Channeling my inner MJ

Every time I wear these shoes I feel as though I'm channeling my inner Michael Jackson. I bought these shoes last year right after his death, so I feel like they are my own little memorial to him.

Hot Pink Boyfriend Tee::: Express

Black and White Cardigan::: Michael Kors

Polka Dot Belt::: J Crew

Boyfriend Jeans::: Citizens of Humanity

Black Tights::: Target

Oxfords::: Steve Madden

I'm not sure I'm in love with the combo of boyfriend jeans & oxfords. It's a tad too "manly" for my usual girlie taste.

I'm not sure I've ever been so ready for a weekend. The short work week last week made this week seem never ending. This coupled with the announcement that we have to work December 31, NYE, has made it really tough to sit in my cubicle this week. I'm pretty sure if we there was another day in this work week I'd loose my ever-lovin mind.

&&& I love my husband because he's taking me to the symphony tomorrow.

Black Saturday??!!

I knew I'd start Saturday off with my family & by the end of the day end up at my in-laws. I needed an ensemble that was cute enough to spend a "girls day" with my mom and Codi & comfortable enough to watch football on the couch.

Cream & black leopard tunic:::: Karlie (purchased at M Elly's Amarillo)

Black leggings::: BP, Nordstroms

Cobra thigh high black boots:::: Jessica Simpson

Mom, Codi & I ended up seeing Due Date, which was pretty hilarious. There were definitely moments where it got a little umm... stupid, but other parts were flippin hilarious. After my girl time I joined the Joneses for steaks, beer & football. Together we watched our Cowboys get defeated during the Bedlam game (heartbreak). Now the waiting begins... which bowl game will we get?!? I had high hopes for the Cotton Bowl, but the stupid Aggies got it.

&&& I love my husband because you can find him sporting his OSU button up each & every game day.

Turkey Day & a Trip to AMA

Since I had to work Wednesday (lame, I know) we arrived in Amarillo early, early Thursday morning.... Just in time to eat.

Thanksgiving was great. I think the last time we had all of my grandparents & parents in the same place was my wedding... And well it's been almost 3 years since that, so we were due for some extended family time.

My favorite Thanksgiving dishes?

1. Nena's homemade chocolate pie

2. Grandma's homemade rolls

3. Mandarin orange salad

Multi Striped Sweater::: Double Diamond (purchased from The Rach in Canyon)

Jeggings::: Trouve

Short Pull on boots in black::: Marc by Marc Jacobs (borrowed from Juju)

So I definitely struggled with what to wear on Thanksgiving. I tried on several "cuter" options, but they all felt to binding for a day of lounging around the lakehouse. When I finally decided on this tunic from The Rack I immediately wished I owned dark brown flat boots. I have some in chestnut, but I think I'd get my wear out of a dark brown pair. Add that to my never-ending want list...

While we went shopping on Black Friday we stayed away from the mall & waited until after lunch to venture out. I spent a whopping $15 on some black jeggings from Old Navy.

&&& I love my husband because he willingly participated in Black Friday shopping.

In-Laws In Town

This weekend we had my in-laws up to visit. The past couple times they've been in the Metroplex they've split their time between Azle (where the other Joneses are) & Dallas. This time we got them all to ourselves.

Saturday morning we took them to tour the SMU Law School, since they had never been on campus before. They were thoroughly impressed with the law school & campus in general.

It just so happened that SMU was having a tailgate, & nothing beats free food & beer. This was Chris's last tailgate as an SMU student. The next one we attend (if we go) he will be alumni. Awesome awesome awesome!

SMU's tailgates are slightly dressier thank Oklahoma State's. Slightly... So I opted for a dressier version of the tailgating uniform, jeans & a sweater.

Fur trimmed cape::: Jade (purchased from M Elly's Amarillo)

Black tissue turtleneck::: J Crew

Gwenyvere Stretch Straight Leg Jeans::: 7 for All Mankind

Booties::: Juju (the brand, not the mother)

Saturday evening the Joneses treated us to a super delicious supper at Hector's on Henderson. It's definitely our go-to place for a nice supper. The last time we took the Joneses to Hector's we had Carter & Beckett with us. Needless to say they did not get to enjoy their meal as much as they would have liked. This time they were able to drink wine, enjoy Hector's fabulous singing skills & munch on some delicious food.

Red Leopard Romper::: Forever 21

Black tights:: Spanx

Black Peep Toe Pumps::: Christian Louboutin

&&& I love my husband because he graduates from SMU law school in exactly 172 days.

Oh Christmas Tree.

Since we have company coming into town this weekend I've been determined to get my Christmas tree up ASAP. Chris was dragging his feet saying, "You know it's too early, Shan. Just wait until after Thanksgiving." I assumed he was saying this because he didn't want to dig out the Christmas decor from our patio closet.

To my surprise I came home from work on Monday to a spotless house & our Christmas tree up. I have the best husband.ever.

&&& I love my husband because he is so thoughtful. On top of putting up the Christmas tree he purchased 2 new remotes for us. (since Oxford ate the last 5)

Oooh Baby!

Our Panhandle weekend was a success. I got to see my mom & Codi Saturday morning, shop all afternoon with my mother in law, cook out with the Joneses (while watching OSU stomp UT. GO POKES!) & attend my sister in law's baby shower.


While Ellen & I were out shopping on Saturday we went to Et Cetera, a great gift store in Amarillo. We were on the hunt for a sweet outfit for Liz to bring the baby home from the hospital in, but I get easily side tracked. When I saw the entire room full of Mackenzie Childs dishes I immediately knew what I wanted to ask for for Christmas.

It would complete my red & black kitchen. Plus I am in desperate need of pretty, casual tumblers. We might have broken all but 3 of the ones we received as wedding gifts. (& we started out with 16... oops)

Liz's shower was a huge success. She had a phenomenal turn out & received pink, pink & more pink. She is feeling better & very anxious for her little girl to get here. I'm hoping she will decide to make an appearance over Thanksgiving so that we can be there!

Cream Turtleneck:: BP, Nordstrom

Argyle Dress::: BB Dakots (purchased at The Rack in Canyon)

Black Tights::: Spanx

Necklaces::: Various strands of pearls-- Basically any/all I own.

Booties::: Juju

&&& I love my husband because he drove the whole way to Amarillo & back.

Let it Snow!!

When I woke up this morning I had a text picture from Dr. D:

It snowed in Amarillo... And this 75 degree weather in November just isn't cutting it. I miss waking up & the ground being covered in a light snow. I miss bundling up before heading out of the house. I miss Amarillo... a lot.

I am wishing/hoping/praying for the cold weather to continue while we are in town. Partly because I've got this super cute new faux fur coat to wear. &&& I love my husband because he is officially finished with 1 of his finals for this semester. Education Law... YOU'RE DONE! He turned in his final around noon today, so we are in desperate need of a fun weekend.

Baby Shower

Chris's sister, Liz, is having her baby shower this Saturday. After having 2 nephews I am super excited to finally have a little niece. The best part? Being able to buy adorable little girl clothes. Ahhhh I can't wait to have a daughter of my own someday.So I went to Swoozies thinking they'd have the perfect gift. Jackpot! I got these super cute bloomers & matching booties.

My next dilemma? What to wear to the actual shower. I've been to very, very few baby showers, so I'm not quite certain which way to go. At first I thought this cute little dress from The Rack would be perfect since we will go straight from church to the shower.

But then I had a vision of a chic all black ensemble with leopard booties. I found these Jessica Simpsons at Dillards. So now I'm going to hunt through Juju & Codi's closets with hopes of finding a church appropriate black dress to wear with them.

On a side note, Saturday evening Liz got very sick. When she wasn't feeling any better Sunday morning David & Ellen took her to the hospital. Long story short::: She was having contractions & was already dilated to a 2. They gave her medicine to stop the contractions, but she will be on bed rest for the next 3 weeks. She, Eric & baby are constantly in my thoughts & prayers.

&&& I love my husband because he loves his family so much. He was so so so worried when he heard about Liz.

Girl Meets Gown.

Or in our cause "Girl was introduced to gowns, but isn't quite sure she found the right one, yet so we are definitely going to need another wedding dress shopping trip soon. Vegas?"

Ash, her mom Debbie & her sister Brandi came to Dallas this weekend to shop for Ashlee's perfect dress. Welp, she didn't find her perfect dress, but we had fun in the process. She went to Stardust (the shop for TLC's Girl Meets Gown) & loved the experience. She went to Lulus, a bridal shop in uptown, & hated the experience. She also went to Bridal Boutique Lewisville & was indifferent.

So the search is still on... She wants something with bling, flowers, not a sweetheart neckline & fit & flare. We're thinking that Priscilla of Boston's Melissa Sweet collection might be just what she's searching for. I got my dress at POB & fell in love with many, many dresses in their collection. They are such couture wedding gowns.

We did manage to get in some shopping this weekend. I found this adorable Betsey Johnson leopard cape, but decided to go home & think about it before I purchased. After thinking for 48 hours, I'm pretty sure this cape is meant to be mine.&&& I love my husband because I came home on Saturday night to a clean apartment. Dishes were done & everything. He knows the key to my heart is a clean home.

Fall Finds

This cooler weather has made shopping for fall clothes so much fun. I love when the seasons change & it's time for new items in my wardrobe.

I'm loving the Trouve items at Nordstrom's. They are basic, comfortable pieces at an affordable price. I got this grey sweater & another black tunic/dress.

Old Navy coats are the best. I bought a beautiful green pea coat from there several years ago & I love love love it. They had this one in several colors, but I had to go with the orange. Added bonus::: This one was a whoppin' $29.99

Spanx makes tights? Please & Thanks. These were a little pricey at $28, but as much as I wear tights they were worth the price.

Vince Camuto "Misty" heels. Not the most comfortable shoes in the world, but they were too cute to pass up. I got these at Dillards (Northpark Dillards has an awesome shoe department) in nude. I've been wanting a pair of nude heels, so these were just perfection.

&&& I love my husband because he described my grey Trouve sweater as a "blanket sweater." He has no clue about women's fashion.

All of what Dallas has to offer!

I've been looking forward to this weekend for so long. It was so much fun crammed into on weekend, just the way I like it. Plus, it gave me several fun occasions to dress up for.

Friday night we went to Hacienda on Henderson to eat some Mexican food. Chris still doesn't care for the food, but the atmosphere (& the fact that we can walk there) lures him in everytime.

Black Lave Short Sleeved Turtleneck::: Express

White Cami::: Forever 21

Straight Legged Joey Jeans::: True Religion

Booties::: Juju

Speedy 30::: Louis Vuittion

Square Framed Sunglasses::: Chanel

Saturday we went to the Dallas Symphony. For Halloween they were showing the movie Psycho accompanied by the orchestra. It was so cool. Chris & I had never seen Psycho before, so we were shocked at the ending. We are itching to go back to the symphony. I'm thinkin the Christmas Pops Concert is in our near future.

Black Bell Sleeved Tunic::: Forever 21

Printed Tights::: Target

Booties::: Juju

Square Framed Sunglasses::: Chanel

Sunday we headed to The Deathstar to watch the Cowboys get stopmped by Jacksonville. Never-the-less it was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. I love watching football, so seeing the Cowboys live was absolutely great

Dallas Cowboys Scoop Neck Tee::: Victorias Secret

Straight Legged Jeans::: American Eagle

Hot Pink Toms::: Exclusively available at Neiman Marcus

Aviator Sunglasses::: Forever 21

&&& I love my husband because he took me to do all of these fun things!

Who loves Halloween?

He does! He does!

So last night on The Office Andy & Kevin were conflicted because they weren't sure whether or not they should attend Dan's Halloween party. Kevin said, "It's not like we get invited to many Halloween parties, so we'd really like to go." (paraphrased version). This got me to thinking.... are we total losers since we don't have Halloween plans?

After lying there thinking about it for a couple minutes I asked my level headed husband to weigh in. He responded with, "Babe, we're in Halloween limbo" Halloween limbo: "too old to dress in slutty costumes & too young for kids to dress up & take trick-or-treating." He obviously didn't think it through before he responded with, "Well since we don't have kids or a house so we can hand out candy.... " You see where this was going. Not.so.much, Jones.

&&& I love my husband because he loves Halloween so much. He is 25 & he still gets SO into it.

Why the Neiman Marcus dress department makes me happy

Seriously. It is my "happy place."

I can't pin point what it is that make me love it so much, but I do. I love trying on all the beautiful dresses. I love finding a dress I've been crushing on sale. I love the element of customer service that Neiman Marcus offers (minus the fact that they do not take Visa). I love that all of my shower & honeymoon dresses came for there. I love that mom & I spent a whole afternoon in the Dallas Neiman's dressing room picking out the perfect dresses for all of those events.

With all of the events we have next summer (Chris's graduation, Jones Family Cruise, Europe & Ashlee's wedding festivities) I have a feeling I am going to need an excessive amount of summer dresses. Jackpot!!

I cannot recall the designer of this white dress, but I am love love loving it. I'm hoping to recreate Eva Mendez's Oscars 2009 look by adding turquoise jewelry.

This sassy red & purple number is Phoebe Couture... old faithful for me.

&&& I love my husband because he doesn't necessarily agree with me on the whole "Neimans is fabulous" thing, but he doesn't put up a fight.

With this **Bling** I Thee Wed

My oldest & dearest friend Ashlee is going to be a wifey! Brett flew up to Amarillo on Friday and surprised her with some bling bling.

You know those friends who've just been around forever, through thick & thin? The kind that you can pick right back up with no matter how long it's been. Welp, that's Ashlee. We were besties through junior high and survived several awful breakups with Cole & Travis. We swore to everyone we knew we were twins despite our very apparent different appearances. We both wore matching lime green plaid pants & black fuzzy sweaters during our 7th grade yearbook pictures. Mid 8th grade we created (with 2 other friends) a singing group called "The Ditzy Twits" a Canyon, Texas version of the Dixie Chicks. We had songs entitled "2 Cheese Enchiladas" (to the tune of 2 Pina Coladas), "The Boob Song" & "The Holiday Inn Song." We cheered together all throughout high school & were 2/3 "original cheerleaders" come senior year. We drove around in my car smoking cigars & singing Last Dance with Mary Jane at the top of our lungs. We could, and still can, quote every line to Clueless, 16 Candles, Ferris Beuler's Day Off & many other stupid movies. Did I mention that we are Wayne & Garth? If we were presidents we'd be Babraham Lincoln. When we went to college we discovered that after a couple drinks we are the 2 funniest people you'll ever meet. We can often be found sharing heartfelt memories over beer & cheese fries at Hummer's. Yum.

Back in 2007 when Chris & I were married Ashlee was such a great friend & bridesmaid. I know I can be difficult at times & definitely had a few Bridezilla moments, but Ash stuck it out with me. I remember after the wedding was over, we were home from the honeymoon & everything had died down thinking to myself how lucky I was to have her as a part of my wedding.

So get ready, Mr. Brett Nichols. Come June 25 your world will be forever changed by a wonderfully kindhearted woman.

&&& I love my husband because he had a fabulous proposal for me. I re watched the video of it yesterday at work & cried like a baby in my cube.