gray cardigan love

Today was my first day of work at our school's writing center. I was only going to be observing, so I wanted to keep it casual and unobtrusive. And I cannot stop wearing this pretty, drapey gray cardigan my mom gave me.

Then I remembered this lovely outfit from E. of academichic a few weeks ago. I am continually impressed by the way E. can make a simple, casual outfit look luxurious by mixing neutrals and using sophisticated shapes.

My mustard top wasn't warm enough for the chilly temps today, so I swapped it for a peachy long-sleeved tee. Then I added a little touch of purple in my earrings.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go inside and get warm!


Gray sweater: ebay'd by mom
Coral v-neck: Forever 21
White tank: ancient
Jeans: BR outlet
Shoes: Payless
Earrings: Fred Meyer's

Road trip style

Hooray for the roommate of awesome, who got our internet connection working again! E., you rock. :)

I was a bad style blogger over the latter part of this trip (does anyone else find taking blog pictures harder when you're staying at someone else's house?), but I did take a few quick pictures of my road trip outfit. Jersey dress, sweater tights, and flowy cardigan with minimal jewelry = ultimate comfort when confined to a car, at least for me.

Please pardon the messy hair and goofy expressions - it was a loooong ride back from New York.

I know this photo is dark, but I love the gathering on the back of this sweater. Keeps the whole effect from being too baggy, I think.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Dress: Max Studio via Loehman's

Black tank: 3-pack from Costco

Cardigan: ebay'd by mom

Tights: Burlington

Boots: Burlington

Earrings: street vendor on Cape Cod

woes

Hi folks,
I returned from my trip to find that my laptop no longer recognizes the wireless at my apartment. BOO. After an incredibly frustrating, epically long phone this morning with Comcast and Linksys, I still have no connection at home. Boo TWICE. So apologies for the delays in blogging and commenting! I'll be back as soon as I get the connection issues resolved.
~B

...and something I just thought of...

I am laughing right now because of those pictures in the previous post I took. In every other fashion blog, people are concerned about the background of their photos. Even B, my own bloggy partner-in-crime, seeks the perfect spot.

I, on the other hand, take my pictures in the basement of my house, with a whole bunch of crap everywhere. Forgive me, readers, but that very spot just so happens to have the best light in the house. HA. Story of my life.

another cardigan...but with sparkles!

Today's outfit? Another replay of my old favorite: cardigan over a shirt. So simple, yet so perfect.

These pictures were taken in a rush, because I was going to be late for work. At least I thought I was. Once I got to the bridal shop I was informed that I had written my hours down wrong...I'm not working until 6 tonight. So, the photos were rushed for no real reason, but I'm glad I had some good daylight to shoot them in.

And I'm just going to say right here, right now: I have a pants problem. I do not know what it is, but I cannot find a pair of pants I like. These pants, which I like in theory because they are gray, and lightweight, and I like the detailing on the front, do not fit properly. NO PANTS (except jeans) FIT PROPERLY. I need tailor-made pants. The end.


Never you mind the fuzz on this black sweater...I can't help it! It's black, and sweatery! It just happens.

Black cami: Wal-Mart
Teal tank: Express
Black sparkly cardi: Old Navy
Gray pants: Gap (hemmed by me!)
Flats: Target

Also, I'm having a good hair day. Maybe you can't tell in the picture, but it's true. :)

cabin style

This was my last weekend in my hometown, and I spent part of it at my family's cabin, playing in the snow with my dad and his dog.


So, I know this is not the most "fashion-bloggy" outfit, but I love all of the outdoor clothes I'm wearing in these pictures. I love the heavy warmth of this wool sweater and the easy comfort of the puffy vest, and I love that my hat and scarf were both mademade (my scarf was crocheted by my good friend!). These clothes make me happy, pure and simple, and at its heart that's what fashion is all about, right?

I've got a looooong trip home ahead of me. Catch you on the other side!

Sweater: Banana Republic outlet
Vest: Kenneth Cole Reaction via Costco
Jeans: BR outlet
Boots: bought in Russia
Hat and scarf: handmade

the sincerest form of flattery

One of the fashion blogs I regularly read is What I Wore Today, and I truly admire Kasmira's style - her absolute fearlessness and creativity. But precisely because she is fearless and endlessless creative (not to mention petite with an astounding closet), I usually have to content myself with merely sighing over her coolness.

However, a few days ago she posted this lovely outfit, and I thought, hey, that one I could maybe do.

Gray cardigan? Check. Knee-high suede boots? Check. Dark turtleneck? Check. I don't have a bright print dress like hers, so I wore a bright print skirt instead.

Then I borrowed some jewels from mom.

Presto, my conservative-office appropriate homage to Kasmira. I still like her version better, but hey, I tried something new, and that's exactly what reading other fashion blogs is supposed to inspire.

Of course, it is necessary to do some twirly pictures in homage.

Cardigan: gift from mom

Turtleneck: hand-me-down from aunt

Skirt: ancient

Tights: Nine West via Burlington

Boots: Burlington

Jewels: borrowed from mom

something that buttons

It's a rare day that I wear a button-up shirt without something over it. I know they look professional and all, but professionalism goes right out the window when the world can peer through the pucker-holes and see what color your bra is. Usually I need to buy a size or two up in order to keep the bust in check. To me, it's not really worth the effort.

I love this shirt because it fits perfectly. I'm not thrilled about the color because it can be hard to match it with stuff (a problem of saturation, usually), but I just like that it's not waving around like a flag about my waist. It's a fitted shirt that actually fits, and there's definitely something to be said for that.

So, I felt pretty happy and confident in it all day. I've had it for a couple years, but I try to only take it out once every one or two months, just so I don't get sick of it.

The problem with this outfit is the pants...gahhh they are such a problem! I like the color, and I had them hemmed so they would be just the right length, but they have wide legs, and I just think it makes my short legs look shorter. I think the two items make a good pair because the fittedness of the shirt offsets the bagginess of the pants, but there's just something about these pants that always annoys me. Thoughts on where to get better pants/what to do about pants you want to like?

Green shirt: Fashion Bug
Brown pants: Gap outlet
Scarf: appeared one day...not sure where it's from or why it's around
Shoes: Fashion Bug


P.S. I didn't actually wear the scarf all day. This was before going to work, and I was about to head out into some chilly weather. It looks cute my navy blue pea coat, I think.

some kinds of help

Today I wanted to remix my Christmas dress for the office, so I added a button-down shirt and oxford-style heels.

I liked the button down with the ruffles, but I think the gray shoes with gray tights was a tad much gray. What do you all think?

As you may have noticed, I had a considerable amount of help with my photos tonight.

Thanks, cat.

Dress: Target

White button-down: TJMaxx

Tights: Burlington

Shoes: Aldo outlet

Earrings: borrowed from mom

Ring: Burlington

pants?

These are the black pants I thought were too big, rescued from my consignment pile. It turns out they're not actually the wrong size, just a really wide-legged cut.

They're such nice fabric and so exactly what I want in every other respect that I am going to hang on to them for now and see if I can make the wide-leg-ness work (I think it's going to require fitted tops). Which means no more pants-shopping! Wooo!

Plus I like how they look with these shoes.

Pants: Banana Republic outlet
Sweater: H & M
Belt: TJMaxx
Shoes: Aldo outlet
Earrings: Aldo outlet

missing: sweater belt

Today was my grandmother's 84th birthday, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins (though definitely not all of them) came to celebrate at our house. I got a big slow cooker for Christmas, so I took the opportunity to make some boiled dinner (big chunks of stew beef, turnip, potato, carrot, and onion with some water and vinegar). Because it wasn't boiled, but slow-cooked, it came out even better than usual. The meat just melted in your mouth...I was proud. Everyone else seemed to like it, too, so that made me even happier.

Because it was a day when you stay home, enjoy the company of family, and don't really step foot outside except to take out the occasional garbage bag, I found this outfit extremely fitting. A big chunky sweater layered over a casually sparkly tank, a pair of jeans (augh, they're getting chub-rub holes...time for new jeans), all together with my new slippies, and that's one comfy birthday suit (almost as comfy as the original "birthday suit"). I've worn these slippers every day since receiving them at Christmas, and I just think they're the warmest, comfiest things I own. I might have chosen a slightly different color scheme for myself, but Pete has pretty good taste.

The one thing I wish I had was a nice big brown belt to go over the sweater. I think it would have tied it all together and made it look more sophisticated. I could have also worn a scarf, but (and this was really my train of thought) I didn't want any stew juice dripping on it.

All in all, I'm pretty happy with it.


Please pardon my sad, tired little face. I look more frazzled than I am. These photos were taken at the very end of a very long day, and I am tuckered out. But just for S.V., I included a boob shot.

Sweater:very new, very clearance at Old Navy
Brown tank: very old, very clearance Old Navy
Jeans: Old Navy
Slippers: Target

TGIF

The debut of the skinny jeans! I'm playing it safe (and warm) by covering up with jeans and a longer sweater, but I think so far I'm a fan.

Not quite sure yet what to do with this new gray drapey sweater. It's a really soft, lightweight knit that's angled long in the front. It came with waist ties which I couldn't make work, so I cut them off and used my black patent leather belt.

I'm looking forward to experimenting with it!

Sweater: ebay'd by mom

Red long-sleeved shirt: Old Navy

White tank: thrifted

Belt: TJMaxx

Jeans: Banana Republic

Boots: Burlington

Ring: Burlington

my mommy loves me

Today's outfit is composed entirely of stuff my mom has given me (thanks Mom!), most of it in the past two weeks. My mom is awesome, and generous. There goes my packing challenge!

And, inspired by C (welcome back!!), I wore my puffy vest today. I was a veritable snow bunny.

These fuzzy gray tights are super warm and cozy but have a very unfortunate tendancy to creep down in the crotch. There is nothing like Baggy Crotch Syndrome to make one feel unsexy. I think it's because I sort of feel like I'm waddling. Anyone have any good solutions?

I love the embroidery detail on my new skirt.

Sweater: Banana Republic

Skirt: Oscar via Burlington

Tights: Burlington

Boots: Burlington

Necklace: borrowed from mom

Vest: Knneth Cole Reaction via Costco

Scarf: gift from mom

old standby

I overslept today and so I had to get dressed in a hurry. The black shirt/purple tank/denim bottom combo is one that always works for me when I can't think of anything else.

I think next time I'll go with black tights though. Now that I'm looking at the picture the gray ones are a little too blue too wear with this skirt.

I also didn't have time to shower, so I put my hair up in some quick French braids and twisted the braids into a bun. I really liked the way it came out from the back. (Please excuse the end-of-the-day fuzziness.)

My wonderful mom also took my shopping after work today and I nabbed some great boots and (gulp!) my first ever pair of skinny jeans. You'll be seeing them on casual Friday!

Turtleneck: hand-me-down from aunt, Merona
Purple tank: ancient
Denim skirt: Levi's
Tights: CK via Burlington
Boots: Burlington
Jewelery: borrowed from mom

today, and back in time.

After a very busy holiday time, I'm back (again?). I seem to have some blogmmitment issues. Ah well. I'll talk about today's outfit first: lovey lovey love love. Mostly just the sweater. I bought it at New York and Co. a couple days ago and I just love everything about it. I don't have anything this color blue, and the flower detail is just so wonderful to me. I used Christmas money to buy it, so I consider it a Christmas present. I also like how it compliments my dress; I wore it to work today and it was a big hit. I don't usually dress up that nice for work (nicer than I usually would, but actually, I think I look better in my jeans than I do in my black work slacks) and end up looking kind of shlumpy, but this made me feel professional and put-together.

Sweater: New York and Company
Dress/jumper: Old Navy
White blouse: TJ Maxx
Tights: Lane Bryant
Black wedges: Old Navy

As for other things I've been wearing while ignoring my blogoduties, here's a taste:






The first one above is a photo from a wedding I attended on New Year's Day. I am the only one wearing a print. While I admire my printy verve, I do think the dress makes me look kind of tubby. Especially next to all those well-dressed thin people. My hair was originally down, but we were dancing a lot and I was getting rather warm so I put it in a pony. In the mirror this dress looks a lot better than it looks in pictures. I think.

As for the other pictures, one is an example of my usual work-wear (baggy black work pants and an ill-fitting shirt) plus a brand new scarf, and the one with the vest is pretty much what I look like every day that I'm not dressing up for work or for the blog, haha. Turtle-neck, long-sleeved shirt, and a vest, and I'm good to go! It's been COLD here, but I do hate to be constrained by a coat when I'm driving. Ah. More to come on Friday. :)

plaidification

Ever since I saw this outfit on Between Laundry Days, I've been enamoured with it. I love the silhouette, the colors, and the mix of casual and dressy. So today I tried my hand at recreating it. (Please imagine that I am wearing my black Mary Janes, which I have been keeping at work.)

I loved the way this came together - very ladylike and office appropriate but also young and fresh. And I got a couple compliments at work, which always feels good!

Plaid shirt: TJMaxx
Black skirt: thrifted on Cape Cod
Belt: TJMaxx
Tights: probably Burlington
Earrings: hand-me-down from mom
necklace: gift

LGD: little gray dress

For my first day back at work post-cold I wanted something super easy and comfortable. Jersey dress? Yes please.

This dress is probably the most comfortable piece of clothing I own. It's got great button detailing on the empire waist. The only thing I'm not sure I love is the neckline, so I usually layer it over something or add a scarf.

I'm having a hard time finding a good location for pictures inside. I'd love to be outdoors but A) it's freezing out and B) it's pitch black when I get home from work. So, some living room experiementations are in order.

Dress: Fred Meyer's

Tights: Hue via TJMaxx

Boots: Burlington Coat Factory

Scarf: gift from mom