Never Fails

This post is gonna be short and sweet tonight, friends. Yet another solid equation of never-fail jeans + printed top (in this case striped) + cardigan = easy chic. I really dig the use of stripes as the bottom layer here, and I love my color palette!

Flare denim - Lane Bryant / Grey cardigan - LOFT / Striped tee - Anthropologie / Color block infinity scarf - LOFT / Purple skinny belt - The Limited / Boots - Laundry by Chinese Laundry (Famous Footwear)

Handbag - Tano "Homemade Cake" in Bordeaux

And yay for pretty new scarves!

Multi-colored stone ring - Banana Republic (eBayed) / Earrings - Lane Bryant (?)

Striking Gold

The more I look at these pictures, the more I love this outfit. There's something so happy about it!

Mustard printed cardigan - thrifted / Embellished top - Urban Outfitters / Flare leg denim - Lane Bryant /
Teal skinny belt - The Limited / Camel heels - RSVP (via Zappos)

It was another one I put together in the moment of late-night creativity. I didn't try it on last night, but I'm thrilled with how it all came together. I especially like the proportions of color, shape, detail, and pattern. And really, this equation never fails: favorite jeans + cardigan + embellished top = always easy and cute!

The sweater is one I found at a consignment shop the same time I found the mustard cardi for my "Ariana" outfit. I bought them both at the same time because I didn't know which one would work best with the intended outfit, especially since I liked the idea of the pattern on this one. And it was exactly the pattern in the sweater that inspired me to try a little pattern mixing today! I first tried it with a striped top, which could also be great, but not the particular top I had. The top I finally settled on is more embellishment than pattern, but I love the effect nevertheless. It's also sort of a remix, too, since I've never worn it with anything else but cuffed jeans in the summer. (Snoooooze.) It's a total tent of a shirt on its own, though - no shape whatsoever! But just add a colorful belt and long jewelry and it's a new outfit! I'm getting a hang of this...

I'm also wearing the new ring I mentioned yesterday! What can I say, I love a cocktail ring, and this one is no exception. The necklace was a fabulous birthday gift from a friend of mine - one who is super fashionable herself. This was actually its first wearing, and I can't think of a better debut!

Ring - Banana Republic (eBayed) / Turquoise medallion necklace - gifted

Fabulous blue nailpolish - Yoga-ta Get This Blue! (OPI)

I guess I should do my class readings now. You know, the ones that were assigned last week. I've been ABD for so long (and a working girl for so long) that I barely remember how to be a good student. Good thing I'm auditing!

Toughen Up

I think I'm channeling Erin from Work With What You Got today... =)

Black blazer - Lane Bryant / Blue snakeskin tube top - The Limited / Dark skinnies - Gap /
Black boots - Nine West "Onthemoon" (via Endless)

It's definitely an outfit that's a little outside of the box for me, but it was fun to try something different. I put it together in my head last night, knowing that I'd mostly likely be short on time this morning and I'd have to just go with it even if it didn't work out. (Work with What You Got!) Basically I just wanted to wear my new boots, though, and this is the outfit that sprung forth! The boots themselves have a much rougher edge than I'm used to wearing, too (studs, thicker heel, rounder toe), which is one of the reasons I held off incorporating them into an outfit as long as I did. In fact, they've been sitting in the shipping box for over a week, to possibly be returned... But, having worn them outside of the house, they're mine now! It'll be fun to see how else I can wear them, other than rocker-chic style.

Hmmmmm, envisioning them with a pencil skirt...

How would YOU style these bad boys? 

"Ball and chain" necklace - LOFT / Earrings - NY&Co. (?) / Big-ass black flower ring - The Limited

In other news, I had a rotten day at work. I won't laden you with details, but let's just say today was one of the few days that I did not love my job. And I seriously do love my job...just not today. The silver lining of the day was, well, not only my sweet boyfriend having dinner ready for me when I got home, but coming home to two new (big) rings that I bought on eBay! Pictures forthcoming...

Here's to tomorrow!

Let's Go Shopping!

Good morning, friends! I posted a number of new things to my store on Smashion last night, so please take a look! While none of the items are pieces I've worn since starting the blog, they are all much-loved, well-cared-for items that I'm happy to share with you. (Some are even NEVER worn!) All prices are negotiable. Please email me if you have questions about any of the items!

You can also always find a link to my shop over on my "Shop My Closet" page!



Here is just a sampling of the items for sale!

NWT Grey Drape Neck Top by Green Dragon, size L

Max Studio Red Asian Print Top, size XL

LOFT Navy Blue Peep-Toe Pumps, size 10

Anthropologie Viola Printed A-Line Skirt, size 14

Piecework

This sweater is one of the fantastic items I scored on my Anthropologie shopping spree that Bob bestowed on me for my birthday. (He's kind of awesome.) I know, I know - I never did post those spoils from that fantastic day. I did actually wear, er, all of it in those first few weeks of the year when I wasn't posting... But I don't think ya'll should worry your pretty little heads because I know I'll be wearing all of it again soon!

Piece-A-Plenty cardigan - Anthropologie / Blue scoop neck tee - LOFT / Grey wide-leg pants - New York & Co. /
Tan angle-length boots - Laundry by Chinese Laundry (via Famous Footwear)

I think I got the very last one of these online, and it's funny because even when I did receive it, I didn't know if I wanted to keep it. Bob talked me back into it, oddly enough, and I'm glad he did! It's so very versatile - it can go with denim of all sorts (skinnies, trousers, skirt) and even dressy wide-leg pants like I've done here! You could obviously wear these with brown pants, too, but I chose these grey pants - which does pick up the grey patches in the sweater - to give a little lighter touch. And you all know how I feel about browns and greys together! (Er, and if you don't, I love it...)

Bonus! I've found a picture from January 5, 2011 when I did wear the sweater with a denim skirt, tights and boots. I love the look - definitely perfect for the 17 hour day I had that day! And please forgive the strangely puffy look to my face. This picture was taken after said 17 hour day, complete with redone make-up, and it's clear that my face tells no lies... ("I need sleeeeeeeeeep!!!")

Refined denim skirt - Lane Bryant / Gold tights - Apt. 9 (Kohl's) / Boots - Ciao Bella (DSW)

The sweater itself is a wrap, but with no interior tie to keep it fully closed (my only gripe). After fussing with its placement forever (and rereading it's reviews online), I finally realized that it really is supposed to have an asymmetrical look to it, obviously first from the piecework patches only on the right side, to its diagonal placement on front (and back!), and the way the front edges are supposed to lay at an angle rather than straight across. It has a very unique, layered look to it!

Handbag - Tano Minilisa in Blue Marine

Necklace - LOFT / Ring - Banana Republic

My Ring Collection

A recent Twitter conversation with Sara of Bombshell Beauty sparked her suggestion that I do a post of all my rings... which are many and growing... So, I shall oblige!

It goes without saying that I love a cocktail ring. They can make such a fun statement and, when needed, add a great pop of color to an outfit. I've also realized that I prefer them to bracelets, which often just look too bulky on my already thick wrists. I wear a ring with every outfit, whether or not you see them in my posts. I used to be sure to always photograph them, but I gave that up after awhile. So, now you can just reference this post if you want to figure out which one I'm wearing! Haha! 

This first set is of my largest rings. Not sure I'll ever go much larger! These are probably also my favorite, most worn rings. These sizes are large enough to be noticed immediately, but too bulky that they get in the way of things. Though, I do admit that I'll take them off when I'm typing and such.

Clockwise from far left: 1) Hammered disc ring - The Limited 2) Black enamel floral ring - The Limited 3) Turquoise and gold ring - Banana Republic 4) Pink floral ring (with stretch band) - New York & Co. 5) Cream and gold enamel ring - Banana Republic
6) Gladiator disc ring - Banana Republic 7) Sterling silver floral ring - TJ Maxx

Banana Republic and TJ Maxx are my favorite places to go for statement jewelry, period, but I especially love their rings. I rarely pass up a chance to peer through BR's glass cases of fantastic baubles! TJ Maxx actually has great larger Sterling Silver pieces, whereas BR's rings are all plated. But, I'm no ring snob - I'm just in it for the look! I've also gotten a few great pieces from The Limited too.

I don't spend too much money (never more than $50) on any one ring. I know there are fabulous ring makers out there like Alexis Bittar, Kenneth Jay Lane or Stephen Dweck that'll let you drop hundreds of dollars on, albeit stunning, costume pieces. I try not to look at them for that reason! Though, I might borrow them from time to time from Avelle... 

This next set is of my more medium sized rings - so not necessarily cocktail rings, but still indispensable accessories. I'd wear the two sterling silver pieces for more casual, everyday wear. In fact, fun sterling silver rings are my go-to for everyday wear, even if I'm just out running errands!

Clockwise from top left: 1) Sterling silver spiral ring - Kohl's (gifted) 2) Turquoise square ring - The Limited 3) Multicolored stone ring - Banana Republic 4) Sterling Silver Onyx & Mother-of-Pearl Ring - Kohl's (gifted) 5) Sterling Silver wrapped ring - Kohl's

This final set is of my smallest and perhaps dressiest rings. Truth be told, I don't wear them too often, but should I need something elegant but not, er, too gaudy, these would my options. I especially love the marcasite pieces! All of these are from Kohl's, too. As I prefer my dressier jewelry to be sterling silver at least,  I know I can always get a great deal at Kohl's, especially when they do 60% sales - which is more often than not!

Clockwise from top left: 1) Small marcasite ring - Kohl's 2) Large disc marcasite ring - Kohl's 3) Multicolored rectangle mother-of-Pearl ring - Kohl's 4) Oval mother-of-pearl ring - Kohl's 4) Embedded opal ring - Kohl's

So, that's my (current) ring collection! I probably add a new ring every few months ago. I always have my eye out for fantastic/pretty/funky pieces!

Next time on Jessica's Obsessions: Handbags!

The Copy Cat Had (Striped) Kittens

Today's outfit is brought to you by yet another favorite blogger of mine, Tania and her casually layered french-tacular ensemble. Yep, I even tried to match her funky copper necklace with my own heavy metals - though NOT self-made. And maybe her poses too...

Striped top - L.L. Bean / White button-down - The Limited / Dark skinnies - Gap / Boots - Ciao Bella (DSW) /
Necklace - The Limited / Earrings - TJ Maxx

Like everyone else and their sister, I wanted the perfect striped breton tee to round out my wardrobe staples, but I just hadn't found it yet. Lots of the bloggers I read have one, of course, but they hadn't been current styles one could buy. So when I learned that Tania's L.L. Bean tee could still be found in the store (and is in fact a standard item they sell), I decided to give it try. And the $10 coupon and free shipping offers I had (meaning I got it for under $20) helped too...!

The top itself is great. It's not too stiff (like the ones Gap had a few months ago) and is definitely roomy (might even run a tad large), but it's a high quality top that will certainly last. The boatneck is a sweet touch, too (though not always a large-chested girl's friend). The outfit, however, is not my favorite, even though Bob called it "cute" - which in his particular dialect of boy language means he really did like it. Well, okay, Bobby. =) I'm definitely glad I tried this version ala Tania, but I'm gonna keep playing with options to really make it my own. =)

And now for the real gem of this post! We had to completely redo our photo session when I realized our first session was shot with a super crappy setting. (Why we didn't figure this out when we were actually taking the pictures, I don't know.) We might have yelled at each other for a minute, but then we just decided to let it go - and then I just let myself go... =))

"I'll get you, camera!!

And this is just me being silly. (Sara, this one is for you!) Maybe I'm auditioning for American Idol? Doing an Irish jig? Who knows!!

Happy weekend, everyone!

Copy Cat

This outfit is brought to you by Ariana's sensational pairing of mustard and purple!

Mustard cardigan - LOFT (thrifted) /Lavender twist-neck shell - LOFT / Leopard-print ponte knit skirt - Lane Bryant

I would have NEVER thought to put those colors together, but I just loved everything about it in her pictures. I became obsessed with the combination, really, and I started combing my closet to find comparable pieces. Sadly, I only really had the skirt! I wasted no time clicking through a number of online stores looking for that perfect mustard cardigan. I thought of Tania's J. Crew cardi that she styles so fabulously, and since it was on super duper sale (I could get it for $60) I was thisclose to getting it. But the more I thought about it, the more I really didn't want to spend that much money on what is essentially an impulse buy. (Proud moment for me!) Cue consignment shop trip, where I found a LOFT cardigan (the best basic cardis, in my opinion) still with tags on it, forheavenssake, for a mere $11 bucks (and $9 of that was paid for the balance I had from stuff I had consigned). This was happening! The only item in the ensemble that I purchased new was this super flattering twisted neck shell, and even that I got at 40% off! (Yay justification!)

Handbag - Tano "Homemade Cake"in Bordeaux

I loved all of Ariana's studs and fabulous chunky jewelry, but the minute I eyed this necklace on my wall-of-chains, and one I hadn't even worn yet (also purchased for a steal), I knew it would be the perfect accessory to tie everything together. Length, colors, size - perfect!

Necklace - LOFT

I copied Ariana right down to the monochromatic printed skirt and patterned tights!

Grey herringbone tights - Banana Republic / Grey suede pumps - Apt. 9 (Kohl's)

So thanks, Ariana, for this stroke of genius of an outfit! I just loved putting this together, and more importantly, wearing it. =))

Pop that Collar

I got dressed today! I took pictures! And...I'm posting!

Evening performances started right back up again today. As it was only one house, I kept the attire a bit lower key than I might have otherwise. And considerably more comfortable...

Shirt Dress - Lane Bryant / Skinny Belt - The Limited / Patterned Tights - Simply Vera (Kohl's) /
Suede Taupe Knee-High Boots  - Nine West (via Amazon)

Necklace - LOFT / Earrings - Lane Bryant

I bought this dress yesterday at Lane Bryant's killer clearance sale. After 60% discount and a coupon, I paid $11 for this bad boy. Believe it or not, I didn't yet own a shirt dress (or is it a trench dress?) of any kind, which many would argue is a closet staple. Well, I had been eying this dress for a while, but every time I tried it on, I always felt it looked a bit frumpy on me - especially the matronly neckline. But for $11 I thought, "Why the hell not? I can do something with it." And as I'm not feeling terribly great in my own skin (thanks to more than my share of holiday pounds), I definitely appreciated the roominess of the a-line shape.

This dress screams for accessories, however. I knew right away that I would wear some fun tights, and these patterned burgundy ones were just a perfect shade to wear with its deep, dark navy (definitely nearly black) color. (I also have some super fun raspberry colored leggings, but those will probably wait for warmer months.) The belt it came with also had to go (one of its other main frump-factors), so  I added one of my own for a pop of color. I can also see doing belts in a myriad of other colors - yellow, tan, orange, pink, etc. etc. To make it a little less matronly, I also unbuttoned the first button and popped the collar - like the cool kid I am. =) (It didn't really stay that way for long, though.) As for the boots, this was their first wearing. I got them for only $61! They are originally $179! (Amazon is kind of awesome when it comes to shoes sometimes.) I do love the color with the dress - I think it all makes for a great overall palette. But because of the shaft height, you don't really get to see my fun tights very well. They worked, though, especially for these Midwest winters. Besides, it didn't really matter THAT much. =)

In other news, I'm in the market for a new camera. Just waiting patiently to see if the price goes down. I'll probably be taking the plunge this weekend either way. Here's to new toys and better pictures!

One Good Turn Deserves Another

Yes, I'm alive! =D

After almost a month of little to no posting, here I am. There have been a variety of reasons why I've been AWOL for all this time, and I plan to delve into those reason over the next few posts. But for now I just want to thank everyone for sticking with me and encouraging me along the way. I know that when it comes right down to it, I blog for myself, but I've also come to realize that I blog because of this awesome community of bloggers I've met, and with whom I've only scratched the surface. YOU inspire and motivate me, and for that I'm grateful.

It is therefore fitting that my blogger return begins with the (albeit overdue) announcement of my first blogger award!

A few days ago, I popped over to Ariana's fantastic blog, Fatale Fashion, and I read - much to my humbling surprise - that she was passing the "Your Blog is Breathtaking" award to me! Thank you so much, Ariana! It has been the perfect inspiration to get me back into the blogger groove!

As per the rules, I will answer a few questions, and then pass the award on to some of my favorites. So here I go!

 

1. What inspires you?

I am by training a musician and a music historian (a musicologist) and only a few short years ago I was immersed in the study of all things classical music, whether it was to teach my undergrad classes or to prepare to pass my prelims and begin to write my dissertation. My life has started to move in a slightly different direction, but I am still surrounded by amazing music and musicians, and when I'm fortunate enough to attend a few concerts, I never cease to be amazed by how much music can move me.

Warm, sunny days also do wonders to inspire me, as do my wonderful friends, whether those in real life or the blogisphere. =)

2. What is your favorite season and why?

As a Midwesterner all my life, I think I've learned to appreciate things about all of the seasons. I mean, how else would we survive?? Hahaha.  I think spring is my favorite season, though - especially the first burst of green that announces its arrival. So much life and possibility! And when you've had to endure a blistering winter, it is such a reward! On the other hand, there is so much to love about the winter holidays, and I'd waxed poetic about that in a few posts over the season already. =) The warmth, colors, and sounds of Christmas get me all sappy inside!

3. What are you most looking forward to this year?

I mentioned above that my life is taking a few different turns as of late, so I'm looking forward to really deciding where I'm going, once and for all. =) I also looking forward to paying off large chunks of debt!!!

4. If you could write a book about anything, what would you write about?

If I were to write anything of length, it would be my dissertation on the 19th century Russian composer, Sergei Rakhmaninov.

5. What is your greatest passion? 

I sometimes forget it, I really do, but music has been such a huge part of my life that I cannot deny that it is still a great passion of mine. But, I also take pride in and feel very strongly about honing my own personal style, and perhaps even helping others do the same. Hence this blog. =)

6. If you could change one thing about your life or yourself what would it be and why? 

I've been a curvy girl my entire life, or at least since the 4th grade. It's something I've lived with but never really accepted, sadly enough. Incidentally, that's one of the other main reasons I started this blog, but old habits die hard. I have rejoined Weight Watchers, however (as those of you who follow me on Twitter already know), and I'd like to really make a difference with myself - my weight, my health, my overall self-acceptance - through the program, as I had started to once upon a time 3 years ago.

I would ALSO like to get rid of all debt (and all on reliance on credit) other than student loans - which might never go away. =7

7. Lastly, what is your favorite novel? 

I'm a thirty-something who must admit that I continue to read and reread the Harry Potter series (especially Book 7). It's my comfortable blanket that tucks me in every night before I fall asleep. But, I also have to say that the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky, especially the Brothers Karamozov, have had a tremendous influence on me, so once again I must list two. (Though can they BE more opposite!?!)

I sure did break these rules by listing at least 2 things for every answer, didn't I.... =7

And now, the fabulous ladies I would like to pass the "Your Blog is Breathtaking!" award goes to:

1. Sara of Bombshell Beauty
2. Hilary of By Hillary
3. Tania of What Would a Nerd Wear
4. Erin of Work With What You've Got
5. Natalie of When Life Hands You a Pear...
6. Kyla of Blue Collar Catwalk
7. Clare of Between Laundry Days 

All of these girls are far more established bloggers than myself, but I just wanted to pass on this award as a token of thanks for all they've done to inspire me, even if they don't know it!

There are SO many more others, but then the list would be too long! And though they both already received the award, I would still like to give a shout out to Ariana of FATale Fashion and U. of Curvy Everyday!

Thanks for reading, everyone!