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

that skirt + silly cat

After feeling a little schlumpy yesterday, I was craving something more posh. So I pulled out my only short skirt which was so nicely received the last time I wore it. To keep it professional I added a button down and a sweater vest.

Erm. I think the next time I am going for professional I will tuck in my shirt. The flapping shirt ends seemed all young and hip this morning, but by the end of the day...downtown to wrinkle town.


I also busted out two new pairs of tights, a gray opaque pair and a lacy black pair. Sadly, lacy tights are pretty useless as far as warmth is concerned. But hey, check me out, I'm pattern-mixing!

Herringbone and lace. Aw yeah.

I hopped outside for a few minutes to take some natural light pics just in case the indoor ones didn't turn out, and my nutty cat followed me. He was not any more excited about the freezing rain than I was. I got in exactly one picture before he wanted back in:

Oh, kitties. He's all, "Woman, the door. My ass is cold."

Button-down: American Eagle
Sweater vest: TJMaxx
Skirt: Old Navy
Tights: Famous Footwear
Shoes: TJMaxx
Earrings: ancient

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

Vestiness, take 2

So after Tuesday's vest experiment, I decided to break out the other vest I bought this summer - a pretty purple cable-knit, much more in my comfort zone!

With my new favorite soft corduroy skirt, and the lovely laciness of this blouse, I felt warm, cozy, professional , and a little bit romantic.

Today was just cold enough to break out my absolute favorite fall coat.

Every tiem I put it on I hear: bum dum da dum dummmm CARMEN SAN DIEGO!

White blouse: American Eagle

Purple vest: via TJMaxx

Belt: thrifted at Goodwill

Gray cord skirt: j.crew outlet

Brown boots: Payless

Bead bracelet: gift from my sister

Earrings: hand-me-down from mom

Necklace: gifted

Red coat: Old Navy

Vestiness.

This vest was another $5 TJMaxx find. I saw it on the clearance rack and thought, hey, this is that silly little vest all the teenyboppers are wearing. Then I tried it on. And...it was really cute. And flattering. So I brought it home.

But then, every time I tried to wear it, I got horrible 80's flashbacks and/or felt like I was posing as a teenager. Neither are good feelings, and I usually shoved it back into the closet. So today was a bit of a challenge to myself, to make this vest feel like me. Mixing it with my new favorite gray/purple/mustard scheme helped. :)

What do you think? How else do you lovely ladies out there style vests?

Sorry for the terrible picture quality - in real life this sweater is a very pretty fuschia color! See?

And the necklace is a very pretty green, like so:

Vest: TJMaxx
Sweater: Banana Republic outlet

Gray skirt: j.crew outlet

Flats: Target

Earrings and necklace: gifted

Watch: Target