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?

Flower power [outfit]

Target dress - 2011 - $6.50 on clearance / Franco Sarto boots - 2010 - gift / random rings on a chain

I have no idea how one would describe my style, but if there's one thing that it characteristically is not is floral (I know floral is not a style, but you catch my drift). I've accumulated a few (very few) floral pieces of clothing throughout the years, but I don't wear them often. I'm just not all that attracted to florals, and even the ones I do like and own, I find difficult to actually wear.

The exception: I've been longing—obsessing, even—over finding the perfect floral minidress to rock with boots (and a jacket when it gets cooler). There's just something so laidback and boho/rocker about that combo. But I'm a picky one and I've spent years trying to find the perfect dress.

This one isn't traditionally floral, and it isn't completely perfect, but for $6, I figured I'd try it out. The sheer top layer keeps the black wearable in Miami, although the built-in slip leaves much to be desired (one should not have to choose between covering bra or underwear). Good thing I have a black slip that I can pin up and slip under for added protection.

The verdict? I like it. The print, the length, the flow. These boots give it a polished hippie vibe, but I think I'll try them with more rugged boots next time for a little grunge.

Is there a style/print/type of clothing that just isn't you but you had to try it anyway?

Keep it simple, sillyhead [outfit]

W118 by Walter Baker dress - 2011 - $30 on clearance at Off Fifth Saks Fifth Avenue / Gap sandals - 2010 - $20 / NYC Color nail polish in West Village

It's been a few weeks, but I finally busted out the dress I bought myself for my birthday. Since K's present was so early in the month, I spent my birthday relaxing and doing an itty bit of shopping. I got this dress and new peep-toes from Ross—in total less than $60 of shopping for the day. Now that's what I call a treat.

I fell in love with this dress the instant I saw it, and that is why I only shop clearance racks at stores like Off Fifth (only sales racks everywhere else)...I hate falling in love with something only to find it's out of my budget for that type of item. $30 might be a little pricy for some places—I wouldn't pay that much for a dress at Target, for example—but for something that retailed at $225, $30 is a great deal. Some quick Google-ing after the fact revealed that W118 by Walter Baker dresses were on HauteLook a few months back for around $30-$50 (it was over by the time I found it so I'm not sure if this specific dress was available), so it's not too uncommon to find a deal like this, but I wouldn't have ordered it online anyway because of shipping and sizing.

Like always, the first outing is simple. I've already got my next wear planned out: light gray cami, black blazer, and nude pumps. Or a white button down underneath. Or maybe even over jeans. We'll see.

How would you style this dress?

Don't forget—today is the last day to enter the Jada's Jewels giveaway! Click here for details.

Feels like new [outfit]

BR Monogram top - 2011 - $15 on sale (similar) / Merona jeans via Target - 2011 - $18 on sale (similar) / Rubbish scarf via Nordstrom - 2009 - $10 on sale (similar) / J. Crew outlet belt - 2011 - $5 on sale (similar) / Rampage wedges - 2009 - $25 on sale (similar) / Emilie M. bag via Marshall's - 2011 - $25 (similar)

[Worn: 08.30.11 | To: Mall and Target, my regular haunts]

Yes, I realize my feet are cut off. It was so easy to find an outfit spot when there was nothing in my apartment. That's why you get a dedicated shoe shot. I also realize I'm not too consistent with labeling [outfit] in my titles. Working on that. Moving along...

I've been in a bit of a funk so far this week, mainly due to the eczema outbreaks. Just when they were starting to get better, our stuff arrived, bringing in all kinds of new dust and dirt from the month spent in storage and the various trucks it traveled on to get here, and aggravating my skin even worse than it was last week. I've been in hiding.

But this blog would suck without outfits, so I came out of hiding for a bit yesterday to stock up on more skin care supplies. Aveeno, Cetaphil, Aquafor, CeraVe, and Cortisone line my bathroom counter, waiting their turn to attack.

This outfit is way dressier than I would have worn in my previous life on a random Tuesday errand run, but I was so excited to have my clothes (and shoes!) back that I had to bust out the big guns (aka, heels). I'd guess that about half my shoes are heels, and it's going to be interesting to try to work them into daily wear.

Do you wear heels casually or just for work and dressier events?

Throw on and go [outfit]

Ann Taylor top - 2010 - $20 on sale (similar) / BR Factory Store skirt - 2011 - $20 on sale (similar) / Enzo Angiolini pumps via Piperlime - 2010 - $35 on sale (available) / H&M leather mini duffel - 2007 - $40 on sale (similar) / Premier Designs faux pearl necklace - 2010 - free with purchase (similar) / BR Factory Store sunglasses - 2011 - $8 on sale

Outfit analysis: I'm not sure if green and purple are supposed to go together, but I was feeling it. Another qualm I had about this outfit was the pleats on the skirt and the top...I have a preconceived notion that if one piece is detailed, it should be worn with a simpler piece. But this seemed to work okay, too. I like how the paper-bag waist of the skirt stands out more because the upper ruched part of the skirt blends into the top (does that make sense? Not sure how to explain it). Neutral accessories help the colors stand out.
___

This had to be one of my laziest mornings ever, and to be honest, I loved the result! This outfit was pretty random. I picked out the skirt and top separately as things I might want to wear together, and just put them on. I air-dried my hair (usually I blow-dry with round brush...not really a blow-out cuz my hair is straight already). And to top it off, I even ate almost the same meal for lunch and dinner: chicken and french fries. Out of one rut, into another.

What odd color combo do you like to wear? How did you discover it?

Blogging is beneficial

Style & Co. dress via Macy's - 2011 - $25 (similar) / BR Factory cardigan - 2011 - $12 (similar) / Nine West outlet boots - 2009 - $50 (similar) / Studded belt - 2010 - swapped (similar) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar)

Outfit analysis: I got this idea from a magazine ad, I just can't remember which one. I think the model had a floral dress and brown sandals, but I was trying to work with what I had and with the weather (another rainy day with highs of 60 degrees). I tucked the collar of the dress into the collar of the cardigan
___

This is my new favorite cardigan. I think I've worn it at least three times a week since I got it at the killer BR Factory sale last month. So comfy. If I wasn't already married, I marry this cardigan.

It's been a weird week in my head. It's partially the weather, but also just a general exhaustion, hence the mini break from Sunday (when I wrote my Monday post) until Tuesday evening. While I was on my break, I was a major klutz and needed band-aids at least once a day (for new "injuries"). Sunday, I snagged a hangnail and was bleeding. Monday, I got a cardboard cut in between my toes (don't ask) and needed a band-aid again. Tuesday, my car handle opened up a small gash in my finger, and I bled through about three band-aids in the course of three hours.

Band-aid 1 on Tuesday, about 10 minutes after I put the band-aid on.

Lesson learned: Not blogging is hazardous to my health.

Are you a klutz or do you go through life pretty injury-free?

Going with the flow

A'gaci top - 2011 - $20 (similar) / Old Navy trousers - 2006 - $6 (similar) / Enzo Angiolini Maylie peep-toes via Nordstrom - 2007 - $70 (similar) / New York & Co bangle - 2010 - gift (similar) / Necklace: bone-ish looking thing from bead store + ball chain

If you've worn a flowy top on your blog lately, I'm sure you've seen my comment on it about how much I want a flowy, loose, preferably print, shirt. (I'm looking at you Kileen and Brittany). I've heard about A'gaci before, mostly from Lindsay's blog, so when I saw one around the corner from my hotel in Chicago earlier this month, I knew I had to go. I have to say, it was interesting, and I did find a few gems. I guess clubbing tops just really don't have much of a place in my wardrobe anymore. I guess I could have gotten a hint from the fact that their website says "Teen clothing," but heck, it was more affordable than hitting up Ann Taylor (which we have all over California, anyway). And now I have a flowy top.

What the heck do you wear with a top so flowy? Since I haven't quite found the right pair of skinny trousers yet, and my straight leg pants were recently out of the laundry and yet-to-be-ironed, I went for the volume on volume look. Sort of like how I did it here. The belting (in this case built-in) keeps it from being too frumpy.

What worked
I love that this top is not only flowy, but has some color and print to it. It will be a perfect beach-y top when summer comes, too!

What didn't
The shirt is a bit gaping on the sides (under the arms) but it's nothing a regular cami can't fix.

How do you feel about pairing volume on top with volume on bottom? Do you embrace it or do you avoid it?

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.

Blurry print

Style & Co. shirtdress via Macy's - 2011 - $26 on sale (available) / Enzo Angiolini Siobhan pumps via Piperlime - 2010 - $35 on sale (available) / Vintage braided leather belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $7 (similar) / Ballchain necklace (similar)

I was in a rush to get these pics last week after getting home late and before going to book club (which was before packing for vacation). This shirtdress was officially my first clothing purchase after the shopping diet. It basically embodies what I want for my professional dress: modest cut, not too tight, colorful, and printed (in a non-annoying way). So fun. And after reading S.'s post on built-in belts at Academichic, I pulled out the matching belt on this dress and tied on my own.

The second picture above is super-awkward, but it was the only other full-length pic I got. The dude you see in the background works at the restaurant in front of my apartment, and I walk by him on my way in from my car all the time. So it was super-awkward to see him while taking pics. Oh well.

What worked
A dress like this basically stands on its own. I left it simple with the nude pumps, but will probably try black or gray shoes next time.

What didn't
Oh my gosh, my legs are pale. Time to bust out the gradual tan lotion.

What is your most awkward picture-taking moment?

Herringbone? Houndstooth? Huh?

As most of the Northern Hemisphere is in the process of transforming into spring (according to Punxsutawney Phil, anyway, liar that he is), here in good ol' California it's like we're back in the bowels of January again. So what better topic than to discuss the warm and woolly tweed prints of houndstooth and herringbone (and their kin).

What these textiles have in common is that they consist of at least two colors, or two shades of the same color. This variation adds a nice depth to them, which offsets the heaviness of the fabric. As prints, they can be on any kind of fabric, really, but traditionally these are wood textiles.

Herringbone
This is probably the most common of the prints mentioned today because it is the most subtle (or can be, at least). Herringbone is a vertical print where the columns are alternating diagonals (up, down, up, down), forming little Vs and upside-down Vs. Herringbone can range from super-thin lines (these are the ones that are more subtle) to super-thick (louder and more fun). Usually this is just a two-color pattern, although sometimes it can be a single tone (still has the texture).

Longsleeve Tops by Ann Taylor

Houndstooth
Houndtooth is a very distinctive pattern that reads more diagonally. Most often a duotone, houndstooth looks like a checkered pattern in which every other block is a diagonal mix of both colors (it also often reads as abstract angular shapes). Much like herringbone, it is most subtle when it is small.

Blazers by White House

Glen Plaid
Glen plaid is another subtle textile that gets its name from plaid prints, but really is rather different. It is lumped along with houndstooth and herringbone because of its construction--what appear to be lines in a regular plaid pattern are actually broken. Glen plaid is often made up of more than two colors on a more neutral base.

Skinny Pants by LOFT

How to tell them apart

• Herringbone print looks like columns of fishtail braids next to each other (get it? fish? herring?).
• Houndstooth is a little jagged, like teeth.
• Glen Plaid has varying areas of tight print and loose print in squarish forms. Glens are narrow valleys, and the alternating tight and loose can be read like a topographic map (ok, this one is a stretch. I actually though glens were patches of trees, which would make more sense. Choose whichever method helps you best).

Which is your favorite tweedy textile? Is it one of the above or something else?

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?

My new favorite shoes

Banana Republic faux-wrap dress - 2008 - gift (similar) / Forever 21 gray tights - 2010 - $4 (similar) / Anne Klein heels via Macy's - 2011 - $20 (available--and ON SALE!) / Cami from Costco - 2008 - 2 for $12 (similar) / Faux pearls via Target - ?? - cheap (similar)

How much do I love these shoes? A LOT! I bought them on March 1, the first day off my shopping diet, and I've worn them at least twice a week since. I've walked to lunch, walked to coffee, walked to dinner in these shoes. Cute + comfy + cheap = THE BEST EVER!

Ok, enough gushing. I love the fact that it's nice outside when I get home from work. Since I got my nice camera last fall, I haven't had a chance to take many outdoor photos, since it got dark so soon afterward. I am super-excited to have nicer (and easier to work with) shots this spring! And K is really starting to get the hang of this thing (it only took 13 shots to come away with these three good ones). A quick auto-color/contrast/tone in Photoshop and these pics are ready to go (after resizing, that is). How much easier can it get? And how many rhetorical questions can I fit into one post? (Just watch.)

What worked
A wrap (or faux-wrap, as it were) dress is an office must-have. I love this one because of the collar detail and the print. Chain link never looked classier. The super-subtle print mixing (chain link up top and houndstooth down below) in different colors added a really fun element.

What didn't
I think the gray top and opaque tights were a little too matchy-matchy. If/when I repeat this outfit, I'd go with sheer black hose instead. Opaque tights can be really fun, but I think the sheer stuff generally looks better on me (and is more slimming).

What is your favorite pair of shoes? What do you love most about them?

Flop now, fab later?

Blazer via Gottschalk's - 2008 - $12 (similar) / Ella Moss ikat print top via Anthropologie - 2010 - gift (similar) / BR Factory pants - 2009 - $12 (similar) / Nina pumps via Ross - 2009 - $16 (similar) / Black bead necklace - 2010 - swap (similar) / Urban Outfitters double-finger ring - 2010 - birthday gift (available)

Still so behind on the outfits...this one is from January! And it's MARCH! How did that happen? Beats me.

This outfit is not too exciting, but hey, I did say I'd show you my flops, right? Well, here is one. I think the ikat print and the blazer flaps/pockets/buttons clash a bit...a regular cardi next time?

What worked
Even though the top is a bit on the casual side, it goes well with black work pants. This chunky black necklace I found from a swap is a nice standout piece.

What didn't
The blazer. Because the top is a little on the casual side, a cover-up was definitely needed. A cardigan (probably this one) would have been a much better bet. Or even a boyfriend cardi belted on the outside.

Although this was a flop, it did give me some ideas for next time!

Have you ever grabbed inspiration from a flop and turned it into something fab?

Made for TV

Merona top from Target - 2009 - ?? on sale (similar) / The Limited tulip skirt - 2009 - $20 (similar) / Hue herringbone tights via Macy's - 2010 - $10 (similar) / Vintage belt via Bows and Sparrows - 2010 - $12 (similar) / Enzo Angiolini Siobhan pumps via Piperlime - 2010 - $35 (similar) / Premier Designs pearl drop earrings - 2010 - $20 (similar)

About a week ago, I got an email from my friends over at News 10 blogs asking if I'd be interested in participating in their coverage of the Oscars, specifically on the fashion front. While I'm certainly no expert in red carpet wear, I jumped at the chance. So on Monday morning at 4:30 a.m. I dolled myself up and headed over to the station to chat on their live morning show with Natalie, another local blogger. And this is what I wore.

What worked
I loved the solid clothing with the print tights. I don't know much about TV but I know for photoshoots, solids read better than prints. And colors work better than black or white. I debated wearing this outfit verbatim, but grabbed this shirt the night before to consider as well, and luckily it worked out.

What didn't
Not sure on the hair, but I didn't really know what else to do. A ponytail is a bit lackluster when your hair is as short as mine--I'd look like a guy from the front.  And it was a non-hair-wash day (you know you have them) so leaving it down was not going to be pretty.

And here it is...my five minutes. So that means I have another 10 later, right?


For the record, my faves were Melissa Leo, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Anne Hathaway's burgundy gown (during the show). Hathaway's feminine tux was also stunning.

Did you watch the Oscars? What was your favorite?

Make Believe Monday | Silky scarf

I love scarves. I love summer. I love scarves that can work for summer. So I'm going to ignore the pile of chunky and knit scarves sitting in my closet today and concentrate on the silky pretty stuff that I wish I were wearing instead. A light scarf. A silky scarf.*

*Silky, because silk can be expensive. Anything light with a smooth feel (perhaps a little shine or sheen, too) works for me.

A light, silky scarf is a great accessory, whether you wear it around your head or waist like Jessica, to the office like Lindsay, or around your neck like Sally. It's all season. It comes in prints, patterns, or solids. And in various shapes--long and thin, square, shorter.  I've got a few light scarves that I found vintage or got from swaps, but I could definitely use some bulking up in this area (without bulking up my closet storage, since they're so thin).

Scarves are the ultimate accessory and a great way to infuse a pop of color.  Toss it on over a dress, collared shirt, crew-neck tee, basic tank.  The possibilities are endless. Not sure where to put it? Tie one on to your purse strap.

Here are some of my silky scarf picks for under $50. Vintage and thrift stores are also a great place to find scarves in fun patterns (like my elephant).

Scarves & Wraps by Talbots

Do you like silky scarves? What is your favorite way to wear them?  Where do you find the best ones?

Bluestocking

The Rundown
J.Crew button-up shirt - 2009 - $20 (available)
The Limited tulip skirt - 2009 - $20 (similar)
J. Crew animal print belt - 2011 - $5 on clearance (similar)
Apt. 9 blue plaid tights via Kohl's - 2009 - Christmas gift (similar)
Nine West peep-toe pumps via Marshalls - 2009 - $25 (similar)

The first time I wore these tights to work, my boss called me a bluestocking.  She couldn't remember what it meant but she knew it wasn't derogatory, so we looked it up.  According to Wikipedia, a bluestocking is an "educated, intellectual woman," and it has had it's share of negative connotation in the past (mostly in connection to female frumpiness).  I'll take that.

What worked
I was a bit worried about the balance between the volume in the skirt and the button-up top. In all my iterations with this skirt, I rarely wear it with a button-up.  Not sure why.  But it turned out fine. I stuck to neutrals with my shirt and jewelry, since the printed tights and belt are already pretty loud.  Plus, don't you just love an outfit that comes in under $100 total? 

What didn't
This is the second time I've worn tights with open-toed shoes. Can someone please tell me how you keep your feet from slipping out and the area around the toes from getting too thin?  I kept walking out of my shoes all day since the tights were so slick, and you can totally see my toenails through the tights.

I got a wireless camera remote from my brother for Christmas and used it both yesterday and today.  I had read that the Nikon K3100 wasn't compatible with a wireless remote and sent my brother to investigate, since he's been dabbling in photography for years and has shot some weddings in the Houston area (email me if you want his info).  He found one. And it works. See?

What is your preferred camera equipment? How did you learn (or how are you learning) to master your technique?

Behind, and need to unwind

The Rundown:
7 + 9 + 15 + 28
Justice for Girls scarf - 2010 - swapped (similar)
Nancy Rosetta circle ring - 2010 - birthday gift (similar)
Dangly earrings (Claire's?) - long ago - cheap (similar)
Gray nails: self-mixed Wet n' Wild black and white
Flirt! Chickstick in Miss Temptress

I feel so totally behind, and this twice-a-day posting schedule is a little manic. Pardon any odd scheduling as I figure something out for the next two weeks until I finish this challenge and get back to my normal blogging schedule. I know I talked about this on Friday, but I didn't come up with any new ideas this weekend so it's still on my mind.

Lip color experiment day three--this is my real go-to neutral (even though the last color looked neutral on camera).  I'm a fan of Flirt! cosmetics (available at Kohl's) because it's a cheaper version of MAC. Same colors, similar packaging--same company. No joke. They're both Estee Lauder brands. As are Clinique and its Kohl's twin, American Beauty.  When they first came out, my roommate at the time worked at the Clinique counter at a local Macy's, and we went to check it out. Even the color palettes were the same--she was pointing at each and telling us the Clinique name for the same combo. Not sure if the products are as aligned now as they were before (I've since converted to drugstore makeup), but they are all still Estee Lauder.

What worked:
I loved the pink and green and the mix of stripes and houndstooth. A great fun Casual Friday outfit. Dangly earrings are also out of my normal comfort zone, but I like them with my new short ponytail and with a scarf (even though the earrings got in the way a lot).

What didn't:
Nothing in particular, except these booties make my toes numb after a while. I added the ball-of-foot pads and they don't seem to be helping much. I guess it's time to save these for no-standing situations or consider passing them along to another owner.

How many posts per week do you prefer to see on blogs? How many is too many?

The flip side

The Rundown:
10 + 13 + 25 + 29
Nancy Rosetta circle ring - 2010 - birthday gift (similar)
Black bead necklace - 2010 - swapped (similar)
NYC Color nail polish, West Village (available)

Confession: I wear suits not because I have to or I have meetings. I often wear suits just for the layers.  I am a wimp when it comes to cold.

Exhibit A: I keep my A/C at 82 degrees in the summer if I turn it on at all.
Exhibit B: Even in the summer, I rarely consumer iced drinks. I prefer hot tea.
Exhibit C: As I speak, it's over 70 degrees in my apartment and my foot is in a constant cramp in my fuzzy slipper due to cold.
Exhibit D: I will resort to over-dressing to avoid being cold at my desk. 

What worked:
This jacket and these pants are actually the same color. They're part of a set (along with the matching skirt) that I purchased earlier this year before I went on the Great American Apparel Diet. I think the plaid shirt plays down the formality of the black suit.

What didn't:
The blue nails didn't really jive with the rest of the outfit, but other than that I liked it!

Made it to the second half of 30 for 30!

How do you stay warm in the office?