Fashion

So It’s March Now…

Oh, hello, March! How did February come and go so quickly? I had every intention of blogging more than clothes in February, but I can only blame it on the stress of school. It was a hell of a month, and I am glad to be nearing spring break! But let’s put all that aside, I have a few things to share with you that I’m loving lately!

Spanx Air Essentials Lounge Set

I got the pullover for Christmas, and my oh my, it is the softest, most comfortable loungewear I’ve ever owned. I bought the pants myself, and while they’re also soft and comfortable, they ride up and up and up, and they’re also a tad long, so I feel like maybe I don’t recommend those as much as I do the top. I am very curious about the tapered leg pants, so I’ll let you know if I splurge for those. The pullover is worth the pennies, though. I size up one in Spanx. I typically wear an XL in pants or sweatshirts, but at Spanx I get the 1X.

Cloth napkins

Maybe I’ve talked about these before, but I love cloth napkins. You can sew them yourself or buy them anywhere. Local shops always have cute ones, and so do places like TJ Maxx and Home Goods, and Target. A paper towel will get the job done, but don’t the pretty patterns spark a little extra joy? I keep mine all mixed up in a big bowl in the middle of my table for easy access at dinnertime. Once you start, you’ll never go back!

Dots Pretzel

I cannot stop buying these pretzels. I like to keep a bag on hand. One at home, one at school, one in my lunchbox. You know, just covering all my bases. If you like pretzels, try these out. So far the honey mustard flavor is my favorite. I did love the cinnamon sugar ones, but I think they were limited edition. The original flavor ones are also delicious, but the cheese curl ones are no bueno.

The Bible in a Year Podcast

I heard about this podcast after listening to Annie Downs’ podcast when she talked to Father Mike Schmitz about Advent. She went on and on (and cried) about his Bible in a Year Podcast, and I was intrigued. I started January 1st and have kept up every morning. I actually listen to it and read along in my Bible for my quiet time. This is a totally different quiet time experience than I’ve ever had- listening to a podcast while learning about Jesus is definitely new for me- but I have enjoyed it a lot. He reads the scripture and then explains what we’ve just read. It’s like you get a mini sermon every morning. Don’t be turned off because he’s a Catholic priest. He’s very knowledgeable and easy to listen to. You’ll love him. Jump in where we are now or go back and catch up. Either way, you’ll be blessed.

New Balance 327

Paul is the sweetest human being. He will randomly surprise me with something I’ve mentioned that I wanted. He did that with these shoes and displayed them for me to find when I walked in the door. He’s a keeper!

I have been eyeing this particular style of shoe (327s) for about a year or so now, but I bought Brooks Adrenaline sneakers instead (and love them). But I saw that this beautiful lilac color was available, shared them with Paul, and was surprised with them shortly after that for an early Valentine’s Day present. They fit true to size and are very comfortable. I haven’t worn New Balance shoes since I wore the grey pair that everyone had back in the early 2000s. I am thrilled to report the hype is real, and now I want another color in this style. They sell out super quickly, so if you find a pair you want, grab them fast!

I sure hope you’ve had a great start to March. Daylight Saving Time begins next weekend. Are you a fan? Or are you one who would rather it just be left alone? I feel like I think it should be left alone. I do enjoy a little extra daylight, but my husband tends to linger on the golf course longer if there’s more daylight so…. 🙂 Have a great one, guys!

Closet Diaries | No. 4

You know that saying that goes something like: Adulthood is saying, “things will calm down in a week or two” until you die…. That’s how life feels lately. Go, go, go, one thing after another, someone is sick, someone is celebrating something, I have to go to the grocery story (yet again), etc, etc, etc. And I don’t even have children! This particular season of life is so great but so busy. I’m thankful for it all, but I often wish I could go back to being about 12 years old when my biggest stressor was studying for a test and having to wash the dishes after dinner. You feel me?

Anyway, I’m going to take some time to relax tonight. I will probably watch the Rhianna concert, I mean the Super Bowl, and probably read my book while the actual game is going on. But before that, I’ve got to go through the 28 Day of Style Challenge and get an idea of what I’d like my outfits to look like this week. We’ve got the big V-Day coming up, and I know I’m supposed to wear red. I have one red sweater, so I’m hoping it’s cold on Tuesday! This past week I was able to follow most of the prompts for the challenge, and I’ve enjoyed having a task for getting ready every morning. I also have enjoyed shopping my own closet for the outfits. I haven’t bought anything new for the challenge, but that’s the fun of it. It gets your creative juices flowing to rethink what you already have, which is good for your pocketbook and helps you create and maintain a sustainable wardrobe. Win-win. Without further ado, here are my looks from last week.

Monday

Blazer | Similar Chambray Button Down | Black Jeggings | Sneakers | Necklace from McFerrin’s

Style Challenge- Style an outfit around sneakers.
Blazer, leggings, and sneakers all fit true to size
Chambray shirt was a Goodwill find but from Old Navy. I can’t find the exact style, but the one I linked is very similar. This one was one size too big but it fits a little oversized and is great for layering. Don’t forget about your local second hand stores.

Tuesday

Similar Faux Leather Jacket | Similar Top (Mine’s from True South) | Jeans | Mules | Similar Scarf

Style Challenge was to winterize a spring dress. I just didn’t have the goods in my closet to make it happen. Plus it started in the 40s and climbed to the 70s today. I needed to layer. I also needed a spray tan, so I opted out of the style challenge today.
Everything fits true to size.
Head to True South to see if any of these tops are still in stock. It’s from the She and Sky brand.
The scarf is from an old Fab Fit Fun box. The one I linked is similar and much more affordable than what this one retailed for.

Wednesday

Similar Blazer | Graphic Tee | Black Jeans | Similar Black Mules | Earrings

Today’s Style Challenge was to style a graphic tee with a blazer. Can you even with this shirt? It says “So Many Books So Little Time”. Perfect for a reading teacher. It’s from the Etsy shop, Powerfully Positive. Fits true to size.
My blazer is a Goodwill find. The Prattville Goodwill is good, y’all. I linked my favorite Amazon one. Get your regular size.
The jeans are, once again, Old Navy. I have had these several years, and they are much more faded than the ones I linked to. Honestly, I don’t think my jeans were jet black to begin with. They were more of a faded black. Fit tour to size.
The mules I’m wearing are very old from Target. I couldn’t find any there, so I linked my favorite Amazon ones that have a slightly different buckle. True to size.

Thursday

Shirt | Similar Sweater | Jeans | Chelsea Rain Boots

Still loving this shirt so much. It’s extremely versatile, though I’ve only worn it styled this same way with a sweater draped over it. Oh well! It fits true to size.
I’ll wear these jeans until they have holes all in them. True to size.
Chelsea rain boots are my favorite style of rain boots. I opted for this taupe pair and want a black pair too. They’re comfortable and fit true to size.

Friday

Similar Jacket | Similar Blouse | Pants| Similar Booties

Today’s style challenge was Head to Toe Black! This is my sweet spot. My favorite color is black. I love to wear it and decorate with it, so I knew I’d find something to wear for this particular day.
My black shirt is old Entro from Wisteria Cottage. I think these types of shirts are easy to find at any boutique. I got my regular size.
Pants from Old Navy are old, but I was able to size down. They tend to grow with this linen/cotton blend.
Booties- get your true size.
My bracelets are either family heirlooms, unavailable, or Ronaldo. You can get Ronaldo at The Roost or McFerrin’s (I think), locally.

Saturday

Sweatshirt | Similar Sweatpants | Sneakers | Similar Coat

The Style Challenge for Saturday was “Sweats but make it fashion”. It was a rainy day, and I had to get out, so sweats was utter perfection.
Get your true size in the sweatshirt.
My pants are Time and Tru from Walmart but are old and not sold anymore. They are a true sweatpant with the elastic at the ankle. If the jogger style that I linked isn’t to your taste, I’d look in the men’s department in Walmart and try to find some plain black sweatpants. Try these.
Shoes are true to size.
The jacket is old from H&M. I recommend sizing down in H&M with anything that says “oversized”.

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend and a very LOVEly Valentine’s Day!

Closet Diaries | No. 3

Thankfully, this week has been less eventful than last week. I wasn’t really feeling creative in my wardrobe. But then Candace Read came along with a February Style Challenge! Pulled me right out of my funk. That didn’t kick in until Thursday for me, but I now have a plan of action for what I’ll wear this week. Join me!