I Wanted to Be With You Alone, And Talk About The Weather

(LOLOLOLOL. You guys, you deserve so much better than this. I know. These pictures are just terrible. Also? I was totally wearing my old glasses, which I wear around the house to keep my new glasses, well, new, and I totally forgot. I noticed it while I was sitting in the car waiting for it to warm up. So I ran in and switched, but it was too late for new pictures. Which is a SHAME because I feel like new glasses go so much better with this than old glasses. So for those of you who got all excited hoping I was going back to them…sorry. I am not.)



I got a few comments about the layering cardigan. YES. Layer those cardigans. The thing about most of these newfangled over-sized sweaters is that that are too big to go under a jacket, and too open of a weave to keep you warm. Enter the layering cardigan. Mine is American Apparel and I have been using them this way for a couple of years. They are expensive. I won’t even pretend. But they are also really well made and the perfect weight for year round. As a layer in colder moths and alone in the warmer months. They are great cardigans for tossing in your bag in Summer, for when you get where you are going and they are getting all crazy with the AC up in there.



And when you wear them as a layer, it’s up to you how to go about de-layering during the day. Some days I wear the AA cardigan as my office cardigan, and some days I wear whatever comfy sweater I’ve thrown on top of it.



Either way, the layering is a win/win situation. Warm enough outside, options inside.



I maybe ought to be offended about what those big ole pockets appear to be doing to my hips, but I don’t e’en curr. This cardigan is so comfy. And I love the shorter sleeve.



I suspect this dress will join it’s friend the Old Navy Denim Skirt in the "dead to me for 6 months" pile come Spring. It’s too short without leggings. But it sure is cute with!

*ETA* for those interested THIS is the cardigan I use as my under layer.

Cardigan, Urban Outfitters
Layering cardigan, American Apparel
Dress and leggings, Target
Black leather studded bottom bag, LUSH
Boots, Doc Martins

Get Out Of My Dreams, Get Into My Car

But not really. I sort of hate when it’s my turn to drive. I like to drive myself to work but only because I like to be able to leave when I need to. I hate driving. I find each and every turn behind the wheel for me is an exercise in pure white knuckled horror. I’m hoping to grow out of it someday but you know, I’m 34. So it’s not looking good. But you know what makes it a little better?

A new car.


(all photos this post by Jessica Guest)

That’s right. After 12 months (Ok, maybe 11 and a half) of not having a car, I have gone out and purchased myself a brand new car. It’s my first ever brand new car, and I chose it and bought it all on my own. It is ADORABLE.



It’s a Hyundai Accent hatchback. I actually got kind of an obscenely good deal on it and in true finance guy fashion, the guy at the dealership tried to trick me into spending $4000 more than we agreed to in extra warranties and features. I said no. Several times.

He got rude.
I told him he was being very aggressive and I didn’t appreciate it.
He said he was supposed to get off two hours ago to be with his kids.
I said I didn’t HAVE to buy the car from him.
He said he HAD to have that warranty on there for the finance department to approve it.
I threatened to pay cash (I have never seen such horror in a man’s eyes as when I did that. It was crazy).

After that I pretty much got what I wanted. PLUS a massive feeling of accomplishment knowing I beat a MASTER at his own game. I have patted myself on the back a few times since then.

And I did it again just now.



Look how perfectly we go together.

I love this car.*



*I know. You can see my pettipants. But look at it this way, at least I am wearing the proper undergarments, you know?

Hooded knit jacket, Target
Tunic, mark
tights, Target
boots, Doc Martins

Yesterday I Got So Old, I Felt Like I Could Die

I am so excited to be blogging this outfit. The pictures are so pretty thanks to Nathan remembering the beautiful pink tree/bush around the corner from the house that looks lovely with the dress and boots.



I was largely unaware of the Tucker for Target collection, I had seen a couple things, and I knew I liked this dress the best, but it wasn’t until I saw Hillary wear it that I knew I had to have it.



It’s just so darn cute! And vintage-y, but modern. I love the cut on it. It is flattering but relaxed. And the patterns and colors are a world of tights, boots and shoe combinations waiting to happen.



And my co-workers complimented it. I always know an outfit is something special when that happens, and it wasn’t one or two compliments, it was a day long compliment fest! The best!



I am thinking hot pink tights, black knee high boots and my black studded and chained biker jacket when it gets cooler…hurry up cool weather, that outfit sounds PERFECT!

Dress, Tucker for Target
Bag, Thrifted by Nathan
Boots, Dr Scholl’s
Pendant, Moon Raven Designs at Etsy

I Just Love You More Than Anything

I’m back. My four day trip to Austin was relaxing and super fun. We stayed with our friends Cody and Ashlee out at their vacation-home-style-but-it's-a-real-home-house in Hill Country. They have the whole house set up to feel like a resort in Cabo with dual wooden balconies, a fire pit, and fabulous furniture. They are putting in a pool and hot tub and it’s going to be fabulous. They also have some special windows and they didn't need to use the AC the entire time we were there which was really nice, because the house was just OPEN to the outdoors all the time. We spent lots of time on the balcony drinking beer or coffee and chatting and it was perfect.

The music festival was amazing too. I love music, but festivals are often not my thing. They go on too long and I get over-saturated. This one was great and I liked 85% of the bands we saw, which is really good for me.

Here is the thing about Austin, or at least the people in the music scene there…they take style seriously. So many people have such distinct styles that it is almost overwhelming. It was a lot to take in and it actually played on my self esteem a bit. I didn’t feel as cool or hip as I normally do. I’m not saying that I am the coolest hippest girl ever to grace the planet, but I’m not boring. I felt boring in Austin at times. But it was a good experience. So much of what is happening in terms of style in Dallas feels like herd mentality and I am sure if I stayed in Austin long enough I’d see the patterns there too. But it was a nice change of scenery once I adjusted.

In fact, Austin inspired me to try something a little out of bounds today.


(Just one pic today. I had an issue with sleep deprived crazy eyes in all the others)

I like the top and the skirt together, I think that was a win. I’ve been dying to try something like this out for months, but didn’t have the pieces. I found this top at Target for 12 bucks and knew it was what I needed. It’s even cream and black instead of black and white, which is perfect for the skirt, since it is cream based as well. I don’t love the boots. Normally I can get away with these boots with skirts and shorts, but this combo is making my legs look a bit…big? And I do not have big legs. My legs are my constant. Always tall, always skinny. I think next time I’ll try a clog, I think that will work much better.

Let The Sun Shine Down From Above

If I look sleepy and kind of bored, it’s because I’m sleepy…and kind of bored. I got a lot of stuff done last night. I updated my Blackberry, which, no kidding all told took about 3 hours. It had stopped receiving e-mails and texts, but updating it seems to have fixed the problem, for now. I did two loads of laundry, changed the sheets on the bed, and did my belly Pilates. Showered, blow dried my hair and read. But I didn’t plan an outfit. And then I overslept.



I could have done worse! I could have done better, too, but everything was still wet. I half planned three different outfits this morning only to be thwarted by wet clothes. I didn’t take into account that it is Spring now, and the heater was not on all night helping them dry.



I forgot to put on earrings, and I have a big zit right on the front of my face. Some days just don’t go your way. But I had a Weight Watchers breakfast quesadilla and I’ve got free passes to a movie tomorrow night, so things are looking up already.

I can’t wait to show you guys the pictures from this weekend. Colleen got some great shots, and so did Nathan. Nathan actually got some really good shots of Colleen getting good shots.

Cardigan, Target
Dress, Target
Boots, Steve Madden
Diamond necklace, gift
Talon necklace, Talonalia

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

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

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

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

Whatever You Do, Don't Stop 'Til You're Through

OH SNAP!~ It got cold again. Par for the course for Spring, I know, but the weather predictions have been off the last two days and it makes getting dressed a lot harder when you have no idea what to expect.



I think I might be under a dollar on the cost per wear for this dress now. It was maybe 20 bucks, and I know I’ve worn it that many times. It works for the office, it works for the weekend, it dresses up, it dresses down. I love it with no jacket and my snakeskin gladiator sandals when it’s warm, and with boots and a jacket when it’s chilly.



I feel like out of all of my dresses I get the most use out of the floral prints. I could never have enough. I find them so easy to wear and mix and match.



Our dryer is broken and my laundry has reached critical mass, so we are going to kick it old school style at the laundry mat tonight, only this time we have ripped a DVD (Up in The Air) and put it on the net book. We’ve got a headphone splitter and plenty of quarters. Should be a good time.

Jacket, Forever XXI
Dress, Target
Tights, ?
Boots, Vintage
Earrings, Forever XXI
Bag, Nordstrom Rack

You Know I've Never Seen Any of These People Before

I do not like exercise. I enjoy the occasional swim, and I like to go dancing. But I have never found anything specifically designed for keeping one fit that I enjoy. I can handle the Tony Little Gazelle. I don’t hate it the way I do most exercise. But I don’t enjoy it. I stopped trying to find something I will enjoy, to be honest. I don’t think it’s out there. That’s OK. I can live with it. But I am still searching for things I don’t hate.

Enter “10 Minute Solutions: Blast Off Belly Fat”



It has five workouts, all 10 minutes each, all designed to target your abs. One of them is done entirely standing up. One is Pilates. One started off with a position I literally could NOT do, so I skipped it. But I did the “Belly Fat Blaster”, which had me sweating from head to toe. Then I watched “How I Met Your Mother”, and then I did “Pilates Perfect”. Both were a great workout, both were over in 10 minutes. I love that! 10 minutes! I can handle 10 minutes here and 10 minutes there. I cannot handle 30 minutes. I get SO BORED. Anyway, I’m sore in places today, which is a good sign. I loved the trainer and although I am uncoordinated enough it took me a minute to catch on to how a few of the exercises should be done, I was able to get it eventually. It was one of those workouts that made me feel immediately thinner and healthier, and that’s always a good thing.



I love that skirt. I found it at Target when spending my birthday gift cards. It is not too short and not too long. It is just right. I feel like Goldilocks. I have so much trouble finding skirts that are the right length on me.



And that’s another tie dyed tee. Last one, I promise. I just really liked them, had gift cards to spend and they were so cheap! These were $9.99.



So…I bought this necklace from the Gossip Girl online store. They sell items the actors wear on the show. This necklace was worn by Serena. It's not showing up anymore, but a $175 double strand version is! Sorry. I had been looking for something similar for a while in my price range and hadn’t had any luck. And then I found this one and I think it was all of $20 something bucks. I don’t remember, it was a long time ago. After all that time spent trying to find something similar, I couldn’t seem to style it. I’ve had it for MONTHS and worn it maybe twice. It’s strange. I do really like though!

Tee, Target men’s department, altered by me (recent)
Skirt, Target (recent)
Tights, ?
Boots, Steve Madden
Earrings, Target
Necklace, The CW Store
Cuff, Vintage, gift from Mikal

My Type Hibernate In Bedrooms Above

Well hello there casual! I’ve missed you.



The tassel necklace is one of the things Mikal brought over, and if she had said “you can have one thing”, this is the one thing I would have taken.


(I know that is an awkward, scroll-y crop, but the smaller picture just didn’t show the details)

What’s really funny it that it seems SO versatile and yet I had a super hard time coming up with an outfit I could make work with it. I could have worn it with the black and white dress on Monday if I had had super glue on hand (I had to go get some this week to fix this necklace) but I didn’t, so I wore the bunny pendant and gold beads. I had a couple of dresses it will look great with when it is warmer, but as for the weather right now…I don’t seem to have much*. Granted a grey v-neck and jeans is the ideal way to show off just about any accessory anyway, if you ask me, but I can’t wait for it to get warmer so I can dress it up a bit!



That crotch length necklace looks good for photos, but I ended up having my office mate wrap it around my wrist really tight as a bracelet before too late in the day, it was fine standing up, but really awkward sitting down!

*I noted some time ago I need more “plain” items. Solid color dresses in black and grey and tees to properly showcase my vast collection of accessories, I just have not had the money to do anything about it, you know how that goes!

Jacket, Forever XXI
Tee, Alternative
Jean Leggings, ANA at JCPenny
Boots, Target
Tassel necklace, vintage, gift from Mikal
Long beaded necklace, self made
Bag, Nordstrom Rack

So Sing, While You Have Time

I’m not super impressed with this outfit. If it weren’t for the pin, I think I might hate it, which is strange, because I love the cardigan, blouse and skirt together in Spring and Summer, I just wear different shoes. Snakeskin pumps. And I think they really add some pizazz to an otherwise quiet look. These boots do not. I really wanted to wear the pin though, and I struggled to come up with one more conservative look to get to me casual Friday.*



I just love that pin. I went back and forth over this one and a cream colored one just like it. There was also a spiral shell on a stick pin that would have looked really great with this, but you know how it is…I wanted to be gracious and not take EVERYTHING that I thought was cool. So I choose this one. It’s so pretty!



The fabric of the cardigan is very, very thin, and in order for a pin to sit right on it and for me to feel it was secure enough not to damage the fabric, I cut a small piece of fabric (I used denim since it is quite sturdy) into an oval and used it as a backing on the inside of the cardigan. It worked really well. The pin is sitting nicely instead of drooping and it is not pulling the fabric the way it did when I tried just putting it on the cardigan.



I have big plans to wear my favorite piece of the bunch tomorrow. It needed some super glue but it's all better now.

I have to tell you, I have not seen a single one of these mythological creatures known as “VPs”. My office mate says she saw a couple yesterday, but I must have missed it.

*I’m having a “fat week”. It’s bad. It’s biological and not my fault, but my self esteem is really struggling with it. It makes getting dressed a little less fun.

Cardigan, Alternative
Blouse and Skirt, Target
Boots, Arturo Chiang
Bag, Nordstrom Rack
Pin, vintage, gift from Mikal