Day 17-Sparkle

The Dress, Sequin top: INC, Bag: tulu, Shoes: Plenty by Tracy Reese
Jewelry: Mixed bag

Mixed bag arm party! 

The solution to any overcast day: Sparkle. Although, you may feel a bit overdressed shopping the aisles of the grocery store, taking your dog to the vet, or picking your child up from preschool. But I can guarantee you will brighten someone's day, even if it is your own!

Truth?? I am really tired of this dress. 

But onward!!! Only 14 days to go!!!

Day 16-Color Blocked

The Dress, Cardigan: J. Crew, Belt: Banana Republic, Tights: Betsy Johnson,
Necklace: Stella & Dot, Bag: Vintage, Shoes: Franco Sarto

Vintage Rolex: Husband's, Leather bracelet: J. Crew, Bracelet: David Yurman

Feeling colorful, and happy today! That is all!

Day 15-Shopping Trip

The Dress, Top: Marshalls clearance, Belt: Target, Shoes: Steve Madden,
Bracelet: Banana Republic

Mom would probably never mix zebra with polka dots. Baby steps right? 

I went on a shopping trip today. But no fear, it wasn't for me. I took my mom. She is taking a trip on Thursday and needed some new tops. She bought a really cute striped jacket and was nearly floored when I suggested a print underneath. She wasn't quite getting the print mixing. BUT I did talk her into a colorful print top that she has agreed to wear under her new jacket!

She is the complete opposite of me and never buys anything for herself, so it was a treat to help her make selections and see her be the one to come out holding bags. My hands may have been empty leaving that store....but my heart was full!

Day 14-"Sowing" Lessons

The Dress, Vintage Tunic: Gift from Courtney, Clutch: VS,  Shoes: BCBG
Necklace: Stella & Dot, Belt: J. Crew

Throughout the first 14 days of this dress journey, God has been teaching me about forgiveness on a deeper level. Most certainly because that is an area in which I struggle. I can say that I forgive, but do I really feel the freedom of forgiveness? Do I forgive immediately when I have been offended, or do I hold back and wrestle with my pain? Today Joyce Meyer posted the following on Facebook:

"If someone has offended you, start sowing forgiveness. You may need some yourself someday."

Sowing Lesson 101, heard and noted. Thanks Joyce!

I don't know if you have heard the song "Forgiveness" by Matthew West, but you have to watch the story behind it here! An amazing "sowing" lesson!

Day 13-Saturday Love

The Dress, Scarf: My Mum-Mum's, Necklace: Old as dirt

Shoes: Fossil (Thrifted)

With my goods from the local farmers market! 

It's day 13 and I am officially getting tired of this dress. I wanted to throw on shorts for the soccer game today SO bad it was killing me. But I washed it, put it on, and showed up completely overdressed. I am almost halfway back to my closet. Reminding myself why I am doing this makes it much easier to step into. Thinking of women here or in other countries who don't have a closet, who walk miles and miles to feed their starving babies puts it in prospective for me real quick. I am blessed. I need not one thing.

My brother joined us today for soccer and a trip to the local farmer's market for produce, lunch, and some hot beignets courtesy of the Poor Porker! This evening will be pizza and game night with my kiddos one of my very favorite friends. It sure has been a great day, I hope you have enjoyed yours!

Day 12-A Treat

The Dress, Necklace: Loft, Shoes: Nine West, Belt: Nameless, Bag: Thrifted 

My friend Camille and I are going to attempt the DIY version of this necklace!
I'll let you know how that turns out ;)

My precious K! 

Early this morning my five year old daughter, with a broken toe, crawled into my bed. She whispers to me, "Mommy, is it time for muffins with moms yet?" I think it was 4:30 or so. She was so excited. She got dressed, accessorized (as you can see above) and was ready to go hours before it was time. I sat next to her in the lunchroom watching her enjoy that chocolate-chocolate chip muffin with pure bliss in her eyes. What a treat!

I felt so loved. She wanted nothing more than to be right there with me, eating muffins. These little things I don't ever want to take for granted, they are the moments when I realize that all of the stresses of parenting are TOTALLY worth it! 

This little girl has been such a blessing to me, to our family. We had three miscarriages before she arrived.....and if you have been through that, you know the pain. God has protected her through many accidents and injuries. Even when I thought I may loose my mind with worry, He has been there and He has been faithful. We prayed for her, and He gave her to us. Not in our timing, but in His. I am so thankful for that! 

Oh, and I gave myself another treat this morning. In effort to scale back, I decided to give up my routine luxury of a pedicure and give myself one instead! $30.00 saved! :) 

Day 11-Have Tripod, Will Travel

The Dress, Top: Target, Belt: BCBG, Boots: Steve Madden, Sunnies: Tom Ford

Confession: I made a purchase/health investment today

The traveling tripod.....I crack myself up. I have decided to leave my camera and tripod in my car, in the event that I am brave enough to jump out at any unpopulated spot for a quick pic. I mean, surely everyone has grown tired of seeing the inside of my home??

Confession: I made a purchase today. 

I won't make excuses or even try to wordsmith my way out of it. All I will say is a good sports bra is a necessity, and when the running shoes have holes in the bottom.....it's time. Bonus: these will go a year so I won't need a new pair throughout the remainder of the 12X12 Project! I hope you will show me grace, and let this one slide.....my knees, shins, and chest will thank you! :)

Day 10-Downtown

The Dress, Scarf: My Mum-Mum's (Vintage), Belt: J. Crew,
Shoes: (BCBG-Probably considered vintage) Sunnies: Marc Jacobs

The benefits of working downtown are the photo op spots! Today, I worried on the way to work about looking like an idiot setting up my tripod in the alley. Then I thought, so what? If someone does ask me what I am doing, it will be an opportunity for me to tell them. I love getting that "look" when I explain I am wearing the same dress different ways for 31 days! I always feel it necessary to immediately follow that with, "I do wash it!" Have a great wednesday!

Day 9, Friction Blocker

The Dress, Tie: My Pappy's (Vintage), Belt: J. Crew, Bag: Michael Kors
Shoes: Sam Edleman, Jewelry: Mixed

Wore these booties pain free today thanks to Band-Aid's Friction Block Stick!

The BEST blister preventer EVER! A necessity for the cute shoe lover!

Friction. I deal with it in more ways than one.

As a lover of cute shoes, I chose these very booties to walk miles in New York, rather than flats or something practical. Dumb. I ended up spending a total of $30.00 on Band-Aids. I tried every type, I even tried layering them but they still ended up rubbing off. The blisters were exposed causing MUCH pain! How great it would have been if I would have known about this magical product beforehand! Just rub a little friction block stick on areas where shoe may rub, and walk miles....blister free, pain free.

As a woman, I experience friction in my life. Hurts, pain, resentments, reminders. I try so hard not to let this friction get to me, but at times I spend hours obsessing, and hurting. I forget that God is the ultimate friction blocker. If I don't take my hurt to Him first and immediately, it stays with me just like the blisters. As silly as it may seem, right now He is reminding me through this Band-Aid Friction Block Stick that if I go to Him first, instead of obsessing, I can avoid a lot of unnecessary pain. Personally, I think we could all use a little protection from the friction of life! Have a great day!

Day 8, Put a Bow on it!

The Dress, Sash: I have no idea, Shoes: Miz Mooz
Photo Credit: Leanna McDuffie, My Daughter, 11

I am really sad that it is still too hot to layer. The current Florida hot fest makes this dress SO hard to work with! Truth: I actually got a little frustrated today. Since I refuse to suffer in the Florida heat with added layers, my strategy was to put a bow on it. Belts, sashes, and necklaces will be my best friends until the temps drop.

Can a girlfriend get a cool breeze PLEASE???

Day 7, The Candy Striper

The Dress, Top: Color Thread, Beads: Stella & Dot, Shoes: Steve Madden

As you can see, it's just me and my tripod again. I felt this outfit fit my job this week as candy striper! When naming my post I accidentally typed stripper. Glad I caught it, that would NOT have been good. The stomach bug has traveled through our home making random and odd timed appearances. Just when we thought we were all clear, we woke up to a vomiting 5 year old last night. Good times.

Truth: I only got dressed today to take my picture.

A movie, popcorn popped on the stove in coconut oil, puzzles, and a nap. That's just about it for my day. Sad to have missed church, and praying this bug gets out of my house! Hope your Sunday was germ free! :)

A Break for No nonsense!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 
I was suprised and delighted to open a box I received on my doorstep recently! In it was a sweet letter,  a pair of black leggings, and a pair of plum tights from No nonsense! Just kicking off the October Dress Project, this free gift could not have come at a better time! As the weather cools down, leggings and tights are two of my go to accessories. Styled with boots, flats, or a great pair of heels...you can't go wrong. Throwing on a pair of tights in a bright color is a great way to add interest and a pop to your fall look.
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of No nonsense as well. The leggings are really comfortable, and fit like a glove. No constant pulling at the waistband necessary! Don't you just hate it when your leggings keep riding down? The tights give the perfect amount of support and control all in the right areas, and are really durable. Working moms like me will appreciate that, as well as the excellent price point. I absolutely love them in plum. Such a great color to lift your mood, and extend your wardrobe without breaking the bank! I am all for that!
Another great benefit of the No nonsense brand is that you can pick them up at most any food & drug stores as well as mass retail stores. Easy, stylish, and affordable...I am sold!
Even more exciting, fashion expert Jill Martin is partnering with No nonsense! You may recognize her as the co-author of the New York Times bestselling style guide "I Have Nothing to Wear!" She is also the New York Correspondent for Access Hollywood.
Make sure you visit the links I have listed below to find out more about No nonsense and this great line. Be sure to like them on Facebook, and follow on twitter as well!

No nonsense tights and leggings
No nonsense on Facebook

Day Six, Direct Message

The Dress, Top: Anthropology, Bag: Nine West, Shoes: Keds

FL Necklace: Maya Brenner

I have found the direct messages in my devotions this first week shockingly non coincidental! It is so cool to see that when I make a commitment to listen, I will hear. Example: My devotion this morning from Joyce Meyer:

When you know who you are in Christ, worldly obstacles won't matter anymore. When you know that He loves you and He died for you, you'll just get up every day and do your best to love God. 

When that happens, when you know who you are in Christ, you can put on and walk in the righteousness that He purchased for you. As you experience His love for you, your natural response will be to live for Him with all that you have. 

How's that for a direct message to a girl starting a one year shopping fast? Pretty direct! I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend!