Awkward & Awesome Thursday!

 

 tunic (skirt): Handmade & thrifted

jeans: Charlotte Russe

sandals: Target

belt: Target

Awkward:

- thinking I would be comfortable wearing a strapless top to work

- deciding to curl my hair in extreme heat, humidity, and wind

- putting my personal creative writing out there for all of you to read and being that vulnerable 

- the photo above that actually makes me look like I have to pee

- trying to make small talk to avoid silence and being completely shut down

- getting dressed in the morning and Little S. looking over while I'm half nakie, saying, "Momma! GET DRESSED! Nakie bum!"

*actually, that was adorable and kind of awesome*

Awesome:
- the fact that tomorrow is Friday AND I get to see my momma!
- I'm actually ALLOWED to wear strapless to work.
*even though I totally have a deep royal purple cardigan on, now*
- visiting sweet family this weekend
- coming to a huge realization last night (Separation)
- realizing that dreams might actually have a way of coming true

Click the button below and link up to Sydney's Awkward and Awesome Thursday!


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And the winners of the Doe Run Jewelry giveaway are:

Congratulations, ladies!!!
Email me at kimberly.s.parham{at}gmail{dot}come with your address!
Packages will be mailed out, tomorrow!

How Much is Too Much?

If you know me, you know the answer to the title question is that when it comes to color, I don't really think there is a "too much" zone. Okay, I guess I don't want to look like the product of rainbow vomit, but really, I like to mix it up. Kind of a lot. So, I featured these tights last week, on We Love Colors Wednesday, and then, I did a Ways to Wear Guest Post for Rochelle on Friday. This was one of the outfits I posted and I got quite a few compliments on it, via email. I decided to go ahead and give it a go. What do you all think? Too much for the work place? Remember that I don't have a strict dress code. And remember people have come to expect even more quirk from me than this little ol' outfit.

Really, when it comes to color, how much do you think is too much?

fuchsia blouse: Walmart, thrifted, from Rochelle!

grey dress shorts: New York & Company (tags still in.. can't decide)

scout green tights: c/o We Love Colors

shoes: Nine West, handed down from Whitney

necklace: The Body Shop

belt: New York & Company

p.s.- What do you think about the bangs to the side?

p.p.s.- Husband, I love you for making my legs look thin and my whole self look much, much taller than 4'11". Note to readers: These photos are total eye tricks. I have cottage cheese thighs. Even in tights.

Husband + Camera = visual miracles.

I hope everyone had a really nice Easter (and if you don't celebrate, I hope you had a great weekend)! We really enjoyed the time off of work and away from North Carolina. Friday, Husband worked on the car all day and Little S. and I rode around, looking at the tornado damage. It was devastating, but kind of awesome to see how neighbors were all rallying together to clean up the debris and make repairs. I cried. A lot. And then I prayed, thanking God that Husband's parents (a mere mile from where the tornado took down trees, houses and power lines) were safe and unscathed. Saturday, we took Little S. to the in-laws' church for an egg hunt. Because we weren't members, the munchkin didn't seem to get the same treatment as the rest of the kiddos. For instance, parents weren't allowed in the egg patch, so the church volunteers were leading the 1-4 year olds around to find eggs. No one knew S, so she was left in the dust. I hopped in to point some things out to her and was promptly yelled at. Don't worry, though. She found 14 goodies AND won a prize basket. Take that. Easter Sunday was the most fun. We woke up to amazing baskets from the Easter Bunny. Little S. got a beautiful wooden doll cradle, crafted by the Amish. She also got coloring books, reading books, the movie "Tangled," some adorable Spring outfits, and way too much candy. Husband and I shared a basket, mostly comprised of goodies from Harry & David (sesame garlic tortilla chips, pineapple salsa, moose munch, and Cold Stone flavored Jelly Bellies)! We each got a gift card, as well. Mine is to Kohl's, so I'm hoping to snag one of Lauren Conrad's new floral dresses before I make a surprise visit this weekend. After getting ready on Sunday, we headed to the Virginia zoo, where S was amazed by every single animal. She also only had ONE (count that, again) wet diaper ALL DAY. I was so proud. 

I was a good Momma and put sunscreen on Little S' sweet skin 4 times while at the zoo. I only put it on myself once. 

Sun: 1

Kimberly: 0

It's on.

Only two more days to enter the

Doe Run Jewelry Giveaway!

Guys, you get a CHOICE of which item you want to win.

Hello... DON'T miss out! Get your tushie over there, now!

*****

And don't forget to go enter the Biggest Giveaway EVER with Jackie Ranson Photography!

Today's the last day!

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One more! You have just 'til the end of this week to enter Heather's 100 Follower Giveaway over at Blonde... Undercover Blonde! DO IT!

Festive Easter Egg!

I certainly did not intend to have my tangerine cardigan photographed against my apple wall, but it just happened that way. So, today, I'm serving up dyed eggs! I actually wore this to work on Tuesday and was so displeased with my outfit the entire day. First, I didn't wash this cardigan after I wore it last, so it was stretched out (exhibit A: right arm cuff). Second, I was walking all over my pants in these sandals, which was increasing the jean hikage that was occurring due to the low rise nature of the waistline. Third, and most important, I bought this top for $4.99 from Charlotte Russe on Saturday. I've been looking for longer length tees to wear with jeans and jackets/cardis, so this one was lacey AND black, which is a total win for a basic tee. I went to play with the lace ruffles, today, and BAM!

These suckers are SCREEN PRINTED.

Yeah, I was surprised and upset, too.

tee shirt: Charlotte Russe

cardigan: Motherhood, (I dyed it from white to tangerine.)

jeans: Charlotte Russe

sandals: Cabrizi, via Shoe Department

necklace: c/o Doe Run Jewelry

Husband really likes taking sideways photos. They're extra hard to crop, so I don't know if I'm going to continue being an advocate for 100% freedom of photography. He is the artist, though. Perhaps I should just sit back and enjoy the footless ride. Hmm?

Friends, thank you.

Just thanks. You're all so awesome. From telling me how to save time and style my bangs to helping me talk myself out of being sad that I'm growing up and low rise jeans just don't work on my post-baby, grown-up body; from talking me through washing my make-up brushes to consoling me about not being able to stay home and raise my kiddo... You just amaze me. You stick with me. And I'm 

SO THANKFUL.

And Today, You'll Find Me...

... standing in for my dear friend, Rochelle, as she moves from the US to Japan.

If you'd like to read more about the three ways I styled my We Love Colors Scout Green tights, 

JUMP over to Rochelle Approved!

And if you have yet to check out my Doe Run Jewelry giveaway,

get your adorable tushie over there, now!

And OH.MY.GOSH, my best friend, Jackie, of Jackie Ranson Photography, is having the Biggest Giveaway EVER, right now. There are 4 huge prize packages as well as 11 easy ways to win! You seriously do not want to miss it!!!

GO ENTER, NOW!

One more important order of bidness, today - If you have a fashionable post this Friday, go link up with Blonde Episodes for Fashion Friday!

Grab this little button, go leave your link and a comment, and VOILA!

Collegiate Class with Kerri!

Good morning, readers! Just recently, an old friend of mine and I got back in touch. Her name is Kerri and she's a student at the university where I work. Through facebook, Kerri found the Fashion Momma blog and became a regular reader (thanks, girl!). We connected on twitter and over the past week, I thought it would be cool to include Kerri and all of her sweet, southern stylishness in a collegiate class post! I met this young lady in 2008, when I was working as a patient care and therapy specialist at a local chiropractor's office. She was finishing her senior year in high school and completing her senior project/internship with us. I was her mentor and we became fast friends. Our disdain for the office environment and pitiful workload brought us together. We talked clothes a lot back then! Wanna peek inside the mind of a beautiful college lady? Let's go!

Fashion Momma: Early in the morning, is it more important to get your hair perfect or your make-up?

Kerri: Definitely my hair. It's high maintenance, especially in the humidity. 

(FYI, Kerri has beautiful, Egyptian curls!)

FM: On those tough mornings, do you choose comfort or style?

K: Well, as much as I'd like to choose comfort, I work an office job at the university, so I guess style. I have to be professional. If I want to have a comfortable day, I can wear jeans and a college t-shirt since I work here. At least that's considered professional.

(Love t-shirt and jeans days, especially during football season! We're lucky we can get away with wearing pretty much whatever we want!)

FM: What's your #1 must have accessory?

K: Probably my pearl studs. I don't really wear big earrings, so I just keep my pearl and diamond studs in and I wear them every day.

FM: What are 3 wardrobe staples you can't live without?

K: Cowboy boots, a good pair of bootcut jeans, and lots of sundresses (to wear with the boots)!

From one trendy girl to YOU, Mr. Mansome- the South seems to prevail with its cowboy boots and dress/skirts style.

FM: What's the best way to dress in the North Carolina heat and humidity during the summer and still stay classy?

K: Tailored khaki shorts (or sundresses), easy and breathable tops, and cute baseball caps or straw fedoras for days that it's not worth fighting what the humidity is going to do to my hair.

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Kerri, thank you so much for participating in the first edition of Collegiate Class. We'll see if this is a continuing series! If any other college students are reading and would like to participate, please let me know. I'd love to do a monthly feature with you! If you're not on my campus, you can fill out the questions via email and send in some photos! Email me if you're interested at kimberly.s.parham{at}gmail{dot}com!

And if you haven't entered the Doe Run Jewelry Giveaway, yet, get your cute hiney over there, now! Time's a-wastin'!

Also, please hop on over to my friend, Heather's blog, Blonde... Undercover Blonde and enter her 100 followers giveaway!!! Congrats, girl!

We Love Colors Wednesday: Scout Green

It's my favorite day of the bleek, again! I love when this day happens. Although, it's going to be a sweltering 90 degrees, today. Let's so how much longer I can manage tights every Wednesday. You just wait. You'll be surprised how long I can last! (That's what she said.)

Today, I just HAD to wear this new dress that my MIL bought for me two weekends ago. We were in Target and she basically told me to pick one dress out and she'd get it for me! I reeaaallly wanted to get something from the Go International collection, but for as many times as I remix (not often enough), I didn't want to ask her to pay $40 for something. Then, I saw this beauty. I hardly own any red, so that was my first draw. Second, I remembered this post by Kendi and the little red, floral Target dress went in the basket.

I never claimed to be a talented self-photographer. Setting the camera on top of my grill and hoping for the best in my ill-lit back yard was probably not the greatest plan. But it's We Love Colors Wednesday! I couldn't wait for Husband to come home, tonight!

Ooolala, that dress is SHORT!

dress: Target

cardigan: Old Navy

scout green tights: c/o We Love Colors

heels: Bandolina, via Ross (gifted by Rochelle)

belt: Old Navy

earrings: New York & Company

 

I've checked my work email, had my coffee, and am about to send off a bunch of admissions packets. Hooray for a productive Wednesday morning! Even more hooray that Friday's a holiday and I'm FREE after 5:00, tomorrow. C'mon, Thursday!

Stay tuned for TWO surprises coming up tomorrow & Friday!

Also, have you checked out my AWESOME giveaway?

You'd better do it, now! 

Giveaway: Doe Run Jewelry

Friends, I am so excited to bring you a fabulous giveaway, tonight! 

Doe Run Jewelry is a brand new Etsy shop, specializing in gorgeous handmade jewelry. Pieces include button bracelets, charm bracelets, beaded necklaces and earrings, and each item is unique from any other. The shop is run by Karen Warren, however my friend and her daughter, Shelly, as well as Karen's husband  also create for Doe Run Jewelry. Shelly and I work in the same building and she brought this idea to me right when her mom's Etsy shop came to fruition. After years of making jewelry, Karen decided it was time to get her work out there. I'm so glad these ladies have asked me to share their jewelry with you, because it's really quality work and I'm so impressed with the attention to detail!

Not only does this family work together to create gorgeous jewelry, but 10% of Doe Run Jewelry's proceeds will always be donated to the American Cancer Society.

Gorgeous handmade jewelry & donations to a wonderful cause? Yes, please!

And now, I'm unveiling the pretties!

Karen and Shelly agreed to allow me to sample two pieces of jewelry and give two pieces away. Out of the four items, I chose the following two:

This gorgeous 3 charm key necklace w/ flower charm at the clasp.

There are two chains, one silver and one brass, and the necklace is about 18" long.

The second item I chose to keep is this beautiful and versatile multicolored button bracelet. Each button is attached to the next by metal links (hard work!) and the bee charm at the clasp is so adorable! When I saw this bracelet, I knew it'd fit into and be a staple in my colorful wardrobe!

It was really tough for me to choose the key necklace, because I knew you all would love it as much as I do. Don't worry, though. The next two pieces are up for grabs and YOU can win one of them!

Next up, you'll find the first item that caught my eye in the Doe Run Jewelry shop!

With perfect purple beads and flat wire to save them from falling, these eggplant earrings are perfect for every day or to dress up a simple dress for a special date. Think you need them? I do!

Are bracelets more your style? How about perfect little charms? Perhaps the next item is going to be the one you just can't wait to win!

Wish & Bead charm bracelet has double silver chains and extra links to wear it loose or tighten up for a more dangly effect. 

What's that you say? You love them all? I know. Me, too! Doe Run Jewelry is going to do great things with their awesome Etsy shop. I'm looking forward to seeing this line blast off like a rocket ship. In the meantime, we get to spread the word about these gorgeous pieces of art AND you could win either the Purple Bead Earrings or the Wish & Bead Charm Bracelet! 

How?

Mandatory entry:

- You must be a follower of Fashion Momma via GFC 

If you're not, already, you can click the "Follow" button in the left sidebar.

- You must visit Doe Run Jewelry's shop and tell me your favorite item!

- Tell me which of the two items you would like to win!

Extra entries:

- Follow Fashion Momma on Twitter

- "Like" Fashion Momma on Facebook

- Add Doe Run Jewelry to your Favorites on Etsy

- Tweet about the giveaway with a link back to this post.

- Blog about the giveaway with a link back to this post.

- Post the giveaway button on your sidebar with it linking back to this post.

Button:

You CAN enter to win both pieces of jewelry if you want. 

Leave a separate comment for each entry.

I will be checking for authenticity of entries and you will be disqualified for fibbin'.

Giveaway runs from 4.19.11 until 11:59 p.m. (eastern standard time) on 4.27.11.

Winners will be announced on the morning of Thursday, 4.28.11.

Open to US and Canadian readers, only.

So sorry to my international readers!