Who Was I Kidding?

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Remember my whole I am going to take a break from Facebook? Yeah, that didn't last. Maybe the whole cold turkey thing wasn't the way to go. I am not kidding as soon as I said no Facebook, I received two friend requests and a message from a friend arranging a surprise for another friend, couldn't ignore that. It was like the  itch the social media addict needed.

Remember how last week was one heck of a week with a long list of crazy things that happened? Well this week was one helluvah week. We had training all week and barely anytime during the regular work hours to get normal work tasks done. On top of that I had an event last night and then there was a mid-sized crisis. After my freak-out (where all the stress from the week...and last week...came crashing down on me I went into the storage closet had a mini cry), I got it together and the event was a success.

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I came across this dress on Nasty Gal (I keep inadvertently typing nasty girl, don't go there...it is probably porn) and fell in love. Since last year at this time when I was setting my goals for 2011, I weighed 15lbs heavier. Even though I didn't reach all of my weight goals for 2011, I am pretty darn proud of myself about how far I have come and have a new found confidence. I also have a lot of new space in my closet from getting rid of clothes that are now to big. Unfortunately, when it comes to jeans I am in-between sizes...size 6 is too big and size 4 is too small. I guess I just need to keep trying on different fits and brands.

Back to the dress, what I love about the dress is the subtle sexiness of this dress. Then the back reveals the scalloped detailing an opens up for a wonderful backless look. Perfect for spring with the coral coloring and the subtle leopard print belt is the perfect added touch to cinch in the waist.

I hope you all have a fab weekend! I plan on relaxing after my weekly yoga session and stopping by Fifi's to work on next week's post. Does anyone have anything exciting going on? Any big purchases? I would love to hear about them! Share them on the Facebook page!

XO
-Jen

The Glory of Facebook

I realized I haven't adequately used the Facebook fan page.  I am taking a break from my personal Facebook page; I am doing it to focus more on the blog. Getting away from all the clutter and constant blech of having 700+ friends will do to a person. It will make anyone a little crazy. I decided on Friday morning to take that distraction away so I could do more here and use my Facebook fan page more. I think it is cheating just a little bit on my break from Facebook. What can I say, I am in detox...you can't just break away cold turkey! I am doing the best that I can. These are the words of an addict. So click on the graphic. Like the page. I will be interacting more there and it will post to Twitter as well. So follow me on Twitter, too!

On The Block

It is finally Friday and I have to say it was one heck of a week at work. The thing is it was a short week too, and I think that is what made it rough. Lots to do not enough time and crazy things happening in the office. I was going to type out to you all that happened to us in the office, but why? To relive the stress? I am sure you all had stressful weeks as well. What's the freaking point, right? I will put it into a few short points. Tuesday: Meetings. Loss of power. New printer. Wednesday: Someone may or may not have gone Office Space on their computer. No internet connection or email. Stupid Time Warner. Waste of time training on new printer interfering with my already short week. Given a good size last minute assignment in the midst of the craziness. Thursday: Printer guys are still there in the way of my productivity. Phones are not working. Old printer that is printing a large job (my job) breaks creates awkwardness when old tech comes in while new techs are there.
I think that says it all. I will be running some errands over the weekend to get prepared for a week-long training session at the office next week (basically all-day meetings, but hey at least I am being fed).

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Despite totally not wanting to get out of bed early this morning, I did. I showered. Put on workout clothes and made my way to yoga class. Two weeks in a row. I am proud of myself. This time was better. The instructor wasn't glued to my side constantly adjusting where my body was positioned. Last week, I felt like the slow kid in 1st grade that can't stop eating paste and the teacher has to continually say "now now we don't eat paste." In the next week be on the look out for my health-inspired blog post, I've been thinking on it all day today.

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Despite the bad photo shopping in this photo, I am loving this dress. If you didn't know already yellow is such a hot item for spring, so evaluate your closet - check your skin tone to see if you can pull it off. Then stock up. I will be honest with you all here, I am hating the shoes, not just with the dress but all around. What do you think of the shoes? Ick. For some reason the words moon shoes come to mind. That is the only thing not working for me in this look.

I hope you all have a fashionable weekend. Enjoy yourselves. I am going to try and relax and breath. May catch a movie by myself.

XO!
-Jen

Glitz & Glam

This weekend was nice kind of busy but chill. Love those kind of weekends, plus I had Monday off. Can I get a holla? Okay, yea...I am a bit too white girl preppy to say that. I take it back.

I was blessed enough to have lots of time with my gal pals. I hosted my 3 best friends over for dinner and baby L, which is always fun. LB is currently expecting so there will be another little girl at our girls. It is still hard all the baby talk. I tune it out, now instead of complain about it. Dinner turned out delish, I love new when new recipes turn out so well.

Saturday I spent most of the day going through my closet trying on the clothes I already own, and making a box for Goodwill, a box for consignment, and a box to take to a friend. Since I've joined my gym I've dropped about 14lbs, I am a lil shy of that 15th pound. So I had pants in my closet that were just falling off of me, quite literally. So I am at about 120 now, my goal would be 115 but why not keep going and go for 110 but I think once I hit 115 my ultimate goal would be to tone up. My goal was to lose 20lbs in 2011, well that didn't exactly happen because I didn't get serious about it until July. So I am not doing so bad.

As we all know the Golden Globes were on Sunday evening, and though I DVR'd the red carpet coverage everyone said there wasn't much to see, so I just headed over to JustJared.com to see the Best & Worst of the red carpet and here are a few of my faves. My next post will be a delightful little color block dress that I just die for. So be on the look out, I was going to post it today then I realized I had yet to do any GG coverage. So now you must wait ::insert evil laugh here::

Reese Witherspoon in Zac Posen

Mila Kunis in Dior

Evan Rachel Wood in Gucci

Claire Danes in J Mendel

Zooey Deschanel in Prada

Who was your favorite? I have to admit I was so thrilled that Claire Danes won for Homeland because I love the show and its filmed in Charlotte. Whoop. Whoop.

Work Like A Boss

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I know that I have mentioned that work has been nuts-o, my load is incredible. On the days I go home for lunch, I've been staying late to get what I can done. Having the pup makes it hard, I don't want to be the kind of owner that neglects their dog.

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I have to admit that I am pretty lucky that our dress code is relaxed and I have the freedom to mix it up. I am in love with this look from Banana Republic from their new arrivals. It has the perfect mix of matching color and that pop of color with the yellow belt. It really is just the perfect combination and classy for work.

Romance

I opened my mail box today only to find a magazine with a bright pink cover and a heart made of pink hearts and for once it didn't bother me. I didn't get bitter, I didn't get a scowl on my face, I look forward to going through my Martha Stewart Living. It also inspired my post for this evening, lovely lace. I think so many times lace can be synonymous with being blatantly sexy for women with it can have an everyday romantic look. I found four lace tops starting with a high-end expense to an everyone can afford.

Stella McCartney - Floral Lace Blouse ($1,495)

I must say I've been back to work a week and a half since Christmas vacation; let me just say I feel like I've been working non-stop for weeks straight. My workload is on overload. Serious overload and I haven't even touched my normal weekly tasks this week which concerns me since tomorrow Wednesday. Eeek.

Top Shop - Lace Tee ($70)

I have to admit though I am glad to be back into a routine of work, I was getting a little bored at home and most of my friends out of town. How is everyone else doing now that the holidays are over? Are you already looking forward to another break? I am lucky enough to get Monday off for MLK! Yay me.

Ruche - Luminescent Lace Top ($46.99)

When I was searching for these lace pieces, I realized how little lace I actually have in my wardrobe. But there are some really gorgeous pieces out there that you can just wear every day. How much lace do you have in your wardrobe--we are speaking of outerwear here--I don't want to know about your underwear collection that is a totally different website.

Mod Retro - A Lace for Us ($34.99)

 I have to say of the four tops my favorite is from Ruche (and if you are looking for a website that has Anthropologie like clothing but for less - Ruche is the way to go - check them out!). What is your favorite of the four tops?

Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

It was a cloudy grey and cold day in the Queen City, one of those days that you want to stay on the couch with a book or a movie. But alas worked beckoned so I could not stay at home, so I put on a cute little outfit and did my hair, because you know it didn't get wet or go flat or anything.

Louis Feraud Vintage Dress

 I have been lacking inspiration/time/computer cooperation but I was determined to turn it around and my mom has been so encouraging for me to be blogging. I saw this dress it was instant inspiration on such cloudy day. This brightly beautiful printed vintage dress, how could it not be posted onto my blog. I would love to see it paired with something bright and fuschia blazer and high strappy heel. Can you just see it? Flawless, right?

I've been blogging for Fifi's in the Lake Norman area weekly and if you live in the area, I would really encourage you to check them and my weekly post for them as well. If you are in the area and want some help putting together a look I would be more than happy to shop with you. Shopping is always more fun with a partner. Now to enjoy the rest of my evening, going to curl up with my pup with the fire place on.

Brad Brad World

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It's a Brad Brad World premiered last night, it was ah-mazing. I love Brad. And I love Rachel Zoe. It is like being torn between two divorced parents. Did you watch the show? What did you think? Who do you like more Brad or Rachel Z?

My fave part of the show....besides Brad...that Swed (pictured above) in the bright pieces and the itty bitty shorts.

I have a feeling if I knew Brad in real life we would be the best of friends.

Want a pink blazer...look no further than here!

Happy 2012 (I AM BACK!)

I don't know why I haven't been blogging, I think it has been a lack of inspiration and fire under my butt.
I hope everyone had a great holiday, I had a jam packed December which was great. I absolutely love the Christmas season, it is my favorite.

I hope everyone had a fabulous New Year's Eve! I had a great time but definitely did not take enough pictures. Thanks, to Kelly and her hubby, Brad for throwing a excellent party. It is always nice to have a good NYE, especially when you are single. Don't want to spend it alone at home.

Here is a picture recap of the month of December.

Kids' Community Christmas program at church

Girls Night Dinner - Dinner, Gifts & Gift Wrapping
Lillian helped with the gift wrapping

Cookie Exchange Party #1

My lil Christmas tree

My front door - no other decor

Ice Skating

Callie!

Cookie Exchange #2

With my brother, in Edisto Island for a pre-Christmas dinner with my family 

That is Christmas in a nutshell. I got a very great gift from my parents...a new TV! Finally got rid of the tube TV. Hope everyone had a fab Christmas...and I am back baby!

Shop Local

This Christmas season is upon us and I am a crazy person! I am doing things for everyone except for myself it seems.

So if you are missing my blog here is a recent blog post I did for Fifi's! Happy Shopping my love.

What is On Your Wish List?