What I Wore Wednesday: Meet House of Polynesia

I'll be having a series of guest posts scheduled over the next few weeks as I'm recovering post c-section and settling into life with our new baby. I'll be writing baby posts but won't be very fashionable! Please show the guest bloggers some love and be sure to visit their blogs! Interested in having a guest post? Just drop me an email!

Aloha every one so glad to be here; I'm Kathleen from House of Polynesia!

So I am a sucker for comfort, and nothing says comfortable to me than a loose tank, jeggings and a flowy kimono/cardigan. With cooler weather and Fall approaching I love layering with light fabrics that are a little generous when it comes to fit. I am kind of loving gray, white, black outfit combos lately. I like the modern and simple look, but I always find a way to add color and for an outfit like this my go to is my turquoise colored necklace. Which is a must for me when I need a little bit of color.

Outfit Details

Tank, Cardigan, Necklace | Forever 21

Pants | American Eagle

Sandals | Target

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What I Wore Wednesday: Liz Lange Maternity Wear

It's been a looooong afternoon. Long story short our doctor sent Blondie Boy to the children's hospital for blood tests unexpectedly today (all came back fine) so we are both exhausted. He was super brave and the staff at the hospital are great (BB got to watch a DVD, colour, build lego...) but it was still a long wait and I'm sore as all get out from sitting on a wooden chair.

So I'm kind of repeating myself slightly with this post; technically I've never posted this outfit on What I Wore Wednesday but I did post it on one of my Bump Watch posts. I don't know if there is tons of cross-over between those two audiences though so hopefully y'all don't mind the repeat if you have already seen it.

 

Black Maternity Dress- Liz Lange for Target

Black Leggings- New Look Maternity

Black Ballerina Pumps- Hotter

My Mom sent me over this dress to wear for work from the US and I've worn it twice now when I've had parliamentary meetings. When she first sent it and I tried it on there was so much excess fabric in the bump area but not even slightly now! It is perfect for days when I have to be at Parliament for meetings and need to dress up but is still comfortable.

Normally I'd have a bright accessory to break up the all black but what aren't in frame are my crutches with the purple and silver tape and they are bright enough on their own!

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What I Wore Wednesday: Natural You

After a crazy few weeks, including Blondie Boy getting the chicken pox, I was more than happy to go for a night of pampering at Natural You Salon, Scottish Beauty Salon of the year 2013. I headed up with the lovely Paula and with only a slight sat nav hitch we made it to the salon in East Kilbride.

Natural You Salon has over 20 years experience in the Beauty Industry and recently underwent a glamorous new makeover. We were invited to try out some of their signature treatments on the night and first up I had a PRIORI® CoffeeBerry® facial.  Now I'm not normally a facial kind of girl; I tend to have sensitive skin and treatments leave me broken out and red. I was assured that Coffeeberry was for me and would act like a peel without any redness or irritation. I was a bit skeptical if I am honest but I had no need to be. My skin was all glowy and unbelievably smooth afterwards and I didn't break out or go red. It was so relaxing and I could see myself having them again now I know how my skin reacts.

Next up celebrity make-up artist Kevin Moore converted me again! I almost never wear foundation. I just don't like it. The new Vitage® Colour Minerals create a fresh faced, healthy look and are made using only natural occurring minerals that are mined and perfectly mixed to create concentrated colour pigments that perform differently to other minerals.  Kevin tried out the  Natural Daily Perfector mineral mousse on me and I was really surprised. The weightless formula delivers amazing coverage without feeling like you're wearing a mask. I've actually got in on today which is shocking because I never manage anything other than eye makeup before work but it really is that quick and easy.

To finish up my night of pampering I got a Shellac manicure in Grape Gum. It's no shocker I went for purple and I'm such a fan of Shellac manicures. With the proper care (almond oil before bed and in the morning) can last up to two weeks. Who wouldn't want a chip free manicure? If you are someone who is really rough on your hands they also offer a gel base to make your Shellac longer, too.

It was a really lovely evening and I'd 100% go back again. All the staff were so lovely and really did have your best interests in mind when recommending treatments. I also got to catch up with my bloggy bestie Susan who got a stunning makeover of her own.

It was a cold and dreary night and since I'd been home playing nurse to chicken poxy all day I didn't really have it in me to get super glammed up. So I decided to go a little bit rock and a little bit glam and a whole lot of comfy with my outfit.

Guns 'N Roses tee- Target

Pink Gala Glitter Bow- Crown and Glory

The Flirt Jeans- Old Navy

My BFF Sabrina got me this amazing Crown and Glory Gala Glitter Bow for Christmas and I've not had a reason to wear it yet so I decided tonight was the night. Ignore my wonky sleeves on my tee; originally I had both rolled but then I had a facial and got all blissed out and forgot!  I got the tee on mega-sale at Target; it's a men's tee but with the exception of the longer sleeves I like them because they are a longer fit than most women's tees and in general way cheaper.

In my head I was channeling the fab Miss West End Girl but I'm still not 100% if this outfit was a hit or a miss even though I got lots of compliments on my bow.

What do you think? Do giant glitter boys and 80's rock tees work together?

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What I Wore Wednesday: Black and Gold

So I have this really bad habit. I buy clothes on sale and then leave them in the bags and don't wear them. Part of it is I think I might return it and the other that they won't look right or will fit funny and then I'll be late for work because I have to find something else to wear so I might as well wear something I've already worn. It makes absolutely no sense because I've tried everything on before I bought it. I'm trying to break this habit and force myself to wear all the dresses I have because honestly I'm past the 28 day return period on them all!

The weather is definitely starting to get colder in Glasgow. This past week we've had torrential rain every day, all day and I'm getting to the point where I'm going to need to suck it up and buy a new winter coat. However since I bought a super cute new mid-weight coat when I was home in Ohio I want to make it last as long as I can. 

I originally took my semi-traditional bathroom selfie for this post but umm it was a hot mess. I looked back and there is an air-freshener hanging off the wall, paper towels tumbling out of the dispenser and it just looked tragic. Luckily my colleague Steph, who is 1/3 of a new blog we're about to launch (watch this space!), stepped up and snapped a photo for me as we walked back from grabbing lunch.

Black and Gold Skater Dress- Cynthia Rowley, TK Maxx

Black Ponte Moto Jacket with Side Zipper- Mossimo, Target

Black Hoops- Target

Black and Blonde Glasses- Vivienne Westwood, Costco

Black Layering Leggings, Marks and Spencer

Black Studded Pumps- New Look

I don't normally wear a lot of patterned dresses but there was something about this dress I really liked. I really don't have anything else like it so I think that helps. I'm absolutely in love with my asymmetrical zip jacket; I found it on sale at the Target by my Dad's house but not in my size so I drove to the next Target to find it. I might need to layer a cardigan under it to make it last longer in this colder weather. I went for simple black hoops and gold nails since the pattern was fairly loud on its own and I wear the same flats every day at work--boring but comfy!

Do you ever buy things and let them waste away in the bag before you break them out or do you have to wear new outfits right away?

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What I Wore Wednesday: Secret Sales The Secret Launch

I love to shop. LOVE. It's in my genes. The only thing I love better than shopping is shopping a sale. Who doesn't love getting any amazing deal on an outfit? So I was super excited to be invited to the launch of SecretSales The Secret last week in Notting Hill. The past few weeks have been a bit stressful so I was really looking forward to it!

SecretSales is a designer fashion and homeware flash sales site which offers up to 70 per cent discounts on over 600 brands and The Secret is their new bespoke blog with posts on make-up tips from top make-up artists, day-in-the-life spots with their experts, trendspotting and more! 

To celebrate the launch of The Secret several of us were invited to the SecretSales studio for make-up tips, cupcakes (what event is complete without them?) and our own chance to style a model with some of the amazing clothing, shoes and accessory in the SecretSales closet.

I spied a Hugo Boss brown leather jacket on the men's clothing rack and knew I had to base my outfit around it. I'm a sucker for a good leather jacket what can I say. From there I held up about half a dozen different shirts to the very cooperative (and very handsome) model Paul to find one that popped with his eyes. I don't often put men's outfits together but I'm pretty happy with the results.

Image by Dom Aleandri Photography

Image by Dom Aleandri Photography

Brown Leather Jacket-Hugo Boss

Blue Shirt- Hugo Boss

(both available from SecretSales from 19/4)

So what do you wear to the launch where you will be surrounded by fashion bloggers, journalists and models? Yea I struggled with that one too! Especially since I was flying down to London and back the same day plus trains and tube to get there. So as much as part of me wanted to go a bit avant-garde I aired on the side of practical. 

Xhilaration High Low Striped Dress

Black Loft Cardigan

Hot Pink HM Hoop Earrings

Black Folded Trim New Look Ankle Boots

Probably not my first outfit choice but stripes and monochromatic are in this season so it worked in a pinch. I do have a chance to really increase my stylishness but I need all y'all to help out please!

If you visit SecretSales Facebook page and "like" the photo of Paul in the outfit I styled I could win a Dolce and Gabbana handbag!

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR. This is probably the only chance I'll ever have at owning anything by Dolce and Gabanna (one of my favourite designers-no one does leopard print better) so I'd freak out if I won! I feel like I'm asking a lot of favours lately but it literally takes one second to like the photo and I'd really appreciate your help!

What I Wore Wednesday: Birthday Dinner Out

This past week has been in a word: INSANE. Blondie Boy's birthday party was last Friday, followed the next day by his actual birthday and followed the following day by NBH's Mum's 60th Birthday/his sister's 30th. It was a birthday bonanza weekend!

I have no acceptable or even vaguely okay looking photos of myself from Blondie Boy's party or from his birthday lunch out. To be honest I didn't really wear anything exciting since it was a kid's party anyway. I did put an effort in to my outfit when we went out for Persian food for my SIL's birthday dinner on Sunday and in an even bigger twist of fate Blondie Boy and I BOTH looked cute at the same time (If you're a Mom you'll know this rarely happens--it's usually you or the kid--not both).

I'm not 100% on my skinny jeans with my ankle boots but I gave it a try to recreate the outfit I would have worn on New Year's Eve if we went out:

Blondie

Sequin Top- Loft

Skinny Jeans-Old Navy

Ankle Boots- New Look

Jacket-Zara

Blondie Boy

Skull Sweatshirt-Target

Plain Trousers-US Polo Association

Gym Shoes-Adidas

Fox Hat-ASDA

Blondie Boy has had these plaid pants forever but they've always been to big on him. They finally fit and I loved how they looked with his skull sweatshirt. A little preppy, a little punk and of course he through in his favourite fox hat for good measure.

I also tried out this thingy called a "donut quiff comb" I got at Claire's. I have no idea what it supposed to be used for but I used it like a "bump-it." My hair is really fine and obviously blonde and bump-its just don't stay put in my hair and you can see them through my hair so I thought maybe this quiff comb would work for a bit of volume when I pull my hair back.  Luckily for me it totally worked. You can't see it really in this photo but to me that is a good thing because I didn't want to look like Snooki!

Do you have any crazy gadgets or random techniques you use to make your hair cute?

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What I Wore Wednesday: Trendy Toddler

So I have just about bust a hole in the only pair of jeans I have that fit--not good--and I only buy jeans from Old Navy which doesn't exist in the UK. I'll be home in less than two months but hopefully in that amount of time I can lose enough weight (it isn't a ton) to fit into the next size down. In the meantime it means I'm doing everything I can not to turn that almost hole into a hole so I'm not wearing my jeans and I'm in a funk about most of what I have to wear.

So instead of me this week you get Blondie Boy who always looks way cooler than I do anyway!

Cincinnati Reds Baseball Cap

Harajuku Mini for Target Skull Tee

Marks and Spencers Jeans

Molo Jitterbug Zap Hi Tops- Little Stomper

My Mom sent this top over for Blondie Boy and I love it! I pretty much have loved just about all of the Harajuku Mini collection I've seen and I can't wait to stock up when I'm home in October. The wee buttons at the front are actual buttons which I think is just super cute and y'all know I have a thing for skulls.

Blondie Boy also finally got to break out his Molo Jitterbugs; I freaking love these shoes. Not only are the tie-dye with sparkly silver laces but they are practical. There is a zipper on the side of the shoe so you can actually get the shoe on the toddler easily but he can't take them off easily-WINNER! Blondie Boy loved them so much he did a dance to celebrate.

Yes he is dancing with a car. You'll see the same car in the photo above. He is OBSESSED with cars; if you watched his vlog on my post about our holiday in Carnac his favourite thing was the "holiday car." I have no idea why he loves cars so much but there is always one nearby so dancing with one isn't so strange to me. Little Stomper are currently having a Flash Sale so get the trendy toddler in your life some dancing shoes of their own!

Have you entered my Panasonic Giveaway? It ends September 2nd and you could win a Lumix Digital Camera or Amazon Gift Card (open worldwide)!

What I Wore Wednesday: Versace is Business Appropriate Right?

Last Friday I helped throw a blogger and brand event for one of my clients. I wanted to look professional but not too stuffy so I opted for my Versace for HM skirt and paired it with leggings to make it less formal. Please note this photo was taken at home once I finally got back from the airport at the end of a 13 hour day so please excuse the flat hair and tired look!

I also had to take a picture of my Rabbi's Daughters travel bag. My Mom got is for me and I LOVE it. Not only is it covered in Yiddish words but it is the perfect size for an overnight trip; holds everything I need and fits under the seat on the plane. Please note this added bit of genius I've never seen before: that zip? It is for a pocket inside the bag that holds all your liquids and toiletries. So not only are my liquids easy to access at security but if they spill they don't get all over my clothes! Brilliant!

Apologies if I'm sounding like a wackadoo here but when you fly semi-regularly for business a fashionable and functional carry on bag is quite possibly the best thing ever. Seriously I plotzed. 

If you you are Jewish (or just love Yiddish sayings) and don't know about Rabbi's Daughters you best be clicking because their adult and children lines are super cute. I have a Shayna Punim T-shirt and Blondie Boy has several of their toddler tees. This isn't sponsored in any way shape or form--I just love their products!

Embellished Skirt-Versace for HM 

Black 3/4 sleeve top- HM

Leggings- Mossimo (Target)

Earrings-Etsy

Shoes: J by Jasper Conran

Travel Bag: Rabbi's Daughters

What I Wore Wednesday: Impromptu Date Night

Things have been a bit hectic around these parts as I'm preparing for a work event I've been planing for the end of this week. For whatever reason I decided I wanted to go out to dinner tonight and when I looked I could get booked into The Grill on the Corner's 50% deal but we only had 40 minutes to make Blondie Boy's dinner, feed him and leave. 
So I went from my errand-running outfit and make-up to Date Night (plus toddler) outfit in less than 5 minutes! I darkened my eyeshadow and liner and threw on a sweater and hopefully looked semi-presentable.

Ohio T-Shirt- Ohio Bandits Apparel Co from MiCA

The Flirt Jeans- Old Navy

Pink Gym Shoes- Puma

Fearless Tiny Skull Studs- Dogeared

Geleration Rebel Yell Gel Manicure

H&M Black Sweater 

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow, Strut

Blondie Boy was looking pretty cute himself so he got in on the What I Wore action, too! 

Red Skull Hoodie- Paul Frank for TargetJeans- Marks and SpencersSkull Slip Ons- Gap

What I Wore: Speaking Engagement

I had planned on being blacked out today to protest SOPA/PIPA but since it appears to be shelved and I can't get the freaking HTML to work on my page I am not. I have added a ribbon though in solidarity.


I was asked to speak about blogging as part of Glasgow University Media Week earlier today and wanted to wear something casual put professional. I'm a huge fan of sweater dresses and I hadn't worn this one in a while so I was glad to see it still fits!

Don't ask what is going on with my leg because I have no idea but NBH didn't have the patience for more than one take (can you blame him?). Also what is your thoughts on my penguin friend? It was acquired as a holiday decoration but since it is still cold out I've kept our fine feather friend out on the porch. Time to put her away or should she stay?

Dress- BCBG Max Azaria (TJ Maxx)

Leggings- Mossimo (Target)

Black Boots- Sketchers

Black Feather Earrings- Monsoon

Nails- Barry M Limited Edition Silver Glitter (currently free when you buy 2 other Barry M products at Boots and I freaking LOVE this polish)