Toughly Ruffled

It's Trendy Tots Tuesday, today, and I usually post my outfit in the same post as Little S.', but the story behind TTT needed a post of its own and Little S. OWNED it. Crazy hair and all.

If you have a little one you'd like to share with us, be sure to head over to today's Trendy Tots Tuesday post and link up!

People, can you explain the weather? I know it's been a sore subject all over the blogosphere, lately. Freezing rain, lots of snow, negative temperatures, and then there's the whole everyone being sick and tired of hearing about the weather. Well, friends, it was 77 degrees here, yesterday, and when I left my house this morning, it was in the 30s. I know many of you are experiencing temperatures below 10 or even sub zero, but I was unprepared for this drastic change, today. I came to work without a coat, and I was much less than ecstatic while Husband was taking my outfit shots. Only two of them came out halfway the way I would have liked, but that's my fault. I was TOO COLD to smile.

FTR: the sausage effect  is due to the top of the skirt being oddly fitted and flaring out a lot at my natural waist. 

MY TIGHTS do not give me half -casing effect.

 

fucshia sweater: New York and Company

purple tank: Catalog Connection

olive ruffle skirt: Old Navy clearance (gift from Rochelle)

rubine tights: c/o We Love Colors

brown studded oxfords: Ross (gift from Rochelle)

I tried to smile for you guys. I really did. I just couldn't muster it up. So I just looked down, instead. 

How is it that on my way to work, Husband can find an old storefront with essentially the same colors as my outfit? I swear... And he didn't even pay attention to what I was wearing. He just said, "Let's take your picture in that little cove." And I said, "The one that looks like my outfit?" And he goes, "Oh, yeah. Cool." No big deal. He's just a genius. That's all.

 

If you read my post, yesterday, you'd know I'm embarking on yet ANOTHER weight loss journey. But this time, it's the real deal. I'll be posting stats, recipes and meal plans on our Fab Fashion Blogger Rockin' Weight Loss yahoo group! If you'd like to join, we'd LOVE to have you! Collette has shared her before and after photos and her success story. She'll be leading us through each of our own journeys to find our healthiest selves. 

Romantic Side of the Tracks

I have a new wardrobe!

Okay, maybe I wouldn't necessarily go that extreme... BUT, my sweet friend, Rochelle, treated me to a post-birthday shopping trip on Saturday and she SPOILED ME ROTTEN. We had a set budget and hit the thrift store, Old Navy, and Ross! We were planning to head to New York & Company as well, but we just hit the jackpot everywhere we went and there was no need to get even more! So a big, giant thank you to Rochelle, for putting up with me (and Little S.), treating me to such a fun girls' day and very thoughtful gifts (not only did she take me shopping, BUT when I got to her house, there was a huge box of goodies waiting for me, there, too!), and helping me build a Spring wardrobe with some awesome pieces and SHOES!

Now that I have you on the edge of your seat, I know you're dying to see at least one of my new finds. Am I right? Am I right?! Lucky YOU, because I'm wearing TWO new things! And lucky ME, because 1) I'm extra comfortable, 2) It's going to be 77 degrees, today, and 3) My sweet husband rescued me from a trying morning and took some MORE beautiful pictures. I love you, babe! Thanks for making me feel like a super model. And you don't look so bad behind that camera, either. 

Who's jealous of my sexy photographer?

  floral dress: Old Navy (gift from Rochelle)

grey swing cardi: New York & Company

gold belt: Target clearance

flower necklace: gift from Marilou

blush rosette ballet flats: Rampage via Ross

 

Husband sure does have an eye for location. All of these photos were taken around the perimeter of an old, abandoned train station right near the university where I work. I love how the tough background offsets the flirty, romantic vibe of my outfit. I also love how I feel so uninhibited with my husband behind the camera. I normally feel like such a geek when I'm "trying" to pose for photos, but he makes me feel comfortable and natural. I'm so thankful for that.

 

Many of you have probably read Collette's AMAZING weight loss story, already. And I've been on my own up and down roller coaster since before Little S. was born. Today, I'm turning the page and moving forward with my own weight loss journey. With the help of my husband and SEVERAL amazing bloggy friends, like Melissa, Collette, Marilou, Kori, and Leigh, I have so much more faith in myself that I'm ready and it's TIME.