Christmas Warmth

There's nothing like red plaid to ring in the holiday season. Lucky for me, HappyScarf.com not only has festive choices, but hundreds of others, too! This baby was in the New Arrivals section and HappyScarf is offering 20% off of all new arrivals through Christmas! Sweet deal! 

I knew that after a busy weekend and taking care of a sick baby for days, I needed a really laid back outfit to go to a quick dinner on Sunday night. I'm not usually one for the pre-ripped denim look, but I love how these fit, so I made do. With a simple black top, I knew I needed something to make the outfit special. This Classic Plaid Red scarf brought warmth to the chilly night and reminded me that Christmas is less than two short weeks away!

top: Old Navy

cami: Rue 21

jeans: Old Navy

oxfords: from Rochelle

bag: Dama Handbags, won from TFD giveaway

scarf: c/o HappyScarf.com

I don't think I'm going to be going anywhere without this red bag all winter. I dare say I'm in love with it. Is there one accessory you can't walk out of the house without this season?

Party, Party, Party!

I felt like Cinderella. In May, I gave up getting "dressed" for the office in order to live in sweats and yoga pants for a nanny position that is segueing me into the life I've always dreamed of - being a SAHM. But when I received an invitation to my boss' yearly Christmas cocktail party, I knew it was my chance to finally get glammed up after such a long time of losing my identity behind the bulk of too big t-shirts. I'd been on the search for the perfect long-sleeved black shift dress, preferably with lace detailing, and on Friday, I still hadn't found the perfect frock. Instead of giving up and wearing something I already owned, I bought a dress at Kohl's that was just okay. Then, it hit me. Hello... I never shop at department stores, so I should probably just try it this once. JCPenny was the jackpot! I found my perfect dress and was able to return the mediocre one. Getting dressed up in the cocktail dress of my dreams, doing my hair and make-up, and wearing ridiculous shoes that made me want to cry was SO.MUCH.FUN!

dress: R&K from JCPenny

shoes: Mossimo from Target

bag: Dama Handbags, won from TFD giveaway

 face make-up: Dinair Airbrush kit + Bare Minerals 

eyeshadow: e.l.f. Studio palette 

mascara: L'Oreal Million Lashes

lipstick: Jet Setter by Rimmel

My brother caught a picture of me telling the dog to back it up out of my photo sesh. Although I look like a bossy brat, this is the only good picture of my silver and black eyeshadow, so in place of fear that you'll think I'm a yeller, I'll spare myself and imagine you really just wanted to see my make-up.

And just like Cinderella, I had a wonderful time at the party, came home, and got back into my rags. Then I spent the entire glamorous night waking up with my itty bitty who is very, very sick with a cold/cough situation. Pray she gets it out of her system before the holiday!

Black, White, & Red All Over

When one does not get dressed often, one finds it necessary to put on some red lips. One = me, by the way. I bought my very first red lipstick, ever, and I'm sort of obsessed. I had no idea how blue my eyes would look with red lips! And I feel so Christmas-y! Or... perhaps that's the undecorated tree behind me.

lipstick: Jet Setter by Rimmel

sweater: New York & Company

skirt: Thrifted

booties: Payless

handbag: Dama Handbags, giveaway win from TFD

I realize I haven't been much of an outfit poster lately and I'm working on changing that! It really is tough when I don't have many reasons to "get dressed." So many stay-at-home-moms have told me that when they stay home, they really do dress to impress and I hope I can do the same when I start staying home in March. However, when I'm caring for four toddlers, ages 1, 2, 3, and 4, and doing dishes, preparing meals, cleaning up all the time, I swear it's yoga pants, sweats, and t-shirts. So once I begin staying at home and caring for one toddler, cleaning up, preparing meals, oh... and throw taking care of two dogs in there, we'll see if I can manage. In the meantime, I'll be sure to photograph EVERY single weekend outfit I ever wear. Okay, I'll try really hard!

And in case you were missing Little S. -

Obviously, she's missing you, too!

If you need to do some holiday shopping or holiday decorating, I know a GREAT PLACE.