Taken Aback

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I kept thinking Halloween was over.  Let me tell you, it really threw me today when everywhere I went people were coyly wearing devil horns.  Caught me off guard.  Just a little bit.

But I was swiftly reminded of the true joy of Halloween taking my kiddos and Pat's niece and nephew trick or treating tonight.  My boys seriously ended up with pillow cases FULL of candy.  Now that's old school good ole fashioned trick or treating.

I got these awesome culottes on my thrifting binge this weekend.  I fell in love with these the second I saw the rich camel color and I saw endless possibilities.

I loved the rich, autumnal burgundy and camel colors of the outfit, but kept it chic and grounded with sleek black boots and a black bag.  But to keep it a little more daytime friendly, I added the white belt and jacket.

Today was a little rough at work (i.e. a Monday morning).  First off, my boss called me yesterday to tell me that he got shingles and wanted to make sure that I had already had the chicken pox. 

Luckily, I have had the chicken pox twice and shingles once already.  Is that some crazy ish or what?  Have you had the chicken pox?

Turtleneck Sweater-Kohl's; Camel Culottes-Metro Style, thrifted; Boots-Wal-Mart; Bag-Bebe, gifed; Belt-unknown; Bracelet-souvenir from Four Corners; Earrings-vintage from Grandma; Jacket-Kohl's

Today is your last chance!!

Don't forget about the $20 discount to eShakti's online store!!!! (Do you all remember this dress?) All you need to do is use the discount code ROBIN0811. The code is valid through October 31, 2011 so don't delay if you are interested.

All Halloweenied Out

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I don't know about you, but I keep thinking that Halloween should be over by now.  I have been in Halloween mode for like three weeks now.  First we had our kids Halloween party last week, Brielle had her Halloween day care party on Thursday, the boys had their school Halloween party on Friday and Pat and I attended the Halloween party of a dear friend of mine's house last night.  (By the way, Andy, Ave and Pro--so good to hang!)

While I am stoked to trick or treat with my little ones tomorrow night, I can't help but feel anxious to get this holiday past us and move on to my favorite holiday of all time --- Christmas!  I love Christmas.  Tuesday I feel justified in playing my Bing Crosby holiday playlist to my heart's content and gearing up for the most wonderful time of the year!

Something else that is joyous is a busy, productive and super fun Saturday followed by a less than busy, but equally productive Sunday. 

Yesterday started pretty early when I got up, picked up Kaden from a sleepover, dropped him off at my mom's house to hang out with her, took complete advantage of ARC's half off sale, picked up Pat's best friend's daughter Haley and headed down to Denver for our sewing class.

Sewing class you say?  Why, yes, yes I did.  I finally get to use my sewing machine that I got for Mother's Day.  We made the cutest little tote bag yesterday and the instructor was adorable, personable, knowledgeable and very helpful.  If you are in the Denver area and have been wanting to learn how to sew, hit up Aurora at Fabric Bliss.  You will not be disappointed. 

I was so thrilled that I actually figured out how to (at a very amateur level, but nonetheless) use the sewing machine, that I took that heap of mending I had in my closet and went to town this morning.  Now, I still am not 100% on how to thread my machine, so they all ended up with light blue thread, but hey, they are mended.  

Also, I got Goldilocks all shined up, inside and out.  She was in dire need of a good lovin treatment.  Especially since I need to chisel off a bunch of gunk just to get my renewal stickers on my plates.

Because I wanted to do a lot of low key lounging today (cleaning out the car, nursing exhaustion from partying until the wee hours, catching up on my blog, taking a really long bath and playing with my closet), I chose something comfortable.  But I also knew I would be out and about a bit, so I wanted something that didn't say "this is what a two drink hangover looks like."

Not only did I want something comfy yet stylish, I also did not feel like doing my hair.  Pat and I went as Sandra D and John Travolta from Grease to the party last night and I had about 1568 gallons of hairspray in my hair so getting it out this morning was a chore.  Probably would have also helped if I didn't sit in the bath for over an hour and let it air dry. 

Purple Skinnies-gifted; Chocolate Trench-Wal-Mart; White Cardigan-gifted; Leopard Tank-Rave; Snakeskin Bag-Elle for Kohl's; Kitten Heel Mary Janes-Candie's; Hat-unknown; Bracelets and Earrings-Kohl's

P.S. Don't forget about the $20 discount to eShakti's online store!!!! (Do you all remember this dress?) All you need to do is use the discount code ROBIN0811. The code is valid through October 31, 2011 so don't delay if you are interested.

Oh Yeah . . . Mud

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It's Friday.  After much ado I finally got my emissions test done and my renewal stickers for my car today.  I worked.  I've got a lot of weekend ahead of me.  It's gonna be good.  And I remembered the worst part about snow aftermath--mud on your Nine West booties.  Have a good weekend all!

Black Moto Cropped Jacket-Miley Cyrus; Sequin Top-thrifted; Black Skinnies-Mudd; Booties-Nine West, gifted; Earrings-Kohl's; Cuff-gifted

P.S. Don't forget about the $20 discount to eShakti's online store!!!! (Do you all remember this dress?) All you need to do is use the discount code ROBIN0811. The code is valid through October 31, 2011 so don't delay if you are interested.

Some Rules Should Never Be Broken

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Kinda hard to believe that these photos are taken after our little impromptu blizzard yesterday huh?  We are currently sans internet at the house (Pat is letting me use his phone to post this cause he's a genius and a gentleman) because so many trees have knocked out so many power lines. 

Today's This or That fall challenge hosted by the lovely Megan of Megan Mae Daily and Keely of Casual Chic Kiki is to wear either Stripes or Dots.  This was a hard call because I have so much of both in my closet.  The options were a bit overwhelming. 

Luckily, I had gone thrifting recently (obvs.) and picked up this great Banana Republic sweater and Express suede skirt, so that gave me a little more of a head start.

However, you can't be too proud of me on this score.  Oh no my friends.  I broke some serious thrifting cardinal rules in this purchase and I paid for it.  Dearly.  With this skirt.

Most important thrifting rule #1-ALWAYS try on clothing at thrift stores prior to purchase.  For one, there are no returns, so if you buy it, you are stuck with it (that or in store credit, which isn't sooo bad).  For two, sizes mean nada at thrift stores.  I've found perfectly fitting clothes in several sizes above or below my "regular" size. 

Numero dos for thrifting is to allow yourself time.  Thrifting can be overwhelming.  Don't hurry when you are thrifting or you could end up regretting it. 

I just happen to be in a thrift store (totally legit though, looking for an apron for my Flo costume) and spotted this skirt.  It was in the small section, so I assumed that it would fit.  It was cute as hell and the price was right, so to the register it went with me.  Fool.

I pulled it out this morning for it's first stroll and looked at the actual size on the tag.  Well this was going to take an act of God, thought I.  I realize that the skirt is high waisted, but I barely secured this puppy under my chest.  And I couldn't button it.  And it was highly uncomfortable.  My penance for not trying this bitch on in the first place.  And I noticed a small (turned larger and larger as the day progressed) in the hem of the skirt.  And rule number two is finito.   Blast. 

Black Peacoat-H&M, thrifted; Navy and White Striped Sweater-Banana Republic, thrifted; Chambray Top and Leggings-Wal-Mart; Blue Suede Pencil Skirt-Express, thrifted; Boots-F21; Necklaces-K-Mart and vintage from Grandma; Cuff-Kohl's; Ring-Encore; Earrings-gifted by Pat's mom ;-)

P.S. Don't forget about the $20 discount to eShakti's online store!!!! (Do you all remember this dress?) All you need to do is use the discount code ROBIN0811. The code is valid through October 31, 2011 so don't delay if you are interested.