Monday, December 31, 2012

What You See Isn't Always What You Get



Happy New Years Eve! Time to give 2012 a bon voyage and welcome in 2013. I am swilling champagne and swathed in sequins at a swanky gathering. Ahhh.. the life of a fashion blogger...



Actually, I am at home with my recently teetotal husband who is refraining from drinking because he reports to a military school the day after New Years. Also joining the party is our sullen fourteen year old whose attitude is about to get her grounded. I am sipping Moscato from mini bottles my husband recently liberated from our camping supplies kit. The last time we camped was September so it is quite the fine vintage.

All jokes aside, I am with the people who matter most (even the fourteen year old, though I may not like her very much right this moment). Too bad Leather Peacock couldn't make it down but we will catch up again soon. 2012 was a good year and I am looking forward to 2013. It is already showing promise of being a tumultuous but fulfilling year.

To our readers, I appreciate your patience with us as we continue to make advances in our blogging and develop our fashion sense more and more. We can only get better and both of us vow to put more energy and creativity in to this blog.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

My New Years Resolutions, Fashion and Otherwise


I have made the point the past few years to not make New Years Resolutions. I generally believe that if you want to change something, about yourself, your actions or how you impact the world, you should do everything you can to make that change, no matter what day it says on the calendar. This year however, I realized that are several major things about myself I want to better or change and that this start of a new year is a perfect way to start it:

1: Appreciate my family more. While I was home, I got to spend a lot of time with family I dont get to see that often. While laughing, talking, and looking in my cousins eyes, I couldn't help but see myself. Through the laugh lines, I could see my past and how important these relationships truly are. I don't want to lose our history, my history and how much peace and joy each conversation brings. Whether its talking WWII with my grandpa or playing Kings Court with my brother and sister (in law), I vow to appreciate you all more.

2: Appreciate my friends more: I think I have a tendency to not appreciate those closest to me and I am blessed with some amazing friends. Number one on my list being Southern Helle. In 2013, no matter where the Navy takes me, I vow to appreciate them more and be there for them in whatever way I can.

3: Save more money while Rocking Out Like the Fashionista I want to Be: I am still not sure how its going to work but I would like to save more money while also taking more advantage of my wardrobe (outside of uniforms) and rock out whenever I get the chance, no matter the occasion.

4: Update the blog more! In conjunction with wearing and rocking out my wardrobe more, I vow to update the blog more and be a better blogger and bloggermate.

5: Drink more wine. I think this is the easiest to do.


Happy New Year everyone. May 2013 be filled with friends, family, fashion and lots of Duplin Wine!

Christmas Fashion, Peacock Style


Happy New Year my fellow fashionistas!

I'm still alive, if not a little worse for wear. I was able to go home for Christmas this year to see family for the first time in three years, for which, I am extremely grateful and one reason I have been oh so delinquent in posting. I was also the president of the committee that put on my command's annual Christmas party. I rocked out in a full length blue velvet gown, ordered at the last minute (the day before the party) from Nordstroms.


Please ignore my satan eyes, its my inner devil coming out!

I love the way it hugs my fairly generous curves, and the color really works with mine and my eyes. I am still in love with this dress and the way it made me feel in it.

The party was an amazing success, with other people from the hotel trying to crash it. I also managed this shot of one of my besties from the ship, in between songs and glasses of wine.


Though the flash didn't go off, like it was supposed to, artistically speaking, I love this pic!

I plan on rocking in the New Year in something similiar and looking equally divine. I hope everyone had a festive, fashionable, fabulous Christmas!

Friday, December 28, 2012

My Walden Pond Is A Swamp In A Construction Zone

While taking a sunset stroll, I stumbled across this swamp area that is being cleared. With all the construction going on in this town, there is no telling if it will be a new strip mall or a doctor's office or part of the golf course within a few months. There was something so stark and ugly about all the razed trees and the swamp yet somehow the setting sun's light made it look so serene. Almost like it was supposed to be this way.

And thus ends my philosophical musings about nature. Eat your heart out, Henry David Thoreau.

Sweater: American Eagle
Jeans: American Eagle
Boots: Old Navy
Scarf: Target





Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Storm Chasing

My husband is a Left Coaster so East Coast weather patterns fascinate him. Having not seen one in person yet, tornadoes are his particular passion. This has led to him becoming something of a storm chaser. Today, a band of storms came up the coast, sending large water spouts inland that turned in to a few actual tornadoes in nearby towns. Instead of taking cover, my husband took to the road and headed 15 miles South-East to Topsail Beach in the hopes of seeing this for himself.

Even worse: I joined him! I blame a bad case of Christmas cabin fever. I needed to get out of the damn house.

Wind and rain were heavy upon our arrival but (much to his chagrin) the worst had already passed. The better half of our time spent on the island was under sunny skies.

Whether sunshine or storms, I love being at the beach. Not being a particularly religious or spiritual person, I still love the feeling of seeing something so grand and powerful, thus making my own problems feel so insignificant in comparison. That first sprint out to the waves breaking on the sand is a timeless ritual. I did it when I was a small child and continue to do it to this day.

Poncho: gifted by my mother
Puffer vest: Eddie Bauer Outlet
Beanie: Target
Sweater: Gap
Leggings: American Eagle
Boot socks: Target
Rain boots: Target


Eat your heart out, Jim Cantore!




The wind was holding me up in this position

Boots covered in sea foam. This is as close to a White Christmas and playing in snow as we get in Coastal Carolina.

Question: Why do I let him talk me in to such things?
Answer: Because he is so cute! *duh*
Sun starting to break through the clouds

Much calmer on the Intercoastal side of the island



Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve is upon us! I have spent most of the day in the kitchen, whipping up one appetizer after another for this evening's annual Hors d'oeuvres Buffet. Pinterest has fueled the fire this year so I have several delicious new additions to add to my usual repetoire.

I refuse to wear seasonal holiday sweaters (unless it is specifically for a Tacky Christmas sweater party... or photoshoot...) but today's outfit gives a nod to the holiday: reindeer T-shirt, red pants and a bow necklace.

Now that daylight is fading away, we are about to pile in to the car and drive around time in search of the best Griswold-esque tacky holiday lights display. Happy Holidays to everyone out there! Whatever your reason for celebrating this season, all of us have our friends and family at its core. With my husband leaving for a military school for 6 months right after New Years, I am going to hug him and everyone else just a little closer and take the time to let them all know how much they mean to me.

Sweater: Old Navy
T-shirt: Old Navy
Pants: Old Navy
Ballet Flats: New York & Company
Necklace: Modcloth
Earrings: New York & Company



Sunday, December 23, 2012

Descent In To Plaid-ness

I continue to go plaid!

Today was the eve of Christmas Eve and 85% of it was me sitting in traffic and standing in line while I got the last of the grocery shopping done. It was painful. I decided to reward myself at dinner by cracking open a bottle of Blue Christmas Pinot Noir I found at World Market. Anything Elvis is legit in my book and this wine's cork made my day!

Plaid shirt: Modcloth
Tank: Old Navy
Pants: New York & Company
Boots: Lane Bryant
Necklace: Etsy shop I Adorn U
Bracelets: Claire's Boutique
Sunglasses: Old Navy
Beanie: Target





 

Mad For Plaid

I can't wait for longer days now that we have crossed over Winter Solstice. All my picures lately have been indoors. I leave for work before sunrise and return somewhere around sunset.

Also, I spy a wrapped gift under that tree that I suspect is the camera tripod I asked for. I love my husband-photographer but he always insists on taking shots of my rear end. Don't tell him but he is getting a pink slip from his photography job very soon.

Sweater: Forever 21
Collar necklace: Cato
Tank: Old Navy
Jeans: Forever 21
Boots: Candies via Kohl's


One guess who the photographer was for this one.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Too Much Of A Good Thing

It is a universal truth that fat kids like cake. I am kind of chunky henceforth I like desserts... usually. But last night I went to a Holiday Martini tasting at a local watering hole. I have been to the wine and beer versions of this tasting and they were fabulous. Unfortunately, said watering hole decided to pair super sweet martinis with desserts for all five courses. The Sugar Cookie martini got paired with... a fancy sugar cookie. The Gingerbread martini came with a chocolate gingerbread mousse. Five sickly sweet martinis accompanying five super sugary desserts. By round three, my entire party was making plans for a burrito run. Nothing like cheesy, salty, greasy goodness to cut through all that sweetness.

Dress: H.C.B (cute online store with great prices)
Blazer: Nicole Miller from JCPenney
Earrings and bracelet: Forever 21
Shoes: Payless

Remind me to never allow my husband-photographer to take a picture of me from the kneeling position. Bad angle.




Even the poor gingerbread man is drowning in sugar.
Trying to plow through the Sugar Cookie martinis. This is only Round 3.
 
Caught in the act showing down on a burrito post-party.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Christmas Decorating Southern Helle Style

So far Leather Peacock has been holding down all decor-related posts on this blog. My excuse: I have new home owner's burn out. When I first bought the house two years ago, I lived at Lowe's and Home Depot. I juggled at least five projects simultaneously. Upon collapsing in to bed exhausted each night, I would turn on HGTV only to see an awesome backsplash idea and add that to my to-do list. It was too much. But I am slowly coming back around to liking the idea of home improvement and decoration projects again. Christmas really brings it out in me.
I see beautifully coordinated trees in stores and truly love them but I believe your tree tells the story of you and your family so our ornaments are all over the map.

Leather Peacock isn't the only one with Star Wars ornaments!

Elvis lives!!! (on my tree, at least)

I have no idea what sushi has to do with Christmas. Except my husband and I love it. So that's good enough.

Another Bryson City find. There is something so beautiful about this ornament.

Our cheesy "We got married in Jamaica" ornament

This one never ceases to make me laugh. Something about Jesus whispering to little kids about his arch rival Santa Claus.

Needless to say, my stepdaughter HATES this ornament. Which makes us love it even more...

I was going for a shooting star theme for our tree topper. I have had at least five people tell me it looks like a Vegas showgirl's headdress. That works for me too!


The mantle. I love blue Christmas decor.

Incognito PJs

Every once in awhile you find that outfit that is so comfy, you feel as if you are wearing pajamas. But it is your little secret because you look relatively pulled together. This is that outfit for me. The centerpiece is this cardigan/vest thing-a-ma-jig I bought at Humanité during our girls' weekend in Bryson City. I am not sure how to describe it but I love it. I have layered it over dresses and belted it over jeans but my favorite easy combo is worn over a long sleeved shirt with leggings.

Cardigan/vest thingie: Humanité but I found the green version here on Modcloth
Long sleeved shirt: Kirna Zabete for Target on mad clearance
Leggings: American Eagle
Socks: Target
Boots: American Eagle







Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Four Words: Tweed Zippered Mini Skirt


I've lived in the Hampton Roads area for a combined total of 5.5 years so far, but have never made it to the Willamsburg Outlets. I finally corrected that this past weekend with friends and I am already ready to go back, though my credit card would beg to differ. Not only did score some great deals on some more running attire, I found two great skirts from J Crew 50% off:



A zippered tweed mini skirt! Now, I just have to find something to go with it. I just might have to go back to do that and take another look at my dream Burberry jacket that I somehow had the willpower to walk away from on my last trip. I see a day trip in Southern Helle and I's future on her next visit!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Nothing Says Happy Holidays Like Tacky Sweaters

Traditional Christmas cards are boring. This year my family decided to jazz it up and make our own. The seed for this photoshoot was planted after my stepdaughter and I found these awesomely tacky Christmas sweaters at Goodwill several months ago. My husband quickly joined in on our ludicrous endeavor. The planning was fun but the actual photoshoot itself had us in stitches. And that is what the holidays are supposed to be about: enjoying time with your loved ones... no matter how weird and wacky they are.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Happy Holidays from the Truitts!

Remember that your family and friends are the central focus on the holiday... no matter how weird they are...

Get tangled up in the holidays!

Keep things in perspective: It isn't all about presents!

Sneek a kiss under the mistletoe

Allow yourself to be swept away!

Hang your stockings!

Mind your manners: See no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil