My Teen Style | Shoes

Basically everything from my teen years is making a comeback or recently just came back into style.

I was in middle school and then high school in the 90's.

I'm talking baby doll dresses, combat boots, flannels, wider leg jeans, cropped tops.

In a nutshell, every outfit or style from the movie Clueless was cool!

Not gonna lie, I totally rocked the look above in high school!

Today I am showing you items that I rocked all those years ago,

and I love that they are back in style and I can wear them today!

If I wasn't wearing my cheerleading uniform and shoes or softball uniform and cleats, you would probably catch me in one of these types of shoes.

Combat Boots

I had boots super similar to the ones below.

They tied in the front, had zippers on the sides, and just were SO COOL!

I wore them with everything!

But the best combination was those boots and baby doll dresses :)

Now you probably aren't going to see me wearing a baby doll dress anytime soon....it does nothing for my shape!

But I have been wearing my new version of combat boots any chance I get!

Birkenstock Sandals

Another shoe that has made a huge comeback are Birkenstock sandals.

I didn't have Birks back in high school...I don't think anyone did.

But we wore some super similar dupes back then.

And almost 90% of the time they were tan suede like the ones below.

Unfortunately, one thing that did happen quite often back then was this...

The dreaded socks and sandals look!

It is horrible!

Again, not gonna lie to you....I did wear mine like this back then.

You weren't allowed to wear open toed shoes to school, but we somehow were allowed to wear these with socks.

So literally EVERYONE did it!

Typically it was with jeans, not shorts.

Another time most people wore this look was when you were dressed for a game (softball, basketball, etc.) and weren't allowed to wear your game shoes outside or in the school (no cleats on the gym floor).

Typically then we wore our uniform socks with some sort of sport sandal.

But every now and then you would see people rocking these sandals.

So while you won't be seeing me rock that lovely look above in the near future,

I will be wearing my Birk dupes I recently picked up on Amazon!

Look at these...

I can't wait to wear these this summer!

I actually quickly threw them on to take a picture of me wearing them, but it wasn't pretty!

I need a tan and a pedicure before I can post those pictures! lol!

Now I want to know what clothing items, shoes or accessories do you still wear from your teens?

Is it a style that recently came back or something you never could part with?

I would love to hear in the comments below!

Don't forget to link up your post with us at The Blended Blog or use #TBBStyle on Facebook or Instagram!

Thanks for stopping by today!

XOXO ~ Vanessa

Let's Be Real & Fall Style Finds

Oh what I wouldn't give to be that teenage girl again who thought she was "fat".

Over the last year I have struggled and struggled to figure out what is going on with...me.

At the moment I still don't know.

I just finished an 8 week long program of workouts, managed portions, clean eating, but cheats allowed.

I feel good.

But that is it!

I weigh exactly the same as I did when I started 8 weeks ago.

They say "don't focus on the scale".

And "you've probably lost inches".

Nope!

The scale nor the measuring tape have budged.

Yet, I feel stronger and my muscles feel firmer.

No other changes.

My clothes don't even fit better.

In fact, less of my "fat" clothes fit now than prior to the 8 weeks!

I put on clothes that I used to swim in just a year ago and I can't even get them on.

Heck, new "fat" clothes I bought just this summer don't fit anymore.

I have gained 35-40 pounds since the Spring of 2017 and I can't figure out how.

I workout...honestly I do.

I love working out!

And eating...I try to keep my portions small even when I think I want more.

I have turkey sausage every morning with steel cut oats or a protein smoothie for breakfast.

I eat simple salads for lunch every day with a piece of fruit.

I snack on Skinny Pop or Smartfood popcorn, but I don't overeat.

Dinner is my biggest meal of the day by far.

I try to have a protein, veggies, and a carb.

I typically do my workouts at night so that meal helps give me energy.

After I might have a protein shake and that is it.

Yes, I have cheats throughout the week.

I have coffee with almondmilk and creamer.

A serving of twizzlers throughout the week.

I don't drink pop or juice.

I have an alcoholic beverage about once a month, if that.

I drink a TON of water.

I have no idea what to do.

Yes, I am going to be 40 this year.

But that isn't an excuse for me.

Actually, to me it means I shouldn't be at this point of my life.

All I know is I am going to keep going.

Keep eating right, while still allowing for a little fun.

Still working out every day because it is the only thing that instantly makes me feel better.

The rest...I pray falls into place.

I am not posting this for pity, sympathy, etc.

I just feel like I need to get this off my chest.

Weight has never been something I struggled with.
And if I gained a few pounds here and there it came off with a few workouts.

Again, I know I am getting older and with that things don't bounce back as quickly as they used to.

But I know I am working like crazy for something that has not shown me an ounce of reciprocation in the last year.

And that is just frustrating!

It is also frustrating when you cry every morning or every event you get ready for because something that fit last week/month doesn't.

It makes you a complete mess.

Not gonna lie....I don't do well around people who cry.

And now here I am, tearing up all the time over this problem I have.

If you want to shoot me your opinions I would be glad to hear them.

First, let me give you my symptoms....

Ice cold hands and feet ---- like no circulation in them

The rest of my body sweats uncontrollably

My hair is drier than normal and falls out a lot

My skin is super dry and even burns when I am working out

I have a permanent sore throat and raspy voice

Ridiculous weight gain

Wake up exhausted after a full nights sleep

So tired at night but can't seem to fall asleep

Depressed- mainly due to weight gain/clothing not fitting

Stressed out

My joints ache

Memory issues
Etc.

Thank you for letting me ramble today.

I know so many people suffer through things like this and are afraid to share how they feel, or they feel like they are the only one this is happening to.

If that is you....I just want you to know you are not alone.

Heck, we can form a group if you want ;)

So due to to who knows what is going on with me I had to grab a few new items so I had something that actually fit me.
I headed to my go-to spot and found a few things that work well for work, but could easily crossover to hanging out with friends and such.

I grabbed this pale olive green sweater and loved it so much I went back and grabbed the white and gray striped option as well!
It's technically listed as a knit top because it is so lightweight.

This Black Boat neck Top was simple and classic.

And I loved the buttons on the shoulders!

I love olive green in the Fall/Winter, so grabbing this Utility Top was a no brainer!
It has a little bit of extra length to it, so I can pair it with some skinny jeans when I am not at work :)

Believe it or not, I don't own many tunics. 

I love the colors of this Plaid Tunic, and knew it would work well with the pants I have in my closet for work and fun.

I also picked up this sleeveless navy polka dot top (not online currently) and wore it the other day to work with my favorite denim jacket (same brand), mustard sateen jeans, and cognac booties :)

I also snagged these super cute White boots!

I mean, they are called Vanessa so how could I pass them up?

I mentioned this on Instagram, but I had pair super similar to these when I was in 1st grade!

I loved those boots!

Can't wait to wear these!

Side note: I am typically a 7 1/2, but had to size up to an 8 in these.

Now it is your turn!

Link your Wednesday Fashion Frenzy post below!

And then click on some of the other ladies who joined in the fun today and spread the love :)

An InLinkz Link-up

XOXO ~ Vanessa

Splurge vs. Steal Help

I don't like to spend money very often.

And when I do, I want to get the most I can get for my money.

So when I can find a something I really want for a steal I am all over it, and I want to share it with all of you!

But since I am not a part of any sort of rewards style group and such, the only dollars I have to spend on clothing and shoes are what I actually set aside in cash.

But that doesn't mean I can't help you out!

I would love for you to send me the items you are looking for at a steal.

While I don't like shopping in the store, hunting down good deals online is something I love to do!

And I love finding those retailers and little shops that you can score a good deal.

So shoot me an email at leota6@gmail.com

Instagram - Direct Message me @xtremelyv

Or just leave a comment below!

I would love to help you find what you are looking for!

Even better.....I'm cheap/FREE :)

Affordable Trends | May

When it comes to fashion, it needs to be affordable in my book.

Would I love to buy some of those pricey items from time to time..sure!

But, I would also like to feed my family for the month.

Or drive to work and such instead of trying to walk there ;)

So I headed online to a couple of my favorite affordable retailers to bring you some On Trend items for Spring that won't break the bank!

I also tend to look for pieces that I can add to what I already have in my closet.

Who doesn't love a shift dress?

This striped one is super cute and would work well with most body types.

Currently on sale for $28 and comes in 3 other colors.

And how adorable are these gingham sandals???

They come in a chambray stripe option as well.

Or check out these gingham wedges!

Every girl/women (heck boys & guys too) need a denim jacket in their closet!

This one is super similar to one I already have in my closet!

And trust me when I say that the light wash will go with almost everything you own!

Want something a little less structured?

Old Navy has you covered there too!

Check out this denim button front jacket.

Not a fan of those gingham sandals above?

Check out this similar style in a solid (available in 4 colors).

While we are talking about sandals, look at this cross strap style available in 5 colors.

They are on sale for $15 right now!

I am not typically a fan of kimono's, but I really like this one.

Pay no attention to how horribly styled it is in this picture :/

Available in plus size as well.

I am always a fan of a fun pant!

These floral ones could be paired with a simple white tank or top and denim jacket.

Florals typically aren't my thing (it doesn't appear that way from this post), but I really like this off the shoulder romper right now too :)

This picture makes it look blue, but online it is listed as "mint".

It comes in a rose color as well.

This one looks cute as well!

Providing coverage in all the right places ;)

I love the look of these sandals available in black and the cognac below.

These are available in 4 colors and currently on clearance between $10-16.

So simple, yet I feel they bring a little something something to an outfit.

What affordable items have you found for Spring?

Are there any items you are on the hunt for?

Linking up with The Blended Blog today :)