Remember that time I had surgery and disappeared for a while?

Outfit details:

sweater: via TJ Maxx (sequins and lace)

skirt: Sparkle & Fade, via UO (exact)

tights: Kohl's (similar)

flats: via Burlington (similar)

scarf: left behind by an old roomie (similar)

belt: Betsey Johnson, via Marshall's (similar)

Hello, hello!

I am back (again) after an unexpected hiatus.  I had surgery last Monday to remove a mass above my thyroid, and recovery was a little more trying than I anticipated.  I thought I'd be back to normally scheduled blogging in no time, but, quite obviously, that did not happen.  I am feeling so much better now, but I still have stitches across the front of my neck.  The first thing I remember hearing Caleb say to me after I got out of surgery was, "It looks like someone slit your throat!"  Thanks, dear.  That was quite appreciated.  I experienced a LOT of swelling afterward, but most of that has gone down now.  I'm looking forward to getting my stitches removed this Thursday so I can feel normal again and take pretty outfit photos - I don't want to expose any more people than necessary to the gnarliness that has become my neck.  The stitching technique used involved leaving 'wiskars' poking out from the incision, and it's definitely not pretty.

But on to brighter things!

These photos were taken before my throat was slit surgery.  It was a pretty cloudy day, but I didn't mind.  As long as it's tight-wearing weather, I'm happy.  Unfortunately, the lighting wasn't the best because of the lack of sunlight.  This sweater is actually a pretty light lavender, but it looks pretty close to white in the pictures.  I love the lace details on the shoulders and the buttons on the back!  Don't you just love small touches?

Anywho...I hope you (Americans) had a fantastic Thanksgiving.  I was just relieved that I could chew and swallow normal people food by Turkey Day!  No surgery was going to hold me back!

I'd also just like to say that, now that Thanksgiving has passed, we can officially start celebrating Christmas.  I like to give Thanksgiving its due time, but now I'm in full Christmas mode.  Is it too early to start saying "merry Christmas" to strangers on the street?



Fall-ing back to summer?

leather jacket: ONLY, via Wilson's Leather (similar faux option)

sweater: TJ Maxx (similar)

corduroy skirt: Forever 21 (cute option)

tights: Nine West, via Marshall's (similar)

boots: Diba, via DSW (similar light brown version)

infinity scarf: Forever 21 (similar)

sunglasses: Forever 21 (splurge or save)

The weather in Texas today is what most meteorologists would describe as "unseasonably warm."  We're pushing the 80s here, people!  What happened to fall and the glorious layers of scarves and tights and cardigans that come with it?!

While I'm sporting a short sleeve shirt and a skirt (without tights) in today's November heat wave, I'm thankful for the cooler days we've had this season...like last Wednesday when I wore this outfit.

So, fall (do you prefer the more formal 'autumn,' dear season of mine?), if you're listening, feel free to come back to Texas at anytime.  My closet will thank you with seasonably appropriate ensembles.

p.s. If you have a few minutes, would you please fill out this survey about health?  It's for a research paper I'm working on for my Sociology of Health class, but don't worry...all answers are anonymous.  Thanks!

DFW readers - don't forget: you can get 10% off of laser and spa services at ATI Laser Clinic!  See this post for more details.



Independence Day at Disney World

I am so excited to be spending Independence Day at Disney World!  We're going for my niece's birthday Golden Birthday - she'll be four on the fourth.  (Little bit of trivia: Caleb's birthday is also July 4, so he'll get to celebrate his birthday at the happiest place on earth, too!)

Independence Day at Disney World by jessicamarie626 featuring canvas slip on shoes

A little floral dress

Let's be real...outfit photos outside of my apartment are not quite as exciting as outfit photos in Mexico.  Now that I've pointed out the obvious, let's move on.

One wonderful thing about being back home is having my pups with me again.  I have June on my lap and Leila curled up next to me as I write this.  They're my little loves!

Two days away

Today was a beautiful day!  It was a little cooler than it's been lately, but it was a nice change.

Texas in March

The following message is directed at anyone who lives in a climate where they have weather in the 70s year-round:

I envy you.

Oh happy day...

Thursday, February 24, 2011 will go down in history as one of those days where I was just completely and utterly happy to be alive.

Silly things

Some times I do some pretty silly things.  Say, for instance, spending 20 minutes taking photos of myself with a self-timer only to realize that I forgot to put my jewelry on.  Oops!!

Night out

Last night, I attended a bachelor/bachelorette party.  The guys and gals ate dinner at separate restaurants, and then we all met up at Pete's Dueling Piano Bar.  Afterward, some of us when to the bachelorette's apartment to hang out some more.

A [slightly] warmer day

After much frustration, I got the memory card to work...hooray!

I am beyond excited to get things kicking again!!  However, today I spent the day in my pajamas.  Winter has attacked Texas with a mighty force.

Comfy and cold

Howdy, there!  I hope your weekend is off to a fabulous start.  Caleb and I kicked off our weekend by watching way too many episodes of 30 Days on Netflix.  Once we get hooked on something, it's hard to break the habit.  Good thing our vices are merely television series!

Moving right into fashion...  I wore this outfit to class the night the front came in.  I kept it comfy because, well, class is nearly three hours long, and while I am so excited to study globalization on Wednesday nights, sitting that long in one place isn't exactly exhilarating.  It's not unusual to catch me sitting cross-legged in class or see my knees pulled up to my chest as I lean on them pensively (my brain works better that way), so jeans were a wise choice.  I'll inevitably stray from this, since I find myself attracted to dresses and skirts more often than practicality permits me, but I thought I'd stick to a flash-free ensemble for the first night.  (And I promise I sit more lady-like when I dress the part.)

Enough philosophical ramblings about my choice - it was darn comfy.  I wanted this cardi the moment I saw it.  It's perfectly baggy, and I'm actually wearing a sweater underneath, so it provided plenty of warmth.  The scarf, which was part of my Christmas gift from Caleb, is super soft, so I quite enjoyed fiddling with it throughout the day.  What do you think?  Did he pick a good one out? 

And how are you surviving the cold, lovelies?  I was born in the Mediterranean and raised in Texas, so I find myself to be entirely cold-blooded.  In other words, I'm freezing my hiney off in this current chill.  I suppose it's better to be cold-blooded than cold-hearted, so all is well, I suppose.

cardi - Jessica Simpson, via Ross

sweater - Moda International, via BHFO Express e-Bay store

skinny jeans - The Limited, via TJ Maxx

shoes - Aldo

scarf - via Macy's, gifted

sunnies - The Gap, via TJ Maxx

purse - Nine West, via Ross

A little explanation

Sorry for the lack of content this week.  I have fibromyalgia, and I'm especially sensitive to climate changes.  With the weather going loco lately, I haven't been feeling all that well.  I finally started to feel better Tuesday (when I wore this outfit), and then another front came in last night.  I felt awful yesterday.

Luckily, an epsom salt bath with an aspercream rub down from the hubby helped relieve some of my achiness, and I do feel a lot better today.  Here's hoping that it stays that way!!  

On a lighter note, I love these tights!  Aren't they fun?!

I hope your week is going magnificently so far.  Tomorrow's Friday...get excited!

dress - via Ross

cardi - Old Navy

belt - Kenneth Cole Reaction, via TJ Maxx

tights - Candie's, via Kohl's

boots - via Rack Room Shoes

ring, earrings - Forever 21

You're the inspiration

I was feeling feminine today and dressed accordingly.

I also took some inspiration from other bloggers when putting my outfit together.

Exhibit A: The skirt.

I have seen this skirt worn by many a fashion blogger in the blogging circuit, as I'm sure you have too.  It was made in a variety of colors, and each blogger has styled it their own special way.  I really liked the skirt when I saw it in other people's blogs, such as when Kendi of Kendi Everyday wore her gray one here, and I liked it even more when I found it brand new with tags still intact at Goodwill for $3.  Thank you Target for sending your leftover merchandise to the good people of Goodwill where good shoppers like me can take advantage of good deals.  Good job.

Exhibit B: The color of the skirt.

I got dressed late today, which means I got to do some morning reading beforehand.  After reading Kileen's post (from Cute and Little) about wearing white in the winter, I decided to give it a shot.  I quite liked the outcome.

I wanted to keep it simple but not overly monochromatic, so I wore burgundy tights for a dose of color.

What d'ya think?

sweater - Ross

skirt - Target, thrifted

tights - Nine West, via TJ Maxx

boots - Sears

belt - Betsey Johnson, via TJ Maxx

earrings - Goody's (?)

purse - Nine West, via Ross

Trekkies

Caleb and I made the trek back to Texas today.  Again, we were provided with absolutely glorious weather.  I always hate getting stuck in the rain when travelling, so I'm glad we were blessed with sunny skies and beautiful scenery.

I kept my outfit simple and comfortable...practical, ya know?  Luckily the drive did seem to go by faster this time around, which is good since I was anxious to see June (my puppy) who was being watched by Caleb's grandparents since our rental did not permit pets.  Hopefully you don't see any dog fur on my clothes...I held her so tight when I saw her precious face!!

cardi: Old Navy; tank: Moda International, via BHFO Expres on eBay;

cami: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's; jeans: Kenneth Cole, via Plato's Closet; scarf: gifted;

sunnies: Kenneth Cole Reaction, via Ross; boots: Rack Room Shoes; elephant ring: Wet Seal, gifted