off the shoulder ruffle blouse

Last weekend I actually got around to sewing something for myself! I had a barely-over-a-yard piece of pretty grey floral fabric that was screaming to be made into something flow-y and ruffled! I like the off-the-shoulder blouses I've been seeing a lot of, but I'm not crazy about how far off-the-shoulder most of them actually fit on me...plus I really wanted to be able to wear the shirt to work as well! I didn't have enough fabric to make the neckline as ruffled as I was originally envisioning, but I'm still really pleased with how it turned out! Here are a few pictures of how I wore it paired with bell-bottom jeans and super tall wedges out to brunch! My jeans are really old and used to be super wide leg all the way down but I altered them to make them into true bell bottoms. I asked TC if he liked my outfit and he said I looked like a hippie! Ha!

mother's day wishlist

Recently my husband asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day - since Jensen is still so young he's in charge of the shopping! ha ha! I really don't need anything, but its always fun to get a gift! I think I told him that I wouldn't mind having a new watch! While browsing around online I found several other items that I think most young mamas would enjoy getting for Mother's day!

I think this Fossil watch is my favorite! How cute is this 'Mama Bear' necklace from this Etsy shop! What mama wouldn't love sporting this cute tee that says Mama in three languages from ILY Couture. This roomy tote is perfect for spring and lugging around all the mom things (snacks, diapers, wipes, etc!). You can't go wrong with a pair of tortoise sunnies and these are a nice classic shape! These pretty pumps and these earrings because moms like to get dressed up too! How awesome are these gold coasters..you know moms are notorious for telling people to use a coaster! This stationary is super cute! And lastly, if the mom is a crafter/seamstress like me, you can't go wrong with Girl Charlee Fabrics..like this cutesy pinnapple print!

Toddler Faux Fur Vest Tutorial + a free downloadable pattern!

Hey all! Happy New Year!! Today I'm sharing this adorable DIY tutorial for making a toddler sized lined, faux fur vest! I have been spotting cute ones in the stores recently but to me they are too expensive! So, armed with two 50% off coupons and some Christmas gift cards (and finally some cold weather here in Texas so Jensen can wear these without sweating!!) I headed to Joann's to purchase some faux fur! I couldn't decide between the leopard or classic black so I just decided to do both! :) FREE downloadable pattern for size 2T-3T here I got enough fabric to make a vest in each color for myself so Jensen and I can totally be twinsies and I also made two itty, bitty baby ones for two of my friends that each had baby girls this past week!! 

Detailed instructions after the break!

fall wish list

Even though I'm no longer a student (or have a child old enough to attend school yet) I love this season! I love looking at all the back to school clothing and fall fashion! Am I the only crazy one that LOVED getting school supplies? Actually, I just purchased a package of permanent markers (I use them all the time!) in pretty colors because the back to school isle was tempting me! ha ha! I thought I would put together a little collage of some of the fall fashion items that I'm currently crushing on! Some for me..and some super adorable ones for Jensen! Plaid is trending currently and this shirt dress looks so comfortable too! I'm especially loving these fabric shear earrings from Modcloth! The faux fur vest from Joe Fresh is something that I could totally DIY for Jensen! ;) I'm also currently on the hunt for the perfect dark lipstick shade!

for mama:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

for baby:

8 | 9 | 10 | 11

mama & baby style: spring edition

Right now it's snowing here in Texas and I'm dreaming of warmer weather! To cure my cabin fever I did some web-window shopping and put together a few of my favorite spring looks for myself and my little babe! I can't wait to dress her in cute, floral patterns and to sew a few dresses for her this coming spring!

sources
for mama 1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|10 & for baby 9|11|12

floral print pants

These cropped floral pants have become a new favorite for me! I mean, who doesn't love a pair of floral pants?! I kept the look fairly simple and paired the pants with a classic ivory button down blouse, my new-to-me thrifted Gianni Bini heels, and a thrifted clutch! Easy-peasy! Happy thrifted thursday!

outfit details:
blouse/JCP, similar here | pants/JCP now on clearance! | necklace/JCP | heels/thrifted Gianni Bini | clutch/thrifted | lipstick/L'Oreal 'British Red'

Spring 2013 Runway Trend: Black & White

Black and white pieces - in my opinion - always offer classic style and are definitely wardrobe staples! Solids, patterns, stripes, you-name-it, in black and white hues are on-trend for spring 2013 fashion. These are a few B&W pieces from around the web that I wouldn't mind having in my closet! :) Like those printed skinny jeans? super cute! (totally DIY-able too!)

sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

blue & gray day

Today was rainy, and a bit gloomy. What do I do to combat cold and cloudy weather blues? Put on my brightest blue pair of skinny jeans and this thrifted sweater with cheery citrine colored stripes of course! Happy Thrifted Thursday!

outfit details:
gray and citrine striped sweater/thrifted, Chambray button up blouse/Target, blue skinny jeans & necklace/JCP, booties/small shoe boutique in Little Rock, AR (last year winter clearance)
lip color/Covergirl lipstick in 'Fairytale', nail polish/OPI 'Cajun Shrimp'

refashioned floral top

I found this pretty pink and green floral blouse at the thrift store a while back, complete with puffy sleeves and shoulder pads! (here's a before pic) I decided to cut off the sleeves, take in the sides a bit, and make a fabric tie (out of the sleeve fabric) that can either be worn as a bow around the collar (because I love bows) or cinched around the waist when wearing the shirt un-tucked! TC and I received a gift card from his family so we went out to dinner last night to celebrate Valentine's day one day early. It was nice because the restaurant wasn't crowded, the weather was beautiful...and we had time for outfit pics. A success in my book! Happy Valentine's day!! :)

outfit details:
blouse/thrifted & altered, skirt/Gordman's, polka dot tights/Wet Seal, bag/Sam Moon, jacket & ankle strap wedges/JCP, lipstick/Cover Girl 'Fairytale'

polka dots & denim

I still can't get over how warm it is here in Texas during the winter. It's early February but really feels more like springtime. I love it here! I'm sure I'll be biting my words when summer rolls around and I'm dripping sweat while posing for outfit pics! ;) Here I paired this black and white casual knit polka dot dress with a thrifted denim jacket, a chunky green/teal beaded necklace, sheer black tights, and my favorite booties (again)! Happy Thrifted Thursday!

outfit details: denim jacket/Gap via the thrift store | polka dot dress/Charlotte Russe | necklace, booties, & tights/JCP | purse/Sam Moon