Monday, January 31, 2011

In The Fashionista's Closet: Box of Crayons

I am now subbing a small group of 5th grade boys everyday to prepare them for the TAKS test and they are really really aware of what I wear to class.

 Coat: Ann Taylor

  One of them asked me today if I had someone who came to my house and picked out my clothes. When I laughed and said no, he said earnestly, "No, I'm serious. Do you? I ain't never seen nobody dress like you." (Note to self, work on grammar with them as well.)

They have asked if I used to work in fashion before I became their teacher (yes) and where do I shop for clothes (everywhere).
 
Sweater: Thrifted
Skirt: Vintage
Polka dot hose: Target
Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Again with this darn sweater, one kid asked if he could touch it and said it looked "so soft and comfortable." What is it with this sweater??? 

 In addition to teaching testing strategies, I am also talking to them about the importance of good grooming. We all brought lotion, a brush and deodorant for those who may need it, I want them to feel a sense of pride in how they look. We do a self check and make sure that shirts are tucked in and shoes are tied before leaving the classroom. I tell them that we are all representatives of our class and we should all look and be our best. I hope it's sinking in...

Sunday, January 30, 2011

InSIDE The Fashionista's Closet!



Guess what I did today?
Semi-organized my closet!

I am very visual so it is important to me to be able to see everything and have it all in one place.

My ex-boyfriend made me this earring holder out of some wood and screen netting but you can also use a picture frame.


I hung up hooks for my bags.

 Found this organizer at the thrift store and finally put it to use.
 This shoe organizer was a garage sale find.


I say 'semi-organized' because I normally hang my clothes by color so I hadn't tidied that up yet.

 I hang my necklaces on a two sided belt hanger.

The shelves are from Home Depot, I used the small space at the bottom to hold my clutches.

Now of course this should make getting dressed easier in the morning, right???

Saturday, January 29, 2011

In The Fashionista's Closet: Maxi-mum Ease

Wore my maxi dress look again, so comfy and easy.

Men's shirt: Rummage sale
Jacket: Thrifted



Dress: Shopping party
Bag: Kooba
Boots: Juicy Couture

Sunshine: God

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

In The Fashionista's Closet: Calgon, Take Me Away

I want to plot my escape, complete with tasty adult bevarages and warm sand in between my toes. I want to be able to forget my real life woes, if only for a little while. I need a little getaway until real life comes calling again.
es·cape[ih-skeyp]

1. to slip or get away, as from confinement or restraint; gain or regain liberty
2. avoidance of reality
I want/need/desire all of that...
Skirt: Zara
Boots: Juicy Couture

My mini-escapes consist of mindless television (Fashion Police, Watch What Happens Live), thumbing through fashion books/magazines/blogs and having conversations with a few of my favorite people.

Earrings: Can't remember
Shirt: Banana Republic
Sweater: Thrifted
And I somehow manage to have me a hearty, belly laugh at some point during my day, it's never planned but always appreciated, it makes me feel better instantly. (The kids have told me that I laugh funny and they laugh right along with me.)


So until I get to my place in the sun, I want you to tell me what is your escape?

Sunday, January 23, 2011

In The Fashionista's Closet: Suckas Need Not Apply

Let's get one thing straight: I hate dating. I hate that whole "So, what do you do, where are you from, have you ever been married" ritual that comes with it. The uncertainty of "Does he like me, is he looking for something serious, is he secretly married with six kids" questions that creep into my head when I meet a potential suitor. 


I think I hate dating so much because I'm no good at it. Either I like you right away or it's not happening. I have to feel some type of connection with someone to even go out with them. And don't give me that "Well you can learn to like him, give him a chance" bit because I cannot. I rely on my instincts, if we have a conversation and I feel that a guy is dumb (i.e. uses the word "dramatical"), is looking for a booty call or is socially awkward I will let him know that we are not compatible and leave it at that.


 Pearls: Forever 21, Fashion Nette-work
Denim shirt: Zara
Leather jacket: Peter Nygard

I gave a guy my number recently and he sent me the same text message THREE separate days with a photo attached to remind me of who he was. REALLY, dude? If you think that you're that forgettable after a couple of days, then I can't help you. I personally think that he really liked the photo of himself and wanted me to see him looking his 'best'. Either way, that was the end of that. I've learned that dating someone that you don't really like for convenience or to "get back out there" has disastrous results. Di-sa-strous. (I'm still kicking myself for that one.)


I was with my last boyfriend for eight years and we broke up a little over a year ago. It's hard to be vulnerable to opening yourself back up after disappointment and heartbreak. I'm not exactly sure how to navigate the dating waters but I do believe that there is someone out there specifically for me. Someone who is okay with my semi-messiness, my love of shopping and my Jay-Z jones. Someone who is God fearing and honest, who wants to be committed and married and who thinks that I am and treats me like the best gift ever. And who doesn't mind taking my pics for my blog. Amen.

 Pants: Diane von Furstenberg
Boots: Stuart Weitzman

A little swagger would be nice and have certain skills that I won't name here because my mom reads this so I gotta keep it PG.

 Someone who will laugh with me, everyday, no matter how big the problems may seem....

Friday, January 21, 2011

Stay Tuned For An Important Announcement...


Me and Someone Special are cooking up something SPECTACULAR so be sure to stay informed!


 


Any guesses as to what it might be????



Follow Me Here

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

In The Fashionista's Closet: Put Your Pretty Panties On

Now, now before you get riled up, hear me out. I actually thought of this post title while I was in the shower (does anyone else do their best thinking there also?)

Most of us have reasons that we are waiting to do something. "When I lose those last ten pounds then I am going to buy me a new dress." "When my kids graduate then I'll open my interior design business."  "When my husband lands his promotion then I'll go back to school."  

  Or in my case, "When I find someone date-worthy, then I'll put my pretty panties on." Pretty panties set the stage, even if no one sees them, you know you're wearing your pretty panties and you feel fabulous. Well I  have a drawer full of pretty panties that haven't seen the light of day. Everyday when I reach for my unmentionables (I guess I can't call them that since I'm mentioning them) and even if my pretty panties somehow end up at the top, I bypass them and get my 'everyday' drawers. (I'm laughing hysterically as I'm typing the word 'drawers'.)


There are some obstacles that are beyond our control, you can't very well go back to school if you have no money, but you can apply for financial aid, or save to register for one class or make a plan so that you can get an accurate timeline of when you can actually begin school. The point is, what are you waiting for?

I've said time and time again, stop waiting to lose weight in order to buy something that makes you feel fabulous, it may be just the catalyst you need to get started. And if you never lose the weight, then you have something in your closet that makes you feel wonderful at the size that you're at right now.


So I decided to wear my pretty panties today and not to wait for a date or a special occasion, but just because I want to. Whatever those obstacles are that are preventing you from going after your goals, STOP waiting to put on your pretty panties. Pretty panties are meant to make you feel special so throw caution to the wind and wear them every day. Well, not the same pair of course....


Turtleneck: Ralph Lauren
Necklaces: Vintage, Forever 21, Aldo
Skirt: Thrifted
Shoes: Nine West


My name is Juanette and I approved this message!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

You Can Find Me In The Club (?)

I was invited to a happy hour on Friday and decided to wear my 'Birthday jacket' and jeans. Well imagine my surprise when I pulled up to the venue and got that unmistakeable "club" vibe when guys started checking me out while I was still in my car. I mean peering into the car as I was driving by. WTH? Then I see a chick in a sequined minidress and my mind starts racing. Sequins? All this for a Happy Hour? Not a sequined shoe or top but a whole sparkly azz sequined number. Now I am a firm believer that sequins can be for any time, not just special occasions but I like sequins in unexpected places like work not expected places like a bar. But maybe I was just uncomfortable because I was repping the 70's, at least sequined chick was in the appropriate venue.


As I entered into the spot, there was a band playing "Brick House" and I remember thinking "This song was out when my jacket was in style." 

But I guess looking out of place worked for me because I got some free drinks, was told that I was beautiful (not bragging just relaying the message) and a Peter from The Real Housewives of Atlanta lookalike requested that the DJ play Jay-Z for the chance to dance with me. (Yall know Jay-Z gets me every time.)

Dude looked like this:

I haven't been to a typical club in years, I did my fair share of clubbing (okay, maybe a little more than my fair share) in my 20's and after that night I don't miss it one bit. The leering guys, the "look at me" behavior of the chicks and the wack DJ brought it all back to me. I prefer more of a lounge environment, a good houseparty or a jazz spot at this point. But I was glad that I didn't know that this was a typical club environment because in the midst of the seemingly required dress code of jeggings (yes I hate that word), over the knee boots and sequins, I stood out for being...typical me.


And I'm not sure what was going on with my hair but it was looking phenom-en-al (now I am bragging but I don't think I had anything to do with it, maybe it was the weather?) so I have to figure out how to recreate it.


Friday Hair:

The moral of the story? Be you, even if you look like one of Willona's customers from the boutique. 

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." - Judy Garland

Sunday, January 16, 2011

In The Fashionista's Closet: Go Green

I feel as though I've been taking a lot of photos with my mouth open lately but sadly this is how I usually look in real life, always talking or laughing or making funny faces.

Of course I think that I'm generally funny, mainly because my mom told me so. Incidentally, this is how people end up trying out for American Idol because their moms told them that they could sing when they obviously cannot. But not my mom. She would never lie to me. Right? RIGHT??? (P.S. I hate American Idol but I am just using that as an example of how some moms lie.)


But my 'other' funny side is a little more NC-17 or M for Mature so you may not get that side of me unless you're in my close circle of friends or I'm really mad. (I'm ruthless when angry but you'll laugh your socks off.) But if you want to get on my good side, just tell me how hi-lar-i-ous I am.


I enjoy letting you guys see my goofy side and I've decided that I will focus on the positive more in 2011. I am friends with my scale again and I've been having awesome hair days as of late so why shouldn't I be happy??

button down shirt: Express
sweater: Zara
earrings: can't remember
assorted bracelets: Forever 21
skirt: thrifted
boots: Juicy Couture

Great days are ahead!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

In The Fashionista's Closet: Spring Fever

I've been feeling a bit unispired as of late and thoughts of spring have been running around in my head already. 

And speaking of Spring:

Check out this flirty H&M dress, it's the epitome of spring, n'est-ce pas?
I dream of myself in this dress and it is only $24.95 but I am thinking that our preview H&M in Dallas won't have it by the time the store shuts down in March. (It will have its official opening in October.) PLEASE let me know if you see this dress at your local H&M and I will send you the money. Yes it's that serious! 


Is it just me or are you ready for Spring as well? 


Blogs I've been reading lately (besides the usual suspects to the left):

 

K Is For Kinky (natural hair site)

 I find most blogs via Reiko, she seems to know every style blog around....


#1 Person that I wish had a blog:

Tracee Ellis Ross



(I hate 1st and 2nd day hair, not big enough!)

Tracee really is a friend in my head, I think we would get along famously...if she let me raid her closet...

Jacket: Zara
Scarf: Zara
Sweater: Ralph Lauren

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