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.

*****

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!

And It's a Stray for the Win

Stray hair, that is. Check it out (or them, to be more specific).

Monday hair, meet my friends. Friends, meet Monday hair. Yes, I know that it's now Tuesday, but this is yesterday's outfit, hence the Monday hair. I got up, started flat ironing it, my bangs were sticking straight out like buck bangs (think buck teeth, but hairy forehead style), and I said, "Fuggetaboutit." Headband, hair tie, out the door.

If it could only have really been that easy...

But nothing says, "Hello, Week! I'm gonna kick your behind all the way to the weekend!" like a bright yellow cropped cardigan. Am I right? Especially when said cardigan was on clearance at Charlotte Russe and is the exact color that I've been drooling over for months. In the bag? Yes, please. Don't mind the hangerless (Oh my gosh, crisis! I ran out of hangers!) closet or the angry husband. Yellow cropped cardi came home with me and is happy being folded on a shelf for now.

dress: Motherhood 

(no, I'm not pregnant. yes, I make clothes work for all seasons of life.)

cardigan: Charlotte Russe (mighta mentioned that, already)

sandals: Target

headband: Walgreen's

cameo earrings: Charlotte Russ

I totally meant to wear a necklace, but like I said, mornings aren't super easy around these parts of North Carolina. I have to do A LOT of stuff for ze dahling Little S. and ze dahling Little Poochie before I even think about getting ze Little Self ready. The two of them are living the high life and I'm living the morning after Ke$ha's latest night out look. Eh, you win some and lose some. 

Yellow cardigan totally trumps stray hairs for the win, right?

Mansome Monday: Less = More...

Wake up! It’s Mansome Monday! Along with being your Fashion Poppa and Heir of High Fashion, my side job is that of a teacher. And as I walk into my classes, Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” plays and at least 2-5 pyrotechnics set off fireworks. It is quite impressive but then again so am I and the entrance is appropriate (I tried to get my buddy, JC, to do the same but he insisted on just having Palms). But I was thinking I should receive the same type of entrance, when you click the link to Mansome Monday. I mean this IS the best part of not only your day but also week!

As the temperature warms everyone is looking towards spring and summer. But your Fashion Poppa wants to warn you that less does not equal more. Ladies, I am talking to you (ah hem... some gentlemen should just as well considering staying covered up). Just because it is 70 degrees one day does not mean you lose all fashion sense and wear something that would cause even your best friend to say, “Yeah……. That looks …. Fine….” (Ladies, when you tell your significant other that you're "fine," you know that means ahellofalotofmess.) Who hasn’t heard that before (besides Fashion Poppa of course)? In my travels I also sometimes see ladies trying to get their boyfriend or fella in her life to dress alike and have outfits that mirror each other. #1: If you are in this type of relationship where you have to dress like your partner you need help (even beyond what Fashion Poppa can give). And #2: Fellas, if your lady is wearing booty-shorts this does NOT mean you have to as well! I cannot tell you how many guys I see making this mistake! (Oh my gosh. Please... unless you're running a marathon, JUST DON'T.)

Another mistake the guys make during the spring is they wear the same type of clothes, especially colors, they did in the winter. Fellas, it is spring! Change it up and wear brighter colors! Stop wearing your snow boots; brighten up your life – it is sure to get the ladies’ attention! (TRUE story!)

Not that I need to wear different clothes to attract the ladies (I could wear a bath robe and still be fashionable) but today I am practicing what I preach! I am continuing to sport more “pastel-type” colors as my shirt Caribbean Sea-Green and my chinos are a lighter shade! Booya! Perfect for a walk in a dewy meadow, a picnic, or even just a stroll around town – I am up (or down) for anything! Once again, I know your man might be fearful of lighter and brighter colors but just show him my picture and he will see the light!

I am wearing my Sperry Top-siders today, which perfectly match my belt. Apart from my good looks, it is my attention to detail that the ladies love!

Outfit name – Less = More, I'll Have a Second Helping

 I know you love my sticky note and paper sign, taped to the back of my door. ;)

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

Jason decided he wanted to make fun of one of my signature poses, today. I'll tell you, he's more fussy about a photo shoot than I am. And I'm a diva!

I don't know about all of you, but I like to make sure my shoes are still there! 

... and Jason

FBFF: Gratitude

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say "thank you?"  

- William A. Ward

Today, we are showing our gratitude and giving thanks where thanks is due.

Link up with your Fashion Beauty Friend Friday answers at Modly Chic.

{one}

When it comes to me personally – I owe a lot of who I am to:
 My mom and my husband - hands down. My mom has been the constant source of strength and support for every event, every challenge, and every goal for my entire life. She is steadfast, never ending, and her independence amazes me. She loves with abandon and will never stop giving. She believes so deeply that we are doing what God wants us to be doing and that there will be something better around the corner. I hope to be as inspirational and strong as her, someday. My husband has pulled me from the rocks many times. At first, he didn't know how low I was, because we barely knew each other. But I fell for him and it changed my perspective on what was really important in life. At 19 years old, I decided to grow up. He showed me how to have fun without being stupid, that chivalry wasn't really dead- I'd only been looking in the wrong places. He showed me what real love is. And I'm so glad he chose me.

{two}

When it comes to me professionally – I owe a lot of who I am to:

Well, I still struggle with this, every day. I'm not happy with where I am, professionally and I haven't really ever been, because what I want to be doing is staying at home, raising a family. But I definitely owe it to my first boss out of college, Susan, for showing me that I'm not only resilient, but I'm also a hell of a lot smarter than most people would assume. She knocked me down a few times, only for me to come back three steps ahead, just to prove that I was a whole lot more than she thought I could be. Looking back, I don't think she ever didn't believe in me. I think she knew I was a lot like her and that I needed a swift kick in the ass to bounce back even bigger than I knew I was capable of doing. 

{three}

When it comes to the art of blogging, I’m grateful to these people for helping me through some rough spots:
Oh my goodness, there are so many of you... I want to name everyone, but the people that have really gotten me through the last 4-5 months and helped me figure out who I am when it comes to blogging are the following:

Rochelle

Collette

Melissa

Megan

Holly
ML

Kori

LMCBW

{four}

One blogging challenge I’m grateful happened because it made me stronger was…

The Great Google Account Hacking of 2011

Remember that? Seems like ages ago, but it was really only three weeks ago. I feel like I've come so far since it happened. I owe it to that major breakdown for the organization and prioritization that have helped me realize WHERE blogging stands in my life. It's a fun hobby. It's not a job. It's not making me money. It doesn't help me take care of my family or cook dinner and serve it in the dining room. I realized who my REAL friends were, because of the support I had while going through the hacking situation. And I also figured out that I won't be blogging for the rest of my life. Yeah, I actually thought I'd be doing this for a living at some point... I really feel much more at peace, now that I have my priorities straight. I'm sleeping a TON more than I was a few weeks ago, too!

{five}

To my readers, I’d like to say…

I definitely wouldn't still be here without you. I probably would wear sweatpants to work if you didn't care about this blog! I'm so happy you come here to see what's going on- and to the handful of you that have really reached out and become lovely friends, THIS is what blogging and community are about. Am I right?

Awkward & Awesome Thursday & Polyvore

Awkward:

- Not having an outfit photo and trying to maneuver Polyvore so I don't miss out on showing you what I'm wearing, today

- Pretending like there's not insane amounts of tension when there totally is

- Telling someone they are going to continue getting paid if they do X, then find out after X (which is irreversable, by the way) has been done that I was wrong

- Twisting my bangs back to the side a la Lauren Conrad and having a million people say, "I thought you got bangs!"

Actually, I magically grew them back, over night. So cool, right?

- People who consistently don't make it to appointments and use the same lame excuse errr time.

Car troubles? Really? I didn't see that one coming...

4.14.11 by KimberlyAnne22 featuring ballet shoes

Awesome:

- For the first time, ever, I finally figured out how to use Polyvore (ahem, please don't make fun of the slow-to-upkeep blogger behind the computer screen).

- Being able to trick people into thinking I never got bangs because I'm a master hair stylist! Or.. I'm really good at getting a few extra minutes of sleep and using the bit-o-build-up from unwashed hair to create magic.

- How blue my eyes are when I use light pink eyeshadows.

- The fact that this work day is only 20 minutes longer and I'll soon have a little toe-headed munchkin in my presence!

- The package I received in the mail from Rochelle, yesterday! Hey, THANKS, friend!

- This dress. I swear, it feels like a nightgown, has a pretty waistline, and makes me feel feminine and flirty!

- All of the FLIPPIN' ROCKSTAR buddies I'm making via bloggity blog bloggin', lately!

Head to The Daybook (click the button above) and link up with your Awkward & Awesomes!

We Love Colors Wednesday: Rust

Good morning, lovely readers! If you follow me on Twitter, you already know that it's my favorite day of the "bleek" (blogger week), We Love Colors Wednesday! I've been stoked about this post since Saturday because as soon as I received this GORGEOUS dress in the mail, from Happyness Magnet, I knew it would be the perfect frock to pair with my rust tights!

You may also be happy that these photos were taken the day I got my bangs, so the stylist made them look much better than I can. :)

navy and orange chevron dress: Forever 21, gifted by Happyness Magnet

heather blue cardigan: New York & Company

rust tights: c/o We Love Colors

short boots: Soda, via Shoe Department

bicycle necklace: Barberry & Lace

... and that dang hair tie I can't seem to part with

I wore this on 4.9.11 to go out with Husband and some friends.

But I promise, I'm wearing it, again, today! I just have a different cardi and am sans tights because I actually shaved my legs for once. It's a momentous occasion that was in need of bare legged celebration!

FTR: I'm also wearing a navy cami so I don't show what my momma (and pregnancy) gave me at work.

I had a dream last night and I woke up with such a feeling of fulfillment. To realize it wasn't real was kind of disheartening. Picture this:
I'm on the front porch of a light blue, early 1900s farmhouse. The porch is painted white and wraps all the way around the house. I'm watering the hanging basket flowers and Little S, who is about five years old, is chasing her little brother. He looked about two, had on blue jean overalls without a shirt underneath, and a head full of blonde curls. Little S kept saying, "Momma, look at my baby brother. He's runnin' fast!"
And they were both running, barefoot, through our big, green yard.
Just imagine it...

Color of the Moment: Coral

I've been reading and reading and reading. And in all of my magazines and several of the blogs that I follow, coral is all over the place, again. I thought it would overstay its welcome, overflowing from Spring/Summer 2009 into 2010. But here we are in 2011, and coral isn't going ANYWHERE.

Which is really excellent news, because after reading Suze's "How to dye your clothes" post, I just haaad to get myself some red pants! Everyone's doing it! And I love red pants! And I have this crappy cream pair that I hate and won't wear because the color and fabric combo is very unforgiving. Perfect for dying! Except... these pants were a poly-blend. I knew, after reading Suze's tutorial, that polyester and poly-blends didn't grab dye very well, so I was prepared for a fail. I didn't really care too much about the pants, anyway.
Instead of a fail, though, I got this gorgeous Springy coral color!

floral top: Target (clearance, woo!)
pants: New York & Company, dyed by me!
sandals: Target (I plan to wear these almost every day)
necklace: F21, gifted by Happyness Magnet
polish on toes: Wet 'n Wild's Blazin'

Sadly, one of the only two photos that wasn't of me falling over or of my rear end was this one... 

And you can only imagine how pleased I was to share it with you!
Also, ahem, Mister Photographer, sir... I need your help to remind me that removing my hair-tie bracelet would benefit future photo shoots, immensely. pleaseandthankyou.

Oh! I got bangs! For those of you who don't follow me on twitter and/or facebook, you probably didn't know that, yet. So, here they are, after a day at work, 90 degree heat + humidity, and lots of wind. Sorry their debut isn't much fancier. I think I'm going through a quarter life crisis and I needed a big change that wouldn't prove to be detrimental to my health or well-being. Bangs did the trick and I love 'em. Just kinda wish that I was going through my crisis in cooler, dryer weather. 

I loved dying clothes so much that I already dyed a shirt that I've not worn due to it being the ugliest color on the planet. Can't wait to show it to you, soon! That one actually turned out the expected/intended hue!

So, I went out with Husband on Saturday night and met a few friends, including Mr. Mansome, himself. I was appalled at how women are dressing themselves for attention. I mean, I've so been there. College was a giant experiment. And I was once the girl who thought that leaving little to the imagination would land me a hot guy. Yep... maybe so, but not a good one. So Mansome's wife and I came up with a very important list for:

"What Not to Wear When Looking for Quality Companionship" 

-aka- How to Land a One Night Stand

1. Dresses/skirts easily mistaken for shirts

2. Boobs so fake that they hit your face

3. A thong bikini in public... not at the pool or beach

4. An orangey tan

5. Make-up that will have to be removed with a chisel

6. A piece of clothing so tight that it's mistaken for body paint

7. So much hair product that your hair could rival the Eiffel Tower

8. Taylor Momsen-esque eyeliner with a cocktail dress

9. Shoes that are as tall as the Washington Monument and could also be worn while giving a lap dance

10. Looking like you could be taken out with the Tuesday morning garbage.

Obviously, that's just our take.

Mansome Monday: Southern Charm

Pass out the paper bags – we can’t be held responsible for your hyperventilation – because it is Mansome Monday! Like any serious addict, who NEEDS your Mansome Fix every Monday, just after the withdraws start to end  and you think maybe just maybe you can go on … BOOM … I am back and you realize how awesome the Mansome drug is! Yup, 11 out of 10 (you read that right) doctors approve, no need for an FDA certification or approval, and legal in all states, not just California, providing hot-flashes to females AND males;

 MANSOME MONDAY IS TODAY!

Now, in my last post there was some confusion as to my real name and I just want to address this issue. On my birth certificate (and Fashion Union card) it reads, Fashion Poppa. But as we discussed before, Mansome is a way of life, more than a zen-like experience, it is 11 times more powerful enlightenment, it is more powerful than sharing a beer with my pal JC (yup, we are on a nickname bases but for the rest of you that’s Mr. Christ. He calls me FP by the way), so really my name IS Fashion Poppa but I am also the one true Mansome – whew, I am glad we settled that.

All of my outfits, and today is NO exception, should be shared with that special someone in your life in hopes that they can reach Mansomement. But today’s threads are extra special. It is not just the outfit but it is the shoes. Yup, ladies I said it! Shoes! So those who have a foot fetish, grab the ball gag and strap in! I am wearing Liz Claiborne micro-fiber pants (for those who do not know this does NOT mean that my pants are extra short or that they ran out of thread, as many of you would like. Micro-fiber simply means I am environmentally conscious and waaayyy past just plain, normal fiber). But my pants are not the main attraction of today’s outfit …

Today I am wearing sandals. What? Sandals with pants? Yes! I see a lot of fellas out there kicking and screaming when they are being dressed and their woman tries to put sandals on to accompany an outfit with pants. If they would only stop crying and learn that sandals do not just go with shorts. However, you need the right sandal/pant combination. First, fellas, you can’t keep wearing those buy 2 for $5 dollar Old Navy sandals-that-look-more-like-shower-shoes sandals. No knock on Old Navy but … you need to class it up. So you will notice I am wearing Rainbow Sandals that go great with khakis. Also notice the pants are not hanging off my ass and they are not too long so that I am walking on them. Boom! Look at that, sandals with pants!

My shirt is by polo and the yellow compliments my greenish eyes – symmetry baby symmetry. And there you have it: a perfect outfit for a spring day, but one that can also be worn to the office.

Outfit Name – Southern Charm

Not from the South but when it gets hot, sticky, and hazy you got Mansome fever – and I’m not talking about the weather!

 

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

p.s.- Stay tuned for tomorrow's very important post about how NOT to attract a quality companion.

... and Jason