Ways To Wear Emerald

With St. Patty’s Day just around the corner, and emerald being Pantone’s 2013 Color of the Year, I thought it would be great to show some ways to incorporate emerald into your wardrobe. I personally have never been a big fan of greens in my wardrobe, however, I love the tone of emerald if I am ever to start branching out with more green.

If you prefer just a pop of green, go with a scarf on neutrals:

An emerald knitted scarf. #shopruche #ruche
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 Maybe try it on your nails:

SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE Color Charged Graphic Lacquer: Shop Nail Polish | Sephora. Emerald.
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Or a fun statement necklace:

Tan Top and Emerald Necklace With Ripped Jeans..
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If you look great in green, or are just looking to brighten up your wardrobe I suggest trying some cute skinny jeans:

nude blouse, emerald green skinny jeans
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Or an emerald shirt or sweater paired with a patterned scarf:

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Have fun with it – hoping to see lots of the emerald shade this St. Patty’s Day! I know that’s what I’ll be sportin’! xoxo

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Fitting Room Fun

I found some time last week to hit Target sans kids so I thought it would be best to take advantage of the opportunity to actually get to try on some clothes in the dressing rooms.

I found some cute things…

Thought I’d go ahead and get that one out of the way…I was actually going back and forth on sharing this one here…but hey, if this blog is going to be honest and raw…then I have to let go of some insecurities, right?

I tried on this bikini and I actually really liked it. The bottom seemed kind of baggy, but I felt if I went down a size, it wouldn’t give the coverage I like on the backside {thank you, Tanner & Breckin}. I’m still in the midst of getting in bikini shape for summer. I didn’t get this, but maybe if it’s still in stock a month from now, I’ll try it on again.

I loved the color of these shorts {could not find link online, but check your local store}. And the length was just right – flattering because it didn’t show too much upper thigh. I’ll feel like I can bend over safely when chasing my little one at the play parks and such.

I also went ahead and bought them in jean blue…

That top is also great…I mentioned it in this post last week. It goes great with leggings, I had been looking for a light, layering sweater to pair with leggings and skinnies.

Lastly, I loved this bright blue maxi skirt. It is longer in the back than the front.

I am so in the mood for spring weather so I can start rocking these things!

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Valentine’s Day Recap

I’m in a haze this morning, y’all…extremely exhausted. But Rascal Flatts and The Band Perry were AWESOME last night! We had such a fun Valentine’s Day. It was what we needed because Jake had to fly to Illinois early this morning – his grandfather passed away early yesterday morning. He is attending the funeral and being with family and won’t return until late Monday night. Just me and the boys for about four whole days…we’re going to miss him.

Yesterday after picking up the boys from school, I surprised them with a little Valentine’s Day party of our own:

The beer of course was for Jake. {I figured he’d like that more than flowers.}

Did you catch that sneak peek at our new table? Mentioned changing out the dining situation in this post the other day.

As for the Rascal Flatts concert later that night, I had gone searching that day for the perfect dress to pair with my Minnetonka Moccassins {I already had it set in my mind I was going to wear those to the concert}. And it didn’t take me long to find…check out this beautiful teal dress I snagged up at TJ Maxx for $12.99:

It’s so light and comfy – will be perfect for summer. I’ll admit I was a little chilly at last night’s concert, but not so bad that I couldn’t stand it. 
 

The boots are available here and the necklace I bought at Bohme when I visited my family in Idaho last August.

We got to meet The Band Perry backstage last night…Kimberly Perry is much shorter than I thought she was, but she is super-cute and they put on a really good show. I found out we are the same age – she turns 30 in July. {Maybe there’s still hope then for my country music career? No?} I love both her brothers’ {Neil and Reid} hairstyles. We got a picture taken with them, but that will come later as they haven’t posted it to their website yet {they wouldn’t let anyone take pics with their own cameras}.

Oh and speaking of concerts – I’m definitely dropping hints to Jake that I want to see Carrie Underwood on April 17th in Columbia, SC {my 30th birthday is April 14th}…and just found out that Jason Aldean and Jake Owen are coming to Charleston in May – going to be a great year of concerts! {Maybe I can try to win some more tix on the radio? So far my track record is twice – the concert last night and also saw Tonic in 2009 after winning tickets on 95SX! But don’t want to jinx myself.}

Anyway, I hope y’all had a very romantic and sweet Valentine’s Day. xoxo.

P.S. I realized in the past year or two I’ve really become quite the country music fan…never really was growing up. I think that it has to do with the maturity and substance of the songs in the genre…I must be growing up. But I still love a little bit of everything. ♥

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Friday: Week’s Recap

Happy Friday, y’all! This week has been interesting.

I started out Monday by quitting my “buffer” job because after analyzing the daycare vs. take home costs, it just didn’t make sense to bother with the job. I still have my business license and insurance for my cleaning business, A Modern Cinderella, so I figured I could keep the kids out of daycare starting next week if I didn’t find a job and just do cleanings instead of the 8 to 5 grind. {If any of y’all in the Charleston area are looking for a housecleaner – I’m your gal!}

On Tuesday, I had an interview with a company based in Dubai that went really well. I had the 2nd interview on Wednesday and landed the job! That was quick, right? I start sometime between February 15th and March 1st. It’s a nice downtown office by the aquarium and I basically get to run my own show there as the Office Manager/Logistics Coordinator.

Other than that, I’ve been spending my “time off” doing a lot of the following {if you follow me on Instagram, these might not be new to you!}:

Walking my girl, Tundra. {Isn’t this a nice place I can walk to from my house? So serene.}

 

And by the way, totally enjoying the Roxy Outdoor Fitness Collection items I was sent to try out via Skinny Mom. How awesome are these pants? Such breathable and comfy fabric for all workouts – outdoor and indoor alike. In LURVE with the color.

Getting a lot of time playing with these two handsome little men.
And I’ve also been cleaning up la casa a lot and trying to get some of those lingering household projects out of the way. And of course hitting the gym…and I also started Insanity again on Monday…gettin’ ready for bikini weather!
Speaking of bikini weather, I’ve been pinning a lot of cute summer-weather outfits on my Fashion & Style Pinboard on Pinterest…and this week, this get-up really piqued my interest:
Summer look
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This outfit has everything – sexy bare legs while keeping it classy up top, cute sandal heels, a colorful necklace and even a pop of the Pantone Color of the Year – Emerald. It’s comfy, yet not too casual. This could easily go from day to night. Here are some items I found that can help you recreate this look:
dENiZEN® from the Levi's® brand Dakota Short  - Assorted Colors
{Shorts – Target}
{Tank – Piperlime}
{Blazer – Forever 21}
Princess Vera Wang Tri-Tone Arrowhead and Fringe Bib Necklace
{Necklace – Kohls}
{Michael Kors Heels – Zappos}
Have you been pinning any summer outfit inspiration lately?
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V-Day Wear – Day, Evening, At-Home

I’m not a big V-Day advocate or anything, but I do like to make it a little special just for the sake of mixing things up a bit with the hubby.

I’m not sure what our plans are this year, but honestly, I’d be happy curling up next to him in some comfy {but sexy} PJs with a glass of wine and a romantic comedy. I think many of us women that are in relationships would much rather go that route than deal with the restaurant waits and fuss. {But maybe that’s just me?}

Anyway, here are some suggestions for V-Day wear:

Valentine's Daytime Date

Valentine's Evening Date

ISSA London short a line dress, $865 / Oska short sleeve cropped cardigan, $100 / GUESS high heels / C. Wonder c wonder / Jon Richard white pearl necklace, $55
Valentine's Movie At Home

Hope you and your honey have a lovely Valentine’s Day. xoxo

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Train Like An Angel

The Victoria Secret Fashion Show is fast-approaching, so you bet those little Angels are working their hardest to be in top model condition.

I got an email from Victoria’s Secret highlighting their VSX Collection. This collection is full of great workout wear that is cute, flattering and sure to make you want to get up and workout. I have a few VSX items from past collections and they are definitely quality.

Here are a few of my faves from the current collection that have made their way to my online shopping cart:

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I have a larger bust-size, so maximum support during workouts is a must. This bra has all kinds of support, plus moisture-wicking fabric.

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I’m lovin’ a crop workout pant lately…and these look to be a very flattering fit.

Check out the rest of the VSX Collection online at Victoria’s Secret!

Also, in spirit of getting runway-ready – VSX is offering workouts via their Facebook page. You should check it out and take on the daily workout challenge.

Bohme Boutique

While I was in Idaho earlier this month, I had a chance to stop by the old mall I used to hang out in and see how it’s changed – stores they’ve added {and booted} and just people-watch in general {love that.} Anyway, a SUPERCUTE new store that I’d never seen or heard of before stuck out at me and I fell in love.

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Seriously, HOW did I not know about this store?

I immediately asked the girls that worked there where the other locations were {HOPING somewhere near Charleston, SC was on that list} and found out the company started in Utah and currently only has 14 stores {with 12 more opening by the end of 2012}. The stores are pretty much just in the Northwest states…but as fashion-forward as this place is…I have high confidence they’ll be spreading out to the East before too long…the company is only 4 years old and is spreading like wildfire out there in the malls.

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Anyway, take a look at some of the goods…what got my attention most was the plentiful use of my favorite colors – teal and coral – so hot right now {and always, for me}.

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They also have a badass accessories collection…so many cute earrings, bangles and necklaces…even some that emulate the look of that ever-popular J.Crew Bauble Necklace. I was also swooning over these watches {available in many colors}…which majorly inspired this post.

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Are you as in love as I am yet? Oh, and forgot to mention how incredibly affordable everything is! I got this outfit while I was there for a total of just under $70.00 – skirt, tank and necklace. {Wow, right?}

Hubby needs to get better at taking pictures, my legs look so short!

And the fabrics are great…that skirt is so comfy {viscose & a little spandex}, I had to go back and get it in fuschia and black as well. I also got that tank in black. That tank fits better than any other tank I’ve tried. {Kid you not.}

Bohme, PLEASE come to Charleston…you would make bank here, seriously. King Street would be a perfect location for you.

And ladies, until they come to a place near you – you can get some of their stuff online at www.bohme.com

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Coveted Color Combo: Coral & Cobalt

I’m lovin’ a little coral and cobalt paired up lately. This pair is perfect for summer as it takes a beach tone like coral and the cobalt provides some nautical flair…I’m coveting this outfit right now…what a perfect little weekend get-up:

A coral blazer like this one at Topshop

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This JNB Farrah necklace will help me keep my beloved Cali close to my heart…

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I’m a fan of Aldo shoes…and these Capecoral pumps are the perfect coral heel I’ve been looking for – and a steal at only $80.00…

A nautical-looking chevron print dress, like this one at Old Navy {the length is perfect for a mommy on the go}…

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And the perfect bag to tie it all together…this beachy find at J.Crew…

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 So, feeling the urge to get a little coral and cobalt in your life?

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Rebecca Taylor Collection {Hampden Clothing}

I’ve lived in Charleston for 7 years now, and I haven’t taken advantage of getting downtown to the amazing fashion district that King St. has to offer as often as I should (two loud boys in tow can provide some shopping challenges!)

I’ve had the recent pleasure of visiting a stylish little boutique – Hampden Clothing. I first heard about it from a fellow style blogger here in Charleston, Chassity Evans of Look Linger Love {pssst…if you haven’t checked out her blog, you simply must.} Check this place out…you’ll never want to leave:

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I’d die to have that chandelier in my own home! Just the style of it reminds me of the great boutiques I’d seen while living in Los Angeles and Orange County.

They’ve got a great collection of high-end fashion – many great designers to choose from. I particularly loved the Rebecca Taylor collection…

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The collection is so fun and flirty for spring and summer. I love the bright florals and the cute chic dresses in solids that are perfect for a night out on the town. I particularly fell in love with this Fit and Tied dress:

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The bright orange-y red color just screams for attention – and what girl doesn’t crave a little attention while out and about?