Clothes for the 'Regular' Woman

While flipping through a magazine with a friend who shall not be named (because she told me not to) she asked me to "teach her how to dress."  I told her to read this blog!  And she informed me that this blog is for "skinny bitched like you."  So...I am devoting this blog to her...even though I cannot name her.  And I used the term 'regular' because I was told 'curvy' would be wrong.  Love that I get to learn things through this blogging process!

First thing I thought of was this picture of Kim Kardashian we found in In Style Magazne.  Now, I really do not like Kim, but this look is great and I had to put my love of this outfit over my dislike of the person wearing it.  She claims to be my jean size and weight...yea right.  But regardless, she definitely has curves and this proves that anyone can pull off a pencil skirt.  So I went on a search to find this for you!

The skirt is by Trina Turk for $178.  I found it on both Piperlime and Nordstrom.  I also found one at Nordstrom by Halogen for only $59 and it comes in a ton of colors, including a teal one.  You could get creative with this look and switch up the colors to suit you and your skin tone.  The key here with a pencil skirt is tailoring.  It only costs an extra $10-$20 to alter a skirt and the difference it makes is priceless!  You can guarantee that Kim K got hers fitted to her body.

The yellow top is a tricky one to find!  If you like this color combo and want to stick with teal and yellow, this tank by Tinley Road is beautiful and comes with a built in necklace along the color for only $49.

If you are up for switching around the colors, this top from Ann Taylor is beautiful and it is 40% off right now!  It comes in this vibrant pink, as well as blue and white.  And I love the idea of pairing a bright top with white jeans so you could get so many outfits out of this shirt.  

Lastly, the shoes.  I love a nude platform pump.  The nude color makes your legs look longer and the platform adds height, making your legs look leaner and your butt look lifted.  Really, what's not to love about shoes like these???  I own a pair and they are in constant rotation...well they were before I fell off the porch.  Grrr.  Anyways, here is the pair I have by Jessica Simpson.  You can find them a lot of places, but I found them on Zappos for $89.  There are tons of nude platforms on this site, and they offer free shipping and free returns on all orders so there is no risk ordering online.  

Stay tuned for the next 'Regular Woman' blog...with bathing suits!  

Pointy Toe Flats...All Under $50

I hope everyone had a fabulous Easter this weekend!  I myself had a great time out East on Long Island with the whole Franklin clan.  It was my mother-in-law's 60th birthday and she requested we all be together.  So we invaded and took over this wonderful B&B called The Harvest Inn.  The couple who owns it could not be nicer!  And for those of you not familiar with New York, out east on Long Island is wine country.  It has a similar feel to up north Michigan, very country and rustic with TONS of wineries.  I think this trip I had some of the best wines ever!  Along with the best dinner I think I have ever had, complete with oysters and beef wellington (filet wrapped inside perfectly cooked pastry for those who don't know because I didn't either) and a red wine all the way from France.  It was amazing!  And the family time was great too...needless to say all that wine led to lots of laughter...and a little performance by 'Unique Pitch' late one night.

But enough about my trip...and on to shoes!  While in NY this weekend I got to debut my new flats!  I still can't get my ankle into a heel of any kind so I went out and got a pair of flats.  I intended to get this yellow flower Sam Edelman flats from my blog a couple weeks ago.  But then I found the same pair with a snakeskin pattern and I was sold!  I wore them all weekend!

But while I was showing off my new favorite shoes, my sister-in-law Liane told me that she could really use some new flats but that she prefers pointy toes.  So I made it my mission to find her some!  And here is the results of my intense searching! 

These are from ASOS and are only $35.81.  There is also a yellow pair with a red bow for the same price, depending on what fits best with your wardrobe.  

These are also from ASOS, for $44.76.  They have the studded toe detail, which makes them more exciting than a plain black shoe.  And they can be worn with anything!

These are from JCPenny and are only $30!  They were also featured in People Style Watch Magazine.  And if you sign up for JCPenny emails or their credit card, you can use a coupon to make them even cheaper.  I always get $10 off your purchase coupons in the mail.  They have these in a gold, peach, and white color as well. All for only $30!!!

My last suggestion is Nordstrom Rack, if you have one near you.  They have many of the shoes that were recently in Nordstrom stores, but for half the price.  They are sorted by size in the store so you can shop hundreds of different styles at once.  Last time I was there, they had tons of pointy toe flats.  If you don't have this store near you, try a TJ Maxx or Marshalls.  They don't have as many shoes, but they usually have a pretty good selection at really good prices.  

Next up, by request, is a blog devoted to any woman out there who is not (and I quote) a skinny bitch.  A.k.a. real women with curves.  So stay tuned!  And let me know if you have any requests!

Spring Menswear

A couple weeks ago, during the first weekend of March Madness, we met some friends at the bar to watch the games.  It was mostly guys, as usual, and most of them were in t-shirts of some sort.  Except Dan, who was dressed fabulously, like an add right out of a magazine.  And of course the guys were making fun by the end of the night.  But I thought it looked great and it gave me inspiration for a menswear blog entry!  So thank you DK!!!  :-)  This ones for you.

I did some reading on whats hot right now for men in the spring and found a few really cool styles that you can all pull off effortlessly.  Granted, there are some trends that I have a feeling you fellas would not be so into.

One big one I saw is plaid and checks.  Some of the big designers had suits with full on plaid, but that might be a bit much for you all.  These shorts are so cool and the colors are bright but easy to match with most shirts you probably already have in your closet.  These are by Ben Sherman from Nordstroms for $89.  I found Jon a really similar pair from Marshalls for only $15!

Another trend I really like is wingtip oxfords.  I love oxfords and some of the new ones for spring are colored and suede.  It makes these somewhat old school shoes new and exciting and trendy.  These Cole Haan 'Air Franklins' are my favorite.  They are also found at Nordstroms for $178.

I really like the Tommy Hilfiger clothes that are out right now.  They have some really cool spring suits right now.  And some of them are even on sale!  This blue one below is very on trend with the Spring 2012 runways.  And you can easily pair it with some white pants or jeans for a dressed down look too.  This one is on sale right now for $290 (for the jacket).  The pants are $150.  

I will keep looking into this menswear stuff and post another entry soon.  Mark Wolfman has requested one on bathing suits so stay tuned!  And as I LOVE to shop for ties, there will most definitely be a whole blog dedicated to ties soon too!  I know some great places to score deals on those.  :-)

Ode to Flats

So...I fell on the porch Monday night a sprained my ankle pretty bad. My poor husband was on the phone with me when I fell and had to listen to my hysteria. Once I calmed down...it hurt SO bad...I realized it was just a sprain and I needed ice and bed. I had to take Monday off cause you can't take great care of twins if you can't walk! But after lots of ice and motrin, a visit from my mom, and some crutches I was somewhat mobile by Wednesday. Shout out to Marci for all her help with the kids this week! Mt BFF for a reason!

But alas this is about shoes and not my clumsiness. Since I am limping around for awhile, I need some new flats. Sadly the heels are on hiatus for a bit. So I thought I would share some new cute ones I found.

These are so fun for spring!  You may spot these on my feet soon!  They are by Sam Edelman and are $90.  I found them at Nordstrom.

Love this bright teal color of these Dolve Vita flats.  Colors are everywhere for spring.  And I know all of us Michiganders have a lot of black and grey in our closets.  These are an easy way to add a pop of color.  I found them at Piperlime for $99.

You all know I love my animal prints, especially on my shoes!  I have a similar pair of Steve Madden flats with this pattern and I wear them all spring and summer.  They really do go with everything.  I found these at Piperlime too for $119.  If you shop at Macy's or Lord and Taylor you can most likely use a coupon code and get them for a lot less.  

Wish me luck in my one legged hobling!  

A break from fashion for some thoughts...

The week of St. Patrick's Day is always a little bittersweet for me.  It is the week we said goodbye to Grandma Maisie and so that week always brings me back.  But this year I tried to keep myself in a good place.  It was sunny and warm and I was surrounded by some very good people who loved her too.  It didn't get more Irish than her, so I always try to celebrate the way she would have wanted.  And we toasted to her with smiles and good drinks...I think she would have been proud.  I somehow made it thru the week in pretty good spirits.  And then today as I was walking in the park with the twins, we came upon a very random field of purple flowers.  They just didn't fit with the woods and dirt.  And Marci leaned down and picked one and said "Grandma Maisie is saying hi to us."  It was so sweet and so simple and just meant the world.

So tonight I find myself thinking of her some more.  And I started thinking how difficult death is on everyone.  How permanent it can feel.  We got news that some family also lost someone this past week and I just know exactly how it feels.  So I was trying to remember the things that made me feel better, still make me feel better.  The best for me is this plate my Grandma gave me for our wedding with the Irish Blessing on it.  I just have to read it and know she's there saying it with me.  Here it is for those of you who might need it -

"May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face; 

the rains fall soft upon your fields 

and until we meet again, 

may God hold you in the palm of His hand."

This verse was sent to me by a very dear friend and I often read it.

"The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14


And this verse is one that just really says it all.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4


And lastly is the song Temporary Home by Carrie Underwood. I usually turn it off if it comes on in my car because it makes me cry, but the last verse is so beautiful. The words are so beautiful. So true.

"Old Man, Hospital Bed,
The Room Is Filled With People He Loves.
And He Whispers Don't Cry For Me,
I'll See You All Someday.
He Looks Up And Says, "I Can See God's Face."

This Is My Temporary Home
It's Not Where I Belong.
Windows And Rooms That I'm Passin' Through.
This Was Just A Stop, on The Way To Where I'm Going.
I'm Not Afraid Because I Know... This Was
My Temporary Home."

New Dresses!!!

So those of you in Michigan...how AMAZING has this weeks weather been?  Everyone has been out taking walks and jogs, and the kids have been to the park everyday this week! It is not officially spring until the 21st, but with this weather I think its already safe to say its spring!  (Cross your fingers and knock on wood tho cause you never know with Michigan.)

Thinking of spring makes me think of all our upcoming Franklin family events...cause my sister in-law is getting married!  And my amazing mother in-law is turning 60!  I am so excited and looking forward to all our trips out east.  But...I need some new clothes :-)  Specifically new dresses.  I have not been shopping in so long and I will admit that I am dying to get to the stores.  So until then...I am doing some online shopping and sharing with you all.

I love the classic look and shape of this dress.  I think its so chic!  It is a Taylor Dress, found at Nordstrom for $158.  I also love that this could easily be worn with a cardigan or fitted blazer for chilly nights.  Or with black tights for winter. So many options! It would be great for a summer wedding or a fancy shower or birthday party.

How beautiful is this dress???  Sadly, it is super pricey at $358 from BCBGMaxazria.  I love shopping for dresses from this store.  They are always so beautiful and made so well.  Its usually my go-to for a special occasion dress or outfit.  I think this is just so gorgeous!  If I come into some money soon..this dress is mine.  Otherwise my accountant husband would so mad at spending this on a dress :-) 

There is really one reason I picked this dress...it reminds me of a dress from the Victoria Beckham dress line. Someday I will wear an actual Victoria Beckham dress.  But until then, I will just try to emulate her style as best on can on a budget.  This dress is so simple, yet sexy.  And I love a dress with unexpected pockets. This dress is from ASOS for only $53.72! It is a British company with so many styles and brands to choose from.  And all the ASOS brand clothes are very reasonable.  I have bought a few things from them and they are great.  The sizes are very true to what you would normally wear.  They have everything from dresses to bathing suits to shoes and accessories.  Love it!

I am going shopping soon so I will keep you posted on what I find!  

Future Fashion Icons

I usually blog about my favorite new styles and clothes for us adults.  But today I am going to write about clothes for my little fashion lovers...the twins!  One of my absolute favorite things to do is pick out their outfits every morning!  And going shopping for the clothes that they wear is just as fun!  There are some very cool stores out there now for kids clothes.  And you don't have to break the bank to get nice clothes either.

Janie and Jack has some beautiful dress clothes...buts its SO expensive.  If you are like me, you have a hard time spending so much on something a baby or toddler will grow out of in a couple months.  If you go a month or two after the new clothes come out, you can usually get a pretty decent deal.  So I would only recommend this store if you aren't in need of something specific, unless you are willing to splurge.

Another great place for kids clothes is Baby Gap.  Sometimes it can get a little pricey, but if you sign up for their emails they always send discounts to you.  And their sale rack always has a great selection so if the regular priced stuff is too much, you can almost always find something on their.  The have great casual and dressy stuff.  I got the twins Christmas outfits from there and used an email offer for 30% off!

I am not a huge fan or matchy matchy baby clothes like Gymboree has.  Sometimes I think its hard to be creative when the cuff on the pants matches the pattern on the shirt.  I know it makes it easy for moms to pick clothes out when the store matches everything like that.  But for me...I like to mix and match from everywhere!  I also must admit that I like the more trendy looks, with skulls for the boys and fur vests for the girls!  My new favorite store is called 77 kids, its an offshoot of American Eagle.  They have the coolest stuff, from newborn all the way up to size 16.  I just bought Addy 3 pairs of jeans...I swear I would wear all of them in my size too!  And the prices are so reasonable, one pair was only $13.  Last year when they first opened I found an adorable bathing suit for only $8.  If you are into the more trendy kids looks, this store is the BEST place to shop!

Here are a few pics I bribed the twins with cookies to let me take for you all to see some examples -

Blazer from Baby Gap, T-Shirt from Babies R Us, Skinny Jeans from Gymboree

Skull Sweater from Babies R Us, Skull Jeans from Baby Gap

Shirt from Nordstrom (now available), Skirt from Nordstrom, Leggings from Kohls (still available)

Sequin top from J.Crew Kids, Shorts from flea market in Florida, Tights from Babies R Us

Stay tuned for more to come!!!!