How we are keeping warm this winter

Mother Nature has been a bit crazy this last year. The drastic weather changes go far beyond the old joke… “Welcome to Ohio! If you don’t like the weather wait 5 minutes.” Last week it snowed like crazy. This week it has been 60 degrees and rainy… in JANUARY!

After three days of Spring like weather, the temperature has dropped again and we need to bundle up. This winter my go to winter wear has been a knitted cowl made by my super crafty and stylish friend, Jac.

Not only is my cowl warm and cozy, it is very stylish and unique. Even Lil’ A has one!

She loves her pink and white cowl (I even have a matching one). For her, it is much easier than dealing with a scarf and keeps her toasty on the school bus.

Check out the Nora & Jac store for your own warm and wonderful cowl!

My best dressed list {Golden Globes 2013}

Oh how I love awards season. We all know I love awards season for one reason only… the fashion! I was unable to watch the Globes because K was playing Assassins Creed and it being his last night home for the week I didn’t have the heart to kick him off the tv. And since I can catch not only the list of winners but all the red carpet action online, it gave me time to finish a book that was overdue to the library.

Here are a few favorites:

Nichole Richie wearing by Naeem Khan

I just love this periwinkle color. It stands out against the red carpet without trying to compete for attention and suits Nicole’s skin tone. This gown is elegant yet sexy in spite of it’s full coverage.

Michelle Dockery wearing Alexandre Vauthier

Lady Mary looks positively regal! One of the few white gowns that didn’t scream wedding dress. The gold bodice looks very expensive which is a feat in my mind because I always find that gold cheapens the look of a gown (ie Serena Van der Woodsen’s wedding gown in the Gossip Girl finale). I just love how classic yet modern Michelle looks.

Jessica Alba wearing Oscar De La Renta

This dress fits Jessica like a dream. Every proportion is absolutely perfect. The color is stunning and really stands apart from the sea of reds and peaches and corals.

Jennifer Lawrence wearing Dior Couture

Oh how I love a red dress. And a belt. Jennifer looks every bit a modern Audrey Hepburn in this gown. This classic shape looks so fresh and young in this shade of red.

Isla Fisher wearing Reem Acra

Isla’s dress is the only all white dress that made my list. Her Reem Acra gown is flattering to her figure and just the right shade to compliment her skin tone, not wash her out.

Claire Danes wearing Atelier Versace

What a dynamic shade of red! Claire looks every bit the star. The v-neck and slit in the dress are just enough to be classy and not vulgar.

My favorite from this year’s Golden Globes red carpet:

Jennifer Garner wearing Vivianne Westwood

First off, I love Jennifer Garner. She is one of my absolute faves. And I am thrilled by this Vivianne Westwood dress. It’s is interesting without being too showy. It is sweet yet sexy. It is eye-catching in it’s bold use of red. Jennifer and Ben Affleck were picture perfect together. Simply gorgeous.

Curious what my worst dressed list would look like? This slide show pretty much sums it up (curious how two of the chicks from E!’s Fashion Police are on that list… hmmmm).

I can’t wait to see what fashion gems are in store for us come Oscar time!

Murder Mystery 1920s Style

Recently, we attended a 1920s themed murder mystery party for our friend Amy‘s birthday. Everyone in attendance was assigned a character and then murder and mayhem ensued. I was Donna… sister of the mob boss, failed actress, successful tell-all writer, outgoing party girl in love with an unsuccessful gambler (played very well by K).

To get into the mood of the evening, everyone came dressed in 1920s style. You all know I intended to make a dress and you also know how disastrous that turned out for me. So what was a girl to do with 8 hours until party time and no dress? SHE GOES SHOPPING!

Sequin sheath party dress – AB Studios at Kohl’s (Clearance $21!)

Lil’ A helped me choose this dress out of 3 and I’m happy with the choice. While I wish I would have had something a bit more Flapper-esque, I can hopefully wear this again and it reminds a little of the Chanel dress in my inspiration post. Even if the dress wasn’t a perfect 1920s replica, I knew the ensamble would be made in the accessories and I hit the jackpot!

Top Left: Headpiece – Apt. 9 headband from Kohl’s (I replaced the tiny b/w feather with the peacock), Art Deco necklace – Apt. 9, Silver drop earrings – Apt. 9, Silver stretch ring – Fashion Bug clearance
Bottom Left: Marcasite bracelets – My private collection, Fishnets – Target, T-strap heels – Goodwill (dyed from navy to black with fabric spray dye), Silver clasp purse – Inherited from my great grandmother

Kohl’s Apt. 9 brand current has an entire collection of jewelry and hairpieces influenced by the 1920s. It all is so beautiful and I would have loved to purchase more but I decided on pieces I felt worked with my dress and could work with the rest of my wardrobe. It’s just a shame that their clothing line doesn’t also have the same feel.

Bold eye make-up and red lips finished off my look

A fun time was had by all and everyone look fabulous!

Amy, Me, and Jac

K and I

So my failed gambler of a boyfriend turned out to be a mafia hitman! So we were quite literally “dressed to kill!”

Where I get “auf’d”

Last night I learned that while I excel at general craftiness and basic sewing, I will never be on Project Runway. A seamstress I am not. I thought I would be able to make a simple flapper inspired dress, however, I hit too many roadblocks most of which were my own fault.

First, I choose the wrong fabric. I wish someone had been with me to ask, “B, are you going to prom in 1986 with the captain of the football team? If not, walkaway from the satin.” But when you have a tiny blonde human saying mommy over and over again a la Stewie from Family Guy, it’s hard to think straight. It was the wrong choice.

Second, I needed better measurements of me. It’s kinda hard to be both model and maker. At one point I realized that I had measured and cut everything for a 2 dimensional girl rather than the curve girl I really am. Then I thought it would be ok to simply cut and attach side panels to make up for my poor planning but it just made me even more frustrated while pinning. It was at this point where I gave up.

Third, if I ever attempt to create a garment for me in the future it will be from a pattern and not an image I find online. A pattern would have solved my “Flat Stanley” dress shape that I created.

So this morning I headed off to shop for a suitable dress for tonight’s party theme. I’m happy with my purchase but really wish I would have been more successful in my sewing adventure.

Stay tuned for photos from our night out!

Roaring ’20s Inspiration

Saturday we are heading to a 1920s themed murder mystery party. I am beyond excited to get all dressed up and play pretend for a little while. Of course like the good little obsessive-compulsive that I am, there has been plenty of research!

1920s evening dress by Coco Chanel

Since I’m pretty confident The Met isn’t going to loan me the above gem, I need to get creative to find the best ensamble possible! The character assignment I received suggested to dress as a flamboyant flapper so I’ve decided to make a simple flapper style dress. My hope is to find fabric and embellishments that give the dress lots of flare.

Flapper dress pattern inspiration

This basic style will serve as my template. I’m hoping to find blue and sparkly fabric to work my magic. I’ve never made a piece for me to wear so I’m a touch nervous but it can’t be too difficult to make a boxy dress with an uneven hemline, right? The drop waist and headpiece will either be black or silver depending on the fabric I find.

I am convinced that this outfit will be made in the styling… hair, make-up, and accessories.

Classic finger waves with headpiece

Bold eye makeup

Red lips and pearls

Half-moon manicure

Today lil’ A and I hit Target and the Goodwill where I made a few purchases to get started.

T-strap heels, fishnet stockings, and three long strands of pearls

I would love to find arm length gloves but that might be more of a challenge this time of year. Tomorrow I plan to hit the fabric store and a second Goodwill (still piecing together K’s costume as well). More to come!

Vader: Fashionista?

Source: society6.com via Beth on Pinterest

Bring on Fall!

I love Fall. It has always been my favorite season. The crisp, cool air. Sweaters and scarves and boots. Pumpkins and leaves and Football. Now that the College Football season is in full swing, I am desperately ready to transition my wardrobe. I just wish Mother Nature would cooperate.

We have been experiencing temperatures in the 80s since March – very unusual for Central Ohio. At first, this was great! I was newly minted as a SAHM and it allowed us more options for fun outside of the house. However, the seasons have felt like one long summer what with a warm winter and no spring at all. I have 80 degree weather fatigue. Seems strange to say because when we are in the thick of the snowy season, I am craving the warmth. Part of the beauty of living in Ohio is the changing seasons.

The mornings have been cooler. A small taste of Fall. By noon it’s back to the 80s and a shedding of a layer. So I am going to try my hand at that whole Positive Thinking thing again and THINK FALL!

Game Day Fashion!
I’m from Ohio. Football is serious business here. I grew up in Canton, Ohio, Home of the ProFootball Hall of Fame. I remember attending football games at Fawcett Stadium before I even started school. It’s what we do. You root for 2 teams… Ohio State and whoever is playing Michigan. So when I think Fall, I immediately think of appropriate Saturday attire!

Hang on Sloopy Tee
Love Ohio Pullover
Red & Gray Set

Cozy Casual
Best way to spend a Fall Friday night? With close pals around a bonfire drinking a few beers. Chunky sweaters, scarves, and boots are perfect gear for a cozy night around the fire!

Chunky sweater & layers 
Plaid flannel, jeans & boots
Ash Destroyer Tall Boot
Layers with colorful scarf

Fancy Fall
There are so many beautiful clothes for Fall. Skirts and tights and belts and sweaters – all combine to create a gorgeous look. Makes me almost miss working full-time.

Tan with animal print clutch 
A complete Fall look 
Color for Fall
Funky but classy 

Fingers crossed the temperatures begin to take a turn for the cooler… 60s rather than 80s or 90s. I can’t wait to make my Fall wardrobe come alive with all the inspiration I am finding on Pinterest and in the Fall fashion issues!

 

Create your own style…

What I wore today… {Coral and khaki}

I had an interview today for a part-time, seasonal position so I hit my style board on Pinterest for a little inspiration…

Nail polish ~ Fast Track by China Glaze & Tangerine Crush by L’Oreal
Braided belt ~ Apt. 9 from Kohl’s, Clearance
Coral ruffled blouse ~ Target
White cardigan ~ The Limited, Thrifted
Khaki pencil skirt ~ Target, Clothing swap
Black & white striped ballet flats with tan bow ~ JustFab.com
Silver drop earrings ~ Maurice’s
Assorted bangle bracelets ~ Tiffany, Forever 21, Maurice’s

The interview went well and my fingers are crossed. I like the idea of working part-time to help fill the holes in the budget yet still having time with Lil’ A during the day.

I really need to get back into the habit of blogging daily. Missing a day or several makes me sad and filled with guilt. I think I’ve been avoiding posting because I feel I should be more accountable of my fitness goals here. Maybe I’ll join Nikki in posting a Fitness Friday entry even if this was a bad week. Fortunately, I’ve simply maintained my weight loss from the last two weeks. Sigh.

What I wore today… {50 Shades of Mint Green}

Ok… so it’s more like 3 shades of mint green but 50 has a more catchy ring to it. I am in love with all shades of mint green and light greenish blues. Just so pretty and so fresh. I’ve been dying to wear these pants but honestly they are just too big. I either need to do a major shrink job on them or breakdown and have them tailored. I wore them today regardless of size but the photo is just bad and I should have worn heels. Makes me look shorter and stumpier than I am. In theory, I love this look. Ok, I love this look from the waist up. Can’t win ’em all!

Sleeveless blouse ~ Target, clearance
Mint green skinny jeans (yes, they are supposed to be skinny jeans) ~ Target, clearance
Leopard print ballet flats ~ Target

Cinderella’s carriage necklace ~ eBay
Mint green Eiffel Tower necklace ~ ModCloth
Cinderella’s lost slipper & clock striking midnight necklace ~ Walmart

I love the layered necklaces and the Cinderella theme. So girlie and works with the soft color palette. It’s just the pants! Back to the drawing board.