Last seen wearing grey plaid top, tan chords, and red ballet flats…OK, just kiiddiingg. Unfortunately, I don’t have some awesomely adventurous story behind why it’s been so long since my last post. In all honesty I was just plain old busy. Boo, I know.

Dress: Nordstrom B.P, Shoes: Steve Madden, Ring&Earrings: Forever21,

Over the course of the past two months we moved into a new apartment, completely refurnished and redesigned the new place, I went back to school full time, lost my hostessing job, continued to nanny while interviewing at other places for more work, tried to maintain a social life, attempted to be the kind of girlfriend J deserves, oh, and then there was this new little addition that maaay have taken up some of my free time…

Mika- 7 weeks

Mika- 15 weeks

It’s been quite a whirwhind of chaos lately, but I wouldn’t take any of the hard work or lack of sleep back for anything. It was definitely worth it across the board. I have an adorable, healthy, growing pup, am on top of my studies, have a happily content boyfriend, and live in an apartment I’m proud of and happy to call home. The only thing I miss is my blog! Now that things have settled down a bit I’m able to commit to posts more frequently. So, YAY!

Dimitra. It’s a unique name that I commonly get asked about. That is, if someone doesn’t just refer to me as; Deedra, Demetri, D’Mitra, Dimitria, Demiti, Debra, Demeesha, or Mitra instead. Yes, I’ve gotten all of those! In actuality it’s Greek, like the goddess Demeter. It’s also the female form of Dimitri, which from Greek to English translates to James, my uncle’s name.

Demeter is the goddess of the harvest…and fertility, but I’ve always chosen to focus on the “harvest” part for obvious reasons. I always thought it was cool that there was a story behind my name, but I wasn’t always a fan of having such a unique name. When I was in elementary school, the teacher would take roll for the first time and hesitate with a quizzical look before saying, “Um, Duhh…?” I would shoot my hand in the air and say “Here!” to avoid further embarrassment. It was times like those, that I wished my name were Katie, Ashley, Kaitlin, or Nicole. Nobody ever got those names wrong!

I never asked to be called a shortened version of my name though. Overtime I have acquired a billion nicknames, but for the most part I’m Dimitra. And I’m kinda glad, because now that I’m older I like my name and am happy that I don’t have to go through the identity crisis and confusion of asking everyone to go back to calling me by my “real” name again.

I like to have days where I embrace my “goddess of the harvest” side. Like today, with this outfit and all it’s earthy tones. I tried to balance the neutrals and boyishness of the olive pants and chambray top with shiny accessories and dramatic earrings. Typically, I tend to gravitate towards glitter, glam, and pink, but I also try to find things that flatter my skin tone and coloring. Earth tones are always a pretty safe bet.

On second thought, maybe an identity crisis and some confusion wouldn’t be all that bad. Hmm…Goddess Dimitra has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?

Jewelry- Nordstrom, Circle Necklace- Tiffany, Chambray Top&Colored Top- Forever21, Belt- Express, Pants- Forever21, Shoes- Charlotte Russe.

This outfit is one pair of bell bottoms, a VW bus, and a few peace signs away from being too much of a good thing. But I don’t care. I’ve had a little wild child, bohemian, soul sister in me since I was a kid. She, apparently, decided to manifest herself today, in this outfit. Now I like to refer to it as “boho chic”.

I love reading fashion blogs and being inspired by other writer’s outfits, but one thing that doesn’t always inspire me is the notion that they wore whatever outfit they were photographed in, not only that day, but all. day. long. I’m going to be honest, some days yes, that’s literally what I wore head to toe. But some days, what I post on the blog didn’t quite make it into my agenda for the day outside the blog. I haven’t, for instance, had a chance to wear this outfit yet. But I would/will! That’s what matters to me.

Sometimes I put on an outfit that I wore recently to a party/dinner date/drinks with friends etc, and photograph it at a later date. Mostly because I’m ter-ri-ble at getting ready and never find time to take photos before I go out. It’s pretty much the same routine every weekend. I get off work, eat something, and relax for a bit relishing in the fact that I have so much time before I have to leave for wherever we’re going. Then, the next thing I know it’s down to 2 hours. Now, this may sound like a lot of time, but take into consideration all I have to get done and the rushing begins. And anyone who knows me, knows rushing is not a skill I possess.

In two hours I have to squeeze in time to shower, dry, product, and style my hair, apply my makeup, pick an outfit and jewelry, remember deoderant and perfume and get my tush out the door.  This little routine usually includes a glass of wine, some (what is intended to be calming) music, at least one mini tantrum when a beauty product malfunctions, and a momentary silent treatment directed at J. (He’s such a good sport…and knows the drill by now! In my defense it’s not malicious- it’s necessity!)

So in conclusion, yes I only put this outfit on today to shoot it for the blog. Between hostessing and babysitting, it didn’t really have a place in my day anywhere else.  A girl’s gotta be practical on some level! Please don’t call me a liar, because I promise, promise, promise these are all individual outfits that I wear/wore/or plan to wear in the near future.

Hat- Forever21, Top&Tank- Nordstrom B.P, Shorts-Bebe, Tights- Anthropologie, Shoes- Steve Madden, Necklaces- Nordstrom, Bracelet&Ring- Forever21.

In a relationship, you share many things with your significant other. In the beginning, it’s the little yet sentimental things such as memories of your first date…ooor the last piece of cake. Then, as things progress you compromise together over some more meaningful things like cell phone plans and closet space. And eventually,  the big ticket items such as children and mortgages-yikes!

 Here’s a light-hearted thing to steal share with your man, no matter what stage of the relationship you’re in. Clothes. Let me clarify, his clothes. While his cozy sweats, over-sized Lakers t-shirts, and perfectly broken in slippers are the epitome of comfort, there is a more fashionable way to go about wearing his clothes as well.

My favorite thing of J’s to borrow are his watches. Evidence of which can be found here, here, or here. Of course, I have watches of my own that I love, but sometimes the loosely fit, oversized look of his watch just makes an outfit! So next time you’re wearing a look that just needs a chunky accessory, abandon the bangles and grab his watch instead (or stack em and wear both like I do!)

The latest item that has me reaching into his closet are his long sleeve, button down shirts. My boyfriend happens to wear a size large and some fit better than others, but luckily he has a plethora for me to play with! I’ve worn them in the last week casually with ripped jeans to the mall, as a dress belted with leggings and boots to an early dinner, and peaking underneath a cardigan over black skinny jeans (similarly to the outfit in this post) to work.

Personally, I may have worn this look out for myself. But I definitely plan to bring it back next time I want to mix casual with classy, preppy with edgy, or when I just plain old don’t know what to wear. Make sure to ask your man first (or not! I don’t judge) but go ahead, try it. I promise not to take all the credit

Necklace- Macy’s (gift from a friend!), Cardigan- H&M, Shirt- Boss by Hugo Boss, Belt- Forever21 (came with a dress but I never wear them together), Jeans- AG via Anthropologie, Flats- Cotton On.

When I was in cosmetology school, the number one most popular (and most hated by students) service we performed on clients were roller sets. These little old ladies knew exactly which direction each roller should face and would coach you until you got it right. None of us had the heart to tell them that no matter which way, the styles all came out almost identical.

Every single thing about these women seemed so outdated to me, but what always struck me was how much effort they seemed to put into maintaining their look. They wore caked on makeup, brightly colored lipstick (mostly on their teeth), ironed shapeless powder pink button up shirts with matching tapered pants, and white Reebok tennis shoes to complete the look. I always wondered if they just liked the way their clothes looked, stopped caring about the latest fashion trends, or were simply waiting for them to come back into style. Either way, there was just something too cute about them!

Fashion repeats itself. It’s a fact. However, some mainstream trends that are “all the rage” today, may be cause for extreme embarrassment tomorrow. Models may be able to get away with murder on the runway, but everyday fashion isn’t quite so daring. So when a trend hits the scene and is wearable by all, it’s suddenly seen everywhere until it ultimately reaches it’s expiration date and becomes yesterday’s news. A countless number of trends have come to this sad end (and some couldn’t have ended soon enough).

I am a firm believer in wearing what you want when you want, but of course I try to stay current. With that said, I’ve been fooled by a hip trend just like the rest of us. If you had told me circa 2004 that Ugg boots and mini skirts weren’t going to be around forever, I probably wouldn’t have believed you (mind you I was only 14…but still). I’m not going to compare the red skinny jeans and faux fur vests combo that I currently love to Uggs and jean skirts, but I am trying to wear this trend while it’s still hot. Let’s hope one day I don’t look back on the pictures of these outfits and cringe…cause I’m kind of in love with them now.

I think almost every girl goes through different makeup “fazes”. I was no exception. There was my middle school, “over-plucked eyebrows, brightly colored eye shadow, and bubble gum pink lip gloss” faze. No one will let me forget the high school, “over bronzed, blotchy, non blended, heavy eyeliner” faze. And even I can’t deny my most recent, “anti-makeup, under eye circles, nanny” faze. While I hope to have entered a less embarrassing faze to look back on one day, another thing that continues to fluctuate is the products that I use. This post showcases how I love to wear a few of my favorite go-to products. And the unlikely place, according to some, that I go to purchase them.

As I mentioned in my last post, growing up, I was fortunate enough to have an older sister who worked at the makeup store, Sephora, for years. While my application was flawed, the quality of the products I was using was top notch. I became so accustomed to these products that even after the freebies stopped, I still paid the big bucks for any makeup that I purchased. At 16 years old, shelling out $36 for one tube of mascara seemed to be a very reasonable price for me.

Fast forward a few years and I’m living on my own, going to school, working part time, and trying to support myself. Clearly my priorities have changed (although I still probably wear the “take the longest to get ready” crown). These days my budget just doesn’t allow me to maintain these habits. Shopping at department stores and dropping $100 every time my makeup drawer is running low isn’t realistic anymore. Luckily, now with technology, formulas, and the unfortunate change in the economy, I’m not alone in this battle. But most importantly, I no longer have to trade quality for quantity.

Don’t get me wrong, there are a few specific products that I’ve had a slight obsession with since I was young. I would have to have no food in my fridge or in my belly before I would let these run out, and in the right mood, I still might spring for them. They’re not the priciest, and they certainly aren’t the cheapest, but I simply love the results enough to keep going back for more.

Carmindy Bowyer, my favorite makeup artist of TLC’s “What Not to Wear” went on “The Nate Show” to defend this very point. She made it clear that the ingredients found in drug store makeup today are the same exact ingredients you pay top dollar for at department stores. Yes, the experience will be much less glamorous and will definitely require more planning, but isn’t saving hundreds of dollars in the long run well worth it? I think so.

I have a confession to make. I have knowingly been withholding the fact that I can walk into any Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, or Free People at any time and receive at least 25% off. How is this possible you ask? What I have neglected to mention was that my lovely older sister has chosen to work in retail over the past 8 years. While I appreciate her for many other things, I must give credit where credit is due. I have never worked in retail myself, but because she has, I have eagerly reaped the benefits. Not only is she the world’s best gift giver (seriously I would ask for “half-birthday” gifts if it weren’t completely greedy), but since she started at Anthropologie, I have been given my very own discount card.  And don’t even get me started on Employee Appreciation week.

When I was in high school Sis worked at the makeup “mecca” known as Sephora, which was amazing considering I was just beginning to experiment with doing my own makeup. My technique was horrendous, but at least I knew what I was wrongly applying on my face were quality products. Nowadays I’m on my own for makeup, but we have opened up a whole new world of clothes, shoes, and accessories- and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I have always been a firm believer in quality over quantity. Well, “quality” became a pretty lose term when the words “tuition”, “rent”, “insurance”, and “car payment” entered my vocabulary. One thing I always tried to do was incorporate some great quality, hard earned, expensive pieces into my wardrobe to balance out the “cheapies” I so often aquired. I feel I’ve struck a pretty healthy balance, thanks largely to the help of my Sissy and the Anthropologie team .

As I grow older and become more successful, I ultimately plan to faze out the cheapies more and more. But even when that time comes, I don’t foresee myself ignoring a deal or a fun piece of cheap costume jewelry, even if I know I’ll only wear it a few times. I see nothing wrong with wearing a Rachel Zoe jacket, H&M top, Joe’s jeans, Brian Atwood pumps, Michael Kors bag, and Forever21 earrings. I recognize how far away I am from shopping with Rachel, Brian, or Michael, but a girl can dream can’t she?

Sweater- Forever21, Dress- Urban Outfitters, Tights- Anthropologie, Boots- Urban Outfitters, Bag- Urban Outfitters, Earrings- Nordstrom, Bracelets- H&M, Forever21, Nordstrom, Macy’s.

First and foremost I am so thankful to have a job. With that said, let’s be honest, hostessing just isn’t the most exciting job ever. Especially when you primarily work day shifts. At a small restaurant. In a hotel. But who’s complaining. So, to pass the time I’ve taken up a new hobby; list making. It may be a slightly nerdy hobby, but, I’m becoming quite the expert list maker, and getting a ton of things done. My latest list consisted of color combinations I was crushing on, and different outfits around them. Unfortunately, I haven’t been at work to continue my new hobby because I’ve come down with a nasty cold, which turned into a fever, and the latest development-a sinus infection. Now that I’m on antibiotics, I’m starting to feel better, but not exactly in the most photogenic mood. So I created these looks on mannequins and not my sick, bedridden self.

Top- Anthropologie, Skinnys- Anthropologie,  Wedges- Payless , Bag-Rachel Zoe via Nordstrom, Watch- Michael Kors, Bracelet- Nordstrom.

1. Mustard and Wine-No, not what would be a disgusting food combination, a beautiful color pallet for fall that allows you the flexibility to make it your own. You can choose to keep it subtle with small accents of both hues, or go all in (as I did).

Earrings- Nordstrom, Bracelet- Nordstrom, Scarf- Nordstrom, Jeggings- Anthropologie, Shoes- Sperry Top-Siders, Top-Anthropologie.

2. Melon and Turquoise- I’m obsessing over these color combinations in every form. Melon can fall under the pink or the peach tones, and turquoise easily transitions to the green or teal family. No matter what shade you choose, these colors are fresh and always work together in my book.

Blazer- (Similar) Forever21, Bag- Cole Haan via Nordstrom, Skinnys- J Brand, Bootie- Steve Madden, Suglasses- Anthropologie, Top- Anthropologie, Necklace- Tory Burch

3. Pink and Red Color Block- These colors usually bring me back to middle school Valentines Day’s, but now I like to rock them with a much more sophisticated feel-minus the toothache.

Tank- Anthropologie, Necklace- Nordstrom, Blazer- (Similar & better), Jeans- Anthropologie, Pumps- Nordstrom, Ring- Forever21

4. Lime and Navy- Now I admit, on this one I kiiinda stole the idea from a Pinterest pin, but I just love it so much! In my defense I found the individual items myself, but have to give love for the inspiration to my fellow Pinterest user!