Birthday Party

Dress: Urban Outfitters
Blazer: Urban Outfitters
Belt: Urban Outfitters
Tights: Walgreens
Shoes: Forever 21
Earrings: Marie Marie Jewelry
Bracelet: Vintage

I was very excited I finally had a reason to wear this dress! It was a Christmas gift and I brought it to Vegas in January but never wore it. I decided to pair it with a teal belt and blazer because it was a little chilly this night. I wanted to go simple with the jewelry so I threw on a pair of fringe earrings and this amazing bracelet that Ry's grandma gave me. I don't have a lot of vintage costume jewelry so this item is very special to me! It also came from an amazing woman which makes it even more special!

This weeks "I want what she has!"

This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Kaitlyn Fergus. I love her outfit head to toe!

Top: $19.99 Charlotte Russe
Jeans: $60(?) Nordstrom
Earrings: $3.80 Forever 21
Ring: $4.80 Forever 21
Belt: $6ish (last season) Forever 21

Let's be honest, Kaitlyn always looks great! She has great style and that is backed by an amazing (yet thrifty) wardrobe! I love how she accessorized this outfit! I was also kind of upset to find the belt is older because I was planning on running out to get my own! Well, I guess that's what closet swapping is for right?!

How to: Fishtail braid (click here)

Questions answered!

My blog follower Linda asked: "how do u do fishtail braids??? can u do a tutorial/youtube demo?"

Here you go! Hope this helps!

A toddler free afternoon

Top: Target
Jeans: Express
Shoes: Bakers
Earrings: Erin Gallagher Jewelry
Ring: Forever 21

I love this top! I found it at Target last summer on clearance for $4! Cha ching! With the detail on the back, you kinda have to put your hair up. Since I'm in dyer need of a hair cut I twisted my bangs to the side to complete the look. I paired it with a dark wash jean, brown peep toe booties, and gold jewelry. This was the first time I wore my double ring. It was surprisingly comfortable. I only ran into a problem with I tried to hold hands with my hubby. It doesn't allow your two fingers to separate, so make sure you wear double rings on the side your guy is not on!

I'm still a jeans and t-shirt kind of a girl....

Let's be honest. When you're headed to the zoo to do some animal seeing and some walking, five inch heals just won't work. I don't care it your Posh Beckham, you own flat shoes and pair them with jeans and t-shirts on those days! This day we did just that! I love anytime that I can effortlessly throw on a t-shirt, jeans, flats, and toss my hair up in a bun! And I don't care how "mom" that seems!

Birthday Party

Top: Forever 21
Blazer: Urban Outfitters
Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Jessica Simpson
Necklace: Erin Gallagher Jewelry

First off, I'm sorry there is no front view picture. I only took one and it ended up looking fuzzy. Lesson learned! I will (from now on) take a few shots of each pose. Okay, moving on.
These shoes equal my bliss! I could run in them they are so amazing! Anyone who knows me has seen me in these shoes on many occasions. They are my go to shoes for weddings, date nights, or just days I need a little extra height. I paired them with a dark wash jean and a gray stripped tank. Since it was a little chilly this day a threw on my black Urban blazer. Lets be honest, a good blazer finishes any outfit and makes it great!

This weeks "I want what she has!"

This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Jennifer Flesch. I am loving her blazer and gold necklace!

Blazer: $25 Forever 21
Necklace: $10 Forever 21

Got to love Forever 21 and their prices!
I really like the detail on this blazer. There are gold X's all around the collar that give it such personality! I also love the asymmetrical flower detail on this necklace. All and all, Jen rocked out this look!

Out and about....

Top: Victoria's Secret
Under Shirt: Target
Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Bakers
Ring: Creatively Yours

I love this top! Victoria's Secret had it way over priced at $98 but at one point it was on sale in the $40 range and I had $20 in gift cards that I was dying to use. Finally the price was right for a T-shirt! It's a little on the short side (for my taste) so I threw a basic white tank on under it for some extra length. I paired it with a dark wash jean and decided I didn't really need jewelry because of the amount of sparkle on the top. Right before I walked out the door I remembered the new gold butterfly ring I had gotten at my recent purse party and it matched perfectly! I had a little extra strut in my step this day. I'm guessing that what happens when you have enough sparkle on to light up a small room! ;)

Purse Party

I hosted my first annual Creatively Yours purse party this past weekend. It was so much fun! They arrive about two hours before your guests show up and turn your house into a store! (which, let's be honest, is every girls dream!!!) My family room was full of designer (knock off) purses, sunglasses, jewelry, wallets, and luggage. I am embarrassed to tell you I lost their pamphlet that had all their information on it. If you want to throw your own party, comment below and I will get it for you! My mom and sister also throw an annual purse party every November and I'm sure they are more organized then me with their info!
I also, very predictably, got way too much loot! The last picture on this post is the stuff I kept for myself. Three Jimmy Choo purses, one Kate Spade luggage bag, one coach wallet, and a pair of Fendi sunglasses! I also got a sterling silver Tiffany's necklace and a big butterfly rig that did not make it into the picture, but you will see both of them on my blog soon enough!
Thanks to all the ladies who came out! I had so much fun and already can't wait for next year!

Questions Answered....

This question was asked from an annoymous blog follower:

"y don't u ever post the jewelery u make on ur blog??"

That's a great question! I actually wear the jewelry I make quite a bit (which is always posted on the blog), but I guess I just assumed that everyone knows what companies I work for.

The first jewelry I ever made was for Erin Gallagher Jewelry. I used to work in-store designing and creating pieces all the time. When I got pregnant with my son, I quickly realized that I wanted to be a stay-at-home mommy and Erin was amazing about that! For the past 2 years I have been making the jewelry for her store from home. I am currently not doing any work, but when it gets busy for them at the store again, I hope to start back up.

The other jewelry I make is from Marie Marie Jewelry. About 7 months ago, Kristin Hassan came to me and asked if I would design a line of jewelry for her 2010 spring clothing collection. I of course said YES! For those of you who don't know a lot about Kristin, here's a little bio:
Kristin Marie Hassan has been in the fashion business since 2006 with her own two labels, organiK Revolution and Kristin Hassan, under her belt, as well as freelancing for numerous others.  Deeply inspired by the allure of downtown Chicago and the VIP vibe of following around her rocker husband's bands, there's no doubting the flirty and rock n' roll edge that comes through in her designs.  So when Hassan noticed a missing component to her looks, she headed straight to her fellow rock-star wife, Fergus to bring the shiny.

Marie Marie Jewelry provides fashion forward, high quality pieces of jewelry that won't break the bank.  They're feminine and tough, all in one.

The collection as been selling great! Thanks to all of you, we have already sold out of 4 styles (bow necklace, chain bracelet, 3 clasp necklace, and multi-strand bow necklace)! There are only a few pieces of each style left! SHOP NOW! Just for being a blog reader we will give you 15% off! Just put the promo code LISA15 in at checkout!

Latest hair obsession

It all started for me during my birthday week in late February. Ever since I wear my side fish-tail pony at least once a week! It's a great fix to a bad hair day or just a better idea if you will be at a sweaty rock show or crowded bar! It also gets a lot of attention everywhere I go! I've had everyone from the guy at Starbucks to the hostess at Redstone ask me how I did it. It's really a very easy braid to do!
I don't know about you, but this braid gets me very excited for spring/summer! I am the braid queen! You will find me rocking out all different braids from March-September every year! You will also find me braiding every one's hair as well. I usually can't see any of my sisters (sister-in-law included) without being asked to do a braid for them. Yes sisters, I will do fish-tails for all of you this summer! ;)

This weeks "I want what she has!"

This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Katrina Cabrara. I loved her outfit head to toe!

Top: $29 Alloy
jacket: $138 silence & noise, Urban Outfitters
jean leggings: $39.50 Express
shoes: $80 steve madden

Katrina rocked this look at the Lucky Boys Confusion show we went to a couple weeks ago. It was a perfect look for the night! Nothing says rock n roll like a little leather and a lot of sparkle! I definitely have closet envy of this pretty lady!

Around the house...

Top: ??- swap with Kaitlyn
Jeans: Gap
Cuff: Some NY designer that was sold at Erin Gallagher Jewelry in 07

I needed to put something on that would be comfy enough to do wagon rides, play on the swing set, and climb up in the club house, but still cute because I had company coming over. This outfit did the trick! It's simple, but when I paired it with a sparkly cuff it didn't seem like I was just wearing jeans and a cotton top. There's nothing better then putting a little twist on the basic day to day outfits you wear during your mommy time!

Questions Answered....

This question was asked from my blog follower Bonnie:

"What products do you use to keep your hair looking so great? shampoo/conditioner?"

First off, thanks for the hair compliment! My hair has always been a challenge for me. Now that I finally have the length that I love, maintaining the look is pretty easy. As far as shampoo and conditioner go, I use Pantene Pro V Color Revival for both. I also use Head and Shoulders shampoo in the winter every other wash because my skin gets so dry! You don't need flakes to prevent them ladies!
After I get out of the shower I spray Pantene detangling light conditioning spray on the ends so I easily comb through it. Before I blow dry I use Redken anti snap leave-in treatment on the ends. (I'm not even sure they still make this product. I only use 1 pump per use, so I've had the bottle for the past 3 years!) After it is all dry and I plan to wear my hair strait, I use Matrix Sleek Look on each section before I put the hot iron to it.
If I plan on wearing my hair curly I stop after the leave in conditioner and use Aqua net hair spray for styling.

I also dye my own hair using two boxes of hair dye from walgreens every 60 days or so (or whenever the color starts to fade). I usually use whatever is on sale but am partial to Nice and Easy and Loreal Preference. The conditioner that comes with these are amazing! Since I use 2 boxes, after I dye my hair I use one entire tube on my hair. Then I use the other tube once a week until it is gone. I know, I know, box dye is bad for your hair! (Or so ALL hair stylists will tell you) Well, I think my hair is fine and to be honest, I've had too many bad salon hair dying experiences to continue down that path!

In the summer I am a big fan of VO5 Hot oil treatments! Again, since my hair is so long, I use 2 at a time. I use it about once a month or so depending on how often I am swimming or out in the sun.

I think that's everything! I hope that helps Bonnie!

Dinner with my in-laws

Sweater: Express
Top: Express
Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Payless

I really wanted to finally wear this black sweater. I got it about 6 months ago but have never worn it! I guess it got lost in the black section of my closet! It's a bit heavy, and since our cold days are becoming fewer and far between, I knew it was a good night for it! I love how it is just a little bit longer in the front then it is in the back. I paired it with a tank that had lots of detail around the neck line. I decided to not wear any jewelry because the detail was already enough and my son wouldn't stop grabbing at it. I didn't want to give him even more reason to pull on me! Hey, I'm a mommy first and a fashionistia second! ;)

No Pudge Fudge Brownie

Okay, so I don't normally blog about food, but I'm making an exception for this guilt- free desert that will keep us in our skinny jeans. I can't take the credit for learning about this delicious find though. Recently on Twitter Lauren Conrad talked about how great Trader Joe's no pudge fudge brownies were. My first thought was, yeah right skinny bitch! I have to admit, I initially bought them to discredit this fat free find, but boy was I wrong!
The recipe calls for an 8 inch pan, which I do not own so I went with a 9 inch round, and that seemed to work fine. You mix the brownie mix with fat free vanilla yogurt and bake! The batter is out of control good. I may or may not have licked the mixing bowl. What? Don't act like you are not going to do the same thing!
The end product was amazing soft fudge brownies that I challenge you not to eat in one night with your family!

This weeks "I want what she has!"

This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Jaclyn Javurek. I am loving the color, the size, and the hardware on this bag! So cute!

Purse: $40 but negotiated down to $30- Canal Street, NYC in China Town.

Now this is a great find! I wish all prices were negotiable! Can you imagine? What's that Urban Outfitters, I owe how much? Well, I'll give you this much for everything!!! haaa Now that is a world I would like to live in! ;)
I guess I just need to go to NYC to do some major shopping!!

Family day

Top: Forever 21
Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Payless
Jacket: Forever 21
Scarf: Target-gift
Purse: Forever 21 -borrowed from Kaitlyn
Sunglasses: HOB shop in Las Vegas

I love this top! It has so much detail that if you wear it during the day you don't really need jewelry. (If I was wearing it out at night I would go with a copper necklace or gold earrings.) I paired it with my new 1969 dark jeans and an old pair of Payless boots. I love simple outfits that make you feel pretty!

Questions?

I am going to take some time next week and answer any questions you may have for me. Hair, skin care, clothes, nails, shopping, little tips and tricks, kid stuff, you name it and I'll address it! Write your question in the comment section under this post. Thanks ladies!

Lucky Boys Confusion Show

Top: Urban Outfitters
Skirt: Twelve by Twelve-borrowed from Kaitlyn
Belt: Urban Outfitters
Necklace: Forever 21
Cuffs: Express (darker/larger cuff)
(silver cuff) ?- borrowed from Lindsay
Tights: Walgreens
Shoes: Forever 21
Purse: Forever 21-borrowed from Kaitlyn

I love when my husband plays shows! It's just another excuse to get all dolled up to go out! Last time I wore this top I paired it with a black skirt, but this time I wanted more color! The waist band on this skirt is made of 100% cotton so there was a lot of stretch in it. Putting a belt on top of the waist band definitely helped with that problem.
I couldn't decide on which bracelet to wear with this outfit. The dark cuff was more oxidized then my necklace and the silver cuff was more silver then my necklace. My solution, wear them both!!
As I was getting ready I snagged my good tights, so I ran out to walgreens to find another pair. These cost me $1.39 and looked just as good as my $12 ones. I will no longer be purchasing $12 tights!!! ;)

"I want what she has!"

This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Gwen Loyd. I loved her entire outfit! And the ring!?! So cute!

Top: Charlotte Russe $12
Jeans: tj maxx $20
Boots: kohls $40
Ring: Charlotte Russe $5

Okay, I clearly need to make a run to Charlotte Russe! It's been YEARS since I've shopped there, but with prices like those, I can't afford not to!
I also love the color pallet here! I am a big fan of mixing neutrals (black, brown, navy, gray), so I really enjoy the navy/gray combo! It's always the fellow artsy girls who throw together the best color combos effortlessly!

Mall walking and Lunch

Shirt: Victoria's Secret
Under Shirt: Target
Leggings: Victoria's Secret
Boots: Colin Stuart
Necklace: ? -gift
Scarf: Target I think -gift

This morning I was meeting up with my best friend of 20 years and her daughter. We planned on doing some mall walking and shopping before we went to lunch. I went with leggings and a t-shirt with a pair of boots purely for comfort! The necklace I wore is so special to me! It is my family holding hands. (Me, Ryan, and our son) I'm not sure where she bought it, (so Gwen if you're reading please leave a comment with the store name) but I do know you can buy them with different children numbers! Great gift ideas for moms everywhere!