Sunday, February 28, 2010

One of My Favorite Places to Shop (for clothes)...

I am not one to spend a lot of money on any one item, unless I have no choice, like with electronics for example.  Thus, when I shop for clothes, I always gotta find deals with name brands, or else I just shop at stores like H&M or Forever21.  But let me tell you about one of my favorite places.  Ever been to Rugged Wearhouse?  Well, it's not there, but it's the sister company, it's called Gabriel Brothers .  It's about 1.5 hours away from me (in Winchester, VA), but it's been totally worth it every time I go, AND it makes for a good road trip!  I always get a ton of cute clothes for extremely cheap there.  They have everything from housewares (sans furniture), tons of clothes for all ages and sizes, lots of shoes, accessories and even snack packs.  I used to get hesitant about going cuz of the long haul, but it has never disappointed me, I've always left with plenty.  One thing to keep in mind though, is that you gotta make sure the stuff isn't ripped or stained.

Since I just got my tax return and paid off all my debt, I figured why not treat myself to some clothes?  After all, I am still not back to my old size, so the old clothes don't all fit.  I just want to give you an idea of the prices, and show you some pictures.  Note: normally my pictures are at least a little bit more professional looking, but I'm allowed to have a ghetto picture once in a while, right? I got 5 shirts, 2 cardigans, 2 named brand jeans, 2 casual pants, and 3 jackets (one made of all silk) for $100.
(Click on pics to maximize)

From left to right up top, then down:
Jones New York Sweater with cute silver buttons on sleeve $7.99
Jones New York Yellow Cardigan $7.99
Grey T-shirt and White Tank, each $1
First two jeans are J. Brand (usually $180) for $20 each, Two Jones New York pants $9.99 each
Urban Outfitters funky cardigan $9.99
Two striped shirts (one taupe, one red) with pockets (sooo cute!) $12.99 each

Jones New York White Blazer $3
Black Spring Jacket (looks cuter in person and not shiny) $5
Jones New York 100% Silk Jacket $5

This spring silk jacket is my absolute favorite, and for $5?!?!  It has those drawstrings in the back that can make it more form fitting, it has pockets, rolled up sleeves, AND a hood! They had it in yellow, and I loved it too but it wasn't my size.  Even still, I would have picked this one.  I can't wait to wear it!

So, this store was my little secret.  All you label whores now know of somewhere to get them for less.  And if you aren't one but still love fashion or just great deals, now you know my secret too. Enjoy :)

Happy Sunday!

 
Picture courtesy of William

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Rub a Dub Scrub!

I promised not to make this a baby blog, but I have another item I want to discuss.   You know, for those soon-to-be Moms, or the lady that's going to the baby shower, or just for you to keep in mind for when you do get knocked up.


I received Huggies Calming Touch Disposable Washcloths for my baby shower (thanks Claudia!).  When it was time for Devins first bath, I used one of my millions of washcloths with the Johnson and Johnson Soap.  Then one day while I was better organizing all my baby things I ran across the Huggies Washcloths and was like 'yes!', I couldn't wait to try them.  They made for a faster bath, which is great for newborns that aren't fond of baths.  The washcloth gets very soapy without crumbling, and the best part- it has that yummy "calming" lavender smell. Great lather and a great smell made for a great bath. I love this lavender smell by the way. They have it in Johnson and Johnsons sleepy time bath sets, and I use it...on me!  back to the disposable washcloths, I still have a couple left.  There are 20 to a box and it's about $4 or so.  Just the same as any baby soap, I like to massage him with baby oil after a bath for moisterization (I don't think that's a word).  It's probably not a very green item, but I have enjoyed this box, and so did little man...

 

Friday, February 26, 2010

J'adore

I don't know what I love about this picture.  It's just freaking cute.  Not an outfit I'd wear, except maybe the coat.  But I adore this picture....and her jewlery (note: watch, rings), and her matching purse and glasses, and totally her lipstick and blunt bangs! Thanks Sartorialist, for this adorable yet fashionable picture.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Really??

Really...

MTV's 16 & Pregnant


 One of the shows I began watching while I was pregnant was MTV's 16 and Pregnant.  I tried not to pass judgment, but I think most will agree when I say they were/are all kids having kids.  Most of the time I watched with feelings of horror, and annoyance; there were plenty of eye rolls on my behalf, trust.  But what did get me emotional were the births.  In fact, whenever I watched anyone giving a birth I would get that way.  And the funny thing is, I was NEVER emotional during my pregnancy!  In fact, I only cried two times the whole 9 months (swear to God)!  For some reason, the hormones became opposite considering I was quite emotional while not preggo.  But anyway, the births did make me tear up often times.

The one thing that got me then, and still gets me now with this new season, is that it seemed none of these girls breastfed their babies!  Is it a generational thing?  Maybe MTV didn't film those parts?  It just seemed you would always see bottles or formula.  Now, I suppose their may be an issue with them being minors, but you never even heard them speak of it.  It really bothered me.  I always wondered about this.  Did anyone else notice?

Update: As I was driving around today, I was contemplating this blog and how I might have been offensive to non-breastfeeding mothers.  But, I do want to say if you chose not to breastfeed, that's your deal, and I am not passing judgment.  I just found it weird not ONE of the teen moms did (that we know of).  So, I hope I didn't offend anyone!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Who Knew?

As I plop down in the drivers seat of my car after (successfully AND in heels) carrying my laptop bag, carseat with Devin in it, and my huge bag, I take a breath and look next to me.  There lays my Longchamp "Le Pliage" bag, not just the only bag I wanted for a diaper bag, but also the only expensive purse I own (believe it or not). So the bag is sitting perched up and open, and all these colors caught my eye and got me thinking, "who knew?"
The colorful items happened to be toys I was taking to work with me to distract Devin.
Who knew? That a year ago, exactly at this time, I was pregnant. Who knew that a year later, I would be lugging a huge bag filled with not just my wallet, clutch, glasses, makeup and lotion, but also with diapers, wipes, a Tide pen, bib, extra clothes, AND baby toys for my 2.5 month old. Who knew? I know I sure as hell didn't!

Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Lotion

One of my favorite blogs that I literally check daily is my two friends blog, Sweet Glow Beauty.  Please know that I don't just love it because they are my friends, but the writing style and the beauty items they blog about are for all types of readers.  Anyways, one of their posts was about a rich lotion that works great for dry skin.  You know how you may get those bumps in the winter time?  The blog pertained to me so I had to get it. Well, the funny story is this.

I decided to buy the lotion honestly, all because of what Tori wrote about it, (you can find it here ).  Then I let her know that I was so happy with the lotion for two reasons, one, it helped my dry skin in a day, literally.  Two, I even put it on Devin's cheeks when they had rough patches, something that happens often with newborns, and his cheeks were better, and haven't done it since (with me putting it on every other day).  I would normally be hesitant about using such an intense lotion on a face, (his or mine) due to clogged pores, but this lotion is great at moisturizing without clogging the pores.  So, I tell her I want to write a blog about it, but then I realized, it's not even the same lotion!  Because it said "New Look!" and had the promise of moisturizing for 24 hours (see Sweet Glow Beauty Post) when I bought it, I thought it was the same thing!  It was when I went to compare pictures I realized it wasn't.


Moral of the story, though I haven't tried the correct Lubriderm that was on Sweet Glow Beauty , this stuff worked great for moisturizing without clogging pores without being too thick or oily. Oh, and it smells good too.  So thanks guys!

P.S. As if I haven't raved about it enough, their blog has made me try 3 of the products on there so far! Hopefully mine has some inspiration or is at least informative ;)

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

I'm still alive! But... you probably know that.

Hey folks, I have been so busy with work lately that I have been working till 10 at night, tonight it's 11 and I still got stuff to do (although I did have to visit the parents today).  I swear I will be writing soon, if not tomorrow!

Friday, February 19, 2010

The Bumbo Seat

If you plan on popping out a baby anytime soon (don't you hate that phrase?), or know someone who is or has recently, I recommend getting the Bumbo Seat.
I got this seat as a hand me down and I must say, it's pretty awesome! I thought it would be much longer before Devin could sit in it, but seeing how well he holds his head up already, I decided to sit him in it when I was in the shower.  I actually put him in there so he could get some steam for his congested nose.

Anyway, the seat can be used to safely and effectively sit them up in a comfy way.  It seems to fit a baby's body nicely.  It is made up of a foam like material and comes in many colors.  As far as its uses, I think some people put it on the table so the baby can eat, (but I would do that with maximum supervision), or just use it while they need to do something like cook or clean and want to see baby nearby.  You can find it at places like amazon, target and walmart for about $30.  The tray that secures them in it is an additional $10.

Since it's light, portable, small and safe, I highly recommend it.  Here are some pics of Devin in it for your enjoyment (10 weeks old).

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Gift Guide #1

HomeGoods has got the goods!  Ok, that sounds cheesy but it's so true!  I really needed a hand-held broom and dustpan to pick up excess litter from the litter box (I can't stand stepping on that stuff!).  So, I decided since HomeGoods has nearly everything, I would take a relaxing trip there with little Dev, my shopping buddy.  I don't know why I do things like this to myself when I have NO money, by the way.  I swear I could decorate a whole house from there....they have everything from furniture, lamps, rugs, decorations, bed/bath stuff, storage solutions, and even nifty kitchen items, all for great prices.  So anyway, I get to the store, I gladly browse every isle, 'ooohing' and 'ahhing' at at least one thing per isle.  Finally I started snapping pictures with my iphone to show Michael either things I wanted, or just interesting things I could blog about which would make for nice gifts (is it sad I think about blogging that much?). So here they are.

I fell in love with this lamp ($25). It's retro yet modern at the same time....I bought it, even though I have nowhere to put it yet.
I really love ceramic designs like this, and I also really love elephants. It was on clearance I think for $8.99.

You know, I have no idea what this is.  But it definitely caught my eye and I thought it was interesting.  Not necessarily something I'd put in my house, but I do kinda like it.  Not sure what the price was but it was on clearance as well.
My next favorite item, a decorative suitcase ($15.99).  They have chests similar to these for cheap as well.  I have a picture box like this I got from here that's the same idea but different pictures. I kinda wanna go back tomorrow and get this.
I am not exactly a fan of this piggy bank, but it did catch my eye. I thought it could make a nice piece for someone.
If you click on the picture, you can see more details of these frames.  I absolutely adore them for a girly bedroom.  The small one has little green rhinestones in different shades ($4.99).  The one behind it has rhinestones, pearls, and a detailed outer layer ($6.99).
I'm not sure what these are called, but it has little pegs under it for a dresser I'm assuming.  I believe people put perfume on top of them.  In my opinion, the detail is gorgeous.  Clearance for $10.00, they had different colors.
On the other side of the store, there's TJ Max.  Of course I gotta browse the clothes and accessories! I was so tempted to buy Dev some, but seeing as I have been doing too much of that lately, I controlled myself.  These shoes definitely caught my eye and I think I may buy them tomorrow ($25).  I believe they are "Madden."

Anyway, HomeGoods and TJ Max are the same thing.  If you can't find a HomeGoods near you but you know of a TJ Max, you will find similar decorative items in the back.  If you can find a HomeGoods, it makes a great place for gift buying! I could write all day about all kinds of more stuff they have.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

If you like fashion, you need a blazer.

A blazer is a classic piece that is essential for every fashionistas wardrobe.  It can be paired with so many different outfits that it can almost be looked at as an accessory.  Since I am petite but have somewhat broad shoulders, I was on the hunt for a perfect blazer- meaning no padding, not even a little!  I wanted a black blazer that was long and simple. Most blazers I have been seeing lately have designs (think Michael Jackson style), are too short, and are cute in different ways but not plain enough to be a classic piece.  Finally, the only long one I found (I had to have one THAT day), was satin....I figured, you know what? I can make this work;  and I have been!  Below are several outfits I paired with the blazer to hopefully give inspiration and prove that a classic piece can be quite versatile.

 
Here, you can't see the length of the blazer, but I loved it paired with this dress.  The dress is great too as it can be worn in different seasons.
 
In this one, you can see the length of the jacket and how the lack of padding works for my broad shoulders.
 
This outfit isn't my favorite, but the point is that a blazer can be paired with jeans and even tennis shoes if done correctly.
 
When you think of a blazer, you may automatically associate it with work clothes.  The fun thing about blazers is you don't have to wear a black blazer with black pants, you can mismatch the suit and still be professional.
 
And lastly, the whole shorts and tights thing is in style this season, which I totally dig.  Here, I paired the satin blazer with it and I think it worked great.

In conclusion, I was hesitant about the blazer being satin, but it ended up working out with many different outfits.  I definitely recommend getting a simple blazer for multiple classic looks, if you don't have one already.

Monday, February 15, 2010

With love from, Buenos Aires

My one-day-to-be-Sister in law,  just got back from Argentina.  She brought back this cute little cloth book for Devin!  She described Buenos Aires as a "Latin New York City."  She said there were a ton of cute little shops with the cutest little things.  Here is the little cloth book for Devin.



It even came with the little clothes pin! Adorable.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy valentines day!

From my little love machine! I was so excited for this outfit but I was nervous it wouldn't fit, I'm so glad it does!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Goodnight

Devin fell asleep in my arms, 10 weeks 2 days old- I don't think moments like these will ever get old.

Fashion

I have been into Fashion a lot more lately than usual. Perhaps my visits to The Sartorialist have something to do with it. As I was browsing the latest uploads, I came across a few pics that I just love.



Everything about his outfit, from the bracelets to the purple, to the pattern on his jacket. Notice the green argyle socks that stick out so nicely from the beautiful brown of his shoes. His blue eyes and green hat are the perfect finishing features.


Your first thought may be, 'Is that a womens jacket?' who would have thought a man could pull off a paisley trench? I think it's perfect.


Lastly, the "man shawl" as The Sartorialist calls it. Love it. For some reason, it amazes me how people all over the world understand the art of fashion and put together weird pieces that you might never think twice about with your first glance. Inspiration for me for sure.

My new addiction.


I generally lack the addictive personality trait, but these coconut fruit bars are my addiction. I literally cannot have just one, it's quite ridiculous. They are usually $3.99 for 6, and considering I have to eat at least two in a row, it doesn't last long. I have never had a food addiction where I don't get tired of something. So, we'll see how long it lasts. I like them so much that I could eat one for breakfast.