Black X2

top: LOFT, leggings: Gap (similar), scarf: Amazon, clutch: DIY (similar),  
pumps: Jessica Simpson

Have you seen this clutch over all over the fashion blogs? Well, it's been around for a while and its popularity doesn't seem to be slowing down. Of course, pony hair and the brand name are tempting but the price tag is not easy to swallow. I've been dreaming about it for a while and decided to make my own. I've taken an old clutch and wrapped it in calf hair-like material in under $10. It was super easy and looks great, don't you think? A tutorial is coming soon but in the mean time here are some other options on a budget (or not).

Thank you for stopping by!

xo, Anna

Link Up: All About You, The Muddled Manuscript, Mummy Chronicles, Style Sessions

Geek Chic

button up: GAP, striped top: Old Navy, jeans: Nordstrom, boots: Old Navy (similar here, here), bag: Kate Spade, glasses: c/o Firmoo, watch: Kate Spade

Welcome to another week closet to spring! Rain boots and layers are on the horizon and I couldn't be happier about it. I'm looking for a pair of pastel colored (example one, two, three) rain boots and can't decide which ones to get. First to be considered is quality and than calf width and glossiness. So which rain boots will you be sporting this spring?
I'm wearing a pair of Firmoo glasses (non prescription) which I really like. They have a cute style and look very nice in person. Whoever, I've received a comment from someone who does wear glasses that they are not very sturdy for long time wear. I think they would be good for someone who needs them for reading or an occasion, whoever they will not hold up long time wear.

Thanks for stopping by!

xo, Anna

Shop Rain Boots

The Issue of Leggings

cardi: Target
top: LOFT
leggings: Gap
bag: Kate Spade
heels: Zara (similar)

watch: Fossil

In these pictures I'm wearing leggings. GASP! After this post by a Christian blogger who made a personal vow not to ever wear leggings, entire web has exploded with controversy over the issue. There all kinds of responses to the post and even Good Morning America interview. I mean, seriously? A little too much I think. 

Well, after thinking much about it and examining my own views, I decided to share. This post seemed to have been centered around an item of clothing, not the issue of modesty. She shared that her husband's eye were drawn to women's bottoms more when they were wearing leggings. So to honor God and her husband she set off to never wear leggings to not be a temptation. Good cause right? Right. 

If my husband would tell me that his eyes are drawn to a woman's bottom when she wears a tight fitting dress, I will not stop wearing dresses. The same thing for jeans, pants and skirts. You can find really immodest and risqué item of clothing in any department. Granted, when some women wear tights-like leggings which show every detail of their undergarments, it's very inappropriate. And I'm totally against that but I'm not going to say I'm against leggings, or skinny jeans or what not. Some skinny jeans are even more seductive than some leggings. 

The conversation should not be about an item of clothing but immodest apparel in general and that's a wide range of clothing. Also it depends on individual's definition of modesty and their personal relationship with Christ. In the end, if you are convicted as a Christian not to wear something, then don't. Just don't make it seem like people who do wear those items aren't modest. I wear leggings but they are very thick and I always wear longer sweaters or cardigans with them. 

Modesty is a matter of personal relationship with Christ. This article received this much controversy because a lot of people don't see leggings immodest or just don't have modesty standards. That's why we should be talking about a heart issue in our society and not a legging issue. She doesn't have to wear leggings to be seductive. A tight fitting silk dress with high heels will draw more attention than leggings in most cases. Let's be real here. Modesty is only important to us and God when we're doing it from the heart and not just following rules because we have to.

What do you ladies think? I would love to hear your opinion on this.

xo, Anna

Monochromatic

dress: Talbots (similar) also love  this one
booties: Liz Clairborne (similar)
belt: Gap
clutch: DIY (similar)
watch: Fossil

I love simple black dresses because a) they are easy to style b) they go with everything. I love this wool stretchy version because after five years in  my closet I still wear it multiple times every winter. It's soft, warm and feels like you are wearing a cozy blanket while looking polished. I wore this outfit to church and decided to play around with my hair. This new rope braid seems easy at first but the secret is to keep all the hair super tight while braiding.  I loved this video tutorial but probably need to practice a bit more to make it look more polished and less messy. Today I love the messy braid look and hope you do too.

xo, Anna

Blues

dress: H&M (save, splurge)
heels: Payless (save, splurge)
bag: Ralph Lauren
vest: vintage (similar on sale!!!)
belt: GAP

The temperatures have dropped below reasonable for outfit pictures outside. So I had  to resort to inside photo shoot to make sure everyone's limbs stay in tact. The Christmas decor is put away and only the cold remains with not a ray of sunshine on most days. I want to take Jonathan out and let him experience the winter wonderland but when it's 3F outside, even the bravest mom gives up. It is supposed to 'warm up' (a.k.a. stay above 25 this week) which means opportunity for sledding and some fun. Most days we survive the cold with naps and hot tea. Stay warm my friends! 

xo, Anna

Feeling Blue

dress // blouse // tote // pumps // sunnies // watch // bracelet 

I'm a fan of remixing and wearing my clothes lots of different ways. Believe it or not, when I was planning this outfit, blue seemed the way to go. Although it looks monotone, I love the cohesive look of one piece.

It's really cold outside and I'm on the verge of abandoning outfit photos (again). I mean seriously! I get ready in the car, then jump out, pose for 2 minutes and jump back in. A huge thanks goes to my sister who is (still) willing to take my pictures.

Today is the last day to enter the $50 GIFTCARD GIVEAWAY! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you for stopping by ladies!

Fall Plaid

sweater: Banana Republic, skirt: Gap (real, steal), scarf: Joe Fresh (real, steal), bag: (real, steal),   flats: Marc Fisher (real, steal)

I know that a lot of my readers range in income and buying potential. A lot of times, I only include only ONE option for the clothes I have one, but from now on I will try to include a REAL($$$) price and STEAL($) price. So whatever it is you're looking for, you can find it on here.

Hope you are enjoying your week because mine is going extremely well! Hubby and I got to spend a day together without baby at home and I tell you people, it's such a blessing to have family close by. We weren't planning on anything but it just turned so that Jonathan spent the night at my mom's house and my sister babysit him entire day. 

We were able to get some quality time together (ya know;-), lounge in bed, sleep in and have coffee together in the morning - all without being interrupted for one minute. Then we spent the rest of the day furniture shopping and possibly getting me a birthday present. It was glorious! I cannot imagine my life without my family and so grateful that we live close to both parents. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Two to One

dress: Target (similar)
vest: Gap
bag: Dorothy Perkins (similar)
sandals: Gap (similar)
watch: Target (similar)

Every week I watch my sister's daughter. I sort of get practice for two kids already. Her and my son are six months apart and the bigger they get, the more similar their behavior is. Right now they are in 'everything is mine' stage. They don't want to share or be nice, and although they have undying love for each other, they pound on one another half the time. On those days, I don't get dressed until about 2pm and don't even try to follow any  kind of schedule. They are good kids and obey when I put my foot down but, at the same time,  there is two of them and only one of me. It gets hard sometimes but the moments they are cute and loving on each other they melt my heart. Those are the moments that prove life as a mama is worth it all.

Hope you are having a great day!