Week in Outfits: How Many is Too Many?

On week three I've already become a bit of a "failure."

While I mentioned the desire to show you my daily outfits, it's become pretty challenging. I know there are bloggers who do this with great success but they post their outfits daily and honestly, this gal just doesn't have the time to do so. At the same time, some feedback has shared that the one big long outfit post recap is challenging to look at and...

I miss being able to show you specific details of an outfit without making this post a mile long.

What's a blogger to do?

Truth: I'm not sure! Haha. I'm just going to mix it up: this week you'll see about five outfits while other weeks might be one or even a post dedicated to how I've worn one piece a few different ways

(I do enjoy re-wearing; note my Gap neutral wedges! They're everywhere!). 

We'll just see what happens so this blog makes both of us happy.

Speaking of which, this week will be a bit abbreviated in terms of posts: more on that on Wednesday.

Wishing you lovely ladies the most wonderful week!

Saturday

{gym / lunch / errands / too lazy to change from my workout gear}

top/bra: lululemon "no limits tank" - no longer online but available in store; obsessed / pants: victoria's secret / watch: swatch / sneaks: asics / hair: braids!!

Sunday

{father's day lunch at our digs}

striped top: american eagle / jean capris: old navy / wedges: nine west  / necklace: forever 21 / watch: michael kors

Monday

{client meeting / errands / misc.}

dress: loft / white cardy: old navy / wedges: gap / bow necklace: tiffany & co.

funny sidenote: this is a 2009 loft dress; went to a baby shower soon after buying and I swear that no less than FOUR women were wearing this exact dress. coincidentally or not, I haven't worn it since.

Thursday

{more client meetings / work}

cardy & white tee: gap / skirt: inc / wedges: gap / necklace: american eagle / leather wrap: baublebar

Friday

{filmed tv segment with wpbf (yay!) / client meetings / lunch meeting}

dress and wedges: gap / necklace: banana republic / bracelets: baublebar and american eagle

Yellow... Not So Mellow

My nails are yellow.

And, not because I have jaundice, but because I actually painted them like this.

Really. I thought I'd be all fashionable and cool, but I learned a valuable lesson:

all looks are not for all people.

This one is for me! Haha.

color: mellow yellow /
ignore the awful at-home mani.

It looks way cuter and less jarring yellow close up, I think, than it does looking at it here.
"School bus" yellow, my bro said.  I don't think that was a compliment, right?

I was hoping for a chic Chanel Mimosa look-alike after seeing Jennifer from The Looks for Less show off similar colors in a recent Manicure Monday.  While I was still on the fence, I yearned for the bright color after a tweet exchange with Dianna from The Budget Babe I was convinced this was for me.

Negative.

Do not despair however. I totally think yellow nails could work on some. Particularly if you are darker skinned than I (doesn't take much; ha). If nail polish isn't for you,

check out these sunshine-soaked accessories to get you in the mood...

Anything you're totally loving??

o'neill crystal cove in dandelion, $27.20 (reg. $34)

Wear with anything! Love the pop of color; these are thisclose to the same look as a million pricier options.

dooney & burke large slim wristlet, $58.75 (reg. $75)

Use this wristlet as a handy pouch to store make-up, coupons, anything during the day and pull it out for "emergency" happy hour situations. comes in five colors.

much love illy, large yellow rose ring, $11.50

Talk about a steal on a statement maker! She also has adorable yellow rose earrings for just $6ish!

Bonus: the gal who makes these is aweosme.

old navy, tie-dyed infinity scarf, $14.94

Don't be shy about pairing this with a pattern. If you're not there yet, opt for a solid color.... maybe in a contrasting color (purple, blue, etc) to add depth to your look.

What do you think about the color yellow?
Any favorite yellow items in your closet?

Falling Back in Love... with American Eagle

My beloved American Eagle... oh, how I have missed you!

American Eagle is one of my favorite stores from back in the day. I worked there while in college... and maybe longer (kind of a blur now, hah). I owned so much of their clothing and accessories that entire outfits were AE and I could spot the brand everywhere. Just ask a girlfriend from my UF days, they'll vouch for me (that's you Dori, Lauren, Danielle, Alexis, Sara Beth, etc!)!

While I took a bit of a hiatus from the store in my late 20s, I'M BACK!

A few years ago the clothes seemed a little hoochie-ish (truth), but now there are so many adorable looks

that you'd be thrilled to be spotted in. Regardless of age.

I've been there twice in three days, first getting this striped tee. Then on Monday I picked up this awesome dress along with some gorgeous sparklies. I'm so back crazy in love.

soft drapey tee in light hot pink stripes

sale, $10 reg. $24.50 (almost ALL tees are currently $10!)

I've been looking for pops of color... here it is! (super light-weight and not too snug around my midsection!).

fiesta strapless dress

sale $24.50, reg. $39.50

This satiny find totally looks like a $150 dress from Anthropologie! Total steal.
Will be wearing this to everything from bridal showers to work meetings. Pair it with a cardigan or a blazer, a la Kristin Wiig in Bridesmaids (Thank you Budget Babe for the inspiration!).



I also picked up some jewelry from their impressive selection.
At my local store, jewelry is BOGO FREE! Online, it's BOGO 1/2 off.

I scored faux diamond hoop earrings with studs ($12.50); a long double key necklace ($15.50), and two awesome bracelets ($6.95 each on clearance). Only paid $22.45 for all four!
Unfortunately, I couldn't find most of it online so here's a pic of the new items...
the new dress is the background.

Here's the one bracelet I could find online...

chain bracelet in blue

sale $9.95 ($6.95 in store), reg. $15.50

The bracelets are amaze and a half when added with other bracelets and leather wraps.
See what I mean? And, I'm just getting started.

Bracelets: AE on the left and right, with my BaubleBar perfect leather wrap bracelet in the middle.

So tell me... have you checked out American Eagle lately?
What do you think?

Weekly Outfit Recap: June 20, 2011

Hi ladies!

Welcome to post numerous dos where I recap all the outfits I wore this past week (here's the first outfit recap!). I've been getting into the groove of taking pictures every day...
let me tell you though, having you guys as my judges (at least that's how it can feel sometimes) has really made me more conscious of my looks. Probably in a good way.
I'm always thinking about an extra accessory or a way to make each outfit a bit cuter.

Hope you like some of the decisions I've made this week. There's one or two that are a little "eh" in my book (looking back at least) but at the end of the day,

I'm happy with me and how I present myself to the world.

Would love to hear if you're doing anything new wardrobe-wise and if you have any recommendations for moi. I decided I need more bright/neon-ish clothes, so they're on my list now.
Wishing you -- the coolest gals I know -- the best week ever!

Friday

{work from home; lunch with mom and bro (visiting!), casual dinner with fam} 

lace tee: express / jeans: visgoss via loehmann's / bracelets: h&m / flats: tory burch

Saturday night

{big fam dinner to celebrate my grandpa's 85th birthday}

beaded neck tank: inc via macy's / gold skirt: gap / heels: bcbg / bracelets: pink-loehmanns, black - lord & taylor / clutch: vera bradley / watch: swatch

Sunday

{pit-stop by a "zumbathon" for JCC (jewish community center) client / afternoon at grandparents}

blouse: h&m / skinnies: f21 / watch: tortoise shell michael kors / bracelets: tory burch and bauble bar /

flats: kitson la - thrifted

Monday

{work from home / late afternoon errands with mom}

tee: target / tank: gap body cami bra / flower flats: born (SO comfy!) / necklace: f21 / watch:

Tuesday

{client meeting / work from home -- mani/pedi, too, but changed: don't want to give anyone a view!}

dress: libertine for target / cardi: loft (hindsight: should not have worn) / belt: old, very old / heels: calvin klein

Wednesday

{work from home / client meeting}

sparkly tank: kmart / jacket: target / wide-leg trousers: gap / heels: calvin klein / hair: curly, ALL MINE!

Thursday

{client meeting / lunch with Jillian from I Should Log Off (awesome travel blog)

blouse: loft / skirt: loft / belt: h&m / wedges: gap / bracelet: baublebar

Friday

{lunch date / past-client-who's-new-again meeting (yay!) / visitation for friend's dad}

tiered tank: express / jacket: target / cropped pants: gap / heels: naturalizer

Friday night - QUICK CHANGE! :)

(like this second look way better so had to share both!)

{dinner at a friend's house with the kiddies}

tiered tank: express / denim cuffed jean capris: old navy / flats: tory burch / leather wrap: tory burch



5 Must Haves from Jordan from Cali

Meet Jordan. I haven't even met her and I can tell by her blog posts, tweets and emails that she's a down-right hysterically funny, spunky, crazy adorable chick. Like the kind of girl you know you'd have a freaking blast with if you hung out. Jordan lives in California yet through six degrees of seperation (and a seperation of the continental United States!), we actually know a person or two in common. And, more fun than that... we discovered we're sorority sisters (woohoo, aephi!).

Besides being a working girl, she shares her life's musings on her bloggie, Queen of L.A., which is a total riot. Especially since it centers around her being... the Queen. Oh, and her intense obsession for shoes. Now, I love shoes, but this girl lurrrrvveeees shoes! She also loves leopard and pink, and did I mention shoes? Ha! Def. check outk her blog and say hi on Facebook. Excited to share with you her post today.

Check out her 5 must haves, in her words... promise you won't be shocked by #5!

I cannot tell a lie – I was so flattered when Alyson asked me to guest post on The Average Girl’s Guide! Being a part of such a wonderful and supportive community is one of my favorite parts about blogging, and I love all the interesting people I’ve met through our blogs. It’s a very cool feeling to read the words of someone you don’t know and still manage to feel instantly connected to them! Anyway, I think Alyson is fabulous, and I’m so glad to be here today chatting with all of you :) Hope you enjoy!

Iced Nonfat Chai Tea Latte / Starbucks

If you met me in real life, you would instantly know that I’m someone with a LOT of energy. “How are you so wide awake right now?” people constantly wonder aloud at 7 a.m. “How many cups of coffee did you drink?” Ha! The funny thing is, I’m NOT a coffee drinker – hate the taste! I’m a tea girl – a chai tea girl, to be specific. I like to start my days with an Iced Nonfat Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks – light ice, please.

So refreshing!

Kendra Scott earrings

If I had to choose my favorite feature, I would probably say my eyes – I was blessed with pretty blue eyes (thanks Mom!) and like wearing anything that draws attention to them. I have three pairs of Kendra Scott Danielle earrings, but the turquoise ones are my absolute favorite – the color is perfect and looks AMAZING with a tan!

TAGG tip: go to her web site to enter your email addy to get 20 percent off your online purchase! And, ps: been dying for same pair Jordan has, so if anyone has an extra pair just laying around...

Essie nail polish

Confession: I am a chronic nail biter. The ONLY way I keep them out of my mouth is to keep them bright, shiny, and polished with a pretty color. My favorite line of nail polishes, hands down, is Essie – I have started amassing quite the collection! My favorites are Chinchilly (a great basic grey), Demure Vixen (see pic; such a unique opal-y purplish pink), and Turquoise & Caicos;  (the prettiest aquamarine – so gorgeous on toes)!

Chowhound

If you read my blog regularly, you’re definitely aware of the things I love – fashion, friends, fun, and FOOD! I am a definite foodie – I pride myself on knowing all about the new yummy places to eat in LA. One of my favorite websites that keeps me up to date on lots of “food news” is Chowhound – it’s got a great message board where anyone can post food-related questions about their city. Trying to find a good brunch spot in Miami to take your visiting sister-in-law? Wondering what supermarkets in Arizona sell fresh shrimp? Interested in reading a review about the new dim sum place that just opened up in Chinatown?

Chowhound has all the answers for you. Such a helpful and interesting resource!

Same Edelman "Kendall" wedges

These Sam Edelman shoes are only a week old, but I’m already considering them a must-have! After banning myself from shopping for an entire month (head on over to my blog to hear all about the trials and tribulations of NO SHOPPING MAY), the very first thing I bought on June 1st were these babies. They’ve got a reasonable heel, a gorgeous leopard print (my favorite!) and they’re easy to put on, thanks to their Velcro strap! Leopard’s not your thing? They come in black leather too.

I got mine from Nordstrom and I’m obsessed!

Outfit: Black & White for Date Night

Happy Monday, gorgeous gals!

Just a heads up that starting next Monday this individual outfit will become the spot for my
weekly outfit post, which made its debut on Friday! (thanks for all your sweet, supportive messages!).

Today's outfit: recent date night at Buccan on Palm Beach.

Realizing more and more it's about finding just a few key pieces... make it easy on yourself by finding stylish dresses and blouses to pair with pants or jeans --
it's makes getting ready so much easier if you're not confident in mixing and matching!
Right now, it's all about gorgeous blouses for me, like this silky one I'm head-over-heels in love with --
so much so that I've "saved it" in the past for a mythical upcoming "special occasion."
Do you do that?? (It's a bad habit I'm trying to break. Let's enjoy our clothes now!).

PS, dinner: Buccan is this season's "it" place here, with good reason... the food, ambiance and drinks are killer! We actually dined as part of a secret dining program (thank you friend's sister for the hook-up! just like secret shoppers, so fun) and had the best time reconnecting while evaluating the details of the night.
Our meal? Sharing plates of tuna tartare, mussels in a super light curry/coconut milk broth (perfect for bread dipping!), mushroom pizza and crispy zucchini blossoms. Mouth watering while I type.

PS: extra excited by this Seneca Moss blouse because I got it at this local girls night out vendor fair-thingy for under $40 because it was supposedly from last season. Umm, ok, black and white? Sure. Classic to me.

Well, it's now $165 online. Major score for this mama.

OK... major nerd moment....

I love you gals so much I wanted to wave HELLO! :)

(I think my husband was embarrassed for me while taking this picture, lol).

blouse: seneca moss

white jeans: ag (thrifted)
gladiator wedges: nine west
bracelets: h&m and lord & taylor
rings: tiffany & co., and vintage from my grammy dell

Weekly Outfit Recap: June 9, 2011 (the 1st!)

Hello gorgeous gals!

Alyson here with my first installment of my outfits from the past week. I'm doing this to show you what the average, every day gal wears and how I'm trying to amp it up (at least a little each day).

I've already learned a lot! For example...

1. Waiting until 7 pm for your husband to take your photos guarantees that you look tired, your make-up ain't so fresh and your clothes are kind of wrinkly. ie: not prime photo taking time.

2. Taking your photo after you get your eyebrows waxed=poor planning.

3. Getting a mysterious, crazy monstrous black and blue mark on the back of your leg pretty much guarantees you'll be seeing me exclusively in pants for the next month.

4. This mama should be wearing lipstick everyday, everywhere.

5.  "Reporting" to you with my outfits makes me a little more stressed when getting dressed.

(so please be kind!)

Saturday

{fun family stuff that I hope to share soon! I know, I'm so mysterious, muhahaha}

tank: f21 / white tank: gap body cami bra / jeans: joe's / wedges: madden girl /

leather wraps: baublebar and h&m / white watch: michael kors

Sunday

{morning gym play with daughter , family brunch, exhaustion city}

striped lace tank: f21 / linen pants: f21 / gold sandals: dvf / bracelet: baublebar and h&m / watch: michael kors

Monday

{meeting with our accountant about my pr biz, cas' meeting with bistro client}

tank: j. crew / cardy: gap / navy pants: j. crew / flats: target / bow necklace: tiffany & co. / white watch: michael kors / bracelets: baublebar, vermont thrift find

Tuesday

{meeting at law firm client, lunch date}

blouse: lilly pulitzer / black pants: gap / neutral wedges: gap / bracelets: still baublebar (obsessed!) / bag: lv

Wednesday

{client meeting, meeting with reporter, failed attempt at a mani/pedi}

blouse: tucker for target / navy pants: gap / bronze city flats: gap / necklace: banana republic / tortoise shell watch: michael kors

Thursday

{new biz meeting at sbux, errands, eyebrow wax}

white top: f21 / cardy: loft / wide-leg pants: gap / neutral heels: nine west / necklace: banana republic

Outfit: Movie (Semi-Blind) Date Night

Blog "outfit" update: I'm going to start posting a weekly compilation of my daily outfits to give you a real look at what this gal wears (thanks to so many FB friends for the encouragement).  I work full-time from home so prepare yourself that the outfits will range from business to casual (think pjs!)... hey, that's me for ya!

Today's outfit: DOUBLE DATE NIGHT!
We recently enjoyed dinner and a movie on a 'semi-blind date' where my husband knew the guy, but I hadn't met him or his wife. Always makes me a little anxious and eager to meet new people.
Wanted to be casual yet cute since we were doing Thai for dinner and then seeing The Hangover II.

I started with a pair of leopard flats that I've been constantly wearing after recently scoring them at a thrift store (thanks to Jodi from Live FabuLESS for sharing her local spot!).
Paired it with this chambray tunic, dark jeans, my fave accessories (inc. my new white MK watch - obsessed!), and ta-da! Outfit complete.


I should mention that we had the best night with this new couple. And, the wifey? A blogger! And, a super sweet, adorable one at that!  Seriously, very exciting for moi. (Shout out to Lauren from Baylor Says, an awesome interior design lifestyle blog that also features funny little musings from her little boy, Baylor).

PS: Have I ever mentioned my popcorn addiction? It's brutal.
And, it's in full effect at the theatres.
Luckily, I absolutely refuse to pay the crazy prices for a popcorn and soda. I often bring snacks (even a mini bag of popcorn! haha) but sometimes I treat myself to a theatre kid's pack. Just $5.25 for this deliciousness -- and great portion control! Perfect amount of popcorn, soda and skittles, oh my!
(PS: Monster thank you to the hubs who takes my photos including this one in the theatre! He's the best!)

tunic: old navy / cami: gap / jeans: loehmann's / flats: kitson l.a. - thrifted / bag: lv /
watch: michael kors / heart locket: jewelmint / leather bracelet: tory burch

Wishing all you gorgeous ladies a very Happy Monday!

Summer's new "it" flats

Love, love, love flats.

While summer is all about sandals and baring our tootsies whenever and wherever possible,

there's often times when the perfect casual flat is just... well, perfection.

While last year was all about Tom's, this summer it's all about Solodus.

Doesn't hurt that they're half the price as Tom's -- at just $28 big ones -- and feel a bit more feminine.

My only dilemma: which ones do I get??

 pink seersucker



lemon

papaya blue

There's at least two dozen more colors and patterns... this is just what I've narrowed down to.
And, while I don't need any black flats right now, I know a lot of ladies who are always on the hunt.
If you do, opt for a light-weight pair like this....

black

Outfit: Kisses for Red, White and Blue

So perfect I wore this pseudo-Americana outfit last weekend to share with you on Memorial Day!

I should start off by saying I just snagged this kissy-esque blouse at Urban Outfitters the night before I wore it for a whopping $9.99. Woot, woot!

Remember me telling you everyone needs to rid themselves of the "I have nothing to wear syndrome?"
Well my challenge is that I need more blouses. Like, STAT. I've been pretty good about sticking to that, only picking up a few needed items along the way.  

(Confession: I did just splurge on Friday... bought a Michael Kors white watch with swarovski crystals around the face for 40 percent off; I've only been eying this for two years so I think it's OK.
Gorgeous, right?? Obsessed.)

Back to the outfit: This look had an eventful day. I started off in Ft. Lauderdale to see my bff (best friend forever), D, try on her wedding gown and enjoy a bridesmaids lunch at Cheesecake Factory. She looked so stunning, and even more importantly, so elated and happy. That's all I can wish for her, right?
Here's us passing by an adorable baby elephant sculpture; mama is to the left of us!

After this, I made an unexpected pit-stop at a good friend/college roomie's place to meet her brand-new little girl, S. Man, she was a cutie! I forget how light these little cuties are. And, S let me hold her for almost an hour while I gossiped with her mom. Yum! Man, she is precious.

Then, after some time at home, we were off to Sweet Tomatoes (yum!) for a big Saturday night out with another couple and their little girl. Oh, how our nights out have changed. LoL.
But, no complaints here: I have a gorgeous family
(and Sweet Tomatoes has a pretty darn great salad bar, chili, muffins, desserts and way more!)

Assuming pink nail polish doesn't clash with red wedges...

 

PS: sometimes I get sick of all the paparazzi (i.e. my husband who so graciously takes these photos)

I guess it's where my daughter learned it from? hahahaha. Good thing she has the Elmo book.

blouse: urban outfitters

pink cami: gap

capris: old navy

wedges: banana republic outlet

wrap bracelet: tory burch

rings: tiffany & co. / gram

watch: michael kors leather band

bags: louis vuitton early in the day / carlos falchi for dinner

nail polish: forget me not, by essie