Lookbook (Denim and Lace)

{Top: Charlotte Russe, Shorts: AE Boy Fit,
Necklace: Mixit - JcPenny, Shoes: Steve Madden}

{Having fun with Picnik photo editing.}

I am absolutely smitten with this lace top. There is just something about lace that makes me feel so feminine. There is a fine line with lace though, it can go one of two ways trashy or classy. This top is just so delicate, classy for sure. Guess what? It is from Charlotte Russe! $20 bucks! Buy it here. Lace is a big fall trend and definitely something that can carry you from season to season. This top is actually a steal compared to the splurge worthy Joie Evie top priced at $198.

One thing about lace is that is screams dressy. What better way to tone down dressy lace than to pair it with distressed denim. When the little princess saw these shorts she said to me "Mama someone chewed your shorts." Aw, out of the mouths' of babes. One of the many perks of parenthood.

As with stripes, lace is a perfect medium to showcase a dramatic necklace. Something about a consistent pattern that makes this work. Remember that great turquoise necklace from JcPenny's I wore here? I also found this fantastic ivory necklace from the same brand, Mixit. This jewelry line is my dark horse in statement jewelry. And the great thing is that "Penny's" always has promotions and coupons, which makes this already affordable line a steal.

Shop the lookbook below.

More Avon...

Mini English Garden

My front yard is a work in progress of what I would like to be an English garden. I have been lazy this year, not pruning or weeding. Previous years' hard work has paid off because everything came back pretty hearty. I usually have cut roses in the house, but this summer has been brutal. Hail and wind ruined any decent blooms worth cutting.

I decided to bring a small piece of my garden indoors. In the corner nook of my kitchen, where two windows meet to host a view of the back yard, I have a mini English garden. It is in this nook where I have a tray that holds a small lavender bush and pot of fresh basil atop an antique scale. There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh lavender to make a mundane chore, like washing dishes, a pleasant experience...aromatherapy.

Lookbook (Running on Fumes)

{Tank & Vest: Forever 21, Jeans: Current Elliott, Shoes: Jessica Simpson,
Necklace: Aqua, Purse: Chanel Wallet on Chain-Cosmos}

Late nights are catching up with me. I am a total night owl, often not even thinking about turning in until 1:30am. This is the time that I answer to no one. I can do what ever I want, watch trashy reality t.v., surf the internet, catch up on work or all three. I'm very talented and can multi-task like that. The bummer is that the little princess doesn't really care how late I go to bed. Once she is up, it's showtime no matter how tired I may be.

Never too tired for fashion, I managed to get it together for a lookbook for you readers. (If this post makes absolutely no sense, just look at the pretty pictures.) I usually chose a single article and build my outfit from there. Today's item is a pair of Jessica Simpson pumps. I'll admit it, I used to be a hater. I never thought I'd own a pair of Jessica Simpson shoes. But I gotta hand it to Jess her designers, the footwear line offers some stylish yet comfortable shoes. I've seen some ridiculously high platforms in the Jessica Simpson footwear line and they all seem to have ample cushioning. Jess must be doing something right, reportedly her various lines (shoes, handbags, swimwear, lingerie and luggage) have brought in $500 million in revenue. Now she is expanding her empire and introducing a denim line. I pray to God that she leaves her name and any bedazzling off the back pockets.

(Photo Courtesy: Just Jared)

Thank you and good night.

Random Find (Quik Top)

Ok. Just a little bit of randomness. As a mother, I find joy in discovering things that could make my life easier or just a wee bit better.

I am the worse offender when I comes to opening a can of pop and only consuming half the beverage. I don't know why I even bother putting the half full can in the fridge, the fizz is gone by the time I want to finish the can. Money down the drain literally.

I feel like Goldilocks trying to find a can of soda that is just right. The mini cans are oh so cute, but way too small. Maybe it is a psychological thing, but I feel like there are only two sips in that half can. The liters are way too big. The liter will fizzle out before I get half way through the bottle.

Enter the Quik Top. It is a little thingamabob that pops on the top of the can. The lid twists on/off and keeps your beverage fizzy. I've left a can of soda over night and the next day and my drink is still bubbly. Yay! Day two is stretching it a little though. I wouldn't recommend going past day two or you run the risk of gulping down flat soda. Yuck!

If I just want a few sips to wet the whistle, I don't have to feel guilty about being wasteful. Try it! Quik Top keeps your soda fresh and fizzy.

Splurge vs. Steal (J Brand Houlihan)

The J Brand Houlihan has been on the "I gotta have it list" of many. The insanely popular cargo skinny has been seen on many a celebrity, including Rihanna, Hillary Duff and Jessica Alba. And for good reason, because it seems to flatter various body types. Since the end of January, J Brand has sold an astounding 75,000 pairs and another 40,000+ pairs on back order. The retail price of $230 does not seem to affect the demand for this military jean named after Hot Lips Houlihan from the television series M*A*S*H.

I did not even dare to try these babies on when I noticed that my Nordstrom had them in stock for fear that I would fall in love with them. With the demand of the Houlihan I can safely assume that we will never see them on sale.

In love with the style, I set out to find a cheaper chic version. Nordstrom has a decent copy cat version in the Sanctuary 'Peace' Skinny Leg Cargo for $78 during their anniversary sale, normally $118. But I happened upon a copy of Sanctuary's houlihan copy at Nordstrom Rack. For those of you who may not know, Nordstrom Rack has clothing especially made for the Rack in addition to selling items shipped directly from their stores.

Many brands have cheaper offshoots and these less expensive lines will use the same pattern, but will use a less expensive fabric or lose an embellishment or two to cut on costs. Sanctuary Surplus is an off shoot of the Sanctuary Brand. The cargo skinnies by Sanctuary Surplus were pretty much identical to their 'Peace' Skinny Leg Cargo. Missing was the cargo pocket on the left thigh and the belt. For $39 who needs an extra pocket that goes unused and a belt that will probably be toss to the back of the closet. I would love to own a pair of the J Brand Houlihans, but I just can't justify that kind of money for such a trendy jean or any jean for that matter.

{Top: Patterson J. Kincaid, Cargo Skinny Jean: Sanctuary Surplus,
Shoes: KORS by Michael Kors-Victoria}

If you want to track down a pair of these jeans, give your nearest Nordstrom Rack a call, the item number is 828605297041. In addition to the army green color, they come in black and khaki. If your local store doesn't have a pair in your size they are able to look the item up in their computer system. You'll have to do the rest of the legwork and make the calls, but the Rack will ship it to you for a $10 shipping fee.

On a separate note, my CND Shellac nail polish is holding up well. Not a chip yet!