a mom in the 'burbs... and also, a vow to never use the word "burbs" again

<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vwceimWuc9CbQw5esJ-NyoEktP2C3H2D5xMT93GiqzYTmEG9aB2cno8cAMQoOiz7BzAzzmbJB0CWAVXMKrcneHfIzpTL9KWwvckd86j9ZPo9V7ZAp_txyRtg1yFZzyCA53AiYA3B5c4U/s1600/B1britt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vwceimWuc9CbQw5esJ-NyoEktP2C3H2D5xMT93GiqzYTmEG9aB2cno8cAMQoOiz7BzAzzmbJB0CWAVXMKrcneHfIzpTL9KWwvckd86j9ZPo9V7ZAp_txyRtg1yFZzyCA53AiYA3B5c4U/s400/B1britt1.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">sandals & belt: forever21. shorts: american eagle. denim shirt: thrifted (gap). hairclips: gift.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiU3OhcZtqeCoGOTC7rxijhx_8b6ed8OURX5VfZG2k_VQhNIHnL-7vwBlUmM0V9dtNlh8Y_MNGfEUcTaJWCO1cYPn368VwgQ4Pr11tIzuccpRlTZoXkrcpw72i_B5iRxT0GwHRh4H1tU6/s1600/B1britt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiU3OhcZtqeCoGOTC7rxijhx_8b6ed8OURX5VfZG2k_VQhNIHnL-7vwBlUmM0V9dtNlh8Y_MNGfEUcTaJWCO1cYPn368VwgQ4Pr11tIzuccpRlTZoXkrcpw72i_B5iRxT0GwHRh4H1tU6/s400/B1britt3.jpg" t8="true" width="280" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZ49bQac16HUJI2QVM62GF0iOEhs-z0Rx2Ejmv_511_oBUqoLRdtlkumk4hiDH0X3QksIOA4fUHlYQzQs_Xr0UiUmbFLSkRmBzEjLGRrSasTjCxz8dji3nYARyU1qNNwKr94UVtfTxjp6/s1600/B1britt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZ49bQac16HUJI2QVM62GF0iOEhs-z0Rx2Ejmv_511_oBUqoLRdtlkumk4hiDH0X3QksIOA4fUHlYQzQs_Xr0UiUmbFLSkRmBzEjLGRrSasTjCxz8dji3nYARyU1qNNwKr94UVtfTxjp6/s400/B1britt2.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">We're baaaaack! Didja miss me? Huh? Huh? Didja?</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Couldn't've started out this post in a more annoying vein, could I? But let's not dwell on that. Let's instead talk about what is a perfect ensemble for a day that consists of mowing the lawn, doing the "travel laundry" (translation: washing every item that touched a suitcase over the past week because, let's face it, even if it went unworn, it's still not "clean"), trimming the one surviving rose bush, flaunting some uber-white legs (I prefer to call them "ivory"), visiting the library, checking your toddler into InstaCare, and making dinner. Specifically, tacos.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">You're looking at it. The outfit that does all that, I mean. This one totally fits the bill. And I officially love sandals that zip up the back. So easy! Know what I officially don't love? Mosquitos and cold sores. I've been trying for years to think of a benefit to either one of those guys, and I got nothin'.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Either way, I heart Disneyland and family vacations.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Happy Tuesday, everyone.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Want this look? Click below...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background: white; border-bottom: #bfbfbf 1px solid; border-left: #bfbfbf 1px solid; border-right: #bfbfbf 1px solid; border-top: #bfbfbf 1px solid; display: block; position: relative; width: 430px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="150" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid6676-2041974-73&look=3160128&size=Small&width=6&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0" width="430"></iframe><br /><div style="bottom: 2px; height: 18px; left: 0px; line-height: 12px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div style="left: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; position: absolute;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/Lauren-Ralph-Lauren#pid=uid6676-2041974-73" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #606060; font: 11px verdana, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">More Lauren Ralph Lauren...</a></div><div style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 3px; position: absolute; right: 0px;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/#pid=uid6676-2041974-73" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;"><img alt="ShopStyle" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered_small.png" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></img></a></div></div></div></div>

a mom in the 'burbs... and also, a vow to never use the word "burbs" again

    sandals & belt: forever21. shorts: american eagle. denim shirt: thrifted (gap). hairclips: gift. We're baaaaack! Didja miss me? ...

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what's in my closet...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8aVXsh_kvI8Lv_gojLsHGgSXaQ8pZ3qRFfHXGVQF3_AIzXGhu_QGd5_zYFEGQohZOjy-rdKlKGaXAbFR4dndnH_2NXlh97qAtzLffRKAlxf1W603hBAP6MrrFulq-HXcMqojTVnKIzYa/s1600/flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8aVXsh_kvI8Lv_gojLsHGgSXaQ8pZ3qRFfHXGVQF3_AIzXGhu_QGd5_zYFEGQohZOjy-rdKlKGaXAbFR4dndnH_2NXlh97qAtzLffRKAlxf1W603hBAP6MrrFulq-HXcMqojTVnKIzYa/s400/flags.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Memorial Day, friends. I hope you're enjoying your day with family and loved ones. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When you have a minute, feel free to check out what's in <a href="http://adayinlifetoo.blogspot.com/p/my-closet.html">my closet</a>. Just if you're bored and/or you don't like BBQs or paying homage to service men and women. Actually, get away from your computer, go do something great with your day, and come back another time, kay?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Monday.</div>

what's in my closet...

Happy Memorial Day, friends. I hope you're enjoying your day with family and loved ones. When you have a minute, feel free to check out ...

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Guest Post: Linda on Teaching By Example (and a bit o' Jealousy)

<div _yuid="yui_3_1_1_2_130573835938383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">[Editor's note: Hey guys! I'm (still) on vacation with my family</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Although I'm unable to post right now, some of my most favorite stylish, intelligent, and entertaining bloggers have graciously agreed to guest post. You won't be disappointed...'cept maybe when I get back into town...]</span></em><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today's guest poster is the endearing Linda from <a href="http://www.theauspiciouslife.com/" target="blank">The Auspicious Life</a>,</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and I love: her down-to-earth approach to style and blogging that makes me want to be her real-life friend, her spot-on take on everyday casualwear, that she lives in Portland, her subtle humor, that she's stylish AND a teacher. Thanks for posting today, Linda! And you might want to invest in a scooter, because I'm thisclose to moving to Portland and stealing your parking spot now. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">-Brittney</span></em></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBF8ExJsBYWHUIrww5nh3nWFfK6SI89SWxllu20s5AHeVTLubBLAZSbIemP2V3lzzIjXg_SSzRg4aKChUHYZmj2iXpOMpb-Y6Op7VHLghhWJWFg6K1onN0uD_ClhAyUwiuH7kwwxCHjU5/s1600/linda1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBF8ExJsBYWHUIrww5nh3nWFfK6SI89SWxllu20s5AHeVTLubBLAZSbIemP2V3lzzIjXg_SSzRg4aKChUHYZmj2iXpOMpb-Y6Op7VHLghhWJWFg6K1onN0uD_ClhAyUwiuH7kwwxCHjU5/s400/linda1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">By now, Brittney has jetted off to her fantastic vacation. Hopefully the kids know where they are by now. I'm not entirely sure where they are myself. When Britt wrote <a href="http://adayinlifetoo.blogspot.com/2011/05/midi-length-denim-skirtnon-frump-stylei.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #007bff;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305738374_0">Schmisneyschmand</span></a>, it took me a while to figure it out. But, I'm *pretty* sure they are somewhere in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305738374_1">Germany</span>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH_lXXttYJ_Jo-YN59YL-2GJ4hIsfeyt1qWZ6lZ5gTNqy9ktkNi_DJ_QYzWdgB2oFf8hjq80BCrHa0bKnPmenkC99mVxDylmZE98q_DCNfpa_x0CVYT76WxMHhSr-XAfOjjm-cprGhUdd/s1600/linda2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH_lXXttYJ_Jo-YN59YL-2GJ4hIsfeyt1qWZ6lZ5gTNqy9ktkNi_DJ_QYzWdgB2oFf8hjq80BCrHa0bKnPmenkC99mVxDylmZE98q_DCNfpa_x0CVYT76WxMHhSr-XAfOjjm-cprGhUdd/s400/linda2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe Brittney already told us the big secret. I don't always pay attention. Don't tell my students. But it's true. I miss instructions sometimes. All teachers do. Truth be told, teachers make the worst students. Ever sit in a meeting room full of teachers? Everyone is doodling and passing notes. Ever wonder where the saying "do as I say, not as I do" came from? A teacher who got caught goofing off in class.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVxDQthOwMiHsCJzvNOMEuoNFMbtIn7SLfQjecOxPak2vRsngetLhWSz3ygbV7bL0MsHXqpbHKuiezH-QPVegGWtW5RygjeBlW_Ob9D5QT_4Voc6AorQ1iqJ0JACBSgyYGkNWus0JETMh/s1600/linda4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVxDQthOwMiHsCJzvNOMEuoNFMbtIn7SLfQjecOxPak2vRsngetLhWSz3ygbV7bL0MsHXqpbHKuiezH-QPVegGWtW5RygjeBlW_Ob9D5QT_4Voc6AorQ1iqJ0JACBSgyYGkNWus0JETMh/s320/linda4.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Still, I always manage to retain a few key instructions. In this case, I heard Brittney say she is super jealous that I live in Portland. And I love nothing more than to make people jealous of where I live. So instead of making you all just look at my silly little clothes (no offense, Target), my fella and I took it to the roof. I'd lie to you and tell you that the weather is like this everyday, but then you would all want to move here. And parking is hard enough as it is. So, for now, you can do I as I say and enjoy the view.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIS4Dko8Ng8dVPyl4AEIklFB1bD2WUSHxMWshINDUFEPS64Zqlrbzraiv1NKJGfDG1Ln2PvGv7UchOJfvwMPlAT3bjVow7RuQfY90heaDv5M41axybitz2-NRG_-eRAPACmCk0eBbr6qd/s1600/linda3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIS4Dko8Ng8dVPyl4AEIklFB1bD2WUSHxMWshINDUFEPS64Zqlrbzraiv1NKJGfDG1Ln2PvGv7UchOJfvwMPlAT3bjVow7RuQfY90heaDv5M41axybitz2-NRG_-eRAPACmCk0eBbr6qd/s400/linda3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>

Guest Post: Linda on Teaching By Example (and a bit o' Jealousy)

[Editor's note: Hey guys! I'm (still) on vacation with my family . Although I'm unable to post right now, some of my most favori...

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Guest Post: Heidi on Cinematic Fashion Inspiration (hilarious!)

<div class="yiv631047313MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">[Editor's note: Hey guys! I'm (still) on vacation with my family (destination hint </span><a href="http://adayinlifetoo.blogspot.com/2011/05/midi-length-denim-skirtnon-frump-stylei.html" target="blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">). Although I'm unable to post right now, some of my most favorite stylish, intelligent, and entertaining bloggers have graciously agreed to guest post. You won't be disappointed...'cept maybe when I get back into town...]</span></em><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today's guest poster is the sassy and endlessly entertaining Heidi from </span><a href="http://heidiluxe.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Heidiluxe</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, and I love: her totally unique (and fabulous) sense of style, how she exudes confidence and joy, her guffaw-worthy humor made even funnier by some mad writing skillz, her real-girl attitude and approach to life. Thanks for posting today, Heidi! And, for the record, I can't get enough of Clueless--the total fashion-show-interweaved-with-plot package that it is. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">-Brittney</span></em></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">The <a href="http://heidiluxe.blogspot.com/">heidiluxe</a> top 6 cinematic and television fashion inspirations:</span></div><div class="yiv631047313MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Warning-this post is filled to the brim with pop culture references, if you have no <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305682575_0">sense of humor</span> or have never watched a movie 50 times just to quote along with the actors, this post will be lost on you. )</span></div><div class="yiv631047313MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305682575_1">Sunset Boulevard</span>- be prepared for psychotic opulent fabulousness. When I go crazy, I hope I go crazy like <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305682575_2">Norma Desmond</span>, leopard print by the pool, feather boas in the kitchen, dripping with jewels always. I love a creepy thriller, especially one with lots of wardrobe changes and in the end you almost root for the protagonist. What I learned from this movie? Animal print is <u>always</u> appropriate.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpo7J3aLv6liWlTp6DcYFOHjK-LRb7z4oZkr50y4cnG7OrocjNp8IymeMPhEUg_tn4QpRC7p0mmtRqg5GmLtFO9T7fdIVEkfQ2EoHSQSsja-fDfKvQiBdoXCDfWudG9USq_D4twE9Eumw0/s1600/sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpo7J3aLv6liWlTp6DcYFOHjK-LRb7z4oZkr50y4cnG7OrocjNp8IymeMPhEUg_tn4QpRC7p0mmtRqg5GmLtFO9T7fdIVEkfQ2EoHSQSsja-fDfKvQiBdoXCDfWudG9USq_D4twE9Eumw0/s320/sunset.jpg" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="227" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv54qwGzmzhAfaqnkeg3ZhHsn_6zxlhcYtYhnDweK6mGA6v4SJ_bGgQ26yu1QMlJ_emxDnFWpExyBOpn5ivva8C-FL_xndRJ8j-fyAwqcaRzQSoitRUYpUIGkpKO_I9CefTFwRW3VYZ-V2/s1600/nov2010+002edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv54qwGzmzhAfaqnkeg3ZhHsn_6zxlhcYtYhnDweK6mGA6v4SJ_bGgQ26yu1QMlJ_emxDnFWpExyBOpn5ivva8C-FL_xndRJ8j-fyAwqcaRzQSoitRUYpUIGkpKO_I9CefTFwRW3VYZ-V2/s320/nov2010+002edit.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="yiv631047313MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Legally blonde- <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305682575_3">Elle Woods</span> conquers law school and lands the man of her dreams and proves that beauty and brains are not mutually exclusive, all while being true to herself and maintaining her personal style. What I learned from legally blonde? “whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed” are words to live by.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsi8qPdV_jodW5r2Uw6OXe55WzDJmmF413dm530h2X-rLEhhJwRbvTNTNuDMRPKcCRxjb-zWlb13txmDW20dIY7XVe1P8BJXLYaaUnJW8JiMHgeYGaBZHe9WUh-Sq74QrqNjz8a4aZ9wa/s1600/Legally_blonde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsi8qPdV_jodW5r2Uw6OXe55WzDJmmF413dm530h2X-rLEhhJwRbvTNTNuDMRPKcCRxjb-zWlb13txmDW20dIY7XVe1P8BJXLYaaUnJW8JiMHgeYGaBZHe9WUh-Sq74QrqNjz8a4aZ9wa/s320/Legally_blonde.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 3. Clueless- thank goodness the final nail on the coffin of early 90s grunge was hammered in by this fantastic, sartorially-inspired cinematic masterpiece. Knee socks and platform mary janes are always a must-have because of this movie. And Alaia? A totally important designer. Know that and you’ll never look like a barney. What I learned about this movie? That being a “fashion victim” and “ensembly challenged” are both better than being from the “valley”. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPi964_Jw9PWTYmN3NqQdYF_WKmzN4TXL_hLyvpu9D2zYdWGALWn-dODLkZWY4ouKEAi1urUz6pPyMvpisseZiBCordOh5fHtEc1ezTRfdNk7VzSL_KCbzvdVWT2RGM-o45XWjm-yVGpO/s1600/clueless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPi964_Jw9PWTYmN3NqQdYF_WKmzN4TXL_hLyvpu9D2zYdWGALWn-dODLkZWY4ouKEAi1urUz6pPyMvpisseZiBCordOh5fHtEc1ezTRfdNk7VzSL_KCbzvdVWT2RGM-o45XWjm-yVGpO/s320/clueless.jpg" width="216" /></span></a></div><div class="yiv631047313MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305682575_4">Troop Beverly Hills</span>- hilarity, clothes <i>and</i> <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305682575_5">survival skills</span>. The <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305682575_6">perfect storm</span>. Where “roughing it” is one bathroom for 9 people. And I am forever and ever on the lookout for a Phyllis Nefler inspired turquoise necklace. I can’t wait to pass that merit badge off. What I learned from this movie? The scariest thing on earth is a perm. Believe me, I’ve had several and never learned my lesson.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPGatzKYGeic_gKDgExpqKSjmK8RatkDUI_EOBFmH0cFT6A2gYuln5Ne7rPUYQI9d7MwwHKUwzlBZtFWYRe1X-AkPT5i0BO6SoA0qf1GKQamflzYWD8fbyevrwzGrIaocV8M8tyP0VyA2/s1600/troop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPGatzKYGeic_gKDgExpqKSjmK8RatkDUI_EOBFmH0cFT6A2gYuln5Ne7rPUYQI9d7MwwHKUwzlBZtFWYRe1X-AkPT5i0BO6SoA0qf1GKQamflzYWD8fbyevrwzGrIaocV8M8tyP0VyA2/s1600/troop.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweka_3ZqcWsbqcvFkkJpWa6R5VQXyCo1DEc6R7Ui0oVNFQWnyYGzv3XTfFEqa0HeHeC53Mm1emjaWsiAp18cffFc4L3ztDIcq8UT6JjNaPlELFmOa8tKHdkcZnJFlEopiOAavUIgoA0dV/s1600/phyllisturq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="280" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweka_3ZqcWsbqcvFkkJpWa6R5VQXyCo1DEc6R7Ui0oVNFQWnyYGzv3XTfFEqa0HeHeC53Mm1emjaWsiAp18cffFc4L3ztDIcq8UT6JjNaPlELFmOa8tKHdkcZnJFlEopiOAavUIgoA0dV/s320/phyllisturq.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eq0o-h7wbcOyLU48Zy1X1_5oUd2a7RcX-eAUCty3S4dkLy15XKeyJEHimPQ9sNMuK5IlqDzoetUzhyphenhyphenSoJ_enEfeIgx7Bspd0Dz7G6zaEbOElZI2a8CSZ8TArMEBzObyYK9Zfn7MJdkPo/s1600/march2011+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eq0o-h7wbcOyLU48Zy1X1_5oUd2a7RcX-eAUCty3S4dkLy15XKeyJEHimPQ9sNMuK5IlqDzoetUzhyphenhyphenSoJ_enEfeIgx7Bspd0Dz7G6zaEbOElZI2a8CSZ8TArMEBzObyYK9Zfn7MJdkPo/s320/march2011+003.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="yiv631047313MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Denise Huxtable from the Cosby Show. She is the original print mixer. That girl made crazy look incredible. Just ask Theo about his designer knock-off Gordon Gartrell. As a 6 year old, I would watch Cosby show and wonder when I would be brave enough to mix prints like her. What I learned from Denise? Just go for it and don’t look back. You may even land <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305682575_7">Lenny Kravitz</span>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIFxQseZGn_M8YfOB4-6JTx09CojWqqXWHyWBrVz1DuHF771ahYGUXigkF4zJvAPCP26RBgW7oOuEjhg9CPdKHkoZhUNo8yUdATCn06BJln2t8D0K5qAPfhd3h75QxjU-KCIV_0lYhQzK/s1600/denise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIFxQseZGn_M8YfOB4-6JTx09CojWqqXWHyWBrVz1DuHF771ahYGUXigkF4zJvAPCP26RBgW7oOuEjhg9CPdKHkoZhUNo8yUdATCn06BJln2t8D0K5qAPfhd3h75QxjU-KCIV_0lYhQzK/s1600/denise.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzs0kow8hD6nlUse-eh3POaRSvKdzmSsuvmeTNeuyNBsk1I3quiJT_yEY-bY06VML81pJkwv1mcPGesOcAb-RiUfPlOrP2lg22zjwcHOLZYNSJXQRbEpbtT0q6U2APnPbgqgUp-3TcCOii/s1600/Heidi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzs0kow8hD6nlUse-eh3POaRSvKdzmSsuvmeTNeuyNBsk1I3quiJT_yEY-bY06VML81pJkwv1mcPGesOcAb-RiUfPlOrP2lg22zjwcHOLZYNSJXQRbEpbtT0q6U2APnPbgqgUp-3TcCOii/s320/Heidi1.jpg" width="236" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Lisa Turtle-Being a trend setter often means over the top. And no one does over the top like Lisa Turtle on <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1305682575_8">Saved by the Bell</span>. If there was a matching purse, scrunchy, pair of socks or pleated skirt, Lisa had it. And I wanted it. What I learned from Lisa? If you want to make it special, just put a hat on it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBgD-Iz1JWzjS8faVMXoLUDOy2vAJluQfWBmdguZfpX-Q7TxTLv0vQp38jMBFr3V2CRHJmqYCCabbkr3x4oYm64yvVO_P9T6jQghVWVYqNmOewFF_onPi5N55iN6OvvpJ14vE8FEEepfH/s1600/lisalisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBgD-Iz1JWzjS8faVMXoLUDOy2vAJluQfWBmdguZfpX-Q7TxTLv0vQp38jMBFr3V2CRHJmqYCCabbkr3x4oYm64yvVO_P9T6jQghVWVYqNmOewFF_onPi5N55iN6OvvpJ14vE8FEEepfH/s320/lisalisa.jpg" width="179" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX609ZAOTQWwwp2kMqXu7Kwa20oY5OxkXc8usYqbK4UooWaHPq-mswXHASboAoWc44sZAcR3HC3bEx7jB4Gj5o5_6RJNMMJJ6EngeOZapoIoSGvBDUwJmizIfHY_hKHZHg-WeMHw-ZzNhz/s1600/april2011+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX609ZAOTQWwwp2kMqXu7Kwa20oY5OxkXc8usYqbK4UooWaHPq-mswXHASboAoWc44sZAcR3HC3bEx7jB4Gj5o5_6RJNMMJJ6EngeOZapoIoSGvBDUwJmizIfHY_hKHZHg-WeMHw-ZzNhz/s320/april2011+006.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div>

Guest Post: Heidi on Cinematic Fashion Inspiration (hilarious!)

[Editor's note: Hey guys! I'm (still) on vacation with my family (destination hint here ). Although I'm unable to post right now...

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how I've styled my mid-length hair

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqVBdRGrjnik4tQFbB0eR_GfhidoCH0SLY9JpR2rgJbFlJ8qHKkpUoUdaW2rQ6CSNWKAHaujIyHizpZWhFBw7p381nXc23ualtlHuB56Cxi-a6xbPMb9K7v8xA_OC_D6-fz9asylkWrsp/s1600/Hair1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqVBdRGrjnik4tQFbB0eR_GfhidoCH0SLY9JpR2rgJbFlJ8qHKkpUoUdaW2rQ6CSNWKAHaujIyHizpZWhFBw7p381nXc23ualtlHuB56Cxi-a6xbPMb9K7v8xA_OC_D6-fz9asylkWrsp/s400/Hair1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6v1cf8cjr1_YIe4GH11VrlhOSJZOU0fGb4ylXPWYMVfYLGG5bYTqB-RvtZ4kl7iQHq9XgwQjiv09ZEqIv2fLdEeYYdO_0yRMlDDpqjv9GR1KzdY1A4BuOF_BTjfygB-_HnhCgaqWdovR3/s1600/Hair2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6v1cf8cjr1_YIe4GH11VrlhOSJZOU0fGb4ylXPWYMVfYLGG5bYTqB-RvtZ4kl7iQHq9XgwQjiv09ZEqIv2fLdEeYYdO_0yRMlDDpqjv9GR1KzdY1A4BuOF_BTjfygB-_HnhCgaqWdovR3/s400/Hair2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHQZvgV7kmfke2GB1syMGwYshNHHbVTY-JR3ixi4Y5hp1Ua3DuRx1BkZsEdNobHMf95a53vJ8_-KbLMULlBahLzceSiHr_HIifNVifrnaxRNfPQie9tXgGIDd2nogzeTfJ9zfNG6IBuHt/s1600/Hair3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHQZvgV7kmfke2GB1syMGwYshNHHbVTY-JR3ixi4Y5hp1Ua3DuRx1BkZsEdNobHMf95a53vJ8_-KbLMULlBahLzceSiHr_HIifNVifrnaxRNfPQie9tXgGIDd2nogzeTfJ9zfNG6IBuHt/s400/Hair3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Hey guys, it's <a href="http://www.modlychic.com/">Friend Friday</a>! Today's topic is: <em>hair care</em>.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em>(1) How often do you get your hair cut?</em> Sadly, about twice a year. Should be more often. But it ain't.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>(2) Do you go to the same stylist each time, try someone new, go to the cheap hair cutting chains or live it up in a salon?</em> I have two talented stylists that I use (one as my preference, the other as my backup), depending on their availability. One of them comes to me, the other has a salon in her home. Both super convenient.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>(3) Do you color your hair? How often? What’s your natural color?</em> Nope. I think it would probably look better if I did. But I know myself too well, and I would let it get super nasty with roots and all (refer to answer to #1), which would be counterproductive. So. No artificial color or preservatives for me. Yet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>(4) The one thing you always do to keep your hair looking great is: </em>Well, "great" is a pretty strong word. But I try to actually "do" my hair, whether up, down, straight, curly, wavy, braided, whatever. If I'm doing something boring (i.e., ponytail), I usually try to throw in a little detail, like a mini braid or a flower clip or something. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>(5) What hair trend do you love and wish you could rock? </em>I love love LOVE beachy-wavy hair. Sometimes my hair can pull it off, other times it falls brutally short. But still. Oooh, and braidy-deliciousiness, like crown braids. So cute.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Friday!</div>

how I've styled my mid-length hair

Hey guys, it's Friend Friday ! Today's topic is: hair care . (1) How often do you get your hair cut? Sadly, about twice a year. Sho...

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Guest Post: Melissa on Keeping it Profesh...AND Cool (great tips!)

<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>[Editor's note: Hey guys! I'm on vacation with my family (destination hint <a href="http://adayinlifetoo.blogspot.com/2011/05/midi-length-denim-skirtnon-frump-stylei.html" target="blank">here</a>). Although I'm unable to post right now, some of my most favorite stylish, intelligent, and entertaining bloggers have graciously agreed to guest post. You won't be disappointed...'cept maybe when I get back into town...]</em></span><br /><br /><em>Today's guest poster is the stylish professional Melissa from <a href="http://aworkingmomscloset.blogspot.com/" target="blank">A Working Mom's Closet</a>, and I love: her down-to-earth style considerations and tips, her totally obvious love for her daughter, her sincere interest in other people's insights and opinions, her fabulous work-appropriate creative personal style. Thanks for posting today, Melissa! This kind of makes me want to live in Florida...could you get me one of those sip-lemonade-by-the-pool deals? Thanks a mil.  </em><br /><em>-Brittney</em></div></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">Hi everyone! I’m Melissa from <a href="http://www.aworkingmomscloset.blogspot.com/" target="blank">A Working Mom’s Closet</a>. When Brittney asked if I would guest post for her, my first thought was YAY! My second thought was “Um...but what do I say?”</span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>{If you want to know a secret, part of the reason I started a style blog is because as much as I wanted to write a mommy blog, I couldn’t come up with anything to talk about. So I figured I would post pictures of my work outfits and call it a blog. It’s working so far. Until someone asks me to guest post and I break out in hives because you want me to come up with <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">CONTENT</span>? </em></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And for a blog written by someone as cute and funny and interesting as <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Brittney</span>? </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Oh, the pressure.}</em> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Since I <i>am</i> a working mom (clearly I’m not all that creative in the blog title area), and I live in Florida where it’s HOT pretty much all year long, I decided to talk about how to dress for work when you’d really rather be outside sipping drinks by the pool. Here are some of my favorite warm weather options.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Dresses: Personally, I find dresses to be the most flattering of all pieces. Pants, slacks, and jeans (don’t ask me what the difference is between pants and slacks, but I’m sure there is one) have their place in the world when it’s cold, but I don’t like how they encase each of my legs; I feel like my thighs end up looking huge when they’re defined that way. Dresses are easy and breezy, they’re one piece (usually) and can be found in a variety of sleeve options. Not to mention the fact that they can be worn across multiple seasons if you just layer on a sweater and add some tights! </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0izzq87fzkb26SROClK5CFvXDQ1azfnAz_iSaksGIdYfINAhBNrHeYcPzxJodfNq5RQcbxKbfHNTRHvdMpD6K_2FkXswUkUDjowke1e85DB3ycpXZdCIBhm2bzyhyKTQz6M82r_bsfjtg/s1600/melissa_dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0izzq87fzkb26SROClK5CFvXDQ1azfnAz_iSaksGIdYfINAhBNrHeYcPzxJodfNq5RQcbxKbfHNTRHvdMpD6K_2FkXswUkUDjowke1e85DB3ycpXZdCIBhm2bzyhyKTQz6M82r_bsfjtg/s400/melissa_dress.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">Short-sleeved Blazers: Let’s face it; blazers are power pieces and they’re not going away. I don’t even want them to go away, I like them! But wearing a wool skirt suit in 90 degree weather is not an option. Enter the short-sleeved blazer! They’re so versatile and come in tons of bright colors to add some fun to an otherwise boring black suit, plus you can throw them over a tee to dress up a weekend outfit, too.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eHpMklFh3WKyHv-gzdUtANpqsFhLE3NE3F2jGcQNzrENVxlbol2GuBR7gTIFd636w7gaXA69GvYPjI528FEgZA2cTHvz1_SYCIRXS-nBaIXgKdBqS1coYf8QVAagguebyG83TU3ZxX2W/s1600/melissa_blazer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eHpMklFh3WKyHv-gzdUtANpqsFhLE3NE3F2jGcQNzrENVxlbol2GuBR7gTIFd636w7gaXA69GvYPjI528FEgZA2cTHvz1_SYCIRXS-nBaIXgKdBqS1coYf8QVAagguebyG83TU3ZxX2W/s400/melissa_blazer.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tanks: Don’t get me wrong - I am NOT saying that tank tops by themselves are office-appropriate. Because they’re not. However...when worn underneath one of the aforementioned short-sleeved blazers, they can keep you cool and comfortable while looking just as polished as any other type of shirt underneath a blazer.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkiRxHlvpwxPM7WyAG7gdC3IeKsG5_F9CP-uDZv-ZJBZrOUTbDFjwQEqUnxx-VFgzV3J_9qQBySllfFUdKforqDGPCI7tlD7d6j1lumWKGbrCQhrE3zMziTZpoG6_HumeGY9UZ7j3nAhe/s1600/melissa_tank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkiRxHlvpwxPM7WyAG7gdC3IeKsG5_F9CP-uDZv-ZJBZrOUTbDFjwQEqUnxx-VFgzV3J_9qQBySllfFUdKforqDGPCI7tlD7d6j1lumWKGbrCQhrE3zMziTZpoG6_HumeGY9UZ7j3nAhe/s400/melissa_tank.jpg" width="222" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">Up-dos: I’ll be honest; my hair is usually left down. Because I’m lazy. However, if I had more time, energy and creativity, I would absolutely style my hair up. Up-dos have an air of professionalism to them and can help keep your face and neck cooled off as well. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cardigans: These are similar to blazers in that they add polish to outfits and many are made with short sleeves to keep you cool, too. They’re also great for those chilly board meeting rooms!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDHB2hqHtfBdIgJeTwpkcKaT5oRsqV22i8XPRu8tiuOM0mGOms51wzpKcaGUKjdaWcNbkWPYnsjhwRxrcHnYFLHcxeC7OyoT516lJbQgQ7VqHvQccZOsGyF5Dipf7PLxjnmV_euff1iYZ/s1600/melissa_cardigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDHB2hqHtfBdIgJeTwpkcKaT5oRsqV22i8XPRu8tiuOM0mGOms51wzpKcaGUKjdaWcNbkWPYnsjhwRxrcHnYFLHcxeC7OyoT516lJbQgQ7VqHvQccZOsGyF5Dipf7PLxjnmV_euff1iYZ/s400/melissa_cardigan.jpg" width="265" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">There you have it! Those are my recommendations for how to maintain professionalism and modesty even during those sweltering summer months. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Do you have any tips or tricks that I didn’t think about? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thanks Brittney for letting me take over your blog for a post! It’s been fun! Next time I’ll bring cookies. </span></div>

Guest Post: Melissa on Keeping it Profesh...AND Cool (great tips!)

[Editor's note: Hey guys! I'm on vacation with my family (destination hint here ). Although I'm unable to post right now, some o...

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Guest Post: Jill on Fanny Packs (you don't want to miss this!)

<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>[Editor's note: I'm on vacation with my family (destination hint <a href="http://adayinlifetoo.blogspot.com/2011/05/midi-length-denim-skirtnon-frump-stylei.html" target="blank">here</a>). Although I'm unable to post right now, some of my most favorite stylish, intelligent, and entertaining bloggers have graciously agreed to guest post. You won't be disappointed...'cept maybe when I get back into town...]</em></span><br /><br /><em>Today's guest poster is the adorable Jill from <a href="http://spoilsofwear.blogspot.com/">Spoils of Wear</a>, and I love: her creative but not too-far-out-there sense of style, her approachability that exudes from her photos and her text, her intelligent wit, her adorable pug Miles, her keen fashion sense that transitions seamlessly into every season, and her all-out awesomeness. Thanks for posting today, Jill! Only you could make me reconsider -- seriously -- the fanny pack. </em><br /><em>-Brittney</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi A Day in the Life Too readers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I’m <a href="http://spoilsofwear.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Jill</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Nice to meet you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I was thrilled when Brittney asked me to guest post and gave me free reign to write whatever I wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>She had no idea what she was getting herself into, poor thing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcssMjttRpA6OIlQ85lujFXVochfjZXisZ5jfb6uxA7yOOUOmfMx2KMGaFhTN3qekYmirl9gZ8DboyMwAKadCnyxLMc3NnANBdm4LQ2LqeSNvNezZqiM0KubefCFlcQdLfv12obvRKRhEt/s1600/Jill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcssMjttRpA6OIlQ85lujFXVochfjZXisZ5jfb6uxA7yOOUOmfMx2KMGaFhTN3qekYmirl9gZ8DboyMwAKadCnyxLMc3NnANBdm4LQ2LqeSNvNezZqiM0KubefCFlcQdLfv12obvRKRhEt/s400/Jill.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m here today to fight for a fashion accessory that has been put down and ridiculed for nearly 2 decades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I’ve heard enough of the snarky remarks and backbiting whispers throughout the fashion community. It’s high time someone made a case for the Fanny Pack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t hate (isn’t there enough of that in the world?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Hear me out.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fanny and I go way back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Back to the days of neon Umbro shorts and Hypercolor t-shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>If Ray Bans can make a comeback in modern fashion, so can Fanny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I have faith in her.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s easy to dwell on the negative of a bygone trend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Sure, the Fanny Pack had its shortcomings, but so did leggings, high-waisted pants, and leather mini-skirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>We welcomed THEM back into our closets, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">didn’t we</i>? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I did. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, I choose to remember Fanny for her<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> good</i> characteristics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She created a hands-free environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>As a child, I could tackle the monkey bars, climb trees, and dip my Pop Rocks never worrying about getting tangled in a purse strap or having my center of gravity thrown off by a backpack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Fanny carried my tissues, Lip Smackers, scrunchies, and extra safety pins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>She prevented me from over-packing while enabling me to have everything I needed within my grasp.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She was safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Ride the roller coaster with change in your pocket and be prepared to lose it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>But give your money to Fanny and you’ll still have it for Dip n’ Dots later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Have you ever tried to steal a Fanny Pack?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Don’t answer that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Kleptos of the world know…Fanny Packers are tough targets.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(cue dramatic music)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As an adult, I long for a carrying device that will allow me to tackle over-stuffed clothes racks without having to constantly re-adjust my shoulder strap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I want a bag that won’t get tangled up in the dog leash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I want a bag that works <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for</i> me, not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">against</i> me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>THAT, my friends, is a bag I can believe in.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(fade out dramatic music)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m not asking for the flimsy, nylon style to come back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Nor do I think leather is necessarily the answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>The Fanny Pack needs a makeover fit for 2011. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Etsy sellers </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/5thseason?ref=top_trail"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">5^th Season</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MarionMax?ref=top_trail"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Marion Max</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> have the right ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>‘Fanny’ may be a little dated, so call it a hip bag, belt pouch or waist pocket, I really don’t care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I just want to go back to those carefree days when I could wave my hands in the air and wave ‘em like I just don’t care.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPDKiOoixbdxlUsP2PrK8BUhwz673LZdFOl2lqntanmEFpdIJNOGEz2o3gICK2f2SriZMfiytCtofP5OF40IgI-NH27B3t11LsLRM1hs852vQ2ZS9XiZPLrECsOJ5HWeJqgZMxdiuVU_i/s1600/fannex.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPDKiOoixbdxlUsP2PrK8BUhwz673LZdFOl2lqntanmEFpdIJNOGEz2o3gICK2f2SriZMfiytCtofP5OF40IgI-NH27B3t11LsLRM1hs852vQ2ZS9XiZPLrECsOJ5HWeJqgZMxdiuVU_i/s320/fannex.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m bringin’ Fanny back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Who’s with me?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Other Fanny Packs I like:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><a href="http://www.overstock.com/Luggage-Bags/Castello-Romano-Slim-Waist-Pouch/4094901/product.html?rcmndsrc=2"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Castello Romano Slim Waist Pouch</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><a href="http://www.happycow.com.au/products.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Happy Cow Hands Free Bags</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20517330&color=001&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Matt & Nat Canvas Fanny Pack</span></a></span></div>

Guest Post: Jill on Fanny Packs (you don't want to miss this!)

[Editor's note: I'm on vacation with my family (destination hint here ). Although I'm unable to post right now, some of my most ...

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HomeStyle: Chunky Stripes

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If there is one thing I can't get enough of (but, actually, in moderation, otherwise it's just weird and uncomfortable), it's a chunky stripe. On curtains, mirrors/frames, floors, walls... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm drawn to the chunky stripe because of its unabashed boldness and graphicality (yep), its capacity to lend balance with other, softer prints, its whimsical sophistication, and its most-basic-pattern-of-all-time sensibilities.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoC8wxx5lFehQzJphZE7ml-g2Cc8GlD6EetXhw8X6YtjJAcqhb0Pbb8azs8nrgas7t9Yma8wAlpCsWMa2AcTCts3DVcErhdYyWu2zLHcsCYbyi7fgM51iv39QnDdIG3pdt0ZL9UZS1HE0/s1600/X1britt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoC8wxx5lFehQzJphZE7ml-g2Cc8GlD6EetXhw8X6YtjJAcqhb0Pbb8azs8nrgas7t9Yma8wAlpCsWMa2AcTCts3DVcErhdYyWu2zLHcsCYbyi7fgM51iv39QnDdIG3pdt0ZL9UZS1HE0/s400/X1britt4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What about you? How do you feel about stripes as home decor? Do you prefer them horizontal or vertical? Chunky or skinny? High-contrast or barely there? Or is there a different print/pattern you can't get enough of...or can't wait to get rid of? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Tuesday!</div>

HomeStyle: Chunky Stripes

If there is one thing I can't get enough of (but, actually, in moderation, otherwise it's just weird and uncomfortable), it's a ...

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magic 101: illusion of an hourglass on a box

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can breathe again!! Oh, how glorious are sinus-clearing meds and the resultant cleared sinuses. But mostly the meds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1xUfsfzIQa_cxV7rNUAqB4pF9QSGrCdG-0yGk36yQlnZN41YMhdJOQ61Fr7IDuT8_IUSOsaKjassTtdrGmkKIn5xfcvzNeXDRb_1vjS8SXOdCUrPsIJv3t0_IMe0WxqOPUaEzoN2bn8k/s1600/X1britt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1xUfsfzIQa_cxV7rNUAqB4pF9QSGrCdG-0yGk36yQlnZN41YMhdJOQ61Fr7IDuT8_IUSOsaKjassTtdrGmkKIn5xfcvzNeXDRb_1vjS8SXOdCUrPsIJv3t0_IMe0WxqOPUaEzoN2bn8k/s400/X1britt2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">shoes: unionbay. pants: gap. shirt: ana. headband: borrowed from a belted shirt from downeast basics. watch: target.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUhReCsfUgqroWRsrOts40BIzBRR8BnCprZo6WX65DvT-w8zJSW62EAlbNX4KKTo48c_ttXx9sXAXEbWeX6D9HSaK84PQHLtSBdpioMH8sXIdb-Trhhtydn1KXDZ2REqoJGcvT9vQCIRD/s1600/X1britt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUhReCsfUgqroWRsrOts40BIzBRR8BnCprZo6WX65DvT-w8zJSW62EAlbNX4KKTo48c_ttXx9sXAXEbWeX6D9HSaK84PQHLtSBdpioMH8sXIdb-Trhhtydn1KXDZ2REqoJGcvT9vQCIRD/s400/X1britt1.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrqicDo1-mIkom1aIDT1TjNh7CGtGXzS1Hpc4MOQur599tZCbcHyUiWe_KSKgQMgcDE7BGlS28F7fmCaN8fcjY2ojIBp3m2XlZqYbD3h9S0oemx-R4HKHbpjM_K5EhF-sQgY5iGvBqgWn/s1600/X1britt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrqicDo1-mIkom1aIDT1TjNh7CGtGXzS1Hpc4MOQur599tZCbcHyUiWe_KSKgQMgcDE7BGlS28F7fmCaN8fcjY2ojIBp3m2XlZqYbD3h9S0oemx-R4HKHbpjM_K5EhF-sQgY5iGvBqgWn/s400/X1britt3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">I kinda feel like a pirate today (can you guess in which pic I'm audibly saying, "arrrrgh, matey"? It's super subtle, so take your time...). And also? I have a super square torso and no hips to speak of (a.k.a., I'm a human refrigerator box), but I like the illusion of feminine form that the pleating on this shirt creates. So I'm a feminine pirate, all right? Sue me. It's not like it's totally unheard of. (Pirates of Penzance, anyone?) </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Today I'm packing for our family trip to (shhhhh) Disneyland, a 12-hour drive in ideal conditions (i.e., no traffic or potty stops), meaning it will take us at least 20 hours. The kids still don't know the purpose; they just know that we're going to California. We're not exactly what you'd call world travelers, as evidenced by the questions I've fielded this weekend. Questions like: </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">"Do they speak the same language as us in California?" </div><div align="center">"Can we watch one movie on our long drive? Will we be able to finish it before we get there?" </div><div align="center">"What kind of food do they eat in California? Can we take some fruit snacks in case we don't like it?"</div><div align="center">"Can we visit the Atlantic Ocean on our way home from California?"</div><div align="center">"I don't want to go on a long car drive. I'll just ride my bike and meet you there."</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I.Can't.Wait. to introduce our kids to the magical place that is D-land. I'm prob more excited than they would be, if they knew.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Never fear, though, friends. I have some magnificent guest posters lined up for your reading enjoyment while I'm gone. And I'll be back next week...unless I decide my life would be more fulfilling as a guide on Pirates of the Caribbean. After all, I'd fit right in, as you've seen...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Happy Monday.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ahoy thar! Want this look? Check out the stuff below... (no, seriously, do it. there's a funny surprise...at least, <em>I</em> think it's funny.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background: white; border-bottom: #bfbfbf 1px solid; border-left: #bfbfbf 1px solid; border-right: #bfbfbf 1px solid; border-top: #bfbfbf 1px solid; display: block; position: relative; width: 430px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="150" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid6676-2041974-73&look=3137303&size=Small&width=6&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0" width="430"></iframe><br /><div style="bottom: 2px; height: 18px; left: 0px; line-height: 12px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div style="left: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; position: absolute;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/Zigi#pid=uid6676-2041974-73" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #606060; font: 11px verdana, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">More Zigi...</a></div><div style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 3px; position: absolute; right: 0px;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/#pid=uid6676-2041974-73" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;"><img alt="ShopStyle" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered_small.png" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></img></a></div></div></div></div>

magic 101: illusion of an hourglass on a box

I can breathe again!! Oh, how glorious are sinus-clearing meds and the resultant cleared sinuses. But mostly the meds.   shoes: unionbay. pa...

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simple & functional...but probably not award-winning.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm really into simplifying lately, which includes my clothing. I hope the next few weeks/months don't offend you guys as I head back to the basics in my personal expression of style. Fewer pieces and less in-your-face accessorization. Who knows how long this little self-trend will last...but hang out with me for the duration, will you? Thanks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOontDf58WPaPo7uRqbOdymZpyuCwIFRytTtfW18sJ1FQUHcsS-UcNSD9t2gWz1tkPL2jhWeTvDP0LF8G9pkhLQmxTs4T8FckNo5JfA9U5NObKapVYWq4O-NFQr71l4oWiE45TULpcl8f2/s1600/Y1britt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOontDf58WPaPo7uRqbOdymZpyuCwIFRytTtfW18sJ1FQUHcsS-UcNSD9t2gWz1tkPL2jhWeTvDP0LF8G9pkhLQmxTs4T8FckNo5JfA9U5NObKapVYWq4O-NFQr71l4oWiE45TULpcl8f2/s400/Y1britt1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">shoes: american eagle outfitters. skirt: sonoma. shirt: gift. cardigan: j.crew. earrings: hawaii.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0LPvfy9uk1mmxnXO4jHkbTRq987YYJbLraNVejCx9BHLKEdcoW4GRilBZI59t5c48GQT5OVajbCZxWzjwbd0V2DNesKK69ot2rAbA1sP3L7KgYgHVjpKED2w9yvZ9qUazjsOjr29C5Xb/s1600/Y1britt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0LPvfy9uk1mmxnXO4jHkbTRq987YYJbLraNVejCx9BHLKEdcoW4GRilBZI59t5c48GQT5OVajbCZxWzjwbd0V2DNesKK69ot2rAbA1sP3L7KgYgHVjpKED2w9yvZ9qUazjsOjr29C5Xb/s400/Y1britt2.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div align="center">I'd also like to apologize for my lack of posting for the past couple of days. My husband has left on business, sickness has struck our household, my 2-year-old randomly hasn't been able to walk for 36 hours and may have broken her leg, my 6-year-old has huge road rash, the weather changes from warm/cold/sunny/rainy/hailing pretty much hourly, despite my best efforts to be responsible I ended up inadvertently dropping the ball and making others suffer for it, and I haven't slept for more than 2 hours at one time for at least a week.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I don't think I'm anything special here--we all have weeks like this, don't we? (Please say "yes," or I'll cry, which would probably make my congested head explode with pressure...) Regardless, I'm still grateful for stuff. Like: </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">- friends who have kids who are friends with my kids. Getting together is not only fun, but highly convenient for everyone. And I am a convenience junkie.</div><div align="center">- when my sinuses quietly go about doing their job. They're on strike (angry, picketing, yelling, barn-burning strike) this week, apparently, which makes me a wee bit nostalgic for yesteryear...</div><div align="center">- simplicity.</div><div align="center">- my husband. Everything about him.</div><div align="center">- my kids, who try so hard to be good and who are so patient with me when I'm not patient with them.</div><div align="center">- soft foods that sore throats can swallow. Like pudding and almost-soggy cereal and water.</div><div align="center">- having a pediatric nurse for a sister.</div><div align="center">- people who are so nice to help me when I really don't deserve it.</div><div align="center">- de-junking. Feels so good.</div><div align="center">- the fact that $3.18 spent at a dollar store will buy hours (and counting) of pleasure for three kid-hearts.</div><div align="center">- the great outdoors.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Happy Sunday.</div>

simple & functional...but probably not award-winning.

I'm really into simplifying lately, which includes my clothing. I hope the next few weeks/months don't offend you guys as I head bac...

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5 things on your blog that make me go "ugh"

<div style="text-align: center;">Hey guys, it's <a href="http://www.modlychic.com/" target="blank">Friend Friday</a>! I'm on my way to the doctor's office right now (hence no outfit pics today...trust me, you're welcome.) But today's topic is: <em>blog pet peeves: 5 things that drive me crazy about blogs I visit</em>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(0) First of all, I think the phrase "drive me crazy" might be a little exaggerated for me. I tend to think blogging is a live-and-let-live kind of sport (yep. sport. I like to call things "sports" because it makes me, by default, an "athlete"). So, for sure, I have some prefereneces, but others do, too, and who am I to say their way stinks? That being said, here we go:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(1) Crazy fonts. Too-big (kind of insulting), too-small (hard to read), too curly/girly (kind of juvenile), to name a few. Call me boring, but when I'm reading online, I like to focus on what's being said rather than being distracted by the font it's being said in. Could be just me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(2) Super dark backgrounds with light/neon/white font. I appreciate the effort put into contrasting the background/text, but for some reason that just doesn't work for me. I rarely read anything in that setup.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(3) One or two posts per page. I recognize that these people probably are just trying to improve their bounce rate (and more power to 'em, I guess), but whenever I see that, I usually just click away. Give me a little more to work with, please! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(4) Flashing stuff. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(5) When there's not a picture/photo to be seen for miles. Heh. Like this post. (Or when those photos are super blurry, small, or all-around not very inspiring.) Maybe I'm just 3 years old or something, but it's just not that tempting for me to read something without a photo break now and again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />That being said, it's not like I'm claiming my own blog is perfect, so I'm just happy that people are able to express themselves as the creative individuals they are. And if you have suggestions for me or my blog, please don't share them with me. It would probably hurt my feelings and/or make me defensive. Just grin and bear whatever I've e-produced here, and we'll both move on with our lives. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Friday.</div>

5 things on your blog that make me go "ugh"

Hey guys, it's Friend Friday ! I'm on my way to the doctor's office right now (hence no outfit pics today...trust me, you're...

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get dressed quick

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgUXosUXNl6MLgw9m99L6RigbCuPjUhxaNvOycQ8_Uv1yBWt6FtjQVR-QUdczD-zOrXp-ZUtrGhLwzvOOiWmqQeOhrq04i8JS9v4BjZab-iKus1C8Wzz2NdMA3wBr4GUL969PXm9NjasK/s1600/Z1britt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgUXosUXNl6MLgw9m99L6RigbCuPjUhxaNvOycQ8_Uv1yBWt6FtjQVR-QUdczD-zOrXp-ZUtrGhLwzvOOiWmqQeOhrq04i8JS9v4BjZab-iKus1C8Wzz2NdMA3wBr4GUL969PXm9NjasK/s400/Z1britt1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">boots: target. jeans: kohls. sweater: old navy. belt: thrifted (american eagle outfitters). trench coat: forever21. watch: target. flower clips: gift.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Gzm_lwygxutbZzRtpZvLdQRFsAzewJvSM6lOLvEvEiXLhkuTSCduYzWRHRkUI3OGXMsMTr8c_0-ZJK3LcW4UG2gaNcMtOV-NCqtXKJ7lAhQ6QUhDexqmz__eU3-o24-98Dq5JHdw0Fxg/s1600/Z1britt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Gzm_lwygxutbZzRtpZvLdQRFsAzewJvSM6lOLvEvEiXLhkuTSCduYzWRHRkUI3OGXMsMTr8c_0-ZJK3LcW4UG2gaNcMtOV-NCqtXKJ7lAhQ6QUhDexqmz__eU3-o24-98Dq5JHdw0Fxg/s400/Z1britt3.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmABbrEeFiXQUa8wHthXnAP_SYsy2N4fSqg8IeVjmspIklRBEpXBlVUG7d-hHuHxwghXDUbtU-ebQm7k64GBKU3nddYkgMSst58WH3yZAAia3Y1PdUgCwPXMdk9Ba5CIliZ8r8PpaL5pQ/s1600/Z1britt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmABbrEeFiXQUa8wHthXnAP_SYsy2N4fSqg8IeVjmspIklRBEpXBlVUG7d-hHuHxwghXDUbtU-ebQm7k64GBKU3nddYkgMSst58WH3yZAAia3Y1PdUgCwPXMdk9Ba5CIliZ8r8PpaL5pQ/s400/Z1britt2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">It's one of those days, guys. Wanna hear about it? No? Good, 'cause I don't want to delve into the deets. Suffice it to say there are a billion things going on today, gloomy-cold weather, potential strep throat (3rd time in a year, and that means probable tonsillectomy. please no.), frustrating Internet issues, and a day where my closet has "nothing to wear."<br /><br />Makes you wanna hang with me, doesn't it.</div><div align="center">Remember how I vowed I was done with boots until Fall? Well, I actually did mean it when I said that. But then the weather turned nasty, my errand list exploded, and my boots jumped out and hijacked my feet before I could say anything. I'm okay with it, though. There's something comforting about a well-used pair of flat boots. And a gramma-made quilt. And some homemade mac & cheese and warm applesauce to slide down a sore throat.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">So. Skinnies, boots, & a top: one of my favorite (albeit overused) go-to ensembles. Throw on a trench for warmth. Done and done. What are your go-to pieces when you just don't feel like getting dressed or when you have "nothing" to wear?</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Happy Thursday.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Want this look? Shop below for even cuter stuff...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background: white; border-bottom: #bfbfbf 1px solid; border-left: #bfbfbf 1px solid; border-right: #bfbfbf 1px solid; border-top: #bfbfbf 1px solid; display: block; position: relative; width: 430px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="150" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid6676-2041974-73&look=3125970&size=Small&width=6&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0" width="430"></iframe><br /><div style="bottom: 2px; height: 18px; left: 0px; line-height: 12px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div style="left: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; position: absolute;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/J.Crew#pid=uid6676-2041974-73" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #606060; font: 11px verdana, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">More J.Crew...</a></div><div style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 3px; position: absolute; right: 0px;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/#pid=uid6676-2041974-73" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;"><img alt="ShopStyle" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered_small.png" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></img></a></div></div></div></div>

get dressed quick

  boots: target. jeans: kohls. sweater: old navy. belt: thrifted (american eagle outfitters). trench coat: forever21. watch: target. flower ...

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simplicity doesn't have to be boring.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_9dt7v3sgZwC2oI_kQ5JJxAkm0boxpgwnNNgnbpGpCSNPc6i-5UK0f3XcD_keJACSwndf0Wjmj1JOkd8-5nsmmWdZi8smCD7r8qRluAizeaU0vwxM7wGkCAozeeoY91t5Z5nHDmU9apb/s1600/P1britt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_9dt7v3sgZwC2oI_kQ5JJxAkm0boxpgwnNNgnbpGpCSNPc6i-5UK0f3XcD_keJACSwndf0Wjmj1JOkd8-5nsmmWdZi8smCD7r8qRluAizeaU0vwxM7wGkCAozeeoY91t5Z5nHDmU9apb/s400/P1britt4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">shoes: converse brand. leggings: old navy. skirt: thrifted. sweater: vintage (american eagle). belt: forever21. flower clip: handmade gift.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlH72Sds9j-Tr1mfp62x5FWBgE2GYTNtKfqXWoazB-LtLN2YOQ76hBf3TO9Mexho_WNwiFQYvLu3HUZ4WcL0aQwJSVU68PuSoF-JpJodiYbuUZZOBR5iS7x1cKZ78AStm_y0J3WBA5pQfl/s1600/P1britt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlH72Sds9j-Tr1mfp62x5FWBgE2GYTNtKfqXWoazB-LtLN2YOQ76hBf3TO9Mexho_WNwiFQYvLu3HUZ4WcL0aQwJSVU68PuSoF-JpJodiYbuUZZOBR5iS7x1cKZ78AStm_y0J3WBA5pQfl/s400/P1britt3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26BEbqbhpVsZprakquiAqYGFgyXdfKjfbKx0TorYl6o93Oz_orUU4SShh6bxP7IjMSzfyzC1bxz5TL3G2jV-dUYkvpucpw3FhtHQbkj1GELm9b1otUK_msXrvY5cL1RYPGRwz7dtRpeRN/s1600/P1britt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26BEbqbhpVsZprakquiAqYGFgyXdfKjfbKx0TorYl6o93Oz_orUU4SShh6bxP7IjMSzfyzC1bxz5TL3G2jV-dUYkvpucpw3FhtHQbkj1GELm9b1otUK_msXrvY5cL1RYPGRwz7dtRpeRN/s400/P1britt1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">Last night after tucking her in, I told my 2-year-old daughter, "I'll be back in 5 minutes to turn out your lamp." To which she responded, "I wuv you too, mom." Talk about unexpected and maybe awesome.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Know what else is unexpected and maybe awesome? (Queen of segues, right here.) These shoes. With this skirt. With this sweater. With some leggings. This outfit is pretty basic, but I love it so much! How can that be? I think it's partly because each piece speaks for itself; it's not hidden or manipulated in any way...which is what I feel like I do too often. Cheat. <br /><br />Annnnd the other-partly reason I like it is because my lips match the Chucks. And the Chucks are bright red.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">But, enough about me. Let's talk about Ahnold. Whut the...? Okay, enough about Arnold, let's talk about The Voice. Love its entertainment quotient (minus Christina's "unfortunate bleach job," as <a href="http://dresswithcourage-elissa.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Elissa</a> so aptly put it). Okay, enough about The Voice, let's talk about how I'm going to sort through about 28 boxes of baby/kid clothes and de-junk.<br /><br />Wait. Let's not talk about that. Makes me depressed.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Happy Wednesday.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Want this look? Click on stuff below and buy it if you want...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background: white; border-bottom: #bfbfbf 1px solid; border-left: #bfbfbf 1px solid; border-right: #bfbfbf 1px solid; border-top: #bfbfbf 1px solid; display: block; position: relative; width: 430px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="150" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid6676-2041974-73&look=3123555&size=Small&width=6&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0" width="430"></iframe><br /><div style="bottom: 2px; height: 18px; left: 0px; line-height: 12px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div style="left: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; position: absolute;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/Forever-21#pid=uid6676-2041974-73" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #606060; font: 11px verdana, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">More Forever 21...</a></div><div style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 3px; position: absolute; right: 0px;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/#pid=uid6676-2041974-73" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;"><img alt="ShopStyle" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered_small.png" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></img></a></div></div></div></div>

simplicity doesn't have to be boring.

  shoes: converse brand. leggings: old navy. skirt: thrifted. sweater: vintage (american eagle). belt: forever21. flower clip: handmade gift...

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twists and turns

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Apparently there was something super interesting outside my window. Like the garbage truck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FfqS2AZStbQ6z-6lxumEGRVHbL2TE6CVeqM2rXDa4ohG8AdoDaBg6olJL2NA8gUb77PJd2TbIDwQf2YcJ7zIYVQZke9In-1GqdNg63uaqclMLatY9ocTBjasRglJigb8r6S2WvIGp5B3/s1600/Q1britt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FfqS2AZStbQ6z-6lxumEGRVHbL2TE6CVeqM2rXDa4ohG8AdoDaBg6olJL2NA8gUb77PJd2TbIDwQf2YcJ7zIYVQZke9In-1GqdNg63uaqclMLatY9ocTBjasRglJigb8r6S2WvIGp5B3/s400/Q1britt2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">shoes, jeans, & slouchy tee: american eagle outfitters. striped tunic & wide belt: forever21. cardigan: don't recall. earrings: hawaii. watch: target. bracelet: </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sienahansen"><span style="font-size: x-small;">burntsiena designs</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQhpjpSokJuoTYF4xYASvkE5sjkxd3xFxZ9-hde__iqo6oTTCbHqmbIT3AD2myryRq-twL-OjnMJpTocs3sWIAkrupK7vtJvn0ayPz6Xukr0cYE5fLpdcurowYZiFIhzWAzLjD5ZIdjg2/s1600/Q1britt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQhpjpSokJuoTYF4xYASvkE5sjkxd3xFxZ9-hde__iqo6oTTCbHqmbIT3AD2myryRq-twL-OjnMJpTocs3sWIAkrupK7vtJvn0ayPz6Xukr0cYE5fLpdcurowYZiFIhzWAzLjD5ZIdjg2/s400/Q1britt3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwedb_rYQ74xckSVoBTgefthDkEPsQbZP7HT93eJqvZtJy8vzDi5woYpEFokNBD1oQhvAqdD5ki1lj7Vohyg0zelWTzEcWZcLU2llaUi3G1MaEMkIOQBqKnbaDEP1V9qIdjXEHAHoOUkIV/s1600/Q1britt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwedb_rYQ74xckSVoBTgefthDkEPsQbZP7HT93eJqvZtJy8vzDi5woYpEFokNBD1oQhvAqdD5ki1lj7Vohyg0zelWTzEcWZcLU2llaUi3G1MaEMkIOQBqKnbaDEP1V9qIdjXEHAHoOUkIV/s400/Q1britt1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">Allow me to totally geek out on you all for a minute...please? (You hesitate, probably because you're baffled as to how this would be any different from any other post on here...) So. Geek Central: I love the balance of circles-and-stripes in this outfit. Belt clasp, watch face, earrings, necklace = all circles. Tunic and the line of the sash on my head = stripes. Unexpected and maybe awesome for me here.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">And I didn't even plan it, really. Which makes me think today is going to be a normal day with pops o' fabulousness. Probably dinner will taste okay tonight. My kids won't hit each other when they argue. And my sore throat won't progress into a full-fledged cold. How could I <em>not</em> love a day like today?</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Which makes me also think that my future's looking pretty stinking bright as a psychic or fortune cookie author. "You will do great things when you take your kids to the playground and offer a crying stranger a slice of your gala apple." "You will meet someone new who has purple hair and a garage band." Sure, they're a touch specific, but that doesn't mean they won't happen...and <strike>if</strike> when they do, think how <strike>disturbing</strike> crazy-awesome that would be!!!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Happy Tuesday.<br /><br />p.s. I wore my slouchy tee backwards under the tunic today. Thoughts on that little rule-breakage?</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Want this look? You don't have to answer that. I already know. (Remember? I'm psychic now.) Shop below...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background: white; border-bottom: #bfbfbf 1px solid; border-left: #bfbfbf 1px solid; border-right: #bfbfbf 1px solid; border-top: #bfbfbf 1px solid; display: block; position: relative; width: 430px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="150" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid6676-2041974-73&look=3120331&size=Small&width=6&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0" width="430"></iframe><br /><div style="bottom: 2px; height: 18px; left: 0px; line-height: 12px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div style="left: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; position: absolute;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/Forever-21#pid=uid6676-2041974-73" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #606060; font: 11px verdana, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">More Forever 21...</a></div><div style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 3px; position: absolute; right: 0px;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/#pid=uid6676-2041974-73" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;"><img alt="ShopStyle" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered_small.png" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></img></a></div></div></div></div>

twists and turns

Apparently there was something super interesting outside my window. Like the garbage truck.   shoes, jeans, & slouchy tee: american eagl...

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Shopping is its own perk. Nevertheless, here's a little some'in-some'in.

<div style="text-align: center;">Does anyone else tend to buy cheap jewelry/accessories? Not all the time, of course, but 90% of my accessories aren't top quality. I've been okay with that. I mean, if stuff gets lost or broken or whatever, I'm out, like, $3 bucks. No biggie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But then again... whenever I DO find myself face-to-face with a quality item, and I can hold it and try it out, I kind of kick myself for wasting my time with the flimsier stuff. There's something (lots of things, actually) to be said for the weight, substance, and finish of a finer piece. Does anyone else agree? And, in the long run, it usually outlasts about a hundred of the cheap (but fun) crap.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So. That being said (I hope I didn't scare you all away...stick around! you'll be glad you did), I'd like to introduce you to a new heart-throb etsy shop. It's called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/runeleather" target="blank">Rune Leather</a>, and their stuff is awesome (and, despite what my preface would lead you to believe, very reasonably priced). Check it:<br /><br />Like this leather artist case:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQTSpTqrepWWBRB9bdLeov5NbD8TZnk16FjdPtLnoLwOO1wXdtoh1EARiUuEgyy2XzpkJHK-r5XZ3Wqs-pyBPBiQ_jPqVDDFwFw3TYYYF6Y_gW76MLn5OwRvo25BGyNs5baW_qjBfkOTU/s1600/rune.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQTSpTqrepWWBRB9bdLeov5NbD8TZnk16FjdPtLnoLwOO1wXdtoh1EARiUuEgyy2XzpkJHK-r5XZ3Wqs-pyBPBiQ_jPqVDDFwFw3TYYYF6Y_gW76MLn5OwRvo25BGyNs5baW_qjBfkOTU/s320/rune.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Or this leather cuff:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuhXM8_7m4bB7MTPNdfRx1xedxfTRWoMtyzGGL_jutJgvvVF1VaR3_4xbrHMFCE3ZvkJ9_anNKKCt3a1d3TqNJFJ7jyBc5HlXBl-lkYHodAH35WgQ4-gprWzEHW94-MVjq8hII3I2DSqJ/s1600/rune2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuhXM8_7m4bB7MTPNdfRx1xedxfTRWoMtyzGGL_jutJgvvVF1VaR3_4xbrHMFCE3ZvkJ9_anNKKCt3a1d3TqNJFJ7jyBc5HlXBl-lkYHodAH35WgQ4-gprWzEHW94-MVjq8hII3I2DSqJ/s320/rune2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />And this steampunk leather keychain<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskQMlRgWYgUH2ELs2O1FeVtE6LT1mBcjjMxR6NlyjlkFDGEpaAyBacejBrYptV-737hccEg9jPOH_amiAdhsqUQIqqGiY1j5sn6SZQnHkA2LIlOepIJvkm3GjvIHv9feKD652pYv6Znb4/s1600/rune3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskQMlRgWYgUH2ELs2O1FeVtE6LT1mBcjjMxR6NlyjlkFDGEpaAyBacejBrYptV-737hccEg9jPOH_amiAdhsqUQIqqGiY1j5sn6SZQnHkA2LIlOepIJvkm3GjvIHv9feKD652pYv6Znb4/s320/rune3.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><br />Or this antique skeleton key necklace:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcx_z7ay44q4y2-RGr5TzA7lcW0PQnL3PovAZnS0ViD3Uasia5KAGpdbaMulZ0c5pOVOwXbBqZA04jTHIQz3xFf7ViLXOGHOVOFSp1wi-UyG_lQVG83gSrVuPnCsh2NhRqzQt82CcVvws/s1600/rune4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcx_z7ay44q4y2-RGr5TzA7lcW0PQnL3PovAZnS0ViD3Uasia5KAGpdbaMulZ0c5pOVOwXbBqZA04jTHIQz3xFf7ViLXOGHOVOFSp1wi-UyG_lQVG83gSrVuPnCsh2NhRqzQt82CcVvws/s320/rune4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yummy, right? That skeleton key necklace (shown last) is one of my personal favorites. So simple, yet so understated-chic. </div><div style="text-align: center;">So. Before you e-run to their <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/runeleather" target="blank">shop</a> (which I'm assuming you're all going to do), let me just entice you with this happy little tidbit: Rune Leather has offered my blog readers (that means you!) a super awesome deal -- 10% off any purchase. Any at all. Just be sure to use the code: ADAYINTHELIFETOO. You guys, their stuff is amazing, and I bet it lasts you forever. Honestly.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Go forth and shop.</div>

Shopping is its own perk. Nevertheless, here's a little some'in-some'in.

Does anyone else tend to buy cheap jewelry/accessories? Not all the time, of course, but 90% of my accessories aren't top quality. I...

Read more »