So this has nothing to do with fashion, but when has that ever stopped me before?

Yesterday I totally went out on a new limb and got one of those shellac manicures that all the kids have been talking about. I’d been thinking about it for a while and then I went to dinner with a friend and she had one and it looked so good.

And here’s the thing. I never get manicures. Because I have these short little weak nails that don’t grow. They just don’t leave much to paint. Better to not call attention to them with polish that will chip thirty seconds after they’re painted.

Now there was a time in college when I used to go every two weeks and get sculptured nails. And then I quit doing that because it was a lot of work and I graduated from college and I was poor.

But I have to say that I am a fan of the shellac manicure. My hands actually look feminine and not like I’ve been fighting off badgers with my bare hands. And I just had them paint them a nice, neutral color. No need to get flashy. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

I don’t know why I just brought Rome into this.

Anyway, so now I’ll just see how long it takes before they grow out and look terrible. I realize this is all TERRIBLY EXCITING. Maybe I’ll document the grow out process with some type of countdown calendar.

But enough about my nails. Let’s talk about clothes.

1. chunky knit cardigan

I’ve had my eye on this for a while. Love it. Keep waiting for it to go on sale for maybe $20.00 because $32 is pricey for Old Navy.

2. dotline boatneck

This is a darling top and perfect to transition from winter to spring. Even though the high here is 80 this weekend so apparently we’re going to skip right to summer sometime in February.

3. globetrotter dress

I think this is so cute. Love the colors and would look great with leggings.

4. slub knit cardigan

Old Navy has these right now and I really like them because it’s a good alternative to a long cardigan with buttons. It would work great with a skirt or anything that actually fits at the waist.

5. hey there wedge

Did I mention it was going to be 80 degrees this weekend? Because it is. And this makes me think about open toe shoes.

And last spring I bought a pair of nude wedge shoes that were my very favorite and they kind of look like these and I can’t wait to wear them again.

6. romantic lace blouse

I have loved various versions of this blouse for a long time. I can picture it with turquoise and cowboy boots.

7. mosaic ring

Speaking of turquoise…

Also, just a reminder that you can still get 30% off any regular priced item at Francescas when you use the code MAMA at checkout.

8. lifetime platform wedges

I couldn’t get this picture to work but just envision some really cute blue wedge shoes. I have no idea what I’d wear them with. I just know they’re really cute.

9. striped maxi skirt

I love a long cotton maxi skirt.

10. annie western shirt

At some point I’ve decided I’d really like a great denim shirt. There was a time when I owned about sixteen of them but that time was 1992, about the same time I still had sculpted nails.

So maybe this year is the year of a nail and denim shirt revival.

Anyway, I think it’s because I’ve seen a lot of cute outfit ideas on Pinterest that involve a denim shirt. Or maybe I just want to rock it like it’s 1992.

Y’all have a great Friday.

Y’all.

It’s a holiday weekend. And I’m so excited about it because I have big plans to sleep in on Saturday AND Monday morning. In fact, the promise of that luxurious sleep in time is the only thing that propelled me out of bed this morning.

And I mean it will be real sleep in time since P will be home. Not the kind of sleep in time I get when he’s out of town and Caroline says she’s going to let me sleep but then whispers a play by play of everything she’s about to do and then crawls back in bed next to me with a dry bowl of Cheerios that she crunches as if she’s eating a bag of rocks.

“MOM. I’M GOING TO TURN ON SCOOBY DOO.”

“MOM. IS THE T.V. ON TOO LOUD?”

“MOM. I’M GOING TO GO GET MORE CHEERIOS.”

Anyway, those are my big plans for the weekend. And then we’ll have a basketball game at some point and I plan to have one night where I eat things I actually want to eat and not vegetables.

But let’s talk about fashion.

More importantly, let’s talk about discount codes.

The nice folks at Francesca’s Collections are offering my readers a promo code until January 30 that will get you 30% off a single regular priced item AND free (FREE) standard shipping.

Here are the details:

Promo Code: MAMA
Promo Discount: 30% off a single regular priced item & free standard shipping!
Promo Dates: 1/1/11-1/30/11
Promo Disclaimer: Online only. Cannot be combined with other discounts or promo codes. One time use. Gift cards & sale items are excluded.

Here are few things from Francesca’s that I might be tempted to buy with a 30% discount.

1. flutter scarf

2. color me wrap

3. grecian cuff

4. rouge chandelier earrings

5. row upon row wrap

And those are just a few things. There is all kinds of good stuff to be found.

Just for fun and because I love these outfits. Here are some combinations I saw on Pinterest this week and thought they might give you some inspiration.

That’s it for today.

Y’all have a good Friday.

It’s a good thing that I got almost all of this post written earlier in the day otherwise it never would have happened because I just spent the better part of two hours trying to help Caroline with her spelling words.

There were tears and cries of “I CAN’T DO THIS” and pillows thrown in anger from the couch. And Caroline was pretty upset too.

But I finally channeled my inner cheerleader/girl who used to rollerskate to “YMCA” on a regular basis and made the shape of every letter with my body as she spelled out each word. True story. And I’m totally counting that as one of my workouts for this week because y’all have no idea how hard it is to make a “B”.

In totally unrelated news, did any of y’all watch Oprah: The Next Chapter last Sunday night? She interviewed Steven Tyler and I found the whole thing fascinating. And I’m pretty sure he had a raccoon tail hanging down from his belt loop.

That’s something you’ll never see on Fashion Friday.

But here’s what you will see:

1. curtain call top

I love this. The color is so great and it looks really comfortable. Plus the price is right.

2. fossil vintage re-issue large satchel

This is the new item that I’m currently obsessed with. And I’m not the only one because it’s sold out everywhere. I just wanted y’all to see it.

3. odette blouse

The new Sundance catalog came in the mail yesterday and I swooned. Really. I did.

4. old navy striped boat-neck tops

This whole I JUST GOT OFF MY YACHT look is going to be really big this spring.

5. oversized sweater wrap cardigan

I don’t need one more sweater wrap cardigan type thing, but this one is tempting because it’s on sale.

6. piacenza top

I saw this in person at Anthropologie and it is lovely.

7. swirled stitches pullover

And this is too. The picture doesn’t really do it justice. It’s much prettier in person.

8. hidden path cable knit scarf

You know I love a scarf. Especially a cozy one.

9. casanova asymmetrical cardigan

I adore this. But I don’t need anymore things that look like it.

10. delphine tunic

See? Sundance catalog. It does no wrong.

That’s it for today.

Y’all have a great Friday. I’ll just be here trying not to think about chocolate chip cookies.

Okay.

First, several of you emailed and asked how to find me on Pinterest. My Pinterest link is available here. (If that link doesn’t work, look for me by my user name Bigmama8303) But I have to warn you that I am a sporadic Pinterest user because I tend to go way overboard on my time there and then get filled with guilt over all the crafts that I feel like I should want to do and have to walk away for a few weeks.

(I realize Pinterest is about more than the crafts, but it’s my weak point and therefore all I see when I get on there and next thing you know I feel like a failure because I can’t decoupage my mailbox. And I don’t even own a mailbox.)

(We have a mail slot.)

(And if I had a mailbox I feel fairly certain I wouldn’t want it decoupaged.)

(But I can work up insecurities about really dumb things.)

And, finally, this has nothing to do with fashion (as opposed to my insecurities about my lack of decoupaging skills) but I read an article the other day about how to incorporate exercise into your daily routine and one of the tips suggested that you do squats while blow-drying your hair. Which I think shows whoever wrote that lacks a commitment to hair excellence. How are you going to get a proper blow-dry if you’re trying to do squats at the same time?

I guess it would work if your goal was for people to remark “YOUR LEGS HAVE NEVER LOOKED BETTER BUT YOUR HAIR NEEDS SOME WORK”.

Oh. We’re here for Fashion Friday aren’t we? I’m about 99% sure this will be the last one of the year. Try not to cry.

1. milestone tiered lace dress

This appears to be a really sweet dress. Sadly, I think my arms need some work before I can get away with that particular sleeve, but maybe you’ve spent this fall doing pushups while you curl your hair.

2. twinkle lights pencil skirt

This is a party in skirt form.

3. holiday party metallic scarf

I love this gold scarf. It’s so festive, but kind of subtly festive.

4. striped stitch-pleat tunic

This shirt was on sale in stores for $20 last weekend and Gulley and I each bought one. It’s the kind of thing I will wear until it falls apart.

5. pure iridescence pleated skirt

Who knew I was so into gold? I’d never wear this because it would look terrible on me, but I love the idea of it.

6. frye jackie button boots

These boots. I know I’ve shown them before. But I told P that I would really love some Frye boots for Christmas and he said, “How would I know which pair you wanted? I’d totally screw that up.”

Hi. I don’t know if you know this, but I have a blog. And every Friday I make a list of fashion items that I adore. Shopping for me has never been easier.

I wear an 8 1/2 in a boot.

7. one shoulder chiffon dress w/embroidered strap

I really like this. Of course I have arm issues but I’m planning on doing something about that just as soon as January rolls around and the toffee is all gone.

8. turtleneck sweater dress with flower embroidery

I think this is just darling and would look so cute with leggings. And maybe a pair of cowboy boots.

9. macho poncho

Who wouldn’t want a macho poncho? It’s so much better than a wimpy poncho.

10. asymmetrical slub tank

I have a dress from Nations Outfitters and it feels like pajamas. I bet this tank is the same way and would be so cute with a long-sleeved shirt layered under it or just on its own when the weather warms up.

That’s it for today.

Y’all have a great Friday.

I had a hard time finding ten things this week. Did I say that last week too? Because if I didn’t say it, I promise I thought it.

Maybe it’s because I haven’t been out in the stores lately or maybe it’s because I’m not shopping for myself right now, but I just haven’t seen many things I’m crazy about. But here are a few things that I like enough to post here.

(Wow. This maybe the most non-commital fashion friday post ever.)

1. climbing cables turtleneck

Here’s some interesting news. Anthropologie is having a 50% sale on all full-priced sweaters today through Saturday. And 50% off is a pretty good deal. Especially when it comes to things from Anthro.

And I’m not a math whiz, but that means this sweater would only be $44.00 after the discount.

2. shallop pullover

This is the kind of sweater I’m always drawn to in theory. I like the whole navy, horizontal stripe, nautical thing it has going on. And I always think it looks so crisp on other people.

Then I put it on and meh. But it’s on sale for $49 and it might look great on you.

3. vineyard ruffle scarf

I really like this style of scarf.

4. open front cardigan

I’ve had my eye on these cardigans from Old Navy since they got them in and now they’re on sale for just $29.50.

5. striped flower slippers

These are so cute. And might be a little more fashion forward than the leopard print houseshoes that I’ve worn for the last two years.

They’d also make a great gift.

6. nick and nora flannel pajamas

I love a new pair of flannel pajamas. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, Clark.

7. Toms black sequins wedges

I saw these the other day and was like HOLD THE PHONE. Toms wedges with sequins? Comfort and glamour all in one shoe? Yes, please.

8. harvel knit curvy plus cardigan

This is really cute and the perfect thing to throw on with a lot of different outfits.

9. layered ruffle scarf

This is a darling scarf and it comes in a variety of colors. Even better? It’s an extra 30% off when you use the code DEC30.

10. minnetonka fringed tall boots

I just bought Caroline a pair of these and now I want some for myself. They are so cute and so comfortable. And I do love some fringe.

That’s it for today.

Have a great Friday.

I know.

I said I’d show y’all a picture of Caroline’s hair after the sock bun. But there wasn’t that much to see and you are highly overestimating my time management skills in the morning if you think I had time to get her to pose for a picture.

The sock bun doesn’t appear to produce glorious, perfect curls like it does in the video. However, it does give her hair just a little bit more body and then we pull the whole thing back into a full, fluffy ponytail. So that’s better than nothing. Of course I’m sure she’ll quit letting me roll the whole thing up in a sock bun just as soon as the novelty wears off. Which should be sometime tomorrow.

In other hair news, I went to get my hair cut yesterday and sweet Elizabeth who cuts my hair curled it for me with the You Curl. It took her at least thirty minutes to do the whole thing which means it will be a rare day that I replicate it by myself. And by rare day I mean probably never.

And in other news, I’ve had a Christmas tree sitting in my living room for two days that is in desperate need of decorations. BUT OH I DREAD PUTTING ON THE LIGHTS.

Anyway, here are some cute things I found this week.

1. mossimo kathleen suede wedge boot

I saw these in Target while I was there yesterday buying toilet paper and a birthday gift for my nephew. And they stopped me dead in my tracks because I kind of love them, yet I wasn’t there to shop for myself (except for I guess the toilet paper counts as shopping for myself) and so I didn’t feel like I could justify them. Plus I’m not really sure if they’d fit into my current wardrobe which consists largely of yoga pants and sweatshirts.

But they are pretty. And would be very festive for Christmas.

2. wool-blend toggle coat

I really like this coat. I’m not sure if it’s the stripes or the charcoal gray, but the whole thing just works. It’s a great casual coat for a good price.

3. pleated dress

Now this is just lovely. I love the green. I love the style. I love the thought of it with gold accessories.

I don’t love that I have nowhere to wear a pretty green dress accessorized with gold jewelry.

4. sequin tank

A sequin tank is a great piece for the holidays. You can dress it up or down with jeans and a blazer. And you can find them at all price points.

5. eldora turtleneck

I really like this sweater. As a matter of fact I bought it because I do enjoy a big sweater.

I’ll probably get to wear it at least twice if the temps dip into the 50s.

6. crepe ruffle trim sleeveless dress

Rumor has it that some people have Christmas parties this time of year and need pretty dresses to wear to them. Here at Big Mama, Inc. we don’t have that kind of thing. We just celebrate by eating lots of iced sugar cookies while wearing our pajamas because we’re fancy that way.

7. frye billy braided boots

Remember those Frye boots I posted yesterday? They are my first love. But these are a very close second.

8. oilcloth slouchy bag

This kind of reminds me of an Orla Kiely bag. I like it.

9. seattle skies coat

I think this is cute. I’m obviously a fan of the charcoal gray right now.

10. leopard fleece Toms

Now these look super comfy. And they’re cute too.

That’s it for today.

Y’all have a great Friday.

My heart isn’t in Fashion Friday today. To be honest I think I’m finally going to admit that I’m suffering from a tad bit of Post Traumatic Ecuadorian Stress Syndrome. Maybe I’ll go into more detail about it next week if I find a way to put it into words.

But right now I kind of feel like I’m out of words. Which would be okay except for that book I’m supposed to right. I’m just choosing to believe my words will return next week.

(Please notice that I just typed the “book I’m supposed to right”. I would change it to “write” but I feel like the typo perfectly illustrates the current state of my brain.)

(I’m sure my book editor will be so pleased.)

Anyway, on a fashion related note, my friend Kendi from Kendi Everyday was asked to come up with thirty looks using thirty pieces from the Fossil collection for their lookbook. Let’s just bypass the part about how envious I am of that entire assignment and the fact they styled her with some hairstyles that make me want to cry at the perfection.

Let’s also overlook the fact that we aren’t really friends because we’ve never actually met. But we did exchange emails once and had plans to meet and I’m going to believe that counts. We are totally friends.

The point is that she came up with some great looks. Here are a few of my favorites:

You can see the rest of the looks she came up with on the Fossil website. It’s given me some great ideas about how to mix and match things I already have in my closet, although I also feel like I might need the jacket she has on in the second photo.

In other EXCITING NEWS, the nice folks at Ruche are offering a $50 gift certificate to one lucky winner. If you’re interested just click over to my giveaway page and leave a comment there for a chance to win.

Y’all have a great Friday.

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Well, technically I can wait one more day to start packing. But my suitcase is just sitting there, taunting me every time I walk by it. And I’m fairly certain part of that taunt includes something along the lines of YOU’RE NEVER GOING TO FIT EVERYTHING IN HERE THAT YOU WANT TO TAKE WITH YOU.

Because it’s not just clothes. And the sweet camo hunting boots I’m bringing to wear in the Amazon. I also want to pack some stickers and bubbles and things like that for the kids in Ecuador.

As a matter of fact, I went to Walmart yesterday to get a few supplies and other things. I even bought some kind of traveler probiotic that’s supposed to protect my intestines in case I eat a bad guinea pig.

There’s a sentence I never thought I’d type.

I’m not normally a Walmart shopper. They just always seem so crowded and it seems easier to go to Target. But yesterday I went to Walmart because Target didn’t have much to offer in the way of small toys. And this is my question, why do so many people who shop at Walmart drive those electric carts? It’s an epidemic.

None of that has anything to do with fashion. But here are a few things I’ve found this week.

1. bennington corduroy coat

I like this coat. It’s a little unexpected twist with the corduroy.

2. daniel rainn grecian top

This is simple but would be a great addition to a closet.

3. april sweater tunic

Now this? I love. Love the stripes. Love the black and gray. Love the whole thing. It just works.

4. harvest season ruffle scarf

Love a scarf in this mustard color.

5. windswept prairie cardigan

This is really pretty. And I like that it’s a lightweight layer because I often need something lighter even though I do love a sweater.

6. tartan boucle blazer

Man, I really like this. But you know what I don’t need? Another blazer-type thing. I always think I’m going to wear them more than I really do and then they just sit in my closet and get lonely and sad.

Still, maybe this time would be different.

7. cozy weekend away dress

This is a great dress. And could be worn by itself or with a great long-sleeve shirt under it. Maybe with tights and boots.

8. mossimo poncho sweater

I was dropping Caroline off at school yesterday. It was one of our rare chilly mornings and I saw a mom dressed in all black with a camel-colored poncho thrown over the whole ensemble and I thought it just looked great.

9. stretch knit leggings

Yes. Leggings. Boring. Except I felt like you should know I believe Gap has the best leggings. And that’s being said after extensive leggings research.

10. orange and gray jersey knit infinity scarf

This is really cute. And it looks like it comes in some other colors.

That’s it for today.

Y’all have a great Friday.
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Don’t forget that there’s a chance to win some great new Bare Minerals eyeshadow from Bare Escentuals on my giveaway page. Just click here to leave a comment and enter.