I’ve been under the weather, so I’ve been window shopping on the internet! I found a lot of things that struck me as outdoorsy, (I’ve been cooped up) so I chose a neutral base outfit and lots of great accessories and things to mix and match with it. It was fun looking for things that I thought could work together/that complement each other, and that could be swapped around a bit, all with an ‘outdoorsy chic’ feel =-)

These would be the base top and skinnies.. I’ve included links under each collage to the items pictured, just in case anything really catches your eye *wink*

TOPSHOP Raglan Slubby Sweater
MOTO Indigo supersoft skinny leigh jean

I feel like this collection is rather tree inspired, so I’ve included some lovely trees for your viewing pleasure *smile* (I love trees, and especially enjoy looking at twiggy winter trees against a turbulent sky..so cool looking)

Aren’t all these accessories lovely?  They are neutral-ish, natural colors, but they have their own pop and understated class, I think..

Merona Mustard solid Pashmina Scarf

Citrine and Topaz necklace

Studio Barse Bronze Rectangular Ring

The “pack mule” design on the field bag is an original drawing by me. The mule pictured is one that my dad actually used to own (the drawing is available on several different types of items in my shop) – he used to use real, wooden pack saddles and old fashioned (and often truly old – the real deal!) equipment on his animals when I was growing up.  I grew up around many mules, donkeys, and horses and had a lot of fun.  I’ve even been on a bona fide packin’ in on a mule or horse mountain trip or two, and used to ride horses all of the time.  My dad is a true original, so I had a very unique childhood!

Hand drawn ‘Pack Mule’ Tote

Autumn Tree Bronze Necklace

Miss Sixty Double Breasted Jacket

I like this handbag because it looks really sturdy, would go with virtually anything, and I like the idea of the large extra pocket in front (my current purse is basically a pit and it’s hard to find things in! lol)

Metal Ista Jewelry for Urban Renewal Vintage Globe Locket Necklace – Bronze

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Tracy Ann, The Wardrobe Wanderer who lives in a Turret, yep
P.S. I don’t know why this post makes my sidebar go all the way down to the bottom of the page?

I’m so incredibly honored that Toni from The Love Hanger nominated me for this blogger award! It’s so amazing to become friends with people from all over the world via the blogosphere by sharing our clothing! lol (of course, we end up sharing so much more in the process.) Once I started blogging again, (this was fairly recently, as I had to take about a year off last year) I quickly found Toni and she became a friend in a very short amount of time. She’s just so sweet! Thank you for this Toni, and for just being you!

So, ‘Liebster’ is apparently German for ‘dearest, beloved, or favourite,’ and it’s for bloggers with under 200 followers. The rules are:

Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog.

Link back to the blogger who awarded you.

Copy & paste the blog award on your blog

Reveal your 5 blog picks.

Let them know you chose them by leaving a comment on their blog.

My 5 nominations are:

Sarah at Sophiasa
Lisa at The Sentimentalist
Alecto at Circle Meets Square
Louise at Fifth Sparrow
Sylvia at 40+ Style
You ladies have all made me feel welcome in the blogging community, and you offer fabulous style inspiration! Thank you all for being so great =D

Everyone should check out their blogs!

xo

Tracy

aren’t these shoes cute?  I just love the strap around the ankle, and they have a bit of a wedged heel, so they give me a tiny bit of height, while the cute strap helps to keep them securely on my feet.   I really like these electric blue tights too; I got them on my excursion with my daughter Idelle that I posted about a couple of posts back.  I am so enjoying colored tights and the fun and pop they can bring to an otherwise not so exciting outfit.

skirts like this are made for twirling in!

ballet fingers too, lol 
I took some minor ballet lessons as a little girl, and I’ve always remembered “ballet fingers,”  meaning:  put your two middle fingers together, separate from your pointer fingers and pinkies, gracefully bend them in, and let the other fingers bend naturally (they will tend to bend a little bit less than you’re bending the two middle fingers.)  I always do it when I play ballerina – it’s like bringing back a little piece of my childhood, and it does look more graceful to hold one’s hands that way – try it! *wink*

I promise I’m not mad here!  - - just experimenting with looking at a camera head on with no real expression, kinda like the runway models do,  hehe  (and playing with effects of course, can’t resist *smile*)

and the woodland ballerina (or dryad) walks away..

Narnia?  The Wardrobe Wanderer – that’s me, get it????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????  (you need to have read ‘The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis to understand)  -or I suppose you could have seen the movie, but you really SHOULD read the book regardless (wink, wink)

xo

Trasey (being creative with my name spelling – I like it this way!)

top:  Old Navy (get a similar look HERE)

skirt: gift from a friend (get a similar look HERE)

tights:  Forever 21 (get the LOOK)

shoes:  Wanted Shoes  (or get a really ballerina-like flat here)

necklace:  American Eagle Outfitters

Then, Doran and I went back later because I loaded my pics and found that they were almost all whited out – the white background in the alley and not using the natural light correctly, I suppose (I REALLY need to read the manual that came with my camera, or take a photography class!) I so enjoy taking pictures, but I’m an amateur with no patience when it comes to reading instructions. I think a class would be best for me, as it would force me to listen, read, and learn, lol.

So anyway, here are a few pics..the one where I’m wearing the flare jeans, the ones of Amelia, and the one of Doran with the skateboard were taken the first time around, so I did some editing to trip out the whited out ones a bit, and to take away from the fact that they were so white.   The rest were taken when Doran and I went back later, and I wore skinny jeans that time (I think they look better with the heels anyhow.)

I wore my thick knit grey tights under my jeans, as I have been so chilled!

The tunic thingy is something my sister gave me for photo shoots, because she thought it was different and interesting.  I agree, so here it is!

This Aeropostale top is SO cozy!  I would never normally go into the Aeropostale store, as it seems like a store full of basics that are way over priced because this brand name is splashed over them.  But, I went in because Idelle wanted to on our shopping trip shenanigan the other day, and there were $5 bins full of shirts.  Idelle got a couple of tees, (as they are very in for middle schoolers right now) and I got this thermal purple long sleeved number.  I got it in XS because I wanted a very close fit, as I’ll mostly use it under things, and it really helps with keeping me warm – I love that!

This little pendant was sent to me by the lovely Michelle, when she and I participated in a craft swap.  She got a wool felt flower pin from me, and I got this cute little number from her – it’s a bee on a flower, and it matched this color palette nicely.  It’s very cute – I love wearing custom, hand made jewelry.

My little Amelia, always full of giggles, grins, and whimsical ideas galore   and yes, she has a horse on her shirt..this is the shirt Idelle bought her as a gift the other day.  One of these days I’ll need to get a clearer pic of it.  I love that Amelia loves horses like I did as a kid.

and here’s Doran with his skateboard!  The next time, when he came back with me, he brought his bike and did some cool tricks on that too.  He’s quite the acrobatic little guy – he takes after his uncle, my brother Troy, because he surely did NOT get it from me. 

and this is why I titled the post ‘Rebels in the Back Alley;’ I parked right next to this sign.  Oh yeah, livin’ on the edge! 

I think I’m going to head out now and find a place to relax, pray, and take a few pics for fun – you’ll see them soon enough I’m sure *wink*

xo

Tracy

my top:  Aeropostale

jeans:  both pairs were gifts

platform sandals:  Target (get a similar look HERE )

tunic:  gift (get a similar look HERE)

pendant:  gift

Amelia’s outfit

horse tee: The Children’s Place {get a (long sleeved) horse tee HERE}

tulle skirt:  The Children’s Place (get a similar look HERE)

shoes:  Payless Shoes

Doran’s outfit:

Wally World!

As you can see, I finally got some mustard yellow tights from Free People.  They go so well with my sweet new headpiece!

I tried for a close-up of the flower, but it got a little blurry..still  pretty though.  My friend here is my kitty Marcus; he likes to tag along when I go out into the field.

This new capelet is from J.C. Penney, and I just couldn’t resist it.  It’s SO my taste, and was marked down to $13 something from $46.  I left the store once, after hiding it, *smirk* but ended up going back to it pretty quickly, much to my daughter Idelle’s dismay, lol.   (see my previous post for more on the story )

The shorts came to today via eBay, but they are Anthropologie wool winter shorts (get a similar look here).  I just love cozy wool shorts like these, worn with tights (if you haven’t yet noticed my shorts/tights obsession!)

Okay, my beautiful blogging friend Sarah at Sophiasa put up a gorgeous and most inspiring post, and I just read it tonight.   I practically left a novel in her comments, so decided I’d share what I wrote here.  Her post was on her New Year’s resolves for 2012.  I’m not nearly so good at list making, but I jotted down a few ideas myself, inspired by dear Sarah.  So, here they are:

*My goal for this year is to come closer to Jesus, to really know Him intimately like some people that I admire do. I watch Joni Eareckson Tada’s shows on the Joni and Friends website sometimes and they are so inspiring. This woman can barely move her body, and yet the glow and peace she carries about with her make me envy her. I know I could have it too, if I would just go to Him..lots more than I do, and consistently seek Him with all of my heart.. I want to work on becoming spiritually healthier this year..and in all the years I have to come.

I also want to get physically healthy this year. Unfortunately, it looks like I’m going to have to have a hysterectomy, as my pain just won’t stop and it’s tearing my life apart. I want to be the mom I’d always hoped to be. I had hoped to have another baby, but if I can’t, maybe I can pursue making adoption possible if I can become a really functional person again. At least I can help get the finanical situation under control, by working more, getting an outside job again, or going back to school so that I can get a better job.

As Sarah touched on, kids grow up so quickly. I find myself so bummed at how lacking I am in the dept. of being the kind of mom I want to be sometimes.  But, I have to get to feeling better, or learn how to manage pain better anyway, so that I can more easily resist the temptation to take out my frustrations on family members. I’m angry at myself for barking at the precious ones that God has entrusted me to keep and to parent here on this earth for a time; I want them to feel secure, cherished, and respected at all times.

Of course, all of these things are ultimately up to God, but His Word says that “He who seeks me (diligently) will find me.”  So, I must become more proactive at seeking.  However, He’s the One who does the drawing in the first place, and I’m blessed to be granted the opportunity to feel that draw.  I know that I royally screw things up time and again, but I’m so thankful that He’s always so ready and willing to forgive me. 

Thank you for the graphic and the inspiration Sarah - I love it.

Hugs and  Blessings,

Tracy

tank top undershirt:  Forever 21

long sleeved top:  I honestly can’t remember!

capelet:  J.C. Penney

shorts:  Anthropologie via eBay (get the LOOK)

tights:  Free People

oxfords:  9 & Co. (thrifted)

What happened was as follows: I took way too long getting ready, continuing to hope that someone might come through and pick Idelle up. Plus, I just didn’t feel well at all and was in no mood to hustle. We left pretty late, and unfortunately we still had to make a stop to grab a gift. Then, on the way over to Chico, Idelle informed me that she’d only heard about this party through a mutual friend of the girl who was having a birthday. She’d never received an invitation, or any clear cut information about this *party*. Argh!  Anyhow, we continued on, the clock ticking away relentlessly and reminding us of our lateness. When Chico was reached, I took a wrong turn, thinking it would be a quick way to get to the party location (Cal Skate – a roller rink.) It turns out I messed up, and made a huge loop that was unnecessary, which of course ate up many more minutes.

When we FINALLY arrived at the skating rink, no one was to be seen, and I’d become very skeptical about there even being a party. I mean, why wouldn’t this child’s mom verify it with me if she really wanted us to come? I am getting a little bit tired of parents letting their kids take care of all the inviting/planning when it comes to hanging out, parties, etc.  It seems to be the trend lately.  Idelle heard from a friend of a friend, and was instructed to tell another friend. But, neither of them actually heard from the birthday girl herself? 

So, Idelle and I went into the building, and there was a large group ahead of us dilly-dallying away. Idelle and I were both flustered and frustrated, and unsure if any of her friends were really in there. It looked like we’d have to pay to go in, just to look and see if we could find them. Then, because of our late arrival, there’d only be about an hour and a half to skate. Needless to say, when Idelle said, “Let’s just skip it,” I gladly complied. We decided to have a little fun, just the two of us, instead. Since we’d already made the monumental effort and got ourselves over to the land of Chico, we decided that we might as well make the best of it. We considered checking to see if any good movies were playing, but ended up at the mall (we both agreed on this, as we each had a little cash on hand, and the mall was close by. What else would you expect from a couple of gals loose on the town? *wink*)

I brought my camera in, in my purse, hoping to take some fun shots in the dressing rooms, since I knew we couldn’t afford to buy much. Idelle took the ones of me, and I took the one of her (she’s wearing that jacket very reluctantly, as she didn’t like it – I picked it out and coaxed her to try it on, lol..gone are the days when I can dress her in my taste!)   We didn’t take very many shots, as Idelle was not as into it as I was, and she has no patience for Forever 21, where these were taken.  She wanted to leave pretty much the whole time we were there, ha ha. 

Anyhow, I’m a sucker for medieval inspired stuff, and this navy top struck me as such.  It was very floaty and comfortable on me, and if money were no object, I’d have brought it home. But, alas, it ended up back on the rack.  (I still kinda want to go back and get it, shhhhhhhhhh!)  It’d be great for occasions that are not overly dressy, (with jeans) but where you still want to look a bit nice, and it could easily be dressed up to be more formal as well.

aren’t the sleeves cute?

Idelle, ever so reluctantly, wearing the darling plaid jacket I picked out..

This little capelet; however, was another story. 

Once I saw it, I immediately liked it so much!  I’ve admired capelets for quite awhile, and this one seemed to have everything I wanted in a versatile capelet, right down to the cute buttons.  I tried to resist it – and Idelle tried hard to help me resist it!  I actually hid it in another section behind a bunch of different shirts. (Has anyone ever done that?  Come on, ‘fess up!)   Idelle and I left the store (J C Penney) and started heading back through the mall, but I kept coming up with all these reasons why I should get it *blushes*.  It really was a good deal, marked down to $13 something from like $46.  So, much to Idelle’s chagrin, we turned around and I purchased it.  It now hangs in my closet, and I’m sure you’ll be seeing plenty of it here!

–just a candid by Idelle in the Forever 21 dressing room – for some reason she’s just not as into the picture stuff as I am, and would get annoyed when I wanted her to wear something for a pic.  But, she did take some pics for me, and we did have a lot of fun, even though the whole trip began as a complete fiasco / wild goose chase, lol.  

Now I just hope the hubby doesn’t blow a gasket when he sees the bill, but I have plans on how to replenish the bank acct.. just gotta get on it.  I’m going to try selling some things on ebay, and I have some money coming soon from my cafepress shop.  I really didn’t spend THAT much..practically nothing compared to what many other American women spend, and I don’t ever do things like get my nails/hair done, (other than a VERY occasional haircut) so I’m actually pretty darn low maintenance..but things have been tight, so I do need to be careful.  I think my spending sprees are over for awhile. 

Idelle found some great deals on some Aeropostale shirts – apparently it’s totally the middle school trend to wear these tees with this brand name splashed across them somewhere pretty much every day.  I’d NEVER pay full price for them, and neither would she, but these were in bins for $5 each. I even got a long sleeved thermal one for layering, as I’m always so cold these days. 

All in all, the trip started out with pure insanity, but ended up being a fun mother/daugher time.  I am so impressed with my Idelle – she has more control than I do when it comes to spending money, and she even used some of her money to buy her little sis Amelia a darling horse t-shirt at ‘The Children’s Place.’  I think I need to take lessons from this gal =-)

Well, it’s late and I suppose I should get to bed.  I ended up getting a cozy, soft grey scarf, (as my ears and throat were hurting so much and it felt terrible to have them exposed to the cold wind) a pair of warm knit tights, an undershirt for layering, a pair of bright regular tights, (I’m on a tights kick) an Aero thermal top, and the capelet.  It’ll be fun to share them here – I was feeling a bit low on inspiration.

I’d like to go back sometime and try on a bunch of outlandish stuff, stuff I would never actually buy, lol.  I’ll probably need to secure the services of a more willing photographer, though!   Idelle is a blast, but she’s just not into the whole picture taking thing like I am.   She’s definitely developing her own strong sense of style though, but she’s smart, realistic, not easily swayed, and has a soft and generous heart.  I’m so proud of her. Oh, and yes, I felt somewhat better once we entered the mall – funny how that happens!

Goodnight all!

Hugs,

Tracy

My hubby gave me the forest green tights for Christmas – I am so into tights lately =-)  They can make shorts and sandals cool weather wear – I love that.  Oh, and I have a pair of Anthropologie wool trouser shorts coming; I can’t wait to wear them!

Lady of the Wood – a dryad in distress, perhaps?  I’m a bit sad about so many trees being cut down behind my house lately – I suppose the field is going to be developed. *sigh*

I got the crown/head wreath on Etsy, via the fabulous ivyiris  - it was handmade to order out of natural materials..very cool

Wow, I actually got a post up!  I find taking pics and editing them to be therapeutic and fun, which is a big reason why I do a fashion-y blog.   It’s also just a great creative outlet.

Have a great night, or morning, or whatever time of day brings you popping by!

xo

Tracy Ann

faerie wreath:  Etsy here

long sleeved tee:  Old Navy

green tunic top:  Gottschalks

shorts:  Ann Taylor (from ebay)

tights: Merona (from Target)

sweater: gift from my friend, Jessica

“Hope” pendant necklace:  gift from Kelly at www.jewelryinbraille.com

T-strap sandals:  Famous Footwear

A shot taken in my mirror:

Oh, and I’ve been stuck on this pair of shoes from Blowfish shoes that I first saw on JennifHsieh ‘s blog. She insists that they are very comfortable, and they’re just so darn cute! At 5’5″, I enjoy feeling a little tall once in awhile too, and these would certainly do it.  I love them in the black herringbone, but luckily (I guess *sigh*) they’re not available in my size (8) in this pattern. I can’t afford them anyhow, so I should be thankful, lol.

The shoes are HERE at Blowfish Shoes, if you want to see the shoes that I have on the brain

Silly to be so hooked on a thing..I know, and I’ll get over it. There are much better things that that money could go for.

How’s everyone handling the days after Christmas? I’ll admit, I’ve had a bit of the post-Christmas blues, and it doesn’t help that I haven’t been feeling well. New Year’s will be spent in Sacramento, though, and there will be a hotel stay involved, so that will be fun.   Also, my husband and I have our 18th anniversary coming up on January 8th! I want to go to San Francisco to celebrate, as we’ve done a few times before, but I’ll settle for a nice dinner out – hoping that can happen.

Hugs to all!
xx
Tracy

top:  American Eagle Outfitters

^^I don’t normally ever bare my midriff AT ALL, but it happened unintentionally in this shot, and I don’t think it’s too much..what do you think? lol

I forgot to get a close up – maybe I will today and add it later, but these great hand beaded earrings were sent to me by Sarah of Sophiasa when I won a giveaway some time ago.  Thank you Sarah!

I call this one of my ‘Spin Doctors’ hats – I liked The Spin Doctors a little bit in the early 90s; anyone remember them?  The lead singer was always wearing one of these hats with the strings hanging down.  I remember being chastized for liking ‘Two Princes,’ by them..lol, I couldn’t help it, it was such a fun, happy song!

and this hat was given to me by my friend Jerry, along with some hats that would have been fit to wear to the Royal Wedding – thank you Jerry (Jessie )!

Should I hitch a ride?  Take up the hobo life for awhile?  I think not..

grainy photo effect – I’ve been into old movies lately!

The cute lace up blouse was given to me by my friend Jessica, and so were the jeans..I wouldn’t have any blogging outfits if it weren’t for you Jess

Okay, I’ve really been wanting to put up a post, but I have to get going, so I can’t spend a lot of time thinking of things to write.  I need to get ready to do a bit of last minute Christmas shopping!   It may be crazy, but I shall persevere!  Have a great day everyone!

xx

Merry almost Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tracy Ann

jeans: LEI

grey top: Calvin Klein

blouse: Guess

hats:  Raley’s (Spin Doctor’s hat) and gift

earrings: made by Sarah at Sophiasa!

cuff bracelet: Next

neclace: my ‘Twiggy Tree,’ made by me

Hi there friends! 

These pix were actually taken the same day that I took the ‘Tin and Leopard’ shots.  I had this blouse on under my turtleneck, so I just took that off, changed my shoes, and put my hair in an impromptu bun.  Two looks in one, pretty much!

oh, and I brought my little cream shrug and wore it for this shot:

These earrings are a wonderful gift from my mom’s cousin’s wife, Stephanie.  She made them herself; I think they’re just gorgeous!  Thank you SO much Stephanie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and this amazing pendant was given to me as a gift last Christmas by Kelly of www.jewelryinbraille.com .  She makes all kinds of braille jewelry and jewelry inspired by nature.  It’s incredible and she’s seen incredible success, which does not surprise me at all.  It’s just wonderful, and she’s SUCH a sweetie-pie.  Thank you so very much Kelly!  This one and my faith pendant that you gifted me with as well are my absolute faves.

This shot is sorta funny, as it was taken when my timer went off while a car was driving by, and I felt like a dork, so I looked down and pretended I was looking at something else, lol.  I kinda like how it turned out though, so it’s making it into my post.

Have a fabulous day all!  Thank you to each and every one of you that stops by, and a special thank you to anyone that comments.  I really look for community in blogland, and I make it a point to return the favor if you have a blog.  I love it when friendships strike up through this venue.

xx

Tracy Ann

top and cream shrug: gifted to my by my friend Jessica

jeans:  2 BW U jeans Co.  (also from Jess – t/y Jess!  I’d have practically nothing to wear for my blog if it weren’t for you )

oxfords:  thrifted via The Salvation Army (9 & Co. brand)

necklace: www.jewelryinbraille.com

earrings:  gift from Stephanie!

Almost everything here was given to me – what a blessing!