Rain Boots, Fun Color and Spring Fashion

Let's talk rain boots...

Julia is wearing the awesome option that is Target

I am wearing KID SIZE Hunters in Lipstick.

Yes, that's right. Regular Hunters are too tall for my short legs (I found this out the hard way). I went out on a limb and ordered two sizes from Nordstrom, since they have free shipping and a great return policy. I usually wear a size 7 to 7 1/2 in women's. I can also fit into a girls size 5, though it is slightly tight and a 6 is too big. I usually have to put on socks and blow dry the insides to stretch out the tight shoes, then they're just right. I ended up ordering a kids size 5 and 6 in the Hunters and kept the size 6. I was surprised since boots tend to run big on me and I like them snug so I can go without socks. The 6 is not clumpy and big, it fits nicely with room to go sock-less or wear socks. The BONUS to ordering kid sized is they are HALF THE PRICE of normal Hunters! The only drawback is that there are gray reflectors on the backs of kid Hunters, but if that doesn't bother you, then you're good to go. I'm ok with it, but in the mean time I'll be googling how to safely remove them! LOL

Let's talk fun colors...

Did you know Pantone's color of the year for 2014 is Radiant Orchid?!

What a GORGEOUS color!

Try on some OPI in Dim Sum Plum

I am wearing Tarte lipstick in Whimsy

Julia's shirt: Franchesca's, Scarf: Charming Charlie, Pants: New York & Co 

Sarah's Sweater: Old Navy, Leggings: Hue (slimming), Necklace: Charlotte Russe

Let's talk Spring fashion...

My favorite source for fashion trends has got to be People Style Watch magazine. I used to wait expectantly for the latest issue to hit news stand, now i subscribe to it on my Nook. I really like their "Preview" issues that give a good forecast of the trends that will be hot that coming season.

I think neutrals and Gold jewelry is still going to be big this Spring, but fun colors are also big after coming out of a dreary Winter! Nautical prints and colors are big: Red, White and Navy. Also, stripes continue to dominate. Chevron is on the way out because it's been so big for a while now, but it's still fun! Geometric styles are also still in! Southwestern is on the out.  

Boyfriend jeans are coming back in as well as other wide leg option pants for all you that are tired of the skinny! I have relished in the glory of skinnies and leggings with tunic length shirts, as it has been awesome for my body type and pouch hiding abilities. I will be sad when they do go, but until then I am keeping the trend going strong! I still love the look of a cuffed pant leg on a skinny, or even a tight roll. The boyfriend jean rolled up a bit on the bottom with a flat is also fun. BUT I'm not sure it will flatter my short, apple shaped figure.

What are you MOST looking forward to wearing this Spring?

The Mighty Sock Bun

Lauren Conrad rocking a HUGE bun!

Oh, sock bun, where have you been all my life? Why have I neglected you for so long? I heard others talk of you, I saw the pictures. Why? 

This may not be big news to many of you, but i have medium length hair that is fine, straight and silky smooth. Oh how I've wished for long, wavy, curly, or even coarse hair. The effortless beauty that girls with long, wavy hair can achieve when they throw their hair up in a bun has never been possible for me. Mine usually looks like a tiny, tiny, sad little excuse for a bun. Now that I've discovered how easy this was, there is no going back!

The tutorial I used for making a hair donut and doing this is found here

Tutorial for making a super big hair donut here

There seem to be several different techniques used with this things. Because my hair is short, I simply put it in a pony tail, placed the donut over it, then teased the hair and pinned it all in place (see step by step below).

For more inspiration, simply search Pinterest for "sock buns" or "hair donuts"

Sad Bun :(

Step #1:  Pull hair into pony tail
Step #2: Place hair donut around pony tail

Step #3:
Tease hair so it lays nicely,
covers sock and semi resembles a bun

Final step: Pin everything in place
and use a healthy dose of hair spray!

Happy bun :)

Mom Style

Can I do this? Not sure if I really should, but it's happening. It's a fashion post. I've never considered myself anywhere close to a trend setter or fashion guru, but I do like fashion and I love clothes. I don't like spending much on clothes, most of my wardrobe was bought at a thrift store, garage sale or Kohls with a 30% off coupon. It's the challenge really, the hunt. How can I stay up to date with the latest trends while spending practically nothing. Here are some attempts...

Boots: Amazon.com, Leggings: Lauren Conrad at Kohls, Jacket: Thrifted, Shirt: Target Clearance Rack

Cardigan: Old Navy, Shirt: Gap

Shoes: Kohls, Pants: LOFT Outlet, Shirt: Elder Bearman Clearance Rack

Things I love:

Sparkles, Vintage, Skinny Jeans, Leggings, Stripes, Blazers, Southwest Prints, Chevron, Teal, Toms, Slouchy Boots, Color, Dresses, Cardigans, Layers and Loose Fitting Tops, Scarves, Sock Buns, Wavy Hair, Ombre Hair, Flats, Leg Warmers and Wool Socks, Hints of Neon, Hints of Animal Print, Button Downs, Belts, Lace and Oh So Many Other Things!!!...

Some Inspiration:

*Sorry that I couldn't track down any of the original sources for these photos. They were all found on Pinterest.

Neon Duct Tape!!

Question: How many uses can I find for neon duct tape?

Option #1: Shoes (oh, you can definitely expect more to come)
I've been seeing so many pictures of spray painted shoes, and have tried a few of my own. However, I have been kind of struggling with the fact that once they are painted, it's pretty much a permanent change. I thought it would be fun to have a removable option. The duct tape seemed like a logical solution because it comes in so many fun colors. However, it is somewhat tricky to make it lay flat and uniform, so it's not obvious that it is duct tape! Test the shoes before hand, some finishes may allow the tape to be removed. However, the finish actually started peeling off of this neutral pair when I tried removing the tape - guess I'll be keeping them as they are from now on! No loss, they weren't in great shape and I hardly ever wore them, until now - because they turned out super cute!

Starting out with a pile of shoes, some duct tape and a pair of scissors! 

Let's see how this goes...

 This pair of baby shoes turned out ok, but it was tricky getting the tape to lay flat over the curve of the front toe. I found that this could be drastically improved by stretching the duct tape.

 This next pair of shoes is my favorite and I'm pretty excited how they turned out.

 Once I smoothed out the tape, i used some scissors, like a knife, to very carefully cut a smooth line along the base of the shoes - 

being careful not to cut through to the shoe its self!

 This last pair didn't look so great, 

so I peeled the tape off very carefully and left them as-is.

Happy Wednesday!

Working on finishing up some blog posts today. Took time out to show my toes a little attention. This is very random, but I thought I'd share since my toes are so happy with me now :) Be sure to stay tuned for "Disney on a Dime (Part 2)" and check out the Lilla Rose Giveaway which is still open until this Friday!

Lilla Rose Giveaway

Enter to Win!!!!!

I feel like a "real" blogger. My friend Rachel contacted me about doing a promo for her new business venture as an independent consultant for Lilla Rose. She very graciously sent me one of her products to put to the test - and I have to say, I loved it!

I tried out the Sparkling Silver Headband on an 80 degree day at the zoo. I knew it would be really hot, so I threw my hair up and dressed for comfort. The Lilla Rose Hair Band was the perfect accessory to add just a little sparkle to my boring outfit.

  

According to Rachel, the Flexi Clip is their biggest seller, but I instantly could see myself utilizing the Hair Band more often. I have to say, the real test for any head band is how well it stays in place. This baby really did. Despite the sweat, it stayed perfectly in place all day long. I was even able to wear sun glasses along with it, without it feeling weird.

  
Check out Rachel's Site:
http://www.lillarose.biz/ComfortableBeautifulHair  
Or Facebook Page: Lilla-Rose-Rachel-Kirsch

Enter Below for Your Chance to Win 
a Lilla Rose Hair Band (up to $19 value) 
or Flexi Clip (up to $16 value) of your choice!!!
4 Different Ways to Enter - 6 Possible Entries
Hurry - This Offer Ends on Friday

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shoes from Kohls

I've got a 30% off coupon to Kohls and I know how to use it! 
Well, kind of. Check them out! I am very impressed by the selection of spring shoes on Kohls. Now, to narrow it down to say, one of these... What is your favorite Spring style?
The Boat Shoe
(Fake Sperrys)


 

The Color Block Toe

 

The Fake Toms 

(that don't support any charities, but hey, they're way cheaper)

Bold Colors

 


Sandals