Last post for Feb

I think I was over zealous on posting an outfit everyday -ha, ha, it will be more like twice a week. It's actually harder than you think trying to convey an idea via internet. So for this week I have the idea to invest in a big ticket item that will last beyond five years and will get alot of wear. For example, j. crew jacket (Nolita denim jacket if you are having trouble with the link). I think it has a timeless style and I like the denim.

Something that you can cut corners on are tees and pants/capris. These are things that need to be replaced as the bottoms start to fray and holes and stains appear within a couple years(I may be speaking for myself). But here is an example and super affordable - old navy capris.

I found a company a few years ago that makes simple, well made clothing, in fact I still have a top from a couple years ago in great condition - LA Made - check it out - LA Made cuff tee. The link has other nice items from LA Made.

For some basic accessories such as belts - ae belt - bags -kc tote -earrings - Spartan hoops and sandals - kcsandals. Wouldn't a virtual mannequin be much easier.....

HOLY SMOKES COOL

I love this print and saw it in my fav. mag of all times that is sadly not going to be published much longer, Domino page 83 in March 2009 issue. Strangely, I also saw it on Shabby Chic site which is almost $300.00 framed if you can believe it. This one unframed is a mere $25.00 16 x 23 size and comes in array of colors - love it. I am trying to think of a place in our home for one - maybe our bedroom. I think I also love it for the message - it says it all doesn't it? Short and sweet. Sorry to be keeping with the wall theme again but there are a few wall spots still to be filled in our home. Coming soon for home- some pillow and throw ideas to liven up any living space!

sfgirlbybay

Easy Stir Fry

This is a regular dish I make weekly cause it's healthy, easy and yummy. I usually make it with just veggies but you could add chicken, tofu, or shrimp - whatever you like. Here's a list of ingredients:

Serves roughly 3-4

Brown rice - cooked according to directions and how much you want

Rough chop desired veggies:
Carrots - 4 large or 10-15 small ones
Celery 2 stalks
Eggplant 1/2 if large or one small
Fresh green beans 20 green beans
3TBS extra vir. olive oil - more if needed
1 garlic clove - finely minced
optional:
frozen edamame or sliced potatoes roughly 10 small ones

Quick peanut sauce from Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone by Deborah Madison

3 TBS unsweetened peanut butter
2TBS rice wine vinegar - same as rice vinegar - did some research to make sure
1TBS chopped cilantro - great with or without
1 plump garlic clove, minced or put through a press
2tsp soy sauce or to taste
1tsp light brown sugar
1/2 tsp chile oil
salt
Combine all the ingredients except the salt, adding 2-4 TBS warm water to make it the consistency you wish. Add 1/4 tsp salt and then taste.

(I never add the salt but wanted to site the recipe accurately)


I gave a rough count on the veggies cause I generally just eyeball what looks enough and adds a good balance and variety. You can buy already chopped veggies at the store. I bought a variety one time that had the potatoes and it was really great -not too starchy.

So cook the brown rice according to package and while that is cooking add the veggies to a non-stick pan with the olive oil and garlic. I cook until they look tender and start to get a little brown especially the eggplant. You can assemble whatever other veggies sound good too. I add the edamame to the pan with other veggies frozen as they will cook fast.

So the recipe and assembling for the sauce is above - easy. So once the rice is done(takes a bit to cook 20 minutes or so) serve on a plate and put a few spoonfuls of veggies on top of rice, then drizzle the peanut sauce. Voila.

If you wanted to add meat or fish I would cook those separately in another pan then add at the end. Tofu can be cooked with the veggies.

two more step 3s

My mom gave one of these nashelle charm necklace to me for Christmas this year and I got it in gold with my daughters' initials on each - "O" and "S". You could get your own initial, or your child(ren) and it is available in silver and gold. Check out her other jewelry - beautiful and I love her earrings. Ideas for Mother's Day this year - hint, hint?

Also, this, owl bag, is just because one can never have enough all purpose reusable bags - use as a purse, grocery bag, library book bag, toys, etc.....endless possibilites. And you can wash it.

Step 3

These are just a simple sandal that will work with anything. I like it in the bronze/brown but other colors are available.

benardo miami woven

Variety of tops

The first one, forefront scoopneck, is a twist on the basic grey t-shirt - I think it is in blue too - but I like the details and the neckline and check out the back - CUTE. The sgraffito squareneck is a flattering fit to all and has a bohemian flare. The later is a great example of unique while cloud bank tee is a great basic. I am a big fan of the banded waist line as it does not accentuate "stuff" you're trying to hide. It comes in a variety of nice colors that will suit anyone's skin type. Yet another twist on a basic grey, salute tee, that you could wear now and into spring - cute with especially the jeans below or white as I have mentioned before. My final fav. , spring sightings cardi, is something one could also wear now on warmer days and well through the summer. I have something similar and I wear it all the time. Kind of like a dressed up sweatshirt. I would say you could wear really anything underneath it - short sleeved or tank top - white, brown, grey - basic.

Basic jeans with variety of tops

These are just basic capri jeans, gap skinny jean capris - and you could also go with regular length jeans while it's still cool out. Isn't everyone done with winter? Bring it spring , will ya! So part of why I have spring fever especially this year is because we are going to Florida in a few weeks. I know, I have it rough but it's a good five years since I have been somewhere warm -aside from our sweltering hot summers here in Kansas.

So here are some of my favorite tops right now featuring yet again some items from Anthropologie. Yes, it is a favorite of mine. I think I love it for the mere reason they have a range of basic to more unique. See above for tops.

Collage wall of art

I love this.

domino mag - actress amanda peet home

west elm frames and inserts

Decorate your walls

Okay, so I noticed now that in the photo below the photos aren't exactly straight - oh well. You get the idea.

We moved to our new house about a year and half ago. The process to pack up and move (nearly three blocks) with two kids seemed impossible. But we did it and are loving it. One of the main rules my husband and I made was that we were not moving anything we didn't love or was in bad shape. Let's just say we had a HUGE PURGE. We had so many things collectively from our single days, to our now married days, to inherited from family days. It was just way too much stuff and was great therapy for a fresh start figuratively and literally. We decided that all of the things we ditched or donated, we would replace over time (key words cause it does get $$$) especially the art and hand me down furniture. Almost done on the furniture but the art is sometimes forgotten. Those poor bare walls.

So I know it gets so $$$ when you think of custom framing, etc. I found a great way and rather cost effective if you compare the two. Find a fav. print or photo and buy a ready-made frame with mat at your local craft store i.e. Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or Tuesday Morning. The frames I posted below are all from Michaels and I bought the prints from either Etsy or from a local antique print dealer. The craft stores have tons of shapes and sizes and a variety of basic frame designs. I would either stick with a black theme or white but make sure you don't mix the two in a room. For example, I framed all the art work and photos in our hallway to our bedrooms in black and the girls' rooms have all white. I think it gives a more uniform and clean look.

If you are going for more of a collage look like on a large wall, that may be the only way to mix the variety of frame colors, textures, designs. I love this idea from West Elm(see in above photo.)

Framed Art

My standard side salad

This is my standard salad. I use red leaf lettuce, chopped pecans, dried cranberries or cherries and shaved fresh parmesan cheese (optional). You can use however much you want or little and omit the things you dislike and add other nuts or dried fruit. In the summer, I add fresh chopped tomatoes. So here is the dressing recipe.

1 package of Good Seasons Italian salad dressing mix
(I follow the instructions on back)
1/4 c. vinegar - I use balsamic or red wine
3 Tbsp. of water
1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil
a few dashes of dill weed - dried dill weed in the spice and seasoning section of grocery store

Then I shake and let it chill awhile (if making in advance.) I've been known to make it a few moments before making the salad and it is still fine. It will keep for a few weeks. To make the dressing, I reuse glass containers from pasta sauce or you can purchase the Cruet that comes with the mix. Whatever works for you. Then I just add how ever much dressing to the lettuce, etc. and then toss, serve.

Shredded potatoes with sausage and apples

This is my husband's "last meal" as he calls it. It is a favorite at our house and the combo sounds strange but until you try it, it's awesome. A great hearty, comfort food, and some what healthy. I use smoked turkey sausage which has more reduced fat. It is good even without the thyme. I also use Smart Balance instead of butter. I highly recommend it with a side salad (which i will post next).

see link:
sausage potatoes and apples

Finding out about YOU

I am by no means an expert on determining someone's body type or a color specialist. I have some links for those seeking advice on defining your style, your hair, your body type, skin color, etc. I hope you have fun maybe discovering new things about yourself and learning how to update or give yourself a fresh new you.

http://www.shopyourshape.com/
http://www.dailymakeover.com/
makeovers.ivillage.com
http://www.ehow.com/how_2185239_colors-that-suit.html

Finishing Touch

PLEASE note the links in the text below.
Jackets are important especially on those brisk spring days. So here
Twisted cotton trench is an option from J. Crew. I love this Whisperings cardigan from Anthropologie as it is such a great basic to wear with anything. The Graphite Garden Scarf comes in a variety of bright, fresh colors to complete any outfit whether it is with a jacket, sweater, or top. I have my eye on these
Clarks leather ankle strap sandal as the height is not too bad to chase kids but versatile enough to wear with pants, jeans, or casual dress/skirt. So here are some of my favorite accessories highlighted here that may bring some inspiration for thoughts on spring.

!iTJeans

the "hottie" jeans

This is one of the jeans I mentioned earlier. Visit the link to see more. Like I said, you can find locally at Nordstrom or Frankly Basic.

Shirred Flutter Sleeve tee - GAP

gap top

I have two of these tops. Black and the slate. I like how it is not too tight fitting and not too loose. One of those that you must stock up on.

Seleno earrings

AntiGenre earrings

I am a big fan of Etsy jewelry. It's easy to get lost in all the cool stuff. This Etsy Shop has other great jewelry to spice up any outfit.

let's talk jeans

I wanted to back up a minute and talk about trying to find the perfect pair of jeans/pants. I am always on the hunt at least once a year to replenish or replace the ones I wore out the prior year. Never easy. So I have a couple slam dunks that I think are tried and true. For everyone and every shape and size. The Gap offers a large range of styles, denim colors, lengths, etc. And the best part, they are not going to break the bank. I have found some of my favs. there over the years. But....the thing is you may want to stock up and buy a few cause the next season they may have changed that style a bit.

I found the "perfect" pair (and bought 3) right after the birth of my second daughter. I felt so happy to be actually wearing "normal" not maternity clothing that I wanted to kiss the woman ringing me up at the register. I went on and on how she had made my day and was thrilled beyond belief. So it came time the next year to replace those suckers that I wore into the ground. Sad news they weren't the same style/fit but -there is a good but - I found some replacements nonetheless.

So the good ol' Gap has saved me in the jeans dept. over the years. I recommend the darker the better as far as denim color. No black cause it fades to gray in a heart beat. I like the boot cut or flared styles and are flattering to most. I think the low rise actually do make your rear look smaller but you have to be careful with the bending over thing....word to the wise.

And yes -the white jeans you can wear with ANYTHING. So if you have a few white jeans/capris you can virtually have endless possibilities. Same with blue denim. I just get a base of pants and then switch the tops around and keep it easy and straight forward. I told some friends once that I try to have things that work well together so if you had to close your eyes and reach in your closet to pick out an outfit you'd end up with something that worked together.

I'll post some ideas in the weeks to come on necklines and basic forms of clothing for body types, colors for skin types/hair color for those who are inquiring.

Another newly discovered jean to me in the last year - is !iT Jeans. You can find them locally at Frankly Basic in Crestwood- I believe they still carry them - or at Nordstroms and of course online. The styles I like are - now I didn't come up with the names or by no means buy them for the names - Diva and Hottie - both of which I am not. But funny names to say the least.

linen curtains

These are from West Elm and I like the grommets on the top. They come in a variety of colors. We ordered some in the flax color.

yummy recipe

skillet gnocchi

I used spinach instead of the chard. Yum.

Healthy Eating

I had a request to add some recipes and maybe ideas for the home as I was once upon a time a interior decorator. So I will also post some ideas for those categories as well.

I feel like I have some background on healthy eating as well-although I am no angel. I had gestational diabetes with my second daughter and although I wasn't eating poorly, it just taught me how to eat a better balanced diet. In addition to that, my husband this past summer learned he had off the charts high cholesterol. So with that, I've really had to watch what I buy and prepare meal wise at home. I will share some of our family favorites that are easy, healthy, and delicious. So you could say 123dress me is not only top to bottom but around you(home) and inside you(what you eat).

The 123dressme formula

Okay, so I have a dear friend, who will remain nameless, that thinks I have a knack for putting outfits or a "look" together. I take it as a huge compliment as I have enjoyed fashion and putting a casual look together.

I have worked in retail at various companies and stores over the course of my life. Every time I go back to it, I find it rewarding to help people achieve their needs and find the perfect look for whatever the occasion may be.

But this is where the fun really begins for me because I can hand pick items that are basic, easy to care for, and geared for a practical lifestyle. As a mother, I have recently regained a sense of personal style that some how got lost by the wayside during my pregnancies. I gave myself a makeover and it has done wonders for how I feel and I want to pass that along. Especially to us mothers who so deserve to feel great about how we look. So this is to you or anybody who wants a little help for a fashion rebirth and ditch the sweats and baggy tees.

So the look basically has a 1,2,3 formula which goes back to the name of the blog. 1=top, 2=pant/skirt, 3=accessories/shoes. My goal is to post either daily or a few times a week an outfit and the link where you can find your size and purchase. Now I won't go into any detail on the fit of clothes because that will be something you will need to do in person yourself. Some things fit people differently but you could find a similar style and size if the ones I post don't suit you.

So here goes my stab at recommending some of my favorite looks right now. I kick it off with inspirations for spring.....hints of spring are in the air already. Hint - Best time to buy for spring and summer is now.

Michael Stars top

Michael Stars top

I like this top in the smoulder or white color.

Women's Clothes: Women's Blouson Jersey Tops: Short-Sleeve Tees & Polos | Old Navy

blouson jersey top

A more affordable version

White Jeans

gap white jeans

A fresh approach to jeans and use a stain stick for any spills.

Leather Sandals-AR392-Sandals at Boden

Boden sandals

These are great in silver.