Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Inspired, Christmas photos and Thnaksgiving OOTD!

Hot damn- I remembered to add photos to my blog before I left for work this morning- That way when I get some down-time at work briefly (which is now), I can write the actual blog.

First up- exciting blog news. Veronika from Veronika's Blushing has created a new feature for her blog- and it's a good one. It's a positive, uplifting feature that every woman should read. She asked me to be a part of it and I am VERY flattered and honored. I'll say no more until she reveals it herself on her blog- and I'll also repost here.

Christmas Photos: Yeah, I took advantage of the Shutterfly Bloggers deal going around- 50 free photo cards for blogging about Shutterfly. Pshh, yeah. Who am I to turn down something free (plus shipping). Below are photos my Mom took with my Nikon D5000 SLR camera Saturday. None of these are the actual photo I used for the card- I want that to be an overall surprise!

Brady- OUT. lol

Barking at the children hovering around our "photo shoot". My dogs don't dig children.

Here's what I wore for Thanksgiving. Better late than never right- and I won't lie to you. I chose leggings because I planned on eating any and everything that was good to eat- and you know...legging's stretch. ;-)
Monday, November 29, 2010

I just think you should know...

I haven't blogged, in what seems like, months. In actuality it's only been a few days? I think.....I'm lost. All I can think about are the holidays, lights, friends and family, presents, love and comfort and joy. And that's all I really want tot hink about to be honest.

As much as I love technology, it's nice to forego getting on the computer and chatting to friends and instead spending real quality time with them- and there's only more of that to come. So far, in the upcoming month, here's what my Social Life Calendar looks like:

December 4: Bridesmaid dress shopping for my friend Jamie's May 2011 wedding.
December 18: Yours truly is hosting a Tacky Christmas Sweater/Dirty Santa party. I am beyond ready to start planning for this. I can do tacky. My house, even, will be tacky-fied.
December 31: New Years Eve party hosted by my closest friend, Marion.

There are a bunch of work related activities, shopping excursions and bad-for-me food eating among those, but just some highlights. Be on the look-out for photo-heavy blogs in the near future (I think I've convinced my Dad to dress up like Cousin Eddie from Christmas Vacation, dark colored dicky and all, to my party. We love that movie, my family and I.)

Saturday I took my Christmas card photos with my two babies :-) I'll post more photos tomorrow, along with my OOTD for Thanksgiving.
Hope you all ate lots and feel relaxed and refreshed!
Thursday, November 18, 2010

50 Free Christmas cards? Yes. Duh.

I'm sure many of you have seen the blog posts regarding the awesome promotion from Shutterfly- it's extended to those social networkers who blog, tweet, facebook. 50 FREE Christmas cards! LOVE!

I love taking holiday cards with my two babies, although they couldn't care less for the whole dressing up, snapping photos bit.

I'm taking advantage of this- usually I end up spending $30 for the cards and saving money rocks.

Want to join in? Here's how:

#1. Go here if you have a blog and you'd like to get those 50 free cards. I believe the cards you get for free are the 5x7 flat folded or stationary cards...not sure if they're photo cards or not, but still....it's free.
#2. Check out the other holiday cards, Christmas cards and PHOTO Christmas cards Shutterfly has to offer this year. I still can't decide which design I want. I think it'll depend on what I end up wearing for the photo.

I like this design, but kinda want to go for a more "whimsy" colorful feel. Of course, I'll let you all know.



Do you do photo cards or regular cards for the holidays? Or no cards at all?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Jenny Shopped at Anthropologie

Appreciated were all the comments you gave yesterday about my "friend." Some made me laugh, others made me shake my head in agreeance. At this point I think it's best for my mental health to not make any efforts to be around her. I won't ignore her- but won't go out of my way to invite her anywhere. I don't feel like dealing with it anymore.

This morning was Anthropologie sale morning- always look forward to this day each week.

I desperately wish it fell on a Thursday, however, since this is my pay-day every two weeks. Humph!

Today, my virtual bag consisted of only two SALE legwear items. I heart legwear- it's sexy, girly and brings a little something unique to an otherwise blah outfit.

Lace Peak Socks in Grey-
Mainly to wear with tall boots, although I adore the knee high tights look with dresses/skirts.
Zipping-By tights in Brown

Glad I didn't wait to purchase the Grey socks Thursday with the other items I have my eye on- looks as though they've sold out already. Geeze. I think that's a big downside of Anthro for me- things wildly going out of stock so fast, it makes your head spin.

P.S. After I posted the name and photo of the lovely scarf from Anthropologie Hilary Duff was sporting, it sold out online. It keeps popping back up in stock and I hope I catch it once I get paid Thursday. You better hope I do....because all you hoebags who went and bought it after I blogged about it better watch out if I don't....(joke, guys. joke.)
Monday, November 15, 2010

Oh, no she didn't- Oh YES, I did.

I put up my inside Christmas decorations. Yes. That means my fake, white tree as well.

Most of my decorations are from previous years save a few new pieces. I bought some stocking hangers you would usually place on a mantle and I placed them where the barstool counter was, but...it didn't look right, so I just hung the stocking on the staircase banister. Blah.

Usually I wait- but I was sick of waiting and my upcoming busy-ish weekend schedule won't allow me the time put anything up a few weeks AFTER Thanksgiving. This is not cool by me. So, to hopefully put you in the holiday mood, here are a few photos of holiday cheer courtesy of Jenny.

Fake trees are easy- I just light a Christmas Tree scented candle for the full effect.
 LOVE all my Owl ornaments- they are seriously my favorite decoration. ALL YEAR ROUND.
Ornament- West Elm
Yeah. Love this team, too.
 Is this not precious- the frog holding the engagment ring behind his back?
Have I mentioned how much I love my DSLR- and how it makes me feel like a pro sometimes? ;-)
Cute little Owl with glitter!
 Chihuahua ornament? Duh.
Snow white owl ornament- West Elm

When do you decorate for the holidays, if you do?
Where do you get your decor?

Friday, November 12, 2010

Dress right for your body type: Apple Shaped

If you look in my closet the main "style" you'll see is empire waisted tops and dresses. Why? Because I'm an apple.

Above anything else, I believe the first piece of smart styling advice anyone should receive is to dress for YOUR body shape. Listen- I love me some belts on the OUTSIDE of cardigans and a pretty sheath dress, but my round middle does NOT. It's just much more flattering for me to belt and THEN add the cardigan. It's much more streamlined.

Friends and family who see me often can expect to see me in clothing that has flare and flow to it. Several times people say,"I saw this top and it reminded me of you." It's always a babydoll/empire waist top.

When people first started saying this to me I was kind of offended. "Come on people...I wear other stuff. What are you trying to say?" was my first reaction. Whatever- I'm over it. I'm a master at hiding my "flaws" if you will- and proud that I'm so edumacated. HA! I think it's absolutely atrocious to see a woman with a rounder stomach wearing a fitted top that does nothing for her. She should know better, I'm just sayin'.

So, I'd like to take the time to explain what it means to flaunt an apple-shaped body. I'd love to speak on the other body types, but can't- so if you're a fashion blogger or any type of blogger, I'd love to see an entry on your body type and how you dress to impress for your shape! I challenge you to do so, even! So do it. And leave me to the link so I can read it. It may help out a fellow blogger who shares your body type.

DISCLAIMER: Every apple shaped body is different, so this is just a general idea of the shape and specifically, MY body shape.
First things first- Since body types are cute fruit names, here's an idea of what an apple looks like (You know....in case you live in a cave.):

Now, that we've established visually what an apple body looks like- let's talk about what it actually means.

Wide torso (full bust / waist / upper back / broad shoulders)
Tendency to gain weight around mid section (stomach / abdomen)

Top-heavy appearance (bust and midriff are bigger then hips)
Relatively slim legs / arms / hips

Some famous celebs who are apple shapes include Elizabeth Hurley, Catherine Zeta Jones, Angelina Jolie and Tyra Banks.

Angeline Jolie, you say? Wouldn't think so, right? Well, it's because she's thin. Not all apple shapes are "obese", which I think is what most people associate this body type with. Morons. Anyway, if you look at photos of Angie in tighter clothes, you can tell her stomach is rounder than her long arms, face and legs- and her waist is pretty undefined. She's an apple. Her post-baby photos, although she looked damn good, show a little weight settling around her middle.

So, to reiterate it means that when you gain weight- it's going to happily set up shop in your middle region, while your arms, legs and hips are generally on the smaller side. So yeah- that's appealing....a big blob sitting in the middle of your body. Whatever. haha.

Also, which some people might not know, a rectangular body shape is often related to the apple.
This is where the broad shoulders, back and bust come into play.

Here are more visuals of apple shaped bodies on celebrities:
So, what should apple shapes wear to look their most flattering? Here are some tips. Some are my very own and some I found online:

1. Wear the best possible bra. Lifting the bust line will in turn lift everything else, helping to define your waist better.

2. Open, open necklines. You'll look best with low-ish necklines like V’s, scooped necks, cowl necks, open shirt collars and boat necks. The lower neckline helps to accentuate the long lean line.

3. Look for cotton, viscose and merino wool blends in fine gauge knitwear. Their thicker texture is less clingy than drapey jersey knit and therefore more flattering.

4. The length of your tops should either catch you just below your hipbone or a few inches above crotch point when you wear jeans or pants. If you wear shorter tops, I find it only brings more attention to your problem area.

5. Your body works well with most lengths of jacket, but try not to go shorter than the top of the hipbone.

6. The easiest way to define the waistline is to layer a structured and tailored jacket over a top because it draws attention away from the midriff and creates curves in all the right places.

7. If you can get your head around wearing waist-defining belts, try to find your sweet spot. It’s often a little higher than your natural waistline so that your belt hits the smallest part of your torso. Try belting a woven blouse or tunic over a skirt or pair of pants with a part elastic belt. The woven top won’t cling and the stretchy belt provides comfort as you move through the day.

8. YOU can rock the skinny jeans- you just have to find the right pair for you. A good tip: wear a longer top with the skinny jeans. It's much more flattering.
 
Look, I can only dress my body how I know I look the best- and that's what you have to do. Don't be scared to try things you think might not look good on you- you could be surprised!

In closing: Play up your best features, my fellow apples. Rock those shorter skirts if you got the legs!

Most importantly- and I want you to remember this above everything else: Walk tall with your head up and shoulders back. You can't deny someone who walks in the room like they belong there and know who they are and are proud of it. Confidence is the most flattering thing a woman can "wear" and it shows if you don't wear it well.
 
Have a fabulous weekend- all of yous.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Yeah- this is a Hilary Duff post

Usually I'm not one to blog about celebrity style and fashion. My style is more classic and "boring" if you will than any celebrity I see. For the life of me I just can't figure out how they always look so put together even in just jeans, scarf, boots and a tee. Oh...wait...it's called a stylist. But, no...wait. They don't ALWAYS have stylists- so what the hell...
Anyway, I saw a blog about Hilary Duff today and I just felt compelled to blog it up on her. I think she is drop dead gorgeous! She has turned into such a beautiful young woman. Those eyes, those cheekbones. Damn, girl.


Save those "big teeth" years. Srrsly. What the F was that all about? One day her teeth just turned into super gigantic horse teeth- and the next, they look pretty normal. I would guess it was because she got so skinny at one point, but that can't be it, because she's still slim and her teeth are nowhere near as huge as before....*thinking*..............maybe she got big teeth caps and then got them taken off once people started calling her a horse mouth. OMG. Can someone please stop me from freaking blabbing? I've gone off way too far into left field here.
Yikes, Hil.
So, yes, I just love her style. It's so simple yet pretty and fun, sexy and chic. Here are some photos around the web I found.
This appears to be the Muddled Dreams Anthro scarf. If not, it's So similar. LOVE :-) Now I want it even more.

I think this may be my favorite look of this lot- I ADORE her huge earrings and scarf. So gorgeous.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Is that a freakin' WRINKLE??

I turned 27 this past October. I'm not old, nope. I don't feel old- and although it's kind of odd to think I was 17 only 10 years ago- I'm feeling pretty good. Ask me that in 3 years...I feel like my 30th could go either way on the "How Do You feel Spectrum?". It could be totally fun- with a big bash Jenny style or I could be sitting on my couch that weekend upset because I'm old and single and stupid. HAH! OK, yeah, THE later would never happen.

Anyway- when I was a wee lass, my Mom told me that Grandma used to say,"Once you hit your twenties, you need to start using an anti-age cream/good moisturizer." I don't remember much (lie) but this always stuck with me. So I listened. I bought different products throughout the years- anti-wrinkle stuff and moisturizers, etc. I think one was Oil Of Olay's something or other- I don't know. And I don't care- because this past year I tried the best stuff (for my skin) and I'm not turning back (unless someone buys me a face lift in 30 years).

I've mentioned it in passing before.
Behold, the beauty that is Dior's Capture Totale. $125
Right off the bat, let me make a disclaimer. This junk's on the expensive side, but there were too many pros than cons for me- so I finally took the leap (with a discount- go me) at Sephora and purchased a few months ago.

My first experience with this was via a small sample from Sephora- I immediately fell in love.

It feels SO luxurious on my skin- Seriously, when I put this on, there's not a SPECK of dryness. And even if you have oiler skin, it could be on the verge of making you feel like an oil slick, I think it's still worth it. I have combination skin, so it works well for me.

The smell is a bit perfumy and I like that. Nice smelling products make me want to use it more, but if you have sensitive skin/nose when it comes to perfumy scents, you DEFINITELY want to try a sample first and see. I'm not saying it's full of BAH-BLAM scent- just a nice hint.

I have a friend who says her mother swears by Dior's anti-aging products- and she looks GOOD. Damn good.

As far as improving my skin- it has. Oh, it has. I can tell a difference immediately just in the texture and appearance of my face when I put it on. It looks tighter and more refreshed. As far as helping out my (small) wrinkles- I'm not sure. I guess in 10 years if I still look like a 27-year-old, we'll know who to thank- my mama and Dior.

Just try it. You can buy a full size here, or look on ebay for a sample sizes. 

Do any of you already use this?
If not, what kind of moisturizer/anti-aging cream do you use?



Monday, November 8, 2010

Saturday's VERY Fall-ish OOTD

I had to work a few hours Saturday morning (fun times, really!) and then went to a friend's house to celebrate his turning a year older. My Mom stopped by and I demanded she take some photos of my outfit OUTSIDE. I love outside photos, but no one to take them for me usually. Even though the background IS my privacy fence...Yay for cool weather!

You'll see the purchase I made from Anthro online, that I couldn't buy in D.C. because my suitcase was too small. I just couldn't wait for it to go on sale. :-)


 Sweatercoat- Alice In Autum Coat, Anthropologie
Dress- NY&Co. (old)
Scarf- Khol's
Brown ribbed tights- Khol's
Brown Boots- Khol's

 Bloopers...Take 1.
Take 2
 Take 3

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