The Maxi Life

So a few (more) updates are in order! I officially left my job at the end of last month, have had some lazy, care-free vacation time (I'll have residual income until about the end of August), updated my resume and C.V., and wrote a few excellent cover letters for a few new positions. I make dinner and walk (almost) every night, wear much less make up (I swear by Too Faced's The Secret To No Makeup Makeup), have my first (and long-desired) appointment with an acupuncturist tomorrow, and renewed my love for the downtown coffee shops, from where I write this. I joke with Bob that I could get used to this life, and he laughs uncomfortably (there is no way we could be a single income household), but for now I'm mostly stress-free, well-rested and able to ponder life in ways I haven't been able to do in a while. It reminds me of summers during grad school, which is a dangerous situation, really - suddenly filling me with a desire to binge watch Breaking Bad or other shows I've been missing out on... But I'm enjoying this while it lasts and planning for the future in, I think, responsible, realistic ways. I'm an adult, dammit! Who knew!

Desert Rain Maxi Dress - c/o Kiyonna / Sandals - Nine West (n/a) / Clutch - Eloquii (n/a)

For days such as these, I am eternally grateful for the concept of the maxi dress. Long, loose, breathable, forgiving, colorful maxi dresses. I've long eyed the Desert Rain Maxi Dress from Kiyonna, compelled by its generous, luxe fabric, sexy neckline and long sleeves (unheardof!), and they were happy to send it to me as a member of their Blogger Brigade (lapsed, though I may be). There's something about the dress that calls for dressier occasions than coffee shops, and it's definitely one that I can see myself wearing in cooler weather and even over the holidays, but I'm happy to have been able to test it out with a walk downtown and some quality time with a latte and quirky coffee house surroundings.

Necklace - Hive & Honey (via Piperlime) / Ring - Trina Turk for Banana Republic (n/a) / Earrings - The Limited /
Nails - OPI Espresso Your Style (via Ulta)

I had a realization with the dress, however, especially after looking through my pictures: I could see this as a wide-legged jumpsuit! Is that strange? Am I crazy? I'm intrigued by the concept of jumpsuits in general, and how they might work on a plus-sized body specifically, but there's something about the shape and details of this one that just might work (if converted). What do you say, Kiyonna? Wanna give it a shot? I promise to be your guinea pig, if you do!

To the New!

This holiday season has been a whirlwind of good things all around. Engagement, birthday, Christmas with family, outings with friends visiting from out of state. So much to celebrate as I close out 2012 and ring in 2013! And it wouldn't be a proper celebration without a great dress (thank you Kiyonna!) and all the trimmings. And a frosty winter's night background that somehow complements it all perfectly.

Betsey Ruched Dress  - c/o Kiyonna / Shoes - Kelsi Dagger / Coat - Larry Levine

Truth be told, Bob and I have gone back and forth about how we wanted to welcome the new year. In many ways, our engagement only just 2 weeks ago has brought us so much excitement that there doesn't seem to be any way to make the end of the year much better! We have forgone our traditional NYE/anniversary meal at our favorite local restaurant in favor of Potbelly sandwiches and cookies (our bank accounts need the reprieve after so much holiday spending anyway) while Bob clears out the DVR and I whip up this blog post. (Full disclosure: the party gear, complete with Spanx, was donned earlier for the photo shoot and now lies in wait...while I've spent the last few hours relaxing in comfies.) Instead, we'll venture out late to share a bottle of wine and the festivities of downtown just in time for the stroke of midnight. Mother Nature brought plenty of snow, so I just know the sights will be lovely (even if the sidewalks aren't...)

Clutch - ? / Earrings - Anniversary gift / Necklace - LOFT / Ring - Banana Republic
Nails - Essie "Waltz" and OPI "Mauve-ie Star in Making"

But here's the kicker. I'm all dressed up with places to go, looking and feeling fabulous, but that's not even what excites me tonight. What excites me most is the fact that I've been blessed with such a wonderful partner in life - and now for life - to share it all with. We'll start the new year together, with so many more wonderful things (and the not-so wonderful, too) to look forward to.

I hope all of you will start off the new year in ways that make YOU the happiest!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Indoor Games

Ah, indoor pictures. I both love and hate you. I love the fact that I don't have to venture somewhere outside and play the "I'm just looking down at the sidewalk over here, while that random tripod is just standing in front of me" game every time cars drive by. I hate the fact that I don't have an empty wall or a neutral backdrop anywhere in my cramped little apartment and that getting the right lighting will always be a challenge. For better or worse, however, indoor pictures have only been an occasional occurrence so far this "winter."

Top - Banana Republic / Pencil skirt - eloquii / Shoes - Max Studio (via DSW)

Burgundy and leopard continue to inspire all my fall wardrobe choices. It is been my favorite fall combination, that's for sure, and one I'm not done with yet! I grabbed the top online with one of Banana Republic's weekly 40% off coupons to (partially) appease my obsessive hunt for more burgundy goodness. I sure didn't need it, but I obviously had to have it. Obviously. It's difficult to tell from the pictures, but the yoke of the top is a panel of sheer material, creating a unique mixed media effect that makes it much more than your average top, burgundy or otherwise.

Ring - Banana Republic (gifted) / Necklace - The Limited / Earrings - The Limited

Speaking of BR, has anyone else taken advantage of their totes amazing "Twelve Days of Joy" campaign? Special offers and free gifts December 1-12! My faves? Samples for Benefit Cosmetics (as a true Sephora junkie, I can never pass up make-up samples), a $10 voucher for movie tickets to see Les Misérables (a no-brainer!!) and a sample of Garrett's Popcorn (Chicagoans will know the well-earned fame behind their cracktastic bites). I'm just stunned by the freebies going around this holiday season!! Sign me up! (Says I, as I slather my lips with the Fresh Mini Sugar Lip Treatment I got from Sephora for my birthday reward.) It makes it easier to spend money on other people during the holidays if I can still stock up... =7

Handbag - DKNY (via TJMaxx)

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!

Top Marks

It's so lovely to finally be on vacation! One whole glorious week to get a few things done around the apartment and travel to WI to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with family. Of course, when I think about the fact that I won't actually be home for the whole week, I start to panic about all the things I want to get done. I guess just a little less mindless lounging should be my goal. =)

Ring - LOFT / Belt - LOFT / Earrings - Lane Bryant Outlet /
Nails - Essie "Recessionista" (via Ulta)

I first wore this outfit a few weeks ago for a low-key Saturday work day, only Instagramming the outfit to earmark it for a second wearing. I simply loved the combination of the leopard print top and the burgundy belt with, shocking as it was, pants!

I'm always an advocate for belting blousy tops, of course, but the proportions of the longer top made the accessory practically a necessity. And a burgundy one was just the thing. It was actually this first combination of burgundy and leopard that planted the obsession for my favorite fall outfit ideas!

Blouse - Lane Bryant / Pants - NY&Co. / Sandals - Nine West

You don't seem many pants on this blog, though, do ya? Once in a while I'm able to style a pair in a way in which they actually look good on me, but usually they just don't work. (And they never photograph well. Cue strategic cropping.) Basically it's just because I've yet to find a pair that actually fits well; it's probably time to dedicate some time to the hunt, eh? Well, until then, a fabulous leopard-print blouse that hits past the hips/crotch area will conceal all the usual misdeeds of an ill-fitting trouser.

Handbag - Tano

Give It a Swirl

I braved a little sky spit for this photo op. I'm just not ready for indoor pics yet! (Read: My apartment is just not ready for indoor pics yet!) In case you didn't know, cameras and rain don't mix. Fortunately, the drizzle was intermittent enough for me to get the job done, and I had an umbrella that I had on hand to (awkwardly) use when necessary. On the plus side, all that moisture in the air and on the ground makes for some pretty color.

Belt - Talbots / Necklace - LOFT / Earrings - The Limited / Ring - The Limited

Skirt - eloquii / Top - H&M / Shoes - Kohl's

I once again pair this green skirt with black and white. This time it's a graphic b/w print of my dreams! I just love the medallion design. I mean, when I think black-and-white-graphic-print, this is IT. Found at one of my all-too-fleeting (and very quick) H&M trips, I took it straight to the check out without even trying it on. Well, given its uber-blousy nature, I should have sized down, so I wasn't able to wear it for a whole month before I could get to another H&M to exchange it. I was just glad they still had the top! Oh, how I wish for an H&M closer than 2 hours away...

Hound's Tooth

This combination of colors and print - oh-so-perfect for fall - was pulled right from this outfit from the Banana Republic Fall Campaign. I swear there were even more images on their website at one time, but since this color palette has already been replaced by their push for teal (wha?!), I can't find them anymore. Harrumph. But anyway, houndstooth and mustard. I knew I could totally replicate this mash of wonderful textures and I wouldn't have to buy a thing. (Spoiler alert: none of it is from BR!)

Pumps - Charles by Charles David (via DSW) / Handbag - Tano

Houndstooth pencil skirt - Lane Bryant / Cardigan - Cable & Gauge (consigned) /
Camisole - eloquii / Belt - Lane Bryant

The skirt, a somewhat recent acquisition from Lane Bryant (and apparently no longer available!), is a kind of oversized houndstooth, and I was admittedly reluctant to keep the skirt on account of it at first. The pattern is normally kind of loud, but to enlarge it - uffda! So thank goodness texture and pattern is all the rage for fall... I actually want to hunt down more seasonal ways to wear the skirt, because until I landed upon that BR campaign, nothing was really striking me. Share your suggestions, if you please!

The burgundy accents were my one personal contribution, of course. As obsessed as I've been about the color, I figured it would make a great accent for the ensemble. All my fall favorites in one place!

Ring - The Limited / Earrings - Lane Bryant / Nails - Essie "Wicked" (via Ulta)

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

Fine Wine

You'll never guess what I'm doing at this hour! That's right, giving in to my insomnia, watching LOTR, and painting my nails. I am OB.SESSED with all things burgundy/oxblood/cabernet/whathaveyou these days. It's always a great color for fall, but the trends have eaten the color right up and with it tons of great things to lust after. Recently acquired: this burgundy cabernet cardigan from LOFT, the best nail color EVAH (Essie "Recessionista"), beautiful burgundy suede pumps and a burgundy oxblood peplum top from ASOS Curve. I think I'm covered for the season, no? =)

Cardigan - LOFT / Camisole - eloquii / Pencil skirt - Dorothy Perkins

LOFT cardigans are just about the best out there. They change details from season to season, but I can always rely on them to fit well and be just the thing to round out my wardrobe. I was kind of shocked I didn't have a cardigan in this color, but thanks to a $25 cardigan sale, I didn't have to put forth much effort (or moola) to make it happen.

 Brown pumps- Christian Siriano for Payless / Handbag - Tano

I've also decided I'm in love the combination of animal print and burgundy. I wore an outfit, as of yet only Instagrammed, with a great new animal print top, brown pants (!!!) and - just the thing - a slim burgundy belt. I loved the look and decided I need to do the combination as often as possible. (I'll be sure to wear/post that outfit again soon!)

And what better canvas than a pencil skirt and cardi, eh? Nope, nothing better.

Necklace - LOFT / Ring - Banana Republic / Earrings - Lane Bryant /
Nails - "Wicked" by Essie (via Ulta)

Well Worn

Holy smokes, batman, it was a crazy night last night. Busier than all get-out and I think I'm still recovering. But even if it's as stressful as can be and my head is spinning in utter madness, I think I almost prefer it that way. Nothing makes the night go faster - or with more pizzazz.

Don't worry, I did not wear this outfit last night. It was a huge night for us and, as you can very well imagine, I was dressed more than appropriately (in this gorgeous outfit - and since I've worn it before, I will not have a fresh set of pictures for you). But I did wear this outfit the day before - a casual day topped off with a much-needed happy hour with mah girls. I wish I had more Wednesday evenings free so we could make it a weekly ritual. Actually, with only one 2 weeks left in the season, I just may be able to! (Note that, girls?)

Double-zip jacket - LOFT / Top - Lane Bryant / Khaki pencil skirt - Lane Bryant /
Sandals - Nine West

I do love the combination of blue and burgundy though, and this is well-documented. I may love belting this particular jacket even more, since I've done so nearly every wearing (exhibit 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5). It pretty much made for an ensemble that put itself together.

Ring - Banana Republic / Belt -Talbots / Earrings - LOFT

As always, which belt is the question. I think I have about 50 belts of various colors and sizes (and all poorly organized, I should mention), so finding the right complement is always fun. I could have gone with a gold or brown here, or better yet a textured belt in a brown snakeskin (which was a very close runner-up), but I decided on this blue in a much lighter color that nicely complemented both the jacket and top. I fall just a bit out of love with these Nine West sandals (which I have in 4 colors) every time I wear them, though, mainly because I think they've fallen out of love with me...

Handbag - Tano