Dressing up sweat pants

I just feel ‘ok’ about today’s outfit. Not loving it and not hating it either. I have quite  a few combinations in the ‘dressed up fleece’ trend so this is one of them. Not my favorite though.  Of course there is an inspiration behind it like most of my outfit combo's. This one came from the Michael Kors fashion show post, posted by the lovely Christa from enSTYLEpedia.

Here is the inspiration photo:

Since I had already bought these sweat pants, when I saw this look I was ecstatic about adding another combo with them. I realize I don't have that fancy fur collared coat but I comprimised with what I own and that is the whole point. Creating new stuff with things you already own.

This is the first time I am wearing these pants and the cardigan. Both F21 purchases of course. The pants fit the dressed up sweats trend so well. They are sweat pants but not really. First of all they are thin. Second they are more styled like harem pants. I wished though I had gottan one size up so it would look baggier to show off the harem cut. These fit a bit more snug like leggings. They sure are comfy though.  

So, my first version of this look is with this fur scarf and the high cognac colored platform sandals. I think the pants look great with heels. And the fur adds warmth the sandals take away.

However, I couldn’t walk in these shoes all day so here is another version of the outfit:

Switched up the open toed sandals for the wedge booties and since there is fur on the boots took off the scarf and added a necklace. I still like the v1 better though.

See how I wore 2 belts just the way they did at the inpsiration photo! The dark brown is a double anyway, then I added the cognac colored one to compliment the shoes and  I like how 3 strands look against the white tee.

I absolutely love this cardigan. When I started my search for a chunky cream cardigan, I kept browsing the ‘new additions’ section of F21 website for days. Finally they brought this. It is just pefect. It looks chunky but is not bulky. The color is perfect. The open front that drapes but is fitted around the waist makes it look relaxed but not baggy. Also, you can overlap the front sides and the braid design lines up perfectly for times I want to belt it. Just love it. J

So, I got dressed and took these photos early in the morning without having access to my inspiration photo. You see I just recently started actually saving my digital inspiration photos. Before I was just noting where I got the inspiration. So, this photo was not save and I dug it up after I got home. Then realized they used leg warmers on the legs. So before the outing to the movies I added them. What do you think?

Oatmeal Cardigan – Forever 21

Sweat legging pants – Forever 21

White tee – Twilight collection from Nordstrom rack

Belts & fur scarf – Forever 21

Platform sandals & watch – Michael Kors

Wedge booties – Victoria’s Secret Catalog

Leather and coin necklace – handmade from Turkey

Today’s Activities: No preschool today since we are on Thanksgiving holiday. Took it easy in the morning letting the kids play. They don’t last more than couple hours of indoor play so I had to make the most of it by paying bills and making beds and getting ready etc… Packed up their gear again and took them to my mom’s once more. So great to have family around when you have no childcare for days of Dr appts. Went to my infusion/injection appointment which takes couple hours. Came home for lunch and resting. Then went out for some organizer/xmas decorations shopping. I have been looking for an organizer for my ever growing tight collection. They are all jumbled all over my sock drawer and I have a hard time seeing which colors I have and where.

I was also looking for an organizer for my daughter’s hair accessories. I had a 3 mini drawer unit for her but she has too many barrets now to fit. So just bought more drawers to neatly organize and separate them all.
I will do a segment on my closet organization tips one day.
Since the kids are staying at my mom’s and my husband is at the Charger game (my b-day gift to him) I was free to have plans of my own. So, after this shopping I met my sister at the mall. For a quick bite to eat and catch up. Then we saw an early showing of ‘Morning Glory’. Very funny movie. Light but a good pick me up. Very early morning tomorrow.

Ms. Raquel's Style

Another photo inspired outfit today. It came from Raquel Welch's style article I think in the 'In Style' magazine. Knowing I have a very similar trench and almost identical crochet tights that I had not worn in a while I immediately added this to my list...

Obviously I had to wear somethin under the trench though. This dress is knit (similar to Missoni style, right?) I added a brown long sleve top underneath for warmth. This top is size L as I bought it during pregnancy but still looks OK I think.  A bit bulkier than I would like especially under a dress.

Got this from my mom's extra closet among things she is not wearing currently. Love shopping her closet.

Over the trench I added the black faux fur scarf (again from Mom). She said she gets too hot with scarves like this. I don't mind. Plus we are going to be at an event that will be outside tonight so perfect time to bundle up. Plus the animal print jersey gloves (again Mom's) which totally compliment the shoes.

The purse is a vintage and a gift from Mom...

I styled the front of my hair so it looks like I have bangs than pinned this little butterfly barette. You can barely see it though.

And starts the laying down couch shots...

And this is my attempt to copy Raquel Welch's pose above...

Trench Coat - J Crew

Dress - Forever 21

Animal print flats - Paolo

Brown LS knit top - Banana Republic

Gloves, scarf - from Mom

Purse - LV Vintage

Today's Activities: Woke up late and slightly hangover this morning. It was bitter sweet to not have the kids in the AM. We were glad to not have to jump out of bed for breakfast but also missed how they always cuddled with us and kissing and smelling their sleepy faces. I made french toast for my hubby and tea and we lounged on the couch for a long time. My mom and stepdad took the kids to sea world so they didn't bring them until nap time. After nap we played in the house for a while then went to the Grinch Christmas Tree Lighing ceremony show at Balboa Park in San Diego. The event was free but you had to make reservations in advance.  We'll be seeing the play (Grinch who stole Christmas) in couple of weeks so this was great to get my son excited about the play, get to know the characters etc... They performed some songs that kids loved watching. Then the tree was lit. Not much of anything else but bought hot cacoa and cookies and free popcorn and they get to run around. Plus we bought a grinch toy and the book which we read before he went to bed. So, of course the whole car ride back we were bonbarded with 'who is grinch?', 'what kind of an animal is he?', 'is he real?', 'is he plastic?', 'does he have hands?', 'Why does he have hands?'... then the topic was turned in to christmas and he started remembering his ornaments from last year, kept asking us he wants to look at them, 'where is my tree', 'can we look at the ornaments tonight?' when can we buy the tree?' etc... It was an exhausting ride back. I am pretty sure we will be putting up xmas ornaments and buying their tree this weekend. Cause all we could say was 'after thanksgiving' and this little one has a scary memory and won't let us forget!

Here are some cool pics from our night:

My daughter in her 3 piece baby gap suit (I got this whole set from a thrift store for $12). It is brown velvet with tiny pink polka dots. I love the hat!

My son's new grinch converses:

Sharing some popcorn with my daughter while my son plays with his new Grinch toy:

Family in front of the 'grinch' xmas tree. It is pink and white. I will take some day pics when we see the play next month:

Here is a close-up of the family. I am thinking if our other photos don't turn out good we might use this for xmas cards... 

Big Night Out

So here is my outfit for the 'big night out'. I could have worn a classic black dress but that wouldn't be quite blog worthy so of course had to mix and match.

This skirt is part of a 3 item set I bought for my high school prom. I guess even then I liked to go against the tradition and wore this mini skirt with a custom made bright colored vest and a sequined headband. This skirt also has a tube top and when worn together looks like a tight dress. And it has a long blazer with sequins in the back. Very pretty.

Today was one day I wish I could have shopped cause I really wanted this hard black sequined clutch from F21 for an evening bag. But, didn't want to break my no shopping rule so barrowed this gold/bronze number from my mom instead. It was quite roomy to fit my camera, phone and cash and keys. And it has metal feet at the bottom which is great.

Since the top has a high neckline no necklaces with the outfit. Instead went with statement cuffs. Mixing gold and bronzes and pearls. And my cool rhinestone ring my mom got from Turkey for  my b-day.

This is the first time I am wearing these shoes. Since I didn't have any black platforms I wanted a pair that can be both worn during the day or at night and really stood out. If I am going to buy a high heeled shoe it means I will only wear it when I am out without kids on special occasions. So, might as well go super high and extereme.  The sequins on the shoes though matched perfect with my skirt. Of course I just went to get the link for the shoes to find out they went on sale and now cost only $34 (real patent leather!). So bummed!

Even tough I am totally against fur this shrug is a family heirloom handed down from my Grandmother, to my mother and now to me. So it has sentimental value. And man does the real thing keep you warm. Plus my husband couldn't stop 'petting' me all through dinner. It is quite soft and does just fine under rain.

Here is the crop sequined top. Also the first time I am wearing this piece. I bought it to bring glam to a layered all cream outfit I have on my list. Since it is super crop it would only be worn layered. But I pulled this skirt all the way to my bra line to make it mini so crop worked just fine on top.

It actually looks better bare legged but it was a cold and rainy night plus I wasn't sure how the closed toe, closed heel new shoes would fair on bare feet after a long night of dancing. I was pleased to find a great selection of sheer nude pantyhose in my sock drawer. All clean, run free and in original packaging. Sometimes I am impressed by how well stocked my own closet is.

Sequined stretch tube skirt - from Turkey

Bronze/gold sequined cream cotton tank top - Forever 21 (new)

Pantyhose - Penti (from Turkey)

Shoes - Newport News catalog (new)

Fur Jacket - vintage

Purse - mom's

Bracelets - Forever 21 (new)

PREP TIPS FOR A BIG NIGHT:

Here is how I prepared for our big night.

1. Rest, rest, rest. No make-up can give you the glow of a well rested skin. So, we took a nap when the kids napped.

2. Fresh shower (not the hair since I didn't have time to do a full dry/style of the hair) then matching lotion, parfume combo. I always buy a small size lotion of my favorite parfume. Usually they come in gift sets that way anyway. When you use both the lotion and the parfume the scent really stayes with your whole body. Tonight was Juicy Couture.

3. Feet: just like before hiking I like to slather thick foot cream on my soles and heels before wearing socks and shoes. This prevents blisters. You can also use plain vaseline or vicks!

4. If you have time, mask. I use dermalogica vitamin C mask. It gives instant glow and hydration. Perfect before make up for going out.

5. Nails. I touched up my chipped nail polish after I was totally ready, purse packed and jacket worn and right before we left. That way it just dried on the way.

6. Water, water, water. I started drinking ton of water early in the day so that I can be fully hydrated. Continued drinking one glass of water for each cocktail. Minimizes the effects of hangover. :)

Here is the group shot in front of Stingaree downtown San Diego

And just the girls showing off our legs...
This is the same mommy group I went to spa with the other week. All of us have 3+ yr old sons and 1.5-2 yr old daughters.
We are also a very diverse group: Korean, Russian, Turkish and American. The international mommies are all raising both kids to be bilangual. Pretty cool when we get together and 4 different languages are spoken!

And later in the night at our bottle service booth  next to the dance floor:

We started at 6:45 PM at our house and dined and danced the night away until 1:30 AM...