November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Today, one of the things I'm thankful for is you!(: I'm thankful that I found this creative outlet for me to do what I love. I love putting outfits together and sharing them with you. I love writing about things that excite me. I love the people who take time out of their day to read what I write. So thank you to my wonderful readers!! Ya'll are the best!


Now, for my Thanksgiving look:
I love mixing neutrals, and today's look is just the right mixture.
This bell-sleeved sweater is super comfy and cute! I love the taupe color, and obviously, the sleeves are my favorite part!



I'm wearing black leggings because I wear them more often than not. I broke up all of the black from my leggings and my amazing boots by adding a pair of cream colored boot socks. I LOVE LOVE LOVE boot socks! I can't get enough of them. They are the perfect layering piece for fall/winter!


A long pendant necklace is perfect for adding interest to this plain look.


These black and gold chandelier earrings make a great statement and bring attention to the face.



I'm thankful for my family and friends who have been there for me in good times and in bad. I love you all so very much and can't tell you how much I appreciate your support and kindness. Ya'll are the best family and friends I could ever ask for!(: I'm thankful for my amazing fiancé. I continue to learn so much from you throughout our journey together. I love doing life with you! You are my very best friend.

Sweater: Tobi *similar
Leggings: Forever21 *similar
Boot socks: Target *similar
Boots: Unisa (DSW) *similar
Earrings: Apricot Lane Boutique *similar
Necklace: Roe Blvd. *similar

Let me know what you're thankful for in the comments section below!

Turkey, dressing, and family fun,
Brittani
<3




 PS-I'm thankful for these little rascals, too, of course!




Facebook: The Life of a Lady
Twitter: @thelifeofalady0
Instagram: @thelifeofalady
Pinterest: @thelifeofalady0

November 26, 2014

November Lady Favorites

Well, it's that time again...favorites time! Here are a few of my favorite things from November!



1. Caress Daily Silk Body Wash in White Peach and Silky Orange Blossom: I love this purely for the scent. It smells like fresh soap! Haha! I know I sound crazy, but hear me out: I get tired of scents quickly when it comes to body wash. I don't like perfumey scents of florals or fruits because I get bored with them. This scent is perfect for me. I like that it's not super strong but it's still a clean smelling body wash. What more can I ask for?

2. Salon Grafix Play it BIG Volumizing Dry Shampoo in Brown: This stuff! It's amazing! My favorite dry shampoo by far! I've tried plenty. I either can't stand the scent of them or they leave my hair looking rather gray because of the white color of the product. This one is perfect! The scent isn't super strong, in my opinion, and because of the brown color, my hair stays looking it's usual brunette shade. I use it even in clean hair because it provides amazing volume, too! Highly recommend!

3. Forever21 Ribbed Cowl Neck Sweater in every color: Ok! I have this sweater in 2 colors: tan and red. The red one isn't a color option online, unfortunately, but I had a hard time not buying the navy and cream colors as well. I love that the sweater is long and basic. We all know I love a great cowl neck! Pair this sweater with leather leggings and fun boots and you have an amazing look! (Outfit post to come.)

4. Music: Ed Sheeran: Can we talk about his amazing voice? And his sweet lyrics? Gah! I can't stop listening to Ed Sheeran! Every song is musical perfection. If I had to pick favorites, though, I'd choose Give Me Love and Thinking Out Loud.<3 All day, every day.

5. TV Show: Smash: I'm only a few episodes in on this one, but I'm really loving it so far. I love Katherine McPhee<3 She's super gorgeous and her voice is AMAZE! Smash is such a fun watch!

6. Pinterest Hair Tutorials: I am no hair stylist. I'm terrible actually, we all know that. I've been obsessed with hair boards on Pinterest. Practice makes perfect, right?!

7. The Maze Runner series by James Dashner: This series! OMG ya'll! So good! Ok, let me stop using fragments as sentences. I could not put the first three books down! I, literally, had a book in my hand nonstop for an entire week and a half. Way to keep me on the edge of my seat, James Dashner. I mean, if you like dystopian themes like The Hunger Games or the Divergent series, then this is one you should consider. I held out on seeing the movie until I read the book. Yes, I'm one of those people. But I can't wait to see it!

8. Lace Up Wedge Booties in Black: My boss is tired of seeing these shoes on my feet. Haha! He says, "those again?!" I just really like them! Although this pair isn't the exact pair that I have (I got mine a year ago and they are no longer available), the only difference is the cuff. You guys know that when I get obsessed with something (usually shoes) I wear them until I'm sick of them. I don't know if I'll ever get tired of these beauties, though.


Obsessions, loves, and Lady favorites,
Brittani
<3

PS-Let me know what your November favorites are in the comments section! I'm always up for trying new products!

Facebook: The Life of a Lady
Twitter: @thelifeofalady0
Instagram: @thelifeofalady
Pinterest: @thelifeofalady0

November 24, 2014

Accessorize Me

Today, I'm playing with...you guessed it! Accessories! I think it's super fun to amp up super plain looks like this cream dolman t-shirt and jeans combo with fun accent pieces!


I love love love the color of this teal infinity scarf! So pretty against a plain cream colored top.



In addition to my usual jewelry, I added a couple more chunky statement bracelets for a nice arm party!


My gold glittered loafers come out of my wardrobe to add some pizzazz simple looks like these.



I'm always on the hunt for fun accessories and one of my absolute favorite sites for this is BaubleBar.com! They have such beautiful costume jewelry pieces!<3

Top: Forever21 *similar
Jeans: Aeropostale *similar
Scarf: Aeropostale *similar
Bangle: BaubleBar *similar
Chainlink Bracelet: BaubleBar *similar
Delicate gold bracelets: one was my Granny's and the other BaubleBar *similar
Watch: Anne Klein (Dillards) *similar
Loafers: Mossimo Supply Co. (Target) *similar

Scarves, jewels, and supreme pizzas,
Brittani
<3

PS-How many of you have started holiday shopping? I started in October! Haha!

Facebook: The Life of a Lady
Twitter: @thelifeofalady0
Instagram: @thelifeofalady
Pinterest: @thelifeofalady0

November 20, 2014

The Struggle

Ya'll! I'm going to be honest for a minute here...
Have you ever gotten stuck in a fashion rut? Not necessarily in a rut even...just stuck.
I work in an office environment, and although it's nothing fancy--I'm certainly not expected to show up to work in 4 inch heels and a full on suit everyday--I feel like it's important to dress professionally. To present myself to the best of my ability. I am the youngest in the office, but I want to be taken seriously and I think it starts with how I present myself. Here's my dilemma: I look like a 15 year old.
No seriously. put me in business attire, and I look like I'm playing dress up. I can't find my work style. I know what I like. I know what I find appealing, but then I put it on and it's just not right. Either nothing in the store fits me because let's just say, I may never fully bloom, or the things that do fit me are in the juniors department and look like they are made for teenagers because, well, they are. I need your help. Where can I find professional looks (within a decent price range) that actually work for my body type? I have no problem finding cute blouses. The pants and jackets are the culprit. My enemies that I wish would love me as much as I love them. I'll be on this hunt for as long as it takes, but for now, I suppose I'll have to make do with cute little dresses and dressing up leggings to the best of my ability. Luckily, I'm getting pretty good at that last part(;

So I've given fashion advice since I started this blog and long before to my friends and family. Now, I need the advice from YOU! Let the ideas start flowing! Let's get creative people!(;

Peace, love, and womens work wear,
Brittani
<3

PS-Here are a few things that I really love and are basically my inspiration for this work wear scavenger hunt. All found on Pinterest because we know it's the best invention since MySpace...did I really just say how much I loved MySpace? Oops!

Source: Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

Source: Pinterest


Facebook: The Life of a Lady
Twitter: @thelifeofalady0
Instagram: @thelifeofalady
Pinterest: @thelifeofalady0

November 17, 2014

Keeping Warm

Any Louisiana girl knows that the weather is a rollercoaster around here. One day, it's 80 degrees, the next it's 40. Saturday was one of those 35-40 degree days and I had a baby shower to go to.




I brought this beautiful piece of art out to keep me warm while I ventured out into the cold. This camel colored coat is so chic with the oversized lapels and the belted waist. What a score!



Because it's such a heavy piece, I paired it with this thin sweater with a pretty striped pattern and silver sequins keeping with the neutral tone of my look, and of course, my favorite skinny jeans.



My favorite taupe booties kept my toes nice and warm.(;




I didn't do much as far as jewelry goes. I just threw on a pair of pearl and silver dangle earrings to tie in the silver sequins in my sweater. The scarf is the perfect finishing touch. I love the color scheme of this whole look and how the sweater, coat, and scarf are all the same shades of neutral perfection.

Sweater: The Limited *similar
Scarf: Jones New York (TJ Maxx) *similar
Booties: Steve Madden (DSW) *similar
Earrings: Gift *similar

Cozy neutrals, fabulous coats, and warm toes,
Brittani
<3

PS-I'd like to wish my one and only boytoy a very Happy Birthday! Love you to the moon and back!


Facebook: The Life of a Lady
Twitter: @thelifeofalady0
Instagram: @thelifeofalady
Pinterest: @thelifeofalady0

November 12, 2014

Lady Cooks: Chicken Taco Soup

Disclaimer: I am NOT a cook! I'm terrible actually! But let me tell you...the recipe I am about to share with you is the only thing I can truly cook and actually love eating! This is quite different from my usual fashion posts, but when I love something, I think it's wrong not to share it with my readers(; The best part about this recipe is that there's really not much "cooking" involved because it's a slow cooker recipe!

What's a better comfort food during the cold months than soup? For me, it's nothing. I love hot soup all year round but especially when it's chilly out in fall and winter! So here we go...you can thank me later.

Background Source: Google Images

Ingredients:
-1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-approx. 6 cups chicken broth
-1 cup to 1 1/2 cups salsa
-1 pkt. taco seasoning (I sometimes use more than just 1 pkt because I like the extra flavor)
-1 can diced tomatoes (drained)
-2 cans whole kernel corn (drained)
-1 can black beans (drained)
-1 can red kidney beans (drained)


Directions:
1. Turn your slow cooker on the high setting to let it heat up.Cut all fat (if any) from chicken breasts and season to your liking. I use Tony Chachere Seasoning. Then, place the seasoned chicken into the heated slow cooker and cover. Let the chicken cook for about 4 hours.
2. Once chicken is completely cooked, start shredding. I usually just use two forks to break it all up into shreds.
3. Add all ingredients except for the chicken broth first. Once all ingredients are in, fill the pot up with the broth. It make take less than 6 cups depending on the size of your pot. 
4. Let the soup cook for about 3 hours. I think the longer it cooks, the better it tastes because it allows all the ingredients to become nice and tender.
5. I serve mine with a little shredded cheese sprinkled over my bowl because it's delicious(: And remember, you can't mess this up. Add more or less of whatever ingredients you want to.
**best served with a Netflix marathon and cozy socks.


There you have it. I can't tell you how much a girl who can't cook benefits from a CrockPot. Best investment ever! They aren't even that expensive! #ilovemycrockpot #sorrynotsorry

Comfort food, cozy nights, and cooking for dummies.
Brittani
<3

PS-Let me know if you try my recipe and how it turns out. Tag your Instagram pics with @thelifeofalady and #ladystacosoup. Tune in for the next time I whip up this deliciousness to see my InstaPics(;

& if you want to try more taco soup recipes, this one from AllRecipes seems good too. I might have to try it out.


Facebook: The Life of a Lady
Twitter: @thelifeofalady0
Instagram: @thelifeofalady
Pinterest: @thelifeofalady0

November 10, 2014

I Dream of Burgundy

One of my favorite colors for fall is burgundy! I think I like it because, as much as I love the color red, it's just a little bold for me sometimes, while burgundy is a more toned down version.


I don't know if I've ever really paired burgundy with black. For some reason, I've always automatically associated it with brown shades like tan, beige, or even cream. I love how it looks with black though! I think I've found a go-to color combo for me this season! Why haven't I thought of this before?! I love burgundy, and I love black, so why not put them together?!

Annnyyyywayyy, enough rambling about my color choices here! Let's get on to the outfit!


This sweater is the perfect length for leggings. I love the fitted silhouette of it too. Super flattering! I normally go for massive sweaters, but this one looks so chic because of the fit. Also, I can't ever get enough chunky cowl necklines. They scream fall and winter in my opinion!


Black leggings are a must have for me, as you know, so those go without saying. These over-the-knee boots are AMAZE! I love the faux leather front paired with the elastic, calf-hugging material on the back!



Gold accents with jewelry add some shine and a little more edge to this look that I love!



I think it's safe to say that I am not the best hairstylist, but a chic low pony stays on my list of hair-dos. The fact that it's the easiest, fastest thing a girl can do with her hair, is always a plus.


Sweater: Forever21 *similar
Leggings: Forever21
Boots: Unisa (DSW) *similar
Necklace: Forever21 *similar

Favorite colors, low maintenance hair, & gold accents,
Brittani
<3

PS-If anyone would like to give me a Twitter tutorial, I'd appreciate it. Still. So. Lost.


Facebook: The Life of a Lady
Twitter: @thelifeofalady0
Instagram: @thelifeofalady
Pinterest: @thelifeofalady0

November 7, 2014

Fall for this Romper

Happy Friday! Today, I'm turning this summer must-have into a fall look! I'm talking about this simple black romper that I completely forgot I owned. Don't you just love when you find something you forgot you had and fall in love with it all over again?!


To turn this summer staple into a fall appropriate ensemble, you only need a few key ingredients:
opaque tights, a printed cardigan/kimono, and fab booties!


I love an all black look with a pop of color, which is why this royal blue printed kimono was perfect for this look


Throw black tights on under anything, and you instantly transition your piece into fall!


These amazing lace-up booties tie it all together..see what I did there? ...lace-up, tie...haha!


Add some jewelry and voila! Your outfit is complete!

Romper: Apricot Lane Boutique *similar
Kimono: TJ Maxx *similar
Tights: Forever21 *similar
Booties: Soda (Charlotte Russe) *similar

Daylight savings, chilly nights, and fabulous fall fashion,
Brittani
<3

PS-I apologize for the terrible lighting and background in these photos. It was, as I'm sure you can tell, raining. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!(:

Facebook: The Life of a Lady
Twitter: @thelifeofalady0
Instagram: @thelifeofalady
Pinterest: @thelifeofalady0




November 5, 2014

A Day in the Life

I always find it interesting to see what people do on any ordinary day. An established routine maybe, a hectic, unorganized series of events, or anything in between. So today, I'm letting you in on a normal weekday in my life.

Source: Google Images

5:45-6:45am: Hit snooze until I finally force myself out of bed.
6:45-7:45am: Feed my furbabies and get myself ready for work. I usually already have my outfit planned and hanging on my bathroom door.
7:45am: Head to the office.
8:00am-5:00pm: Work work work. I usually have time to work on blog things or personal things (such as plan my life in my planner that goes everywhere with me) in between tasks at work unless I am super busy which has been the theme lately.
5:00pm: Leave the office and run any errands I may have. I usually don't have many errands to run during the week. I save them for the weekend.
5:15pm: I usually get home from work about this time, check my mailbox, take off every piece of jewelry I'm wearing, and throw some laundry in the washer.
I head to my closet to plan tomorrow's outfit. Everything down to the jewelry will be hanging on my bathroom door waiting for the next morning.
Once tomorrow's outfit is prepared, I shower/bathe, run through my entire skincare routine, and get comfy in my PJ's for the evening.
When I'm nice and clean, I start thinking about dinner. I'm not fancy with dinner. Spaghetti from a jar, soup from a can. I'm working on getting better at meal prep, but I'm just no good at cooking, nor do I enjoy it.
7:00pm: By 7 o'clock, I'm ready to watch whatever is playing on TV that night. My favorites are The Voice and Sons of Anarchy. Those are really the only shows I watch regularly. While watching TV, I usually think about what's next for my blog or things I need to do the next day (again with my planner). I'll also fold laundry or do a few chores during commercial breaks.
9:00-10:00pm: I'm usually in bed between 9 and 10 o'clock. I'm an old lady, I know, but a girl needs her rest! I watch Netflix or scroll through social media (or both) until I fall asleep which usually doesn't take longer than an hour or so.

The next day, I start again! I'm a creature of habit. Routine is the key to my sanity. Although, every now and then, I do enjoy a day of spontaneity.

I hope this wasn't too boring, but there you have it(:

Happy Wednesday, Happy Hump Day, Where is Friday?
Brittani
<3

PS-I'd love to know what a day in your life is like, so leave links in the comments below!


Facebook: The Life of a Lady
Twitter: @thelifeofalady0
Instagram: @thelifeofalady
Pinterest: @thelifeofalady0

November 3, 2014

Fall Simplicity

This outfit is an easy go-to look for fall. It's simple, yet put-together at the same time. I love a great neutral outfit with a pop of color. 


This outfit really speaks for itself. There's nothing complicated about a chambray shirt, black jeans, and tan boots. Throw on a fun printed scarf for some color, and you're all set.



As for jewelry, I'm wearing my usual watch and Granny's gold chain bracelet.




These medallion earrings are one of my favorite pairs.



Cami: Apricot Lane Boutiqe *similar
Chambray Shirt: Merona (Target) *similar
Jeans: Aeropostale *similar
Earrings: Forever21 *similar
Scarf: Lulu's *similar
Boots: Apricot Lane Boutique *similar

Sunshine, sushi, & shenanigans,
Brittani
<3

PS-Have you ever seen anything more cute than this happy little guy?!



Facebook: The Life of a Lady
Twitter: @thelifeofalady0
Instagram: @thelifeofalady
Pinterest: @thelifeofalady0