... and Happy New Year.

Sweater: Target (old)
Plaid: Old Navy
Belt: Charlotte Russe (old)
Jeans: Silvers Brand via maurices
Shoes: Madden Girl via Famous Footwear or maurices
Necklace: NY & Company (old)

So I must say, although I partially stole this outfit idea from another blog I frequent, I was rather impressed with my additions and how easy it was to turn a gingham plaid shirt into a fall-ish outfit.

I wish you all a merry new year and happy weekend. I'm ecstatic with what this year will bring and I can't wait to share all the amazing details with you, my lovely followers :)

XOXOXO,
Virginia

Caught in a rut?

Cardigan: maurices (old)
Shirt: maurices
Crinkle cami: maurices
Jeggings: Pac Sun
Boots: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's

So, I've been blogging for nearly two months and it is safe to say I've not worn the same complete outfit since I started which is very interesting. It means I am pulling things out of the vault that I've not worn in a very, very long time. It also means I am continuing to purchase lots of new items to enhance my current wardrobe (that was not the reason I started this blog).

Something else has started to happen to my styling habits. I am feeling like every day is a battle to create the right outfit. It feels like all my outfits are blending together and I'm truly starting to realize that I need to think "outside the box". I guess I expected that this would happen. I just thought I had more of an eye for styling than I actually do.

All this said, along with all of my other many new year's resolutions, I am also resolving to enhance my wardrobe options and try new things with the pieces I own. Any additions I make to my current wardrobe will need to truly bring a change, or a new idea, to what already exists in my wardrobe. I am excited for change, excited for a challenge and very, very excited about the 2012.

How about you? What are working toward achieving or changing this year?

Enjoying the lack of winter ...

Everything: maurices
Shoes: Kohl's

How has the weather been where you are located? It's been dandy here! I am loving the fact that there has literally been no snow and winter wear is still feeling a bit like fall wear. How super fab!!

Today we headed to the coast, as we typically do on our off days, to enjoy a delicious beverage and run a few errands. It was chilly outside but we managed to find some great places for photos.

My outfit inspiration came from these shoes. I purchased them quite a few weeks ago and have been struggling to find the right pair of jeans to wear with them and it just so happens that my new jeggings work perfectly. So, this outfit was in fact inspired by my shoes and I hope it inspires you as well.

My new favorite jeans.

Cardigan: Old Navy
Plaid: maurices
Long sleeve: American Eagle
Jeans: Silvers brand (via maurices)
Leg warmers: American Eagle
Boots: Unity by Carlos Santana (via Famous Footwear)

Well hello and Merry Christmas Eve Eve. I hope you're enjoying your holiday weekend and that you've finished up your Christmas shopping. If you have not, have no fear. Retailers are expecting you'll visit them tomorrow and truth be told, they'll all be ecstatic to see you!

This shopper has been searching all season for the perfect skinny jean. What makes the perfect skinny jean? I will tell you. For me, it's all about the wash. I was particularly looking for a dark wash denim. I wanted something that had little to no distressing (holes or tears). I didn't need an amazing pocket. I just wanted a pocket that made my butt look nice. And lastly, they needed to be a length that allowed me to wear the jean with a flat, a heel, and obviously tucked into a boot.

Well, the jean genie listened and my wish was granted. If you know nothing about denim, let me tell you about a brand that has changed my life (and this is by no means a plug ... promise). Silvers brand denim is an amazing quality of premium denim that offers selections that truly fit every body style. I am lucky enough to work for a retailer that carries them. I refuse to purchase denim without actually trying it on first. In fact, it's a major pet-peeve of mine when people buy denim for other people. That is ludicrous. So, once again, my wardrobe is blessed (as you may have figured out) and it just so happens that one adorable pair of Silver jeggings made their way into my store (and my life). It was truly love at first sight and as soon as I put them on, I knew it was meant to be. So there you have it. The story of the world's most wonderful skinny jean and my inspiration for this colorful outfit. There will be many more outfits featuring these jeggings; don't you worry.

Btw, the last two pictures are obviously taken directly from a website. No, that is not my butt but I can promise you that your butt can look that good in these jeggings.

Until then, happy hunting!
XOXO,
V

Red alert! Red alert!

Blazer: maurices.com
Shirt: maurices (old)
Necklace: maurices.com
Pants: shop.pacsun.com
Shoes: Famous Footwear

Hi friends. I found them! And while these red skinnies are not the exact fabric I was looking for, they will have to do and they were 'oh, so comfortable'. I'll be honest, I received quite a few looks while wearing them. One person I do believe thought I was ever so strange and perhaps even part of the local circus ;) But, I love them and I do believe I paired them perfectly with a few more traditional pieces making this outfit adorably classic instead of supa-dupa trendy.

In other news, I have decided I am going to start editing my pictures. I use Flickr for uploading but I found Picasa last night. Thanks again, Google. When will you take over the world? Oh wait, you already have! So, as time allows it, you will see less walls, carpet, couches and perhaps just more outfit details. Oh,and links to where you can get the digs too. All in the new year!

Christmas is so close ... What is left on your agenda? I will be helping all those last minute shoppers find the perfect digs for their family and friends. The holiday season is almost complete.

<3 V

Shopping in a winter wonderland.

Everything but the leg warmers is maurices. Mostly old. Sweater is recent.
Leg warmers: Kohl's

This is one of those outfits that really is not blog worthy BUT I promised I would post these too.

Today completed my Christmas shopping. My husband asked for a 10 gallon stock pot. He needed it for brewing beer, of course. Well, every kitchen store I walked into literally laughed at me when I asked them if this was something they carried so I ended up at our local brew store. Alex, the proud owner knew my husband and exactly what I was looking for. He helped me find the stock pot and I told him that I would probably be back there later in the evening for a few more supplies with Vincent and to make sure he didn't mention my visit. He laughed and promised not to tell.

Later in the evening my husband and I met at the local brewery. As we were walking to our cars I just couldn't contain myself and I showed him his gift!! He was completely stoked and then we headed back to the brew store to pick up the ingredients for our next brew.

When we walked into the brew store I walked in first and blurted out, "Put two beers in me and I gave it all away!". Alex said, "Are you kidding me?? Well, Merry Christmas dude!" HA!!

That is my story. I hope you enjoy your holiday.

XOXO, V

Reworking the mustard.

Sweater: Target
Dress, boots, scarf & necklace: maurices
Belt: Charlotte Russe
Socks & tights: Kohl's.

Welcome to the week before Christmas. Today was the coldest day I recall this "fall-winter" season but I really wanted to wear a dress. I was completely inspired while blog stalking last night. I recalled the faint orange tights I had purchased a while back and wondered how I could make them work. At first attempt, it did not go well. After a few tweaks and the addition of my new favorite socks (which I now own in two other colors), this outfit worked well although I am freezing.

Now back to football. Will Kansas City really defeat the undefeated Green Bay Packers?

Happy last days of shopping!
XOXO V

Wearing a tutu at 30 ...

Today I made the decision that you're never too old to dress as young as you feel. I realize that that statement can be present a major contradiction when it comes to "fashion". But, I am truly convinced that sometimes we give up on ourselves and the desire to look and feel great simply because we're just not the same person we were five, ten, or even fifteen years ago. Confidence is a tricky thing, but it's also a deal breaker. Those with the confidence to believe they are beautiful, to believe they can be successful, to believe they will find and marry the person that were meant to share forever with, and to make the changes to make all these things happen ... actually do.

Maintain the same confidence you did when you were a little girl (or boy) desperately trying to climb that enormous tree in your backyard. You totally knew you could do it and you honestly didn't care how. No fear. Find the little girl inside of you that reached into her dresser and pulled out your favorite skirt, a mismatched shirt, and the sparkly shoes your mother only allowed you to wear to church on Sunday morning. Walk out of your room with pride then walk out of your front door with a giant smile.

Put on your favorite tutu. You look beautiful in it, pretty lady.

The power of a blazer and the perfect jeans.

Blazer, shirt, tank, belt and jewelry: maurices
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity
Shoes: Famous Footwear

That was today. I have the blessed wardrobe but for some reason today, I could not make it work. So as I was hunting, I decided that the blazer living in my closet as well as my perfect jean,could create an outfit.

So, here is a fabulous blazer, a fantastic pair of jeans, a super cute shirt, and overall it just worked. Thanks for following!

This won't be about the pictures ...

This is a blog and when I started it I honestly hoped it would be an outlet for things other than fashion. Listen friends, my brain needs some release every now and then too. So here is what is going on in my brain today.

I spent four full days in Pennsylvania with my family and my husband's family. Nearly every moment was amazing. There was that day I was forced to wait until 4 pm to eat and because I was not thinking and took Tylenol Cold prior to eating, my stomach and body was wrecked. I suffered and complained but survived.

My two favorite moments were sharing photo's with Big V's Nana during our Christmas dinner. In addition, spending time with my nieces and nephew during my family's Christmas day. Both of these moments reminded me of how blessed I truly am.

So here is why I chose to post with words instead of multiple pictures. I have an amazing life. I have fantastic friends. My job is simply perfect. My husband is handsome, understanding, and beyond caring. But in our living current situation we are missing out on so many things with our families. I am so thankful for God's grace, His peace, and His plan and I will continue to pray for His will to be done. But I must admit that I genuinely miss "family". I hope they know how much I love them and miss them.

This picture was photographed on the last day with V's family on the golf course. I was sick with an awful cold and this sweater is so comfy and cozy. It was just what I needed for this winter-like day.

Sweater: ??
Jeans: J Brand
Boots: maurices
Leg warmers and Scarf: Kohl's

In other news, I am on the hunt for colored skinny jeans. Red in particular. What are you searching for this season??

Cover of J.Crew Magazine

Shirt: Ralph Lauren
Khakis: maurices
Shoes & Scarf: Kohl's

Isn't this amazing scenery? I felt like I was auditioning for J.Crew catalog cover (even though I am wearing Ralph Lauren). My in-laws basically live on a golf course which enabled some gorgeous scenery. The area gives me little room for being super stylish so I pulled out a few old favorites and potentially my new favorite shirt. I'm loving this "fall" weather and the sunshine.

Do you have a favorite designer that takes you back to your roots? Polo has a way of making me feeling sporty and stylish. Love it.

XOXO
V

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays...

Sweater and belt: maurices
Denim: J Brand Jeans
Boho dress: thrifted
Boots: Madden Girl

Loving the sunshine and my guest photogs eagerness to shoot a couple great shots. Today was Christmas at my sister's house. I knew I'd be on the floor playing with her three adorable children so I had to be prepared for the activities. Tons of fun and super great times. I LOVE MY FAMILY!

With the season approaching, what are you anticipating?

XOXO LOVE, V

Layering it up ...

I didn't mean to disappear. I'm in the middle of a wonderful early Christmas vacation and it's been impossible to photograph photos of any worth without great lighting.

All that said, I'm vacationing in PA with my parents and had the luxury of a guest photographer. My bother, Scott McKenna. When he's not a musician, he has a great eye and it was super fun having him in the midst of my wardrobe. I love my family!!

A little about this outfit. I'm wearing multiple layers and I don't think they show very well. The cardigan is a new favorite. The floral piece underneath the cardigan is from Target and looks nothing like it does in this photograph. And who doesn't need a sequins tank every now and then ... I loved the way it turned out.

Happy December friends. What is your favorite holiday piece?

XOXO,
V

No effort at all...

Boots: maurices (last year)
Jeggings: maurices
Cape: Forever XXI
Headband: maurices
Jewelry: maurices & lia sophia

That was my motto today. I had no desire to put together an outfit and then I discovered this number in my closet.

I hope you're enjoying your Sunday. I love my Sunday-off-days. Church, Football, lots of coffee, and relaxing.

What do you love most about Sundays?