Hot-Mom Zero-Effort Summer Hair

Though things have been quiet around here since my tigress made her blog debut, I have been tweeting, Instagramming and updating on Facebook.  And partying (like a 3-year-old), volunteering, working, mmmmaaaayyybee shopping, and always always thinking of blogging even when I can't get to it.  In fact, what I'm about to share started 24 hours ago, right around midnight.  Here is the scene late last night...

Totally high fashion.

Hope you find that as funny as my kids.

Dang, those kids are rubbing off on me.

Back story: I posted this photo on Instagram lamenting the effect of rain on my freshly and arduously curled hair.  Jessica from Save Your Fork There's Pie alerted me to the life-changing video by Chelsey Andrews of The Paper Mama.  I had seen this pin floating around Pinterest but you know how it is; until someone IRL can give their word, it seems all Internet-y (fake).  Once I had Jessica's endorsement, I knew I had to try it and share my experience.  So: 

1. Watch Chelsey's video now.
2. Prepare to be amazed.

 

I did mention it was midnight.

The only thing amazing about these photos is that I am willing to post them.

I have A LOT of hair, and VERY LITTLE hair skill, and still this process took only a couple minutes.  I had showered earlier in the evening so my hair was clean and damp but not soaking.  I didn't use any product because I wanted to see how the process would go with everything au natural.  

Drum roll please...!

Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's a 12 cent hair band.

I used some smoothing lotion and added a few curls with my curling iron here and there, but otherwise left it as is.  This bouncing and behaving hair called for a girly outfit, so I reached for my Nine West polka dot skirt, which has been waiting patiently to go out.  First thing I think of to pair with polka dots is red (thanks to Minnie Mouse), and I wanted to do some pattern mixing with floral; alas, an outfit was born.

 Nine West skirt $4.90, H&M sheer top $4.20

Poppy cardi $4.20, Cobalt belt $4, Espadrilles $7.70

All from VV Boutique

My photographer was not very enthusiastic/still.

Maybe the background props were uninspiring.

I had been struggling with how to style this top

 

 Surprise!  It's a peplum.  Ish.

Bracelets by She Does Create.

Tucking it into the skirt and adding the belt polished up the ensemble. 

  

Love me some red and blue.

Earrings by Stella & Dot.

I love my curly hair,

both because of how it looks and because it took about 7 minutes total.

As I mentioned above, I may have popped into VV Boutique tonight, so I did a quick change into more comfortable shopping clothes...

Simons sweatshirt gifted by my fave Megan.

Flats $4 VV Boutique

Notice the hair, people.  It's still curly.  Chelsey, I don't know how you came up with this ingenious technique but I am forever grateful!  This will be my go-to hot-mom zero-effort summer style!

Graphic Tee Goes to Work

Since I know my boss reads VV Boutique Style, I'll start with a disclaimer:

1. I did 7 reports today.
2. The following photos were taken on a stealth-mode break.  I can prove this because you didn't notice me and my photographer lurking about.  At least I don't think so.  If you did, thanks for pretending you didn't.

Now then.  Graphic tees, statement tees - whatever you want to call them, they are a veritable trend and have been on my hunting list for a while.  A certain Splurge sister also stole one from under my nose.  You know who you are C.Y. or should I address you as "Khaleesi?"  Fortunately, my thrifting mentor sis recently gifted me a thrifted graphic tee and this morning it was... roaring to go to work with me.

 "Nerds are cool too."

I don't know why this shirt made her think of me.

I was lately inspired to try a graphic tee for work by a tweet from Sally McGraw of Already Pretty blog.  She asked, "Any tips for successfully pairing printed/vintage t-shirts with workplace outfits?" and I answered "Blazer, long necklace, black skinny crop trousers, colourful pumps," even though I don't have half of the pieces I would need to complete my own formula!  Instead, I used some suitable VV Boutique substitutes...

 Paired with my chevron ponte knit $7 and black pointy flats $7 from VV Boutique.

Skinny cobalt belt $2.10 VV Boutique

Earrings and velvet blazer circa 2004 from my closet.

I decided not to cover my nerdy tiger with a necklace and go for a pretty arm party instead.

Bracelets by She Does Create.

Of course, you have to consider your workplace vibe before attempting to wear Aeropostale to work.  I would wear this to work in preschool, but maybe not to a meeting where I'm trying to establish some OT cred. 

I've always wanted to stand at the Board Room helm.

Er, this board room happens to be empty.

As it was today, I just needed to hunker down in my corner office space (really my favourite Megan's office space but she is still off on mat leave... while the cat's away...)...

and work on reports.  So wearing a cobalt tee with a pink-glasses-wearing-tiger was perfectly acceptable.

Bottom line: my job is awesome.  Oh yeah, also, go ahead and take your graphic tee to work!  It will add some spunk to your outfit and your office!

Me and Jess (Jessica Simpson That Is)

I'm not a label snob as in "I will only wear certain labels", or, "I get esteem from labels."  That's a pretty obvious oxymoron if you're shopping at Value Village for a year!  However, it doesn't hurt to know your brands or at least be able to spot quality when you see it so you can make savvy shopping decisions.  And then brag to everyone you meet about your amazing score.  With selfies.  It's required.  I must admit that the Sears line "Jessica" constantly throws me for a loop when thrifting because I keep thinking I'm finding a Jessica Simpson piece only to realize it's plain old Sears.  Not that there's anything wrong with that!  If you love it and it fits well and is in good shape, the brand is irrelevant.  Still, I always hoped for some real Jessica.  Say what you will but that woman is smart and talented.  She inspired me to take my Ugg-type boots camping (where ugly but comfortable shoes belong);she can sing, she's a mom and she has babies like I have babies (doubling in size then doing Weight Watchers).  She seems like a real woman to me, and I'm pretty sure we'd be friends if she lived in Alberta.  Needless to say, when I finally found a Jessica Simpson piece, I snatched it up.  And there it has sat until today...

Jessica Simpson dress $11.90 VV Boutique

This piece was in the dress section but it is clearly not a dress on me.  It's hard to see in photos but it has a dropped waist and came with a tie, which I chose not to wear.  Didn't really want to tie a sash about my hips.  I really liked the pattern and the colours - there's hot pink, mint, mustard, cobalt and emerald.  It is forgiving, as one would expect from a real woman designer, and was the perfect outfit for a day of sitting on my butt writing reports and eating my way through the office chocolate stash.

Paired with my Oxmo leggings and these sequins flats...

Gift from my sis, originally from VV Boutique. 

Even though I basically saw only my kids and my day home provider extraordinaire, I still styled my Jess up with a necklace, arm party and big gold hoops!  I was trying to capture my accessories with self-photography when I noticed something peculiar about the pattern...

 Rather accentuating, as it turns out.

But my She Does Create necklace looks awesome!

I also realized that this dress is a size small.  Bless Jessica's sweet heart for making sizing we can all feel good about.  I wonder, though, if that's why I have hesitated to wear it; it is made for a truly small person on whom it will fit like a dress!  I might wear it a couple more times so I can attempt more styles per cost and feel satisfied with the cost per wear.  Then, I'm going to pass it along to a small friend and see what it's meant to look like!  I'll share when I do, and in the meantime I will leave you with this...

My girl wanted to be in my shots this morning with her own VV Boutique shoes -

these unworn ballet slippers $2!

Canadian Tuxedo (AKA Denim on Denim)

My hot date Janelle posed a question to me yesterday: "Can I wear a Canadian Tuxedo?"  While I was thrilled to be asked for style advice, I actually had no idea what a Canadian Tuxedo was (to my credit).  In her usual kind way, she explained to "the professional" that a Canadian Tuxedo is denim on denim.  Her style advisor/Jill-of-all-trades says "NO."  And I agree if we're talking about this:

or this

However, denim on denim is a pretty serious trend and a lot of cool kids are doing it.  So that must make it okay.

Let's take some cues from my friend and future client, Ryan.  (His grasp needs a good OT, and I've volunteered because I am very generous.)

• it is okay and even preferable to wear different washes together
• as with the ugly pretty cardi, go forth with attitude
• and since most of us reading this are girls, style it up with accessories/hair/make-up

There were a surprising number of stylish examples when I Googled "Canadian Tuxedo images."  This is the photo I posted on my Facebook page last night:

I like the variety represented in these images, even if you pass (as I would highly recommend) on wearing a cropped Mickey Mouse tee.  Of course, I woke up this morning and wanted to wear a Canadian Tuxedo.  I looked to my VV Boutique pieces for inspiration and came up with this:

 Levis skirt $5, Esprit tank $2.50

Gap jacket circa 2002

I don't have any denim bottoms from VV other than this skirt, so that was an easy choice.  For the top, I had on my chambray initially but didn't feel it was fitted enough, though I imagine it would work well with a jegging in a different wash (now added to hunting list) as in the examples above.  My denim jacket was a little too close in wash for my liking, but I was determined to wear the tuxedo so I let it slide.  As for the gray tee I envisioned with my suit, guess what?  I don't have one!!!  This is a huge glaring hole in my wardrobe and must be rectified ASAP!  I tried a statement tee but, being my day off, I wanted something that wasn't, er, fitted, and liked the contrast of the orange.

To style it up, I added layers of necklaces from VV Boutique ($2.10 and $0.70) and She Does Create and some noticeable earrings ($2.10 from VV)! 

When I say "style it up" I include hair and make-up because without, there's a higher likelihood this look could turn frumpy.

I wouldn't call The Canadian Tuxedo my chicest look ever, but it was comfortable and had at least a little personality.  As for the denim on denim, no one recoiled in terror at the sight of me, so I'm calling it a win.

 With my Miz Mooz Pauly wedges $5.60 VV Boutique

On a scale of 1 to 10 Ryan Goslings, how hot would you rate my look?  Never mind, don't answer that.  Instead, three questions:

1. What do YOU think?    
2. Do YOU wear denim on denim?   
3. Should I style my entire family in Canadian Tuxedos then go out to the mall?

T.G.I.F. (Meet the Media Tweet Up)`

If you follow me on Facebook, you know I have a habit of making up my own lyrics to popular songs.  Well...

Last Friday Night

Went to my first Tweet event

With a date, she's heaven sent

Hope you get what I just meant

Last Friday Night

We saw plastinate bodies

And I fell and skinned my knee

Before I wore BCBG

Last Friday Night

Love the smart community

Used my phone, I'm so guilty

Pics and tweets my specialty

I'll stop now.  I don't know why Katy Perry doesn't hire me. 

Now, in non-lyrical terms: Yesterday I attended the Meet the Media Tweet Up at Telus World of Science Edmonton  This fun event was organized by my new friend Tamara Stecyk and partners, and was an awesome evening to network with a wonderful melange of smart and interesting people.  As if that wasn't enough, we had the chance to tour the exhibits including the latest BODY WORLDS & The Cycle Exhibition.   My mind is still buzzing from everything so let me back up and start from the beginning.

Best for last first.  Snapped this just before I hopped into my sweet ride*.

*2001 Honda Odyssey with unrecognizable carpets.

I organized a little something-something myself for work on Thursday and Friday - a workshop for Occupational Therapists.  It was great but I was definitely in a rush, and so in my haste to get home, I fell in the parking lot and skinned my knee through my mint pants!  They may now be distressed mint pants, we shall see.  

My husband is rubbing off on me after 15 years.

I took a photo of my injury.

I am what I mocked. 

I did what any dedicated woman would do: put concealer over my bloody knee and proceeded with the outfit I had planned.

 

BCBG dress $8.50, Penny Loves Kenny shoes $16 - both VV Boutique

Stunning necklace by She Does Create

Stunning purse on loan from my fab sister

I loved the pop of yellow and the studs here echoed those on my shoes.

I love this BCBG dress.  It's so elegant and flattering.  No tricky undergarments required, and it can look dressy or casual depending on the vibe of the event.  At #meetthemedia, there were a mixture of styles so BCBG was the perfect choice.  It didn't go around feeling under-dressed and didn't make anyone feel like they needed to run for a sports coat.

I must make special mention of this necklace by She Does Create.  I have had my eye on it since November and every sale, I pray that my talented sister hasn't sold it!  Well, we all know some things just belong with their rightful owners, and this piece finally got to come home and go out with Mommy!

Besides my incredible necklace,  my date for the evening was my old friend and farmerette extraordinaire Janelle Herbert of Riverbend Gardens.  I met Janelle ten years ago when she worked with me as an OT Assistant.  Those were good times!  We set "team goals" to compliment each others' fashions (amongst other things, like helping the children).  Janelle has in fact "met the media" many times as she and other #YEG local food producers advocate for sustainable local agriculture.  In short, Janelle is AWESOME and was THE perfect date.   

 And she's a looker.

Pink hair courtesy of Tracey Nielsen of @TiaraHairExtens

And now I need pink hair extensions.  Like, yesterday.

Janelle and I toured Body Worlds and were reminded of the amazing creativity in the human body.  Even for those of us who have done a cadaver dissection or two, it is incredible to see the displays and truly appreciate the intricacies of the body.  I think my older kids would be amazed and I can't wait to take them.  I already pull out my anatomy text and show them the real thing when they have questions, so the Body Worlds exhibition would blow their minds (in a good way).  I will sum it up by saying, you should go.

But not in these shoes:

 When it looked like I was thoughtfully sauntering,

I was really trying to hobble discreetly.

Dang they are hot shoes, but they killed me.  I now know why they were at VV, looking like they worn once at most.  

 Deceptively pretty logo, you don't fool me...anymore!

I cannot recall my feet hurting so badly ev-ver.  I had to take them off and walk barefoot through the parking lot to my van.  That is a humbling experience I tell ya.  So, take a good long look at these; appreciate how great they look, then run the other way if you see them after I donate them.

Traditional bathroom photography while I rest my weary feet by not moving.

A while back, Tamara invited the challenge of dressing her for #meetthemedia.  Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity!  I am a thrifting enthusiast and want to share the good news!  It took a couple short shopping trips, one bra-malfunction failure, and a swap of my beautiful clogs (too small for me, sniff sniff) for a gorgeous Nine West dress (too big for her) with my VV Boutique-loving Splurge Sorority sister, but I finally found a winner for Tamara:

Nine West dress $10 from VV Boutique

I love how she styled it up with a simple necklace and pumps, interesting patterned hose and pops of red in her manicure!  Tamara, you looked fantastic!  You're also smart and kind!  (I always add that when I tell my daughter she's pretty!)  And you organize an awesome event!

Thanks to the ever awesome Sheri Landry of This Bird's Day for alerting me to this event, to Kim Becker of Mommy Knows for inspiring the viral hashtag #dutchdar and to both these women for so generously sharing their expertise at #meetthemedia!  I have said it before and I will say it again: there is something special and powerful about local community.  AND it's fun!  I met and followed so many new people and will be reading through blogs, tweeting y'all and just enjoying the company of smart interesting INSPIRING local friends!

Double Dress Day

Until last year around this time, I had only one or two dresses.  I foolishly thought they were too tricky to wear to work or for momming around.  I know better now, so much better that the dress section at VV Boutique is my favourite place to browse!  I have a hard time resisting a pretty dress and see no reason to when they are each unique and affordable!  Unlike children, who can only claim the former.  Here are a couple newcomers to my closet... 

 

 Banana Republic silk blend shift dress $8.50 VV Boutique

Accessories from my closet

I have had "shift dress" on my VV Boutique hunting list for a while, but didn't exactly know what a shift dress is.  To save you the embarrassment of admitting the same, I looked it up.  You are welcome.  A shift dress is a frock or gown with a "columnar cut and no defined waist" that skims the outline of the body. 

This shift dress is extra awesome because it has pockets to hold allergies.  

I mean tissue.

I loved the colours and pattern of this dress, the short sleeves and button details.  It also happens to look awesome with my Hispanitas and was more, um, accessible for work with some capri leggings ($6 VV Boutique).

The next dress was more expensive because I had to buy it at regular price...

Costa Blanca dress $13 VV Boutique

How could I leave this behind?!  It is sunshine in a dress!  It is cheer on your bo-day!  The fabric is comfy jersey knit AKA jammies.  It is yellow, which goes with everything.   

Teal cardi $4.90 and pointy flats $6 from VV Boutique

I attended a course today that required me to wear my glasses, so it's a good thing the dress felt like jammies because that's what my glasses are used to being paired with.  It was a bit chilly so I wore the capri leggings again (second day in a row, trend fulfilled) and added a cardi.

 

I completed the ensemble with a mixture of accessories from

She Does Create, VV Boutique and Lisa Leonard. 

These dresses made for easy mornings and stylin' workdays!  100% comfortable, washable and so much more interesting than plain pants and tops.  Don't believe me?  Hit your favourite thrift shop with a ten-spot in your pocket and see what you can find!  And when your dress collection grows, know you're in good company!

Don't forget to like my Facebook page where I post things like floral pasties and other good stuff to keep it interesting!