Friday, November 30, 2007

Plaid Swing

Gray/red/white/orange tartan swing coat, No Boundaries. Orange sweater vest and black sweater, Merona. Dark denim, Express. Orange slingbacks, Gianni Bini (borrowed from Fashion Lady). Brass bangle, World Market.

Honestly, I need another blazer like I need a hole in the head. Furthermore, I do not need to buy any more trendy swing blazers. But this one was so cute and only $25 at Walmart. And I just swapped away a blazer to Shivaya, so I’m not really adding to my wardrobe. (Shivaya sent me these bangles for the blazer.)

I’m wearing mismatched socks today, but I doubt anyone will notice.






Thursday, November 29, 2007

Red Velvet Versatility

Red velvet jacket, Cami. Lace overlay cami, George. Embellished hem skirt, Newport News. Brown boots, Nine West. Amber pendant, Ali’s Boutique. Beaded necklaces, Body Central.

This jacket has proven to be fairly versatile. I’ve paired it with brown, black, and red with good results. I think my favorite combo was with the leopard tank and peep-toes (middle picture). But my favorite photo is the one I took laying on the floor in the hallway.


Click for a larger image


Which outfit is your favorite?
Open jacket with black
Tweedy skirt
Leopard accents
All red and on the floor
Today's
pollcode.com free polls

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Pumpernickel

Navy swing cardigan, Mossimo. Tartan wool jumper, Pendleton (via swap). Navy tights, Hue. Brown boots, Nine West.

The cafeteria at work switched bagel providers and we have all new flavors to choose from. The pretzel bagels are gone…but I’m more than happy to replace them with PUMPERNICKEL!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Indian Skirt Again

Black turtleneck sweater, Charlotte Russe (I love this thing!) Indian textile skirt, 4th of July flea market Longview, WA. Black tights, Danskin. Blue silk scarf, Thailand. Black pumps, Michelle D. Hoop earrings with multicolored beads, World Market.

I’ve sort of worn this outfit before (*gasp*). I wore this skirt, these shoes, black tights, and a black, turtleneck sweater last February. For the record, I’m wearing a different sweater and pair of tights (I think) today.

I experimented with a few necklaces before deciding they looked too insignificant juxtaposed against the skirt’s ornate embroidery. This scarf softens the severity of the black top without competing with the skirt. In fact, it is very close to the same color as the skirt’s sequins.

Detail shot of earrings and true scarf and skirt colors (no flash) and my ENORMOUS head:

Monday, November 26, 2007

I Listen

Subtly pinstriped vest, H&M. White lace blouse, Newport News. Velvet dress, NY & Co (shortened by me). Patterned tights, Merona. Black patent slingbacks, Audrey Brooke. Circular brooch, thrifted.

I’ll admit that receiving negative, or even constructively critical, comments can sting a little. Unless the feedback is obviously mean-spirited, I try to read them with an open mind. When I wore this dress in October, lisalisa suggested I hem it up. I mulled over her suggestion and, yesterday, chopped over six inches off.











I wouldn’t call myself an accomplished sewer. I did poorly in the sewing section of Home Ec. I’m creative, though, so I bought this machine (secondhand) to do home décor projects (like my roman blinds) and simple clothing alteration. It’s an old sewing machine, but I’m very happy with it.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Black Friday

Navy swing cardigan, Mossimo. Yellow tee, Charlotte Russe. Corduroy miniskirt, London Jean. Brown herringbone tights, Forever 21. Brown boots, Nine West. Greenish scarf, import store.

The biggest shopping day of the year? I avoided the mall until late afternoon and then found it to be almost deserted. I was happy to shop the sales without the crowds!

The kitties got their Christmas present early…a new, tall scratching post. They almost got three new brothers (I was so tempted by the kittens at PetSmart), but I exercised some restraint.

(Monty is scratching so furiously that he’s blurry!)

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Tunic and Leggings for Thanksgiving

Red sweater dress, Forever 21. White tuxedo-style shirt, Merona. Navy leggings, Danskin. Brown boots, Nine West. Golden apple watch necklace, Forever 21. Bangles, swap.

We had a DELICIOUS Thanksgiving at Julie’s and I drank far too much wine. My favorite thing on the menu was sweet potatoes with a praline topping. I had two helpings.

Fishy-poo III is home for the holidays. He normally lives on my desk, at the office. The four-day Thanksgiving break and my long Christmas/New Year’s break are too long for him to go without eating, though. I was desperate for a container to transport him home in and settled on this water bottle. He has since upgraded to a covered aquarium. Fishy-poo II’s untimely demise was due to living in an open bowl, with four cats.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

One Day Left

Black turtleneck, Merona. Oriental tunic, Forever 21 (via swap). Dark denim, Express. Lime green pumps, Colin Stuart. Silver bird pendant and red patent headband, Xhilaration.

Last day of work before the Thanksgiving break!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Leopard and Coral

Cream blazer, Apostrophe. Coral blouse, Worthington. Leopard scarf (through belt loops). Trouser jeans, Express. Brown booties, Style & Co. Beaded necklaces, Body Central.

I struggle with incorporating this blazer into outfits. The color seems so formal. I’ve only worn it three times before. How have you liked it best(montage and poll below)? (And, yes, in the second picture, I am wearing two different boots!)













Click for a larger image.


How have you liked the cream blazer best?
Emerald and Cream
Mismatched Boots
Over Casual
Leopard and Coral
pollcode.com free polls

Monday, November 19, 2007

Cranberry Wine

Gray cardigan, NY & Co. Black sweater, Merona. Red corduroy skirt, H&M. Black boots, Jennifer Moore.

My friend Julie is treating us to Thanksgiving dinner. I went to Jungle Jim’s tonight, intending to buy cranberry wine to bring to the fete. I guess I’m not the only one who thinks cranberry wine is Thanksgiving-appropriate because it was all gone! I’ll be bringing a bottle each of cherry and blueberry wine instead. Sorry, Julie!

Vested

Turquoise top, thrifted. White blouse, Worthington. Cropped vest, Charlotte Russe. Gray skirt, Eddie Bauer. Fishnet tights, Danskin. Silver peeptoes, BCBG Girls. Long black beads, thrifted.

So happy to be home and reunited with my tripod! Yoda’s head is in the bottom corner of the photo. He missed me.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Chicago: Day 2

Sweater dress, Melton. Black turtleneck sweater, Charlotte Russe. Fishnet tights, Danskin, Black patent maryjanes, Xhilaration.

This dress has always puzzled me. The knit material and color scheme suggest “winter,” but the baring bodice and lack of sleeves says “summer.” I’ve always topped it with a cardigan to winterize the cut, but never thought to wear something long-sleeved under the dress until this season.

I miss my tripod. Taking pictures in the bathroom mirror while perched on the toilet is fun, but the quality isn’t as good.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Chicago: Day 1

Swing jacket, Apostrophe. Sheer pink blouse, Bebe. Black skirt, from my USMC “blues” uniform. Black tights, Danskin. Black patent maryjanes, Xhilaration. Pink crescent earrings, Girlshop.

I’m traveling to Chicago today. The hat (below) won’t go with me because it would be too much of a pain to travel with. Tomorrow, you'll get a horribly blurry picture of my all black outfit, taken without a tripod and in the cruddy hotel room lighting. I bet you can't wait.

For outside, I added: Cloche hat, Scala Collezione. Black velvet, ruched gloves, TJ Maxx.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Yellow and Navy

Leather jacket, Wilson’s Leather. Navy and white wrap dress, Merona. White slip (visible at neckline), vintage. Yellow tee, Wet Seal. Navy tights, Hue. Yellow patent pumps, Victoria Spenser. Brown scarf. Amber pendant, Ali’s Boutique. Amber drop earrings, gifted. Corny bracelet, Into the Fray.

Yet another outfit featuring this wrap dress from Target.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Country Plaid

Brown velvet jacket, FANG. Lace blouse, H&M (via swap). Plaid skirt, Jones NY Country (thrifted). Brown boots, Nine West. Earrings, Express. Orange bag, Target.

All day meeting – no time for blogging!

Monday, November 12, 2007

Man Tie

Red oxford body suit, Moda International. Red/green/blue tie, Steinberg’s Clothing Inc, Norwood, OH (vintage). Gray tulip skirt, Moda International. Nude fishnet tights, Simply Vera. Yellow pumps, Victoria Spenser. Metal and enamel earrings and brass bracelet, World Market.

I love ties. I could spend hours browsing through them in the men’s department. I love the colors, patterns, textures. I choose odd colored ties, pair them with even odder colored shirts, and force Mike to wear them. Still, despite the vicarious pleasure of dressing my husband, I’m envious of his ties.

I found this tie at Hollywood Vintage, in Northside. I was attracted to the colors and woven texture. Mike found that it was too short for him, but it’s the perfect length for my scrawny neck and short torso. Now I need no longer be envious!

I feel very serious in a tie.


P.S. I have a full business calendar this week, so posting may be behind schedule.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Notre Dame v Air Force

Left: Gray cap, Nine West. Blue sweater, Merona. Gray, sequined tank, H&M (via swap). Jeans, Lucky. Black loafers, American Eagle. Center: Striped scarf. Gray cardigan, NY &Co. Right: Down jacket, Via Spiga. Red leather gloves and black bag, Wal*Mart.

I’ve never understood football. I’d watch it to ogle the shiny-pants-clad bums, but that’s about it. So I was understandably unexcited about driving over 4 hours to South Bend, IN to see Notre Dame play the Air Force Academy. Mike’s brother is in the academy and paying an obscene amount of money to sit on uncomfortable benches and freeze our asses off was the only way for them to see one another before the holidays.

Surprisingly, though, I had a really good time. I usually drink myself into a stupor in order to endure sporting events, but the stadium is dry, so I had nothing to do but watch the game. Amazingly, I actually understood the rules (for the first time ever) and followed the action. It was kind of fun. I found it much easier to understand the intricacies of the game in real life, versus on television.

I even found myself testing some of my newfound knowledge to idly watch football on Sunday night, as I leafed through an old Lucky. I guess this old dog can learn some new tricks.

Friday, November 09, 2007

Trouser Jeans

Red satin blouse, trouser jeans, and acorn necklace, Express. Black cami (barely visible), NY & Co. Plaid pumps, Charlotte Russe.

Although we technically do not have casual Friday at my workplace, I like wearing denim on Fridays. I’ve been longing for a pair of trouser-style jeans to wear to work. This pair, from Express, was a good fit. (Express, in general, fits me well.) They were a bit long, so I washed them in hot water and tumbled dry to shrink them up a bit.

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Tartan Jumper

Black, short-sleeved velvet blazer, Forever 21. Wool tartan jumper, Pendleton (via swap). White lace blouse, Newport News. Tights, Danskin. Mary-janes, Xhilaration. Brooch, thrifted. Gold watch, Raymond Weil.

This jumper has been making the rounds on the swap group. I see why. It’s absolutely adorable, but strangely cut: narrow in the hips, but generous above. It would fit best on an inverted triangle shape. I’m a triangle, but, sadly, not inverted. A jacket on top hides the excess fabric quite nicely, though.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Swapped Scarf

Brown jacquard jacket, Apt 9. Cream V-neck sweater, American Rag. Brown strapless dress, Newport News. Green/red/purple silk scarf, swap. Burgundy sash, NY & Co (from my velvet dress). Green peep-toes, Wet Seal. Brown, ribbed tights, Merona. Exotic skin purse, Caprice (thrifted and vintage).

Detail without the jacket. This brooch is broken, so I sewed it to my sweater for the day.

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Blue and Red

Blue cardigan, Gap. White lace tank and burgundy bead necklace, George. Red tweedy pants, Moda International. Brown booties (badly needing a hit of shoe polish), Style & Co. Blue purse, Wilson’s Leather.

I was inspired by Fashion Lady’s blue/red combo last week, on Halloween.














In this “in the mirror” shot, you can see some “behind the scenes” details – my tripod, my outfit for Thursday, and the week’s weather report. If you click on the image, you’ll be taken to my flickr photo page, with notes.

Monday, November 05, 2007

Back in Cinci

White oxford shirt, Gap. Blue sweater vest, Karen Scott. Tweedy skirt, Newport News. Braided leather belt and blue purse, Wilson’s Leather. Tights, Merona. Brown pumps, Mossimo. Earrings, Express. Gold watch, Raymond Weil. Brass bracelet, World Market.

Back to work in Cincinnati. That is all.

Saturday, November 03, 2007

A Murder is Announced

Little black dress. Black floral-patterened tights, Merona. Red heels, X Appeal. Red headband and feathered chandelier earrings, Claire’s. Tapestry purse, Apt 9.

We went out to see Tri-County Players’ production of A Murder is Announced. As I’ve mentioned before, I detest mysteries. I attended to support my friends, but actually ended up enjoying the production.

This is my little black dress. It’s probably the last time I’ll wear it. I’ve always been uncomfortable with the length. The top layer is sheer and the bottom layer barely covers my butt, so the effect is rather indecent when backlit. It’s also a cheap construction and started to fall apart when I washed it the next day. So, I need a new LBD. Any suggestions? Links?

Back view

Topped with my beloved Bebe coat.

Cafe Istanbul

White sweater with faux fur, I Doll (via swap). Green fine-gauge sweater, Merona. Dark denim, Express (overdyed by me). Brown booties, Style and Co. Gray hat, Nine West. Earrings, World Market.

I arrived back in Cincinnati around 8 p.m. this evening and Mike picked me up for a 9 p.m. dinner at Café Istanbul with two of my birthday buddies (Nov 5 and 8). The evening was supposed to end with bar hopping, but we were all pooped from long days. I ended the day with a photosession instead.

Detail of my hat, earrings, and 32-year-old face.

Friday, November 02, 2007

Orlando: Day 2

Jacquard blazer, Forever 21 (borrowed from Fashion Lady). Navy tank, Merona. Khaki slacks, Moda International. Khaki slingbacks, Linea Paolo. Faux pearls, JC Penney or something. Gold watch, Raymond Weil.

I apologize for the poor picture(s). They both turned out terribly, but I’m hoping that betwixt them both you can tell what I’m wearing. My camera is feeling ill. Maybe I need a new one for my birthday.

Yes, it’s my birthday today! I was going to be all mysterious about my age, but that seemed pretentious. I’m 32. I will not tell you my weight, however.

I’ve lived in Ohio for over three years now, and just discovered that, in this state, one’s driver’s license expires on one’s birthday. So, if Hurricane Noel decides to keep me from my evening flight home, I’m going to have some identification problems tomorrow. Thankfully, the hurricane is predicted to track north, up the coastline. Now I just need a ride to the license bureau tomorrow morning.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Orlando: Day 1

Striped blazer, Merona. Black, cowl-neck tank, Apt 9. Khaki skirt, Talbot’s (thrifted). Khaki slingbacks, Linea Paolo. Parrot necklace, gift from my friend Elaine. Gold watch, Raymond Weil.

I’m in sunny (okay, cloudy) Florida today. I’ve got an all day (till 9 p.m.) work event, so I’m prepared to transition from the office to a dinner.

My friend Elaine gave me this awesome parrot necklace. I think she told me that she got it in Florida. If so, it’s home!

Mail Bag: Warm Weather Hourglass

Guest blogger Fashion Lady (aka Londyn) of Blog Fashion helps me out with some reader mail:

i just came across your blog yesterday.. i think u have a great sense of dressing and your colour coordination is just fantastic. i'm a uni student and am on a budget when it comes to shopping.. also.. i'm really short (1.5m) and have an hourglass shape... i live in Australia and summer time's coming soon (december).. i was wondering if you have any ideas on how i can dress in the summer because i'm a fan of layering and come summer, i'm going to struggle getting dressed everyday.. i hope you can give me some dressing tips. oh and i'm in my early twenties =) thanks Kasmira.. a make up artist once told me that my skin falls in the "autumn towards winter" colour pallette. do you have any idea what that means? i hope you can answer my questions.. your blog rocks!

-Anonymous

Wow, lots of good questions and good specifics! First point of note – Yes, Kasmira’s blog rocks! I am honored to be her first guest writer, so hopefully, I do her and her fabulous blog justice.

Next, let’s sum up your specifics for everyone:
Short, hourglass figured woman in her 20s with autumn/winter coloring who is looking for fun, colorful, summer wardrobe ideas that incorporate layering and keep her on a budget.

What a fun request! I love summer weather, but also find it a challenge to dress weather-appropriate while still keeping outfits interesting and unique. Let’s tackle your coloring first, and then get down to some outfit options.

1) Coloring: When people refer to you by season, they are referring to a beauty technique that categorizes each person’s skin, hair, and overall coloring into one of the 4 seasons. Once you know what “season” you are, you can figure out what colors are most flattering for you. If you are somewhere between autumn and winter, I am assuming you have naturally honey beige or olive skin with a rich deep warm tones of brown hair. Am I right? The typical color suggestions would be to stick with blue undertones, instead of yellow. The same description I used for your hair would work for your color choices: rich, warm, deep tones. Ideal colors would be: Wine, Reds, Deep or Bright Blues, Olive or Emerald Green, etc. While it is a good idea to work with your most flattering colors, don’t think you have to use this color technique as a strict policy. If pale pink isn’t flattering to your face, but you love it none the less, work in pale pink accessories such as shoes or a purse, or layer a pale pink tank under a emerald green tee so that the pink is still showing, but isn’t so close to your face.

2) Fit & Cut: Congrats on the hourglass figure! Next, is learning how to dress those curves. A-line skirts (skirts that flow away from the body) and wrap dresses would be easy and very flattering options for you. Just remember, for skirts and dresses, keep the cut just above the knee to elongate your leg lines. Anything at knee length or below will shorten your leg line dramatically. Also, cute ballet flats or skinny stilettos will look fab on you. Chunkier heels and wedges are trendy right now, but if you want to keep your look light instead of weighed down, I would keep them from becoming a regular part of your wardrobe. Unless you are seriously endowed, you can play around a little with different shirt cuts. The only things I would stay away from would be anything that is too loose and boxy, anything with a super high neck line (v-necks will be better for you as they will also help to elongate the figure), and anything that falls below your waist. Make sure to find fun cuts and details that enhance your curves such as a nice seamed jacket, empire waists, high belts, and accent rusching.

3) Summer Fun: Keep things interesting throughout summer by using color, mixing patterns, accessorizing, and light layering:
Layering is not only for winter – layer tank tops with different textures, colors, or patterns over each other (or with a tee shirt or dress) for a fun look.
Add bold accessories that make an outfit stand out.
Don’t be afraid of color, textures, or patterns – experiment!
Go out of your comfort zone. If you never wear dresses, buy one! If you haven’t tried the cropped knee length short – it’s time to try!

I have included some pics of outfit pieces that would work well for you. Each of these items would layer really well. Add a colorful cami, some funky jewelry, and some fabulous heels – you are good to go!


4) Budget: FYI Budget Diva – all the dresses are from Target.com, so they are very inexpensive! The other items are from Zappos.com and they are not quite as affordable, but they will at least give you an idea of what things would work well on you.

Browse through the “clearance” sections both at online store sites as well as department and mall stores. Make sure to factor in the shipping expense if you do go the online route as that expense does add up – also, if you need to make a return, you will most likely lose that money for good.

If you are crafty, you may be able to update some clothing you already have – add a lace hemline to an old skirt, dye your washed out jeans black, or sew on some detailing to a plain jean jacket. Another idea is to start thrifting or look into an online wardrobe swap shop. Good deals are all over the place if you are willing to take the time to search them out – red-line items here we come!

I hope all of my tips and tricks were helpful! Happy Shopping!

-Londyn