Retro Inspired

Life has been busy lately! Monday was my birthday, but since I worked all week I didn't really do anything until Sunday. My family took me out to dinner, we went to Sizzler. I don't think we'll be going there again. The steak and lobster were definitely not outstanding, but oh well. I just recently purchased this dress and love it. I was scrolling through Torrid's website and got super excited when I saw it. It has skulls, roses and mermaids, I mean what's not to love?! I wore it to work on Monday also and got a ridiculous amount of compliments on it. Kind of makes me want a few more dresses in this style. I recently read some blogs that were talking about a label called Hell Bunny, similar styles and in plus size too. I may end up placing an order with them at some point. I was on a shopping ban, as of lately it has turned more into a shopping binge really. I kind of rationalize it that pretty much everything I've purchased has been at least 40% off and the fact that my birthday was coming up. It may not be super logical, but hey, I'm still sticking to it. 

Blazer, Dress, Shoes: Torrid. Necklace: real pears gifted from my little brother. Bracelet: Walmart.

This blazer is definitely one of my favorite pieces, a staple really. It's always my go-to when I need to add a little more 'modesty' or warmth to an outfit. I have no issue with sleeveless clothing, my job does however. They actually sent a girl home one day for wearing a sleeveless shirt, now we're not talking about spaghetti type straps either, I'm meaning some big thick straps just exempt of an actual sleeve. I don't take the chance, and this blazer always works.

Rosy

It was such a beautiful day that my daughter and I decided to hit the park up again. This has pretty much been our regular outing on my days off lately. I don't know what it is, but I've definitely been having a thing with red lately. I think I've seriously worn it at least 3 of the last 5 days. We also stopped at Sally's Beauty Supply and I bought a new Jilbere flat iron and a curling wand since they were having a buy one get one free. I finally got a hair cut too, nothing too extreme (that was after these pictures were taken).  

Dress and Lace Blazer: Torrid. Shoes: Lei.  Necklace and Earrings: Old Navy.

Feel Drapey

 I was super tired when these pictures were taken even though it was my day off! Which is also why I opted for something super comfy. Next time I wear these pants I think I am going to wear a dressier shirt. It was such a nice day that we decided to head out to the park and later to the theater to see Mr. Peabody, which was super cute by the way. And the park had these gorgeous trees in bloom, I could of died they were so pretty, especially when the wind started blowing and the florets were flying everywhere. These shoes, oh these shoes, definitely some of my favorites but I gotta say they have seen better days. It will be time to retire them soon, so sad.

Drapey Pants and Shirt: Old Navy. Necklace: Target. Black Bracelet: Walmart. Red Bracelet: House of Key. Wedges: Kmart. Bag: TJ Max.

"Mommy, the sun is in my eyes!"

Faux Wrap Dress

Even though I WAS on a shopping ban, I ended up breaking it. I was shopping one day (for groceries) at Fred Meyer and saw this faux wrap dress. Well...it was love at first site and I HAD to have it. The coloring is so me; and the ruching right above the hip is super flattering. While the neckline is higher than what I normally go for, I think it's a refreshing change, a little more grown up looking. I intended this to be my Easter dress, so do expect to see it again. Looking at these pictures makes me realize that I for real need to do something about my hair. I haven't had a professional haircut in probably about 2 1/2 years. I really don't have the energy to deal with doing anything special with my hair. It's long and think, so ends up taking me an hour at least to actually style it, so I'm really thinking that I need to get a cut that will work for an easy wash and go style. 

Dress: Fred Meyer's. Shoes: Fashion Bug. Necklace and Purple Bracelet: Walmart. Bracelet: Icing. 

Coral and Red

I'm so thankful it's finally looking and feeling like spring; I can finally start wearing dresses without feeling like I'm freezing to death. It's been so long since I've worn this dress and I have no idea why! I love the shape of it and it's the perfect mix of not being too heavy or too light at the same time. It never really occurred to me to pair coral and red together, but I think it actually looks nice. However, the dress does have both colors so I'm not sure that I would pair the two together in a color blocking sort of way. Lately I've been on a shopping ban, I seriously haven't bought myself any new clothing items for at least month, early February I think. It's all good, BUUUTTT, I have been getting that shopping itch. I'm really trying to figure out what I need instead of what I want and use my money for experiences rather than stuff, but it can prove difficult at times. 

 Blazer and Dress: Lane Bryant. Necklace: Old Navy. Wedges: Kmart

A Good Day Among Hell

I have really been wanting to blog more often, but recently I just can't seem to find the energy. I feel like I'm in some sort of rut. The job I'm working at absolutely sucks. I'm already scheduled for a duration of 9 hours a day, and then have to put in an additional hour of mandatory overtime (and they still push for more); top that off with a one hour commute each way and I'm already looking at being away from home for 12 hours every single day. I never have two days off in a row which in someways is beneficial in that it breaks up the work week, but at the same time it never really feels like the week is over. I also had surgery last month to remove my gallbladder. I've been having issues with my gallbladder for 3 years; after the last gallbladder attack I couldn't take it anymore and finally went in for medical attention since each attack was progressively getting worse. I ended up missing a day of work due to being in the emergency room until four in the morning and then a few days later had my initial consultation with the surgeon which was in the middle of the day. I made a point of getting letters from the doctors to show that I was not just missing work for the hell of it. This place actually made me make up the 11 hours missed in the two days before that week was up (which I was also scheduled for my regular shifts both days as well), mind you, I am not salaried so I really do not see any reason for this. 

This is not just me taking issue with the company either. They have a ridiculously low employee retention rate, just an example: the training group that started at the same time as me, there is only four of us left out of 17. They basically lied what the pay would be. The job consists of getting screamed at a good portion of the day by irate customers who a) don't know how to pay their bills or b) got shafted by the company (or so they feel because they didn't read the contracts).  I only took the job due to the fact that I needed one, but I'm feeling lost since I have a college education, but yet am working a menial job. I'm earning a lower pay rate than I ever have. I know that this is a problem all over the nation, but I'm feeling very discouraged at this time. 

These pictures are from almost two weeks ago . This is my sort of everyday wear as of recently. I took my daughter to the water front before I returned to work from my surgery. We walked the boardwalks, went to the Chinese Reconciliation Park, picnicked on the beach, and ended the day with a trip to the B&I for ice cream, video games and a look in the pet shop. It was a very enjoyable day; and then I had to return to the hell that is my job.  

Cardigan: Old Navy. Sequin Tee: Walmart. Jeans: Old Navy. Purse: TJ Maxx

It was raining on the way there, but the sun came out and there were seriously rainbows EVERYWHERE! It was super gorgeous. 

Queen of Hearts

Happy Valentine's Day People. I took these pictures on Wednesday when I took my daughter out for a little adventure. We had a super fun day filled with a little hike, pictures at the Alice in Wonderland Graffiti wall, Dinner at Southern Kitchen (which was featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives), and finally seeing Lego Movie. A fun filled and thoroughly exhausting day. I swear I needed a day off from my day off. 

Pants and Shirt: Walmart. Necklace and Earrings: Old Navy.