Monday & Tuesday, December 14 & 15

*Monday, Dec. 14*

Last wear: N/A

Times now worn: 1

Junk Food tees have become socially acceptable in our household. I had feared this day would come, and it has. Okay, I know that sounds a little excessively dramatic but I DON'T LIKE CHARACTER CLOTHING. But it's not always about me. Actually, it's never about me save the exception of picking Riley's clothing. Lately, that has even become a battle that princess knows she is capable of winning given the time restraints on dressing some days and my "pick your battles with the stubborn two year old" attitude I've recently adapted. Hence the Fancy Nancy junk food holiday shirt. Riley is pretty convinced that FN and Olivia the Pig are either related to her or her best friends-- and she is all about them lately. Vamanos, Dora. Sorry, Kai-Lan, you no longer make Riley's heart super happy. It's all about the high maintainence girls in books that are so eerily relatable to little Miss Riley.

Anyway, once I got over the fact that the shirt isn't my favorite, I stood in awe of my little baby. Because she is TWO AND A HALF....and starting to look more and more like a child rather than a baby every day. Bittersweet? To say the least.

Last wear: N/A
Times now worn: 1

*Tuesday, Dec. 15*

We ran some errands today on a time limit. I didn't want to get stopped at every single store with "Where did you get her outfit", so I went with some understated attire today. Don't get me wrong, the compliments are nice-- but it's 10 days from Christmas and one of my last days to shop for everyone on my list before then, I'm in a rush and have an uncooperative two year old tagging along. The flower is from LittleBeautyBoutique (naturally- as if she hasn't worn it ten thousand times already), jeans, sweater and boots from Baby Gap, and the shirt is from Matilda Jane's Hotline from this summer. It's super thin and not great for winter, but she had her Gap warmest coat on all day anyway. This looks a little like a mini adult outfit to me, and I think it aged her because she got asked if she was 3 or 4 all day. Doesn't help that she is an amazon child and particularily chatty later in the afternoon I guess.

Friday, December 11

Date of last wear: Tuesday, November 3
Times now worn: 2 (I swear it's been more?)

Today we layered the Gap Corsica dress due to the extreme cold-- it was even chilly indoors with the heater on. The last pic is just a hair update I guess haha. It's really growing now, and I'm loving being able to do it in different styles-- when Miss HM allows, that is.

Bow is from Von Maur, tights and undershirt from Target.

Snowed In: Wednesday, December 9

Video notes: Please don't mind my little baby speak voice. I promise I don't sound 12 normally, usually I sound about 15. But still, give me some credit. :) Think she's heard this story a few hundred times?

Last wear: Tuesday, October 20th

Times now worn: 3

For the last wear of the Gap Deauville skirt that I adore so much, I switched things up a little and paired it with the white corsage tee as opposed to the black that we usually do (well, twice). Piggies are adorned with small white bows from Sara and once again Miss R is tight-less due to potty training. Anyway, au revoir, beautiful deauville skirt. We only knew you for a short time, but you were an instant favorite. Off to eBay for the next size up!

Time for a new section of the Riley Fashion Log Blog, RILEY REVIEWS! Now that she is a full fledged little person, she has her own opinions and is very verbal with them. After all, this blog is a window for her when she is older-- I want her to participate in it :) Expect Riley Reviews to be short, sweet and to the point.

Today Riley wore OPI's "Linkin Park After Dark" in suede on her little nails. This color is unique because of the suede finish, it dries ultra quick and varies from the original "LPAD" shade. I absolutely love it. Riley's opinion?:

"Purple is SO pretty on my nails, Mom-Mom. I LUFF IT!"

There you have it, if it's good enough for Miss High Maintainence, it should pass just about anyone's standards.

Tuesday, December 8

We are literally snowed in. This is Iowa. One day it is almost 60 degrees and breezy, the next your driveway has 14 inches of snow and you are unable to leave. The state knows what it is doing, it traps its citizens in. Why else would I stay here? Anyway, Riley BEGGED to go play in the snow the minute she woke up. I held it off as long as possible, knowing all too well the moment I gave in she would make it a point to attempt to stay out ALL DAY. And she did. But I didn't let her freeze, and for that I suffered. When I went to dress her in snow appropriate clothes, I found I was ill prepared for this weather, so I improvised. "This polka dot mess will suffice" was the thought running through my mind as I bundled her up to brave the winter cold. Polka Dot Mess is compliments of Mini Boden (coat), Uggs (boots), and Gymboree (for everything else). Her style is clearly the envy of all the other tots in our neighborhood ready to pelt mommy with snowballs....even if she is the only tot in the neighborhood. :D

Monday, December 7th

Last wear: Friday, October 9th

Times now worn: 2

Reason for no tights/bottoms: Potty training

Reason for crying: Her hood fell down. The hood HAS to stay up. All day. Even inside. Then she realized there were no pockets. Riley do hath wrath on thee hoodie lacking pockets.

Friday, December 4th

Last wear: http://rileycadance.blogspot.com/search/label/Burberry

Times now worn: 2

Nothing is better suited for a shopping trip and afternoon at the bookstore than Burberry paired with Uggs, right? Newest addition to our hair accessory obsession collection is this beautifully crafted Burberry flower made by the very talented Jessica of Little Beauty Boutique. She is such a doll for humoring me with this idea, and I adore the way it turned out!

I'm sure these pictures are an accurate portrayl of how I look and why I put all my energy into my daughters clothing, as you can see I'm pretty frumpy. Years ago, in the land before Riley (aka high school) I was a relatively skinny, pretty girl. Okay, I'm being modest-- I was way adorable. Only in retrospect can you say that without sounding completely self absorbed, right?

Riley wanted to wear her ballerina princess dress yesterday, so that is what she wore. I'm trying to let her have choices now that she is becoming more opinionated and she loves this (nightgown) dress to pieces, and I do have to say it is MUCH cuter in person than it is online or on the rack. It is a velour, so it does look better when dried unfortunately and it runs small. We did a size 4 so we could tumble dry. I just don't like the look nor feel of velour when hung dried. Paired with an old matching bow from Pink Hippo to make it look less nightgownish and some Uggs (it was freezing) this was the perfect outfit for quick errands and watching the dreaded Straw-ba-ba-bapple Berry. All. Day.

I'm Sorry!

I recieved a couple emails about my blog slacking a little and I just wanted to apologize for that. I had no idea I had actual readers, but am happy to hear it haha :) It is finals week for me, but I will be back in full blog swing as soon as possible, maybe with an update on my Black Friday haul.

Back to our regularly scheduled programming....

Last wear: Combination: never, this shirt: Thursday, October 22
Times now worn: 1 shirt: 3


Riley refers to this shirt as her "Tower Shirt", and she loves it. I have no idea why, but she even requests the Tower Bow to wear with it. I think she wants to move to Paris, and I'm all for it. This shirt is from Crewcuts, and though I don't really care for the neckline, it's long and soft and Riley likes it so it gets worn. The jeans are from Baby Gap and a perfect fit. The bow is from LexiBugs Bowtique and is a couple years old, so I'm not sure if she is around anymore but we love it!

Tuesday, November 24

Still recovering, today was a day to lazily hang out inside. Riley started the day in an old line Gymboree outftit that was handed down to us from Nichole. Riley loves puddle jumping, so she soon destroyed outfit #1 and while that went into the wash, she moved into outfit #2, a dress from Eden's Bouquet we used as a tunic, and jeans from Baby Gap topped off with a headband from Janie & Jack.

Friday, November 20?

I'm not sure the exact date of this outfit, but I'm thinking it was sometime during the week I didn't post. I've been out with just about any seasonal illness possible and I've tried to stay away from Riley while I was sick, hence the lack of pictures.

This was a potty training/play outfit that Riley picked out. It's a Misha Lulu shirt that she has deemed the "Kai Lan friend" shirt, a Gymboree tutu skirt and marabou puff bows from the amazing bowmaker and friend Amanda.

Friday, November 13

Last wear: August 24th

Times now worn: 2

This is in the running for favorite outfit ever. It combines my favorite colors, has polka dots and a flouncy skirt. Who Let the Dots Out, by Mim Pi, you are a classic and-- I love you. No joke. I'm that obsessed. Now let's get this worn a few hundred more times before spring. Okay, maybe we'll shoot for 30 more times. We have to be realistic here, after all.

Accessories: Shoes and tights from Targeit (the fancier Target), shirt from Baby Gap and bows from Luna's Garden Boutique.

Thursday, November 12

Last wear: October 15th

Times now worn: 3

Today's blog is not about the outfit, folks. It's all about the bows. Those fabulous, girly, fancy twirls of ribbon that adorn her head daily. You have seen the outfit before on the blog (Gymboree's New York Girl skirt and shirt set), but the bows are new, and I am absolutely head over heels for them. The quality is awesome, the shipping is quick and the color matching is flawless. Where can you get a pair of your own lovely boutique bows? Contact Michelle at Luna's Garden Boutique (www.lunasgardenboutique.com) or pm nunupup on GF, for those of you who understand that lingo ;) You will NOT be disappointed!

I have found a new bowmaker that doesn't cost me an arm and a leg. HALLELUJAH.

Tuesday, November 10

Last wear: Not applicable
Times now worn: 1

Meet THE furry vest. This eyesore is from Gymboree's new SuperStar line and was purchased during a moment of weakness at Gymboree's Circle of Friends Sale this previous weekend. Why did I buy this piece if I loathe it so? Because this girl right here, in the picture, she LOVES it. She told me "Mommy I looooove this. So soft." How could I deny this girl, right here, of a piece of clothing she LOVES that doesn't have ugly Dora on it? I could not. Hence why she owns it.


However, regardless of how I feel personally about this vest, I think Riley still rocks it. She has the personality to pull off something this sassy, and on her- I love it. We paired it with Gap skinny jeans, a headband from loveable creations on etsy, Uggs and a FABULOUS shirt from Gymboree's Wild One line.

Friday, November 6

I think I'm going to try something a little different with a new addition to the daily post I am going to keep a counter in order to keep track of how often an outfit is worn so I can determine at the end of the season what gets worn and what does not. Bare with me as I try this!

Last wear: Sunday, September 27

Times now worn: 2

This is Janie & Jack's Parisian Park poodle sweaterdress size 3. With the matching knee socks, and marabou bows made by the lovely Amanda, this outfit is dying for a lunch date or something to show it off. Sadly, we stayed home all day so Mommy could study-- closeting this beauty. Crossing my fingers that she wears it again on a more exciting day!

Thursday, November 5

It was double Panda trouble today on a playdate with Miss Peytiebugs (to see her fashion daily, check out www.peytonrae.blogspot.com) They were decked out head to toe in Gymboree's Holiday Panda line. I don't think there is anything in the world cuter than decking out "sister/friends" in matching outfits, thank goodness for my wallet Riley is an only child!

Wednesday, November 4

Back to our regularly scheduled horrible fashion show pictures, folks. That was such a nice little run though, wasn't it? ;)

Today we just ran some errands so I threw Riley in the first thing I saw. The tunic is from Matilda Jane and the ruffle pants were made by vintagepearle on etsy. Her work is fabulous, and quick. The flower was put together by the lovely Jessica of LittleBeautyBoutique and the shoes are Lelli Kelly. Today was a collection of funky treasure pieces from little known designers. Nothing makes me beam more than telling someone of my new shopping adventures, and people ALWAYS ask questions about MJ! These pants solicited many compliments today, I almost wish I had the sellers card to hand out! Gotta love etsy!

Tuesday, November 3

Initially, I didn't care for Baby Gap's Corsica line. That changed in an instant when I picked this dress up on a major price kill. We paired it with solid black leggings from Mim Pi, sand colored Uggs and a blue bow in her ponytail from Pink Hippo bowtique in Urbandale, Iowa.

I honestly couldn't tell you what has gotten into this child. The posing, the smiles, they have completely caught me off guard. But I am loving it, and hopefully it makes my little blog more bearable to read ;) Today she is showing off her pumpkin she picked from the patch a few weeks ago that she is so proud of.

Sunday, November 1

My favorite thing about Matilda Jane Clothing is the ability of a piece to evolve. Last year, she wore this top as a tunic dress, it is now a peasant top paired with brown ruffles (for the last time). There is something so perfectly sentimental about seeing your daughter grow in the same piece of clothing, and this being my favorite MJ top in the history of MJ, I'm beyond enthused that it has lasted us two seasons and still looks fantastic.

Wednesday, October 28

Tomorrow is my 21st birthday, so this picture may have to tide you over for a little while ;)

This is Riley's friend, TG and Riley after a lunch date. It's not often that I have the honor of posting a picture of two adorably dressed little Gap girls! :)

Riley is wearing her Abbey Road shift mini dress, for the last time because it is officially TOO short. But I love it, so I am happy I squeezed one last wear out of it. Today we paired with the usual matching knee socks from Baby Gap and shoes from Target but added a military style jacket from the same line that I picked up on sale for $9.99 a couple weeks ago. It adds a entire new level to the outfit and makes it weather appropriate, since the short sleeves of this dress no longer are. The polka dot purple piggie bows are from the lovely Sara :)

....PS-- that's day two of a smiling Riley picture. Beware the icicles that may rise up from below tonight, because I think hell just froze over. ;)

Tuesday, October 27

Another example of my "Wow Piece" Theory of dressolution. Burberry skirt with knee socks, shirt and shoes from Target. Accessorized correctly, this outfit is a knockout.

Monday, October 26

Yes, you have seen this dress before. No, it didn't magically grow through the years with Riley-- though I wish it would since it costs a pretty penny to hunt down! It's my beloved Matilda Jane brownie lap dress, and it IS my favorite. I have found the sizing of it a bit odd though, the 2 was a baby doll on her and the 4 bags-- MJ, please consider "odd" sizes-- PLEASE?!? :)

We tried rolling her hair to see if the hot mess could be maintained.

It could not.

I guess it's a blessing that she finally has hair to deal with, after two years of bow bands. :)

Sunday, October 26th

Picture is not from today, because I barely saw Riley today. For the few hours that she was dressed she was wearing her Gymboree Wild One ensemble with the matching marabou headband from loveable creations on etsy. Totally adorable, and perfect for miss sassypants! Sadly, her zebra stripe jeans have seen their last days and I am now on the hunt for comfy zebra pants to stretch the life of this outfit. Leave any tips you may have via comments ;)

Saturday, October 24

You know it's one of those days when this is the best fashion blog picture I could get. Today was full of toddler drama over Strawberry Shortcake. Apparently, watching SS 5 times in a row just isn't enough. Then, she wanted to take this outfit off and wear her Strawberry shortcake shirt.

She doesn't own one. I think I opened up a can of worms when I bought her that Hello Kitty shirt.

I forced her into Baby Gap Chelsea line today from head to toe. The bow is from our bow frienemy Pink Hippo. Love their bows, but hate the price gouging. Fortunately, there are so many other bow makers out there that have fabulous bows at reasonable prices-- but I bought a ton from PH when I was young(er) and naive, new Mom shopaholic syndrom I suppose!

Friday, October 23rd

Today was another stay at home and clean day, we've been having a lot of those lately. The weather has been awful and I'm trying to save money. Ha.

Another Hello Kitty junk food tee from Gap today, thanks so much to Debbie who was so sweet to give it to Riley as a Halloween goodie. She is too sweet to us, and Riley loves her HK tee dearly :) Paired with bows from the lovely Sara, and her new (size 4t! :eek:) boyfriend jeans from Gap. Girlfriend is growing like a weed lately, it's getting hard to keep up! She was in a playful, lovey mood today-- even semi cooperated with having her picture taken!

Thursday, October 22

I love rain, but I HATE my pictures sucking from the terrible dark weather and bad lighting of my living room. No, I'm not an amazing photographer, but I'm pretty decent in natural light and this light is killing me. Guess I better get accustomed to using my darn flash.

This set is a favorite, but sadly the skirt and collared shirt are making a last appearance. The headband is from LittleBeautyBoutique on etsy, The shirts are from Crewcuts, the skirt and boots from Baby Gap. :) No, the skirt isn't insanely short, it's just scrunched up from Riley removing it and "fixing" it herself.

Wednesday, October 21st

I caved. I bought Riley every one of the Hello Kitty Junk Food tees from Baby Gap. (Except one that was a gift from our lovely friend Debbie :)) I HATE character clothing. LOATHE it. But ....she loves Hello Kitty, I love Baby Gap....a toddler match made in clothing heaven? Riley does tend to get what she wants! This is the perfect comfy combination for a day of playing, reading and cleaning with Mommy at home. The bow ($1.99) and pants ($16.75) are from Gymboree and the pinks are a perfect match to the sleeves on the Hello Kitty tee.

Tuesday, October 20th

End of the day picture, already repeating this Gap Deauville favorite!

Today we mixed it up a little bit with knee socks from Target and a Flower Clip (clipped onto a black crotched headband) from White House Black Market ($25). Perfect match, even if I did have to buy it at an expensive adult store. My Gap didn't get the headband, and you know I needed something for her noggin to match! ;)

Monday, October 19th

We didn't have a pumpkin sweater from Janie & Jack this year, and we actually went to a pumpkin patch. I panicked. But I think this sweet little combo from Gap and Matilda Jane scream country girl. The boots were awesome to have on our unexpected 3 mile hike through corn and vine, thank you Baby Gap! The awesome flower clip is from our favorite headband from LittleBeautyBoutique on etsy. The skirt is the molly skirt from Matilda Jane's Gypsy Blue line. So twirly, yet practical. And yes, I am a dirty no-good line mixer, I know.

Thursday, October 15th

Riley had a playdate at an indoor swingset place today, and I thanked my lucky stars that this skirt has shorts underneath, or rather that it is a skort. Perfect for keeping cute and ladylike on a very active playdate! This little number is from Gymboree. The knee highs are from Target (on sale for $1.24!) as are the knock off M&M shoes. I swear I do her hair daily, but it becomes a mess regardless of how much gel, hairspray, etc is poured onto this childs head. She has hot mess hair, and we all know it. No bows today, anyone pass out from shock?


We'll call this her "Home from Catholic School" look. :)

Wednesday, October 14th

The Matilda Jane Claudia jacket is an exquisite piece, beautifully designed with extraordinary color combinations-- but the functionality of it doesn't quite make the mark. The buttons aren't sewn on very well and the fit, obviously needs some work. Granted, I still love the piece paired with a tank underneath, but I'm not sure that it is very practical as an off the shoulders type jacket. This is a size 2, but the width would be better fitted for a four year old, maybe as a cropped jacket? I do have to say I'm at a loss with this one, folks. As much as I love it in theory, it just doesn't hold up to my Matilda Jane ideals I suppose.


The key to Riley's wardrobe is layering inexpensive basics/"side dishes" with more expensive "main course", such as the MJ jacket in this case. I like to center an entire outfit around one key "WOW" piece. Beyond adorable and it keeps your budget in check.


The chambray jeans are from Baby Gap, the brown layering tank from Old Navy and the blue flower clip is from Pink Hippo.

CONTEST REVEAL!

Outfit of the day, yesterday Monday the 12th:

This set was pieced together by a few different brands and designers. The LBD (little black dress) is from Eden's Bouquet, a small time designer with the ability to create heirloom clothing out of brand new materials. Though this dress is a little thinner than I had hoped, the design and sentiment of the ensemble gets an A+. Paired with a petticoat dress underneath from Von Maur ($18) and Target leggings ($5.99) and shoes ($12.99) this set is sure to bring back the memories of being a child in the 1920's, or at least imagining what that would have been like.

Now for the good stuff ;)

CONTEST REVEAL!

Who is the lucky winner of the $10 gift certificate to LittleBeautyBoutique?

................MONIKA!...............

Please email me at askoog88@yahoo.com to claim your prize!

Big thank you to ALL the contestants and keep reading for the next big giveaway :)

CONTEST TIME!

Partnering with LittleBeautyBoutique on etsy to announce

www.LittleBeautyBoutique.etsy.com

.......our fall contest!

Fall into Autumn with a new flowerheadband or accessory from LBB!

Love all the flowerbows that Riley wears on my blog?

Want one for yourself (or your child)?

Winner of this contest recieves a $10 certificate to Jessica's shop!

How to enter:

You can enter THREE times for doing any of the following 4 things!

1. Subscribe to my blog. Post comment here.

2. Tweet about my blog. Post comment here.

3. Facebook status about my blog. Post comment here.

4. Blog about my blog. Post blog link here.

Yes, I want to get the word out. Yes, I want this to be more than a daily fashion picture blog, I have dreams for this blog. Bigger, better, and more active. So get the word out, and win a gift certificate to the cutest little hair accessory shop I know!

THIS CONTEST WILL RUN THROUGH TODAY UNTIL TUESDAY NIGHT!

Good luck, and thanks for playing :)

Friday, October 9th

Another day in Baby Gap! The striped tights and dress are from the Crazy Stripes line, and perfect for our cold weather! The boots are also from Baby Gap and the bow is from Von Maur. Not much for a picture today, little one couldn't be bothered to smile at the camera or listen to anything Mommy said to do today. Oh, two year olds :)

Thursday, October 8th

It was a little chilly today, but I wanted to take this Gap Abbey Road number for one last spin before it snows here which is bound to happen this week.

I just love the colors of this set, my favorite color is pink, but Riley rocks the navy and purples so I tend to buy sets with those colors in it when avaliable. This mini dress and knee high set did not disappoint.

Sara made the lovely polka dot piggie bows for us and the mini bang clip is from Target, as were the shoes.

Who loves bows? And flowerbands? AND PRIZES?

.....then stay tuned ;) Contest being announced tomorrow :)

Tuesday, October 6th

This picture......kills me haha. Riley is such a pretty girl, but good lord-- you throw a camera on her and some of the faces she makes crack me up.

This is from Gap's newest line, Deuville. Her hair has been a hot mess lately, but we're working on it. The striped tights are a favorite, but I don't know how I feel about the black mini.

Monday, October 5th

I really need to learn how to use my flash.

This is from Baby Gap's newest line, and it's black and white and you know that right there is grounds for the entire line coming home with me. Okay, maybe not the ENTIRE line....but a good 6 outfits or so. This skirt is my favorite piece from the entire line, paired with the corsage shirt and white plain tights and bow with black Target shoes-- this is classic, elegant and adorable....even for a day of just running errands.