Outfits Of The Yesterdays (Tu Serais Mon Lascar Superstar)

♫: Battez-Vous - Brigitte

I have two outfits for today, albeit both are pretty similar. I was planning on wearing outfit #1 this past Saturday, but it was almost warm enough to wear a skirt. So! I wore a skirt, hence outfit #2.

 I just want it to be spring so, so darn bad...and an upcoming trip to Arizona definitely isn't helping with my warmer-weather-loving-lust. Counting down the days!

I digress. I have had a lot of you guys write to me recently asking for tips when it comes to wearing unusual color pairings and prints, and I decided to post both outfits as an example of how I do it.

I just follow one simple rule: I always try to pair at least two colors together, as It helps give the outfit a much needed solid point of reference. It helps to make the outfit look intentional versus looking like you forgot to pay the electric bill and dressed yourself in the dark. But hey--sometimes it's fun to make people wonder?

For example, in outfit one we have a burgundy belt with a burgundy bag (and coral stripes with coral pumps):

Jacket: J Crew, old (similar here) (similar here) (similar here)

Top: Forever 21 (buy it here) (a non-cropped, t-shirt option here) (similar at Old Navy for $14)

Pants: Madewell, old (similar by DVF) (similar at Topshop)

Belt: J Crew (similar here)

Pumps: Vince Camuto VC Signature Pure Pumps (buy them here + take 20% off w/ code "20GIFT") (similar at Topshop) (and love these by kate spade)

Handbag: DVF Harper Handbag, old (similar here by Cynthia Rowley) (similar by Rebecca Minkoff)

And in outfit two, we have a pinky-nude bag matched with pinky-nude flats. Oftentimes, however,  similar-hued accessories can be extremely difficult to find. If you don't feel like going on an Amazing-Race-style-expedition to find matching items, try matching your nail polish to something! Even though I didn't do it in the outfit below, I do it in my other outfits often-- it's an easy and cheap way to still make your outfit look intentional and au courant:

Jacket: J Crew, old (similar here) (similar here) (similar here)

Top: Forever 21 (buy it here) (and a non-cropped, t-shirt option here)

Belt: J Crew Patent Belt in neon azaelia (buy it here) (similar at GAP for $25)

Skirt: J Crew, old (similar here in lace) (similar here) (similar at Forever 21) 

Bag: Marc Jacobs Quilted Cooper Crossbody in Nude (buy it here) (similar here for under $100) (and at Topshop)

Flats: Valentino (buy them here) (similar here by Jeffrey Campbell) (similar here)

What unusual color combinations or prints have you guys been loving lately? Share in the comments! ♥

Outfit Of The Day (Happy ♥ Day)

♫: Love Interruption - Jack White

Oh, Valentine's Day. I will be the first to admit that it's not a holiday that ranks high on my list, for whatever cynical reason (the pressure! the tangible feeling that I should be wearing a feminist-cone-of-shame for even thinking about liking such a dangerously over-hyped, over-commercialized holiday! the people making fun of me for being the only human alive that actually likes conversation hearts!) but oh well. My feminist cone-of-shame is currently at the cleaners today I guess, thanks, oh stop looking at me that way.

Anyway, there is lots to love about the day of love--like strawberry and fruit punch flavored Nerds, pretty flowers, and cupid having the super-sads:

I do think one of the best gifts to give and receive is to just spend time with those that you love, so I spent the past weekend with Husband (hi, duh, obviously). But it isn't always something we get to do this time of year. I sometimes work weekends, amongst other things, and he is typically busy coaching his competitive youth basketball league--all which can make alone-time pretty darn tricky.

So we decided to do something new for Valentine's Day this year, and on Saturday we hit up the Rialto Cafe for a Murder Mystery dinner + play. Nothing says love like death and murder, eh?  It was a riot though, and even though it was like negative 20 outside (brrr!) and the 16th Street Mall area was freakishly vacant for a weekend evening, we still had a blast. Good food, good people, good times.

On to what I wore! I originally grabbed this Tibi dress during one of Piperlime's recent big sales, and it has been hanging prettilyy in my closet since, waiting to be taken to the tailors since it is a bit too wide and long. Since it still hasn't made it that direction, however, I decided to slap a skinny belt around it to help give it some shape and a slightly shorter length. I am not a always huge fan of belting shift dresses (it kind of takes away from the point, right?), and this dress definitely does not need it--but when in a impromptu lazy pinch, eh, it kindaworks.

PLUS: IT WAS NEGATIVE 20 OUT. Or it felt like it was negative 20 out. Okay, maybe it was 30 degrees out, but no one in Colorado cares what anyone is wearing or belting or not belting when it is that cold, ya hear? They're just happy you have clothes on (BOULDER, AHEM):

(oopsies--the back of my head, it does exist.)

I also realize that I have gotten away from some more "personal life" aspects of this blog over the past year, for various reasons, but I went with Husband on Sunday to see some of his basketball games nd I have a picture that I snapped that I would like to share.

Husband has been coaching the same group of boys for a few years now, and it has been crazy to see them grow up. I'm talking about height--nearly all of them are now taller than me and it totally freaks me out.

It is likely Husband's last year coaching this particular group, though, and while many of them are now surly teenagers I know they will still all be missed. Volunteering as a coach is something that Husband really loves to do, and seeing the enjoyment he gets from it more than makes up for any "alone time" we might not always have to spend with each other. Also, since we are remaining childless, I think it's a great way for us to still give to the community. It is so, so important.

For all the teasing I give to Husband on my blog, my heart swells with pride whenever a parent tells me how much they appreciate what he does and the time he gives...and when I hear the boys call him "coach".

Aw, sorry for the super-mush, and to make up for it I am pretty sure he is yelling at them in this pic:

(and our pumped up kicks)

Are you doing anything fun to celebrate? Share in the comments & happy Valentine's Day, you guys! ♥

Happy New Year!

2011 was packed full of lots of goodies: from the beginning of a major home remodel (part 2 is coming this way in Spring 2012) to lots of travel; from awesome time spent with good friends to the very best thing of all--celebrating a five year wedding anniversary to Husband! What an amazing year.

I would also like to thank every single one of you from the bottom of my heart for reading and being part of both The Chloe Conspiracy & See Chloe Shop; it means the absolute world to me! Happy New Year and lots of love, you guys! Here's looking to an even better 2012. ♥

(& just a few of my favorite photos from this past year, too--enjoy!)

(ya want it bigger, do you? click to see a full-sized image)

Happy Holidays (Outfit Of The Friday + Photo Collage Time!)

Merry Christmas, you guys!  Did ya get anything good? ♥

Christmas for us was fairly low-key and comfy this year. We celebrated with Husband's side of the family and dined on a huge feast of goodies which included turkey, baked mac & cheese, bread with garlic cilantro butter, bacon brown sugar ice cream, lemon-basil cherry pie, garlic mashed potatoes, some sort of sweet potato soup, and 'mystery myan cookies'--which looked all enticing and chocolatey and sweet on the outside but inside had a mean, vicious blast of pepper. Ow.

Husband's brother did almost all of the cooking, with the aid of his 13-year old daughter (my niece), and oh my goodness. It was insane. Since I know that they also sometimes read my blog: it was so good, you guys!  And our offer still stands on having ya'll over to our place next year for frozen chicken nuggets (we'll even be festive and do dinosaur shaped) and Husband's Famous As Long As Chloe Doesn't Sneakily Eat All Of The Ice Cream First Like She Always Does Chocolate Malts™.

(I might even re-tell the one awkward Chuck Norris joke I know too, if you're lucky, but you'll just have to wait and see! A good hostess never gives her secrets away EVEN IF they include dressing a chihuahua up to look like Christopher Walken playing a Drunk Mall Santa Claus for pure entertainment, ahem.)

Moving on. Below is a little photo montage of some pictures that I recently snapped. Some are old outfits I have yet to post, and others I took while Husband and I were bumming around at home this weekend.  You can click on any picture below to get a larger/full snapshot, too! I'm getting fancy:

1. A funny little sign courtesy of my parents.

2. Christmas tree!

3. Nothing gets between a chihuahua and her stogie, er, chewie stick.

4. Happiness is a warm sunspot and a chewie.

5.Well, someone likes her Christmas gift.

6. A few pretty, sparkly hostess gifts to give!

7. A very pretty new gray lace skirt courtesy of H&M (retails for $35) pairs well with hot pink + camel shoes.

8. A festive manicure.

9. I miss warm weather days.

10. This doormat makes me laugh every time.

11. On my way to Martha Stewart-ing  the shiznit out of my wrappings (wrapping gifts is one of my favorite things to do!)

12. Some of the great gifties from my side of the family.

13. Somebody has a favorite human.

14. Hi-five, go us!

I took the holiday pictures above mostly to share with my family, as we were separated by 300 to 600 miles this Christmas....but also for things like the super entertaining snippet of Facebook commentary below that thus ensued:

So clearly my gramma has been accidentally eating bunny-shaped dog biscuits thinking they're Christmas cookies again (just kidding gramma!) (love you!) (even if I did totally catch you accidentally doing that one year!) and I just bet you can't guess which one is my dad. This little crab-apple doesn't fall far from her tree; I love bunny-shaped dog biscuits my family and missed having them around this year. ♥
 

And last but certainly not least, here's a quick outfit. I wore this out Friday for a wild & crazy date night in downtown Denver. I love a good, slightly puffy skirt and so when I saw this one by Full Circle it was super-love at first sight. Better yet? It's made out of a really heavy fabric, meaning no having to worry about it blowing up in the winter wind. It also has pockets, as all good skirts should, and the wider waistband adds just the right shape to keep it slimming and flattering on the wearer. It does run extremely small, though, so if you're interested size up! I usually wear a size 2 in pants and I'm wearing a US6 below--I couldn't even get the US4 zipped up.

I also snapped these pictures as we were racing out the door and into the sad, murky darkness of a wintery 4:30pm, so I apologize that they look a little off.  It's bettuh than nothin':

Jacket (not pictured): Rachel Zoe Military Jacket (buy it here) (similar here + take 50% off) (similar at Forever 21) 
Top: Isabel Lu Lace Top (similar here) (similar by Tibi) (similar at ASOS) (similar at Free People) (similar at Forever 21 + ships for free, 12/26 only)

Skirt: Full Circle Skirt (buy it here, on sale!) (similar here for $34.99 ) (and a version in a longer length, too)

Watch: Michael Michael Kors Oversized watch in Rosegold (buy it here) (similar for $195) (similar for $115)
Rosegold Bangles: Seasonal Whispers Crystal & Metal Bracelets in Rosegold (buy them at Nordstrom)

Shoes: Christian Louboutin Neo Mars Kitten Heels (buy them here) (and an option from Kate Spade, too)

Bag: Lanvin Happy Mini Pop in Gold Python (buy it here) (similar here) (similar under $200) (similar under $100)

♫: Gold On The Ceiling - The Black Keys

Outfit Of The Day (Happy Raptor Day!)

(ETA on 5-24-2011 @ 6:13 AM: Sorry about that, guys! Comments are fixed!)

I know I am a full two days late here, but I hope ya'll had a happy Raptor Day.   Did you do anything fun?  If you follow me on Twitter, you likely already know that I was planning to honor this mighty dinosaur on Saturday in the only way I knew how, which is by getting really drunk and stumbling around in my super high and impossible-to-walk-in-without-limping-around-like-Bob-Barker-trying-to-walk-in-old-school-roller-skates 6" Louboutins and all while flinging my arms AND roaring like a raptor...but I had to skip it this year. Too busy, bummer huh.

Also, I noticed that some people kept pronouncing "raptor" incorrectly on Saturday, they would pronounce it more like "rapt-shure", but I'm living in Colorado (but originally from South Dakota) so I know a thing or two about mispronouncing words.  I still can't figure out what a ky-yote is, Colorado, or why the numbers out here go  eleven, twelve, thirteen,  fourteener, fifteen.  No fifteeny?

And I definitely can't figure out my inner struggle and turmoil over the fact that if I ever met Katy Perry in person I honestly don't know if I'd scream my best banshee-scream and then accidentally head-butt her OR start breaking it down and dancing  (badly, as I always do when I have the rhythm flowing through me) to her music.   And I know this has nothing to do with Colorado or mispronouncing words or small-to-medium sized dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaurs with three-fingered hands that existed in the Cretaceous Period that everyone insisted on celebrating yesterday and yammering about on the news nonstop but whatever. it's still a big problem here, 'kay?  I honestly don't know what I'd do!  What would you do?  Head-butt (accidentally, I said!) and dance? Oooh, good answer.

Enough of that, on to the outfit.  In a little bit of seriousness, I would like to first thank all of you that commented on  my last post or took the time to send an email to me about it--I've read them all (and am slowly working on answering them, yikes!) and they made me laugh, cry, and even sniffle a bit.  It wasn't an easy topic to address and write about, especially since I am much more comfortable using sarcasm while I cheerfully lampoon myself here on a regular basis, but...thank you.  ♥

Here's what I wore on Friday on a date night for dinner downtown and Billy Elliot at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.  Denver released an official press statement last week that it was skipping summer this year and going straight to fall, hence the jeans and long-sleeve top. 

I grabbed the J Brand Kiki flares  during one of Neiman Marcus' recent promotions and I'm so glad I did! This has been my first time branching out from the Lovestory fit with J Brand, but I think mama now has a new love. These have just the right flare-to-thigh-to-high-rise ratio (it is verrrry scientific) and enough stretch in them to make them extremely comfy.  The only drawback is the inseam, of course, so petites out there will definitely have to have them tailored.  

In fact, I chopped roughly 3-1/2 inches off of mine and I'm wearing them with 4-1/2 inch heels below, so that would make the original inseam on these puppies about oh, let's see...48464afafaoj7649.23 inches long?

Or in other words: the inseam is just about right, World Of Denim, for allllllllll of those ladies out there with 48464afafaoj7649.23 inch inseams.  I know so many of them, those lucky, lucky bitches.

And last but not least, while I certainly haven't given it much thought, I think that if I could name the outfit below I would give it the moniker, "The Open The Door Get On The Floor; This Old-And-Horribly-Out-Of-Touch-Rich-Divorcee-From-Miami-And-Or-Dallas-Circa-1979-That-Just-Quit-Smoking Wants To Do The Dinosaur".  I  think that the outfits we wear can send a clear  and powerful message  to others about who we truly are, after all, which is why I choose to wear outfits that convey almost nothing that I am actually about.


'CUZ I AM A WOMAN OF MYSTERY, HA HA.

And if anyone gets my song reference up above, then you win!  Nothing.  Except my  complete love and adoration forever (and ever and ever):

Top: Ann Taylor (similar style here) (and here) (love this in gray) (and puffy-sleeve love here)
Belt: J Crew (buy it here in "cinnamon spice")
Jeans: J Brand Kiki Flares (buy them here) (similar style here at GAP)
Ring: Forever 21 Royalty Ring in Gold (buy it here)
Necklace: Forever 21 (buy it here) (another option here for $14) (and a gorgeous peacock feather splurge here)
Bag: Lanvin Sweet Dora Crossbody (buy it here)  (similar style here by Olivia Harris for Gryson) (and here + take 10% off with code "") (and here here for under $40 + take 15% off with code "dlistedlove")
Shoes: Christian Dior Lolita booties (buy them in black here) (similar style here)

Outfit Of The Days (E ku'u kumu e, mai hopohopo, ua kapa 'ia ko'u inoa waena, 'o ia 'o Severe Turbulence)

Baby, "Severe Turbulence" is my middle name.

Whittling down vacation photos can be both fun and incredibly daunting, can't it?  It's an absolute blast to look through all of them and relive the vacation a bit, but  I snapped well over 1,000 pictures during our 8-night stay on the island of Kaua'i last week. And sure, that  only figures out to about 125 pictures per day, but it still seems absolutely prodigious once a girl has to hunker down and edit them all.

So I decided to start with the most important part since it's been awhile--what I wore! So you guys don't get confused and think I went on this vacation naked, uh duh.

Husband and I got married in Kaua'i five years ago and our vacation then was full of the usual twinkly, misguided dreams and warm weather with intermittent misty showers that would last mere seconds before the sun would be out shining again. This vacation was entirely different however, with the first four days a complete deluge of nonstop heavy, soaking rains and the first four nights spent with us lying in our hotel room at the Hyatt Regency, listening as the creepy and robotic National Weather Service Voice would repeat the Flash Flood warnings for all of the Hawaiian-named towns on Kaua'i, lulling us into a dreary, non-sparkly sleep.


Which was actually really funny to hear, that automated voice trying so hard to pronounce  the Hawaiian towns, but only the first time. Oh alright I laughed the second time too, but it really grew old by night three and four, I swear (but only Ka-pa-a-and-Kau-ma-ka-ni-kind-of, ha-ha-ha-ha). The weather did clear up a bit halfway through our trip thankfully, giving us just enough good weather to be slightly satisfied and hungry for more.

One of the big reasons why I love Kaua'i is because of the laid back nature of the island--it is the only place that Husband and I can go and feel like we are truly getting away from it all. There is no hustle, there is no bustle. It is the least populated of all of the main Hawaiian islands, and there are no high end boutiques or shops but only stores dedicated to trinkets, fun and chintzy souvenirs, or surf gear.

I actually like the surf stores the best, though I make no claim to be any sort of  salty sea turtle, because nestled between the racks of bikinis, short-shorts, and brightly printed tees are incredibly soft, cool knits perfect for the hot days of summer.  The only shopping I did for myself on this  vacation was to stock up on Ola sugar scrubs, Island Soap & Candle Company Plumeria scented products (I love their oils & shower gels and they're all made locally in Kaua'i), and a few seriously, seriously soft knits from a brand I'd never heard before called Indah (but apparently Shopbop knows what's up, and you can check the brand out here!).

I didn't snap pictures of all of my outfits, as I decided to take a little break from the blog so I could enjoy spending time with the D-hubs, but I did catch a few snaps here and there. So let's get to it, hm?

A girl can never bring too many shoes yes? I'm not even going to say what Husband said when he saw these all lined-up because I couldn't really understand him, we're at that stage in our marriage where we both mumble a lot now, but I'm pretty sure it was something about how much he loved me aaaand all my shoes.  Especially the studded spikey ones:

Here's what I wore to go on a day-trip on a boat up the Nā Pali coast.  Because of the rain and cool early morning weather, I had to be crafty and layer up a bit!  I also promise that my watch does fit, it just wasn't latched when I quickly snapped these before running er, wobbling out the door:

T-shirt: American Eagle Outfitters (buy it here, on sale for $10)

Belt: Urban Outfitters (buy it here) (similar style here at F21 for $6.80)

Skirt: American Apparel (buy it here, now 50% off!)

Watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Large Runway' Rose Gold Watch (buy it here) (similar style under $100 here)

Ring: Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ring in Green (buy it here) (similar style here) (and at Anthro for $58)

Sandals: Christian Louboutin Glittered Atalanta Flats (buy them here) (similar style here) (and love these for $29.50, too!)

Bag: Chanel Crackled Patent Camel Classic Flap (similar style here) (and here) (and Miu Miu-esque under $100 here)
Grumpy face: IT WAS 5:00 AM.

Here's what I wore while laying out by the pool, safe under a cabana since I'm not supposed to be in the sun.  I also damn near lived in this  Mint by Goorin Nubby Panama Hat from Urban Outfitters, wearing it during most of our vacation--it's the first hat I've ever owned that has been truly packable. It's amazing! I had the poor thing mashed up so badly in my suitcase both to and from Hawaii! And it popped out and right back into shape with nary a kink each time!  Good stuff:

I am also going to be a bit honest and discuss something that I rarely discuss on here: it's a little bit nerve-racking posting swimsuit pics. I have received a few rare comments here in the past regarding my size, as most fashion bloggers likely have since we put ourselves out there and ask for it (which is totally weird because I'm preeetty sure I haven't worn my "OMG How Do You Think I Look At This Weight Please Let Me Know By Anonymously Telling Me To Either Eat a Sandwich Or By Congratulating Me On My Magical Secret Pregnancy In The Comment Section On My Blog ASAP Because Apparently My Magical Secret Unborn Baby Really Likes Sandwiches LOL LOL LOL!!!" t-shirt in an Outfit Of The Day yet, but it's coming soon I promise!), so I will just say this: like most women, I've had my fair share of body issues.  Who hasn't? 

But having dealt with Lupus for the past four years has really helped me to finally be mostly at peace with my body in that regard. It's odd, but true.  Lupus is both a painful and uncontrollable condition, and auto-immune disorders are incredibly tough on one's body.  I can often fluctuate up and down in weight a good 10 to 20 lbs from the various medications I take and from all of the illnesses and side effects that come with it, which can be a lot for someone who is only 5'2".


It is bittersweet.  As a fairly major control freak who felt pressure in her late teens and early 20's to be a certain size and never fluctuate nary a pound, it has been difficult yet strangely liberating to give up the regimented control I used to once command over my body and actually be, well...nice and gentle to it, even though Lupus often times isn't so nice and gentle back. I had to call a truce; this disease has given me no other choice.  It's in control now, and I'm just along for the goofy motherfucker of a ride. 


I rarely discuss matters like this on here mostly because...well, it never pops into my head.  I' have made my peace with it and it's simply no longer an issue for me.  But I also do enjoy  occasionally getting a bit more personal on here than just sharing some pictures with ya'll displaying my basic grasp on the concept of matching clothes, so I figured this was as good a time as any to discuss it. 



So there you have it, I'm a real human with real human issues and not an emotionless robot-lady-with-an-oddly-large-head-and-an-unhealthy-attachment-to-expensive-shoes-and-a-fuzzy-brown-dog-named-Petunia-that-most-reserve-for-a-stressful-career-or-Farmville-or-a-human-baby after all.  I TOLD YOU.

Onto the pictures. I am a true apple-shape and carry most of my weight in my midsection, so while I do occasionally don a bikini I always feel comfiest in the Extremely Buddha-Belly-Friendly tankini.  Especially while on vacation and eating all the good vacation food and drinking all the good vacation drinks, too.  It's not like I can go flop out in the sun and splash around in a pool or catch an amazing tan brah anyhow.  Swimwear for me now is no pomp, all circumstance, an occasional  melancholy hot tub after the sun safely sets at night, sad trombone.


But I did feel a little bit festive and fun while hiding in the shade when Husband stole my camera to snap this pic; he always makes me feel lovely, tankini and Buddha belly and trying to see the glass as half-full  and made-up conversations with a 5 lb chihuahua and all:

Tankini top: J Crew Ruched Betty Swing Top in Dark Cypress (buy it here)

Bottoms: Marc by Marc Jacobs Belleville Snap Bikini Brief (similar style here) (and here for under $20)

Book: Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin (only because I accidentally left my copy of Ice: A Memoir of Gangster Life and Redemption-from South Central to Hollywood by Ice-T at home, sheeeit!)

And this is what I wore when we decided to go out for dinner  and to visit the beach where we got married five years ago.  Yay, so happy!  ♥

(See now, if I were a fashion blogger with a photographer Husband you'd ONLY get a million of the same Outfit Of The Day snaps of me doing the Awkward Freaked Out On Guard With My Arms Over My Boogs Imma Beat You With My Louboutins pose. And it'd be awesome.)

Cardigan: Rodarte for Target (similar style here) (and here from F21)
Cami: Wyatt U-neck Ruffle Camisole (buy it here) (similar style here for under $50) (and here on sale)
Belt: J Crew Patent-Tab belt in Cinnamon Spice (buy it here)
Shorts: Old Navy Pleated Linen Shorts in Salamander (buy them here, on sale for $15!)
Watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Large Runway' Rose Gold Watch (buy it here) (similar style under $100 here)
Heels: Christian Louboutin Knotted Greissimo Pumps in Camel (buy them here) (similar style here + take 25% off with code "MAYAFF25") (and here for $35)
Sandals: Christian Louboutin Glittered Atalanta Flats (buy them here) (similar style here) (and love these for $29.50, too!)

More pictures to come! :)  

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms out there!  And happy mother's day to MY fabulous and wonderful and beautiful mom:

It's a funny thing.  I stumbled upon this book and contest awhile back (My Mom, My Style Icon).  Admittedly, I  used to get jealous when I would read stories from other bloggers about how they would raid their mom's closets for cool pieces to wear.  I used to get really jealous when I'd read or hear about glamorous shopping trips my friends would take with their moms.  "How fun would that be," I would think to myself, "to share my love of style with my mom."

My mom  has lived in South Dakota her entire life.  My childhood wasn't spent playing dress-up in her closet full of fabulous vintage pieces, or clumping around in her too-big-for-me high heels, or borrowing pieces of jewelry from her to layer into my outfits as a teenager. I used to joke that I didn't quite know where I came from with my love of fashion, because...which parent did I get it from?  My dad is known for accidentally wearing my mom's jeans (on more than one occasion, uff da?).  My mom was a tomboy growing up and has mostly remained as such.  I used to think that I really missed out on something there, as we always tend to want what we don't have and I'm definitely not a tomboy, and it wasn't until I saw the contest for the book that it all really clicked for me.

My mom is my style icon.  She is the hardest working person I know.  She is the most trustworthy person I know.  We didn't have a whole bunch of money as I was growing up, but when she found $100 one time she immediately turned it in to the counter of the place she found it--it never crossed her mind to do what most would probably do, which would be to quietly fold it up and tuck it securely into an empty pocket.

She is worldly in spite of having never having lived outside of the Midwest. Saturday mornings were always spent with the windows open as she'd clean, blaring Bob Marley, Paul Simon, and the Talking Heads on her radio.  Even though it's been well over a decade, I can still hear my mom singing along with "The Boy In The Bubble" as the scent of Pledge and Windex would float throughout the air. 

She is kind to everyone no matter who they are or where they come from.  Being a mother to two feisty twin daughters couldn't have been easy, but she is ever the diplomat, never meddling in whatever tiffs my sister and I might have. 

And most importantly, she has always wholeheartedly supported me and my sister and  whatever goofy little adventures we have wanted to have. My sister had piercings in nearly every part of her body while we were in high school and my mom loved her no less.  I wanted to flee to Colorado at the age of 21 with no job and hardly any money....and she loved me no less.  And without the support of her and my dad, and them allowing me to make my own mistakes and to lead my own life, I wouldn't be where I am today. 

My mom is my style icon through and through, and it has nothing to do with clothing or shoes or make-up. 

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

I love you, mom!  Happy Mother's Day to you, and to all the other mothers out there too.<3