Mix'n Match'n

So here it is guys! My first inspiration outfit post, amongst many more to come! I am hoping to a) give inspiration to others, b) encourage myself to work with more of what I have in my closet, and better be able to come up with outfits (without buying pieces as often), and c) get famous asap (jk!!) to show you guys how much money I don't spend on clothes, but show that I can still manage to look nice. I have put the captions underneath with brand/where I got it, and approximate price.

{Dress: Forever 21 ($18), elephant necklace: gifted, stone necklace: Forever 21 ($6), striped shirt: Forever 21 ($14), Shoes: Michael Kors ($20)}

{bracelets: Forever 21 ($6), David Yurman replica bracelet: Chinatown ($7), glasses: Apple bottoms (costco- $25)}

{rings: vintage band (my great grandmas, from 1926), vintage maracsite: Etsy ($18)}

I wore this dress out and about yesterday.  I later decided to take the earrings off, I thought they were a bit much with all the other mix match plus glasses.  Had I found my aviators for the picture, then maybe I would have kept them on.  I mixed this dress with this red and white striped button up.  I got it from Forever 21 to wear over simple tees, but this worked out well too. 

Look forward to an awesome guest post coming soon, and my Fall Into Style Part 2!

Think I'm Gonna Do It....

I think I am going to become more dedicated to taking pictures of my outfits.  I don't want to promise anything, so I will start slow and see how it goes.  After all, there's a million blogs that do this out there.  I am still going to do how-tos, decorative themes, advice, anything I feel like!  But I would like to dedicate more time to fashion + me.  What do you think?

This weekend I went to a beautiful wedding, and unintentionally, I did a vintage inspired look.  I kinda just threw everything together as far as hair and make up, but I do have a quick, funny story about the dress.  I bought a $20 teal dress from Forever that I loved!  I rushed home to get ready, and when I kissed Devin goodbye, I saw a small (baby oil?) spot I tried to get out to no avail.  Nothing worked, and by the time we left the house, the dress had not only a huge water mark, but a million more of those spots of whatever it was!  I had no choice to run into Forever 21 with my heels on, and hair and makeup all pretty.  I ran around frantically looking for the second choice for my dress and couldn't fine it, even though an hour ago there were plenty.  So I ran to the dressing room area, tried on one that was back there to make sure it was the right size, and ran up to the register to pay with it on.  I told them the story that I was late for a wedding (which I was), and I went around to the back of the register, had to do a backbend over the counter for them to take the sensor off!! Anything to make them hurry up so I could get out of there!  It took them forever (it felt like) to get it off, but once they did, I thanked them and ran out of there.  Everyone kept looking at me from my first step into the mall to the last, like I was a crazy person.  So that's my story.

How was your weekend?

Fall Into Style Part 1

Since as far back as I can remember, I have loved everything about fall.  The scent, the foliage, the pumpkin spice everything, I would get excited for school, and as I got older, more and more excited and appreciative for fall fashion.

Now don't get me wrong, I am not completely trendy, I am more of a classic girl.  I may follow trends sometimes, but I keep true to myself and usually look for pieces that I will be able to wear for seasons to come.  Usually when something is totally "the thing" (hello boots wit da fuurrrrr), I might be repulsed by the idea (sometimes not though, seeing as I splurged during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale to get the sweater Uggs).  And believe you me, I totally have a lot to make up for, since I missed last years fashion while Dev was cooking in my belly and I had to wear the same 3 outfits over and over it felt like.

Anyway, a lot of this falls trends are very classical.  Here are just some of the things you will see in a lot of stores!

1.  Sheer/Lace Tops

This top is from Forever 21. (Note: Also, a lot of "capes" and ponchos are in this season, and if they are not your cup of tea like they are not mine, then a top like this would be prefect.)

Also from Forever 21.  This burgundy color as actually very in season this fall as well, especially in velvet fabric.  Think: nicely cut, burgundy velvet blazer, such a classic piece.

 Tops like these are always "in style."  Another classic piece you can wear to work, to the mall, or on a date.  Pair it with the leather looking leggings in the above pic, and some booties!

2.   Plaid shirts (again) with tees under them/Stripes/Abstract Patterns

You're gonna see a lot of plaid shirts again this fall.  With plaid shirts, you don't have to be matchy matchy and put a plain colored t-shirt under it, necessarily.  And don't be scared to mix patterns- florals and stripes can be mixed as long as it one of them is more subtle than the other, and you have the right colors for example.

Patterned tunics like this are cute too (Forever 21).  If it has buttons down the middle, you can pair it with a tshirt or with a thin belt.  In this case, I might wear dark jeggings, a thin brown belt, and brown ankle boots.

3.  Army Green and Military Jackets

 You will see a lot of army green colored outerwear this season.  A lot of them styled like the one above, while others may have big, gold buttons for a more military look (which is also the trend), or more of a vintage feel with patchwork on them.  

 This military jacket is cute, but because it is paired with that blue color of the jeans, I think it makes it look barf.  Try to see past that and appreciate it's cuteness.

This one I found via google images.  I love that it's part blazer/part military jacket style.  And holy boobs on that model!


Alright folks, this is just a preview of what you will see a lot of this fall.  After Part 2, I might use these pictures to pair them with this or that to give you more ideas and inspiration.  Have a good one!

Little Irish Lad

I wanted to blog about fall 2010 fashion trends, but am too tired and not feelin' it.  Dev is going to the official babysitter tomorrow.  Yeah, he's gone to this friend and that family member before, but this is the actual babysitter (my nephews since he was 4 weeks), and I am feelin so bummed!  I was lucky enough to have most of these 8 months with him, so for that, I am extremely thankful. 

So wish me luck tomorrow morning!  And expect a fashion blog to come tomorrow night.

Unhappy Sunday

Today is an unhappy Sunday for me. The reason it is unhappy is because I have not been up to date on the news lately and today I learned about the whole debate over the Muslim "Mosque" that's not even an actual Mosque, several blocks away from Ground Zero.

I know there is still so much racism, bigotry, and prejudice of all sorts in America. And I know that there is a lot of hatred and fear of Muslims since 9/11. But what I did not know is how much of it is still so prevalent? Maybe it's sad that I am/was that ignorant that I didn't think it was as much as it is.  Of course I would have expected there to be protesters and haters to the idea had I known about it before today, but the actual amount of ignorance out there for some reason appalls me!

People are out there protesting with signs that say:

"Everything I Ever Needed to Know about Islam I Learned on 9/11."

"Not all Muslims are terrorists, but all the terrorists were Muslim."

Really?? What about the unibomber, or the psychotic "Christians" who bomb abortion clinics or go to the funerals of fallen soldiers because of "fags"?

But let's be honest here, a lot of these people against it are the ignorant ones that still have something good to say about Sarah Palin. Oh, and by the way, she is against this as well.

I don't like to talk about politics or religion on my blog because I understand everyone has their own views and they have reasons behind it. But this issue really saddens me for several reasons. I understand how sacred Ground Zero is. But are these people forgetting Muslims were also killed in 9/11 in the WTC? As far as I'm concerned, Muslims are probably the biggest group of people who should fear acts of terrorism post 9/11.

The fact of the matter is, that this "Mosque" is not even a Mosque, but an Islamic Community Center that holds a Culinary school and basketball courts, and only two floors for prayer. Not only that, it's several blocks away from Ground Zero (I have heard between 2-5), they already changed the proposed name they were going to have to appease to the people against it, AND it is just going to look like a regular building!  I am just dumbfounded by the amount of people that are opposed to it. If it were the other way around it were to have been Christian extremists that bombed the WTC, and then a church was built in the same location, there would not be protesters like there are right now. Call that a crazy comparison, but I beg to differ.

Anyway, I could go on and on about this issue as it truly saddens me. America is supposed to be the land of freedom, the melting pot, the land of opportunity. Yet people have forgotten about our forefathers like Abraham Lincoln or John F. Kennedy, that wanted this country to be a beautiful, free one. These people have forgotten what this country is actually about.

Note: I grew up and was baptized Christian.  I am half Iranian and have Muslim members in my family; though my father is not Muslim.  I do not practice any specific religion.  Therefore, I do not have a bias on this issue.  I just truly believe it is wrong.

Vlog #2: Make Natural "go-to" Look!

If you watch the video on youtube, in the description box you will see the names and colors of the makeup used in the tutorial. Also, if you like this video, give me some feedback on youtube :)

p.s. I know I make a lot of funny, animated faces. The first two second Michael saw this he started cracking up ;p

This That

I got an email from Anthropologie today that looked like this:

I absolutely love this bedding set as I love letter/calligraphy stuff.  It was funny I was just speaking about that and then I got the email.  I love the curtain in the background too, while I was browsing the site I saw that (it's like $140 or something ridiculous by the way), I didn't even notice it was in this pic I love.  I like our bedspread right now (picture to come one day soon, hopefully), but maybe I will end up switching it up sometimes.

Speaking of comfy beds, doesn't this bed look amazingly comfy?

{picture from apartmenttherapy.com}

I love everything about it.  I want it!!! Is it the big comfy looking comforters?  The many pillows? I think I would almost feel like a kid again, with the arms almost securing me in.  I love the grays too and the mix match of patterns.  Also, the decorations hanging, very gothic mid-century- if there is such thing.  Oh, and why'd they cut off half of the dog in the pic? ("jk" for those who don't know my sense of humor).

As you can see, I love gray and how it goes with everything.  Time for comfy bed for me.

p.s. I have some house pics from some famous writers coming soon!

Suprise Giveaway Results!

I went to random.org, put in the number 1-8 for the amount of comments, and it picked 7, which is Angela from The Budding Librarian!

So the reason why the giveaway was a surprise is because since I have the few male readers, I wanted to wait until the random number was picked and get that person a gift card of somewhere I think they may enjoy.  Obviously, girls would be more fun, but I love all my fellow readers.  I might do another giveaway soon, and it won't be a surprise that time, and it will actually be an item (either jewelry, a retro decoration or shirt for example).

Angela you have won $20 gift card to H&M!  Please email me for details and congrats!

Surprise Giveaway FAIL

Hey guys, I decided I just want to extend it to the weekend, in case anyone missed out cuz of vacay, or whatever the case may be.  I think it's fair to have it for a week.  So I am going to extend it to Sunday night, and reveal it Monday!

FAIL. I know.

Devin my Dude

I can't believe Devin is 8 months already!  I saw a picture of a newborn today and it actually just took me back.  Even though it's gone by sooo fast, it's so crazy/amazing watching how much they learn and how they adapt to society, how different they become.  I was never good with kids.  I was actually pretty fearful that I'd be a boring, awkward Mom.  I mean, of course I knew it would come naturally, but I dunno,  Enough about me and my pre-mothering fears, lets get to the good part.

Devin is amazing.  So, I had looked at the picture of the newborn, which sparked me to look at my own pictures.  It was beautiful and crazy thinking about everything, every moment I have not taken for granted, and enjoyed with him.

I can't believe he can say mama, baba, he's working on kitty cat, he gives me a high five then does the other hand, he gives me kiss (minus the lip pucker), he is learning to clap, and he hugs my neck and rests his head on my shoulder which is the best feeling!  Here are some pics I want to share.

 Here he looks like a little frog.  Hes just so tiny!

Still in hospital.  This was one of my favorite hospital pics.

This was the first item I purchased for him when I was preggo and not excited yet.  Then I saw this robe, and something about it just brought out all my excitement!

This was 6.5 months for him, looove this picture!

From a couple weeks ago. 

Love little Devin my dude.

Had to Do It

I had to get this beautiful ring from Anthropologie.  I have to say, this is my first Anthropologie purchase.  I used to look at their catalogs in awe about 6 years ago, then I forgot about it, and the reconnected, but still never purchased anything (I haven't even been to the store- it closed down).  Anyway, this is my present to myself for getting the house- a.k.a I'm just bs-ing and giving an excuse for my purchase, but regardless, I won't have much money to spare anytime soon, so...I guess it is a present, and last one for a while.

It is gold plated with swarovski crystals, for $28.  There was a turquoise one too.  Not sure if the sale was just today, but you should go check it out if you love it as much as I did.  I'll let you know how it looks in person.

Suprise Giveaway!

Through out this blogging experience, I have often gotten great feedback via emails, or people telling me in person, or a friend telling me from someone else, etc.  I can't even begin to explain the happiness it always brings me....every.single.time.  Even a simple, "I read your blog," is quite comparable to the happiness I feel from listening to reggae on a summer night.

I don't do this just to be a famous blogger one day (although, I won't say I don't hope for that a little). I do it because I absolutely love it! I have written since I was in 2nd grade, whether it was writing in my dairy, or writing stories.  Actually, my dad owned a photo store and I would sit there bored, get on the computer, write a paragraph in Microsoft Word, make a corresponding picture in paint and put it in the word doc, and stand outside of my dad's store yelling, "Books for sale! Books for sale! A dollar a book!  Books for sale!"  No, my point is not that I have always been a lil hustler, but that I have always had a passion for writing.  Anyway, to show my appreciation and happiness to you readers, I have decided to do a surprise give away (I explain why it was a surprise), on Friday!

 {image via ohjoy.blogs.com}

Just a few simple steps to enter:

1.  If you haven't hit "follow" already, then do so, so you can leave a comment!  Don't worry, you won't get annoying emails of posting updates or anything.  All you need is a google account.

2.  Leave a comment to this post telling me:

a) How you found my blog (even if it's cuz I shoved it down your throat).

b) Tell me something good! What your favorite post has been so far (whether it was informative, or a photo you liked, etc.) or what keeps you coming back (it won't hurt my feelings if it's just to see pics of Devin).

c) Have you ever bought something I have blogged about, or followed any particular advice?

d) Any suggestions?  Anything you would like to see me blog about? If you prefer to email this for privacy reasons, feel free (see email in top right of the blog).

Yaay! I am super excited to see what you guys have to say, good or bad.  Oh, and guys, don't be hesitant to join the giveaway too, it won't be something you will dislike or have no need for.  Girls, trust me, I got you too.  Don't forget to check back Friday!

Happy Sunday!

Hello dear friends!  I hope you had a Happy Sunday!  We just finished the last of the weekends house work, and I just uploaded sneak peak pics of our home!  We still have soooo much to do, it feels never ending.  Today I definitely had fun with it though, because we got some more pieces this weekend so I was able to decorate a little, which makes me happy (this could potentially be a hint to the secret I mentioned at the end of the last post).

Anyway, the pictures I'm about to show you are just in half the living room and part of the kitchen/dining area, and they both are not complete yet.  In the next week or so, expect to see some "before and after" pics (preferably in some sun light), and maybe a more finalized version of the sneak peak aka preview.  Enjoy (and remember to click for a larger picture)!

I went to Alexandria flea market this weekend and got these prints.  I then found the thrifted frames and they were exactly what I was looking for.  I have more prints like this, I love them!

Living room preview.   The main big wall is a darker gray, and the side walls are a lighter gray.  My couch set was $400 (craigslist).  Some people hate the style, but if you notice, my current coffee table (soon to be side table), is made of vintage suitcases I bought from $2-7 a piece.  I love the red one, and also the shag rug.  The blue pillows are from the Alexandra Flea Market.  When this room is complete, you will see pictures on the wall and the rest of my records out.  Also, a "real" coffee table (per Mike's request).

Close up of the red, lighting and color is bad, but you get the idea.

You can't see the colors all that well, the lamp is blue ($6), frames are a bright red and  gold.  The table was $6, frames $1 each.

Do you spy my vintage drawers?  Bobbi says she loves this place, by the way.

Love. 

These chairs may go to use when we have guest and need more seating.

This table is my step dad's grandparents (possibly great grandparents) table.  Love it!  I am probably going to paint it, but don't know what color yet.

Got two different vintage coffee tins ($1 each) and a bag of old matches ($3), some Vegas ones.  I looove them!

And the kitchen preview.

Close up of the recycle bags. I picked the photos and put them in there.  Very happy with it!

Thanks and have a Happy Monday!

Happy Birthday Barack!

"We need to internalize this idea of excellence. Not many folks spend a lot of time trying to be excellent."- But he did, and I am so happy he is our President! Him and Abe are my favs.

Forever/Love 21: Maternity Clothes

A couple weeks back I had been browsing the Forever 21 website for some inspiration on outfits (seeing as I won't be buying any for a long time), and on the front page I saw they now offer Maternity clothes?!  I had a couple feelings about this.

My first instinct made me think of the 13 year olds who dress at Forever 21 PLUS shows like MTV's 16 and Pregnant-  actually yes, my brain can think two things at the same time in case you were wondering.  I guess I somewhat feel that our society/media is making youngins feel more ok about getting preggo at a young age.  Yes, this has been happening for years in America, but it's definitely spiked (I even wrote a paper about it last semester).  What do you think?  Is the media making teens think it's acceptable and easy to be a pregnant teen?  I don't know, it was just my first instinct.  But then I checked the link out to make sure the models at least looked older, and they did I suppose.  Plus not all Forever 21s carry Love 21s clothes, but some do.  And some might say that this isn't even a valid argument, just because young girls see a Victoria's Secret in the mall, that doesn't mean they will want to dress in sexy lingerie?  But then again, I have seen 13 year olds all up in the thongs in good ol' Vickys. (Note: I can see both sides of this question I've posed).

Anyway, my second thought was, 'daaammmmnnn, why couldn't this be around when I was preggo!?'.  I always wished I could find cute maternity clothes for less, since the main maternity clothing stores are pricey for one, and two their selection is often....boring, to put it nicely.  I mean I kid you not, a plain long sleeve shirt was like, $26.

So what do you think?  Could this be a controversial thing?  Would I be one of those journalists who make something out of nothing? Hmmm.

p.s. Speaking of pregnancy, little Dev turns 8 months tomorrow, I can't believe it!!!
p.p.s. I have a big announcement soon-ish....and NO, I am not pregnant.