Cold Weather Buys and Lusts

Since it's almost Christmas time (and my birthday!), I thought I'd share some of my faves lately and a few items that I am super lusting over. I recently purchased these Skinny Jeans, which are an everyday steal from Old Navy! They are totally worth every penny, they don't feel thin and skimpy and hold their shape extremely well. I pair them with these Simply Vera Boots from Kohls, I actually got these last season on clearance. They are a little taller than the average ankle bootie, which I love! I'm actually wearing the jeans cuffed with those boots and this Cashmere {Like} Tunic Sweater, which is BEYOND soft, right now.  The sweater is really way longer than the picture shows and the small almost covers my bootie all the way.

I have to get on the basic white girl bandwagon and say I am lusting over  a Herring Bone Vest of some kind. I have even seen them at Wal-Mart, but without the black piping which is a detail I love. I also really, really want a  Faux Fur Vest, but maybe one slightly bushier than this? Or furrier? Speaking of choosing, which boot do you guys like better the taller Arctic Duck Boot- Chocolate or Duck Boot- Buff which is closer to ankle height? I am leaning towards the taller, chocolate colored ones. I think come this snow season I will be glad to have them when I am moving between schools and hoofing it to my car.

What are some things you are loving right now? 

Celebrating the 4th in Style {{Fashion}}

This year, Gabriel and I are going to a Royals game for the 4th of July, so you know I will be repping Royal Blue all the way! No matter what your plans are, here are some items that would  be amazing to rock. Even better, everything on here is super reasonably priced. The jumpsuit is the most expensive piece and is still less than $40! 

Americana Lips Tank//Embroidered and Lace Tank//Americana Jean Short//Flounce Halter Bikini

Reversible String Bikini//Starry Night Tank

Lattice Back Linen Dress//Tie Waist Jumpsuit//Fringe Tank//Patriotic Burn Out Tank

Starry Night Tank//Stars and Stripes Push Up Bikini

Bonus: 

DIY Bug Repelling Candle Holders via PopSugar 

What are your plans for this weekend? Share!

Affordable Spring Fashion {{Kohl's}}

I generally shop at only a few stores, with Kohl's being one of them. I will try just about any store, but Kohl's is a go-to store for me because 1) they are always having a sale 2) they always have coupons and 3) you can stack the sales and coupons. I used to only buy basics from there, but since they have really upped their game since partnering with Vera Wang, Lauren Conrad, Rock & Republic, and a few other designers. Now, I shop there for more than just the basics.

For me, I like things that can go from day to night easily and can work for me anywhere. I tend to change my hair, makeup and accessories/shoes to make an outfit look less work and more play. So, I tend to purchase items that are as versatile as possible.

one // two // three // four

five // six // seven // eight

nine // ten // eleven // twelve

thirteen // fourteen // fifteen // sixteen

What are some of the Spring trends you love?

Etsy Shops I love

It's no secret that I love to shop online. When I was planning my wedding, I ordered tons of stuff off of etsy! I love the fact that they are small business owners who make unique items. Here are some of the etsy shops I love to browse.

This Fine Day is a store were all items are handmade from salvaged wood and is located  in the Pacific Northwest. The items are sooo different and extremely reasonably priced. Right now, I am eyeballing a custom state sign... I just think that Kansas would look boring :)

Printable Motivation offers extremely reasonably priced instant digital downloads, ranging from invitations to wall art. The owner is located in California and will customize anything to your hearts desire. I think this love printable would look amaze in a cool frame as part of my bedroom gallery wall I am putting together. 

The Vinyl Company  has all sorts of vinyl signs that can be used around your home. From monograms to cute sayings, you can find it all in this store. I have convinced G that we need a classy looking No Soliciting sign for our door. It's not that we hate people, it's just we hate people who come knocking on our door ALL THE TIME to sell stuff. My fave? The man offering home improvements you said," I can tell you just updated your vinyl siding and windows... and maybe your roof, but just in case here's our info." Really?! If you can tell, why come knock on my door and rile the boxers? Next time, I'm letting them out to get you. 

Carrie Elle carries meal planners and organizers that I dream about. They are a little pricey for my taste at about $25, but I am also super cheap. I like that the meal planners have perforated pages, so that you can tear out grocery lists. There are monthly and weekly pages, to make tracking your meals easy in case you know there are days/weeks you are going to be super busy you can plan that out. Or, if you are a crockpot meal prep queen, you can plan to space those meals out through the month. 

Bridal Bliss Couture is where I got the Mrs. tank that I wore on my wedding day. I loved that you can personalize their items so many different ways. I got a mint colored tank with a gray bow, so that I could incorporate my wedding colors. This store offers an array of items for your wedding party. I also ordered items from here when planning a friends bachelorette party. 

What are some of your favorite etsy shops?

Current Lusts {{Home Decor Style}}

While I realize the holidays just got over and I got more than what I ever could have dreamed of, I am still like Veruca Salt from Charlie and Chocolate Factory. I want all the things and I want them now! Only difference is, I know it will be a hot second before I get any of these things and I live on a budget. So, what is it that I am lusting after you ask? This go round, it is all home stuff. I have started to get ideas of what I would like our house to look like. We have been here a year, have done all the major remodel to the outside that needed to be done. Now, I would love to be able to focus on decorating and finishing some of the rooms.

Sonoma Console Table  I think that this would make a great entryway table for us. I like to keep candles and other items like that stored in the living room, so those baskets would be great for that! I also love the under shelf, with thoughts to put our wedding album and Royals Post Season album down there.

Starburst Mirror Set  I love the idea of mixing these into a gallery wall in our living room, in theory directly above the entry table mentioned.

Green San Miguel Vase  and Purple San Miguel Vase for the living room as well. We have a pretty dark pallet in our living room, which these could help brighten up. We also have the bookcases bracketing our fireplace that need filled.

LOVE Marquee Sign I really, really want one of these for our bedroom, but have no idea where to put it. The bedroom is the last room that we plan to decorate since we have been updating so much around the house and want to decorate the communal rooms first.

Shelf with Scroll Brackets  This would be to use above the kitchen sink. I enjoy having lotion and my ring holder next to the sink, but don't like having stuff cluttering our counters, since we don't have a ton of counter space as it is.

Where do you usually find good home decor? I generally stick to Kohls, Target and maybe TJ Maxx/Home Goods.

How to Style 1 Skirt 3 Ways

When I got contacted by eShakti to do a review of one of their items, I knew that I wanted to pick a skirt. For me, a skirt makes sense. I can wear it one hundred different ways and style it to fit my mood, which is exactly what I did. 

eShakti works based on the belief that all women have the right to wear affordable fashion that is made for them and makes them look their absolute best. For me, that is something I want in all my clothes, so I knew this would be a match made in heaven. Super simple, super easy concept--- clothing that is made based on your measurements so that you look your best, all at an affordable cost. 

Cotton Poplin Pleated Skirt 

This skirt is perfect for wearing every day. It has pockets, sewn into the seams and is the perfect knee length so you can wear it to work or play. I gave them my true waist size and was able to choose what length I wanted the skirt. I wanted to show you guys 3 different ways that I styled this skirt, so that you can see how truly versatile it is. My favorite look? The Kansas City Royals t-shirt. That outfit is an amazing blend of my style mixed with work appropriate. 

I love how you can take one skirt, add more formal booties, tights, and a button down and it becomes work formal. Take the same skirt, add your super trendy (mine is from Target) chambray top, some bling, and more causal boots and you can wear the same skirt for work or to a girls night. For me, what makes this winner, winner chicken dinner is that I can wear my sports shirt, a statement necklace, and casual shoes to take this from casual Friday (we do sports themed) to happy hour. 

The best part? You can use code "tracieeveryday" to get 10% OFF when you shop at eShakti through 12/10/14. You all need to at least try out a custom piece of clothing. It's not the same as when you buy something and take it to get altered. The possibilities are endless with eShakti, you can take a dress shorten it, add cap sleeves, and change the neckline to suit you. Where else can you do that? Not at the tailor. 

Please note:

Code has to be entered in the ‘promotional code’ box.   It is not case-sensitive.  

Code can be used any number of times until the validity period. 

It can be clubbed with any other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order unless explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions.

This discount code is not applicable on clearance / sale, gift cards & overstock categories.

Not applicable on previous purchases.

Have you ever ordered custom clothing? Was it worth it?

Currently Lusting After...

I love shopping at places that others don't usually think of as a place to buy clothes, especially for "trendy" items. It usually means that none of my other friends will have the same thing as me AND I get it at a really good deal. Today, I'm giving you some of the items that I have seen in store/online at one of my favorite places to buy trendy items. Honestly, for items that I know aren't going to be forever pieces, I have no problem shopping at a store like Forever 21. I know what I'm getting when I buy it.

Click on one of the links to find out which store carries all of these fabulously trendy clothes! A bonus, everything here is less than $22. 

Camo Skinny Jeans // Printed Cardigan // Lace Overlay Sweatshirt  // Pencil Skirt 

Skinny Jeans // Soft Tunic

Fur Vest // Gold Dotted Sweatshirt // Ponte Midi Skirt // Draped Jacket  

Were you shocked when you saw where all this was from? Where's one of your hidden gem places to shop?

Fall Target Lusts

Crew Neck Sweater || Flannel Shirt || French Terry Dress

Crochet Front Sweatshirt || Crew Neck Sweater || Zipped Knit Cardigan

Wedged Bootie || Lace Insert Tunic || Genuine Leather Riding Boots

Target does it again, ya'll! There are so many cute options for fall and all at a reasonable price.  When I was looking at their website, I wanted to buy ALL THE CLOTHES! I have also seen some other bloggers rocking kids size in some items, so don't be ashamed to go look there! One, it may be more fitted and two it may be CHEAPER!

What is on your Target wish list? 

Fall Lusts {{Clothes}}

Since Fall is about to be here, or at least I think it is since I don't work during the Summer and I go back to work Thursday (womp, womp), I thought I'd share some of the Fall clothes and accessories that I am lusting after right now. I think that you will be SHOCKED by where the necklaces come from. I have seen them in person and they are super cute! I have a feeling I will be picking up a few of these items before too long. 

Coach Box the Town Tote

NY & Co Soho New York Boyfriend Jeans

Mossimo Striped Maxi Skirt

Pearl and Mint Flower Necklace

Challis Romper

Silver and Black Flower Necklace

Merona French Terry Dress

The Diva Skinny Khaki

Coach Bleeker Mini Brooklyn Messenger Bag

What are some of your Fall lusts right now?

That Time I Went Dress Shopping

So, not only is my wedding this year, but I am also in a wedding this year. I don't know about you, but comapred to what David's Bridal seems to think the average woman looks like, I am Pam Anderson. Finding a bridesmaid dress is the hardest thing ever. Not only are they over priced for what they are (hello, you are polyester!), but they all fit funny. I am convinced this is a plot to get us to spend more money. You have to buy the dress, and then pay them to cut it up to make it look nice. F*** that! Ugh. Either that or I am just really short for my weight. And honest to god I don't really feel like that at all. But, it is well known in my family that I inherited Grandma Stell boobs. Oh, you’ve never heard of Grandma Stell boobs? Grandma Stell is my great granny and she had big shelf boobs. These, my friend are what I inherited. It makes trying on dresses really hard, as the cute ones are all strapless. Well, strapless doesn’t really look good on shelf boobs. Strapless on shelf boobs gives you this one large uniboob that looks like it’s gonna fall out the top any minute. Not a good look. Soo… David’s Bridal then chip clips you into a dress two sizes too big to get it to zip over your tatas and tells you don’t worry, we can take the bottom half in. So, another $200 bites the dust. Moral of the story? Always ask to the be guest book attendant instead.Oh, and see if there is a bag of chips to go with those chip clips attached to your dress.

I Totally Had a 5 Day Weekend...

... and have nothing to show for it. Not true! I did tons of shit and just didn't photograph it for evidence.

On Wednesday, I braved the grocery store in order to make the most amazeballs green beans for turkey day. I will def post the recipe for them soon! I also filled in holes on our new cabinets and bookshelves in the living room that The Mr. and Big T made over the past 2 weekends. Then, I sanded the shit outta the entire thing and taped it to be painted. The Mr. didn't trust me to paint by myself, which I don't understand since I am the greatest at home improvement projects, so I put up our silver Christmas tree with purple ornaments. I will post pics on instagram, as that f-er looks amazing in our room with a purple wall. Just saying. Then, my handsome man came home and got the wild hair to paint all that shit and I totally womped his ass with my painting skills. I am legit when it comes to painting without a roller.

This was our pinsperation:

 

Thursday, I ate. Need I say more?

Friday, I played Batman Arkham Origins and spray painted the fire place grate. At least I think it was Friday... the days all rolled together.

Saturday, The Mr. and I ran all over the Kansas City metro area. We went to the Legends to look at area rugs, we went to the opposite end of the world to go to a few home good stores to look at area rugs... all the while knowing in the abck of our minds we would end up buying the super affordable one we had seen at Home Depot down the street.

Sunday, we saw Catching Fire with our friends. I have to admit I have never read the Hunger Games books. I just hate reading books and seeing the movies. I become all judgy judgersone and hyper analyze which was better. Which totally takes the fun out of seeing the movies. Instead, I don't read and sit on my lazy butt and watch what happens. We also half assed watch the Chiefs lose to the Broncos... Man, I heart me some Chiefs, but come on-- 3 loses in a row?!

Current Shopping Obsessions

To go along with my hoarding tendencies I also internet shame shop. I troll websites and look at all of the pretty things and have to convince myself that I don't need all the chevron scarves, chandelier earrings, pretty fall leggings. I call it shame shopping because I do it by myself with no one around and always have a hint of buyers remorse if I actually do purchase anything.

I have to admit, Amazon is my number one shame shopping site, but others out there are just as good! Groopdealz is also one of my faves. You need a monogrammed tumbler? I'm sure you can find it there. It is a flash sale site that I adore. I also love the site Sassy Steals, it is the same concept of Groopdealz. There are daily flash sales that are deeeeeppppllly discounted. I totally bought my fleece lined leggings from there. And if you were ever wondering if fleece lined leggings were worth it, I can tell you they are. But remember, just because they are fleece lined does not mean leggings are pants!!! If they were pants, they would be called pants.

What are some of your favorite online shopping sites? Becuase I totally need more :)



Silicone Watches on Sale Today on Sassy Steals



Personalized Iphone case on Groopdealz



 





My Week in GIFs....

This has been a long week. Not only did The Mister and I have a crap ton of stuff to do, it was long at work as well.

Monday---

I realize Mondays are the worst day of the week intrinsically, but this one gave me the run around. I had one of my fave kiddos give me the stank eye at 8am. I knew the day was starting well. I went to meet a family for an evaluation at a hospital, they were a no show. I went to the mall to buy new jeans (fyi express has jeans bogo 50%, totally worth it they make your ass look fab) with my bff Jen. I am also currently obsessing over leapord print shirts. One day you will see me all Snooki style in a leopard shirt. By the end of the day....

Tuesday---

I almost had to shank someone at work. Do not interrupt me when I am doing my fave part of my job (i.e. providing counseling to kids) by lurking in the doorway. Also, do not interrogate me about a decision you wanted to be no part of, then misquote me via email. Do not send said email WHILE I AM STILL IN THE ROOM.  But, then my cable goes ot. Fuck my cable company, if I didn't have a contract you wouldn't be getting my hard earned cash money. Tuesday was a bad, bad day all around. I need my Biggest Loser.

I did go get my hair cut, which was a plus. Always got to look on the positive. Gigi, thank you for giving me a new fresh and clean look.

Wednesday---

Was just long, I had a last minute parent teacher conference scheduled for the evening and it took FOREVER. Like Sandlot style FOREVER. I was tired, cranky, and hangry by the time I got home. The Mister was awesome, took one look at me and said let’s eat out. He’s totally a keeper. I then proceeded to watch Biggest Loser on my computer.

Thursday---

I co-taught a class at work on crisis prevention. I am a really, really quick presenter. I am down and dirty style, where participants get the info with no wasted time on their part or effort on my part. It is a 6 hour training. I was scheduled to teach approx 2 hours. I let me co-presenters (one of whom is a control freak) know I only needed an hour fifteen for my parts. She didn't listen, we were running early and I got done waaayyy early… And we couldn't break for lunch at 10:30, so instead of starting a small section from after lunch... she wait for it... SHE FILLS THE SILENCE WITH INANE CHATTER. Who does that?! That is so not cool. Then we give everyone the longest lunch in the history of lunches and make them stay until the scheduled ending time. We are doucheholes.

On the positive, The Mister and I took photos with our wedding photog so that we have some for our wedding website. I guess they could technically be called engagement photos, which is funny because we totally didn't plan to do them. If they are as awesome as I think they will be, I really want her to do some of us with our horrible dogs.  

 

Friday---

 

My alarm didn’t go off. I have no issues with sleeping in, but shit really?! My phone was dead, so that’s why it didn’t go off. I manage to forget to put on deodorant, but hey who cares no one will smell me at work right? I did stop by the double arches for breakfast, where the attractive window worker told me I look nice. How did I know I needed that this morning? Man, McDonalds I must say I really can have it my way there. I have to also testify their egg white sandwiches are good. I mean as good as my Jimmy Dean at home, actually better though because I get the hash brown there. Sooo… Friday can either go one of two ways for me. Hopefully, nobody fucks with me today and my cable works.  

 



Make Me Pretty-- A Few of My Faves

Currently, I am loving some simple things that make my routine go more quickly in the morning. I have to be at my school buildings by 7:50 and if I want to miss the parent traffic 7:40, so I need to get out of the house pronto! I am also NOT a morning person, so anything I can do to sleep in further I'm into.

• Got2be Rockin' It Dry Shampoo this shit works miracles on the mess of hair I have. I have lots of fine, thin hair so it gets greasy by the end of the day. Since I detest blow drying my hair every morning I use this all day, err day and only wash my hair every other. It doesn't give me the white residue, smells as good as it can being a powder flying through the air, and adds body.
• Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation since I have dry skin, I look for products that are not overly greasy, don't flake on my face, and have long staying power. This shiz totally protects the pretty.  It covers well, although I still spot on concealer because I am vain and don't want dark circles to show through by the end of the day. I totes look like I have a black eye most days when I don't do this.
• Bed Head Candy Fixations Sugar Dust going back to my fine, thin hair, this is the best gift I was ever given. I sprinkle this texturizing powder along all the places I tease and it makes that shit stay for days. It doesn't feel tacky or gross and you learn quickly how much your specific hair needs.
• L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion this makes my pasty ass look almost human. I put it on after every time I shower, which gives me color. I use the light/medium version. Essentially, I look like a normal person with color.
• Blistex Rasberry Lemonade Blast makes my kisser look soft not flaky. Yes, I have a flaky kisser. Gross, I know. That's why I use this. It also tastes fab and is super cheap. What's not to love?

What are some of your faves right now? I love trying new products!

Arms as Decoration? Really?

So for Wedding Wednesday I am going to let you in on a shopping trip my Ma and I recently took. We went over to a friends home to look at all of her antiques. If you want it, she's got it. I plan to take some shit off her bathroom counter to use a centerpieces. Budget friendly wedding decs! While I didn't take photos of her house, I did take some pretty glorious photos of shopping at some antique stores.

 I'm thinking of using her as my photo double. No arm fat and no sweat stains all night! Her makeup will also last all night, while mine while sweat off in 5 minutes. Perfect body double.

 I love rummaging around stores, but some of them were stanky! the stuff smelled as if someone's granny had died while wearing some of the clothes. Not a good smell.

 There were lots of knick knacks to sort through. We found some pretty napkins and doilies to use under the table centerpieces.

 This had to be one of my favorite things. I look over and there is a f-ing arm poked out. Not a normal arm, but a creepy arm that is just hanging there, poking out like it wants to touch you. Who does that?!

I wanted to put this up on the street were the smokers will have to stand. I smoke for taste. I mean why else would you smoke?

If anyone knows of any good thrift or antiques stores in the Kansas City area let me know! Help a girl out!

High Five For Friday!

 

link up courtesy of Darla at The Good Life Blog

I am f-ing pumped for this weekend! Wanna know why?

1. Today I am shopping for engagement photo clothes with my Ma. Wish us luck.

2. One of my besties, Kala, is taking our engagement photos tomorrow (Saturday). Feel free to submit links to the most awkward engagement photos you've ever seen below. Here is an example:

Hope she has her mace with her....
photo via Huffington Post

3. I bought Straw-ber-ritas and a box of wine last night. I call this winning.  Click here for proof  Tracie1213 #cardboardeaux

4. My Pops is going to fix the hose leak in my car on Sunday. BAM! Gotta make that baby last a few more years. I totally took the car to Advance Auto on my own and had them run the code reader. And by did this on my own, I actually mean my Ma told me what to do, so I did :) 

5. The Mister starts his week long staycation with me as of 4:30 today. I started my staycation at the end of May. I hearts having a job in the school system. 

What are your fun plans for this weekend?