Navy with a side of pale

Dress-BCBG, Belt-Target, Scarf-H&M, Boots-Aldo, Socks-Target, Watch-Michele, Bracelet-Nomination, Necklace as bracelet-Tiffany&Co, Earrings-Target, Ring-Silpada

I broke down and wore a dress last week without tights. Remind me not to do that again until after I get back from Maui in May. WOW! My legs are WHITE! The weather was turning nicer and I was psyching myself up for spring. I don't think I'd mind my pale skin so much if it was a porcelain pale. You know the type I'm talking about... flawless, creamy white, smooth skin. You know it when you see it because even thought it's pale, it's striking. Mine? Not so much, more a red undertone to it. I best be bustin' out the self tanner quickly. I'm itching to go bare legged, but at this rate I might blind a few people.

School Uniform

Blouse-Gap, Sweater-Forever21, Blazer-local store, Pants-Express, Shoes-Target,
Necklace-Local, Earrings-Target

This blazer was a surprise find last winter at a local gift shop. I had gone with a girlfriend to their annual holiday shopping event and stumbled upon this lovely piece. The minute I saw it, I knew I had to have it. Every time I wear it I feel like I'm wearing a school uniform, but I love it!

Librarian

Blouse-Target, Cami & pants-Limited, Sweater-JCrew, Shoes-Nine West, Watch-Coach, Bracelet-local,
Necklaces-limited and macy's, earrings-limited, belt-limited

I felt very "librarian" today. I don't know why. Maybe it's the wide legged pants with the long grandpa like cardigan? All I needed was a pair of specs and the look would've been nailed. I had laser eye surgery a few years back when I found out I wouldn't be able to wear contacts ever again. I loved my glasses (I had sooooo many pairs), but didn't love the fact that I would have to wear them ALL the time. Laser surgery it was and I haven't looked back! HA, pun intended! But, I do find myself gazing at glasses and contemplating buying them with clear lenses for fashion sake. Is that wrong? I think they can be a great accessory. What do you think? 

Favorite

Dress-3.1Philip Lim, Turtleneck-H&M, Belt-Target, Tights-Spanx, Shoes-DV by Dolce Vita, Watch-Coach, Bangle-Forever 21, bracelet-local, ring-BCBG, Earrings-Forever21

It's so good to have my closet back. I was actually giddy getting ready for work on Monday. I knew what I was going to wear right when I woke up! I'd been patiently waiting to wear my favorite dress. Honestly, it felt so good to just grab anything out of my closet. So many options to fit so many moods. It's good to be back!

Seared Scallops

Sunday, Ramesh caught some bug and was sick all day (poor guy!). With him laid up on the couch, I took the opportunity to run some errands and plan out my week of cooking. I find that if I don't have a plan, I don't cook. This leads to finding quick options, which aren't always the healthiest. I had been thumbing through my recent Cooking Light and found a few recipes I couldn't pass up - Seared Scallops and Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with sesame, garlic and ginger. I made these on Sunday night and they turned out AMAZING! I only took a few pictures because, quite frankly, I didn't think about it until after I was done and we were already devouring them! 

La Traviata

Dress-Local store, Belt-Target, Tights-Spanx, Shoes-Steve Edelman, Earrings-For Love 21, Ring-Silpada, Necklaces (worn as bracelets around wrist)Tiffany&Co, Watch-Michele

The weekend was just what I needed after a long week that included travel for work. Friday we stayed in, made pizza and had a bottle of wine. It was the perfect end to the week. Saturday we went to the Opera. We met friends prior for dinner at Meritage in St Paul. If you haven't been, I highly recommend it. Their Classic Champagne Cocktail was lovely and dinner was delicious. Then, it was on to the opera, which I enjoyed. This was Ramesh's first time and he hasn't decided if he enjoyed it or not. He liked the music, but didn't particularly enjoy watching the show (or trying to read the subtitles for that matter). Interesting. I thought this would be his "thing". He enjoys the classics- poetry, orchestra music, history, drama... all the things you find in an opera. We'll have to try again before judgement is passed. How was your weekend? Do anything fun?

Fur-Vintage, Purse-Be&D

30 for 30 {Day 30 - Finale!}

Sweater and Cami-Limited, Kimono-Winter Kate, Jeans- Paige, Boots-Steve Madden- Cross necklace-Vintage, Necklace-Tiffany&Co, Earrings-Forever21, Watch-Michele, Ring-Silpada

Done. Finito. Finis. Boo ya! This is my last outfit in the 30 for 30 challenge. I can't tell you how happy I am to start wearing the rest of my clothes. They've missed me almost as much as I've missed them. For real. They have. They feel neglected. But fear not, I plan to give each and every item in my closet the attention they need. I've learned a ton through the course of this challenge and don't plan to go back to my bad habits. My local J.Crew salesperson emailed and snail mailed me a personal note saying she hadn't seen me in forever. She asked me to come in and check out all the new clothes that just arrived. I won't be tempted. I WILL NOT be woo'd by bright, colorful spring clothes. Well, maybe a bit. But, I'm sticking to a budget and only getting a few things that I "need". Right now I'm going to enjoy the weekend. We've got the Opera on tap for Saturday night and I've got to find something to wear. Yes... it will be from my closet. I don't think I can stomach saying "I've got nothing to wear" when I haven't used anything in my closet in the last 30 days. I'll be shopping in my closet tomorrow if you're looking for me. Have a super weekend!

30 for 30 {Days 28 & 29- San Fran!}

I was in San Francisco Tues, Wed, Thurs this week (Oakland if you want to get specific, but we stayed in San Fran). It was a busy two days of wearing red and khaki and visiting stores. I did manage to wear two outfits from my 30 items though because we did squeeze in a bit of fun in while we were there.

Cami-Target, Blouse-Target, Sweater-Target, Jeans-Paige, Shoes-BCBG, Watch-Coach, Bracelet-Juicy Couture, Necklace and earrings-Limited

San Francisco is my favorite city! I'm not quite sure why I don't live there, but alas, I don't. I've been going there since I was young (we're talking like 10) with my parents, and then after college, my BFF moved there. What better excuse to visit the city then to see her. Sadly, she just moved to Reno in January. No more trips to visit her in the city, but I still have loads of friends that live there and another one moving there this summer. At some point, we will live there. Just don't think it will be anytime soon (insert sad face picture of me here). 


We didn't get to do anything in the city Tuesday night because we were at our new Oakland-Emeryville store opening and then opted to get dinner nearby. We couldn't stomach eating at 9pm (11pm our time) when we hadn't had a meal yet that day. We grabbed a bite to eat in Emeryville at Cocina Poblana. The fajitas were yummy.

Jacket-APART, Bag-Coach

Wednesday we got back into the city earlier and had a chance to run around a bit. Too bad the weather didn't want to cooperate with us - couldn't decide if it wanted to rain or just mist. Typical San Fran weather. I did get my coworker to snap a few shots of my outfit in Union Square to show you what I wore. After that, we met one of my girlfriends for all you can eat sushi at Nara sushi on Polk. It was delicious. 

Shirt-Target, Vest-Local, Jeans-Paige, Shoes-BCBG, Necklace and earrings-Limited, Watch-Coach, Bracelet-Juicy Couture

With a morning flight out of Oakland, I didn't have time to take pictures in the city, so you'll have to do with my attempted snaps from my hotel room. Not as easy as I would have liked, but it will do. One outfit left to go! WOO HOO!  

30 for 30 {Days 26 & 27: Two for One}

Shirt-Target, Blazer-Limite, Jeans-Paige, Shoes-BCBG, Purse-Be&D, Necklace-Local

I threw this on Sunday evening to have dinner with my man and then watch the Oscars. Did you catch them? It was painful watching Anne Hathaway and James Franco host. I'm a big fan of Anne, but this was down right uncomfortable to watch. The chemistry between the two of them was awkward at best.  What did you think?

Monday's are always tough for me, and today was no different. It took me FOREVER to get ready this am. I started out with this:

Then threw on the sweater:

And than realized I would freeze to death without tights, so this is what I ended up with. I like it better without the tights- not so dark, which is why I moved the location...better light in the am in my office.

The rest of today I was running around like a crazy lady trying to get everything done prior to leaving for Oakland/SFO tomorrow. Starting the day at the dentist is not my favorite way to start a Monday. When I finally got in to work, it was back to back meetings and trying to get all my stuff ready for my visits Tues and Wed. After work I had a workout with my trainer-my body still feels like jell-o. Packing was the easiest chore on my list. I don't know how that happened, but it did. It was harder for me to find red/khaki combos to wear to the stores than to plan my non-work outfits. Thank you 30 for 30 for making this easier than normal. With limited clothes to chose from, and desperately wanting to be finished with this challenge, I created two of my final three outfits to wear on this trip. I'm planning on getting some pictures with San Fran in the background. Look for them later this week. Hope you have a good week!

Weekend Highlights {Cabin escape}

Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza

Our weekend view

Our days started with Bloodys veggies

Our pile of entertainment

Breakfast egg bake with mimosa

Making snow angels

Fire to keep us warm

Slow cooker Chicken Jambalaya (Delicious!)

Thanks for inviting us up this weekend Jen! It was a ton of fun.