Print Cue

I'm desperately trying to clear out my backlog of all the obviously pre-fall pictures. The green grass and lush trees are sad reminders of a season that no longer is. Well, actually, I really don't mind that autumn is in full force and that the holiday season is well on its way. I just gotta get caught up, is all!

I'd like to think that the color palette of this outfit is inspired by a pimento olive somewhat autumnal, anyway. After falling head-over-heels with this SWAK top (first worn here), I knew I'd need to find layering options for it to be worn in cooler weather. A new infinity scarf in a cheerful print helped pave the way.

Cropped jacket - Maurices / Mia top - SWAK / Jeans - Lane Bryant /
Handbag - Tano / Sandals - Nine West

Ring - Ruche / Scarf - Anthropologie / Earrings - Ruche

That's right, all color cues were taken right from the scarf itself. As it was a new item in my closet, I desperately wanted to wear it, like, immediately, so I set about building an outfit around it. The SWAK top was basically meant to be worn with it, and my oft-worn cropped olive jacket was an equally destined topper. When in doubt, follow the print!

White Out

So maybe this better qualifies as casual? It's all about the material (in this case washed denim), I guess. And an easy, breasy, beachy, white top.

Crochet butterfly top - eloquii / Pencil skirt - Lane Bryant / Sandals - Nine West /
Necklace - Urban Outfitters / Earrings - Kohl's

I'm actually at a loss for cute white tops in my wardrobe. I think I have just the one, and I'd like to do better. So I was determined to unearth said cute options across the Internets, and I came upon this butterfly top from Eloquii on clearance. Once it arrived, I decided that all that material wasn't doing it for me, though. I thought I'd only end up wearing it with jeans, and what fun is that? So back into the box it went, and on top of my kitchen table it waited to be returned. And waited... I never managed to send it back before the return window passed. But what the heck, for less than $20, I could find some way to work this bad boy up. It's really nothing a little animal print belt can't fix...

Handbag - Coach (gifted) / Ring - Ruche / Belt - Gap

Of course, now that I've actually worn it, I've started envisioning all sorts of ways to wear it. Bottom line, it'll be a summer staple.

Curses

A couple things to note here:

1. I've decorated for Christmas! Yahoo! Please don't judge me for putting up colored lights. =) I always have - I just love all that color!
2. These pictures were not taken with my usual camera...cuz I broke it. I knocked over my tripod just as I was about to start my daily photo session last night - like, literally as I was moving into place. The camera, while open, landed on the lens side, which pretty badly busted the lens cover and likely the mechanisms inside. After having a few people look at it, it seems it will cost more to fix than it will to buy a new one, and, thanks to all that holiday shopping I've knocked out of the park, I really don't have the money right now. My old camera is such crap, too, so that's not an option. Thank goodness for Bob's iPhone - the pics are better, but not yet ideal either. (I think that's just a learning curve, though.) So, bear with me as we get into a new groove with the new equipment and lighting situation.

Fur Collar Surplus Jacket - Urban Outfitters / Red Stripe Top - Urban Outfitters  /
Cream tank - Anthropologie / Dark skinnies - Gap / Boots - Ciao Bella (via DSW)

With those points out of the way, welcome to my week of Nutcracker Madness! While performances don't begin until Friday, I can already feel the crazy in my bones. As a result, I'm dressing as comfortably and easily as long I can. I wore a close variation of this outfit many moons ago, the main difference being that I'm wearing skinnies and boots rather than my regular flared jeans. (And CRAP! I wore that the day I first starting using my camera!! Gah! This is a cursed outfit!! ...  Ahem.)  I'd been wanting to wear the combination on top with skinnies for a while anyway, so I'm glad (?) I finally did. Warm, fuzzy, fur collars are just the thing to get a girl through a crappy, cloudy, windy, rainy, cold November bummer of a day.

Handbag - Steve Madden

And Christmas lights. And my first viewing of The Holiday this season. And long, rambling, drunken chats with Bob over wine and pasta at the dinner table. And the first day of December. Yes, yes - these are all lovely things.

Ring - Ruche / Necklace - The Limited / Earrings - Maurices

Thanks, Bobby, for taking my pictures again. I know neither us loves that you have to do it, but I'm ever so grateful that you can and are. =)

Redux

This Ruche top has quickly become one of my favorite pieces. Ever since the first time I wore it, I've kept coming back to it in my closet, wanting to wear more often than not. So I thought about my initial ideas of how to remix it and opted for this casual version at the first possible opportunity. No better way to face the harsh realities of Monday, methinks.

Blazer - Calvin Klein (via TJ Maxx) / Top - Ruche / Dark skinnies - Gap / Necklace - Urban Outfitters / Ring - Ruche

I've really been drawn to the combination of blue and olive lately, so I knew this Calvin Klein blazer of mine would work wonderfully. Cuffed skinny jeans, open toe heels, and a few statement jewelry pieces (the same in the first wearing, actually) complete the look in a way that does justice to the first.

Sad news, though. These favorite Gap skinnes of mine finally wore out and ripped (thank you, thighs), so now I have to go through breaking in a whole new pair. Either that, or figure out how to sew a patch. Or maybe both.

Handbag - Furla (via Filene's Basement)

Heels - Banana Republic

Olive Juice

What's that? My backdrop has suspiciously changed to my old locale? Okay, I admit it; these pics were taken before we moved. I had fully intended to post a few more times before I went on hiatus, but things got so crazy that posting proved impossible. I know, excuses excuses...

Sequined bib top - LOFT / Olive washed pencil skirt - Lane Bryant / Navy belt - Banana Republic /
Gold sandals - Moda Spana (via Endless.com) / Handbag - Tano "Minilisa" in Blue Marine

My attire those days necessitated absolute casual wear, but I didn't want to just slum it in yoga pants and a hoodie, however much that might have been my inclination. An embellished tee and an olive green pencil skirt? Too easy. And almost as comfortable.

Donning a top that does all the work for you (in back as much as the front) is certainly a bonus, though. This outfit, featuring the same top, is a straight up remix of an earlier version of a burgundy/olive pairing. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I just love the color combination! I've also worn this skirt so often (on and off the blog) that it's one I nearly always turn to for "elevated casual." And just cuz it's a great skirt.

Ring - Banana Republic / Earrings - LOFT

Many Returns

Well, hello there! Long time, no see!

It sure has been hard to get back into blogging after two months MIA. So hard that I couldn’t even muster up the motivation to celebrate what would have been my one year blogiversary last week! (The 14th, to be exact...) Moving took a lot out of me and the start of the new concert season at work took even more. But, work is more or less on auto-pilot, we’re finally and comfortably moved in, and I even found a new photo shoot location at the new place. (Really, this took the most toll on the blog! Ya-know-what-I’m-sayin’??) I now live on a brick-lined street, which unfortunately is too busy for me to take pictures exclusively, but it sure makes a nice bonus when I can snag a few shots like these!

Military green cropped jacket - Maurices / Banded Lace-Up Tunic - Anthropologie /
Dark skinnies - Gap / Wedges - LOFT / Grey handbag - Urban Outfitters

This top was a great Anthro sale grab last month. (And still available at under $10!!) It was one of those I tried on when it was full price but couldn’t bring myself to purchase. I kept thinking I’d wear it with white crops, which I’m sure would be a fun summer look, too, but summer has faded away before I could find a pair that I actually liked myself in. Cue the ever-reliable denim skinnies and a military green topper! I was pleasantly surprised by how well the colors and proportion came together, and it’s a great way to transition this top into the fall season.

I feel like I’ve missed out on a TON, and I’ve got a lot of catching up to do! Thanks to all of you who’ve stuck around, welcome to all of you who’ve come on board, and hello to another sonsy fall season!

Happy birthday to my (little) sister who hits the big 3-0 today! I love you, Ruthie!

Sweater Weather

You know how, after days of 100 degree temperatures and high humidity that finally drops to a mild low 80s, you think it's okay to wear long sleeves again? Yep, that's what guided my wardrobe choices today. The weather is absolutely blissful, I'm thrilled by this never-worn remix, and I'm in one helluva good mood.

Pink sweater - Banana Republic / Floral tunic - Banana Republic / Olive skirt - Lane Bryant / Belt  - Banana Republic

This outfit just kinda fell together. The top/tunic is actually quite long, hitting at least mid-thigh, so I thought it best to tuck it in (which then also required a belt). Since I had already decided I could wear long sleeves today, I grabbed this thin pink sweater that paired perfectly with the print in the top.  I loved the idea of wearing these pretty florals with olive green, so I went straight to this oft-worn casual pencil skirt. I can't wait for the wardrobe options for this baby come fall!

Handbag - Tano "Minilisa" in Blue Marine / Sandals - Payless

We're moving next weekend. EEKS! We've been chipping away at packing already for the past couple weeks weeks, so we're doing okay. But it does complicate getting dressed everyday when half my clothes are packed up. So, I spent some time last night putting together outfits (including this one) through next weekend so 1) I don't have to think about it anymore and 2) I can pack the rest! The amount of stress that planning ahead takes off of me is astonishing. You'd think I'd do it more often.

Ring - TJ Maxx / Earrings - The Limited / Necklace - local boutique

All this is to say, too, that I won't be blogging much the last week of July and maybe even the first week of August. If I am not able to get a few outfit shots in (because I'll be in cut-offs and sweaty tees), I MAY try to take a few snapshots of the new place! In the meantime, though, I'm looking forward to the outfits I've created by, once again, putting together pieces I've never thought to combine before. I love how this blog stretches my styling creativity - and not my bank account! =)

Especially when I need to spend money on a new living room...

Commitment

First off, I want to thank everyone for their thoughtful comments yesterday. Not only were they encouraging, supportive, and kind, but they were incredibly insightful, giving me ways to (re)think about my body and health. Weight, body image and self-esteem are always emotional issues, and though I always don't often delve into them on my blog, I'm so grateful that, when I do, I have such great readers to turn to. So, thanks. =)

Olive jacket - LOFT / Striped tee - Urban Outfitters / Signature Fit Twill ankle pants - Talbots /
Black belt - LOFT / Shoes - Payless / Handbag - Urban Outfitters

As for the outfit, I really did have to work up some confidence to break out these pants today. Of course, this outfit is most certainly inspired by Kendi's always surprising incorporation of her salmon crops, and particularly this outfit (I even got the shoes!), which made me seriously consider them myself. I mean, how can you go wrong with the combination of salmon and olive?? (Did someone say pimento olives?) So when Talbots boasted $25 pants a couple weeks ago (and this particular style is currently still around $25), I took the plunge. Once they arrived and I had a chance to try them on, I was hesitant that my thighs I could pull them off. But, after strutting around the apartment in the entire outfit for a while, I decided that the bigger picture really could win out.

Necklace - Banana Republic / Ring - Limited / Earrings - Maurices

I don't know if I'll wear them often (I mean, I really don't have Kendi's remixing skillz), and I'm not convinced ankle pants are the best look for me, but I was proud of myself for stepping outside of my neutral-colored-bottoms box and, more importantly, be just a little less self-conscious of the parts of my body I don't always love.

How Pinteresting!

I think of all the style inspiration sources out there, Pinterest has become one of my most utilized. I'm most drawn to the format and the ease of the site, where I'm continually finding images of styles (from friends, virtual friends, and even total strangers) that I know I not only can recreate with my current wardrobe, but will look good on my body type. This outfit is case in point!

Army green vest - Lane Bryant / Beige cami - Banana Republic / White pencil skirt - Talbots / Belt - Banana Republic

I first came upon the original pin thanks to Tina (whose style I seem most often to emulate), and not only did I already have all the pieces, but it gave me a great way to wear my new white pencil skirt!

And here I am, the consummate girl-on-the go (in her own backyard in front of a camera)...

Handbag - Tano / Shoes - Payless

And hey, lookie! I'm finally sporting the necklace I won from Ariana's CatMooreDesign Giveaway  way-back-when! I love the pop of color it gives the otherwise neutral hues of the outfit - which, I just noticed, is reminiscent of the teal shoes in the runway picture inset in the pin!

Necklace - Cat Moore Design (giveaway) / Earrings - Dress Barn

Recovery

Thank goodness for Casual Wednesdays. Truth be told, I've now begun the casual season at work in general. That is, fewer events for me to attend at night means fewer days I'll be dressed up! Not quite sure how (my wardrobe and) I feel about this yet, except for a general excitement that my hours will be somewhat normal for a little while!

Double zip jacket - LOFT / Striped boatneck top - Banana Republic / Washed pencil skirt - Lane Bryant /
Cut-out heels - Payless

I took off from work Monday and Tuesday to recover from a two-day 28-hour work weekend spent mostly on my feet running around with my head chopped off. Also known as Commencement Weekend. Things went smoothly, all in all, but I think my feet only just recovered yesterday.

Gotta say, though, these shoes now immortalized by Kendi really are crazy comfortable. There's something about the way they bind your feet that provides really fantastic support. I was on them for 10 hours on Saturday and I could have gone longer if I wanted. And they go with everything. For realsies. Stylish, comfortable, inexpensive and versatile?? Hellz yeah. The holy grail of one's closet.

As for the outfit, I really did want an elevated casual look today. I recently nabbed this skirt from Lane Bryant during their 40% off everything sale. A causal pencil skirt an a neutral olive? Duh. (I got it in the khaki color, too.) Naturally, paired with striped shirt and a little jacket makes for casual chic with minimal effort.

Handbag - Gustto

Interpretations

Today's outfit is taken from Kimberly's March Outfit Inspiration calendar, albeit a week early... After she had posted the calendar, and specifically this image of some fabulous Anthropologie pieces featuring a maxi skirt and mixed patterns, I immediately thought of a striped maxi dress I had recently acquired from Maurices. Taking advantage of the 70 degree weather and a casual performance-less week, I thought I would try to style it similarly today!

Striped maxi dress - Maurices / Military cropped jacket - Maurices / Belt - LOFT / Blue cut-out wedges - LOFT

Since it's a dress rather than a skirt, I obviously wasn't able to wear a top and mix patterns, but I do appreciate how the lace neckline is able to achieve a similar purpose. Like the original, I accessorized with a belt to break up the stripes, one that I could wear lower on my hips (kinda) and could angle a bit. My military-inspired cropped jacket topped it off nicely - I'm loving the grey and olive together here.

I do like how the blues and greens play together in the original, so I chose my blue Tano and navy cut-out wedges to add that particular hue. I could have also worn a sporty blue zip-up instead (I don't really have a blazer like the one pictured), which I might do for another wearing, but I really wanted to pair my military topper with this time around. All in all, I think I did okay!

Handbag - Tano "Minilisa" in Blue Marine

As you can probably tell, it was pretty darn windy when I was taking these pictures. Hey, my own wind machine! (I liked the effect, obviously.) But, it had plummeted 15 degrees within a hour, so once again my lakeside pictures were postponed for another day. My brick background on my porch is growing on me, though, despite the fact that it is sooooooooo easy to tell when my camera is crooked. You'll have to forgive me for that one today, please - it had gotten so chilly so fast that I rushed through the shoot!

Ring - The Limited / Necklace - Kohl's / Earrings - LOFT

Not Without a Fight

Whoa. Longest day ever. I think I jinxed it yesterday when I was all too eagerly celebrating being so close to break. Not without a fight, apparently. In fact, I'm still at work as I write this (at 10:30pm). My brain is fried from working on the staff schedule all day, not to mention the somewhat stressful performances we had this evening, so I figured some mindless blogging would help me push through a little longer. (Bob is also working the performances tonight; he's not yet done and he's my ride home...) And at this rate, I wouldn't have been likely to get in a post tonight otherwise!

Military jacket - LOFT / Sweater - Lane Bryant / Pants - New York & Co. / Cut-out wedges - LOFT

I was looking through the past month of my outfits last night and I was struck by how bloody often I wore a pencil skirt - like every other day! There's no shame in the fact that I love wearing them and how I look in them, of course, but I figured I could break out of that routine just a bit. As a result, I decided to go a little bit more casual tonight than I might have otherwise.

Handbag - Tano "Minilisa" in Blue Marine / Belt - The Limited

Mainly inspired by the combination of olive and burgundy again, I put together one of my (three, believe it or not) military jackets with this ruffly-topped sweater, one I think I'd worn only once quite some time ago. It was good to find a new way to wear the top, and I especially like how the ruffles at the collar create such great texture at the neckline. I only wish I had a fun animal print belt in a more substantial width than the one I wore, and I think my hemline could be just a wee shorter (or my shoes taller).

Ring - Banana Republic (eBayed) / Earrings - New York & Co.

Oh well. At this point, I hardly care what I put on my body; just get me to the end of this week! Shoot, just let me go to bed, for that matter...

Magic

Seriously. I love these jeans. I think they're magic. No matter what outfit I wear them with, I feel totally fabulous. I have never had a pair of jeans that did that - that made me look good no matter what I decide to wear with them or how I am feeling that day. If that's not magic, I don't know what is...

Military tie jacket - LOFT / Striped top - The Limited / Flare-leg jeans - Lane Bryant / Red belt - Banana Republic

I was thisclose to wearing sweatpants and a hoodie today, but what with this blog and all I thought I should do better. It took some doing, but I thought I'd try this military-inspired jacket and striped shirt (a fool-proof pairing, really). And these jeans, of course. I wish I had some florals to try Kimberly from Fab Finds Under 50's suggested pairing, but alas - I don't have any! What up with that!?

My first instinct was that my pairing would be too drab, and I found myself wishing I had some fabulous red pumps to spruce it up. Instead, I did the inverse with a red belt and some great neutral wedges. Considering that I wanted to wear comfies to work, I was pretty happy with (and pleasantly surprised by) the result! And I think it's (another) proof that a great pair of jeans can be the equivalent of (or better than) comfies any day...

Handbag - Tano "Minilisa" in Blue Marine / Brown cut-out wedges - LOFT

Hammered disc ring - The Limited / Earrings - The Limited

Bonus shot for the day: This is me testing the light while brushing my teeth this morning. (Bob reeeeally wanted me to post it.) How's THAT for multitasking, yo!

You're welcome.