Picture Overload

Here I am playing catch up again. This has been one of the longest weeks I've had in a long time. We've had several meetings this week regarding our work in Costa Rica, and we've also been doing our regular work and a few extra things. Things have been quite hectic.

So let's start with Thursday, shall we?


All remixed
Tee: Target
Skirt: Gap
Flats: Target
Scarf: Turkey
Earrings Turkey

This is my last true BBCA look, and I mixed up my shades of pink for it.


I also wore this shirt backwards, so that the scoop neck became a scoop back - additional coverage up front where I need it is always a plus in my world. I was going to wear a belt with this, but then I just didn't. No real rhyme or reason, I just didn't do it.


I did, however, dance with Kiku.

Saturday we went to a party and B. and I dressed up for it.

All remixed except jeans and scarf
Shirt: Old Navy
Jeans: New York & Co.
Belt: thrifted
Boots: Nine West
Earrings: gift
Scarf: Target

I've been doing a lot of research on WWII for my NaNoWriMo project, and have been seeing this image over and over again.

source

I thought it was the perfect costume since I've got all the pieces. This is actually how I usually wear this scarf: over a pin curl set or over hair that's not quite dry. And I've gone out in public with it tied up like this. Why? Because I think it's adorable.


B. dressed as Agent Smith from The Matrix.

I also thought my friend Z.'s costume was just too cute:

She's a Tootsie Pop with a Baby Pop. Adorable, yes?

Now, on to today:

All remixed:
Cardigan: New York & Co.
Dress: Ann Taylor
Boots: Nine West
Earrings: Kohl's


I don't love it; I don't hate it. I think I liked it better before I saw the photos. Does that ever happen to y'all? You see the pics and then you're like, "Huh, I thought I looked better"?

Friend Friday

Ooh, I am the slowest this week! I'm finally home - fourteen hours after leaving for work this morning. Thank the sweet Lord it's Friday!

This week's Friend Friday post is a little different. Instead of answering five questions, we're sharing ten answers to questions no one has asked. I mean, we're sharing a few facts. So here are my ten:

1. I am participating in NaNoWriMo in November. I tried last year, except, you know, I was also PLANNING A WEDDING and it did NOT go so well. This year I'm only planning to move to a different country - should be MUCH more conducive to writing a "novel".

2. I call Kiku my baby, and I refer to myself as her "Mami". It's ridiculous. I have totally become one of those people who thinks of her dog as a child. I don't dress her up, though, so that's kind of a plus.

3. I keep waiting for the day when I have a more grown up favorite food than pizza, but it just hasn't happened. I don't eat pepperoni pizza, but I will eat broccoli pizza, so I guess that's a little grown up.

4. I feel naked if I'm not wearing earrings - I never leave home without them. Oh, and I've had my ears pierced since I was two days old; they do it in the maternity ward in Puerto Rico.

5. My parents call me Volvo because of this commercial here. Apparently I'm like the girl in the ad and I talk too much.


6. I had the best meal of my life at a restaurant in Philly and I still think and talk about it all the time. If you're ever in Philly, go to Chifa, because it is SO worth your money. The website plays music, so you might want to skip the link or mute your computer.

7. I bought a pair of zebra print rubber boots for the move to Costa Rica.

8. I pick up languages and accents quickly and pretty easily. I love languages. Love them. And I'm passionate about accent marks; they make my heart happy.

9. Neither my mom nor I like surprise Christmas presents. We go shopping together on Black Friday, get each other's gifts, and exchange them on Christmas Eve - usually in the store bag because we're fancy like that.

10. One of my favorite books ever is On Fortune's Wheel by Cynthia Voigt. It's totally a YA book that I first read when I was twelve years old (as evidenced by the fact that it says "I heart Wendell" on the inside front cover - and yes, my seventh grade "boyfriend" was named Wendell). I read it at least once a year.

Check out Modly Chic for more facts!

Thrifted and gifted

I have been so busy this week, y'all. We've got something planned for every single evening this week. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, possibly Friday, and Saturday. And I picked up a little extra translation work in addition to my usual activities.... Busy girl. I am doing well with BBCA, though.


Tuesday - All remixed
Skirt: Ann Taylor
Shirt: thrifted
Booties: Aldo
Belt: thrifted
Earrings: Target

I felt a bit like a rock star in this. I'm pretty sure it's the plaid shirt with the booties. And the fact that my skirt is a little short - at least for me.


And I promise Kiku isn't growling at me - she's got a dog biscuit between her teeth. I love the touch of pink in this shirt and the softness of it. It's probably my all time favorite thrifting find.


And I think this is the outfit where I realize booties can work even for me.



Today I was considerably less inspired.

All remixed except scarf
Dress: Ann Taylor - gift from my sister
Scarf: Morocco - gift from my mom
Pumps: Nine West
Earrings: Turkey

What I do like about this is that I mixed red and pink. Which shouldn't work, but I kinda like it. It's a little unexpected.


Kiku clearly loves it.


The other thing that I love about this outfit is that it was made up of a couple of really great gifts from two of the women I most love. Do y'all think of the people who gave you things when you're wearing those pieces? I do, and that made me happy all day.

Click a Link

I've been thinking about doing this for a while, but I recently read a post that was too good not to share, so here's my round up of what's good on the Internet:

Why I'm Not on Weardrobe, Chictopia, Lookbook, or Hypeed from Grit and Glamour - So wonderful. Really, so, so wonderful.

The Sweet Valley Diaries have had me wasting entirely too much time laughing and reliving my childhood.

This article sums up why I can't muster up the strength to watch Waiting for Superman just yet - and also why I refuse to link to the film's website right now.

This post from Sal reminded me that my mom is AMAZING! Read the comments for great advice.

Have you heard about this crazy Marie Claire thing? Apparently fat people on tv "glorify" obesity. Gah!
And another good article in response to the Marie Claire "fatty" debacle.

Anything else that's caught your attention online? Please share.

LBD

Shoes and earrings remixed
Dress: Kohl's - super old
Scarf: ? gift from my mom
Earrings: Kohl's
Shoes: Nine West

I am so on track for BBCA today. Also, I didn't feel like getting dressed this morning. It was a victory to make it out of bed, actually. I am quite an insomniac and last night I was up till past three am and then woke up around 7:30. When that happens, I reach for a dress.


This wrap dress is so old and it's been a travel staple since I purchased it because it doesn't wrinkle and works surprisingly well with cute sandals. It's one of my favorite dresses in the whole wide world because it's such an easy to wear piece, but I have to be careful so that I don't look like I'm on my way to a funeral.


My solution today was to tuck this floral scarf into the neckline. It created a pretty collar, gave me a little added modesty (there's a cami under there, but this is a modesty bonus), and brought some color up by my face so I look a little less washed out. In my world, that's a win.


And it's official: When I'm not wearing my cowboy boots, I'm wearing these grey patent pumps. I may or may not have worn them while cooking tonight, they are THAT comfortable.


P.S. I'm finally on Twitter - @MadDressGame - you know you want to....

Doubles

Another non-blogging weekend, but here's the update.

Friday:

All remixed
Jeans: Elle via Kohl's
Yellow tank: Banana Republic
White cami: Target
Cardigan: Ann Taylor
Boots: Noble Town Vintage via Etsy
Earrings: Turkey

I was really proud of this look because I managed to mix yellow with grey and to take a favorite tank from summer to fall. I love grey and yellow together - it's a little unexpected and always looks so fresh to me.


B. and I went out for Ethiopian food at Kaffa Crossing. It was delicious and also warmed our hearts because the owner started it as a development project. It's a bright spot in the neighborhood, but also supports development back in Ethiopia. And did I mention how amazing the food was? Like, really amazing. If you're ever in Philly, you should check it out. I love giving my money to companies like this. Win-win-win.


Did that feel like a Friend Friday flashback? Hmmm... I guess this is where I tell y'all that I received no compensation for that little blurb.

I have no pictures from Saturday - it was boring - y'all didn't miss anything.

Today:

All remixed except sweater
Sweater: H&M
Skirt: Ann Taylor
Belt: Target
Scarf: J Crew
Earrings: Turkey
Boots: Nine West

I am clearly obsessed with these boots and these earrings. And grey+yellow. Clearly. To be quite honest, I'm a little obsessed with this sweater as well. It's one of those pieces that I grab once I change out of my work clothes - you just haven't seen it before today.


B. and I went for a walk in the park this evening. It seems that fall is here in Philly. The weather has been amazing all weekend long and today's walk in the park was pretty and fun.


I'm really digging this look. I think it's the combination of items: the super casual, slouchy sweater with the business casual skirt; the rugged boots with the delicate scarf. It feels effortlessly put together.

Friend Friday - Product Placement

It's time for another Friend Friday post! For more Friend Friday fun (why is this phrase so conducive to alliteration?!), check out Modly Chic.

This week, we're talking about

Product Placement

And I know I haven't seen a single episode of Bones in the past two seasons without thinking about this, so here we go...

1. As we watched the Chilean Miners being rescued last week, there were many things to take note of - the amazing faith of these people, the joy of life, love and family, and - interestingly enough - product placement. As you watched the rescue efforts did you notice the products? What were your thoughts?

I was glued to the tv while this was going on, but I will admit that I did not even notice the product placement. It wasn't even until the next day that someone mentioned that they were wearing Oakley sunglasses. I guess I was too busy BAWLING as the miners were reunited with their families and marveling at Chile's President, Sebastián Piñera, and his political savvy. I mean, there's nothing that will boost your popularity as president like taking charge in a time of crisis and sticking around to hang out with the little people, as it were. Did no one else think that was a great political move?

2. Product placement is all around us today, what do you think makes it such a marketing gold mine?

For some reason, product placement makes me think of that episode of Saved by the Bell where Zack decides that he's going to use subliminal messages to get Kelly to go out with him. Not that I was ever obsessed with Saved by the Bell or anything. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that product placement is kind of like that. It can be a subtle way of getting your brand out there and it's unlikely to get you run over by zombie-like teenage girls who all want to go to a dance with you. If it's done subtly, those of us who don't pick up on details (me), don't even notice that we're being blasted by ads. And really, the more often I see something, the more I'm aware of it - and the more I think it could work for me. GAH! I am so suceptible to the hype!

Of course, there are times with product placement when I'm like, "Really, BONES? Was all that extra information about these Toyota models necessary to the plot line?!" My favorite though, was in a novela I watched years ago when the husband was like, "Oh, son, look at this! Your mom made us some delicious Tyson's nuggets! Tyson's nuggets are one of my favorite weekday meals. Why don't you thank your mom for making us these Tyson's nuggets?" It's funnier when you think about the way a Spanish speaker pronounces "nuggets"(NOOG-gets) because it doesn't sound subtle at all.

3. On your blog, either now or in the future, what is/will be your stance on highlighting specific products?

I was going to say, I haven't highlighted specific products yet. But I have. I highlight my clothes all the time, and PS, Target, I'm giving you a lot of free publicity. (Ditto, Banana Republic and Ann Taylor.)
So here's my stance: if I'm using it, I'm talking about it. Why? Because that's what I do. I do it in my real life and I do it on the blog. I've always said that when you've got something good, you've got to share. That goes for my dark chocolate M&Ms, my wardrobe, and my favorite stores.
Now, when it comes to product reviews that are solicited by companies, I haven't had to navigate those waters yet. If it's something I would use, then as long as there's proper disclosure, I don't have a problem with it. Also, I'm one of those rare people who will turn down something free if I have no use for it or just don't like it.


4. If the opportunity arose would you give a bad review of a product?

Hm. I think I would, but with a caveat. I'm a generally positive person, and I believe in honesty with a healthy dose of tact. My dad always says, "If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all." - except he always says it in Spanish.
This is kind of my philosophy with products, as well. Even if it's a bad review, I'll be sure to point out the positives as well. Sometimes what doesn't work for my body or my hair will work for someone else's, so it's important to point out the pros and cons.

Well, except for the times that I've had outright racist encounters at specific establishments, and then I'll go ahead and share that because, really? You don't need our patronage. And yes, that has happened; I had to stop shopping at 5-7-9 as an eleven year old because of it.

5. Do you view your blog as a product? Where have you or do you hope to place it?

I think I've recently started to view my blog as a product or a brand. And I suck at marketing. I mean, I don't even have a proper header. (Any takers?) I do have it on Facebook, though. Also, I guess by commenting on other blogs, I'm kind of doing a little product placement (I'm probably overthinking it now) on blogs I enjoy and support.... I don't know where I hope to place it. I think one of the things that I'd like to see as a result of my upcoming move to Costa Rica is to get more readership in Latin America. Going to a bilingual format might do that for me, but I guess that's getting into last week's topic....



So what do y'all think? Does product placement also make you think of Saved by the Bell? Do you hate it? Are you oblivious? What's your take on product reviews?

Kiku and compliments

All remixed
Dress: Ross
Scarf: H&M
Earrings: Turkey
Boots: Nine West
Puppy: Kiku

Another successful BBCA day, y'all. I worked the pink in again and I'm feeling pretty good about it.


Kiku's been getting a lot of love in the comments recently, and for good reason, because she's so adorable. My aunt calls her a robacámara, which literally means that she steals the camera, but figuratively means that she likes to be in every shot. What is that in English?


I got compliments on both my scarf and dress from coworkers today, which made me feel pretty good. Isn't it great when that happens?


Also, I had to run to get on the train today. A couple of nursing students held the doors open for me and a couple that were trying to get on the train just before it pulled away. Which is super rare and super nice. I got on the train, thanked the girls, and then one of them was like, "Oh my gosh! She's so pretty! You're so pretty!" Which was a little awkward but also really nice. I mean, I've had to tell B. "Oh my gosh, she/he is so beautiful!" sometimes when people are just exceptionally gorgeous, but I've never actually said it so that the other person can hear. Maybe I should, because it totally made my day.

Mixing causes

All remixed except sweater
Jacket: Banana Republic
Pin: ?
Sweater: H&M
Tank: Target
Skirt: New York & Co.
Pumps: Nine West
Earrings: Kohl's

I'm pretty proud of this BBCA look. These pink pumps are so fabulous for adding that touch of color. Also, I wore purple. Did anyone else do this today?


A friend of mine put it pretty well: "AG is praying that WE will get better so we don't have to say "Man, it's so crazy about those kids committing suicide" EVER again. May the Holy Spirit convict and renew us to love every single person in Jesus' name. My conscience is purple right now."


On a (much) lighter note, I won the necklace giveaway over at Twenty York Street! I'm already planning all the outfits I'll build around this necklace and also coming up with ways to defend it from my mom. Just kidding, Mamita! But you're not getting my new necklace.


Also, could I just say that I had to give a grown man at B.'s flag football game a stern talking to for getting up in Kiku's face? It included the words, "I don't think it's funny, and neither does she." Yeah...

Tucked in

All remixed except cardigan
Cardigan: J Crew - gift from my mom
Tee: Target
Skirt: Gap
Belt: came with a blazer from Kohl's
Tights: Banana Republic
Pumps: Nine West
Earrings: Guatemala - gift

It's the return of pink, y'all. I'm back to my BBCA outfits, and I'm pretty proud of myself for that.


That said, I hate pretty much every single one of today's pictures. Sometimes it plays out that way.


My mom gave me this cardigan. She pretty much took it off and said, "I was thinking of you when I bought it for myself, so take it." And you can't say no to that, so I took it. But it's a little big on me and I haven't been able to wear it before today. I ended up tucking the whole thing in which is how I usually wear tops that are too big.


Not totally sure how I felt about it as I was moving around in it, and still not sure as I'm looking at the pictures, but it's done.


What do y'all think?