You Look Very Familiar...Have I Seen You Some Place Before?

Hello Everyone! I hope you're having a great week so far! It's time for another edition of *You Look Very Familiar...Have I Seen You Some Place Before?*, so let's get started! :)

J.Crew Jericho Tote

*Black Washed Zippy Tote Bag

J.Crew Silk polka-dot tee

*Dotted pocket top

J.Crew Hadley sweater in stripe

*Striped V-neck sweater

J.Crew Tippi Sweater

*Crewneck pullover sweater

The floral-print pants from the J.Crew Fall 2012 preview that Jenna Lyons wore at NY Fashion Week earlier this year...

*reminds me a lot of the Mid Rise Large Floral Capri Jeans available from J Brand right now.

Calypso St. Barth Printed Grecian Dress

*Animal Print Maxi Dress

J.Crew No. 2 pencil skirt in ultra eyelet

*Flower Eyelet pencil skirt

Ralph Lauren 'Moriah' Tiered Paisley Skirt

*Flora Paisley Tiered Skirt

J.Crew Classic Jenna Bracelet

*Chain Link Bracelet

Kate Spade New York Lido flat espadrille

*Teegan Flats

A big THANK YOU goes to Desert Flower for sharing the next 'Familiar Find' with us:

Pierre Hardy Stripe Platform Sandal

*Striped Platform Wedges

Thanks again Desert Flower! Btw, if you have a *Familiar Find* you would like to share, please feel free to email it to me: FabulousFloridaMommy@cfl.rr.com.

That's it for this week's edition...I hope you've enjoyed it!

xoxo,

Monday Musings...Personal Style {Part Two}

I have continued to think quite a lot about my Personal Style since the initial post that I wrote here about it last December. I finally sat down to write out a couple of those thoughts to share with all of you.

"Personal style is about a sense of yourself, a sense of what you believe in and wearing what you like." -Ralph Lauren

My personal style is more 'dressed up' by nature. I have never been one to dress extremely casual, and didn't even own a pair of blue jeans up until a couple years ago. I like to wear dresses, skirts, and feminine blouses or tops on a daily basis. I fix my hair and put on makeup every day (except when I'm ill), even if I'm just going to be spending it at home. As I said on Gigi's post here the other day (she asked us if we are considered 'dressed up' by family, friends, other moms, etc)... 

I have been overdressing (aka 'dressed up') since the time a was a little girl. In fact, knowing my mother, it is probably safe to say that I have been overdressed since the day I was born. It is part of who I am, and what makes me, me…just like it makes every other woman who does it part of who she is. :) It used to bother me to be dressed up more than other people, but now I just don't let it. Besides, I say that we are the ones actually dressed appropriately, and everyone else is simply underdressed (society as a whole seems to be way too casual these days when it comes to their appearance, IMO). I have tried on occasion to dress 'down', but I just do not feel like 'me' when I do. Over time friends, family, and other people I interact with have come to accept that it is part of who I am, and now I rarely get comments about it. Instead, I usually receive compliments and have even noticed that other moms put a little more thought into the way they dress now, too. I say that you should stay true to yourself and your own personal style. Don't let the opinions of others change who you are. Perhaps there are other women where you live that would like to dress up a little bit more (but don't since they would feel out of place), and just need someone like you to inspire them to do so. :)

"Personal style has to do with your own confidence. And the sense of knowing what looks good on you, and a way of expressing your individuality. Putting yourself together in an individual statement is what I most admire. And when you have confidence, I think it shows." - Ralph Lauren

Ok...so when I say that my personal style is more 'dressed up' by nature, I'm not talking about wearing a ball gown to go grocery shopping or wearing stilettos to take the boys to the park, but in a day and age where it is not uncommon to see women at the store in pajama pants or even house slippers (yes, I have personally witnessed this), the mere act of wearing a dress and nice accessories is often considered to be 'dressed up'. Like I have mentioned before, I personally feel that society as a whole seems to be way too casual these days when it comes to their appearance...we are the ones actually dressed appropriately, and everyone else is simply underdressed (I'm not referring to 'casual chic' looks such as denim worn with a feminine blouse or nice blazer, btw...I do that occasionally, too). I personally long for a return to the days of 'Old Hollywood Glamour' where people actually 'dressed' for events (traveling on a plane, parties, church, etc.), made an effort on their appearance, and most importantly were well-groomed. Is this a bit unrealistic? Perhaps, but one thing I can do and choose to do, is try to make my little piece of the world a little more glamorous on a daily basis.

Now trust me, my life truly is far from glamorous! I have four very energetic boys who track dirt into my house constantly, do not find it necessary at all to put their dirty clothes in the hamper (choosing instead to leave them lying on their bedroom floor), and eat constantly so that there always seems to be dirty dishes in my sink, plus one of them is a special needs child with a physical disability who requires extra attention, and I homeschool the three oldest. My life is often crazy and hectic, but I find that (for me personally) taking a little time to do hair, makeup, and dress in something that makes me feel good about myself helps me face the day with more energy, a better perspective, and overall sense of well being. 

Finding Time...

I know it can be difficult to find time to take care of yourself, do hair and makeup, sometimes even get dressed...especially if you are a mother, and even more so if you are a mother of a baby or small children. I have found from personal experience over time though, that if you can spare just 20 minutes or so for yourself, that it can be done. Here is my morning routine:

*I usually wake up between 5 and 6 am, fix myself a cup of tea, check emails, start writing that day's blog post if I haven't done it the day before, and enjoy some quiet 'me' time before the rest of the house is awake.

*7:30 am -  I wake my husband so he can start getting ready to go to work. This is also when I get ready. (The boys are usually up by now, but stay in their rooms playing until 8:30 or 9:00 am when I call them for breakfast.) I fix my hair first, and normally wear it in an updo. This has become part of my 'signature' style. I have had it shorter but it just doesn't feel like 'me'. I have decided that I will continue to let it grow and always keep it longer (even as I grow older) so that I can always wear it in some form of updo. Next is makeup...after many years of practice, this really doesn't take all that long, and makes me feel much better about my appearance. Then I get a quick bath and get dressed. The entire process usually takes me around 20 minutes, (sometimes a bit more or less) and gets my day off to an earlier and hopefully more productive start. :)

 This is what I'm wearing today...

*8:00 am - I make our bed, then head to the kitchen to put on my apron and make my husband his cup of tea. Then I throw in a load of laundry, straighten the house and put away anything that may be out of place.

*8:30 am - I see my husband off to work and start making breakfast for the boys and myself. We finish eating and then get ready to start school.

I have found that by getting myself ready first thing in the morning and wearing something that makes me feel pretty (even if I'm not going anywhere for the day), I have a much better 'outlook' on my day and often seem to get more accomplished. It may not be for everyone, but it works for me. :)

What are your thoughts on your own Personal Style? Have you defined your own yet or is it still in transition? How do you like to dress when you're at home? Please do share... I'd love to hear your thoughts ! :)

Have a lovely day!

xoxo,

Inspiration: Don't Compare...

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xoxo,

Sunday Shopping: Maxi Dresses

Hello Everyone! Sunday Shopping is back again this week, and today we are going to take a look at Maxi Dresses. I know that they aren't for everyone, but there are some that do like them and others that are on the fence about trying them, thus the reason for my post. I happen to be one who does love wearing them...they are not only comfortable, but very easy to 'throw on and go' with a pair of sandals and fab accessories, creating a look that is 'casually and effortlessly chic'.

Knowing that I love maxi dresses and wear them a lot in the spring and summer, my lovely bloggy friend ajc (of the blog A JC Shopping Habit) asked if I would give some recommendations of maxi dresses that aren't strapless for her reader Joelle, who wants to try one this year...of course I said yes. :) Let's do a little 'online window shopping', shall we?

Splendid Tee Maxi Dress in 'Posy' (also available here)

I love the idea of this dress...the look of a tee and skirt, but with the comfort of wearing a dress. It also reminds me so much of this look from the Jil Sander Spring 2011 collection that was one of my favorites. 

Splendid Tee Maxi Dress in 'Agave'...such a pretty color.

Splendid Tee Maxi Dress in 'Cobalt'...love it in this color, too.

Vince Camuto Gathered Bodice Jersey Maxi Dress. This looks incredibly flattering, and I love that the color is Navy instead of Black.

Vince Camuto 'Island Cutout' Print Maxi Dress...love the tropical print.

Calvin Klein Stripe Cap Sleeve Maxi Dress. This would be really cute with a pair of red sandals or handbag, and could also be worn without the belt.

Dee & Ray Printed Kimono Maxi. The vee in front looks fairly deep, but a low-plunge bra or cami worn underneath would easily solve any 'overexposure' issues. (You could also have the vee sewn up a bit at the bottom.)

Splendid Striped Jersey Maxi Dress (also available in 'Nutmeg')

Liz Claiborne New York Fully Lined Printed Chiffon Maxi. When I saw this in the 'Raspberry pink' colorway (it also comes in an equally lovely 'Sky Blue'), I couldn't help but think how much it reminds me of the print on my Bazaar Tunic Dress from J.Crew. Of course I know it isn't the same print, but the similarities are there, no?

Merona® Ruffle Front Maxi Dress...very cute. Be sure to watch the video so you can see how it moves. This one also comes in 'Lipstick' pink, 'Pongee tint' (which appears to be a yellow shade), and 'Zonk' blue. Right now Target is running a promo on their Dresses and Sandals: Spend $50 and save 10%, plus most orders of $50+ ship for free. :)

Mossimo® Challis Maxi Dress. (There's a video of this one, too.)

Mossimo® Knit Maxi Dress in Black/White Stripe. (Video of this one, as well.)

What are your thoughts on Maxi Dresses? Do you wear them frequently during the warmer weather months? If not, are you planning to try one this year? Please do share...I always love to hear from you! :)

Have a lovely day!

xoxo,

Weekly Recap

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Sunday: Weekly Recap

Monday: Inspiration: Strength

Tuesday: You Look Very Familiar...Have I Seen You Some Place Before?

Wednesday: Endless.com Friends & Family Event: Enjoy 20% Off!!!

Thursday: A Little This, A Little That...

Friday and Saturday: Love This...

xoxo,

Love This...

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xoxo,

A Little This, A Little That...

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Love this dress that Jacqueline Kennedy wore when visiting the Taj Mahal on March 15, 1962 (50 years ago today). The image below better shows the beautiful colors, print, and details of the dress. I think it could easily be worn today without looking out of place or 'dated'...I know I would wear it. :)

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Speaking of Jackie O., I previously shared with you that the Jack Rogers

'Navajo' sandals were a favorite of hers. Well, not only did she love her Navajos, but she also loved the 'Miami' Thong Sandal from Bernardo, and was said to have owned 16 pairs in different colors by the 1960's. Here she is with a pair in hand...

 

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The sandals always receive excellent reviews and are said to be extremely comfortable...not surprising, since we all know that Jackie had excellent taste.

  I had planned on purchasing a pair last year, but didn't have room for them in my budget, so they are still on my list this year to 'buy and try'.  :)

Just a reminder that today is the last day to advantage of the Endless.com Friends & Family Event (more details and my picks in this post).

It is also the final day to receive 30% off the Promo-priced items at J.Crew. I've listed the majority of them here.

When it comes to reading, do you prefer a book or do you use an e-reader? We gave my oldest son a Kindle for his birthday last year and he absolutely loves it. He has been an avid reader since he was very young and it is not uncommon for him to read 6-7 books a week, if not more. Before getting him the Kindle, we were constantly ordering books from the library for him to read, but now all we have to do is download them...definitely a lot easier.

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There is a special offer available now until 3.18.12 for the Nook Simple Touch and Nook Color from Barnes & Noble. You can get $20 off plus Free Shipping when you purchase either one of them using your Mastercard and enter code V3Y9N7T at checkout.

I do not yet own an e-reader (I have always preferred the 'old-fashioned way' of holding an actual book when I read), but have been considering one after using my son's on an occasion or two. However, I'm undecided between the Kindle Touch and the Nook Simple Touch. I have an idea of what to expect from the Kindle Touch, but have also read wonderful reviews about the Nook Simple Touch, and the price is extra nice with the extra $20 off, too. Or I could just save my money and continue to read 'real' books for the time being. What are your thoughts? Do you own either one? If so, do you use it frequently?

This is the outfit I wore out to dinner with my parents, hubby, and the boys this past Tuesday evening to celebrate my mother's birthday.

My dress is the Things & Joys dress from Anthropologie purchased last year. The Chiffon Pleated Cardigan is from J.Crew Holiday 2008 and happens to be one of my favorites. My handbag is the Large Gold Metallic Leather Hobo, also from J.Crew. I believe it debuted in 2009. I wore my new Jack Rogers Zsa Zsa Jeweled Sandals in 'platinum'. (I posted about that purchase here.)

The sandals are an almost perfect match to the handbag, and as I've mentioned numerous times before...I love that! I went very minimal on my jewelry, opting for two small bangles I picked up at Banana Republic a couple years ago, and my Urchin's Shell earrings from Anthropologie, also purchased a couple years ago.

From the Kitchen:

Butternut Squash Soup

This recipe and the photo of the soup above comes from my new Bloggy friend Janet...thanks Janet! The moment I saw the recipe on her blog The Gardener's Cottage a couple weeks ago, I knew I had to give it a try since I love butternut squash AND soup. I made it this past weekend and have to say that it is absolutely delicious! Even my 4 year-old loves it and ate a large bowl of it that night for supper...it is that good! :)

In a soup pot...

Saute 1 t olive oil with

1 t curry powder for 1 minute

add

1 small diced onion

1 small chopped yellow or red bell pepper

1 can rinsed and drained garbanzo beans (I used dried garbanzo beans that I cooked myself)

2 c rough chopped or diced butternut squash

3-4 c vegetable broth (I used chicken broth since I didn't have any vegetable broth on hand)

(I also added just a little bit of salt, but that is just personal preference)

simmer until squash is soft (about 30 minutes)

blend until smooth being careful to not overfill blender

garnish with red pepper flakes

(Original recipe post of Janet's can be seen here.)

So what have you been up to this week? Please do share...I always love to hear from you! :)


Have a lovely day!


xoxo,