Throw on a Cardigan and Mod Polka Dots

     Adding layers to this adorable outfit because it's a bit chilly and cloudy lately. My red cardigan and polka dot sweater are from Forever 21, bottoms are from Tommy Hilfiger, and the booties are from Marshall's. 

     School starts next Tuesday. It should be my last semester in college. This whole thing came together kind of goofy, because I moved around the country and transferred schools. But as I feel everything happens for a reason, I am just happy to be the first in my family to graduate college with a bachelor's degree. I am a nontraditional-type student paying for my own schooling, so it has taken me a little longer to get here. It's hard to say if my classes will fall in line since I live in Dallas, and my university is over an hour away. Gas isn't cheap! I've been an online student, but there is a chance I can only graduate if I take one of my required courses at the school. I'm nervous about what will happen. I have been praying, and already I was able to get in one more online course that had one spot left. There is still plenty of time, so anything can happen. 

     Pray for me!

               Stephanie

Fall 2014 Outfit Idea

     In 2014, I wore this as a fall outfit, but you could easily wear it in the spring, or with different scarves for the season. 

     I am wearing here a black longsleeve shirt from Forever 21, and blue pinstripe skinny pants from Steinmart. My scarf is from Love Culture, and my booties are from H&M. You can find a nail tutorial for this look a few articles back. It's the silver and navy blue French manicure. 

     I hope you were inspired by this outfit post. Share your outfit inspirations with me on Instagram @dressdynamicdallas. Have fun!

     -xoxo-

         Stephanie

Thanksgiving 2014 Outfit

     I think I dressed really well this year on Thanksgiving because of the comfort of my outfit. I chose something that would cover my stomach well from the full belly I knew I would have, and something I could easily move in. I do have to say the boots are not the most comfortable. 

     My boots are from Forever 21. I found the leggings at Marshall's. They are fleece lined leggings. I wore a black long sleeve top from Forever 21. My down vest is Eddie Bauer, but I found it at a consignment store. 

     I hope y'all had a wonderful Thanksgiving in 2014, and I look forward to what this next Thanksgiving will have to give. 

     -xoxo-

         Stephanie

Layered Necklaces Look

     I was really excited the day I wore this outfit because a woman in my office building said my outfit was Pinterest-worthy. It was a very nice compliment and exactly what I needed to hear. I watch a lot of Gossip Girl, and I did get inspired by it for this look. I am wearing a long strand of faux pearls with a faux rhinestone necklace from Body Central, and my key necklace from the Open Heart collection at Kay Jewelers. My rings are also from Body Central. I did not get a picture of the whole outfit, but I wore a blue skater skirt from F.I.G. with black tights and top from Forever 21.

     I hope you enjoyed this outfit post. Share yours with me on Instagram @dressdynamicdallas. Also, #dressdynamicdallas.

     -xoxo-

        Stephanie

Fall Inspired Outfit

     In this outfit, I chose blue pinstripe pants from Steinmart, brown weave flats from Topshop, and a navy tank and cream with navy sweater cardigan from Forever 21. It has been a little chilly in Dallas to wear something like this out and about without socks or something, but it would be great in the fall or spring. 

     If you would like to see anything in particular on my blog, feel free to let me know in the comments. Also find me on Instagram @dressdynamicdallas and #dressdynamicdallas. Until tomorrow...

     -xoxo-

        Stephanie

Spring Inspired Office Outfit

     

     Happy 2015, y'all! I am so excited to be working on my blog basically fulltime right now. My creative juices are flowing, and I feel more inspired every day. If you are someone thinking of making a huge choice this year, such as pursuing your dreams, I say go for it! There is nothing better than being excited about what you do every day.

     I chose a burgundy pencil skirt from Nordstrom's, and an accordion sleeve type, keyhole top with a floral design from Steinmart. I tucked the top into the skirt, and I think it looked so elegant. The heels are from DSW.

     It's been pretty crummy in Dallas lately, so I have been thinking of bright and cheerful outfits to share. I hope you feel inspired. Feel free to share any of your outfits with me on Instagram @dressdynamicdallas. 

     -xoxo-

         Stephanie

My Braces Story

 

     
      I had braces put on the day before Thanksgiving two years ago. It wasn't the best time of year to make that choice, but I did it anyway. I decided to go with clear braces on top and regular silver braces on the bottom, since they don't normally suggest clear braces on the bottom. 

     I also suggest to ask for the pearl bands if you don't want colored bands. The pearl bands don't stain as much as the clear ones. I drink a lot of coffee, so I also recommend whitening once your braces are off. Some whiten before the braces are put on, which I didn't do out of error. 

     I have less than two weeks left until my braces come off. It's like a late Christmas present. I'm not going to say it was easy or pain-free, but it was worth it because I paid for them myself. I wanted a straight smile because I didn't like the way my teeth looked in pictures. I have a great smile, and I want my teeth to shine. 

     If you have any questions about how I dealt with the pain or what I used to floss those hard to reach areas, please feel free to ask. Also, feel free to share any advice you might have. I waited a long time to get braces for personal reasons, and I did decide to get them because I had a tooth that crossed in front of the other teeth around it, and it could have caused issues as I age, but it was mostly for purely cosmetic reasons. I think everyone looks better with a straight and white smile. It's my turn to experience that.

     I want to thank Alexander Orthodontics in Gunnison and Montrose, Colorado, and in Dallas, Texas for all of their help in giving me my gorgeous new smile. They are some of the kindest people I have ever met, and highly recommend their services. You will not go wrong with them. 

     -xoxo-

           Stephanie

Christmas Outfit and Events

      

     On Christmas morning, the boyfriend woke me early just like a little kid on Christmas. He turned on Christmas music nice and loud on Youtube. I baked blueberry muffins, and then we went to the boyfriend's mom's house to open presents. I really enjoyed the time we spent.

     After all of the presents were open, we separated for a bit, and I made the Pioneer Woman's recipe for balsamic and cranberry brussel sprouts, along with a Marie Callander's Razzle Berry Pie. I also wrapped the last of our presents, and chose the outfit above. We were a little late, but we didn't miss the blessing this time. 

     I chose to wear the houndstooth skirt I found a consignment store, along with a black, long sleeve top, tights and a belt for Christmas. I thought it would look nice with my new double pearl choker from Purple Peridot. I also wore sandals, because I am limited on black shoes right now. The leopard scarf was a gift from the boyfriend's mom. My purse is a vintage Chanel purse my boyfriend found thrifting. 

     We all ate ham and then played the white elephant game. This year Carter and I participated in the presents, since that is usually done by one person as her gift to the family. We wanted to give back and put some Dollar Tree treasures in the game. I love playing together as a family, and this year Carter stole some spa booties back for me, and I stole a Starbuck's giftcard for him (even though he spent it on coffee runs for me). 

     I was really excited for Christmas this year, and really enjoyed myself. My new phone is amazing, and I received many other special blessings. I was so worked up for Christmas this year that when it was all over, I felt exhausted. The next day I felt lethargic and ill, which went on throughout the weekend. I'm feeling slightly better, but I hope this will be the last time I have to plan around a semester of classes, if all goes as planned. I hope you all had a blessed time on Christmas. 

     -xoxo-

         Stephanie

Chanel Purse & Jacket

     

   

 

     I received this vintage purple, Chanel-like jacket from my boyfriend's grandmother. She is so sweet to always think of me, and I'm lucky we are the same size. This jacket looks so cute in the middle of a dreary winter. 

     I wore a silky, flowy, ivory top from Forever 21 tucked into olive pants, also from Forever 21. My booties are from eBay, and are leopard print with a black heel. My Chanel purse is vintage, and the boyfriend found it while out thrifting. I'm so happy he let me keep it, since he was meant to sell it on eBay.

     I hope you loved this outfit, and were inspired by the color combination. It's another chilly day in Dallas, and I plan on catching up with blog posts. Stay tuned...

     -xoxo-

         Stephanie 

Tuesday's Outfit Idea

     I was planning on running around and finishing errands today, but since I tend to procrastinate, I will be spending my Christmas Eve buying last minute tidbits. As I'm sure I won't be the only one, I'm expecting a crazy day tomorrow. Not to mention, I go to church at 2 PM, and then head to a family dinner later in the evening. I'm looking forward to a busy day, since I'm usually at home or work most other days. Last night, and this evening, I have been making snowflakes and decorating around our presents, since we don't have any snow yet this year in Dallas. I'm making it our very own white Christmas. 

     Today I chose an outfit that started with a pair of black, skinny pants from Nordstrom's. My knee-high boots are from Forever 21. My blue cardigan is from Stein Mart. You can't see, but I wore a grey, v-neck, t-shirt under the cardigan from Forever 21. My co-worker gave me the scarf last Christmas. My belt came off of a skirt I bought from Body Central. I've been seeing this style with the scarf under the belt, and I love it. 

     My new phone arrived last night as expected. It is marvelous. I'm told it's called a, "fablet," in the world of critics. I love it! It's twice as large as my last phone, but everything about it is better. The camera is better. All of the images are larger, since I need to watch my poor vision. I have access to any of the latest things an Android phone can do. I'm very pleased with it. I already had to nerd out with it and play some Sims, and other fun games. 

     Anyway, happy Christmas Eve eve!

     -xoxo-

        Stephanie

Monday Outfit & New Phone

     Happy Monday before Christmas! Dallas is crazy today, and I spent a majority of it at the vet because my sweet Border Collie, Odessa, decided to chew apart a battery while I was in the shower. She's alright, but we had X-rays done on her, and they found a teensy piece of metal in her stomach. We are just supposed to bulk her up with some pumpkin and move it out. Everything else looked fine, and she seems more than pleased with the extra yummy in her dog bowl.

     Today I am wearing a burgundy/wine, pencil skirt from Nordstrom's. It's super comfy because it's a sweater type material, and it just slips right on and off. I love how classy it looks. My tights are from Forever 21. The booties are from Marshall's. I found them for $15. My blazer is also from Nordstrom's. I bought the blazer and the skirt together. It's very appropriate for the office. I'm also wearing a detailed black crop tank my boyfriend's Grammie gave me. It's so perfect with the skirt, I cannot wait to wear it this summer.

     My Christmas present came early this year. I really wanted a new phone, and since iPhones are so pricy, and I don't use a contract plan, I asked for something just as nice. So my boyfriend found a phone called the ZTE ZMAX. I have never heard of it, but apparently it is very popular this year. He reserved one online the other day, and they sold out before they called him to get it. He ran to five different Wal-Marts, and researched where else it might be, but ended up ordering it. We're setting it up now, and I'm excited to make my first phone call. Let's just say I won't be getting much sleep tonight. 

     I hope y'all had a splendid Monday, and you get just what you asked for this Christmas. 

     -xoxo-

        Stephanie

Thursday Outfit & Xmas Shopping

     This morning I had an appointment at the orthodontist, and I found out I will get my braces off in four weeks. Thanksgiving was my two years mark, and the orthodontist had it right when he said it would be a late Christmas present, because that is how it feels. I'm so relieved it is almost over. I am going to miss talking to the assistants about my Jo Malone perfume. 

     It was another morning of rushing out the door, and I chose a brown/green pair of skinny pants from Forever 21. I love how unique the color is in different lighting. You can find these pants for around $13 at different times of the year. 

     I'm wearing Uggs with this outfit. I asked for these last Christmas, so they are pretty new. These are the tall boots, and I love rolling them up and down so the fur shows in different bits. I'm crossing my fingers for a pair of slippers in the future. 

     My top is a Woolrich men's, button-up flannel my boyfriend found while thrifting. I love how warm it is, and who doesn't love an over-sized, boyfriend shirt? This was a very slouchy outfit, and looked cute peeking out from under my light pink, double-breasted coat. 

     I worked on Christmas cards and shopping today. I have almost all of my shopping done. This is the last weekend before Christmas, so everyone hurry up! I was going to get my Christmas present early today, but the stores sold out at all five Wal-Marts. My boyfriend tried hard to get the present, but it worked out better because now it will be here on Christmas instead of early. I can't wait to share what I gave away and what I got for Christmas. Until tomorrow...

     -xoxo-

        Stephanie

Wednesday's Outfit

     

     So it's humpday. There are two weeks left in the year, and I am excited for what the next year has to offer. I don't always make resolutions, but I like to think of it as a new beginning. A new year of fresh things and ideas. 

     Today I tried something I have never done before. I saw an outfit on Pinterest that inspired me to put this together. Every time I use Pinterest for fashion, I get so inspired. 

     My top is a black, scoop-neck, crop top from Nordstroms. I bought it last summer to wear with a high-waisted, pencil skirt. I love how this crop top fits, but I don't think to wear it very often because I am shy to show my mid-region. I have on a white, long sleeve, button up shirt from Forever 21. It puffed out at the waist and sleeves, but I liked how it looked. I wish I would have ironed my shirt, but it always gets wrinkled from sitting in an office chair all day.

     I wore blue, pinstripe pants from Stein Mart. I wear these a lot because they fit great, and I like how they look for the office. I also bought a light blue pair, but they don't fit the same even though they are the same size and brand. 

     I wore these shoes last week, but I bought them from H&M last Christmas-time. This will only be the third or fourth time I've worn them. I lost them for awhile in my suitcase. Don't ask me how I missed them, but my suitcase has a lot of compartments. 

     Anyway, I enjoyed sharing today's outfit. When I wake up every morning, I look forward to what outfit I feel like wearing and sharing it with everyone. I've been wanting to do this for a very long time, so I hope my excitement and passion shows. 

     -xoxo-

        Stephanie