Stay-At-Home Mom Style: Sweater Love

scarf/ Kohl's | sweater, flats/ Target | pants/ Ross

1) This sweater is another from my Target haul last week. I can't decide if I like this one or the other one better, both are perfect holiday season sweaters!

2) Remember the maroon pants I bought two months ago, intending to get them tailored? Yeah, these are them... still untailored. The fit isn't awful this way, I'd just rather the hems be a bit more skinny ankle-pant type cut. Would make it easier to fit them into boots (which is how I wanted to wear this, since really it's too cold for flats, but at least I wasn't leaving the house the day I wore this). That's why these photos were taken inside. ;)

3) This is another example of wearing green and red type colors without looking like Christmas threw up on you. The leopard print is a nice way to tone down the holiday colors, I think.

4) I still have a lot of work to do on my DSLR skillz. I know the graininess and lack of being able to tell the pants are maroon is an ISO issue, I just need to play around a little more with the settings until I get it right. Or maybe look it up. But I'm more of a trial-and-error kind of gal.

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Stay-At-Home Mom Style: Maroon and Olive

sweater/ Old Navy | jeans, necklace/ Target | boots/ JustFab

These are the first outfit photos I took with my fancy new DSLR camera, tripod and remote. Obviously I have a long way to go before I can actually take a decent photo with it, so just bear with me, k? I'm pretty excited about learning to use this thing.

On to the outfit: here we have another vaguely Christmas-y outfit, without being too "look at me I'm a Christmas tree!" The maroon and olive are nice nods to traditional Christmas colors, but not overboard. These olive jeans are another item I grabbed during my Target run the other day, and I looooove them. I'm so excited about having a pair of olive skinny jeans, they really should have been on my fall wish list. I feel so seasonal in this outfit. :) I plan on wearing it tonight to the Holiday Parade of Lights our town is having!

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Stay-At-Home Mom Style: Holiday-ish

sweater/ Target | gingham shirt, jeans/ Old Navy | boots/ Shoedazzle

After some gorgeous weather over the Thanksgiving weekend, it's back to chilly and windy here in the Bay. Which can only mean one thing: layers! Looking through my closet I realized I was low on wintery/holiday-ish sweaters, so I hopped on over to Target to see what I could find. As luck would have it, they were having a sale on sweaters, so I grabbed this one and one other for a total of $20.98! I also grabbed some other stuff which I'll show off soon. ;) 

I love how seasonally-appropriate this outfit is. Neutrals, especially grey and black, seem to be really in this winter, but I like how the button up adds a little extra color and pattern mixing. The gingham pattern just plays really well against the geometric pattern along the neckline, dontcha think? This outfit has my creative juices flowing, I can't wait to show you all of my "winter" (because that means something different here on the central coast) and holiday-ish outfit ideas!

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Stay-At-Home Mom Style: Cognac and Black

necklace, sweater/ Target | jeans/ Old Navy | boots/ JustFab | jacket/ Kohl's

I love the look of cognac brown and black together. Maybe because I grew up with that "black and brown make a frown" rule, and that one seems to have gone out the window. I'm glad, too, because that one was about as ridiculous as "no white after Labor Day." (However, I still don't think chocolate brown and black go together. Probably because they're a lot closer in color.) 

This is what I wore yesterday when J and I went to see Catching Fire. I thought it was good, but I usually spend the first time watching a movie from a book comparing it to the book. So I'd like to see it again and just enjoy it. I'm usually pretty lenient with changes they make for the movie if I can justify that it makes sense in movie format and would be too hard to do exactly as it was in the book, as long as it doesn't change the essence or important parts of the story. There's only been one thing so far with the first two movies that makes me mad that they changed it. I don't want to give anything away here for people who haven't read the books, but let's just say it has to do with the origin of the Mockingjay pin. Otherwise, I think the movies have been pretty spot-on. 

Anyway, I'll be back on Friday with something special, and until then, Happy Thanksgiving!

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Stay-At-Home Mom Style: Vested

vest, jeans/ Old Navy | shirt/ JCPenney | boots/ JustFab

Hey guys! I know it's been awhile since I've posted. I've been really sick for the last week or so, and trust me, nobody wanted to see pictures of that. But now that I'm finally feeling better, I'm excited to show you my newest purchase!

I snagged this vest during one of Old Navy's crazy online sales. I've been seeing so many cute puffy vests around this fall that I just had to try one out for myself. And I think I'm in love! I love the texture and the color, and this sucker is so warm and comfy! It's weird that something that doesn't have arms can keep you so warm. It's just cool enough today for the vest, but not a proper jacket (I know, it's okay to be jealous, I'm jealous of your snow). Also, I think I officially have more blue than any other color in my closet now. 

I'm gonna go finish getting caught up on all you lovely ladies' blogs now, so if you get a slew of comments from me, well, #sorrynotsorry. Happy Tuesday!

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Stay-At-Home Mom Style: Lucky

scarf, jacket/ Kohl's | shirt/ Target | jeans/ Old Navy | boots/ JustFab

You guys know that I've had a couple items on my fall wish list for... pretty much all of fall: a leopard scarf, and a brown (p)leather jacket. I was having the hardest time finding either of these items that were both 1) my style and 2) my price point. Just the other day, I bemoaned on Twitter how fruitless my hunt for a leopard scarf was, to the point of being convinced that leopard was no longer in style. (Dramatic, much?)

Well, my (sort-of) patience finally paid off. Yesterday, I made a run to Michael's for a couple of craft supplies (more on that tomorrow). Michael's just happens to be next door to Kohl's, so of course I accidentally found myself there. As luck would have it, they were having an awesome sale, and this scarf and jacket just sort of jumped into my arms. It was an out-of-body shopping experience if ever I've had one. 

Moral of the story: two more things checked off my wishlist! Wooo!

Linking up with Just Another Smith for her leopard print link-up!

And also Work Clothes, I Suppose for Third Thursday Threads!

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Stay-At-Home Mom Style: New Clothes!

scarf/ gift | sweater, jeans/ Old Navy | boots/ Shoedazzle

Here's a look at some new clothes I bought last month! It feels so good to finally be able to wear them now that I've put that 30x30 nonsense behind me. Seriously, those were my favorite pieces and I got sick of them quick. It's refreshing to just be able to wear what I want, instead of what I "have to." I know it was self-inflicted, but still. Anyway. Moving on. 

This is my third pair of non-denim-colored jeans. (The other two are the infamous grey and blue ones.) I LOVE them. The black is so chic, but they're still just skinny jeans and go with every top I own. Also, these boots might be my favorite pair ever. They're so cool and laid back, and they look amazing with every pair of pants I own. The buttons are the best little detail. I highly recommend them, especially for us gals whose calves are more than 15" around. I call them my pirate boots, because, well... they remind me of boots that pirates wear. :)

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Stay-At-Home Mom Style Remix: Cheater-Pants

Please don't hate me, but I'm cheating today. I was looking through past outfits to make sure I didn't repeat any for the 30 x 30, and realized I have eleven outfits that use only items in my remix. I was having trouble coming up with new ones because of this, so I figured I'd do a roundup of those outfits to close out this silly challenge. Honestly, I was getting a little sick of seeing these clothes, and maybe you were too. Also, I really want to show you my new stuff. So I cheat, and call it a day (and the end of the 30x30 remix).

Here are the original posts:

21. http://whyidodeclaire.blogspot.com/2013/08/guest-post-fairy-wings-make-good-soup.html (Guest post for Laura!)

22. http://fairywingsmakegoodsoup.blogspot.com/2013/08/stay-at-home-mom-style-closet-amnesia.html

23. http://fairywingsmakegoodsoup.blogspot.com/2013/09/stay-at-home-mom-style-things-you-learn.html 

24. http://fairywingsmakegoodsoup.blogspot.com/2013/09/stay-at-home-mom-style-dressed-up-tee.html 

25. http://fairywingsmakegoodsoup.blogspot.com/2013/10/stay-at-home-mom-style-card-again.html 

26. & 31. http://mynewfavoriteoutfit.blogspot.com/2013/08/sponsor-spotlight-fairy-wings-make-good.html (Guest post for Ginny!)

27. & 28. http://fairywingsmakegoodsoup.blogspot.com/2013/09/one-piece-many-ways-flannel-shirt.html

29. http://fairywingsmakegoodsoup.blogspot.com/2013/09/stay-at-home-mom-style-blue.html

30. http://fairywingsmakegoodsoup.blogspot.com/2013/09/stay-at-home-mom-style-farmerpicnic-chic.html

In other news in the FWMGS household... we got E back from her dad last Thursday, just in time for trick-or-treating! It's been an adjustment getting back into our normal routine (more so  than I expected), which means I haven't been taking outfit photos lately (another reason for my cheater-pants roundup). I promise I'll get my blogging act together again soon. 

Also, my husband's work trip is back on, apparently. He'll be leaving this weekend for a couple weeks (so thankful that he'll be back in time for Thanksgiving!), which means that our schedule has been pretty hectic trying to prepare for that as well. I know I know, excuses excuses, I just wanted to let you know where my head is at and what's going on in our family lately. I mostly enjoy being a military wife, but the off-again on-again of this trip has thrown me for a loop!

Hopefully tomorrow I'll be back with an outfit with some of my new stuff!

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Budgeting Bloggers: October Budget

1. Old Navy drop shoulder v-neck sweater in wine country: (originally $29.94) $12.80 with promotions

2. Bandolino Petite Mandie jeans in mulled sangria: (originally $48) $17.99 via Ross

3. Shoedazzle Irene boots in slate: (originally $39.95) $19.98 with VIP intro offer

4. Old Navy Sweetheart skinny jeans in black jack: (originally $29.50) $18.88 with promotions

Total: $69.65 - $15 clothes sold = $54.65

Saved: $77.74

I know I'm late to the game on this one, but here we are. After not shopping for the first half of the month, I made up for lost time with a couple awesome online sales and a trip to Ross. I was able to cross three more things off my wish list (the boots were just for fun), and once again saved more than I spent (love it when that happens)! 

My new favorite outfit that I've worn several times this month (despite the 30 for 30) is the sweater/black jeans/ boots combo. I LOVE it, and will show it to you very soon! As for the maroon pants, it'll be a little bit before those make an appearance because while they're perfect in almost every way-- fit in the waist, hips and thighs; exact color I was hoping for; thick material that doesn't show panty lines-- they are not cropped skinnies like I wanted. So I will be making my very first trip to the tailor soon to have them remedy that for me. They'll need to take the legs in a little, and raise the hem a bit, so hopefully that doesn't end up being too expensive. I'll include the tailoring costs in November's budget.

Also, I'm not including my new coat in the budget because it's outerwear and actually ended up replacing a coat I had that was on its last legs, but if me not including it makes you mad, it would bring my total up to $75.75. (It was originally $42.94, I got it for $21.10.) Either way I was a little over my $50 budget, but I don't regret any of my purchases! Here's a look at my updated wish list:

Fall Wish List

cognac flats

comfy fall shirt

fall dress

cognac boots

fall scarf

second plaid flannel shirt

colored cardigan

neutral cardigan
maroon/fall colored pants

brown leather (or fake leather) jacket

black skinny jeans

sweater

I don't think I'll be making a winter wishlist, since I left my winter wardrobe in Omaha and "winter" out here is basically the same as fall, just more rainy. I'll save updating my winter wardrobe for next year when I have to endure a true Nebraska winter again.

As always, linking up with Franish for Budgeting Bloggers!

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Stay-At-Home Mom Style Remix: Layered Edition

necklace, jeans/ Target | cardigan/ Target (thrifted) | tee/ Gap | vest/ JC Penney | flats/ WalMart

Yesterday we had some pattern mixing, today we're focusing on the layers. (Not that all of my outfits aren't layered, I just really want to talk about layers today.) This outfit has a lot going on-- tee + cardigan + vest-- but I'm loving the effect. I like how the vest breaks up the polka dots of the cardigan to keep them from being overwhelming, and is just a cute unexpected detail for an otherwise pretty boring outfit. 

necklace/ Old Navy | popover, sweater/ Target | jeans/ Post Exchange | boots/ JustFab

Ah, the collared shirt under a sweater look. I've been trying to pull off this look with this sweater for so long, and I finally succeeded with my navy popover. For some reason it just wasn't working with full button-ups. But I'm glad this finally worked, because I love the navy/mustard color combo. The colors plus the boots really fall up my cobalt jeans (which I'm still not convinced is really a fall color, no matter how many bloggers claim that it is). Either way, I'm happy with the results. 

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Stay-At-Home Mom Style Remix: Pattern Mixing Edition

shirt/ Kohl's | button up/ Target | necklace/ gift| jeans/ Old Navy | boots/ JustFab

I wore this when we went out for pizza Friday night. There is some cuh-razy pattern mixing going on here, but I'm seriously loving it. The top half, especially with my new hair cut, looks a little... something. School marm-ish? Vintage-y? I can't put my finger on it, but I bet you guys know what I'm talking about. Either way, I love the effect. This is one of my personal favorites so far. 

PS, if you're ever in Monterey, go to Gianni's Pizza. A. Maze. Zing. We had a chicken pesto pizza that I will be recreating (and hopefully posting) very soon!

 

gingham button up, jeans/ Old Navy | tee, flats/ Target | necklace/ laurenelainemoore

This was the perfect outfit for a lazy Saturday, during which I actually watched a Nebraska game (which they lost :( ) so a little bit of red was necessary. I like the almost grunge vibe of this one, and you know how I feel about pattern mixing with stripes and plaid/gingham. (Seriously, this pattern is gingham, right? Yet the website calls it plaid. I think I'm going to stick with gingham, though.) 

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Stay-At-Home Mom Style Remix: Sixteen

shirt/ Target | scarf, jeans, coat/ Old Navy | boots/ JustFab

This outfit is, of course, not particularly creative or innovative, but I just love it. I think it's the maroon/navy color combo. Both are such great colors for fall. And I love the scarf, and the boots. Fall clothes are just the best, aren't they?

I also wanted to show you my new coat. I added it onto my Old Navy order (when I got my black skinnies, and a maroon sweater I can't wait to show you) because it was on sale, and it put me over $50 so I could get free shipping, figuring if I didn't like it I could just return it. 

Well, it came in the mail the same day that I got my hair cut, and I put it on, and my husband's reaction was "Oh my god that's adorable. It matches your new hair perfectly." So, I had to keep it. Because I agree. It's a pea coat, but unlike my other pea coat, it isn't wool but more of a trench coat type material, making it the perfect in-between outerwear when it's cold but not freezing.

Okay, back to watching the Nebraska game. Hope you are all having a fun and relaxing weekend!

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Stay-At-Home Mom Style Remix: Halfway!

vest, striped shirt/ JC Penney | jeans/ Old Navy | flats/ Target

Today's outfit is important for two reasons. 1) It's outfit number 15, which means we're halfway through this remix! 2) I decided to switch out my maxi skirt (which was initially included in the 30 items, but it's just gotten too cold for it) with these new black skinny jeans, so I have now officially worn every one of my 30 items! Gotta do some serious remixing from here on out. 

Since we're no longer concerned about our finances, I have been shopping this month, though I am sticking with the 30 x 30 for as long as I can. Last week I had a reader email me about which skinny jeans from Old Navy I wear (they're these in case you were also wondering), and when I was looking them up online I found out... they came in black. I have been looking for a black pair of skinnies since, oh... before starting this blog I'm pretty sure. When I discovered that Old Navy had the exact same style of skinnies I already own and love, but in black, I ordered them immediately. So thank you, Amy, for asking about my skinny jeans so that I could find the black pair of my dreams. :)

Also, unless you follow me on Instagram, this is the first you've seen of my new hair! I went with a long bob and some side bangs, and I am loving it so far! This is the shortest my hair has been since my sophomore year of high school (ten years ago...), so I was a little nervous but glad I went for it!

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Stay-At-Home Mom Style Remix: Cozy

 

cardigan/ Old Navy (thrifted) | plaid shirt, jeans/ Old Navy | flats/ Walmart

The weather here has gotten significantly colder lately, so today all I wanted to do was pile on some cozy layers. As you know, I love cardigans over button ups, and I love red and grey together, so this outfit was a no-brainer. Since the top half was a bit over-sized, I kept the bottom half simple and fitted with my skinnies and grey flats to tie the top and bottom halves together. 

I am currently curled up on my couch in this outfit with a cup of tea, and I can tell you I could not possibly be more cozy right now. 

Hoping all of you dealing with cooler weather (and even snow!) are cozy today, too!

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Stay-At-Home Mom Style Remix: Weekender

necklace/ Old Navy | tee/ Gap | button up, jeans/ Target | boots/ Kohl's

This weekend was pretty crazy. J had the day off on Friday, and this is what I wore when we took E down to Fisherman's Wharf to look at the seals and otters and get some ice cream. It was our last day with her before we took her to her dad, and we had a lot of fun.

I'm happy to say that I have decided I love these grey jeans, and I love this outfit. Since we're no longer concerned about getting paid, I've been shopping again this month (can't wait to show you what I've gotten!), and one of the things I got was a pair of knee-high grey boots that look amazing with these jeans. So excited.

necklace/ Old Navy| cardigan/ Target (thrifted) | tee/ Gap | jeans/ Post Exchange | boots/ JustFab

Saturday we drove up north to take E to her dad. Living in the bay is weird, because you can drive as little as 30 minutes north (and inland), and the temperature difference can be like 30 degrees sometimes. So I wore layers knowing that while it was cold in Monterey, it wouldn't be up north where we met for lunch, then at the outlet mall that J and I went to after. I'm glad I layered because that cardigan had to come off. Then it went back on later that night once we got back and went bowling with friends. (I started the game with a turkey, but still managed to lose. That takes some special skillz.)

Now, I'm going to need your help. When I put together my 30 pieces, I included a lot of my favorites that I know are infinitely remixable. But I also included a few pieces (like my grey jeans) that I wasn't sure about, and wanted a chance to play around with before decided to keep or get rid of them. This cardigan is one of those pieces. I like it, but I'm just not sure how many ways I'll be able to style it. The color and the boldness of the polka dots make it difficult for me. So what do you say? Should it go or should it stay?

scarf/ gift | jacket/ Old Navy | dress/ Target | boots/ JustFab

Sunday was the first day in awhile that J and I had completely to ourselves. We had absolutely no idea what to do with ourselves, so we decided to go see a movie. I took advantage of the opportunity to wear my new favorite dress with my new favorite boots, and styled it for the cooler weather we've been having. My knees were still a little cold, so I see some tights in my future!

I hope you guys had a great weekend, and thank you for all the kind words about my new header!

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Stay-At-Home Mom Style Remix: Almost

necklace, shirt, jeans, flats/ Target | vest/ JC Penney

I almost wore boots with this, but then I realized I probably wear them too much.

I almost didn't wear jeans today, but as you can see, I folded and went with jeans.

I almost wore all Target again, but the vest saved me.

I almost posted a recipe today, but I've been feeling pretty uninspired with recipes and cooking in general lately. Hoping to get out of that funk soon.

And this is a picture of the timer going off as I realized "oh crap there's my neighbor act natural ACT NATURAL" and I almost got caught, but I didn't. My secret is still safe.

This is outfit ten of thirty, which is 1/3 of the way through! Which isn't even close to almost done, but I still feel pretty good about hitting the 1/3 mark. 

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