It's a Holiday Season

dress: Target, coat: DKNY, booties: Guess

Black is definitely my go-to color, for any occasion. It's elegant, it's formal and it's slimming (something we ladies appreciate). Even though it's a great color to have, how many LBD can one have? That's why for the holiday party season I'm looking for fun yet classy dresses that I can still keep wearing the rest of the year. This dress was a great clearance find and although it doesn't have the body-hugging shape, it's still a nice version of LBD. The relaxed fit and the colorblock sleeves make this dress my favorite (for now) and I'm looking for more ways to style it. Do you have any ideas or suggestions?
Have a great day and thanks for stopping by! 

Color Scheme

blouse: Vince Camuto
skirt: from Belarus
shoes: Guess
coat: DKNY

For different seasons I like to stick with a single color scheme. For summer it's pastels and whites and for fall it's deep reds and yellows. Now that we are in full swing winter here, I'm all about blacks and greens. But before Thanksgiving is over this is the last outfit in fall color scheme. Thank you for stopping by and have a great day! 

Thrifty Chic {Take Two}

shirt, skirt: thrifted
necklace: Forever 21
watch: target
glasses: DKNY
shoes: borrowed from sister

I get asked a lot about my thrift store finds and how do they don't look like second hand clothes at all. 

Well, that's the idea. 

Thrift store shopping is always an adventure in itself. Will you find a great buy or walk away empty handed? And when you do find that J.Crew cashmere sweater for mere four bucks, you feel like you just won a lottery.

So why not? 

Why not mix high end designer pieces with thrift store finds? 

Why not even go head-to-toe thrifted? 

It's not for everyone but it's sure rewarding when done right (I wrote a post about this earlier). Once you score some great finds, you will be asking yourself why you haven't done this earlier. 

Stop by your local thrift shop and see what you find. 

Have a great weekend!

Linking up with Inspiration Monday and Wordless Wednesdday

The Mistakes We Make

blouse: Vince Camuto
skirt watch: Target
purse: Kate Spade
shoes: Tahari
glasses: DKNY

I'm the type of person who has played it safe all my life. I haven't made any 'big', life-altering mistakes and stayed on the 'good girl'side. But there are plenty of times when I have made a mess.

The worst mistake that I made was in 10th grade. No really. I was taking my Russian language exam (should be easy right?) but was too distracted with church activities (ready: lazy) to write an essay on a topic of my choice. I went online and downloaded a good looking (too perfect) paper about the last Tsar in Russia and submitted it. So dumb! Did I really think I wouldn't get caught? 

The thing is that I could write a stellar paper in Russian language without any problems. 

But I was lazy and ignorant, thinking I was better then anyone else, that I wouldn't get caught.

Upon receiving the paper, the grading teacher, of course, knew I copied it off internet. She was really kind to give me another chance instead of reporting me for cheating. I was so embarrassed and felt HORRIBLE. Which I should.

I went home and wrote the paper (all by myself) without telling a soul about what happened and received 98% on the exam.

I told this story to only one person and kept this moment of shame to myself. 

What's the lesson(s)?

First no matter what, do what's right.  And not just because you will get caught but because it is the right thing to do. 

Second, learn from your mistakes. I learned that mercy trumps judgement; that giving people second ( and third) chances will humble them and teach them life's greatest lessons.

God gives us second (and third, fourth... and millionth) chance to change and we still mess up. Thank goodness for His mercy.

The mistakes we make help shape us into the people we are today. 

Comfort

top: Target
jeans: Tommy Hilfiger
shoes: Aerosoles
clutch: TJMaxx
glasses: DKNY

Blogtember Challenge Friday, September 20: React to this term: comfort. 

As a fashionista, I often ignore comfort in the name of good looks. In life, I crave comfort and surround myself with things that put me at ease. 

Honestly, I can't even count how many times I have worn shoes that were killing my feet only because they looked good; or froze half to death, again, for the same reason. I think that stage was part of growing up and now that I'm getting a little older (or maybe wiser) I'm more about comfort and happiness. Even my outfits becoming more practical and I'm all about sweaters and comfy flats.

Last week hubby and I were heading out for a date night, it was a little chilly out. I wanted to wear a cozy top with jeans but he was asking me to wear something sexy. I just told him that I would like to stay as comfortable as possible and, get this, didn't even want to wear heels. Part of it maybe we are getting too familiar with each other, or just plain lazy.

Comfort is something people look for and usually find it within the walls of their home. Although, it's easy to go from being comfortable to becoming a slob, especially with someone as close to you as your spouse. 

It's a delicate balance.

Is it possible to be comfortable and look good at the same time? 

So far it has proven itself a little difficult. 

What do you think, ladies (and gents)?

Not Perfect

top: H&M
skirt: Talbots
shoes: Calvin Klein
glasses: DKNY

 This may come as shock to some of you, but I'm not perfect. (sarcasm)

There are days when I honestly don't want to get out of bed, stay in my PJs all day, , forget to change my kid's diaper and don't even bother to brush my teeth (I know, gross).

We all have those days.

Behind the pictures of outfits and perfectly polished clothes, I don't want to seem fake. 

At times I have struggles and I do fail.

I struggle to keep within my monthly budget (currently considering getting in trouble with my budget to get these bad boys), have emotional meltdowns and altogether bad days. Even my perfectly worded monthly posts about Jonathan's well being sometimes don't come out that easy, especially after a long day of cranky babe and no sleep.

 It's real life and life isn't perfect. 

Sometimes, I have a hard time with the concept of imperfection.

I get into the mode and try to show this perfect image of who I am (perfectionist) and forget to be real. Of course, I try to be as honest as possible but really, who's life is perfect?

You cannot judge someone else' life by their Insta account and Facebook updates. There is just so much more to it and when we don't see the entire picture and what's going on behind the scenes, it's easy to get discouraged. But today, in my perfectly imperfect life I'm at peace with who I am and where God has me.

Thank you Lord for this imperfect life.

Change For Better

top: The Limited
skirt: Calvin Klein
shoes: Kate Spade
clutch: DIY
glasses: DKNY

As part of Blogtember  today we are supposed to describe a distinct moment when your life took a turn. 

I have to say that the most dramatic point in my life was switching continents. One thing is to move to a country that's very similar to yours, has the same language or at least you feel comfortable in. 

Another thing is to move across the globe (with only eight suitcases for a family of four), learn a new language (start a blog in that language), get yourself accustomed to mew culture (what's Seinfeld? how do you play baseball?), change all your eating habits (gain 15 pounds while you at it) and still succeed doing all that and more. It definitely changed my life. So far, it has been a change for better and I'm grateful for it

On a totally different note...

Sometimes it's hard to be a style blogger and not to feel like everyone else has stylish and latest clothes while you do not. I mean, my budget is very limited. 

I've been trying to style my clothes in a new and exciting way, while drawing inspiration from all the great bloggers out there. I'm also doing couple DIY projects and re-organizing my closet.

Saturday I did a MAJOR closet clean out and got moved all the clothes that I don't wear or don't like anymore out. It was a monumental decision.
I'm going minimalistic.

Basically everything I haven't worn in a year has gotten tossed, and everything that I still like but can't fit into yet was put away into summer clothes box. The clothes that I love but are too big got put away into maternity box (yes, probably going to have more kids).

My sister came over to do some 'shopping' in my closet, and I'm selling the rest of it here. Maybe you would like to Shop My Closet and score some great deals?

Hope you are being inspired by all the stylish bloggers out there while re-mixing your clothes in a new  and exciting way.

Have a great day!

Unplug

dress: Lord & Taylor
shoes: Aldo
clutch: H&M

I'm about to simplify my life.

Lately it has been (very) busy.Yes, I know you hear that all the time but it's true.

 Saturday morning hubby was home and we were all sleeping in (trying to at least). When Mr. Baby woke up we took him with us to bed and he was rolling and cooing all over. But both hubby and I kept reaching for the phone and checking whatever it is we are constantly checking. Then it hit me - this is ridiculous! We can't even play with our child without checking the phone all the time. 

This has got to stop!

We live in information overload age. If you not sure of something, all you have to do is Google it and bam, here is your answer. Constantly having multiple apps, email and blogs available on the phone is making this life a lot more stressful and complicated.

Comparing your life with someone else' Instagram account is driving us crazy because we are never satisfied with ours, constantly on the run and always distracted from 'real' life. 

I decided to change that.

From now on I will only be checking Facebook, email, Instagram and my blog once a day! To keep my sanity in tact, make sure I spend enough time with my family and focus on the important things in life (like having everyday devotionals), I  am going to set a time once a day where I check all the media outlets and pay all the online bills (if necessary). That way I don' have to feel  guilty about time spent online knowing that everything else taken care, that I'm not being idle wasting my time. 

I'm sure it's going to be hard at first because it's a habit and I do need to turn off all the notifications and stop constantly checking for comments on the blog. 

Enough said.

Let's make life simple again.

Have a great day!

Funk

tee, flats: Target
jacket: Gap
skirt: J.Crew
glasses: DKNY

I feel like I'm so behind with the fashion this summer. It's already August and I'm just getting to wear my summer whites. How lame is that? Pretty lame for a fashion blogger, I must say.

Well, better late than never right? Right. 

It's not that I don't have enough clothes, I just don't have the inspiration to put new combos together. I find a shirt that works and stick with it instead of trying new things.

 So you could say that I'm kind of in a closet funk and feel like I don't have very versatile pieces. That's what happens when you spend one  month's budget on two dresses that can only worn for special occasions. Don't get me wrong, I love the dresses but need more special occasions to wear them to. Date night it is.(hoping hubby is reading this;-)

Have a great weekend and thank you for reading!

New Do

top: Target
pants: Gap
shoes: Kate Spade
bag: Target
glasses: DKNY

Ever since I had baby Jonathan, my hair started showing signs of a nursing mother. It has been falling out at a crazy rate, and, frankly, I'm surprised I still have some of it. Seriously! 

Giving birth to another human being takes a toll on your body in so many ways, but I did not expect shedding to start. My hair grew to be very long and heavy, so there would be long brown packs in every corner of the house. It was even in Jonathan's diaper. Poor little guy.

I liked the ombre very much and was sad to let it go but I needed a change. 

To make sure that all the ends are evenly colored, I decided to chop them off and now feel so much better. A gorgeous day, new haircut, fresh pedicure and a stroll in a park marked it to be one of the better days.

How are you gals liking the new do?

Determined

top, necklace: Forever21
skirt: Loft
shoes: Bandolino
glasses: DKNY

I'm determined to loose the last bit of the baby weight. 

Seriously, it's time.

I wanted to be back in my pre-baby shape by the time Jonathan turns 6 months old and with only three more weeks I have ten(!) pounds to loose. Mostly, you mamas would know, it's the belly that's driving me nuts.

I've picked up running and finally decided to get on a diet. I didn't want to risk loosing my milk supply any earlier, that's why I had to eat moderate amounts of everything.

Now it's time to buckle up and and get cracking. Well, more like get dieting.

I'm cutting out all carbs (gasp! no more French toast oh my!) and dairy (has anyone seen sour cream?) for one week. We shall see what it does to me, my energy levels and my milk supply. Then I will decide if I want to keep going or find another method.
So far I felt just fine, except I need to drink plenty of water which I sometimes forget, then, of course, get a headache.

My game plan is to loose it all by the time I return to work at the end of August. 

Who's with me? 

What are your tricks to loosing the pesky baby weight? 

Do share, ladies!

Guilty as Charged

dress: JCPenny (similar skirt)
shoes: Kate Spade (similar)
clutch: TJMaxx (similar)
glasses: DKNY

Well, well, well. Look who's go another new dress.

Guilty as charged.

How can you pass up such a pretty flower print on sale  for only $9.97? Obviously, I couldn't. 

I'm usually not the one to find anything good in JCPenny but hubby and I were browsing their new selection of home goods and let me tell you, it's simply amazing. From the cute and comfy bedding to modern light fixtures, I about bought half of it. 

And of course, they put the sales racks right across from all the new stuff. 

I went off the straight and narrow to try a couple of their dresses and so glad I did.

It's a perfect dress for a Saturday family day together.

Thank you for stopping by.

It's a Heart Issue

top: Joe Fresh (sold out)
skirt: NY&Co (similar)
shoes: ALDO 
clutch: old

As a Christian woman, mother and a wife right kind of clothing is very important to me. How others see me, how I portray Christianity and how I feel about what I wear, are all parts of one issue - modesty. 

Growing up, I was forced by my parents to dress conservative and mom would never buy us anything she thought we should not wear (i.e. mini skirts, halter tops).

Then I went all the way off balance and wore only skirts and dresses for couple of years, thinking that I will win 'points' from God by doing so. (That's a blog post in itself)

When I got married, I rebelled a little, because my parents couldn't tell me what to wear. Not that I looked sleazy or anything, but some cuts were lower and hems were higher. I definitely wanted to show some skin.

Now I'm finally starting to find the delicate balance, while being comfortable with who I am as a woman and a Christian.

You see, I grew up with this preconceived ultra conservative notion that Christian people put a bag over their heads and read Bible all day long. Although, no one around ever did that, it was still wrong to put on make up, color your hair or wear jewelry (not even wedding band). 

Having a heart for God and looking good was impossible, because apparently all Godly people were ugly. Wrong.

There are many accounts in the Bible of women dressed in beautiful clothing, Godly men exchanging gold jewelry and God describing His Bride as a beautiful lady. Also, check out the book Songs of Solomon - that woman is smoking hot. Somehow they've missed that.

The most important thing in any Christian person's life is his/her heart. God doesn't care if we do something out of duty or because we were told we are supposed to. 

He wants us do it from the heart or rather not do it at all.

If I'm putting on a maxi skirt and a long sleeve turtle neck and hating it, God knows what's going on inside and really doesn't care for the outfit. But that does not mean I can put on a mini skirt and a halter top and claim that I'm a spiritual person either. 

There has to be a balance to life. Balance between looking groomed and attractive, and becoming vain and abscessed with labels and latest trend. 

Balance is hard to come by because that is a heart issue.

P.S. Happy birthday to my wonderful hubby! Love you! Muah.

Linking up with Molly for Monday Fun Day