Oh It's Just Like Surgery, It's Just Like Surgery

Yesterday, I was reading Already Pretty, as I do almost every day, and Sal was discussing a designer she loves, Dana LeBlanc Designs, and featuring Ms. LeBlanc’s gorgeous, chunky, candy colored pieces. Go have a look, they are divine. It made me think of a piece I made, years ago, for myself. I used all of the leftover stones from a couple years worth of designing, and strung them together on a four strand choker, my tribute to the classic pearl necklace, but tricked up for me.



I still love that piece, and I could never part with it. I think there is only one other like it in the world, and that one lives with Alannah. I’m pretty sure. (Alannah will correct me if I’m wrong. But I can't imagine I made one for anyone other than her, it was difficult and time consuming and really expensive.) But the problem was this: it was a choker, and I tend to gravitate towards longer pieces now. Only, it wasn't a problem at all. I simply removed the clasp, inserted some chain and instantly made something I love wearable again.



I had this outfit sort of planned in my head with a much simpler coral beaded necklace, but since I had altered this one, I swapped it in and I think it works really well.



I am going to try and remember to wear boots as often as I can this Spring, because I have so many of them and come Summer they are not really much of an option in the Texas heat. I almost can’t stand a closed shoe in June, July and August outside of the office, where I proceed to take them off and air out my tootsies as soon as sit down.



So I got through 4 episodes of Skins series 4 last night and oh my goodness is this a bleak series!~ Nothing good has happened to anyone! It’s still totally engrossing though, last night I powered through Thomas, Emily, and Cook* and then it was 10 PM and I really needed to get to bed, but instead stayed up to watch Katie as well.



If the weather holds for tomorrow I am going to wear a shoe and dress combination I came up with on accident (I hung the dress on my shoe shelves and saw it up against these shoes and WOW, I loved it) and am really excited about.

*The episodes are focused on a specific character each time, and the episode titles tell you whom. (Who? Whom? I never know.)


Cardigan, Alternative Apparel
Dress, Target
Boots, Steve Madden
Bag, Thrifted by Nate
Necklace, handmade by me

And Wild, Wild Horses, Couldn't Drag Me Away

I sometimes feel a little pressure to dress a certain way for the blog. A little rock and roll, a little lady. I have chosen not to wear outfits that I didn’t think “fit”. And I think that has limited me. So today I wore what I wanted, and it’s not very rock and roll, and that’s OK. I’m comfortable and confidant, and I’m wearing a skirt and tee combo I felt too fat for two weeks ago*.



Those glaring white sticks coming out of the bottom of my skirt? Those are my legs. Bare. I can feel the breeze on them, and it’s a bit chilly, to be honest, but it should be about 80 (F) this afternoon. 80! How exciting!



My boss sent me a link for the “Target Deal of the Day” last week and it was this jacket, in black, navy or green, for $10.00, free shipping. I told her to stop sending me stuff like that, and then I ordered it. The jacket is normally $29.99, and for those of you with money to shop, well worth it. It’s lightweight, comfortable and the cut and fit is so flattering and fun.



I’m pretty sure I’ll be wearing it zipped all day, but for the curious, this is what it looks like open.

Yesterday my Skins Series 4 DVD set came, and as such this week I will be behind on Gossip Girl, Life Unexpected, 90210 and pretty much everything else until I get it watched. I already came across one spoiler for the next to last and last episodes so I want to get it all watched before I read anything else! Plus, it’s one of my favorite shows of ever. I’m so Team JJ. And team Naomi. And team Emily. Lol. I love them all.

*I have not been able to force myself to recommit to Weight Watchers right now. It works, and I know it works, but I’m not in a good place to work it right now. For now I am eating either Special K or Chocolate Cheerios (YUM) for breakfast and sometimes lunch. I also have a few low calorie frozen meals for lunches. I’m eating a piece of fruit and a snack/breakfast bar during the day as well. And it’s working. I have not lost a ton of weight, but I have lost some, and I feel better. I’m also aiming for 4 workouts of any kind a week. I have some pants that are a wee bit too small. I will fit in them soon, I promise myself.

Jacket, Target (recent)
Tee, American Apparel
Skirt, Target
Sandals, Me Too Via Nordstrom Rack
Bracelets, self made
Necklace, Self made

Ballerinas That Have Fins That You'll Never Find

A while ago, my office-mate, Lauren, came in wearing this amazing, architectural grey sweater. It was love at first sight. Lauren is a lot like me when it comes to a bargain. She has a bit of the Bargain Tourettes, and in less than 3 minutes, she had told me what brand it was (French Connection!) how much it was originally sold for ($148!) where she had gotten it (Overstock.com) how much she had paid ($23!) and sent me a link to it. In less than 5 minutes, I had tried her sweater on, decided what size to order and ordered one for myself.

I then proceeded to beat myself up about not pausing to think about it for a few days, and feel guilty about the impulse purchase (I really have to focus on controlling those). I also forced myself to forget about the previously unexplored by me wonderland that is Overstock.com. Oh my goodness. Someday maybe I can go back there, but for now, it’s wonders must be forgotten, and they were many. And just because it’s on sale does NOT mean I am saving money, am I right?

But anyway. Here’s the sweater.



It’s gorgeous. But I have to be honest, I find it hard to style. Dark wash jeans, black pants or a black skirt is about as far as I think I can take it, because the sweater its self is so much to take in, so much design, that I need to keep everything else toned down. You know how much I love to over accessorize, and that would really do a disservice to the design of this sweater. It has great details on the arms…



And even around back…



It came with the original $148 price tag attached, and Lauren says they do that with all the Overstock items. It was fun to see that knowing what I actually paid!



I kept it super simple with just some crystal bullet casing earrings from Prairie Oats…



Sweater, French Connection via Overstock.com
Skirt, Target
Tights, Old Navy
Boots, Steve Madden
Bag, Nordstrom Rack
Earrings, Prairie Oats at Etsy

Look at Your Paycheck…Where’s it All Goin’? To Jerks Like Me, Who Spend it on Nothin’

Hey kids!~ How are you today? Fabulous, I hope!~

Today, for Stay Fabulous or Get Slapped Friday, I decided to be bold, to take a risk. Because taking a risk is Fabulous. I decided to dip my toe in uncharted waters, and wear double denim. Now here is the thing. ..I’ve been anti-double denim for as long as I can remember. No discussion, just “NO”. But I feel like it’s everywhere now!~ And when Wendy asked for photos of people wearing double denim for her blog I thought “Why not”.

So here I am.



NOT BAD, am I right? I feel a little odd about it, but overall, I think it’s good. I don’t think you look at it and think “Texas Tuxedo” but Ladies and Gentleman that is EXACTLY what it is.



I think maybe I should keep my mind open to the whole thing. Pairing this jacket with dark denim jeans not only works, but opens up a whole new section of my wardrobe to wear it with. It takes it from a work piece to a weekend piece and even an evening out piece.

I even carried a denim colored bag.



And because being Fabulous is not something that is limited to the ladies, a rare appearance of the man in my life…



This is a pretty classic Nathan look. A band or vintage tee, skinny jeans, and a jacket. The jacket was our friend Bill’s University Choir jacket, and came with a tux, but Nathan gets the most use out of the jacket.



Fierce.



We can’t remember where I got this tee, but we think I got it online. It was before they got back together for the tour last year (which, if you missed it, I am sorry, it was an experience of a lifetime). Nathan went to see them twice on that tour. He flew to NYC to see them play in, what 2008? And then they hit Dallas last year and we went together. I have to say I’m not a huge MBV fan as far as recordings go, but live, there is nothing, and I mean nothing, like the experience of seeing them play.



Those are my favorite man shoes of EVER. They are classy and rock and roll in equal measures. They are apparently not the most comfortable shoe ever, but why should we be the only ones to suffer for beauty, ladies?

Stay Fabulous this weekend, kids, and have a good one!~

On Her:
Jacket, Forever XXI
Blouse, hand me down from Berry, Target
Denim Leggings, ANA at JCPenny
Shoes, Old Navy
Bag, Dior
Necklace, Wendy Brandes Jewelry

On Him:
Tuxedo Jacket, Secondhand
My Bloody Valentine Shirt, Gift
Jeans, ODYN (procured at Buffalo Exchange)
Zippered Ankle Boots, Thrifted
Belt, Aeropostale
Swatch Watch, Gift

It's Time To Step It Up A Notch

I have a lot to talk about today, so if you are just here for the pics…skip to the end.

I want to start by mentioning a great project by some of the ladies in our community.

Basse Mode is a project to create a magazine focusing on what the creators are calling “low fashion”. I’m very excited about the concept. I cannot tell you how many times I have asked Nathan why there are no magazines that focuses on shopping and fashion for the middle class. I can’t afford 99% of the things in fashion magazines. Lucky, when they started, used to be much better about incorporating some affordable fashion, but I actually opted not to renew my subscription this year as more and more it was only focusing on high end pieces. Look, high end pieces are great. And they have their place. I enjoy reading about them and I aspire to be able to own some one day. But that’s not the reality for me now. Nor is it the reality for most of you. Here is a snippet from Basse Mode’s site:

“Basse Mode is a magazine built for normal everyday women. We know that the feeling of flicking through a glossy magazine can’t be beaten. However, all the magazines feature the same thing – unwearable looks, unaffordable clothes, and an emphasis on being and looking the same as one another. We want to condense all the brilliance that the fashion blogging world has to offer into something that we can put on the coffee table. That we can show off on the coffee table. A beautiful documentation of what real women wear, what real people think, and things that actually affect our lives. Nothing like this has ever been done before, but we think it could be brilliant.”

Pop over and take a look. Seriously consider signing up to contribute. I already have. I’ve got a link over in the side bar below my followers, and you can get that badge over at Basse Mode. If you believe in the project, I encourage you to get involved, and post the badge on your site.

I also want to talk a little bit about “Stay Fabulous or Get Slapped Friday”. There are not a lot of rules, OK? But there are a couple.

1. No slapping someone who has made an effort. Not everyone can be as naturally stylish as you.

2. I’m going to go ahead and state that slapping people at work or school is probably a bad idea. If you get into trouble, do not blame me.

3. Remember that the whole thing is just for fun. No hurting people. Faces or feelings. (Unless they have those sweatpants on that have something written across the bum, and then look, I totally understand. You can’t be expected not to over react to something like that. Especially if they are also wearing Uggs *shudder*.)

Guess what? It’s only Thursday and I’m already fabulous.



This is a Wal-Mart $14 dolla dress, just like the Chambray dress that you all loved so much last week, but different. I am feelin' just a little bit of pressure today in fact, because you guys loved that look so much.



This time, I just embraced the inherent country look of the dress and ran with it. I added the moto jacket to keep it true to my own style. I honestly don’t think I have much I can’t add a moto jacket of some sort to.



Even without the jacket though, the style of the boots keeps it from being too costume-y. I just love the cut on these dresses and feel it’s so flattering. It also came in a red plaid, and maybe blue plaid, but I find I do best with solids and black and white. I love a black and white print or pattern.



The belt was actually Nathan’s tweak. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go with a vintage western belt of a plain brown belt. I had the dress laid out with a plain belt, and Nathan said “Why not wear a western belt?” and that clenched it for me. Then we had a look through his collection of buckles for the perfect one. I knew which one I wanted all along of course!~ Texas!



And to stay with the theme, a bat skull and a bullet on a chain.



I know I’ve preached this before, but if you don’t have a set of needle nose pliers, a bag of cheapie jump rings and some cheap chain…get some. It opens up a world of possibilities. On longer lengths of chain when I don’t even bother to add a clasp, since I know I’m only customizing the piece for one or two wears and then I will change it again.

Jacket, Alexander McQueen for Target
Dress, Wal-Mart (P.S. it's only $10 right now!)
Tights, Old Navy
Boots, Target
Belt, vintage
Buckle, vintage
Bag, Lucky “Stash” bag

Happy Birthday, Dear Alannah, Happy Birthday to You

Today is my BFF’s birthday.



She is the yin to my yang, my soul sister, my girl. We met…10 years or so ago? We met online, which I think used to have a bit of a stigma to it, but I don’t think does anymore. We met on a Tori Amos* message board, where we bonded over a shared love of Geri Halliwell and The Spice Girls. She is always there for me, she is on my side even when I am wrong. She is beautiful inside and out. She is smart and kind and she has great taste in music. I love you, Alannah, and I hope this is a wonderful year for you. Happy Birthday.



So I wondered why there was such a big size difference in this and the other blouse I have from the line, but according to the pic online, it’s because I’m doing it wrong. It’s much more fitted on the model online, but to be honest, I don’t think I would have liked it at all if it were all fitted like that. So I’m glad I got it oversized.



These shoes were a gift from another dear friend I met on that very same Tori Amos message board. I am 99.9% positive she got them on sale at ASOS, though. Back in the day when we were both much more flush we used to trade random fashion gifts overseas, things the other girl didn’t have access to, just for fun once in a while. It was really fun and I hope I will someday be in a place where I can do things like that again.



I honestly could not figure out what it was they expected me to do bra-wise with this shirt, because no matter what I tried, the straps peeked out. I don’t think you can really see it in any of the pictures, but I decided if they were going to show, they might as well look good and I went with a leopard print.



I always feel a bit weird without a necklace, so I tried to compensate with serious earrings. They are delicate, but crazy long. I made them sometime last year after seeing a couple movie stars wearing crazy long shoulder dusting earrings. They are cool, but the drawback is they sort of flow with my hair, which means I sometimes yank my earring when I flip my hair. Which hurts. But I’ll deal with it, because I really like these.

So, Wendy has been discussing the whole Double Denim/ Head to toe denim thing over at her blog. I firmly stated it was not for me. But then she asked for contributions for a future blog entry about it and I decided to go for it. It may not work. I may end up in the “don’t” column but come Friday I am going to give it a try anyway. It’s a pretty big deal, really, because I have been anti double denim for as long as I can remember. Wish me luck.

*I have to say, that while I still love her older stuff, I have not bought anything she has put out in years. I followed her To Venus and Back, but after that I sort of got off the ride. She got a tad too crazy for me along the line somewhere.

Jacket, Forever XXI
Blouse, Liberty of London for Target (recent)
Denim leggings, Target
Heels, ASOS, gift
Gold link bracelet, gift
Gold filled bangle, Etsy
Earrings, self made
Bag, Nordstrom Rack

Yesterday I Got So Scared, I Shivered Like A Child

Thank you so much for all your kind words yesterday. I am definitely going to keep blogging for now. I don’t ever want to be a downer, but life is pretty hard right now if I’m being honest, and I think you know I do tend to be honest. And blogging brings me a sense of purpose and joy. It’s fun. If it ever stopped being fun, or caused more stress than happiness, I’d reevaluate, but for now, it’s one of my favorite things about life.

Also, for those of you who specifically said you love seeing thing re-mixed, over at Weardrobe, you can click on any item listed in an outfit (down under the photograph), and it will take you to a page that shows you every time that particular item has been worn and how. I think that's pretty cool! For instance, here are the three ways I've photographed this dress.

As is this outfit. Unlike yesterday’s semi-tragic effort, I love this outfit top to bottom.



That is the right jacket, the right cardigan and the right belt. For today anyway. This only the third appearance for this dress on the blog, but I’ve worn it at least five times since I got it, and never the same way twice. It was a great buy. It’s so versatile and the fact that it is reversible just doubles the versatility!



I bought this belt at my birthday, specifically to wear with this dress, but once I got it home, I didn’t feel like it was working. Then I saw a couple of you guys wear it this way, with the buckle turned to the back, and viola! It’s perfect!



Nathan commented on how much all the color in this cardigan (technically, this color is listed as amethyst heather on the tag and up close it has purples, blues and pinks) adds to the dress. It really feels Springy when paired with this.



Sorry for the huge accessories pic, but I wanted you to see some things. The pattern on the dress, both of the new necklaces I’ve just made and MY GOOSEBUMPS. It was cold. So cold. The bullet? It’s a “Winchester” and don’t think I didn’t giggle at length when I saw that. If you are a “Supernatural” fan, you’ll get it. But no spoilers please for the current season! I watch it on DVD and am perpetually a season behind. I know I should catch up, but I miss it every year. It’s a bummer. Because I love me some Winchesters.


Jacket, Alexander McQueen for Target
Cardigan, American Apparel
Dress, Target (recent)
Tights, Old Navy
Boots, Vintage
Bag, Nordstrom Rack
Necklaces, self made

Well, It's Only a Mountain, It's Only A Mountain

Oh Hi!~ I’m still around. I decided to take a page out of Kasmira’s book and not tell you I would be gone for safety reasons. And as long as I’m being honest…my husband went out of town, not me. I still got dressed and went to work everyday. But I haven’t exactly learned to use the new camera yet. So I didn’t take pictures. Lesson learned, I need to learn to use the camera.

And staying honest…



Meh. I’m not super impressed with this. It was thrown together last minute. I literally slept in those leggings and then dressed around them. I had a really hard time waking up today, and I think it shows. I am also really having trouble dressing for the weather lately. My mind has moved on to Spring ensembles, but the weather has refused to cooperate. It snowed all day Saturday. And it was 37 degrees (F) when I woke up today.



It’s not terrible. It doesn’t make me feel fat, and that's a pretty big feat these days, to be honest. It’s comfortable, and it covers everything that needs covering. I just don’t love it.



I’ve been doing some deep thinking about the blog lately. (Don’t you just hate when that happens?) My blog is designed to feature low budget fashion. And it does. But I am at a point now where I don’t even have a low budget for fashion. I have no budget for fashion. I don’t mention it much on here, but my husband was laid off in December of 2008. He has had some freelance here and there, but he has not found steady work. We have done a really good job of staying afloat so far, but I have also had a really hard time facing up to reality. Nathan has been more than patient and more than understanding about it. We are at the place where money? It’s really tight. And for me, not buying clothes is a challenge no matter what, but I feel added pressure to buy new things to keep the blog fresh, to remain interesting. Not pressure for you, pressure from me. And I have to really face up to that right now and see if I can continue to present a relevant, interesting blog without purchasing new things. I know others before me have done just that, but I feel like I’m working from a much smaller wardrobe than those people. Maybe I’m not, but I feel like I am. So that’s where I am at. Thanks for reading, and I hope you’ll stick around.

Jacket, Bona Drag, customized by me
Cardigan, Target
Dress, American Apparel
Leggings, Target
Boots, Vintage
Isabella Wolf Fang Necklace, Wendy Brandes

Stay Fabulous or Get Slapped Friday

The people have spoken.

It seems we, as a group, loathe sloppy dressing.

As such, next Friday (the last Friday in March) March 26th, shall now be celebrated as "Stay Fabulous or Get Slapped Friday". Get your slapping hands ready ladies, and be prepared to look fabulous. Let's school some sweat pant wearing sons of guns.


(NOT an acceptable outfit for SFoGSF, I just hate a pictureless post)

Bruises Bigger Than Dinner Plates

I am not a huge fan of St Patrick’s Day. I’m not a big drinker, and contrary to what my name might lead you to believe, I am not Irish. I don’t like green, and I resent being told what to wear.



I wear a bit of green anyway, because you never know what kind of zealous nutcase you might run into, running around the office or wherever, gleefully pinching everyone not wearing green. (I cannot believe this is an acceptable practice, buy the way. I mean, what if I took to slapping everyone who was dressed sloppy on the last Friday in March every year, and called it “Stay Fabulous or Get Slapped Friday”? I feel like they deserve it, I shouldn’t have to look at that, and it seems like a more valid thing to physically assault someone over than a lack of green.*)



I feel like this dress has a lot of re-mix potential. I have several different pairs of shoes and sandals I think will be fun with it, but this particular ensemble (minus the necklaces, but I’ll discuss that later) seemed like the most obvious to me, and I wanted to start with the obvious and move forward. The cowboy boots and chambray run the risk of being to country, but not if you add the studded belt and biker jacket.



It wrinkles like crazy in the back, which is it’s only real fault, and I will have to iron it pretty much every time I wear it, and we all know how I feel about that. I am hoping that the sitting wrinkles are something Downy Wrinkle Releaser can take care of for me, but it’s looking doubtful. It’s cotton, but it thinks it’s linen.



These are both really nice necklaces, but not what I really wanted to wear. I wanted to wear my Isabella Wolf Fang Necklace and my Dharma Wheel. But I also don’t want to be pinched by aforementioned zealots.

*OK, maybe it's not fair to assault people for that either. But being told what to wear makes me super cranky. And I think “Stay Fabulous or Get Slapped Friday” might be a holiday we should seriously consider. We can keep the slapping light.

Jacket, Bona Drag, Altered by me
Dress, Wal-Mart (recent)
Tights, Old Navy (I swear, they make the best ones, these are 3 years old!)
Boots, Vintage
Bag, Nordstrom Rack
Bird Necklace, Small Things Design
Horn necklace, Urban Outfitters
Silver Cuff, vintage, gift from Mikal

Take Your Body to the Floor, Your Disco Needs You

So this morning as I was walking up the stairs to the office I was thinking about how I basically wore these pants yesterday. I have two pair, so I didn’t literally wear the same pants*, but as far as everyone else is concerned, I might as well be. And then I started thinking about my collection of denim leggings. I have 2 of every kind I own with the exception of a blue pair I got a long time ago at Target. The only reason I have only one pair of those and not two is that they only had 1 pair left, and they never restocked.



That got me started thinking about multiples, because I also have this top in reds and pinks. And I have dresses I have in twos. And shoes. And two black leather biker jackets with spikes. And so I thought maybe I would talk about multiples today on the blog. And then I got online and you know what? Sal and Winona already covered it. Today. How strange is that? Talk about multiples!



What are your feelings on multiples? Do you buy things in multiple colors? Or multiples of the very same thing? Clearly my outfit today proves I believe in both!~



*I don’t wash my pants every time I wear them, heck I don’t wash them every 3 times. I wash them when they need it. But I still wear a different pair of the "same" pants if I am going to wear the “same” pants two days in a row. I’m not sure why other than to have something to counter with when a co-worker accuses me of wearing the same pants two days in a row. Not that that has ever happened, it is apparently just a fear of mine.

Jacket, Bona Drag, customized by me
Blouse, Wal-Mart
Denim Leggings, Target
Ankle Boots, Payless
Necklace, self made
Bag, Nordstrom Rack

All The Lights Came On At Sunset

I had a pretty good weekend, I did not do any of the things I should have. I did one load of laundry. And I did not clean the house. I did not buy groceries. Instead, I went to a dinner party, laid in bed, went to dinner and watched several bad movies on the TV. I’m not sorry, to be honest.



It is possible I am addicted to adding hardware to this jacket. This weekend I added those chains to the side, and Nathan has me almost convinced it needs studs in the little panels where the zippers open on the sleeves (I never zip those shut; it would totally cut off my circulation!).



But look how fun the chains are! And it was so easy. I connected the chain to a large jump ring in three places to get the lengths I wanted and then used a safety pin to attach the chains to the underside of the epaulet (I hope that is how you spell that, I know how to say it, but never dreamed of a need to write it.) It took less than 10 minutes.



I’m not sure I’ll be able to wear this jacket much longer this year. As of right now, it’s chilly enough to wear it in the mornings and evenings, but way too hot to put it on mid-afternoon. I’ll miss it. It is one of my favorite things to wear. It’s so perfect for me. Normally I would get bored with something after as long as I’ve had this (a couple years, lots of wear) but I don’t think I will ever get bored with this jacket.



How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun? I skipped the St Patrick’s Day Parades, I am not sure I’ve ever been to one. I’ve been out to celebrate at night, or afternoon, but never in the AM. I’m not sure I could handle drunk people so early. Did you brave one?

Jacket, Bona Drag, customized by me
Blouse, Liberty of London for Target (recent)
Denim Leggings, Target
Snakeskin heels, Target
Bag, Nordstrom Rack