New Years Eve Mom Style

Why not end 2013 on a fashionable note, while ringing in 2014 looking amazing.  

What I'm rocking: 

Cobalt sweater(style and co, macys) $20 jeggings( target, can't remember the price since I have had them for 2 years) 

Peep toe pumps because who doesn't love a peep toe!  

Vieve collection skull and British clutch

Black and white diamond key necklace.  I believe from Fred Meyer jewelers

And last but not least about a bajillion bangles. 

It has definitely been a few years since I have gone out to celebrate, but staying in shouldn't stop you from dressing up!  Plus you get to enjoy some alone time with that special someone once the kids are asleep, if they are young enough for an early bedtime of course.   

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner and once little man is asleep we're about to pop the champagne and settle in for a nice relaxing evening.   Wishing you all a very happy New Year.  Let's make this year the best year ever!  

Diy card cubby for lack of a better term

As some of you saw I had asked for a card cubby for Christmas.  While I received plenty of amazing gifts I did not get the card cubby.  So after some thought I realized it couldn't be that difficult to diy one for myself.  So I ran off to Pinterest to look for a diy card cubby.   

I managed to find one but didn't really go with the pattern. 

So first things first was to make the pockets.  I had envelopes on hand and used one of my cards to measure the size.  

I cut 26 pockets so I used 13 envelopes.  

Make sure you seal the envelopes before you cut them.  Otherwise you won't have an even pocket. 

Next up is taping the pockets(envelopes) together.  The tutorial I saw suggested double sided tape and I must say I concur.  I did not have double sided tape and so this part was much more difficult than it needed to be. 

Place tape along the top and the bottom making sure to get close to the edge and start sticking the pockets together.  Please remember to have the openings all facing the same direction.  

Once the pockets were secure into an accordian shape it was time to start on the outer shell.  I used card stock.  If exact measurements are needed I can measure and add them later.  Just leave me a comment.  

I rolled out some duct tape, I had the mustache design left over from my sons birthday party.   I left room on the side, when putting the paper down, so I could crate a clean edge.  

I made sure to cut slits in like with the card stock.  I then folded the long end and pushed it down.  Once that was down I folded the side over. 

It's difficult for me to explain so I wipe the pictures are easier to understand.  Do both sides the same and use one long strip for the middle.

I didn't like the look of the pockets so I decided to make sides out of card stock which I covered with duct tape and folded. 

Once both were secure it was time to attach the pockets.  

I taped everything. 

Once I got the entire thing done it was time to put the cards in the pickets.  

So there you have it, my very own duct tape card cubby. Any questions please don't hesitate to ask. 

Christmas gift bag reviews!!

First up I got this in my stocking.  It is a British flag with skull clutch.  I found it while browsing clutches on etsy.  I was a bit hesitant since it was a new(there weren't many sales) shop but I loved the design.  It reminds me of an Alexander McQueen clutch.  Although I haven't seen those in person so I am not sure of the similarities.  

The shop description said that the owner makes these, and I must say that so far I am impressed. When it comes to handmade items I understand they will not be perfect like things that are machine made, but I am perfectly ok with that.  

It appears to be made with pattent leather.  So the photos do not always do this justice. 

The gold hints at more of a rose gold than a true gold.  I love everything about this clutch.  I have not used it yet but plan on using it to my hubby's new year party.  

I must admit I was thoroughly impressed with how large it is on the inside.  I figured I could fit four of my iPhone 4's.  So I would definitely be able to fit my phone, keys, Chapstick, and small wallet of I had one that was a small wallet(I tend to carry long wallets).   It appears to be the perfect sized clutch.  

It's from Vieve collections and you can find this and a few other clutches.  Even the shipping time was fast.  I feel the need to state that NO I was not paid or perked to say any of this.  This clutch was a Christmas gift from my hubby but I had been eyeing this hard shell clutch for awhile.  There is even a gold one I am considering purchasing in the future. 

On to Louis the first 

I have officially been bit by the Louis bug.  My hubby spoiled me this year and splurged on the neverfull gm in damier ebene.  I adore this bag.  The size is perfect and fits everything I need.  

   I also received an organizer for it, I will do a review about that later.  I have a few bags/things I plan on making to help organize my bag better.  

I am fairly certain this is the largest bag I have owned and am completely satisfied I went for the gm over the mm.  Since i am going to have it double as a diaper bag I need all the space I can get.  The only one zippered pocket does not bother me since I rarely use pockets that are in my bags.  

So large my son fits! 

Some may ask why I went for the damier ebene over the monogram for my first Louis Vuitton bag, and as a personal opinion I find the damier to be a much more classic look.  The monogram I have never been fond of unless it included cherry blossoms or some(not all) of the other seasonal exclusives.   

I was able to take louis the first out in public today, although I am a tad nervous about my sons sippy cup.  That is on the list of projects.  Diy inexpensive solutions so I can save for my next bag. 

Overall I would definitely say a successful Christmas. 

Ahhhh!!! It's here!!!!

After lots of debate and issues placing the order, and waiting what seemed like forever for shipping my Christmas present arrived.  I really was like a kid on Christmas morning complete with jumping up and down and squealing.  I did take the time to grab my phone to take pictures of the unveiling.  

I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened the box, as this was my first Louis Vuitton purchase, but I was pleasantly surprised with the beautiful box and ribbon.  The ridiculously huge dust bag on the other hand is a bit much.  I honestly think it could double as a pillow case.  

The final unveiling!  The Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM.  I will do a review on the bag after Christmas, since I had to wrap it back up and put it under the tree.  

Here is another view of the bag.  I'm hoping to get an organizer and base shaper for Christmas to help with the ginormousness of the bag.  The photo below is right after I pulled it out of the box, so it hadn't loosened up.

For now it resides under my tree.  I'm debating wrapping it in another box so I wont be tempted to open it.  We shall see tomorrow what I decide.

Wish list Wednesday

The holidays are here again.  Which of course means my annual Christmas list.  Even as an adult I still make a list, this reduces the amount of unwanted gifts.  Which is also extremely useful since I am trying to reduce clutter in my life.  

The top of my list this year is the Louis Vuitton neverfull gm damier ebene.  

 I have a slight handbag obsession, and my hubby chooses to assist me by adding bags to my collection once a year.    I have never picked out a bag so expensive, but i love classic bags.  I debated long and hard between the MM and the GM.  I fully believe the MM would be good if I didn't want to have the bag double as a diaper bag/travel bag.  So the GM made the list. 

You can't ask for a new handbag without putting an organizer/shaper on your list. 

 

I found this one for $25.   

Next up on my list is this card cubby from cardcubby.com.  I stumbled upon this $20 awesomeness while reading some blogs.  It seems like the perfect solution to my mass collection of gift cards. 

There are tons of colors and it was hard to decide but this tropical teal color is gorgeous. 

This year has been the year for bags because up next is this awesome smiling face bag. 

It comes in three sizes but I want the medium size.  Which is $89.  I like this one and the all blue bag. 

I have been wanting a structured clutch for awhile.  I found this British inspired skull clutch. 

This reminds me of an Alexander McQueen clutch.  

With all of the bags on my list it's probably a good idea to throw a wallet on the list.  

I love the black wallet and for $45 that's not bad for such a classic wallet.  For some reason I have only a few wallets and when I find one I love I tend to use it until the wallet slots hate me and don't hold my cards anymore. 

Next on my list are phone covers. 

I am loving these Chanel nail polish phone covers.  

I have been dreaming of bangles and the red and orange enamel bangles are right up my alley. 

These run around $38 a piece. 

These bracelets are amazing.  At $6 you can't pass up this great stocking stuffer.  

I especially love the Tiffany blue and infinity bracelet. 

This giraffe bangle is unique. 

I would also love a full length mirror and bracelet holder.  

I can't wait for Christmas.  I have almost finished my shopping.  What's on your list? 

Quick gift idea

While attempting to figure out which size Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag I wanted for Christmas I was looking at youtube videos to attempt to choose the right size.  While doing this I happened to stumble upon a "30 min" hand knit scarf tutorial.   It took me another ten hours before I actually decided to watch the tutorial, and I figured while I was at it why not just follow the video and make myself an infinity scarf.  As a knitter I have a ridiculous stock pile of yarn, and had received some grey yarn that I planned on using for an infinity scarf.  So I pulled it out and got to work watching the video.  For people who are not knitters it is very easy to find a tutorial that is easy to follow.  The one I was following was very slow for me, but this is only because I have been knitting for almost two years and it is the exact same thing just using your hands.

Here is the finished product.  This was taken at around three in the morning, so I was just trying to take a quick photo.   The following day after hearing feedback from a friend for thinking it wasn't long enough I realized the first photo did not do it justice.  So below I have it layered for a longer look.

The scarf took me about an hour to finish, and I actually made another one during the Seahawks game on Sunday.  That one I didn't time, but I'm fairly certain it took a bit longer than a half hour.  I have seen many people fall in love with this scarf, I being one of them.  The ease and inexpensiveness of this project makes for an awesome Christmas present for a friend or family member.  I used a ball of yarn and the sizing was perfect.  Maybe I will make a tutorial video later. 
For those who are knitters here is my pattern.

Hand knit infinity scarf
CO 15 stitches( I doubled my yarn) Make sure you don't make them too tight they need to be able to move on your arm.
K 30 rows(the video I watched said 20 but I like longer scarves.)
BO
sew ends together if you want it to be an infinity scarf, otherwise sew the ends to finish the scarf.

If you have any questions please leave a comment, I will do my best to help.  Oh and if you look up 30 minute infinity scarf you should be able to find a youtube tutorial. 

Back to basics

Have you ever walked down the street and witnessed something so terrible that you couldn't believe your eyes?  I know I have on countless occasions wondered what these people had going through their minds when they dressed themselves, but than I ask myself Self, what if these people did not have any fashionable upbringing?  What if they never picked up vogue(gasp the horror)? What if they never bothered to care what they put on their bodies?  Once I started questioning myself I realized there is a good chance that these people need my help.  So in this installment of fashion 101 I will discuss basics, and no I did not leave out the from the sentence. 

Basics: key pieces that are necessary to complete a wardrobe.  They provide basic pieces that once adding some trendy pieces complete your outfit. 

Why do we need basics? 

Basics not only assist you in looking put together, but they also prevent you from wearing only trend pieces, and either looking out of style or spending a ridiculous amount of money. 

What are basics?

Please take my list and adjust it to what you need.   This is also only going to be clothing. I will do a separate shoe post. 

- suit: I suggest a grey or navy blue, but black works as well.

- pencil skirt:

- slacks: it's very important to have black, grey and tan.  Navy blue would be good as well. 

- jacket/blazer: helps complete professional outfit.

- excellent dark denim with a great fit. 

-T-shirt: the solid tees you can get at gap.  No I don't mean the kinds you get for free at races. 

- Lbd: no it doesn't have to be black.  Just make sure to have an amazing figure flattering dress in your closet.  You never know when you will need to dress up.  

- Gold and silver jewelry: I'll go into more detail on this in another post.

- Pea coat:  I am adamant on pea coats.  They add a classic look that males you look put together.  

Why is it important to invest in basics? 

Invest in yourself and get good quality pieces that will last for decades.

I must cut this short, but this is just the start of fashionizing the world. 

Styles of the week?

I got a little busy so here are my outfits for the week.  

It's beginning to look a lot like fall!  Cooler weather which means bring out the sweaters!! 

Always representing my team! Seahawk Sunday outfit! 

I adore this outfit but I didn't venture away from wearing black.  In my efforts to wear more color it is definitely a work on progress. 

I managed to find a teal cardigan to pair with my Phillip Lim for target top that makes me love this outfit even more.  The picture really doesn't do it justice. 

 And we are caught up.  Today I'm wearing one of my MOM STYLE nursing tops with a black cardigan and rocking my fave toms. 

Style of the day

I'm wearing: Michael kors top, skinnies, ugg loafers, and Dooney and Bourke hobo.