{Sweater – Express, Skirt – Forever21, Tights – HUE, Booties – dollhouse, Necklace – BaubleBar}

Sometimes you find friends in the unlikeliest of places; the Internet, the gym, or even the office. When I started my job in Charlotte 4 years ago, I never thought I would find a great friend in the cubicle next to me. After all, I was from a small southern town and she was from a very different small town. In India. Heck, with my poor geography skills (ignore the fact I am an urban planner), I didn’t even know exactly where India was. Who knew that two women from two very different places could build such a great friendship? We bonded over a shared love of shopping, shoes, and most of all food. I taught her to fall in love with Zumba. She taught me to fall in love with Indian food. But really, she taught me to be a better person. And last Friday, she and her family moved back to India. Jaya, thank you for being such a great teacher, friend and supporter of all of my crazy whims. Never underestimate the power of a good friend.

A few of my favorites from Day One of New York Fashion Week. Just because I can’t be there doesn’t mean I can’t fall in love!

The Round 2 Challenge was “My Go To Beauty,”

1.  Get out your camera and capture your natural beauty—your everyday look for work, family and just hanging out.

2.  Then show your glamorous side, and write about the best ways to make the transformation through hair, makeup and outfit.

So, without further ado, my entry for Round 2:

Don’t forget to VOTE!

{These are not vintage}

First NKOTB and the Backstreet Boys, now these? You’ve heard the saying, “Everything old is new again?” If it’s true that what goes around comes around, then these clodhoppers (as Fashionistamama likes to call them) are coming around again. At least according to Steve Madden. Who I thought was an expert on footwear, but now I’m not so sure I trust his judgment. Please convince me I am not old enough for trends to start making their way back again?! I even still own that cardigan I wore to senior awards day. Fine that WAS 12 years ago, but who’s counting? My 17 year old self might have approved of these, but my 30 year old self says no way. This 90’s fashion revival belongs right back where it came from. 1998.

{Also take note of who was ‘too cool’ to wear her id tag around her neck. What? It messed with my ensemble!}

{Forever21 Dress and Necklace, Banana Republic Jacket, Enzo Angiolini heels via heels.com}

About three years ago I fell madly in love, but recently my love and I have been on rocky ground. Nope, my husband and I are doing just fine. It’s my other love, running. As much as I love to run, lately my head is saying yes, but my body is saying no way. I think I might be in an abusive relationship! Perhaps demanding that we see each other 4-5 days a week was a little needy, but that’s no reason for my love to abuse me! The NY Marathon (our wedding!?) is 22 weeks away, so I’m hoping a little therapy can get us back on the right path (sidewalk?). Otherwise this is gonna be one ugly breakup with lots of tears and gallons of ice cream. Or cupcakes.

When:

Day Six of the 30 for 30 Challenge

Where:

Working late and Sushi dinner with the hubby to celebrate his somewhat unexpected raise! Guess I can go off that 30 day shopping restriction now, right? Ok, ok, I know…fine I’ll do it. Luckily I bought these faux Jack Rogers sandals prior to the shopping ban and boy am I glad I did. I walked into Starbucks (as I do every.flipping.day, addicted much?!) in a ritzy Queen City ‘hood and all the cute little stay at home moms were sporting their Jack Rogers sandals. Man did it feel good knowing mine were only $15 and looked EXACTLY the same. Booyah!

What:

15. White Pants – The Limited (funny, I haven’t bought anything there in AGES!)

14. Sandals – Target

13. Ruffled Blouse – F21

12. Cardigan – J.Crew

Belt – J.Crew

There are some gold F21 earrings under all that hair too. Thank goodness for a haircut at the end of the month since I haven’t had one since JANUARY!

Well we caught two of the five little hellions that have been keeping us up at night on Thursday night before we left  for vacation. Needless to say, they were not happy little (roof) campers, but we sure were! Yes, we were ‘those’ people in a nice neighborhood with crazy raccoon cages on our roofs, thanks to the critter catchers (or critter getters as I like to call them). And in honor of this glorious occasion, Anthropologie designed a blouse just for me:

Raccoon Rumpus Blouse – $88

Real life meets fashion. Nothing gets better than that.

When:

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

Where:

Work. Sorry I have been a bit of a bloggie slacker lately. I promise I have some things in the works, but time never seems to be on my side! Anyone else feel like there is NEVER enough time?

What:

Skirt – Anthropologie (major sale, $15 I think)

Blouse – J.Crew

Sweater – Old Navy

Heels – ModCloth