boot bandwagon

So, I have these boots, and I'm pretty sure I haven't worn them since the capsule challenge of many months ago. I just fear that boots make my calves look big, as I have already expressed in previous posts. Still, I kind of like what's going on here.

This outfit is meant for work, though the corduroy skirt might be a tad casual for my work environment. I'm liking all the colors together: though I tend to think of jewel tones as fall-only, my last post and today's post both make use of them. It just goes to show that tealy/turquoise is a color for all seasons. As far as the casualness is concerned, I'm not that worried. The white button-up and sweater vest take care of that, methinks. The only thing I am worried about is comfort. I'm on my feet the whole time at work, bringing heavy dresses back and forth to customers all day long. I'll probably bring a change of shoe.

But, since B is basically obsessed with boots, I figured I'd give them another shot. I don't even hate the way they make my legs look, and I'm not sure if it's because I've lost a little weight since the last time I've worn them, or if it's because I just don't care as much about adding a little bulk to the calf area. Regardless, I like it all.

Boots: Marshall's or TJ Maxx
White shirt, teal vest: Old Navy
Beige skirt: hand-me-down, Old Navy
Brown tights: Target
Brown socks: Marshall's

guess who?!

It's SPRING! Notice the forsythias in the background of my pictures. :)

So, I have news for people:

-I've been very busy planning a wedding...for MYSELF. My boyfriend (now fiance, I suppose) and I decided that there was no time like the present for getting hitched, so we've been furiously and feverishly planning. We have a lot of it done, but still need some important odds and ends (a photog and dj come to mind). Still, that's exciting. The date: October 30, 2010. The jury is still out on whether Halloween costumes are encouraged at the party after the reception (it's a day wedding, the reception ends at 5pm. I say yes to after-party costumes, Pete says no).

-I still work at the bridal store, but I've had a few interviews here and there, so things are looking up a bit.

-I recently attended an open house at Simmons College for their GSLIS program. I just think being a librarian is my calling. The program seemed pretty good (it's a large program--over 800 students) but I still have more research to do on other programs throughout the country. I'm willing to move, so if anyone has any advice on that front, feel free to open up.

On C:

Teal shirt: Express
Mustard cardi: Banana Republic outlet
Capris w/zip detail: Old Navy
Brown wedges: PayLess
Necklace: Given to me by my paternal grandmother

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.

WCC: C's Fourth Day

This is half of Monday's outfit and half of Tuesday's outfit, combined:

Please excuse my awkward pose. My dad was taking the picture and I felt kind of weird (normally I just prop the camera up on a table outside and hit the self-timer). So, in an effort to get him out of my hair as quickly as possible, I just had him take a single shot.


...Then I realized I really wanted a different shot--preferably with a less weird...everything. So, this happened:



Fail. My eyes might be shut? My head is at a weird angle?

Whatevs. Believe me when I say: I really like this outfit! Originally I had the scarf tied in my hair, but the scarf if just SO BIG that it was really too fat for headscarfing. Also, I looked like a Halloween costume gypsy (which is fine and all, I actually kind of liked it, but eh). Also, I took the lazy man's way out and just put the long sleeved tee OVER the dress instead of under it. I wasn't going to go with the long sleeves today, but it is pretty cold out for just short sleeves.

And there you have it. Maybe I will impress the people at David's Bridal today (not for me! I am going with a friend) with my insane sense of style and my two-tone browns! Actually, I did apply for a job there, and on Friday I go to fill out my papers. I am officially going to help people pick out their wedding dresses! I'm not going to lie: it's exciting. :)

Day One: One Week Wardrobe Capsule Challenge!

This week we're three: B, C, and E! Many of you are probably familiar with wardrobe capsule challenges. In a nutshell, we are allowed to pick a certain number of items and wear only those all week. It's a study in packing light! Our rules are simple: 10 major clothing items (shirts, pants, dresses, etc. and shoes), and 5 accessories. As I stood before my closet last night, I was surprised to find I wear about this many different items in a week normally (should I be worried?). Once I had all the items out on the bed, I realized it's quite a bit to choose from, and my worries about looking like a one-trick pony (or just a really badly dressed person with no access to a laundromat) quickly vanished.

I've decided to revolve all color choices around one anchor color: brown. I started out by choosing my shirts, and discovered that all the shirts I chose would look great with brown. I'm also going to try out a new mustard cardi, so I hope I can work that in a couple times.



Green sweater: Banana Republic via outlet
Turquoise tank: Express
Brown long-sleeve tee: Old Navy, swapped
Fuschia cami: Old Navy
Mustard cardigan: Banana Republic via outlet
Jeans: makeyourownjeans.com (worth every penny)
Brown capris: Old Navy
Brown Dress: J.C. Penney
Sandals: kimchi blue via Urban Outfitters
Boots: Madden Girl via Marshalls
Orange/pink/purple plaid scarf: Urban Outfitters
Green silk scarf: gifted from Bavaria!
Bracelet: Lia Sophia
Necklace: gifted
Ring: gifted, homemade

Outfit Number One: Monday

Items: Mustard Cardigan, Plaid Scarf, Jeans, Boots, and a Turquoise Tank.





I like it! It's the best outfit I've worn in weeks. First, it's actually an outfit, not just jeans and a shirt. Second, I love the bright colors on a bright day. The sweater is actually pretty light, so even though it's going to get pretty warm for a fall day here in New Hampshire, I think I'll be okay.

The biggest risk for me were the boots. I am generally of the opinion that boots-outside-pants are only for the thin, because I've got sizable (though muscular!) calves that just look bigger when encased by layers of pant and shoe. But you know? I'm kind of digging it. It wasn't easy stuffing my regular jeans into those boots, but I think it was worth it.

Self-proclaimed victory.

sweepstakes

I am not the only unemployed member of my circle of friends, and one of the others is fairly obsessed with entering contests (truth be told, she also wins a lot because she enters so many). She asked me if I wanted to drive to Boston with her today to go "down to Boylston Street, then wait for a red phone to ring. You find it, pick it up, and then answer a question about England. We can win a free trip to London!"

So, I'll let you all know how that goes. We all take our unemployment in different ways, that's for sure. :)

Here's what I'm wearing while I wait for that red phone to ring:





Jeans: Old Navy (yeah, the same jeans I wear like, every day)
Blouse: Torrid
Sling-backs: xhileration via Target
Bag: Liz Claiborne via Marshalls
Necklace: ack, who even knows. I got that back in 7th grade, when wearing your name around your neck was cool. But I was feeling goldy, and that's one of my only "gold" pieces.
Bracelets: Some really low-budget fake-gold bangles from Claire's (originally purchased for a Halloween costume).