And Her Name Was Destiny....

 

Skirt-Target/Sweater-Jcrew/Boots-Kenneth Cole

Love this skirt...I spied it at Target last month and I knew I had to have it.  But, since money is tight, I resisted.   Fast forward to last week...on one of my many weekly Target runs, I decided to buy myself the skirt, as a reward for making it through another week.  But, since I had waited, they had no more left in my size...only XS and XXL, so I went home sad.  Fast forward to last Saturday, I decided to stop at a Target in the city for some bread (my boys can go through 2 loaves per week).  Since I cannot go into Target without checking out the clothing and accessories departments, I wandered over to the clothes and spotted this skirt...there was only 1 left...so I just had to get it...me and the skirt were meant to be!!  I figured this skirt is pretty versatile, I can wear it now with tights and boots and also in the warmer seasons with sandals and a tank top...my attempts at justifying the splurge!

I actually had to go into my old office today to do billing, so I styled it with the mustard cardigan and boots for the snow.  not quite sure the mustard color went with the bold color print, but i liked the way the mustard tone winterized the bright print.

I must go to bed now...I am so tired, I think I just drooled on the keyboard...ha!

Action Packed and Full Of Fun...

I am not usually one that like to have a busy weekend.  But this past weekend I tons of things going on, so  I pushed myself to keep all my plans, be social and have fun while enjoying it all. 

Saturday started with a morning at the jewelry show with my mom.  We usually go twice a year and pick up a few pieces of fun costume jewelry...
Highlights from this shopping trip include these two beauties...

 

Then on Saturday afternoon I went to a Bright Pink outreach event.   Bright Pink is a non-profit organization focused on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women, while providing support for high-risk individuals.  They are passionate about enlightening and empowering young women to be proactive with their breast and ovarian health.  They are the big sister, the best friend, the trusted advisor, the dependable source of support. They are optimistic, collaborative and solution-oriented. The outreach events are Bright Pink’s version of a support group. These gatherings bring young women at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer together for a fun activity...this month we met at Laura Miller Studios where we learned how to finger weave.  I remember does it as a kid and it was so much fun doing it again.  It was such a positive experience to sit in a room with people who understand what you are going through...don't look at you like you have two heads when you talk about your prophylactic mastectomy...want to hear your story...need you support.  I wish I had take advantage of Bright Pink's resources when I learned of my gene mutation and had all my surgeries.  I plan to attend events like these every month.

On Sunday, after spending the morning at a birthday party for a 4 yr old,  I attended the Chicago Bloggers Network Oscar party at Nellcote.  That event is due for its own post...stay tuned.  But, here is just a glimpse to tide you over...

I clean up well, don't I...ha!!

Since Monday seemed to arrive pretty quickly, I am considering it just part of my weekend...what I wore for a day full of carpool, working from Starbucks and running errands.

 Jeans-Wit & Wisdom/Cardigan-BR/Shoes-OTBT via Lori's/Jewelry-Girlshop, Old Navy, Black Sheep

Another Time And Place...

Skirt-Target/Sweater-Gap/Boots-LOFT/Jewelry-Nordstrom's/H&M

Even though it is not as easy to get out the door with everyone in the morning, it is just so nice to have somewhere to go, that requires me to dress like a professional.  Don't get me wrong, we do have a 9:30 gymnastics class, but that requires jeans...I am thinking I might get a few sideways glances if I wore a pencil skirt to watch Alex fall of the beam while trying to walk backwards...
Today, I seemed to have a spring in my step...knowing that I was dressed up and I would see people who have an office to go to and are over the age of 7.  I was only in the office for 2 hours before I had to revert back to mom mode, it was nice to remember there is more to me than mom.  I even still have the skirt on as I type this...but, I am pretty sure by dinner time, I will have on comfy clothes again.

Measure Twice...Cut Once...

While digging through my closet the other day, this sweater fell on my head...literally.  Since I have not worn this much since I purchased it last year, I decided to challenge myself to style it two different ways...

First, I styled this sweater for a Purim party at Alex's school.  I knew there would be a lot of people there, so I wanted to dress it up a bit...no just my usual jeans...

 

To dress up the sweater, but still make it preschool appropriate, I opted for pairing it with a denim skirt and comfy boots.  I also added some extra sparkle with this rhinestone necklace I poached from my mom and some fun bracelets.  This styling of this sweater worked perfect for an morning of mingling with parents and celebrating the holiday.

A more casual vibe for running around with the boys at the mall and the park.  I styled the sweater with a simple tank top with purple jeans...a spring color for an unseasonably warm winter day.  Accessory wise, I thought my initial necklace and some chunky silver jewelry would work well.  Due to the temperature, it was so nice to not have to wear boots for once, I decided to go with these fun purple flats.  With this outfit, I played with the boys all day and was comfy and stylish.

Why Are They So Loud?

Jeans-Level 99/Shirt-Madewell/Vest-BR/wedges-Urban Outfitters/Jewelry-H&M, Old Navy, House of Gemmes, Lori's

Nothing like a comfy, fuzzy vest  layered upon multiple shades of denim and topped off with gold baubles and wedges...  I have just discovered another god thing about donning my specs...they hide the large, dark circles under my eyes!

I am just way too excited that Friday is finally here.  My husband has been out of town since Sunday, and I am so over the single parent gig.  When he gets home tomorrow night, I plan to go hide in the bed, under the covers, in silence for at least 24 hours... Oh, how do I yearn for some quiet... I love my boys so much, but they are so darn loud all the time...oh my...

Target Does It Again...

Good thing my boy's Sunday school is near a Target...I got to check out the Prabal Gurung collection shortly after it hits the floors.  There are not many Sunday mornings I appreciate the early wake-up, but last Sunday I was pretty happy to get to Target before everything got picked over!

Overall, I was really impressed with the collection.  When I arrived at 9:00am, there were most sizes of everything available.  I tried on a few of the dresses and was surprisingly impressed with the quality and weight of the materials...it seemed a bit more substantial, less flimsy than previous collections and everything seemed to fit pretty true to size.  I loved the Meet the Parents print dress, but decided not to buy it since I really don't have anywhere to wear it to right now.  I was really looking forward to trying on the Calypso Coral dress, but my store did not have any...I think I am going to have to order it, now I know how the dresses fit.   After trying on a few items, the finals for purchase were the black lace front blouse )love the leather collar) and and the long sleeve t in the Nolita print.  I ended up going home with the Nolita print t... it fits into my casual wardrobe perfectly.  Footwear wise, they only had those two pairs and I really wanted the red sandals...
I think I am going to have to hit up the other Target by my house and see if they have some of the other pieces I am lusting over!

So, I decided to style up my new shirt for a casual Monday of carpool and running errands.

Top-Prabal Gurung for Target/Sweater-The Limited/Boots-OTBT/Jeans-Wit & Wisdom/Jewelry-Black Sheep, The Limited

Since this top and its print has a personality of its own, I decided to make it the key piece in my outfit and keep the rest simple with the black jeans, small gold spike necklace and black moto boots.  Since it was a chilly day out, I topped my new top with a chunky sweater.

I have so many thoughts on how to style this top...I cannot wait to have a reason to dress it up with a skirt...I am thinking black lace pencil skirt...

I Am Not Wearing Pants...

So, I had a meeting with a client I do social media management for...in the city...it was pouring...I had to bring Alex, age 4 with me...  But, I was excited to go!  I finally had somewhere to go...adults to see...a reason to put on a skirt and tights....woo hoo!!

 

Skirt-LOFT/Jacket-Tulle/Booties-Steve Madden/Jewelry-Black Sheep, Accents Plus, F21

 I probably could of worn jeans to see my restaurant client, but any excuse to get dressed up and spend quality time with adults warrants a skirt or dress.  I was just so nice, for a few hours I felt like something besides just a mom.  It also helped that Alex was very well behaved during the whole meeting.  He sat nicely, played on my ipad and has some lunch.  

Still wearing the specs...still feeling like dork.  

 

It's A Slippery Slope From Here...

Lots of snow and cold here in Chicago...I don't mind...what else would you expect in the winter.  But, traipsing through the snow with two kids is always an exhausting experience.  Knowing that is what I would be doing, I dressed accordingly...

 Not sure if you can tell...my necklace stack is an R for Randi, A for Alex, J for Jack and a Tardis...because I am a complete Whovian!

Wearing all my winter essentials...long puffy coat with fur trimmed hood...JCrew knit hat...
Bogs rain boots...the only way I can manage to get through the cold temps and snowy sidewalks.   My eyes haven been killing me lately...so I decided to rock my inner nerd styling my new glasses.  Wearing them has helped curbed the headaches slightly...but, they do make me feel like the geeky girl I was in middle school...whatever!

I am still kind of in a rut with a motivation to get dressed everyday...goes hand in hand with not having much to do each day besides drive around the boys.  But, I am determined not to be that mom who parades around in sweats and no makeup...I just have to keep telling myself that everyday is a new opportunity to live my life and why not look my best while doing it!

Where Have We Gone...

This week is finally over and done with...it was a long and painful one...but we can only move on...

Thanks for dealing with me while I have attempted to process what life has thrown at us this week.  A friend took his life on Tuesday and this news shook me and my family to its core.  I have taken the last few days to digest it all and make peace with what happened.  I know it sounds cliche, but the events have made me realize how lucky I am in my life. I have all the support and love I could ever need...to make it through the day, and always get up again in the morning.



Back to the world of where I take photos of what I wear...the simple things that make me happy...

I actually had a reason to get dressed up this week...a dress...tights...it was glorious... I so missed get dressed up every day...I actually miss pouring myself into a pair of Spanx and doning a skirt and blazer!

 

Dress-Limited/Boots-Loft/Jewelry-Black Sheep, Bauble Bar, F21

Jacket-Tulle/Jeans-Wit and Wisdom/shoes-DSW/Jewelry-JCrew, Francesca's

The week did end on a personal high note...I had a great photo shoot today...head shots for an advertisement for a client.  The only small wrinkle...I was up with Alex all night...pukey boy.  So, I only got about 3 hours of sleep....caffeine was my friend!

Off to bed, I am just so mentally and physically drained after this week.  All I can do is wake up tomorrow and face the day...one step at a time... 

RIP Wayne, we will miss you terribly...