Bargain Beauties: Sandals

Let's face it. 

It can be quite pricey to be considered "fashionable" at times. 

However, in my opinion, 

it doesn't have to be. 

Like many these days, 

I am "poor". 

I put that in quotes because I am lucky in the sense that I don't have

to work to provide for my family. 

My husband has a good job that allows me to finish my constant college journey, 

and be a stay at home mom to our babies. 

Even though I have a comfortable place to live, 

the ability to pay our bills without concern, 

and the luxury of having a fully stocked fridge and pantry, 

when it comes to my personal wardrobe?

I have to go the cheap route. 

So, I have come up with a few thrifty ways to still look

chic, fashionable, 

and not break the bank. 

Cue the theme for this week:

BARGAIN BEAUTIES!

1. Sandals

This is one area I'm kind of nutty about. 

In my teens and early twenties, 

I would just resort to purchasing the regular flip-flops from Old Navy:

oldnavy.com

Now, I realize that these are a budget dream, 

BUT, 

my husband also pointed out that these are the same style of shoes his Marines wear to bathe in so they don't get a foot fungus from their showers. 

Plus, when its raining out, 

and you're like me and NEVER wear proper rain footwear, 

your feet get squishy, 

and you slip and squish all over the place. 

Not so attractive. 

Now, 

I realize these little spongy darlings go for a whopping price of 

$3.94,

but when you splurge just $10 more...

You can walk away with these:

oldnavy.com

In my opinion, 

these are much more chic, 

and if you think about it, 

don't you typically purchase a new pair of those $4 flip flops every season?

These nice metallic pair should last you longer, 

plus, 

the metallic option goes with

EVERYTHING. 

WIN.

AND, 

I need to add, 

sandals MUST be paired with a choice shade of nail polish. 

I prefer pink, 

with glitter. 

But to each their own. 

Happy thrifting, everyone!

Zombies!

I have a new fitness goal. 

I always told everyone who would listen (multiple times), 

that the only way I would, or could, run a 5K, 

is if something was chasing me. 

Cue the above video!

Now, I have been preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse for years, 

and how I get to refer to something that is actually happening. 

And have a reason to say, without sounding completely bat-shit cray cray, 

that I am preparing to outrun some undead. 

I'm like a kid on Christmas morning, 

that's how excited I am. 

So, along with posting the randomness of my loves (read:fashion, design, art, etc---quite a mix, huh?), 

I will also be updating everyone on my training, 

and preparation for this event!!

Which will be taking place sometime in November or December. 

We haven't signed up for the exact date yet. 

But keep in mind;

it will be interesting. 

Considering I am not a runner. 

At all. 

In fact, I really hate to run. 

I love fitness, 

but running?

Bitch, please. 

Stay tuned!

Shorts Appropriate

So part of getting older means realizing a few things you used to wear aren't exactly going to work in your life anymore. 

One of those things is

shorts. 

Or, I should clarify, 

length of shorts. 

Now, up until recently, 

I have always been the chick who likes to wear shorts shorter than I should. 

I am seriously lacking in the bootay region (as a matter a fact, my ass as never come close to being described as a bootay...),

so wearing short shorts was never really an issue. 

No inappropriate butt bulge in sight. 

High five...to me...

That was until I had my babies, 

and I started paying attention to the amount of time I spend during my day bending over to pick up my kids. 

Cue: inappropriate butt bulge. 

AND the inspiration behind this post. 

Now, to discuss the various short lengths, 

and their appropriateness. 

Level 1:

unknown Pinterest photo

 If your butt looks like this when you bend over,

or even worse, 

when you are standing, 

I don't care how old you are. 

NO. 

No No No. 

Nooooooo.

This is not ok. 

You'll have passerbys placing bets to whether you are a stripper or a hooker, 

and if you are neither...

well, my dear...

that is a situation I wouldn't wish on anyone.

Level 2:

Pinterest

This is usually the level of shortness I stick to, 

and even this is fairly short. 

I have to stop and ask myself sometimes, 

do most women in their late 20s with children wear shorts this short?

And the answer is...

I don't really care. 

Until my butt and upper legs starts looking like it got hit with a bag of nickels, 

I'm going to keep wearing shorts like this. 

Shazaam. 

Level 3:

Pinterest

This level is usually appropriate for anyone. 

And its probably the length I should consider. 

Even if you have a JLo behind, 

these should work for you. 

These allow those who like to dress more appropriate than myself

look sexy and classy. 

All at the same time. 

Win. Win. 

Level 4:

manrepeller.com

The Bermuda. 

The universally flattering short length. 

I seriously have yet to see any woman who does not look good in Bermuda shorts. 

If you are not as daring,

but are facing 100 degree weather like I have been for the last two weeks, 

these are your go-to shorts. 

I have been literally foaming at the mouth for some lace shorts...

These are kinda sorta a BIG DEAL right now, 

and I am on the hunt for some reasonably priced, 

and not too short, 

lace shorts. 

Lace shorts can be paired with a multitude of tops, shoes, etc, 

but the key to wearing lace shorts, 

at least if they are white, 

is to have them rest a little bit longer on your leg. 

That takes away the risk of diaper drama. 

I don't know about you guys, 

but

I don't ever want to be mistaken for wearing a diaper in public. 

Shorts Appropriate by ninjasandnailpolish featuring wrap jewelry

Vero Moda short shorts, $17 / ALDO high heels / Hermès clutch handbag / Alexander McQueen jewelry / Gorjana stud earrings / Oasis wrap jewelry, $46 / Friendship bracelet / Tom Ford cat eye sunglasses, $300 / Essie nail polish

5 Years

So yesterday was my anniversary. 

In the five years that my husband and I have been married, 

we have had two beautiful babies,

lived in 3 different states, 

made it through deployments and field ops, 

bought a home, 

got down with the college thing, 

and battled some insanely tough challenges. 

And we have done it in style and bad-assness.

Because we rock. 

My husband is a very private person. 

He is also incredibly brave, 

driven, 

and ambitious. 

He has never met a challenge he didn't like. 

Or backed down from a tough situation. 

We have been through a lot in 5 years, 

more so than most couples have gone through in 10, 15, even 20 years of marriage. 

I gave birth to our first daughter while he was deployed, 

moved across the country with a 6 month old, 

again with a 2 year old (and pregnant!) without him, 

and we have gone through our younger daughter's heart issues together. 

We have been apart more than we have been together, 

but I wouldn't have it any other way.

We have grown up together, persevered hardship, illness, financial and personal problems, 

and have grown stronger as a couple, and as individuals. 

Most people can attribute to the amount that my husband and I bicker. 

We are both stubborn and head-strong, 

and we like things our own way. 

Despite the numerous fights we put one another through, 

we love each other that much more. 

For the million of ways we are similar, 

its our differences that make us work as a couple. 

He gives me strength through the most challenging of times, 

and I would be lost without him. 

To my husband, love of my life, 

Happy Anniversary (yes, it was yesterday). 

I hope to experience many, many, MANY more years with you as my partner in life. 

-all images property of ninjas and nailpolish

Confidence

So how was everyone's Fourth?

Mine was easy, fun, and laid-back. 

Exactly what we needed. 

We decided to attend the local fireworks show in town, 

and were treated to a beauty pageant that happens every year for the Fourth celebration. 

My older daughter, Savannah, was in love. 

I wasn't as amused by it. 

Probably because this is the first thing I think of when I hear the word "pageant":

via

So while that is a disturbing image, 

I still humored my engrossed child, 

and paid attention more than usual to the pageant. 

I actually paid attention more to my child, and how excited she was to watch these ladies up on stage. 

They were confident, intelligent and assertive, 

and actually came off as proper role models for my little four year old princess.

So it got me thinking about how important it is to be yourself. 

Be yourself, love yourself,

and be true to who you are. 

That also goes with feeling good in your own skin. 

Part of being a true fashionista (ugh, I can't believe I used that word. I actually REALLY hate that term), 

is being comfortable in what you are wearing. 

You might be wearing the most bad-ass leather pants and 6-inch Louboutins, 

but if your tugging at it, and walking like your knees lack the ability to bend, 

you aren't going to be that attractive. 

For me, this is my most favorite outfit, and the one I feel the most comfortable in:

Please excuse the unpainted toenails (I really should know better about going out in public without a proper polish job, or posting pictures on the internet for the world to see, for that matter),

but this is my go-to summer outfit. 

White pants, loose fitting top, sandals (NOT Old Navy flip flops), and a nice piece of arm candy. 

I feel beautiful, confident, and ready to take on the day. 

The point of this long, random post is that the root of being fashionable

is to wear what you feel good in. 

The rest will start to fall into place soon after.

And when you feel good about the image you are projecting, 

you will get that confidence that makes other people go

"I want to be that girl". 

Because the most attractive feature on any woman

is confidence.

Till next time!

Just Own It

where have you been, guuuuurrrrl?

Revamping, 

as I like to call it. 

I have revamped what this blog is about, 

and have decided to turn this blog into an uplifting, 

and motivating, 

daily read. 

I discovered that what I am good at, 

is making people look pretty. 

This might seem materialistic and superficial to some, 

but it is important for everyone to feel good about themselves. 

I mean, mega good. 

And the first step in feeling good about yourself is 

OWNING WHO YOU ARE. 

Yes, it was absolutely necessary to turn the caps lock on for that statement. 

So, to start off, here are a few things that make me who I am:

What up, jcrew?!

I am not a badass. As much as I try to fake it, 

I am a true girly girl to the max. 

I like glitter

weheartit.com

And Broadway musicals

flickr.com

 

 

 Spray paint

littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com

Cupcakes

fromthetortoiseandthehare.blogspot.com

 

Pugs

 

flickr.com

 

 

And my family

image by Cat Toler

I am not rugged. 

I am not a hardcore chick. 

I cry easily. 

I am impulsive. 

And silly. 

Messy. 

Disorganized. 

Forgetful. 

Girly. 

And as I stated previously, 

I am really good at making people look pretty. 

I can help you look unique, 

but still awesome. 

So this blog is going to now assist in helping people make appropriate fashion choices, 

while still discussing amazing images of fashion. 

Because here's the thing;

I am a junkie for beautiful things. 

So, I will leave you with this for the day:

Own who you are. Own it. Embrace it. 

Run with it. 

And don't ever apologize for it.

What My 20s Have Taught Me

So one of the blogs I follow, Fairy Tales Are True, 

recently had a series going where various awesome bloggers depicted what they learned in their 20s. 

In my case, since I turn the big 2-8 this coming September, 

it made me reflect on what I myself learned from my 20s. 

1. Be Responsible.

I spent most of my early twenties like most college kids once they break free from the nest for the first time;

I went completely ape shit. 

I drank too much. Smoked too much. Partied too much. 

Basically was a ridiculously irresponsible weenie. 

I didn't take my classes seriously, 

changed my major more times than I could count, 

and had a variety of jobs that I didn't follow through consistently because I was simply way too irresponsible to function as a proper adult. 

Real talk. 

Plus, and this next part is really, really important--

there is no way you can drink, stay out all night, eat greasy diner food constantly, and be attractive. 

You really will just look like a big bag of ass. 

Sorry to be so crude, but this is meant to be taken as a learning tool for anyone under the age of 20 out there.

2. Take Care of your SKIN.

In my early 20s (and teens!), 

I was what I like to call, 

a tanorexic. 

Meaning, I spent way too much time in tanning beds:

This was done voluntarily. Stupid 20 year old...

Eew. 

I was Snooki way before the entertainment world knew about that little oompa-loompa. 

Why I didn't realize how not cool this was at the time is probably because I was too much of a lush to pay attention to the damage I was doing to my skin. 

I have since realized the error of my ways (and can proudly say I have not been in a tanning bed since my wedding nearly five years ago), but I have had to get moles removed recently to check if I had skin cancer. 

Thank goodness, it was benign, but you get the idea. 

Sunscreen, ladies. SUN. SCREEN. 

3. Love Your Parents.  

I don't know about you all, 

but I have amazing parents. 

Too bad I was a douche-canoe to them in my early 20s. 

My parents are the kind of people who will give your husband one of their cars, because they realize you are newlyweds, and can't afford a new one, despite your 89' Jeep Wrangler costing you more to fix every month than it was worth in the first place. 

They really gave us a car. 

Your parents are human. They are real. They make mistakes. 

Do NOT make them feel like failures as human beings for not being perfect. 

In my case, my parents are some of the most generous, loving, supportive people in my life, 

and they put up with my ass for YEARS. 

I gave them grand-babies, who adore them, so I hope I have finally returned the favor. :-)

4. Do NOT Smoke Cigarettes.

I probably don't need to explain this one, 

but cigarettes are nobody's friend. 

I was going to post a video of one of those new anti-smoking commercials, 

but even I am not that dark. 

5. Be Kind. Be Forgiving.

At the end of the day, you are you. 

Other people might be douche-nuggets, but you can't control them. 

You can only control you. 

Most of the people who walk around being complete ass-hats are probably really hurting inside over something, and it isn't you. 

So you should be kind. 

Because you never know what someone is going through. 

Also, being mean makes you age faster. 

So if anything, 

be nice so you don't get wrinkles. :-)

6. Travel.

This is probably one of my biggest regrets about my early 20s. 

I had the opportunity to take a trip to Europe, 

and I bailed on it. 

Now, I would give my right boob for the chance to do that. 

Well, maybe not my right boob (that's the pretty one), 

but maybe my first-borne. 

Kidding. 

I thought I would always have the opportunity to get over there before I "grew up", 

but fate kicked me in the butt in that I met my husband, 

married the sucker immediately, 

and got knocked up super fast. 

Now, I am planning when my girls are 16 and 13 (when I will be 40), 

I am dragging my husband over there, and we are going to have a time. 

It's already penciled in, so he can't say no. 

7. Make More Phone Calls.

This might seem like a given, 

but with texting taking off in my 20s, 

the whole personal aspect of friendships was lost. 

A text message does not suffice for a phone call when it is really needed. 

It doesn't take much. 

Just dial the phone and say, 

"Do you need to talk?"

8. Tell Yourself You are VALUABLE and BEAUTIFUL. 

20 year olds are full of insecurity. 

We are concerned with being 10s, when according to society, 

the majority of us are 5s. 

And we punish ourselves unnecessarily over this. 

You need to know that you are beautiful. 

That you matter. 

That you don't need a man (or woman) to tell you that. 

You should know that you are a knock-out. 

You are powerful. 

Capable. 

And valuable. 

So, I leave you with this. 

Love your family. Love your friends. Tell you them how you feel about them. Make good choices. Make BAD choices. Everything you go through in life shapes who you are. 

Be good. Be kind. 

Love. 

You will experience some amazing moments as a result. 

For all my mistakes (and there have been many), 

I have been blessed with a beautiful family, 

despite all of it. 

And I couldn't ask for more. 

XX,

Cat

Sometimes You Just Need a Boost

Are you one of those girls that needs to look at pretty pictures to bring your mood up?

I know I am. 

Some girls may look at puppies (I do this too), 

Some at cute babies (I have my own), 

and some like to look at pretty pictures. 

In my case, the best way to cheer me up when I need a boost, 

is to look at pretty clothes. 

Fashion for me is a source of inspiration, 

and let's not confuse my overly eager love of fashion for materialism or a me being a tad bit superficial. 

Its just an honest to goodness love affair with style.

Here's why:

I love how an ordinary tee can look stunning with the right accessories. 

ashley-ringmybell.blogspot.com.es

I love how the perfect combination of coral and pleats can make your day instantly better. 

itsonbitch.tumblr.com

I love how lace can make you look dainty, when you are in fact Superwoman. 

weheartit.com

I love that you can represent your personality in a single outfit.

capecodcollegiate.tumblr.com

I love that a neutral outfit can give you the confidence to conquer anything.

cupcakesandcashmere.com

And I love that the right combination of heels and dress can bring your man (or woman!) to their knees.

Fashion is exciting, representative of who you are, and can give you the confidence to conquer the day when you walk out the door in the morning. Or evening. Whenever you leave your house. 

I'm not trying to tell you that you need to look a certain way to be happy, or fulfilled, 

but I do think that when you present yourself in the best way possible, 

you will generally feel amazing. 

So, to wrap this up, I paired together a fun and fearless outfit I would love to wear this summer. 

Going out top, £16
Peplum skirt, $68
Diane von Furstenberg suede sandals, $275
Chanel quilted shoulder bag, $4,812
Astley Clarke yellow gold earrings, $795
Nordstrom jewelry, $38
Mango cuff jewelry, £20
Victoria Beckham metal sunglasses, $559
Essie sheer nail polish, $8


 I love a good mint and gold combo. So chic. 

XX
Cat

A Love of Mine...

Am I just the worst blogger, or what?

Sorry ya'll...

I'm sorry for more than using the phrase "ya'll", in case you were wondering. 

School has been kicking my bootay, so hopefully after this week, 

I'll have time to write. 

To make up for my shortcomings as of late, 

I wanted to share a love that I have, 

that is completely unrelated to fashion, beauty, etc. 

PUGS.

*found all of these lovely images on Pinterest!

When I am stressed out, I just Google pugs. 

For me, just one look at their squishy faces makes me instantly feel better. 

I plan on adding one to my home when my youngest is fully potty-trained, 

and my husband is out of town for business for about a week, 

so the puppy will have time to bond with the girls, 

and a separation at that point would send our girls straight to therapy. 

I'm kinda kidding. 

XX

Cat

H&M Madness

OMG.

The fashion angels have answered my prayers, ya'll. 

Starting this summer, I will officially be living within 20 minutes of my very own...

H&M!!!!!!

Real talk: This is like a big girl Forever 21. 

More real talk: I still shop at Forever 21, but after seeing the passion my fellow fashion bloggers have for H&M, and how stinkin' amazing they look in their duds, it has made me ridiculous with excitement that I too will be able to shop there very, very soon. 

Here are some lovely ladies sporting H&M attire that brings my excitement level to an eleven.

(Spinal Tap reference, anyone?)

 All these lovely photos are of H&M clothing!

With all this fashionable attire at a price I can hand over my bank card for, 

I may actually find the courage to start posting photos of my own outfit compilations...

Holy cheeseballs. 

While I'm sure that these fashions are no longer in stores (just my luck...), 

I do hope to find the below blazer, or at least a similar option for one. 

I have been literally foaming at the mouth for a pink blazer. 

H M dress, £15
H M jacket, £25
H&M sandals, £7.99
H M shoulder bag, £13
H M bracelet, £3.99
H M necklace, £13
H M ring, £1.99
H&M sunglasses, £4.99
Essie nail polish


Do you live near a H&M? If so, PLEASE take advantage of it. Do you even see the prices next to the above outfit? Come on people... :-)


Smooches, 

Cat 

Compromise

If you haven't been able to figure out by now, 

I am a fan of being feminine. 

I'm a sucker for lace, and sparkles, romance, and bows. 

Which brings me to this lovely little gem I recently discovered on Etsy.

Buy me!

See, while I am woman personified in everything I do, 

my husband is a MAN. 

And what I mean by that, 

is that he likes explosions, guns, things that go fast, and everything in between. 

He is the type of guy that would love to hang a deer head that he personally shot in our living room (eew, gross), 

and since I cringe at the thought of dead carcasses in my house, 

this is a happy medium we have come to. 

We get to display animals, without the thought of them actually once having been alive. 

Which is another reason why I purchased this:

zgallerie.com

 

I mean, its a freaking rhino. 

Like I said, I don't want an actual animal hanging on my wall, 

BUT

a fake animal head??

Oh, you bet your sweet ass I will. 

What are YOUR thoughts on animal decor???

Lady in Blue

This blog has really brought me out of my fashion shell, I have to admit. 

Prior to becoming a fashion blogger (if I can really call myself that is up for debate), 

I was admittedly, a bit boring in my fashion choices. 

I stuck with jeans and tshirts, the occasional sundress, and ballet flats. 

They were some rockin' tshirts, but I typically stuck to the more neutral palate of whites, grays, blacks and tans. Especially when it came to shoes. 

So, since I have become a fan of checking out other fashion bloggers,

especially the ones more courageous than myself who willingly post pictures of themselves in all their finery, 

and have come to fall in love with 

COLOR.

One of the colors I'm kinda freaking out about at the moment is royal blue. 

Or peacock blue, whatever you want to call it. 

I'm actually wearing this shiny jewel-toned blue blouse as I'm typing this, 

which works so well with the hot-pink manicure I gave myself yesterday. 

Style points for me. 

Anyway, 

I wanted to share with you all pictures of my royal blue love affair I'm currently in. 

Hopefully, this inspires you all as well. 

live-breathe-fashion.tumblr.com

google.com

ampersanddesignstudios.blogspot.com

theberry.com

tobi.com

Its really easy to fall for this color. 

Stella McCartney high rise shorts, $695
Kara summer shoes, £35
CÉLINE bag
Glam Rock leather jewelry, $1,195
Pieces white pearl jewelry, $22
Balenciaga aviator shades, $375
Lily and Lionel floral shawl, £150
2b skinny belt, $9.95
Butter London bright nail polish, $14


Confession: While I was typing this, I was simultaneously ordering a pair of shorts in this color.

My husband is going to sign me up for Shopaholics Anonymous any day now,
I can see it happening.

Do YOU love royal blue?