goldenpig

I have a lot of great heels in my shoe collection, but lately I've been reaching for flats a lot more because they're so much more comfy. Whether it's running around the hospital at work or running after the kids at the park, I feel like I can walk farther and faster in low heeled or flat sandals/shoes/boots.

For example, today was an office day so I decided I could wear heels and pulled out my Fauxstuds. However, I ended up having to drop the kids off at school on my way to work. We usually park a few blocks away and walk in to get to class on time instead of slogging through the carpool line traffic, which would make us late. So I was tromping through the field with the kids and my spike heels were starting to sink in to the dirt, and then I was click clacking down the sidewalk when all of the other parents were dressed in yoga pants and sneakers.

I did get lots of compliments on my shoes from my patients and coworkers, and they are fairly comfy for heels (2 3/4"). But later in the afternoon I changed into very similar studded black flats, and I was thinking how comfy they felt in comparison and how I should have worn those flats the whole day. Of course the heels always elevate (literally!) a look, but wondering if it made enough of a difference compared to the flats that it's worth it? What do you think, do you prefer the outfit with heels or flats? I liked how the flats had a matching stingray texture that matched the stingray textured tote. (And the necklace that matched the geometric pattern on my knit jacket).

I've been wondering if I should maybe purge some of my higher heels. I have a few pairs of Chie Mihara pumps and even my Tory Burch dragonfly pumps that are 3.5-4 inches. I very rarely wear them and when I do I always bring flats along to change into. Yes I know it is sacrilege to consider getting rid of these, and I do worry that I might regret getting rid of some of these works of art. but if I don't wear them for more than a couple hours at a time is it worth keeping them? Not sure of the right answer!

Classiques Entier knit blazer c/o Mary at OC swap
Black tank
Alexis Bittar necklace
Spring St. cuff
Halogen pleated leather skirt
Dagne Dover onyx stingray tote
Sam Edelman Ollies/Halogen flats

Speaking of pussy bow blouses...I went crazy for the pussy bow blouse when I first joined YLF five years ago. I had at least five! They fit perfectly with my demure bombshell style. But I haven't been wearing them lately because I felt like my style was moving in a slightly darker, edgier direction. Angie's post was a good reminder that the pussy bow blouse can still be cool!

This blouse was my favorite and was part of my "signature outfit" (http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/p.....ure-outfit) which was the outfit that I thought best defined my style (6/7). In fact I made it my profile pic and haven't changed it for the last five years! Well I pulled out the blouse and skirt to wear them in honor of Angie's post and was embarrassed to find out that the skirt no longer fits. I've gained 15 lb since then, and the skirt shows off my food baby in all its glory. I had a few moments of pity party and almost put the shirt back in shame, but then picked myself up and made it work. I picked a black leather flared skirt and studded stingray pointy black flats, my black Belle (I love the red lining and red edge leather trim), and pearl and gold spike bracelet. I think I actually like this version better! Classic with a bit of edge. Seems my style is going more from boho luxe to edgy luxe. What do you think, did I rescue this blouse, and is it finally time to update my profile pic?

ETA: And is this the "killer twee" that Angie and Xtabay were talking about? Because pussy bow blouses are definitely twee. I think I'm going to have to embrace this new moniker!

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ot-to-twee

Hinge blouse (NAS 2011)
Halogen black leather midi skirt
Halogen Olson studded black stingray print flats
MZ Wallace black Belle
Stella and Dot bracelet

Hi, sorry I've been sort of MIA the last month or so. As you know I have worn the heck out this MZ Wallace tangerine Tribeca ever since I got it a couple of years ago--orange is definitely a neutral for me! This summer I went to a girls' weekend where three out of the six of us were carrying MZ Wallace bags. I got sucked into an MZ Wallace Facebook group that the others belong to, and before I knew it I had become obsessed and had developed a whole MZ Wallace collection! I picked up the MZ Wallace Dawn small Nikki at NAS, and then the Pixel print small Sutton at the MZ Wallace pop-up store in SF (I got a 15% off introductory coupon). I also had to have the hedgehog charm and coin purse to add to my hedgehog collection including my Kate Spade cross body (#4). I love this pattern because it kind of reminds me of a galaxy print. Normally I try to stick to solids for my bags since I wear so many prints, but this one seems to work quite well with a lot of colors from blue to pink to purple to burgundy to grey. Outfit in 9-13 is one of my work-to-MOTG transition outfits. I also got several used bags from the MZW group (they have an active buy-sell-trade thread), and can show you more WIWs with the other bags if you like. I don't see much posted about this brand on here, except for Diana who seems to like them--anyone else an MZW fan? I've been posting on the FB group, but notice that there everyone seems to post just pics of their purses on their car seat (like #5). I feel like a bit of an oddball posting my outfit shots there, but I feel like I always want to see the purse in context with the outfit! I guess I'm just used to YLF style WIWs!

I'm always up for a good challenge, so since Angie has encouraged us to wear our wonderful wardrobe items, I picked something something really difficult, totally impractical but totally fabulous that I never seem to find the occasion to wear...a white tulle ballerina skirt! I bought this on impulse last year but was going to return it because I didn't think I would really ever wear it. But once DD saw this skirt she loved it and wouldn't let me return it! When she was four, she said that she wanted to be a doctor and a mommy and a princess and a ballerina when she grows up. (Now at age 8 she wants to be an inventor, a detective and a ninja). So I'm helping to role model for her that you can be all those things! I have to admit this outfit is way outside my comfort zone and I kept thinking I was going to chicken out and change into something more practical. But at the last minute I decided to put into practice my motto of "Always Be Fabulous", said WTH and went for it!

I initially wore the denim jacket to try to dress it down. I went to drop off DS1 at a new camp and got the camp tour. It was hot and I didn't really need the denim jacket for work, so I left the denim jacket off and went full on ballerina girl. Shadow persona is nowhere to be found today! I'm doing the super sweet girly girl today with the cotton candy pink cashmere sweater, white tulle ballerina skirt, pink flats, pink bird feather necklace (with pink leather and white tulle feathers) and kissing bird bracelet. Totally ridiculous to be swanning around the hospital in a tulle skirt seeing patients and doing procedures (it's OK, I cover up with mask, gown and shoe covers so I'm fully protected) but everyone loved it and several people called me a princess ballerina. All I needed to complete my look was my tiara, but that's on loan to the national museum so I had to do without. 

Bonus throwback pics of the 4 year old princess ballerina, because she is just too stinkin' cute. Miss those days!

Everlane pink cashmere sweater
Bailey 44 white tulle midi skirt
Halogen Olson studded blush flats
Kate Spade white Hayden
Stella and Dot Birdie necklace
Kate Spade bird bracelet

Cavity-inducing disclaimer: I don't mean to give you whiplash or make your teeth ache from all the sugar, but going from morbid queen of darkness holding a skull knuckle clutch one day to pastel princess holding an ice cream truck clutch the next does require a "keep your arms and legs inside the ride at all times" warning!

Also I don't think my coloring really lends itself to dressing in pastels, but I like to break the rules once in a while. What do you think, can I get away with the occasional mint or blush? I've been wearing these blush pink shoes a lot actually.

Bonus kid pics with DS2 holding my ice cream truck clutch and DD enjoying some mint chip ice cream at the county fair over the holiday weekend. Throwing in some more fun fair pics. The kids loved it especially the carousel, roller coaster, corn dogs and fireworks! Happy summer!

Banana Republic mint sweater
1.State white culottes
Halogen blush flats
Stella and Dot necklace
BR Trina Turk bracelet

More bloody fun with Hamlet and my Obsession scarf, this time with bright red! Got lots of compliments on the dress. I was going to wear my studded black heels, but went with my studded black flats instead--much more comfy for a day spent standing for procedures. I was a little overdressed to pick up the kids at swimming, but what can you do. (I didn't think to bring clothes to change into). Always be fabulous. And when in doubt, wear red!

Adrianna Papell red dress (TJ Maxx)
Alexander McQueen knuckle duster clutch and Obsession scarf
Hermes CDC red bracelet
Halogen black studded flats

Wanna know what mischief I've been up to? Here is my birthday present (DH told me I could get a fancy purse). It involves a bit of "skull"-duggery...(and I hinted that it could double as a weapon, LOL).

First we have to set the soundtrack for this post: Obsession by Animotion:

nofollow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIs5StN8J-0

Side note: could this woman be any more eighties? Neon blue peplum dress with matching blue fan, permed hair in a side pony with scrunchie, blue eyeliner, lace gloves, and those shutter shade glasses! Totally awesome to the max!

I'm in this Facebook doctor fashion group and a couple months ago someone posted that they bought this Alexander McQueen knuckle box clutch with skulls on it. I was instantly obsessed and I've been thinking about it ever since. Just gorgeous. I started looking into the brand more and it really appeals to my shadow persona--I love goth, punk, skulls, black and gunmetal, Victoriana, insects, pretty with an edge. Why have I not gotten into this line before?!

My shopping outfit was in 1-2. Stopped by Chanel to get a bottle of nail polish (Ballerina), because my manicure that DH got me for my birthday is already chipped (with a full time job and three kids, there is no way that was going to last long). It is funny how wearing a Chanel bag gets you lots of attention from the SAs. I even saw the SA who sold me the bag and she said, "I didn't recognize you at first but then I saw your bag and remembered who you were." Hahaha.

Then I went to the Alexander McQueen store. I went specifically to see this knuckle clutch. But then I realized my phone (iPhone 6 Plus) is too big to fit! Darn it! So I looked at some alternatives (6-7) which could fit my phone, but I just didn't love them as much. They were cheaper and larger but I wasn't feeling it. The wallet on chain in 6 had really sharp studs so it wasn't nice to hold. And I already have a large black studded satchel (though not with a skull padlock like that one) and I liked the Obsession print bag but not the giant logo on the front. In the end though I decided to go with the one that really spoke to me, practicality be damned. It's pretty much a fancy lipstick case (fits a mini card case, key and lipstick), but I don't care. It'll be a great evening bag, or I can just toss it in my other bag and take it out to pet during the day, LOL. It's so fun to put my fingers through the rings and run my fingers over the smooth little nubs--it's like sensory stress relief therapy! I'm going to call him Hamlet (I like that better than Yorick). And you can call me Queen Impractical Clutch. Hamlet can join my polar bear on ice, ice cream truck, camera, and hedgehog. I swore I wouldn't buy any more clutches, yet here we are. Someone stage an intervention if I ever want another whimsical clutch!

I loved the Obsession print as well. Hummingbirds, butterflies, flowers, skulls, jewels, lipstick--it's got everything a girl could want! I looked at the shirt or dress but they were super expensive. The scarf was much more affordable, and I never have to worry about my body changing--it will always fit!

So here's the purse and scarf with my leather moto, ripped jeans and tee (8-9) and with a skirt outfit that I wore to work (13-20). I wondered briefly if it was appropriate for a doctor to wear skulls to work, but I figured if it's appropriate enough for Princess Kate to wear to Wimbledon (21), it's good enough for me!

1-2. BR leather moto, Suburban Riot Happy Camper tee (I bought because DD's upcoming birthday party will be a backyard campout sleepover), Vigoss distressed jeans, Ugg moto boots, Spring bracelet, Alexis Bittar necklace, Chanel Boy.

13-20. BR leather moto, Target zip shirt, Vince Camuto tube skirt, Tildon dragonfly cuff, Topshop booties, Alexander McQueen Obsession scarf and knuckle duster clutch.

Thank you all so much for your lovely YLF birthday wishes! You made me feel so happy and really made my day special.

I had a fun day, full of cake (for breakfast, lunch and dinner!), and was spoiled rotten by DH and the family. It started with apple crumb cake & blueberries with a homemade smoothie for breakfast. Then we went to a birthday party for one of DS1's friends (I joked that I got a free birthday party!). The kids had fun swimming.

Then afterward DH surprised me with a mani-pedi that he had arranged in advance. He pretended like he wanted me to hop down and get something at the grocery for him, but when we got there he said I had an appointment for a deluxe mani-pedi and he would be back in an hour and a half to get me. So he watched the kids and I got to sip champagne and get my arms and legs massaged and nails painted. DH definitely got the raw end of the deal on that one, as DS2 cried and cried the whole time for me. He threw a huge tantrum because he wanted me, and kept kicking DH and throwing things at him and then stripped off all his clothes (he does that when he's mad). He only put them back on when DH said, "It's time to go pick up Mommy", and then promptly fell asleep in the car.

Then we came home and DH made a wonderful birthday dinner for me, with flank steak with chimichurri sauce, caramelized onions and tomatoes, lemon-mint orzo and crisp green beans. He baked a cake which the kids decorated for me and got me a beautiful purple flower bouquet. I have a memory book that I have the kids write in instead of giving me cards for Mother's Day and my birthday. All 3 kids drew pictures, including DS2 who drew "Mama in a boat with a pink fish in the water" and "Mama holding a balloon and a pear." 

I got myself some small gifts--a couple of jewelry organizers (see the bracelet rack). DH promised me I could get something nice. I had been interested in a Goyard bag, but when I went to the SF store a few days ago I tried on the totes and the strap drop was too small on the small bag. I'm interested in a different bag with a zipper but they only sell it in NY and Beverly Hills so I'm planning to wait on that one. I would want to try it on in person since the handles may be too snug. So instead I am interested in a different gift...I am going to take a look at it in the next couple of days when I can get downtown. I'll give you a hint--it's for my shadow style, and could potentially be used as a weapon. ;)

Oh, I wore my favorite H&M floral pants (DH called them clown pants when he first saw them so I think of them as my clown pants), and what better bag to celebrate my birthday with than the orange slice bag--always brings a smile to my face! And cake for every meal too!

Karen Kane white shirt, H&M floral pants, Paul Green Cayanne, Banana Republic Trina Turk bracelet, Charming Charlie pineapple necklace, and Kate Spade orange slice bag.

Love Angie's ensemble of combining dressy skirts with denim. I certainly have plenty of dressy skirts to choose from! I already did blue denim shirt with a dressy skirt  (6/7) so this time I'm trying white denim instead. Last time I wore this floral set with a pink cardigan (5), but I think this gives a nice slightly more casual twist. And I'm getting a lot of use out of these blush pink flats!

AE white cropped denim jacket, Kate Spade hazy floral silk tank, midi skirt and matching purse, Halogen studded blush flats, Charming Charlie rose gold rose necklace, Kate Spade bird bracelet.

I was inspired by Shevia's post about Parisienne style to try a Parisienne-inspired outfit myself. I started with a black cashmere sweater and added plain white jeans and metallic sandals. Of course a French scarf (my only chance to add some color!), and a bronze bag (also French!) to mix black and tan. Had to ditch the Apple watch for something more old school/less trendy, and paired it with an elegant bracelet. But I still indulged my matchy-matchy sense with turquoise toenails to match my scarf. And wore big French sunnies to maintain that "I'm a French movie star" air. Et voila! How did I do?

I got lots of compliments on my outfit today, especially on the scarf. A lot of people said I looked so chic, The funny thing is, I'm not sure it felt 100% my style. I kept thinking, this is fun, but I wouldn't want to dress this way all the time. I love my bright colors, lots of prints, matchy matchy and whimsy, so doing neutrals and uniform dressing and minimalist understated chic might get boring rather quickly for me. I'm glad we live where we do and can feel free to embrace a wide variety of styles! I like to play dress up and be Parisienne one day, colorful and feminine Kate Spade-like the next, and then tough and edgy UWP. I can admire French style and try it out, but not feel like I need to aspire to or emulate it all the time. Vive le difference!

Everlane black cashmere sweater
Kut from the Kloth Chrissy flares
Hermes scarf
Lacoste sunnies
Longchamp metallic tote
Burberry watch
Alexis Bittar bracelet
Paul Green Cayanne sandals