Loving the Reflection: A Plus Size Style Blog

Purple Patterns! Plus Size Daily (more like weekly) Outfit!

2011-06-01T10:11:00.000-04:00

Outfit Details:

Floral Dress - Old Navy

Navy Blue Leggings - Just My Size

Purple Bolero - Avenue

Blush Ruffle Flats - Target

Necklace - Forever 21

Last night was my first full night of work on my unit. I was with a precepting nurse (basically a "trainer") who was fantastic, and we had one crazy evening. It seemed like it was non-stop action. Thirteen hours on my feet and I felt like I needed someone to wheel me out to my car afterwards.

I was actually scheduled to work another 12-hour shift today, but there was a scheduling conflict, so I got the day off and have to come in Saturday. Blech.

I basically just "shadowed" my preceptor and didn't do a whole lot of nursing, but I did get an IV in a not-so-great vein on my first try, so that made me feel pretty good.

I am a little peeved because I ordered some scrubs online, and thought they would be here last week (in plenty of time!). Well, lo-and-behold, I got an email from the company stating that every single thing I ordered, except one pair of pants, is on backorder for 2-3 weeks. When I was ordering I made sure to only pick styles that stated that they were "in stock", so I am not happy. I had to stop at a uniform store and spend over $120 to get some scrubs to tide me over until the others arrive. The only upside is that now I have plenty of extras in case of a rip or tear or if I am having a rough laundry week.

Forgive me if I don't post for another few days. I'm still trying to adjust to this wacky schedule and I can't seem to get used to it. I'm sure by the time I'm supposed to change to night shift (in a week and a half) I'll finally be used to getting up so early.

Thanks for sticking this out with me!

FBFF: Hair Care

2011-05-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

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1.      How often do you get your hair cut?
I usually try to get my hair cut around every 6-8 weeks. Now that it's longer, I can stretch it closer to 8 weeks before it starts looking ragged.

2.      Do you go to the same stylist each time, try someone new, go to the
cheap hair cutting chains or live it up in a salon?
I have a friend who used to be a stylist at a local salon, who now works with my husband and sis-in-law. She does my hair, my SIL's hair, and my best friend's hair, usually all at the same time. We make it a little girls night and get together at one of our houses to have our hair done and hang out.

3.      Do you color your hair? How often? What’s your natural color?
I have colored my hair since I was about 14. My hair started turning a yucky dishwater blonde color, so my mom agreed to let me put highlights in it. I was blonde all the way through high school until I was about 22 (I was blonde when I met Jimmy), then went brunette for a while, and finally settled on red a few years ago. I've been a few different shades of red, but I feel most myself as a redhead. I honestly don't know what my natural hair color is anymore, but I'm going to guess a mousy/ashy brown shade since that's how my roots seem to come in.

4.      The one thing you always do to keep your hair looking great is:
Use color care shampoo and conditioner. Red hair color fades fast. It goes from looking fabulous to looking dull in no time if you don't use the right products.

5.      What hair trend do you love and wish you could rock?
A pixie cut!

Make sure to check out Katy Rose over at Modly Chic along with all the other participants in Fashion Beauty Friend Friday!

Sorry.

2011-05-22T19:43:00.000-04:00

I am still alive everyone! I'm sorry I haven't posted in over a week, but I've been incredibly busy lately.

Jimmy and I went on a weekend trip to Gatlinburg on the 13th, and I kept trying to create some posts in advance, but Blogger didn't want to cooperate. The wifi in our cabin wasn't working, so I couldn't post from Tennessee (I was not happy). We came back home home Sunday evening, and I started my new job Monday. I have been exhausted every day this week, and just want to put on pjs and veg out once I get home.

My schedule is going to be pretty crazy for the next few weeks, so I apologize in advance for any lapses in posting. I have one more week of classroom orientation (policies and learning the computer system), then I'm on the floor working with a nurse preceptor. I'll be working two weeks 7am-7pm, and then I'll go to nights (7pm-7am) for the rest of my orientation (until the second week of July). From then on out I'm on my own working 7pm-7am three days a week.

Florals - Plus Size Daily Outfit

2011-05-10T18:20:00.000-04:00

I'll be honest, I wore this dress on Easter and just haven't posted it yet because I knew it would be perfect for today.

You can kind of see my striped tank with crochet trim in this photo.

Of course, to get these photos there were lots like this:

I look like I'm trying to air myself out in this picture.

Jimmy has a tendency to keep taking photos when I'm moving, or talking, or adjusting myself (see above).

Practicing my hula. . . . ?

Outfit Details:

Floral Sundress - Old Navy (last Spring)

Peach & White Striped Crochet Trim Tank - Old Navy (last Spring)

White Cardi - Torrid

Magenta & Silver Bangles - Lane Bryant

Adorable Bird Necklace - Forever 21

Blush Ruffle Flats - Target

Check out Everybody, Everywear to see all the other fantastic florals!

Friend Friday - All About Shoes!

2011-05-06T07:27:00.000-04:00

1.What is your go-to pair of shoes?

My go-to pair of shoes lately have been my sequined floral flats from Lane Bryant. They seem to go with nearly everything (well excepting some wild patterns), and are super comfy for my wide feet.

2. What goes into your shoe buying decisions?

I have extremely wide feet, so fit is usually the top priority for me. Of course, style is a close second. I hate buying a pair of shoes that seem to fit great in the store only to wear them out, and find that they're devices of torture!

3. The majority of the shoes in your closet are what color?

I probably have more brown and black pairs of shoes than any other color (which is probably the case for most women), but I have a pretty good variety of colors in my closet. I really need to find a great pair of red flats or wedges, though.

4. When it comes to design shoes what are your favorite brands and

why?

My favorite brands to wear are Softspots and Born. They are always so comfy! Softspots run up to a WW and although Borns only come in a M width, they always seem more like a W to me. Neither brand has the most fashion forward styles, but for comfort they can't be beat.

5. If price wasn’t an issue, you’d own which shoe?

Since I'm not much of a heel girl, I would love to own a pair of Tod's leather moccasins in a fun color like orange or red.

Make sure to check out the list of other bloggers participating in Fashion Beauty Friend Friday at Katy Rose's blog Modly Chic!

"Six Take" - Polka Dots

2011-05-04T19:24:00.000-04:00

Due to the unending rain we've been having (and I'm sure many of you can understand), I've not been bothering to do my hair. I've just been pinning it up, because if I leave it down it will just turn into a wavy, frizzy mess. So pardon my crazy frizz-bangs (Doesn't that sound like something Willy Wonka would create?) in these photos.

Outfit Details:

Jeans - Avenue

Polka Dot Top - Old Navy

Green Swing Jacket - Old Navy

Black Flats - Payless

Necklace - Avenue

Make sure to check out the other ladies participating in the "Six Take" challenge!

Anna from Bargain Fatshionista

Nicola from 2 Many Cupcakes

Eryn from Bearly on Earth

Meg from Bargainista on a Hunt

and last, but not least, Danielle of Danimezza.

Military Sparkle - Plus Size Daily Outfit

2011-04-27T15:17:00.000-04:00

This past weekend Jimmy and I went to Ikea to look for a new clothing rack to replace my broken one. Luckily, we found something even better! They had one of their huge wardrobes (usually like $200+) on sale for $50! So we spent the rest of the evening putting the monster together.

Yes, I actually helped!

Here's what I wore to get a new wardrobe:

Outfit Details:

Jeans - Lane Bryant

Pink Long Sleeved Tee - Old Navy

Sequined Tank - Lane Bryant

Army Jacket - Lane Bryant

Floral Sequined Flats - Lane Bryant

Military Style Messenger Bag - Lane Bryant

Earrings - Forever 21

Bracelet - Lane Bryant

And this is what I looked like after we put the wardrobe together:

Yeah. Not so pretty.

"Six Take" - Skirt Edition

2011-04-25T08:30:00.003-04:00

Outfit Details:

Denim Skirt - Lane Bryant

White 3/4 Sleeved Tee - Avenue

Striped Vest - Torrid

Sparkly Sneakers - Converse via 6pm

Necklace - I don't remember!

Beaded Wrap Bracelet - I have had this thing since I was about 14

I realized while looking through my wardrobe, that I don't really have a lot of skirts. I have quite a few dresses, pants, & jeans, but only a handful of skirts. I always have a problem figuring out how to pair tops and skirts without looking dowdy. I guess it's a matter of proportion, and the fact that I don't feel comfortable with shirts tucked in very often because of my belly. Leaving tops untucked can make me look boxy and, well, frumpy. I don't usually have that problem with this denim skirt though. It's kind of a pencil shape, and it's so casual that it's easy to find things to pair with it.

Make sure to check out the other ladies participating in the "Six Take" challenge!

Anna from Bargain Fatshionista

Nicola from 2 Many Cupcakes

Eryn from Bearly on Earth

Meg from Bargainista on a Hunt

and last, but not least, Danielle of Danimezza.

"Six Take" - Picnic Edition

2011-04-23T21:15:00.000-04:00

Since I've been sequestering myself inside my house trying to study and prepare myself for my state board exam (on Tues!), I have fallen way behind on posting my "Six Take" photos. I'm sorry!

This is my "picnic" look:

Outfit Details:

Lavender Print Maxi Dress - Lane Bryant

Chambray Button Up - One Stop Plus

Necklace - Forever 21

Shoes (that you can't see) - Target

Make sure to check out the other ladies participating in the "Six Take" challenge!

Anna from Bargain Fatshionista

Nicola from 2 Many Cupcakes

Eryn from Bearly on Earth

Meg from Bargainista on a Hunt

and last, but not least, Danielle of Danimezza.

Tuesday Temptations!

2011-04-19T15:30:00.000-04:00

Here are a few things I've been craving this week. . . .

#1. A Maid

As much as I wish I was, I am not the type of person who gets pleasure from cleaning. Don't get me wrong, I adore having a sparkling clean house (Well, I assume I would. I don't think it's ever "sparkled". . . ), but I don't get a surge from the actual cleaning part. It's more like a grumble and groan and whine about doing it until I finally get up off my butt and just get to it. Of course, while I'm cleaning, I'm very easily distracted and will use any excuse to stop. "Maybe the mail is here, . . . maybe the dog needs to go out, . .. . maybe I need to write that blog post. . . . "

Yeah, I'm supposed to be cleaning now. Don't judge.

#2. A New Clothing Rack

I know I just asked for a huge closet last week, but this week my real closet broke. Well, my second closet that is. I have a rolling garment rack in my office/dressing room that held many of my in-season clothes. The other day I was drying my hair in the bathroom and I heard a sudden "CRASH!!!" from the other room. I ran in and my entire garment rack was severely listing to the left, pretty much on top of my dresser. I tried to right it, and in the process it completely fell to pieces around me. Turns out, the plastic joints weren't very sturdy, and it just couldn't handle the enormous load I placed on it for one more minute.

So right now, my clothes are in a pile (still on the hangers) on the floor of my office.

#3. Cute Espadrilles

And these from Tory Burch would do perfectly!

#4. Solange Azagury-Partridge "Ballcrusher" Earrings

I think these earrings are just so freakin' cool!

#5. A Pedicure

My heels are so dry all the time. If I don't slather them in vaseline/lotion every night they get super calloused and icky. Since I haven't been the most diligent about moisturizing, I could really use a pedicure right about now.

On another note, I am so far behind on my "six take" photos. I am so sorry! I am going to work on getting them posted this week to get caught up. It's been a weird couple of weeks, and I haven't been as productive as I would have liked.

Tuesday Tempations!

2011-04-12T22:10:00.000-04:00

Here's a list of the things I've been craving this week:

#1. A Thin, Colorful Belt

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#2. Red-Orange Moccasins

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#3. A Trench Coat

#4. A Huge Closet

#5. A Job...

Oh, wait. . . I've got one!

That's right! I was offered the job I interviewed for a few weeks ago!

I start in the middle of May. : )

Friend Friday - My 5 Fashion Picks for Spring

2011-04-08T13:43:00.001-04:00

#1. Brights!

I absolutely love the bright colors that are everywhere for spring. I think everyone can pull off this trend, even if it's just with a bright accessory or two.

For Example:

#2. Pink & Orange Combos

So I guess, technically, this could fall under "Brights", but I am such a fan of this particular color combo that I feel it deserves its own category. Maybe because it's so girly, or because I love fuschia, or maybe it's because they were my wedding colors. . . .

#3. White On White

I love the clean, crisp, cool look of white on white for Spring. I myself, can't imagine wearing straight white, but I can easily see this working with a shot of color in a necklace, handbag, or shoes.
Example:

#4. 70's Chic

This is another look that I think most people can pull off. Those who are old enough to actually remember 70's fashion may not be so quick to jump on this bandwagon, but those of us who never had to live through (or aren't old enough to remember) the time of polyester leisure suits and Farrah Fawcett hair-do's, think it's pretty groovy.

How to make it work:

#5. Colored Pants

Kimberly actually posted about this the other day, but brightly colored pants are everywhere right now!
I want pair of red pants so badly, but I just can't find the right ones. The search continues!

Perfect Pants:

Kiss and Makeup - A Peek At My Beauty Stash

2011-04-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

Some of you may remember that we remodeled our guest bathroom not too long ago. Well, we picked out this cute sink without really thinking about counter space. The bathroom isn't very big, but the old sink had a large enough top that I could balance my flat iron/curling iron on it in order to do my hair. Once we put in the new sink, I realized that there was no way I could use the bathroom to do my hair.

The master bathroom, on the other hand, has a huge counter which is perfect for doing my hair and makeup. The problem is that Jimmy is always complaining about all my "crap" taking over his bathroom.

Our solution:

A vanity table!

Ok, it's actually a desk, but it works out perfectly for me. I absolutely love having a space to do my hair and makeup where I don't have to worry about Jimmy getting mad if I leave my curling iron out, or spraying stinky hairspray, or taking up time in his bathroom.

Here's my setup:

Do you see the little Trixie tail down in the corner? : )

Some of my lip products, mascaras, eye pencils, etc.

My brushes. I found these nifty glasses at a thrift store, and had to bring them home with me.

I absolutely love this pull out lighted mirror. Perfect for doing eye makeup. The little bowl on top of my curlers holds my hair clips, bobby pins, ponytail holders, etc.

Now, for a peek in the drawers. . .

The top drawer holds my day-to-day products, and some that I wear on a fairly regular basis. As you can see, I have a little bit of everything, from Covergirl to Stila to Mac and Benefit. I love trying new products!

The second drawer holds some larger palettes, eye creams, mineral makeup, and samples. I am a sample-aholic, btw.

The third drawer contains liquid foundations, and some eyeshadow shades, liners, and blushes that I haven't been using much lately.

The fourth drawer holds my hair stuff. Brushes, hairspray, dry shampoo, velcro rollers, and clips for my hot curlers.

I didn't take a photo of the bottom drawer because it just holds a big bag of silica beads (what I use to keep my brushes upright in the glasses - like at Sephora stores).

Since I'm nosy, how do you store your beauty supplies? Do you do your makeup in the bathroom? The bedroom? In the car? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!

The Return of Tuesday Temptations!

2011-04-05T09:00:00.001-04:00

I have been a total slacker lately, I freely admit it and apologize to all my wonderful readers. Now that I am out of school, and not yet working (although I did get my date to take my state boards today!), I have much more time to work on the blog.

For those of you who are new-ish readers, "Tuesday Temptations" is basically a fairy-tale wishlist of things I'm currently yearning for. There are no price limits and size is not an issue, because in my make believe world I'm wealthy and everything looks amazing on me. Makes sense, right? That's what I thought.

So let us begin!

#1. Make Up Forever "Rouge Artist" Intense No. 36

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I am absolutely loving the bright colors that are on trend for Spring, especially the pinks and oranges. This fuchsia shade looks like so much fun!

#2. Disc Necklace from girlprops.com

I saw this necklace in my People Style Watch magazine, and instantly loved it. The best part? It's only $24.99!

#3. Coach "Maleena" Nude Wedges

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How perfect are these wedges?! The nude color makes legs look longer, the platform makes the height more manageable, and they're just so pretty!

#4. MOMA's "Sky" Umbrella

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I've seen this umbrella a few times in magazines and online, but all the rain we've been having in my neck of the woods lately really made me think about how I could use a new umbrella. What better way to make a dreary day seem brighter?

#5. A "Moon" Manicure

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I love the old-fashioned look of the moon manicure (did you know that this style originated in 1925?), but with a twist - using highly contrasting colors to make a statement. I just wish I had steady enough hands to do it on my own nails!

So there you have it! My top five "wants" of the week.

What have you been lusting after? Have any of the new Spring trends caught your eye? Tell me about it in the comments!

"Six Take" - Stripes Edition!

2011-04-04T08:00:00.008-04:00

This weeks "Six Take" challenge was stripes. You all know that stripes are a mainstay in my wardrobe, so I knew this one wouldn't be a problem.

Yeah, it was super windy today. . .

Outfit Details:

Indigo Jeggings - Old Navy

Striped Anchor Tee - LucieLu (no longer available)

Chambray Blouse - One Stop Plus

Cream & Gold Striped Scarf - Fashion Bug

Big Mamma-Jamma Earrings - Forever 21

Leather Studded Wrap Bracelet - Torrid

Leopard Flats - Old Navy (no longer available online)

Messenger Bag - Lane Bryant

Make sure you check out the other awesome ladies participating in the "Six Take" challenge!

Anna from Bargain Fatshionista

Nicola from 2 Many Cupcakes

Eryn from Bearly on Earth

Meg from Bargainista on a Hunt

and last, but not least, Danielle of Danimezza.

Spring Sunshine - Plus Size Daily Outfit!

2011-04-01T12:50:00.000-04:00

These photos are actually from the weekend, when it was nice outside. Of course, Monday, I looked outside and it was actually snowing. Blech. I am done with snow!

This cardigan does fit correctly, but the material of the white blouse kept catching it and making it bunch up for some reason. *note to self: Use a different button-up for layering.

Here you can see the print on the tank underneath a little better.

Outfit Details:

Jeans - Avenue (my old faves - and they're about to go to denim heaven)

Coral & White Patterned Tank - Old Navy (last spring)

White Button-up Blouse - One Stop Plus

Coral Cardi - Old Navy (last spring - I actually ordered two of these on accident, and the first one was ripped on a car door, so this is #2)

Floral Sequined Flats - Lane Bryant (So comfy! Jimmy calls them my "grandma" shoes.)

Four-leaf Clover Necklace - Avenue

Trixie is so excited for Spring weather too!

She loves "fetch", but hates to let go of the frisbee!

Check out those ears!

I hope you are all enjoying some nice Spring weather!

"Six Take" - Sparkle & Shine edition

2011-03-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

This weeks theme is "Sparkle & Shine"!

This is a repeat outfit, btw. I really need to get better at taking my photos during the week!

Outfit Details:

Outfit Details:

Sparkle Tank: Lane Bryant

Jeans: Avenue

Striped Cardigan: Old Navy

Brown Ruffle Wedges: Fashion Bug

Bangles: Lane Bryant

Make sure you check out the other ladies participating in the "Six Take" challenge!

Anna from Bargain Fatshionista

Nicola from 2 Many Cupcakes

Eryn from Bearly on Earth

Meg from Bargainista on a Hunt

and last, but not least, Danielle of Danimezza.

Puppy 'n Plaid - Plus Size Daily Outfit!

2011-03-26T11:58:00.000-04:00

Tonight Jimmy and I went out to dinner with his sister and her family to a Vietnamese restaurant that they love. I'm not usually a big fan of Asian food, but I told them I'd give it a try. It was yummy! Much more authentic than the American-style Chinese food that I'm used to.

My nephews were cute, as always, and the youngest, Alex, was telling his mom about how he got hurt at school today. His big brother, Evan, broke in and and told their mom that an eight-year old (Evan is five) pushed his brother. My sis-in-law asks him, "Did you tell that boy not to mess with your brother?" Evan gave her a look like she was insane. "Mom, he was an eight-year old!" It cracked me up!

Here's what I wore to have dinner with my family and to play with my puppy:

Outfit Details:

Brown Slub Tee- Old Navy

Plaid Button Up - Jessica London via OneStopPlus.com

Blue Ribbon Trim Cardi - Old Navy

Jeans - Avenue

Mixed Metals Flats - Avenue (last year)

Necklace - Forever 21 (I think!)

Here are some gratuitous Trixie action shots:

Trixie-girl needs a haircut!

The sis-in-law and I are going to another photography class tomorrow, so hopefully I'll learn something useful!

Hope you are all having a fantastic weekend!

My Pinning!

2011-03-24T12:29:00.000-04:00

Here are the girls who were in my clinical group this rotation (that's my bestie Stacee on the left of me).

This is my entire graduating class. I've been through Hell and back with these people!

Shots of the nursing board that goes up every quarter with photos of all the graduates that you can sign. It's such a thrill to see my photo up there, finally!

The very beginning of the ceremony.

Stacee and I grinning like crazy!

The candle lighting. There was so much hairspray in the group we were all worried we would go up in flames!

My sis-in-law and I.

Partners in crime.

Jimmy and I.

I have a job interview Monday (keep your fingers crossed for me!), and still don't have a date to sit for my state boards, so I'm kind of in a weird limbo right now. I'm just trying to use my time to do some spring cleaning and work on my "Pay It Forward" gifts. And studying for boards, of course.

Hope you enjoyed the photos!

Spring Has Sprung! - Plus Size Daily Outfit

2011-03-23T08:30:00.001-04:00

Last Friday, my family and I went out to dinner after my pinning ceremony to celebrate my graduation. The weather was nice (except for an afternoon rainstorm), the air was fresh and cool, and I wanted to bust out my spring colors!

So here is what I wore to my graduation dinner (which was delish, btw!):

Yeah, that thread on my cardi was there in all my photos. Jimmy apparently didn't think it was a problem.

Keep in mind, this was at the end of a very long day. ; )

Outfit Details:

Pink One-Shoulder Dress - from the Voluptuous Vixen boutique in New Orleans (highly recommended!)

Floral Print Cardi - Old Navy

Sandals - Avenue (last summer)

Corsage - from ceremony

Not the most exciting outfit, I grant you, but I felt good in it! Photos from the ceremony are going to be posted later this week, so keep an eye out!

"Six Take" - The Celeb Style Edition

2011-03-21T08:00:00.002-04:00

Last week completely got away from me, and I never was able to post the "Six Take" challenge at all. So this week, I made sure to get my photos taken extra early so I wasn't scrambling at the last minute.

My celeb inspiration was Nicole Richie. Despite the fact that we have completely different body types, I do love her hippie/boho style. I think it can be flattering on many different people and figures. Here is her version of the maxi and denim jacket:

And here is my version:

Sorry this photo is a little blurry. . . : (

Outfit Details:
Lavender Print Maxi Dress - Lane Bryant (sold out online)
Denim Jacket - Avenue
Pendant Necklace - Vintage from grandma
Bangles - Lane Bryant

Be sure to check out all the other ladies "Six Take" posts!

Anna from Bargain Fatshionista

Nicola from 2 Many Cupcakes

Eryn from Bearly on Earth

Meg from Bargainista on a Hunt

and last, but not least, Danielle of Danimezza.

Graduation Day!

2011-03-18T14:22:00.001-04:00

Thank goodness we don't have to wear those uniforms anymore!

I am graduating today! I have been at school doing rehearsal and stuff this morning, and just ran home to iron my uniform (and Jimmy's clothes) for tonight and to take a little rest before heading back. The ceremony is at 7pm, so in a little more than five hours I will have my nursing degree. I'm not an official RN until I pass my state boards, but hopefully I'll get my test date soon!

I promise I'll be back to posting more regularly next week!

Stripes and Sequins - Plus Size Daily Outfit

2011-03-12T21:30:00.000-05:00

Thursday was officially my last day of school! Yippee!!!!!!!

I have my pinning ceremony (it's like a commencement for nurses) on Friday, and I am so excited. I still don't have my date to take my state boards yet, but hopefully I only have to wait a few weeks.

Today my sis-in-law and I went to a photography class at one of our local metroparks. It's for beginning photographers, and I learned some new things which will hopefully help with my outfit photos. There are three more in the series (every Saturday morning), and each one will focus on a different topic. It was nice to get to hang out with her, since we've both been so busy lately. She just finished her Master's degree, and hasn't had much free time either. (Go Mandy! I'm so proud of you!)

This is what I wore to learn how to use my camera:

Outfit Details:

Boatneck Striped Tee - Old Navy

Tweed Chain Detail Jacket - Lane Bryant (similar)

Jeans - Avenue

Floral Sequined Flats - Lane Bryant

Coral Birds Scarf - won in a giveway from Love Your Lumps

"Six Take" - The leggings edition

2011-03-07T22:40:00.000-05:00

I've lost my camera charger. I cannot find it anywhere! So therefore, I was unable to take photos of my outfit today.

I however, did put together this polyvore set to recreate what I wore today:

School Day by * Courtney * on Polyvore.com

But, I do feel like I owe you guys some real photos, so here are few from January:

Sorry! I hope to find my charger soon, so I can get back to posting real outfit photos.

Make sure you check out the other ladies participating in the "Six Take" challenge:

Anna from Bargain Fatshionista

Nicola from 2 Many Cupcakes

Eryn from Bearly on Earth

Meg from Bargainista on a Hunt

and last, but not least, Danielle of Danimezza.

Friend Friday - My Beauty Picks

2011-03-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

1. What's your favorite drug store makeup product and your favorite
higher-end product?

I use a combination of drug store makeup and higher-end products in my everyday routine. I think my favorite drug store product would probably be Maybelline Mineral Powder foundation in "Natural Ivory". I have used Bare Escentuals makeup in the past, but wasn't that impressed with the amount of coverage and the staying power for the price. I found this Maybelline version while browsing in Walgreens one day, and thought I'd give it a shot. I loved it! The coverage is great, it lasts all day, and the price is fantastic!

My favorite "higher-end" product is a little more difficult to choose. I guess, I would probably say it is Clinique's "Almost Bronzer". Having a pretty fair complexion, I have a hard time finding a bronzer that doesn't look orangy or make my skin look dirty. This bronzer is perfect for shadowing and giving a nice "glow".

2. Is there one type of product that is your go-to, can't live
without?

My go-to product would be Benefit's "Coralista" blush. I received a large sample of this blush in a kit from Sephora, and I loved it the first time I used it. It is the perfect peachy-pink shade to make my cheeks look like they are naturally flushed, without being glittery or sparkly. I have been using it every single day since I got it, and I will purchase the full sized version when my sample runs out.

3. What's the best hair product you've ever used?

I was introduced to "It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product" a few years ago, by a hairdresser friend. She told me it was great as a leave-in conditioner, a heat protectant, and a shine spray, while also being really good for your hair. It's got a nice fresh scent, and doesn't make my hair look greasy or weighted down at all.

4. Fess up, what's the worst beauty look you've tried to rock and look
back at now with a little shame or apprehension that you actually did
that?
Well, I will admit that during my early teen years (around 1998, when I was a freshman in high school) I rocked some pretty horrendous bangs. I got up extra early to make sure they were curled just so, and used a tremendous amount of hairspray to keep them looking "perfect".

Yes, believe it or not, that is me and my high school friend, Lauren, in homeroom freshman year.

5. When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic
products. What do you use that helps show off your personal flare and
personality?
A few month ago, I bought the Urban Decay 24/7 Jackpot set from Sephora. It's got some really cool colors that I wouldn't normally try to pull off, but they actually look good! I'm glad I gave it a try, and will probably buy the full size of a few of the colors when my pencils are down to the nub.

Make sure you check out the other bloggers participating in "Friend Friday". A list of participants can be found at Katy's Modly Chic blog!