear Readers, three weeks ago completely out of the blue he was let go after being the number one salesman on pace to do a million dollars and having had no complaints ever from management and the worst part was they wouldn’t tell him why. We know that it was a move by the toxic consultant who is intimidated that my husband’s strengths are his weaknesses and wanted to get him out of the way before coming in full time in January…. No worries, it ‘s just God moving my dear husband into a better place, but boy was it a punch in the gut for a guy who works so hard!
Versatile Style by Tracey 