Fashion Challenge: Brown? Cognac? Both...

Today's Fashion Challenge neutral color was cognac.  I googled cognac color and the image results came up with a wide range of medium brownish shades.  I was pretty unsure where to go with it so I picked different shades of brown in the hopes one of them would be cognac.  Since I missed out on yesterday's color of brown if none of my choices are cognac, I'm doing brown a day late.

Little Frankie is modeling his cute self in these photos as well.  Its was also too much effort to get the tripod out and watch the puppy so I'm back to using the deck railing and tables as perches.  Considering all that, I think my photos turned out pretty darn well.

Cardigan: H&M-Orange ruffle cardigan-$20
Dress: H&M-Khakhi shirt dress-$35
Tights: Marshalls-Brown striped tights-$4
Shoes: Kmart-Flats with buckles-$8

Be sure to check out the other lovely bloggers participating in the Fashion Challenge this week.  You can find links at Casual Chic Kiki or Megan Mae Daily.

Fashion Challenge: Neutral Black

This week I'm participating in the Fashion Challenge hosted by Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki.  The theme this time around is neutrals.  Some of you may have noticed I have a pretty darn colorful wardrobe and could use a little help with wearing neutrals.  So this week I'm going to stay away from my safe colorful items and try out some neutral looks.  Today's neutral color of choice is black.  I'm often criticized by my best friend for the distinct lack of black in my wardrobe and I dedicate this post to you Rupie!

Jacket-White Elephant Sale Oakland, CA-Grey 3/4 sleeve jacket-$3
Top-H&M-Black and white printed poofy sleeve top-$10
Skirt-Clothing Swapped-FREE!
Tights: Nordstrom Rack-Polka dot tights-$4
Shoes:Ross-Black Flats-$14
Approximate Total Cost-$31

I'm pretty sure this is the most black I've ever worn in an outfit.  I don't even own a quintessential little black dress!  I wanted my outfit to consist mostly of black (grey is a shade of black, right?) but still be young and playful.  I think I accomplished this by pairing my black skirt with polka dot tights, an eye catching black and white printed top and my favorite floral embellished black flats.

Be sure to check out the other fashion challenge takers, listed here!

Tomorrow everyone will be wearing grey!  So I guess it doesn't really count as a shade of black, BUT I can wear my jacket again, right?

Hosting Thanksgiving

My husband and I hosted our first thanksgiving dinner in our new home. My husband woke up early to BBQ the turkey in the rain. And between the two of us we made mash potatoes, cornbread souffle, gravy, cranberry sauce and provided some appetizers.  My husband and I got the house cleaned our dishes prepared well before the guests expected arrival time of 10:00AM.  We sat around anxiously twiddling our thumbs for nearly an hour and half before the first guests arrived.  Consequently, dinner was served a little later than usual, but no complaints were heard.  My husband family's Thanksgiving is done potluck style so the rest of the feast was brought by guests and included green bean casserole, corn and jalapeno chowder, stuffing, yams, coleslaw, and fruit salad .  There were probably 8 different types of dessert! All of which were barely touched, everyone was too full from dinner to even think of dessert.

Skirt: Fab India-Blue with grey diamond pattern-Hand me down from my cousin
Top:Forever 21-Grey Tee-$4
Necklace:Macy's-Copper colored beaded necklace-Gift from my nephew
Flower pin: H&M-$3
Earrings-Gift from Mom
Shoes:Old Navy-Silver strapped sandals-S20
Approximate Total Cost~$27 

 I thought our living room was a decent size until after dinner nearly 20 adults were standing and sitting around watching football and the room suddenly felt half the size!  The weather was a little drizzly so most of the time everyone was indoors making our home quite cozy and warm.  

Beautiful pie made by my mommy

Our Thanksgiving feast!

I apologize for not posting much these past two weeks.  Things have been pretty busy with Thanksgiving planning and life in general.  I'm way behind on reading my favorite blogs, but I'm going to try doing a massive catch up session tomorrow.  

Superhero tights

Every time I wear these tights with my black boots I feel like a superhero as I bought them originally for my Incredibles costume. My sweater dress is a little out of my comfort zone.  I tend to wear dresses that flare away from the body at the skirt and hide my hips and rear.  This dress clings to the body now and I was a little self conscious at first walking around in it.  But I remembered I had my superhero tights on and decided I must look SUPER and that's why everyone was staring!

Dress: H&M- Black short sleeve sweater dress-Gift from cousin-FREE!
Belt:Francesca's Collections- Black flower belt-$10
Tights: H&M-Red Tights-$5
Boots:Ross-Aerosoles Black Boots-S20
Approximate Total Cost~$35

My husband and our friend Myles put wood tread on  the stairs and a new hand rail! Doesn't it look spiffy?

Shopping Ban Outfit #13

I'm staring to get worried how my shopping ban will affect my holiday shopping or most likely how my holiday shopping with affect my shopping ban.  I love going out the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas for the great deals and mad rush at the mall.  Parking and people can be a nightmare, but its the nightmares, annoyances and such that make for great storytelling later.  Such as the time it took us over an hour to exit a parking garage, we were only parked on the second floor :O!  Or when I was 16, had my license for maybe 5 months max, and had a panic attack while trying to find parking....good times! 

Do you like to go out the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas? Are you the type to wake up super early for those special deals? Or, are you like my husband and have your Christmas shopping done in mid-November?

I bought this sweater because I loved the color and the fact that it was 70% off.  I held it up and figured a size small would work and didn't bother to try it on.  Apparently, I didn't look closely because the armpit region features a pretty big arm hole that makes it look like I have flying squirrel arms...not the biggest fan of this look, but I'm learning to like it.  Its much easy to wear a layer underneath, as I don't have to worry about the sleeves bunching up under my arm!

Sweater: GAP Outlet- Green pull over sweater-$12
Shirt: Marshalls-Grey button up ruffle shirt-$8 (also worn here)
Jeans: Macy's-Levis Bold Curve ID dark wash-$58
Shoes:H&M Green sneakers-$12
Approximate Total Cost-$90

Chandi chowk Chilli Powder

Today I was pouring chilli powder into a spice jar and the scent and sting I sensed reminded me of walking the streets of Chandi chowk in Delhi.  On my last trip to India, my best friend came too and we attended my cousin's wedding and crammed a whole lot of sightseeing in two weeks.  On what was supposed to be our last day there, we decided to do some last minute sightseeing and visit one of the oldest neighborhoods and markets in Delhi.  My cousin warned us we might have a sneezing fest from all the spices in the air, but its something you have to experience to believe.  The number of shops, people, restaurants, sights and smells in such a small area can be quite the sensory overload.  There is a street named after and devoted to paranthe, a fried stuffed bread!

This was the furthest I could stand to get a picture of her without being inside of a shop!

We left Chandi Chowk and took two rickshaws to an adjacent neighborhood where my grandfather had a bookstore and printing company after the partition.  My aunt almost fell off while trying to get on, the driver had already started peddling!

This is most likely where my grandfathers store was...no one is exactly sure.

Apparently, its also a pretty conservative area and I was later told I shouldn't have worn a tank top though if it was really that big of an issue I'm sure my aunts would have said something before we left the house. We took the Metro train to get there and its probably the cleanest thing in Delhi, seriously.  Its spotless and they don't allow you to take photos inside...the security officer made me delete a photo right there in front of him.

Me and my friend outside of the Metro entrance.

After we left the Chandi chowk, we had lunch at a trendy Chinese restaurant that had the best soup ever. And you know that soup had to be excellent if we finished our bowls clean in July in 100+ degree weather. My friend and I are still searching for the recipe!

So chilli powder Chandi chowk story aside, here's my outfit for today!  Its a frumpy cozy outfit, perfect for a rainy day like today.

Blazer: White Elephant Sale Oakland, Ca-Blue Petite Talbots Blazer-$6
Sweater: Thrift Town-Green 3/4 sleeve sweater-$2
Skirt: H&M-Floral Print Skirt-$20
Tights: Brown tights-Hand me down-FREE!
Shoes: Nordstrom Rack-Not Rated Oxford flats-$25
Approximate Total Cost~ $53

These shoes are ridiculously soft and comfy.  I know they look a little elf like but I like them. Since my top and blazer are thrifted I'm linking up with Thursdays are for Thrifters at Spunky Chateau.  Don't you just love her blogs name!

Fall Trends Redo

So if you've been following along this week, you know that was partaking in the Fashion Challenge Fall Trends edition.  I really enjoyed doing the challenge, but felt two of my outfits needed a redo.  The first being Mondays "Snake or Leopard" and yesterdays "Fall Brights".  And, since these are two of my favorites for this fall, it fits with today's task of fall favorites.

Need to leave for a Halloween party soon I'm cutting my rambling short.

Top:H&M-Leopard Print top-$12 (Previously worn here)
Skirt:Anthropologie-Tomato Picking Skirt-$70 (Previously worn here)
Sweater :Francesca's Closet-Teal Open cardigan-$4
Shoes:Mervyn's-Square tow wedge heels-too old to remember

I bothered to part my hair today.

Sometimes you feel like brights

and sometimes brights just hate you.

Today's fashion challenge was to wear "Fall Brights" one of the current trends that I love. I woke up this morning ready to wear a colorful outfit, but everything I had put together in mind FAILED.  I even arranged my skirts in ROYGBIV order this morning, when I realized I had enough range in color to do so! I was so ready for the challenge.

Had this idea to wear hot pink and cobalt blue together.  Saw it on a blog yesterday (cant remember which one).  Its a color combination I haven't tried before.  Unfortunately it didn't work out.  One hot pink shirt was too long to wear over my skirt and too baggy to wear under.  The other has thin straps and is a layering piece...I can't do spaghetti straps anymore...my giant bra straps show and strapless bras aren't my friend :(.  So I decided to throw on my khaki dress and wear my dress as an over shirt. Didn't like that either. Where the skirt hit my waist and the waist of the dress didn't mesh.  It was too much of a bother to pin it SO I just wore the dress with my favorite scarf as a belt.

In conclusion, I more mostly neutrals for fall brights day.  Maybe I'll try hot pink and cobalt again another day.

I just like my hair in this picture

Dress: H&M: Khaki shirt dress-$35
Shirt:Express-Pink lace layer tank-$10
Shoes: Nordstrom Rack-Not Rated Oxfords-$25
Scarf-From Turkey, a gift from a friend-FREE!
Approximate Total Cost~$70

 And, you should really check out what the other lovely challenge takers wore today! I feel like a failure.  But a cute failure.

Happy Diwali!

Diwali is celebrated by Indians across the world.  An interesting thing about holidays in India is they are often celebrated regardless of religion or region.  The same day will be celebrated in a variety of ways commiserating different events or ideas. So Diwali has different meanings for different people. You can read all about Diwali on wikipedia.

Today's outfit is Shopping Ban Outfit #7.  I was wearing my cream colored heels with bows on them but while taking photos I stepped through a wet patch in the yard and lost the little plastic piece on both heels!  Well, that will teach me to thrift shoes :P

I'm also participating in the Fashion Challenge of wearing a midi or maxi shirt. I think with my petite frame wearing a midi skirt can be challenging and so does Sage at Sweet and Sage who blogged about the same issue today.  I personally like the fit of a fuller midi length skirt and shy away from something that clings to the body or makes my bottom half look slim and straight.  I look for something that shows a good amount of calf otherwise I feel like I'm drowning in material or look stumpy.

Also, since it is Diwali I wanted to wear something Indian but still follow the Fashion Challenge. This skirt was made in India! But bought at Ross.  I like printed skirts especially Indian or other ethnic designs but always have a hard time figuring out what top to wear with them.

Skirt:Ross-Black and white print skirt-$7
Top:H&M-White Sleeveless top with bow-$13
Shoes: Cream peep toe kitten heels with bow :( -$3
Approximate Total Cost~23 

Ok so since its Diwali I've decided it would be nice to share some Punjabi music with you guys.  If highly repetitive upbeat music that makes you want to dance is your thing then go ahead and play them.  If not that's okay, I won't force you to listen or like it.



I just love Juggy D. His dancing makes me smile and laugh.  I don't know if any of you spotted him, but Jay Sean is in this video. Its from back when he sang more fusion songs.

Neither of these songs are very recent...I add to my collection of Punjabi music slowly and rarely get sick of songs.  

Shopping Ban Outfit #6

Shopping Ban status update:

I'm enjoying the challenge and the added benefit of my personal checking account balance staying relatively the same.  I've worn nine of the challenge pieces out of 26, though I haven't photographed all of them.  Unless it makes it to the blog it doesn't count which makes my true total 6.  I went to the thrift store today to find some halloween decorations and my husbands costume and it was hard not to browse the clothing for myself.  I tried on one thing and lucky the fit was horrible otherwise my challenge may have come to a quick end.

I also have a little wager going with my friend.  She has banned herself from something as well (yes, i'm going to be secretive and not tell).  Whoever breaks their challenge first has to buy the other Pinkberry yogurt.  Either way I get yogurt so its a win-win situation.

I wore this outfit last week, just didn't post it in a timely fashion.

Wearing Shopping Ban item #11, Blue ruffle button-up shirt

Top:Express-Blue Button-up with frills-$15
Pants:Nordstrom Rack-Black cropped dress pants-$20
Shoes: Macy's-Style Co. Grey kitten heels-Gift from Mom-FREE!
Coat-H&M Black and White patterned-$20
Approximate Total Cost-$55

I think I need to work on looking less confused in pictures...its my default expression.  In college I'd have professors stop lecture to ask if I had a question or were confused. Nope, its just my thinking face. 

Tahoe Blue, Shopping Ban Outfit: #3

This weekend my husband and I went to  Lake Tahoe for the GSKA Martial Arts Championship Tournament.  My husband is a martial artist and volunteers year round for the GSKA.  I like to say I married into the GSKA family.  I'm not a martial artist, but I do volunteer at any tournament I can make it to.  And, a yearly weekend trip to Tahoe in October is nothing to complain about.

The weather Friday was picture perfect.  While my husband helped set up for the tournament, me and my friend ran off to beach at Zephyr Cove and enjoyed the warm sunshine, blue skies and spectacular views.

One thing I love about Tahoe is that you can see a juxtaposition of things usually not related.  Such as pine cones on the beach or ducks in the snow.  (The only snow on this trip was on the distant peaks)

I wore my third shopping ban outfit on Friday consisting of a lovely colorful tunic, a pair of jeggings, gold wedges, danging earrings and one of my favorite purses.   I don't really like wearing jeggings or skinny jeans. They aren't very flattering on my short legs.  These bunch at the bottom and I don't wear them often enough to bother hemming them.  And, apparently my hair was super poofy and voluminous...and excuse the wrinkly top, my husband likes me to do the long distance driving.

Top:H&M-Floral print tunic top-$10
Jeggings:Target-$22
Shoes:Nordstrom Rack-Gold Wedge Heels-$25
Purse: Kohl's-Mustard bag-Gift from my aunt-FREE!
Earrings: Gift from my cousin-FREE!
Approximate Total Cost-$57

Inspiration Monday....on Wednesday

I keep finding new and cool fashion blog challenges, such as Inspiration Monday or Fashion Challenge!  So Monday's inspiration photo is of Elizabeth Olsen wearing a floral print pencil skirt, black top, owl necklace ( i think) and some black pumps.

And here's my interpretation...

Top:Target-Black V-neck tank-$5 (similar here)
Skirt:H&M-Floral Print(reviewed)-$20 (similar here)
Flower: San Jose Flea Market-$1
Shoes:Payless Shoe Source-Cream and Brown Peep Toe-Too old to remember...I think I got them in college (similar here)
Bracelet and Earrings: Gifts from someone and my husband respectively-FREE
Total Approximate Cost-$26

 I added the flower because it was just too much black for me. I needed a little pop of color.  I'm trying to wear more neutrals, especially black.  Bought this top just for that purpose. I loved it in purple but grabbed the black at the last minute.  Its really hard to wear a color more if you don't own it (also why I bought the skirt here) :P.  And speaking of shopping, I have decided to ban myself from buying new things until I wear everything in my closet that is new and never worn before.  It started with today's outfit both the top and skirt are new and previously unworn.  I've had the top since the end of August...shows you how much i like black.

Again, my failed attempts at twirling.  Three takes and I don't really like any of them...but they make for pretty good blooper shots :P.  The one on the right I was literally spinning around, got dizzy, stopped and  saw the crazy red blinking light and shutter go off. And that facial expression is totally channeling my dad.

Any tips on how to twirl better? Or capture a picture of said twirling?

Also Linked to Color Brigade