Winning Belly Looks

Since the majority of 2013 was spent pregnant for me, I thought I would go back through and share my favorite outfits I pulled together over the course of the (almost) 9 months I was with belly.

Do you have a favorite?

P.S. Happy 2014!

Black, White, & Not so Dreary

Blouse: Stitchfix, Skirt: JCrew Factory, Bracelet & Earrings: beach boutique,  Shoes: Bass Outlet

Life is good here lately.  It's slowing down a little bit with the school year coming to a close, National Boards submitted, and summer class wrapping up.  There is much to smile about.  Even the rain can't bring me down - after all, we need it.

Rain is kind of like those lazy days.  You know the Saturdays when you just lounge around without showering until 4:00 in the afternoon.  You think back to what you were so busy doing all day and you realize you accomplished absolutely nothing?  And you smile because you're okay with it.

We need days like that and we need the rain to show us that things aren't really all that dreary.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Because Shanna Said So

StitchFix Round 2 ctd.

I hate to even share the fact that I wasn't in love with everything in my second StitchFix box, but the truth is the truth.

Honestly, its not the stylists fault either.  They have to ship it in order to find out I'm not a fan.

The best part of the process is that when there is something I don't care for, I just write that in my shipment review before mailing everything back and *hopefully* it should never happen again!

I think this picture pretty much captures the fact that I'm not happy in my attire.  Let me explain why...

This shirt is what you call a "Twofer" aka the cardigan is attached to the shirt.  For some people this is a great piece because they aren't sure how to wear things and this takes the guessing out of the styling.  For me, it's too limiting.  The shirt itself is not something I dislike.  In fact the fabric was to die for - extremely soft.  I just like the versatility of separates.

This is the last piece from my fix.  When I pulled this dress out of my box, I crossed my fingers&my toes that it would not be too small.  (Because it looked small and let's be honest, I've sampled just a few too much Halloween candy this month.)

I loved the 3/4 sleeves and the cowl neck.  It also has a neat hemline where the front and back are slightly higher than the sides.  The fabric is really soft and I love the neutral color. 

So...why don't I like it you ask?  Well, the fabric is extremely clingy in all the right places as well as all the wrong places.  (The nice thing about Blogland is that you can pose just so that you don't see those bad clings, but in real life, they are there.)  Had this dress been made of cotton, it would be hanging in my closet right now.  I love dresses that have sleeves for fall and I loved the detailed neck/hemline.

As I said before, I was overall very pleased with my second Stitchfix and I'm already considering my third shipment!  If you're interested in signing up for StitchFix, just click here.

StitchFix Round 2

If you don't know what StitchFix is click here and read my post detailing this amazing service.  Then click here and sign up to get your first fix!  You won't be disappointed.

I shared earlier this week what I got in my second StitchFix package and I wanted to elaborate by showing you some ways I would style those different items with pieces I already have in my closet.  I styled everything with boots because I'm a huge fan of layers and boots in the fall and it really feels like fall around these parts.  Thank goodness!

I fell in love with the plaid top as soon as I pulled it out of the box and the next piece I took out was the blazer.  I am a blazer fiend.  They are my favorite way to dress up a pair of jeans and a plain tee or to wear as an added layer with a dress.  This blazer is amazing.  It is navy with this adorable ruching detail on the sleeves.

 I love that this blazer has 3/4 length sleeves so that I don't have to worry about the bulk of a rolled up sleeve.  I also love that it is extremely soft and versatile.

 This paisley scarf also came in my box and of course I fell in love with it because I lurve scarves!  All that bunched up, soft fabric around my neck in the crisp, fall air just makes my heart smile.

It's hard for me to say this, but I did not keep the blazer or the scarf.  Not because I didn't like them!  I was working on a budget and needed to decide what I liked the most.  At the end of the day, I have various blazers and scarves and the plaid blouse was just so "me."

Do you ever find a piece that is just "so me" (Except it's really "so you")?

So, you know what I mean.

My Second Fix

I received my second StitchFix in the mail over the weekend while I was out of town.

The first time I got a Stitchfix I was a little hesitant about it.  You already know that I'm a really frugal person and I love thrift stores and consignment shops.  So, this was a leap for me - a dangerous one in that I may lose $20.  I know, it sounds pathetic.  But still!  I was really excited to see the box on my doorstep because I was absolutely thrilled with it the first time!  It's such a fun way to experience fashion and new pieces.  If you want to try it out click here or just click on the button on my sidebar.  You won't be disappointed.  Prom.

Right away it put a smile on my face because the letter I received from my personal shopper was extremely personal.  It even mentioned DWW!!

So, like I said before, in each box you get 5 items that are personally selected by your shopper based on how you fill out your style profile.  Along with each item, you get a little card with some styling tips showing you ways you could possibly wear the garment.  These are the 5 items I received in my second box:

Fate Simpson Jersey Twofer Top || Honey Punch Darlinghurst Plaid Popover Top || Last Tango Downing Cowl 3/4 Sleeve Tie Dress || Rapti Paisley Print Scarf || 

Matty M Finch Ruched Sleeve Blazer

As soon as I pulled everything out of the box, I was really excited to try it all on.  I gravitated immediately toward the Honey Punch plaid top and that was the first thing I tried on.

Blouse: Honey Punch c/o Stitchfix, Jeans: Levi, Boots: Steve Madden

This top is definitely a keeper.  I just love it!  I can already imagine wearing it with a cardigan, a denim jacket, under a sweater, with a skirt, tucked in, with boots, with booties... The options just go on and on.  This was definitely a spot on choice for me.  

Stop by throughout the week to see how I styled the other pieces from my StitchFix box!

Linking up for

LifeSTYLE: Knitwear

From Runway to Real World

is a mini-series focused on taking trends found on the runways at Fall Fashion Week 2012

and styling them for real world situations.

Let's be honest, not all runway styles are realistic in real world settings, but that doesn't mean we don't want to enjoy what is currently trending.  Instead, tweak the style so that it suits your life!

Throughout the mini-series, I will have several guests posting about their favorite trends from the Fall Fashion Week runway.  They will share ways to style their favorite trend in the real world.
You can see Angela's post on the military trend here.

I came across this great post from Glamour showing the twelve "most wearable" fashion trends and thought you might be interested in taking a peak.

Knits were huge on the runway for fall 2012 and I just so happen to be a huge fan of knits.

Fall is my favorite season simply because I can wear knits and boots and be cozy and warm.

Missoni

Obviously, I'm not going to wear all those layers or those head pieces to work each day.

However, I do love the layering and mixing of knits that is taking place.

Via

I'm also loving the homemade, chunky look that is going on here.

Also loving her red hair, but that's besides the point. Red hair is so hot.

Sweater Dress: H&M old (similar, love this option), Leggings: Old Navy, Boots: Rack Room (old)

A sweater dress, leggings, and boots take this runway trend to the real world.
If it were colder, I could add a knit scarf or beanie.

How do you wear your knits this time of year?

Linking up for Wardrobe Wednesday

Zara Excitement

Did you know?????

That you can now shop from Zara online!!!!

zara.com by coachgaines featuring a pencil skirt

Zara blazer / Zara pencil skirt / Zara studded boots / Zara studded bag / Zara stone necklace

If I had an unlimited Zara gift card to purchase any 5 things I wanted, 

these would be my picks.

**Hint, hint, Zara - if you want me to promote you on my blog, you can compensate me with these items.**

Too subtle?

Sale Rack

It's Frugalista Friday again!

Love these days.
Gals, I rarely shop anything, but the sale/clearance rack at stores.
Almost always, I'm successful in finding something for a great price!
Sometimes, I end up missing out on something I really wanted because I can't/won't pay full price.
Not too often though.

A few weekends ago, I met up with my girlfriend for dinner and I got to the restaurant about 15 minutes earlier than I needed to.  So I decided to wander into the Belk right next door and browse the sales.  (*Belk has amazing sale racks if you've never thought to look before.*)

I ended up going into the fitting room with hands full, but walked out with just one item,

This dress...

It was originally $36.99 and I paid $8.99 for a total savings of $28

I wore it to school sans heels avec denim jacket and got quite a few compliments.

Outfit Deets:
Necklace: eBay $12.00
Dress: Belk $8.99
Shoes: Target (clearance) $8.98
Total Outfit Cost: $29.97

If you want to share your deal, steal, or sale of the week grab the button from my sidebar and share it in your post.  I look forward to seeing your scores!

Scarves Giveaway

In case you haven't noticed, I love scarves.
And I would love to do a giveaway for one of my own infinity scarves!
But first, I want to get to 50 GFC followers.
So share this link&blog with your friends
and let's give a scarf away, peeps!

Scarves Giveaway by coachgaines featuring a green shawl

Hollister Co hollister co
hollisterco.com

Alexander mcqueen scarve
$270 - harrods.com

Balmain green shawl
$610 - montaignemarket.com

Love Quotes Scarves linen scarve
fashionville.com

Missoni scarve
bernardboutique.com

Fringe scarve
tessabit.com

Scarve
topshop.com

River island
$36 - riverisland.com

American Vintage summer scarve
$79 - frockaholics.com

My Fave Item

I'm linking up with Merrick and her sister today to share my favorite item in my closet.

I immediately started thinking about what I wear most often and realized just because I wear it a lot doesn't necessarily mean it is my favorite item.

So, this was a really hard task...until it wasn't. 

I was like, hmmmmm.....what in the world (the world of my closet) could be my favorite item?!
And then I was like, DUH!  I adore my wedding shoes.  Seriously - adore!
Not to mention the awesome shift dress I wore for my birthday last year (hubs treats me to a fancyshmancy night out each year for my b-day and I lurrrrrve it!)
So, then, all of a sudden, it wasn't hard any more.

Dress: Old Navy, Shoes: Poetic License

Shoes: Poetic License

Let's talk about these shoes.  I mean, not only are they awesome, but I wore them on my wedding day.

Of course, they're my favorite!

I found them online after having the most difficult time finding a pair that 1. I loved, 2. fit my vintage theme, and 3. fit me.  In the end, they were still too big (at a size 6 cue the midget feet), but I was able to make them extra comfy-cozy and snug with some Dr. Scholl's heel gels.

 What's your favorite item in your closet?

98 Days

Christmas is 98 days away!

&& I love Christmas!!!!!

I love Christmas because I love buying for and giving to other people.

Seriously, I put way too so much thought into my gift giving.

I wish the Christmas spirit continued throughout the whole year.

Every year, I'm full of ideas for other people

and I always struggle with the things that I want.

My hubby is an amazing gift giver and has already begun asking what I would like under the tree this year.  So, I've had to start thinking about what I truly want.  It's not been easy.

The biggest items are the ones I want most.

The smaller ones are things I could live without, but would enjoy.

I've been wanting a DSLR camera for at least a year now.  Honestly, I would be happy just getting it.

Just providing deets in case my hubby is reading. *wink*

Christmas Wish List by coachgaines featuring checkered shoes

Tom
toms.com

Mizuno lightweight shoes
piperlime.gap.com

Checkered shoes
target.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs rock watch
nordstrom.com

Kate spade
katespade.com

Remington
$34 - debenhams.com