Hey Girl, Heyyyyy

***Apparently this post was just hiding in my drafts from NOVEMBER! Yikes! But here it is now!

By some act of God I was able to score two nights out in November within in the same week!
Thank the heavens! I had been jonesing for an evening out with the ladies and finally, finally we were all able to squeeze it in!
Earlier in the week I hit up a shopping event at Madewell in South Coast plaza where I got to hang with some lovely ladies and try on some cute clothes.
I was so grateful for the time out (literally) and the chance to rock some fierce new booties.
Weeks before I had emailed all the ladies to see if we could get it together and get out for an evening out. Dinner, drinks, appetizers....whatever! Just so long as we could do it sans kids and significant others.
Imagine my delight when the email responses all came back with a resounding yes! All were available!
Hooray!
We ended up at the local Yard House. Nothing super fancy but the food is good and the drinks are on point so it was a win/win for all!
Seven ladies somehow managed to step out for a night of fun, laughter and good eats all at the same time!
That never happens.
Conversation between me and the Mr.
Him: So who all's going?
Me: Everyone
Him: Everyone?
Me: yep
Him: Tenia? But she's pregnant? (and due in a month)
Me: Yep
Him: Rose?
Me: Yep?
Him: Really? So everyone is going?
Me: All the ladies.
Him: And no one (of the fellas) called me.
Me: Uhhh no, they were all at home with the children! Duh!

He was equally as impressed with the turnout as I was.

I don't know about the other ladies but I know that evening out was great for my psyche. It was much needed. We laughed so hard and were able to communicate about our children, our home lives and just relate on so many levels. It was nice to be at a table where everyone knew everyone and there was no drama!
In the past all my ladies nights were somewhat elaborate with an underlying hint of behind the scenes drama and required a bit of effort on my part.
This was a first in that we just wanted to get together.
Of course I would love to host the ladies at my home another time, perhaps for a wine tasting or a dessert party but at this particular moment, a dinner out was just what we needed.
For some of us, it was the first time we've gotten to eat a hot meal on our own without having to share. For others it was a nice hurrah before giving birth.
I personally hadn't been out with the girls since Carson's arrival in February so this was a long time coming.
I was so excited I forgot my camera and was forced to capture some 'slightly inebriated' moments upon my return home.

How often do you get together with your lady friends?

Tuesday Style Inspiration

As I gather my thoughts for  my 2013 style resolutions and begin to purge my closet to get that ever elusive working wardrobe of my dreams, I have created yet another style inspiration pin board.
I had one previously but it was kind of a hodge podge so this particular one is dedicated to both blogger and celeb street style.
I like to see everyday women interpret the trends and make them work for them. (which is why I link up to WIWW)
I also like to see what the fabulous & glamorous set are wearing and figure out how I can make that work for me. Or rather what is it that I like and how I can make it my own.
It's like a puzzle of sorts.
So I decided to make a quick collage of some of the looks I'm really feeling lately.
It helps me when ultimately re-organizing my closet and drawers.

If I see a pattern I can hone in on it and immediately try to replicate the look on my own.
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
Either way I'm always inspired.

The other way I get inspired is by reading other 'fashion' bloggers. I use the term fashion bloggers loosely because some of them may or may not consider themselves to be as such. I love to read their blogs, see what they're wearing ,what they're pinning and how I can get some of their cool to rub off on me.
So without further ado: here are some of my recent blog/fashion crushes

Good Life for Less:

In case you haven't noticed, I've been an active member of Jill's "IT" list for the last few weeks. But that isn't why I'm crushing on her. I've actually been reading her blog for awhile and totally dig her style. It just seems so relatable and like something you could imagine in real life. Not just styled for the blog.

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Seersucker+Saddles

Omg. I just discovered this blog thanks to Jill and I am already obsessed with her style! While it's a bit more preppy than my own, I just love how she puts things together! You'd never know she was a mother of two.

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 And look at that - a REAL mama rocking leather leggings!!

Pursuit of Shoes

I happen to know Ashley in real life and she is just as cute in person as she is on her blog.
She pretty much has my ideal wardrobe if I was single and in my twenties...again.
A good mix of preppy, classic and edgy her endless zeal for shoes makes her a woman after my own heart.....but with a lot more disposable income :)

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In the Fashion Lane

I've mentioned Mandy and what a doll she is before but I don't think I touched on how much I love her style. Our aesthetics are pretty similar and it's always fun to see things on Pinterest and go to re-pin and see they were showing because she pinned them! Ha!

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I mean.....how cute is she? 

Go check out these blogs and tell me what you think!

Who inspires your style?

Monday Link up: Mama Style

Y'all know Laura of AscotFriday and Target Does it Again? If not you need to. Click on the links after reading this post. Otherwise you will be in the black hole of the wonderful world of both of those sites. Well, she's hosting a link up about "mama style" and I decided to join in.

Y'all know I am all about breaking the "mommy style" mold and really working my wardrobe to figure out how to best incorporate my personal style along with my role as mama.

After having Sweet Pea I really struggled with my personal style. Hell, I didn't even realize I had a personal style at the time. It was 2002 and I was still hanging on tight to my college dress code so I pretty much just went with the masses. I had no idea  how to figure out a way to balance the trends  I loved with dressing "practically" for playing with a little one.

 It's only in the last few years that I've really developed my own style. I chalk that up to going to FIDM and then working for Hautelook. If that didn't help me develop some kind of style then nothing would work!
Now that I'm a mama of two and have pared down my closet to find what really works, it's a bit easier to mix ME & the Mama.  Like most moms I have somewhat of a 'uniform' even now that I'm not going into an office everyday (albeit a casually stylish office).  My go to pieces are leggings or skinny jeans, ankle boots and either a button down or a light sweater. Often if it's warmer I rock the infamous Mossimo pocket tee or cut-offs. I'm very simple and don't really accessorize much (working on that for this year!) and I like to be comfortable but not sloppy.

Here are a few of my favorite recent looks from both the blog and IG (follow me: fromcarpools2cocktails)

      

  


Notice a pattern? Simple tops and pants, interesting footwear. These days dressing is really all about going from playgroups/carpools to dates with my hubby and girlfriends.
Right now I'm all about the ankle boot. I have three pairs in heavy rotation. I love that they are comfortable, stylish and give my look a little extra something!

What's YOUR mama style?

the "IT" list

• do you j.crew? styles up a closet staple: the tweed jacket!  Check out her gorgeous round up!
• the luxury rehab features a sneek peek of the upcoming Prabal Garang for Target line. This floral dress is just stunning! (find the luxury rehab on Twitter!)
• everything but ordinary looks simply adorable in this polka dot on polka dot look. Wearing double polka dots is definitely on my spring-to-do list! (find everything but ordinary on Twitter!)
• live. work. style. is showing her 'blogger day off' outfit, which of course is just as fabulous as her blogger day 'on' outfits! A perfectly casual and comfortable look! (find live. work. style. on Twitter!)
• rose a la mode is perfectly Florida-chic in this striped top, casual shorts with a bright pop of color by way of her purse! I love this look and am longing for spring! (find rose a la mode on Twitter!)
• my confidence + me pulls together the perfect 'comfy & cozy' work from home outfit. I am really digging this, especially with all the cold weather the midwest has been having! (find my confidence + me on Twitter!)
• a little bit of wo.we experiments with layering in a new way (to her!).  It looks adorable and was well worth trying something new! (find a little bit of wo.we on Twitter!)
• from carpools to cocktails pulls off the perfect 'day date' look. It's charming and beautiful, but also totally appropriate for the day time. See how she does it! (find from carpools to cocktails on Twitter!)
• my thrifty chic steals her husband's top and styles it so effortlessly cool. Find out how she tweaked it a bit to make it fit her perfectly! (find my thrifty chic on Twitter!)
• loop looks invested in a great navy blazer and was excited to pair it with an adorable polka dot top. The look is classic and modern - check it out! (find loop looks on Twitter!)
• the second best dishes on her two must have items in her closet and wears them together.  Hint: you are going to want these two items as well! They are classic and beautiful! (find the second best on Twitter!)
• a fashion fixation is hosting a giveaway for a gift card to LOFT!  Head on over to enter! The LOFT is having some great sales right now! (find a fashion fixation on Twitter!)
• dahlia lynn lane is talking Alt Summit, unicorns and red maxi skirts. Random perhaps, but definitely worth checking out! This outfit is so fabulous! (find dahlia lynn lane on Twitter!)
• one hundred inspirations features Olivia Palermo in floral pants and a neon top. While this look sounds wild, it is pulled off effortlessly and worth recreating!
• sweetie pie style is jumping right into spring style on her blog, and really, aren't we all totally ready for it? Check out her fun looks! (find sweetie pie style on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of good life, for information on how you can be involved... click here!

Daily Style: My New Favorite Jeans

A few weeks ago I broke down and purchased some new skinny jeans.
The last pair I purchased were circa 2006/2007 from my girlfriends now defunct clothing store.
To say that I was long overdue for a new pair is/was a bit of an understatement. But let's face it, jeans shopping is right up there with bathing suit shopping. A necessary evil that I'd just as soon skip as face head on. After trying on several styles I ended up with a pair from Joe's and I'm pretty pleased with them. They've got just the right amount of stretch and aren't so low waist-ed that if I bend over the whole school yard gets a glimpse of my skivvies. Good deal.

Paired with my favorite gauzy black button up and I felt as though I were channeling a little Gywneth Paltrow. Sort of.

The bag was another Nordstrom Rack find. Gawd I love that place.

Since the weather was still faltering between actual winter like temps and sunshiney warmth I threw on my long sought after military style jacket to give it a little something extra.

And because I love these jeans so much and they are so comfortable I may or may not have worn them more than twice last week. Maybe. I plead the fifth.

Any pieces that you're loving in your closet?

the details:

Top: Forever 21

Jeans: Joe's 

Boots: Sole Society (Elsa)

Purse: Steve Madden (Nordstrom Rack)

Just one more day to vote!! 

Thanks for your support!

 

What I Wore: Day Date

I mentioned the other day that the Mr. and I escaped got out for a lovely brunch minus the kiddos this past Sunday.
I was pretty jazzed at the thought of hobnobbing with the hipsters downtown, hanging with friends and having a day date with my man! I knew I wanted to wear high heels but was kind of torn as to which ones and since the weather was warming back up I even had the possibility of having my toes out! Eek!
Friday afternoon I scored some new ankle boots (more on those later) and I was kind of wanting to rock those for a little boho chic vibe but didn't like the overall look when I tried them on.

Option two was for sure more casual and along the lines of what everyone else was going to be wearing. For some reason I was not interested in looking like everybody else.
I wanted color. I wanted bold. I wanted fun.

I tried on only two shoe options prior to settling on my trusty Maxwell's.

The Mr. actually finalized the decision by boldly declaring that he "preferred the grey ones for some reason". It wasn't too hard to convince me.

Definitely liked how my outfit turned out. I even wore bracelets!

I could easily re-work this to be more casual with a quick swap of shoes or even throwing on a chambray shirt instead.

But I loved the contrast of the bold blue and how it pops against my favorite shade of fuchsia. The addition of the Maxwell booties just kicked it up a notch (enter Emeril's trademark phrase of "BAM"!!!!!)


Do you ever get carried away with your date outfits?


the details
top: 14th and Union via Nordstrom Rack
skirt: Forever 21- old
boots: Sole Society- Maxwell



Linking up with Lindsey

Sunday Funday: Birthday Brunch

Stop the presses. 

I was able to eat breakfast all by myself and while it was still hot. 

A rarity these days indeed.

Let me back up.....

Sunday we ventured to L.A. for the surprise birthday brunch of the Mr.'s BFF.

Nestled atop a downtown high-rise  the aptly named Perch was like stepping into a friends cozy living room and enjoying a lovely meal. 

The living room" looked out onto a gorgeous patio that overlooked the city. The weather was perfect and the fact that it was sans kids made it that much more enjoyable.

I got a little carried away at the thought of an afternoon among adults only and strong desire to wear nice high heel.

It was nice to get out and have an early afternoon date with the Mr. and celebrate one of his oldest and dearest friends.

There's nothing like a leisurely Sunday brunch with some of your favorite folks.

Not to mention the yummy food and delicious beverages.

If you happen to be in the downtown Los Angeles and are in the mood for brunch I highly recommend taking flight and finding your own little Perch in this cozy nest.

The contest is still open!

Please take a moment and click the button below to vote on Circle of Moms!

    

the "IT" list

• DahliaLynn makes fabulous jewelry and is sharing with us how some of her customers are styling one of her most popular items! Pop over to check out this cute bauble! (find DahliaLynne on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation is bringing the turtleneck back and sporting it stylishly by layering and pairing it with a chic skirt! She nailed it! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• The Second Best has an obsession with patterned pants and picked up a new pair on the cheap! Head over to find out where she found these fun trousers and how she styled them! (find Second Best on Twitter!)
• Loop Looks shares her go-to look when she is in a time crunch (snooze, anyone?)! The bonus? It feels like wearing pajamas! (find Look Looks on Twitter!)
• My Thrifty Chic dresses down this week and is showing us her comfiest pair of jeans! Oh and they only cost her $8! Wow! (find My Thrifty Chic on Twitter!)
• From Carpools to Cocktails is rocking a chic sweatshirt with leather accents! The ultimate in comfy cute and perfect for moms! (find From Carpools to Cocktails on Twitter!)
• Little Bit of Wo.We is breaking out of her shell and mixes a masculine shirt and feminine skirt for a look that is ready for work or a dinner out! So cute! (find Little Bit of Wo.We on Twitter!)
• My Confidence + Me is taking a hint from the weather and dressing in blacks and grays - winter chic AND cozy! (find My Confidence + Me on Twitter!)
• Rose a la Mode looks impossibly chic in tulle and chambray for a friend's bridal shower - a must see! (find Rose a la Mode on Twitter!)
• Live Work Style departs from her usual and adds a pop of vibrant color into her look to match the energy she is feeling in the new year! Love! (find Live Work Style on Twitter!)
• Everything but Ordinary is making denim shorts look down right fabulous and the best part? You can rock them in the cold weather! (find Everything but Ordinary on Twitter!)
• The Luxury Rehab recaps her favorite looks from the Golden Globes and also spots the trends that are taking us in to the new year! Lots of eye candy here! (find The Luxury Rehab on Twitter!)
• Do You J.Crew? shows us tons of ways to style a pencil skirt - from casual to dressy and everything in between! A must have for every closet!
• Sweetie Pie Style rounds up 5 pieces she has her eye on for spring and they are each under $25! Pop over to pick out your favorite wallet friendly treat! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)
• Second Street East is dying over the newest issue of Lonny and found tons of inspiration for an outfit and a room! Tons of great pieces to add to your home or your wardrobe! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second Street East.

For more information on how you can be involved - click here

Outfit Post: Sweatshirt Chic

For Christmas all I asked for (from my Dad) was a gift card to Nordstrom or someplace that I wouldn't be compelled to buy things for the house or the kids. Ya know, just for me. (insert selfish mommy comments here)
It's a rarity to be able to shop by myself these days, let alone not think about prices, or buying things for the kids/house so you can imagine my excitement when I opened my gift and two shiny Nordy's cards were staring out at me.  

It helped that a few weeks prior I had run into Nordy's to return some pants, completed my transaction and was walking toward the elevator when I'm sure I let out an audible gasp.
There was this wicked looking sweatshirt in all it's leathery and shimmery glory.

  I knew then that I must make it mine and it was all I could think about when I saw those gift cards! Immediately I jumped online to make sure they had it in stock in my local store and was thrilled to find the second to last one in my size!

The metallic sheen woven throughout add that touch of sparkle I'm always looking for while the faux leather shoulder panels and zipper detailing give me a much needed edge for a Tuesday morning.

I like that both of those elements combine to make what would be a "simple grey sweatshirt" as chic as it is comfortable. And y'all know I am all about that.

Sweatshirt: Trouve via Nordstrom 
Skinny Jeans: James Cured by Seun - old (similar)
Boots: Steve Madden via T.J. Maxx

Did y'all get any exciting gifts for Christmas?

Linking up with Lindsey!

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 Hey- thanks to all your support I'm still in the running for the Top 25 Fashion & Beauty Moms on Circle of Moms! 

Please take a minute and vote? 

You can vote once a day each day until January 23rd!

Click on the badge and it will take you directly to the voting page!

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