Bye Bye Summer

September 7, 2010

white flower top—Francesca’s, remixed
pin-striped blazer--Limited, remixed
black walking shorts--Limited, remixed
green metallic headband--J.Crew, remixed
earrings--Target, remixed
red-striped wedges--TOMS, remixed

Well, summer may officially be over, but it’s still in the mid-eighties up here and I’m still wearing shorts and my TOMS! 

As much as I’m sure you enjoy viewing my bath towel on the closet door, I need to start paying attention to my backgrounds in indoor photos.  Sorry about that!

I need to confess something: don’t get too excited; it’s not very juicy.  My body has undergone some crazy changes since I turned 29 (or more slowly without my noticing) and many of the items in my closet suddenly don’t fit properly or at all.  I’d been getting incredibly frustrated planning to wear certain things only to find out that they didn’t fit the next morning when I put them on and I was sick of the frustration as well as about feeling unhappy about my body.  So, this weekend, I took control.  I mercilessly tore through my closet and pulled out anything that I either wasn’t wearing lately or that I knew didn’t fit right now and put them in two giant bins.  There’s no pressure to give them away or sell them right now, but my closet currently consists only of items I can and want to wear and I’m liberated from the pressure of too many choices (that aren’t so in actuality).

These shorts are an item that was super baggy for so long and that now fit well so I’ve been wearing them a lot the last week.  Plus, they might only have a couple of weeks left so I want to get all of the wear out of them I can!

Thanks for listening to my rant and nonsense chatter and visiting my Gospel of Style, as always!  :)

Heat Wave

August 31, 2010

blue crochet tank—Anthropologie, sale
white bermuda shorts--American Eagle, remixed
red striped wedges--TOMS, remixed
earrings--Frog & Toad, remixed

This pretty tank was one of my birthday gifts to myself, from the sale section of Anthropologie.  I meant to take a detail pic so you could see there are tiny clusters of beads on the flower print.  I love it and think it will work under jackets and things for the fall as well!

I also forgot to put up a picture from Sunday so you could see that I did, in fact, wear a skirt-suit.  Oh yes.

Pretty hilarious, if you ask me.

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.

Short Matters

floral tank—American Eagle
"jorts"--cut-offs from an old pair of AE jeans
polka dot flip flops--J.Crew



I wanted to be comfy playing tourist with my dad on Monday so I went with a pair of jeans I just cut off and this tank that’s one of my favorites from last summer.  Not so sure about the “jorts” though—I’ve seen enough episodes of What Not to Wear to know that I have to fit the biggest part of my body and then tailor from there.  And, um…these aren’t doing me any favors.  Hey—they can’t all be home runs!


one-shoulder dress—Francesca’s
silver t-straps--J.Crew

Later that night, I went to dinner with some old friends so I switched over to this pretty and comfy dress.  It’s a knit jersey so despite the beading being a bit itchy, it’s easy and fun to wear.  It must seem like I’ve been over-promoting Francesca’s Collections since I’ve worn three of their pieces in the last week, but this is the last of what I bought.  I do LOVE all three pieces: the white daisy top, the red vines dress, and this gorgeous Grecian-inspired dress.  I’m out of dollars for now though, so it'll be a while before I head back. :)



I’m also learning that while shorter skirts/dresses flatter my frame much better than those that fall in the mid-calf region, but I think those that hit me just above the knee are best.  They cover my thighs but leave enough leg exposed so that I’m  not cut off at a weird place.  I guess it’s all about trial and error for what fits your body best!

Kentucky Woman

Wednesday...
watercolor print dress—H&M, remixed
gold gladiator sandals--Madden Girl via ebay, remixed
earrings--Forever 21, remixed
Rather than blogging the last several days, I’ve been having an amazing time with family and old friends in Kentucky!  But I haven’t been neglecting my daily photos, so here they are all are!  My mom lives on a mini-farm with four horses, two dogs, and two cats, so it’s quite a zoo here but it’s also beautiful and peaceful.  I haven’t seen so many fireflies in years!!
It’s also been well over 90 degrees everyday so I’ve been staying cool in dresses and sandals, which are also comfy for the constant moving.  Wednesday was this watercolor dress I’ve worn before, but I just love the colorful print and sweet cut, even if it is CRAZY short. 

My sister, brother-in-law and I did some SERIOUSLY INTENSE yoga (P90X something or another?  I had never heard of it) as well and when we weren’t collapsing on the floor in giggles and sweat, we did get a shot of all of us in our own forms of tree pose. :)

Thursday…
 
green ruffled dress--Forever 21, remixed
white braided belt--American Eagle
silver t-straps--J.Crew, remixed
giant teardrop earrings--Target, remixed
Thursday was a HOT one and I love it!!  Again, another remixed dress that I wore in the cooler weather with a trench and tights.  This belt was a recent purchase that I know I’ll get tons of wear out of this summer when I don’t want black or brown.  I’m so glad white and breezy neutrals are in style right now—they just FEEL cooler all summer long.

Friday…
 
pink patterned tee—Target
white bermuda shorts--American Eagle
navy patent mesh boat shoes--Sperry Top-Siders via ebay
Sad story about these Sperry’s…I was too cheap to fork over $80 or so for the kind I really wanted: the dark leather boat shoe (*sigh*).  BUT, I found these on ebay for only about $30 and thought with the savings, I could live with a navy patent pair instead.  Bad, bad decision.  This is the second time I’ve worn them and they literally chew my feet to pieces.  We’re talking blood, people.  And skin.  I did some wearing of them around the house with thick socks, but still no dice.  Any suggestions for breaking it shoes that SHOULD be comfy already???

Saturday…
 
tank dress w/ attached necklace--Express, damage discount :)
platform sandals--BCBG via DSW, remixed
Saturday night I had delicious Indian with a friend from college and drinks with my best friend since 7 years old.  I’ve been saving this dress since I bought it to wear out and I LOVE IT.  I fell in love with it but couldn’t quite rationalize the price tag.  But then, I got a 15% coupon in my inbox from Express and when I tried it on again, this one had a rip that scored me an additional 10% discount.  The rip is on the seam so it’s easily fixable and I got the dress!!  Yay!
Sunday…

red vines dress—Francesca’s
beaded wedges--Target old, remixed
white braided belt--American Eagle, remixed
cathedral earrings--American Eagle, old
wooden handle bag--J.Crew, old
This morning I got up early and drove to see my grandparents and attend their sweet country church with them.  We dropped my grandma off at Sunday school and then my grandpa and I had breakfast and the diner down the street where, truly, everyone knows EVERYONE.  This is the best part: $4 got me a scrambled egg, hash browns, bacon, 4 pieces of toast, and coffee.  With lots of hot sauce.  Crazy!!
We went BACK to the diner after the worship service for lunch with their whole crowd.  It was hilarious and fun and I hope I’m exactly the same when I’m 85 years old!  This sweet dress felt perfect for such a Southern morning.

Well I guess that catches us up—I’ll be back in New England mid-week, but until then, here’s a shot of two of my mom/sister’s horses wearing their weird Jedi fly masks. :)

Victor, Victoria

white blouse--LOFT, old
pink striped skirt--H&M, remixed
nude platforms--BCBG via DSW, remixed
pearls--Forever 21, remixed
Although I didn’t really have anywhere in particular to go today, I wanted to dress up for an entry to Jessica’s “Victor, Victoria” contest!  The options were menswear-inspired looks or something “super lady-like” and naturally, I went for the latter. 


What could be girlier than pink, pleats, and a bow topped off with pointelle and pearls?  :)
 
I bought this skirt at H&M during the winter and have actually only worn it once since then.  I like looking back: in January, I wore it with all black and a green scarf.  Now, it’s been summer-ized with white pointelle, pearls, and nude sandals. 

Since I’ve been a ghost this week in the blog-world, here are some of the menswear-inspired looks I wore earlier in the week/weekend while we were visiting our nephews and the in-laws!

Heat Wave

shoulder-tie tank--Limited
black walking shorts--Limited
red peeptoe slingbacks--Madden Girl via DSW.com, remixed
earrings--Forever 21

Friends: it is 90 degrees in New England today.  In May.  Last June, we had highs in the 50s and rain everyday.  And yet, there are (well-loved) members of my family who deny climate change.  *sigh*
I feel bare and pale in these photos!  It always feels strange to re-reveal flesh after long winters and while I’m usually most traumatized over my legs, I’ve begun to love and accept them over the last few months.  Going bare-shouldered to work, however,  feels strange.  Granted, it is senior week, which means in all likelihood there’s no one around the office and no visitors are likely to pop by unexpected.  And I still feel fairly professional in walking shorts and heels.  But seriously, it’s HOT and I just want to be at the beach since they’re still free until they officially open this weekend.




I have an admittedly casual job where the dress code matters little to none.  In fact, I’m often noted for dressing up so much and especially for my shoe choice (and sheer quantity).  I always try to dress up and look semi-modest for liturgies and more professional meetings and events, but I also wear jeans often and in the summer, when I’m in and out, I might even be seen in shorts or running clothes.  Besides, on service trips and retreats, we’re all in grungy clothes or sweats whether we’re students or staff, so it really runs the gamut.

What kinds of things are off limits for you at work?  Is there a dress code or expected “look?”

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!!

Weekend Wear

Saturday we had our semi-formal work banquet to thank all of our student volunteers.  I was running around all day to get things together but once I went to the event, I wore this.

black bubble dress--Express

black sparkle peep-toes--Unlisted by Kenneth Cole

pink feather headband--Forever 21

multimedia necklace--Express

pink pearl necklace--J.Crew

layered pearls--Forever 21, remixed

chandelier necklace--Limited, remixed

It was also Kentucky Derby Day and as I was feeling a little homesick, I wanted to be a little more costume-y than just semi-formal.  I don't have any giant hats, so I stuck a feather on my head and put on most of the big necklaces I own.  It was a lot of fun!!

Sunday was a lot more low-key.  I did throw on a dress and heels for Masses, but in between I settled for something more casual for hanging around the house and outside.

khaki jacket--H&M

orange polka dot tee--American Eagle

sailor shorts--H&M

moccassins--American Eagle

raindrops necklace--Limited

silver headband--Anthropologie, remixed

04.29.10 Surprises!

gold cardigan, NY&Co, remixed
gingham romper--Forever 21
gray skirt--H&M, remixed
black woven belt--H&M, remixed often
purple flats--Rocket Dog, remixed often

Yet another day where I really wanted to wear new warm-weather clothing but it just wasn’t quite up to par outside. So, I took this gingham romper, put a skirt over it and a cardigan on top and belted the whole thing together. Voila! Now, this was cute and fine until I chugged water all day since I was planning to donate blood. Let’s just say it takes a while to undo all those buttons and layers after 2 bottles of water in the span of 20 minutes.

Despite the difficulties in the bathroom stall, I loved wearing the shorts under my billowy skirt. It’s so windy around here and I usually find myself trying to plaster skirts and dresses down while walking around campus. But today I felt so graceful floating along with the wind blowing…at least that’s how I felt, even if not how I looked. :)

04.24.10 Romperrrific

navy floral romper--Forever 21
big brown belt--Banana, retail days, remixed
green beads--J.Crew
blue fringe sandals--American Eagle

This is my first attempt at wearing a romper, as I bought two a few weeks ago at Forever 21 and 1)it hasn’t been warm enough and 2) I had no idea how to wear it if I wasn’t coming from/going to the beach. I thought maybe adding the big belt and necklace made it more urban appropriate, but I’m still not sure.

How do you style up pieces like this?