The Best of 2011

December 31, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 11 Comments

2011 was a big year forme and this little blog of mine.

I found my direction, my voice.

I barrelled through fashion hits and some terrible misses.

I learned to let go and embrace my fashion fears.

While I’m still have lots to learn and more fears to conquer, I thought it would be so fun to take a little look back at the best outfits of 2011.

January

The first time I belted a sweater….ever. In only my second fashion post ever, I took a big leap and busted out a belt. This is rather hilarious to me now that I have to remind myself that I can wear a sweater without a belt.

February

The very first Real Momma, Real Style, and I’m still really proud of this outfit. Layers, pattern, a belt…this was big for me. I’m actually glad I went back and found this post, kinda forgot about that shirt

March

The mustard dress. Still one of my favorite, and most popular looks to date. This dress was just the beginning of my love affair with mustard.

April

The first tuck. I would never look at a skirt the same. Playing with lengths…the crop, the tuck, the tunic, all became part of my style.

May

One part Kylie Minogue + one part me = one awesome outfit. Inspired by an outfit I saw Kylie wear in a magazine, I re-interpreted the look to work for me, and love how it came out!

June

The frenemy dress. I swear, until I put this outfit on, I never thought I would wear this dress again!

July

Another banished dress turned into another awesome outfit. While I definitely love how this look came together, I love the pic I got of LJ and I even more.

August

My favorite guy. My favorite skirt. Les Mis…. it was a perfect night to get all dressed up and feel like a real adult for once!

September

For a long time I was convinced I couldn’t wear leggings. Why would I want to draw more attention to my butt and thighs? This outfit proved to me that not only I could wear leggings, but that I like them!

October

I spent a week creating new outfits using the same vest in the One x One challenge. By the end of the week, I wanted nothing to do with that vest. But this outfit, with the long searched for mustard cardigan, is definitely my favorite!

November

I saw this vest at H&M, loved it, and left it behind. A few days later, I was still thinking about it and knew I needed to own it. By far the most outside the box piece of clothing I’ve ever bought…and I love it!

December

There is no better outfit to sum up how much I’ve developed my style over the past year. From the belting baby step to color, pattern, cuffed skinny jeans, booties, and lipstick. WOW!

It’s easy for me to forget just how far I’ve come, or feel like I’m not coming up with new ideas well. Going through this year’s posts, it gave me a new sense of accomplishment; the fears I’ve overcome, the risks I’ve taken, and sense of self I’ve developed.

Happy New Year everyone! Here’s to a stylish 2012!

Filed Under: Outfits, Style

The Haircut

December 30, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 17 Comments

I’ve been long overdue for haircut. Not just weeks, but a good two months overdue. I’ve been trying to grow my hair out so regular trips to the salon have become stretched out further and further.

So when I finally made it in, it was time for the big decision. To chop, or not to chop. Blonde, brown, or red. I’m notorious for coming back from the salon with a drastically different look than I walked in with.

The last time I had full bangs I think I was 14. It’s been so long I couldn’t even remember how to blowdry them the way I wanted this morning. Pathetic, really.

Top/Shoes: Old Navy, Jeans: Gap, Tee: Shade Clothing, Necklace: Charming Charlie

The real question is whether or not I’m loving them. High fashion or frumpy mom….I’m not sure. Maybe they just some taking used to.

What do you think?

Filed Under: Outfits, Style

Back From The Dead

December 29, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 4 Comments

Sick mommy + week before Christmas + last minute preparations + not getting dressed for days = no blogging

I’m back from rather unplanned 2 week disappearance from the face of the planet. Literally….I’ve seen no one but family. Talked to no one. Went no where. Did almost nothing but watch endless hours Teen Mom 2, Sons of Guns, and Top Gear.

So here, my friends, are the highlights of the past two weeks…

I got dressed, once, for a non-holiday related function. It was a baby shower, and it was a few days before I got sick, so technically it doesn’t count.

LJ spent hours and hours and hours watching the train go around the Christmas tree at my Grandparents.

We picked up Santa at the North Pole on the Polar Express! Cookies, chocolate milk, and 8 rounds of Jingle Bells later, the big moment with Santa came.

Christmas Eve with the in-laws and more classic pictures of the kids

And LJ got just a few new toys

While illness started my blogging break, family perpetuated it. It was wonderful to unplug and enjoy the season with my family.

Oh, and I got a haircut…. but you’ll have to check back later to see that one

Filed Under: Family, Life, Outfits, Style

Holiday Party Attire

December 14, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 12 Comments

For some reason, dressing for holiday parties always gives me massive anxiety.

Will I be over dressed?

Will I be under dressed?

Is this “holiday” enough?

This year, we have a few holiday parties to go to, yet each requires a very different outfit. I will certainly not be wearing the same outfit to the office holiday bowling party as I will be to our church Christmas party, or even our family Christmas party. While I’m notorious for sticking the the “festive yet safe all black“, I’m determined to branch out, move beyond the standby black or predictable green and red.

To help me, and you, accomplishment, I present my Holiday Party Attire Equation!

1 part bling + 1 part color + 1 part functionality = The Perfect Holiday Party Outfit!

Bling: Brilliant Peacock bracelet from Momma Go Round

Color/Bling: Sequined Skirt from Nordstrom (8 years old, have no idea other details about it)

Functional: Tights via Target, Comfortable Heels via Jessica Simpson

What does this all equal?

The perfect holiday party outfit!

I was planning on wearing this to our church Christmas party, but we are triple booked for that night and won’t be able to make it At least I got to show it off somewhere!

I’ll be using the same equation to come up with outfits for our family party and hubby’s work bowling party….functional items will definitely be required for both!

What are you wearing this holiday season? Show off your favorite party outfits and watch my Facebook page. You may just see your outfit featured! Please be sure to include the Blogging Around the Christmas Tree button to your post!

Filed Under: Outfits, Style, Tips

Anthropologie Old World Cuff Tutorial {3 Four and Under}

December 13, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 4 Comments

Today I’m beyond excited to have my dear friend, in blog world and my world, Trisha from 3 Four and Under here to share an amazing tutorial with you! Not only is this project adorable and easy, it would be perfect for holiday gifts!

Confession…the last picture I have of us together is from March. 2 hair colors and 1 major grow out later, we look very little like this now. I have a bunch of pictures of our kids, but sadly few of us. Oh, the life of mommas!

So without further ado…..HERE’S TRISHA!

Hello! I am Trisha from 3 Four and Under, and I’m so excited to be here today!

At 3 Four and Under you can find tutorials, recipes, crafts, my crazy life with 3 kids,

and an outfit post sprinkled in once in a while!

Lately, I have discovered the awesomeness that is accessories! I have never really been a big accessory girl…until now! My heart skips a beat when I find a fun new necklace, bracelet or hair accessory!

I love all things Anthropologie, but I don’t love the price. So I set out to make a less expensive version of the Old World Cuff Bracelet. Mine is $5, compared to $58 in the store!So, today I’m visiting my dear friend Nina to share with you an

Anthropologie Inspried Old World Cuff Bracelet Tutorial

Anthropologie Inspired Old World Cuff Bracelet

These bracelets are quick and easy to make!
They are only $5 to make, with 5 materials, and 5 steps!
What a great inexpensive Christmas gift!

Materials Needed:
- Two thrifted mens neckties {or steal them from your husband or boyfriend’s closet}
- Metal Cuff bracelet {I got mine at JoAnn with a 40% off coupon, it came to about $3}
- Glue Gun
- ScissorsStep One: Using the scissors, cut one of the ties in half. Using the thinner end and the glue gun, wrap the tie around the metal cuff. Use the glue gun to secure the tie to the cuff.

Step Two: Take the other tie, and cut approximately 4 inch long rectangle from the tie.

Step Three: Gather and pinch the middle of the rectangle so that it looks like a bow tie.

Step Four: Cut a piece from the thin end of the tie and glue it over the middle. It will look like a bow tie

Step Five: Glue the bow tie onto the cuff

And this is what the original looks like:

I hope you enjoy! And thank you so much Nina, for letting me stop by today!

WOW!!!! Thanks so much Trisha!!!

Can I admit that I love yours waaaayyyy more than the original? Sorry Anthro, Trisha for the win!

Make sure to stop by today’s Blogging Around the Christmas Tree host It’s Overflowing for Christmas-scapes ideas and link up. And don’t forget to join in tomorrow’s Holiday Party Wear link up HERE!

Filed Under: Accessories, Guest Tutes, Tutorials

Real Momma, Real Style #43

December 12, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 28 Comments

As I walked out of the bedroom, Hubs could see it written all over my face before I sais a word. I was really proud of this outfit.

A pattern, cuffed jeans, styled (not just practical) shoes, color, lipstick. Each one on their own is enough to scare me. But altogether? Was my head screwed on straight?

Top/Cardigan: Target, Jeans: Gap (always skinny), Undershirt: Shade Clothing, Shoes: Old Navy, Necklace: Gift

While inside I was freaking out that I might actually walk out the door with this many scary things on, outside I was desperately trying to pay attention to what Hubs was saying.

This isn’t so different for you. You wear outfits like this all the time.

I wear outfits like this all the time??!!! Really?

My first reaction was to think he was crazy, but I bit my tounge, made his day, and thought before I spoke. A miracle I tell you.

And I guess he’s right…I do wear outfits like this all the time now. Maybe not all the scary pieces together, but a good chunk of them. Yet somehow, they are still scary to me.

While I still haven’t wrapped my brain around this outfit being “normal” for me, I can at least look at it and realize how far I’ve come!

***Be sure to stop by Wednesday for a special HOLIDAY PARTY LINK-UP as party of Blogging Around The Christmas Tree! Today you can check out the Holiday Crafts link up over at House of Hepworths.***

For more great fashion, I’m linking up to What I Wore Wednesday on The Pleated Poppy. You should too!

Party Rules

Link up only outfit or clothing related posts.

Link back to this week’s party in your post.

Place the RMRS button somewhere on your blog. Not particular, just somewhere.

Vote for your favorite outfits using the “like” button! I’ll be featuring your favorites and mine on Facebook!

Please grab button from sidebar!

Filed Under: RMRS, Style

MGR for the Holidays!

December 9, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 5 Comments

What’s the one bonus of feeling rather awful and sitting on the couch most of the week??? NEW DESIGNS!

Brilliant Peacock

Black Diamond

Give a one-of-a-kind gift this holiday season for your favorite friend or yourself!

Stop by the Momma Go Round shop to check out the new designs and new prices! And to celebrate, I’m offering free shipping with code MGRSHIP.

Hurry, orders must be placed by 12/15 for Christmas delivery (US only! International orders may not arrive).

Filed Under: Deals, Fun

Cousins

December 8, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 14 Comments

My sister-in-law and I attempted to take pictures of the boys in their adorable Christmas outfits.

LJ wanted no part of this…

Sometimes you need your baby cousin to slap you into shape!

Or be the adorable star of the show when you bug out

Filed Under: Family, Life

Blogging Around The Christmas Tree

December 7, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 3 Comments

Christmas time, while undoubtedly the most stressful time of year, it’s totally my favorite. I’m not a huge holiday decorations, festivities, hoopla kinda person, so Christmas is the one time I actually haul out the decorations and get festive!

We finally busted out our awesomely fake tree, shatter proof ornaments, and Fisher Price nativity set the other night and set up Christmas. The occasion totally called for dressing up, or something like that.

I even busted out the boots I bought last year and haven’t worn much since. I was still too afraid of skinnier pants to wear them much, and this year I’ve been too obsessed with my new ones. I forgot how much I like these, though I have zero idea what website I got them from. The brand is Annie and they are wide shaft if you are looking

Dress: Anthropologie, Sweater: Fourth & Towne (no longer exists), Tank: Shade Clothing, Necklace: Gift, Boots: Annie

Speaking of Christmas trees (you know you love that cheesy transition!), I’m so excited to share that I’m taking part in Blogging Around the Christmas Tree hosted by the awesome Abbie of Five Days, Five Ways!

Each day has a fabulous post and linky party that you can share your post on too! I’ve been sick and MIA for the last few days, so I didn’t get a chance to announce the beautiful Christmas Card party going on over at 36th Avenue yesterday!

Learn to make this adorable Christmas card, link up your Christmas cards, and be sure to check out Desiree’s amazing post today showing off her beautiful decorations!

Up TODAY is my girl Cori from La Vie Petite teaching us how to accessorize for the holidays!!!

Could she be any more amazing? Go check out these amazing posts, link up yours, and join us in getting ready for Christmas!!!

Filed Under: Features, Fun, Outfits, Style

Real Momma, Real Style #42

December 5, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 16 Comments

Ah, the holidays….

Baking, shopping, wrapping, decorating, shopping…and getting sick.

For the past two weekends, my body has decided to rebel and tell me that the holidays must wait, I have to sleep. A lot. And then some more.

Luckily this weekend, I made it through Saturday Christmas shopping before the rebellion began.

While LJ and the hubs hit the Kings game with one brave buddy, I hit the stores with my gal pal for some serious deal searching. That girl puts my shopping skills to shame with her bargains at Kohls! I’ve never seen someone save over $200 in one trip…she’s my hero

Top/Pants: Old Navy, Belt: Marc by Marc Jacobs (thrifted) Tank: Shade Clothing, Bracelets: Downtown, Shoes: Bass

I did well, but not $200 in savings on one receipt well. I bow to her mastery, and have discovered the magic that is Kohls. It might be a new addiction. Old Navy, watch your back!

For more great fashion, I’m linking up to What I Wore Wednesday on The Pleated Poppy. You should too!