Dance To The Beat Of My Drum!

I have wanted a pair of relaxed, slouchy leather shorts for a couple years now. The thing about leather shorts is that they are not really a classic. Or a wardrobe staple. Or all that affordable, really. So I improvised. I bought a pair of mean's leather jeans at Buffalo Exchange, and had them cut off into shorts.



And even though I find they don't photograph super well, I am pleased with the results.



I've worn them dressed up and down and I like them both ways. Silk blouses and Cure t-shirts. Works either way. And you KNOW how much I love leather, and this is just about the only way I can stand to work it into my life outside of shoes in the Texas summer heat.



The MAIN problem with these shorts is that I bought them maybe 8 pounds ago. 8 pounds is not a huge amount, but they did fit better when I weighed more. Not that I'm complaining. I'm actually back down to my goal weight, and I'm super pumped about it. And I like these shorts enough that if they get too too big, I'll do the same thing again!




(That's right. I've worked retail long enough to wear heels once or twice a week now!)

Silk Blouse, Buffalo Exchange
Leather shorts, from leather pants bought at Buffalo Exchange
Clogs, Target
Belt, GAP

Down The Street, I’m The Girl Next Door

So…against pretty much all advice…I shortened it.



Oh my gosh, don’t act like you didn’t know I would. And by “I shortened it” I mean, “I watched while my mother-in-law did it”.



My decision was based mostly on shoe options. Longer, I had one. Platform heeled sandals, and I love those sandals, but I also like to have more than one way I can style something. Otherwise, I get bored. And a boot with a frilly dress is one of my go-to looks. And I knew if I shortened the dress, I could STILL wear the sandals, but I could ALSO wear the boots. Also, be honest…I didn’t go as short as you thought I would, did I? I exercised some restraint (or else I miscalculated and when it was done it was a little longer than planned, whichever.)




The paparazzi. You just can’t get away sometimes.

So, have I ever mentioned that I am a pretty amazing cook? I probably have. I am a bit of a braggart sometimes. Anyway, I am. I am really good at making up my own things, but really bad at following your recipe with the measuring and the exactness and whatnot. And I hate baking. But I love making cake balls. But anyway, all of that to say (brag) that I made something really great and summery and fresh the other night and I took this picture for you to drool over:



1 Box Couscous (garlic and herb flavor), prepared as directed (but the lowfat directions) and allowed to cool to room temperature.
Julienne a couple or four handfuls of fresh, raw spinach
Currants (I had to ask the lovely people at Whole Foods where they were, they did not have them at Wal-Mart, go figure, turns out it is a very common question at the Whole Foods and I am not the only one who couldn’t find them)
Roasted Pine Nuts
Goat Cheese (I am 100% sure feta would also work)
Squeeze of lemon (or not. Nathan hates lemon and had his without. I think it adds a real brightness to the dish, but personal tastes vary and what not)

Honestly, it was SO Good.

Dress, vintage and altered
Belt and buckle, vintage
Boots, Target
Bag, LUSH, second hand
Earrings, Prairie Oats at Etsy

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

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

Been Saved Again By The Garbage Truck

I took a sick day yesterday. I haven’t been feeling super. I still feel kind of meh, but there is only one day left so I can make it!



Yes. It really is that warm. It was in the upper 40’s when we were taking pictures, but they are predicting 70’s by next week!



The Coupland read is going OK, better than before. Hillary and I talked about it a bit, and I explained the reason I am giving him a third chance is basically Chuck Klosterman. I tried Chuck Klosterman a couple times and he just got on my nerves. I really didn’t like it, but he’s pretty much the only thing Nathan reads (that and books on the history of various record labels), so I really wanted to get what all the fuss was about. And on the third try? I did. And I am going back and re-reading the books I didn’t like and loving them. Hillary said she had the same kind of thing happen before, sometimes it just takes a while for an author to click.



The tee is a recent birthday gift card purchase from the men’s department at Target. I prefer dark colors and the men’s department had more of those. A snip here and a snip there and I ended up with a tee in the colors I like in a more flattering, less boxy looking cut. Plus…



LOOK how perfect the colors are for a little pattern mixing with my new wedges! I saw these during the first round of birthday shopping and I did not get them, but I could not stop thinking about them. So they are the one thing (OK, OK, and a $5 lip gloss) I broke the ban for, and I am not sorry. When I went back a week later, they were on sale for an additional 25% off! The foot bed is padded, and they are so comfy. Plus you know I love a snakeskin shoe!



Tons of necklaces make for an automatically dressier outfit. I made the bead and key one yesterday while Nathan watched some show about hip hop feuds on Fuse . I did not understand a single word. Once in a while Nathan would explain it to me, but I swear they were speaking a foreign language.

Cardigan, Alternative,
Tee, Target, men’s department, modified by me (recent)
Denim Leggings, Target
Sandals, Me Too via Nordstrom Rack
Key and bead necklace, handmade by me
Large mixed bead necklace, vintage, gift from Mikal, remade by me
Skulls, Etsy
Earrings, made by me

I Don’t Think You Know Where Your Head Is

I always feel unprepared at the start of the season. In Spring, I feel like I have forgotten how to dress in just one layer, and I forget how to wear bracelets and necklaces, it’s been so long since they worked because of the gloves and scarves of Winter. And in Winter I always wonder where did I GET all those layers I wore last year? And where are all of my pants? My legs are so cold and I have jeans, which we are not allowed to wear Monday-Thursday, but no pants. (I don’t like pants, to be honest and I’m just glad I can get away with black denim). Anyway, I always feel like it takes me a while to settle in and figure out what I’m doing.





I’ve gained a little weight over the past year. 7-10 pounds, tops. But on my frame, it really shows, and I find myself wanting to make excuses for it, and for the fact that I still dress like a slimmer girl. But I’m not sure why. I’ve had inarguably, a rough year. One of the toughest in my life. And 7 pounds? Is nothing. So I’m not really even that worried or upset about it. I don’t feel fat. So why do I care what you think? Body image is such a strange thing. And I feel compelled, once again, to preempt the haters and say "I know my thighs look big in those jeggings. And I don’t care."



I am mixing patterns again, with the tie die and the leopard. I would have never done that before I started reading fashion blogs!



Sorry my jacket is messed up there. I have been being lazy and having my husband help out, and he is great and I can get my pictures done in 2 minutes versus 10 and so I’m really grateful, but he doesn’t see the little things like that the way I would if I were checking the picture between each take the way I do. I’ll take it though, to save 8 minutes.



Some of you might remember these boots from last year. They are ridiculous. They are a size too big. They are from Wal-mart. And none of that will stop me from wearing them and none of it can reduce the sheer awesomeness.

And my current favorite earrings…



Jacket, Forever XXI
Sweater, Target
Gloves, Target
Denim Leggings, Target
Boots, Walmart
Bag, Rachel Nasvik
Bag Charm, Self made
Earrings, Prairie Oats at Esty
Scarf, ½ American Apparel circle scarf

Make A Move, Do Tha Thing, Turn Around and Strike A Pose

My husband found this jacket at a thrift store for like 2 bucks.



It was a couple sizes too big, so for less than $20 I had it tailored. When I took it to the shop, the guy who manages it fussed over it and so did the woman who is the actual tailor. Saying how fashionable it was and how this was coming back. Then yesterday when I went to pick it up the girl behind the counter remarked that she had noticed it and really liked it. She asked if it was vintage and she remarked what a lucky find it was. I always feel like I’ve found a real treasure when it causes a stir at a place that sees clothes old and new all day long!



It’s almost over the top in its hipster-trendiness, I know. Acid washed, colored denim, military style, cropped…I don’t even care. I LOVE IT. I call it the Jacket of Awesome Town, and when I am wearing it, I am clearly the Captain of Awesome Town. Feel free to salute me.

The little loops that the buttons go through as so tight it’s not actually possible to button the jacket, which most likely explains its “like new” condition. But I don’t care. I’m still the Captain.



I’m always so thrilled by my husband’s thrift store finds. He has the touch. I do not. Have you noticed that some people find awesome things and some people don’t? I don’t. I am up for one, maybe two stores, and if I don’t find something AMAZING at one of those I am ready to call it a day. Nathan can go to store after store after store, find nothing and be content. I just have no patience, so I’m glad he does!

Jacket, Thrifted, vintage
Tank, Wal-Mart
Skirt, Target
Tights, Target
Boots, Vintage
Diamond Necklace, gift
Talon Necklace, Talonalia

I Can’t Stand That Song

(I’m so sorry I forgot to leave the outfit details yesterday. I have added them. Thank you so much for all the kind words.)

I am loving this chilly weather! I delight in layers. And scarves. And boots. And jackets…



I was discussing boots with a co-worker yesterday, She was saying she wanted to get a pair, but just one, and she didn’t know if she should go with black or brown. I said “Cognac!” Cognac goes with everything in my book. It matches brown and pops against black. So of course I went with an all black look today to prove it.



That scarf is an American Apparel circle scarf, cut in half. I found the original size to be just really, really overwhelming. This is perfect, plus I got to share it with a friend. Now…anyone want to split a grey one?

And the gloves? Yeah, you are seeing that right, they are in fact, black leather elbow length gloves. Kelly and I have been looking for black leather elbow length gloves for what feels like ages. I needed them to make up the distance between where normal gloves end and the slightly shorter sleeve on my Bona Drag biker jacket begins. I looked and looked and don’t get me wrong, I found some, but they were so expensive!~ I think before these the cheapest I found was $60.00, and I am sure some of you are thinking that is nothing for nice gloves….but I lose gloves. Anyway. Found these at Target, of course. I called Kelly right away. I scared the crap out of her because it was the middle of a work day and she thought someone had died. But no, I just found the gloves we wanted, in our size (small, natch), for $18.00. It was an exciting day. It was also a couple of months ago, so you know, I’ve been dying to break them out.

You know how every holiday season the diamond people come up with some new design and we are supposed to want that? I saw a commercial for this years “must have” and remarked to Nathan that it was not as horrible as years past, but I still didn’t like it. In fact, the last time I remember liking what they were selling was the year we got married. That was the year of the little floating solitare necklace. I still love it. It’s classic and understated.



But you know, I can’t wear JUST understated…



OH MY GOSH. How amazing are these?



They are just perfect. Little gun shells filled with crystals. I have seen this look done a lot on Etsy and Bona Drag, but I think this is the best execution I’ve seen as far as earrings go. I just adore them.


Dress,mark
Tights, Target
Boots, Matisse
Diamond necklace, gift, ages ago
Earrings, Prairie Oats at Etsy
Bat skull necklace, mrd74 at Etsy
Bird skull necklace, mrd74 at Etsy
Bag, Banana Republic, Thrifted by Nathan
Gloves, Target
Scarf, AA, Altered by me

I Got Me Some Horses

Once upon a time, this tank was over 40 bucks. It was beautiful, and I longed to have it. But come on. More than 40 bucks for a tank top? No.



And then one magic day, (seriously, I was on my way to see Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince, so, it was a magic day) I went to visit it, and lo and behold…it was 9.99.



And then it was mine.



It costs less than the movie!



I originally tried on a Large, because the sizing at Urban (I know, I know, the devil, but…9.99!) is not all that friendly, but as it turns out this particular brand is all about vanity sizing so I ended up with a small.



Just look how pretty the pattern is!



This gorgeous cuff is by TrilbyMade at Etsy.



It is made of recycled leather, it is cut so that your arm doesn’t get all sweaty, and it is reversible! The other side is solid black leather. And it's super comfortable!

I love a good deal, and you know I love Etsy. In fact, the main reason I keep up the shop is so that I can have some spending money. I put almost everything I make on Etsy, back into Etsy. I buy my supplies there and I buy clothes, jewelry and handbags there as well. Since Nathan has been unemployed and money has been really tight, that flow has been invaluable to me. I would have totally lost my mind without it.



These are from mark (by Avon), but I customized them when I got them. They are really great, I love the way they swing.



I love those boots. When I put them on in the AM, they seem like they are going to be super comfortable all day, right? And then around noon, I think I am going to die, but it passes. It’s so weird, but by 4 I’m fine.

And last but not least…another handbag thrifted by my husband. For $4.25.



(I was meeting one of my girls after work and I stopped in a random parking lot to take these pics)


$4.25! It’s in perfect shape, and it’s a great size. I love it!




Cardigan, Alternative
Tank, Silence and Noise
Denim leggings, Target
Grey ankle boots, Payless
Earrings, mark, customized by me
Cuff, TrilbyMade at Etsy.
Bag, Vintage and thrifted