Fashion Friday: Cute iPhone Cases

I'm an Amazon Affiliate, so when I share links, I earn a percentage. That's why I only like to share things I've personally bought. I got one of these super cute iPhone wallets from a friend for my birthday, and I've gotten so many compliments on it that I bought a few more in different colors!

Check them out here:

Pandamimi ULAK Colorful PU Leather Wallet Type Magnet Design Flip Case Cover for IPhone 4 4G 4S with Screen Protector+ Stylus

Really, there are So Many to Choose From

Fashion Friday: Cute Amazon Accessories

I love cheap accessories. Ever since I started coordinating jewelry with my outfits, I find that I want to buy more. Only my budget isn't that big, so I have to watch for deals and get them when I can. Amazon has a lot of cute accessories, and if you watch you can get them for only a few dollars (if that).

I'm an Amazon affiliate, so these links benefit me, but every product on this page is one I already own. I watch for deals on Amazon and get them when I can :D

I actually own 2 of these Owl Necklaces (because I thought my kids lost my first one!). At this price, I could afford 2 :D

I also bought this Peacock Necklace and have gotten a lot of compliments on it:

Also, if you are into Owls (like I am right now), this case is so cute. I love the one I have! 

Fashion Friday: 5 items for a Working Wardrobe

The fact that I'm able to wear clothing that even somewhat goes together is amazing, considering the fact that if I'm not heading out to work, I'm heading to lead Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts, or running errands, etc. I want to look professional, but if I'm wearing the same outfit for 12+ hours I need to have some comfort too.

A lot of what I do is mixing and matching, but there are 5 items that really help me out:

1. Cardigans. The classroom may be freezing, then warm, then freezing again. Having layers really helps when the temperature is unpredictable. It also dresses up a plain t-shirt. Add a necklace and it pulls together an outfit that is effortless.

2. Flats. Of all kinds. Adding a pop of color to an otherwise dull outfit is easy to do with flats, and since I'm on my feet much of the day wearing these won't hurt my feet later.

3. Dark-wash jeans. I'm lucky in that I can wear jeans to work (not just on Friday) but having a dark wash can make me feel like I'm dressing up even if I'm dressing for comfort.

4. Layering tanks. I can make sure a lower cut shirt is work-appropriate, as well as add some more color to my outfit.

5. Jewelry. This is one of the simplest ways to add a pop of color and make an outfit look more than just jeans and a tee. I love funky or different pieces to add even more character to an outfit (and kids love to see the crazy things I wear).


What are your wardrobe staples? I'd love to get some fashion inspiration.

Fashion Friday: Finding Jeans

I'm struggling with finding the perfect jeans. I'm blessed with a high, narrow waist, wide hips, flat butt, and short body. This means that jeans that fit my hips are usually too big in the waist, low rise jeans create a muffin top (yay 3 pregnancies + a cesection!), and when jeans fit well- they are usually "mom" jeans.

A friend pointed me to this blog, and I've found that I'm not so much a pear (no booty) as a Skittle. It says I need to look for:

• Fun pockets
• Generous thighs
• Stretch fabric
• A somewhat higher rise
• A bootcut or straight leg

So armed with that information I hope to go jeans shopping soon! What body type are you? Any fellow Skittles with tried and true brands/cuts?

Fashion Friday: T-Shirt Necklace

I have a history with t-shirts. I've had some wins (and many fails) when it comes to repurposing them. The T-shirt necklace was something I loved but could never get quite right. Until now.

I had many shirts in my yard sale box that haven't sold. I've tried to sell them 3 times, and if someone won't buy my shirt for 25 cents, I don't think it'll ever sell. So I thought I could just play around with them and be out nothing.

I cut the arms and neck off (just a horizontal line cutting off the upper part of the shirt.

I then cut the shirt into strips and stretched them out.

I gathered the ends and sewed a couple stitches to hold them still.

I divided into thirds and braided about 3/4s of the material I had.

I cut the remaining ends in half (to make it less chunky) then gathered together the ends.

I used a rubberband to hold them still and cut just above the band. I used a hot glue gun and glued the ends together.

I cut the end shirt sleeve off and used that to wrap around both ends and trimmed it to fit.

I was able to make one for my daughter too and have more material play around with. I'd say that's worth more than a quarter to me :)

Fashion Friday: Polka Dot Nails

I wanted to do something new with my nails (since they've gotten so long!), but I wasn't sure what to do. I'm not really skilled (as the water marbling shows), but google brought me to this tutorial for making a dotting tool. 

I had everything needed so I thought I'd give it a try:

I first put on a base coat of hot pink. I let that dry, then dipped the pin into white polish. I just added to dots as I wanted. It was really simple, I think if I did it again I'd be more specific (and sure that there's enough polish on each time I dotted). 

I love the effect though, I can think of so many ways to use this technique later! 

It was also Red, White, and Pink day at school so my daughter had to join in too ;) 

Fashion Friday: Hair Makeover

I've wanted to do something about my hair for so long. I hadn't had it cut or trimmed since June. I thought about growing it out, but it gets to a certain point where I just can't handle it.


This is that point. Straightening is a pain and it doesn't curl own its own right.

SO yesterday, I got this done:

I feel SO much better. I took in pictures of Diana Agron, Rhianna, and Julia Stiles to show as an example and my stylist was really wonderful. I feel so much lighter now!

Fashion Friday: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula® Review and a Manicure

I'm a BzzAgent and got to try out Neutrogena Norwegian Formula® Hand Cream (and share it with others!). This time of year is perfect for this, because as a teacher (and parent) I am constantly washing my hands. that combined with the dry heat of having the furnace on made my hands so dry and chapped, they were painful.

I immediately felt relief when trying Neutrogena Norwegian Formula® Hand Cream! That's because:

• One dab works on 7 areas of damage! 
• It is long lasting
• It keep manicured hands beautiful
• You can even use on lips as needed.

I wanted to put the Manicure to the test and try out a new way that I've admired on pinterest- water marbling.

Yeah, my hands are soft but they  were a MESS. That was a fail. I've taken some advice from a friend and when I feel brave enough I'll try it again. But even after that mess, I wanted to try again because I felt like my hands looked good enough to have a manicure.

I know Crackle isn't as popular as it used to be, but I loved this pop of color! I feel like on these gray and dreary days I needed a little vibrancy.

I love how the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula® soothes my hands. I carry it with me wherever I go, even though I don't need it that often. It's really helping my hands survive this winter!





*Disclosure: I was given a free product to sample as well as sample sizes to share with friends, because I am a BzzAgent. All opinions expressed are my own. Check my disclosure policy if you have any questions.

Fashion Friday: Create a New Look

I struggled with this Fashion Friday (wow 2 weeks in...) and I think I figured out why. I'm in a rut. My hair is long enough that unless it's in a ponytail, it's really not looking great (and even in a ponytail it's not so hot). If I straighten it, it curls back quickly, and if I let it go curly, it's at the "mushroom" stage where it just wants to poof. 

So I'm making a hair appointment AND I wanted to inspire myself to think outside the box. It's easy to get into the same clothing routines, and by doing so you feel like you have nothing to wear. So I wanted to show how even with wearing pretty much the same thing, that you can get different looks depending on the accessories.

This happened when I was asking friends for opinions on which way to wear this shirt. I didn't know if I should just have it as is, with a belt, or as a long shirt with a belt. The funny thing is that I got votes for each style! So to me, this just shows that clothing is a lot more versatile than I thought it was. Rather than just pick one look for this outfit, all three have potential and make more options with the same clothes.

Another way I've changed the look is by changing footwear (and adding some accessories). The first look I wore in the summer to a production of Wicked. I picked ruby red shoes and thought the emerald green fit the theme well. 

Changing the footwear to copper boots make the dress look less Emerald City and more Cowgirl Chic. I think adding a well-fitted denim jacket would have made it look even better. 

Then, by adding leggings, knee-length boots, and a sweater I was able to wear this dress in the winter as well (without frostbite). 

There is one thing that doesn't change as my style does, and that's my signature pose. I've had that patented since I was a baby ;) 

I'd love to see how you've made the most out of your wardrobe, share any posts or pictures in the comments. I need more inspiration :) 

Fashion Friday: Paparazzi- Giveaway ends 1/18

For this Fashion Friday I wanted to talk about Paparazzi Jewelry! A friend of mine is a consultant and I recently hosted a party and invited my friends.

I love the pieces they have, they are so unique and you can find something to fit any style. The best part is that each piece is only $5+ tax so you can get a cute earring and necklace set without spending a lot. They also have a line for children for only $1 a piece and they are so cute. My daughter went a little nuts trying to pick out her favorites :)

Usually at-home parties are so expensive that I hate going and hate hosting because I know money is tight. This party was so easy to have because for $5 + tax you get something really nice (rather than the cheapest thing in the catalog) and there's no pressure.

The headband, necklace, and earrings are all from Paparazzi for $10 Total (+ tax)! You can check out her page (linked above) or her facebook page to place an order (applicable S&H charges will be added). I'm already planning my next party.. and may need a bigger jewelry box. 

Frugal Teacher Mama readers get an extra chance to own a piece of Paparazzi Jewelry! Lisa offered to sponsor a giveaway and will ship to the contiguous US. 

You are entering to win this piece:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fashion Friday: Belts

I wanted to start off my Fashion Fridays by talking about my latest obsession: belts.

I never used to wear belts, I still don't wear them for purely functional reasons. I wear them when they can make an outfit cuter.  :)

I love that belts can make my clothes fit better:

I have many more outfits that I love to dress up with a belt, but I'll have to save that for another day :)