Sure I Know It’s Apocalypse, But Can’t It Wait Till I Kiss Your Lips

(I know I skipped “Struggle to Fit Into Your Skinny Pants” last Friday. I did so for a multitude of personal and messy reasons that I won’t go into here, but I apologize, and I’ll be back to that this Friday)



I am in kind of a “situation” with the bottom half of my wardrobe. I have one plain black skirt. One pair of black pants, and that’s about it. Oh, jeans, but Monday- Thursday those do me no good. My black denim leggings have finally reached a point where they are worn out enough they are not fit for work wear and I just have not managed to replace them yet. I know some of you have suggested thrifting and I am willing to give that a try, but so far I have not had the time to do so (the time you have to put into thrifting to find one decent pair of well fitting work pants, in my experience, is substantial. I might get lucky and find a pair first stop, but I’m not counting on it.)



So I’m mostly looking at wearing dresses right now, and I do love dresses, but I also get tired of the same ones pretty quick. In Fall and Winter it’s so much easier for me to trick them up. Different jacket, different tights, over the knee socks, all kinds of things. In Spring and Summer I find it harder, but I am willing to see what I can do.



Today I wanted to carry this bag from Morocco, because I don’t carry it as often as I’d like. That’s sort of what brought the whole situation to light, because I had a really hard time styling this with a dress. In fact, as you can see, I didn’t. I went with the one black skirt. The bag just seems to have so much to say on its own and I didn’t want to drown it out with a floral or other print.

How do you trick up your dresses in Summer? Outside of shoes and jewelry, what am I not tapping into?

Tee, American Apparel
Skirt, Target
Clogs, White Mountain via Amazon
Bag, Morocco, via Laura C
Necklace, self made from thrift store and craft store parts

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.

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

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

She’s Got Both Hands In Her Pocket

This outfit is really similar to something I wore last week. The outfit last week got a comment from a John R. Tate I thought was…interesting. I am going to break it up into parts. John will be in quotes.

“No, just no. Hoodies make a grand light when burned together at night after few shots of Jack. Douse 'em with a few shots as well for a big poof!“

They are also very warm when it’s 30 degrees F outside. And comfy. And cozy. And super functional.

“At some point you'll reach the age when you DEFINITELY cannot revisit youth, then you'll burn the hoodies for sure.“

I doubt it. My father –in-law and mother-in-law as well as my aunt, who are all over 50, still rock the hoodie on cold days. A hoodie is not an age limited garment as far as I can tell. And if at some point I decide they are not for me anymore, as is my right as a woman, I will likely give them to friends or donate them to a charity.

“Lose the skirt as well or go all out and drape yourself with it. I can’t decide if you’re a motorcycle chick or a fem. The outfit needs a little lace and a V-neck. The hair could go as well, but the behind-the-times boyfriend or husband will likely raise a stink. Bangs and a short crop turns this third grader into a first rate hotty.”

I’m sorry…but what? I think you might be missing the whole point. I am neither a motorcycle chick OR a fem. I am me. One of the great things about the modern world (besides DVRs, iPods and eye shadow primer) is that we are not forced to choose to be one thing or another. We get to be whatever we want, wear whatever suits our mood that day. My hair is amazing as is, and I look good in that skirt.

And with that said, another skirt, hoodie and biker jacket combo…



I pretty much always have a book. Normally they fit in my bag, but I’ve got this one crammed pretty full right now. You can only see “Cheryl” but I also have “The Prophesy of the Sisters”. I just got “Cheryl “ yesterday and I’m super excited to start reading it.



You can’t really see from the pictures, but this hoodie is the same as the grey one from Old Navy and has the tuxedo shirt style ruffling on the front. I LOVE this style. I think the ruffles are so cheeky on a hoodie.



I know that bag doesn’t really match so much today, but I decided it was close enough and it’s so rare I get a chance to work it into an outfit I thought I’d just push it and carry it for one more day.



I just wanted you to see the waist on this skirt. It is odd and totally unflattering, which is why I always wear a jacket or untucked shirt with it. It’s a little roomy in the waist and yet it sits super high. It’s very strange.

Hoodie, Old Navy
Tee, Target
Jacket, old
Skirt, Target
Leggings, Target
Boots, Vintage
Bag, vintage
Earrings, Love Erin Designs
Ear muffs, stolen from husband
Gloves, Target
Books, Cheryl by Sean Smith and Prophesy of The Sisters by Michelle Zink

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

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

Hiked

My friend Pilalex asked me today “Is that the skirt you hike up to your boobs?”

Yes. Yes it is.

I could have it tailored, sure, but this works fine, and I didn’t hate the length last winter when paired with boots. I just think it makes me look stumpy without them.



I don’t know. I thought this was a nice outfit. I love the colors and I think the accessories were really well matched. But it felt like a great outfit that someone else would wear and not so much something I would wear. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t one of those things where I was uncomfortable all day or anything. I just didn’t love it. Something about it seemed really…tame I guess.



I thrifted this blouse last Friday on my lunch break for two bucks. I mostly liked the pattern and though it was a good shape for my denim leggings. But I thought I’d go ahead and try it with a skirt.







I love this little spider ring.



It’s just the right cross between creepy and pretty for me.



And these heels are just the right height to be comfy all day.




Blouse, thrifted
Skirt, Target
Shoes, Target
Earrings, Love Erin Designs at Etsy.com
Beetle Pendant, self made
Bird pendant, Love Erin Designs at Etsy.com
Bracelet, ruche
Ring, SilverShake.com

Loved It

I have nothing bad to say about this outfit.

I love this outfit, top to bottom.



I have been looking for a knee length leather skirt for at least two years now every time I hit the thrift store, and I am so excited to have found this one. It fits perfectly.









I also went with the “more is more” look with the chains.



But kept it to one bangle.






Tee, American Apparel
Leather skirt, vintage and thrifted
Shoes, Target
Chains, Thrifted
Watch locket, Etsy
Short bone bead necklace, Love Erin Designs at Etsy
Bracelet, Urban Outfitters’

Work, Work, you know ya gotta work, work

Lyrics by The Saturdays. I heard that song every time I walked down the hallway at work today (in my head) and strutted my stuff. This outfit made me feel like a WOMAN.





Yes. Light bounces off the whiteness that is my legs. Hopefully this is a testament to how young I will look when I get old and how much I will NOT be getting skin cancer, or as I call it “tanning cancer”



This skirt actually hits mid-calf, which is kind of a bad look on me sans boots, makes me feel stumpy. So I hiked that baby up right under my boobs and used my camisole to hold it in place.



Some detail shots…








Cardigan, Alternative
Skirt, Target
Blouse, Target
Shoes, Isaac Mizrahi for Target
Necklace and earrings, Love Erin Designs

Secret Tee.

Ok, first off, it was windy when I was taking my photos and who doesn’t love a picture of themselves with their hair and skirt gently blowing in the breeze?



Stunning!~ I felt like such a super model.



As my friend Rebel would say “Chest out, chin up”. I love it.



Annnnnnd now we’re back to normal. But it was fun.

This entire outfit was constructed so that I could get away with wearing my new My Bloody Valentine concert tee to work. It is so pretty, I would have loved it even if it wasn’t a souvenir of a really great night. The colors and pattern are just really appealing to me, and I felt like they looked really pretty peaking out of my west all day.



And here is the tee sans vest.



So pretty!~ And a close up…



These sandals are hands down, the most "out there" piece I own. People tend to love or hate them. MEN tend to really like them. I got a compliment from no less than three strangers who said things such as, and I quote “Oh, wow, really cool shoes. Really cool.”





And for those of you wondering, yes, my ankles get reallllllly hot if I wear them in late summer, outdoors. Luckily I don’t spend a lot of time outdoors in late summer.

Pretty earrings that I don’t wear often enough…



And finally, if you get in the shot when I’m lining it up, you go in the blog. Ladies and gents, I present my husband, working it.



Tee, My Bloody Valentine show
Vest, Go International at Target
Skirt, American Apparel
Sandals, Jeffery Campbell
Earrings and necklace, http://www.loveerindesigns.etsy.com/