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

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

Summer's Last Breeze

I think this late summer has finally left us. The leaves are falling in earnest (the nightly crunch crunch heard outside our window by passers-by is always a welcomed sound) and the space heater has been turned on more often than not. (We are not yet ready to commit to actually turning on the heat.) But with such gorgeous fall days as we've had, I'm finally ready for all of it. '

This day might have been that last of these warm days. Expecting it to be so, I wore this sweet grey shirt dress from Lane Bryant (which sold out almost immediately), paired with my ever-comfortable Nine West wedges in minty green. Definitely appropriate for the warm 80 degree afternoon, I was glad I could wear it a second time not only for the sake of the blog but also for a busy performance evening. I love everything about this dress - it's wonderfully comfortable, fits like a dream, and its steely neutral hue lends itself to any number of colorful accessories. I'm sure there are layering options for the cooler days ahead, but I haven't yet brought myself to consider them...

Grey shirt dress - Lane Bryant / Handbag - Tano "Boogie Bucket"

Today, I felt like the summer breeze as it passes through for the last time.

Necklace - Lane Bryant Outlet / Earrings - The Limited / Ring - Ruche / Nails - Eve-y on the Eyes (Sephora by O.P.I.) / Sandals - Nine West (via Amazon)

Congrats to my giveaway winners! Thanks to all who entered!

Score!

Draw the Line Cowlneck - Anthropologie (Tracy Reese) / Brown wide-leg pants - New York & Co.

Finds like these are why I love Anthropologie so much, and especially their sale items. This airy kimono sweater, by Tracy Reese, was one of those I eyed in one of their catalogue pics, but for $200+, it was only something I admired from afar. But then it magically appeared in a first cut (I believe?) for under $70??? This was happening.

Reversible Seamless Tank in Pearl - Anthropologie

This amazing cut-out on the back, not to mention its very wide waist band and potential for off-the shoulder styling, are just a few of the reasons why I love this sweater to so much. (And, hey look, a picture of the back of my updo!) It's a very thin weave, so I'll be able to wear it for a few seasons. Certainly, its color palate reads late summer or fall, but I think a lighter-colored bottom will definitely help change it up. But really, I rarely care about such things - I wore this in late spring!

Handbag - Tano "Minilisa" in Blue Marine / Camel peep-toes - Banana Republic

Earrings & ring - Banana Republic

Foresight

It's cooled off a bit in these parts, and while I could do with more sun than we've had, I'm glad to break out my good ol' denim jacket with my summer dresses, and without fear of melting in the heat!

Maxi dress - TJ Maxx / Blue tee (under dress) - Gap / Denim jacket - Theory (eBayed) / Sandals - Payless

I've had this dress for a few years now. It always felt it was a rather loud print when I first bought it (though that obviously didn't stop me), but now that it's on-trend, I'm happy to get continued wear out of it. I feel so boho-batik-chic! It has tons of colors in the print (orange, cream, purple, and multiple shades of blue), so it's fun to play with accessories. As with most strapless dresses, too, I pair a tee of some color under the dress. Not only can it be another fun way to play with color, but it makes me a little more likely to wear strapless dresses at all! (Yep, sans denim jacket, even.)

Handbag - Tano "Boogie Bucket" in Grape

With the exception of this new necklace of mine, I must admit that this is the way I most often wear it, though...

Necklace - Urban Outfitters / Earrings - Maurices / Ring - Banana Republic (eBayed)

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.

For the Love of Stripes

I know stripes are all over the place this days, but I gotta say, I'm all over that bandwagon. It's kind of a pattern without being a pattern, knowwhaddaimean? It's so easy to mix patterns with it, or even just a way to liven up otherwise classic pieces, like a pinstripe pencil skirt, for instance. And the layering options with this self-belted wrap will be endless!

Striped belted wrap - Maurices / Pinstripe pencil skirt - Lane Bryant / Embellished tank - LOFT / Black nylons - Lane Bryant /
Metallic burgundy pumps - Charles by Charles David(via Zappos)

I'm also getting better at being more flexible when it comes to color combinations. For example, before this blog, I would have worn a basic black or white cami underneath the striped wrap, or at best some kind of red top. So this embellished dark pink tank, while perhaps nothing earth shattering, is definitely proof that I've loosened up a bit!

Handbag - Tano "Homemade Cake" in Bordeaux

Oh yeah, and I got a hair cut! I was long overdue, to be sure. It might seem pretty short, but it's actually the usual length I go to when I get a fresh cut! (See??) It's really been just that long since my last visit. My stylist did some pretty exciting things with color too, especially on the right side of my head, which you really can't see in these pictures. I'll try to capture them in future posts, eh?

Black enamel flower ring - The Limited / Earrings - Lane Bryant (?)

Red Stripe

I got my new camera today! It's a Canon Powershot SX130 IS and so far it's pretty awesome. I'm still getting used to it (and trying to learn a few more basic photography skills in the meantime), and I'm also taking pictures in a different location than usual (with different lighting and backgrounds to fend with), so bare with me! New toys are always fun, though!

Fur Collar Surplus Jacket - Ecote (Urban Outfitters) / Red Stripe Top - Cooperative Designs (Urban Outfitters) /
Flare-leg jeans - Lane Bryant / Taupe boots - Laundry by Chinese Laundry (Famous Footwear)

You'll notice of course that I'm wearing my surplus jacket again. I said I would! =P I bought this fantastic red stripe top at the same time I bought the jacket, and I just loved how they paired together. I was also pleasantly surprised when it rang up as only $9.99! Seriously, though, it still boggles my mind how everything I bought at that Urban Outfitters trip goes together, not to mention a zillion other things in my closet. That's the kind of clothing purchase that makes a shopaholic feel good!

Handbag - Tano "Minilisa" in Blue Marine

More importantly, I can't get over how flattering this top is. Lately I've been depending on layers not only to add more visual interest to my outfits (and to keep warm, duh) but to cover up my ever-expanding midsection (I hate being over 30 for that reason). This top camouflages all of that in the most feminine and interesting ways. From the zip that hits just below the decolletage, to the wide neckline that exposes more of that sexy shoulder area (an area of my body I do quite love), to the waistline that hits at the smallest part and just flares right out over my muffin top and hips. Who knew $9.99 could buy a positive body image! I just might have to wear this top alone more often that not.

Er, still with a skirt/pants/jeans, of course... =7

Hammered disc ring - The Limited / Sterling Silver Loop necklace  Kohl's /  Earrings - LOFT

I close with a camera query for you more advanced users out there. My continuing problem with taking full-body pictures, primarily when I'm using the timer setting, is that I can't get my face to be in focus, even with a face detect function. When I have someone taking pictures for me, I have less of a problem since they can choose the focus. Suggestions?

Owl Post

I had the best weekend with girlfriends. Bagels, shopping, spilling of guts - just what girlfriends are for. Shopping is especially awesome when there is nothing in particular you are looking for, and POW, amazing pieces and killer deals practically fall into your lap. This fur collar surplus jacket was probably my biggest find. As something I've been casually keeping my eye out for, its interesting details - asymmetrical zipper, elasticized waist to keep it from being boxy, removable fur collar - fulfilled every desire I could have for such an item. And on clearance? Score!

Fur Collar Surplus Jacket - Ecote (Urban Outfitters) / Owl Print Chiffon Tank - Pins & Needles (Urban Outfitters) /
Refined denim skirt - Lane Bryant

This is definitely a new look for me, though. Well, the pencil skirt + boots + jacket is a formula I know and love well... but the fur collar surplus jacket thing itself, not to mention the whole owl print thing (a phenomenon in everything from tanks to housewares), is a look I've been daring myself to rock out. So when both of these items crossed my path, I knew there's be no better time to give it a try.

Tights ("Rust") - We Love Colors / Skinny purple belt - The Limited / Suede taupe boots - Nine West (via Amazon.com) /
Handbag - Tano "Minilisa" in Blue Marine

I have to say that the owl print grew on me pretty fast. I love that the owls alternate between upside down and right side up (they are just too cute), and the colors in the top are great to work with. Pulling out any one (or more) of them is so easy with accessories! Hence the fabulous orange tights (I'm totally a We Love Colors believer now, though I think I could have sized down!) and purple belt...

Earrings - LOFT / Ring - Banana Republic (eBayed)

Tomorrow? I sure am featuring the jacket again...

Back to Basics

For all the time I spent knocking my initial outfit idea in yesterday's post, it's somewhat of a wonder that I ended up wearing it today! (I did warn you, however!) I guess it was just one of those days where I had to be presentable but I didn't want to try too hard. Ever have one of those days? Methinks you can see it in my face, too. =7

Dark blue blazer - The Limited / Sequin bib top - LOFT / Beige wide-leg pants - NY & Co. /
Metallic burgundy pumps - Charles by Charles David (via Zappos)

It is what it is - a reliable ensemble of blazer + wide leg pants + embellished top. Nothing too fancy or even creative, but I do think the sequined neckline adds a nice touch. Its color palette of navy and burgundy is one I always love, too, and is what inspired the outfit idea in the first place. The only thing I'd change is the round toe shoe - I think it makes my legs look wider and stumpier than they are. But, hoping to add a little more pizazz to the ensemble, I chose them for their metallic burgundy color and left it at that.

Handbag - Tano "Homemade Cake" in Bordeaux

Really, it all just comes down to great jewelry. =) The ring is the second one I recently scored from eBay, which is actually just a replacement of one I received as a Christmas gift from my sister last year, but recently lost. I'm so very glad it popped up on eBay, because it is one of my all-time favorites!

Earrings - LOFT / Flower ring - Banana Republic (eBayed)

As I was only at work for a few hours today, I ended up swapping out the pants for some jeans and the blazer for a military green cropped jacket (which you've seen often) as soon as I got home. I didn't get any pictures, but I totally loved the casual remix, not to mention the pairings of olive and burgundy, sequins and military. I plan to wear it again for a casual work day (and subsequent blog post) soon!

Variations on a Theme

This outfit is not at all what I had first planned on wearing tonight, but I'm pretty thrilled with it!

Cardigan - LOFT / Spotted ruffle tiered shell - LOFT / Tweed pencil skirt - Lane Bryant /
Nude heels - Nine West (via Endless.com)

When I was picking out my work-wear for the evening, I initially wanted to keep it low-key and easy with a pants-jacket-embellished top ensemble. It was relatively boring, sure, but - thanks to cleaning all afternoon (and the effects of PMS) - I didn't have much energy or desire to put something else together. Once I had it on, though, I knew I could do better - perhaps a variation of my colorful cardigan-pencil ensem! So I thumbed through my (many) cardigans, and I pulled out this bright teal one to get me started.

I liked the idea of pairing this otherwise colorful cardi (heralding spring?) with this dark tweed skirt (last seen here) to give a more wintry, but still cheerful, feel. Where the top was concerned, I didn't want to wear just a simple camisole, so I dug around my closet for an embellished or even printed top to try a little pattern mixing again. My initial preference was stripes, but then I spied this dot-print shell, last seen here. I hesitated at first, thinking it was too much of a pattern mix considering how large the dots were. I scoured my belt collection to find one in grey or cream to help break up the two prints a bit more, but I just didn't have one that could sit at my hips. So, I convinced myself to just run with it. I mean, it's better than whatever else I was going to wear! (Which might be tomorrow's outfit, FYI...)

When Bob saw me, he ooohed a bit, commenting how "Mad-Menny" it made me look. (This is a good thing, of course.) He even approved of the pattern mixing! NOW I was sold. =)

The shoes had a moment of indecision. I went back and forth between these on-trend nude heels and a pair of grey faux-suede pumps. Bob voted for the grey pumps for obvious reasons, but I liked the look of the nude heels, pulling out the cream tones in the top, and really extending the line of my leg (as all nude heels so fabulously do). They're not great for being on my feet all night, but beauty is pain, people!

Handbag - Tano "Twiggy"

In the end, I adore the color palette, and I especially like the visual interest of the tiered ruffles. I might still try to find a belt for future (springtime?) wearings, but this particular pattern mixture is really growing on me!

Earrings - LOFT / Necklace - LOFT - Multi-colored stone ring - Banana  Republic

I leave you with this: When I arrived at work, my house managers were pretty excited that I was wearing ruffles. (My house managers are currently all fashion-conscious women.) Apparently we all were! This outfit was fated...

Face Time

I can't remember the last time I didn't have to work an event on Friday night. (Mind you, I'll be working both Saturday night and Sunday afternoon...) So I took advantage of a truly casual Friday, and I had a little fun with it!

Black jacket - Maurices / face graphic tee - LOFT / Leopard print ponte knit skirt - Lane Bryant /
Pink tights - Lane Bryant / Black boots  - Nine West "Onthemoon" (via Endless.com)

I just love a graphic tee, don't you? They can do such unique things for outfits.

I wanted to try styling up my new black boots again, and though I stayed with a mainly black color palate, I dressed it up with a printed pencil skirt (tweed and pinstriped were also early options), this cute graphic tee, and - oh yeah - bright pink tights! I've actually done a graphic tee with this pencil skirt before (another face tee, too!), but not like this! When I remembered that I had these super colorful tights that I hadn't yet worn, and that they matched the pink lips in the tee so perfectly, I knew I scored! 

I initially thought I'd rock my fuchsia Gustto with this outfit, but it was totally a pink overkill at that point. Instead, I pulled out this two-toned metallic Tano I had (and sadly rarely wear) to have at least one neutral accessory,  which even pulls out some of the grey tones in the tee. Can you believe I hesitated at first because I thought it was too small? Sure you can... =D

Handbag - Tano "Twiggy"

But I did add just one more pink accent with these pink stone earrings!

Hammered metal disc ring - The Limited / Pink stone earrings - New York & Co.