Mix It Up

dress: Target (similar, similar)
shirt: Target (similar)
boots: Nine West
bag: similar
necklace: J.Crew

Welcome to Monday! Hope everyone is getting used to the plunging temperatures and slowly taking those sweaters out. My favorite thing about the fall is riding boots and the many (many) ways I can wear them. I love pairing them with dresses, skirts, jeans and even shorts. You can't go wrong with a nice pair of cognac riding boots. Also mixing prints is always fun, but I like to stay within the same color scheme. Thank you for stopping by gals! 

Have a great day! 

Color Blocked Fall

dress: Eddie Bawer  Thrifted (similar)
blouse: Loft (similar)
shoes: Liz Claiborne (similar)
bag: similar, splurge, steal

Well, another week has gone by and I'm reminded, yet again, that time is a precious commodity. I'm loving fall this year, and that's an understatement. Warm sun-filled days and crisp cool nights; the smell of apples and cinnamon in my house as I whip up some fall-themed muffins. It's simply breathtakingly beautiful! I'm also gravitating towards cooler colors and lots of color blocking this fall, as well as sleeveless dresses with blouses (remember this look?). This is a second look this fall and I can't get away from it. I hope you are enjoying this time of the year and having a good time of your life. 

Thank you for stopping by and enjoy your weekend!

When Life Gives You Lemons

 Pink Lemon Dress,   Iphone Case,   Sweater,   Keds, Oven Mitt,   Slice Lemon Purse,  Paper Napkins,    Straw Bag,    Art Frame,    Bathing Suit,   Placemat,    Necklace,    Strapless Dress

Honestly, I'm not the one to jump on the trend bandwagon as soon as it arrives. I usually take a while to warm up to certain ideas and maybe the last blogger on the planet earth that doesn't owe anything camo. Yep, still not very fond of that trend. But when I saw lemons on everything from paper napkins to handbags, it was love at first sight. It's such a fun and summery trend, which made me feel refreshed even without lemonade in my hand. So if life gives you lemons, make a trend out of it. I wonder who's life was going sour that they decided to put it on their designs. In any case, it's such a fun and quirky print that, even though I probably will not be getting a lemon bag, I will at least grab some table napkins. 

What do you think of this summer print? Yay or nay?

Thank you for stopping by! 

Neutral

shirt: Target (similar)
skirt: Calvin Klein (similar)
shoes: Ann Taylor (similar)
bag: Kate Spade (similar)
necklace: Target (similar)

Yesterday was all about bright and bold colors but today we are talking neutrals and pastels. Whatever the mood strikes, I guess. At times I feel like I want to be low-key but put together, other times I want to put on every color in my closet. Clothes are such a feelings-based territory that it's hard not to judge people by what they wear. If you don't care about your appearances and aren't groomed, it will definitely send a clear message. But if you are put together in a clean, proper clothing, people will treat you with respect. I've noticed that in my life. If I dress and behave like a lady, I get more open doors and prime parking spots. So if there is one advantage to shopaholism (is that even a word?) is that you get free stuff and more parking. Yes, that's the meaning of life. I'm just joking (it's Friday after all). 

I hope you have a great weekend! 

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER SPRING STYLE CHALLENGE WHICH ENDS SOON! 

Hint Of Spring

blouse: Loft (similar). sweater: J.Crew,  skirt: Ann Taylor (similar), heels: Zara (similar)

It seems that everyone around the blogosphere is styling sandals and cute summer dresses... Alas, I cannot even start thinking about sandals! We had some snow yesterday night and now all of the ground is covered with white stuff. But when you are so desperately in need of spring and sun, you do whatever you can to bring some sunshine in your life. Like this sweater. Yes, it's bright and it's yellow but does it light up my outfit! It's a hint of spring in this cold, frozen world I live in, called New York.

Thank you for stopping by! 

Let's Party

top: J.Crew Factory, button down: Target, skirt: J.Crew, booties: Ann Taylor

Welcome to post Superbowl Monday! Did you watch the game? Or just munched on the party food? I'm in the second category. I could care less about the game but always get together with friends for the super bowl party. Ladies are chatting away about their girly stuff while guys are cheering on their team.

Speaking of parties, another on is on the horizon - Jonathan's birthday party. I cannot believe my little boy is going to be a toddler although I'm excited for the change. He is officially walking as of Saturday night (showing off at grandparents' house) and it's the cutest thing. I did not think he was going to start before his birthday. I'm excited to throw his party because I'm a control freak and love to plan events. I'm going a little overboard with the food, themed cake, decor and personalized invites but loving every minute. Are you big on baby birthday parties? Or is it too much for one year old? I adore all the cute pictures afterwards, especially the ones with cake smashing. Cutest thing ever!

Thank you for stopping by and have a great day!

P.S. Also, I'm quiet proud of myself for figuring out the setting where you can add different movements to the pictures like snow. Isn't it cute? I thought so.

Get Over It

sweater: TJMaxx, coat: J.Crew, booties: Ann Taylor, bag: Kate Spade, hat & scarf: Gap

It's easy to fall into winter blues, especially in January. Nothing is happening (except getting my credit card statements and realizing I spend too much over holidays) and it's absolutely frigid outside. But you already know that. Everyone (and I mean, everyone) is complaining about how cold it is and how we cannot wait until summer. Then summer comes and we can't stand the heat and the humidity. So which one is it? I have nothing to complain about. I'm sitting in a nice, warm house with peacefully asleep baby and a wonderful husband who's nodding off as I type this. Millions of people around the world don't have even half of what I have and that's something to be thankful for. Yes, winters are cold and how is that a news? I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm tired of complaining. I'm tired of hearing people complain and I'm tired of myself getting caught up in it. It's January. Temperatures are below zero. Get over it.
So what's new with you?

Lady With A Hat

sweater: H&M, skirt: thrifted, booties: Ann Taylor, scarf: Old Navy, hat: NY&Co

I can't seem to get out of a closet rut with some of my favorites - skirts, comfy sweaters and even pajamas. It's not a bad thing, learning to creatively re-mix what I have but at the same time, it gets old. I mean for you guys, right? Again with this skirt. It's the delicate balance of wearing my own clothes and wearing something new every time, which means more shopping. Speaking of shopping, January has been brutal (on my budget, I mean) and awesome in other ways. Free of holiday bustle we are spending time with family and enjoying each other. I hope you are having a good day and thank you for stopping by.

...And a Happy New Year

dress: Tahari, boots: Ann Taylor, clutch: DIY, 

Hope you are having a great Christmas week. I hate that Christmas lasts only one day and have every intention of stretching it out. Of course, with New Year looming just on the horizon, we tend to take stock of out life and make plans for the next one. 

Well, this year has been amazing and most challenging of my life. With many changes taking place, I'm not the same person that I was a year ago. I've grown and experienced some amazing things - motherhood and another change of address being some of the most obvious ones. But there were also things that humbled me as an individual and brought a lot of joy to my heart.
I'm looking forward to what the new year brings and hope you enjoy the life that God gives you today.

See you in 2014 gang!

More Red

turtleneck: Land's End, blazer: Banana Republic, jeans: H&M, booties: Ann Taylor, bag: thrifted

Since I already have an outfit with a red skirt, it only makes sense to have an outfit featuring red pants. I think.

First let me let out my frustration with H&M! The sizes in that place are getting smaller by the day (or my behind is expanding by the minute). Let's talk how sizes affect our moods. I know that I'm usually size 4-6 in bottoms but when I tried on size 8(!) the other day, I couldn't even get my one leg into it. I decided to go up a size and although I was able to (barely) fit into the pants, I walked out of the store feeling fat. I know, I'm not a skinny girl but I am a no size 10 either. So what up with that H&M?

In other news, Christmas shopping is so much fun this year, as I am making thoughtful and valuable gifts. Mostly, I'm done and ready to get wrapping. It's my favorite part, but my ribbons always get tangled up and I loose the scissors. Go figure. Hope you are getting ready for the holiday season and having fun with it!

November {Budgeting Series}

skirt / blouse / booties

I cannot believe that the year is almost over. I think 2013 was the most eventful and fastest year of my life. After my birthday (in October) I got some cash to spend and wasn't sure what I needed the most for this winter. Option1- colorful winter coat or Option2 - black booties. I ordered J.Crew Lady Day coat and was very disappointed when it arrived - the color was way off. I loved the color that was on the screen but it turned out to be a Christmas tree green and I didn't want to remind everyone of Christmas for the rest of the year. So I returned it. And then yelled at complained to costumer service about their color representation online. All they did is apologized and waived my return shipping fee.

The idea of Black Friday is becoming obsolete, as all the sales were in effect days before Thanksgiving and some stores were open Thanksgiving day. Lame! Who wants to go out in the freezing cold after a day of cooking, eating and then cleaning up? Not me! I was curled up under a blanket with hot tea and some chocolate, doing Christmas shopping online. That's the best way to do it without taking away from the family oriented day.

Technically my November spending is $0.00 as I used my birthday gift money to splurge a little. But I'm sure what I didn't spend will come in handy this month as I'm buying Christmas presents left and right. 

Let the holiday craziness begin. Hope you have a great day! 

With a Twist

blouse: Forever 21
skirt, belt: Target
shoes: Ann Taylor
bag: Nine West

I've been really bored with my hair lately. I had the ombre, then I decided to chop it and make it one color. Being home all day with an infant who's pulling on your hair every chance he gets, it's hard to wear anything but a high pony. 

So every time I'm going out to the store, church or anywhere else for that matter, I'm looking for a fun way to style my hair. I've attempted this hair style and it wasn't half bad. I really want to try this but I have very thick hair which ends up looking awful. 

Watching a bunch of YouTube videos I have forgotten about this easy up-do. When I looked at this girl inspiring hair and outfits, it clicked - French twist. Takes about 5 minutes to do and great for warm weather or simply picking up the hair. Add a strand of pearls and you look polished in a matter of minutes.

Loving the classy and 'grown-up' look of this outfit. 

How is your hair doing lately? Many bad hair days or glamorous up-dos? 

Thanks for stopping by.

Winding Down

top: Talbots
skirt: Thrifted
heels: Ann Taylor
clutch: DIY
necklace: Forever 21

According to the calendar, it's almost the end of summer and New York haven't even had real summer yet. We had non-stop rain the entire month of June, then it warmed up a little. But all the rain made the humidity get out of control, so that the only possible way of survival was inside, under an air conditioner. 

By the way, a blessing I am extremely thankful for is the central air conditioning system.

 It's absolutely amazing. I'm giving props to all the people who don't have A/C. I don't know how ya'll live.

We started having gorgeous weather last few weeks and now the days are warm and nights are cool. It's really beautiful out and yesterday was one of those days. We enjoyed it mostly by going to church, staying inside and (not) taking a nap because a certain someone with cutest chubby cheeks and beautiful grin decided that he will wake up every half an hour just to keep us on our toes.

Summer is winding down, so enjoy the beautiful weather by going to the park or having a picnic under a tree, take a bike ride or a trip to the beach. I know that I'm going to take advantage of this gorgeousness. 

Thank you for stopping by.

Have a great day!