Galaxies Away

So in efforts to clean out my picture albums and to get on a more regular blogging schedule, I'm pulling out a few unblogged outfits from the summer that I simply have to post. It's so odd to see the freshly clipped bright green grass rather than the piles of golden leaves everywhere, but it's actually a nice reminder of the joys of changing seasons!

This outfit was fondly worn for a weekend outing to our favorite downtown bars during a wonderful summer visit with my sister and brother-in-law. I love when they come to visit - I wish they did more often! - but it's a great way to rejuvenate our love for our town by experiencing their own enjoyment of it!

Wrap Top in Galaxy Print - ASOS (via Gwynnie Bee) / Ankle pants - Lane Bryant /
Instant Sleeves in Black - LucieLu / Sandals - Nine West

The top is, you guessed it, another rental from Gwynnie Bee. Yet again, it's definitely a top that I would never have purchased for myself, especially considering its potential cray-cray involving an exaggerated shape at the hip. But it is exactly its silhouette that makes it so unique and worth trying, and it just so happens that the same hip exaggeration makes a perfect balance for skinny ankle pants and killer heels. The print itself is fabulous too, and it was lots of fun pulling out various colors from it - coral, cornflower blue, purple - some of my favorite hues, to be sure.

Ring - The Limited (old) / Necklace - Banana Republic (old) / Earrings - Lane Bryant (old) /
Clutch - Lane Bryant (old) / Nails - Suzi Says Feng Shui by OPI (via Ulta)

Bottom line, it was kind of perfect night-out ensemble - attention-getting, comfortable, and just plain fun. Much like the margaritas and fabulous company. =)

Back Splash

The great jewelry re-organization has begun! The mess that has been my dresser for, oh months, is slowly disappearing. I thought it best to break the task up into parts, and so far that has proven much more manageable. Tomorrow: rehang my cork boards (where I hang my long necklaces) and pair up earrings. I may well have this complete before we head to WI! Of course, other things on my list still need attention: wrap windows, hang lights, start regular gym trips (just joined a new one tonight!), and clean! Good thing a ladies' night at the new tequila bar in town is happening tomorrow too.

Wrap dress - Simple Be / Half-cami - Coobie (via Her Room) / Shoes - SM (via DSW)

This wrap dress is the one I debated wearing for my guest lecturer stint. Even now I'm glad I didn't go with it, as fabulous as a wrap dress can be. Just too much for a first impression. The day I did wear it (only a few days later, as it was), I got oodles of compliments from folks who aren't known for compliments, so that's saying something! A notice-me print, to be sure.

The shoes were a tricky part of the outfit, though. These recently acquired burgundy suede beauties are KILLER. Literally. They are poorly balanced, or something, because I couldn't spend more than 15 minutes on my feet in them. Not good in my line of work. I so loved the depth of color they offered the outfit, but I just didn't have anything as special to switch them with. A black platform was all I had - serviceable (in both form and function), but definitely less interesting. Ya'll have any recommendations for the next wearing?

Handbag - DKNY (via TJ Maxx)

I will take a moment to sing the praised of these half camisoles I found. I've long lamented the bunching that regular camisoles create under perfectly nice wrap dresses, ruining the shape and effect. A commenter recommended I try out those cami secret "as seen on TV" things, but I didn't care for the limited color options, the straight neckline or the lace trim. There's a time and place for a lace camisole, but it shouldn't be the only option. After much online searching, I came across this half camisole from Coobie. You can get them at probably many intimate apparel shops, but I found these at Her Room. I ended up ordering one in every color! Unfortunately, their "one size" doesn't seem to go much larger than a large, and even with a good amount of stretch, these are at their limits covering my DD bust. But they get the job done, and I definitely appreciated the color options and the scoop neckline, so I'd say that's a win! Give 'em a try, and share other options you've found in the comments!

Ring - gifted / Necklace - Lane Bryant / Earrings - Ruche

P.S. Essie's Head Mistress over Essie's Recessionista makes the perfect oxblood nail 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

Make a Splash

I've decided to work my way backwards through my amassed outfit pictures, at least for now. I may change my mind and post a too-long-held-onto outfit of maxi dress avec hat before the week is out, however.

But this one - this outfit was either a stroke of genius or of madness. Or maybe I'm full of hyperbole. I love the idea of the outfit, right down to the steely grey topper over that splash of color, but to zip or to belt was the question. Highlight the fantastic colors of the top and sacrifice fit, or favor fit in lieu of colors? Well, clearly, color and print had to win, even if it meant my top half turned out a little boxy.

Jacket - Simply Vera by Vera Wang (Kohl's) / Top - Anthropologie / Skirt - eloquii /
Belt - Talbots / Sandals - Christian Siriano for Payless /
Handbag - DKNY (via TJMaxx)

But I found another way to wear this top, my first and rarely worn Anthropologie purchase from long ago. So there's that...

Ring - The Limited / Earrings - ??

In a Knot

I realized I threatened promised you lots of maxi dresses over the summer, but my lack of posting kind of made me a liar, didn't it? For better or worse, this is one of two more maxi dress posts I have to share, as I attempt to get caught up before the season explodes in my face. Bonus: the next one includes a hat!

Aztec knot maxi dress - Dorothy Perkins / Cardigan - LOFT / Cami - NY&Co.

This fabulously printed maxi, worn in mid-July for an outdoor work event, is actually kind of an oddity in my closet. As a lover of solid colors and classic patterns, I have few, if any, such outrageous patterns, but the symmetry and colors of the pattern really caught my eye. It is super low cut, though - a cami is a must. Fortunately there are about a zillion color options for that with this dress. I grabbed a little green cardigan for a easy (and optional, for once!) topper, too.

Ring - Ruche / Necklace - Banana Republic / Earrings - LOFT

In other news, today is the first day of classes! I welcome back my staff (I've actually really missed them) and lament the exponential increase of (usually idiotic) foot, bike and car traffic on campus. So much for the short lines at Starbucks and my easy commute to work!

Hangbag - Tano /  Sandals - Payless

The Short of It

It's not a good sign that I'm already exhausted and the year hasn't really begun yet, is it? Nope, it sure itsn't! So I'm going to keep this post short and sweet, and then maybe take a nap.

Maxi dress - Old Navy / Lace Instant Sleeves in Ivory - c/o LucieLu / Sandals - Unisa

Pretty printed maxi dress (last worn here). Instant sleeves. Long pendant necklace (a favorite item for all my maxis lately). Updo (cuz I've been too lazy to do anything else with it). Is all.

Necklace - Old Navy / Ring - Banan Republic / Earrings - Dress Barn / Nails - Cartweels on the Catwalk (Sephora by OPI)

Admittedly, this outfit is from earlier this month, but it reminds how fond I'd been of maxis throughout the summer, opting for one whenever I was at a loss for/didn't want to think about what to wear. It sure did happen alot... <----click link for midweek-pick-me-up-funny, even/esp. if you've already seen it

Sticky Sweet

If you look closely, you may be able to see my skin glistening in these pictures. It was a hot, sticky evening and we were resisting the urge to finally turn on the A/C for the first time this summer, determined to hold strong against Mother Nature, the electric company and the act of enclosing ourselves in a(n albeit humidity-controlled) box for the next few days. Plus, we only have wall units - very inefficient, practically-on-the-floor, deafeningly loud wall-units (and the same I suspect our creepy-crawler visitor snuck into), which increased our desire to hold out as long as we could. But I should know better. Getting dressed/putting on make-up in such conditions (oh, and I was PMSing) is NOT conducive to high levels of self-esteem. I changed my bottom half three times (denim skirt - denim flares - skinnies) and even contemplated not going out at all. Ah the joys of being a girl...

Handbag - Banana Republic / Necklace - LOFT / Earrings - Anthropologie

Thankfully, and with great restraint and patience, Bob coaxed me into going out for drinks. He insisted that he loved my outfit, especially the fantastically flattering new Kiyonna top I was determined to wear, believing it was the best outfit I had worn all week. But it was the promise of some refreshing cocktails, and maybe some nachos, that really got me out the door...

Truth be told, the all-over close fit I'm donning here is quite outside my comfort zone, which is why I couldn't decide between a skirt (familiar), jeans (comfortable but way too warm) or skinnies (have no fear!). Also, circumstances have to be relatively extreme for me to go sleeveless; I typically aim to conceal all that arm-flesh at all cost. But the top was so damn fabulous (kind of like a tight hug, really) that it almost single-handedly convinced me the entire outfit simply had to be worn, and that my arms and thighs had to just get.on.board. That, and it was just too friggin' hot to really care anymore... Sleeveless Kiyonna top FTW! On cooler days, I look forward to wearing the top with a cardigan and any of the bottoms I had been considering - I have a pencil skirt in nearly every color on the top! In fact, the weather promises to be much more cooperative this week, so I may do just that.

Roselyn Ruched Top - c/o Kiyonna / Denim skinnies - Lane Bryant / Sandals - Nine West

We sure as hell turned the A/C on when we got back home, by the way.


Have you entered my giveaway for $50 Kiyonna gift card yet? If you tweet about the giveaway, you even get another chance to enter each day!

Hearts on My Sleeve

I thought it time to wear this cute little heart-print top again, even though one of my employees commented that I looked Valentines-y (but she liked it). I hadn't really considered that pink hearts would have such a singular message; I'm not sure if that's stupidity or rebelliousness on my part... Maybe neither. I just wanted to wear it again, gosh darnit!

Heart-print top - Dorothy Perkins / Pencil skirt - Lane Bryant

There aren't too many ways for me to wear it that will work for me, however - pencil skirts seem the best way to go. And I say that not as a pencil-skirt-aholic (thank you, Curvy Everyday), but as someone who works hard for good proportions. And who doesn't like pants... (Ahem.) Since I wanted to be a bit more dressy, I went with something other than denim this time. A steely, slightly heathered grey seemed like a good choice to me.

I should have tried for another color somewhere, though. This is all very one-note, even considering what a cheery shade of pink the top is. Oddly enough, I had originally planned to wear my turquoise strappy wedges with the top's second wearing, but for some reason I had decided against it. Some bright blues would have definitely been a nice contrast.

Handbag - DKNY (via TJMaxx) / Sandals - Bandolino (via Endless)

So, next time. I promise.

Ring - Ruche / Earrings - Banana Republic / Necklace - Local boutique

Spring Fling

When I first purchased this lovely teal pencil skirt for all its colorful, springtime-wearing glory, I wanted to be sure to wear navy with it at some point. I dunno, I just really liked the idea of the combination! Even better, I wanted to find a pretty navy-based print to pair with the skirt and one of my zillion cardigans. So when I found this cute and über-springy butterfly print at Old Navy (again, of all places), it was exactly what I wanted.

Cardigan - LOFT / Butterfly cami - Old Navy / Pencil skirt - eloquii /
Heels - Payless / Handbag - Steve Madden

This reminds me that I recently uncovered an oldie-but-goodie navy LOFT scoop neck sweater in my closet. (Yes, it's seemingly so messy vast that I often forget what I have in there. Yikes.) Imma have to wear that with the skirt next! I mean, if the weather continues to vacillate between tornado watches and snow flurries, I'm sure I'll have ample opportunity to don sweaters again. Hmm, I see tights again in my future, too.

But back to this outfit. I sure do like this open cardigan/cami look, don't I? (Exhibit 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 - and that's just the tip of the iceberg.) It might not be the most creative layer, but it's pretty effortlessly classic. (And I have many.) The combination of accessories is pretty straightforward, too. I like the purple that the necklace brings into the mix; it makes for a much more cohesive look than the yellow I had chosen initially. Navy heels and a tan handbag tie everything else together. Oh, and the perfect minty green manicure.

Necklace - Le Mode Accessories / Ring - Ruche / Earrings - Anthropologie / Nails - Mint Candy Apple (Essie)

I'm Alive!

My dears, I'm so sorry I seemingly dropped off the face of the earth for the past week! As feared in my last few posts, I had indeed come down with the horrible midwinter flu bug that has been flying around these parts. It kicked my butt into last year. I couldn't leave my couch for much of anything, couldn't form any coherent thoughts, and didn't get dressed in much more than yoga pants and hoodie. UGH. My energy level is not quite back to 100%, and my hoarseness (from coughing for nearly a week straight - and still going) makes me sound worse that I feel. But I went back to work this weekend, if nothing else because I felt out of touch with the world and was desperately wanting to wear nice clothes (and my contacts) again. And so I did!

"Marcel" wrap dress - LucieLu / Lace cami - Sisley / Navy faux-suede heels - Payless

I've been sitting on this LucieLu dress for a while now - like before the holidays. I'm not really sure why... I guess there were always other outfits I wanted to wear instead. You know how that goes, yeah?

It's a great-fiiting faux wrap dress in a fabulous graphic print and rich berry tones. Totally my palette; totally my print. Just like the other LucieLu dress I own (the same style, no less), I love the length and elbow sleeves, but I only wish that the attached tie were longer so I could double-wrap it AND have extra left over to dangle off the hip. I dunno why, but that's one of my favorite features of a wrap dress (faux or no).

Nails - Eve-y On the Eyes (Sephora by O.P.I.) 

And, huh, I styled it pretty similarly too - lace cami, almond-toe heels... When it ain't broke, eh? I tried not to be too matchy-matchy with either cami or accessories, though. Early options were a cream cami and purple stone necklace, but I wanted to take it just a tad further. I stayed in the same color family with the cami, of course, but opted for one in a lighter shade than on the dress. I like how the speckles on my necklace unexpectedly echo some of the colors on the dress, too.

Earrings - Ruche / Necklace - Urban Outfitters / Ring - Banana Republic

So here's to being able to rise from the couch and wads of Kleenex to get dressed again! I mean, I'm wearing hose and Spanx and everything...

Handbag - Furla (via Filene's Basement)

I'm not much for reporting on/critiquing the Oscars, but we did watch and thoroughly enjoyed it - and not just the couture! How about you?

Easy Breezy

There are few things easier to wear than a printed wrap dress, methinks.

I picked up this LucieLu dress at Boutique Larrieux, a wonderful plus-sized boutique I found - next to an Anthroplogie, of all things - in Milwaukee's Third Ward. I've come to know and love a number of LucieLu pieces already, so I was tickled pink to be able to see and try on - in person, for once - these and many other plus-sized brands I've only been able to peruse online. I was the only person in the shop at the time, so I got all the attention of the eager and helpful sales associate. Though they had lots of holiday attire (noted!), I wasn't in the market, so I focused my attenion on seperates and casual dresses. This dress, the Sativa, fit all those bills so nicely that I happily walked out of the store with it - and at 20% off!

Sativa dress - LucieLu (via Boutique Larrieux) / Brown lace camisole - Banana Republic

As most wrap dresses on me do, this one showed a little too much cleavage, but it was nothing a nice little lace camisole couldn't fix. The SA tipped me off to a strange sizing issue with LucieLu dresses, too. Online the sizes are marked as the usual 1x (14/16), 2x (18/20), and so on, but they apparently fit more like a 12/14, 16/18, etc.. In short, they run SMALL! The shop even marks the dresses with the revised sizes, which I did appreciate. Oh-so-happy to actually be able to try the stuff on, I sized up to the 2x. Case in point of fit being more important that an arbitrary size!

Handbag - Furla (via Filene's Basement)

I also loved the colors of it much more in person than I did when I first saw it online, where the colors look drab and lifeless. In reality the colors are a subdued but pretty combination of browns, tans, and powder blues. (Another win for in-store shopping!) There's a tie-die feel about it, certainly, but it looks more like an abstract print of florals to me. The best part, though - besides the perfect below-the-knee length and elbow sleeves - is that the material is a cozy cotton jersey. It's practically a pajama dress, people!

Necklace & earrings - LOFT / Ring -  Lane Bryant / Shoes - Payless

So comfortable, so easy - and caught in all the right ways by the day's relentless wind. Even if my my hair wasn't...