Out of Reach

Today's inspiration was from another Chictopia Post:

I liked the combo of teal and burgundy and need to wear my fur vest at least once every winter season…

Fur Vest - Kenar

Top, Pants, Scarf - Forever 21

Booties - Betsey Johnson

THURSDAY:

Took my daughter to Ballet in the morning but I was dragging… So tired and drained all the time. After ballet we did grocery shopping at a local store which is not our local store then went to my friend's to drop off my daughter for her to spend the day with while I can be with my Dad.

My cousin took some time off to get some air with her friend while I was there. It is all quiet with the exception of the oxygen machine puffing every minute. We can hear my dad's very slowed down breathing rhythm. The weather is overcast and gloomy. Just waiting…

Once my cousin came back I went home to meet my son and daughter. My mom and step dad had taken him to shop for baseball gear. Finally the dishwasher guy came to work on the appliance while I cooked dinner and got the kids ready for bed…

My brother arrived last night to stay with Dad for a couple of days…

I color outside the lines

Actually when it comes to coloring books I love to color inside the lines but when it comes to clothes and life in general the statement holds true!

Today's outfit felt cooler than the photos so not sure which is the true image.

The inspiration came from this cute Tommy Hilfiger Ad:

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I kind of switched around some stuff like the plaid colors of the purse for my scarf and using red fingerless gloves instead of adding another undershirt...
I was going to wear this outfit with a navy blazer but it was too warm. This vest is the matching piece of that blazer (from my Mom's closet) 

Blouse, Pants, Scarf, Gloves, belt - Forever 21

Vest - Mom's

Boots - Newport News

WEDNESDAY:

First day of PreSchool today. It was great seeing everyone and catching up. We stayed home in the afternoon so we can finish putting away the Christmas lights and cook dinner. And also attempted to watch Star Wars Episode I with my son. With so many of his friends into Star Wars I thought he would want to know what it was all about. But had a hard time following the whole storyline. At least they were occupied with shelling fresh almonds and pecans...

Under The Mistletoe

 Tonight was a date night to the lux movie theaters for dinner, drinks and a movie. This outfit was perfect for such outing! I don't know how I would have worn it if I was with the kids but I had already picked it for today so it worked out.

The inspiration was from a Guess Ad:

I like the idea of going all white on top with flared black pants and long black gloves. I don't have a red fur scarf so I added a red silk scarf to my purse for the effect...

 To create the effect I belted my peacoat. The odd thing was when I wanted to take off the coat in the restaurant and movie theater I had to take off my belt and felt like I was undressing so a bit awkward.

 Wearing the new necklace gift from my best friend. She said she bought it at one those in home jewelry parties...

 I have had these gloves for years and love them.

 My husband snapped this as I was running towards him to switch the camera mode from timer to normal!

Rabbit Hair Coat - Guess (very very old)

White T-neck & Belt - Forever 21

Chiffon flared pants - Asos

Purse - 6159

Silk Scarf - can't remember very old

Boots - J Crew

Sunglasses - House of Harlow

Necklace - Gift

TODAY:
My mom and step dad took the kids late morning. And I did attach one of my projects that have been on my list for quite some time which was to clean and organize our office walk-in closet. It took me hours and I only got half way done. Going through filing cabines and so much piled paperwork and old photos is such tedious work. I plan to wake up early and finish that and also attach my kids rooms while they are not here so I can pack up the toys and clothes they have grown out of.
I was still in my PJs when my husband came home to pick me up. So rushed to get ready and thank goodness the outfit worked.
We went to these luxurious movie theaters we have been wanting to try. They have fully reclining leather seats, tables and and arm rests and full wait service with food and drinks. Of course we realized these theaters sell out quick so every movie wanted to see when we got there was sold out. Picked out a 3rd movie choice for my husband for a show time that was 3 hours later! Ate somewhere else since we had so much time to kill then Christmas shopped at a toy store in the same strip mall for some friends' kids and a few toys for our kids. We then enjoyed the 'New Year's Eve' movie in the lux theater. We never wanted to leave it was so cozy and comfortable and whenever you were thirsty or hungry you rang for the waiter. If I can get that at my house I would love it!

It is my party and I can dance if I want to!

 

 This was my outfit last night for our annual holiday potluck party we host at our house every year for family and friends!

The inspiration came from the Shabby Apple Website. I first ordered the skirt and the top from there but then realized when it arrived the skirt was almost identical to the Romwe skirt I already own and the top did not fit that right although the quality was great. I sent them back and used my own items to create the outfit.

The model above used red gloves and red shoes. I decided to go with hot pink instead but the concept was the same. Found these amazing looking Betsey Johnson heels at Zappos on sale. Then searched amazon for the gloves. Knowing it wouldn't be practical to have my hand covered during my own party I picked a pair that was fingerless. At $15 it wasn't bad at all. Then just layered and layered 3 different pearl necklaces and rhinestone one. And on my wrists used my two pearl and silver bracelets. Loved the effect.

 Just for the photos I added this mini sequin clutch to the outfit. If I was going out in this outfit it would have been perfect!

And here are the amazing shoes. Never have I seen a pair of shoes that are interesting and cool from *every* angle!

Before the party I managed to get my  nails done. Had the shellac polish so it would last. The tips were painted hot pink then a coat of silver glitter.

Lace top and lace cami under - Forever 21

Tulle Skirt - Romwe

Scarf (used as belt) - From Turkey

Heels - Betsey Johnson (from Zappos)

Gloves - Amazon

Clutch, bracelets, rhinestone necklace - Forever 21

Pearls - All vintage or gifts

Pearl Earrings - Tiffany's (wedding gift from my husband)

Pearl ring - from Turkey

SATURDAY:

The day was hectic. I delegated the kids (and their gym classes) to my husband and ran errands like grocery shopping, dry cleaners, drug store, mailing xmas gifts and getting my nails done. 

While the kids were napping we re arranged our furniture and got the buffet tables ready and took out all the serving bowl and paper plats and utensil.s 

We do this every time we give a big party. Moving our couch to the side and pushing back our kitchen table creates a nice open space to handle large traffic flow. 

At 4 PM my family arrived so we can exchange our secret Santa gifts before the guests come. I got the Michael Kors perfume I was lusting over from my sister! My husband got super cool snow boots. I was upset with my mom cause I had purchased these lizard skin nine west heels she was wanting from zappos months ago. It was going to be a big surprise cause I had remembered her showing them to me from a magazine. But she showed up to the party wearing the shoes! Which means she bought them herself! Thank goodness I used zappos so she can return and get something else. But it ruined my surprise.

At 5:30 the rest of the guests and family arrived. It was quite hectic and chaotic with so many little ones running around but so much fun. Another thing I do before a big party with lots of kids is hide all my son's small toy sets and puzzles and legos in his closet and lock the closet door. That way the clean up is much easier with fewer toys. 

Here are some cute party photos:

 The kids all dress up.

Even though this dress of hers from last year is a bit small I had her wear it so we can totally compliment each other!

With my Mom and Step Dad

The Buffet table. 

I set up 3 tables. One for appetizers, one for main and side dishes and one for desserts. 

As guests bring their dishes I distribute them accordingly. Appetizer table is open all night. After majority of the guests arrive we heat up all the main and side dishes and open that buffet up. That way majority of the food is there before people have already eaten.

 Both my sister and her fiance and my brother, his wife and my little nephew are in this picture!

The Yummy Desserts:

Some of the kids at the kid table:

Exchanging gifts with my best friend's family...

One of my friend's husband came from a concert where he was dressed as an Elf! Surprised the kids who were playing in my son's room:

With my Dad:

And the HOSTS!