The Challenge: Outfit #11

Got the blues?

I do! Not only because the sun has not been out for days, but because I am decked out head to toe in navy (including my nails).

I am also playing around with a new/old camera...so I apologize that my head is a little chopped off. Ehhh...who needs a head to have a cute outfit? I think the camera picks up more detail than my point-and -shoot. Look at the silver pop off my skirt!! Now I just have to get the battery charged up so I can play with it. What is the deal with me and "exhausted" batteries?

Sweater: Gap Holiday 10'

Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft Holida 10'

Tights: Hue

Shoes: DSW Mia Girl (sold out, similar and super cute here) Holiday 10'

Here's a close up of my NEW "Rich Medium Brown" hair compliments of Natural Instincts and my sister's hair coloring skills. You can still see the Auburn popping through in this picture. Did you know red hair is the hardest color to cover up and the hardest hair color to get? I love the way this color looks in a few weeks as my natural color starts to pop through the dark. A little change is always good...Now, let's get the weather to change.

Thank Goodness it's Thusday night. Only one more day of work this week!!

Anyone else up for a hair color change?



The Challenge: Outfit #10

Someone please come shovel me out. Oh wait. My incredibly nice neighbor already did. There are still nice people in this world and I am lucky enough to have great neighbors and not crazy ones.

The back feels a little better today. Thanks for asking. I know you were very concerned all day about how it was. My dogs don't seem to care as they insist on wallering all over me tonight. I practically have a big boxer head on the keyboard. No joke! She has no clue she's about 40lbs outside of the lap dog category. My little Yorkie can be found sprawled out in front of the fire place (she's the smart one). And can't forget my pound puppy who is snoring next to me like an old 90 year old geezer. Gotta love them. The ridiculousness of them makes me smile.

My sister came over tonight for a little hair sprucing up. I am now a "Rich Medium Brown". Not so much the warm auburn color that you have been seeing here on my page. I know, I know you like the red. Well....I don't. I wanted to get a dark color and some lighter brown highlights (similar to Lauren Conrads seen in an earlier post) but I stopped and thought...there is still snow on the ground (and falling from the sky)...I think I can hold off on the highlights for a bit. Oh how I desperately need a spray tan and some highlights to help deal with my walking zombie disease. For those of you thinking...."what you spray tan?"...yes I versa spa'd all last year, started getting airbrushed by "No Lines Tanning" this past Halloween (love the natural looking color). I am a natural redhead. I do not tan well in the sun. I burn easily. I do not want wrinkles,skin cancer, or to look leather at fifty. Don't worry, I don' ask for Snookie Orange!

My camera battery became "exhausted" (ha! first time it's died on me and it said that!) as I was taking pics tonight so I only got an good okay pic and a crazy-disappearing-hand-pic. Gave me a good laugh though. Hope it does you to.

Yeap, that's snoring pound puppy in the back ground. He just looks like a snorer!

Where the heck did my hand go?

You can't really see my boots very well since my camera died on me. They are LOFT Sunni Mid Calf Leather Boots (sold out now, got these $128 boots for $37.99!). LOFT definitely make the best shoes!  I have purchased 5 pairs of shoes from there since September. They are all so comfortable and hopefully are going to hold up well over time.

Dress: Target Mossimo, Purchased on clearance about 2 years ago for $11.00!
Belt: The Limited (also a few years old)
Tights: Nine West (outlet pack and have held up very well)
Bracelets: The Limited and Express
Dog: Pets Mart (Adopt! lots of doggies need good homes)

LC's New Do' & New Book

Even though the "Hills" is over, Heidi is now a plastic doll, and everyone has parted ways, I still keep up with the "Hills Freak" Blog. I adore Lauren and her eye for design. Recently featured on the blog was Lauren Conrad's new book, Lauren Conrad Style.
Here are a couple of outfits feature from her book and her awesome new brazilian brown colored hair. I might just have to snatch up a copy of this book myself!

I totally want to try a version of both of these outfits with pieces I currently have! All photos compliments of Hills Freak.

The Challenge: Outfit #9

Let it snow, Let it snow, let it...please make it stop!!!!

It has been snowing in Lexington since the beginning of December and I am O-V-E-R it! Nothing ruins an outfit more than having to put on snow boots or Uggs with your work clothes to get you to your destination. Heels and snow do not mix! I'd assume if snows going to fall from the sky then let it snow buckets and buckets....but of course, we only get about an inch. Just enough to be a nuisance!

I am laid up at home on the couch....not because of a "snow day" but because of this extreme lower back pain I have been having the past few days. I usually just chalk it up to traveling and those horrible airplane seats, but this pain wasn't going away. I decided enough was enough and I went to see a Chiropractor. Turns out, I have a legit issue....a legit born with defect. How have I made it almost 30 years without knowing this? I now wonder if the slight back pain I've always felt is not normal pain. I've always assumed it was from being on my feet 8 plus hours a day or sitting 8 hours a day.

I have a slight fear of the Chiropractor so that's probably why I've never addressed it. In middle school, they show you this horrible scoliosis video, that made me pass out, literally real pass out because I thought it was so gross! So I've avoided the Chiropractor my whole life while the rest of my family swears by it because I did not want anyone to touch my spine (my husband finds this hilarious by the way!) I found out that my right hip is not connected to my spine correctly which my Chiro explains as being similar to Spinal Bifida, which my Dad was diagnosed with when I was in elementary school. And my spine doesn't line up the way it should but more so stair steps down. Geeze-O-Peet I'm falling apart in my old age! Luckily, it is all fixable (the pain anyhow) without having to have surgery with more adjustment visits.

So with that being said...I am laid up on the couch, giving my poor back a rest, and being kept warm by three furry doggies. My outfit today was only put to good use for a few hours, so hopefully I can mix these back in with other pieces this month.

Shirt: H&M ruffle 3/4 length Tee

Vest: The Limited (old school!)

Pants: The Limited Studio 400 (also older, but newer versions exist)

Scarf: Airport $10- These are awesome. Lots of colors, super chunky and very inexpensive

Shoes: DSW Katie and Kelly Sloan Wedge Pump (buy them here). Picked them up for 30% off at my local store...not sure why they aren't on sale on-line too.
Bracelet: The Limited Bobble Chain Bracelet (buy it here)

Caught Red Handed

I've been busted! I must confess I got sucked in by LOFT...nothing new I can only resist that store by staying out of it...I went in to exchange a size in a shirt I got over break during their 50% off sale and saw these adorable pumps. I have been eyeing them since the holiday set came out. At full price I would have passed them up, but at $59.99, 40% off, and only one of two pairs left. I had to get them. I hate the nine west pumps I got back in October. The 8 was too small and the 8 1/2 is too big but I've already worn them once so no sending them back (if anyone is an 8 1/2-9 I'll sell them for a great price!). I was suppose to head to see a client tomorrow and I couldn't wear peep toes, so I convienced myself I had to get these. Oh they are so comfortable! Like walking on air!

So...I think if I don't wear them till February then maybe it doesn't count against The Challenge (big kid grin inserted here). Oh well, the Challenge must go on. A few pairs are left online (more expensive, but still a good deal) and you can buy them here.

The Challenge: Outfit #8

Good Monday Readers!

Well it's the start of week two of "The Challenge" and I have a lot of good outfits in the works...now if the snow just doesn't derail my efforts. I was suppose to have another travel day tomorrow, but my flight for noon tomorrow was already cancelled at 10 AM today. Poor Atlanta just shuts down when any type of snow hits. It is suppose to hit hard in my area tonight...I'm thinking snow boots and sledding tomorrow for outfit #9!

Today's outfit is literally a mix of my favorite brands and an interesting mix of neutrals. These pants are one of my favorites. They are the Cassidy Highwaisted Plainweave Wideleg pant from The Limited. I snagged them up back in September when pants were on some crazy sale, and I even featured them on my blog (see it here) as a Monday pick....(shoulda kept up that trend...but A.D.D. kicked in and I forgot)...

On to the Outfit.

Please ignore my pasty white old lady feet (eek !someone spray tan me asap!)

Sweater: Ann Taylor Loft Holiday 10'

Tank: Express (buy it here)

Pants: The Limited Cassidy Plainweave Wideleg Pant

Shoes: Ann Taylor

Necklace: Lia Sophia (Let me know if you wanna have a party. My BFF is booking for 2011!)

Picture Hogs....can't a girl take a picture of her shoes without doggie interference?

I wanted to throw in a picture of my coat since I think it looks so great with these tan pants. I always get tons of compliments on it. Your local Express may still have it on clearance.

Jacket: Express Military Ruffle Coat

Now it's time for an IChing dinner (gotta get my fix while the Hubs is away), snuggling on the couch with my crazy doggies, and watching Pretty Little Liars.

Oh! I saw Lauren Conrad's book at Target and it looks awesome. I'm gonna surf the web tonight to see if I can find it a little cheaper. Lots of good stuff and advice in it.

Keeping up....

with the Kardashians is obviously something I am not good at since it's after Christmas and I just came across this stunning Kardashian Christmas Card. Is this not the most stunning picture of them you have ever seen?! Khole's dress is phenomenal!

The Challenge: Outfit #7

Ahhh, finally a jeans day. Today's outfit is totally comfy and little effort...but I still have to post it. Sunday's are usually pretty laid back for me. I got to spend the morning with the Hubs having breakfast at Doodles (delish!), then a little lounging on the couch watching "A Beautiful Mind" (what a great movie!), and then I had to send him off to the airport (sad face inserted here) Story of our lives; I come home and he leaves.

The thing about taking a picture of yourself is you get to see what everything really looks like on you....not what you think it looks like. I am not liking this color on me as much as I did back in the early fall. Some colors look way better on me when I have a tan...not this pale pasty horrible winter skin. I also think these skinnies look better when I have on a little heel. Oh well...it's Sunday, i'm alone, and still look totally presentable (plus it's ATL, my FAV!). This would be a great outfit for running around the mall, grocery store(eh who does that), or just lounging on the couch watching too much TV (which I just realized after 15 minutes of watching "Ghost of Girlfriends Past," that it was in spanish...).

Sweater: Ann Taylor LOFT Striped Sweater "Fall 10'"

T-shirt: Target, Mossimo

Jeans: Gap Always Skinny (buy them here)

Shoes: Shi Journey Flats

Looking forward to this coming week!

The Challenge: Outfits 5 & 6

It's good to see me, isn't it? No need to answer- that was rhetorical.-Galinda (with a Ga)

I'm home from the Windy, (ridiculously cold) City. ake away the fact that it was blistering cold and I'd say the weekend was a great! I got to see Wicked again as it was back in Chicago for a month and it was just as good as the first time around.

"We can't all come and go by bubble" -Galinda
Since, I was only going up to Chicago for one day, I tried to pack light to NOT check a bag. I used to think this was impossible, but I'd like to think I've become a pro good at it. The key for me is controlling the shoes. I always over pack shoes and they take up so much room. So when the goal is one carry on (to avoid paying checked baggage fees, lost luggage, random people rummaging through your stuff... aka: TSA) there are a few things you can do to make it easier. Don't over pack. I am the queen of over packing, as most of you would probably be guilty of as well. It is so easy to do, but are you really going to wear six sweaters and four different pairs of pants in two days. Doubtful. Plan outfits in advance. Think about what you will be doing and what the outfit looks like. Mix and Match. Take pieces you can wear more than once (same pants twice, jackets over different tops). Leave the Bulk. Dresses and skirts take up less room since you don't need additional pieces. Don't pack that bulky 5lb sweater that takes up half your suit case. Also rolling your clothes allow you to fit more.

Pet Peeve Rant:
Please, please, please do not wear sweats to the airport. After traveling for three plus years I cannot stand seeing people in sweats...I mean really you couldn't find something better than you Juicy butt plastered pants for the rest of the world to see? So many people pass through the major hubs each day and there is no telling who you might be on a plane with and future contacts you could make. Take a shower, put on some make up, and don't look like your going to bed when you are headed to the airport.

Okay enough rambling...

I like comfortable clothes, shoes that are easy to get on and off, and very little jewelry....because then I have to take it off at security and try to remember what pocket I shoved it in when I make it to the "other side". Leggings and dresses are great for this. This trip I focused my outfits around my black OTKB from Ann Taylor Loft (ATL). This way I only packed, well really just wore one pair of shoes. I only got pictures of the two outfits (I had another one that I wore to the show...but I might save it for a work day since I only wore it for a few hours).

Friday Travel to Chicago Outfit

Man, did I miss my tripod. Should of gotten someone to help me snap a pic.

Sweater: White House Black Market Outlet X-mas 09'

Tank Top: AE ....I love layers. Comes from working at AE

Dress: New York and Company Layered Dress Summer 10'

Leggings: Express 10'

Boots: Ann Taylor Loft Fall 10'

Saturday Travel Outfit

A little disheveled after a full day of training and travel but none the less....had to capture the outfit.

Sweater: New York and Company Holiday 10'

Under T: Target Mossimo (I always wear an under tank or shirt)

Skirt: Express 07'

Tights: Walmart Sweater tights 08'

Boots: Ann Taylor Loft

And NOW the BEST thing in Chicago (throws up jazz hands) Garrett's Popcorn. You can't go to Chicago without getting Garrett's popcorn!



The Chicago Mix. Carmel and Cheese together!!

Happiness in a Bag!

It is fun to travel but it's oh-so-good to be home. Good night Readers.

The Challenge: Outfit #4

I could not wait to get this photo taken so I could get outta these clothes and into some super comfy jammies. It's been one of those weeks....and I needed what little energy I had left to put my brain in packing mode for tomorrow's journey to Chicago (and it's gonna be a cold one!). 

Today was another black on black day...I tried to tell you, I love black on black. My goal was to finally wear this necklace that I picked up from Banana over the break for 40% off it's sale price of $49.99. I'm sure it was some ridiculous price originally as most Banana jewelry is.

You know it's been a long day if my hair is in a ponytail!

Close up of the Banana Republic Necklace.

My New Year's Eve Shoes. Gosh I love those little bows.

Cardigan: White House Black Market
Tank Top: Old Navy
Pants: Skinny Cargos from Express (buy Green ones here)
Pumps: Off Broadway (on Eve of New Year's Eve!)
Necklace: Banana Republic

I won't be able to post Friday and Saturday's outfits till late Saturday night. Hold tight and I'll get my travel outfits up as soon as I get back from the Windy City! Unfortunately the iPad doesn't have a blogger app and can't upload photos to Bloggr from the safari page.