OOTD- Wearing Navy & Staying on Track

I always watch (or rather listen) to the Today Show when I get ready for work every morning.

I wake up at 7 or 7:15 a.m., turn on my TV, turn the volume way up and listen to the latest news as I shower, style my hair and apply my makeup (it makes me feel like I'm starting my day knowing the top headlines...plus, I feel totally scared when I'm alone in a completely quiet house.)

In between Today Show reports they show local news and today's weather report indicated that it could get up to 80 degrees! (yay!) I immediately knew this meant NO TIGHTS!

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love tights, but when it starts to get into the mid to high 70's tights can be uncomfortable.

I wore a "new" dress for the first time today. I say "new" because my beautiful friend Kari who lives in NYC (jealous!) gifted it to me when she moved back to NYC from Houston where we worked together.

It's a simple navy blue dress from Banana Republic, and I love it (Thank-You Kari!)

I paired it with a wide belt and military inspired cardi.

Dress- Banana Republic; Belt- Club Monaco; Cardigan- Forever 21; Pumps- Jessica Simpson.

After work today my husband and I took our dog for a walk and then I did some quick leg toning moves from a YouTube video (courtesy of ToneItUpCom) at home. I remembered to take a picture of the black tights from Target that some of ya'll asked me to post over the weekend when I first mentioned them.

They are just plain, black, cotton tights. You can purchase them on Target's website, here. They are really comfy and great for workouts. I do caution though that they aren't 100% opaque so I always wear them with a superlong tank or tee. They aren't see-through or anything, but I just like to be cautious.

I've been feeling much more motivated and energized this week. Even going for a brisk walk helps me stay on track on days where I don't do a full workout.

This Saturday my bestie and I are trying "Hardcore Pilates" which is a Pilates class that uses reformer machines. I'm really excited! It's supposed to be pretty intense, but I'm ready for a challenge!

I'm also feeling much better today about the traffic ticket situation. I'm one of those people (as you can tell) that is completely over-dramatic about things like this. I think it party comes from just being a passionate person and also because I get super upset when I think I've done something wrong (probably a result of my upbringing.) I know we all make mistakes, so I just have to take this in stride and move forward. Thank you to everyone who wrote supportive comments and told me their "first ticket" stories- it really did make me feel better! And just to clarify, I'm 100% aware that I broke a law and thus the result was the ticket, but that also doesn't mean I can't be upset about it. Of course I am! I think it would be weird NOT to get upset about getting a ticket.

Hope everyone has a wonderful evening!

xoxo,

Veronika.

A Bad Day & Bronzing Products I Love

Well ladies, I have some sad news to share. I got my first ticket today. Ever. The police officers were right at my street corner pulling people over. I am not sure how I was "speeding" since I was slowing down to make a right turn, but I guess they needed to make their end of month budget. Ugh. So upset.

I cried for like an entire hour after it happened (a little dramatic, I know...but the tears are on and off.) I think most people can just get a ticket and brush it off...but not me.

This is from Google Images...I did NOT take this pic! hehe!

It's because I'm pretty obsessed with being a cautious and responsible driver...to the point where it is almost a bit extreme. Everyone who knows me knows I am completely and totally concerned about issues to do with safe driving such as drunk driving, wreckless driving etc.

I won't even drive if I had a glass of wine in the last hour or even several hours! I'm just super cautious about anyone getting into a car when they are potentially buzzed or drunk. A lot of people here in Texas do that on a regular basis and it's just not something I am OK with (and really, no one should be "OK" with it.)

I guess I just fell victim to a speed trap, but to me, it feels like so much more. I just constantly witness irresponsible drivers and drunk drivers (especially in the area we live in which is night-club heavy) and I see these people continue to do it week after week and then I get pulled over. People literally stumble out of clubs wasted, and get into their cars and drive away as door people, security, etc look on (and sometimes even police officers!) It amazes me.

I know I am totally being "woe is me" right now and I know that police officers have to reach their quota...but speed traps just feel like such a nasty was of doing it. I wish they were really out there pulling people over at night and doing breathalyzer tests and getting THOSE dangerous drivers off of our streets. I don't remember the last time I've encountered a random pull over to check for drinking (can you tell I'm passionate about this issue!???)

Anyways, please forgive me for this rant/vent. I know that no one is perfect and I certainly don't think I shouldn't have gotten a ticket...I guess I just feel horrible about the way it happened. I feel horrible because I truly try to drive in a responsible and safe manner. I would never think my driving today was an example of driving that could potentially endanger someone. Plus, it was my first offense ever in my life. I thought you usually get a warning for that? Maybe I should have tried to charm my way out of it, but my lip began to quiver and I burst into tears while trying to speak through my sobs about how this has never happened to me...and I pride myself on being a super responsible driver...blah blah blah...the officer just said "nobody's perfect." Well yeah, obviously...

After this happened and my husband got home, we took our dog for a walk and we saw someone RUN a STOP SIGN in front of the police, and that person didn't get pulled over. My jaw just dropped to the floor. I see people run that stop sign ALL of the time...I know, I know...I'm just mad because it was ME that got the ticket.

Anyways, sorry you had to read that...back to regularly scheduled programming! (and no, I'm not crying anymore...writing seems to have calmed me down!)
Let's talk: Bronze.

Typically the only time I use bronze is in self-tanning products and powder face bronzers...but then, I saw this photo of the gorgeous Charlize Theron, and I may have to reconsider my limited use of bronze:

I love that look! It is kind of intense but I think it's so pretty and really makes a statement.

Do you ever use coppery/bronze-ish eyeshadow?

Speaking of bronzers, though I do have an HG (NARS Laguna), I have been eyeing Guerlain's Terracotta Light Summer Bronzing Powder.

I saw it in one of my magazines recently (it looks lighter than it does in the pic on Sephora's website) and I knew immediatelly I wanted to try it. Guerlain is pretty popular for its spray-on bronzer product , which my best friend Candice swears by, but I prefer powders and I like that this one is matte for summer. I love shimmer too, but sometimes when my face gets more oily in the summer, it's nice to have a matte formula. The price is steep though- $50. I am definitely going to have to swatch it in the store before I commit to something like that!

Other "bronze" products I love?

1. NARS Laguna Bronzer (my daily bronzer)
2. Benefit "hoola" Bronzer (a pretty matte bronzer)
3. MAC Eyeshadow in "Honesty"
4. Clarins SPF 6 Tanning Milk (I use this mixed with moisturizer on my face for color)
5. Airbrush Self-Tanners- brands I love include Neutrogena, L'Oreal, Victoria's Secret

What are your favorite bronzing products? Please let me know in the comments below!

Have you ever been pulled over? Did you cry like me? LOL. I am such a dork. Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Veronika.

Manchester United Train Ahead Of Bayern Munich

Nemanja Vidic heads the ball which he was really good at against Bolton

Youngsters Macheda (2nd from left) and De Laet (4th from left) were also part of the 23 man squad that flew out to Germany.

Giggsy, Scholesy and Neville were all there during United's Champions League Final triumph over Bayern Munich.

"4 goals, I promise". Maybe Wayne is promising the gaffer he would repeat his demolition of Hull City during their recent form.

Is he laughing at the ball?

Nice hairstyle, Berba.

pictures from Manutd.com and daylife

Vanessa Perroncel Celebrates!

Vanessa partied her way to celebrate after a court date with ex Wayne Bridge. She allegedly met Michael Ballack at the club. I guess she will be adding him to her list of Chelsea players she has slept admired.

I like her dress though.

The back too is nice for attraction from the unfairer sex.

Her girlfriends look almost like hookers with Vanessa the only one looking stylish.

Target Fitting Room Reviews: Random Selections

Before going on a long walk today with Candice, I went to Target to pick up some groceries. Of course I stopped in the clothing section while there and tried a few things on.

I'll show you what I got first (and by the way ladies, Target has LOTS of super cute swimwear right now!)

I got this swim cover-up for $17.99. It is super soft and flowy. It has a super low plunge v-neck that ties with strings. Love it!

LOL, that's my sports bra underneath it as I was trying it on!

The second thing I got was this top for $10. I ended up getting it in a dark bright royal blue/purpleish color...I am second-guessing it but I wanted to get something more colorful. I did like the black one too but I wanted a medium (for more length) and they only had small. We shall see! I'm not really sure how I plan to wear this...but I figure it would be cute as a swim cover up or with skinny jeans (you can pull it up so it's not so long). Here it is in hot pink (again, with the sports bra...kind of awkward.)


And now for the misses:

This white detailed neckline top. I just felt kind of suffocated when it was on. I didn't like how high the neck was. I just didn't really think it was that flattering.


I also skipped this pretty printed tunic top. I actually liked it...but I just didn't feel 100% about it I guess? Sometimes I hesitate before buying, even if the item is inexpensive. I can see this being cute as a shirt dress, but because of my height it's just not going to happen!

Lastly, I tried on this workout pants. I didn't love the shade of blue/turquoise on the waist and at the time I thought they were completely unflattering...but now that I see this pic I don't think they look THAT bad...but I skipped em'. I always have a super difficult time trying on super-fitted pants. I always get insecure but I just need to get over it because the are perfect for working out.

Today instead of wearing my long LuluLemon pants on our walk, I wore plain black cotton tights from Target and they was super comfy. I think I'm going to start doing that more often. They are so lightweight and stretchy. I also think they can look flattering with a long tee or tank and runners. I don't have a pic but they are the Xiliration brand ones that cost $6 or $7. What do you like to wear to workout? I usually wear long pants but if it's really hot out I will wear my LuluLemon shorts. Now that I've discovered leggings as workout pants (thanks to the lovely Candice who introduced me to this) I may just invest in a pair from LuluLemon so that they last longer.

As always, thank you for reading! Also, let me know what YOU wear to workout in the comments below. Does it depend on the weather, the workout you're doing, your mood?

xoxo,

Veronika.

Joe and Carly take new baby home

Looking proud, Carly and Joe were laden with flowers, cards and balloons while carrying their baby wrapped protectively in a blanket. A source told Hello! Magazine that: “It was a long labour but Carly is fine!”
At first it was gonna be Scarlett but they changed their minds.

Rumour: New baby girl may live up north due to daddy's contractual problems with Chelsea and Manchester United & Man City are few of the clubs that are interested in Joe

Coleen at Liverpool

It’s only two weeks until Ladies’ Day at Aintree which is one of the most stressful fashion days for our northern WAGS!
Coleen was out yesterday searching for the perfect dress at Liverpool’s fashion favourite- Cricket where she spent hours trying on everything they had to offer! Coleen is under even more stress than usual this year to find the perfect outfit as she is judging the prestigious Best Dressed competition.

Marseille Win French League Cup!

Olympique Marseille ended a 17 year drought without silverware by beating Girodins Bordeaux 3-1 in Paris. Felicitations!

Bolton Wanderers 0-4 Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson rested Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand to gain 3 points at the Reebok Stadium as an own goal, a double by Dimitar Berbatov and a strike by Darron Gibson ensured Manchester United stayed at the peak of the Premier League after Arsenal were held to a draw against Birmingham and Chelsea slaughtered Aston Villa by 7 goals to 1.

Bolton's Jloyd Samuel scored Manchester United's first goal at the 38th minute which makes the own goal tally in favour of United to 11.

This is Ryan Giggs first start since he broke his wrist against Aston Villa and Nani was very creative on the left wing and supplied the ball to Berbatov.

Dimitar Berbatov scored twice to prove United are not totally dependent on Wayne Rooney.

Darron Gibson sealed the deal by scoring a superb strike at the 81st minute.

Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand were rested for United's trip to Germany to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League QF's. United will face Chelsea next weekend in a match that may as well decide who wins the EPL.

Hair Coloring, Spring Cleaning, Couch Shopping & OOTD

Yesterday evening, some work colleagues and I attended an awards dinner for the Houston Association of Black Journalists. It was a great event! Here's what I wore (the dinner was a mix of business and cocktail.)

Dress- Ann Taylor (seen in this haul post); Belt- Club Monaco; Shoes- Paris Hilton "Senorita"; Bracelet- Forever 21.

Gosh I love those bow shoes. I wear them every chance I get! They do hurt a bit towards the end of the night, but hey, a fabulous shoe is worth a little discomfort!

I got my hair done today! At the last minute I chickened-out and canceled my trim. I just got the color (my roots) retouched. Here is how it turned out (my hair looks the same, but brighter since the color is fresh.)


I LOVE fresh color! It just brightens things up and makes hair feel shinier and better. I know it's going to fade all through the summer, but I actually love the faded ends look (kind of like how Gisele's hair is.)

After my hair appointment today, my lovely husband accompanied me on a little errand-running. I had spring cleaning on the brain and wanted to find a shoe rack for our closet. I didn't want the fabric kind or anything that would hang over the door because we have super skinny closet doors. I ended up finding an awesome shoe rack at The Container Store for $19.99 per rack (I purchased two.)

Here's how it turned out:

First, the box, in case anyone wants to know the name/packaging of the product. It's super easy to put together. It took me like 5 minutes to do both of them. They are expandable and assemble with a quick "click."

Ta-da! (and excuse our messy bed/room, like I said, I'm still cleaning) Isn't it great? Now...here it is with the actual shoes on it (it saves SO much space! love it!)

Lulu came to check out the shoe rack. I think he likes it.


I'm keeping my most-worn shoes in the second rack from the bottom.

While at the container store, I also picked up this acrylic makeup brush holder for $6.99. I was tired of having separate containers for my brushes so this was the perfect fix!

As you can see, I also started using Maybelline Great Lash clear mascara as a brow gel. I finally remembered to pick some up a couple of weeks ago. It really does help keep brows in place. Great product, so thanks to those who suggested it!

I was also on the hunt for a new duvet cover/bed sheets today and after visiting Bed, Bath & Beyond, Pottery Barn AND Crate & Barrel to try to find ones I liked (fail) we paid a visit to West Elm where my husband and I fell in love with this gorgeous couch:

We have just started looking for a new couch recently (we plan to try to sell the ones we have now.) It's pretty rare for us to BOTH absolutely love something, so this couch seems like the perfect match for us since we both agree on it.

We tend to like more modern, clean-looking furniture and this couch fits that look to a "T." We also both wanted an L-shaped couch with a long chaise lounge which this set also has. I believe it is called the Tillary couch. The best thing about it is that you can completely re-arrange it to whatever best fits your space and you can also add more pieces to it. All of the pieces and cushions are movable, so you can completely customize the look and layout of the couch. I also really love the fabric. We haven't committed yet, but it is definitely at the top of our list! Plus, if you have a West Elm card, you get 10% back on your purchase to spend in the store!

Do you like the couch we fell in love with? What does YOUR dream couch look like!?


Anyways, we won't be buying for a couple of months or so, but it's nice to start looking and seeing what's out there.

I saw some cute duvet covers and bed sheets at West Elm but I just couldn't decide. The ones I liked were:

The Ruffled Circle Quilt (as a bed cover, in gray) and The Parachute Duvet Cover (in white). I would buy regular white sheets to go with the duvet cover. I don't know why I hesitate so much before making a purchase. I want white sheets/duvet cover because I think our rooms needs more white/brightness. I love our lime green patterned sheets, but I guess I'm ready for something new and fresh for spring/summer. What color are your bedroom sheets?

Before I go, I just had to share this adorable buy from BB&B: a dish scrubbing brush:


It was only $4.99 and it just makes me so happy! I mean, I hate dishes, but they are definitely more tolerable with a cute little flower scrubber :) It just looks so...happy!

I hope you are all enjoying a wonderful Saturday! Have any of you done some spring cleaning? Warmer weather always gets me in the mood to re-do my closet.

I haven't done it yet by my closet needs some MAJOR reorganization so that my summer clothes are easier to access. I reorganize my closet every 6 months or so. That way, the clothes I wear the most are more towards the center of the closet and within reach and my heavier winter clothes can move to other parts of the closet. Am I the only one who does this?

xoxo,

Veronika.

James and Becks....What Can I Say More?

Its so hilarious to stomach.

Check out the full video