Paper Doll Project #2

Suze of Miss Vinyl Ahoy coordinated another Paper Doll Project this month! I had so much fun doing it in April that I decided to play, again. Amidst the madness of trying to tie up loose ends at my current (old, after today) job and traveling to the beach for Mother's Day weekend, Daphne of Fashion Confessions of a Mommy and I finally got our stuff together between last night and this morning! It just goes to show that mommas are busy ladies (ahem, and that we can endure)! Last night, I sent a photo of my dress to Daphne. I got it at Charlotte Russe, on the clearance rack, a month or so ago and have had trouble styling it ever since. The colors are so wintery to me. Daphne suggested adding bright, springy pops of color with my teal accessories. She hardly knows me, yet knows me so well! Here's what we came up with! Thank you for dressing me, Daphne!

dress: Charlotte Russe

belt: Old Navy

heels: Predictions, handed down from Whitney

necklace: The Body Shop

And, you know, since my self-photography skills are so amazing, I had to take a shot of my shoes for you... or else you might have missed them. No idea why, though...

What do you all think? Personally, I think the teal moved this baby right from drab winter grey to a fab spring piece that can be reworked with lots of different accessories! Thanks for opening my eyes, Daphne!

Don't forget to head over to the Paper Doll Project at Miss Vinyl Ahoy to check out what other participants did! And when the call comes out for next month, you should play along, too! It's fun to have a stylist for a day!

*****

Speaking of... Have you had your chance to be MY stylist, yet?

Choose my wardrobe for my new job in the Nanny Style Contest!

If you've been meaning to submit an entry, go, now! Tomorrow's your last day! ALL of your help is so appreciated and one lucky winner will get a $25 gift card!

 

She Decorates Herself in Flowers

Beautiful spring blooms make any day better than it already is. And I was so happy to be dressed, already, when I realized it's Everybody, Everywear Floral day! Go check out everyone's gorgeous ladylike flower power!

The thing about my top is... well, several of you have submitted it in a polyvore set for my Nanny Style Contest! And when I stopped by Kohl's for an emergency dress stake-out on Friday, I fell in love with this sweet little Lauren Conrad piece and couldn't bare to leave it. To all of you who suggested this top to make a debut in my new(er) wardrobe, A+ job! I pretty much can't live without it, already.

 top: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's

jeans: Charlotte Russe

flip-flops: (same as yesterday) Mossimo for Target

You know there's a true love between you and me when I show you my arm fat just for a pattern close-up. Mmhmm. Kindred soulmates, I tell you.

Go. See. More. Flowers.

Only a few more days to enter my Nanny Style Contest!

Pretty sure you don't want to miss out on helping me build up a wardrobe for my new job AND entering for a chance to win a $25 gift card! Click the button, below, to play along!

Mansome Monday: Hot for Teacher (Surprise!)

Welcome back to the greatest show on the internet – MANSOME MONDAY! Now for the millions of regular readers I do not have to tell you how much more fantastic your Mondays have become since I entered your life. But for you newbies, apart from questioning what took you so long to find Fashion Momma’s blog and let your Mansome Fashion Poppa take control of your fashion life, I am sure you are now experiencing something only that can be compared to Divine Intervention – which actually is going to be now more commonly known as MANSOME MONDAYS!

Today I am doing something a little bit different – I am taking the week off! (I will understand if you now need an hour or so you can compose yourself.) But like any good Poppa, I will never leave you. This week Mansome Monday is different – how? Although I am making the post, the outfit, stylists, and picture will not feature me (more crying, shouts, and hysteria) but instead it will feature my own very talented, fashionable, sexy, wife! This should definitely clear up any questions as to whether I (Kimberly) am married to Jason. NO. No, I am not. I am married to a man named Clarke. Jason is married to the gorgeous woman, below! I will say that I am somewhat hesitant to put her on the blog because right now I am the only one who has to deal with the paparazzi and she can live in anonymity, but after today she will be fair game to the same infringements I have, fans rushing, picture requests, etc. and she will be forever known as “Fashion Poppa’s Wife,” which by the way, is what the Preist who married us ask her, “Do you take this Mansome Fashion Poppa as your husband? And from henceforth you will be known as “Fashion Poppa’s Wife…” It was a unique ceremony on the catwalk and everything but that’s neither here nor there…

Before we get to the picture and outfit, you need to know a bit about FPW (Fashion Poppa’s Wife). They say behind every good man is a good woman, but more importantly a fashionable outfit, all of which is true and FPW satisfies not only the good woman/wife but also you will find she is very fashionable. In fact, if she is not fashionable … let’s just say she wouldn’t be a wife any more…..

FPW is a 2^nd grade teacher and for those who are also teachers, I do not have to tell you that it can be difficult to dress fashionable for a job that has a stricter dress code than most. Examples: no jeans, nothing too revealing, no short skirts (and by short I mean an inch or two above the knee), no flip-flops (sandals are allowed – which you will see soon), no cleavage (the rule most students, no matter the age object the most to – I know I have done extensive polling), etc. After most hear these rules I have to assure them two things, 1. School teachers do NOT = working in a monastery and 2. One can still be Womansome or Mansome; want proof? without further delay …..

FPW is wearing a blue sundress by Ann Taylor Loft … BOOYA! And to keep with the dress code she is wearing a white shirt underneath (the shirt is also for any over ambitious students…). Many will notice FPW hair, which is naturally curly – take that Pantene! And the best part of the outfit … her shoes! BOOOM Look at those bad boys ... or girls! Bedazzled Starfish by Kristen’s Kloset  (Okay they are not bedazzled but they look like it. I included a picture for reference and for those with foot fetishes….)

 

Although FWP does not name her outfits like your’s truly … it does not mean I can’t name her’s for you! So I give you: “Hot for Teacher” – Looking sexy and stylish as she teaches cursive writing and simple addition! And as Van Halen once sung – “Hot For Teacher” I ask you, who isn’t?

Thanks again for all of the follows! Fashion Poppa will be back next week! Keep your comments and questions coming! Continue reading Fashion Momma’s blog and following us on twitter, FashionMomma22 and JWFaulkner! Have a good weekend and see you Monday BOOM!

Don't forget to stop by Kimberly's post from earlier today!

... and Jason

& FPW!

3 Days

 Yes, friends. 

Three more days until I'm done working at the university. It was all sweet until it became bittersweet at graduation on Friday. I cried like a baby, watching our graduate students walk across the stage, listening to my favorite faculty members speak, hearing the chair's closing remarks... As much as I'm ready to leave and as tough as the road has been, there will be things I miss about this place.

And people. Like you, down the hall. You know who you are.

In other news, I had a wonderful time at the beach with Christina. We went dancing on Friday, I had too many drinks, and we walked on the beach with some new friends that we'll never see again. The wedding was beautiful on Saturday- perfect bride, perfect location, perfect weather. And the gloom got us packed up and on the road in time for me to eat Mother's Day lunch with my family, yesterday. I came home to a pristine house (thanks, babe) and a baby girl that was bounding with energy and lots of hugs! I really couldn't have asked for a better weekend. All I wish is that I hadn't left the four hard ciders that I'd just bought in the hotel fridge. Oh well... Hopefully housekeeping enjoyed them.

 dress: Sonoma via Kohl's

cardigan: New York & Company

flip-flops: Mossimo via Target

headband: Goody via Walgreens

purse: D&L Fashion, handed down from Shelly

I could totally wear this to my new job, right? That's why I bought this dress (50% off!) on Friday. Man, have you been to Kohl's, lately? LOVE that place! And speaking of what to wear to my new job, have you entered my Nanny Style Contest, yet?

You know that when you submit an outfit set (which is actually FUN), you're entering to win a $25 gift card to your choice of one of the four stores I shop at, regularly?

Yep! I said it. MONEY for SHOPPING! Who doesn't love that stuff?

So head over there, nizzow and dress me up!

Click the picture, below, and submit your entry before Friday evening!

Important notes:

I guest posted about pregnancy on The Frugalista Diaries, yesterday! Stop by and check out some important tips and see some of my professional maternity photos, taken by Jackie Ranson Photography!

I was also featured, today, on Blogs from the Heart at My Heart Blogged. Wonder where I shop for deals, how I make the most of my closet, and how I suggest incorporating color into your wardrobe? Head there, now!

And stay tuned! Mansome Monday is coming up in just a bit!

Accidental Perfect Purple

So, remember that skirt I was talking about, this morning? 

Oops. I hemmed it too short for a work event.

So I had to get something professional, purple, and STAT.

Kohl's never disappoints!

The rain, however, ruined my outdoor photo plans.

 dress: APT 9 for Kohl's

belt: New York & Company

shoes: Bandolino via Ross, gifted by Rochelle

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the Mommas out there!

I'm headed to graduation, then to the BEACH!

Ombre' Nails! Plus, Required Reading

Yesterday, I received a box of lots of fun make-up from e.l.f. that was sent to me by my sweet friend, Vanessa! Little S. freaked out, immediately, over the Bright Trio nail polish set, while I was swooning over everything, especially the amazing eyeshadow pallet! So what did we do? Of course, we painted our nails! Little S. was very patient while I painted her toenails AND fingernails. She got the color on my pointer finger, which came in the e.l.f. Bright Trio set. It's called Bright Coral. The three colors in the middle of my hands and toes were in the trio set, while my thumb and pinky are painted with colors I already owned. I know the pinky color is a bit dark for the ombre' effect, but I did my best with what I had.

What do you think?

Yes, I'm doing a Lady Gaga Little Monsters claw. What say you of it?

I'm pretty certain I'm going to love playing with this effect throughout the summer. On my list is a set with blues, turquoises, and greens!

It's a busy day with working half a day, going home for the second half to shower, pack, hem a skirt and get ready for our department's graduation ceremony, then leaving for the beach! But no worries, once I get the skirt finished and get dressed, I'll be SURE to post an OOTD, this evening! And don't forget to stop back by tomorrow for this week's Intense Adoration post!

You also HAVE to go to Amazon and buy Kori's new book, Murder on the Boulevard! I'm SO proud of her and will be making the purchase for my Kindle app, this afternoon!

AND don't forget to head over to Blonde Episodes and link up to Kori's Fashion Friday!

I'm also getting some really amazing entries for the Nanny Style Contest, so if you haven't entered, yet, you should! Not only are you inspiring me to stay well-dressed while I change jobs, but Polyvore is just REALLY fun. Don't believe me? Try it out! And I'm calling Whitney out, because she said she was going to submit a set and I haven't seen one, yet. Ahem, best friend? Get on it. Please and thank you. (I love you.)

Enter the Nanny Style Contest!

Don't forget to stop back by, later, to see my graduation ceremony outfit!

Awkward & Awesome Thursday: Therapy & Florals

There's a good chance that I'm going to need therapy to get through next week.
Let's just leave it at that.

I may or may not be wearing a dress I've kind of been DYING to own, today. Thanks to my sweet friend Rachel, of State of My Heart, a dress I'd been drooling over from Forever 21 finally became mine. And I'm so in love, it's not even funny. How perfectly Spring is this baby? THANK YOU, Rachel!

 dress: Forever 21
shoes: Lower East Side (stole 'em from my mom!)
belt: New York & Company
photography prop of the day: cutting board on top of trashcan
I'm starting to get pretty crafty, aren't I?

 

Holy colors, right? More, please!

Awkward:
- Coming to work when everyone knows you're leaving. And it seems like they're happy about it.
- Dropping Little S. off at daycare and making small talk with her provider for the first time in two years. Because she's mad. Or sad. Or something.
- Talking to my trashcan, telling it to take photos at a better angle this morning. Yep. That happened.
- Waking up in the middle of the night to get water and not remembering how the cup of water made it to my bedside table upon waking up.
- My skin. And how it hates me. But I can't figure out why.

Awesome:
- Learning that sometimes it's okay to not please everyone when you're doing what's right for yourself.
- Chasing dreams. And catching them.
- Watching my daughter read all of the letters on four different recycle bins, yesterday.
- My homemade chicken pot pie.
- Amazing amounts of support from my friends and family about my new endeavor.
- The sweet contest I've got going on where you get to STYLE ME for my new job!
Ahem, go enter, please!

For more Awkward & Awesome, click Sydney's cute little self right below and link up or read other bloggers' weekly overshares!

p.s.- My best friend, Jackie, is holding an amazing Mother's Day giveaway at Jackie Ranson Photography! Better check it out, fast!

The Real Yesterday

I had to fake you out, yesterday, by using a polyvore set to kind of show you my outfit! Today, I have yesterday's outfit photos and I hope you don't mind that it's almost a repeat post. I'm busy trying to get a zillion things together before I leave my current job + I have a "sick" baby with me, today. She was up, tossing and turning all night with a stuffy nose and cough. This morning, she was extra clingy and fussy, so I took her temperature and it was over 100. I brought her to work, and of course, she's full of spunk and energy. 

Yesterday was another speedy self-photography morning with the help of my trusty tripod ... I mean... grill. So, you know the drill.

dress (as skirt): Old Navy

top: Old Navy

shoes: Sbicca via Ross

headband: Goody via Walgreens

earrings: Bridesmaid gift from Casey

Oh wow, this one's almost clear.

If you haven't yet, you should really go enter my 

Nanny Styles Contest/Giveaway!

Ahem, I might be desperate for your assistance.

Just maybe.

And perhaps there is a really fun prize involved. No bribery or anything.

What Does a Nanny Wear - CONTEST & Giveaway!

Well, someone borrowed my camera cord at work, took it home, and didn't bring it back. So I don't have a transfer cable and that means you get to pretend you see me. Fun game, right?!? At least you can see the basic idea of my outfit with this fun polyvore set!

 

dress: Old Navy - Still there! On sale!

henley (mine's a BIT different): Old Navy

wedges (mine are a bit different): Sbicca, via Ross

earrings (mine are a bit different): Bridesmaid gift from Casey

Know what else will be a fun game? The game where you help me put together cute outfits for my NEW JOB and win a sweet prize! Yep, that's exactly what's just about to happen. For those of you who don't follow me on twitter, though, let me fill you in. Remember how I thought I was having a heart attack on Friday, but it ended up being a severe anxiety attack? And remember how I've been re-evaluating life and my job and not being with my family or using my degree, etc? Well, my sweet friends, God gave me a sign that morning and then He answered my prayers. A faculty member who's been through the ringing with caregivers in the past few months knew that I wanted to try and take care of kids, including my own. She asked me if I'd be interested in taking the position with her family... and as much as I wanted to scream, "YES!" as soon as she asked, I was calm and cool-headed and took the weekend to discuss the options with my husband, mom, grandmother, and some other friends and family members. It was a no brainer for everyone. So, I put my resignation in at the university, yesterday, and I'll be starting my nanny position on May 16. Breaking the news to Little S' daycare provider was heartbreaking, but I hope she'll eventually understand that S. is going to be with her momma and still with other children. Little S. will stay with her Nana (that's what the kids call her) until May 27 and I'll start bringing her with me on May 30.

*****

So, here's where I'm challenging you (because I'm lost and feel very challenged, myself!). 

What does a nanny wear?

Sweatpants are not an option. I'm still me and I want to be the stylish mom I've set out to be. But I think the wedged heels and possibly the chiffon dresses might have to fly by the wayside (or be saved for weekends, of course)! So, what do you need to do?

1. Go to Polyvore (set up a free account if you don't have one!) and create an outfit that you think I should wear as a stylish nanny. 

MANDORY:

Please use main pieces from clothing currently found in Old Navy, Target, New York & Company, or Kohl's!

Keep in mind, I'll be taking care of four kids, including mine, playing outside, walking to the park, and feeding a 6.5 month old! Bending, lifting, cooking, and light housework are necessary. And lots of hugs are going to be happening, too.

2. Submit the link to your outfit in the comments! 

Super easy, right? I'll narrow the submitted outfits down to mine and my husband's top five favorite and we'll all have a vote! That means you get a say in who wins, too! And all of the entries are going to help me reorganize and rebuild a comfortable and chic wardrobe, so please, please play along. I'm in desperate need of your help!

ENTRIES accepted until Thursday, May 12, 11:59 ET.

United States and Canada entries, only! Sorry to my international readers.

The winner will choose a $25 giftcard from ONE of the following stores:

Target

Old Navy

New York & Company

Kohl's

P.S. - You can totally submit more than one Polyvore set! Each set is one entry, so you can enter as many times as you want!

Prim & Prismatic: Miss Vinyl Ahoy

Readers, it's the second installment of...

Prim & PRISMATIC

Style Bloggers and Their Use of Color

4.4.11 - Miss Vinyl Ahoy

Don't forget to head on over and wish Suze a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, today!

 

{one}

Do you think you’re bold when choosing colors to wear? If so, what makes you so attracted to colors and why are you comfortable in them? If not, why?

I don't think I am, for me, because color is normal to me. I'm not one to shy away from wearing bright colors, weird color combinations or anything like that. To other people my choices might be crazy or bold, but they're not to me.

{two}

If you could choose to put a bright, flashy piece in your wardrobe, would you choose an accessory or a basic staple?

I'd choose an accessory, because I really want a hot pink belt right now and it's driving me crazy that I can't find the one I want to own! Ergh!

 

{three}

What is your favorite boldly colored wardrobe item in your closet?

I love, love, LOVE the bright purple skirt I wore in my guest post on Betsy's blog (http://missbgetsdressed.tumblr.com/). It's a recent addition to my closet, and I'm a little sad that it's wool, so it'll end up being put away until fall, but I just adore how BRIGHT it is! I wore it on a very dreary day, and that skirt was the best part of it. Every time I looked down I smiled! 

{four} 

Do you incorporate bright colors in other aspects of your life (ie: decorating, art, gardening, etc.)?

Oddly enough, my apartment is pretty plain. My husband and I didn't paint it, we have hand-me-down furniture in colors/patterns we didn't pick and we really only decorated with posters and pictures, most of which are either from movies or our wedding. So, sadly, no! But I have dreams of one day owning a home or condo and painting the walls and having fun with things we get to pick. But, not currently.  

{five}

    Fill in the blanks:

If I could only choose one color to wear for the rest of my life, it would be some shade of green.
Most people think my personal style is eclectic because I march to the beat of my very own drum, and don't try to fit in or look like anyone else.
If I had to wear hot pink or kelly green, I’d definitely pick both, as a printed dress. That would look amazing. With navy heels. And maybe a purple belt. Depending how bright the dress is.
The craziest color combo I’ve ever rocked is a navy dress, red shirt underneath, gold tights and an aqua/pink/gold scarf. Oh, I think I also had on a red hat? 

Here's the link:http://missvinylahoy.com/2011/02/04/go-red-for-women-friend-friday-and-more/. 

Suze, thanks for participating in May's feature of  Prim & PRISMATIC! I really enjoyed your posts and all of your awesome outfits. I know the Fashion Momma readers will, too!