Think Spring

This week we are actually starting to see the beginning of some spring weather! Yay! I'm not going to put my winter clothes away yet, but I am going to begin to transition my looks. Today I thought I'd share some ideas for how to dress for the transition to spring.

Source 1/ Source 2 Source 3 / Source 4

First, I think a great way to transition to spring is to break out some bright colors. You still can easily add layers with a jacket or cardigan and keep wearing close-toed shoes, but bright colors scream spring!

J Crew scalloped dress / J Crew ruffle sleeve top / J Crew yellow skater skirt / J Crew short mini skirt / Women's Printed Crepe Shell Merona

Secondly, it's time to put those winter coats away! Yes! Jackets are definitely a great layering piece for spring. My denim jacket is definitely my go-to layer, but I love my utility jacket too.

J Crew denim jacket /  Twill Field Jacket Moss Supply Co. / J Crew clothing 

Third, it's time to put away the winter-weight scarves and pull out your nice, light, bright ones.  I don't wear scarves much in the summer, but they are still great for spring when you want a pop of color.

J Crew lightweight scarf /  Women's Crinkled Striped Infinity Scarf - Pink : Target / Women's Aztec Print Infinity Scarf / Lightweight scarf 

Lastly, it's time to pull out your colored pants. Now we can finally let our ankles show again and sport some bright colors too!

J.Crew stretch twill pants /mint ankle pants /  J.Crew slim pants / white ankle pants

Life Lately

Today I thought it would be fun to share some highlights from the last weeks weeks via pictures I've posted on Instagram.

1. I recently got this watch from Wristology and adore it. You can also get your own for 25% off using this link.
2. I took a rare selfie before church.  I got to help lead worship with Dennis Jernigan who came to sing at our church and share his testimony.  What an incredible song writer and man. It was a super cool experience!
3. Recently my friends and I went out on a quadruple date with our husbands.  It was such a fun evening and the food and conversation was amazing.  I'm so blessed to have them in my life!
4. During this lenten season I recently heard someone say it's not about taking away something, but about adding more God. I love this! This song has been on constant repeat in my head!
5. It's getting to that time of year when we're going bored with our winter clothes, so here's some inspiration for how to style a utility vest. Check out the original post here.
6. Getting to try Rocksbox has been so fun! You can try it free for a month too, just use code "newfavoriteoutfitxoxo" at checkout!

Tulip Boutique

Every time I go to Kansas City I love to stop by Tulip Boutiuqe. They have a great eye for fun, unique pieces!  This month I get to take part in the Tulip Twist Challenge again.  They sent me this cute top, perfect for transitioning to spring!  Once it warms up I think it'll be super cute with white denim, but I love it with my utility jacket and jeans today.

The Tulip Twist Challege is such a fun idea, three other girls and I each styled this shirt and on Tulip Boutique's Facebook Page you can vote for my look here.  The winner get's a $25 gift card too! I'd love to have you stop over and vote, and if you're in the KC area, make sure to stop by and see them in the Plaza too!

Top: August Silk via Tulip Boutique

Vest: Wet Seal similar

Necklace: Stella and Dot similar

Jeans: Old Navy

 Bracelet: chloe + isabel  c/o same 

Watch: Wristology same c/o Get 25% off
Shoes: Target same

What Love is:

Mornings at our house can go one of two ways. Either Grant gets out of bed on his own and comes and finds me in the bathroom getting ready, or I have to wake him up. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to conclude which morning is the easier of the two.

Recently we had a very rough morning.  Grant had been up late the night before, because I had choir and praise team practice and Brian was out of town, so Grant had to come along. The next morning he did not want to get up, get dressed, brush his teeth, etc.  I was sooo frustrated. Starting the day that way with Grant is the pits!

In retrospect I realize he was up late because of me, but at the time I just kept thinking, "Just work with me here kid!" I also thought about how I start the day. I get up early, have time for my bible study, coffee and breakfast, then I get ready.  If I had to get up and jump into action right away, I don't think I'd be very happy either. I love Grant so much, but I'm sure he didn't feel that way when I was busy trying to get him dressed and out the door.

It made me think about the characterics of who God is.  I went back and re-read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. For your information the original word for "love" here "agape." This isn't a sexual love or brotherly love. It's the very love we recieve from God and the very nature of who God is. Take a minute to read the passage below, but instead of saying "love" say "God."

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away."

I know that as a human I am not capable of loving the way God does, but I sure do a better job of being patient and kind. God loves us in spite of all of our weaknesses. The next time I'm in a difficult situation with Grant, or anyone else for that matter, I want to try to love how God does and let that be what shines through. 

One of my readers recently wrote a post about Jesus' love for us, hop on over and check it out!

I'm crazy about today's combo. I score this skirt for $4, new with tags, from thredUP (use this link to get $10 off your first order). I wasn't sure about a top, but tried the polka dots and love it.  I might freeze today with bare legs, but this just didn't look right with tights.  Hurry up, spring!

Cardigan: NY and Co. similar

Shirt: F21 same

Skirt: Merona similar via thredUP (use this link to get $10 off your first order)

Necklace: Mariposa Medley c/o similar

Bracelets: chloe + isabel  c/o same

Watch: Wristology same c/o Get 25% off

Heels: Target same

Linking up with:
What I Wore Wednesday
Random Wednesday

What I Wore to Work Link-up

Ask Me Anything

Last week I asked you all to hit me with your best questions, and I got some great ones! Today I'll be sharing my thoughts with you!

Blogging:

Question: "I am wondering if you ever feel self-conscious about your blog? As a blogger I do and am wondering if others feel the same way. I often feel my pictures aren't good enough and people will think I'm crazy for posting photos of myself. I'm just wondering if other bloggers feel the same way."

My answer: First off, I think this is a great question. I think putting yourself out there on the internet is huge and crazy.  It's weird to have friends see one of my outfits come up as a "suggested pin" for them on Pinterest. I've mentioned before how I think it can look as though we are really full of ourselves and vain to post images online.  There are also times I grow envious of other bloggers who take their outfit pictures in different locations, as I feel people like to see this, but it just doesn't work for me and my schedule. I can also feel frustrated when I'm trying to take pictures as they fit into my schedule and the lighting and wind won't cooperate. Above are four pictures with outfits I really like, and they make me feel good.  Wearing them on the blog or not, wouldn't have changed the outfit and I think that's important too. I'm working to be me and not some fictional version of who I really am.

Overall, I'm pretty at peace about what I share in my posts and make light of the fact, that it's really just me in clothes on any given day. I think the times I feel self-conscious are when my blog is brought up in conversations with friends.  It's not a hobby everyone has, and I don't want to seem like I think I'm more stylish than anyone else, because that's not true, I have a lot of very stylish friends.

Question: "How much time is involved in blogging?"

My answer: "For me personally, I spend twenty-thirty minutes a week taking pictures, then probably an hour creating each post. This includes, editing, the writing, and finding the links.  Fashion posts that I don't need to take/edit pictures are a lot quicker to write, maybe thirty minutes or less.  Most of this is done during Grant's nap time on Saturdays.

Question: "What got you started blogging?"

My answer: A few years back I was in a total style rut and discovered blogs. I didn't even know there was such a thing!  After reading a few, I decided to start my own.  I just wanted to be excited about getting dressed again and feeling good about myself.

Question: "Who takes your pictures for you? Do you take pictures of several outfits at one time? It looks like most of your pictures are taken outside. Do you worry about what the neighbors will think?"

My Answer: I have a tripod and a remote to help me take pictures. When I first began this hobby my husband took my pictures, and my mom and sister did a few times too, but then I felt like my hobby was inconveniencing those I loved.  I'm much happier taking them myself, as I can take 15-20 pretty quickly then sort through them for the best five or so.  I never would have asked anyone else to take that many pictures of me before.

I usually take my pictures on Saturday morning and I'll take three or four outfits in about twenty minutes.  If the weather is cooperating and I have more outfits planned, I'll take more than three or four. Weather and time don't always cooperate here, so if I can get the pictures taken, I can work to create the posts later when I have time.

My neighbor's know about my hobby, and although they haven't said it, they probably think I'm crazy ; ). Really, they are nice and down to earth, so I'm not too worried.

Question: "What denomination of church do you attend?"

My Answer: Our church is non-denominational, so I'd describe it as a "Christian Church."  It used to be associated with Southern Baptist in years past, but stands alone now.

Question: "What made you decide to make your blog more about your daily life and faith?"

My Answer: James 2: 23-24 says "And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone." My daily time with God should be reflected in my daily life. I felt this space needed to show who God is and what really matters to me.

Question: "How has your life changed since you started spending time with God each day doing devotions?"

My answer: "Since I started doing devotions last summer I feel like I'm more patient in my daily life and more able to handle what life sends my way. I love that I have time to myself in the morning while everyone else is still sleeping, something I crave being I'm around people every other moment of the day too. Instead of making God my 911 in cases of emergency, he's on my speed dial. Even when I wasn't spending time with God daily, he was still there, just waiting for me to come back to him, and I'm so glad I did!"

Personal Life:

Question: "What grade do you teach?"

My answer: I teach 7th grade language arts, which is basically reading and writing.  This is my 11th year teaching, and although I've taught in two school districts, this the is only subject I've ever taught.  I love the age and really enjoy my job!

Question: "What's a funny story from teaching?"

My answer: Being I teach 7th grade, I have A LOT of stories. One that sticks out is from last year.  I had a student who ended up behind his chair crouched down while I was teaching. I asked him what he was doing only to find out he had tied the strings to his hoodie to his chair and he was now stuck....trying to get his knot undone. I asked my what he was thinking???? His response, as his head hung low, "I don't know." And honestly, I think that was the truth. Just a typical day in my classroom...

Question: "What's your favorite activity to do with Grant"

My Answer: Saturday Mornings my husband goes and runs errands and does the grocery shopping while Grant and I run my errands and go to the library.  It's nice because we can take our time and hang out together. It's been our routine for years and I always enjoy it and he does too.

Question: "What's your favorite romantic memory with your husband?"

My answer: My husband proposed to me on his birthday because he couldn't think of a better birthday present that me becoming his wife. : )

Fashion:

Question: "I'm curious how you organize your jewelry- in a jewelry box, on the wall, in your closet? Statement necklaces take up a lot of space, so I need some new ideas."

My Answer: Organizing jewelry can be tough. I have flat jewelry tray that I lay my bracelets in, a jewelry stand similar to this for my short necklaces and a wall display similar to this one for my long necklaces.  Here are some affordable options:

White Supersize Stackers™ Premium Jewelry Storage | The Container... / Branch Jewelry Tree - Dark Silver : Target / Threshold™ 6-Section Jewelry Organizer : Target / 18" Brown Metal Jewelry Stand | Shop Hobby Lobby
jewelry hanger

Question: "What are five closet stapes a woman in her thirties should have?"

My Answer: That's a great question! I'm going to make it six though ; ) For fall and winter I'd say a pair of classic black heels, a black pencil skirt, a great pair of dark denim jeans with a slim leg, a crisp white button down or chambray, a crew neck sweater in a color you love, and a shift or fit and flare dress (depending on your shape) in a black, navy, or gray.  The outfit combinations with these pieces is nearly endless.

Question: "What are your top three shopping tips?"

My Answer: I hadn't really thought of this before, but I love this question.  One, would be to shop with a purpose. That means online or in stores. In the past I'd go shopping, just to see what was out there, and I'd buy all kinds of things on sale I didn't need. Now, I go with something specific in mind, like "new jeans." It's easier to make wise purchases that way.  The second would be to utilize coupons and online codes. If I know I need something, like jeans, I wait until I get an email from Old Navy, Loft, whatever about a sale they have going on, then I shop. Lastly, I'd say try on multiple sizes. I always grab two sizes to try on before deciding the item is a yes or no. If I hold it up and it looks big, I'll get a small and a medium. If the item looks small, I'll get a medium and large. Same with pants, I'll either grab a 6 and 8 or 8 and 10. No one sees your size, but they do see how it looks on you.

Question: "What's your favorite outfit?

My Answer: For fall and winter I'd say my favorite dressy outfit is a shift dress with a belt and a cardigan/blazer/fur vest. My favorite casual outfit is a sweater, vest, slim leg black pants and brown boots. Both the dressy and casual outfits can have a ton of different combinations within my closet, which I love.

Question: "What's your budget each month" 

My Answer: My husband and I took a Dave Ramsey course about four years ago and went to cash for our "free money" each month.  We each get $125 to spend as we choose. If  I want to buy fifty things I can, or if I want to buy just a few pricier things I can too. I used to use the debit card and my husband would see five charges and think I'd spent a million dollars, when really it would be like $40. Going to cash has helped give us both peace of mind.

This isn't for just clothes, it's also for pedicures, haircuts, dinner with friends, a coffee treat, etc.  Whatever I don't spend, I can carry over to the next month too.  I should note I do have some blogging income and c/o items which I don't include in my budget. Sometimes I save the money for trips, and sometimes I'll go over my $125 to make a bigger purchase. This isn't a monthly occurrence, but I want to be transparent. This month I used about $50 of blogging money to go beyond my budget. I got the itch for spring clothes, even though it doesn't look like I'll be able to wear them anytime soon....

Here's a peek at the things I bought this month:

Cardigan /  Merona zipper purse / Women's Adria Genuine Leather Riding Boots / floral kimono / ikat kimono


1. Merona pencil skirt (similar to picture) - via thredUP $4
2. Lumerie print dress (similar to picture) - via thredUP $20 (partial credit)
3. Gap dress new with tags - via thredUP $8 (partial credit) It's from last spring, so no picture, but this is close up of the print)
4. Leather riding boots- Target $30 These are the best purchase ever!
5. Merona Purse - $11 I haven't gotten a new purse in nearly two years and was excited to grab this for such a deal
6. Cardigan $11 I'll be honest I only bought this so I could get free shipping with the boots, but really ended up loving it!
7. Floral kimono- Target $18
8. Ikat kimono - Target $18 - I'm not sure I'll keep both. It's been too cold to wear them, so I need to play around with them before deciding.

I also got a haircut -$40, had three coffee drinks $15, appetisers with friends - $6, and dinner out with book club- $10

Total: $191

This was a really fun post to write! Thanks to all of you who sent me these great questions!

Pinteresting

I got this J. Crew blazer from thredUP and was so excited about the find, but it's been sitting unworn in my closet for quite sometime.  I think it's because I really didn't like the first way I wore it. It was an outfit I'd pinned and loved, but I just felt manish and awkward when I wore it. So, there it's been, forgotten. I decided to try it again today and really love it this time, although it's not much different than the first outfit. The difference is the feminine touches: the lace top, the ankle pants, the heels. This feels more like me.  Pinterest is great, but sometimes we're better off just doing it our own way.

I recently read this post about Pinterest and it really stuck with me. I love getting inspiration from Pinterest, but it shouldn't own me or you for that matter.

Mathew 6:25-34 has some great advice for us all:

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his 

glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its’ own trouble."

It can be so easy to get wrapped up in Pinterest and the perfect outfit, recipe, home decor, etc. but life is about so much more than that. What was created as a great idea can swallow us alive if we let it.  

Let's make a pact to just have Pinterest be a little electronic filing cabinets for ideas not something that that we base our self worth on. I promise we'll be much happier that way!

Blazer: J.Crew similar via thredUP (use this thredUP link to get $10 off your first order)

Top: Target similar

Pants: Target  same

Necklace: Stella and Dot similar

Bracelets: Wristology  (Get your own for 25% off using this link)

Heels: Fergalicious similar

How to Style: A Fur Vest

It's no probably a surprise to any of you to see a post about my fur vest.  It's obviously been one of my favorite pieces in my closet this winter.  There still some great vests out there to buy, like this one. As much as I'm aching for warm temperatures, I'm not ready to put my winter clothes away!

Today I thought I'd share some of the ways I've worn my vest this year.

I wore my vest most recently on the blog here with this great print dress I scored from thredUP (use this link for $10 off your first purchase). I love the idea of it with a print dress, and it isn't one I considered when I first bought this vest.

Vest: Target similar /Dress: Lumiere similar via thredup (use this link for $10 off your first purchase)/ Necklace: Stella and Dot similar/ Bracelet: chloe + isabel  c/o same / Watch: Wristology same c/o Get 25% off / Boots: Born similar

Another way I wore this vest was with my shirt with faux leather sleeves, jeans and booties. I love the edginess of this outfit!

Vest: Target similar / Top: Gordmans c/o Kensie similar / Necklace: Edith Marie Jewelry c/o same/ Jeans: Old Navy / Bracelets: chloe + isabel c/o same, same  / Boots: Wanted similar in black 

I also wore my vest with my skirt and top by J.Crew factory and boots.  I haven't worn it with a skirt since this time, but now I'd really like to come up with another combo before I put this away for the season.

Vest: Target similar  / Sweater: J.Crew factory same / Skirt: J.Crew factory same / Necklace: Target similar / Belt: Target same /  Bracelets: chloe + isabel c/o same, same  / Boots: Unisa c/o DSW similar

I also wore this with a dress I got from White Plum. I love the contrast of brown and black and would like to try this a bit more casually with my tall brown boots too!

Dress: White Plum c/o  simllar / Vest: Target similar/ Bracelets: chloe + isabel c/o same, same / Necklace: chloe + isabel c/o same / Booties: Jessica Simpson same

This outfit has be to one of my favorites to date!  I love the combo with this sweater I scored from thredUP (use this link for $10 off your first purchase)!

Vest: Target similar / Sweater: Ann Taylor similar / Necklace: chloe + isabel same / Bracelets: chloe + isabel c/o same, same / Pants: Target same / Boots: Born similar

Another way I wore it was with leggings and a tunic, this isn't my favorite, but I do like the combo.

Tunic: White Plum same / Vest: Target similar / Leggings: White Plum c/o cute options / Necklace: Kendra Scott inspired c/o real deal / Boots: Born similar

I also thought it would be fun to mix casual with dress and dressy with the vest.  I was freezing when I took these pictures!

Dress: Gap almost exact / Vest: Target similar / Necklace: Edith Marie Jewelry c/o similar / Bracelets: chloe + isabel c/o same, same  / Boots: Born similar

I like the mix of prints in this outfit with this top I scored from thredUP (use this link for $10 off your first purchase)! I've been a big fan of neutral combos this year.

Vest: Target similar/ Blouse: Everly similar via thredUp (use this link for $10 off your first purchase) / Bracelets: Stella and Dot same chloe + isabel same  / Pants: Target same / Boots: Born similar

This last outfit is also another one of my favorites.  This J.Crew dress was another thredUP find (use this link for $10 off your first purchase)! I've layered it with a lot of things and love it with the vest here.

Dress: J.Crew similar via thredUp (use this link for $10 off your first purchase)/ Vest: Target similar / Necklace: Mariposa Medley c/o similar / Bracelets: chloe + isabel  c/o same Stella and Dot / Heels: Merona same

Thursday:

Linking up with:

What I Wore to Work Link-up