Merry Christmas to all MsMona readers!

What a beautiful day to spend with family, here and in spirit.  I thought about Mom and how stylish she always looked for church, so I chose this classic black and white Chanel-inspired outfit in her honor. 🙂 Would you guess the jacket and skirt are from different department stores?  I was lucky to find this $15.00 I.N.C. jacket at Macy’s (originally $129.00) and mega clearance Allen B skirt at JC Penney.  Woo Hoo!

Mom also liked to accessorize, with hats being one of her fashion favorites.  I found this netted fascinator at Ross for only $14.99! 🙂 This type of popular headwear can be quite expensive, so I was happy to come across such a special piece.  My black patent purse with zipper and flower accents was a $5.00 bargain buy at Charming Charlie – I just removed these chain links from my skirt and clipped them to the front of the bag for a little extra shine!

I hope your Christmas was a magical celebration.  Happy Birthday, Jesus!

MsMona

I totally understand:   Stripes can make us look short.

Newsflash – at 5 feet tall, I AM short! 🙂

Doesn’t matter to me, STRIPES ROCK!  When I saw these adorable dresses, the colors are what caught my eye.  They both screamed “Girlie” (pink/gray I.N.C.) and “Fun” (multi Old Navy), so with each barely being out of the single digits, how could I say no?!  Simple black Walmart accessories were the warmer additions, while the hot pink “Team Naughty” 🙂 holiday pin on my beanie, well that just made me giggle…

As if you couldn’t tell already, I’ve always been a fashion rebel.  What other styles or patterns do you love, but are considered no-no’s by the Style Gods?

MsMona

No lip service here – this T speaks for itself! 🙂

When you find super cute, inexpensive themed t-shirts, scoop up your favorites!  This $5.00 glittery Walmart find was the layering piece I needed under my glam crocodile pattern motorcycle jacket, a major clearance score from JC Penney.

Check out even more budget clothing/accessory buys online at PennyChic.com with Shauna Miller. 🙂 Very cool!

MsMona

The Husband is a former military man – government issued uniform, cap and boots = wardrobe complete.  So today, he is content with a few pairs of nice jeans and some collared shirts for work.  I, however, prefer to have a variety of items on hand for him to choose from, especially during these upcoming winter months of layering for the office. 🙂

He first approved the classic argyle pattern in his socks – a subtle touch of style, visible only while sitting down.  The Wife knew he would look awesome in the more gentlemanly argyle patterns, avoiding a too preppy or trendy look.  New objective: find $3.00-$10.00 sweaters and vests to add to his closet.  Soon, this “Guy’s Guy” was hearing compliments from his co-workers about his rather dapper appearance. 🙂

The Husband is happy when he looks in the mirror AND his wallet.

The Wife SMILES…mission accomplished. 🙂

MsMona

I’ve recently started volunteering with “Society of Women Who LOVE Shoes”, a non-profit organization focused on helping women and children suffering through domestic violence.  Although monetary donations are happily accepted, I learned that ONE pair of shoes can bring so much joy and confidence to a woman trying to exit a turbulent relationship.  Well sign me up, Sister 🙂 – let’s give these ladies some support!

The Husband took me to the latest SWWLS event at a swanky little club in Dallas called the Candleroom.  I threw on this simple floral babydoll I picked up on a Macy’s clearance rack with a bolero jacket.  Love it when a cute top doubles as a mini dress for me!  Woo Hoo!  The lace accents were a bonus and added that little feminine touch I needed for the evening.  OMG, aren’t my gals, Katrina and Andrea, just beyond gorgeous?! :)  It was wonderful to volunteer with them!

Sometimes I take my shoe closet for granted.  Now I try to remember the woman who would be excited to have just one pair for her first job interview, or something comfortable enough to walk the kids home from school.  Doesn’t she deserve a great pair of shoes as much as the next girl?  Thank God for SWWLS and their mission of “Healing one sole at a time.”

Volunteer in a city near you, or start a local chapter.  Join me, won’t you? :)  Facebook.com/SWWLS.Dallas

MsMona