being a winner rocks!

I will start this post by saying that I rarely win anything, [the only other giveaway I've ever won via blog was the amazing one over at Saltwater Dreams - I'm still excited about that and it's been months!] so when I found out that I was among 150+ loyal followers of The Lil Bee to win the Apart Giveaway I was floored! The great people at Apart  are givers, seriously sweet, givers! They granted all who entered the contest the items we said we loved most. I was shocked and literally walked around the entire day with a smile on my face. I'd be lying if I said I didn't cry a little bit, because I did. I welled right up with joy, at work,  at the thought of winning an item from this amazing clothing line. Originally there was going to be one big winner and a few runners up, all of which would have won gift certificates to purchase the amazing clothing and accessories from the website [check it out here if you haven't already clicked the link above].

I think the main reason I welled up so much is because this gesture from the people at Apart was so grand in my eyes. I've never purchased any fine fashion items for myself, ever. Most of my clothing comes from clearance racks or places like Target, small places in the mall or were received as gifts from family members over the years. Where I live currently, fashion is very limited, to put it nicely. We have a few grand department stores in the mall locally and a few other side stores, otherwise I'm at the mercy of not only my slim pickin's but also my tiny wallet and budget.  I love that I am frugal but every once in a while it's nice to spoil yourself, or have others spoil you with a classic piece. I have to say I felt a bit like a princess in that moment and promptly emailed Melisa (of The Lil Bee fame) to thank her for having the giveaway and allowing me to add an amazing piece to my wardrobe. One I am sure I will wear for years to come. [Note: If you haven't visited Melisa @ The Lil Bee yet, you're missing out! Her blog is one of my must reads every.single.day!]

I'm sure you're wondering what item I picked - well it was a tough choice but the item that called to me the most was one that Melisa featured in her giveaway blog. I'm a sucker for houndstooth, not just because of the University of Alabama (ROLL TIDE!) but because it's a great pattern. When I saw this image I was floored and thought "IT MUST ME MINE!"

via apart

Be sure to check out their other Houndstooth items if you love the pattern!

There is a dress that I swooned over and would DIE to add to my wardrobe!

My package arrived today [11/30/2010] - a day before my birthday. So needless to say I was excited. Happy Birthday to me! I wish I had the right accessories and items of clothing to pull together the perfect look for a night out on the town but I don't. This will have to be fixed ASAP because I can't wait to wear this item. I know this post is useless without images of myself but I have to say I'm truly sorry. I'm not lying when I say I have nothing in my possession that would do this skirt justice. As soon as I do I will model it for you no worries!

The skirt is amazing, you know how sometimes you purchase and item from a website and it doesn't live up to your expectations once it's in your hands, this is NOT the case with this skirt. I am head over heels in love with it. It's warm, frilly and lined with soft fabric - and looks exactly like it does on the website. I was actually thrilled and floored to discover that it fits me just right as well. I was fearful they wouldn't have my size, and since I started working out I was fearful I'd get it and not be able to fit into it. I'm not a model size, by any means and this skirt fit me like a dream! I really can't say enough about how much I am in love with this item and the chance to own it. Thank you again Melisa for having the giveaway and Amandine, from Apart for sponsoring and being so giving!

fixation friday: skinny jeans

It's Fixation Friday! I meant to post all this on Monday, or Tuesday, or even Thursday but my week has slipped away from me and now it's been dubbed my Fixation of the week... I'm talking about Skinny Jeans. Here's my quest to get a bit more fashionable... one item of clothing and it's mate at a time... Enjoy!

So here I am... one last recovery week to go of P90X. It's been a long road, one that I've had one too many pit stops on and bumps along the way but I do see the light at the end of the toll road tunnel. The price I've had to pay has been minimal considering all the gains I've reaped from the program. I will get into all of that with my final P90X wrap up here soon, in the meantime I figured I'd talk about some rewards.

When I started this journey I hadn't thought about rewarding myself with anything - truth be told getting in better shape was the only thing I could think would benefit me or make me happy at the time. Add to that a smaller jean size and a renewed confidence to sport shirts without sleeves in public and I figured I was rewarded enough. Cue last weekend...

Mike and I went out for some window shopping. I had seen a few items I was lusting over and decided to go ahead and purchase while we were out and about. First on the list was a pair of boots. The last pair of boots I purchased were for Halloween many moons ago and not only are they uncomfortable, but I doubt they'd look cute over or even under jeans at this point. They are SO last season circa 2000n'late! That being said the only other boots I've splurged on in the past few years were a pair of F-Uggs, which is what I like to call Faux Uggs. They are a brand name (Simple) but I sort of feel cheesy announcing that. I couldn't afford Uggs at the time and now wish I would have saved my pennies. These boots work great, they have kept their shape and are still in one piece - even after sporting them to many camping trips, outdoor fun and walking just about everywhere. My main issue for not purchasing cute boots was this - I don't wear skirts, ever. In addition to this face, I only wear boot cut jeans, boots are rarely seen when you're sporting this style. This is something I want to change but without the right footwear why bother. With my growing love for skinny jeans, boots were the logical first step. To be fair I could have purchased the skinny jeans without boots, since they look so cute with ballet flats, but I'll be honest the of all the flats I own, all but 2 pairs KILL my feet. My feet are trained to wear two types of shoes without crying in agony. 1 - Flip flops and 2 - Sneakers or Boots w/ Socks. Yes I wear heels, and often times I love them, but usually they are sandals in the summer with wedges or I wear them in the winter and regret every. single. step.  Ok, holy crap where was I? Oh yes! The boots I was coveting I knew I couldn't pass up. Every time I see a pair of boots or item that I love, if I don't purchase the item right then and there, they are gone the next time I search for them. Sure there might be a few left but they are always size 6 or smaller. Sorry folks I have man feet. I can wear 9.5's but I swear by a good solid 10 to prevent pain. While in Target a few weeks ago I found the greatest pair of "any occasion but black tie event" boots. They are just the right shade of almost pale brown and almost gray.  I'm a very picky and frugal person I hate to buy items I can't see myself wearing everyday. I do like a great splurge every now and then but when you're trying to save money, and pay off debt something so versatile goes a long way. When we arrived at Target I was sure that the boots I was longing to purchase, in my size, would be gone - not only were they still there (total sign from the shopping gods of course) but there were 2 pairs in size 10. So not only was I in luck,  but I could be picky and make sure mine didn't have spots or imperfections. This NEVER happens (sure sign #2). Happy as a lark I grabbed the boots and tried them on again and was still in love. Mike wasn't sure he sort of gave me a strange look, but since when do we listen to boys when we make shoe choices? Ok that's a lie, Mike has great taste and often times he will suggest something and I'll be all "EW are you insane?" an then I try it on and it's "PERFECT" and I have to listen to the "I told you so." a few times. To say I was over the moon for these boots is an understatement. I didn't bat an eye lash at the thought of purchasing them, they were my splurge for the season and I have a feeling with the low heel and ability to go with everything I own they will not only get worn out for a night on the town but also for work and anything else I can think of.

Just the right shade to go with everything! • via target.com

Once I grabbed the boots I knew in my heart it was time. Time for what you ask? The time had come to brave the fitting room and to prepare myself to hate skinny jeans. (Yes, I am often a glass half empty personality when it comes to fashion, my body and how they work together). I figured the only reason I would try them would be so I could shove them down into my boots. If I never wore them another way I wouldn't care. The jeans were all on sale and I even snagged a few pairs on clearance to try on. After the slow ass sweet old woman at the dressing room check out counter let me into changing area I gave myself a pep talk... "Remember Kelly, these may not work, there's no shame in that - just try them on with an open mind." To be fair I wasn't just prepping myself to try on the skinny jeans, but also for the fact that since I started P90X I haven't tried on any new bottoms or clothing other than shorts and tank tops early in the summer when I was still in bigger sizes. With a deep breath I tried on the first pair... low rise... FAIL! Dumb ass you should have known better than to try to pull on the low rise... NEXT! I don't know what it is with my personally but I have a real, save the best, or the ones you want the most, for last kind of mentality with almost everything (seriously it's horrible, with food I eat the whole plate just to get the good bite last... I should just get it over with like ripping off a band-aid and eat the best bite quickly and first, right?)... Pair of Jeans #2:  mid-rise boot cuts, sure they weren't part of the mission but I am in the market for some new jeans in all types at this point. Pulling them up was a breeze... I paused.... I blinked... I almost crapped my pants... these fit? Scratch that, they fit great! And they are a size smaller than what I was when I started P90X... not only that, they're loose... they hug but they don't cling... they fit but they don't pinch. HOLY SHIT! That's all I could think. I took off the boot cuts and put them in the 'maybe' pile.

Working my courage up to try on the mid rise skinnies, I tried on a pair of legging type pants first. I can't call them jeggings because they were not denim, they were cotton and so adorable. I don't know how comfortable I would have been in these but I did like the fit and the fact that they still had pockets even though I doubt much more than a credit card would be flattering to anyone in these if it was shoved in the back pocket. However, under a sweater or coat, totes cute. Certainly on my list of "things I'd like to purchase for the winter" list.

There it was the moment of truth... as I unfolded the mid rise skinny jeans I saw studs on them... not just one or two mind you but I think that Billy Idol bedazzled the crap out of these pants... I shrugged and thought, "OK I'll try them on, and if they are OK I'll search for a less blinged up pair". Once I could get them situated properly over my calf muscles (benefit of P90X-getting my dance legs back)... it was all smooth sailing... I couldn't believe how much I like how they looked. I was still a bit skeptical of the hip to ankle ratio but I liked what I saw - minus the damn studs.

Upon leaving the dressing room I smiled to Mike, which he knew was a good sign, and told him I needed to find a less blinged out pair, he agreed. Thankfully I did. They are a very dark wash which I like, and much more flattering than the faded pair I tried on. It was set. I found my first pair of trial skinnies, and I was SO excited.

Not to big, not too small but jussssst right! • via target.com

I was worried about how long they were and the scrunching at the bottom but once I saw this image online I knew I was A-OK! I have worn them twice so far - once out for an evening and once again to work and while they do seem to slouch mid day I am still loving them and will contemplate buying a more expensive and nice pair for myself may be for my birthday in December. (Again I'm on a budget and buying a ton of clothing is not on it). Add to my cute jeans the pair of boots that are both cute and practical and I'm so excited about cooler weather.  I still would like to purchase some boots with heels but again, I may have to wait for birthday money to pull that off.

So tell me - I know I'm behind the times with this but are there any of you that still can't embrace the skinny jean trend??

fixation friday: houndstooth

It's that time again - FRIDAY!!! I know I've been away for the while and for those of you that care, I apologize for the hiatus. Work has been non-stop and crazy as ever. Add to that the fact that by 8:00 at night after being at work since 7:00 am that I don't even want to think about computers much less look at one, you will understand why I haven't written. Well... that and the fact that I've spent the past week watching the first season of True Blood and now I'm totes addicted.

Anysucker, I figured that since this weekend marks the end of summer and and the start of my favorite season fall, that I would talk about one of my favorite patterns and what it truly means to me and the great state of Alabama. That pattern is houndstooth.

Houndstooth has been trendy for a few years now but if you live in Alabama it has a much deeper meaning to fashion that it does say in New York. Years ago the tide was riding high they were under the command of a legend in these parts by the name of Paul "Bear" Bryant. He's is said to be the greatest coach to ever walk the earth by most Alabama Crimson Tide fans and while I never watched him in action on the tv screen, the stories alone are those made of folklore. Seriously, he's as big as Paul Bunyan in these parts, maybe even bigger. In some circles I'd wager to say he's right up there next to Jesus, ok maybe one rung down, but still, damn close.

The Bear • via google

I wish I could give you great details as to why his nickname was "Bear" and I wish I could give you more vital stats on him, but alas I can't. What I can tell you is, this man is one trendy s.o.b. See his hat, it's his trademark. Mr. Bryant always wore a suit, tie and coordinating hat to each game. It's his legacy, as much as his winning football seasons with the Tide were. Houndstooth was the most popular pattern he wore.

When the pattern became trendy again in fashion and home decor, I noticed it popping up all over the place around here locally. And quickly it became the pattern of choice for many Crimson Tide merchandisers. I think it's a great way to honor Bear's contribution to Alabama's athletic program and the college as well. I wonder if Nick Saban will start a trend, you know besides winning seasons and all. It's nice to see the football team back on top, even though I can only take credit for being die hard fan for about 2 full years now, it still feels awesome. Everyone has to start somewhere.

And yes, if you are wondering... Paul "Bear" Bryant is the coach in the movie Forrest Gump. This movie is also the reason I chose to pick the side of the Crimson Tide when I moved to Alabama. Had Forrest been an Auburn Tiger I might have picked differently. *wink*

So Mr. Bryant made houndstooth trendy here in Alabama, but what about the rest of the world? I have fallen hard for this pattern, and I actually own a winter coat covered in it. I thought I'd share some of my favorites displaying this pattern in some great ways.

The Bear Hat • via google

The look that started it all. These are HUGE in Alabama. 

I have always wanted one but wouldn't feel comfortable sporting it.

You can add to this list flip-flops, koozies, hair bows, earrings, scarves (which I'll be sporting at the game), gloves, trust me, if you can print on it, or sew it, it's rocking houndstooth here in the state of Alabama.

via West Elm

I am head over heels for these curtains! I love that they are brown as well, instead of black and white, they'd be a bit less obvious for an Alabama fan but classy and the same time.

via google

The dress in the center - I die. And the coat, don't get me started I'm head over heels for it.

via google

Seriously, this makes me want to make a baby right, meow!

via google

Where were these when I was actively snowboarding?!?! Hands down the coolest pair of googles ever made. EVER!

via google

If I could stand to strut in these for an entire tailgating day and a football game, I would. I adore these!

via google

Ok so this is a bit over done but seriously if I had a basement or a man cave place this would totally work for me. I also like that it's muted and neutral. It reminds me of a gentleman's lounge (not a strip club mind you but a place where men would sip brandy and talk with pencil thin mustaches about the dames that they met the week before). 

via google

If you have a man cave, you have to have a lady haven. These would be perfect. I hate pink, for the most part but I'd totally rock these in a dressing room of sorts in my own home if given the chance.

via google

I'm pretty much head over heels for these two chairs. I want to flank my fireplace with them and dress them up with crimson red pillows. HEAVEN!

So what do you think? Houndstooth, awesome or tacky?

In other news: It's "TUSCALOOSA OR BUST" for Mike and I this weekend. I'll be all RTR! and living it up!!! I can't wait to see the Walk of Champions and to see our team after our SEC Championship win! RTR BITCHES!!!! We may have to sleep in the back of my Jeep for the evening but I'm going with the flow and going to party like I'm in college again - or at least try to hang.

SEC 2009 CHAMPIONS via Google

SUCK IT GATORS!!! (Sorry Sonja, I love you girl!)

And I can't wait to see the 2009 Heisman winner Mark Ingram

(He's going to be out for the first game due to injury but I am excited to see him)

Mark Ingram - dawwww adorbs! • via google

HAVE A GREAT LABOR DAY WEEKEND EVERYONE!!!!

trendy girl.

I'm not what you would call a trendy or even fashionable girl. Or at least in the past I wasn't. I'm trying to work my way into being a bit more in tune when it comes to new fashion. That being said like an old hippie you'll probably never make me give up my boot cut or bell bottomed jeans. I do enjoy the skinnies but there's something so freeing to me about boot cut and or bell bottomed/flare pants.

While at American Eagle last week I was in search of some shorts to wear on vacation. I'm at an odd spot with my weight loss right now. I only have 2 pairs of shorts that fit me OK (meaning not too tight or not too lose). I don't usually like denim shorts - they ride up, they're hot and sometimes uncomfortable unless they have been washed to be soft and half the time they look horrible on me. That being said I went into the store with an open mind and grabbed all different kinds of shorts, capri pants and even a skirt or two and went back into the dressing room hoping a few would fit. (Note: The skirts fit but I'll be honest when I say this, my thighs aren't tiny and right now rub factor is uncomfortable so a skirt in 90-100+ weather walking outdoors = un-com-fort-able!)

The first pair had booty written all over them. As in, call me Daisy, Daisy Duke. These were WAY too short for me to ever feel comfortable in and way to constrictive - I thought denim was supposed to be comfortable. I love me some Daisy, but Daisy I am not. It took all I had not to sing the great 90's Hit Daisy Dukes by the 69 Boyz while changing in the dressing room. Man I loved that song! "Come on babyyyyy, kick them daisiessssssss"

via google

Hey Ya'll! I idolized the Dukes more than Daisy growing up.

The second pair were some tight denim capri pants. Usually I don't like capris - they cut me off in the wrong places and they just make me feel like I look strange. Unless they are loose or free flowing like yoga pants I want nothing to do with them. These were not attractive, not to mention if I sat down my ass would hang out for days. Why do companies keep insisting on going so low with the rise? I made a mental note after this session of trying on pants that I would go to Gap and try on their mid rise jeans when I was ready to purchase some more.

After two more failed attempts I tried on a pair that while they fit me well, and were down 2 sizes from what I have been wearing recently (thank you p90x!) They still didn't look right on me in the legs, no matter how excited the tag size made me they weren't the right fit for me.

The second to last pair I tried on were cute. A bit fitted but they had a cute shape to them, and they made my butt look nice. A bit too low rise still but I could work with it if I wanted to. I sat and looked at myself in the mirror and started to feel a bit of deja vu. Where had I seen these before?

via ae.com

When you unroll the legs they are a bit frayed at the bottom... these fall right at your knee when rolled up and I started to imagine myself wearing ballet flats with these and flip flops or even heels for a night out. But why did I get the sneaking suspicion I'd worn these before? Hmmmmm?

It was a long time ago... circa big bangs, awkward smiles with tin cover teeth, New Kids on the Block were hip on the radio and homegirl was sporting Tretorn sneakers with red plaid accents... and then it hit me... I HAD been in these before - all girls at that age had, because most of us were obsessed with a girl named Baby.

via google

*gag* Love me some Swayze not some Dirty Dancing

Even though I wasn't really into this movie I had tons of best friends were utterly obsessed with Johnny and Baby's love story. Quite frankly the movie drove me insane, it still does, {Sorry Patrick, God rest your soul}. That being said,  I loved Baby's jean shorts and her style, just not her whiney ways *eye roll x 1000*. I can't recall a girl at our school that didn't wear these jean shorts, most of which were homemade, I know mine were. And yes, I rocked them with white keds as well, sans laces.

The retro vibe these shorts I tried on, gave me the warm fuzzies and then I quickly scolded myself for calling my youth "RETRO" - it's too early for that!!! Just like it's too freaking early for me to be hearing Motley Crüe or Bon Jovi on the classic rock stations!

I opted out of the Baby-esque denim jeans. They were adorable but in all regards, too low in the back. Maybe once I've worked out more I'll snag a pair at the end of the season. I decided instead to go the safe route and grab two pairs of cargo like shorts in green and gray. They fell in the same spot above the knee, Bermuda shorts if you will but were much less heavy and would be comfortable for all the cookouts and site seeing I plan on doing this week while in Maryland.

So I ask you ladies and gents....

How many of you were easily led to follow idols in movies when you were younger? Other than Baby the only other person I can remember idolizing their style in a movie was Sarah Jessica Parker. I was obsessed with the movie Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, literally I watched this until my eyes bugged out of my head. I wore my hair in a headband as often as I could and puffed it up just. like. her.  Guess it isn't any stretch that I adore her still to this day as Carrie and just about any other character she plays. She's an icon. 

via google

She made me want to go to Catholic School and dance on D-TV all night long!

I also sweated Kelly and Lisa's hair hardcore on Saved By the Bell. They always had the perfect poofs. I seriously wanted Lisa's hair so bad back in those days! I permed it and fried it with an iron and coated it in so much Rave Hairspray I am probably personally responsible for the hole in the o-zone layer! Jessie's, not so much. I can't tell you how many times I had to do the PALM FORCE FIELD over my bangs walking to the bus stop to prevent the wind from blowing my do, which was a huge don't, over.

via google

It was nice walking down memory lane in the dressing room for a change - usually I'm walking down "KILL ME NOW" lane, hating every outfit I try on. So thanks AE for the memories. And also, thank you for the extra 30% Off the already marked down clearance price - way to help a girl out! 

I hope you all are enjoying your week! I'm still on vacation but thought I'd drop in to say HI! I hope to have some great stories to tell when I get back. Including one about me meeting up with my two childhood best friends for drinks. I haven't seen these girls in 15+ years and we've known each other since we were 3 years old!

fixation friday: nautical stripes

It's Fixation Friday again. I realized that last week I didn't do a Fixation Friday - talk about being off my game. Anywhoopsie let's get down to business. One of my current obsessions is that of patterns. When I was younger I was obsessed with polka dots, thankfully that phase ended. I still have a few things in my home that have dots on them but they are far from the bright colored, Debbie Gibson inspired shirts and skirts I had in middle school. Right now all the rage is Nautical Stripes. What I love about this pattern is that it's a classic. I tend to buy clothing items based on how long I will have them in my closet. Classics are always a win/win in my book. When the spring air hits everyone thinks of spring colors but some of my favorites are navy and brown. It's a bit more preppy than my actual style tends to be but at the same time I find myself swooning over outfits and home interior items that reflect this sailor inspired style.

"Yes I am a pirate, 200 years too late."

Not being a rail thin chica I tend to shy away from clothing that has stripes. Horizontal stripes have been known to not be flattering on a torso such as mine. Besides making my boobs look a lot bigger than they actually are {trust me if I had my way I'd rock Kate Hudson's BEFORE chest if I could - boobs are only considered fun bags if you're a man}, stripes also do the same thing to my mid section and I don't need help in that department at all. That being said I don't like vertical stripes at all unless it's on bedding, windows or items other than clothing. They make me think of clown pants and honestly the last thing I want to look like is a clown on my way to the big top for a day of work or play. Then again with my fun bags I might be a great act for the third ring. Hmmm.

So what do you think ladies and gents, are Nautical Stripes a hit in your opinion or what?

Perfect for July 4th • via punkypins

Adorable Wee People Hoodie • via organics for kids

I need a serious case of the skinnies so I can wear this

via • axparis

I really love this classic sweater - great for an evening after being on the beach in the sun all day long. via • google

this so darn adorable I can't stand it • via google

I was so against "summer scarves" for the longest time but I've given in and now I love them. This one is just too cute.  via • liberty

"I'm on a boat!" • via voomonline

This wouldn't have the same umph for me when I ride a canoe, not a yacht.

I wish I knew how to make sailor inspired knots. Oh yeah and had the body to pull this off too that would be a bonus. via • topshop

I think I want to make love to these • Michael Kors Seaport T-Strap Sandals

via • about.com shoes

There is just something about blue and natural tones and being at the beach that make me feel completely at peace.  via • nskwood

Classic style by the always fashionable Audrey Hepburn • via bing

These last two images are Nautical Meets Chevron 
SWOON TIME FOLKS!

TOTES ADORBS!!!! - via • swell

THIS DRESS ABOVE IS A MUST HAVE (FOR ME):

I have pretty much decided that regardless of how in shape I get THIS summer, I'm totally purchasing this adorable dress above from Swell as motivation {No I don't surf but I've always had a crush on surfers and surf style since I hit puberty. Sure, I might be a poser, or a 'Betty' but I can live with that - Monique don't tell your hubby I'm a poser, deal?}. I literally gasped at the sight of this dress when I got the catalog in the mail last week. And I can't stop thinking about it. Fitting into it and looking like a little hottie, or even this model might take me until next summer but if needed it will be worth the effort and wait to do so. It's bananas how much I love this dress. "It will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine!"

Last but not least this image is mixing two of my current favorite patterns Nautical Stripes in an amazing orange tone with Chevron patterned drapes. Literally this image makes my heart sing and I would love to live in this home. I don't think I would ever have the balls (pardon me having a lack of a better word) to do this in my home and it makes me that much more head over heels for it. I love the mix of bright and natural hues and the gold lamp on the wall. LURVE IT!

via • blount design

romper room

Summer is upon us here in the South. There is no denying this - between the crazy thunder storms complete with tornado warnings/watches/ZOMGs (that ones for you my dear, Aura ox) and the muggy after effects its time to sweat and be miserable. Well, at least most of the time. I've always loved Summer. It will never take the place of Spring or Fall in my heart but Summer was always a great time. It meant no school (until I entered college), trips to the beach and longer days and warm nights to hang out under the stars. Yes, I know all great things, indeed. Summer also often means time to show more skin. This isn't something I've been excited about in the past few years but this post isn't about my own personal body issues, instead I wanted to talk about the latest fashion craze...

The Romper.

via google • huge puffy hearts for SMG and Blake oxox

Don't get me wrong, I don't hate this trend at all. I think these are absolutely adorable and they remind me of outfits my mother used to wear when I was younger. My mom was super stylish and always on the cutting edge of fashion, hair and nails, it was her job to be that hip but I think she also had a passion for it. And I'd never knock Blake or Sarah Michelle (are you kidding, I have a girl crush to the max on SMG). But I just know in my heart of hearts this outfit is NOT for me.

I'm sure I wore these as a child, thanks to my trendy mother. And I'm sure much like the overalls that I wore, this get up drove me nuts. Overalls were the shizz when I was in middle school. I don't know who made them so popular, maybe it was Debbie Gibson, or NKOTB, maybe it was Kid n' Play (I know for a fact Kid n' Play made the one strap connected and the other loose a hip thing - and yes, I rocked it). Seriously, I'm pretty sure every time I wore overalls to school and thought "Girl you look cute!", I later used my new found freedom of cussing when away from my parents and put it to good use. Here's why...

First off there is absolutely NO classy way to go to the bathroom in a romper, jump suit or overalls. You literally have to undress, completely in the romper's case, in a bathroom stall, and hold the top part up as you hover over the can and try not to sprinkle on your gear, your body, your shoes or the seat - no thanks. Secondly, trying to get to this point of pee satisfaction would be a bitch if you really had to go, and it would be extremely annoying and hard. Imagine doing the pee pee dance (or worse the doo doo shuffle, don't stop get it, get it) while trying to get to the bathroom... then you're stuck trying to unbotton your top, or untie it or god forbid there is a zipper in the back, all before blowing your perspective load! YIKES!

Yes, I'm talking about #1 and #2 again - this is what you guys love, so don't even try to front like you don't. (One bit tid bit - I would NEVER wear these when I had my monthly 'pal', I can't even begin to IMAGINE trying to change a tampon all while doing the above listed... fuggetaboutit).

I had the same issue with all the fly gear they were passing off as hot fashion when I was in my early 20's and going out dancing every night. You remember the denim jump suits. Yeah, sure J-Lo looked tight in hers, but again - can you imagine being three sheets to the wind and trying to get out of that gear and hold it up, all the while swaying to the music or to avoid pissing on yourself? Girl, I used to out for 25 cent draft night at a country bar on Wednesdays, those were the days. Do you really think after a tray of 25 cent drafts I'd be in any shape to attempt this? No way, no thanks.

So I'm sure you're asking yourself... "Seriously Kelly? Do you gauge your clothing and fashion style on the bathroom all the time?" Quite frankly, yes. I do. Especially if it's gear I'm wearing out for a night on the town with friends.  Well that and it has to look good on me. You won't catch me trying to rock a half top because I hate my stomach, you also won't catch me trying to wear crazy high heels I can't walk in. If they don't pass the walk test I don't care HOW amazing they look, if I can't walk in them they are of no use to me. Besides, if I can't walk to the bathroom I can't RUN to the bathroom, duh!

So what do you ladies think - for practical reasons are Rompers a DO or a DON'T?  

I'm going with a huge DON'T for me. Like I said - they are SO cute, and how easy is that - one thing and you're dressed. No pants to match with a shirt or vice versa, but still it's one piece. I just don't see them being an option for me unless I can go somewhere and not have to pee for many hours, or I'm having a house party and I could care less about the issue because my potty is clean. 

Maybe I'm just traumatized, have you ever had your overall buckle/loop fall into a toilet full of pee? And had to wear said overalls for the rest of the day? No? Well then you can't understand my pain. 

Thank God piss is sterile.  

ye ole store of the south.

It's a busy, busy day for me today but I wanted to take two minutes to recognize a small town wonder here where I live. My town is small but mighty. Every day the artistic culture is growing here and across the river. I think that having a large music history and a big name in the fashion industry from here and currently running his home office here helps. Billy Reid our hometown designer, was interviewed recently by GQ Magazine. I was just alerted on facebook by a fan page for our Main Street community here of this great little tid bit. The interview/article is about The 25 Best Vintage Stores In America on that list was The Ye Ole General Store.

via www.gq.com

Billy's mention's our little diamond in the rough store as a place he likes to visit to pull inspiration from in his fashion designs. I am pretty darn excited about this. This town is small, everyone knows everyone. I will be honest since I moved here I haven't visited this store. I used to work right next to it and passed by it everyday on my way back to my apartment. Now that we don't live downtown, we make it a point to try to get out to the local stores and show our support, as often as possible. This only happens maybe once every two months. We really would love to be a part of the 3/50 project, but sometimes it's just not in the budget so we do what we can to keep our local downtown buzzing with excitement when we can. I'm happy to say that a few people we've chatted with who own businesses downtown have nothing but great things to say. Our good friend owns a bar downtown and he says business is booming (everyone needs a fix right?) But many local clothing stores and places like that have been doing really well. We are starting to see an uplifting of the community and the whole downtown full of historic buildings is starting to get a facelift. This makes me happier than I could describe. No one wants to see a small community fail, or any community for that matter, but we all have to do our part to ensure failure doesn't happen. I have made a mental note to make a visit to this store soon. The store has been there since the 40's, it's about time right? I love vintage clothing finds and this is apparently just the spot to get them in my own backyard. I just hope they have women's clothing? Most of the items I see in the window seem like they would be for men. Then again I have been in the market for some overalls for gardening.

I hope you all are having a Wonderful Wednesday!!! It's pay day for me - and not a moment too soon!

my spring accessory.

I've been trying to infuse my wardrobe with vibrant colors lately. When organizing my closet many weeks ago I discovered that not only do I really love navy blue and kelly green as well as black and brown but that I'm way too fixated on blending in when I get dressed rather than standing out.  That's not to say that I don't own a few brightly color outfits - I did purchase two super cute tops last summer one was bright yellow and the other was bright kelly green (again). I do have a few tanks that fall into the bright color category, but for the most party I sport them under cardigans or jackets. I'm not sure where this lack of color comes from - my guess is in the matter of me gaining weight in the past few years. I've tried to hide myself in darker clothing - I don't care WHAT fashion people say, it IS slimming. Lately people keep saying on shows that bright colors will flatter any shape - I don't buy it. That being said, I do want to break out of that rut. Not just the rut of wearing dark clothing but also the rut of feeling horrible about my style, my self and my body - it's a vicious, vicious cycle. (Note: I've purchased the 30 Day Shred, and I've been kicking my elliptical trainer's ass - or it's been kicking mine, for the past week, and I've been trying to make a serious effort to eat better, baby steps people). If all this works out well - I give you my vow to not bitch about this again and if not I'm totally buying P90X!

While I work on my inside transformation to help my outside transformation, I realized I need to get a grip on my wardrobe. I can't live in my favorite black cardigan once the weather gets warmer. We have about a week of Spring and then Summer hits and it's a hot, sticky, horrible thing - cardigans are pointless and will cause heat stroke if worn in the Alabama heat.

I kept trying to think of a way to infuse more color into my wardrobe without breaking the bank. I figured a few bright signature things would help. Shoes are always my first thought - but shoes are expensive. Purses are another fun accessory - one I have a TON of and yet again... expensive. I was running out of options, until yesterday.

In true "Wanna Be Irish" tradition I got decked out in my favorite green things. I sported my worn and faded Smoky and the Bandit T-Shirt (it's kelly green, see a trend? and I don't have to dress up for work), and my favorite black cardigan, some jeans and I decided to really go for it yesterday and put on my silky, different shades of green headband. Truth be told I purchased it last year the day before St. Patty's Day and didn't wear it - some how it went perfectly with the outfit I had on so I was pleased. Sporting the headband also helped me make my rumbled hair style look polished and pulled together. Two things of which I rarely look like when I got to work each day.

You should know that I have a drawer full of hair accessories. Yes, I said drawer. Most I've never worn. Again, yes, I said most I have NEVER worn. I always tend to go with the same tried and true, simple black hair tie, or simple clip to pull my hair up, anything else always seems over kill to me. I'm not a girlie girl by any means, but I'm trying to change that - and I also don't like to look like I've tried TOO hard. That whole, less is more thing is truly how I feel most of the time. How sad is that right? I also tend to be strange about attention. I love to be told I look good, especially when I try to look good, but I also don't like to get too much attention if that makes sense. I usually worry about this more when I'm at work, vs. a night out on the town. I just don't want to be too fussy when surrounded by guys at a print shop. That being said I was a big nervous about wearing my new-ish headband yesterday. Upon getting the work day started, I got three compliments on looking cute yesterday. It made me feel good. I had truly just thrown the outfit together but I think it was the headband that gave me the extra zing to my gear.

At the end of the day I returned home, took off my cardigan and started to cook dinner. While making BBQ Chicken stuffed Baked Potatoes (ok so maybe my meals aren't THAT healthy)... M looked at me and said.. "I really like you in a headband - you should wear them more often."  Really? Me? A headband girl? I really had never thought I could pull it off. Usually I just use my sunglasses for a headband - truth be told I can't leave the house without a pair of sunglasses in my bag and a hair tie on my wrist if my hair is down. I'm THAT girl. Creature of habit and one that has odd needs to feel complete. Often times while out for a night my good friend A tends to bitch at me when she sees my hair clip attached to my purse - she gives me the "OH HELLL NO" face, rips it off my bag and shoves it inside. She doesn't get that it will be CRUSHED in there with all my other times. But she doesn't care, apparently it's a fashion foo-pah to do that. By the way yes I know its faux pas, but I like saying FOO-PAH just as it's spelled. Anyfoo, she also likes to snap the hair ties on my wrist to inflict pain for this same reason, fashion foo-pah. Did I mention she's a really great friend? You can totally tell that from the abuse right? Most of the time when she does this she also is forcing vodka shots down my throat so she probably DOES love me, she just has a strange way of showing it.

After M's compliment, his always mean so much, I started to think about all the headbands I own. I've purchased them for special occasions, to go with certain shirts, or shoes and just. never. wore them. Upon looking at my collection I realized they were about as exciting as my closet. Only a few bands had a bright color, orange here, yellow there, baby yellow, and the rest were black, brown and white. Only the green one I wore yesterday was even remotely exciting.

Then it hit me - the perfect Spring accessory that won't cost me an arm and a leg that will brighten up my look as well as my face and hair would be HEADBANDS!!! Sure I'm slow and they are probably on the way out but for now, they are in and I want to see where this takes me.

Before I forget, I have to ask, how many of you wear what I call the "bra strap" headbands? You know what I mean, the rubber band like headbands most athletic girls  and sometimes guys wear. Often you see stars sporting them with big poofy hair. I love the LOOK but I can never get those damn things to stay on my head they always pull back and fall into my bun/ponytail and leave a huge dent where they were previously sitting. I've purchased plain ones, ones with rubber on the bottom - none will stay put. It's like the back of my head is too flat and it won't grip the back side of my head. In order to have them remotely work my hair has to be A) Dirty B) nappy or C) I have to wear the damn thing so close to my forehead I might as well not wear it at all - any tips/suggestions are very much appreciated.

But for now... here are some seriously inspiring headband finds I found while searching on etsy!

via jlyman01 on etsy

Seriously how cute is this crocheted headband? Almost as cute as that kiddo!
I have a big ass head, hopefully they make these in different sizes!

via ryeleighrose on etsy

I really love these flowers that are popping up all over the place in fashion.

via talltree on etsy

Feathers and Buttons - Yes Please!

And last but never least - I've been swooning over Taza's creations available at her Love, Taza store, almost as much as I've been drooling over her fur baby bulldog,  Kingsley for the past many weeks!!! (Miss M aka Banana - girl you MUST check this website out if you haven't, your babies and her baby need to have a face off for most adorable bullies ever!) If you haven't read Taza's blog you should check her out at The Rockstar Diaries - She currently lives in D.C. and every time I read I feel inspired by her words and images but it also makes me miss home, but in a good way. 

The following is my favorite of all her items for sale - which was hard to choose because they are all amazing!!! Note: She models all her creations - how cute is she? Best. Bangs. EVER!

via Love, Taza - Item is currently SOLD OUT

If you're a headband girl - where do you find your favorites? If you're not - tell me what's your must have bright colored "make me feel like Spring" accessory this year?