Dress your best!

Today I turned in the last big paper of the year (sadly I had to ask for an extension for the two page book review. But after that I will be DONE!).

So this is what I wore for what should have been my last day as a master's student:

Appropriately grad student-y, no?

It is also the first day of Academichic's "Dress Your Best" week, in which we dress to accentuate the parts of our bodies we like. Side note: I am SO SO SO excited that this blog is mentioned on Academichic, even if it's only as part of a long list. You guys know how I feel about Academichic. Eee!

To begin "Dress Your Best", we are supposed to make a list of five things we like about our bodies. Here's mine:

1. My eyes. One's a little greener than the other, which I get from my grandmother.

2. My collarbones/upper back. I just think clavicles are pretty.

3. My triceps. They've always been well-defined - softball? Skating? Yoga? Who knows?

4. My calves. That's definitely from running.

5. My feet. I have cute feet.

Today I wore shades of blue/green and purple, to bring out the green in my eyes.

What are your top five? I'd love to know! :)

Cardigan: gift from mom
Blouse: TJMaxx
Scarf: street vendor on Cape Cod
Jeans: BR outlet
Flats: Rocket Dogs
Earrings: Burlington

not-so-short pants!

After feeling a weensy bit matronly yesterday, I decided to go full-on undergrad today and wear my skinny jeans, UNMITIGATED. No tunic, no boots, just skinnies. Eeek!

C's turquoise-fab outfit totally inspired me to bust out the bright spring colors. I layered a white tee under my summertime tank for warmth and modesty (I do have to tutor today, after all).

I ended up really liking the overall effect. I definitely felt young and happy and comfortable. In other news, I am also delighted to announce the return of my absolute favorite gray swing jacket!

Please excuse the dopey expression. I serious *heart* this jacket.

Blue tank top: Ann Taylor Loft
White tee: Target
Skinny jeans: Banana Republic
Flats: JCPenny's, gift from mom
Earrings: street vendor on Cape Cod
Gray jacket: Old Navy, altered by me

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

blavy

Pulled this black top out of the back of my closet this morning. I think it's been over a year since I've worn it, which is a shame, because the cut always makes me feel cute and sassy.

I tried for a bit of black and navy blue mixing, using my top and boots as the black and the sweater and dark jeans as the navy. Kasmira says using two pieces of each color makes the mixing look intentional.

I felt pretty good about it all day (especially with my gray and black scarf on), but looking at these pictures I wonder about the jeans and the sweater...they're either too close in color or not close enough, I can't tell. What do you all think?

Black top: Old Navy

Cardigan: kersh essentials via Costco

Jeans: Banana Republic

Boots: Burlington

Earrings: Aldo outlet

Watch: Target

Ring: tourist shop in Russia

hipster?

Ok, this rain is bumming me out. I had to scrap the outfits I had planned two days in a row for more rain-proof (i.e. galoshes-friendly) wear, and last minute scrambling always makes me fall back on basics. I think for next week I am going to finally get my act together and plan ahead of time, using the weather forecast!

My galoshes-friendly outfit yesterday was completely soaked by the time I got home, so no pictures, but I can tell you that it involved two pairs of tights and today I just could not bear the idea of more tights. So, jeans it was.


Since I had to bring a pair of flats with me to school, I decided to go for a bit of a skinny-jeans-and-tunic hipster-ish vibe.

On the plus side, I felt like the awesome Clare from Between Laundry Days would wear this outfit (at least, on a more casual day).


On the not-so-plus side, I ran into the head of the department in the hallway and felt really, really underdressed (eek!). I think I'll save this combination for weekends from now on.

Back on the plus side: check out the pattern-mixing!


Plaid tunic: TJMaxx
Black long-sleeved tee: j. crew outlet
Skinnies: Banana Republic
Shoes: Payless
Socks: mom's from the 70's!
Necklace: street vendor in New Zealand
Earrings: boutique in CA

blades of glory

Inspired by the Olympics, I pulled my ice skates out of the back of the closet and went to the rink on campus this morning. I skated for years when I was growing up, and it was glorious to use those muscles again, to feel that glide and the freedom of zooming around the ice.

I needed an outfit that I could tutor in that also wouldn't suffer too much from being stuffed into a skate bag for a couple hours. Sounds like a long cardigan and scarf to me.

Also, I continue to be in love with these boots. Yes, they are somewhat impractical for the warm temps and resulting mud, since they are extremely flat and suede. I do not care. They make me feel cool.

Black cardigan: kersh essentials via Costco

Tank tops: ancient

Jeans: Banana Republic

Boots: Steve Madden, ebay'd by mom

Scarf: gifted, H & M

Earrings: Burlington

Ring: Alaska state fair

blustery day

Man was it windy this afternoon! And warm - all our pretty new snow is melting. Check out the wind tunnel effect on my hair. Cue the violin music! Some romantic cliche is about to take place!

The drapeyness of this cardigan also gets awfully interesting in the wind.

I did say something about being obsessed with gray and purple, yes? I like the brown elements mixed in too. A good outfit for a long day on campus of writing center and meetings and studying.

Gray cardigan: ebay'd by mom

Purple tank: Costco

Belt: GAP

Jeans: Banana Republic

Boots: Steve Madden Girl via DSW

Earrings: street vendor on Cape Cod

escapee!

Today's outfit is a slight reworking of this outfit - easy, comfy, with a splash of bright green to keep me cheerful.

I switched to a shorter cardigan to show off more of the color of the top, and grabbed my new gray and black scarf to pick up the gray of the shoes.

Also, my nutty cat has been escaping out the back door when I come out to take my pics - today I caught him on film! Silly beast.

Here's a cuteoverload-style en-HANCE!

Shirt: TJMaxx

Cardigan: Costco

Belt: TJMaxx

Jeans: GAP

Shoes: Also outlet

Scarf: gift from mom

Earrings: hand-me-down from mom

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

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

feeling better, but not quite cured

So, after a rather irritating bout with pneumonia and conjunctivitis, I'm back in the saddle (again). Today's plans were fairly basic. I wanted to get out of the house for the first time in days, but I didn't want to do anything too strenuous. I read on my friend A's facebook that she wanted a cannoli and, as I was feeling much better today, I responded with a longing, "yummm." Which meant, of course, that we went on a cannoli hunt!

We weren't successful in finding cannolis (YET), but we did speak with a dear friend who works in Boston about having her get some up to us this evening. Hey, tomorrow's my birthday, and I think birthday cannolis are in order.

We did get to go to my favorite soup place (Collins Bros.) and I picked up a quart of stuffed pepper soup. I believe A bought corn and bacon chowder. Delish. Then, it was off the the Salvation Army! I've been hankering for some new clothes, especially skirty dressy things, and I happened to luck out today. I bought a nice little black and white number (maybe I'll make a special birthday post tomorrow, just so you can see it).

I imagine that the day is only going to get more exciting, as it is far from over. Yip! I don't want to jump the gun on wellness, but it's so invigorating to not be curled up in bed waiting for the next hacking fit.

On to the clothes!

On A:

Where it's all from:
Jacket: Gap
Green shirt: Gap
Skinny jeans: Express
Boots: Aldo
Mona Lisa earrings: Whitehall Jewelers, which has since gone out of business (at least at our mall).






What's on C:

Where it's all from:

Black tank: Jockey outlet
Mustard sweater: Banana Republic outlet
Teal skirt: a discount store in Dover
Multi-colored scarf: TJ Maxx (or Marshall's?)
Sunglasses: Lenscrafters (they're prescription, and the hide my hideous burst-blood-vessel eyeball)
Black flats: Charlotte Russe, very old and somewhat painful

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

Brr.

It is getting pretty chilly around here. Time to haul all the sweaters and tights down from the attic! But I've got a big test later today so instead I will be cramming for that.

This morning I came across this lovely post from Sal of Already Pretty. In it she talks about some questions you might want to ask yourself when you feel the urge to acquire new things. She talks about some of the many reasons, both healthy and unhealthy, that people are driven to shop.

I know that I spend a lot of time looking at fashion blogs. Very frequently I see a look I think I could pull off (jeans over boots, for example) if I only owned skinny jeans/a flowered skirt/a wider belt/whatever, which makes me want to go out and buy that thing. But I think reading fashion blogs serves me better when it inspires me to look at what I already own with new eyes.

So, on this very chilly, very rainy day, I am happy to say that nothing I am wearing was acquired in the last six months, and I think only the jeans and the boots were acquired in the last year. Maybe it's nothing exciting, but I feel comfortable, confident, and best of all - warm!

Black sweater: Max Studio, hand-me-down from aunt

Burgundy button-down: Old Navy, ancient

Jeans: Banana Republic Outlet

Boots: GNW via Fred Meyer's

Scarf: gift from mom

Earrings: thrifted on Cape Cod

Apple Harvest Day

OK, I lied. WCC wrap-up will be later.

Despite the drizzly rain, E. and I checked out Apple Harvest Day, where we bought: apple cider doughnuts (my favorite), apple crisp with real whipped cream, and a bag of apples for $1. Yay for supporting local business!

I love me a cider doughnut.

Ha, the apple matches my sweater.

I found this bright cozy tunic at TJMaxx last year for $5, and am always trying to figure out how best to style it. Today I tried it with jeans and a brown belt. I've worn it in the winter with black dress pants and a long sleeved black t shirt too. Anyone have any suggestions?

Red tunic: Loverocks via TJMaxx
Gray tank 1: GAP
Gray tank 2: three-pack at Costoc
Belt: GAP, ages ago
Jeans: Banana Republic
Watch: Target
Earrings: Target
Apple: street festival!

WCC: B.'s Day 5

TGI weekend, you guys. Between blogging every day and all the kitty drama, I have so much work to catch up on it's not even funny. I'm hoping to squeeze in a visit to the Apple Harvest Day downtown tomorrow though. I love small town festivals. Petting zoo! Local music! Probably...lots and lots of apples! I am psyched.

On this, the last day of the WCC, I will be studying all day at a friend's house, and want to be super comfy. Purple cardigan to the rescue!

Too cold for the flats, and the jeans over pants thing looked way too equestrian for me this morning. I want to give it a try sometime in the future, especially after seeing how much C. rocked hers. But for today, I'll settle for a little bit cowboy.

Day 5: purple cardigan + mustard top + jeans + boots