From the archives | Shoes, belts and unmentionables

I've published nearly 600 posts on this blog in almost three years (eek), with some of my most prolific blogging days back near the beginning. Enjoy some of these oldies but goodies from the archives!


Underneath it all - A good fit starts with a good foundation, so check out these tips for picking the right daytime underoos.

How to accessorize with belts - From the fun to the frightful, a little walk through my discovery of belts.

How high is too high?  I love a good heel as much as the next gal, but there office appropriate heels and there are non-office appropriate heels. Do you know the difference?

Walking the halls, not the streets - How to wear knee-high boots without looking like a hooker.

How to wear jeans to the office - No elaboration needed.

Five ways to dress up a T-shirt and jeans

My go-to outfit has always been a solid-color t-shirt or tank and jeans (currently this tee and this tank...I have each in 4-5 colors. I'm a creature of habit).

As I'm exploring dressing up more on a daily basis, I've learned a few easy tips on making a basic t-shirt and jeans look a little less basic from the bottom up and found some affordable pieces to help you on your way, too.

1. Forbid the flip flops and most sneakers. Just about any non-flip flop and sneaker option can make a t-shirt and jeans look instantly more polished.

More Rialto...

2. Just wear jewels.  A statement necklace adds an embellished collar and a chunky watch anchors the look.

More Asos...

3. Throw on a layer. A fun blazer or cardigan turns your t-shirt and jeans into something else.

More Design History...

4. Scarf it up. We all know scarves are a great accessory when it's less than pleasant out, but a gauzy or silky one can make the seasonal transition (or switch it out for a sarong on the beach).

More Betsey Johnson...

5. Use your head. Not just hair accessories and hats, but fun hairstyles, too. I always feel more put together when I have a good hair day. Check out some reader hairstyles and various hairdos I've worn over this blog's life. For other hair ideas, I really like the tutorials on the Beauty Department and YouTube.


Some of my t-shirt and jean-based outfits:

How do you dress up a t-shirt and jeans? Or do you have a different go-to casual combination?

Office supply hack: hemming denim

Though the average American woman is 5'4" and rocks about a 29"-30" inseam, the average inseam of "regular" size denim averages 33"-34". This makes it a lot easier to wear heels with your jeans, but we all need at least a few pairs of pants to go with flats. A few years ago, a friend referred me to YouTube learn how to hem jeans yourself without losing the original hem (like this video). It's easy, especially if you have a sewing machine, but I wanted a more temporary solution.

Why do I prefer temporary? Pants inevitably shrink over years of washing and wearing and then the hem doesn't fall right anymore (or I'm getting taller, but that's not likely). I usually buy jeans for heel height and then they eventually get transitioned to flat length after a while. The one time I did get jeans professionally hemmed (for heels, mind you), they were too short to wear even with flats two years later. It's not the dryer...I run my jeans through cold wash and air dry them. Does this happen to anyone else? 

My temporary solution: staples

You follow basically the same concept—cuff the pants leg up half of what you want to hem—and use staples instead of sewing it down. This usually lasts me about six months before I remove the staples and re-staple. I don't recommend doing this on thinner or more delicate fabrics; denim holds up really well, though. Here is a messy step-by-step.

The further away you stand, the more seamless it looks (noone actually gets this close to my feet). If you want a more permanent fix, YouTube has some great video tutorials.

Do you DIY your hems?

Groovy [outfit]

Target sweater - 2011 - $20 / Target tank - 2011 - $8 / Old Navy jeans - 2009 - $12 on sale / LOFT sandals - 2008 - $10 on sale / DIY scarf / Kate Spade Doodle necklace - 2011 - gift

Friends, I have been on a roll lately. Just thought you'd like to know.

I've been on the hunt for a poncho sweater for a while, so when I turned around from the Target sale racks disappointed and walked straight into this gem, my brain nearly exploded. I rarely have gottahaveit moments, but I had a big one with this sweater, so much so that I bought it at full price (a rarity for me). I bought it a size too large because they didn't have my size in the store, but I like how loosey goosey it is this way. Definitely a new favorite.

Friends, I have also been on a majorly dramatic mood lately. Just thought you'd like to know.

Perfect [outfit]

Paper Tee plaid shirt from Ross - 2009 - $7 / Express jeans - 2005 - $40 on sale / Target flip flops - 2009 - $7 on sale / Gold-tone ring from Joanna Paige - 2011 - $16 (birthday money) / NYC Color nail polish in Flat Iron Green - $2

Not me, of course (how boring would that be?). I'm talking about this outfit. I know it's super simple, but I feel like I could conquer the world in this outfit (maybe from behind the computer screen or phone). I woke up today super-motivated and then got sidetracked by the computer, like most days. Logged in some work, did laundry, and ran errands with coupons.

Ah, coupons. I'm not a couponer, not because I don't want to be, but because I am not gifted in this area of shopping. I find most grocery store coupons useless because our local store doesn't double coupons ever and the store brands I buy are usually cheaper than the name brand on sale (or best case scenario: store brands on sale). I did have a bunch of non-grocery shopping coupons, so I went to see what there was to see.

The coupons I hate the most are the "Get $x off of your $xx purchase," because they are designed to make you buy more than you may actually want to or need just to get the deal. Several of the coupons I had today were of that variety. But I think I made out pretty well by keeping my total to just above the threshold. Still got a few things I didn't need (darn you, Target), but I can always return them.

Are you a couponer? What kinds of retailer gimmicks do you dislike the most?

Casual Tuesday [outfit]

Gap blazer - 2006 - $40? / Ann Taylor outlet top - 2011 - $20 / Rockabilly jeans from Renew Denim - 2010 - $30? / Calvin Klein pumps from Off Broadway - 2007 - $70 on sale / Braided leather belt from Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $12 / Oblong hoop earrings, probably from Target or Kohl's - 2009 - cheap

Back in action after Thanksgiving! It was so nice to see friends and family, and totally gave me new motivation to get to work. We did our regular rounds: K's grandpa's house (Thanksgiving Day), my parents' house (home base), my girlfriends (twice!), and K's best friend (though we could have done without the food poisoning).

Since this was our first trip together since we moved out to Miami, I learned a few valuable lessons. First, FLL is not always cheaper than MIA, but MIA is always closer and should be chosen whenever possible. Second, red-eye flights, once my saving grace when I was young and energetic, are a really bad idea now. My body does not adjust as well as it used to. Our return trip started at 11pm PST and ended at 12:45pm EST the next day, and it still cost an arm and a leg. Um...anyone want to do Thanksgiving in Miami next year? I'm volunteering to host.

Back to the outfit.

We're finally getting into winter here Miami, which means it's in the 70s now. So I pulled out my trusty blazer. Although I usually wear it open, it was looking a little boxy so I buttoned it up. Not bad, still fits. I really liked the classic silhouette and how the color of the top and the sleeve lining really pop. I stayed with a brown belt on this even though I'm wearing a black blazer and shoes (and used a black bag, too).

My formula for mixing black and brown is either multiples of each, or multiples of one and a single pop of the other (yes, I totally made this up on my own). I'll rarely wear just one brown item and just one black item, but if there are three or more black/brown opportunities, I'll mix it up.

What "rules" have you made up for yourself (sartorially or otherwise)?

Slick [outfit]

Ann Taylor Loft top - 2005 - ? / Merona trouser jeans from Target - 2011 - $18 on sale / Franco Sarto heels from Piperlime - 2011 - $45 on sale

Reminiscing on last week's story reminded me of this tie-neck top (the other remaining part of my interview outfit). Yup, still love it.

In my procrastination of doing anything to my hair, my bangs have grown out to the point where they can be completely tied back into my ponytail. Usually, I only wear my hair this way for working out, but I decided to try it for a normal day of errands and volunteering. I got a few compliments on it, but I'm not fully convinced yet—I've always had bangs of some sort (and I still sort of have sweepy bangs when my hair is down), and I'm not sure I'm ready to go bang-less.

Do you switch from bangs to no bangs? What do you take into consideration?

Fall uniform [outfit]

Bobeau sweater from Nordstrom Rack - 2011 - $8 on clearance (purchased with birthday money) / Ella Moss tank from Anthropologie - 2010 - Christmas gift / J & Co jeans from Renew Denim - 2010 - $40 / Franco Sarto boots from Macy's - 2010 - birthday gift / London Fog bag from Amazon - 2011 - birthday gift + $5 shipping

After a week of not taking outfit photos, it's a little odd to start again. That's why you get this crappy cell phone pic instead of the usual crappy indoor pic. This is basically my fall uniform.

Flat knee-high boots
(I might need another pair to spread out the wear on these)

+

Skinny or straight jeans
(blue or gray)

+

Drapey cardigan

(gray or tan)

+

Top-handle bag with longer strap

(black or brown)

Optional: scarf, fun jewelry

Seeing that I have at most two of each of the core items to the look, I'm going to have to switch it up here soon. Like, maybe switch to a straight cardi instead of a draped one.

The day I wore this (Sunday) I mulled over my upcoming Christmas List (due at Thanksgiving) as well as my October spending. I've been rather uninterested in shopping and acquiring new things lately, so the Christmas List has been tough. As for spending, I'm still going through my birthday money (in September and October combined I only spent $106 of my $150 birthday check...I bought a dress, a pair of shoes, a top, a sweater, and a ring so far). I'm thinking I'll use the rest of it to get a haircut. I need some shaping. Or should I save that for my Christmas List?

What's your fall uniform?

Never before seen footage [outfits]

Hey folks! I'm back from my trip! I spent a week with my sister-in-law and her family helping out around the house after they had their new baby earlier this month. Some highlights:

• Getting to spend time with my 3.5 year old nephew that he'll remember. Since before he was born, we've always lived at least 500 miles away, and it kills me that we don't get to see him grow up as closely as we'd like. Now that he's at an age where he notices and remembers things, it's even more important that K and I are in his life (we're his only aunt and uncle).
• Changing my first diaper. I'm pretty impressed that I went 28 years without changing one. Luckily the baby was kind to me (didn't have to do any #2s). He's a keeper, for sure.
• Bonding with my sister-in-law. Growing up with just a brother, I always wished for a sister (in addition, not instead of my bro). My best friends come pretty close, but it is definitely cool to have a sister in my sis-in-law. We've always gotten along, but because of the distance we haven't had the chance to spend quality time just the two of us until now.

I didn't take any outfit pics while I was gone (let's just say I was appropriately dressed for my week's activities...lots of jeans, tees, and flats), but there are quite a few photos taken earlier in October that I never posted, so here you go—never before seen outfits.

10.02.11
Gap tank, swapped dress as skirt, vintage belt, Emilie M bag, Rampage wedges, Nine West glasses (Yes, they're real. I've been wearing contacts since I was 12.)

10.03.11
Target top, Rockabilly jeans, Calvin Klein pumps, Jada's Jewels cuff

10.08.11
Gap Outlet tee, Black Orchid jeans, Franco Sarto boots, Old Navy belt, vintage scarf

10.10.11
BR Factory cardigan, Gap tank, J & Company jeans, Target flats

10.17.11 

Max Studio wrap dress, vintage belt, Nine West Outlet boots, Premier Designs faux pearls

You can totally see the transition from summer to fall in these outfits. I've broken out my fall uniform (which you'll see tomorrow), even though it's still about 80 degrees here. It's only been a few months, but I've definitely acclimated to Miami, and I'm a little worried about how cold Southern California will be over the holidays. First world problems, I know.

Colors for a cause [outfit]

Banana Republic sweater - 2008 - ?? but on sale / Target t-shirt - 2011 - $7 on sale / Target jeans - 2011 - $18 on sale / Calvin Klein pumps from Off Broadway - 2007 - $70 on sale / Scarf - 2010 - swapped

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

I'm wearing purple because relationships should not be abused for power. Because everybody deserves respect. Because you don't have to just sit there and take it, but you do have to take the first step and be committed to changing your life.

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors — physical, sexual, psychological, and economic coercion — used by one intimate partner against another (adult or adolescent) to gain, maintain, or regain power and control in the relationship. Batterers use of a range of tactics to frighten, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, often injure, and sometimes kill a current or former intimate partner.

1 in 3 families are affected by domestic violence.  If you look at the ladies you're lunching with, chances are one of their families has been affected by it. Some people that I love dearly have been affected by it. It crosses all racial, economic, educational, and geographic boundaries.

If you are in danger, please call 911, your local hotline, or (in the U.S.) the National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233 or TTY (800) 787-3224.

 Spread the word. Purple and pink go well together, don't you think?

Camera knows best [outfit]

These outfit photos really need to be put in context.

I picked an outfit to wear last Thursday to volunteer at Dress for Success. I initially started out dressing business casual whenever I volunteered, until I realized I was looking really out of place so dressed up. So trouser jeans have become my go-to.

And then I saw the outfit photos and HELLO PINHEAD. Down came the hair.

Better. Off I went to volunteer, but the afternoon was cut short when the office closed early. With my latest Ulta coupon burning a hole in my pocket and a newfound passion for my eyebrows, I went shopping.

Two stores and an eyebrow pencil later, I'm in the dressing room at Nordstrom Rack when I notice there is a black pencil mark on my left boob. On a white shirt. Almost certainly from trying out eyebrow pencils on my hand. Darn darn darn.

Luckily I'm wearing a plain white tank underneath. So the shirt goes into the purse and this is how I go about the rest of my day.

Banana Republic cardigan - 2011 - swapped / Old Navy polo - old - cheap / Mossimo tank from Target - 2011 - $9 / Merona trouser jeans from Target - 2011 - $18 / Nine West pumps from Ross - 2011 - $25 / AE outlet necklace - 2011 - $4 on clearance

Do you tweak your outfit throughout the day? If you're a blogger, do you ever tweak your outfit after photos?

Long and lean [outfit]

Wool sweater vest - 2011 - hand-me-down from mom (similar) / Gap Favorite V-neck T - 2011 - $7 on sale (available) / Black Orchid gray jeans from Renew Denim - 2010 - $25 on sale (similar) / Gap sandals - 2010 - $20 (similar) / Old Navy belt - old - cheap and on sale (similar) / Cuff c/o Jada's Jewels (referral link) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar) / random rings on a ball chain

[Worn: 09.29.11 | To: Post office, writing at Starbucks, lunch, car dealership, impromptu date night w/ K]

If you were visiting Miami from nearly anywhere else in the U.S., you'd think it was still summer here. But it is fall and the change from summer is evident the second you step outside your air conditioned building and the air is not chokingly hot and humid.

Earlier this year, on one of my trips home to Southern California, my mom brought out some things from her closet that she had purchased on deep clearance but hadn't really figured out how to work into her wardrobe yet. And that's how this wool sweater vest became mine. I love how it gives a whole new look to a basic jeans and tee, something like a cross between bohemian and grandma chic. I can't wait to work it into some fall and winter outfits. I didn't realize it until now, but just saw that I actually wishlisted a knit vest last October. Maybe my mom is reading (hi, Mom! I could use new shoes for my birthday, hint hint).

I'm also in a bit of a hair rut. It's at that awkward stage where my layers are being pushed around by my shoulders and getting all wonky as they air dry. I'm trying to be patient because I'd like to grow my hair out, but it's hard (more evidence on my Facebook page). It's been a while since I grew my hair out as long as I'd like...it got a bit longer last fall but I got impatient and chopped it all off. This year I'm not giving up.

What is your favorite hand-me-down item? Who is your main source for hand-me-downs?

Pin-up [outfit]

Olivia top c/o Carissa Rose (available) / Merona trouser jeans from Target - 2011 - $18 on sale (similar) / Nine West peep-toes from Ross - 2011 - $25 (similar) / Random chain necklaces

[Worn: 09.27.11 | To: Volunteer, errands, exploring]

I'm a firm believer that you shouldn't be comparing your body to the shape of clothes, but that you should make clothes fit your body, whatever shape you may be. Case in point—this shirt, which was sent to me for review by Carissa Rose (along with the dress I reviewed earlier this month). This is the Olivia in 4RE, and they mentioned that it might be a bit large in the bust, but nothing a tailor couldn't easily fix. Before I went the alterations route, however, I wanted to try the shirt as is.

Pros

• Nice print, rich colors
• Fabric feels nice...thin but not cheap (perfect for the Florida fall--still hot, just not as humid)
• Hook and eye closure really prevents any gaping
• V-neck that doesn't go down too low
• Flattering diagonal seam under bust

Cons

• Sleeves are rather puffy, all the way down do the wrist cuff. I wish the sleeves had slimmed down toward the wrist instead. You can really see the sleeve shape in the product photo on the website.
• Their smallest sized shirt was baggy all around on me. The fanning out of the shirt under the bust was especially disproportionate on my body (although I think their semi-fitted or tailored silhouettes would have worked better for me; this shirt is urban fit).

I thought it was weird that this shirt, which sounded like it should have been smaller than the dress (size 6WE), actually fit much looser. When I look at their sizing chart, the two sizes I was sent have the same bust measurement, just different waist measurements. I continued poking around their site, trying to find more about this, and I found what I was looking for in the "size & fit" section of the Katerina dress.

"Black Caviar runs small, please order one size up"

So the 6WE dress actually ran closer to a 4WE, smaller than this shirt. Good to know my mind isn't just playing tricks on me. Several retailers do provide information on how sizes fit and whether they're true to size, run large, or run small (In addition to Carissa Rose, I know Piperlime, Zappos, and Shabby Apple also have this info).

Back to the fit of the shirt. Like I mentioned before, I like to make clothes fit my body instead of lamenting how my body isn't ideal (much easier when a garment is too large rather than too small). A quick tuck and pin of the placket right at the under-bust seam and a roll of the shirt sleeves gave the shirt a more elegant silhouette, almost reminiscent of Carolina Herrera's ubiquitous dress blouses. I don't know that CH would wear jeans with this, but if she did, I imagine she'd wear a trouser style, too.

2 befores and 1 after. Doesn't look so bad in pic 2, but I'm not going to walk around all day with my arms spread out.

I fanned out the collar and bottom of the shirt to emphasize the cinch at the waist, and while it looked nice from the front, it did create a faux-preggo look from the side. I think I will try alterations next.

Don't forget, you can get 20% off your purchase at Carissa Rose through October 13 with the code THENEWPROFESSIONAL20. I highly recommend the Katerina dress, and I really like the look of the Justina Stripe Shirt (which has a tailored fit) and Lola Pencil Dress (so perfectly retro).  

How have you made an item of clothing fit you in a pinch?

Disclosure: Carissa Rose sent me two items free of charge for review, but the content of the reviews is all mine. No compensation was provided, and no agreement was made to guarantee a post or positive coverage. Clicking on Carissa Rose links will not benefit me in any way.

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?

If I could wear this everyday, I would

Banana Republic top - 2007 - $30 on sale (similar) / Merona trouser jeans via Target - 2011 - $18 on sale (similar) / Franco Sarto heels via Piperlime - 2011 - $45 on sale (available) / Target earrings - 2011 - $6 (similar) / Gold leaf bracelet - gift from my friend Stephanie (she made it!) (similar)

[Worn: 09.20.11 | To: Volunteer, errands, work]

One of the things I'm learning very quickly about freelancing is that you can't predict when you will be busy. You can't really even plan around it. It just happens. And (yay for me) it's finally starting to happen! About 90% of the work so far is for previous clients, and the other 10% is non-paid writing, so it's not like my career has exploded (or anything remotely close to that), but work is work.

This outfit was perfect for a busy day of running around and sitting long hours. Trouser jeans don't wrinkle as easily as regular trousers, and I love how breezy the top makes the whole look feel. These are my favorite jeans, hands down, and it's a struggle not to reach for them every single day.

What one item would you wear everyday?

A night out and regional style [outfit]

Esley dress worn as top - 2009 - $63 (similar) / J & Company jeans via Renew Denim - 2009 - $40 on sale (similar) / Kate Spade pumps - 2011 - gift (similar) / J. Crew belt - 2011 - $10 on sale (similar) / Thrifted clutch - 2004 - cheap (similar) / NY & Co. mesh bangle - 2010 - gift (similar) / Tiffany venetian link bracelet - 2011 - gift card + gift (available; similar) / Forever 21 large link bracelet - 2010 - $5 (similar)

[Worn: 09.08.11 | To: Fashion's Night Out in Coral Gables, FL]

Fashion events are not something that's usually on my schedule, and I always draw a blank on what to wear. Luckily, I have you all by my side and through quick and insightful tweets and Facebook comments, you all (really, all) picked this option: the belted dress and skinny jean combo. Several of you mentioned throwing a blazer on top, so I brought along my trusty black one, making this outfit almost exactly like this previous one.

A few of you mentioned that the jeans might be a little underdressed, but to be honest...I wasn't so sure. But I have to admit...I felt a tad underdressed (there were some women in full-length gowns, but not many). I feel that way a lot here, hence my little personal goal for the month. I've heard from many non-Californians who had been transplanted into the Golden State how laid-back California style was compared to general style elsewhere (especially the Northeast and South), but I never really understood what they were talking about. But I'm starting to.

And so, in the muggy heat, I kept that blazer on all night. And I have you friends to thank.

Have you noticed any regional style differences in your moves or travels?

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?