What I Wore

This week was a good representation of how to remix. I wore many of the same pieces twice, but never when I saw the same people. I am so glad for the spring weather and bright spring colors to wear!

Old Navy blouse and belt, Bags that Fit cardigan, JCP skirt, Forever Young shoes, Forever 21 trench

WHEN: Sunday, March 25

WHERE: Church

GETTING CREATIVE: No neutrals here... I love all the colors! I bought the tank top from Old Navy on clearance and it was a size too big. I had to alter it and shorten the straps but it was worth it for that cute print. I think I was subconsciously inspired by Kendi (as usual). Can I tell you how much I LOVE my new orange trench???

Bella Bird (Walmart) shirt, Forever 21 cardigan, Charlotte Russe necklace, Bags that Fit belt, JCP skirt, Payless boots, Kohl's sunglasses

WHEN: Tuesday, March 27

WHERE: Work

GETTING CREATIVE: I was excited about my new skirt and wanted to wear it to work as well. I will probably wear that first outfit to work sometime soon, but it was cooler so I needed the boots. This outfit is completely stolen from Audrey. And I love it.

Old Navy shirt, Target cardigan, Forever 21 pants, Forever Young shoes

WHEN: Friday, March 30

WHERE: Work and my mom's big birthday bash (more on that next week)

GETTING CREATIVE: I wanted to be dressed in bright fun colors for the party so I remixed the blouse and came up with this. Don't mind the sour look. It was late.

Can we talk about my hair for just a sec? Can you tell in this last photo that I chopped it again? It's shorter, and a lot thinner. I think I really like it. The first day of doing it myself (Friday) went really well, but this morning was a bit tougher. What do you think?

Have a great weekend! I will be enjoying LDS general conference today and tomorrow and can't wait!

These are a Few of My Favorite Pins

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Aubree on Pinterest

I love these pretty paper tulips. I hope they are easy to make!

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Aubree on Pinterest

This is so cute! I love the idea! Most of my nieces are too young, but I will be mentally filing this away for future birthday gifts.

Source: puttingmetogether.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Since I just a pencil skirt (debuting in What I Wore tomorrow!), I pinned this for some outfit inspiration.

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Aubree on Pinterest

This pinwheel bouquet is stunning! It's inspired a big project I am working on right now, but I can't say more than that so I don't spoil any surprises!

I hope you have a creative weekend! I am throwing a party for my mom's birthday on Friday night that I have put a lot of creative energy into. Saturday is LDS general conference which means I will have some time for a small project while listening to the speakers. I have it all planned out... and should result in an awesome tutorial for you all!

See you tomorrow for What I Wore.

Modest Sea Winner and Discount!

Drum roll please.....

The winner of the Modest Sea Swimsuit is.... comment #6

Bethany said...

I love the Stephanie and Kara! So cute and feminine! :D
Bethany

CONGRATULATIONS!!! We'll be in touch soon!

Jealous of Bethany? Not to fear... you can get a discount on your order from Modest Sea. For the next two week, receive 20% off your order just for being a Yellow Blackbird reader!

After choosing the swimwear, and adding it to your “bag”, proceed to checkout. It is required to have a user account in order to make a purchase. After logging in and choosing a shipping and payment methods, there is a box to type in the code 507090. After entering it and pressing the update subtotal key, you will be able to see the discount applied.

Happy Shopping!

Defining My Style: Using Pinterest

Since I have been blogging and posting my outfits (about 1 1/2 years now) I have really been working on defining my style, becoming a smarter shopper (not wasting money!), and most of all, being confident in what I wear. For the next little while I want to occasionally share what I have been doing to define my style.

In February I shared with you this link to the No Brainer Wardrobe. I loved the idea of making a board on Pinterest where I could collect images of outfits that just "spoke to me" and seem to really reflect my style. Click here to see the entire board I made. Here is a sampling of some of the images from the board that reflect what I see as my personal style:

Source: rebelattitudes.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Source: capecodcollegiate.tumblr.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Source: mommagoround.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Source: avestyles.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Source: puttingmetogether.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Source: thankfulforsight.tumblr.com via Aubree on Pinterest

After several weeks of collecting pins, I analyzed them and made a list of things that make up my style. Now, some of these items are trendy, but some I have liked for years and years (even before the trend- such as stripes) and I know I will like them for a long time. Maybe some of these things will fade and I will have to rework the list (such as maxi skirts/dresses). However, having a solid base of things I like in my wardrobe will allow for some trendy purchases.

Patterns: Stripes, polka dots, floral

Colors: Yellow, red, blue, orange- the colors straight out of the crayon box and some shade variances

Style: Nautical, ladylike, structured

Items:

• Jackets and blazers
• Cropped pants
• Skinny and flared pants
  
• Belts
• Big necklaces
• Maxis
• Midi skirts (solids and prints)
• Pencil skirts
• Boots
• Wedges
• Pretty blouses with high necklines and many possibilities
• Cardigans
  

I knew I wanted to get several new items for this spring so I made a shopping list of things that I was missing from the above list (or just wanted!).

• Jacket
• Cropped pants in colors that coordinate with my wardrobe
• Solid pencil and midi skirt
• Wedges in colors that coordinate with my wardrobe
• Pretty blouses... no t-shirts and no funky patterns

I have done a lot of shopping over the last few weeks and feel that I have done a good job at purchasing items that will be remixable and not regret purchases. In an upcoming post I will show you all I bought and together we can analyze it and see how I did. In yet another part of this series I want to examine items in my closet that were good purchases and analyze why. I will also look for items that I regret buying and find out why. This will enable me to make another list... a list of items to avoid purchasing. I think that will help me to avoid making poor choices in the future.

Do you have any suggestions of other exercises or tactics I can use to be a smarter shopper? Do share!!!

What I Wore

Old Navy shirt, Ross Jeans, Payless boots, Charlotte Rusee necklace, Forever 21 bracelet

WHEN: Saturday, March 17

WHERE: Family St. Patrick's Day party

GETTING CREATIVE: Last week I said that I was unsure about what to wear for St. Patrick's day... not having much green. Then I went shopping and found this cute green striped top at Old Navy so I bought it. I wore this brightly colored necklace backwards because I thought it resembled 4 leaf clovers on the gold side.

Old dress, Target cardigan and shoes, Walmart tights, Ross belt

WHEN: Sunday, March 18

WHERE: Church

GETTING CREATIVE: Winter came back for a few days so I got in another day of wearing my red tights. Nothing too special about this outfit but I think my hair looks good in this photo. :)

Express shirt, Forever 21 cardigan, Old Navy belt, Gap skinnies, Madden Girl boots, Target scarf (gift)

WHEN: Sometime this week... maybe Wednesday?

WHERE: Work

GETTING CREATIVE: I love all the yellow and mint green combos I have been seeing on Pinterest lately (example) and even though this scarf isn't mint I used it anyway.

Old Navy shirt, pants, belt, Forever Young shoes, Charlotte Russe necklace

WHEN: Friday, March 24

WHERE: Work and Friday night date

GETTING CREATIVE: I decided to wear the green shirt to work this week too. I am glad that it has been warm! I matched the shoes and belt here obviously, but I like it. I wore this with a navy cardigan which made it look less slouchy. I got a lot of compliments on this ensemble but I don't know if I am loving it in the picture...

These are a Few of My Favorite Pins

Hi friends. Sorry I haven't been around much (at all) this week. I have been too busy remodeling a bedroom into an exercise room, planning my mom's big birthday party next week, and, well, shopping. But more about that later. For now, here are some of the most interesting and inspiring Pinterest/Internet finds of the week.

Source: deelightfulstudios.blogspot.com via Aubree on Pinterest

It all starts with this. Just go create something. Right now.

Source: etsy.com via Aubree on Pinterest

I've decided that I hate wearing flip flops so I like this upcycle idea.

Source: 100layercake.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Beautiful paper medallion background.

Source: fashionfractions.com via Aubree on Pinterest

I love the colors and stripes in this outfit. But undoubtedly, every time you wear red and blue to a jr high you are repeatedly told that you look like the 4th of July. Come on kiddos, red and blue are more than just patriotic!

What I Wore

This week was beautiful! We even got to go outside to take pictures. I also wore several outfits that I was pleased with so great stuff all around!

H&M shirt, Forever 21 cardigan, Old Navy pants, Target shoes and belt, Charlotte Russe necklace

WHEN: Thursday, March 15

WHERE: Work

GETTING CREATIVE: I loved this outfit. It was inspired by this pin and I am just happy with how it turned out. I like the rolled sleeves... it adds dimension and made it perfect for the temperature.

Charlotte Russe shirt, Target cardigan, New York & Co. pants, Payless shoes and bangles

WHEN: Wednesday March 14

WHERE: Work

GETTING CREATIVE: I rolled up my pants to make some crops for the warm weather. This shirt is really pretty close up, btw.

Bags that Fit cardigan, made by me skirt and socks, Madden girl boots

WHEN: Sunday, March 18

WHERE: Church (I also wore this to work the next day with a pink and orange striped cardigan but it didn't look quite as cute.)

GETTING CREATIVE: I really like when I can wear handmade stuff. : ) I wore this skirt on the first day of school and don't think that I have worn it since seeing as how it is very springy/summery. Adding the sweater and boots made it perfect for a March day.

Bags that Fit dress, Wet Seal (?) jacket, Forever Young shoes, Target belt

WHEN: Friday, March 16

WHERE: Work

GETTING CREATIVE: Yesterday Kendi talked about fancy Friday. I often like to dress up on Fridays too. This out was inspired by a pin. While my outfit is different, I like the way it turned out... even if the wind makes it a bit too clingy. :)


I still haven't decided what to wear for St. Patty's Day today. I wore a green patterned hoodie and sparkly Toms out to breakfast this morning, but I might change for our family party tonight. I like looking festive, but I am a little short on green clothes since I have been cleaning out my closet. I found some green Calvin Klein pants at Ross yesterday that I desperately wanted to buy that would have been perfect today. I resisted though. Well, anyway... have a lucky day!

Be Inspired|Get Creative

I have spent several weeks composing this monthly feature. I really hope you can find some fresh creative inspiration from these links. Please let me know if you find anything you like and if this was helpful!

Crafts/DIY:

I love book page crafts. This blog post has 20 GORGEOUS ideas of crafting with book pages.

However, this video is claiming that maps are new the book pages. I about DIED when I saw this. Must. Get. Maps. Now.

Then later I found this compilation of of some delicious map projects that you must simply go look at or your life will not be complete.

The ever creative Alisa Burke showed how to get creative with crayons. She is also offering a free online class on Finding Your Muse.

Style:

Need help "reimagining" the items in your wardrobe? Putting Me Together has a great article on how to do just that. Then click around and look for her other remixable wardrobe articles.

Did you see the results from the Winter Remix Challenge over at What I Wore? It's chock full of what to wear inspiration.

Kristine shared some ideas on how to wear modest skirts without looking frumpy.

The Real Simple magazine has a pretty good guide to defining your style and shopping.

Greater than Rubies offers a great guide to wearing belts. Something I have thought of doing myself, but now there's no need!

Other:

Did you know that you can use Google just to search blogs? I am really excited about this discovery because I often want to find out how a real person has done something, but through a regular search I have to weed through company, organization, and irrelevant results.

Giveaway from Modest Sea (modest swimwear)

Today's post is brought to you by Modest Sea. They would like to giveaway one swimsuit of choice to one of you!! "Modest Sea Alternative Swimwear is an exclusive modest swimwear collection designed to conceal and reveal according to your desire." Read more about the company here.

They offer several choices for body covers:
There are also many dresses to wear over the body suits (these are just some):

These dresses would work as cover ups for other suits too if you don't want to wear the body suits.

To see the full cover swimwear, click here. If you are interested in more moderate coverage, click here. To mix and match click here.

To win, leave a comment below and tell me what your favorite suit is and why. For extra entries, blog, Facebook, and/or tweet about this giveaway (one entry each) and comment about it below.

This giveway is worth over $100! Wow! The giveaway will be open for 2 weeks so the last day to enter will be March 28. A winner will then be randomly selected and announced. You MUST include your email address in the comment if it is not in your profile.

Good luck!

Spring Fashion- Yes or No?

Recently, my favorite local lifestyle show did a segment on big trends for this spring. Some I like, others, not so much. I would love to get your take on these trends and if you will be wearing them. I have embedded the video here so you can watch if you want, or go here for the video on their website.

#1 High-Low Hems

Source

I think these skirts are cute, but I can't say that I will run right out and buy one. However, if I needed a skirt and found one like this that was modest (this one is probably too short for me) and it was a good price I might get one. I like the one in the video better.

#2 Floral Pants

Source

I am undecided. I have seen them on a few of my favorite fashion bloggers and they weren't as hideous as I would have thought. I won't be buying a pair though. They aren't really my style, and even more than that, they don't fit my lifestyle. Can you see me waking into the jr. high classroom in these babies? Oh hello students. Don't mind my shockingly loud pants. Just get to work.

#3 Color Blocking

Source

I like this trend. It's fun. I haven't done it a lot because I don't have many solid colored bottoms (besides neutrals). I have bought a few more recently so I will be able to dress this way a little more.

#4 Graphic Prints

Source

I don't hate this trend, but I know that I would only wear a shirt like the one in the video for a short season and then discard it. I think it will be great on others but it doesn't match my wardrobe.

#5 Peplum

Source

I am intrigued by this trend. I think it's kind of cute, and I am interested to see how it looks on me. I will be trying it on when I see it, just for fun!

So really, I don't love any of these trends. I am loving the colored pants trend and I like nautical too. I just bought another maxi dress and love the return of friendship bracelets.

What trends do you like? Any of the 5? Any I missed? A trend you hate? Chime in!

What I Wore

Gap shirt, old jacket, Old Navy pants, Payless boots

I didn't post anything earlier in the day because I didn't think I had any pictures. It wasn't a very good getting dressed week and Spencer wasn't home much to take my picture.
Sunday: Meh.
Monday: pretty good
Tuesday: My workout clothes all day because I took my PE class on a field trip
Wednesday: A repeat outfit (last outfit here)
Thursday: Same as Tuesday
Friday: I was feeling creative after looking terrible all week so I experimented and the results were horrible. I am glad that I changed before Spencer got home so there is not photographic evidence of that!
Saturday: Spencer was gone fishing and I don't attempt to take my own photos anymore.

But I found this tonight while looking through the camera card so here it is. I think I wore it last week. It's nothing special but at least I don't look too bad. And hopefully I can start to do outside pictures again soon. Yipee!

These are a Few of My Favorite Pins

Source: uberchicforcheap.blogspot.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Pretty sure you could wear that shirt seven days in a row and not many people would notice.

Source: tasteofhome.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Made this for dinner recently. Yum yum!

Source: loveandpixiedust23.tumblr.com via Aubree on Pinterest

This caught my eye not as much for the outfit, but for the what to wear inspiration for my upcoming trip to the happiest place on earth. Yipeeeeee!

Source: ellinee.com via Aubree on Pinterest

This tutorial for these paper bows is so cute!

Source: everydayminimalist.com via Aubree on Pinterest

This women shows how to pack for ten days in carry on. Also caught my eye for said trip. I don't want to pay to check a bag just for a few days.

Source: viv-spot.blogspot.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Great article on how to store produce for maximum freshness.

Happy weekend!

Quilled Birthday Card

I recent made this super cute birthday card using some quilling techniques. I adapted the idea from this book that I checked out from the library.


The flames are quilled and so is the smoke. The candles are made 3D with foam tape. The wick is a small peice of black paper just glued on.


It would be really cute to have the card say "Make A Wish" or something but I ran out of space.

Do any of my readers do paper quilling? Leave a link to your projects in the comments... I wanna see!

And It Was All Yellow

I wanted to post my latest quilling craft project tonight but the Internet is being to slow and I really ought to be getting to bed anyway.... So for Yellow Blackbird today let's just suffice it to say that this


and this

Source: target.com via Aubree on Pinterest

are currently on their way to my house.

What I Wore

Hand-me-down shirt, Kohl's pants, Yellow Box shoes, Target belt and necklace

WHEN: Thursday, March 1

WHERE: Work

GETTING CREATIVE: I loved this outfit. I really like the all black with a pop of color lately. And yellow is one of the best colors to pop!

Traded with Paige from Pink Lemonade shirt, Old Navy cardigan, Ross jeans, Payless boots, Target belt

WHEN: Sunday, February 26 and Monday, February 27

WHERE: After church family dinner and work (except with my black pants)

GETTING CREATIVE: Okay this outfit started out inspired by a lady at church who was wearing a gray dress, yellow cardi, and turquoise belt with white tights and brown boots. I put on the gray top and yellow cardi but I don't have a turquoise belt. I tried to use a purse strap as a belt, but it didn't really work. So I switched to my bright green belt but that wasn't right either. After several color combos this is what I arrived at. Whew.

Express sweater, Walmart skirt, Forever Young boots, Down East necklace

WHEN: Sunday, February 26

WHERE: Church

GETTING CREATIVE: I bought this sweater long before the stripe obsession began. I think that means that I will like stripes when it ends. This outfit might need a more defined waist. I think the skirt is too big.

Have a nice Sunday tomorrow! I will be back next week with my latest quilling project!

These are a Few of My Favorite Pins

Happy Friday! I don't know about where you live but around here, March sure is coming in like a lion! It's finally winter in Utah, now that we're getting close to spring. Sigh....

Here's a few fun things I have pinned this week. Hopefully something will inspire you!

Source: wobisobi.blogspot.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Isn't this a fun idea for shoes! I have a pair or two that could use a little pick-me-up!

Source: craftaholicsanonymous.net via Aubree on Pinterest

This is a tutorial for cutting fabric with a Silhouette machine. You don't have to make a dinosaur of course...

Source: oopseydaisyblog.com via Aubree on Pinterest

This is the cutest Mickey Mouse birthday I have ever seen!

Source: kendieveryday.com via Aubree on Pinterest

I recently bought a similar floral top so I when I saw this older outfit from Kendi again on Pinterest I repinned for some inspiration for my new shirt.

Source: todayandtomorrow.net via Aubree on Pinterest

Last but not least, here are 33 suggestions to help you stay creative. While I don't believe in #9, the rest could be helpful.

Do you Pinterest? Earlier this week I asked if Pinterest was killing creativity. I would love to hear your opinion!

Have a great weekend! I will see you tomorrow for What I Wore!