Stylish Blogger Award

Well thanks so much Lindsay at YAMS Designs for giving me and nine other bloggers this award.  I'd like to thank my parents, my dog, everyone that voted for me-- kidding.  But this is a fun way for me to tell you 7 things about myself that you probably don't know, and then I pass it along to some of my stylish blog friends too!

1. I'm not spontaneous.  At all.  I love planning.

2.I'm terrified of fish.  I won't go in the ocean without stomping around in the water first to scare the fish away.

3. I love sequins.  On my nails, on my shoes, you name it.

4. I watch All My Children.  Daily.

5. I carry a white ribbon in my purse or coat all of the time in case I put my hair in a ponytail.  Hair just looks better up with a ribbon in it.

6. I rode horses competitively for 18 years.

7. I have a weird crush on Mike Rowe from "Dirty Jobs" on Discovery Channel.

Now I get to pass it on to some of my very stylish friends:

1. Cup of Jo

2. Hanging with the Hewitts

3. Stephanie Cooks

4. Makeunder My Life

5. Good Life for Less

6. Wit & Whimsy

7. Sweetie Kiss Pie

8. Oh, My Darling

9. Shaken Not Blurred

10. Nikki Rappaport

Trouser Jeans

Today's post was a reader request from the lovely SJ and she would like some ideas for trouser jeans.  Well let's first talk about what a trouser jean is and what makes it so different than a normal pair.

A trouser jean is classified as just that for a reason.  It's a trouser.  That means it should have a wider waistband that should sit higher than a normal jean.  No low riders allowed here.  In addition the leg should be straight on the upper thighs without pulling that the midsection- these jeans do not need to fit like a glove, they show off your length not your waist size.  The pant should not taper at all down the leg, but if anything flare out just a touch at the ankle.  Also try to avoid back pockets, it makes the look so much more casual than it needs to be.

Banana Republic, Trouser dark wash, $49.99

Pretty much exactly what you want to be looking for.  Note the length comes to the top of the heel not the bottom.

Loft, Dark rinse modern trouser, $49 with code EXCLUSIVE

This jean has a larger sewn hem so it almost looks like a cuff.  And an amazing price.

Old Navy, Flirt wide leg trouser, $39.50

These jeans are fantastic because they're black!  Black denim is very hot right now.

Nordstrom, KUT Flare leg denim trouser, $49.90

Not only do these have a little more flare at the leg but they also have a little spandex in the material so they're super comfy.

That's my take for a good trouser jean.  Perfect for a nicer dinner date or casual Friday at work.  Just remember they're not going to fit like your Gap skinny jeans.

You guys, I have gotten no recipes for Friday Foodday.  I know you all cook.  I know it's good stuff.  Send it in to me so we can all enjoy it!

Be fabulous today!

Sometimes you can ask a lady her number

There are a few things every woman should know like the back of her hand.  Number one on that list is her manners.  Please, thank you, holding the door, etc.  The list goes on and on including knowing your mom's shoe size (for borrowing purposes), knowing what 'your color' is, etc etc.  But somewhere in the middle of that list is one very important fact that every woman should know:  The absolute minimum amount of time it takes you to get out the door for work looking presentable.


Now by 'presentable' I mean meeting-attire, hair brushed, makeup on, and shoes matching.  Every woman needs to know her number in case the inevitable happens.  If the alarm doesn't go off, if you snooze too much, if it was a really long night, and the list goes on.  What's my number you ask? Brace yourself. 9.  In an absolute crunch I need NINE minutes to get out of bed, dressed, makeup, and out the door.

This number I've found is very low in comparison to others, so don't beat yourself up about it.  I used to work a job that required me to be at work at 5am everyday so EVERY minute of getting ready in the morning I made count.

Why are we talking about this? Well lovebugs, because in addition to knowing your number, you should have the go-to outfit to get you dressed and out the door.  A foolproof great look that works no matter what.

Here are my picks:

J Crew, Cambridge Cable Shawl Collar Cardigan, $69

Take you pick for the color of sweater that suits you but a classic well structured open neck sweater is a great staple.

Talbots, double faced wool skirt, $62

I prefer a skirt as my go to staple but a good fitting pair of slacks work as well.  

Ann Taylor, Perfect Tights, $20

If it's below 55 degrees, please do not go bare-legged.  These are sleek and professional with a pencil skirt.  I mean, look at the model, she doesn't even have a skirt on and they look great.

Cole Haan, Talia Mid Pumps, $109

Can I tell you a secret? Nike now works with Cole Haan to make comfortable heels.  I'm talking like Nike sneaker comfort.  Invest.  Now.  

Urban Outfitters, Braided Chain and Bead Cluster, $29

Always leave room for a statement go-to necklace.  It makes you feel beautiful and it draws attention to itself.  You'll be fighting off the "omg i love your necklace" comments for the rest of the day.

So that's an example of my go-to 9 minute out the door outfit.  What would yours be? AND more importantly what's you number?  Hoepfully you don't have to use it too often but it's good to know!

Be fabulous today!

The Smudgy Print

Is it really only Tuesday?  My blogger friend, Lindsay over at YAMS Designs were chatting about how much nicer today would be if it were Wednesday.  But I suppose this gives us another chance to what? That's right, be fabulous.

But if you aren't on the fab train quite yet, try out these watercolor-like prints will certainly spruce up your day.

Lulu's, Artistic Print Tunic, $43

I'm loving this color palate along with the defined waist by the ribbon belt.  Perfect for black skinny jeans.

Ann Taylor, Winter Whisper Cardigan, $49

This is just gorgeous.  I love the v-neck on this cardigan because it offers the option for a blouse-y top underneath or a statement necklace.

Old Navy, ruffled chiffon top, $26.50

That's right, Old Navy.  This is a great staple because you can tuck it into a pencil skirt with a metallic skinny belt or wear it with fitted cargo pants on the weekend.

Speigel, print sateen pencil skirt, $39

Such an interesting print, usually a floral you'd expect much smaller on a skirt.  This is a statement.

When buying prints like this it's important to stick with a pattern you're comfortable with, because otherwise it's going to sit in your closet.  Where you can experiment is with color.  Prints offer you a variety of hues in one piece so even if yellow isn't your color its softened by the mixing of yellow with white with black, etc.  Have fun with it!  Starting with these types of smudgy, watercolor prints is a nice way to ease yourself into the bold world of prints.

Be fabulous today!