How Pinteresting!

I think of all the style inspiration sources out there, Pinterest has become one of my most utilized. I'm most drawn to the format and the ease of the site, where I'm continually finding images of styles (from friends, virtual friends, and even total strangers) that I know I not only can recreate with my current wardrobe, but will look good on my body type. This outfit is case in point!

Army green vest - Lane Bryant / Beige cami - Banana Republic / White pencil skirt - Talbots / Belt - Banana Republic

I first came upon the original pin thanks to Tina (whose style I seem most often to emulate), and not only did I already have all the pieces, but it gave me a great way to wear my new white pencil skirt!

And here I am, the consummate girl-on-the go (in her own backyard in front of a camera)...

Handbag - Tano / Shoes - Payless

And hey, lookie! I'm finally sporting the necklace I won from Ariana's CatMooreDesign Giveaway  way-back-when! I love the pop of color it gives the otherwise neutral hues of the outfit - which, I just noticed, is reminiscent of the teal shoes in the runway picture inset in the pin!

Necklace - Cat Moore Design (giveaway) / Earrings - Dress Barn

Recovery

Thank goodness for Casual Wednesdays. Truth be told, I've now begun the casual season at work in general. That is, fewer events for me to attend at night means fewer days I'll be dressed up! Not quite sure how (my wardrobe and) I feel about this yet, except for a general excitement that my hours will be somewhat normal for a little while!

Double zip jacket - LOFT / Striped boatneck top - Banana Republic / Washed pencil skirt - Lane Bryant /
Cut-out heels - Payless

I took off from work Monday and Tuesday to recover from a two-day 28-hour work weekend spent mostly on my feet running around with my head chopped off. Also known as Commencement Weekend. Things went smoothly, all in all, but I think my feet only just recovered yesterday.

Gotta say, though, these shoes now immortalized by Kendi really are crazy comfortable. There's something about the way they bind your feet that provides really fantastic support. I was on them for 10 hours on Saturday and I could have gone longer if I wanted. And they go with everything. For realsies. Stylish, comfortable, inexpensive and versatile?? Hellz yeah. The holy grail of one's closet.

As for the outfit, I really did want an elevated casual look today. I recently nabbed this skirt from Lane Bryant during their 40% off everything sale. A causal pencil skirt an a neutral olive? Duh. (I got it in the khaki color, too.) Naturally, paired with striped shirt and a little jacket makes for casual chic with minimal effort.

Handbag - Gustto

Summer Whites

This post was meant for last Thursday, when Blogger was down and put all the Blogger world in disarray. I've only just now started to recover from one of my busiest weekends of the year, so I'm only just now able to post it! =)

I had a great photo session today. Of course, you can't go wrong with a sunny day, a lush green background, and a pretty dress! And it's (still) been high 80s and humid here, so I thought I could get away with summer whites since, er, it feels like summer anyway…

Dress - Lane Bryant / "Instant Sleeves" - Lucie Lu (genius!) / Belt - Talbot's (via TJ Maxx) /
Shoes - Payless (a must-have, thanks to Kendi)

I feel like I should be going to a summer garden party in this ladylike outfit. (Does happy hour count? Good, cuz that's where I just came from. Check out the last picture for proof.) Even though I confess I felt a tad overdressed for an otherwise uneventful day, I got over it pretty quickly. I got oodles of compliments today, too, so it's been a good day all around!

Necklace - Talbot's / Earrings - Maurices / Ring - Banana Republic 

And now I shall bombard you with (more) pictures. There's just something about this dress that brings out the 5-year-old girly girl in me...

And then I decided to tempt fate in this lovely white frock by eating buffalo wings during tonight's girl's night out, in all its vinegary red goodness that stains everything it touches. Nothing a napkin tucked into my cleavage can't prevent...

Please do note the sauce on the corner of my mouth. Thanks to my well-placed napkin, that's the only place it ended up.

A Floral Arrangement

Hello (long lost) friends! I thought I'd interrupt my little hiatus with a little Everybody Everywhere floral love! It's an uber windy day (as you'll see from my rouge whips of hair and the sway of my top), mid-80s and humid as hell. (So much for spring, eh?) But it's also sunny and the greenery is lush, I'm aaaaaaaaaaaaaaalmost to the end of year, and I have a pretty outfit to wear, so I'll take it!

Walled City Blouse - Anthropologie / Skinnies - Gap

The best part is that my EBEW participation is completely accidental. With my head stuck deep in the sands of commencement preparation, I had no idea when the EBEW was going to be, and I only had a vague recollection that it was going to be florals. Well imagine the serendipity that, after randomly checking out the EBEW blog and learning that today was the day, I had planned not only debut this lovely floral top today, but was going to do everything in my power to post as well!

Handbag - Gustto

But don't you love this top! The minute it appeared in the Anthroplogie catalogue, I looked it up and wish-listed it right away. I even pinned it to help aid my lusting. (Yep, that's right - I'm on Pinterest! I just love the Anthropologie photo shoots, and I pin them whenever I'm ogling a new item they've featured.) It then almost immediately sold out, and I began to consider buying it for full price once it came back in stock. Over Easter weekend, Bob and I poked around the Third Ward in downtown Milwaukee, with my sole mission being that I spend some time at the Anthropologie there and hunt down this top. Glory be, there it was, even if they only had (10!) size mediums. What the hell, I thought I'd try it on for shits and giggles. What the what?! It fit! It's a little snug in the chest and and hips (where I'm the bulkiest, of course), but thanks to its unique layers, you can't really tell. And it's a gorgeous article of clothing, to be sure. Such a beautiful painterly floral print, luscious silk, swingy layers, and the amazing detail of a hand-braided neckline  - I haven't regretted paying full price one bit. I did end up ordering my usual size (large) just to compare the fit, and fortuitously enough, the medium fit better.

I also have to say that I LOVE the Anthro Reversible Seamless Tank. I'm wearing one in "Pearl" here, though you can't really see in the pics. (The top is rather sheer and I wanted another layer.) Sure, you can probably find a basic tank for cheaper elsewhere, but this is more shaper than mere tank, and I love that it's reversible! The material is super comfy as well. I plan to stock up in multiple colors!

Earrings - LOFT / Ring - Banana Republic

I considered a few necklace options, especially since the neck opening is so large. But rather than filling the open space just for the sake of it, I opted to go without, letting the intricate braided neckline and the colors of the print have the entire spotlight.

"Lalita" Cut-Out Peep-Toe Pump - Banana Republic

All in all, a great day for a post! Until next time...(whenever they let me out again!!) =))

Floral Note

The end of the season is almost here! I can taste it! Though the performance season (finally) winds down next week (but only after a very long 4-day stretch of busy days AND nights, I should mention), the craziness in my world doesn't really quiet down until the end of the commencement season next month. But only a month to go! I can do it!

Jacket - LOFT / floral top - Anthropologie / Denim pencil skirt - Lane Bryant

This outfit has been a long time coming, the pieces of which were inspired by Kendi. I've just loved the floral and olive jacket pairing so much that I simply had to recreate it. The fashion gods thus smiled upon my quest when I came upon a single size of this top in the sale room at Anthropologie - and t'was my size! Fate, people. Fate. The olive jackets I have in number, so that one was easy. I only decided to go with a skirt in this iteration because 1) tucked-in shirts only look good on me when worn with skirts and 2) I had performances this morning and I wanted to be a little dressier than jeans. So, this dressy denim skirt fit the bill nicely instead.

Ring - Limited / Handbag - Tano "Minilisa" in Blue Marine (musthavebag.com)

I must admit that I first donned boots this morning, but I really only did so because I hadn't, er, shaved in a while... I had the chance to pop home for lunch, so I took the opportunity to shave then. (I would have needed to do so tonight or tomorrow morning anyway, so I'm glad I got it out of the way!) I promise you that these little peep too flats are much cuter and more flattering.

Belt - Kohl's (?) / Peep toes - Payless / Earrings - LOFT

Until my next post (whenever that might be?) I just want to thank all my readers, new and old, quiet or outspoken, for bearing with me! Your kind words keep me keepin' on!

Dot Dot Dot

I know, I know... I've been MIA again. I'll spare you the usual sob story and simply state that I've been having a hard time juggling work and play lately. I've even been pretty silent on Facebook and Twitter, too - not to mention everyone else's blogs - so Jessica Unplugged has been generally all encompassing. I will admit that I've enjoyed a little respite from daily photographs and posting, however, even though I've missed the daily interaction with all of you lovely readers! (Boy oh boy I have some catching up to do!)

But, I did get dressed and took pictures and posted today! Yes, I'll have that cookie now...

Top - The Limited / Pinstripe pencil skirt - Lane Bryant / Skinny belt - The Limited

And just in time before the 15 minutes of the first tornado warning of the season forced us into our innermost, windowless room in our second floor apartment tonight. I hate tornadoes...

Heels - Nine West / Handbag - Gustto

But on the bright side, I do like this outfit - colorful dots (and accessories), pinstripe pencil skirt and super pointy heels can make all things better.

Ring - The Limited / Earrings - LOFT

But seriously, where's my cookie?

Bright Idea

Do you ever have those days where you just want to post pictures with a "Here you go!" byline? Or what about those days where you feel inclined to empty out the entire contents of your head in between some outfit pictures. Or maybe you'll ditch all of that to just go to bed and promise to do the post tomorrow?

I think I can safely say I've had all of those moments in the (relatively brief) lifetime of this blog; tonight has turned out to be a combination of the first two. I started by writing a lengthy tome of questions and self-reflection, only to delete it all and let the pictures do the talking. More or less.

Cardigan - The Limited / Skirt - Shape FX / Belt - LOFT / Sandals - Banana Republic

I must say I do like these pictures though. All the bright colors in the bush, my skirt, my handbag - and their playful variations on primary colors - kind of slap you in the face with glee.

So take that, self-doubt. All you needed was a little sun and color.

Ring - The Limited / Earrings - Lane Bryant (?)

Maximize

I finally remembered to participate in Everybody Everywhere! Nevermind the fact I'm posting so late, of course...

The last time I wore this maxi dress, I styled it in attempt to replicate an Anthropologie ensemble included in FFUF March Inspiration Calendar. I did alright, but I had in the back of my mind to try this blue jacket the next time I wore it. (Thanks to EBEW, it got to be sooner than later!) It's closer in color profile to the original, of course, but I also think it is just an all-around more flattering combination.

The jacket's open collar, which is almost like a portrait collar the way it sits on my shoulders, highlights my neckline and face in all the best ways. The green belt, which I chose to wear over the jacket this time, creates a better balance of colors, which in turn creates better proportions on my hiptacular bod. I definitely think my re-interpretation is a winner!

Maxi dress - Maurices / Blue double-zip jacket - LOFT / Green belt - Banana Republic / Cut-out wedges - LOFT /
Handbag - Gustto

As you can see, I also ventured out for new picture locations today! Bob and I went for a walk around a nearby lake this weekend, which gave me a chance to stake out such locations. The vibrant teal paneling on the shed, this campfire area, and future lake view spots (which will probably have to wait until the summer when my life slows down a bit, unfortunately) have definitely given me a nudge to experiment with my camera more (i.e. to take better pictures). And during an extremely stressful week month as I've been having, it's just nice to get outside, have a little me-time, be a little creative, and enjoy the air.

Date Night

Tonight was date night! In the 6+ years of our relationship, the word "date" has rarely been uttered between us. So last night when Bob suggested it, my heart about melted and I instantly said yes! We haven't really gotten to spend much time together lately - what with his interview in New York last weekend and my consecutive long event nights - so this was really just a chance to spend some time together that didn't involve the couch, TV and our laptops. After a grueling day of work, a light dinner of supremely delicious food and wine, good conversation, and puppy dog looks made a sweetly wonderful way to end the day.

Floral top - Joni Arnold (The Limited) / Grey wide-leg pants - New York & Co. / Grey wide belt - Banana Republic

So going into today, I wanted to wear something that I could wear the whole day - that could function for both work and date. (Tricky, I know.) But it was also going to be a bear of day (and truly was), so I also wanted to be sure it was something I didn't have to spend too much time thinking about, either. Cue this fitted short sleeve top with pretty rose applique. It's one of those tops that I don't seem to wear very often, but I'm always so happy when I do. I typically wear it this way, too - grey pants, belt and pops of color (colors of each vary). Not terribly creative, perhaps, but effective...

Handbag - Gustto / Yellow peep toes - Nine West (eBayed)

Not gonna lie, though. As fabulous looking as they are, these shoes might be most uncomfortable pairs of shoes I own. EVER. And that's saying something...

Earrings - ? / Ring - TJ Maxx

For my next wearing? I might wear the top with a full goldenrod skirt and a belted jacket, a la this ensemble.

I Feel Pretty

Whoa boy. Where to start. Another busy week means blogging sadly takes a back burner again. I've been pretty good about snapping some pictures at some point in the day, however, so I'm glad I can take some time (when I can) to go back and document these outfits! So, I think I'll start with my favorite outfit from this past week (Wednesday, as this post is dated) - and favorite pictures, too!

From the Meadows Tank - Anthropologie / Open cardigan - Gap / Grey pencil skirt - Chloe Dao (eBayed)

The top is a gem, plain and simple. It just makes me feel....pretty! It was an Anthropologie sale find at the end of last summer, and though I wasn't sure I'd be able to get much wear out of it in the colder months (and I didn't), it remains one of my favorite tops. It is just so beautifully cut, and those floral corsage-like appliques are fabulously decadent. I think it brings nice attention to my decolletage and face, while its peplum design floats over all the bobbles in my midsection. It is a sleeveless tank, though, so I chose to add a lightweight open cardigan to cover my arms. While it hit near 70 today, I'm not quite ready to bare 'em...ever...

Handbag - Gustto

Ring - Banana Republic / Earrings - LOFT

With all the sweetly neutral tones of the top, cardigan and skirt, I added pops of color with my accessories - bright turquoise in my earrings and ring; and bright fuchsia in my handbag.

And oh yeah - check out my pumps, people (as I'm apparently doing in this picture). These open-toed patent nude platforms from Guess are KILLER! I did feel like a giant in them today (and one visiting artist even said as much) - making me hit over 6' easily. Surprisingly, they weren't all that uncomfortable, though!

Nude patent pumps - Guess "Hondo3" (via Piperlime)

I experimented with a few new locations today, too, and I'm digging the diffused light of location in the first few pics above, the blooming yellow bush behind me above, and he play of shadow and direct light in this one below. I still feel like a freak show when I'm out and about posing and whatnot in front of my neighbors (something I don't think I'll ever get over, either), so I'm glad some of these new locations offer both privacy and good lighting. =)

Le sigh. Such a happy, flattering, special top. =) It's exactly the kind of top that brought me to Anthropologie (and keeps me there) in the first place.