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!

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....

Tight End

I'm kind of glad I was never able to get rid of this top. It's been hanging in my closet since January, an international purchase (via Dorothy Perkins) whose return or exchange would have been more trouble than it was worth. I wasn't convinced it was a good item for me (and my large bust), and the few ways I had in mind to wear it didn't look as good as I would have liked. But I really did love it and had hoped I'd shed a few pounds and could eventually wear it - or at least find a way to get away with wearing it.

Top - Dorothy Perkins / Black pencil skirt - Simply Be / Peep-toes - Payless 

Well, I sure haven't shed those pounds, but I really loved how it tucked into this simple, form-fitting black pencil skirt. And even better, I really loved it with this fantastic necklace. (If you're keeping track, this is outfit #3 for the necklace! I'm on a roll!) So tight sleeves and chest be damned! Statement necklace and pencil skirt saves the day!

Clutch - eloquii

(Or so I'd like to think. =P)

Necklace - Modcloth (gifted) / Ring - Ruche / Earrings - Lane Bryant /
Nails - Re-fresh Mint (China Glaze)

True Blue

This outfit seems to have a split personality: spring on top; winter on the bottom. I'm not sure if this is good or bad, but it's actually an apt representation of the back-and-forth weather we've been experiencing. I just wanted to wear the top, though, and tights were a requisite for the cold, snowy day. So there it is.

Top - Maurices / Jacket - Maurices / Pencil Skirt - Simply Be / Tights - ? /
Heels - Nine West (via 6pm.com) / Handbag - Furla (via Filene's Basement)

I was drawn to the top because of its vibrant color blocking and - you guessed it - stripes. I figured it would be a great option with a black pencil skirt as I've worn it here, or with black or denim skinnies for some other day. I added the off-white cropped jacket for a more casual look (and I loves me a cute cropped jacket), but I couldn't decide if I liked it better half-zipped, left open, or not at all. I felt like I needed to get another color or texture in there, too, but I had limited time to experiment. I'll save that for next time.

Ring - H&M / Necklace - The Limited / Earrings - LOFT

What would you say if I told you I briefly considered mustard tights (with different shoes), though?

Patented

I'm rather at a loss for words today. Yesterday's Superbowl loss hit us so hard that we went right from the end of the game to the mostly uninspiring next episode of Downton Abbey. All around fandom misery. In short, I need some cheerfulness soon. I guess the fact that I have today off should give me some, eh? I've got errands to run, Starbucks to drink and a new dresser to pick out!

Top - Banana Republic / Skirt - Simply Be / Heels - Payless

This pretty pairing of my cherry blossom Banana Republic steal and navy pinstripe pencil skirt, worn for a busy night of work over the weekend, does cheer me up a bit. And the fact that it was warm enough to take pictures outside just as the sun began to set... I thought I'd turn up the accessory volume a bit and add a super-skinny light grey patent belt for extra color and more definition. There are so many pretty purples, pinks, blues and greys to pull out of the top that I thought a blue pinstripe would be a perfect way to mix a little pattern. A good pencil-skirtification (yep, I just made up that word) for its second wearing. I'm thinking grey tweed for next time...

Ring - H&M / Belt - Kohl's (gifted) / Necklace - LOFT / Earrings - The Limited

I am wary about this springlike weather, though. The fact that we've barely seen day under 40 degrees, let alone a proper snowfall, can only mean Mother Nature is going to beat us up in some other way down the line.

Handbag - Furla (via Filene's Basement)

Tropical Dreams

This outfit is one I've actually been plotting for a while, but other recent favorites took precedence even when I did have the opportunity to dress up a bit. Goodness, it feels so good to break out the pencil skirts, though!

Happy tropical print (my second serendipitous H&M find, incidentally) with even happier blue pinstripe pencil skirt makes for some delightfully easy pattern mixing. It turned out to be a great color palette for winter, too, while hinting at warmer days - which might be tomorrow, for all I know. Snow (finally) one day, thunderstorms the next...this "winter" is weird...

Top - H&M / Blue pinstripe pencil skirt - Simply Be / Nude pumps - Nine West / Clutch - ASOS (gifted)

Necklace - LOFT / Earrings - Ruche / Ring - Ruche

Shiny Happy

After a few weeks of (increasingly boring) casual dressing, I finally get to break out the fancy again! The regular performance season resumed last Friday and with it all the best reasons to wear pencil skirts and, that's right, sequins. Many argue about the place of sequins in the workplace, but my workplace is no office and this sequined top is no pushover.

Sequined top - Banana Republic / Pencil skirt - Simply Be / Black tights - LOFT /
Black heels - BBCG (eBayed) / Belt - Talbots

Oh, and it's yet another Banana Republic steal. I'm getting so good at this I can barely stand it! To be honest, I normally wouldn't even go for such a bedazzled top, but I loved the cut (elbow sleeves! wide scoop neck!) - not to mention the price ($30!) - so I couldn't really think of an excuse to not take it home with me. I loved it just with the jeans I tried it on with, so I knew wearing it with nearly any of my pencil skirts would be even more fabulous.

Handbag - Furla Carmen Shopper Grande Handbag (via BBOS)

I went for quiet class with a black pencil skirt, but for fear of being too fancy, I added colorful coral accessories in some hopes to bring it down just a notch. I really love the outfit, though. I just love being able to dress up, period.

Necklace - Anthropologie / Ring - Banana Republic (eBayed) / Earrings - The Limited

Christmas Green

Since I got decked out in Christmas red last week, I couldn't let Christmas green feel left out. This great forest green sweater, complete with lovely button details on the neck and cuffs, has languished in the my closet far too long anyway. For some reason, I only wore it with jeans; I'd never thought to wear it with a pencil skirt! I find this completely shocking... Maybe it's time for me to start a pencil skirt challenge, something like "365 Days of Pencil Skirts." I'd wear nothing but one of my many and pair it with something new every day. No repeats. Hmm...2012 resolution? I mean, I practically wear pencil skirts at least half of the year already...

Sweater - Banana Republic (Fall '09) / Pencil skirt - Simply Be / Grey pumps - Apt. 9 (Kohl's)

But seriously, this is a perfect Christmas green. I have lots of grass or kelly green sweaters and tops in my closet, which I did toy with wearing as well, but the deeper cozy hue of this one hits the spot. Belting it helps keep my proportions in check, and the heathered grey skirt makes an unexpected but happy pairing. The tonal snakeskin skinny belt creates even more wonderful texture, and a deep green ring and filigree earrings bring it all together.

Snakeskin belt - The Limited / Ring - H&M / Earrings - Maurices (?) /
Nail polish - "Designer...de Better!" (O.P.I. Muppets Collection)

Truthfully, I was kind of bored with the outfit before stumbling upon all the accessories. It never fails to surprise me what accessories can do for an outfit.

Handbag - Furla (via Filene's Basement)

Lady in Red

The shoes make it. At least that's what an older gentleman patron told me after one of the performances on Saturday. It goes without saying that I agree. =)

"Marilyn" sweater - Lane Bryant / Black pencil skirt - Simply Be /
Ostrich belt - Banana Republic / Leopard heels - Max Studio (via DSW)

I had known that I'd wear this recently purchased red sweater of mine at some point during Nutcracker weekend. I mean, it's red, and it's the holidays - a no brainer. I also knew I wanted to wear my fabulous leopard print pumps again with the sweater (as I did for the first wearing with jeans), so it was just a matter of picking a pencil skirt and the right camel-colored belt to tie it all together. Some delightfully basic pieces made even more amazing with some fierce accessories.

Amazing enough for a random patron to approach me in the lobby and tell me so. Not a bad day. =)

Handbag - Furla

Ring - Banana Republic / Earrings - The Limited

The First Time

I worked in retail for over three years in three different stores: Lane Bryant,  LOFT (Ann Taylor Loft back then), and finally Banana Republic. Three years of associate discounts expanded my wardrobe exponentially and broke my bank simultaneously. It was while working at LOFT that I really began to find my own style: a love of pencil skirts, fitted silhouettes, streamlined classics, and just a touch of daring. One holiday season (nearly 4 years ago now), I started wearing belts at my waist. Right at my waist. I remember feeling self-conscious about this, like everyone working and shopping thought I might be making a huge fashion faux pas. I continued to do it, relishing in how the styling highlighted my curves, accentuated my waist and was the easiest kind of accessorizing. I was still hesitant, but I was hooked. This was the exact outfit I wore that day, that first time for a now frequent styling.

Sweater - LOFT / Belt - Lane Bryant / "Perfect" black pencil skirt - Simply Be / Handbag - Furla /
Shaping Sheers - Spanx / Heels - Nine West

A couple weeks after I debuted my belted waist, a fellow LOFT associate wore the exact.same.outfit. Right down to sweater (it WAS an ATL sweater after all), skirt and placement of belt. I'm not going to lie - at first I was uber annoyed, especially since said associate was of the tiny, gorgeous, long blonde hair and long fluttery lashes variety. Let's face it, I was also jealous that she seemed to rock my outfit idea so much better than I did and possibly threatened that my personal sense of style had been usurped. But the more I thought about it - and continue to think about it -  the more flattered I am. I, the resident curvy girl, seemed to set a trend. I, the resident curvy girl, rocked that trend in a way that made other (skinny) people want to wear it too. Shocked as I am by the realization (as one who continues to battle self-esteem and body image issues), I can't deny that it was moment that has defined my personal style and, more importantly, self-confidence in that style.

I actually haven't worn this outfit since then, though I have most certainly worn variations of it. Wearing it again makes me think about how my personal style has changed, how it has stayed the same, and how it has given me a kind of identity. I find such contemplation ultimately important for this, my 200th post. It wasn't intentional, interestingly, but that makes it all more special. Serendipitous. The reasons I started this blog - as a way to subconsciously confront, and hopefully someday squelch, those pesky self-esteem and body image issues of mine - continue to carry me through and inspire me, and to provide proof that it has done so. As we approach the season of giving thanks, I find myself thankful for the endeavor, and for you, the community of bloggers and readers that bolster it.

Ring - Lane Bryant / Necklace - Talbots / Earrings - The Limited

I'll be taking a little hiatus next week for the holiday (we're traveling to Boston to spend time with Bob's family and friends), but you can be rest assured that I'll return in all my fancy holiday-dressing glory as I work through another busy Nutcracker weekend. I hope everyone has a wonderfully thankful Thanksgiving until then. =)

Pony Up

Any of you have anything from Kiyonna? This Rylan Ruched Top is my first purchase from the plus sized boutique (I now also have the same top in green), and I gotta say, I'm in love. I can't think of anything better for my décolletage than the openness of a square neck and ruching across my bust. It minimizes the broadness of my shoulders and floats over all that junk in my trunk (and belly). Though the purple I received is much different than the rich plum color shown online, the color is still very saturated and just plain pretty. My primary complaint is that it's too long for my otherwise short torso; I wish it hit at my hip rather than below it, so I might consider having it shortened. Some of the online reviews have also complained that it's hard to find an appropriate bra for this top because of its deep wide cut, but my Lane Bryant Push-up Demi Bra worked perfectly.

Rylan Ruched Top - Kiyonna / Black pencil skirt - Bespoke (Simply Be)

This particular styling had been inspired by none other than the product tips (I LOVE that they even have them): "Keep it ladylike luxe by complementing Rylan with a classic black pencil skirt." I must admit that the option seemed a little plain to me at first, and I wasn't too sure of the proportions since the top is so long on me, but I gave it a whirl. The black pencil skirt is actually from the Bespoke line at Simply Be. Between its great length (26 inches!!), comfortably fitted silhouette, wide (muffin-top-proof) waistband and exposed back zipper, it really is the "perfect black pencil skirt" they claim it to be.

Handbag - Furla (renting via BBOS)

But okay, okay, enough of the reviews (which I probably should try to do more of); we all know the real prize of this outfit are these Nine West giraffe print pony hair platform heels of mine. They come out to play ever so rarely, so I thought these were just the right accessory to spruce up any suspected plainness of the outfit. I just love how shoes can do that! I kept the necklace to a single sparsely beaded chain that complements the colors of the top, went with gold all around, and simply had to continue sporting my gorgeous ostrich Furla that I'm renting. I tell ya, pairing a brown handbag with a black skirt is something I never thought I'd do, but something about it just works.

Ring - Banana Republic / Earrings - LOFT / Necklace - The Limited / Shoes - Nine West

Or maybe I just want to get the most out of my month.