Breaking the Silence

Remember when I used to blog??

Sadly, shortly after our great trip to the Northwest last month, I was taking daily outfit photos and dropped our camera for the second time.  The lens yet again got stuck and this time, it was irreparable.  Well, not totally irreparable, but expensive enough to make it not worth it.  We’re a bit in limbo at the moment as we want to purchase an SLR, but can’t quite justify the expense and yet don’t want to plop down the $200 for the ELPH again as well. 

I do have a borrowed one at the moment….so here are some old photos from the last *gulp* near month…

September 14, 2010

white pintuck tunic—H&M
glenplaid shorts--Banana Republic, retail days
gold flats--Target
filigree earrings--Express, remixed

September 16, 2010

chambray shirt—H&M
purple satin skirt--Limited, remixed
big brown belt--Banana, remixed
brown wedges--Payless, remixed

September 21, 2010

lace top—Forever 21, remixed
gray pants--Banana Republic, retail days
black peeptoe flats--Madden Girl via DSW, remixed

September 22, 2010

blue patterned dress—BCBG, thrifted
putty cardigan--J.Crew, remixed
gold flats--Target, remixed
gray sparkle headband--J.Crew, remixed
teardrop necklace--Limited, remixed

 

September 26, 2010

black & white dress—Anthropologie, remixed
gold flats--Target, remixed
yellow beads--Limited, remixed

September 27, 2010

gray molded & melded tee—Anthropologie, remixed
black capris--NY&Co, remixed
black wedges--Madden Girl via DSW, remixed
pink earrings--10,000 Villages, remixed

September 28, 2010

paisley top—Tucker for Target
gray ruffle vest--H&M, remixed
trouser jeans--Banana Republic, remixed

September 29, 2010

pink cardigan—Banana Republic, remixed
blue lace cami--Banana Republic, remixed
jeans--Joe's Provacateur via ebay, remixed
pearls--Forever 21, remixed
brown wedges--Payless, remixed

October 3, 2010

brocade pencil skirt—Tucker for Target
white ruffle tank--Gap, remixed
navy blazer--LOFT, remixed
beige pumps--Madden Girl via DSW, remixed

October 5, 2010

blue plaid shirt—Gap, remixed
gray skirt--H&M, remixed
brown plaid wellies--Banana Republic, remixed
red snowflake socks--J.Crew, remixed
beaded belt--Anthropologie, new!
mother-of-pearl earrings--Sarasota gift shop, remixed

As you can see, I’ve done a bit of shopping lately (shhh….) .  Several of the pieces I wore in these outfits were new, including the Tucker for Target top and skirt, the chambray shirt from H&M, and this gorgeous beaded belt from Anthro.  LOVE.

Back to Belting

September 12, 2010

teal cardigan—Limited, remixed
brown sequin tank--NY&Co, remixed
white braided belt--American Eagle, remixed
polka dot skirt--H&M, new!
black peep-toe flats--Madden Girl via DSW, remixed
pink earrings--free from a goodie bag

T- four days until the camera and I are reunited in the Great Northwest!

This outfit was so cute and these pictures are so bad—boo!  This skirt was a recent pick-up at H&M for less than $30 and it’s a nice, comfy elastic waist with a pretty flared shape.  LOVE.

September 13, 2010

striped shark-bite tank—Express, remixed
ruffled miniskirt--Express, remixed
long gray cardigan--NY&Co, remixed
locket--American Eagle, remixed
black wedges--Madden Girl via DSW

These shoes were also a recent purchase (I guess I got bored while the husband was away?) at DSW and I. Love. Them.  I had been lusting after a pair of Steven Madden buckled wedges that were just a bit pricier than I would have liked and so I never bit the bullet and bought them.  Then I found these and decided they fit the bill for a chunky, harder-edged black wedge that would transition from summer to fall perfectly.  My husband says they’re “hideous” but I can walk in them blister-free and like the departure from my usual footwear choice.

Jeans Weather

September 10, 2010

white ruffle tank—Gap (new!)
green cardigan--Express, remixed
jeans--Joe's Provacateur via ebay, remixed
gold sandals--Madden Girl via ebay, remixed

Yay for jeans weather!  I feel like I haven’t worn denim all summer since it’s been so hot here.  It felt amazing to pull on a pair of soft jeans, a cute top, cardigan and sandals—so simple and classic!

I got this top at the Gap last week when I finally went to use my Groupon there.  I love it!  I originally went in wanting this skirt, but as much as I loved it, it did not love my body.  No matter!  I love the simplicity of a crisp white top and the ruffles are so pretty! 

On a more somber note, many prayers and thoughts for those who lost someone in the attacks nine years ago today.  My husband was actually in NYC at the time (I, on the other hand, was studying abroad in France that semester in college)  and I’m always newly grateful that he’s with us today despite the sad fact of his friends that lost their lives that day.  My prayer is actually for a continued striving towards peace and justice in the world that works to educate and prevent the rhetoric that leads to terrorism in the first place.   The world is slowly becoming a better place thanks to people like Greg Mortenson and others who work for peace, justice, and education in Central Asia and beyond!

Holy Knees, Batman

September 8, 2010

green tube top—Hollister, old
pink cropped cardigan--Express, remixed
distressed boyfriend khakis--American Eagle, remixed
strappy brown wedges--Banana, remixed
"approaching dusk necklace"--Anthropologie, sale

Happy Hump Day, everybody!

After looking at these pictures this morning, I actually wore the cardigan unbuttoned all day, but was constantly tugging on the top to keep it up.  Not comfy.  And I suppose that holes in the knees are less than appropriate for work, but I was feeling the pegged-pants-with-loose-top-and-pretty-necklace look. 

I love this new necklace (also part of my gifts-to-self from the Anthro sale section last month)!  It’s actually long and has the clusters of beads hanging down either side, but I decided to double loop it to fill the space left by the strapless top.   So pretty and delicate and I think it will be versatile with the two different lengths!

I’ve got a hot date tonight with the a/c on full blast, a heating pad on my belly, and some nutella on whatever I can find in the pantry. :)  Have a great one!

29 of 30

August 2, 2010

green buttons cardigan—Limited, remixed
khaki shorts--Banana, remixed
gray tank--Banana, remixed
pink patent belt--American Eagle, old
boat shoes--Sperry, remixed

If it looks like I’m on a golf course in these photos, it’s because—surprise!—I am.  I spent yesterday volunteering with my sorority alumni association at a charity golf tournament in Quidnesset (man I love Rhode Island village names).  It was gorgeous—perfect day in the 70s, sailboats on the water, immaculate landscaping. 

I spent the majority of the afternoon during the tournament at the tee for the Hole-In-One $35, 000 prize.  I told the golfers about the prize, laughed with them about the odds, and then watched to see if just maybe someone would hit a hole-in-one (they didn’t). 

So what’s a girl to do for hours on end between foursomes of golfers?  I took these photos, finished a book, and filled divets. 

Speaking of books, have you heard of Jen Lancaster?  Because if not, you’re missing out.  She is beyond hilarious and I just finished her first book: Bitter is the New Black.  Seriously.   I was laughing so hard at some points that I woke up the husband over the sounds of the TV and a/c who came running because he thought I was choking. 

Also, I sound like I’m choking when I laugh.  Highly inconvenient.

But no joke: read this book and laugh.  I’m already requesting her other ones from the library since this is the one I finished on the golf course.  Be warned if you are of a ginger spirit or easily offended, though: this books contains adult material and language.

24 of 30

Wow!  It’s been a long time!  Somehow, I forget to post for a day or two and then it just gets away from me.  Steel yourselves for a bit of a slew of posting….

July 29, 2010

striped shar-bit tank—Express, remixed
teal buttons cardigan--Limited, remixed
jeans--Joe's Provacateur via ebay, remixed
gladiator platforms--Simply Vera, remixed
pink pearl necklace--J.Crew, remixed

So, remember when peg-rolling your jeans was totally awesome in 6th grade and now people are doing it again?  I tried and failed, my friends.  Or else it’s just not a look for me. 

Not a planned outfit, just something I threw on to go work at the coffee shop around the corner for a bit, but I’m okay with this disheveled look and the random heels.  And I still love this cardigan—she will be around after I’m sick of all of the other 30for30 items, for sure.

Some favorites

June 24, 2010

patterned dress—Ann Taylor, thrifted
pink flower pin--H&M, remixed
blue snakeskin sandals--LOFT, old
earrings--Simply Vera, remixed

These pics are from Thursday and this is probably my favorite thrift store find ever.  It was a brand-new Ann Taylor dress in my size, with the tags still attached.  AND it was a petite, which my super-short legs are always grateful for!  I found it last year and truth be told, I’ve not had as good of luck since.








June 25, 2010

pink lace tank—American Eagle, old
putty cardigan--J.Crew, remixed
gray denim crops--American Eagle, old
boat shoes--Sperry Top-Siders

Friday was sort of a crazy day with preparations to go to Boston on Saturday for my second half-marathon with Team Challenge.  I think I’ve mentioned previously that my husband has had Crohn’s disease for over a decade and last summer I got involved with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation on his behalf and began fundraising and training to run a half-marathon.   I actually raised over $4200 last fall and got to travel to Las Vegas where I ran my first-ever half!  Mind you—I couldn’t run a mile without stopping to walk when I started the training last August. 

I had such an amazing experience and met so many fabulous and inspiring people that I stayed involved this season as a mentor.  The race was actually in Boston, so New England got to be the host team!  More on the details of the race weekend later, but all of this is to say that I spent Friday running around like crazy.  And making door signs for my amazing mentees!



Aren’t they pretty?  I shouldn’t tell you the secret in case any of you decide to take the plunge and train with Team Challenge, but we sneak around and hang them on the hotel room doors so they’re the first thing folks see when they leave in the morning to run their race!  It was such a neat surprise for me in Vegas!



My outfit was pure function and comfort today—tank, cardigan, crops, and BOAT SHOES!!!  I’ve wanted a pair of Top-Siders forever and my mom surprised me and sneakily bought me a pair while I was visiting family a few weeks ago.  I LOVE THEM.  They are buttery soft, completely comfortable, and apparently, right on trend this summer.  I’ll be wearing these a lot into the fall and winter with socks and jeans, too.   Obsessed.

End of the Week Round Up

gray flowy cardigan—H&M
brown lace tank--American Eagle, old
bootcut jeans--Banana, retail days
pink polka dot flats--American Eagle, remixed
silver necklace—NY&Co
lagoon headband--Lululemon
yellow earrings--bridesmaid gift

Although I continued to plow through my top five list for Dress Your Best week, I certainly let the rest of my outfits go by the wayside.  To be fair, I was spending my days running back and forth between the hospital, work, and home, taking care of pets, sleeping on a fold-out couch, and showering when possible. 
But, here’s another of my favorite body parts: my décolletage.  Along with short legs and a petite frame, my chest itself is small and I love it that way.  I can wear whatever tops I want, never have to worry about anything getting loose when I’m dressed up or in tank tops, and can basically glide through the summer without a bra.  Is that too much information? 

I also loved S’s post quoting Shakira when she lauded her own cleavage—hooray for A & B cups and loving it!!

All this said, the rest of my outfit exists for nothing other than comfort.  I’d been trying to re-wear this long cocoon wrap for some time, but every time I put it on, it was just too flowy and overwhelming.  But today, I needed a sweater, so I looped it in a knot out front.  And yes, that’s my running headband holding back Scraggles, my unwashed and unruly hair. 

I’ve loved reading what others had to say to celebrate their bodies and am so grateful to academichic for initiating such an inspiring collective!

Focus on Features; Forgetting the Rest

What a week...I'm still attempting to dress my best, but as you're about to see, I'm really just focusing on the one body part I like and want to highlight and letting the rest go by the wayside.  You understand...it's been a long and crazy one--more on that soon. 

green cardigan--Gap, old

denim skirt--Banana, retail days

pink blouse--Limited, old

pink pearl necklace--J.Crew, remixed

gold gladiator sandals--Madden Girl via ebay

Today I'm highlighting a random favorite body part: my hands and feet.  Ironically, I haven't had a chance to have a mani-pedi so the pictures aren't quite as flattering as I had planned.  Ah well...we'll take it as a good example that my blog is totally real-life. :)

Like my petite overall frame, I like my hands and feet for their small proportions.  My feet are a size 6, so rarely are shoes sold out in my size and my ring size is a 5, making my wedding band look like a doll's ring.  After many years of wishing for more "normal" sized body, I decided in recent years that I really like my little hands and feet.

These sandals are some that I had been stalking for over a month and finally found in my size on ebay (they're last season) and then proceeded to follow them there for another few weeks.  I made a few offers and couldn't get them quite as cheap as I had hoped, so I watched the auction end sadly.  But, they re-appeared, this time on sale and after a bit more bartering, they were mine for 25% less than the initial listing.  Score! 

I definitely threw on the rest of this outfit without much thought--I wanted a comfortable skirt with some layers on top, but I haven't done laundry, nor did I take a lot of time to think about getting dressed.  I think the bling of the sandals stands out enough to divert your attention, yes?

 

Dressing My Best--Day 2!

When I made my top five list of my favorite body features,  I had a couple of outfits in mind, but this was not one of them. :)

black petals cardigan, LOFT sale, remixed

brown sequined tank--NY&Co

black zippered capris--NY&Co

blue double-buckle belt--Old Navy clearance, remixed

black pointy flats--DSW, remixed

However, a few things happened to bring this outfit together today...

#1  It was really cold.  Like high in the upper 40s cold.  In May.

#2  I wanted to wear my new capris and tank--more on that in a minute

#3  By process of elimination, I decided to dress to emphasize another favorite part: my petite frame.

I've been "small" my whole life.  Pretty much, that means I've been short and proportional.  As much as I like wearing heels and am often jealous of those who never have to hem pants, I really do love my petite figure, short limbs and all. 

Wearing capri pants might not seem like the most obvious way to show that off, but I thought I could sneak in Dressing My Best AND my new clothes by doing a monochrome black look, with skinny pants and pointy flats.  Besides, both these pants and the tank were FIFTY PERCENT OFF.  Thanks crazy NY & Co. sales!!

Dressing My Best--and in Stripes, no Less!

Well, hello there!

I won't even go into the insanity of this day...let's just talk clothes, shall we?  I was super excited to participate in academichic's Dress Your Best week, so here's my first offering: LEGS!!

embellished dress--Target

yellow pencil-stripe cardigan--J.Crew

gray stockings--Victoria's Secret

patent wedges--Banana, remixed

At 5'2", I've often struggled with my legs as my least favorite part of my body.  I always saw them as too chunky for how short they were and thick rather than skinny or even shapely.  And let's not even approach the topic of cankles...it's been a love-hate relationship fizzling over into hate for many years.

But then, last August, I started running.  I signed up to participate in Team Challenge, a fundraiser and half-marathon training program for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, as my husband is a long time UC patient.  Although I couldn't even run a mile when I started, by fall I was logging upwards of 20 miles a week and I ran my first half-marathon in Las Vegas on December 6, 2009 after raising over $4200 towards a cure for Crohn's & colitis!  It changed my life so much that I'm still working with the program, mentoring new participants and will run another half in June after raising more money for CCFA. 

All of this is a long way of saying that I suddenly realized what my legs could do.  They could carry me for double-digit miles, they could work to fatigue and move me from place to place and they certainly didn't fail me last season.  I began to love how strong they were and appreciate what my body was really capable of--starting with my most embattled features. 

Now I love my legs and never fail to appreciate their strength and agility.  I see them as an anchor for the rest of my body--keeping me strong and upright and grounded (literally)!

I also wore this striped cardigan today in honor of Jessica's blogger challenge of Breton Stripes, but I think I

1) missed the earlier deadline of posting

2) didn't really wear true Breton Stripes

Oops--I'll be doing plenty of stripes in the coming weeks, so I'll be back to this one for sure!

I really, really love this dress, though.  I found it at Target (full price: $24.99) but love this kind of tank dress with full skirt and the embellishments were so sweet and meant no need for jewelry!!  To play up my legs, I picked the shorter and fuller skirt with dark hose and wedges.  Go LEGS!!