What I'm Wearing ~ 03.27.15 {The flats edition}

After 3.5 weeks of Rodeo, I was tired. And, sick. And, not very into picking out my clothes. So, I give you the tired, sick, flats edition of what I'm wearing!

Disclaimer: What I'm Wearing is in hopes inspiration for your closet, that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have signed up for Pinterest, so if there's something you like, you can "pin it" to save. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

Monday I had an all day sub for a meeting.  The glory in this was the meeting started at 9:30, so my return to the real world got a small break and the alarm wasn't set in the 5am hour!  Simple tunic, khaki pants and glitter flats to try and brighten up a Monday!

I found these Frye boots on sale at DSW! I realize it's a little late for boots, but the cold weather is still making an appearance around here, so figured it was a good day to wear them!  Mint cardigan and mint accessories plus one of my favorite scarves from Nordstrom! These leggings were $4.99 from Ross! 

Seriously the question every morning was "what requires minimal effort?"!  It's close enough to Easter, even though I don't abide by the rule of white from Easter to Labor Day, so white pants with  gray tunic T plus navy was comfy and minimal effort. After a couple of days in flats, I had a few students even comment that I wasn't wearing heels! I guess  they are used to my regular wear of heels!

Again, the goal is comfortable and easy. This Gap sweater plus trouser jeans pants and a little tiny heel found their way in too.  Several people including students asked me about these earrings, they are a Target special from a couple of years ago...and I don't wear them very often, but when I do I always think "I should wear these more often"!

 

TGIF!  I felt like I had achieved a great accomplishment to make it to Friday.  Keeping it real, I didn't feel great all week, had a cough that wouldn't go away and by Friday felt like a full on cold had settled in.  Thankfully the weekend was ahead and Friday was jeans + spirit shirts! I feel like leopard flats stepped it up just a little. Ha!

 



Looking back at this week, most days were in a ponytail and surprisingly my hair was clean too! However, I slept as late as possible and got ready in 20 minutes or less every day...willing myself to not get sick by getting more sleep.  Though that equation didn't really work out....the good news is, next week is a 4 days week with Good Friday holiday!!

 

Blessings,

What I'm Wearing - Rodeo Houston ~ Round 2

Rodeo Houston 2015 is in the books.  It was such a great Show! Started off with BBQ preview on Wednesday night and ended dancing to the last song in the Main Club on Sunday night.  20 days of Rodeo fun plus 3 days of BBQ and the month of March flys by.  So many great memories with so many friends! It is always bittersweet when Rodeo is over.  Here's the 2nd installment to What I'm Wearing - Rodeo style. 

Maybe you have a western theme party coming up or just need some inspiration for  how to wear your cowboy boots during the year.  Here's my take on a few days of the Show...

I picked up this plaid tunic from one of my favorite boutiques in Ft Worth at the Stock Show. They were also at Rodeo Houston, and you can find them online...Accessorize in Style always has cute affordable fashions! My fringe boots are a couple of years old and from Liberty Black. They are one of my favorite pairs of boots, and I always get tons of comments on them.  Tossed on a bandana scarf for this day too and several people asked me what was under this dress....a simple lace skirt.  I'm tall, and sometimes I feel like a tunic is a little short for me, so need to be "covered" and this plain lace skirt comes in handy and just barely peeks out.  I got it at Target, several years ago, and have definitely gotten my moneys worth. 

I wrote about this day here...who knew "non country" would cause such a stir and so many comments from people.  I shopped all day in my comfy clothes and went to Pitbull (one of my favorite shows of the whole 20 days) in a fun floppy hat and skinny jeans with wedge booties.  The hat is from Nordstrom, and I loved it!  Despite what anyone else thought.  Really, if you like it, wear it.  Doesn't matter what "they" think!

This was the middle Saturday. I picked up this Mexican dress a couple of years ago during Antiques Week in Round Top at a store that employees women in South America to make dresses and they bring the to Antiques Week to sell.  I love supporting businesses who create economic opportunity for others.  Another day of my fringe boots and added my hat this day. I also got some comments about hat with this dress, but again, wear what you like!   It was a very humid/damp day and hat was perfect answer for my hair that day!

Leggings and boots is obviously a go-to for me if you've been around a while.  These black and gold leggings are from Junk Gypsy in Round Top and the fringe "vest" I picked up a couple of years ago from LaVidaLoca while in Vegas the National Finals Rodeo. It's not one of those things you can wear all the time, but sometimes it adds just the right touch.  Layers of necklaces and black boots finished it off.  I received several compliments on this outfit. I am always so grateful for people who compliment me and try to remember how simple compliment can brighten a day, pick you up and make you feel pretty and I pay it forward to others!

Thursday night, Blake Shelton was playing and it was girls night out with a few of my besties.  I picked up this dress a couple of months ago when Target had all their clothes 40% off, maybe even right after Christmas?!  Paired it with a bronc necklace and fringe boots. This dress will also go with flip flops and wedges this summer!  I love versatile dresses like this!

Friday night was a Committee Donor Party, denim and sequins for this day!  Yep - re-wore that same bronc necklace and the black boots made another appearance.  I picked up this skirt for about $8 at a boutique in Houston on a sale + additional 75% off, knew I would definitely wear it during Rodeo! A denim shirt pairs so easily with so many things and this is the same version of the dark denim pearl snap I have.  I think I've worn it at least 10 times since I got it a month or so ago!

 

Final Sunday. Honestly, I could have gone in leggings and tennis shoes. But, I persevered. This denim tunic is one I picked up several years ago at Banana Republic on a sale and have worn it so much with leggings, skinny jeans and like this!!  The lace skirt is here again as are the fringe boots for their final Rodeo appearance! :) A denim tunic is a great closet staple and so very versatile!

So long Rodeo Houston!  See ya next year!!

 

Yee Haw!

Kindness Matters...let's be nice girls!

I've mentioned it's Rodeo time in Houston, which is one of my favorite seasons!  There's 20 days of great rodeo, livestock show, tons of booths to shop and my favorite thing is getting to see so many friends during these 3 weeks that I don't see as often as I'd like throughout the year. 

There's an underlying tone of "Rodeo" amongst women and what everyone is wearing.  I don't "dress up western", I grew up western, riding horses, feeding horses, hauling hay, shoveling stalls and hauling a trailer. Those are some of my best memories growing up. Even in High School though I bounced between {showing my age} corduroy shorts with tights/flats, Rocky Mountain jeans and boots and my Umbros/cowboy boots working in the barn. 

I have loved putting outfits together for a long time.  I love all sorts of styles from western to urban and everything in between. I love hunting for bargans and mostly shop TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, Target, Gap sale rack and small businesses in small towns. So, yes, it's fun for me to pick out clothes to wear to Rodeo the same as it is every other day of the year. But, just the same I love seeing what others put together, what's new in magazines {and finding the bargain version}and others individual style.

Then I went out to the Rodeo like this....

Left side, I had breakfast with a friend and then met up with one of my College Besties to shop the Rodeo booths, so I wanted to be comfortable! But, I was going to the Rodeo that night with another bestie and so I changed...rest of the pics. You would have thought I walked in wearing bacon dress a la Lady Gaga. The comments, looks and questions I got really surprised me.

I ran into several groups of friends and later one of those friends told me someone in her group asked if I was a "socialite" and was I a "snob"?  All because of what I was wearing.  I know I'm no where close to "socialite" (nor do I want to be) and I would certainly hope my friends would say I was far from "snob"!

I bought a new Cowboy Hat shopping yesterday and ran into a girl (I didn't know) who was also getting a hat later in the night. She was wearing her hat and I told her again how much I liked her hat. Her response to me "that one you bought today looks a lot better than the one you have on." Thank you. Smile. Keep going. 

All those looks and comments last night didn't hurt my feelings, it just really weighed my heart.

I know I was catty at a point in my younger years. But, I've long grown out of that stage.  I wish that women my age and older would realize how many girls and young women are looking up to them.  I surprised my nephew and nieces this week at school for lunch. While we were eating they were so fun showing me all their friends.  Then my niece told me a girl in her class said "she hated her".This breaks my heart, she's 5!! Girls learn this from other girls. They are watching us "big girls".  They see how we view our bodies, how we view others and listen to {and repeat} what we say. 

Let's think about what we're saying!  Let's build each other up. 

Then I thought back to a great visit earlier in the day with one of my long time friends.  She and I were talking about Rodeo, how many people get caught up in so many little things and politics.  One of her students called her while I was with her to tell her she won a RodeoHouston scholarship and what a committee member had done for her, they went above and beyond which made that student's day. She turned around and did something really nice for her Ag Teacher (my friend) and it was a story that would put tears in your eyes. 

Most of all I'm grateful for the women in my life who are leading younger girls well. Who led me well, who helped me learn to be a better woman and who instilled kindness in me. Kindness matters. So, let's resolve to be kind and leave women/girls/young ladies in our lives better than we found them.

 

Blessings,

What I'm Wearing ~ Rodeo Houston

It is my favorite time of the year in Houston....RodeoHouston is here!  20 days of rodeo, concerts, livestock show, contests, volunteering and seeing so many friends! Tack on a weekend of BBQ cookoff and it is the perfect month! 

Unfortunately this year the BBQ started off kind of cold...so Wednesday night I started with denim+denim on the left, the jacket and scarf were with me the whole night!  Pants are 7 For All Mankind I've had forever, but I love that big flare. Shirt is fav denim pearl snap from the Gap {men's section} in a size small, perks of being tall girl. Scarf I picked up recently from Proud Souls boutique on Facebook.  And, of course, that's my favorite military jacket. 

Friday night was even colder...layered up with a puffy vest and winter scarf.  The winds were crazy and the temps were in the 30's and 40's. This always happens during Rodeo...a super cold weekend comes through. Last year at BBQ we were in tank tops and could have gotten a sunburn!  I do love a crease in my jeans! Jeans are Cruel Girl, vest is Gap and scarf is Nordstrom.  Paired with my Kate Spade oversized green studs my bestie gave me for Christmas!

Tuesday March 3rd was opening day and the sun came out and temps were almost 80 degrees!  All the Texans said Amen!  Same denim shirt  as last week paired with leopard shorts I found for $5 at Old Navy this winter.  Layered up pearls and bracelets and black suede boots are from Nordstrom.  Featured before, I got them in the summer during the Anniversary Sale. 

Saturday the weather was nice again, though a little cooler.  I've worn this outfit with tights and pumps for church/school, but it goes well with boots too!  Banana Republic button up, Target fur jacket and skirt (years old) and Cavender's boots.  Added lace topped socks, azted earrings and chevron necklace. 

Sunday I went straight from church out to work with my bestie in her booth.  It tends to be cold in the commercial exhibits area, so leggings, cowboy boots, jacket and scarf were perfect.  I've worn this same outfit with riding boots.  It's comfortable and for 7 or so hours in a booth the last thing I want is to be uncomfortable! 

Monday was a volunteer day and I was on shift all day at our Horse Judging Contest.  Again, the weather hasn't let up, so I was layered for the day. Button up, jacket, vest, scarf, eventually went to button up and vest later in the day.  Cowboy hat comes out a few times a year and I do love wearing a hat!  Most of the day was also spent in my rain boots since it was pouring all.day.long. 

Tuesday I worked the booth again, and stayed warm with fur vest, flannel shirt, leggings and my boots.  This vest and shirt have made many appearances on the blog, both are Ross finds.  I love a bargain!  I had several people stop at the booth that day to complement me, so kind!  Most people said they had both pieces but wouldn't have put together, but now they will. Perfect! I love inspiring putting together an outfit with pieces you already have! 
 

 

Also this day was the cutest cattle show I've ever seen! Little bitties showing little bitty bulls and steers with parents alongside to help out. I loved showing horses and the lessons I learned from the barn, practice pen and show arena have stayed with me all of my life! It's so great to see next generations coming up in the show barn!

 

So, no matter what you're doing out at the Rodeo, here's a few inspirations for your day.  More to come!

 

Let's Rodeo!

What I'm Wearing ~ 03.06.15 {Countdown to Spring Break}

This week was officially countdown week to Spring Break! 4 classroom days, a State trip w/ the club I sponsor and a week away from School!! Amen.

Disclaimer: What I'm Wearing is in hopes inspiration for your closet, that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have signed up for Pinterest, so if there's something you like, you can "pin it" to save. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

The weather is still chilly and the uniform is still in place.  These pants are actually gray, though they look black in my high quality iPhone photos.  Tank is one I've worn in summer with maxi skirt, but added a scarf + cardigan for cooler temps! I'll be so glad to see tank top weather return!! 

RodeoHouston is starting tonight and I knew I'd be coming home and changing for the Rodeo. So, the school day outfit was simple and comfy!  Maxi skirt, t-shirt and my military jacket with a floral scarf mixed in. I've seen floral showing up repeatedly in magazines and such for Spring and Summer. If you're not a big floral person, a scarf is an easy way to add in the trend! 

Again, the cold weather...chocolate brown pants, scarf and cardigan. I guess this week I'm feel pretty neutral with a few pops of color.  Turquoise heels peeked out from these pants. 

Thursday, last classroom day for a while!  Trouser jeans pants, gingham and fur vest.  Plus shoes with a little design for added color.  I'm sure you would be really surprised to know I ended up in that scarf all day long.  Cold weather outside and cold classroom. The extra picture is from my March calendar page..."She was a dreamer, a girl who saws the deeper side of life and longed to live in those pages" which is quote from Karen Kingsbury book. Really I'm just longing for a day to sit with coffee and a good book!  I feel like it's been a while!

This was 5:10 Friday morning, getting ready to load up and head out to San Antonio with students.  These pants I've worn before, they look like nice black pants, but feel like 1 step above yoga pants. They are by Karlie and are a fit then flare cut. It was in the 30's Friday morning, so a perfect day for the blanket scarf.  I only wish I was laying down on my couch covered up with a blanket vs leaving! :)

And, bonus...Saturday at the Conference/return home. Same pants as Friday.  Same boots. Just a different t-shirt, cardigan and scarf! "Professional" for the events and comfy for the trip home.  We hit some crazy traffic coming home, but thankfully stopped on the freeway right at an exit, which I took. I do love the back roads and after a 10 minute detour down a dirt road with 6 cattle-guards we came out ahead of the traffic and got home for SPRING BREAK to begin!! 

I hope you enjoy the weekend and week ahead! I will be back with some Rodeo outfits next!  Long live cowboys and cowgirls! :)

 

Blessings,