Blogger inspiration

I've been doing a lot more outfit post lately, and it is truly because of all the blogger inspiration out there. I read lots of different types of blogs, but the fashion ones have really been kicking my wardrobe into high gear! They are also inspiring me to not just stand in front of my stairs every post! lol Thank goodness winter is over!
Here are a few of my favorite fashion bloggers, I truly have so many so I had to cut it down to 8.


Flashes of Style


Color me NaNa


Natalie off Duty


Pandora


Frankie Hearts Fashion


Oomph


Sincerely, Jules


Nadia Aboulhosn

All of these beautiful ladies have their own personal style and they are not afraid to be themselves! No wonder they have the following that they do! Thanks for the inspiration ladies! I enjoy all of your blogs!!! xo

Oh, the weather outside is weather....

Top: Victoria's Secret
Cami: JC Penny
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Urbanog
Necklace and heart ring: Jewelmint
Ring: Baublebar

So the weather has been bipolar here in the suburbs of Chicago! In the 80's one day and in the 40's the next! This day was rainy and in the upper 50's. It was a jeans and t-shirt kind of a day! It was also a bit windy so I decided to go with an up do. How cute is this bun? I watched a how to video by Keiko Lynn to get her messy bun look. (She is a super amazing blogger that I follow). You can check out her tutorial here!
She has bangs, so since I didn't want to put all my hair up, I faked a bang. What do you think? Yay or nay?

What guys really think

ONE-PIECE BATHING SUITS




Lisa: LOVE! Especially because my belly is not firm enough yet to wear a bikini. It's flat again, but not firm. And who wants to see my rolls as I'm bending over grabbing the kiddos this summer at the lake house, beach, and pool! I will be wearing a 2 piece in my yard, but that's about it! I think one-pieces are beautiful, stylish, and appropriate for women of all ages and sizes. Plus, how beautiful are these options?! I found all of these online at Victoria's secret!

Ryan: LISA! Firstly, you look great and if I can show off my burrito belly & cheesy nautical star tats at the pool, you can show off your slammin' MILF bod. SECONDLY, you're being disingenuous by only showing Victoria's Secret models in one-pieces. C'mon, those girls are so photo shopped you could put them in potato sacks and it would look good (and yes, they are exceptionally good-looking as well). I will say this - one-pieces appear to have come a long way from Aunt Merthel's 1952 vacation photos, but LADIES - guys look forward to summer for one thing & one thing only - we want to see some skin! We love when you lose all the layers and start reminding us of what we've forgotten you had over the dreary, seemingly never-ending winter months (especially us Midwest guys - you west-coasters don't know how good you have it!). Sure, there's hypocritical, asshole dudes out there who have the nerve to slam girls physiques while they have their beer belly hanging out (fuck those tools), but most of us are way less judgemental and love to see you in all your imperfect glory. Lisa - grab the kids - we're going bikini shopping at Target!

Lisa: Oh shit, I already ordered a one-piece from Victoria's Secret (not shown because the style sold out). Ummmm, a girl can never have too many suits right?! I'll take you up on the bathing suit shopping trip babe!
I've got an amazing hubby!

Hot and windy? Maxi skirt and tank of course!

Top: Forever 21
Skirt: Express
Shoes: Forever 21
Necklace: Jewelmint (sold out)
Ring: Lia Sophia (sold out)
Chain Ring: Tiffanys & CO

I love the mixing of stripes here. Stripes on top and stripes stitched in the maxi skirt! I am such a dress and skirt wearer (I only own 4 pair of shorts), so on a windy day like this one, it's ideal to go long. I do have a toddler who likes to crawl under me as well! Dangerous in a short dress for sure wind or no wind! lol

On a different note, my hair clearly needs some work. I usually get a semi permanent gloss every 4 months and it's about that time! My hubby is pushing for bangs (as usual!) and I want to grow them out for another year! I do need a trim though, it's getting a bit wispy! Any suggestions? Style suggestions? Color suggestions? Length suggestions? I feel like a change. Nothing to dramatic (lets be honest, I'd never go super short) but something new for sure!

this weeks "I want what she has!"

This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Jen Kurz. This floral maxi dress is beautiful!

Dress: $8 (on clearance) Target

This dress is not a maternity dress, but at 36 weeks pregnant Jen still rocks it out! I love the navy with the red, yellow, and lighter shades of blue! Great find Jen. You look beautiful and I can't wait to meet your new little bean in the next few weeks!

Dinner and a Movie

Dress: Forever 21
Jean Jacket: Vintage
Shoes: Payless
Earrings: Charming Charlie
Ring: Lia Sophia
Chain Ring: Tiffanys & CO
Sun Glasses: Charming Charlie

Last time I wore this dress, it was for lounging around the house. I knew it was super cozy and on this cool spring night, it was just the thing for dinner and a movie. Well, dinner at the movie I should say. With the kiddo's over at the grandparents for an overnight (first time in the past 6 months!), we headed over to a premium theater and ate, drank, and watched Bridesmaids. The movie was adorable, and me and the hubby spent the entire night laughing, kissing, smiling, and being newlyweds! (We've been married since January of 08, but it's been babies, surgerys, and our little boys therapies ever since.) It was really nice to get a night out! I love dating my hubby again!

Chictopia.com

I just joined Chictopia! Just another way to get my blog out there in the world of fashionable people! This will also be handy when I announce my business venture! ;) Follow if you'd like!

Well these look cool.....

Okay, these are a great idea! Has anyone tried them? Little flat slippers you can put in your purse and put on after a long night. Or dancing at a wedding. I would love these! They even come in their own little pouch. Is it weird I haven't heard of these? How long have they been out? I'm kinda sure we should all own them! Well played Dr. Scholls, well played!

My baby sister graduated high school!

Top: hand me down
Cardigan: NY & Co
Skirt and Belt: Urbanog
Shoes: Colin Stuart
Bracelet: Banana Republic
Heart Ring: Jewelmint
Ring: Baublebar
Bag: Coach
Necklace: Vita V Jewelry (email vrosynek@yahoo.com to purchase, $27)

I loved wearing this skirt! It was a very windy day and I had a few Marilyn moments, but mostly it just breezed around. LOVE!
I am so into gold right now (can you tell?! lol) and I find myself wearing the same 2 rings all the time. If it's not broke, don't fix it right?! ;)
Here is a picture of me with my older sister (she looks about 20 right?! Can you believe she is a mother of 3?) and the one below is all 5 of us! My 2 sisters and my 2 brothers!




Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! xo

Product Review: Sally Hansen Salon Effects

So I finally tried salon effects! A fellow fashion mommy friend of mine, Erin Kostner, suggested that I try these over a month ago and I've been putting it off. Honestly it seemed out of my level of capability! ;) Plus it's $9.99 and I think that's a lot for 1 round of nail polish.
Forward one month later when my mother-in-law came over to help with the kiddos and brought me these cute jean looking ones! SCORE! (and super thoughtful!)
Here's what I came out with:



LOVE these! I'm not sure how long they last, but they look super cute! They were not as hard as I thought they would be to apply. I think from start to finish it took me 10 mins. And since there is no drying it was right back into mommy duties! ;) All and all, I think it's worth the 10 bucks! Plus I still have a few left over and if I get the jean ones again or want to play around with color mixing I have some already on hand!
Run out and get these ladies, so fun!

Update: They lasted 5 days. I had chips on my pointer finger and thumbs, so I used my extra to re-do those 4 nails and I got another few days out of them. Definitely worth it!

this weeks "I want what she has!"

The weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Kristin Hassan! Ummm...hello?! BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT EVER!

SUV: 2010 Mercedes ML350

I am green with envy! Beautiful car! So glad it went to one of the hardest working moms I know!

Kristin Hassan: Wrap Dress-Multi Floral

Dress: Kristin Hassan
Shoes: Forever 21
Chain Ring and necklace: Tiffany's & CO
Black Ring: Lia Sophia (sold out)
Earrings: Kate Spade
Wristlet: Coach


This dress made me feel so beautiful! The colors and fit are amazing! And I would not expect anything less from a Kristin Hassan design! (Seriously LOVE her clothes)
This dress retails at $155 and Kristin has agreed to give my readers a great deal! 45% off!!!! Just use the code WRAPDRESS45 at checkout and it will only be $85! Amazing right?! Supplies are limited so hurry if you want to be one of the lucky few to snag this dress!

Photo Shoot Outfit 3 of 3

Dress: lulus (sold out)
Necklace: Express (sold out)
Shoes: Piperlime
Heart Ring: Jewelmint
Gold stackable ring: baublebar
Earrings: House of Harlow

Okay, so I just had a baby 6 months ago and I was terrified to wear this one! However, I was pleasantly surprised how great it fit! (don't be to fooled, I was wearing my spanks!)
I must admit, I loved this look! Not bad for a 32 year old mother of 2 huh?! lol
I'm DYING to spill the beans on what all of this was for, but it's just not close enough to launch date yet! All in due time! I promise it will all be worth the wait!
Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Photo Shoot Outfit 2 of 3

Blazer: Threadsence
T-Shirt: Victoria's Secret
Jeans: 7 for all mankind
Shoes: Jessica Simpson
Necklace: Baublebar (sold out)
Earrings: Baublebar
Ring: Lucky Brand

How amazing is this blazer? I am in LOVE! It's the perfect color for spring and summer and I love that it's so feminine. Now onto the jewelry... This necklace is divine and I am so glad I swooped it up before it sold out! It is hand down one of my favorites right now! All and all, I love this look. It's chic, wearable to many occasions, and best of all, I felt pretty in it!
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!! xo

Photo Shoot Outfit 1 of 3

Dress: Express
Belt: Express
Wedges: Victoria's Secret (sold out)
Bangles: Baublebar
Earrings: H&M
Purse: Rachel Zoe

I LOVE this dress! It was so flowy in the wind and it was very comfortable to wear. I also am obsessed with these wedges! I wanted to link them up for you guys, but sadly they have sold out! I guess I'm not the only lady who craved these 5 and 1/2 inch wedges for the summer! ;)
We will be announcing the business venture very soon, but with out divulging too much info, the website has something to do with shopping (but not just shopping)! BE EXCITED!!! We are!

This weeks "I want what she has!"

Hello lover!! This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Lindsay Burdett. This bag is divine!

Bag: $120 (on sale!)  Kate Spade

Amazing bag Lindsay! This bad boy is beautiful, usable with all outfits, has an adorable green lining, and a great staple piece for any wardrobe! Sometimes its okay to pay a little more when your getting a great quality product! I'm in love!

Murder Mystery Themed B-day Party

Dress: Express
Blazer: Urban Outfitters
Clutch: Express (years ago)
Shoes: BCBG
Necklace and earrings: Baublebar
Ring: Judith Jack
Chain Ring: Tiffany & CO
Belt: Urban Outfitters

My character, Tanya Tease, was the personal assistant to the millionaire who was murdered. We were all asked to show up between 6:00pm and 6:30pm for the reading of his will.
This party was amazing! The food, the signature cotton candy flavored martinis, the outfits everyone wore, and most importantly, the amount of fun everyone had! Such a great night out! Here are some pictures from the night:





I had never been to a party like this before! We had fake money to bribe and blackmail people with and objectives that needed to be met throughout the night. There was also another murder while we were there. By the end there were prizes for best dressed, most money, and most dramatic! Like I said so fun! Happy Birthday Kristin, your party was amazing!!

Winner Announced: The baby Bullet

And the winner is.......drumroll please.....

alisonrose03@yahoo.com

Congrats lady!! I will be emailing you later today for shipping info! And thanks to all who entered!
Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! xo

New Beauty Test Tube

My new test tube came!! I was seeking some new moisturizers and man did I get some! I'm already using one and after the first few days already seeing better skin! I'll do my review at the end of the two months after I've used everything! Also very excited to try the Moroccan Oil hair spray! I love that brand and I didn't even know they made a hair spray!
Along with my $20 gift card (when you spend $100) for spalook.com, I also received 2 magazines. The New Beauty magazine and a Spa magazine! Excited to read up on best spas and new products! LOVE my new beauty test tube!
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I am going to a "murder mystery" themed b-day party on Saturday night and a post will be written next week on that for sure!!!! xo

Recovery Chic....LOL

Although the second round of injections hurt somewhat less, the recovery has been worse. Go figure!
I haven't put on makeup in over a week, but since so many people have been over helping me I have been getting dressed at least! Here are my attempts at recovery chic:


Scarf: Express
T-Shirt: Victoria's Secret
Leather bracelet: Baublebar




Floral Maxi Dress: Forever 21

Hat: Charming Charlie
Scarf: Creatively yours
T-Shirt: Target
Jeans: Old Navy




Top: Threadsense
Jeans: Old Navy
Ring: Lucky Brand
Shoes: Forever 21

I've really been loving scarfs lately. It's a very easy way to jazz up a basic t-shirt! I also have been dying to wear this floral maxi. It is light weight, colorful (which cheers me up!), super cozy, and was quite cheap! LOVE that! And...how great is my Lucky brand ring?! Just because I can't get fully dressed does not mean I can't be wearing great accessories! ;P
In other news, 5 pounds left until I'm back to pre-baby weight! Woo hoo! I am almost there!