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.

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!

Some Randoms

Oh friends, it’s been far too long!!  Things have been busy with a whirlwind romantic get-away to Maine last weekend, and then my birthday and ensuing festivities this past week with another quick day-cation on Saturday.  Whew! 

Let’s catch up!  Brace yourself for a slew of outfit photos below and a recap of our awesome weekend away to come!

August 11, 2010

What:
yellow beach dress—J.Crew, old
white braided belt--American Eagle, remixed
espadrilles--J.Crew, old

Where:
This was just a work outfit on a day when I was feeling especially beachy!  I love this dress, but it’s old and the stays on the inside poke through the fabric and rub, making it incredibly uncomfortable.  Boo—but I was happy to get another summer out of it!

August 12, 2010

What:
red wrap shirt--Limited, old
black lace cami--Target, old
patterned skirt--Limited, remixed
peep-toe flats--Madden Girl, remixed
necklace--Limited, remixed

Where:
work!

August 16, 2010

What:
red striped tunic--Urban Outfitters, remixed
white pencil skirt--Limited, remixed
peep-toe flats--Madden Girl, remixed
double torsade necklace--Anthro, remixed

Where:
work work work

August 19, 2010

What:
corset dress--Urban Outfitters, sale
pink tutu--Forever 21, remixed
blue belt--Old Navy, remixed
double torsade necklace--Anthro, remixed
beige platforms--BCBG, remixed

Where:
It was my birthday so I took the opportunity to don a tutu :)

August 20, 2010

What:
floral ruffle top--Liberty of London for Target, remixed
black ribbon skirt--Limited, remixed
white braided belt--American Eagle, remixed
peep-toe flats--Madden Girl, remixed

Where:
office, lunch with a new friend!

What:
black & white dress--Limited, old
beige platforms--BCBG, remixed
earrings--Express, remixed

Where:
dinner with friends, surprise party courtesy of my sweet, sweet husband :)

That about catches us up…sorry for the absence—I’ve always been an excellent procrastinator, but it feels good to be back!

Missing Pieces

August 5, 2010

printed miniskirt—Express, remixed
white tank--Banana, remixed
gray knit blazer--Gap, remixed
green beads--J.Crew, old
silver t-straps--J.Crew, remixed

Somehow when I was catching up the other day I skipped from Wednesday to Friday without posting Thursday’s outfit—must have been the post-challenge celebration-induced stupor…

This skirt was another item I wanted to wear and had even debated including in my 30 items, but ultimately didn’t.  I really love the pattern and fun ruffles and that after lusting after it for a bit, I finally got it on sale.  I tried to office-ify it here by putting a knit blazer over my tank top, but seriously, I’m basically breaking every professional rule in the book: I’m wearing flip-flops and a miniskirt to work, after all.   Yay summer!

August 7, 2010

purple maxi dress—Forever 21, last year
green sandals--American Eagle, remixed
earrings--Forever 21, remixed
sunglasses--Target, new!

Although this maxi dress was a staple for me last summer, this is the first time I’ve pulled it out this year.  I love the rich color and halter neck of this one and it’s like walking around in a nightgown, which is always a bonus.

I haven’t exactly been a shopping animal since my ban “ended,” since the husband and I are buckling down to get out of debt by the end of the year.  SO excited for that possibility that even if I buy nothing between now and January 1, 2011, it will be worth it.  I’m not promising that will be the case (dare I even hope that it’s not?), but we have concrete goals and putting money towards things other than credit cards will be lovely.  Ugh.

In any case, I did purchase a new pair of sunglasses at Target since the ones I’d bought from there three years ago randomly cracked and broke for no apparent reason the other day.   Practical purchase?   Yes.  But also thrilling given the lack of spending I’ve done over the last month.

See?  It did work!  I’m overjoyed at a pair of $15 sunglasses and still realistic about going spendy-spendy. 

For now.

28 of 30

August 1, 2010

blue tube dress—J.Crew, remixed
white lace top--Forever 21, remixed
big brown belt--Banana, remixed
red striped wedges--TOMS, remixed
yellow necklace--Limited, remixed

Slowly, slowly….we are getting there.  The challenge is almost over and my closet feels like a department store full of shiny new things. 

I told you this tube dress was versatile—I finally wore it as an actual dress today, under this lace top for church and then on its own for a picnic in the park with friends.  It really makes the perfect shape skirt when belted and a great empire waist dress or bathing suit cover-up.  Have I mentioned I love it?

In case you were wondering why my hair looks greasy, curly and pulled back in nearly every picture lately, I desperately need a haircut AND it’s that point in the summer when it’s just too hot (and time consuming) to break out the hairdryer and I can’t stand it on my neck.  I may go for style from the neck down, but on my  head it’s all practicality, people. 

26 & 27 of 30

July 31, 2010

black patterned shirt—Banana, thrifted & remixed
floral skirt--H&M, remixed
peeptoe flats--Madden Girl via DSW, remixed

Some more photos from this weekend…

I threw this on when my husband and I decided last-minute to go see Inception on Saturday afternoon at the IMAX.  We loved it!  The big screen and effects were pretty fun, not to mention the fact that we snuck in our own snacks and wine in coffee mugs. :)

white tank—Banana, remixed
floral skirt--H&M, remixed
blue belt--Old Navy, remixed
gold sandals--Madden Girl via ebay, remixed
pink beads--Banana, retail days

Later, I changed into a tank and sandals to go downtown for Waterfire.  It’s kind of a big deal. 

 

Angel / Starlet

June 29, 2010

white maxi dress—American Eagle, last summer
gold metallic sandals--Madden Girl via ebay, remixed
pink pearl necklace--J.Crew, remixed
brown beaded headband--hand-me-up from sister
brown patterned scarf--Banana Republic, retail days
aviators--knock-offs from Vegas

For not knowing what I was going to wear in the morning, I was really happy with the way this outfit came together!  I got called an angel at work and a starlet by my husband, so I’ll happily take either one. :)
It was in the 90s again yesterday so I went for this white breezy maxi dress with an open tie-back to keep cool and added the gold sandals and accessories to glam it up a bit.  I wanted to keep the gypsy, hippie vibe with the headband just sort of slapped on the back of my head and sunglasses with a scarf to cover my cleavage for the office.  Done!

Heat Weakens My Reserves

Well, we caved.  It was necessary and I have never appreciated a/c like this.  We actually bought it last week during a long afternoon of weakness and the cats and I have been grateful ever since.  Make no mistake: this is a tiny, tiny window-unit air conditioner but when you’re used to nothing, it feels like pure, pure grace. :)
 

June 28, 2010

gray jersey dress (w/ purple sash)—Limited, old
white pointelle tank--American Eagle, old
black beaded flip flops--Unlisted, gift & remixed
green metallic headband--J.Crew, remixed
giant white beads--Target, old

This is what I wore yesterday, trying stay cool.  I’m a big devotee of the jersey dress for summer and have had this one for years and years.  And after Sunday’s half-marathon, my blistered feet and sore legs left flip flops as the only feasible option.  At least they’re pretty flip flops?



Don’t these beads scream Wilma Flintstone?  They came from Target years ago but I think they’re so fun and kitschy! 

Wishing for the Weekend

black tank--Banana, retail days
pink tutu (!)--Forever 21
platform sandals--BCBG via DSW
yellow sunbeam necklace--Anthro, remixed
bumblebee clutch--J.Crew sale, remixed

Well, I’m back in lovely New England after an amazing week with my family down South and thanks to our lack of air conditioning, it is just as hot way up here!  Somehow when summer comes, I can’t remember what it feels like to freeze all winter and come winter, I forget that it was ever hot and humid.  I do love having the seasons though and it’s fun to experience all of the activities (and outfits!) that go along with each. 

I came home and jumped right into a crazy weekend catching up with friends after being away, hitting up the beach for the first time this summer, and watching lots of World Cup soccer.  Saturday was RI Pride Day so we headed out for the infamous parade and let me tell you, it was a site to be seen.  Tons and tons of people everywhere of every single persuasion you can imagine—amazing to see such an open and supportive community.  I loved it.  AND, I took the opportunity to bust out my new pink tutu from Forever 21 because really, what event calls for a tutu more than a pride fest?  I kept it simple with a black tank and beige platforms and one my favorite statement necklaces.  I realized as I was getting dressed that I am severely lacking in plain, solid tanks to put with fun skirts and shorts.  Any suggestions on where I should pick some up?


purple ombre maxi dress—Old Navy
orange lace tank--American Eagle, old & remixed
green sandals--American Eagle, remixed
black beads pendant--Forever 21, remixed
black "possibilities" cardigan (below)—Anthropologie sale

This is what I wore to work today, a maxi dress made a little more office-appropriate with a cami underneath and a cardigan on top (below).  I still love the maxi-trend since it accentuates my best half and gives me some coverage and space over my bottom half.  Plus, when left unbelted, it’s really like wearing a nightie all day—can’t beat that!

After I put the orange under the purple dress, I decided to just go for it and create a triad with the green sandals.  I think it turned out fun and colorful without looking too cartoonish.

Happy Monday!

House Marmie

striped shirtdress-J.Crew, old
silver t-strap sandals--J.Crew
orange necklace--10,000 Villages, remixed
blue headband--aerie, remixed
I think I felt like I needed to compensate after two less-than-full-coverage outfits in a row.  :)  I don’t consider myself a conservative dresser despite my occupation (more on that another time), but something about the low-cut top on Friday night and the super short skirt yesterday made me long for a skirt I could genuflect in comfortably, flat shoes, and a ponytail.  I guess I just crave balance?

I’ve had this dress for years and years and years and I still wear it at least once a season.  It was on sale at J.Crew when I bought it and even though it seemed like a lot of dress for someone as short as I, I just loved it, especially with flat sandals.  It’s airy and breezy while still completely modest and the tie-waist and pockets are perfect complements to the ever-so-slight seersucker fabric.  And the sandals are another purchase from J.Crew many moons ago.  The silver has actually worn off underneath since I’ve lived in them for about three summers now.  Price per wear?  Definitely under $1!  Yes!

05.22.10 Collection 2010

purple top--H&M
brocade skirt--Zac Posen for Target
grommet belt--American Eagle, old
nude platform sandals--BCBG via DSW
gold disc necklace--Limited, remixed

Fun, fun!  After an impressive display of sleeping in, I went with a group of friends to the RISD Apparel Design’s annual runway show this afternoon!  The students are beyond talented and the show is such fun—they’re so creative and impressive in what they produce at only 18-22 years old.  I’m always awed and humbled seeing these young artists really meet their potential.  I couldn’t take photos at the show itself, but as soon as some surface online, I’ll be sure to link to them and show you my favorites!

One of the neat things about the show is that they actually put some of the pieces up for sale afterward.  How neat to own a completely original design by someone who very well may be the next big designer.  The first half of the show focuses on design challenges that they held during the semester (e.g. coats, non-fabric materials, knitwear) and the second half showcases the senior theses complete with videos of their inspiration.  It’s a fantastic event and definitely not something I get to do every weekend so I was so honored to get to go and watch the show.


This is what I wore to the show: overdressed per usual. :)  This skirt was my other purchase from the Zac Posen collection at Target.  I love the pleats and the gold woven into the pattern to make it a little more special.  I actually didn’t realize just how short it was until I saw these pictures!  Oops.  I might have to be discriminating about where I wear this piece at that length. 

I put the purple top with it trying to play up the yellow and gold in the skirt and then added the grommet belt and the heavy necklace to try and roughen things up a bit in light of Jessica’s challenge!  It turns out I don’t really have any “heavy” accessories, so I have to work with what I’ve got.  This closet is full of ruffles and florals and skirts and sparkle, what can I say?



These sandals are a new acquisition as well and I am in love. After eyeing these pretty much ever since they came out, I’ve been on the hunt for some pretty champagne-hued platform strappy sandals. These fit the bill AND were less than half the price of the Coach ones! I’m not saying that they were a steal at $69.95 (especially for DSW, let’s be honest), but I’m hoping I get several summers’ wear out of them.



Hope your weekend was a great one and thanks for reading!!