Happy post-turkey weekend!

I hope everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving! I got to spend a lot of quality time with my wonderful family eating and drinking delicious things. My family has a tradition of cooking with booze (in fact, "Cooking With Booze" is the name of the show my sister and aunt think they should host on the food network). This year we got Jack Daniels in the sweet potatoes, sherry in the mashed potatoes, and white wine in the turkey basting (and thus the gravy). Yummmm.

I spent most of the weekend in my pjs or eatin' pants, but I did managed to get dressed for lunch and shopping on Saturday afternoon.

Comfy casual, even in the wind! I liked the purple and red together.

And now, back to the grind (sigh).

Long-sleeved shirt: ancient, I think Sears

Layering tank: three-pack at Costco

Scarf: gift from mom

Skirt: j.crew outlet

Socks: TJMaxx

Boots: Madden Girl via DSW

Earrings: target

Bracelet: gift from my sister

SUnglasses: street vendor in Russia

Urban cowgirl?

Last day of classes before Thanksgiving break! I am so stoked to eat lots of good food with my family.

I've been wanting to remix this soft, pretty plaid shirt, so I decided to try tucking it in and belting, as I've seen so many other style bloggers do (most notably the lovely ladies at Between Laundry Days and Blue Collar Catwalk). That gave me kind of a midwest farmgirl vibe, so I just went with it. I swapped belts and cardigans around until it felt more modern than costume-y.

Old-school, I know, but I just felt pretty. I love a swirly skirt, and these colors.

It was, of course, totally necessary to do a hoedown in this outfit.

I am a huge dork.

Two days 'til turkey!

Shirt: TJMaxx
Cardigan: TJMaxx
Skirt: Banana Republic
Belt: thrifted
Tights: CK via TJMaxx
Boots: Madden Girl via DSW
Watch: Target
Earrings: street vendor in Russia

No fear: guest blogger

On Tuesday, the roommate of awesome, E., was inspired to try a no fear day of her own. She says she rarely wears this wide-lapeled blouse because it seems too dramatic or too fussy.

I think paired with a simple cardigan and belt, it looks just right.

No fear nohow , E.! Thanks for playing along!

Blouse: Nine West via TJMaxx

Cardigan: Simply Cashmere via TJMaxx

Belt: TJMaxx

Pants: NY&Co

Shoes: Mudd via TJMaxx

Dude, guess who likes TJ's? Ha!

No fear wrap-up

The lovely Rose at from Sneakers to Stilettos joined in our challenge! Gorgeous outfit, Rose!

I had planned to wear my bright red pants as the third day of the no fear challenge (and man, it really requires no fear to wear bright red pants!) but I pulled them out of the closet and discovered...they no longer fit. Boo. Back to the consignment store they will probably go. Anyway, here's what I've learned from this challenge:

1. I liked those "scary" clothes in the first place for a reason. They're PRETTY. And they make me feel pretty. I got so many compliments on that light blue dress that I feel silly for leaving it in the back of the closet so long. I really don't need to buy new things - I just need to appreciate what I have.

On the other hand...

2. This challenge was a lot of work. It really took some mental effort to put together combos with these pieces that felt right and were work- and weather-appropriate. It takes me a lot less time to get dressed when I'm piling on the old standbys.


Conclusion? These no-fear pieces are best for days when I'm feeling bored and have a little extra time to spend on getting the outfit right.

If anyone else played along, please let me know! I'd be happy to feature you.

No fear: B's day 2: the vest

Oh this vest. It does such good things for my upper body. And yet, it's so hard to put it on and not feel like A) an extra from the cast of Blossom or B) a wannabe hipster. So it's been pretty much sitting in my closet ever since I bought it.

Well, no more! After much experimenting (and a great deal of patience from the roommate of awesome), I came up with this combo.

I felt super cute! I think the button-down and pencil skirt make it professional, but the puffed sleeves and bright tights keep it girly and fun. And boy, do purple legs ever get a lot of attention.

Plus, I forgot how awesomely comfortable these shoes are.

And I love, love the detailing on this vest.

I count this as another no fear win!

Blouse: ancient - maybe Sears?

Vest: TJMaxx

Skirt: GAP outlet

Tights: TJMaxx

Shoes: Fred Meyer's

Earrings: street vendor on Cape Cod

Watch: Target

No fear: B.'s Day 1: the dress

I bought this dress a year or two ago as the perfect swing dancing dress - a full skirt for twirling, below the knee (for modesty while twirling), short sleeves, a lightweight breathable fabric in a pretty color, a lovely draped neckline. I wore it once or twice dancing before I discovered how resolutely casual the Boston swing scene is. Since then, it's been sitting in the back of my closet. I keep telling myself that it's too fancy for day time, but then it's too costume-y for a night out (nights out in New England are resolutely casual as well). And there it sat, as ohhoneyno says, wasting its prettiness.

So the challenge for me was to make this dress appropriate for daytime, for teaching, and for a mild fall day.

I added a long cardigan and wrapped the waist tie around the outside a la the academichic girls, gray tights, and my Minnie Mouse shoes. Ta-da! Swirly skirt dress for daytime!

I got a lot of compliments on the dress (and the shoes!) and felt pretty and comfortable all day. A no fear success!

Dress: London Times via TJMaxx
Cardigan: kersch essentials via Costco
Camisole: thrifted in Brooklyn
Tights: TJMaxx
Shoes: JCPenny's
Watch: Target
Silver hoops: thrifted on Cape Cod

c: no fear challenge, day 1

UPDATE: In an ode to academichic's "grellow," I decided to go to work in this, which brought me a lot of joy. I simply added a yellow sweater and some gray tights and called it a work day! I was accused of being "nunnish" by my 17-year-old brother, but who cares what he says, anyway?





Okay, new week, new challenge!

I like this challenge because the possibilities are nearly limitless (probably because there are a lot of under-used items hiding in my closet).

Because I will be working today, I figure I can't go wrong with this skirt/shirt combination. I know it LOOKS boring, but believe you me, I haven't worn this skirt in over five years. Why? Because for a long time I thought it made me look really, really, heinously fat. Reasons? I'm short. Like, under 5'2". As a result, most skirts that hit below the knee make me look shorter. I also have a really hard time figuring out what kind of shirt goes with a skirt when the dimensions of my body are such that button-ups are practically impossible and anything else just looks weird and lumpy.

All that said...I don't think this looks that bad. It's just a skirt and a shirt (I WISH I had some cute maroon tights to go with it...that would have been adorable) and some black shoes, but it's definitely a scary outfit for me. I'm sure the skirt is happy to be out of the shadows once more.

And can I say...good gracious, I love these shoes. They are pinup shoes (in my opinion), and that makes me so incredibly happy.


Shirt: Torrid
Gray Skirt: Old Navy (I think from like '00. Maybe '01)
Black Velvety Heels: Charlotte Russe (also a few [4? 5?] years old)
Pearly Headband: Who knows? Under the sink.

No fear challenge!

Everyone's got those clothes at the backs of their closets that they admired in the store, bought, and then never had the courage to wear. Maybe that dress is too fancy. Maybe those shoes are too bright. Maybe those pants are too trendy. For whatever reason, these clothes we love languish unworn in our closets.

This is the week to pluck up your nerve and bring them out into the light of day! We want to see how you make those pieces work for you. If any of you lovely readers feel inspired to try this challenge, email us and let us know! We'd be happy to feature you on the blog.

Let No Fear Week begin!

gray Saturday

It rained and rained and rained all day yesterday - perfect weather for curling up with a cup of tea and catching up on my classwork.

I ended up not getting properly dressed until it was time to go to my friends' house for dinner (I made some pretty kick-ass pumpkin bars to take with me!). Soft and cozy was the order of the evening, and since their driveway is treacherously puddle-ridden, I busted out my galoshes.

Rain, rain, go away! *

Purple cardigan: kersh essentials via Costco

Black t-shirt: hand-me-down from a friend, Forever 21

Gray corduroy skirt: j.crew outlet

Leggings: TJMaxx

Scarf: gifted, H & M

Boots: TJMaxx

Earrings: Thrift shop on Cape Cod

*Actually I rather like the rain. But I also like children's rhymes.

my other sexy librarian shoes

I found these gray oxford-y heels last year doing some outlet shopping with my sister and stepmother, and fell in love. They rock my world. But I think they look odd without tights, so I was impatiently waiting for it to be cold enough to wear them.

Sorry for the terrible outfit picture - just focus on the shoes.

In other news, now that C. is back, it's time for another challenge! I'm thinking something along the lines of "ohhoneyno's "no fear" challenge. I'll post details this weekend - all our lovely readers are invited to play along!

Turtleneck sweater: H & M

Black dress, worn as skirt: j.crew outlet

Belt: TJMaxx

Tights: street vendor in Russia

Shoes: Aldo outlet

Earrings: boutique in California

Bracelet: street vendor in Hong Kong

Indian summer

It's been in the 60's for the past three days now. The 60's! In mid-November! In New England! Crazy. I loved being out in the sunshine, but since I'd already packed away most of my summer things I kind of didn't know what to do with myself sartorially speaking.

Black pencil skirt to the rescue!

Add one pretty hand-me-down cardigan and some red accessories and I was ready for a day of teaching and presentations.

White blouse: TJMaxx

Blue cardigan: rescued from C.'s Goodwill pile

Gray tank: 3-pack from Costco

Black pencil skirt: GAP outlet

Belt: taken off a dress from JC Penny's

Shoes: gift from my mom, Banana Republic

Earrings: Alaska state fair

Necklace: gift from my Russian friends

Watch: Target

AND!

How could I forget? B has posted a great picture of she and I at my Movie Party, but I'll post another (I don't think it's quite as good, though):


My sexy secretary pencil skirt is from Torrid. It's kind of ill-fitting and I don't really like the plaid, but whatevs. It's not as formal as I would have liked, but it was either that or a bridesmaid gown I have, and this one was the more comfortable of the two. Ah, me and comfort--it's my weakness! Also, can we talk about how my hair looks greasy in these pictures? Agh, I was not having a good hair day. In my opinion, B is definitely the more glam of the two. :)

But I have LOTS of glamorous friends! If any of them are reading this: let me know if I can post your pics up here! People deserve to see your amazingness!

kinda boring, but kinda great

I'm back! YAYYY! Well, you might not be happy, but I am! It feels so awesome to have my computer back. I had to get a new hard drive, and I still haven't recovered anything off the old one, but O! What joy to have one's compy back in working order. B has been doing an EXCELLENT job of keeping up the ol' bloggy in my absence. Bravo!

Now, on to my day!

Hm. Today one of my tutees (she is originally from Brazil, and is learning English) asked me, "What does 'can even' mean? I hear this on the radio and I don't understand!" It took me about 15 minutes to give her an answer that made any sense. English is hard!

(For the record, "can even," in my world, means, "'also' with emphasis and surprise." As in, "...it can even make your laundry brighter!" I probably just confused her more than anything. Ah well. Live and loin.)

Earlier today I had an interview to be a substitute in my school district. I've done it before, so the interview was mostly a formality. As soon as I get fingerprinted, I'll be on the list! That's good news, since the paycheck I got today can barely pay for my gas.

Afterward, I came home and put this outfit on, because interview clothes get uncomfortable after a while. I wanted to be cute and comfy. Today is a warmish fall day, so this light sweater was just fine. As the sun went behind the clouds it cooled off a bit, but all in all it has been a lovely day!


With a fun hat!



Red sweater: Torrid
White V-neck tee: Fruit of the Loom via Wal-Mart (stolen from sis!)
Jeans: makeyourownjeans.com
Orange knit hat: etsy.com, shop name: whynot. she's got some similar hats up right now!
Orange belt: some woman at a stand during Dover Apple Harvest Day in 2008.
Loafers: Pay-less
Necklace: Lia Sophia

Red carpet-worthy!

Last night, the Divine Miss C. hosted a movie-premiere party at her house and requested that we dress snazzy.

This is us looking snazzy:

I've been waiting for a good opportunity to show off this gorgeous pashmina (a gift from my mom) and this beautiful bracelet (a gift from my aunt). I liked the backdrop of this classic LBD for the blue and gold accessories. C. is rocking her high-waisted sexy-secretary dress with some adorable heels.

On B.:
LBD: j.crew outlet
pashmina: gift from mom
Bracelet: gift from aunt
Shoes: unisa via TJMaxx
Earrings: JCPenny's
Necklace: gift from my Russian friends

On C.:
High-waisted pencil skirt dress: Torrid
Black tights: Lane Bryant
Black shoes: (omg, my all time favorite black shoes) Charlotte Russe

much more casual

For today, I wanted something a little more relaxed and comfy. I opted for a sweater, my super-soft corduroy skirt, and my beloved boots.

In retrospect, I think I could have used a bit more color. But I did I really like the way the socks added a little extra interest to the outfit.

Sweater: street market in Russia

Skirt: j.crew outlet

Brown socks: TJMaxx

Boots: Madden Girl via DSW

Earrings: JCPenny's

Guest blogger: hiking edition

The B/C changeover has a new guest blogger: please welcome M!

The last time I went hiking I saw two French girls at the summit, and they were just speaking French and rocking these aMAZing outfits of, you guessed it, leggings with cutoff denim shorts. My first thought was, what are those girls wearing?! My second thought was, why didn't I think of that?! So when S asked if I wanted to go hiking, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to try out this great outfit. Admittedly, I was getting fashion inspiration from teenagers, but I think it is okay since they were French.


The hiking outfit was surely a hit, functional and good for bringing me constant humor. Also, I'm fairly certain other hikers appreciated the outfit as I seemed to be getting many double-takes.

Hiking boots: Montrail via Farm Way
Socks: Smartwool via Farm Way
Tights: Kohls
Cutoff denim shorts: pants inherited from the cousin of a friend
T-shirt: Poker Flat Research Range welcome center (closet)
Rain Coat: Marmot via REI

M., we salute your fashion adventurousness! Good for you for challenging yourself to take risks.

uber conservative

Today I needed to work up the nerve to go to the head of my department, a very nice but very old-fashioned gray haired gentleman, to beg for a job for next semester. So I needed something professional and fairly conservative. Seemed like a good day to pull my brown wool skirt out of the winter clothes box.

I dug out these cute but conservative brown pumps to go with.

An outfit this preppy called for a Mad Men pose. And...POSE.

I have no idea what a Mad Men pose would be, clearly.

And yes, this is the same white blouse I've worn several times before. I promise I tried on all three of my white blouses and ended up settling on this one as the least intrusive under the thin-knit and short-sleeved sweater. What can I say? When it works, it works.

Sweater: Banana Republic outlet

Blouse: TJMaxx

Belt: thrifted (Goodwill)

Skirt: American Eagle outlet

Tights: CK via TJMaxx

Shoes: I think JC Penny's

Bracelet: gift from my sister

Earrings: borrowed from the roomate of awesome

weekend in Brooklyn

On Saturday my dad, sister, and I went to the Brooklyn farmer's market and then to the Botanical Gardens. It was gray and even a little drizzly, but astonishingly warm. I grabbed some soft comfy layers, my soft swirly jersey skirt, and my beloved new boots for a day of walking around outside.

The outfit isn't anything revolutionary (it was too warm for the scarf I think it really needed), but check out this bag my sister bought for me at the Brooklyn Museum gift shop!

AHHH it makes me so happy! Widdle cat face!

The purchase was inspired by my sister's real-life kitten, Neville, who is also the cutest thing ever.

Thanks for a great weekend, guys!

Purple cardigan: kersh essentials via Costco
Gray tank tops: GAP and Costco
Black skirt: j.crew outlet
Boots: Madden Girl via DSW
Earrings: Target
Bracelet: gift from my sister
Bag: gift from my sister