Shop Your Closet

Since losing so much weight, I have found a new love for style and clothing again. Getting creative with my clothing has become even more important because I can not afford to buy too much new clothing until I hit my goal weight. Below I have highlighted a little bit of my work wear. I hope it inspires you to shop your closet as well!

Casual Friday look!

You can see that we are in the middle of a major clean out in my bedroom! Out with the old and in with the new right?

I would LOVE to see your style. Tag me @dolcedellavita or #dolcedellavita

Fashion, Fitness & Food

It is finally time for me to announce the them for the rest of the month. I am really excited about it! It pretty much covers everything I have been about for the past few months- fashion, fitness, and food. I am learning to and loving dressing my new figure. I am also learning to get really creative with my health conscious food. My diet is very restricted, but I refuse to let it stay boring!

Throughout January I will be posting

• fashion looks
• reviews of fashion friendly apps
• tips
•  meal ideas
•  simple fitness videos (things I do!)
• reviews of helpful kitchen products

Its a lot to cover but it will be fun!I can already tell you that I am loving it so far. I hope you will join me for the fun. Join on Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag #dolcedellavita and tag me @dolcedellavita on Twitter! This month promises to be a great kick off to a full year!

Sit With Me a While

I've really been all over the place as far as blogging goes recently. My head has been hopping to so many ideas that I cant seem to settle on one and start writing. I have been interested in rebooting a little more fashion since I am having fun playing with my clothing as I lose weight. I have also considered writing a series on Bento lunches, since I do those several times a week as well. The last thing that's bounced around my head is providing a few healthy/ diet recipes I have created since starting my diet about a month ago.

Eventually I have a book review in the works and hopefully a few giveaways. There is of course a giveaway currently going on over at my other blog Missionary Manda's Musings. I have worlds of updates and random thoughts that I would love to share with you as well.

Truthfully, I'd love to know what going on in your brain so we can discover together. If you don't tell me, you will get what ever my fickle mind decides! Always fun, but I just cant guarantee what it will be!

Keep your eyes open for all the fun, take a seat with me and let's start a conversation!

Just so Classic: The Little Black Dress

The Little Black Dress by amandadear featuring a flare dress

 I decided to start my fashion part of being a classic woman series with the most classic garment of all- the little black dress! 

The next few posts are going to have these fun little pictures created on Polyvore. Although I was not at all brand specific, I did try to pick out a few of my favorite styles of  the little black dress. It can be instantly dressed up or down and is GREAT for personalizing. 

I find that nearly every woman looks classy in a black dress! The great thing about a little black dress is that is still very available in our modern world. The key is not to show too much skin. keeping the hem line no shorter than right above the knee and the neckline modest add to the timelessness of this wardrobe basic.

Reinstating Church Hats

For those of you have been reading my blog long enough, you know that I have a little problem when I decide that something that it is out of fashion should return. I go a tad bit overboard and buy a few (or 50) of whatever fashion do-dad I am crushing on at the moment. I have a new one! The wonderful, classic, elegant....
Church Hat!

Please tell me I am not too young or too white to start wearing them. All I can say is that if I am, I'm sorry because I am doing it. At this point there is very little anyone can do to stop me. I already own a few. This comes from years of plays and collecting, which I am no so thankful for.

At times I get sad that some of the most lovely fashions of the female world fade away. Beautiful hats, delicate handkerchiefs, white gloves all have such wonderful appeal to me. Add to this list the lost love for well made costume jewelry... Im dying!

So, here is my new goal- Every Sunday that I am not working in the back with the kiddos at my church, I am wearing a church hat. I want to bring back this beautiful tradition. I wont lie, I'd like to go back to a day where you wore one every day when you went our, but that may be a bit too much for this modern world we live in!

The pictures on this post is my collection of hats. Now I am working on my collection of hat pins to go with it.

3. Splurge on a New Outfit

(that makes you look and feel hott!)

 There is nothing quite like trying on, purchasing, and wearing a brand new outfit. Its the true pleasure of retail therapy. Sometime this month put a little extra aside for this little splurge. If a whole outfit is practical, make it just one new item. This tip is about finding something that makes you feel gorgeous, while providing some retail therapy.

I often joke that if I had lots of money, shopping would be my biggest stress reliever. I love to shop. Online, in store, just about anywhere, I love to shop!

I was lucky that my shopping excursion for this cost me only about $20 for the whole outfit. Rewards and coupons, what lovely combination.

Mindy Kaling

As I mentioned a while back, April is the month I choose to focus on ladies from both the past and present that have or currently inspire me in someway. I am purposefully choosing to only speak on those aspects of each woman.

Mindy Kaling

Source

I think in her honor I should have named this post "Why Most People Suck at Life and She Doesn't". It would be so fitting and in my opinion, so like her feisty humor.

Smart, funny, GORGEOUS, confident, and straight out awesome... she truly is everything I dream of being. I read her book, "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?" and it made me adore her. Although the books intended audience is young adults/teens, I truly got a great glimpse into her personality.

Find it Here!

One of the parts of the book that will forever stay with me is a story she told about going to a photo-shoot f(that she was invited to) for a magazine cover. When she arrived, they had tons of lovely dresses waiting for their "cover girl". However, they did not think that through because the one that fit her was a disaster and she certainly wasn't having that! She made them cut one of the designer dresses up the back and rig it up. Not only did she look gorgeous, she stood up for herself.

I give her an A+ in my opinion! She rocks what she wants to, and lets her natural beauty speak for itself. For everything else she sprinkles in a dash of humor and keeps on moving. Her confidence is amazing.


So, who inspires you? Please take a moment to share a woman who inspires you.

30 Before 30: Eleven

11. Have my ill-fitting clothing tailored.

Its not that any one piece of my wardrobe is worth a lot of money, but I have read so many times of the benefit of great fitting clothing. I really just want to know what that is like. Not even my wedding dress was altered for me! I want to look and feel like a classy woman.

On a side note, I have learned the great blessing that foundational clothing can be for fit. The use of slimming and smoothing slips, camisoles, and pantyhose may have changed my life. Beyond that, it a smoothing camisole covers that unneeded cleavage during work hours and when you want to show a little something off, they make slimmers for that too! They are a tad on the costly side. Places like Lane Bryant, Spanx, and Cato can offer s varied selection of slimmers!

Life Update

I know I haven't been sharing my fashion or book reviews recently. Partly because I am not sure if its something my audience want to read. I you would like to see a little more plus size fashion, let me know. If you are interested in learning more about my recent reads, please feel free to share. I wont lie, I adore self help style books and I am more than willing to share with you my honest review.

Fashion Hack: First Day Copy Cat

I have officially started the school year again! Today's wardrobe came right from the votes you placed several days ago. Here is how I did!

Original

My version

So, was my fashion copy cat a success or a fail? Reminder, this photo was taken pre-makeup!

Thoughts of Zombies, Purgatory, Denial

I cant believe it is the end of Summer.

I don't know if you realize, but Summer is literally coming to an end. School is beginning for most and life if going back to normal. Except for mine. I owe you an apology for my disappearance, but I am am tired and in denial.

Zombies

My nine month old has decided he no longer needs sleep. I am collateral. He wakes every 45 minutes. You may think I am exaggerating, but I kid you not. By about four I have to talk calmly to myself, remind myself I love him, and wake my husband. I am the walking dead. I am the definition of a Zombie. I'd be careful if you decide to come around, because I could choose to eat your brains at any moment.

He thinks not sleeping is pretty darn funny!

Purgatory

My husband and I have been waiting.....waiting for news of jobs, interviews to happen, and life to chance. I don't believe in purgatory myself, but if it exists, it surely feels like this. With no place of your very own in a waiting game. Sort of like the in the book "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" I am in the "most useless place. The Waiting Place." I'd like to tell God, "uncle" but  know that would only make it worse. So, whatever he has planned, I let it be and I'll just keep waiting.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

My husband was actually the one who begged me to get back on the horse. I had to agree, this blog keeps me sane and since sleep can't help with that endeavor, something ought to. I was supposed to be talking about going back to school. I work at a school currently, and so that moment will be arriving for me shortly. Over the last few weeks I will try to cover as much as I can. I want to talk about my favorite back to school finds, creating a family routine, and fashionable work wear for teachers. 


I've missed you. I hope you are as happy for my return as I am to be back! Lets get me sane, ok?

A little glimpse of missed life for you!

Daydreaming: The Shopping Trip of a Lifetime

"So, while I was vacation we stopped at a mall..." This is how the best shopping adventure of my life began. I had no expectations of how this event would turn out, yet it was better than I could have imagined.

The mall was not unusually large or busy, but they had a store that we don't have in our area. I have now built a deep love for the store Debs. If you have one, you are a blessed woman. They have an online store, but its not the same to me. The sell both straight and plus sizes in highly fashionable styles.

I almost died when I saw they were having a sale on all their already marked down clearance. I don't know how long I stayed in the store... minutes... hours... days. I was lost in clothing delight. For $50 I got SO much clothing and a few pieces of jewelry to go with it. Here is what I racked up:

• 2 Blazers
• 1Shrug blazer
• 1 Pair of skinny jeans
• 3 bracelets
• 1 Necklace

I could have stayed longer, shopped more, and left on a high, but my husband came in and demanded I leave.

I now have cravings and at times withdrawals from the event. My husband's promise to bring me to one closer to home has turned into an almost daily pleading to go. It was just that good!

What is you favorite place to get a shopping "high"?

I'm Bringing Hankies Back

So, I have now found my new "thing". I think ladies should again carry handkerchiefs, or at least I should! I used to, when I traveled. I would purchase them all over the world. Who knows where they are now though. So, I had so order a few super cheap from ebay and hope for the best. When I say a "few" I mean I ordered 58.... from China.... don't judge. They came in sets of 29 and they were very cheap, so I took a chance.

Anyway, what old-fashioned things do you wish would come back in style? I love to do what I want fashion-wise, so I will rock it if I love it!

Many people say I am an "old soul". I act years beyond my age more often than not. This unusual combination has been my struggle as of late. Its hard to be in your mid-twenties and have people believe your nearing your forties due to behavior and maturity. I'm glad to be mature but I don't want to risk aging myself out of a full life!


Alternate Title: Happy Birthday Mom.

My mother celebrated her birthday today. We went over for dinner and lounged around. Benjamin sang for her and we all ate way too much cake. I plan on sharing a photo or two tomorrow. The lack of photos is why the title didn't stick today!

So Glad To Be Back!

I have missed writing terribly! We just arrived back today from a four day family vacation. We enjoyed ourself and I had the most successful shopping trip of my life. Enough said! I hope to get some photos and stories up tomorrow, but today is going to be mostly me getting back into the swing of things. To get started, I have a topic I wish to discuss, getting (or mostly looking) older.

So, as you may remember, during the school year I had several people mistakingly think I was in my 30s or 40s. However, I just this week turned 26. I want to know what I about me makes me look (seem) older than my age. I also want to know what will reverse some of this. Its not that I want to seem like a stupid, immature, college student, but I want to come across younger than my mother's age.

This is where you come in! Suggestions? Ideas? Please... anything. I will be glad to try and write about it, if it seems like it might work for me.

Anyway, I have several days' worth of posts from our vacation. This will include my awesome shopping experience, my most recent purchases, the new Glam Bag from Ipsy, a book review, my birthday, and many more.

I hope to see many, many comments of help and suggestions today. I'm glad to be back!

Day Twenty-Six and Twenty-Seven: Life Happens

I apologize for going MIA yesterday. Sometimes life just happens. It certainly happened to me yesterday. I wont go into crazy detail, but I'm relieved that yesterday is over and tomorrow is a brand new day. Anyway, Ive been thinking about this month's posts. Although Sunday marks the end of "Life, Lunch, and Fashion," I don't want to leave fashion behind completely. I am learning a lot about my self by exploring my thoughts on style and fashion. Starting Monday, along with starting "My Julia Project," I will continue to show you notable wardrobe selections. I look forward to sharing my new Gwynnie Bee deliveries very soon!

Day 26 Lunch

Some would say I never really grew up. It helps me to think its better not to. Chicken nuggets always make a tasty mid-day munch!

Day 27 Lunch

I am not nearly as pleased with my lunch today as I was yesterday. I happened to have left overs because my children wouldn't allow me to peacefully eat, so I just threw it in my lunch bag. It provided me with little energy power, but it tasted fine.

I don't recommend copying today's lunch!

Day 26 Outfit

If I haven't shared with you already, I really love things with a little sparkle. I enjoy feeling like a princess on occasion.  

From the top: small diamond hoops, retro/vintage sparkle sweater, vintage heart coin necklace, black dress pants, silver link bracelet, grey felt loafer flats.

Not only was this outfit cute, it is comfortable and sparkly. I almost don't want to admit that the sweater is a hand-me-down. Although the sweater is probably as old as I am, I still feel like I make it look young and up to date. The necklace and bracelet were both gifts from my husband. The charm on my necklace belonged to a family member of his many years ago. There is nothing new really to share otherwise about the outfit.

Day 27 Outfit

Because this is the final week of work before Spring break, all staff is allowed to dress down all week. I took advantage of that today and broke out some jeans and a school t-shirt. I kept my outfit work friendly by classing it up with accessories and a cardigan.

From the top: dangle Celtic knot earring and necklace, brown cardigan, maroon school t-shirt, jeans, converse style sneakers. Unseen: gold watch

I think I have shared where to get everything I wore today. If curiosity strikes you, or I missed something, please comment. I'd also like to know how you'd make jeans and a t-shirt more work friendly!

Style vs. Fashion

Style is a very personal thing. Fashion changes, but style is unique to each person. I am still in the process of creating my style and being comfortable in my own skin. Reading fellow bloggers posts, I have been inspired to issue a challenge to my readers. First read Putting Me Together's series on building a wardrobe from scratch. Second, follow her instructions an create a style board on Pinterest. Third, share a link to your board as a comment. I would love to see your boards! To get a glimpse of my style check out  my Want it!, Style-licious, and Interview/work Anthology boards.

Easter's on its way!

Check out the Easter fun we had today!

My son loved dying eggs! I also enjoyed creating a few fun designs of my own.

ombre egg

 

My teenage sister also enjoyed our decorating time!

I hope you are doing something to enjoy the season with your family!

 

Day Two: A little known Secret, The Dollar Store rocks!

I had a great Saturday, I got a nap! As a parent you know its a good day when that happens. I also got a little shopping done, went out to lunch with my mother, and made dinner. I'd say I had a successful day. Getting ready this morning was a bit of a challenge however. Saturdays are my "no wash" hair days, in order to give my hair a break. It is my frail attempt at keeping my curly hair healthy. I read somewhere that you are not supposed to wash your hair everyday. Therefore, I had to come up with a hair style that didn't reveal how terribly greasy my hair truly was. You will have to tell me what you think. I love Saturdays because it is pretty much the only day of the week I can wear jeans, and I take advantage of it.

Starting from the bottom: brown wedge heel boots with buckle details, jeans, large agate ring, and knit cowl neck sweater shirt.

Saturdays are also no make-up days typically, because who really needs to wear mascara to the Dollar Store? Speaking of which, I love the Dollar Store! From fashion to health and food to cleaning supplies, you can always find something useful there. Below are some of my favorite finds.

Fashion forward sunglasses, name brand hair supplies, basic health needs; the Dollar Store is a gold mine! If you are not already an avid fan, I suggest checking one out soon. They carry a lot of fun and useful things. I am a big believer in being thrifty. I work hard for my money, I want it to go as far as possible.

What are your favorite wallet friendly stores for fashion and food? 

Day One: Life, Lunch, and Fashion

I'm back in action! You know its going to be an interesting day when it starts with a breakfast of Oreos and diet Dr. Pepper! I have been MIA for far too long and it is about time I get back to my intentions. You can learn a lot about a woman by how she dresses everyday. From her career to her style, clothing is window into someones personality. You can also learn a lot about someone by what they eat for lunch!

With this in mind, I'm introducing my new series "Life, Lunch, and Fashion." For one month you will follow me on my daily wardrobe journey and my work week lunch selections. As the title reveals, you will learn a little bit about my life in general as well!

Happy Dr. Seuss day! It was requested by the school I work at that we wear red today, so I obliged. This morning I wished I had a more fun collection of red clothing, but this was all I could do with the available choices.  

Red 3/4 sleeve knit blouse with leather and sequins around the sleeves and on the neckline. Basic black pants and shiny black flats. Finished off with a side bun and small diamond and ruby hoops. 

Thanks to my wonderful mother my lunch also fit today's holiday. Fridays are always bento box lunch days. My kids go to "baby school" that day, so I usually just pack a fun lunch for my self as well.

Cat in the Hat bologna and cheese sandwich with a banana and strawberry hat. Sides include colored Goldfish, raspberries, and juju fish.

It was a wonderful lunch and for the most part pretty healthy too. This lunch was partially inspired by a pin on Pinterest. Check it out here: 14 Dr. Seuss ideas  

I am so very glad that it is the weekend! After a long week of work and little sleep (two sick munchkins can do that to you), I'm ready for some slower paced days. Since I decided to revamp my blog Ive been working on cataloging my wardrobe so it will be easier to plan clothing in advance. I dont want to have a one of those "Just throw it on" days. Although, I'm sure that is in my near future! I'm also working extra hard on my brand new job! I'm so excited to announce that I am now apart of the Growing Up in the Valley family. Check out this great new family magazine for the Roanoke Valley here: Growing Up in the Valley

Until next time, remember the story of Yertle the Turtle!