Multifunctional.

Happy Friday! I'm off work today so I'm meeting a friend for coffee and then spending some one on one time with my little guy.

We have a HUGE day planned tomorrow. I'll be at an overnight retreat tonight with church and won't return home until 2pm. Then I have a hair appointment, a wedding at 4pm and the Abbott Awards at 7pm. Remember the play I was in back in May, Faith County? Well the Abbott Awards are a Red Carpet awards party for our community theatre group! I can't wait to see all my old castmates and dance the night away!

This outfit I plan to wear home from the church retreat, to my hair appointment and then to the late afternoon wedding. These shoes are surprisingly comfortable, mostly because of the platform sole and the slightly thicker heel. Since I'll be running around all day and going to the salon, I want to be chic, yet comfortable. For whatever reason I always like dressing up a bit for the salon. I think it's because there's beautiful women everywhere who appreciate fashion :)

Everything I'm wearing is old---I'm talking two years or more. I had almost forgotten about this ruffled skirt, but I'm glad I didn't.

Blouse: NY&Co. Ruffled Skirt: Garage Sale, Old. Tights: Target. Shoes: ???

I'll be changing into a much fancier ensemble for the Abbott Awards! Check my Facebook Page for updates from the event!

Can you say, photobombed?

P.S...... I hadn't even noticed that my one year blogging Anniversary came and went! Since January 6th I've been blogging for a year and I've loved every second of it! Check here for my first post ever, and look for a giveaway before the month is over to celebrate!

Buns, Booties and Bruises.

My lovely New Year's Eve dress has been begging me to wear it again. I just love that emerald green shade--so bold!

I wanted to wear it to meet a friend after work, but needed to re-mix it a bit so I wouldn't look exactly the same as I did on NYE. To make the dress more casual, I paired it with booties, a leather belt and my (fake!) fur vest, aka my Coyote Vest.

I planned to not wear tights, but then I noticed that both of my calves have giant bruises on them from cycling. Just shows how dedicated I am to the sport--watch out Lance!


Dress: Ruche. Belt: Thrifted. Fur Vest: AE. Booties: Macy's. Tights: Target.

The tights make things a bit more comfortable when sitting down anyway. I don't have to keep remembering to cross my legs because you can't see anything up my skirt with the tights on. Thanks, tights!
Let's talk hair for a sec---have you heard of the blogger bun? Basically it's a messy top knot like I'm sporting today. More examples here and here!

The Blogger Bun is so easy, and looks especially cute with my bangs--you might be seeing my hair like this often, so I hope you like it.

P.S.....I'm guest blogging over at The In Between today.....sharing a few thrift shopping secrets! Check it out!

The Ugg-ly Debate.

Apparently in the fashion world, Uggs are NOT acceptable footwear outside of the house.

Out of all the fashion blogs I follow, I have yet to see a single one of them sport a pair of Uggs in an outfit post. I have even heard some bloggers actually call Uggs, well, Ugly.

While everyone is entitled to their opinion, I think Uggs are comfy, warm and adorable when worn appropriately. That being said, here are a few rules to stick by when wearing Uggs or Ugg-like boots:

1. Please, I beg you, DO NOT wear Uggs with Nike running shorts. Isn't the point of Uggs to stay warm? Hey, Sorority Sister, you can't be warm in those short sport shorts.

2. Uggs + PJ Pants = OK FOR AT HOME ONLY! If I see you at the gas station in Uggs and PJ pants, I hope it's because you're on your way to the hospital to give birth. Otherwise, not ok ladies. Not ok.
And actually, if you're on the way to the hospital to give birth, why are you stopping at a gas station??

3. Uggs are casual boots, so keep the rest of your outfit casual. Uggs and skinny jeans or flares look cute with a tee and messy hair. Uggs + dresses? Probably not ok unless you're wearing tights.

My boots are not Uggs, because I think the actual Ugg brand is overpriced for what the boot actually is. A rubber sole with suede outer lining and shearling inside. You can't even wear these boots in the snow or you'll ruin them. Rain? Nope, can't wear em' in the rain either or they'll get all kinds of messed up.




Mustard Hair Flower: Made by the lovely Jamie. Striped Sweater: JCPenney. Jeans: AE. Peace Sign Belt: AE. Boots: Bearpaw via Macy's.

 I wouldn't wear an outfit like this to a restaurant, but it's fine for a casual dinner at home with friends.

What do you think of Uggs?

Disclaimer: It's ok if you wear Uggs and Nike shorts. I'll still accept you and call you friend, just don't wear it around me unless you want to be made fun of :)

Oh and p.s......are you following me on Facebook yet? Join the discussion!

Global Warming + Easy Skillet Dinner.

Whatever the reason for the strangely warm weather we've been having, I'll take it! Though I do appreciate the warning, Al.

Might have to shield your eyes from the screen. Those two stark white legs you see before you are bare. In January. No tights necessary when it's 55 degrees and sunny!




Silk Shirt: Thrifted. Wool Skirt: J.Crew Sale. Sparkly Heels: JCP, Olsenboye brand.

Since the weather is so nice, I haven't been in much of a cooking/cleaning mood. Sorry family. When I don't feel like slaving over a stove for an hour I like to cook frozen skillet meals like this little number from Bertolli.


This Chicken Florentine meal is our favorite. The only problem with frozen, processed meals like this is the HUGE amount of sodium. The bulk of the sodium content from this particular meal is in the sauce, so I always throw out some of the frozen "sauce cubes" before I add it to the skillet. I also like to add extra veggies to the meal to make it a bit healthier. Since this Bertolli meal comes with spinach, I went ahead and added extra.

What's your go-to meal on busy nights aka lazy nights?

Also, am I the only one sporting bare legs or is anyone else out there taking advantage of the amazing weather?

Smoking Jacket.

One of my all time favorite board games as a kid was "Clue." I have always loved a good mystery, which explains my complete Nancy Drew Collection from my pre-teens and my now obsession with the show Dexter.

This jacket reminds me of a cross between Mrs. Peacock and Professor Plum. Both stylish, in my opinion. Although part of me wishes I looked a bit more like Miss Scarlet, the sexy one. That's where the leopard kitten heels come into play I suppose.

This velvet blazer is timeless. I can wear it now in my 20's and, well, for the rest of my life. The color is a bit unexpected and that's what I like about it.



Velvet Blazer: Talbot's clearance (only $25!). Lace Tee: Talbot's clearance ($10). Skinnies: AE. Kitten Heels: Target.

 Professor Plum would definitely rock a blazer jacket. While smoking a cigar. In the Library.

Mrs. Peacock probably wouldn't wear a jacket this bold, but she would wear a lace blouse, only probably not in the form of a tee shirt. Think Victorian: high collar and long sleeves.

Who are your favorite fictitious style icons?

Keeping up.

Hey friends! Just a quick little Sunday note to let you know that LIFE TOLD BY LESLIE IS NOW ON FACEBOOK!!!!!!

Yes, it took me awhile to create a separate FB page for the blog from my personal one. I want my personal FB page to be for me, and the new LTBL FB page to be for you! No mass messages, no blowing up your news feed with useless crap.

The plan is to post one of the daily photo's and a bit of the dialogue from daily blog posts to the Facebook page. That way it will make it easier for us to chat back in forth, discuss ideas, share photos etc.

The reason I finally decided to do this is because I find that most of my friends comment on my posts through Facebook. So through the new LTBL FB page, you won't necessarily have to even come here to the blog if you didn't want to. While I'll be posting more photos on the blog, you'll get the bulk of the info and one photo on the FB page. Does this all make sense?

I hope we'll begin to get to know each other a little better. Feel free to share outfit photos, sales and coupons for retailers, or ask me questions! So what are you waiting for? Head over and "Like" Life Told By Leslie on Facebook and let the fun begin!

Meet: The Bike.

I'm SO incredibly pumped to introduce everyone to......drumroll please......my new road bike!!


Green Reflective Shirt: Patagonia, bought in New Zealand. Black Spandex Pants: Target. Pink Reebox: Macy's.

 Please ignore my little man's messy bookshelf :)

After around six months of deliberation and research I brought home this baby plus tons of awesome hardcore biker chick accessories, such as spandex pants and helmets----ahhhh I'm so excited!!

Some of you may not know this but I used to be into running and have done a few half marathons. After my last race (April 2011) I seriously didn't want to ever run again. Why keep doing something I completely hate?

My goal for this bike and 2012 (a resolution, if you must call it that) is to take better care of myself, but in a fun way. That's why running is out for me and biking is in! I don't think I'll be participating in any races or anything like that, I just plan to ride for leisure and exercise. I've already met a few other "bikers" in Cape and hope to make a few friends and just have a great time staying in shape. Also, I freaking love spandex. Ha.

Do you have a roadbike? Please be my friend and go for rides with me :)

My weekend plans include lots of long bike rides and a double date Saturday night with my bro in law and his new bride. Have a great weekend everyone!