I Got Dressed ... For Halloween

Halloween costume ideas are a pain.  I really love dressing up but coming up with a creative concept is not easy.  

I'm typically drawn to an idea that falls into one of these categories:

• Ridiculously off-beat and tacky (ex: my hubby and I dressed up as Jon and Kate Gosselin back in 2009 during their very public divorce - it's still my favorite costume to date)
• Classic with attention to details (ex: the hubby and I went as our nerdy alter-egos, Martha Weinerstraum and Ronald Rickenbacher)
• Retro whimsy (see below)

This year I was on my own with no hubby to complete a dynamite duo ensemble (sniff) and I had another minor obstacle ... a five month prego bump.  Not a huge bump (yet) but still awkward enough to interfere with a regular costume.

I suppose I could have used my bump as the focal point of my costume but painting my belly orange and wearing a basketball jersey is just not my bag.  Instead I tried to think of something I could carry/attach in front of my bump to make it less "center stage" so to speak.

That's when I discovered (after scouring hundreds of images on Pinterest) the Sunmaid Raisin Girl!  Being an American product icon fit perfectly into my retro whimsy category and the basket-o-grapes was a bonus. Sold!  

(see the original Pinterest pin that inspired me here)

Make It!

red bonnet (got mine here)

long brown curly wig - if needed (got mine here)

white t-shirt (got mine here - maternity)

dark blue rick rack trim (got mine here)

fabric glue (got mine here)

any peasant-y looking skirt in white, black, blue, or red (got mine here - maternity)

flats or sandals (mine are old)

basket (my mom's old Longaberger)

fake grapes (got mine here)

thin wire (from our garage)

a box of Sunmaid raisins of course

Only two things required assembly:

1. The Shirt: I simply cut the rick rack trim to fit the edges of the neck and sleeves and secured it using the fabric glue.  Worked great!
2. The Basket: My bump actually gave me an advantage here because I could tie the basket around my waist allowing it to literally "sit" on my belly.  No hands!  I chose a small basket from my mother's beloved 1980's Longaberger collection keeping mind of the weight (lighter is better and less annoying).  I took satin ribbon and weaved it through the basket and tied it behind my back.  Then I secured the clusters of grapes to the basket with thin crafting wire and taped the box down.  An old bandana was placed beneath the items to add more color and detail.

What I would do differently:

Add an apron!  I was running short on time and didn't want to pay $20 for an apron or take the time to sew one.  But it would have been really cute to have had a red or blue apron against my black skirt.  Next time...

And because I knew you'd REALLY want to see these...

John and Kate Gosselin - Halloween 2009

John and Kate Plus 8 - Halloween 2009

Martha and Ronald - Halloween 2012

We Got Dressed ... For the First Day of School

Don't get too excited now.  This was the first day of our Parent-Tot class.  My little Miss Sassy Pants may look like a Kindergartner (and act like one too) but she's barely just starting her academic career. Nevertheless, it was a BIG deal for us both.

May I also mention that I'm four months preggers and HATE "getting dressed" (this could pose as a major hiccup for my style posts).  This is the most aWkWaRd stage of pregnancy in terms of body shape.  The baby bump is not quite round, firm, and pretty yet and so clothes are just a complete Debbie Downer.  Are you lady mamas with me here?  And so flowy, loose-fitting tops are my only friends.

On Me:

Top: Old Navy Maternity (old) (similar here)  

Capri Leggings: Target (here) 

On Sassy Pants:

Romper: Old Navy (no longer available) (cute option here)  

Shoes: Target (no longer available in white canvas) ( BUT, we just bought these for fall) 

Fun Fact (not quite): This photo shoot (if you can even call it that) lasted about three minutes total because Miss Sassy Pants tripped over the tripod and scraped her palm. Can you hear the wailing?  

That's a wrap.

I Got Dressed ... For a Wedding

I should preface this post by stating that you are looking at the slightly wilted, party pooped, past my bed time, post wedding festivity photos.  I ran out of time before the event and was unable to take the more suitable and well-lit outdoor photos.  So here I am in my cramped living room with bad lighting and sweaty make up.  Sigh.

As for the wedding ... it was lovely!  A co-worker and good friend of mine got hitched to her long-time love and the ceremony had us all in tears.  There was also a threatening storm hanging above our heads all evening but it never once dropped on the glorious occasion which was a blessing for the bride and everyone's hair.

As for the outfit, I went with the classic black and white ensemble.  I love black and white.  EVERYONE looks good in it.  This dress came with a red skinny belt which was cute but too traditional for me so I swapped it out for mustard yellow.  Black, white, and yellow is SO much more fun and suggests a subtle rock 'n' roll vibe.  I dig it. 

Dress: Target (here)  The entire line of these dresses are adorable and so comfy.  I tried them all on and had a hard time deciding.

Belt: Coldwater Creek (here)  I had no idea how difficult it was going to be to find a mustard yellow belt this time of year. Everything is neon.  I'm not exactly a Coldwater Creek customer but they came through with this perfectly yellow accessory so I am grateful.

Purse: Jennifer Lopez via Kohl's (here)  What can I say?  JLO has some sassy stuff.
Bracelet: Kohl's ~ Chunky and fun!
Shoes: DSW (here)  The cutest and most comfortable dress shoes I own.  And let me tell you ... it's a total witch trying to find shoes for my stupid feet.  I have no shape or curve to my feet whatsoever.  They are perfectly rectangular.  So annoying. These shoes had a narrow cut which is why they fit me so well.  Narrow cut dress shoes that don't look granny-esque?!  I'll take 10 pairs!

Linking Up With...

The Mrs. & The Momma
Penniless Socialite
Two Thirty-Five Designs

I Got Dressed ... For the 4th of July

We have a stupid saying in my family whenever July 4th rolls around ... "Well, summer's over." 

Of course, summer is not anywhere close to being over but for some reason the fourth always seems to bring a strange finality with it.  Like all the hype and excitement of the approaching summer season has hit its peak and the following two months just plateau.  I don't know.

Anyhoo, the fourth never fails to produce the ever popular wardrobe challenge.  Who can pull together the BEST red, white, and blue ensemble? Or in my family, who can find the cheesiest Americana t-shirt for under $10?  My brother-in-law always seems to win that one.  As for me, I hate conformity when it comes to apparel.  Most years you'll find me wearing purple on the Fourth of July.  But ever since having a child I feel the need to "play along" for her sake.  

I wasn't about to go shopping for a new Independence Day outfit, that's for sure.  So I started digging (literally) through my closet with every intent of just throwing on another purple shirt and calling it a day when surprisingly I found this very old but very cute top I had completely forgotten about.  

The perfect color scheme (minus blue).

Very hoedown.

 A cutesy flutter sleeve

Shirt: Target (at least 6 years ago!)

Shorts: La Redoute (at least 8 years ago!)  I like these shorts because they're not too short.  I just can't do short shorts anymore.

Shoes: Kohl's (here)

And on a different note but still sticking with the summer apparel topic, how are you ladies feeling about the swimsuits this year?  Is anyone else super excited to see more vintage inspired suits?  I love them!

Check out my Facebook post to read about my new favorite retro suits!

Linking Up With...

The Mrs. & The Momma

I Got Dressed ... For a Birthday Party

I was heading out to celebrate my BFF's 30-something birthday.  A very chilled atmosphere with drinks, yummies, and giggles (we never grow up, right?).  I could have easily donned a pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt but hey, I'll take any excuse to get at least a little dolled up.  Anyhoo, again my pics are not the greatest (still working on my DSLR skills) so it's difficult to see the pattern of my white top.  Oh well.  I'm just going with it.  

 It's all in the details - killer zippers!

If you squint hard enough you may be able to see the pattern of my shirt.

Shirts: Target (last year) ~ I'm wearing two.  A lacy patterned tank over a cap sleeved scoop neck tee.

Pants: Old Navy (here) ~ The softest pants I own besides my PJs.  I really should order these in long but there's something charming about ankle length pants.

Shoes: Target (here) ~ A lot of reviews online complaining about these being painful to wear.  I did not experience this, however I only wore them lightly for a few hours.

Iridescent Ring: Target (a billion years old) ~ Found this little gem in the clearance bin and even though it now has a chip in it, I still adore it.

Headband (even though you can't see it): Walgreens (here) ~ These came in a 4 pack by Scunci.  Little cheapies but perfect for that extra touch and the tiny teeth keep them in my hair too.  I swear I wore the exact same kind when I was eight.

Linking Up With...

Passion For Fashion

Two Thirty-Five Designs
The Pleated Poppy
The Mrs. & the Momma

I Got Dressed ... For a BBQ

It wasn't just a plain ol' BBQ.  It was a special get-together for close friends who were revealing the gender of their second baby-to-be and I was feeling the love.  Therefore, I just had to wear my heart on my sleeve chest.  I was also feeling some very strong girl vibes and so the pink color was perfect.  

 Shirt: Aeropostale (no longer available) The heart is chiffon!

Under Cami: Target (old)

Boyfriend Capris: Target (old) Loose and oh so comfy!

Flip Flops: Target (old) Disco flashy - gotta love it.

ID Bracelet: SUPER OLD!  My mom gave this to me back in middle school.  Still love it.

Oh and by the way ... I totally called it.  They're having a girl!

I Got Dressed ... For a Bridal Shower

It was a lovely Sunday shower for a dear friend and a great excuse to wear a dress (which I RARELY do).  Cozy-comfy is the name of the game and this outfit was just that.  My only pet peeve is that I wish the dress was a tad longer.  I'm 5'9" so everything is short on me (insert audible sigh).  However, afterwards I decided that I liked the ankle length on me.  I'll just call it The Little House on the Prairie Cut and I'm so down with anything "Little House."

 Dress: The Loft FYI: I bought this at 40% off 

Cardigan: Old Navy  A total steal at $15!

Shoes: Old Navy  I'm addicted - these go with everything!

Bracelets: A gift from Kohl's Lauren Conrad Line
Sunglasses: Super old from God knows where (probably Walgreens - HA!)

The next time I wear this dress I think I'm going to try a more structured look with a belt (brown?), fitted jean jacket, and strappy sandals.  I like pieces that are versatile and this dress can make both a soft and edgy look.  Fun.

I Got Dressed ... For a Gig

This is my first style post.  I feel a bit like a cheese head but I'm going to assume that's normal ... right?   I think it's fair to say I have no.clue.what.I'm.doing when it comes to photography (and posing) but I do know one thing: do not pose in front of an object that is the SAME color as your clothes.  I mean really. What was I thinking?

Anyhoo, regardless of my poor photog skills and lack of common sense, I wanted to jump on this "What I Wore" bandwagon for one simple reason - I love clothes!  I have no idea how to describe my style except that I simply wear what I like.  I do not buy expensive clothes because I would be in debt.  No Gucci on this blog.

Okay.  Let's get on with it...

This is the outfit I wore to my husband's last gig.  He's the bassist in a cover band and yes, I am a groupie.  Typically I would wear something edgy in black to appear hip and sexy as I try to reclaim the youth of my early 20's.  BUT, this time around my older self took over and I went in the complete opposite direction: pastels.  Call me a Golden Girl if you will, but I just couldn't help myself.  I needed to channel some spring time vibes despite the fact that I'd be hanging out in a darkly lit lounge for three plus hours.    

 Sweater: Old Navy ~ I love the open weave and it's so soft!

Jeans: The Loft ~ My first pair of pink jeans since 2nd Grade and they are super fun!

Shoes: Old Navy (similar but not the same color or texture) ~ My new favorite flats!

I'm also wearing some cute jewelry but of course I didn't think to take any close-ups of it.  Duh.  Next time, I guess.

No get out there Golden Girls and get your pastels on!

Right On Target

I'm not at all ashamed to admit my obsession with all things Target.  Considering how much money I spend at this store alone in a given month is reason enough to buy stock in the place.  Ah, but I shouldn't get ahead of myself. The only thing I have on my mind right now is SPRING!  And for all you fellow Northerners out there, you know that the new season has not been kind.  Sigh.  But that's where my good friend, Target comes along and makes life just a little bit better...and brighter!  

Below are a few magical items I could not leave the store without.  As you can see I am craaaaaaving citrus-y colors like nobody's business.  Anything that offsets the dirty snow patched grass gets a gold star in my book.   

1. Orange Polka Dot Cardigan: Super duper soft and nice and long (this is always a bonus for tall chicks like me). The shade of orange is a perfect sherbet.  This will look adorable with dark denim jeans rolled at the ankle and flats.
2. Ankle Pant: I like that these are fitted for a more tailored look but contain spandex to maintain comfort and move-ability.  Can easily be dressed "up" for work or "down" for playing.   I really wanted these in red but they didn't have my size.  I just may have to go to another store to snag them.
3. Lace Yolk Top: I'm majorly crushing on anything with lace.  This top is like confection.  I purchased the "white sand" color which is definitely a cream, not white.  I love creamy lace because it screams vintage.
4. Mad Love Canvas Shoe: Best. Shoes. Ever.  Perfectly comfortable and have the ability to be dressed up with khakis or down with jeans.  The tiny side button is adorable times ten.  I bought them in silver cloud and wear them at least once a week.  I almost had heart palpitations when I saw the gazillion different color options for these shoes.  I had to simply close my eyes and walk away before I bought every pair.  I may be a bit naughty though and sneak back for one more pair ... just one.
5. Sunglasses: Found these cuties hiding out in the clearance bin.  Snatched them up for under $5!  I always wear brown framed sunglasses.  Always.  These white frames were just begging to be added to my spring spree.  The geometric pattern feels very retro and I can never get enough retro.
6. Gray and Yellow V-Neck Cardigan: Another yummy sweater!  I'm hooked on the trendy yellow/gray color combo. The lemony (almost neon-ish) hue of this yellow is right on without being too much.  I don't wear yellow well (fair skinned girl woe #47) but this one is very wearable and very fresh.

Alas!  I cannot have it all.  The following beauties will remain on my wish list ... for now.

1. Denim Blazer: Oooh!  I'm picturing this paired with a pair of white shorts for summertime.
2. Drops Necklace: The color combo here is absolutely delish!  This would look great with the denim blazer.
3. Floral Blouse: This is what I call "Grandma Chic" and I love it to pieces.
4. Gray Satchel Bag: The rough polka dots give this lady-like bag an edge and the light gray color would go with a variety of attire.
5. Patent Mary Jane: I have a soft spot in my fashion heart for Mary Janes.  They are so charming and timeless.  I particularly like this style because of the lower heel (tall girl woe # 32 - I have a lot of woes).  The blush color is perfectly pretty.

What are your current Target treasures and wishes this month?  Do share!