Layers

I have a fun filled day ahead of me. I'm hanging out with a girlfriend this afternoon. Trying out new recipes and having a family over for dinner and games this evening! I love entertaining and love cooking and feeding people! Hurray for Fridays!

Sweater ~ Target $5
Tank ~ Target $7
Skirt ~ Target $11
T-straps ~ JCP $11
Necklace ~ Kohls $5
Bracelets ~ Gifted, bought and made

Hanging out at home

I have no plans for today. Maybe playing in the backyard with my daughter and that's about it. Not to sure about this stripped tank under the dress, but since I'm just at home I'm not going to sweat it. If I go out I'll probably change.
Tank ~ Old Navy $5
Dress ~ Target $19
T-straps ~ Ann Taylor loft $9

Library

Took my son to the storytime at the library today and thought it was as good excuse as any to wear my new necklace by Savvy Mode!

Sweater - Target - $3
Shorts - Gap (hemmed to knee length by me) - $9.99
Peeptoe flats - thrifted - $3
Necklace - Necklace giveaway by Savvy Mode

Free movie day!

Our local movie theater has "free kids movies" playing in the summer time. Today is one of those free movie days so I'm planning on taking my daughter to go see one. Should be fun!
Top ~ Old Navy $10
Skirt ~ Gap $30
Wedges ~ Payless $19
Necklace and bracelet ~ Gifted
Earrings ~ ?

A couple of outfits I wish I had...

Now that I'm back to being a SAHM, I've gotten to enjoy some leisurely days full of laying out in the sun, trips to the library with my 2-year old son, and of course, plenty of time for crafts. Over lunch today, my son wanted to draw, so I couldn't help but do a few sketches of my own.

I'm really wishing I had a coral colored knit dress with simple lines like the first pic. I'd pair it with a turquoise flat, different colored bangles, big gold hoop earrings, and a gold hobo bag. If I could just go out and buy whatever I want whenever I wanted, that first outfit is what I would buy to wear today.

Then for date night, I'd effortlessly throw on a royal blue strapless dress over a white sheer blouse, add a black wide belt, nude pumps, and a black little bag. Yep, I like that look. Now if only I would be brave enough to try the Gwyneth Paltrow hairsylte - blond and straight...shoulder length. Sigh.

Another Summer Uniform

I decided to post a couple of shots of the swimsuit I found off the clearance racks of Macy's last fall. For those of you who are interested, the suit is still at Macy's (with just larger polka dots).

I LOVE this suit. Due to it's retro lines, it is on trend, but by tying the halter slightly tighter, it succeeds in giving me plenty of coverage on top making it plenty modest as well. It also has extra support with boning on the sides of the bra, as well as a hook in the back.

I got it at Macy's for $9.99 for each piece, but full price it was only about $20 for each piece. Not bad if you ask me.

What swimsuits have you found this year that work for you?

Tank top and shorts

This is pretty much my summer uniform - tank top and shorts/minimal make-up, and hair just worn natural. I thought I'd turn it into an outfit, though, by adding mascara and lipstick, a piece of statement jewelry, a colorful bag, and a pair of fab flats. This is an easy way to up your style quotient - just add a few key pieces and even your basic tank top and shorts can look pulled together.

Tank top - J.Crew - $3.99

Shorts - J.Crew (via Ebay) - $5

Cutout flats - JCPenney - $5

Bag - thrifted - $3

Necklace - Kohl's - gifted

Park day

I hope it warms up for Park Day today. I missed last week because it was to cold and then it rained. We'll see
Top ~ Ann Taylor Loft $12
Shorts ~ Old Navy $14
Flip flop wedges ~ Ann Taylor loft $10

Evening baby shower

Later this evening I'll be going to a ladies baby shower. I wasn't going to wear a sweater, but with the rain, wind and 60 degree temps I figured I should throw one on;)
My daughter offered her little "bow" headband for me to wear, and I think it's actually kind of cute. For now, I'll wear it.
Sweater ~ Old Navy $6
Top ~ Target $5
Jeans ~ Gap $30
Heels ~ Ann Taylor Loft $20
Earrings ~ Macys $11
Headband ~ daughters:)

Sunny Monday

Top - Gap - $6.99
Clamdiggers - Gap - $9.99 (hemmed to knee length by me...they used to be jeans)
Wedges - Target - $6
Chain and pearl necklace - thrifted - $1
Necklace - gifted

My new scarf

Skirt - J.Crew - $19
Pumps - Target - $6
T-shirt - F21 - $3.50
Bag - thrifted - $2
Scarf - thrifted - $.50
Earrings - gifted

Church on a rare stormy day

While Western Washington does get a lot of rain, thunderstorms we don't get much of. So I was very surprised when I woke up to lightening and thunder this morning. The storm seems to already be passing...but it's close toed shoes for me this morning since there is rain.
Top ~ Target $19
Skirt ~ Gap $13
Shoes ~ Nine West $30 (years ago)
Bracelets ~ Mixed, most gifted
Earrings ~ Macy's $11

Urban Look for Saturday

Ignore the stupid look on my face. I should have smiled for this last shot.

Going to a few small town downtown cities to explore the new area we live in, then headed to a the movies tonight to see the second Transformer movie.

Tunic - Target - $3.74
Necklace - Kohl's - $.60
Hoop earrings - Target - $1
Leggings - Gap - $5.97
Sandals - Target - $5
Hat - Charlotte Russe - $5
Bag - B.Moss - $3

I was the lucky winner of this beautiful white and gray pearl necklace from Savvy Mode! I can't wait to wear it!

Blue

Top ~ Charlotte Russe Gifted
Skirt ~ Gap $30
T-straps ~ JCP $11
Bracelet and Earrings ~ Gifted from Farrielle

Finally Back to Posting

Here are some outfits that I've worn this past week:

Top - Isaac Mizrahi for Target - $6.98
Necklace - gifted
Skirt - Gap - $16
Sandals - Target - $5

T-shirts - F21 - $3.50 each
Shorts - thrifted (Ann Taylor) - $2
Sandals - Ann Taylor Loft - $9
Necklace - Kohl's - $.60
Hoop earrings - Target - $1

T-shirt - hand-me-down
Scarf - gifted
Skinny jeans - Express - $19
Wedge sandals - Target - $5
Cuff bracelet - Claire's - $1
Earrings - gifted
Turquoise clutch - JCPenney - $6
T-shirt - hand-me-down
Shorts - Rogan for Target - $6.98
Pink cutout flats - JCPenney - $5
Earrings and ring (silver and turquoise) - gifted

We still haven't had a chance to contact the internet company here to get our DSL hooked up, but we plan to first thing on Monday. Then it will probably be a week after that before they actually come and install it. In the meantime, I'll be posting every now and then via the library and friend's houses.

Looking forward to being back online soon!

Sick Day

My baby girl is sick today. I'll probably just be home all day watching cartoons with her and eating soup and such. lol. It's cool this morning, but promises to get up to 75 by this afternoon. I'll start out in jeans and then maybe later it will be warm enough to switch to a skirt
maybe this one? We'll see. Yesterday it was suppose to warm up and never did. *sigh* summer time...please come back to Washington! We miss you!
Close up for my jewelry. I'm still wearing the fabulous earrings from Farrielle

Sweater ~ Gifted
Brown top ~ Old Navy $10
Jeans ~ Gap $40
Skirt ~ Gap $13
Flats ~ Target $5
Necklace and Earrings ~ Gifted

New Jewelry!

Last week I entered a give-away to win free jewelry on Farrielle Design and Fashionista website. Yesterday afternoon the jewelry arrived! All beautifully designed and created by Farrielle. I love them! Here is a close-up of the butterfly charm earrings!
I also love the color of these, I think I could wear them with SO many things!
She also included a beautiful bracelet to go with the earrings! I love the amber colors mixed with the browns!
here is my outfit with the butterfly earrings!
And here it is with the amber colored jewlery set. I'm so excited to have won part of the give-away. I know I'll get a lot of wear out of these lovely pieces!
Sweater ~ Gap gifted
Tank ~ Old Navy $6
Jeans ~ Old Navy $19
Scarf ~ Local shop $12
Wedges ~ Payless $19
Earrings and bracelet ~ Gifted from Farrielle Design and Fashionista

It's suppose to be cold again today...

So I may be trading in this skirt for jeans and my vest for a sweater. I can't believe how cool it has been the past couple days. Does the weather not realize it's JULY!?

I'm out off to run some errands and hopefully find a better white top to go with this skirt. lol Though I do feel a bit bohemian today with my lose top, vest and colorful skirt

Off to the park

I'm meeting some friends at the park on this cool summer morning. Wearing the jacket just until it warms up.
I normally wear it unbuttoned. I think it fits better that way
Outfit:
Tank ~ Old Navy $5
Jacket ~ H&M $15
Jeans ~ Gap $13
Shoes ~ JCP gifted
Necklace ~ Gifted
Earrings ~ Macys $11

Hair:
Washed and blown dry with a round brush

Make-up:
Black Eyeliner
Black Mascara
Lip gloss

Why I love my Lucky Magazine

My girlfriend started gifting me a subscription to "Lucky" Magazine about three years ago. I never heard of Lucky before she started the magazine gift and I quickly fell in love with it. Each month we get together to look through the magazine and pick out our favorite things.
I'm so addicted to the subscription, I can't wait till it arrives each month. I love almost all of the articles and really appreciate the honest to goodness good deals that they include, along side the more expensive brands/designers.

Most recently I've really appreciated the sections that talk about great websites and shopping recommendations depending on what city you live in.

The newest website I've started to visit (thanks to this magazine) is called Sundaybrunchdress.com. While the prices are way higher then what I can afford, I've really enjoyed seeing the dresses they offer and getting ideas for myself. If you haven't visited the site you should check it out!

Another reason I love Lucky, is for their beauty and skin care product review. I've only been a good caretaker of my skin for the past five years. But I hope to continue keeping my skin a high priority in my beauty routine and I hope to pass on the importance of it to my daughter as she grows.

Some skin care products I'd love to try in the near future are:
Murad Essential Environmental Shield Essential-C Eye cream with SPF 15 $67. Eye care is a big deal to me right now. The skin skin around the eyes is so delicate and I know it will show wrinkles the fastest. While I have nothing against wrinkles, I'd like my skin to appear as healthy and youthful for as long as it can.

Sonia Kashuk velvety Shine LIp Caryon in Hot Pink $8 This lip pencil looks like so much fun! I've heard good things about crayon type lip pencils and I would love to try it in a bright color while summer is still here.
Burt's Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen with Hemp Seed oil SPF 30 $15 I have been a Burt's Bees fan ever since I became adicted to the hydrating night cream. My ideal is to one day be able to afford all natural skin and beauty care products and using burt's bees products is my first step in that direction.

That's all for now, I want to go finish reading my magazine now, enjoying the rest of this fabulous Sunday evening.

Sunday School

I'm heading off to church to teach Sunday school this morning. I teach a 2-3yr old class, so I rarely dress up for that.
Here is a close-up on my bracelets
This picture is to show you my ring:)
Outfit:
Top ~ Target $9
Skirt ~ Target $15
Shoes ~ Ann Taylor Loft $9
Bracelets ~ Gifted
Ring ~ I can't remember
Bag ~ Kohls $24

Make-up:
N.Y.C Black Eye liner
Victoria Secret Mosaic eyeshadow as bronzer
Victoria Secret lip gloss

Hair:
John Fredia Volumizing root lifter spray
Blow dry with a diffuser

Happy Fourth of July!

The Fourth of July is my favorite day of the summer and by far my most favorite holiday. I love the weather, the food, the fireworks, the people. I never feel more "American" then I do on the fourth of July. In honor of the day and the freedoms we still have, I proudly wear my red lipstick ..because I can!
I know this outfit really isn't an "outfit" just a tank top and shorts. But I have red lipstick on and I'm feeling fabulous.
The cherries and have been pitted (for cherry pie!) the corn has been husked, now I just need to go get the marinade on the meat and we'll be all set to go. Happy Fourth of July everyone!

Tank top ~ Old Navy $5
Shorts ~ Target $14
Wedges ~ Ann Taylor Loft $10
Bracelet and Earrings ~ Gifted

Hair:
Teased at the crown and pulled in a pony tail

Make-up:
N.Y.C. Black Eyeliner
Black Mascara
Clinique samples in two shades or red

Going to the movies

My husband has the day off! I spent the morning reading in the sunshine while my daughter played in her kiddie pool.
In an hour or so he and I will be heading off to go see a movie...in the afternoon! I think it should be fun!

Outfit:
Dress ~ Ann Taylor loft $30
T-straps ~ JCP $11
Necklace, earrings, bracelets ~ Gifted

Hair:
Washed
Hair dried
Curled ends under with a 1" curling iron

Make-up
Victoria Secret Mosaic eye shadow used as bronzer
N.Y.C. black eye liner
Black Mascara
Victoria secret lip gloss

Farmers Market and Dentist

Today is another full day of running errands, along with going to the dentist. I was going to dress up, but after the gym I was so hot I couldn't think of anything aside from wearing shorts and a tshirt. I think I need more sun dresses;)
My favorite thing about summer is I feel like I don't need to wear any make-up. Just a tiny bit. I love the added color to my face and can forgo blush and/or foundation.
Top ~ Charlotte Russe $19
Shorts ~ Old Navy $14
Flats ~ A&E about 10 years ago
Bracelets ~ Gifted
Earrings ~ Walmart $2

Make-up:
NP Set Pasarella Mascara at Target
Victoria Secret peach lip gloss

Hair:
2nd day hair
1" curling iron just around the ends

All pinned up

I never wear my hair pinned up because my husband likes it down, but today I made an exception. My Mom used to wear her hair like this all the time. Dad LOVED it loosely pulled up and would tell Mom that she looked like Jane Seymour in the movie Somewhere in Time (picture of Jane Seymour below).
Today is my last day of having to go into the office. It is also the last day I will be posting for for a little bit. My family and I are moving to Northwest Ohio this weekend to be closer to our families. We're packing up the computer tonight, as well as turning off our internet. I'm not sure when I'll be back to posting - probably Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

I'm looking forward to enjoying the rest of my summer in the midwest, running around outside barefoot, baking berry pies, swimming in the pool, and playing with my little boy.

Outfit:

Top - New York & Company (thrifted) - $4
Cami - Bali - $9
Skirt - Gap - $16
Pumps - Target - $6
Earrings - inherited
Necklace - Kohl's - gifted
Bag - thrifted - $2

Hair:

2nd day hair, brushed through and twisted loosely into a bun at the top of my head
Curled the tendrils slightly, then sprayed with Tresemme extra hold hairspray

Make-up:

Black mascara from Loreal
Black liner from Rimmel
Eyeshadow from Victoria Secret
Highlighter from Ulta
Lipstick from Avon in rose
Blush in bronze sands from Mary Kay

Hope you all have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend!

Grocery shopping

Today is a grocery shopping day. I don't know if I've ever mentioned this before, but I really HATE grocery shopping. I worked on a list and a menu yesterday afternoon, so I am armed and ready and hoping that if I go before 9am it won't be such a blah experience. At any rate, no need to dress up for this lovely chore.
However, I did wear my aloha beads, that were given to me upon entering the Ritz, while on vacation. Just putting them on makes me feel more relaxed as my fabulous memories all come swarming back from last weeks get-a-way:)
Outfit:
Top ~ Target $5
Shorts ~ Target $14
Tstraps ~ JCP $11
Bracelet ~ DBY
Beads ~ Gifted

Hair:
Washed with Head and Shoulders
Treseme full body mouse
Blown dry with a diffuser upside down

Make-up:
Victoria Secret Bronzer
Pale green eye shadow by Clinique
NP Set Pasarella Mascara at Target

Blue dress again

Wearing my blue dress again. Switching it up a little by changing out the jewelry and wearing the sash belt with it, instead of my rainbow belt.

Outfit:

Dress - Target - $6.24
Pumps - Target - $6
Blue bead necklace - Macy's - $5
Medallion necklace - gifted
Medallion earrings - gifted
Cuff bracelet - Claire's - $1
Bag - thrifted - $2

Make-up:

Black mascara by Loreal
Black liner by Rimmel
Blue eyeshadow by Ulta
3-in-1 lipcolor in nude by Avon
Blush in bronze sands by Mary Kay

Hair:

Washed hair last night with Dove 2-in-1 moisturizing shampoo
Curled some of the ends out (Farrah style) with a 1" curling iron
Teased at the crown slightly
Sprayed with Tresemme Extra Hold hairspray

Park Day

I just got back from the gym and now I'm headed to the park to meet up with some friends and their kids. I have tons of cleaning to do when I get back, but it's play time for now!

Tank ~ JCP $5
Skirt ~ Gap $17
Wedges ~ Ann Taylor Loft $10
Ankle bracelet ~ DBY
Necklace and bracelet ~ Gifted

Poppy and gray with a dash of lime

Bag - JCPenney - $6

Skirt - J.Crew - $20

Sweater - Target - $3

Sandals - Target - $5

Colored necklace - Kohl's - $1

Neutral necklace - Macy's - $5

Jealous of Missi's gorgeous Hawaii vacation - and so glad she's back!!!

A few pictures from my Hawaii trip

Hi Domestic Blog friends! I know it's been a long time since I've posted anything. I promise, in my absence, I have still be wearing clothes (no sweats) and doing my hair and putting on make-up. lol! I've had a lot of company visiting me and then last week my husband and I spent 6 days in beautiful Maui, HI.

Here is a picture I took as soon as we arrived. My traveling clothes were a bit baggy, comfy. I had a white blazer too, but it was to warm once we got to Maui to keep it on. Our hotel gave us the black necklace leis we are wearing in the picture.
Here is the view of the pools from our balcony. We were able to stay at the Ritz Carlton. It was very nice!
The moment we had our luggage put away, I put on my suit and cover-up and we walked down to the beach. We had our own personal entrance to the beach. It was wonderful!
Here is an official "Domestic Sophisticate" blog picture before heading out with some friends to tour the island.
Another picture before going to a luncheon with my husband and friends.
Proof that I really did just lay around ALL DAY long reading beauty magazines (Bazar, anyone?) and silly novels (I just finished the Twilight books).
You know that purple scarf I wear all the time? Here is another use for it...beach cover up!
This was a fun filled day, we went driving around the hilly island and found a blow hole. It wasn't blowing very high but it was cool to see it.
After the blow hole I quickly swapped my shorts for a skirt and we headed to my first ever Luau. That was a BLAST!
The last day before leaving the island I went looking for some gifts for my daughter and In-laws (who watched my baby for me). My friend and I stumbled upon this cute bakery. I had to get a picture with my own buns included.
Hurray for vacations!

Top - Gap - gifted
Belt - Gap - $24.50
T-strap pumps - Aerosoles - $29
Slacks - Macy's - gifted
Necklace - Kohl's- gifted

Easter Dress in June

I'm wearing this dress, but this time with a strapless bra instead of letting a sweater or my hair cover the straps from the regular bra I wore last time.

Outfit:

Dress - J.Crew (via Ebay) - $5

Pumps - Target - $6

Chain and pearl necklace - thrifted - $2

Make-up:

Mascara - Black - Loreal Voluminous

Blush - Bronze Sands - Mary Kay

Liner - Black - Rimmel

Eyeshadow - Ulta - in two shades of pink

Toe nail polish - OPI - (forget the color name, but it's a deep magenta
Lipcolor - Nude - Avon 3-in-1

Hair:

2nd day hair curled under with a 1" barrel curling iron and sprayed with Tresemme maximum hold hairspray

Coupon for Domestic Sophisticate Readers

The cutest little dress boutique, Shabby Apple, is offering all Domestic Sophisticate readers a 15% off coupon!!

Shabby Apple sells a wide variety of dresses that are all on trend, feminine, and modest. Their site also has a "Fit to Flatter" section where you can answer a few questions to determine what body type you are and then be directed to a dress that will flatter your body type.

Shabby Apple also sells beautiful maternity dresses. The boutique offers accessories and a wide variety of sizing (maternity, petite, misses, girl, and women's). In a few weeks, they will also be offering a tween line of dress.

If that isn't enough of a reason to shop there, the boutique is also dedicated to donating 5% of their net profits to Unitus - a non-profit organization that works towards preventing global povery. To read more about the opportunity to donate through Shabby Apple or more about Shabby Apple's donations to this organization, please visit their website here.

Here are a few dresses I picked from the site that I recommend:


The l'Ete
The Cat's Cradle
The Ballerina

In addition to the shop, Shabby Apple also has a beauty blog. For daily beauty inspiration, visit the Shabby Apple blog.

To redeem the 15% off coupon, simply type in domesticsophisticate15off at the checkout. Happy shopping!