Everything, Everything, Everything, Everything Ends.

So 2009 is on its way out, and personally, I cannot wait to see the back end of it. For me personally 2009 had good times, but it had a disproportionate amount of bad. Hands down this year gets my vote as Worst Year Ever. 2010 better step it up or I will probably get cranky. Everything ends. I am holding on to that.

But on a brighter, more shallow note, let’s talk outfit!~ Yay!~



Oh look!~ It’s The First Dress I Ever Wore on The Blog. I think I actually wear it less than I want to because I always think of it as the first dress I wore on WWWYG, and for some reason, that translates to feeling like I wear it all the time, which of course, I don’t.



In the pictures, you can see it got a little pick in it this morning, which I didn’t notice before the picture, but the great thing about this dress is that when you pull those, they go right down, no ripping, and because the pattern is so soft and so colorful, they are totally unnoticeable once they are smoothed back down.



I’m wearing the earmuffs I stole from my husband. Because of the hairpins I use to hold back my bangs, I can’t really wear hats, so normally I wear a hoodie and I pull the hoodie up and set it right behind my bangs on my head. It keeps most of my hair dry and my ears warm. But when I am not wearing a hoodie, these are great. They are harder to find than they should be, I think. Now all you can find are fleece bands and those ear “muffs” that pop on each ear individually, but neither of those is as cute as or has the kitch value of classic earmuffs. Plus they are warm and don’t interfere with my hairstyle.

More bullet and crystal jewelry by Prairie Oats (worn with my talon necklace as well, but I feel like you guys have seen that a few hundred times!)



And a Holy Santos bracelet that Pilalex got me in Mexico. It doesn’t really go with my outfit today but you know, I don’t care. I have not had a chance to wear it yet and I got tired of waiting for the “right” thing to wear it with, so I decided to wear it with whatever I wanted!



I’m still saving for my Wendy B piece. I am taking a bag of things to Buffalo Exchange today but you never know how that’s going to go. I might get $50.00, I might get nothing.

I am going to do a post sometime in the next few days and offer a few bags and jewelry pieces for sale. I sincerely hope it doesn’t annoy, irritate, offend or otherwise upset anyone. I’m impatient, and I’m not good at waiting for something I want. So I’m itching to raise the funds as quickly as possible and get that big hunk of wolf fang on my neck. Stayed tuned. I hope I have some things you might be interested in.

Dress, Urban Outfitters, years ago
Jacket, Converse One Star for Target
Leggings (and tights under) Target
Tee, Wal-Mart
Talon Necklace, Talonalia
Bracelet, gift
Bullet and crystal necklace, PrairieOats at Etsy
Ear Muffs, stolen from Nathan

I Go About It The Wrong Way, So What?

So no pictures yesterday. I did get up, and I did go into work, but I had one of those mornings where I hated everything I put on and ended up late and in an outfit I didn’t like, and I just didn’t feel like that was worth documenting. I hate days like that. I was aware of how much I didn’t like or feel good in my outfit all day. Probably no one noticed. It was composed of pieces I wear all the time, just never together.

Today went better.



I didn’t take any pictures with the jacket off, but I do take that off once I get to the office. I don’t take off the hoodie. I know some people probably don’t like the hoodie with a dress look, and would prefer a cardigan or jacket, and I think that’s also a great look. But I really like the dressy casual mix of a hoodie and a dress together. Plus hoodies are just comfortable.



I have on tights and wool hiking socks, because those boots are not as warm as they look! Looking at them you would think they would be great cold weather boots, the leather is nice and thick and stiff and took forever to break in, but no. They are somehow just thin enough not to be warm.



I’m wearing my PrairieOats earrings. A lot of sellers now are doing the crystal and bullet shell thing now, but I’ve not seen any as delicate as what she is doing.



And a silver chain with religious medallion and a locket. I went through a phase where all I wore were religious medallions. I still have a few and I really like them, but I don’t wear them quite as often.



The locket is about 6 years old, judging from the pictures inside of my dog and my husband…



My handsome men!


Dress, Old Navy
Hoodie, American Apparel
Jacket, OLD
Leggings (and tights), Target
Boots, Steve Madden
Bag, SMAK
Necklace, self-made
Earrings, Prairie Oats at Etsy

Look Whose Coming Round The Bend, It’s Santa And His Reindeer Friends

I’ve been keeping it casual and not that exciting. But since I know sometimes I used to really miss when my fashion bloggers skipped a day or two (and still do!) I took pictures today.

Very casual, very relaxed. Not much to do at the office today but file and listen to my iPod.





I have something else to talk about to make up for it. I have a lot of people ask me how I manage to switch bags every day or so. I’m pretty sure I wrote about this early in the blog, but it’s been a while and I still get asked, so I thought it couldn’t hurt to show you again.

How do I switch bags every day or two? I have a lot of bags in my bag. Really. That's it. Now I know they sell those bag organizer things that slip in and out of bags, but they are one size, and they can’t be adjusted. This system can be. This is a typical sized bag for me. I’d say it a larger medium.



Now. When you open my bag, here is what you’ll see:



A book, an iPod case, a wallet, and lots of little cosmetic bags.



If you were to take out the bags and book, you’d see this:



One of the reasons this is such a great system is that everyone (or most everyone) had tons of these little bags, and if you don’t, you can hit the dollar store or the dollar bin at Target and see what they have. They are very inexpensive (And yes, I know several of mine are Tokidoki and therefore very expensive, but I used to have much more money, lol)

I have my smaller bags, my camera bag, my iPod case and my wallet:



And then my larger bags. I have bags that suit my needs, yours might be different. Maybe you need a whole bag just for all your pens, I don’t know. I need a large cosmetic bag…



A bag for medications…



And a bag for the rest.



Gum, hand cream, my scrunchie* (that appears to have a fuzzy on it), pens, and things that do not fit into the other categories.

The system can be adjusted with smaller or fewer bags for smaller handbags, and I abandon it altogether for evening bags, by just selecting the few items I need from the bags (gum, CC, license, gloss, camera) and replacing them after I get in.

I love this system and have been using it for years. Changing bags takes 30 seconds tops. It also makes it super easy to find things in my bag. It works for me, it might work for you.

*I totally use this to put my hair up at bars and restaurants. I don’t even care how uncool that is. It doesn’t crease my hair and I can take it back out after I’ve eaten and still look polished.

Jacket, Alexander McQueen
Tee, Silence and Noise at Urban Outfitters.
Jeggings, Target
Boots, Steve Madden
Multi chain necklace, self made from recycled parts
Bat skull necklace, mrd74 at Etsy
Bag, SMAK
Bag charm, self made

Looking So Long at These Pictures of You

I didn’t take outfit pictures today. You’re not missing much.

Can we talk about Wendy Brandes instead? I remember seeing pieces by Wendy in fashion magazines long before I found her blog, and when I did find her blog, I was hooked immediately. She is smart, funny and full of historical information. Yesterday she wrote about her wolf themed pieces and I felt like it was time for me to write about her too.

I’m sure if you’ve ever seen her site, you have a favorite piece. Mine is the Isabella Wolf-Fang necklace. I have never bought a “real” piece of jewelry for myself, but I have decided to start saving for this one.



I’m not sure how long it will take. It’s not cheap, and for me, it’s most definitely what you would call an investment piece. It will take me a while. But look at it. It is perfect. It’s in 3D, finished all the way around. The detail is amazing, and the piece itself is so very “me” it practically screams at me every time I see it. It also comes in gold, but I’m going to keep my goal reasonable for now.



Oh my gosh, how STUNNING is that?

So that’s my personal favorite. That’s the piece I want to make happen in my life.
But here are some other pieces I have dreamed about once or twice. I tend to be enamored or her darker pieces (who me? Imagine that).

Queen of Scotts earrings



These are like the grown up version of the snake earrings I made for myself. These are the real thing, while mine are pale shades. These are stunners.

Bat Necklace with Agate



This also comes without the agate, but I like it with. It’s got a sense of humor, and I love that in a piece. And, as with all of Wendy’s pieces, the detail is amazing. A little goth, a lot glam.

Juana Skull Necklace



Have you ever seen a cuter skull necklace? I have not. And it has bling bling eyes. Yes, please.

Borgia Poison Ring


This ring is so serious I feel like I could do anything I want. I feel certain it would give me super powers.

Onyx Skull Ring



Whereas this one, this one would give me the power to EAT YOUR SOUL, and remain fabulous and stunningly adorned whilst doing so. This ring would make going to the dark side appealing.

Everyone deserves a piece of Wendy Brandes before they die. And I’ve decided to make it happen for me. I’ll let you know just as soon as I’ve raised the funds. Oh who am I kidding, you’ll know. I’ll be wearing that fang every day. EVERY DAY. I’m excited.

What's Your favorite piece?

Every Friday Just About Midnight, All My Problems Seem to Disappear

I spent all last night helping Kelly finish her cake balls. Things we learned include:

1. You must use oil based food coloring in almond bark, or really weird things happen.

2. Milk chocolate chips do not work as a cake ball coating. They don’t melt right and they take forever to harden. (You can make a passable milk chocolate by adding semi sweet chips to almond bark though!)

3. Cake Balls are more fun to make with someone else.

We got them all done though, and then when it was time to clean up, I managed to get myself out of it by getting a puncture wound. Nathan got me some tees at the thrift store, and I was taking the staples out and…you get the picture. It hurt, but the worst part was when the blood spurted out and arced across the bathroom. I was not prepared for that. The site of your own blood shooting away from your body is always a little alarming. But I lived.



The cold weather gives me a new appreciation for Casual Fridays. I don’t like pants, but I do love jeans. And they are so warm and cozy. A nice tee shirt, a Hoodie and a pair of jeans is just about all I want right now.



Still loving the ANA jeggings. If you have a JCPenny nearby, I encourage you to go have a peek, I know some of you already have. Did you find them? Do you love them? Nathan mentioned how nice they were this morning, and I still agree. I’ve worn them a few times now and they are SO comfortable, and a nice aspect right now is that they ARE slim fit, but also lose enough to layer under if need be. I did that for ART CON and it looked great.



Yes, ladies and gentleman, that’s another bag recently Thrifted by my gorgeous and talented husband. No one has thrifting mojo like he does. It is dark brown leather, has cute side tassels and a bit of a Google tells me that brand is carried at Dillard’s and Amazon and runs around $100.00 - $250. I looked at the Dillard’s site, and there are some really great designs, and I can attest to the quality, the leather is really nice, as are the hardware and details. He does also work in PVC, so there is something for everyone.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I’ve got a Tamale party tonight I’m really looking forward to! I love to eat!~

Tee, The Black Angels concert
Hoodie, American Apparel
Jacket, Forever XXI
Jeggings, ANA at JCPenny
Boots, Matisse
Bag, Antonio Melani, Thrifted
Bone necklace, Love Erin Designs
Bat skull necklace, mrd74 at Etsy
Band-Aid, Cabo

Your Last Breaths Moving Through You

I look about as tired as I am these pictures. It’s nothing a Sugar Free Red Bull can’t handle, though.



I MAY have forgotten I had these pants. They were all of $13.00, I think, at Forever XXI, and I actually really like them. But I have a hard time remembering pants in general. I just don’t like them. I mean I like THESE, but in general, when I’m getting dressed, I don’t think “pants”. They just aren’t as versatile or flattering to me as dresses. I know some of you feel the same!



We are doing Secret Santa at the office and I choose to participate because everyone else was and I’ve never been great with peer pressure. Normally these things do not go well for me, but this year I’m actually getting really thoughtful gifts and my Santa has yet to forget a day! Chocolates, lip balm, candles, a jar of the uber fatty and caloric deliciousness that is La Madeline’s Tomato Basil Soup. And the person I am gifting seems to be really pleased as well. It’s been really nice.


Jacket, Forever XXI
Blouse, Target
Tank, Target
Pants, Forever XXI
Boots, Payless
Bag, Kenneth Cole Reaction

Je Ne Parle Pas Francais

New Moon was good. It was my least favorite of the books, because every last one of the main characters acts like a jerk for an extended period of time. Also I could not stop laughing every time one of the children took their shirts off. I know it was supposed to be “hot” but it was just really ridiculous. If I were Bella, I would start carrying a spare men’s tee in my back pack.



I have no idea why it has been so long since I’ve worn this dress, it’s one of my favorites. I also love that hoodie. I got it at Old Navy a while ago and I love the tuxedo like ruffles on the front.





I’m having my first socially over-busy week in a really long time. I have something every night this week. When we were both working, it was like this all the time. But since we don’t have a lot of spare money, we go out a lot less. It’s nice. The week goes by so much faster this way. But its only Wednesday and I am SO TIRED. So old.




Jacket, really really old
Hoodie, Old Navy
Dress, Target
Leggings and socks, Target
Boots, Steve Madden
Green button necklace, hand made by Lara
Bird Necklace (Love Erin Designs)

Crochet Videos

For those that asked…here is a link to the videos Nathan used.
http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_2742_crochet-beanies.html

And because it’s adorable, the picture he sent the first day he tried.

Look To The Future Now, It’s Only Just Begun

(I’m really sorry I have not been commenting on your blogs. I hope I can soon, I miss you. I have been having laptop problems at home. I’m hoping we get it fixed soon.)

Not gonna lie. I basically wore this outfit a couple weeks ago. Different boots, different tee underneath, and I’ve added a hoodie today.



I am going to see New Moon tonight, finally, so I was aiming for comfort, since I’ll be in this outfit straight through to 11 PM or so.



Did I tell you guys about my first attempt to see New Moon? It did not go well. I am sort of hard of hearing. Basically if someone is talking somewhere in the theatre, it sounds about the same level to me as the movie, no matter how loud the movie is. I’m told this is a common thing among old people. Anyway, I also have ADD and am easily distracted. So movies are hard for me. I need the theatre to be as quite as possible and I need for The Youth to take all the texting and giggling outside. Anyway, I really wanted to see New Moon, so I waited until the Monday after it came out, and I went to the 10:30 AM showing, thinking that it would be mostly empty. Not so much. I got there at 10, and there was already a line. The theatre was full by 10:15. AM!~ And there were 3 babies, all of whom were fussing. So I just left and got my money back. I’m cranky like that.



I’m hoping tonight will go better! I’m going with my girlfriend Laura, who I saw Twilight with as well (Ok, I saw Twilight 3 times, just FYI. I’m not a Twihard, or anything, I just really enjoyed it.)

Jacket, Thrifted, vintage
Hoodie, American Apparel
Tee, American Apparel
Skirt, Target
Tights, Target
Boots, Steve Madden
Earrings, Self Made
Diamond Necklace, gift
Talon Necklace, Talonalia
Bat skull necklace, mrd74 at Etsy

I've Traveled Half the World to Say "I Belong to You"

ART CON went really well. It was cold, but a good 20 degrees warmer than it had been all week, plus there were heaters. I was a cashier, and the job itself is pretty stressful, so I was and am still, totally exhausted. But it was worth it, and I will be back next year. Next year, I think I might even apply to be an artist.

I kept my head warm though, with this hat Nathan crocheted for me! My husband has many talents. This is his newest. He taught himself by watching videos online.



We are having a warm day today!~ Yay! Its supposed to get cold again tomorrow but I am enjoying it while it lasts.



It was strange getting dressed today because I kept wanting to add a layer!~ I am down two from the past couple weeks... A cardigan/hoodie and tights under my leggings. It feels nice!



I have got a super busy week this week. I am even double booked some nights. But I’m kind of looking forward to it. I have not been so busy in a while and it really does make the weeks go faster.



I love these earrings.



Pilar brought them back for me from Mexico. A couple months ago, I lost one of my big sterling silver hoops at work one day. I searched and searched, but didn’t find it. I even held on to the one I had left for a couple weeks, but I eventually gave up and threw it out. And don’t you know, the very next day the on e I lost showed up behind a box under my desk. I was so sad. But Pilar is such a good friend she thought of me a got me not just a replacement pair, but an even BIGGER pair. I love me some giant hoops.

This necklace is a gift as well!~ Wendy over at Prairie Oats (prairieoats to search) sent it to me. I just love it. I had actually been really wanting one, and when it arrived it made my week. Thank you Wendy!



Jacket, Forever XXI
Dress, Target
Socks, Target
Leggings, Target
Boots, Steve Madden
Necklace, gift, Prairie Oats at Etsy
Earrings, gift, Mexico

Have Love, Oh Baby, Will Travel

Oh. My. Gosh. So I went to Volunteer (for ART CON) training at the warehouse last night. I wanted to test run “regular” clothes. So I wore:

Tights, Leggings , Jeans, Wool hiking socks, Cotton knee socks, Dr Martins , A tee, A cardigan, A hoodie, A leather biker jacket, Leather gloves, And ear muffs.

And I was still cold. I just have to believe it will be warmer the night of the event. They will close all the doors, which are all open now, and I’ve heard tale of portable heaters. I mean, I just don’t have any more serious cold weather gear than that, you know?

I am wearing my new jeans(which are actually jegggins) today. I love love love them. I have more details further down in the post but here is my outfit…



I love them SO HARD. They are perfect, just perfect.



I have a happy hour after work today and the invite said “Lowest Key Happy Hour Ever”. I am so looking forward to that, and by it’s very title, all the pressure to wear something special has been lifted, and I can just feel good going in my vintage tee and jeans. That’s always nice. I think when I was younger it was easier to know what to wear, when...but as I get older it gets harder to tell which events I should go all out for, which events I should dress up just a bit for and which ones are just casual.



And this outfit will be great for all day because it’s cozy, and has lots of layers so if I get warm, I can remove some, but if it’s cold I can wear them all. No worries. Just cozy.



So, like I said, these jeggings are perfect. They are a dark wash, with no weird fading or whatnot, just a nice, dark wash. They are long enough for me, which is sometimes a problem for me. They have back pockets. But the front pockets are fake, creating a nice smooth line. There is no zipper, which means my fly can never be undone, hahaha. They do have a button, and the waist is not elastic, but the same stretchy denim as the rest of the pant. That’s kind of a big deal to me, because my fear with my old jeggings was that I’d raise my arms and people would see the waistband, which was tacky looking elastic and also gave me a fat roll I don’t normally have. The waist is actually really nice. It’s stretchy enough to keep the pants firmly in place, but it does not pinch or give me “muffin top” AT ALL. And it is really comfortable and not constrictive at all when sitting, the way some jeans can be. I swear I have jeans I think are going to cut me in half. Here are some detail shots of the waistline for you…





See? They look just like "real" jeans. Seriously, I love them. Love love love.

Harley Tee, Vintage and Thrifted
Cardigan, Hoodie and scarf, American Apparel
Jeggings, A.N.A at JCPenny
Ankle boots, Blowfish via Zappos
Diamond necklace, gift,
Talon necklace, Talonalia
Bat skull necklace, mrd74 at Etsy
Bird skull necklace, mrd74 at Etsy