Give It a Swirl

I braved a little sky spit for this photo op. I'm just not ready for indoor pics yet! (Read: My apartment is just not ready for indoor pics yet!) In case you didn't know, cameras and rain don't mix. Fortunately, the drizzle was intermittent enough for me to get the job done, and I had an umbrella that I had on hand to (awkwardly) use when necessary. On the plus side, all that moisture in the air and on the ground makes for some pretty color.

Belt - Talbots / Necklace - LOFT / Earrings - The Limited / Ring - The Limited

Skirt - eloquii / Top - H&M / Shoes - Kohl's

I once again pair this green skirt with black and white. This time it's a graphic b/w print of my dreams! I just love the medallion design. I mean, when I think black-and-white-graphic-print, this is IT. Found at one of my all-too-fleeting (and very quick) H&M trips, I took it straight to the check out without even trying it on. Well, given its uber-blousy nature, I should have sized down, so I wasn't able to wear it for a whole month before I could get to another H&M to exchange it. I was just glad they still had the top! Oh, how I wish for an H&M closer than 2 hours away...

Hound's Tooth

This combination of colors and print - oh-so-perfect for fall - was pulled right from this outfit from the Banana Republic Fall Campaign. I swear there were even more images on their website at one time, but since this color palette has already been replaced by their push for teal (wha?!), I can't find them anymore. Harrumph. But anyway, houndstooth and mustard. I knew I could totally replicate this mash of wonderful textures and I wouldn't have to buy a thing. (Spoiler alert: none of it is from BR!)

Pumps - Charles by Charles David (via DSW) / Handbag - Tano

Houndstooth pencil skirt - Lane Bryant / Cardigan - Cable & Gauge (consigned) /
Camisole - eloquii / Belt - Lane Bryant

The skirt, a somewhat recent acquisition from Lane Bryant (and apparently no longer available!), is a kind of oversized houndstooth, and I was admittedly reluctant to keep the skirt on account of it at first. The pattern is normally kind of loud, but to enlarge it - uffda! So thank goodness texture and pattern is all the rage for fall... I actually want to hunt down more seasonal ways to wear the skirt, because until I landed upon that BR campaign, nothing was really striking me. Share your suggestions, if you please!

The burgundy accents were my one personal contribution, of course. As obsessed as I've been about the color, I figured it would make a great accent for the ensemble. All my fall favorites in one place!

Ring - The Limited / Earrings - Lane Bryant / Nails - Essie "Wicked" (via Ulta)

Wing It

In an attempt to get caught up here on the blog, I had intended to re-wear old favorite outfits for the next few weeks. Instead, as I often can't help doing, I started experimenting with some casual outfit options for a what was going to be an usually casual Friday. What inspired me was this past favorite outfit (one I considered re-wearing), but I wanted to incorporate my mint ankle pants - as of yet unworn - instead. Stripes, jacket, belt, heels - it was a combination I really liked and thought I wore well! So bring on the mint ankle pants.

Jacket - Lane Bryant / Striped tee - H&M / Ankle pants - Talbots / Belt - eloquii /
Handbag - Furla (via Filene's Basement) / Sandals - Nine West

The striped top has great button detailing along the sleeve, so I simply couldn't allow the jacket to cover it up! The cuffs of the jacket look a bit exaggerated, but I kinda like the effect. I also thought I wouldn't like the very pale, washed-out color palette, but once I tried on the whole outfit, I was surprised by how much that was exactly what I liked the most. The whole look is a clean, minimal one, and it's pretty much my favorite way to wear, well, anything.

I must admit that I continue to feel little self-conscious in these light-colored skinnies, but as I walked passed a entire wall of mirrors at work, I forced my thoughts from "Ew" to "This is my body, and I'm just gonna work it. And like it." I'd like to think it wasn't a fleeting thought.

Pinned Down

I don't know what prompted me to paint my nails at half past midnight, but now that I have, I probably should wait at least an hour for them to dry. So I figured I might as well blog! I must be truly insane. (And it's no wonder I'm no morning person.) Plus I started looking through old blog posts for favorite outfits to recycle over the next few busy days (so useful!) and I started reminiscing a bit. The holiday season is quickly approaching, and with it all manner of cozy memories and activities. You know what? Blogging definitely seems to be one of them. That's a nice little incentive to get back in the habit of blogging nightly, isn't it?

I love a little pattern mixing. Nothing too crazy for this sartorially tame heart of mine - a pinstripe here, a polka dot there. It's all about contrasting scale and texture as much as complementary color palettes. And I definitely favor some kind of mix, however subtle, to help give an otherwise standard print-and-solid combo a little more visual interest.

Ring - gifted  / Necklace - The Limited / Earrings -  LOFT / Pumps - Nine West (via 6pm.com)

Peri Print Top - c/o Kiyonna / Pencil skirt - Simply Be / Handbag - Furla (via TJ Maxx)

This top from Kiyonna, the Peri Print Top, is a lovely little print. Vibrant colors and painterly floral shapes (the color is called "Floral Painting" ...) meet yet another crazily flattering silhouette of theirs. I think in warmer months I may gravitate toward equally colorful bottoms (coral! teal!), but since fall has most definitely arrived in these parts, I figured I'd pair it with a darker navy to start. And pinstripes. =)

I even managed to get a little oxblood in this outfit thanks to my new ring! (Thanks, Vanessa!) Hmm, now to get a pencil skirt in that color....

Gold Leaf

I'm feeling pretty good about myself right now. Apartment: clean. Groceries: shopped. Dinner: made (and eaten). Last week's clothes: hung. I promised myself I'd only get to sit and enjoy the evening (with windows open, I might add - it's supposed to hit upper 70s tomorrow!) if I accomplished all those things. And now I get to blog!

I'm still super behind on posts - there are about 10 unblogged (and mighty fine, if I may say so) outfits just waiting to be debuted to the internets. I'd like to commit to blogging daily so I can finally be caught up! Maybe this means I'll allow myself to re-wear outfits in the meantime... Like, outfits from years ago that I still think lovingly about, but opt not to wear again because I feel I should push forward with new closet permutations for the blog. This outfit and this outfit first come to mind. If they still fit. And if I can keep my burgundy obsession at bay for a while!

Side-Gathered Cowlneck - Anthropologie / Pencil skirt - eloquii / Heels - Nine West

But this outfit it easily a favorite, too. The top was an in-store Anthropologie sale rack find, and one I had been lusting after for a while online. Naturally, I bought it in both available colors (the other to be debuted at a later date!) since it was such a fabulous style and fit. The ivory/purple version was the main one I wanted, but this aubergine one (the online description says grey - ha!) really surprised me in the fitting room. The gold flecks in the leaves along the neckline, which you really can't see online either, looked so lovely next to my face. I really dug the asymmetry of the top, too!

'

Earrings - Banana Republic / Ring - LOFT / Nails - Essie "Wicked" (via Ulta)

I loved the idea of bringing out one of the multiple colors in the leaves, and teal struck me first - not least because of my favorite teal skirt! Tucked in and paired with light grey shoes, plus a deep wine manicure and current favorite "bordeaux" handbag, was just the way to go.

Handbag - Tano

Pep Club

I begin with a few thoughts: 1) veggies drizzled with beurre blanc is a little like devils dancing mischievously in heaven; 2) wine and/or a perfectly brewed/frothed latte makes most, if not all, things better; 3) it's no wonder I can't get my weight under control when my life seems to revolve around the glorification of food and drink; 4) I ate my veggies today!

Peplum is the one trendy trend that I've not always had a lot of confidence wearing, and one I can't say I've fully jumped aboard. I understand the "theory" behind it: create a smaller waistline by way of a slightly exaggerated hip. But it's that whole exaggeration of the hip that I don't wanna always, ya know, exaggerate. Moderation is key! But you know me, I'm such a sucker for this kind of silhouette, so I had to give it fair play. I've indulged in only a few pieces so far: a cute printed top and a faux-peplum dress (but I dunno if side gills really count =7), both from Dorothy Perkins. And then I stumbled upon this delightful little color-blocked incarnation from Ruche - neutral black and tan set against a vibrant blue is totally up my alley - and I caved. Besides, color-blocking + peplum = double trend score!

Top - Ruche / Pencil skirt - Charter Club (Macy's) / Heels - Max Studio (via DSW) /
Handbag - DKNY (via TJMaxx)

I will admit the top is a wee bit smaller than I would like, but it didn't come in a bigger size (boo) and I thought I could make it work. And I hate paying for return shipping. And I really liked the top. I really love it with this slim black pencil, and to be honest, it will probably be the only way I'd want to wear it.

In other news, I wait with bated breath for Sephora's VIB discount in order to chip into my growing wish list. I'm especially in the market for a new eye cream. Thinking about Ole Hendrickson, but do ya'll have any faves?

Necklace - The Limited / Ring & earrings - Ruche

Fine Wine

You'll never guess what I'm doing at this hour! That's right, giving in to my insomnia, watching LOTR, and painting my nails. I am OB.SESSED with all things burgundy/oxblood/cabernet/whathaveyou these days. It's always a great color for fall, but the trends have eaten the color right up and with it tons of great things to lust after. Recently acquired: this burgundy cabernet cardigan from LOFT, the best nail color EVAH (Essie "Recessionista"), beautiful burgundy suede pumps and a burgundy oxblood peplum top from ASOS Curve. I think I'm covered for the season, no? =)

Cardigan - LOFT / Camisole - eloquii / Pencil skirt - Dorothy Perkins

LOFT cardigans are just about the best out there. They change details from season to season, but I can always rely on them to fit well and be just the thing to round out my wardrobe. I was kind of shocked I didn't have a cardigan in this color, but thanks to a $25 cardigan sale, I didn't have to put forth much effort (or moola) to make it happen.

 Brown pumps- Christian Siriano for Payless / Handbag - Tano

I've also decided I'm in love the combination of animal print and burgundy. I wore an outfit, as of yet only Instagrammed, with a great new animal print top, brown pants (!!!) and - just the thing - a slim burgundy belt. I loved the look and decided I need to do the combination as often as possible. (I'll be sure to wear/post that outfit again soon!)

And what better canvas than a pencil skirt and cardi, eh? Nope, nothing better.

Necklace - LOFT / Ring - Banana Republic / Earrings - Lane Bryant /
Nails - "Wicked" by Essie (via Ulta)

Double the Fun

It's only Tuesday? Really? Ugh. What's worse is that it's 10:30pm and Bob just went in to work. Yes, you read that right. So do I stay up until he gets home at 3am (cuz he'll wake me up anyway)? Yes, probably. And maybe I'll make myself a Totinos while I'm at it. There, now it feels like the weekend.

Except it's only Tuesday...

But hey, look! The green skirt again! I have to say, a black and white combo is my favorite pairing with this skirt. True, they're stripes and are therefore fabulous with everything, but I especially like their contrast with the vibrant color of the skirt.

Striped top - Dorothy Perkins / Pencil skirt - eloquii / Belt - Talbots /
Sandals - Bandolino / Handbag - Ruche

I also felt that one necklace was not enough. One big statement piece plus one long dangley piece equals necklace nirvana. Or something.

Necklaces - LOFT & Ann Taylor / Ring - Ruche / Earrings - The Limited

My Totinos is ready! One supreme party pizza is served. And LOTR, probably. See you on the other side of 3am.

And hey, then it'll be Wednesday.

Top It Off

I turned on the heat in the apartment today. I feel it is far too soon for such an action, but the below-freezing overnight temps convinced me otherwise. I'm just not ready for this yet! Give the lovely temperate briskness of autumn its due! The temps are supposed to return to more seasonal levels later this week, so until then I'll reminisce (read: catch up) with even warmer weather outfits, such as this one.

Mia Top - Sealed with a Kiss Designs / Jeans - Lane Bryant / Sandals - Nine West

The top is actually my first purchase from Sealed with a Kiss. I'd been browsing their site for some time, but never felt up to a purchase until settling on this cute little top. It's nice and long, has a flattering neckline and elasticized waistband, and presents lots of possibilities for layering options yet this fall. I'm also a fan of its elbow-length sleeves, of course. It's definitely not made to be tucked in, and its length is proportionally too long for any skirt of mine, but I could see topping it with a belt if desired. (And I'm sure I will desire.) Jeans - skinny or flare - are this top's best friend. The colors it comes in are wonderfully cheery - summery turquoise, yellow and coral - and a black option (which I also got) makes it a great basic.

Ring & necklace - Banana Republic / Earrings - The Limited

Though I'd worn my hair down here, this outfit is also one of my favorites to wear with my straw fedora (first/last seen here), snapped ala Instagram with one of my admittedly multiple wearings. Now that I think of it, I wanna wear the black one with the hat next!

Handbag - Coach (gifted)

Something Blue

My Thursday nights have become jam packed with TV shows these days. Grey's Anatomy (uh, the most depressing season ever so far - and that's saying something), Glee (another show I keep watching despite better judgement, even though tonight's cover of No Doubt's "Don't Speak" was pretty awesome) and Project Runway (I think I watch mainly to follow along with Tom & Lorenzo's recaps) keep me unproductive and up late. I'm lucky if I manage to clean the kitchen after dinner! I mean, priorities, people.

And I gotsta catch up on my posts! It's a little anticlimactic when you go two weeks (or so...) before you get to write about a day in a life of an outfit. (Ooh, that sounds like a fabulous blog name.) This outfit, for example, was worn on one of the hotter days of the summer and, uh, that's about all I can remember. BUT BUT! The tank I scored on mega-sale at Banana Republic! And it's cute and fitted and it was just the thing for a casual summer day.

Ring  and Earrings - Ruche

It was also one of the many outfits in the past few weeks that have resurrected my love of these jeans. Other than the nastiness of hot summer days, I'm not sure why I've practically demoted them to the dark recesses of my closet. Like they weren't special enough, or something. The thing is, they fit like a freakin' dream and make me feel good no matter what I wear them with. I thought a few times of getting a new pair for the sake of something new, but then I realized that I couldn't possibly find anything better than these. I'm not at all sure why it's taken me so long to realize that.

Cardiwrap - Maurices / Henley tank - Banana Repulblic / Jeans - Lane Bryant /
Sandals - Nine West /Handbag - Banana Republic

Both bank account and self-confidence thank thee. And the many fabulous fall outfits to come.

Okay, okay - I'll go clean the kitchen now.