On Sundays I Smile - Week in review May 22nd

This week I'm starting a new feature called On Sundays I Smile. Inspired by one of my favorite blogs, Monster Cakes, I thought it would be nice to share moments from the past week that inspired me and gave a deeper glimpse into my daily life outside of what I wear and my thoughts regarding fashion and style.

So...today I review the past week and I Smile. And I share these moments with you.

Frozen yogurt with extra fruit, coconut and extra chocolate chips - my favorite warm weather dessert. There are so many self-serve frozen yogurt places not far from my house and I don't think there's anything better that mixing up my own concoctions every week. Fruity Pebbles? Caramel sauce? Crushed Oreos and cherries? Bring it on.

A new Salvation Army opened near me this week, and it was there that I discovered an abundance of glossy vintage 1970's furs and what has to be the sequined motherlode - two things I have a deep thrifting fetish for. Cue grabby hands.

However,  despite my NEED for both, it was this 1950's fox stole that went home with me. Yes, that's three foxes strung together - little heads, tails and all. Husband thought it was morbid. I consider it wondrous.

Crafting with my oldest twin Josh. We made tissue paper leaves and acorns and little animals made out of pom-poms and popsicle sticks and glitter glue. I am reminded every day that the moments we share while he's still little are too few. It's inevitable that he grows out of crafting, but for the time being, I'll take every opportunity I can get.

Violent spring and summer storms are a regular occurrence here in Texas. I'll admit that a day of rain makes me morose and introspective and eager for nothing more taxing that a nap on the couch. But a rainbow peeking through clearing skies kind of makes a stormy day worth it.

Now it's your turn: What are some things that made you smile this week? Grab my button (created by Kate of Divergent Musings - HUGE THANKS to Kate!) and blog about your Sunday smiles; share your weekly smiles in the comments; or smile just because it makes you feels good.
 
While I'm smiling, here's what went down on Dress With Courage this week:

• I reviewed a day spent at the Body Shop with the Dallas Fort Worth Blogger Network, and shared a special giveaway with you;
• I wore a miniskirt and committed a hideous fashion crime;
• Confessed my struggles as a control freak;
• Continued my Thrifting 101 series with a trip down the fashion timeline through the 1970's in order to help date thrifted clothes from that era;
• Shared news of my eleventh feature in IFB's Links a La Mode - this time in their Tech links;
• and answered questions regarding blog pet peeves (which I put a positive spin on) for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday.  

I'd also like to take a moment and welcome all my new followers.

I'm really, really happy you're here. As always, you make me smile too. If you're visiting my blog for the first time, please think about follow me through Google Friend Connect, tweeting with me on Twitter, or becoming a Facebook fan.

Week in Review: May 15th (with a bit about Sunday NY Times weddings)

Every Sunday I engage in a ritual that's taken place since I was a teenager: make a cup of coffee, turn on CBS Sunday Morning, and delve into the Sunday vows section of The New York Times. I used to fantasize that someday, my own wedding would be featured there. But I got over that when I realized that all vows couples posses the following set of credentials:

• One (or preferably, both) members MUST have attended an Ivy League school. Bonus points if they are graduates of an Ivy grad school as well. Super bonus points if they carry dual graduate degrees (MBA + law degree/PH.D/medical degree) MEGA bonus points if either attended Cambridge or Harvard.
• The couple graduated college with "the highest honors."
• The couple are employed as lawyers, physicians, professional musicians/actors/singers, politicians, or investment bankers.
• The couple were married by a prominent mayor or governor.
• The bride's mother is on the board of a major metropolitan hospital or museum. Preferably she is president of such an organization.
• The bride's mother owns an art gallery, is a professor at a fancy liberal arts college, or is a kindergarten or first grade teacher at Choate/Chapin/Dalton/Spence/Collegiate/Lycee Francais.
• The bride's father had ancestors who were Revolutionary or Civil War heroes.
• The groom's father is dean of a college/professor/publisher/pioneered a lifesaving medical technique/
• The bride's parents are major political campaign contributors.
• The couple were married at the family estate/compound/farm in the Berkshires/the Hamptons/Maine.
• A past President attended the wedding.

So, yeah. As a solidly middle class, non-Ivy League educated, non-silver spooned woman with NO affiliation with politics, art galleries or compounds in Maine I had ZERO hope of ever appearing in the section. Never in the cards for me. But that hasn't robbed me of the joy of reading this section. Oh my God. I really need no introduction for this incredible video that's been making the rounds from the wedding of Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator and composer of Broadway show "In the Heights," and Vanessa Nadal. It's impossible not to laugh, and pointless to try not to cry. Believe me, I've watched it like five times since this morning.

Even before seeing the video I had decided that I really liked the featured Vows column on the couple. "She knows she's dope," Miranda said of his bride, melting my heart. "She's beautiful but not vain. She's smart but not arrogant. It's like, all killer, no filler."

Greatest line ever. Srsly.

I loved the description of his pre-"In The Heights" routine:

"Onstage and off, Mr. Miranda dressed like a rapper/English professor in baggy jeans, T-shirts and tweed caps. He was working on "In the Heights," often writing lyrics on the subway, and earning rent money performing at bar mitzvahs. "I was literally one of those guys who shows up in a black satin shirt and tries to get kids and old people to dance," he said. "It was bleak.'"

As for the wedding, Lois Smith Brady wrote probably my favorite paragraph ever in Vows:

"On Sept. 5, they were married in Staatsburg, NY, at the Belvedere Mansion, a white pillared inn facing the Hudson like a supermodel looking in the mirror. The bride looked like a young Elizabeth Taylor in an Oscar de la Renta strapless gown with a low-cut bodice and a wildly frilly skirt that appeared to be made of feathers, clouds, whipped cream and youth."

Feathers, clouds, whipped cream and youth. No joke, I want to commission a calligrapher to write that down in script so I can frame it and hang it on the wall of my bathroom and stare at it when I brush my teeth, or, barring that, I might tattoo it on my stomach.

While I'm flipping through the paper and daydreaming of being a New York Times bride, here's what went down on Dress With Courage this week:

• I listed the best mobile shopping, fashion and style apps for iPhone;
• Wore a vintage floral dress for Everybody, Everywear;
• Explored the habit of the blogger over-apology;
• Continued my Thrifting 101 series with a post regarding dating vintage clothes by era: the 1960's;
• and answered questions about outside influences for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday.

I'd also like to take a moment and welcome my newest followers:

Thank you so much for visiting my blog, for taking the time to follow me, for leaving such thoughtful comments, and for reading my posts everyday. I'm really glad you're here and I hope you stick around. You make me smile.

If you're visiting my blog for the first time, please think about follow me through Google Friend Connect, tweeting with me on Twitter, or becoming a Facebook fan. I truly appreciate my followers!

Week in review: May 8th (with a little love for Mother's Day)

I once read that caring for young children is a lot like going through boot camp. In each, a master (either the staff sergeant, or the children themselves) who lacks patience and expects you to anticipate and meet their each need enslaves you. In the early years of training, you slog through the day in a semi-comatose state, pushed to your emotional and physical limits. You are bombarded by criticism; your desire to please receives no reward, either momentarily or otherwise. And yet somehow, despite the sleep-deprivation, limited medical knowledge (determine cure for colic; provide wound care for a screaming preschooler), complex mathematical equations (formulate ounces of powdered formula to water at 4:18 in the morning on three hours of sleep) and assaults on your self-confidence, you become passionately devoted to your commander.

When I first became a mother, I judged myself harshly against the ideals of the past. The 1950's mother served cocktails and nutritionally balanced meals while remaining immaculately dressed. The 1960's and 70's mom prepared organic baby food, crocheted baby blankets, and nursed their children until their teeth were large enough to chew steak. In the 1980's and 90's Power Mom emerged, an enigma who worked full-time, aerobicized to Jane Fonda and staged elaborate children's parties with cakes that would've put the the Cake Boss out of business. The 2000's gave us Super Mom, an SUV-driving force who taught her children Mandarin Chinese, practiced pilates and and somehow managed to have an energetic sex life. And today we have the indie mom, a woman who outfits her baby's nursery with things from Etsy, drives a hybrid, and appliques baby clothes with remnants from vintage thrifted garments.

Over time, my mothering style has evolved into a combination of all the above. I feed my children whole-wheat pasta one night and Chick-Fil-A the next. My home can best be described as Elementary School Chic - furniture from Thomasville, room decor from Lego. The wood floors are swept, but missing marker caps, candy wrappers and dried-out hunks of Play-Doh lurk under the couch. And don't even ask me what the interior of my car looks like. Family activities include visiting museums, painting, giggling at Spongebob, and playing endless games of Build Your Own Mousetrap.

Some days I pray that I'll make it to dinnertime without losing my voice, my patience, or my mind. Despite the pressure, challenge and guilt, I've managed to retain my sense of humor and discovered the true joy in being with my children. Nothing can compare to the sound of my twins' laughing, or watching them battle it out over Super Mario, or taking them fishing  (which we did yesterday. It was a hoot.)  I feel privileged to have witnessed all of their "first's." And despite my hatred towards celebrity moms, impossible-to-assemble toys, and the dread of sitting through one more torturous school performance, I wouldn't trade my life in for anything else in the world.

I make every attempt to keep the focus of my blog off my kids. I don't want to be one of those twee bloggers who endlessly obsesses about her children, inundating readers with photos documenting every moment of their precious little snowflake's life. I kind of like it that my blog is a place just for me, where I can share my own interests separate from those of my children. But I can't resist the opportunity to share a few photos. Cue adorableness.

My twins Jake and Josh, 3 weeks old

My daughter Becky, 3 years old

With my brood at brunch this morning - notice Jake in the middle, being a punk (he gets that from me *sniff*)

While I'm going through old photos and baby clothes and choking back my tears, here's what went down on Dress With Courage this week:

• I remixed a vintage prom dress and waxed nostalgic about my high school days;
• Wondered whether moms make better shopping buddies than friends;
• Gave myself permission to say yes;
• Continued my Thrifting 101 series with an exploration of fashion development from the 1920's to the 1960's;
• Answered questions about shoes for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday;
• and celebrated my tenth feature in IFB's Links a la Mode.

Let me take a moment to welcome all my new followers.

I could not believe it when I hit 200 followers through Google Friend Connect yesterday. Best. Mother's. Day. Present. Ever. Seriously. Thank you for following and reading my blog every day. I'm humbled and so happy you're here. BIG giveaway coming tomorrow to celebrate!

If you're visiting my blog for the first time, please  think about follow me through Google Friend Connect, tweeting with me on Twitter, or becoming a Facebook fan. It would be like a massive virtual ((((group hug)))).

Week in Review: May 1 (with love thrown towards road trips)

I've led quite the charmed life, in truth. Sure, there were a few miserable years in middle school. A teenybopper heartbreak. The loss of close relatives.  I might not be rich - not financially, anyway - but I have a lot to be grateful for. Between the kids, the husband, the friends, the house, the closet clogged full of vintage, I'm pretty much a fat cat, livin' large and such.

But two years ago, I was withering away in dark times. See, I was living in Iowa. Iowa in and of itself is a lovely place. Green and lush in summer, populated by kindly people who drive below the speed limit and pickle their own vegetables and bring over homemade soup when you're sick, it's a laid-back state that emphasizes family values and simpler times. It's also cold as a witches tit. It's so cold that fog freezes. And it's so snowy that you'll go through TWO snowblowers before the winter's done. Basically, Iowa made me her bitch. Just one December there transformed me from a happy-hearted free spirit into a whimpering, shivering, whining crankapotamus.

While there are wonderful things about living in the Midwest, I am just not cut out to be a small town country suburban mom. I don't drive a pickup. I hate to garden. I have a proclivity towards driving a minimum of ten miles over the speed limit. I don't know the first thing about making casseroles. And I'm not a fan of scrapbook parties. Along with PTA involvement and book clubs centered around Christian novels, these all seem to be necessary requirements for moms out in Iowa. Despite my best efforts, I would never quite fit in.

Blessedly, life here in Dallas suits me quite nicely. The Dallas-Fort Wort area is enormous, populated by a diverse section of people, and houses an extensive number of smaller neighborhoods all within driving distance. So during the week, I take a lot of road trips. And road trips make me extraordinarily happy. I love driving to a Goodwill that hasn't been stripped clean by hipsters. I cackle over roadside shops with the words "stuff" or "junk" in their name. And there's nothing better than pulling in to a little country restaurant, ordering a basket of fried pickles, and eavesdropping on the heated conversations between old men in overalls.

Mostly, though, I really love when I catch sight of something I don't always get to see. Such as the 1940's pickup with a tempting for sale sign on the dash. 

Or a farmer's market with rows of fresh homegrown veggies.

Or a gas station selling cheesesteaks. Which is probably the very last food I would EVER consider purchasing at a gas station.

What are some simple things about your town that make you happy? In what ways do you lead a charmed life?

While you're pondering those questions, here's what went down on Dress With Courage this week:

• Wondered how cocktails in stores would alter the shopping experience;
• Explored Patricia Field's and Kotex's collaboration to celebrate our ladybits;
• Got to the bottom of my struggle with geting dressed in the moring;
• Delved into shopping for vintage online as part of my Thrifting 101 series.
• Answered questions regarding fitness for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday;
• Mentioned my inclusion in this week'd IFB Links a la Mode;
• and wrote a guest post for Kate of Divergent Musings on what not to pack for a trip.

And now, allow me to take a moment to welcome all my new followers:

Thank you so much for stopping by, and thank you even more for reading my inane and often rambling thoughts every day. You're amazeballs, and I intend to reward you with a giveaway soon. For realsies.

If you're visiting my blog for the first time, consider becoming a follower through Google Friend Connect, tweeting with me on Twitter, or becoming a Facebook fan. It would be like a massive virtual ((((group hug)))).

Week in Review: April 24th (with a little love thrown to Texas)

As a former NYC resident, there are a lot of things that make me nostalgic for life in the city. I fondly remember leaving my apartment in the morning, strolling around the corner, and grabbing a cup of coffee and the New York Times. I loved taking the subway to wherever I needed to go and not having to worry about sitting in traffic or where I was going to park my car. And let's not even talk about the plethora of shopping...there aren't adequate words to communicate my nostalgia for that.

But there are just as many things I love about living in Texas. Summer days are sweltering, and there might not be a decent bagel available anywhere within state lines, but the culture can't be beat. Only in Texas do you see old men remove their hats and openly weep when the National Anthem plays at a ball game. Only in Texas can you wear cowboy boots and overalls in public, and not have people think you're dressed for a costume party. Only in Texas do you mark the arrival of spring with a photo session in a bluebonnet field. Only in Texas can you engage in deathly debates over whether the plural of "y'all" is "all y'all" or "y'alls." And only in Texas can you indulge in Frito Pie, and picked jalapenos in breakfast burritos, and beef ribs. Yes, I know you can purchase these meals around the country, but they taste best here. Trust.

Much like New Yorkers, Texans are a distinctive breed. They are a proud, hardy folk, the type who fly the American flag year-round and wave to their neighbors when they fetch the mail. They're direct, and have no qualms about telling you exactly how they feel. And once they befriend you, they're friends for life.

Yesterday I was invited by Tina of T Minus, T Plus to her family ranch out in Bowie. Bowie is a rural community dominated by taxidermy shops and outposts selling tractors and hitches to haul your prize-winning cutting horses. Shopping is limited to the local Wal-Mart. Tina's parents own over 200 acres of land and raise longhorn cattle, goats, chickens and horses.  I spent most of my time oooh-ing and aaah-ing and taking picture of livestock and basically acting like a tourist.

While I'm scraping the mud off my boots, here's what went down on Dress With Courage this week:

• I addresses a NY Times article exploring the motivation behind tattoos;
• Confessed my avoidance of changing rooms;
• Gave some advice for dealing with negative blog comments;
• Continued my Thrifting 101 series with a post regarding storing vintage and thrifted clothing and accessories;
• Answered questions regarding inspiration for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday; and
• Announced the winner of my Vintage Martini gift certificate (congrats to Juanette of Fashion Nette-work!)

I'd also like to take a moment and welcome all my new followers.

Thank you for your continued support and thoughtful comments. Y'all are like totally awesomesauce and I hope you stick around.

If you're visiting my blog for the first time, consider becoming a follower through Google Friend Connect, tweeting with me on Twitter, or becoming a Facebook fan. It would be like a massive virtual ((((group hug)))).

Week in Review: April 11th (and a blogging break FAILapotamus)

In case you didn't notice, on Saturday I decided to take my first day off of blogging since I started back in mid-December. For someone who struggles with massive OCD issues, this was a Big Deal. I thought long and hard about taking a break. I worried that by not posting, I'd communicate the message that I wasn't passionate about blogging. I struggled with concerns that missing a day would cause my followers to leave and ZOMG WHAT WOULD I DO THEN, I'D BE A FAILURE AND A SHAM AND HUMILIATED.

And, to be perfectly honest, just the thought of missing a day of blogging made me feel off-kilter and twitchy. I like routine, and schedules, and predictability. When something doesn't go as planned I am not the type of girl to shrug her shoulders in a cute, nonchalant way, and move on as if nothing had changed. No. I am a quivering anxious mess AND a snappish whiny douchecanoe whom NO ONE can stand to be around. 

Basically, if my plans change, or I whimsically decide to "mix things up" and try something new everything becomes magnified in respect to how I feel about it. So let's say yesterday I decided to invite a couple of blogger friends (we'll call them Tina of T Minus, T Plus and Erin of Work With What You've Got) over for dinner but had no idea what to make and the husband suggested we grill chicken and veggie kebabs which we've never made before and what if we screw them up and serve tasteless dried-up food and I will die, like literally DIE if this doesn't go off perfectly and BY THE WAY HAVE I MENTIONED THAT I TOOK THE DAY OFF FROM BLOGGING? So I became increasingly whiny and overwhelmed and twitchy and gave myself heartburn (which trying new things leads to because, apparently, I'm eighty.) This led me to make the not-at-all rational decision to guzzle whiskey (which I ONLY use for  medicinal purposes, don't look at me like that) to numb my anxiety. And I got a bit tipsy. And of course dinner turned out pretty well, and everyone had a great time, and I was left leafing through the phone book looking for a support group.

Le sigh.

This morning I emerged from my little cocoon of anxiety and everything is fine. Yes, I will never be one of those girls who float through life effortlessly, burp Lisa Frank rainbows and leave a trail of glitter wherever she goes. I'm trying to be healthier, and set boundaries, and give myself a break. Which are all things one needs to do in order to be considered a functional adult. Amirite?

So from now on, I'm taking Saturdays off from blogging. There, I said it. For realsies. I hope y'all will understand. And this post is probably the most insane thing I've ever written because it is all BLAH BLAH ANXIETY BLAH STRESSY TIME BLAH BLAH I WILL DIE BLAH BLAH BLAH WHISKEY BLAH POOR LITTLE OLD ME.

And really, no one needs to hear that.

Here's what went down on Dress With Courage this week:

• I attempted to rationalize my shopping addiction; 
• Had a multiple breakdown over a maxi skirt while participating in Everybody, Everywhere;
• Wrote a feature of one of my favorite bloggers, Ashley of Nashville Styled;
• Continued my Thrifting 101 series with a post about identifying and cleaning thrifted jewelry;
• Posted a fantastic giveaway for Vintage Martini (have you entered yet?)
• Answered questions regarding gratitude for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday; 
• and posted about my feature regarding anorexia, competition, and blogger win in this week's IFB's Links a la Mode.
  

I'd also like to take a moment and welcome all my new followers.

Thank you for your continued support and thoughtful comments. Y'all are like totally awesomesauce and I hope you stick around. There's a lot more hot mess (with the occasional burst of intelligent, through-provoking posts) where this came from.

If you're visiting my blog for the first time, consider becoming a follower through Google Friend Connect, tweeting with me on Twitter, or becoming a Facebook fan. It would be like a massive virtual ((((group hug)))).

Week in Revew: April 4th (with a teaser for an amazing vintage giveaway!)

Yesterday the family and I made a trip to see a minor league baseball game. Here's a little fact about me: I love baseball. Love love love. However, let me make it clear that I am not one of those rabid fans who can quote obscure stats off the top of their head; I don't collect cards or engage in time-sucking fantasy leagues (wave the the husband and his little hobby;) and I make all attempts to avoid endless hours spent watching ESPN like some kind of couch-surfing zombie. I am not that kind of fan.

Rather, I am the fan that likes going to the games, and participating in all the delightful activities that one can only experience watching baseball in a stadium. Like wearing ugly oversized polyester jerseys and eating hot dogs and drinking beer outdoors at 3 pm and singing the national anthem with 20,00 other people at the top of your lungs and heckling those stupid, obviously blind umpires about their ridiculously bad calls, um HELLO FIRST BASE UMPIRE, ARE YOU FREAKIN' BLIND OR SOMETHING 'CAUSE MY SEVEN YEAR-OLD COULD MAKE BETTER CALLS. I can even tolerate the occasional game on TV but only if the Texas Rangers or Yankees are playing. Actually, baseball is basically the only sport I can watch on the TV, unlike my husband, who prefers to turn on golf and transform our home into some time of energy-sucking vortex. Is there anything more boring than watching golf on TV? I think not.

Our local team is the Frisco Roughriders (Roughriders as in cowboys...get your mind out of the gutter) and their stadium is much smaller than those of major league ball teams, which is kind of nice - it puts you front and center with all the action.

While I'm reminiscing over fond memories of cheering on the Roughriders and dreaming of public daydrinking, here's what went down on Dress With Courage this week:

• Wrote a recap of a day spent at Beauty Live Dallas as a guest of The Body Shop;
• Described my struggle with anorexia, competition, and the quest for blogger win;
• Wondered if wearing designer labels makes you rich and powerful;
• Listed my favorite thrifting and vintage blogs for my Thrifting 101 series;
• Talked about my favorite spring trends for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday, and
• Delved into my experience as a redhead (with some hair care tips specifically for redheads.)

I'd also like to take a moment and welcome all my new followers (wave!) Thank you for your continued support and thoughtful comments. I really love reading what you share (even though I don't always respond...bad me.) I have no doubt that I have some the most intelligent readers out there!

And as a little celebration for reaching 150 followers this week, I'm having a giveaway to one of my favorite vintage stores this week! This shop is a favorite of Jane Aldridge of Sea of Shoes, and is filled with pristine vintage from Christian Dior, Betsey Johnson, Prada, and Halston. Be sure to stop by and enter - its going to be fabulous.

If you're visiting my blog for the first time, please consider becoming a follower through Google Friend Connect, tweeting with me on Twitter, or becoming a Facebook fan. As a relatively new blogger, I get ridiculously excited when reading a new comment or gaining a new follower. I appreciate you all so much!

Week in review: March 26th (with an ode to my dog)

This is my dog Murphy Johnson Stern.

He was born in April 2006 and came to live with us June of that year. 
He weighs 91 pounds. 
He's an incredibly loving and sweet first-generation Labradoodle.

He is also the world's most neurotic dog.

He is afraid of: the vacuum cleaner, the mailman, other dogs, strangers, the groomer, cats, men, the photo of the dog on the dog food bag, squirrels, brooms, and loud noises.

He barks at anyone and anything that dares go past our house.

Murphy enjoys stealing my shoes, licking himself, eating grass (which he promptly barfs up,) belly rubs, riding in the car with his head out the window, taking me on walks, napping, and stinky pork-flavored dog treats. Do you have a dog that bears some similarities to mine? Sometimes I think I need a support group to deal with such a crazy lunatic.

This weekend Murphy was very very sad because he was left alone. A lot. On Saturday the family and I went out to the brand new Legoland in Grapevine, TX. It was Lego-tastic. My kids were in a permanent stare of hyperactivity, quivering and jumping and exhibiting what resembled epileptic fits of joy. As a parent, accompanying them to Legoland was one of my finer moments. I am now Mom Of The Year.

On Saturday the husband and I got away for a night, staying in a hotel and going out for sushi at Naan Sushi in the Shops at Legacy, an outdoor mall with some fantastic restaurants and bars. I *heart* sushi. Seriously. Take me out for sushi and I will be your bestie for life. It's that serious. Anyway, one of our very first dates was for sushi, and it's nice that we can revisit such good memories after twelve years of marriage.

And today I was invited by Tina of T Minus, T Plus to attend the Beauty Live Event as a guest of The Body Shop. I'm thrilled have a seat in the VIP section and get a backstage pass to the new spring cosmetics and beauty lines. Be prepared for a long post regarding the event this week!

While I'm reliving memories of spicy tuna rolls and eel sashimi (yum...trust me) here's what went down on Dress With Courage this week:

• I wore tights with denim cutoffs and reminisced about my first kiss; 
• Recapped the DFW Progressive Fashion Blogger Event at Park Lane Dallas; 
• Explored the controversary regarding Abercrombie and Fitch's padded tween bikini tops;
• Continued my Thrifting 101 series with a post regarding cleaning vintage leather;
• answered questions about blogging rules of engagement for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday.
• and reminisced about my first car while wearing an entirely thrifted outfit.

I'd also like to take a moment and welcome all my new followers (wave!) Thank you for your continued support and thoughtful comments. I really love reading what you share (even though I don't always respond...I'm thinking of installing Disqus to remedy that.) I have no doubt that I have some the most intelligent readers out there!

If you're visiting my blog for the first time, please consider becoming a follower through Google Friend Connect, tweeting with me on Twitter, or becoming a Facebook fan. As a relatively new blogger, I get ridiculously excited when reading a new comment or gaining a new follower. I appreciate you all so much!

Week in Review: March 21st (with a love-fest for Twitter)

If you'd told me a year ago that I'd be writing a bog about personal style, and taking my picture everyday, I would have 1. Laughed in your face, and 2. Found you a reputable psychiatrist because CLEARLY you were going through some kind of psychotic break. And yet here I am, blogging and writing and taking pictures of myself. And working social media like a pimp turns out a ho.

Social media has become a huge part of my life. Through simple research, I've learned how to use Ping; which tools are best for analyzing my blog's analytics; and how to set up a Facebook fan page. For someone who a year ago had just figured out how to attach a document to an email, my participation into the field of social media has been nothing short of monumental.

If you know me, you know I'm a Twitter girl. I get my news from Twitter. I make friends on Twitter. Twitter brings me information on my canceled TV shows (goodbye, Perfect Couples...I hardly got to know you...sob), jokes about Charlie Sheen, tips regarding writing a better blog, and endless coupon codes, sales news, and information regarding new shipments from my favorite stores.

Since creating my Twitter account three months ago, a strange phenomenon has started. I think in Twitter. The challenge of constructing a witty, informational, memorable bite of communication in 140 characters delights me in the way I imagine a crossword puzzle does to more sophisticated people. (For the record, I am most definitely not a a puzzle fan. Crossword puzzles frustrate the hell out of me and reduce me to crying and rocking back and forth in a fetal position on the floor.)

I often wish real life was like Twitter. People would be much, much more concise. We'd say only what we really needed to. We'd think more carefully. They're be no more redundant, long-winded discussions. No more horrible phone calls where you're trapped by ceaseless chatter from a relative who insists on exploring whether the term bon appetit is French or Italian and did you know that before 1861 Italy was fragmented into numerous kingdoms and city-states? You know these one-sided conversations with elderly relatives. And you know how they make your blood pressure rise.

If I read something on Twitter that's not interesting to me, I simply don't reply. You only talk about the things you want to, when you want to. And even then, in short little bursts.

So, if you're not following me on Twitter, maybe you should. Let's be friends. Because you'll find no more eager participant than me. And I retweet the things I find interesting, amusing, or useful a lot. So you can share the wealth of my coupon codes, Charlie Sheen jokes and updates regarding television programming.

NOW, here's what went down on Dress With Courage this week:

• I ranted against rompers (a post that drew the highest amount of traffic to my blog EVER - thanks Google Analytics for that info);
• Wrote a eulogy to a favorite lipstick; 
• Daydreamed about my Perfect Closet and wondered how many sizes you have in your closet;
• Gave tips regarding thrifting etiquette in part 9 of my Thrifting 101 series;
• Answered questions regarding feminism for Fashion beauty Friend Friday;
• Celebrated my inclusion into this week's Links a la Mode on IFB;
• and tiptoed through the tulips at the Dallas Arboretum in a thrifted dress.

I'd also like to take a moment and welcome all my new followers (wave!) Thank you for your continued support and thoughtful comments. I really love reading what you share. I don't like to brag, but I have some of the most intelligent readers around. There. I said it. That just happened.

If you're visiting my blog for the first time, please consider becoming a follower through Google Friend Connect, tweeting with me on Twitter, or becoming a Facebook fan. As a relatively new blogger, I get ridiculously excited when reading a new comment or gaining a new follower. I appreciate you all so much!

Week in Review: March 12th

Dear Texas,

You have betrayed me. Hard.

The day I learned I'd be leaving Iowa and moving back to you was one of the happiest of my life. I was overjoyed to return to your perpetually sunny skies, blazing hot temperatures, traffic-clogged highways, and hilariously accented people. I couldn't wait to wear my cowboy boots in public without fear of being mocked. I memorized the date of the first spring rodeo in Mesquite. I knew this was it for me, Texas. The tears of joy I shed when crossing the state line from Oklahoma were genuine. Finally, we were together. I was convinced this was it. No more moving trucks, no more relocations. We had a love that was meant to last.

How have you shown your appreciation for me? Well, you gave me a February most Texans will fondly remember as Icepocalypse 2011. You have also left me in a perpetual state of illness since oh, last summer. From strep throat, to poison oak, to stomach viruses, to sinus infections, to bronchitis, to pneumonia, you've knocked me around pretty hard. Like many spouses in abusive relationships, I continue to come to your defense. "Well, yeah, I was in bed for three weeks and lost my voice from coughing so badly. But pneumonia wasn't that bad." "This medicine might taste vile, but at least it has codeine in it!"

This week you knocked me down again, Texas. The brightest spot in my day happened when I realized I could breath through one nostril. Some would consider that progress. But this is getting ridiculous. A girl can only put up with so much. Much like your delectable pulled pork sandwiches, my immune system is shredded. I've grown accustomed to weekly doctor visits and steroid shots in the butt. But this has got to stop. I just can't take anymore. Everyone has their limits, and I'm at mine.

I still love you, though. It's not you, it's me. Let's try to work things out.

While I'm sobbing into a tissue, take a look at what went down on Dress With Courage this week:

• I wrote a quick wrap up of the Texas Style Council Conference in Austin;
• Delved even deeper into describing the conference;
• Shared an article I wore regarding authenticity in blogging;
• Excitedly announced details regarding NBC's new fashion reality show (which is looking for YOU!) 
• Answered questions regarding the biggest blogging lessons I've learned for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday;
• Explained my love for thrifting in part 8 of my Thrifting 101 series;
• and wondered if I dress older or younger than I really am.
  

I'd also like to take a moment and welcome all my new followers (wave!) I nearly peed myself when I broke 100 followers last weekend, Y'all have no idea. It's kind of embarrassing. Thank you for your continued support and thoughtful comments. I really love reading what you share. I think I have some of the most intelligent, thoughtful readers out there!

If you're visiting my blog for the first time, please consider becoming a follower through Google Friend Connect, tweeting with me on Twitter, or becoming a Facebook fan. As a relatively new blogger, I get ridiculously excited when reading a new comment or gaining a new follower. I appreciate you all so much!

Week in Review: February 28th

Gap blazer; Forever 21 striped shirt; thrifted J Brand jeans; Stuart Weitzman wedges; thrifted vintage bag

Sometimes it's challenging for me to come up with relevant, interesting topics to blog about. I occasionally wish I was one of those cute twenty-something bloggers who could churn out a quick, quirky couple of paragraphs full of quips about what they're wearing and be done with it. Unfortunately, I'm stuck with the personality defect of having too damm much to say. I genuinely enjoy writing, especially about fashion and beauty and style. And let's face it, I'm not a cutsey twenty-something blogger. There's more to me than a quick couple of sentences about what I'm wearing. Is that bad? I occasionally feel the need to rein it in. I wonder...are my readers annoyed, or intrigued by my writing? Does all my chatter scare away potential followers? Would you prefer to see shorter, more concise posts? I'm genuinely curious so be honest.

In any case, this week I wrote a lot. Here on Dress With Courage, I:

• Spent the day with fifteen Dallas fashion bloggers;
• explored the history of denim and gushed about my love for skinny jeans;
• tried my hand at pattern-mixing and got harshly criticized by a seven year-old;
• continued my Thrifting 101 series with tips regarding the best days to thrift;
• shared news of my feature in this week's IFB Links a La Mode;
• wrote a full review of the Dallas Bloggers Meetup, soon to appear on The Southern Fashion Bloggers site;
• answered questions regarding my favorite beauty products for Fashion beauty friend Friday;
• wore a lot of purple, and wondered how much my buying patterns are influenced by models in advertising.

I want to take a moment to welcome my new followers (wave!) and thank everyone for your continued support and thoughtful comments.  You have no idea how much this means to me. 

If you're visiting my blog for the first time, please consider becoming a follower, tweeting with me on Twitter, or becoming a Facebook fan. As a relatively new blogger, I get embarrassingly, ridiculously excited when reading a new comment or gaining a new follower. I appreciate you all so much!

Week in review: February 19

Ah, Sundays. 

Time to sleep late, catch up on blogs, do 18203 loads of laundry, clean the bathrooms, browse through magazines that were delivered this week (hello, InStyle, you're looking lovely,) and scarf down some pancakes and bacon whipped up by my husband. Ideally, all of these activities would be accomplished in bed, if possible. I would make dinner in there is I could. I want a full-size stovetop for my birthday, jimmy rigged to my bedside table. That would be awesome.

I have the hardest time dragging myself out of bed on the weekends. I want to stay snugly cocooned under the covers, read the Sunday Times on my iPad and drink mugs of coffee from my ginormous Tulsa coffee mug. It's cheesy and huge and holds approximately three cups of hot caffeinated deliciousness. And I love it because my coffee mysteriously tastes better from it.

This weekend was extra-fancy for me, because I was able to attend the DFW Blogger Meetup - an event that gave me the opportunity to shop like a mad woman for the perfect outfit, lipstick and heels, only to revert to wearing stuff that was already languishing in my closet. Huh. What did you guys do this weekend? Anything interesting?

Okay, onto more productive matters. This week on Dress With Courage, I:

• Explored the shoes versus bags debate, and firmly established my allegiance to handbags;
• Talked about the awesomeness that is the flea market;
• Questioned the idea of sentimentality regarding clothing, and how to determine what to give away and what to keep;
• Continued my Thrifting 101 series with part 5: How to shop for vintage at a thrift store;
• Gave my nominations for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday's blogger awards; 
• and wondered if women's fashion is man-repelling or merely absurd. 

I want to take a moment to welcome my new followers (wave!) and thank everyone for your continued support and thoughtful comments.  You have no idea how much this means to me. If you're visiting my blog for the first time, please consider becoming a follower, tweeting with me on Twitter, or becoming a Facebook fan. As a relatively new blogger, I get embarrassingly, ridiculously excited when reading a new comment or gaining a new follower. I appreciate you all so much!

Week in Review: February 13

Info on this outfit can be found here

This week brought a return of warm weather to North Dallas, elevating my mood to the point of giddiness. The snow melted, birds resumed their chirping and I spent some much-needed time outdoors, soaking in much-needed vitamin D. It's it amazing how much the weather affects how we feel? Temperatures are supposed to stay in the upper sixties at least for the next seven days, and I couldn't be happier. I also watched the Grammy Awards, met the awesome and epically stylish Erin of Work With What You've Got for lunch, went thrifting, did a ton of housework, and went to a flea market (more on that tomorrow.)


This week on Dress With Courage, I:

• Talked about lingerie, and challenged everyone to take the sexy back on this Valentine's day;
• Wore a cardigan and skinny jeans while facing my own mortality;
• Reminisced about shopping on Canal Street in NYC while referencing a study on knockoff merchandise;
• Continued my thrifting 101 series with a post regarding finding the best thrift stores;
• Was featured in this week's IFB Links A La Mode; 
• Answered questions regarding body image for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday;
• and explored my failed career as a gymnast and ballerina while wearing a sparkly twirly skirt.

How did you spend your week? Any highlights?

I've really, really enjoyed reading everyone's comments (please keep 'em coming!) and am especially thankful to have so many new followers! You have no idea how much your feedback and interest means to me. If you're visiting my blog for the first time, please consider becoming a follower, tweeting with me on Twitter, or becoming a Facebook fan. I get embarrassingly, ridiculously excited when reading a new comment or gaining a follower, and I appreciate you all so much!

Week in Review: February 6

I've spent the last week once again trapped in the house due to lousy weather and suffering from the Sinus Infection From Hell. Every winter I get struck down by what seems to be a government lab-created superbug that's impervious to all medical intervention, including antibiotics, chicken noodle soup and (my favorite cure) whiskey. It starts simply enough - a sniffle here, an achy throat there, and before I know it I'm a snot-dripping, hacking, feverish cripple at the doctor's office getting a steroid shot in the ass. Which I assure you is about as fun as it sounds.

While stuck indoors whining about my pounding head and continued days of apocalyptic weather, I managed to squeak out a few blog posts:

• I tackled oppression and personal style and wore a bold printed coat;  
• Faced a terrifying internet diagnosis in a preppy outfit;   
• Examined gleeful meteorologists and a Chloe dress in a snow-related freak-out; 
• Shared my first blogger spotlight with the lovely and stylish Carrie of La Rizada; 
• Continued my thrifting 101 series with a list of thrifting tips for the clothing snob; 
• Answered questions regarding color and personal style for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday; 
• and wore wintry layers while fantasizing about being a Russian princess.

I've really, really enjoyed reading everyone's comments (please keep 'em coming!) and am especially thankful to have so many new followers! You have no idea how much your feedback and interest means to me. If you're visiting my blog for the first time, please consider becoming a follower, tweeting with me on Twitter, or becoming a Facebook fan. I get embarrassingly, ridiculously excited when reading a new comment or gaining a follower, and I appreciate you all so much!

Week in review: January 31

I spent the past week completely trapped in my house due to the horrific weather we had here in Dallas. Yesterday I was finally able to escape, and finally managed get my hair cut (I was starting to resemble the Wolfman - my hair gets really, really bushy if I go too long without a trim. I felt gross.) I also made a visit Northpark Center and curled into the stacks with a pile of books at the flagship Half Price Books on Northwest Highway, one of my favorite places in Dallas. Is there anything better than spending an evening reading in a bookstore? I think not.

If there was one good thing about being trapped at home this week, it was the opportunity to concentrate on blogging. Here are some highlights:

• I continued my Thrifting 101 series with tips regarding how to shop at a thrift store; 
• fantasized how an average woman would pull off Christian Dior's spring collection;
• was inspired by the True Grit silhouette; 
• dressed like a goth adolescent preparing for her Bat Mitzvah; 
• gushed about my feature in this week's IFB Links a la Mode; 
• wore a yellow cardigan to fight against snowy weather doldrums; 
• and answered questions regarding determining blog content for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday.

I've really, really enjoyed reading everyone's comments (please keep 'em coming!) and am especially thankful to have so many new followers! Y'all have no idea how much your feedback and interest means to me. If you're visiting my blog for the first time, please consider becoming a follower, tweeting with me on Twitter, or becoming a Facebook fan. As a relatively new blogger, I get embarrassingly, ridiculously excited when reading a new comment or gaining a new follower. I appreciate you all so much!

Week in review: January 23

I hope everyone is enjoying a relaxing weekend! I've spent the past two days sleeping late and catching up on housework (Note to self: Put away laundry immediately after folding. I have this annoying habit of leaving everything crammed together in the basket while I pick out what I need each morning. I am a lazy lazy girl.) I also indulged in a salmon burger and the most amazing sweet potato fries on the planet at Square Burger in Downtown McKinney, chased after my kids at the playground, went to church, thrifted, and cleaned out our garage with my husband (which resembled an archeological dig.)

It was a busy week for blogging too! 

• I started a Thrifting 101 series with tips for newbies dealing with the squick factor; 
•  Questioned how to dress respectfully without sacrificing my personal sense of style;
• Dealt with a case of the Mondays; 
• Dressed like a bag of Skittles; 
• Gushed about my feature in this week's IFB Links a la Mode; 
• Discussed the different shopping styles between the sexes; 
• Answered questions regarding blogger mechanics for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday;
• and humorously explored my obsession with catalogs.

I've really, really enjoyed reading everyone's comments (keep 'em coming!) and am especially thankful to have so many new folllowers! Y'all have no idea how much your support and interest means to me. If you're visiting my blog for the first time, please consider becoming a follower, tweeting with me on Twitter, or becoming a Facebook fan. As a relatively new blogger, I get embarrassingly, ridiculously excited when reading a new comment or gaining a new follower. I appreciate you all so much!