fancy that

I always get a little nervous when people buy me clothes as gifts.  It's such a kind gesture, but also a bold one.  But there is one person I'll never have to worry about:  the best friend.  She got me this sweater from Anthropologie a couple of Christmas' ago; it's the sweater that keeps on giving.  It's seen me through jobs, countless classes, and now life as professional.  I'm slightly smitten with it---and the gal pal who knows me best.

I'm wearing:  jeans (gap); sweater (anthro); heels (madden girl)

hemlines 101

to all the wonderful people who leave comments and send emails, these are for you.

I've been reading a lot more InStyle lately; and I'm currently loving their article/how-to on hemlines, which seems to be a shortie's frenemy.  I think this skirt is technically acceptable for my height; but they bared no influence when I bought it.  It was $2, a midi, and an awesome print---sold.  The article did suggest wearing a midi this length with oxfords....if I remember to remix this one, I'll try that.  Speaking of remixing, I think I'm about due for a fall 30x30. 


I'm wearing:  skirt, cardi, necklace, ring (thrift); shirt (gap); shoes (wanted via piperlime); belt (xxi)

rules are for breaking

Have you ever read or participated in Clothed Much's Rule Breaking Monday?  I find it fascinating and somewhat liberating to break fashion rules since the Type A/slightly OCD part of me believes rules are there for a reason and must not be broken.  (Ask my husband if I'll even drive my car if I've forgotten my license.)

Fashion magazines and books tell me that I should not wear low rise, baggy pants, and that horizontal stripes are a big no-no.  But I couldn't help myself.  I was fixated on some idea about J.Crew meets the Boyfriend outfit.

So I'm throwing caution to the wind. You should too. Live a little.

I'm wearing:  necklace, purse (target); shirt (thrifted H&M); shoes (tjmaxx); jeans (old navy)

color of the season: green

Photos by Wheelhouse Collective

If there was ever a dress that made me feel like a lady, this would have to be it.  Before you all turn green with envy, I admit that it was NOT thrifted but found on clearance at Macy's last fall.  I don't think I paid more than $30 though, which is a steal in my book.  It's easy to accessorize for all seasons; and therefore, falls under the "My Perfect Dress" category.

So how to wear this color? So glad you asked.  Real Simple suggests the following:

with dusty rose

with pale blue

with tan

I'm wearing: dress (macy's); shoes & clutch (thrift)

mint condition

Photos by Wheelhouse

I wore this when I went to take the NCE roughly a month ago.  I was determined that even if I failed the test, I would still be the best dressed candidate there.  The typical process for getting ready usually includes comfort and mood factors, but there is something to be said for "dressing the part." Besides, who would want to celebrate such a victory in sweats?

Unrelated:  Do any of you use pinterest? I'm a wee-bit obsessed and the iphone app is not helping my cause.  I'm always looking for new people to follow so include your pinterest link in the comments below if you're on.

I'm Wearing:  skirt, belt (thrift); top (xxi); bag (target); shoes (c/o tjmaxx)

ebew: pattern mixing

Photos by Wheelhouse Collective

It's my favorite time of the month:  the link-up for Everybody, Everywhere.  Are you participating?

Mixing patterns is the fashion equivalent of Russian Roulette for me. However, I found myself actually enjoying the challenge. The shoot was supposed to be outside, but summer thunderstorms reign supreme in Ohio evenings. We shot this at the studio on an old clothing rack from Objects for the Home, which doubles as my throne.  I asked Jared if we could keep at the dinner table, but he said no.

I'm wearing:   shirt, shoes, clutch, brooch (thrift); skirt, belt (xxi)

that's mighty wide of you

I would apologize for my absence, but I'm sure most of you understand a much needed break after the remix challenge.  I honestly didn't know how to dress myself and almost had a mental breakdown when I entered my closet with freedom.  There were too many possibilities.  I short-circuited.

Upon recovery, I made myself get out of bed on the 5th morning and choose items I had never featured before. Voila. I know you're all surprised to see that I own other jeans that aren't the skinny style.

Also sometime during the Remix, I became a diva.  This was a morning shoot; and I simply wasn't having it. Be grateful for the one smile you got in the first picture. I'm adding "evening shoots only" to my contract. :P

Works Cited:  shirt, bag (thrift); jeans (gap); shoes (old navy); necklace (xxi)

30. finale

Well folks, here we are.  I really didn't think I would complete the challenge; but if Kendi was giving out superlatives, I would be nominated for the Slow-and-Steady-Wins-the-Race award or Most-Likely-to-use-Sarcasm.  Okay...and maybe Best Hair per your lovely compliments.

I think I'm only saying because it's over (and people have a tendency to be way more optimistic once the struggle/anxiety has passed), but I'm looking forward to Fall Remix.  It may have to be October for me because that's when it finally gets cool here.    

Works Cited:  belt (thrift); shoes (urban outfitters); dress (aerie); headband (xxi)

28. puppy love

Chunky and I have been spending a lot of time together lately.  That's what happens when you don't have a job...eating and sleeping can really take a lot of a person and dog.  I grew up with cats, which share a similar attitude to mine; but no one ever prepared me for how much love I could feel for a dog.  And the 70 lb meatloaf featured here has stolen my heart.  Word on the street:  Chunky's mom is due with another litter in 6 weeks.  I think he may need a playmate. 

Works Cited:  jeans (old navy); shirt, clutch, watch (thrift); cardi (gap); shoes (payless)

27. birds of a feather

If you're thinking that the top was not featured on my 30 items, then you have an impeccable memory and keen observation skills.  However, this is not a top but a scarf--remix free pass.  I forget where I saw this, but it is a blog that I typically read.

If you want to do the scarf top, I'd recommend getting a larger one (obviously) with thicker material.  I love this one, but the thinness of it did not hold its shape the best.  If you're worried about bulk under a cardigan, go with a silk one. 

Works Cited:  bag (target); belt & scarf (thrift); skirt & headband (xxi); cardigan (h&m); shoes (urban outfitters)