Snow Day Attire

I don't know about y'all, but the weather up here in the northeast has been anything but calm in the past couple days. Where it's just flurrying, snowing, or hailing ice balls, the skies have opened up in a state of fury. I love snow days- they seem to bring about unexpected family time. My brothers have off from school and my step-mother (who is a principal) also had her school close for the day. Rarely do people get all dolled up for a snow day, and I am the same. I found some photos of what I was wearing today and thought it would be fun to see what people wear when they are snowed in! So today, as I type this, this is what I am wearing:

A comfy cotton shirt. Of course, mine has to be cute. (when it comes to comfy, I always go cheap... Forever21)

Black yoga pants (Forever21- $10)

Warm slippers

And if it gets really cold, I throw on my warm fleece robe!

Accessories were kept simple, staple pearl studs and wedding rings. Make-up was minimal and natural- a little concealer under the eyes and on any blemishes, Maybe a loose powder, lip moisturizer and a touch of mascara.

So lovelies, that all for me today. The pups played outside in the snow so long they are PASSED OUT in my bed right now. This gives me some much needed relaxation time.

Custom shirts!

Following my last post, including the custom Army wife t-shirts and sweatshirts, I thought I'd let y'all in on a little secret website that lets you customize almost anything! Upload your own photos, choose from premade layouts, if you can think it, it can probably be done!

CustomizedGirl

I wanted a few more Army wife t-shirts, but I wanted ones that no one else had. So I made my own, and I think they came out pretty darn great!

Aren't they adorable? So now I have 5 Army Wife t-shirts... I think I am done for a little while.

Army Wife.... CLONES?

Allow me to give you some important details about my trip to MO to visit M on the Army base.... Before leaving NY I decided to lighten and highlight my hair (which when teased (daily, of course) is a little shorter then shoulder length)... it looks marvelous! But anywho, upon going for my manicure as usual, I opted for short acrylic nails (french tips with little pink flowers). I figured that fake nails would stay looking nicer longer. I had no idea what to expect, safe route it was. Rather then spend the week or 2 prior using gradual tanning lotions, the spray tan was quick and effective. In the airport I picked up a tube of Nars Turkish Delight lip gloss. I wanted to see what all the fuss about. I'm not a gloss girl, but I love this! Shortly after arriving in STL where M and I spent a wonderful weekend, M asked me if I had brought 'comfy' clothes... Um, no? If by comfy you mean lace dresses and flowy blouses then yes. He took me straight to a local store and had me pick up 2 pairs of comfy cotton yoga pants. Why you ask? M explains that no one here dresses up and that I would maybe be doing outdoorsy things. (Not in this cold!) Our romantic weekend was over, we had a long drive to the base. Once we arrived, M and I went to the Commissary for a little grocery shopping and the PX for some items. It was a cold, flurry day outside, no better day to throw on those comfy pants, a cute top, and uh oh... I didn't bring any shoes other then ballet flats and heels. I had nothing to wear with the yoga pants! M told me to suck it up and put on flats, and he would buy me some sneakers when we got there... SNEAKERS?!?!? GASP! I don't wear those! He insisted and I walked out wearing cute white and pink tennis shoes. Before leaving the PX M wanted to check one store real quick, an embroidery store that does all the work on his uniform. Okay, no problem. I walk in and immediately saw that they do custom work! Well, needless to say I walked out of there with a cute new fitted T-shirt and sweatshirt that both adorned "Proud Army Wife" in big pink letters. So tonight, I am sitting here in my comfy yoga pants and Army Wife t-shirt with matching pink sneakers. Fake nails on, hair highlighted to perfection, and lips beautifully glossed in the pink/peach shade.

WHY IS ALL THIS INFORMATION SO IMPORTANT???? With all the fun and new people I am meeting, these things are so minuscule! Well, I tell you this, Army wives must be their own breed of human. Standing around the PX, I took a good look around and..... WE ALL LOOKED EXACTLY THE SAME. Maybe it's just this area, and maybe my mind is going crazy, but even M took notice that there were clones amongst us!

So, on this particular trip, what have I found makes up about 95% of the Army wives, girlfriends, and fiancees I've seen? Exactly the things mentioned above:

Short hair with unnatural looking highlights

The hair was looking poofy, teased, and perfectly in place

Fake acrylic nails

Some were plain french tips, but most were french tips with a design

Dark glowing fake tans No umpa lumpas here. Just sunkissed skin!

Nude or Pink/Peachy glossy lips Always subtle, nothing darker then a sheen of beautiful gloss.

Heavy Mascara

We all know how much I love long, volumized lashes.

Coordinating Army Wife (or girlfriend, just Army , etc)

t-shirts and sweatshirts.

Fitted cotton comfy pants


Cute, but practical sneakers

More often then not, they matched the t-shirt.

So ladies, coincidence? Without even knowing it at the time, I turned into the clone of every Army wife I have seen. Perfectly placed hair, nails and make-up looking perfect, and yet wearing comfy gym clothes to run to the PX or other errands... Hmmmm, is it in the water here?

I realize that any girl walking down the street can fit this description, but the similarities here are in mass numbers. Not EVERYONE fit the bill, but when M, a couldntcarelessaboutmakeuporlooks has to step back and mention something, that ladies, means something. And I fit right in!

Traveling 101: The Luggage

In three short days I will be traveling to visit my darling husband, M. I'll be flying from NYC to St. Louis and he is driving from his base to meet me at the airport. As I started my usual traveling checklist I wondered if everyone is as crazy about their luggage as I am.



After all, my clothing and other items are precious cargo. I hang my clothing on special hangers, hand wash almost everything except PJ's, and take me dresses off immediately after coming home. Needless to say, the thought of my clothes being tossed around like a football with all other luggage gives me anxiety! Oh and heaven forbid it gets lost! When you shop at boutiques and vintage stores it is hard to replace items. Some are even completely irreplaceable.



Traveling smart is all about THE LUGGAGE. I recently purchased the Traveler's Choice Freedom II- 3 piece luggage in Dusty Rose.

It has a hard outer casing. Perfect for protecting what's inside. Also, it has 4 wheels so you can be pulled, pushed, and turned 360 inside is a compartment for shoes, undergarments, and toiletrees.

So, how do I pack my precious cargo? The most important items- lace dresses, expensive bag s, or favorite shoes go in my rollig carry-on. There is no chance of me checking my irreplaceable items. It includes outfits for special occasions and date nights.

As my second carry-on I carry a large tote. Inside I keep my make-up, wallet, toothbrush, camera, e-reader, ipod, cell phone/charger, jewelry, agenda, and also my TRAVELO! This item is a godsent! If y'all are traveler's and haven't gotten yourself a travelo y'all are missing out! Now my favorite perfumes (Chloe, Miss Dior Cherie, and Coco Mademieselle) can come with me on the plane. I don't have to worry about the bottes breaking in cargo or being confiscated in security.

And in my large checked luggage is all the other not-so-important items. PJ's, socks, under garments, extra shoes, 2 pairs of jeans, some knit sweaters. Not that my satin PJ's aren't important, but any Macy's or Nordstroms has a pair for purchase!

So ladies, it's all in the luggage!

Christmas presents... to MYSELF!

While out doing my Christmas shopping, I gave myself a few little presents. Nothing extravagant, just cheapie little things picked up here and there.

Another Chloe perfume bottle. I love it so much, I think any spritz may be my last.

Black Patent peep-toe pumps.

The same patent peep toe pumps in Nude. I ADORE these shoes! So much so, that I bought two pairs. AND if you hurry, they are on sale for ONLY $10 at CharlotteRusse.com. Once the weather warms up, my feet will never come out of these.

Pink Ipod nano... I'm very late in the game getting an Ipod, but I love it. Small, pink, plays Michael Buble- it's perfect.

Fur trimmed coat in WHITE. LOVE it! I feel like a Hollywood star when I wear it. Forever21.com



This pink scalloped edge bag will look adorable with a flirty dress and ballet flats in the spring. Forever21.com





I already have a similar dress in black, white, and blush- but this one in peach with the peter pan collar was just too cute to pass up!

Nude quilted long chained bag. Again, with a flirty floral dress and those MATCHING NUDE PUMPS, so adorable!

Miss Dior Cherie gift set. I had gotten a bottle last year for Christmas and when I smelled it while strolling the isles this year it gave me sweet memories of my first year of marriage.

Also, I picked up a white faux fur coat, but the fur is in the shape of tiny rosettes. I SEARCHED the Internet looking for a picture, but the brand must be very, very unknown. My husband, how dear he is, bought me a Kindle! I am so very excited to have it! I'll be traveling a lot on the next couple months and it will serve as a splendid companion on the flights.

What's your Essence?

Essence is defined as "attributes that make an attribute or substance what it fundamentally is, and which it has by necessety, and without which is loses it's identity." I believe every person has their own essence. Every choice we make, every item we buy, everything we wear is part of who we are as a person. When I go to buy something I stop and ask myself, "Is this me? While wearing this will I be perceived the way I want to be? If I were a _____, is this what I'd be?" Beyond morals, family, and personality traits, our 'beauty' essence is an essential part of us. What's my essence?

IF I WERE A......

Fragarance I'd be

Chloe Parfum

and Rose scented candles

Lipstick I'd be
MAC's Creme Cup

and e.l.f Runway Pink

Nail polish I'd be
b.s.n. Romance

Flower I'd be
Blush English Rose

Fabric I'd be
lace

Shape I'd be
a bow

A print I'd be
Floral

A book I'd be
A romance novel

Jewelry I'd be
Pearls

Color I'd be
Blush and Cream

party I'd be
A garden tea party

A city I'd be
Paris

A house I'd be
Southern Plantation Home

A letter I'd be
love letters

Pajamas I'd be
pink satin set

Drink I'd be
Tea

So ladies, what's your essence?

Christmas Outfit

Of course, featuring my new favorite wardrobe must-have, the Lace Mini. Black would look nice too.

Lace mini- Elegant and classic
Black tights- preferably the thick knit ones for warmth.
Embellished headband- Red for a holiday feel or something classy that can be worn all year round.
Red Lips and Nail Polish- Classic AND festive!
Black flats work with anything but the gold add a little pizazz and look festive!
Pearls, Pearls, Pearls! (No tacky Christmas earrings here, thank you!)