Fashion

This is going to be quick because it took me longer than usual to find things and then I procrastinated some more and, long story short, I am a terrible time manager.

But I did manage to find a few things.

1. casa del sol global dress

This falls in a category of a dress that I wouldn’t wear as a dress. But I think it would look really great paired with white jeans as a tunic.

2. one for the books knit cardigan

I think this is really pretty and would work as a great thing to throw on over a tank or a t-shirt.

3. gap fluid tank

I’ve had my eye on this for a while. It’s great to wear alone with shorts or jeans during the summer and under sweaters or jackets all year round.

4. knit lace tee

I was looking around on the internet as I tend to do on Thursday evenings and thinking to myself that I would love to find a good lace t-shirt. And then, suddenly, there it was before me. Like a fashion miracle.

This can be dressed up with black pants for the office or worn with jeans out to dinner or with shorts on the weekend. It’s very versatile.

5. j.crew clare cardigan

Listen. I believe I’ve stated before that I am not really a cardigan person. But I always think they look nice on other people. And this one from J.Crew comes in a bunch of great colors and is on sale for only $20.

6. j.crew layering v-neck tee

Here’s another great deal. These t-shirts also come in a ton of colors and are on sale for $14.50. It’s a great way to add a little color to basic outfits.

7. face the breeze top

I cannot get this picture to work and it’s late and, well, serenity now. But this top is really great. It’s a black and cream stripe with crocheted detail on the side.

8. keep me v-neck tee

I realize I’ve featured these tees a bunch of times, but they’re on sale at Zappos in several different colors. I cannot express how much I love them. They are the softest thing ever and I love that they’re long enough that I could even throw them on over my swimsuit this summer as a coverup.

9. pleated stripe flounce skirt

I’ve been on a serious hunt for a good shorter skirt for summer. I have an orange one I bought at Gap like 100 years ago that is on its last legs and I will mourn for it when I have to finally toss it because it’s so easy to put on all summer long.

This skirt isn’t as good as my orange one, but it does have potential.

10. black & turquoise pendant necklace

I’ve been meaning to feature this for the last few weeks because it catches my eye every time I see it. I love the black and turquoise together and it would be a great pop to any outfit.

And that’s it for today.

See? Quick.

Have a good Friday.

Well, I have no idea what’s going to happen during the Heisman Trophy ceremony on Saturday, but I know Johnny Manziel played golf with Kirk Herbstreit yesterday and the football nerd inside of me found that delightful. And I will be glued to the T.V. on Saturday night to see if he wins.

In other news, I haven’t talked about my book lately. Mainly because the whole process of writing a book and then editing that book and then waiting for it to actually be available takes approximately sixty-four years.

But, today I have news.

I have a book page. And it has some good stuff on it. You can pre-order the book now at all major book retailers. And there’s even a free downloadable gift card if you want to give it to someone for Christmas under the Share This Book link at the top of the page. It’s an easy way to say “Merry Christmas. I bought you a book that you won’t get until February 8th.” You can find it all by clicking here.

And now for some fashion because that’s why we’re here. I mean, that’s why you’re reading the blog. It’s not why we’re here on earth. Unless maybe you’re Anna Wintour or Rachel Zoe.

1. sequin-front jersey tanks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are super cute and come in an array of colors. It’s the perfect bit of sparkle to wear during the holidays under a jacket or a sweater. Or maybe even by itself if we can continue the trend of WHY IS IT STILL SUMMER IN DECEMBER?

2. pont des arts tweed coat

This is just a darling pink coat.

3. love & lace tunic

Love this lace tunic. It’s perfect to wear with leggings or jeans paired with a jacket.

4. notched v-neck tee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If I were going to buy one thing today, it would be this tunic. I love the length. I love the whole relaxed feel of it. And I love that you can dress it up or down depending on how you feel and if you have PMS or whatever.

5. twilight falls metallic chevron dress

This is a cute little dress and/or tunic with a little bit of sparkle for the holidays.

6. john wind jewel and gemstone pendant necklace

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How beautiful are these? I think they would make great stocking stuffers. The problem is choosing what color you’d want because GORGEOUS.

7. shawl collar sweatshirt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have a sweatshirt almost like this. And I wear it every day. It’s true. If I don’t have it on when I’m hanging out at the house in the winter, it’s because it’s in the washing machine. Best purchase I’ve ever made.

8. daystar loungers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apparently I’m in the mood for casual wear because these are pajama bottoms. But look how pretty they are.

9. relax but not least cardigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love this because it combines comfort and style. And there really isn’t a better combination than that.

10. johnny manziel jersey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think we all know why I picked this. Get it now before he wins the Heisman and prices soar sky high.

Y’all have a good Friday.

Okay. There was a little bit of confusion yesterday because I am an idiot and accidentally posted this post as password protected on Thursday afternoon. And some of y’all started emailing and asking for the password.

It was like Fashion Friday had gone undercover. The whole thing reminded me of that episode of 90210 when they were trying to find some secret party and had to bring an egg to a convenience store to find out the location. But without the high-waisted acid washed jeans and big hair.

Anyway, today is going to be awesome.

Remember a few weeks back when I told y’all about Pure Charity? You create an account. Then you register your credit or debit cards (it’s all very secure) and then every time you spend money at participating retailers a percentage of your purchase goes into an account that you can then give to various charities. And there are over 1,000 online retailers like Gap, Target, Forever 21, Apple. Places we already shop all the time. Except now they’re giving us the opportunity to give back as we spend money. It’s the most brilliant thing ever.

For instance, this week I have several things from Nordstrom on Fashion Friday. And if you are signed up with Pure Charity, Nordstrom gives a whopping 4.5% of your purchase back to your Pure Charity account and you can determine what cause you’d like it to go to. Amazing.

For even more information, you can read this blog post by Jen Hatmaker about Pure Charity. She explains the whole thing in great detail.

You just have to click on my link to sign up or on this precious face below. And then all your Christmas purchases will have the benefit of helping you make a difference.

As an added incentive to become a part of Pure Charity, they’ve given us an incredibly fun gift. They have given me a budget to buy one of everything I’m featuring today on Fashion Friday and give it away. The only thing you have to do for a chance to win is sign up here at Pure Charity and leave a comment on this post letting me know the top three or four things you’d choose from today’s post if you are one of the winners.

I’ll use Random.org to choose winners and do my best to make sure each person receives one of the things you list in your comments. Y’all, there are no guarantees here. It may end up as you get what you get and you don’t throw a fit. But I’m waiting to buy everything until after the winners are announced so I can get you the size you need for whichever item you win.

Does any of this make sense?

Once you join Pure Charity, there are simple instructions to add the browser plug in – and as you can see below – the button will pop up on all participating sites and show you how much you will get to put in your giving fund.

These are the three projects I’d like us to back – you can pick any of the below to help with your giving fund. Once you’ve signed up and activated your free account, select which project you’ll back with me.

I’ll be giving updates as we fund projects.

It’s just such an easy way to put your money to good use by just doing what you normally do and not having to budget for it separately.

And, now, for the great stuff you have a chance to win. Which also happens to all be stuff I love.

1. Old Navy waffle-knit sweater scarf

Old Navy gives back 2% of your purchase price to your Pure Charity account. This scarf is $14.94. So I’ll let you do the math.

Seriously, I’ll let you do the math. I’m terrible at it.

But how cute is this scarf? It comes in a bunch of different colors and I just love it.

2. Nordstrom kendra scott danielle oval necklace

Nordstrom is currently giving back 4.5 % of your purchase. This gorgeous necklace is $58.00 because Nordstrom doesn’t add that ninety-four cents nonsense like Old Navy. What’s that about?

Anyway, I seriously love this necklace. There are several color options and all of them are gorgeous.

3. hue denim leggings from Nordstrom.

This is another item from Nordstrom. And as I typed that sentence I began to feel like the announcer on The Price is Right. These are $39 and are some of the best leggings ever.

In fact, they are a true jegging. They are leggings that look like jeans. Which means they are much more comfortable. And they come in a ton of colors.

4. J. Crew gold bangle set

J. Crew gives back 5%. Well done, J. Crew. You’ve always been my favorite.

These gold bangles are so pretty and perfect for layering with all manner of other bracelets. It’s like a party for your arm.

What on earth does that even mean?

5. Old Navy softest blanket wrap cardi

This is $42.94 at Old Navy. What the actual heck, Old Navy? Seriously? Why not just call it $43?

Your pricing is weird, but your cardigan is lovely. We’ll take it.

6. piperlime hive & honey layered petal necklace

I adore this necklace. It’s the perfect thing to add a little something extra to almost any outfit.

Piperlime gives back 2.5% of your purchase. This necklace is $26.00.

Seriously, you’re going to have to do the math.

7. hue color block over the knee socks from Nordstrom

Now I wouldn’t wear these over my knee because I’m not in my twenties. But I would absolutely wear them scrunched down a little over the top of my boots. So cute.

And they come in other color options, too.

8. minnetonka 3-layer fringe boot from Nordstrom

Listen. Pocahontas knew a good boot. I mean, that may not be in the history books, but I think these moccasins speak for themselves. These are $89.95 at Nordstrom so 4.5% of that purchase will go back to my account.

And one of you will have great boots to show for it.

9. Gap cable poncho

Gap gives back 3%. This poncho is $69.95. And I have been eyeing it for weeks now. Weeks. The only reason I haven’t bought it is because P has seen it on Fashion Friday and knows it’s more than $15.00.

But maybe now that I’m shopping and giving back to charities at the same time, he’ll see it differently. Yes, I’m getting this new poncho but it’s so the orphans can have Christmas presents. Won’t anyone think of the children?

10. kate spade new york stud earrings

These are $38 and so, so pretty. I love all the colors and, frankly, if you win these I have no idea how you’ll ever decide. Personally, I go back and forth between the pink and this aqua color.

So that’s it. For a chance to win one of these items, here’s a recap of what you need to do:

1. Click here to create a Pure Charity account if you don’t have one already.

2. Leave a comment letting me know you signed up and tell me your top three, four, or eight picks from everything on Fashion Friday today. One comment only, duplicates will be deleted.

3. I’ll leave comments open until Monday at noon. At that time I will draw ten winners using Random.org.

4. I will then contact each winner by email in the order I drew their name to find out what size, color, etc. they would like in the item they’ve won. You have 48 hours to contact me after I email or I will choose another winner.

5. Gifts will be ordered and shipped directly to the winners. I will verify that each winner actually signed up for Pure Charity.

6. We all get to make a difference with our Christmas shopping this year and so really everybody wins.

That’s it. If my math is right (and there is no guarantee) somewhere in the neighborhood of $15.00 will go back to my Pure Charity account to go toward the projects we’re backing. It may not seem like much, but imagine if a thousand of us all signed up for Pure Charity before we did our Christmas shopping. It adds up.

Y’all have a great Friday.

Okay.

So I’m really excited.

For two reasons:

1. I’m typing this on my new computer and the B works and everything. I feel very fancy.

2. There’s a great giveaway today.

One of you has the chance to win a $50 gift card from A Thread clothing boutique. And there is so much cute stuff to choose from that I don’t know how you’ll decide how to spend it. The nice thing is they have a great little holiday gift shoppe all set up to make it easy for you to pick out something for someone you love. Or yourself.

Because you should love yourself. You is kind. You is smart. You is important.

All you have to do for a chance to enter is leave a comment on this post. Maybe tell me what your favorite side dish is for Thanksgiving lunch or dinner or breakfast. I don’t know your life. You’re free to eat your Thanksgiving meal whenever you choose. God bless America.

And the Indians and Pilgrims.

Anyway, here are a few of my favorites from A Thread in case you’re interested.

They have this gorgeous collection of jewelry by Simona V. I really love this Amethyst Cluster Tear Drop.

Or this Amethyst Slice necklace.

And I adore these softest pullovers that come in a variety of colors.

I also really like this lightweight utility jacket.

Here are a few other great things I’ve found this week.

1. swiss miss wrap

I love this. It’s perfect for this time of year and would be great to wear to Thanksgiving lunch.

2. bb dakota sheath lace dress

Beautiful dress. And a great price.

3. tee shirt skirt in moss

This is a great color for the holiday season. It’s a little festive without the overkill of reindeer embroidered on it.

4. faux fur vest

I go back and forth on the faux fur vest. On one hand, will I look like some version of Cookie Monster? Or will I look chic like Rachel Zoe?

I have no idea. Which is why I haven’t committed to the fur vest as of this point.

5. out of mind top

This is another great top. Love the colors. It would be so cute with jeans and boots.

6. 1969 legging cords

The photo doesn’t do these justice. They are so soft and pretty in person and the colors are amazing.

7. drop needle tunic sweater

Love this sweater. And it’s a great length so I feel like that gives it a ton of options.

8. cable poncho

I tried this on the other day. Because I believe I’ve mentioned that I am powerless against the poncho. There is something about it that draws me in.

The only reason I didn’t buy it was because I couldn’t decide on a color.

9. fitted boyfriend flannel shirt

I am also a sucker for a plaid flannel shirt. I once bought one of Gulley’s old plaid flannel shirts for $2.00 when she was selling it in a garage sale. To this day we still wonder why she actually let me pay her $2.00 for it.

But I’ll tell you something, it was money well spent.

10. ruffled boiled wool jacket

I have this jacket but mine is purple. Normally, I’m not a fan of purple but I loved this jacket so much that I made an exception. The good news is that this one is charcoal gray and so it might be even better in case you’re like me and have purple issues.

That’s it for today.

Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to enter the giveaway for the $50 gift card to A Thread. I’ll keep comments open until Monday at noon and then choose a winner through a random drawing.

Y’all have a great Friday.

Y’all.

I woke up yesterday morning and was like, dang, it’s November. How did that happen? We’re only three weeks from Thanksgiving. I know this because there are suddenly Christmas decorations everywhere AND I went to Starbucks yesterday and the red holiday cups are officially out.

Too bad it’s 80 degrees.

Anyway, I have some exciting news just in time for your Christmas shopping. Carol & Company is offering 15% off ALL jewelry today through Wednesday, November 7th just for my blog readers. All you have to do is enter the code FALL15 at checkout to get your discount.

And, not only that, but Carol & Company is donating 10% off all their proceeds through next Wednesday to Samaritan’s Purse to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

So you can shop at a discount AND know that some of your money is going toward a good cause. That is chock full of so much win all the way around. And it’s perfect timing for Christmas shopping. Even if you’re just buying yourself your own stocking stuffers.

Not that I do that. I’m just saying I’ve heard some people do.

Here are a few great pieces from Carol & Company that you might be in a need of a good home where they will be loved and cherished.

Ruth sent me these Wimberly quilted bangle bracelets last week along with this gorgeous Towne & Reese Lena deep teal ring.

(I realize you’re probably now having trouble focusing on the jewelry for wondering why I’m not a hand model with my stubby little fingers and non-existent fingernails. It’s a question people ask all the time.)

But look at all the gorgeous colors the Wimberly bracelets come in.

Or you could always opt for the cuff version which is equally pretty and comes in an array of colors.

But I also love my monogram necklace. It would be a great gift.

Or maybe one of these initial pearl necklaces. So delicate and pretty.

And I happen to know that these deep blue Towne & Reese earrings go perfectly with the Wimberly bangle bracelets and teal ring.

So get to shopping. Maybe you could get all your Christmas shopping done before December ever gets here. And if you do I wish you’d let me know what it feels like.

And speaking of a percentage of your purchases going to a good cause, you MUST GO READ the latest blog post by Jen Hatmaker about a new thing called Pure Charity.

Jen does a much more thorough job of explaining it, but here are the basics. You create an account on Pure Charity. Then you register your credit or debit cards (it’s all very secure) and then every time you spend money at participating retailers a percentage of your purchase goes into an account that you can then give to various charities. And there are over 1,000 retailers like Gap, Target, Forever 21, Apple. Places we already shop all the time. Except now they’re giving us the opportunity to give back as we spend money. It’s the most brilliant thing ever.

For instance, this week I have several things from Nordstrom on Fashion Friday. And if you are signed up with Pure Charity, Nordstrom gives a whopping 5% of your purchase back to your Pure Charity account and you can determine what cause you’d like it to go to. Amazing.

I signed up earlier and it couldn’t have been easier. And they have a category where you can find special local deals in your area in addition to all the retailers. Here is my link if you want to sign up. Or go visit Jen for even more details.

Here are some other cute things I’ve found this week.

1. technicolor sweatercoat

I’m a sucker for a sweatercoat. And I love the colors and the stripes on this one.

2. gingersnap lace tie-waist dress

Lace is so big right now and this would be perfect alone if you have the legs. Or with leggings or jeans if you need a little more coverage. Very pretty and great price.

3. blair scholar jacket

This is a great jacket. Can’t decide if I like it better in the orange or blue, but I love the cut and the tie.

4. pomona sequined top

So much shiny. This would be perfect for a Christmas party.

5. ae sweater coat

This is another great sweater. It’s not as long as the one from Anthropologie, but perfect to throw on with jeans and a t-shirt all winter long. It’s the Texas equivalent of a winter coat.

6. to dyed for tunic

This just looks so soft and comfortable.

7. frye melissa trapunto boots

It’s sale time at Nordstrom. And a few days ago someone emailed me to ask what they should look for during the sale. I helpfully replied, “EVERYTHING”.

Which isn’t exactly true.

I think sale time is a great time to look for deals on quality items like these boots. Things that may still be expensive but are significantly less than their usual price.

7. denim shirtdress

This falls under the category of a thing I don’t really consider a dress. But it is a good long denim shirt and might be perfect worn with leggings or belted with a pair of colored jeans.

8. calvin klein trench coat

This trench coat is another classic staple on sale right now.

9. patricia nash berlino crossbody bag

Okay. I adore this bag. And I really wanted to order it a while back but didn’t because I couldn’t justify the price for a small, trendy bag. Plus I found a Big Buddha purse on sale at a local store for $35. (Or maybe it was just $15 in case P is reading)

Anyway, I’m sad to see it got a couple of bad reviews and almost didn’t post it. But then I decided maybe it’s actually a really great purse and those bad reviews were written by someone who has a grudge against Patricia Nash and doesn’t want her purse to sell well.

And then I spent a few minutes wondering why the inside of my head is like a Beverly Hills 90210 episode.

10. joe’s skinny ponte knit pants

And one more good basic. I love these pants because they’re soft like leggings, but look more like jeans. Which I guess makes them a jegging.

Someone ought to use that word and market that concept to the public.

That’s it for today.

Don’t forget about your discount at Carol & Company and to sign up for Pure Charity.

Y’all have a good Friday.

There’s an alleged cool front that’s supposed to blow in and finally make it feel like fall around here. Sadly, it has chosen the Saturday morning that we have an early soccer game so I’m going to get to stand around and shiver bright and early this weekend.

But I’m not really complaining because I’ll take that over this summer weather any day.

And now I’m just going to get to it.

Here’s some cute things I’ve found this week.

1. tiered pointelle sweater dress

Sweater dresses are tricky. They can look really good on. Or they can look really bad. And since I haven’t tried this one on then I don’t know how it might turn out.

However, I like it in pictures. And I think it would look darling with boots. Not to mention that all sale stuff at Anthro is an extra 25% off right now.

2. forever remembered elephant print top

This would look great with jeans or even a skirt. And it has little elephants all over it so you could totally wear it on election day if you’re into theme dressing.

I really try to avoid theme dressing these days, but I still have to resist the urge to wear animal prints when I go to the zoo.

Fortunately, I can’t remember the last time I went to the zoo.

3. cut it out dress

I love this. And it comes in some great colors. It would look good on its own if you’re young and have the legs, but it would also look great with black leggings.

4. level up dress

This is pretty bright. But I like it.

5. boiled wool blend peacoat

I love this peacoat. It’s a great cut and it comes in several good colors. Bonus, it’s also 40% off.

6. fall draped bead necklace

This is the perfect statement necklace in fall colors.

7. softest sweater scarves

These scarves are so soft and come in some really pretty colors. The perfect accent for different outfits.

8. beaded draped chain necklace

Forever 21 is a great resource for inexpensive jewelry. And I really like this necklace because it can add just a little something to a plain outfit. Another good tip is to buy two necklaces and put them together for extra impact.

9. chelsea lace cocktail dress

I love a lace dress. And this one might look good on its own, but I also think it might look good over jeans or leggings with a jacket over it.

10. change of seasons wrap cardi

In honor of the cool weather, I present this sweater. It looks like fashion in a blanket form.

That’s it for today.

Y’all have a great Friday.