Travel Time

My girls and I traveled to Illinois this week to visit my parents. 

Needless to say, the 9 hour driving adventure didn't start out well. 

First, a gas pump proved to be way smarter than me. 

How?

The "start" button wasn't properly lit up in the bright colors that a person like me needs in order to operate it. 

That consisted of me screaming at the pump

"Where are you button?! How am I supposed to press a START button without said START button?!"

I needed an attendant to point it out to me. 

(It was right in the middle, in a long narrow line, in a blended shade of gray). 

I still say it wasn't well-enhanced. 

My (nearly!) four year old was mortified by her mother. 

Second, a SmartWater bottle eluded me as well. 

I had to use my teeth to wrestle with the cap until it came loose to help wash down my healthy traveling breakfast of prepackaged frosted donuts. 

The trip went smoothly, aside from getting into nearly 4 separate accidents until....

A flat tire. 

OMFG.

The upside to that was that my father had insisted on traveling part of the distance to meet me.

He really knows more about my lack of life skills than I know myself.

Without him as a travel buddy, I would have been curled up in the fetal position alongside I-57 until someone came to my rescue.

So after my traveling ordeal, 

I felt I was deserving of an awesome gift to myself.

What would be better than a bangin' new winter coat?

My 8 month old was not too keen on letting me take just one good photo, but thanks to 

pic stitch, 

I was able to put together a fairly good compilation. 

I hadn't bought a new winter coat in over 13 years.

Wait, I write a fashion blog, and its been that long since I updated my winter wear?

Real talk, I left the house in my husband's Columbia fleece, $20 jeans that weren't flattering, and running shoes. 

So I don't always practice what I preach. 

That fact aside, I was able to snag this beauty of a winter protector for 80% off its original ticket price...which was a lot. 

I. Rule. 

How is YOUR winter going?

PS-Check in tomorrow for Designer Spotlight: Michael Kors!

Spring Trend: Daytime Clutches

So I'm starting a new Thursday tradition. 

Since I am so knowledgeable in fashion (at least I think I am), 

I plan on discussing the upcoming Spring trends that are expected to be huge. 

This week:

Daytime clutches. 

While I unfortunately cannot participate in this trend due to the fact that I am required to lug around a diaper bag packed with everything but the kitchen sink, 

I am still obsessed with them. 

So, if you don't have little minions following behind you like a parade 24/7, 

Get. A. Clutch.

These suckers are incredibly chic, can give virtually any outfit Kate Moss status, and give your shoulders a rest.
Plus, it prevents you developing a hoarding problem in your bag. 

Check me out!

Check me out!

Check me out!

Check me out!

Check me out!

1.2.3.4.5.6.7

My four year old already has a leopard print one.

No kidding. 

She is the most fashionable person I know. 

I'm in love with #7. 

Want to know something amazing???

It's only $29!!!

Are YOU going to be rocking a daytime clutch this season???

If I was an "Amanda"...

Since the birth of my second child, 

I have become a bit of a germaphobe. 

I'm talking full-blown freak about germs. 

I go into full-fledged panic mode if I am unable to locate my hand sanitizer after going to a large public function.

Despite this fun fact, 

I still am a hot mess when it comes to properly organizing my home and be a functioning "proper" housewife. 

Ugh, that term makes me cringe, but essentially, that is what I am. 

Except I SUCK at it. 

Jump to my new obsession. 

The Amandas on the Style channel. 

All photos courtesy of The Amandas Facebook page

Holy. Organization.

These ladies also bust it out in 6-inch heels, full makeup, and hot ass clothes. 

I'm sold. 

Come fix my hot mess of a home please. 

Anyway in honor of these devoted women who have captured my interest and motivated me to get my butt in gear, 

I put together my best "Amanda" outfit. 

If I was an "Amanda"... by ninjasandnailpolish featuring cat eye sunglasses

Hot. 

Makes me want to get an office job just so I can strut my stuff in an outfit like this. 

However, that would require me to be ::gasp:: organized. 

Annnnd we have come full circle.

Have YOU been motivated by The Amandas?? 

Designer Spotlight: Alexander McQueen

Oh, Alexander McQueen. 

 

What can I say that will truly do your magnificent work justice...

I think he was one of the most unique and passionate designers of our time. 

He passed away too soon, but he left behind some of the most beautiful works of fashion I have ever seen. 

Maybe I am a tab bit impartial, 

but I love a man who can incorporate skulls and animal print into a high fashion line, 

and still make it look undeniably chic. 

Glamorous drama, gothic chic...

it just gets me going. 

In a good way.

Buy this dress!

Buy this scarf!

Buy this ring!

Buy this coat!

Buy this clutch!

Buy these booties!

 

 

 

 

Alexander McQueen Look

 

Designer Spotlight: Alexander McQueen by ninjasandnailpolish featuring alexander mcqueen handbags

Oh...seriously...McQueen...

I have made it my mission to one day...own one of your beautiful pieces. 

Such a true visionary, a brilliant talent...

He is greatly missed. 

Do YOU love Alexander McQueen as much as me??

PS---Sorry for being MIA and scatterbrained this week...

Sick kids turn my brain to mush :-) 

Ode to Eyebrows

I have recently fallen  IN LOVE

with big, bushy eyebrows.

I used to be one of those people who felt it was necessary to overpluck, resulting in teeny tiny, barely there eyebrows. 

Needless to say, I was doing my face a great injustice.

I have since realized the error of my ways.

For example, take all of the evil women in Disney movies:

Thin, highly arched eyebrows are the staple for wickedness.

And while I can definitely appreciate a good villainess, 

check out the face caterpillars on these princesses:

Starting to see my point?

I'll continue.

Eyebrows are so important to the overall layout of the face.

To further illustrate my point, 

I will provide a photo of one of the most beautiful women in the world. 

Ms. Angelina Jolie.

What a face. She is a true beauty.

Now, I took the liberty of REMOVING her brows.

 What the french?!?

Clearly, eyebrows are uber important. 

So ladies (and gents?), keep those brows full and fabulous. 

Your face will thank you.

Do YOU love eyebrows???

Stylish Comfort

Stylish Comfort by ninjasandnailpolish featuring black teardrop earrings

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day...

Mine was AWESOME...sorta. 

Despite having two sick little babies, it was fun. 

I got to enjoy a lunch date with my husband and 8 month old (SO rare that I get to see him in the daylight), and my older daughter was finally able to go back to school after battling an ear infection and sinus infection the week prior. 

 

Here are a few images from my Valentine's Day yesterday. 

 

I should explain the box that looked like V-Day threw up on it. 

My older daughter, Savannah, was told by her teacher to make a mailbox that all of her classmates could place their Valentines to her in. 

I initially planned to create a simple, cute box with a few necessary hearts, pinks, reds, and of course, some glitter. 

However, when I reread her school's newsletter, in the fine print was a mention of these mailboxes being a competition, and the best one would receive a special prize. 

Immediately, my competitive nature was turned up to 11. 

Despite the fact that a competition amongst 3 and 4 year olds is completely ridiculous, I felt the need to win, no matter the cost. 

Hence, the ridiculous, over-the-top box that has an altar built upon it. 

I'm not sure if there was an actual winner, because when I picked her up, all of the kid's boxes had ribbons on them, BUT...if there would've been an overall winner...

Savannah's would have taken the victory. 

Also, I should mention that the above orchids are from my husband. 

If you haven't been able to determine from my odd posts, 

I am a unique individual. 

My husband gets this and decided that I needed a more unique flower arrangement than the traditional bouquet of roses. 

He knows me so well and I totally dig it. 

If I had planned ahead better, I would have worn this outfit below to our Valentine's lunch.

Marc by Marc Jacobs cream blouse, $250
Joseph black zipper jacket, $660
Stella McCartney cotton short shorts, £329
Oasis tight, $15
GUESS platform shoes, $72
Prada grey handbag
Elizabeth Cole yellow gold jewelry, $165
Gold tone jewelry, $110
LORD TAYLOR yellow gold jewelry, $350
Alexander McQueen gold tone jewelry, £195
ASOS gold tone jewelry, $14

Since I didn't plan ahead, 

I went with my standard leggings, gifted "do-me" boots, lace top, and a blazer.

So. Boring. 

Oh well!

I hope you all had a WONDERFUL day of love, 

whether it be with your significant other, a family member, friend, well-loved pet, or simply took a day to love yourself, 

XOXO all around. 

So, did YOU have a good day of love? 

About those Grammys....

I did not watch the Grammy's last night. 

"What the WHAT?!" some of you might say...

How can I write a fashion blog and NOT watch the Grammy's. 

Well, my friend, I have a perfectly good answer for you. 

I don't think that the Grammy's are actually known for the most fashionable attire, if you catch my drift. 

Plus, I have two sick girls, and I usually just like to browse the highlights the day after. 

It's much easier, and you ensure that all of the stuff you watch are the highlights. 

Win!

Anyway, so after my annual viewing of the performances, speeches, and winners, I came to the most important of any award show (in my opinion)...

What. They. Wore. 

After careful deliberation (oh, who am I kidding), I came up with my 6 favorites. 

Malin Ackerman/Gwyneth Paltrow/Katy Perry in Elie Saab/Adele in a custom Armani Prive/Carrie Underwood in Gomez Gracia/Kelly Osbourne in Tony Ward

All images from Huffington Post

My absolute favorite has to be Kelly Osbourne. 

I'm a girl who LOVES sparkles, so maybe I'm a tab bit bias, 

but that gown, with that lavender-gray hair?

I'm in love. 

Get it girl. 

Did YOU watch the Grammy's? Who did YOU think was best dressed? 

If I was a Ghost Hunter

There is something you all should know about me. 

I am a firm believer in ghosts. 

In fact, I believe in ghosts so much that I am thoroughly convinced our new house, which we haven't even been living in for a year yet, is haunted.
This is a theory I mention to my husband multiple times a month. 

His response is always, "You need therapy". 

I swear, he is thisclose to committing me.

His argument is that our house has had one owner, who did not pass on in the house, and it was built in 2002. 

Judging by popular ghost theory, I can see his point. 

However, I have conducted some research lately (no, I have NOT been watching too much Supernatural), and given the current events that have been happening in my house, I felt it was appropriate to put together an outfit that would making kicking paranormal ass that much easier.

Maison Martin Margiela leather top/Zip jacket/Donna Karan high waisted leather pants/EMU Australia wooden heels/AK Vintage Jewelry hammered jewelry/Valentino leather gloves/Amazon.com: Barnett Ghost 350 CRT Crossbow Package (Quiver, 4 -.../KBL Some Ghost Aviator In Gold/White

I think I should explain a few of the items that I used to put together this out. 

One, the fanny pack. 

While some may consider these things dated, and only something a senior citizen would wear to store her coupons, I have to say

NAY!

Seriously, WHAT would be better for storing your holy water, rock salt, and whatever else you need on hand when in an intense battle with a malevolent spirit. 

Plus, its studded. And has a tassel. 

Do I need to explain this any further?

Leather is necessary as well. 

It's close to the skin, hard to get snagged on anything when you are running for your life AND since its so tight fitting, hard for any spook to get a hold of you. 

Plus, as I have determined, it is also very slippery. 

The Valentino gloves...well, I thought this outfit needed gloves, and they were VALENTINO. 

Enough said. 

I don't know why a crossbow is needed, but Dean and Sam have one on their show and since they are experts in their field...

I found it important. 

I swear I'm not crazy, and that 95% of this is meant to be taken as a joke, 

however, 

the fact that my children's toys turn on and off by themselves when we are upstairs, and that my 8 month old talks to someone behind me when its just her and I in a room?

I need to be prepared. 

So, do YOU believe in ghosts? 

This calls for a Celebration

I don't normally post on weekends (with hubby working so much, they are typically strictly reserved for family time). 

However, I was inspired, and motivated to make one small exception because.....

I finally have some blog followers. 

OMG. 

This couldn't have happened at a more perfect time either. 

Here I was, getting discouraged (I know, I know, I have only been blogging for a month), and then a number of things happened. 

First, I read this. Jen Ramos, THANK YOU. You helped put everything into perspective, and made me step back and realize "good things come to those who wait"...

So comes to my new motto: 

Patience, Patience, Patience. 

And what happened when I decided to keep at it and have patience?

I got my first follower. 

Thanks to YOU, my motivation is up and moving. 

The icing on the cake was when my friend Melissa (and fellow blogger) texted me, asking for my blog link. 

And she started to follow it also. 

And to top it all off and turn me into a big bowl of mush...

I checked my stats, and discovered I already have had 9 blog views TODAY.

I have just been a big ball of cheese ever since.

So, in honor of everything listed above, I broke my normal routine, and created a celebratory post to thank each and every one of you.

Vince gold cocktail dress/ Alexander McQueen studded pumps/ Black clutch/ Gold skull ring/ Spike jewelry/ Dorothy Perkins yellow gold bangle/ CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE/Butter London 3 Free Lacquer Nail Polish/ Let Them Eat Cake Indie Card Set By Inslee

So seriously, from the bottom of my heart...

thank you. 

I love writing this blog. 

Even more now. 

How is YOUR weekend going?

Designer Spotlight: Marc Jacobs

So I have decided to start a new series within this blog that will focus on a specific designer every week. 

This week, that lucky designer is none other than

Marc Jacobs. 

Aside from being a yummy piece of eye candy, Marc Jacobs' line of clothing is one that incorporates sleek lines, eye-catching colors, and one of my favorite prints of all time, 

polka-dots. 

He is able to combine chic and playful like nobody else, creating a cohesive, fun, and youthful look.

Retro chic, at its finest.

Buy this bag!

Buy this dress!

 Buy these shorts!

Buy these shoes!

Marc by Marc Jacobs silk top/ Marc Jacobs cropped jacket/ Marc by Marc Jacobs super skinny jeans/Marc by Marc Jacobs ballet flat/Marc Jacobs leather shoulder bag/Marc by Marc Jacobs chunky bangle/ Marc by Marc Jacobs leather wrap bracelet/ Marc by Marc Jacobs heart shaped earrings/ Marc jacobs sunglasses/MARC JACOBS COLLECTION Oh, Lola! Eau de Parfum Spray 3.4 fl oz

Suffice to say, when I am a highly profitable graphic designer, 

I will spend a large amount of money on this designer's clothes. 

Even if when the time comes, I am 65 or over. 

You are NEVER too old for a polka-dot blouse, especially if it is a Marc Jacobs one. 

What is YOUR favorite Marc Jacobs piece? 

Living Room

I love tax season.

Especially when my husband says,

"Babes, I think we should use our tax money on the house". 

Win!

My immediate reaction was to search for a new couch, that we desperately need. 

Below is my dream living room...at least today its my dream living room.

Ralph Lauren Home Upper Fifth Leather Floor Lamp/Z Gallerie - Peacock Feathers - Set of 12/Z Gallerie - Bukhara Pillow 24" - Black & White/Z Gallerie - Andora Pillow 26" - Aquamarine/Z Gallerie - Dachshund Bookends/Tate ChairYerra - Cowhide Rug - Zebra Print/Parsons Coffee + End Table | west elm/Ceramic Books - Set of 2 | Z Gallerie/Chatsworth Collection Curtain Panels - Drapery And Tiebacks - Window.../EXPEDIT Bookcase - high gloss white - IKEA/IKEA Audrey Hepburn/Slim Kira Vase - White : Target/Z Gallerie - Onda Vase 18"/Fantastic Furniture - Geo Lamp Table/IKEA photo frame/Z Gallerie's crystal skull/Z Gallerie's Design, set of books/ASSOULINE Chanel Set

We already own a few of these items, so I added the items we need to finish the look (thank you, polyvore!) 

We are also putting in hardwood floors throughout our downstairs. 

I'm so pumped. 

What are YOU doing this tax season??

Lace Obsessed

I. Love. Lace.

From the intricate details to the endless outfit combinations, it just makes me excited to think about adding lace to my daily combinations.

What a beautiful option...

lace love

lace love

  

lace love

lace love

One of my favorite outfit combinations is leather and lace. 

The mixture of the tough and girly fabrics makes me so excited. 

This is probably why I have worn a lace piece with my leather jacket three times this week. 

It's borderline obsessive.

Dorothy Perkins sleeveless dress/Biker jacket/Armani Exchange nylon pantyhose/ Alexander McQueen fold over boots/MICHAEL Michael Kors sporty watch/R J Graziano bangles jewelry/BCBG Max Azria belt/butter LONDON Nail Lacquer - 3 Free Nail Lacquers - Nail Polish -...

How would YOU wear lace?

If I was a Pirate

Shiver me timbers. 

I am finally getting around to coming up with the perfect outfit to wear

for pillaging a village (or in my case, my local shopping center) for rum, gold, and whatever else that strikes my fancy. 

Ahoy. 

Yves Saint Laurent peasant blouse/Cara Accessories chiffon top/Balmain military vest/Balmain leather pants/Sam Edelman black high heels/Alexander McQueen skull ring/Alexander McQueen gold ring/butter LONDON '3 Free' Nail Lacquer Union Jack Black One Size

Doesn't this outfit make you want to sail the seas in search of crazy amazing treasure? 

Now, I just have to convince my husband to impersonate Jack Sparrow, and my fantasy will be complete. 

What would you wear if YOU were a pirate?

Super Bowl Style

I am not football savvy. 

I don't care about the players, the teams, or any of that jazz. 

I just care about the commercials, the food, and the people you spend your time with while watching a game. 

I rely on my husband to tell me who we like and don't like. 

Despite my lack of football stats skills, I still felt it was necessary to put together my ideal Super Bowl party outfit. 

  

Oasis peter pan collar shirt /Levi Strauss & Co skinny fit jeans/Gucci boots/Christian dior handbag/Tiffany Co 18k jewelry/Yves Saint Laurent reversible ring/Dorothy Perkins shiny belt/

Thom Browne Little Boys Sportcoat - Black size 3

 

This is not at all what I wore last night during the celebrations, BUT...

If I had an unlimited amount of cash, I. So. Would. 

Gucci boots? For realz. 

Aren't those magazine covers of Eli Manning and Tom Brady yummy??

Man, oh man...

What did YOU do for the Super Bowl?

Patterned Tights

So my amazing husband recently bought me something awesome. 

A pair of patterned tights. 

How sweet is that?!

So, since I was faced with putting together an ensemble of way more wicked tights than the basic boring black, I immediately starting coordinating.

 

Nude dress/Lucien Pellat Finet bike top/Sleeveless coat/Falke floral stocking/Christian Louboutin high heel shoes/Paul s Boutique pouch handbag/LORD TAYLOR yellow gold jewelry/butter LONDON Nail Lacquer - 3 Free Nail Lacquers - Nail Polish -.../ Purple Cardigan

This is how I would wear printed tights to work. I love the idea of mixing the green and purple together, and that dress with those tights? 

I'm obsessed. 

I think I need a job that requires me to dress like this and gets me out of the HOUSE. 

How would YOU wear patterned tights?

Weekly Wants

So while it is so much fun to fantasize about adorning $12,000 canary yellow diamond earrings, it is time to face the music.
Unless someone realizes how wonderfully talented I am and decides to pay me for it,
it ain't gonna happen.
So, I decided to put an outfit(s) together that is within my price range, and included some of the pieces I have been drooling over and desiring.

Paul Smith white tee/Style Stalker oversized shirt/Victoria's secret trench/HM jacket

/H&m jeans/Black Booties/Black Loafers/Chan luu jewelry/Tai necklace/Gorjana leather bangle/butter LONDON '3 Free' Nail Lacquer Tea With The Queen One Size/Sachin & Babi Zucko faux leather leggings

I'm hoping I can convince my husband to relinquish the credit card freeze for just one little shopping adventure this weekend...these items are screaming for a place in my closet.

Watch out, southern girls, leather leggings are coming to your neck of the woods SOON!

Do YOU have any wardrobe desires lately?

Wednesday Wrap-up

How has everyone's week been so far?
Mine has been fairly uneventful, full of rain and deep house-cleaning.
I did, however, FINALLY purchase a couple things I have been dreaming about for months.
A chambray shirt, gold bracelets, and some peacock feathers.

My older daughter also insisted on having me paint her nails, "pink and purple".
So, we decided to hop on that nail trend that consists of the ring finger being a different color, and gave in to the pink and purple color scheme.
She was stoked.

I am going to start including a couple of new segments within the blog, hopefully to help with the ebb and flow of the layout.
Stay tuned.

How has YOUR week been so far?

PS-That lovely chambray shirt and bracelets can be purchased at Express. I have recently renewed my love for this store, as it allows me to add clothes to my desperate wardrobe, and not butcher my bank account. Happy shopping!