Aztec and Ankle Boots

"Real style is never right or wrong. It's a matter of being yourself on purpose."

It's Thumping Thursday which means we are one day closer to the weekend. That along is reason enough to smile!  I've had a very busy and trying week but I decided to take a quick moment to snap a quick phone pic.  As you can see, I have not done a very good job maintaining my blog.  **insert look of shame**  Instead of making excuses, I will just make more of an effort to get here and get to posting!  If for nothing else to keep a journal of my personal style.

Today I wanted to be dressy yet comfortable so I decided to wear a dress.  I absolutely love wearing dresses.  I can't explain why but for some reason I just feel prettier in a dress....well...most dresses.  I snagged this cute little peplum hem dress from one of Ann Taylor's awesome 60 or 70 percent off sales.  My first thought was to pair it with a blazer but I went for comfort and threw on my aztec cardigan.  I was actually pretty pleased with the look.  I added a few minimal accessories and a pair of ankle boots and I was out the door.

Wearing:  Ann Taylor Sweater Dress|  Hue tights|  Random Aztec Cardigan| Jessica Simpson Denver Booties

Speaking of ankle books, let me just say, this time last year I would have never worn a pair of ankle boots.  I have always been a little self conscious about my legs.  I hated seeing a gap of any size between my legs/ankle and the boot.  As I viewed more fashion blogs and magazines, I decided to give it a try.  Now I can't stop buying booties!  I absolutely love this look.  When I think of all the cute booties I have left at the store over the years because of a silly insecurity, I could slap myself.

What about you?  Do you find a particular fashion trend appealing but are afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone?

Lipstick Anyone?

Before I had my son, it was nothing to get up in the morning and fix myself up before work.  After my son arrived, I could not figure out how on earth I had the time, energy or even desire to do that.  Soon I started just putting on clothes that were clean and wearing my hair in a ponytail.  I went from putting effort in my appearance to really not caring.  I don't know about you but when I look better I feel better.  After my son got a little older, I challenged myself to find my way back to Ton before she was too far gone.

One of the challenges I have given myself is to get back to wearing makeup.  Although I used to wear makeup often before my son, I have never had a nice variety of lipsticks.  I usually stick with a nude Mac lipglass such as Spite or C-Thru and wear that baby with everything.  Well lately, I have started stepping out of my comfort zone.  I will admit, when I first apply the lipstick, I feel like Homey the Clown.  I've had to force myself not to remove it on a few occasions.

Here are two of my recent experiences with lipstick.  I have had NYX Shocking Pink lipstick for quite sometime.  I believe I may have gotten it while I was expecting.  I believe I read somewhere that it is a dupe for some Mac lip color (don't make me lie). Any who, on Thanksgiving I was wearing dark colors with a colorful scarf.  I decided to give Shocking Pink a try.  I am glad I did!  I was very pleased with the results.

Today I decided to step WAY out of my comfort zone and try something totally different.  A few months ago I saw one of my fav IG chicks wearing a very pretty shade of brown.  I stalked and stalked but I could not find the particular shade and brand she was wearing.  My search lead me to my beloved Pinterest and I discovered another NYX lipstick Maison.  Apparently this shade is very popular, I was searching for Maison and two other shades for a little longer than I anticipated.  I am happy to have found Maison but I will be even happier to find the other two. But back to Maison, when I got home and tried on the lipstick, I felt foolish.  A brown lippie looks very different on people and mine certainly did NOT look like the inspiration picture.  I decided to try the lipstick again after applying a foundation and eyeliner.  I will admit that I am not head over heels for this color but the longer I wore it today the more I liked it!  Now how special is that? Any who, here is a pic of me this morning in my NYX Maison.

What about you?  Do you have a favorite lippie?  Who is it by?  Help this milady resurrect her swag style.