Soft and Fair!

So I tried to write a post last night but 1) I was exhausted from election madness (and work) and 2) it felt odd to simply write about clothes after such a night. (I most certainly didn't want to get into any politics...) Maybe I could have just led with the adorable dresses that the Obama girls were wearing...?

Cuz I felt pretty adorable in this dress...

Whrligig Dress - Velvet (Anthropologie) / Cropped jacket - Maurices /
Sandals - Christian Siriano for Payless

I've actually been dying to wear this dress again for the blog. You can probably tell that it's a rather summery frock, and it was certainly best donned then. Gold sandals and belt always set the dress off nicely, and it happens to be one of those holy grails of summer dresses that are as comfortable as they are flattering. Oh, and it was a thrilling Anthropologie sale score to top all that off. But alas, two summers had passed (and probably at least four wearings) and nary a photograph was taken. So I challenged myself to find a few layering options for slightly cooler (though warm for early October) weather and finally photograph this lovely.

Handbag - Ruche

Dusty purple and olive make such a soft, pretty pairing (it reminds me of a favorite eyeshadow palette, actually), and a cropped jacket was just the thing to add a bit more coverage and casual flair to the look. Add a long necklace, a happy mint handbag and super nude strappy sandals, and I felt like I wouldn't ever have to goodbye to summer.

Ring - Ruche / Necklace - LOFT / Earrings -  Maurices

(Illinois Octobers are tricky that way.)

True Blue

Holy crap! It's November!!

You guys... I'm giving my first lecture in three years tomorrow (or today, depending on when you're reading this). I've been asked to give a guest lecture for an intro course for music majors while pretty much the entire department is at a conference, and I agreed - mostly to challenge myself. I've been out of the whole academic circle (I've been a Ph.D. candidate in Musicology since 2009...) while working in my current position, necessitated of course by the job's hours, stress level, duties... I confess I've felt uber rusty with both the teaching material and the act of teaching itself, but after a few days review and preparation, I think I'm ready to go - I know I can do this just as well as I used to! Oh I'm still terrified, but it's also a wonderfully rejuvenating feeling to get back in the saddle again.

Wrap dress - Gap / Half-camisole - Coobie (via Her Room) /
Handbag - Banana Republic / Shoes - RSVP (via Zappos)

This makes me wonder...if I ever get back into academia, how would my sartorial choices change? Even as I put together my "teaching" outfit tonight, which incidentally also has to be an evening "boss lady" outfit (I get to wear both hats all in one day), I became painfully aware how they're not the same thing, that they don't really serve the same function. I think they could, but the line just becomes a little finer between them.

Case in point: I contemplated wearing a notice-me printed wrap dress in splashes of pinks for my lecture, but I convinced myself that it was a bit much to be in front of a classroom, at least this time around. I think that was more about the print (neither seasonal nor subtle) than the silhouette, however, because I generally think a wrap dress can do no wrong. This dress? I love it so much that I have it in a dark pink and a blue-green dot pattern as well. And I think I'd wear any of them in a (college) classroom.

How 'bout you guys? Do think it's necessary to keep a role (perceived or real) in mind when dressing ourselves? If so, how do you go about it? If not, what guides you instead?

Ladies Who Lunch

Before I inundate you with more maxi dresses, I thought I'd offer a bit of respite with, oh I dunno, a pencil skirt. I figure it's been a little bit you've seen me in one, anyway.

Lunch at My Place top - Modcloth / Pencil skirt - Macy's (Charter Club) /
Sandals - Christian Siriano for Payless / Handbag - Banana Republic /
Ring - Ruche / Earrings - Lane Bryant

Alas, pencil skirts are not quite the thing for work these days. Just a little too dressy for the likes of the casual, quiet days in my cave of an office. But throw in a midweek, midday reception, and I've got a reason to don one. Especially when it's practically a duplicate of this favorite pencil skirt/embellished tee ensemble. (Just a difference in colors - and at least 5 pounds...) Here's the kicker: the ivory version of the tee was purchased at Ruche for $33; the blue version was purchased at Modcloth for $25. Same designer. Things that make you go hmmmm.... And thanks to reader Liv who recommended these nude sandals from Payless! Cute, comfy and just the look I've been after.

Happy Friday, everyone! Bob's birthday is this weekend, and it will be filled with lots of cute outfits and delectable dining. Oh the pictures I'll have to share with you next week! I hope to have a Weight Watchers update, as well - all good things. =)

Summer's Bloom

I've decided that wearing pink makes me happy. My mood and self-esteem is significantly higher when I'm wearing it - the glow on my face in these (and other) outfit pictures attests to this. Oddly enough, I've never really been drawn to pink before. Conclusion? Wear more pink. Buy more pink.

Wrap dress - Gap / Camisole - Anthropologie / Shoes - Nine West

This wrap dress is the same style as the dotted one I wore a few weeks ago. I was so happy with the fit that I was thrilled to find they made the dress is this infectiously cheery pink version as well. "Summer Azalea" is the name of the color - beyond perfect. Even just the sound of the name evokes a state of summery bliss.

Azaleas (image via)

I thought I could wear the dress without a camisole, and for evenings out, I perhaps still could. But for daytime, I totes still need one. (I attempted to go the first half of the day without. Uffda.) This is a bummer since the camisole creates unflattering bunching underneath the otherwise clean lines of the dress. A print might conceal this; a light-colored solid cannot. I keep hearing ladies tell me about those mock camisoles (aka "cami secret" or winkee) that attach to your bra; I might have to break down and try them myself!

In other news, I'm recommitting myself to Weight Watchers. For real, this (umpteenth) time. I've gained a lot of weight this year, and possibly even more the last few weeks. Thanks to thoughtful dressing (which I'd do no matter what my size) and careful posing, perhaps this hasn't always been noticeable in my pictures. But it's gotten to a point that it's become difficult to revel in the kind of silhouettes I so love to wear. The crazy thing is that I've been a WW member this whole time, neither going to meetings nor even really visiting the website, but I haven't brought myself to cancel (again) because I really didn't want to admit defeat - even though I've clearly been defeated. We eat well overall - local, fresh produce and grass-feed meats, and a near avoidance of any processed foods, but we just eat too much. And exercise? Non-existent. However much I want to practice the curvy-girl mantra of embracing the size I am, I can't deny that, especially as I approach my mid-thirties, I know my heath is at risk. I'm simply not as healthy (or happy) as I need to be...

Handbag - Coach (gifted)

So, I'm hoping this public declaration of my intentions (and reasons) will help me forge ahead. I've already tracked both today AND yesterday, and despite the scary total number of points I've accumulated in only two days, I know that I'm regaining control. So here we go!

Ring - Ruche / Necklace - LOFT / Earrings - Ruche

Stay tuned for the winner of the $50 Kiyonna gift card tomorrow!

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

Laced Layers

Look familiar? This outfit is, more or less, a reinvention of this one, made even better by an extra dash of green with the sandals. In fact, I had wanted to wear these green sandals with the first outfit, but I thought black peep toes made for a slightly dressier ensemble. I actually consider this outfit as the casual version of the first, but leave it to me to consider a ponte pencil skirt casual. Well, in my closet, it really is...

Okay, okay, there really isn't very much that's casual about this outfit, especially given the fact that a few people thought the outfit was a dress. Is it possible to even try to be casual with this necklace? Or with the sandals? Or with, you know, a skirt?

Top - LOFT / Pencil skirt - Lane Bryant / Sandals - Nine West (via Endless)

It was the backdrop of beige and blacks that dumped another idea for this fabulous necklace in my lap, though. I continue to experiment with textures and layers with this necklace, and the more there are, the more I seem to love the result.

Ring - Ruche / Necklace - Modcloth (gifted) / Earrings - Ruche

Handbag - DKNY (via TJMaxx)

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)

The Camel's Hump

This is one of those outfits that was seemingly only intended for the blog. Aside from a short work meeting, I saw pretty much no one all day. But hot pink heels shall not be wasted! Thank you, blog.

Yes, you've seen this sweater before in black. I liked it (and its price at extra % off) so much that I decided to make it a pair. The fur collar is removable on both, converting the sweater to a nice tied cardigan for warmer weather. For now, I like the cozy, luxe look of the fur and rich caramel coloring. Especially if I'm only wearing it for myself anyway - I like how it feels on my neck. =)

Fur collar cardigan - Eloquii / Camisole - Eloquii / Denim - Lane Bryant /
Sandals - Nine West / Handbag - Gustto

I thought I should try for some color, though. It was a warm enough (i.e. above 40°) to break out some open-toed sandals, so I chose these bright pink lovelies for a kick, doubled by my fuchsia Gustto. Now that I look at these pictures, though, I'm not sure why I was so afraid of all those luscious camel tones on their own. Perhaps I harbor a secret fear of neutrals, as if color is the only thing that imparts an outfit's interest. As if that fur collar wasn't enough! Meh, who can deny the opportunity to wear hot pink open-toed sandals on a cloudy day?

Best moment of the day? Walking to said work meeting and getting a "Now those are some awesome shoes!" from a girl walking in the opposite direction. I guess the outfit wasn't lost on my corner of the world after all. =)

Earrings - Ruche / Ring - Banana Republic / Necklace - The Limited (?)

Dots and Stripes Forever

There's a lot going on here, I know. Stripes, dots and animal print! Black and brown! I had two conflicting thoughts about this outfit: Obey Chanel's maxim to take off the last thing you put on (which would have been the belt), or challenge myself to step outside my comfort zone and just work it. I'm not totally convinced that it's not too much, but I'm proud of myself for sticking with it. I gotta say, though, I do quite like the mix of browns and blacks.

Striped top - Dorothy Perkins / Black ponte pencil skirt - Lane Bryant /
Scarf - Dorothy Perkins / Belt - Old Navy / Boots - Coconuts via DSW (gifted)

It all comes down to the fact that I really, really wanted to wear this scarf. Another Dorothy Perkins snood (just a Britishism for infinity scarf, methinks), the butterscotch brown and black dots make it somewhat hard to wear - I almost wish the dots were navy. But that's why I embraced the combination of colors in the scarf and mixed all those prints in the same color family. I like how the browns are on are the lighter side - more caramel than chocolate - which makes for a better contrast with black.

Handbag - Tano "Minilisa"

Mmm, now I want caramels...

Ring - The Limited / Earrings - LOFT

I always love how turquoise looks with brown, so it was an obvious choice for a little extra color against all these dark neutrals. Shoot, I kinda wish I had a turquoise belt now! It's always something, isn't it...

Dandy Lion

So what if I wore this same color palette nearly all last week? I guess I've been on a taupe-black-green bender. And I still might threaten to wear more leopard and teal this week, too. In fact, I think you can count on it...

Black cardigan - LOFT / Taupe pencil skirt - NY&Co. / Cami - Anthropologie /
Bag - Coach (gifted) / Heels - Nine West

Color palette aside, I'm not in love with the outfit. A bit of boredom, a bit of poor fit. Well, you can't win 'em all. I do love the scarf, though. Truth be told, the entire outfit was built around it, inspired by my last wishlist set of unexpectedly complementary taupes, greens and blacks. I have a few more ideas up my sleeve ('round my neck?), but I think this post has successfully convinced me that it's time to loose 15 pounds for a new taupe pencil skirt.

Dandelion print snood - Dorothy Perkins / Ring - Ruche / Earrings - The Limited

Comfy Cozy

Another amazing Banana Republic sale find, this merino wool drop-shoulder cardigan cost me all of $25 - originally $120!! I can't believe it was marked down that much in store when it's still a steep $100 online... (I'm the Banana Republic sale master lately!) It's simply the most cozy, soft, comfortable sweater - the only thing for a long, gloomy, cold January day.

Drop shoulder cardigan - Banana Republic / Stripe tee - LOFT / Jeans - Lane Bryant /
Boots - Famous Footwear / Handbag - Gustto

Jeans and a tee were my immediate inclination (with colorful accessories for fun), but I'd like to see how it fares with a colorful pencil skirt, tights and boots. Hmm, the outfit in my head is coming together quite nicely...

Earrings - Lane Bryant / Ring - The Limited / Necklace - Ten Thousand Villages