A Floral Affair

The cleaning out of unblogged outfits continues! I wore this outfit numerous times in the waning summer days. It became the perfect go-to outfit for all those body-conscious days and then some - it was concealing, to be sure, but it was also feminine, flattering, and on-trend. It began an obsession for all things floral, in fact.

Ring - Pim + Larkin (via Piperlime) / Earrings - Ruche / Nails - Stylenomics by Essie (via Ulta)

This Kiyonna top, and I realize I'm sounding like a broken record here, is yet another Gwynnie Bee rental. (However, after wearing it so many times, I found I couldn't part with it and finally just bought it!) When I first received it, I was a bit concerned it skewed too matronly, but pairing it with skinny jeans was really the best way to offset that concern. I think you could wear it with trousers or a skirt and accessorize accordingly, but I loved how fresh skinnies made the print look. (For what it's worth, I also tried the emerald version, but I didn't like it nearly as much. The print really is part of its charm!) Plus, its billowy sleeves and longer length were, as I always say, the perfect complement for close-fitting bottoms.

Chantal Chiffon Blouse In Black Floral - Kiyonna (via Gwynnie Bee) /
Skinnies - Lane Bryant (old) / Sandals - Nine West

The great thing about the print is its numerous colors, too. I like the black background as a "winter" floral option, but you can really pull out any color you want to make it seasonally appropriate. Fuschia and kelly green were my pop-of-color du jour for warmer days, but I can absolutely see mustard yellow and darker green options to come.

Handbag - Gustto "Pavia"

You know, I've been in the market for new skinnies, but I can't get over how good this older LB pair still looks on me. When I first started wearing skinnies, I swore by Gap's Always Skinny Jean, but no matter how many times I give them a try these days, they don't seem to work as well on me. I blame their uncomfortably low rise (and the ensuing muffin top), so I've just decided to stick to these trusty LB skinnies until I absolutely wear them into the ground (and possibly even shed some weight). Do you guys have any favorite brands for skinnies to recommend?

Eye of the Tiger Lily

Having only two real "working" days these days, I find myself in much more need of casual outfits. When I'm not in the classroom, I'm either in my home office or coffee shop "office," both of which provide some real sartorial challenges. While I've actually grown to love my home office (especially with my precious La Perla de Oaxaca a la French Press), it doesn't really encourage me to get dressed for the day. (Yoga pants and old college sweatshirt does not a bloggiful [totes just made up that word] ensemble make.) And the coffee shop certainly doesn't require pencils skirts and heels! (Not that that has stopped me.) So what to wear, what to wear... Alls I can say is, thank goodness for denim in its many varieties!

Top - Lucky Brand via Gwynnie Bee / Skinnies - Lane Bryant (old)
Sandals - Christain Siriano for Payless (old)

I've honestly loved wearing my skinnies with some kind of voluminous top lately. It's not only a chic way to do casual, it's comfortable and, better yet, a great way to dress for the hotter fall days we've been having in the Midwest. (86° in October? C'mon now...) And once again, Gwynnie Bee comes to the rescue with yet another cute top to don for just such an "occasion." I know I wore this exact outfit at least 5 times before finally sending the top back!

Ring and necklace (old) - Ruche

I loved pulling out the pink in the top with a few choice accessories. The orange and pink made for an unexpectedly fabulous color combo! In fact, I think the accessories pretty much made the outfit.

The other thing about heading downtown to my fave coffee shop is the need to lug more than a few books with me. Sure, I have a backpack, but what fun is that? This is where my many oversized bags come into more "functional" play...not that such function has ever been a consideration for me before - the bigger the better, I say! Happily, and pretty much outta nowhere, the kind folks over at Gustto - after seeing my blog header with one of my favorite handbags ever (my fuchsia Gustto Pavia, worn OFTEN) - offered to send me a bag from their eye-popping, budget-friendly handbag line, Miss Gustto. Was I going to jump on a chance for a free handbag from a designer I know and love? HELLZ YES. The difficult thing was only which to choose! I settled on this goes-with-everything taupe number (The "Katie") both for its fabulous size and delicious hardware. The unexpected surprise was that it not only fit a number of books, but also my laptop! All while able to sit comfortably over my shoulder for all those now easy jaunts downtown. I was also really impressed with the quality of the bag itself. It's a vegan/budget bag-lover's DREAM - smooth faux leather, good construction and really fun details. I tend to think this brand nails the oversized trend, too. Pretty sure I'm officially in the market for a few more...

"Katie" Handbag - c/o Miss Gustto

And you know what, Miss Gustto is offering my readers a chance to win one of their bags! Stay tuned for details regarding the giveaway in the next few days!

Earrings - LOFT (old)

Hmmm...that fuchsia Pavia would have been a perfect choice for this outfit, too, eh?

High and Low

I'm pretty sure I wore this outfit over 5 times before I sent the top back to Gwynnie Bee - basically any time I wanted to leave the apartment and actually do something with myself. (My maxi dresses got a nice little break during those days.) I even contemplated purchasing the top with their new Try Then Buy program, but decided against it. If one top is able to single-handedly convince me to jump aboard the hi-lo bandwagon, however, this one did the trick.

Hi-Lo Top - Eloquii via Gwynnie Bee / Skinny jeans - Lane Bryant / Sandals - Nine West (n/a)

It's a delightfully colorful top, as you can see, and so darn comfortable (read: concealing) that I was reluctant to acknowledge its faults. For instance, I wish the neckline were more open or the sleeves a little longer, or that it didn't make me look like a gigantic tent from the side (not pictured, obvi). But it was the perfect complement for skinny jeans and my current favorite (and equally colorful) handbag pulled out one of its many hues. I was at least happy that a long pendant necklace helped break up the neckline and redefine the bust area. Uni-boob is no joke, my friends.

Necklace - Hive & Honey (via Piperlime) / Ring - Ruche (n/a) / Earrings - The Limited /
Nails - OPI Espresso Your Style (via Ulta)

The back of the top is undeniably fun, and its v-shaped (back) neckline is another one of my favorite features of the top. I can understand the complaint that many such hi-lo garments make a person look like one has a tail, but I say whatevs. Work it! It's a trend I've been extremely picky about, but it's one I don't mind participating in while it lasts. I definitely prefer hi-lo tops over dresses at the moment. It's rare that I find a dress with a "hi" hem that's long enough for me, but tops are mostly fool-proof, and they really are the perfect topper for skinnies.

In other life news, I had an interview this morning and I think it went reasonably well! I didn't knock it out of the park (I'm much less eloquent than I used to be), but I'm cautiously optimistic. I have another first-round interview Friday morning (followed by a much-need hair appointment...whew!), so it's just good to even get to that phase! Not all hope is lost for my future. =D I sure do hate writing cover letters, though...

Handbag - Steve Madden (via TJ Maxx)

P.S. The offer still stands to give Gwynnie Bee a try for free for one month! Read about my first experiences with the clothing service here!

Origami

I've been extremely moved by the outpouring of love and support from all of you since my post last week. There aren't enough words to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your stories, advice and thoughtfulness. You are all tremendously kind souls, and I’m so grateful this blog has allowed me to connect with you!

A return to blogging has led to digging through the mountain of old, unposted outfit pictures in Picasa still waiting to be shared. I don't want to let all those perfectly good outfits go to waste, but I know there will be something depressing about reliving sweaters and jackets while I’m actually fighting off 90 degree heat and humidity in an oft-worn maxi dress, sandals and minimal make-up. However, summer dressing has always been traditionally boring as HECK in my current/soon-to-be-former job, so I thought it would be a good time to revisit those out-of-season but perfectly good photo sessions and rejuvenate the content on this ol’ blog. I’m also thinking about how I can take advantage of my upcoming “vacation” and shake things up a bit sartorially. It might just take my mind off all the what-the-hell-comes-next stress I’m experiencing!

In the meantime, I thought I'd first feature a more recent outfit thanks to the glory that is Gwynnie Bee. Like so much of the blogosphere and its environs (or so I must assume), I finally joined Gwynnie Bee. I'm sure many of you have already read another blogger's experience about it and know how it works, or you might already be a member yourself, so I'll simply link to the mechanics of it for now. As for me, I can’t seem to shut up about it – mostly to my sister (who I finally convinced to join) or poor Bob who witnesses my package arrivals and the squeals of glee that come from the amazement of getting to try something from Anna Scholtz or Igigi for fractions of the cost. And not only do I get to try it on, I get to wear it out, take the tags off, wrinkle it, put perfume on. AND THEN RETURN IT. No guilt! No buyer's remorse! It's a genius concept, really. Netflix for clothing, indeed! So much of my shopping addiction comes from that unadulterated bliss of getting something NEW, despite how often it does or does not get worn in the future. Gwynnie Bee has released me from being tied-down, committed, invested in certain items of clothing. (Friends, I think I just admitted that I'm a clothing slut...)  It's also the perfect answer to the lack of modern, high-quality plus-sized clothing available in brick and mortar stores, and the age-old pain of having to try things on in the store even if you DO find them. And then spending sometimes stupid amounts of money on not only the clothing but often shipping. And then facing a possible return... ugh, don't get me started. Gwynnie Bee has single-handedly confronted and solved all of that, not to mention the fact that I can finally sustain an acceptable clothing budget (something I've never been able to say before). If you happen to not have joined yet, DO IT. You even get to try your first month for free! (If you join via my personal link and/or mention my name or blog, I’ll get a free month!) And then tell all your friends and family to do it, too. (Then YOU’LL get a free month.) This is not a sponsored post, my friends. As a bonafide clothes slut horse, I'm just over the moon that a service like this exists for plus sizes.

Earrings - Ruche (last year) / Ring - Trina Turk for Banana Republic (n/a) /
Belt - The Limited (old) / Nails - Where's My Chauffeur? (Essie via Ulta)

I joined GB in January, so I hadn't been in blogging mode for most of the GB pieces that have already come and gone from of my closet, but this origami top from ASOS CURVE became an instant favorite (worn 3 times in one week!) and I knew I had to blog it at some point. It's a finicky top, to be sure, but I'm happy to say that I've made it work. I mean, it is HUGE. Indeed, most of the reviews on Gwynnie Bee will tell you how big and unflattering it is and to not even bother. But I've found this to be the case for most of the tops in the ASOS CURVE line. Do a quick browse of their tops and you'll easily see that those Brits seem to favor their oversized, flowy styles. Between the fabulous models they have WERQing their pieces, and their often perfect styling of them, there is definitely inspiration to be found, however. The trick to this particular top is to belt it as featured on the model. It's still somewhat fussy, yes, but if you accept that it should fit more like a tunic (as, oddly, the straight-sized version is called), and that the origami folds are actually a really great feature of the top that you can exploit, it can be a fabulous piece. Skinnies are practically a necessity, of course. In fact, I liked how big it was because it magically covered up all the bulges of my midsection while still making me look shapely, modern and fun. I do still wish it was one size smaller (the smallest size GB or ASOS offered in this top was a 16), but I improved the fit by securing it at my shoulders so it could still hang loosely without sagging in the front. I liked this outfit so much that I thought briefly of buying the top, but I couldn't really justify it as the one hit wonder it seems to be - even if I play that hit over and over again. I may request it from GB again in the future, though! Hell, I might be the only one who likes it anyway. =)

Cardigan - LOFT (old) / Origami top - ASOS via Gwynnie Bee / Black skinnies - Old Navy /
Handbag - Coach (gifted) / Wedges - LOFT (old)

I should mention that, as I attempt to get back into the blogging grove and deal with my departure from my job (and everything else that means), posting may be a bit spotty. Please bear with me! I really am back. =)

Sunny Side Up

It's 1am as I write this and I'm nowhere close to being tired. Solution? Blog, of course! Bob has since gone to bed and Lord of the Rings: Two Towers is keeping me and my night owl self company. (I watch LOTR like this so often that I can't even count how many times I've watched the cycle anymore.) But I find myself enjoying the prospect of spending the wee hours catching up with posts, and realizing this seems to be how I best like to blog...

This outfit is another one inspired by its Lane Bryant styling. I wanted to incorporate that hat, but I didn't (and still don't) have one like it. This one comes quite close, but I can't quite seem to pull the trigger on its purchase. I've only recently decided I like fedoras enough to warrant a second one, but I'm not sure if I'd feel like the same about such a wide-brim style. Guess I better make my way to Gap to try it out! (Maybe in olive....)

Top - Lane Bryant / Skinnies - Lane Bryant / Belt - Lane Bryant
Wedges - LOFT / Handbag - Ruche

But anyhoo, the top is great. =) It's a long tunic style, making it a prime candidate for a belt - and really a necessity if you want any shape! But that's the thing - the LB stock photo (at left below) is so incredibly frumpy and unflattering on the model; yet the "catalog" version (at right below) has so much more personality and potential!

I really hope LB runs wild with this kind of presentation, because it's doing their image - and my desire to buy pieces from there - so much good! It takes out the guesswork on how to initially style a certain piece of clothing, especially if it's questionable to begin with, and can only serve as a point of inspiration for additional styling options. Amirite?

The long tunic shape makes it a great pairing with skinnies and heels, which I did prefer over the skirt as LB styled it, and I loved the prospect of wearing more minty green accessories with the sunny yellow print. Aaaaaand I'll probably wear it tucked into a pencil skirt at some point, too.

Earrings - Banana Republic / Ring - Ruche

All in One

Ah, Friday. So nice to see you again. Especially since I'm beginning another holiday-week vacation! I could get used to this. Though, now that I think about it, spoiling myself as I have with so much vacation time might become a problem! Meh, I'll worry about that in August... =S

I have to say, I'm rather impressed by this little ensemble. I threw it together in the heat of a good-grief-what-the-hell-am-I-going-to-wear-today moment and I quite like it. In many ways, it follows a recently developed little formula of mine: cardigan, belted flowy top, skinnies (perhaps first realized with this outfit). The top, a clutch hitter from Old Navy, has become a great candidate for similar silhouettes, so much so that not only did I pick up the green one (color-blocked recently here), I bought the ivory one too. And I plan to apply the exact same formula on the next good-grief-what-the-hell-am-I-going-to-wear day.

Cardigan - LOFT / Top - Old Navy / Skinnes - Lane Bryant /
Handbag - Urban Outfitters / Sandals - Bandolino "Moderngirl" (via Endless.com)

I think I most love the colors, though. Between belt, top and cardigan, the shared but varied blues and greens make me happy. All my favorite colors in one place!

Belt - Talbots / Ring - Ruche / Necklace - chrdesigns on Etsy / Earrings - Ruche

How to Try Again

Firstly and most importantly, a new winner has been chosen for the $50 Kiyonna gift card!



Congratulations, Beth Schaffer! Email me within 48 hours to claim your prize!

After throwing something of a sartorial gutterball the last time I wore this top, I've decided that belting it is the way to go. Shocker, I know. But really, it made its best showing belted over a pair of wide leg dress pants, and I'm content to say that it can't get much better.

But you know me, always looking to make things a bit more casual. (Wait, what?) I figured wearing the top with skinnies would provide a nice silhouette - the ever-balanced directive to pair blousy on top with fitted on bottom. It works much better than flared denim, anyway. Pair with brightly colored heels and call it a day.

Top - Anthropologie / Skinnies - Lane Bryant / Camisole - Anthropologie /
Belt - Kohl's / Handbag - Banana Republic / Sandals - Nine West

Hmm, maybe all it needed was a pair of brightly colored heels all along.

Ring - Ruche / Earrings - Lane Bryant

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!

White Light

See? I've worn this almost-returned top again already. Thank goodness for its wonderfully concealing butterfly sleeves - they're like fashion band-aids for the midsection and arms. And as we launch headlong into summer-weight dressing, I'm thankful for a little more coverage that doesn't make me sweat bullets.

Top - eloquii / Skinnies - Lane Bryant / Sandals - Payless

I'm trying out a new pair of skinnies, too. My only pair to date has been the Gap Always Skinny style, and they've served me well, but I've never enjoyed how low-rise they are. My midsection does not need that much attention! So I've been on the look out for a higher-rise pair, especially from plus size retailers that don't think a higher rise is such a horrible thing. Cue recent promotion at Lane Bryant and their Power Stretch Skinny Jean. They're a little shorter in length than the Gap pair, but I don't have any quibbles about that since I prefer them to sit at my ankles anyway. The rise is indeed comfortably higher (yay!!), and the "power stretch" claim is also true - they have a bit more give that better complements this girl's curves. They are a little flimsier than the Gap pair - somewhere between a jegging and regular denim - so I wonder how well they'll hold up, but for 50% off, I don't really mind.

Ah, but we really are into summer dressing, whether I like it or not. (Oh, hello there, 90 degrees!) I have a hard time getting dressed in the summer, as has been a topic before on this blog. In fact, it was probably one of the major factors contributing to how little I posted last summer! But I've gotten into a nice grove this year, and blogging - however basic at times - does help keep my body-image issues in check, especially while I fight this current battle of the bulge. Nevertheless, I've been thinking of cutting back my posts to three times a week rather than five, just so I can try to keep things fresh for both myself and you, my dear readers. And maybe finally get around to doing that oft-requested video tutorial about my updo, eh?  =)

Handbag - Banana Republic / Belt - Talbots / Ring - Ruche / Earrings - Lane Bryant

Happy Feet

It seems a lot of my posts have been about shoes lately. And now that I think about it, they've all been about these shoes! For good reason, my friends. For good reason. I mean, when you can walk home 6+ blocks in such relatively high platforms, still looking good and feeling spunky? And when they are simply the perfect color for the season and can be worn with about a zillion outfits? My feet have never been happier.

Cardigan - LOFT / Top - Gap / Skinnes - Gap / Belt - LOFT
Handbag - Banana Republic / Sandals - Nine West

The top is my final (for now) Gap sale rack find from last week. I'm so glad I snagged it because it was one that I had been quietly lusting after when it first came out and, like a good little girl, refused to pay full price for it. It's quite a flattering little top. Feminine, fitted, pretty. All good things. I may even wear it without a cardigan in the summer months, and I rarely meet a sleeveless top that'd make me consider such a thing.

It's one of those fluttery tops that lend themselves well to skinny bottoms, and I simply love navy and coral these days - hence the shoes. I'm also considering my coral skinnies for a future outfit! And my teal pencil skirt, and...

Ring - H&M / Necklace - LOFT / Earrings - The Limited /
Nails - "Love & Acceptance" (Essie)