To tuck or not to tuck [outfit]

LOFT outlet top - 2011 - $10 on sale / LOFT pencil skirt - 2009 - $13 on sale / Nine West flats - 2011 - $20 on sale / Canvas and leather belt - 2010 - swapped

Or tied up, to be more accurate. I like to wear my hair up, but it doesn't happen as often as I'd like because it looks sort of makes my face look like a boy's (the fact that even when I wear make-up it barely looks like I'm wearing make-up doesn't help).

I've been thinking a bit lately about when to tuck your shirt in and when to let it hang out. There are a lot of factors: volume of shirt, volume of skirt, waistband, ability or inability to belt, neckline, etc. I've worn this shirt tucked into a skirt before, but when I tried tucking it into this skirt, the look was not pretty, for several reasons. This skirt sits lower on my waist, giving the shirt a lot more space to billow between the waist and shoulder. This skirt's waistband is also less conducive to belting (partially due to it sitting lower on the waist). This skirt is also quickly becoming too small for me, which makes the looseness of the shirt even more obvious (I bought it without trying it on...go me). So this shirt + this skirt = untucked.

While I finally made peace between my top and skirt, these shoes still look a bit out of place. I was trying to give my nude flats a rest, but alas, I probably should have worn them for the fourth day in a row.  I love them, just not with this outfit.

How do you determine whether to tuck or not tuck your shirt? Do you have any rules or do you do trial-and-error each time?

Random thoughts [outfit]

BR Factory Store t-shirt - 2011 - $5 on sale (similar) / Textured pencil skirt - 2010 - swap (similar) / Anne Klein mary janes via Macy's - 2011 - $25 on sale (available) / Dark faux pearl strand worn doubled and safety-pinned - 2011 - gift (similar)

[Worn: 09.15.11 | To: Volunteer and run errands]

Things are starting to pick up around here...I've had my busiest week in weeks! Went in to volunteer three times, ran an entire day full of errands (still getting things sorted out and unpacked), checked out a new church small group, and worked on a few client projects. Oh, and there's this blog. I did a slight redesign this week, but to be honest, I'm not entirely in love with it, so it's back to the drawing board. Life is settling into a new "normal," and I'm liking it.

Random thoughts today:

• I have the KFC popcorn chicken commercial stuck in my head (again). Why pick on chicken nuggets? Or should we also be asking, "What part of the chicken is the parmigiana?" or "What part of the chicken is the cordon bleu?" 
• Took a walk outside this morning on a little waterfront trail near our apartment. I forgot to start my Runkeeper until about five minutes in, so my best estimate is the route I took today is right around one mile. Hopefully this is the start to a good habit.

I'll be back this afternoon with some links...see you soon!

Church hopper

Ann Taylor factory store top - 2011 - $30 on sale (similar) / Merona trouser jeans via Target - 2011 - $18 on sale (similar) / Enzo Angiolini Maylie pumps via Nordstrom - 2007 - $70 on sale (similar) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar)

[Worn: 09.04.11 | To: Church and lunch]

If you're following along with Dressy September over on Facebook, you've already seen this outfit, but there's no commentary or details there. This is what I wore on Sunday to check out a new (to us) church in downtown Miami.

Something I've noticed about moving around a lot (and knowing people that move around a lot) is that everyone has different MOs for meeting new people. Sometimes it's work, sometimes it's through friends you already know, sometimes it's classmates. For me, it's usually been church. Attending and participating in a church is important to me for many reasons, but camaraderie is one that anyone can relate to, even if you're not religious.

When I moved to Davis, I was brand new at work and the other new girl I worked with did not like me at all. K had lived there for two years already, so most of my friends right off the bat were K's classmates. They were in class when he was in class, and they were studying when he was studying. I love these folks a lot and many of them are dear friends of mine now, but it wasn't helping me branch out at first. It wasn't until we found a church to call home that I began making my own friends (OK, they knew K, too, but I like to count them as mine).

We've been here about a month now and have tried three churches: one was recommended to us by a friend, one is where K's cousin and his family go, and the other we found on the Internet. We're leaning in a certain direction although we haven't really settled on a home church yet, but I'm excited about what we've seen and experienced so far.

What's your MO for meeting people when you're new in town?

Happy hours and lunches [outfit]

BR Factory Store tiered tee - 2011 - $6 on sale/clearance/coupon (similar) / The Limited tulip skirt - 2009 - $20 on sale (similar) / Mossimo pumps via Target - 2010 - $10 on sale (similar) / J. Crew Outlet belt - 2011 - $5 on clearance (similar) / Necklace via Gottschalk's - 2008? - $6 on clearance (similar)

Outfit analysis: Aside from the shoes, which are just bearable, this has to be one of my most comfortable outfits yet. I like that this skirt doesn't cinch too tightly at the waist and has a forgiving tulip shape. I love the softness of the tee (although it could use an ironing...those tiers did not weather the washer well at all). I like the colors, which are soft without being too pastel and girly. I like the hair, even if it doesn't look as nice in the back as I imagined and especially because it was a happy accident—I braided my still-wet hair so it would be out of my face while I put on my make-up and just never took it down. It did need a bobby pin by midday, though, since my layers are still a little too short for this hairstyle.
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The countdown is on...eight working days left at the Day Job. It's also celebration season, so this outfit was worn to work and then to a happy hour to celebrate a coworker's graduation from business school. Leaving in the summer is apparently a bit awkward, since several of my coworkers will be on vacation on my last day, which means the happy hours and good-bye lunches will be starting soon. I already have most nights this week booked: my last book club meeting tonight, my last Sacramento fashion bloggers meet-up, and my last Sacramento Rivercats game. For the next 2.5 weeks, everything I do will be titled "the last _____ (while I live in CA)."

This past weekend was full of see-you-laters as well. We spent four days immersed in family and friend time in Southern California, visiting our parents, K's grandma and grandpa (on different sides), K's sister and her family, and our closest friends. Of course, with just one weekend to spare, there were many faces we missed seeing, but it's comforting to know that we'll still be gravitating home for all the major holidays and any other excuse we can come up with. One of the things K and I are most grateful for is the closeness of our families, in geography and in relationship. Our parents live less than an hour apart and communicate pretty regularly with each other. It's not something we thought about much before we got married, and our parents never hung out much before that, but we're really happy with how things have developed.

Enough with the sappiness. Happy hours and lunches, happy hours and lunches. All good things.

How do you celebrate or mark milestones at work? Do you prefer after-work happy hours or midday lunch breaks?

Comfortable combos [outfit]

 

LOFT outlet top - 2011 - $14 on sale (similar) / Textured pencil skirt - 2010 - swapped (similar) / Franco Sarto sandals via Piperlime - 2011 - $45 on sale (available) / Canvas and leather belt - 2010 - swapped (similar) / Ball chain necklace (similar)

Outfit analysis: This outfit isn't really anything new for me (I love ruffles and pencil skirts) but I do like how this color combo turned out. The top is a bit of a stone color...not quite gray but not quite brown. It reminds me of Linley's top that I borrowed way back when. This belt + shoe combo is quickly becoming a summer favorite, too.
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Ever since my shopping diet ended, I've been shopping up a storm. These shoes and this top are just a few of my latest purchases. And unlike my usual formula, I didn't try either of these on before I purchased.

The shoes—I got these from Piperlime, knowing that I could return it for free. I already have a pair of Franco Sarto boots, so I know the brand runs relatively true to size

The top—I got this from the new LOFT outlet in nearby Vacaville (the outlets are the same distance away as the regular mall for me). I didn't feel like trying things on so I eyeballed it. Unfortunately I cut the tags off before I tried it on at home, and it's slightly large. I don't think it will be a huge problem, but with this fitted look it felt a little awkward.

Lesson learned: try it on!

Do you try on clothes or eyeball your size? How often do you miss?

First lady [outfit]

A'gaci blazer - 2011 - $26 (similar) / Ann Taylor Factory Store top - 2011 - $20 on sale (similar) / LOFT pencil skirt - 2009 - $13 on sale (similar) / Kate Spade pewter pumps - 2011 - gift (similar) / Natural pearls - 2007 - gift (similar) / Nancy Rosetta circle ring - 2010 - gift (similar)

Outfit analysis: Speaking of small steps, this is the fourth time I've worn this blazer, and the first time I've busted out of the white tee - blue jeans combo. I started this look with the top untucked and a black belt around the natural waistline, but a) it just didn't look right and b) it definitely didn't look right once I added the blazer. I could probably have added a belt onto the tucked look, too, but I like it without just the same. And something about wearing a colorful outfit makes me reach for these shoes, but I'm not complaining.
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I'm not actually a first lady (duh), but my husband does study the presidency and the piping on this jacket is just so DC chic that I went for the title anyway. But come to think of it, this outfit looks kind of like it could have been picked by the fabulously stylish Michelle Obama herself. Classic pieces. Fun colors. A mix of affordable (LOFT, A'Gaci) and high-end (Kate Spade). My husband always gets asked if he plans on entering politics (the answer is no), but if he ever did, I think I know what I'm wearing to his swearing-in.

Who is your style inspiration? What draws you to their style?

Silky smooth [outfit]

Ann Taylor Factory Store top - 2011 - $12 on sale (similar) / Mossimo tank via Target - 2009 - $7 on sale (available) / BR Factory Store trousers - 2009 - $20 on sale (similar) / Mossimo gladiator sandals via Target - 2010 - $25 (similar) / American Eagle outlet necklace - 2011 - $4 on sale (similar) / Silver ball studs via Target - cheap (similar)

Outfit analysis: I'm sure this outfit breaks some rules...I have a loosely fitted top and relaxed trousers. No belt. No real shape to the shirt. But you know what? I love it. I found this great silky blouse a few months ago at the outlets, and I stuck it in my closet and forgot about it. I pulled it out last week to remind myself to wear it, and I decided just to keep it simple (I start small, remember?). It's one of those things that doesn't makes sense, but just works.
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I'm back! I know, you barely noticed I was gone (thank goodness for scheduled posts), but I was running around like a madwoman most of last week prepping for K's graduation and our family time in town. We're really lucky—our families get along swimmingly, and we basically spent Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning together (all 10 of us...whew).

Memorable moments from this weekend:

• Almost missing K's walk across the stage at graduation because the emcee called K by the WRONG NAME. 
• Hearing my 3-year-old nephew exclaim, "Your bed is in your living room!" when he saw our futon made up as a bed (for my brother).
• Discovering that I left my car unlocked for three days, parked four blocks from my apartment. Good thing we live in Davis.
• Eating. Lots of eating. And I cooked a meal for everyone, too.
• Watching my nephew tried using chopsticks for the first time. He plays the drums daily, so it was one stick per hand. While eating fried rice.
• Sending Ashlee home with three whopping bags for this weekend's Stitch Swap when all she came over for was a bike (she got the bike, too).

Although my two days off last week were great (and I got to unplug a bit...lots of catching up to do), it's good to be back!

Do you use your vacation days or do you let them gather dust?

Tweaking the formula

H&M Cardigan - 2009 - $30 (similar) / Ann Taylor outlet top - 2011 - $20 (similar) / Old Navy trousers - 2006 - $6 (similar) / Calvin Klein pumps via Off Broadway - 2007 - $70 (similar) / Boys belt - 2010 - swapped (similar) / American Eagle outlet necklace - 2011 - $4 (similar) / Nordstrom stud earrings - 2010 - gift card (available)

Outfit analysis: It wasn't until I got home that I realized that this outfit is almost exactly this outfit, but with a different but still jewel-toned shirt and different but still pointy-toed pumps. You might call it a rut, but I call it having a consistent style (err, I will start calling it that, at least). But really, the proportions of this outfit work really well, so why fix something that's not broken? The best part is that this outfit formula works just as well for spring as it did for fall. An outfit for all seasons is all right with me.
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So remember the first time I dressed to go to the tailor at lunch? Yeah, well this is what I wore when I went back. In the back of my mind I was thinking of my lunchtime errand, and the pieces themselves aren't too complicated (the top has a lot of stretch so it's an easy on/off), but then I go ahead and put my hair up into this ponytail. It looks simple, but it has many parts. So there went my plan of easy undressing (not something I normally dress for, by the way).

What makes this ponytail so interesting? Well it's two ponytails—one on top (which I poufed up a big for body) and one on bottom to catch the rest of my hair without making the poufy ponytail too heavy and weighed down (my hair is not too long but it's pretty heavy). Then I took a piece of hair from where the ponytails met and wrapped it around both ponytails and pinned it. And it worked! Sort of. The poufiness stayed all day, which is no small feat for my limp hair, and no one was the wiser. Unfortunately my hair is layered so the wrapping was very messy, as you can see. Anyway, definitely a hairstyle to try again another time—practice makes perfect!

Oh yes, and my closet inventory from this weekend revealed a surprising fact—I have quite a bit of pink. three shirts, a tank, a scarf, and a dress. This may not seem like a lot, but it took me until I was in my 20s for me to even touch the color, so it's major progress.

Do you have an outfit formula? What item in the formula do you swap most often?

Black and white clown

Old Navy ruffled top - Linley's (similar) / Gap outlet sweater - 2008 - $20 (similar) / The Limited tulip skirt - 2009 - $20 (similar) / Hue herringbone tights via Macy's - 2010 - $10 (similar) / Steve Madden mary janes - 2003 or 2004 - $20 (similar) / J. Crew outlet belt - 2011 - $5 (similar) / BR Factory knot necklace - 2010 - $10 (similar)

I have to say, I felt fabulous in this outfit. I wanted to style Linley's ruffled top a little differently than I had before, so I paired it with a skirt. Except for the fact that Sacramento apparently decided it should be winter again. So on came the sweater and tights. It actually hailed (almost looked like snow) in Fairfield (about 45 minutes away) this day. Spring is a freakin' tease.

I also decided to tie the neck-ties of the top together this time. I left them open last time, but the strings looked messy hanging down over the sweater, so I tried tying them. Not too shabby, but now that I look at it, it does look a little like a clown collar. Oh well.

What worked
I loved the subtle mixed prints here. Sure, it's only a toe in the water (keeping the same color scheme in prints that aren't even touching each other), but it's a start.

What didn't
The tie neck turned out a little awkward due to the v-neck being higher than the ruffles. Here is what it is supposed to look like tied. Pretty big difference.

Is it spring yet in your area? Please tell me some nice warm stories.

Best laid plans

Three dots cardigan via Anthropologie - 2010 - gift (similar) / Worthington ruffled blouse - Linley's (similar) / BR Factory trousers - 2009 - $12 on sale (similar) / Nina Paladin pumps via Ross - 2009 - $16 on sale (similar) / J.Crew belt - 2011 - $10 on sale (available) / Premier Designs faux pearl strand - 2010 - free with purchase (similar) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar)

The last photo above is what I was planning on wearing. The top photo is what I actually wore.

So...I have a new word of advice for y'all. When choosing outerwear in the spring (or fall, or any other month where you'll be in air conditioning), consider the fact that you may not get to take your outerwear off at any point during the day. Otherwise you'll end up like me with a mish-mash of pinks and purples. Not a terrible look, I'll confess, but it wasn't what I had in mind.


What worked
I'm in love with belting a looser top for a nice relaxed silhouette. These pants are getting a bit tight at the waist, but the muffin top is safe behind the untucked shirt, and the belt keeps it from looking messy. And you know I love ruffles.

What didn't
Not sure how I like the flowy cardigan with the rest of the outfit. Like I said, I didn't intend to wear it this way. It did feel comfy, though! I also couldn't figure out the necklaces...in between the girls or on the outside?

Do you work your outerwear into your outfit or is it an afterthought?

Btw, this belt is a good example of what I'm talking about in my in-store tip on this week's shopping post. It's still $24.50 online, but I got it for $9.99 last week in store. The Gap top in my Facebook outfit this week is also a good example...I bought it 2 weeks ago in store for $13.99 and it's currently online for $29.99.

Tweaking and speaking

H&M Cardigan - 2009 - $30 (similar) / Old Navy ruffled top - Linley's (similar) / Mossimo microrib tank via Target - 2011 - $9 (available) / Merona trouser jeans via Target - 2011 - $18 on sale (similar) / Gap belt - 2010 - $10 on sale (similar) / Enzo Angiolini peep-toes via Nordstrom - 2007 - $70 on sale (similar) / Yellow nail polish via Urban Outfitters - 2011 - $4 on sale (similar)

If you're following Linley (and I hope you are), you'll know that we recently did a roundabout swap. I lucked out an got Linley's package of clothes to remix and style. The package poured out a load of colors and fun fabrics, but this top stood out to me (and may even get a second pass before I send it back). If Sarah's leather shorts don't make it back to her, Linley's top might not either. I've actually already scoured ebay and Smashion to see if anyone else grabbed this top and changed their mind (no luck...yet).

I mentioned the nice high waist of these trousers before, but was searching for just the right top that wouldn't make the whole get-up too retro. Enter the ruffles and dots. About halfway through the day I realized I'd seen something like this before...on Linley. I was right: she wore a very similar outfit here. Thanks, Linley, for sending over some of your style in that swap package. I didn't even notice when it seeped into my brain. I may not give that back, either.

What worked
This would make a great Casual Friday outfit for offices that allow jeans. I wore this on a Monday (when most of the office folks were out of a conference and I was stuffing a lot of envelopes). I love the few pops of color on an otherwise basic outfit. Not only with the belt, but with my toes. Fun color, yeah?

What didn't
Hmm...not much, really. Maybe a better hair day would have been nice. :)

Have you ever recreated (intentionally or not) something you've seen on a blog or in a magazine or catalog?

Obsessed

Gap ruffled cardigan - 2011 - $20 (available) / Mossimo tank via Target - 2008 - $7 (similar) / Old Navy trousers - 2006 - $6 (similar) / Blake Scott heels via Off Broadway - 2010 - $40 (similar) / Studded belt - 2010 - swapped (similar) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar) / Rings on a chain, paperclip

I think I need to join a support group for ruffle-lovers (not to be confused with Ruffles-lovers, although those are also very good). When Gap held their annual Give & Get sale this weekend, I had to go. So I grabbed my umbrella and trekked the two blocks to the Gap in the rain (yes, I have a Gap within walking distance. This could get dangerous). This cardigan was one of the casualties. And it is so. soft. Like, so soft. And I've been jonesin' for some saturated blue, which until this point was wholly lacking in my closet.

What worked
The sweater! And the fact that I belted it. It's an open cardigan (no buttons), so with the volume of the trouser, a belt was totally needed to give the outfit some shape.

What didn't
Belting an open cardigan is trickier than it looks. See the paperclip in the last pic? Yup. That's the trick.

What are your favorite wardrobe tips for keeping stuff in place?

Officially spring (and more ruffles)

Ruffled blouse via Gottschalks - 2009 - $12 (similar) / LOFT cardigan - 2010 - gift (similar) / LOFT pencil skirt - 2009 - $13 (similar) / Nine West outlet boots - 2009 - $50 (similar) / Vintage belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $12 (similar) / Premier Designs faux pearl drop earrings - 2010 - $20 (similar)

It's officially springtime! And to backpack on to yesterday's post, here is an outfit I recently put together with the ruffled blouse (it wasn't uploaded yet when I wrote yesterday's post so I totally forgot to include it).  This is from last week. I woke up and was playing on my phone in bed, like most people do (right?), and I saw that LOFT had uploaded a whole Facebook album of bloggers wearing their cardigans. A light came on in my head--I HAVE one of their cardigans! Oh joy.

Now how the heck do I get in that album? I'm wearing a LOFT skirt, too. Pretty please?

What worked
The colors, the proportions. Especially with a sort of boxy skirt, the belt was a must and kept the look from being too frumpy. Keeping the collar open also helped (although now that I'm looking at it, I wish I'd worn a necklace).

What didn't
I think a thinner belt would have been much nicer. And maybe one that wasn't elastic. The cardigan kept pulling up and then poufing over the belt (see first photo above). But overall I really loved this!

Where is your favorite store/retailer  for cardigans? What is your favorite style of cardigan (v-neck, crew-neck, boyfriend, cropped, etc.)?

Wear and wear again: Ruffled sleeveless blouse

It's been a while since I've done an edition of Wear and Wear Again. I picked up this ruffled blouse back in 2009 when the local Gottschalk's was going out of business. It's one of the only floral pieces in my closet and it's really sheer, so I always wear a thick-strapped tank underneath (usually in gray or purple).

The ruffled blouse is supremely versatile, especially in a floral print. It's a kick up from a traditional sleeveless shell, and layers well under a cardigan or blazer. Mine is definitely one my closet workhorses for casual or business wear. Here are just a few ways I've worn this top to work this past year.

How should I style this blouse next?

Curly girl

Loft ruffle top - 2008 - $30 (similar) / Textured black pencil skirt - 2010 - swapped (similar) / Steve Madden mary janes - 2003 or 2004 - $20? (similar) / Bird earrings - 2010 - gift (similar) / Black hose

Look what I found on my camera! This is from late January, and I totally forgot about this outfit (having a huge memory card in your camera can be a curse sometimes).  I think this is all of the pre-February ones, but I need to step up my game to get some of these other ones out before more start backing up.

Anyhoo, on to the actual look. I really liked this one! Totally a fun office appropriate style. I think this was just a normal day in the office, but this could also have worked if I had a meeting (although not one with the top dogs--that's suit duty).  And these shoes are so comfortable...I should probably replace them soon because the leather (or faux leather? not sure) is totally cracking. But they lasted a looooong time.

On another note, my hair is long enough to curl! A huge difference from my ear-grazing cut a few months ago. I love how fast my hair grows.

What worked
A tailored blouse in a solid color is a must for business casual wear--this top goes well with skirts, pants, or even jeans on the weekend.  The sleeves are long enough to be modest but are fine for summer, too.

What didn't
Not much. I really liked this one.

What's your threshold for suiting up? Presenting? Interviewing? Never? Always?

My constant

The Rundown:
3 + 12 + 20 + 27
Vintage braided belt - 2010 - $7 (similar)
Premier Designs faux pearl drop earrings - 2010 - $16 (similar)
Black footless tights (via Target) - 2008 - cheap (two for $8 or something) (similar)

What worked:
This is the fourth outfit I put on this morning. I loved it. Remember this former-dress-now-shirt? It works as a vest, too. And it's got my favorite fallback color combo: black, brown, gray, white. Color can wait for tomorrow when neutrals feel this good.

What didn't:
I would have preferred gray tights with this outfit, but I already had the black tights on (from outfit wannabes 1-3) and didn't want to change them.


My outfit today was constructed completely around the shoes.  You see, I had another event to cover for the magazine and I wasn't sure what the format would be. I did not want a repeat of last time. And these are the only flats in my 30. So boots it was.

How physical is your job? Do you do much walking or other activity, or are you mainly chained to your computer?

Office to out, casual edition [9 of 30]

The Rundown:
17 + 25 + 27
Gray ruffle dress - 2009 - $63 (replacing item 20) (similar)
Vintage braided belt - 2010 - $7 (similar)

So I tried on about eight different outfits this morning and resorted to switching out my black Target dress for this ruffly gray number.  I haven't worn that one yet, and to be honest, I was iffy about including it in the first place.  It was a pretty quiet day in the office, but I had tix to Girls Night Out at the Citizen Hotel tonight, so I knew I had to look cute to meet up with Ashlee, Kari, and Coco.

Let me tell you a little about this gray dress. It is absolutely fabulous.  It cost more than I would usually pay for a dress. It is the softest sweater knit.  It actually used to be dress length once. It is also machine-washable. And even though I am careful to air dry flat, it has shrunk. But it does make quite the cute tunic, doesn't it? And I have other plans for it in this remix (already faring better than the black Target dress).

This is the casual version of last week's office to out ensemble.  Somehow this blazer keeps working itself in.

What worked:
This outfit was comfortable, modest, and snazzy enough to transition to a night out.  What's not to love? No accessories even needed.

What didn't:
The sweater kept sticking to my jeans--maybe I should wear a slip next time? Might be a little odd over jeans...

How do you compensate or remix clothes that change shape or shrink? What about when they stretch?