READER SUBMISSION

Whitney and I had a group of best friends all through high school.  We were pretty cool.  So cool that we even gave our little group a name.  It was kind of like the babysitter's club...except we didn't babysit.  Today our reader submission is one of our best friends from our high school group.  Dominique has always been super stylish and hip.  We have a lot to thank her for-- she introduced Whitney to the beloved hair straightener and she taught me how to put eyeliner on my eye.  Dominique is the first of our friends to get pregnant and we are SO excited! Look how smokin' she looks with that pregnant belly!
(PS- if any of you live in Fresno- check out her I Heart Fresno page!)

Pregnancy does weird things to your body, but I would have to say the most bizarre thing would be getting up one day and realizing that your stomach is now the size of a basketball. I have found that throughout this whole ordeal I’ve subconsciously been avoiding that trip to “Motherhood Maternity” in hopes of being able to squeeze and stretch my way into my non-maternity clothes for as long as I can.  I admit I had to cave a few times to get those stretchy pants or bigger shoes because of swollen feet. And recently I’ve found myself purposely positioning that accent belt right below the bust line. At first it felt like the right thing to do, but the other day I noticed that all it does it draw more attention to that big belly.

So, what do you think of pregnant ladies wearing belts?  Is it too big of a statement for a pregnant lady at my size? Please help! Thanks roommates!

Have a question for the duplex?  Email us at asktheduplex@gmail.com

stretch it out, out, out

I feel like stretch pants are something that most people, whether they like fashion/style or not, have an opinion on. The opinion being either, "They are the most comfortable clothing item ever. " Or "Sick, no one needs to see my body in pants that tight and stretchy, especially in the daytime".

I fall somewhere in between these two schools of thought. I LOVE stretch pants, but I don't think they should ever be worn just as pants. You know what I'm saying? The problem is, is that there is a gray zone, and that is where I feel I am at with this outfit:

dress: Sway stretch pants: Target shoes: TJ Maxx

Should I save the stretch pants for slightly longer dresses?

Do you have thoughts on stretch pants? Do you think they can be worn as pants? Are they out of style already?!

and the winner is...

The winner of the hair straightner giveaway is "Madison Avenue"... Madison, email us your info and we'll get that straightener off to you!

Also, can I just tell you guys how much I loved reading all of the summer highlights, it was seriously such a great way to end my summer (because school starts this week!).

1-2-3 Eyes on Me

THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY! Normally I don't virtually shout at you, but that deserved all caps. The winner will be announced Monday.

Bret took my picture from far away and we couldn't believe how much it looked like I was in some type of jungle. Unfortunately, I am not in a jungle but rather in front of an apartment complex. It's also unfortunate that I was doing that particular move when he took the picture.

GUYS. The school children are about to descend upon my classroom and instead of lesson planning right now, I'm thinking "I wonder what I should wear on the first day of school?". So, this is what I have decided upon. I feel like it's relaxed but also semi-professional.

How do we feel about the green shoes and red necklace? I feel like those things normally don't go together but I feel like it might work?

 I realize this is kind of a boring outfit, so is there anything you would change? Add? Those pants are navy although they look black in these pictures. (or maybe they really are black and maybe I really am in the jungle).

Illogical Shopping

If you asked me one year ago, "Hey, Monica...would you ever be caught dead in a horizontal striped shirt?"  I would have said no.  Then if you would have said, "How about a flowy top that has pink horizontal stripes?" I would have replied with a HECK NO.  

But..here I am today in a pink, flowy, horizontal striped top.  What happened to me?  

I still don't know how I feel about these extremely flowy tops that are popping up everywhere.  I mean, I like the fact that it covers up the 5 cake batter pancakes I ate for my husband's birthday.  And, I like that it's nice and loose for this humid weather.  But, one thing that bothers me is the fact that when I bought it I knew I would have to put a camisole under because it was too low cut and too short.  It just seems illogical to purchase something that is unwearable without another clothing item under it.    

 Everything on my body: TJ Maxx

(standing pigeon-toed gives the illusion that your thighs don't touch from the knee cap all the way up.. seriously. try it in your next photo)

Doesn't that left hand look kind of creepy without an arm?

Do you guys ever purchase items that you know you'll have to modify?  Is it worth a purchase?

READER SUBMISSION

 I was so excited when I read Kendra's Reader Submission for today because I have been wondering the EXACT same thing about this skirt.  So, I can't wait to see what you guys say!  Kendra is a smokin' hot mother of one and is one the most fun girls around.  Believe me, I would know.  I spent 12 hours a day with her in a 90 degree swimming pool for several months of my life.  And no, we weren't just lounging-- we were dealing with screaming children-- and it is pretty hard to be fun in a situation like that.  Take it away, Kendra!

Yesterday my husband asked me ever so politely if I had any skirts that were a little less...poochy. Who wants to hear that?! Since I am on the very thrifty side with my husband being in grad school, I get 99% of my fashion from consignment stores. You can't beat a skirt for $3.50! But with that price, I'm worried that I'm giving off a "grandma gertrude" vibe instead of "hey, this is cool vintage." Since having a baby 7 months ago, I am very conscious of my mid section. A pooch is the last thing I want.

So my question is, should these blast from the past skirts be left on the rack or can this momma still wear them without people awkwardly pondering if I have another baby in my womb?

Do my hips look like they're still in birthing mode?  And, does the skirt need to be tapered at the bottom so it doesn't look like my hips run from my waist to my calf? [Sorry about the wrinkles. I swear it was all pressed that morning :)]

Thanks gals!

Have a question for the Duplex?  Email us at: asktheduplex@gmail.com

You See My True Colors

DISCLAIMER: I get a lot of, "You should wear heels with that" every time I wear a skirt. Yes, I realize this but heels are not an option with 21 kindergartners so I am sometimes stuck in flats that make my legs look, ahem, womanly... and I'll just accept that. I also realize that this skirt should be hemmed to my knees but it was $1 and my hemming pile is currently too large (same as my dirty clothes pile and I may or may not being wearing those clothes too).

Okay, onto the question. I like color. Lots of it. But I've been trying to decide if this outfit is too, "LOOK AT ME, LOOK AT ME". Like when I saw this picture I matched the stop sign perfectly behind me and I can't decide if that is a good thing.

99% of the time I wear what I like regardless of how I think I may be perceived by others, but let's be honest here, what do you think? Too much color for you?

If I were going to substitute a different colored shirt/cardigan choice, what should I choose?


(and can I tell you how much I loved the part in the movie The Help when Skeeter is taking off her shoes and her mom says, "take off those mexican boy sandals" and they're the shoes I have! and I agree with every other girl in the blogosphere, that movie was incredible.  I especially loved Celia Foote, did you have a favorite character?)

21st Grade

Well, guys.  I did it.  I made it to 21st grade.  Fall semester started last Wednesday and my heart rate is quickly increasing as I look at each syllabus and realize how much I have to get done in 4 month's time.  Can I do it? Will I survive? Only time will tell.  

When I was teaching elementary school it was against the dress code to wear jeans.  So I would wear these baggy black slacks everyday- that probably looked more like pajama pants than dress pants.  Any of my past roommates would know which ones I am talking about (tommy hilfiger, anyone?).  Sometimes I wondered if I looked more professional in a nice pair of jeans.

Today I start a new semester of teaching college undergraduates and while I won't wear jeans on the first day of class, I wonder if I can get away with it later on in the semester.  What do you guys think?  

Blazer: TJ Maxx Shirt: TJ Maxx  Jeans: Gap Outlet  Shoes: Target

Can dark-wash jeans look professional?

I look really professional while I'm talking...don't I?

So, what do you guys think?  Jeans at work...No way or Yeah way?

PS! Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free flat iron!

PPS! Are you a roommate yet? Make sure you check your links.  A couple of them aren't working!

THIS IS BIG NEWS FOLKS!

We have another giveaway! And this is a good one. Do you remember when hair straighteners first came out? I DO. I was sophomore in high school and a friend let me borrow one before we went to the roller rink and I felt like  a million bucks because for the first time I had shiney, sleek hair and not blond fuzz.

Have you guys ever heard of the website Misikko? Well, they are a website that sells wonderful hair products, and one of their best is the HANA hair straightner. You guys, this thing is a dream (and their shipping is crazy fast). The hot plates are 100% ceramic and you can control the temperature, which I think is really great because the front of my hair needs a little less heat, and the ends are a wee bit split so I try not to damage it more. I have been SO happy with this hair straightener and with working with Misikko, and we want you to be happy too!

We are giving away one Hana Professional 1.5" Hair Straightener (currently on sale for $129.99).

All you need to do to enter is visit Misikko's website, and then leave a comment below telling us the highlight of your summer so far.  You MUST be a follower of our blog (via google friend connect) to enter!  We will pick a winner on August 27th.

 Misikko also sells chi hair straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers.  AND if you use the code TheDuplex10 you will receive $10 off any $100 purchase.

Is "cuff" a verb or a noun?

Good news, everyone.  I am currently blogging from the couch in my living room.  That may not seem out of the ordinary to you.... but it is for me.  When my husband and I moved to Knoxville last year we decided we could do without the internet in our home.  With both of us in school, we thought we could use the extra dough.  But yesterday, we finally caved and WE BOUGHT THE INTERNET.  I love it.  I really love it.  I have the world at my fingertips- from ANY square inch in my apartment.  

So a few weeks ago you guys mentioned my jean cuffs were a little off.  Since then, I have been wondering  when to cuff and when not to cuff.  Take this outfit for example...would you cuff? Is cuff even a real word? 

no cuff

...or, cuff

 Cardigan: Nordstrom Rack Shirt: TJ Maxx Jeans: TJ Maxx Shoes: TJ Maxx

READER SUBMISSION

Our reader submission this week comes from Stephanie. When she emailed us, I opened her email and then laughed out loud because the wording of her question (you'll see what I mean). I think Stephanie and I have one thing in common, she said she tends to go on the safer side of fashion and I think I, too, fall under that category. One thing Stephanie definitely has going on is the world's cutest smile. Here's Stephanie:

I tend to put outfits together that are "safe" and not too creative. However, today I was just out and about and decided to try something a little different! I LOVE wearing headbands and hair flowers; however, this is the first time that I tried it "Rambo" style, as I like to call it. I see other girls wear it, but wasn't sure if I can pull it off with my poofy hair! Ah! I need help!

I guess I just don't know when and with what it is appropriate to wear them "rambo" style?! And that's what I need opinions on.

P.S. The "rambo" thing came from a lady who wore her headband this way. I told her it was so cute and she said her co-workers kept calling her Rambo. I guess it just stuck with me! :)

Have a question for the duplex? email us at asktheduplex@gmail.com

Shirt Wars

Prior to getting married I had never seen any trilogy of movies. No Indiana Jones, Back to the Futures, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, you name it, I hadn't seen it.

Behind me in the first picture is the Port of Oakland, which is a really cool place to go (um, for me and probably like 7 year old boys) but those HUGE machines in the background are what inspired George Lucas to create the AT-AT's in Star Wars. When my husband informed me of that, I was slightly more curious to see these Star Wars movies. So I watched all of the old ones. (And can I just say how SHOCKED I was when it was revealed that luke and leia were brother-sister, I had gone years thinking they were lovers, and was rooting for them to kiss the whole movie, well until I found out they were siblings).

Sorry, that was kind of a tangent, my real point of this post is to ask, could I wear this shirt these 3 ways, or should I stick to one of them? What do you think looks best?

Tucked in:

Tied:

Or untucked:

shirt: bret's closet jeans: f21 shoes: shop in Paris

Guess Who's Back, Back Again

I'm Back! I know you guys are dying to know how my road trip went.  So, I won't let you sit on the edge of your seat any longer.  It was amazing.  We saw so many cool sites and went through so many states.  We drove over 2,100 miles and ate over 4.5 lbs of Hot Tamales.  (If you're in the market for some Hot Tamales, I would recommend buying them in bulk at Sam's Club-- so much cheaper that way.  Although, if you don't want to gain 4.5 lbs, then don't take my advice.)

I learned a few things while I was living out of suitcase for two weeks.  You probably already made these realizations years ago, but, I am a wee bit slow.  

 1.  Don't bring two very similar shirts and then put the same flower on them...you end up looking like you wore the same thing two days in a row.  Although, I did tuck the gingham one in one day (because you guys said I could) That make it look kind of different, right?

Did you know that only one of my ears sticks out? Well, now you do. I'm lucky, I know.

2.  Maxi Dresses are amazing for road trips.  These things were made for sitting in the car indian style (I mean, criss-cross-applesauce).

3.  If you're going to wear a belt, get one of those stretchy material ones.  No one likes a leather belt jabbing them in the gut.  

....oh, and your belts and shoes don't have to match when you're road tripping.  right?

 

 4.  You can hike around Niagara Falls in wedges...or platforms..whatever those dang shoes are called.  

Seriously, try it.  

 5.  Always bring a nice baggy t-shirt for the end of the trip when you're feeling bloated from all your nasty fast food.

 Did you notice that my hair was in a high bun in EVERY single picture except one? Whoops.  

Did you go on any road trips this summer?  If so, where did you go? Did you learn anything new?

Room for Rent in the Duplex

Want to sponsor Ask the Duplex? 

Well, come on over, we'd love to have you.  Our goal is to promote businesses and blogs that have something to offer our e-roommates.  Just as you inform your roommates about things you love and tips you find, we would like to do the same for our e-roommates.  In order to do so, we have a few options available:

Button Sponsors

If you have a blog or small business and would like to add a button to our sidebar, we  have two sizes:

Giveaways:

If you'd like to partner up and do a giveaway hosted by Ask the Duplex, we would love to do that, too! This would be a great way to get the word out about your product.

Product Endorsements:

If you haven't noticed, Monica and I are on the thrifty side of things, but that doesn't mean we don't like quality products. We are both constantly on the search for the best products/clothing/accessories at the best price. If you have something you would like us review, let us know.

If any of this is of interest to you and you would like to view our stats and rates, email us at asktheduplex@gmail.com

Maybe She's Born With It...Maybe She's Not

There was a time in my life when I wore fake eyelashes every single day (whitney and my past roommates can attest to this).  There was also a time in my life when those fake lashes singed off as I removed cookies from the oven (in the middle of hosting a party).  This is when I decided maybe fake lashes aren't for the every day.  

See these lashes?

 Yeah.  They're fake.
(sorry for the extreme close up of my large face)

See these lashes?

Yeah, those are real.

As you can see, I have these large-and-in-charge eye sockets but no lashes to go with them.  I don't want to wear lashes everyday (I bake a lot of cookies) but I want some nice full lashes.

I am in the market for some new mascara.  Do you have any advice? What is your favorite mascara?

READER SUBMISSION

Today is our first ever International Reader Submission! Carla is a stylish Australian and is on her way to India for a few months (awesome, right?). She is doing it on her "gap year" which every country but the USA seems to do. I think we should start! Anyway, she also writes a great blog and I can't wait to follow her adventures in India. Here's Carla: 

hey there roomies,

I need some advice on a very interesting piece I bought from the markets recently. For any of you who read my blog, you will know I am going to India next week for 4 months. 

So I found this skirt-looking-thing at the markets and discovered, it's an item you can wear over 30 different ways. I know right! One piece for 30 different outfits!! 

 

Of course it was slightly too good to be true. Most of the styles are quite similar and others are simply horrible looking. But I bought it anyway because I LOVE it as a skirt with a plain top (like in the picture) and it's perfect for India being light and flowing. There were a few styles that I didn't mind though and I'd love to know what you think.  So which options do you think work best? 

Option A:

 

Option B:

Option C:

Option D:

 

Am I crazy to be wearing this thing any other way than a skirt?!

Have a question for the duplex? Email us at asktheduplex@gmail.com

Where's My Torso?

Recently I was video chatting with my sister and she said, "Sometimes when I wear a high-waisted skirt and a shirt with ruffles I feel like it goes, ruffles and boobs and then my waist, like where'd my body go?" I put this outfit on and knew just what she was talking about.

I think I usually add a belt so it kind of breaks up the boob-ruffle/waist thing.

skirt: H&M shirt: Banana Republic shoes: TJ Maxx

So my question is, should I add a belt? If so, what color? Or do you think it is okay without one?

No Shower? No Shampoo? No Problem!

Disclaimer: This post may or may not gross you out.  You may also lose all respect for me as your surrogate roommate.  If you are one who believes in personal hygiene, bathing, or have a fear of lice, please exit ATD at your earliest convenience. 

People often wonder how I can go so long without washing my hair.  As I mentioned in   a recent post, I have a toolkit full of dirty (literally) little secrets.  It seems as though some of you would like to know a few more of these secrets and lucky for you I have a lifetime supply of secrets and I actually studied trichology for 2000 hours.  Okay, I just went to cosmetology school, but trichology just sounds a lot cooler.  And, my goal in life is to sound cool.

So, let's delve in, shall we?  Take the picture below for example:

Looks clean, right?  It's not.

So, let's discuss how to fool people into believing you're clean.  

Wash your hair two times.  

Yeah.  You heard me.  Scrub that little noggin of yours twice.  It goes a little something like this:  You get in the shower, wet your hair down, put shampoo in your hair, scrub it a lot, rinse it out.  Then, do this all over again: get more shampoo, scrub, and rinse.  You are washing and rinsing your hair two times-- one time to get all the gunk out (e.g., baby powder, hairspray) and one time to get the hair nice and clean.  

Get scrubbin.

When I say, scrub that noggin, I'm not joking.  Get those little finger nails ready and scrub like you mean it. 

Condition from the earlobes down.

After you have scrubbed your scalp nice and clean, you need to condition the ENDS of your hair.  Ends, being the key word here, folks. Your roots don't need conditioning.  

Get your hands outta there.

Remember when it was cool to run your fingers through your hair? You would start at the bangs and push the hair back, but then two seconds later it would fall back to a middle part, so then you'd have to run your fingers through it again. Anyone remember that? Or was that just cool at my jr. high?  Anyways, it's not cool anymore.  Don't do it. 

Get some baby powder.

Baby powder will change your life.  Blonde hair, red hair, brown hair, black hair.  It doesn't matter.  Baby powder soaks up oils and let's you go longer between washes.  All you do is put some baby powder in your hands (preferably a scented kind- you smell less like a baby that way) whip your head upside down and put the baby powder straight in the roots.  Then brush it out.  Then avoid giving your husband a hug while he is wearing a black suit.  Also, avoid going straight to the gym-- you may or may not come home with white all over your face. 

Put hairspray in your roots.

A little teasing never did anyone any harm.  Well, maybe it harmed Hill Duff just a little bit. But, if your bangs are looking a little greasy, back-comb it (tease it) and spray it with hairspray.  Let it sit for a little bit, then slightly brush it out.  

Lay off the products.

Hairdressers sometimes encourage you to buy a bunch of crap to put in your hair.  You really don't need a ton of products, especially at your roots.  Try to avoid putting products at your roots for a while and see if you can tell a difference. If you're putting something like gloss drops or biosilk in your hair make sure it is only going on the ends.

..and now for two dirty hair pics

{outfit here}

{outfit here}

That is all for now.  Enjoy the extra hours in the day now that you aren't showering, blow drying, and flat-ironing your life away.

Have any other questions?  Email us at asktheduplex@gmail.com