All American

I love how this came out today. What a great idea to tie the scarf like this don't you think? I got the idea from the photo below:

This was an ad for some brand (may be American Eagle) I am not sure. I actually have a very similar looking velvet navy blazer my mom loaned me but I do not have a red plaid scarf. What I did have is this plaid scarf and since it has a touch of red in it figured it would look great over a red blazer.

Have to tell you the story behind this red blazer. Skip this section if you are not interested. :)

This was part of a suit. My first expansive suit I bought when I was 22 yrs old in NYC. You see I moved to NYC right after college graduation and faced the ugly truth about entry level jobs. Envisioning myself as a wall st analyst with an office, only to end up as an assistant to 3 EVPs of a broker firm. Fancy title for pretty much secretarial work. Just starting to pay off my hefty student loans wondering what it was for if I was to only make photocopies and answer phone calls, I was pretty depressed. NYC also was a city that everyone judged you by your title and the brand of the clothes you had on. I had neither so no one talked to me. So, after my first paycheck I went out and bought this amazing blazing red suit from Ann Taylor for like $500. It took me months to pay it off but it was worth it. I loved this suit. It was my statement that I was going to make it to the top somehow. And I sure did. After moving back to SD a year later and starting my true career job I started moving up fast and would buy extremely conservative suits to make myself look older to be taken seriously. So my suits range in the lovely tones of Black, Navy, Brown and Grey. Except this one. I could never part from it because it will always remind me of how I felt during those times and how determined I was. So, now years later, already have achieved all my career goals and now living the time of my life with my two amazing kids it is wonderful to be able to wear it again!
Sorry for the long story...

A lot of layers so it looks a bit bulky but cynching it with a belt makes it work I think. These were my first skinny jeans when skinny jeans starting becoming in fashion. You can see they are no where being skinny but more like a 'slim cut' but works for this look.

And yes to all of you who have been making comments, I do have a pretty sick closet. It is really the product of years and years of shopping and I think smart shopping, buying staple items that keep coming back style again and again. Also investing in a lot of base layer items too which are very diverse. One of these days I will take you inside by closet to show. I also have been wanting to do a segment on organization as I am crazy organized and have lots of tips. All in good time.

Red Blazer - part of an Ann Taylor suit

Jeans - Rock Republic

White tank - Eddie Bauer

White eyelet blouse - Lucky

Scarf - Forever 21

Belt - Express

Boots - Via Spiga

Today's Activities: Started a bit of Christmas shopping today. My sister joined us as she was off from work. We hit bed bath and beyond then the mall. Disney store just opened here and it is my son's favorite place to visit. He can stay there for hours. Bought my friend's kids gifts there and my son finally decided on his gift from Santa which is the 'Aladding gift set'. Love it as it is only $12. I already ordered it on Cyber Monday and got a great discount too. I am now searching for some sort of a case/bag so he can carry the set. Of course love that my son picks these Disney Movie that are years and years old and merchandise is no longer carried. His favorite is Lion King of course. He also loves Oliver and Company and now into Aladdin. Why can't he like Cars or Toy Story is beside me. Well, actually I know why they do not have any songs. He is only interested in musicals. After a tiring shopping spree we had lunch at the mall and returned home for a very late nap time. After naps packed everyone up with lots of clothes and went to Sea World's Member night and met my Mom and Stepdad there. Every year Sea World holds a member night to open their xmas celebration events. It is usually crazy but I like going. They give a very pretty hand blown glass ornament to each person as well and we have been collecting since my son's first xmas. But did not get this year's as the line was waaaaay too long. Still had fun...

Here are some photos from Sea World:

Pretty Fish Tree: 

My mom and step dad with the kids: 

Me and My Mom: