Fashion Friday- Help Me Decide

If you've been reading recently, you know that my cousin, who is like a sister to me, got tickets to Live! with Kelly (and co-host to be decided Tuesday) and invited me to come along.  I leave on Wednesday and we will see the show on Thursday.  I'm getting really excited but cannot figure out what to wear.  And I know it doesn't really matter what I wear, I am not going to be on TV but still!

Fashion Friday- Help Me Decide! Vote in my poll or leave me a comment below letting me know which outfit below (shoes/jewelry can be switched around or suggest me something!) you like best.  Excuse the hair (we have been at Into The Mist at the Life & Science Museum) and the 'I'm going to kill you' look (Noah did not nap today).

Which Outfit?

Thanks!!

In case you want to know where I got anything.

Outfit 1: 

Top: Gigi's Boutique Raleigh

Jeans A: Ann Taylor Loft 

Necklace A: Bubble Necklace somewhere online
Shoes A: Kelly Green Wedge Franco Sarto

Jeans B: Hudson 'Beth' Jeans Nordstrom

Necklace B: Britta Bead Necklace Bridier Baubles
Shoes B: Nude Wedge Nine West

Outfit 2:
Top: Banana Republic

Jeans A: Ann Taylor Loft 

Necklace A: Bubble Necklace somewhere online

Jeans B: Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes B: Nude Wedge Nine West

Outfit 3:

Top: Ellison Bevello

Jeans A: Ann Taylor Loft 
Necklace A: Bubble Necklace somewhere online
Jeans B: Ann Taylor Loft
Belt: Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes B: Nude Wedge Nine West

Outfit 4:
Pants: Banana Republic
Top A & B: Ann Taylor Loft
Necklace A: Britta Bead Necklace Bridier Baubles
Necklace B: Bubble Necklace somewhere online
Shoes: Nude Wedge Nine West

Outfit 5:
Top: Banana Republic
Jeans B: Ann Taylor Loft
Necklace: Coco Necklace Bridier Baubles
Shoes: Nude Wedge Nine West

Tuesday Love Is Back!

I haven't done a Tuesday Love in a little while but have a few things I've been loving lately.

-Train Sheets (from PBK).  Not for me, but for Noah.  He doesn't need new toys or that damn train table; these sheets kept him really occupied for a long time.  And I heard him talking to his "Choo-Choos" around 5am one chilly morning too (thankfully we both fell back asleep).

- Draw Something. I love this free Iphone game.  My longest streak is *almost* 100 draws (still going strong thanks to Sarah; 3 to go & I cannot wait!) and I have over 200 coins after 'buying' a new palate of colors.  Anyone addicted to this game and want to play?  I always lose at Words with Friends (always!)  But even though I'm a horrible drawer this is my current go-to game.

This is Bonfire - in case you can't tell

-Initial Necklaces.  I had a 'J' necklace in highschool and dated someone with the same initial.  A lot of people thought the J was for him but it was definitely for me.  I now actually want someone else's initial.  But I wonder if it's weird to wear an 'N' when my name starts with a J.

From Stellaanddot.com

- I love a 'New Hair' Day.  Today I got my hair down- highlight, shampoo, cut, blow dry, and flat iron.  My hair never looks better than on days Claire at Bella Trio has her hands on it.  I hate paying for it though; my upkeep trends on every 10, 12, 14 ... 24 weeks.  But I never feel better than on a new hair day. I've also had my brows done and a pedicure here and it is really a full service spa.  Funny enough they are having a Living Social deal today! $35 shampoo, cut, etc. 

- When searching for my toddler transitional handbag I ran across a photo of the Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Totally PM handbag.  I didn't realize it was an LV when I first saw it but quickly put it on my Not Going to Happen list.  I saw the bag today at the salon and last week out and about too.  I really do like it; maybe it will go on my 5 year wish list

- Noah's heart. It's not all the time, but when he decides to show how big his heart is it makes me want to cry. Occasionally the mood will strike him to initiate a hug with one of his friends; or grab their hand and lead them to the door so they can see 'his' dog; or hold their hand to walk in the parking lot.  I have a few photos of what I mean, but take my word for it, two toddlers with their arms around each other, heads on each others shoulders, smiling and hugging is THE sweetest thing.

Momma's Got a Brand New Bag!

Last week I almost broke the zipper on my diaper bag trying to stuff some snacks into it and asked some friends about the transitional toddler bag.  When does this happen? Is it possible?

The diaper bag is so bulky now that I'm running after a toddler.  Yes, it has EVERYTHING in it but I rarely need everything anymore.  One friend said I was ready for the toddler-transitional-almost-back-to-handbag bag; "Not a Kate Spade," but a nice transitional bag, she said.

Perfect! I'm ready!  I enlisted the help of some moms on a local mom message board and fell in love with this bag.

What do you know- Kate Spade and out of my price range for a transitional toddler bag.  

I did some searching and found an older pattern of the same style bag and bought my first over $20 Ebay purchase (which was dangerously too easy by the way).  This thing came in like 4 days!  And couldn't have arrived at a better time.  I was having a big case of the Mondays and I was outside inspecting the Husband's car for damage because he got barely tapped at a red light when I saw the package on the front porch!

Oh, and the Husband got just barely tapped on his way to get me flowers for taking care of him and Noah during his slight medical issue.  The doctor cleared him a few days early for lifting over 10lbs (ie Noah)- Hooray!   By the way, Holly's Flowers at Woodcroft is amazing for flowers- pre-order/deliver or just run in and pick up.  And yes, I picked up some Sour Patch Kids to drown my Monday blues away in- plus I figured I can sneak some into the Hunger Games when I see it.  I think they will fit in my new bag!

So I can't fit my whole life into the Kate Spade Stevie but that's part of the charm.  I think it will be an adjustment but I'm eager to test it out!  I rarely carry a black bag, I find it a bit harsh, but I loved the leather trim detail on this bag and figured black nylon was as toddler friendly as Kate Spade was going to get.  Still trying to decide what to do with the sippy cup...

Fashion Friday Favorites

I'm linking up with L.C. at The Brunette Bride for another Fashion Friday!

Even though I had a head start to figure out what is/are my favorite apparel items, I had a hard time figuring this out.  Clothing isn't emotional to me.  The Husband constantly asking, "But what about the memories?!" as I toss the sweater I wore when we got engaged into the donate pile.  He has shirts from the 5th grade and could probably give you What, When, and Why on his favorite article easily. My favorites change with every season, depending on my mood, the weather, how I feel about myself. And do I have to pick just one?  If so, this is it.

Banana Republic Boatneck Cashmere Argyle Sweater.

The Husband bought me this sweater for Christmas several years ago (2007?) and I love it.  If you know me, this sweater is very me.  I actually cried when the dry cleaners lost it (they found it!)

Here's my short list of things I consider my favorites because even though I've had them for years I still wear them every week.  Or, as it is with the handbags, I would use daily if I didn't have to carry a sippy cup.

Louis Vuitton Tivoli PM 

Easily my biggest splurge.  I love this bag, because I better!  Nothing more classic to me than LV; this piece will last me my lifetime.  Purchased at the LV store in 2007 or '08.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Twisted Q Lil Riz

Birthday present to myself in 2009 at Saks on sale; I was there for a Kooba but the money spoke to me.  I love the color, shape, and feel (so soft) of this bag. Plus great for traveling- my Kindle (or a book) fits easily inside.

Steven by Steve Maden Intyce Boot

I've had these boots for years and bought them at the Nordstrom half yearly sale for $80.  They are seriously worn out in the toe now but these are the first 'tall' boots I've ever found to fit my wide calves.  Small wedge heel but I can chase a toddler in them; perfect color.  I will probably buy a 2nd pair soon to replace the ones I have.

BC Footwear Milkshake Wedge

These shoes are so old I can't find a picture of them on the vast internet.

 

They look like this but

are this color (maybe?) brown on brown

Another Nordstrom deal.  These wedges were $36 and were my first Nordstrom purchase ever.  I love a wedge heel and these shoes give your pants a nice long line.  The rounded toe also makes your feet look tiny.  All around great every day fall/winter shoe.

Finally a spring fav  

Franco Sarto cork sole wedge

What's not to love about a kelly green, patent leather peep toe wedge?  I wear these shoes with jeans or dresses and they are just fun.  I've had them since 2008 (I think) and bought them from Piperlime.  

I really enjoy spring and summer.  I don't have a favorite season, but I love the sun.  There are clothes I really like in the summer, but I replace my Rainbow flip flops, shorts, and $10 tank tops often.  Seems like winter clothes are investments: coats, boots, etc. They last much longer and cost more so they get my favorite nods.  

Tuesday Love- Sunny Days

It's the last Tuesday of the month and I'm a little sad to say goodbye to my Tuesday Loves so I'm sure I'll be doing it again periodically in the future. I might even change the day from Tuesday!  Crazy wild, I know.

Between Live! with Kelly being on location in Oahu, Hawaii and two 70+ plus degree days here this week I am on a sunny summery kick.

1- Speaking of, I loved each and every one of Kelly Ripa's looks this week in Oahu.  Beautiful! And I really liked her extension hair up.  Holy tans- so jealous! Mark ain't bad either...

2- Little flippity flops for Noah along with sunny's!  I bought both of these from The Children's Place this week.  And madras swim trunks and rash guard from Gap- these are on my list for the next sale date. 

  

3- Rainbow sandals!  I'm in desperate need of a new pair- mine are at least 2 years old. I saw these 'Flirty" braided Rainbows at Nordstrom (when I was purchasing my new Toms ballet flats!) and they will be mine before summer comes around.  

4- Noah has always had little feet.  He still wears a size 5.5.  But I love his little feet and toes.  I have to give them lots of kisses every morning or whenever his feet are sock free.  I love that he crosses his ankles and feet when he eats in his highchair. But don't get me started on his toe nails- they are weird!

I feel like #5 should be a bonus edition- brace yourself.

5-  Rob Lowe.  That should be enough said, but I'll go further.  Frankly I can't resist.  While I love Rob all the time, I've been on a kick lately.    After reading Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy and seeing Rob co-host on Live! with Kelly recently I decided I had to see The West Wing.  I saw the first season on FX before Noah was born but that was it.  So the Husband bought me the first three seasons on DVD and I"m currently on episode 18 of season 2.  

So I've been seeing Rob pretty regularly on my TV but I found out this week that Rob was here!  In NC! In my town! He is taking his son on a college campus tour.  I totally freaked out and even though he took his son to Duke instead of UNC I was trying to stalk him. I actually watched the Duke VT game looking for him.  I was all over the Twitter.  I even Tweeted Rob- after much debate about what to say.  I asked the Husband if I thought Rob might call me (I don't really understand how the Twitter works).  I'm still waiting on a response; much in the way I'm still waiting on an email response from Tyrese regarding his BBQ circa 2000- but that is a story for another day.

I love Rob as Sam Seaborn and Governor Robert McCallister.  I started watching Brothers & Sisters because Rob joined the cast.  Something about adult Rob in a suit, though I do love 20's Rob in his playboy stage too.  

Favorite Rob movie- About Last Night

But I'm not a crazy super fan (or so I tell myself).  I don't always watch just because he's in it- though I do give it a look-see.  I do not watch Rob on Parks & Recs. I don't like his character and I cannot bring myself to watch the show.  I'm not a fan of Rob as Drew Peterson or as a mute in The Stand- CREEPY!

What's your favoriteRob movie or show?

And for those of you wondering if Noah wears his sunglassses?    

Flip flops to be determined...

Fashion Friday- What's in my bag?

I'm participating in my first link up activity today from The Brunette Bride.  I found the link up from Life After I "Dew."  How can you not love a blog named LAID?

Here's the scoop on my bag.  First of all, I'm sad that I'm linking up while I have a diaper bag and not one of my lovely handbags sitting in fabric bags in my closet- but maybe next time.  I have an OiOi Hobo in Blue Disc pattern.  My search for this diaper bag took up my whole last month of work at my old job. I googled and searched constantly!  I finally decided I wanted an OiOi- but they are Australian.  Then I really wanted the blue disc pattern which was hard to find and I wanted the Tote.  Well I finally found the blue disc pattern at Baby Gap online but it was a Hobo style.  I bought it anyways.  I found both the Hobo and the Tote at Buy Buy Baby (in the store) about 3 months later.  Too late, too sad.  I still wish I had the Tote, but so it goes!  I've only actually seen my same bag and pattern one other time in real life- at Harris Teeter of all places.

So what's in my bag?  

I embarrassed to tell you how many Cheerios and puffs fell out of my bag when I emptied it!

1- Changing pad, Target brand diapers (switched over when Noah turned 1), and wipes.
2- Noah's winter hat.  Today is 70+ degrees but it's left over from Monday when it was 34 and snowed.
3- My mom wallet from Coach.  I bought this from the outlets when I was pregnant because I had an itty bitty wallet before and thought I needed something bigger or at least easier to find in a big bag.  I love the yellow color and it is easy to find in this huge bag.
4- Coupon holder I bought on Etsy.
5- Very flat and smushed snacks for me from who knows when.
6- One of the stray Cheerios that fell out! (And that is exactly where it landed when I dumped my bag).
7- It wouldn't be winter without tissues!
8- It wouldn't be winter without Boogy Wipes!
9- A few pens, Extra Mint Chocolate Chip gum (YUM), a hairbrush, and some Infant Tylenol.
10- A plastic bag for any clothes, diapers, whatever mess that needs to be contained until it can be disposed of!
10- (YES, I have two 10's- naptime blogging is rushed!) Munchkin Disposable bibs
11- Veda Baby diaper rash cream I got for my baby shower (May 2010) that I have never used but carry just.in.case.
11- (YES I have two 11's- naptime blogging is rushed!) Noah's favorite snack.  Happy Melts by Happy Baby and I found the individual packets at Buy Buy Baby.
12- Wet Ones! I use these ALL.the.time!
13- An infant toy!  Noah is 18 months old!  Crazy.
14- Aveeno Baby stick sunblock and more tissues because I can never find them when I need them.


What's missing?
*A paci- it's clipped inside to the key ring clip so I don't lose it.
*My Iphone in it's pretty purple Otterbox (it's charging on the counter).

*My Vera Bradley change pursey thing that I use to carry my camera because I had to take the pictures.

Tuesday Love- Happy Valentine's Day!

Nothing too crazy going on around here today; it's our 10th Valentine's Day together.  The Husband is planning on making some delicious Chicken Parmesan and I am planning on making some Lemon Glazed Cookies, hopefully with some toddler help.  Noah is getting a book from me and that's really about it.

Noah already has Little Blue Truck Leads the Way and he loves it.  So I hope he loves the original LBT too!

Things I love this week:

1- Even though I am really sad about Whitney Houston, I am loving the Whitney Tribute Channel on Sirius/XM Channel 48.  She was an amazing artist and I've forgotten some of her songs.  We've been having quite the party while driving this week.

2-  When I sing Noah a bedtime song from one of his books, he signs 'more' and says, "gen" (translates to 'again')

3- I went to Sync Studio Cycling class last night and I'm so glad it was not as hard as the first time!  Though I am still the girl in the back that is off beat.  Every time instructor Matt yelled, "Right.Knee.Up" I swore he was yelling at me specifically because my left knee was undoubtedly up.

4-  Toms shoes.  They donate a pair for each pair bought.   Can't beat a cute charity shoe!

5- And this is cheesy but true - I love my Husband and our little family.  Happy Valentine's Day!