Weekend Wear

The weekends present a sort of conundrum when it comes to putting myself together.  I don't want to be known for a uniform of jeans, a tee shirt, and Converse or, heaven forbid, sweatpants. I also don't want to work too hard on an outfit, since it is the weekend and it's not necessary to overdress for errands.  This weekend outfit was easy and comfy, but not sloppy.  We're also getting to that point in Ohio weather where you never know what its going to be like outside and, therefore, never sure if you should bundle up or not bother and just walk quickly from your car to the store to avoid having to carry your coat while shopping.  Thank goodness for sweaters!

 What I'm Wearing:

Purple Banded Top: not sure, maybe TJMaxx

Chocolate Cardigan: The Limited

Jeans: Express

Plaid Flats: Kelly & Katie

Tote: Vera Bradley

I've also been trying to experiment with some new hairstyles for a few reasons. For one, straightening all the time is really damaging and I find it makes my hair look dirtier faster.  I try to shampoo every other day as much as possible to avoid drying out my strands and to keep my color from fading.  Curling keeps my hair looking fresh longer, but is time consuming.  Ponytails quickly induce boredom.  So, what to do?  I've never been one of those girls that could simply throw their hair up into a messy bun and walk out the door.  Its probably because I'm so meticulous and I hate for my hair to be a mess, even if, by chance, it were a cute mess.  Instead, I've been trying to master the topknot and gradually get used to letting it become a little messy.  I'm not disappointed in this particular attempt: 

Have a lovely weekend!

Orange You Glad?

Mixing my professional and casual wardrobes is sometimes a challenge for me.  I'm always afraid of looking too masculine if I wear a button-down shirt outside of work.  A while ago, I saw a picture of some editor of something dancing at a party with a button-down shirt knotted in the front.  Since it looked good on her, I decided to try it with a silky, over-sized blouse from Express.  I was pretty happy knotting my shirt like I used to do back in the 90's.  I never got away with it for long back then, my mother always told me to put my shirt down.  My five year old self probably wasn't smart enough to remember the tank underneath all the time, haha.

Speaking of, are the 90's making another go 'round? Neon is out in full force, that's for sure, and I've started noticing more tops with knotted features. I think these things are ok, as long as no one is gathering their baggy tee shirts to the side and holding them there with a scrunchy.  Really, as long as the scrunchy doesn't make a comeback, we'll survive.

Notice something different about my pictures today? They're outside! I asked the Writer to play photographer for me, so we went out side for some shots.  It was a little windy and brisk, but I'm sure we were all sick of seeing my pantry doors. I'm not yet comfortable taking my tripod outside with me as some of my male neighbors have been known to be fairly rude.

What I'm Wearing:

Tank: The Limited

White Button-Down: Express 

Jeans: Charlottle Russe (I think)

Ankle Boots: Blowfish

CIAO!

Cozy Neutral

I never used to be a sweater wearer. I felt they made me look fat. Who knows, they might, but I guess I've gotten over caring just a little.  I might've just gotten so cold that I gave in.  I might be overestimating the results of my gym membership and underestimating the affects of holiday eating.  You be the judge.

When I'm tired from work or going into a day that I know will be exhausting, I don't want to wear a button down shirt or blazer, even if they do have a little stretch. No. I want to be wearing the closest thing to pajamas while still being chic. Don't roll your eyes, why do you think the wrap dress was invented? Mhmm. It's comfortable, yet universally flattering.  Sidenote: Banana Republic has some adorable patterned ones out right now, if you haven't discovered "your" wrap dress yet.  Wrap dresses and sweaters are the perfect marriage between cozy and professional, I think, and I wore many sweaters as well as my wrap dress this week as I have been beat.

What I'm Wearing:

Sweater: The Limited

Necklace: Forever 21

Jeans: Express

Colorblock Wedges: Kohl's by Elle

Honestly, The Limited should pay me, I talk about their clothes so much. Alas, they don't, but are more than welcome to at any time.  I can't help it if they have cute sweaters that are usually on sale, now can I?  This one was a whole $12, I think, after an extra 40% off clearance.  You really can't turn down a super-soft natural blend sweater for under $15.  Nope, you can't and that's why my credit card is frozen in a block of ice in my freezer right now.

Thanks for reading!

Go Faux!

Maybe it happens every year and I've just missed it until this autumn, but fur seems to be everywhere!  Maybe its just that the faux fur options are getting better and better, but there's stuff out there that I would (and do) actually wear.  I definitely can't afford the real thing, nor do I feel comfortable with the idea of wearing real fur, especially since rabbit fur is a common garnish to winter accessories and I have a rabbit for a pet.

Anyway, in an attempt to keep the blog soapbox free, I shall now move on to my outfit!

 I have to say, I'm so glad that ladylike is "in" right now.  I used to be such a tomboy when I was younger, but now I will gladly take the red lipstick, high heels, and almost anything pink.  I've heard that TV shows such as Mad Men are to blame and I fully agree.  I'm slightly obsessed with Mad Men and Pan Am.

What I'm Wearing:

Faux Fur Trimmed Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft

Brown V-neck Drape Top: I don't remember

Trouser Jeans: Freestyle Revolution

Suede Booties: Charlotte Russe

Bag: Gia Milani (Target)

The fur collar kept me warm all day.  It was like wearing as scarf that never got too tight.  I like that the collar is removable for washing and versatility.  The buttons are covered in a way that lets you wear the sweater by itself, which I predict will come in handy if I want to tone it down at some point.

I could fit my whole life into this bag!

 These jeans are so comfortable! I was trying my luck at TJ Maxx the other night (it wasn't that much better than Marshall's, darn commercials!) when I stumbled across these for only $20! I'd never heard of the brand, Freestyle Revolution, so I looked it up when I got home.  It looks like Macy's and JC Penney carries the brand as part of their regular stock.  Even their regular prices aren't that high for jeans and I may look into a few more pairs in the future.

Back in Blue (10.10.11)

I've been absent from my blog for too long!  I know the shattered screen on my camera shouldn't be as worthwhile of an excuse as I've let myself make it out to be, but I want to post with original pictures as much as possible.  I've finally got ahold of my lovely boyfriend's camera, so I can snap away until mine is replaced (Santa, are you there?).  I'm also now out of the doldrums of underemployment, thankfully.  This is a two-fold blessing for my bloggy, since I'm not mopey about my job and I also have some cash to spend on new looks that I will be happy to talk about here.

Its a funny time of year here in Ohio.  We had a week or so of chilling rain which prompted me to go out and stock up on sweaters.  The weather then decided it wasn't finished with summer and it has been fairly warm and sunny ever since.  I've, therefore, been in this confusing place sartorially, since the thermometer demands short sleeves and airy fabrics but I want cozy fabrics in a subdued autumn palette.

I have a love of striped tops.  The Writer has to physically stop me from buying every blue and white striped top that I see.  Luckily, I got this one in the spring before he realized my "problem." Its not a silhouette I usually wear, which makes it even more fun!

What I'm wearing:

Tank & Mini Wedges: Target

Jeans: Gift from A, but originally from Charlotte Russe, I believe

Striped Top: Forever 21

This is actually a fairly budget friendly outfit, haha. The top from F21 was probably the most expensive item, and I seriously doubt that it topped $20.  I always feel a bit funny mixing red, white, and blue as if I'm suddenly patriotic, or something. 

I did have the day off on Monday, not because of Columbus, but because I'm cramming all of my work hours into a training class during the latter part of the week.  I enjoyed a lazy day of sleeping in, meeting Spam for coffee, shopping, and possibly the highlight of my day, dinner with her family.  Her mom is an excellent cook! I was spoiled with cedar plank tilapia and grill steamed vegetable with fresh ciabatta bread. Mmmm! Wine and ice cream may have been involved as well, hehe. Waking up at six this morning was not an easy thing to do.