Weatherproof [outfit]

Eclair top from Nordstrom Rack - 2011 - $13 / Banana Republic suiting pencil skirt - 2010 - $60? on sale / Nine West Outlet boots - 2009 - $50 on sale / Natural pearl necklace - 2007 - gift

For the first time since I've been in Florida, we've had nasty weather. Like, really nasty. Horizontal rain, tornado warning, flood watch nasty. As much as I'd love to hunker down at home (and as free as I actually am to do so), sometimes I know it's better to just suck it up and get on out there. I'm fortunate that my building's garage is attached, so I don't actually have to go out into the rain to get to my car (a major step up from my last apartment), but my destination did not have a parking garage, so I pulled out my non-rain rain boots.

I'm all for rain boots. I love mine. They're from Target and were a Christmas gift from my in-laws a few years back. They get worn basically whenever it's wet out, even if the rain has stopped. Back when I used to take the bus to work (the first 2.5 years of my last job), I'd wear the rain boots for my commute and bring shoes to change into. But for a quick volunteering stop, something that would be awkward to change shoes at? Not so good.

My happy medium—these faux-leather tall boots. They protect my calves when I'm wearing a skirt, keep me from feeling any wet hemlines from I'm wearing trousers, and can even handle skinny jeans tucked in. The heel is thicker than my usual stiletto pump, and the rubber soles are a major plus for wet weather. They're not made for rain, of course, so I wouldn't walk through an ankle-high puddle the way I would in my normal rain boots, but it is nice to know that I'm not putting my leather goods at risk. They weren't cheap, but they've already gotten two seasons of wear and look nearly new.

How do you weatherproof your work outfit without dressing it down?

*bonus points if you've noticed that the boxes in this pic (taken Tuesday) were finally gone yesterday (pic taken Wednesday). I also wore this outfit to do some more unpacking. Slowly, but surely. I hope to be unpacked by the time we move again.

Fashion don'ts that I do

From time to time, I'll see something, either on a blog or on Facebook, asking people about some of their fashion pet peeves. Uggs always make the list, as do leggings as pants, and I agree with those (though they do look comfy). Others, though, I have to admit, I'm guilty of. Here are a few common don'ts that I do.

Embellished back pockets
I've been hiding something from you. My beloved skinnies have embellished back pockets. You've never seen them since I don't take butt pictures (you're welcome), but they're there. And they're sort of ugly. I wouldn't mind if they were cool looking, but these aren't...it says "J" on the left cheek and "Co" on the right. I spent well over a year looking for skinny jeans that flattered my body at a decent price point, and when I finally found these, I bought them despite the back pockets.

I've tried melting the adhesive with a blow dryer, which leaves a dark dot where the embellishment used to be. I've painted them over with black nail polish, which lasts longer than Sharpie. I'm not planning on buying a second pair of skinny jeans, so if you have any suggestions on how to get the studs off the back, please let me know.

Volume + volume = shapeless
Sometimes I just want to be comfortable. To not have to worry about whether I'll have a muffin-top after lunch, to not worry about adjusting my outfit when I stand up or sit down. Flowy clothes are the best for this, and I love pairing some trouser or wide-leg pants with a long shapeless top, usually with a skinny belt or something to cinch in just a little bit at the natural waist. Sure, I generally try to find some balance with my outfits, but sometimes you just have to do what's comfortable.

Black + brown
OK, so this one isn't really a don't anymore. But if you're still not convinced (like my husband isn't...he's just recently gotten to gray + brown), here's some evidence that it works.

How about you? What fashion don'ts do you do?

Mirror-free is not the way to be [outfit]

Mossimo dress via Target - 2011 - $10 on clearance (available) / Aerosoles suede loafers via Macy's - 2007 - $30 on sale (similar) / Emilie M. bag via Marshall's - 2011 - $25 (similar) / Dark pearl necklace and matching studs - 2011 - gift (similar) / Ball chain necklace - old - cheap (similar)

[Worn: 09.07.11 | To: Meet w/ Dress for Success Miami and run errands]

I really need to get a full-length mirror. I felt great in this outfit, but that's mainly because I didn't see what the dress + shoes looked like until I got home. My feet were a bit sore (I wore heels Wednesday and ended up spending 4+ hours on my feet), so I wanted to be comfortable. I love the dress and shoes separately, but never again will they be worn together.

Yesterday, I met with Dress for Success Miami/Suited for Success to discuss volunteering options. The organization is basically about everything I love...helping women and men prepare for careers through training and wardrobe. And now that I have a flexible schedule, I wanted to get involved and meet new people. Turns out, what they need help with is what I know how to do, so we have a follow-up meeting next week, and I'm helping at their Fashion's Night Out table tonight.


Where do you volunteer?

[Edit: I couldn't remember where I first saw a necklace worked this way, but now I know it was from Elaine at Clothed Much. She tricked out her pearl strand with a ribbon, which works great if you don't have a shorter necklace that complements your strand. Thanks, Elaine!

Salute your shorts

Striped sweater via Marshall's - 2011 - $13 (similar) / Old Navy tank as undershirt - 2010 - gift (similar) / Joit cuffed shorts via Nordstrom - 2011 - gift card (available) / Gap sandals - 2010 - $20 (similar) / American Eagle outlet chain necklace - 2011 - $4 on clearance (similar)

Now here's something rare—shorts. Short-ish shorts. I don't think there's any debate over how inappropriate these casual shorts would be for the office, so let's just move on, shall we?

Shorts are a rarity not only on this blog, but also in my life. For nearly a decade, I swore them off completely. A terrible flare-up of eczema on my legs in high school (and the subsequent grossing out of classmates + teenage awkwardness) led to ugly scars, and I've rarely been without at least one flare-up since. For some reason, short skirts never got the ax, but I felt supremely uncomfortable in shorts. It wasn't until my first summer in Davis that I realized the relief they could bring in heat. And by that time (my mid-20s) I was over the fact that people might not be so comfortable with my eczema. It took me a while, but the answer to peoples' questions about my legs is now a simple, "Oh, that's just my eczema acting up."

Have you ever been self-conscious about something physical that was beyond your control? How did you deal with it?

Snap and scrap [outfit]

Gap dress - 2011 - $25 on sale (similar) / Banana Republic bib necklace - 2010 - $12 on sale (similar) / Vintage braided leather belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $7 (similar) / Franco Sarto boots via Macy's - 2010 - gift (similar)

Outfit analysis: When I looked at the weather report for early this week (highs in the 60s/70s), I knew I had to squeeze another wear out of this cozy dress. I've paired this dress with brown before, but the boots and necklace give this a totally different look than last time. This almost has a country vibe, which was great. I had the first of my several goodbye lunches this day, and the flat boots were perfect for our walk across Capitol Park.
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This weekend, K and I grabbed the last of our stuff from our parents houses. I'd already edited my childhood stuff into one medium sized box before I got married, so this weekend was just a little walk through my college life. I grabbed a few books to keep and put the rest in a donate pile. I took photos of my scrapbook pages, ripped all my photos out of my scrapbooks to scan later, and tossed them. I brought back one plastic bin. I call my process "snap and scrap."

K, on the other hand, hadn't gone through his stuff in ages. He did a quick sift through a few of the boxes, but several others he just brought back entirely to look at here. He brought back 3 bins, 2 large boxes, and two shoeboxes of stuff. He's started going through the bins, but while I'm content to keep a digital copy, K is a little less decisive. He's been asking me what to do with stuff, and I'm at a loss. So far we've edited out an entire box, and the shoebox content will be easy to place, but there's still a lot to do.

Do you part with stuff easily or do you hang as long as possible?

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?

The lazy shoes

H&M top - 2010 - swapped (similar) / LOFT pencil skirt - 2009 - $13 (similar) / Franco Sarto Hot sandals via Piperlime - 2011 - $45 (available) / Boys canvas and leather belt - 2010 - swapped (similar) / Nancy Rosetta circle ring - 2010 - gift (similar) / Ball chain necklace (similar)

Outfit analysis: This outfit kicked last week's rut right in the butt. Color? Check. Better silhouette? Check. Good mood? Check, check, check. I waffled a bit on adding the belt, but I really like how it brought in the colors of the skirt and shoes. This whole outfit put me in a happier mood, perfect for spring.
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For the past few Mondays, Bruno Mars "The Lazy Song" has been playing during my morning commute. I don't mind the song at night or on weekends, but it is a major mood-killer when I'm starting a new workweek. Does this kind of stuff bother anyone else?

But speaking of laziness, I feel like mine has taken to new lows (or highs, depending on how you look at it). I realized a few weeks ago that I didn't have any brown strappy sandal heels. I don't know how that happened, but I knew it had to be remedied. So I set about scouring the interwebs for some new kicks. I love the caged look but I found myself thinking about how annoying it is to have to buckle and unbuckle shoes.

Enter these beauties. Caged goodness galore, and a convenient zipper. Plus they were on sale and I used Ebates (need an invite?). Case closed.

Do you look for convenience when you shop or are you willing to take a few more minutes for the sake of style?

Distractions and regressions

LOFT cardigan - 2010 - gift (similar) / A'gaci top - 2011 - $20 (similar) / BR Factory pants - 2009 - $20 (similar) / Enzo Angiolini peep-toes via Nordstrom - 2007 - $70 (similar) / Nordstrom pyramid stud earrings - 2010 - gift card (available) / Ball chain necklace (similar)

Outfit analysis: Another cold day in May...seriously? I finally got around to ironing my clothes and was sooo happy to put these pants back on after a long time away. I wanted to try this top with more tailored trousers, but it was too cold to go with short-sleeves so on came the sweater. I tried a little belt tricks from Academichic and wrapped the built-in waist-tie around the cardigan to give the outfit some shape. Nothing too exciting, but it did the job.
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Another belted cardigan. I've been regressing sartorially since I've been distracted with the whole move and transition. I turned in my formal resignation this week, giving them a 6.5 week notice. Sure, this long of a notice isn't required in any sense, but since I already told my boss, our CEO, and a handful of other folks, and the organization is currently working on the budget for next fiscal year so they can plan for it.

I have to say, this whole year has just zoomed by, and now it feels like the last month has just snuck up on me. K turned in his dissertation this week (YAY!), and it's basically go-go-go until we get to Miami. Every single weekend is booked...with good things of course!

By the way, did you enter the giveaway yet? It ends tonight (9pm Pacific)!

How do you get out of a style rut?

Cookie season

Calvin Klein striped button-up - hand me down (similar) / Old Navy knit vest - 2008 - $10 on sale (similar) / Gap outlet wide-leg trousers - 2009 - $15 on sale (similar) / Nina pumps via Ross - 2009 - $16 on sale (similar) / Belt - 2010 - swapped (similar)

Well, it's not quite cookie season anymore, but it was recently Girl Scout cookie season, meaning there are still (a few) cookie boxes on my shelves at home. This outfit totally reminds me of Brownie Girl Scout uniforms past. I was only a Brownie for one year (I joined right before the whole troop moved up to Juniors), so I never had my own uniform, but I remember my friend Stephanie letting me borrow one of hers (why she had more than one I'll never know). In high school, we used our cookie money earnings to go on a cruise to Ensenada, so I totally support cookie season. I can't wait until (one day far into the future) I have a daughter and can be a Girl Scout leader myself. I think we'll hit up Hawaii instead, though (Ensenada is bo-ring).

What worked
Although the color palette is definitely more on the muted side, I really liked the layering of browns and grays. The belt and the bow pumps are a fun pop.

What didn't
Again with the wrinkles. You must think I don't own an iron. I do. I avoid ironing, but really that just means I don't wear the item for way longer than it already sat in the hamper. These wrinkles are my daily desk-job wrinkles. I take my photos when I get home, which is after nine hours of sitting in front of a computer and one hour sitting in my car (half-hour commute each way). I also run "hot" (body temp wise), which I think just exacerbates the problem (it's like I've ironed in the creases). I have yet to meet a fabric that can withstand all my sitting.

How do you battle desk-job (clothing) wrinkles?

Swimming against the current

J.Crew shirt - 2009 - $20 (similar) / Ann Taylor pants - 2006? - $30? (similar) / Nina pumps via Ross - 2009 - $15 (similar) / Braided belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $7 (similar)

I don't know how to describe this shirt other than salmon colored. Which is funny, because salmon are silver on the outside, and more orange on the inside than pink. Hmm, maybe this isn't actually salmon colored. Oh well.

I have a confession to make—I'm in a rut. Not stylistically, but blog-listically. For the past several days, I haven't been able to figure it out, but I just came to an epiphany. I think this rut can be blamed on the fact that I have all these old photos to post eventually (quite a few, really), and I feel like I should post them before they get to old. Problem is, they're not that interesting, and I don't have as much to say about them a month later.

So in order to save you the grief of reading another 10 or so old posts where I have nothing to say, I'm scrapping that plan and starting anew (well, next week, I guess) with the more current stuff. I just need to shed the weight off my shoulders. But I did promise you my flops, so I'll be uploading the old stuff to The New Professional's Facebook page this weekend as exclusives over there! Wait, you don't "like" The New Professional yet? Go do it.

What worked
I love this classic combo of trousers and a button-up, and I really like how the colors and textures here are more unexpected and feminine. The fun shoes and the brown belt really add a nice touch.

What didn't
The fit was a bit awkward. I'm finding that my low-rise pants, while they fit all well and good, don't really play well with my recent(ish) penchant for tucking things in. Even with my extra-long J.Crew shirts, they look awkward. I need some higher-waisted stuff.

Are you a pants tucker? What tips do you have for making sure your shirt and pants play nice?

From lump to lady

J. Crew outlet dress - 2009 - $20 (similar) / J & Company skinny jeans via Renew Denim - 2009 - $40 (similar) / Franco Sarto boots via Macy's - 2010 - gift (similar) / Vintage braided belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $7 (similar) / Silver ball earrings via Target - 2010 - $5 for two pairs (similar) / Urban Outfitters double finger ring - 2010 - gift (available) / Random stretchy headband

What do you do when you feel like a lump in the morning? Put on a dress, pretend it's a shirt, and show as little midweek jean as possible. Goodness, this outfit was comfy. I don't remember much else about it

What worked
The slimness all the way down and the waist punctuated by the belt. Black + brown = love. The slicked back hair was pretty fun, too. I rarely go without bangs, but I do like them to be long enough to do this.

What didn't
In many offices, this would be best suited to a Friday (if jeans are even allowed). Luckily it was a pretty chill day at work so jeans were okay.

What is your fallback comfy outfit or formula?

Menswear inspired

The Limited top - 2009 - $20 (similar) / Knit vest - 2011 - hand me down (similar) / Old Navy trousers - 2006 - $6 (similar) / Brown belt - 2010 - swapped (similar) / Blake Scott red pumps via Off Broadway - 2010 - $40 (similar) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar) / Grouse and Badger typewriter key ring - 2010 - $5 (available)

I know, I know. It's these pants again. I actually wore it this week, though (Tuesday's outfit was from earlier this month). I liked this outfit so much that I ignored the six other backlogged outfits that are still waiting to see the light of screen. 

It was one of those days--I had two meetings in the morning, including one I was in charge of. It was completely internal, so suiting up was not necessary.  I recently saw some belted vest looks over at J's Everyday Fashion, and remembered I had this vest lying around...it was handed down to me last time I hung out w/ my girlfriends. It's not quite the same style as J's, but I liked the result anyway. In hindsight, I'd like to add my brown velvet blazer next time I try this--would be like a mismatched three-piece suit! But oh well. This was fun, too.

What worked
The vest and belt made the outfit look almost suit-like without being too matchy.

What didn't
The pants look really long in the pics, but really they just slip down a lot. They have this really weird thin waistband with no belt loops and so they're always slipping down. While I love love love these pants to death, having to adjust them often is a bit annoying.

How do you make menswear work for a woman?

Suburban equestrienne

Shirt via Macy's - 2007 - gift card (similar) / Old Navy skirt - 2007 - $10 (similar) / Vintage scarf via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $12 (similar) / Vintage belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $12 (similar) / Nine West boots - 2009 - $50 (similar)

This is one from the archives (January).  It was just one of those days (aren't they all) when I was short on time and long on options.  I think it was supposed to rain, which is probably why I chose these boots.  I don't remember much about this one, so I guess this will be a short post.

What worked
Neat enough for a day at work in my cubicle, but not a meeting-worthy outfit. It's always a good idea to dress for the right occasions.

What didn't
I'm not sure if the belt jives at all with this get-up. I just wasn't a fan of the way the skirt's waistline looked against the blouse, and this is the only belt I have that's thick enough to hold its own in this situation.

Do you put together an outfit as an ensemble or pick a piece and work around that? What pieces do you work around most often--shoes, dress, shirt?

Card-again and again and again

The Rundown
Cardi via Anthropologie - 2010 - Christmas gift (similar)
Gap top - 2008 - $16 (similar)
BR Factory pants (Ryan fit) - 2009 - $20 (similar)
Enzo Angiolini peep-toes via Nordstrom - 2007 - $70 (similar)
AE chain necklace - 2011 - $4 (similar)

I cannot wait for spring to come back so I can get outdoor photos. I took 50 shots today and ended up with two usable ones. Clocks change again on March 13 here in the US (or at least the states that observe Daylight Savings)--cannot wait for some sun!

What worked
I loved the knot detail and looseness of the cardi.  The sleeves are still fitted so it doesn't look messy, and I kept the top underneath rather fitted as well.

What didn't
Thinking back, I would have preferred this outfit with my black peep-toes.  But I'd planned out this outfit (in my head, I don't have a system) without deciding on a top, and just went with my originally planned shoes (plus, I think my black peep-toes need some maintenance).

How much thought do you put into your outfits? Do you plan ahead, throw on and go, or somewhere in between, like me?

Introducing my new boyfriend

The Rundown
Target tie-neck top - 2010 - swapped (similar)
Loft boyfriend cardigan - 2010 - Christmas gift (available)
Loft pencil skirt - 2009 - $13 (similar)
Argyle tights via Kohl's - 2009 - Christmas gift (similar)
Aerosoles pumps - 2007 - $30 (similar)
Outfit total: $43!

My new boyfriend sweater, that is. (Helllooooo...happily married woman here.)  I wore this on January 11, so it was my first wearing in the office since I got this sweater for Christmas. I've gotta say, all my expectations for a boyfriend sweater were fulfilled and then exceeded. I love this thing to death and it's been hard trying to keep myself from not wearing this every day.  Seeing that I had "boyfriend cardigan" on both my blog wish list and Christmas list, my mother-in-law walked herself to the nearest Loft store and asked the gal about this "boyfriend cardigan" thing she'd heard of. Thank you, C (and the Loft lady)!

This outfit is a little librarian-chic...a little tie-neck here, some loafers there. And of course, the cardigan. The pics above are a little wrinkly, the result of 9 hours in an office chair (I've been good about bringing in lunch lately).

What worked
The colors. The proportions.  After months of tucking things into pencil skirts, it was nice to keep things a little loose.

What didn't
The blockiness of brown on bottom, gray on top. Next time I might try this with gray tights to make the look a little more cohesive.

Have you ever had high expectations for an item of clothing? Were your expectations fulfilled or did the reality fall short?

Think warm, be warm

The Rundown
H&M shirt - 2010 - swapped (similar)
Gray cami via Costco - 2008 - 2 for $12 (similar)
Old Navy tweed trousers - 2006 - $6 (similar)
Enzo Angiolini peep-toe pumps - 2007 - $70 (similar)
Forever 21 chain bracelet - 2010 - $5 (similar)
Kohl's chain necklace - 2009 - ? (similar)

Happy Monday, folks!  In case you're wondering, it's still winter here in Sacramento. Why, then, did I wear a short sleeve shirt and open-toed shoes to work today? Beats me. I blame it on my second cold of the season (thanks, K) and overall Monday delirium.  Funny thing was, with my space heater on by my toes and hot tea always at hand, I withstood the cold just fine.  Just like people always say to "think cool" in the summer, maybe I should try thinking warm more often. Sure, it's probably all in my mind, but what isn't?

What worked
I grabbed this shirt from a swap last fall, and this is the first time I've worn it. I have no idea why I waited so long, because I love it! The color is great (I've been really into purple lately), the puff sleeves are cute and demure, and the slip-on style with vertical seams gives the illusion of a flat stomach.  OK, so maybe taking pics right after dinner was not the best depiction of that, but just be thankful I waited until after pics to eat dessert, ok? Oh, and guess what was for dessert? Drumsticks. We had them last night, too.

What didn't
Not too weather appropriate (today's high was in the low 50s), but I didn't go outside all day. I probably should have brought a cardigan, but these sleeves do cover the shoulder, so if it were warmer, it would be able to stand on its own easily.

Do you dress for the weather always or do you sometimes scoff in its face?  Any other "think warm" believers like me?

A bob and boots

The Rundown:
Open-front cardigan - 2010 - $12 (similar)
Cream tee - 2010 - swap (similar)
Old Navy corduroy skirt - 2006 or 07 - no idea but probably around $10 (similar)
Brown studded belt - 2010 - swap (similar)
Nine West outlet boots - 2009 - $45 (similar)
Forever 21 chain bracelet - 2010 - $5 (similar)
Nancy Rosetta circle ring - 2010 - gift (similar)

An oldie but a goodie. I hosted book club at my house last night and didn't get a pic, but yesterday was a photoshoot day at work and I wore jeans. (Other duties as assigned--lucky for me I've been cut out of the final photos for nearly all of the photoshoots I've had to be in so far.  Crossing my fingers.)  This is from the end of October, right after I cut my hair and right before I jumped into the 30 for 30.

What worked:
The color of the cardigan (so bright!).  The comfortable corduroy.  The studded belt.

What didn't:
May be more appropriate for Casual Fridays in some offices.  I would have liked it better with tights and a necklace (to break up the high crew-neck tee). But overall it's definitely an outfit I'd wear again.

My hair has grown quite a bit in the past three months.  I think I'm going to grow it out, but have had moments where I've seriously pondered keeping it short.  For curiosity sake (I can't promise I'll act on it), I'm going to throw the question out to you all:

Should I keep my hair short or grow it back out?

If I grow it out I would like to try a different style than the long hair before (maybe different bangs, less layers).  For a rundown of my various hair lengths over the past 10 months, see this post.

Sometimes more is more

The Rundown:
6 + 12 + 30
Vintage silk scarf via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $12 (similar)
Gap belt - 2010 - $10 (similar)
Simply Vera Wang cable knit tights via Kohl's - 2009 - gift (similar)
Premier Designs faux pearl drop earrings - 2010 - $19 (similar)

Two more days! Two more days! I've been holding this outfit idea in my head for weeks, and I just had to squeeze it in before the end of the 30.  How trendy is this? Belted scarf.  Tights with open-toed shoes. Snowmen in the background (pic 2). The green tights were a bit of an afterthought--I was originally intending to go with these opaque tights, but they were unavailable (they've moved into the bottom of my laundry basket along with half of my 30 items). I figured since I've done the green and brown thing twice already this week, I might as well keep going (my other options for opaque-ish tights were blue and brown).

What worked:
The belted scarf! And I actually am really loving the tights + open toes thing. I really don't have an excuse--even as cold as this week has been, we've still be in the 50s, which I know is eons warmer than what some of you are experiencing.

What didn't: 
Felt a little like overload with the scarf, belt, colorful tights, and drop earrings.  I'm not sure what would be better, though--paring back or piling more on for a complete look. I think an extra ring, necklace, or bracelet actually would have helped (I know: this totally bucks Coco Chanel's rule about taking one item off before you leave the house, but really, aren't rules meant to be broken?).

Do you typically err on the side of too many accessories or too few? How do you find the perfect balance?

Take me to your leader

The Rundown:
5 + 19 + 23 + 8
Earrings as pins
Studded belt - 2010 - swapped (similar)

Does anyone else get a bit of a Star Trek vibe from this outfit? I've only got five days left of this challenge (woohoo) and I've been trying to pull out some of my lesser worn items. I've loved the look of belted blazers this fall, but I don't think I quite pulled it off. Something about these shoulder pads. I actually pinned the collar up a little higher because I didn't really like the t-shirt showing through.

What worked:
Nice fall colors. Fun sparkles. (Those are earrings, just stuck through the collar. May not work for thinner fabrics, but on tweed it didn't leave a noticeable mark). My cousin used to make fun of me because I dress like a tree a lot--brown and green. I like it.

What didn't:
Odd shoulder-waist proportions. Next time I think I'll try a sleeker blazer, and maybe pinning the overlapping front (this kept slipping).

Are you into shoulder pads or no?

If you haven't already, hop on over to Smashion and check out my interview.