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

Splendiferous secrets: Brilliant lashes

I'm sure you've seen all the commercials for various products that promise to make your lashes fuller, longer, and more beautiful.  If you're like me, you've probably been a little skeptical of these magic serums.  However, before my June 2010 wedding, I decided to give one a shot: Loreal Lash Boosting Serum.

I continue to use the product, and I get compliments on my lashes all the time.  My eyelashes are naturally pretty long, but this adds some extra fullness and strength.  

You can use the product under mascara if you like, but I use it just once a day.  It's part of my nightly beauty routine before bedtime.  Once a day does it for me.

While different people will inevitably experience different results, I'm optimistic that you'll love this product as much as I do.

Click the image to shop for the lash boosting serum at loreal.com.

I rock...just ask my niece

I took Keira ice skating today at the Galleria Mall in Dallas.  (Please excuse her hair...she kept fussing with her headband.  She is a three year-old, after all.)  They have a huge four-story Christmas tree in the middle of the rink, and today was the last day it would be up before they took it down.  Naturally, we had to take advantage of its last hoo-ra.

After ice skating, we did some shopping...I mean, we were at a mall.  We got Keira two belts and a purple shirt from The Children's Place.  (By the way...isn't her sweater awesome?! Got that one at Kohl's.)  We also stopped in at Lush and got some bath bombs.  She used one of mine the other night and just thought they were the coolest things, so I wanted to get her more to use for her stay here.

If you've never been to Lush, you can check them out here.  They offer handmade bath and cosmetic products that are absolutely wonderful.  I recently discovered them, and I've really enjoyed my purchases.

Ice skating and shopping with a toddler definitely called for a casual outfit.  My sweater is a silk/cashmere blend, so it felt fabulous against my skin during the long day.  I also appreciated my beret giving me an extra day before a hair wash.  :)

I don't usually post prices of objects (unless I'm able to link to a website), so if you ever have any questions concerning the costs of items or where you can find similar items, please let me know!

sweater - Moda International, via BHFO e-Bay store

jeans - Levi's, via Ross

boots - Mustang, via DSW (now on clearance!)

beret, lover's knot ring, earrings - Forever 21

scarf - Echo, via Ross

purse - Ecko Red, via Ross

Splendiferous steals

Here are some of this week's amazing deals...

G by Guess Halworth Boot - DSW - $39.95

For most parts of the country, winter is still in full gear.  Priced at about $40, these boots will help get you through the rest of the season while still looking stylish.  I love the front detail!

Strut Your Feathers Necklace - LuLu's - $14

This is such a pretty necklace!  Take a simple outfit from casual to fabulous with this statement piece.

Empire A-Line Dress - Charlotte Russe - $12.99

I'm a sucker for a good dress!  I love the cut of this one, and the color is great too.  It's easy to style and can be dressed up or down.  What's not to love about versatility?

Nude Heart Suspender Sheer Tights - Asos - $8.62

I'm obsessed with tights this season, and these suspender tights from Asos are too precious.  Add a little whimsy to your look with these fun tights!

Beaded Button-Front Cardigan - Old Navy - $19.99

Cardigans are a staple in any wardrobe.  I love the beaded detail of this one, and it comes in a variety of colors.  I especially like this pretty pink color, though.

Give me a heads up if you know of any great deals this week!

Happy shopping!

More flags, more fun!

We took Keira to Six Flags today, and we had a great time.  She's so brave for a three year-old!  She wanted to ride as many rides as possible, and she was disappointed any time she was too short to ride something.

Texas has decided to act like it's actually winter again, so we all bundled up.  Weather in the 40s might not be a big deal to people up north, but it was in the 70s a couple days ago, so cold just felt more drastic than usual.  I just hope it sticks this way for a little bit.  I love layering!

brown sweater (not visible) - gifted, Target / skinny jeans - The Limited, via TJ Maxx /

boots - Diba, via DSW / beanie - Forever 21 / sunnies - Betsey Johnson,

via TJ Maxx / scarf - Marshall's

Splendiferous scripture

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:3-9 (NIV)

Splendiferous Splurges

If I could, this is the coat I would splurge on right now.

Poltock & Walsh for ASOS Color-Block Swing Coat With Zip Funnel Neck

It's a beauty, but at $422.38, it's a little lot beyond my budget.

So here's my challenge to you:

If you know where a similar one can be found at a price in a normal gal's price range, please let me know!

I haven't seen anything like it yet.

Image via Asos.com