Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts

Friday, May 13, 2011

Fashion Friday Book Share

Hi there kids. It has been a crazy past couple of weeks for me (and probably for you, too--end of the school year, summer starting, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, shopping trips, Mother's Day, Cinco de Mayo, summer food cravings, etc.). Here's what I have been up too:

-My Dad recently moved offices and started a new partnership. I have been helping him move and doing some office administrative work, with potential to help more during the summer. We've hit a few moving-related bumps ("Gee, I wonder what box that file is in), but nothing that can't be overcome with determination and comfy shoes. So far, I think things are going very well.

-And speaking of my folks, they are over in Ireland right now, hopefully having a great time. They told me they aren't going to kiss the Blarney Stone because they had heard from my grandma's brother (a.k.a. Uncle Tiny) that the janitors pee on it. Gross. Gross, yet, somehow, I still would want to do it to say that I did. On a scale of 1 to 10, how weird does that make me?

-I am in my last week of the paralegal program at Fresno City. The program is definitely set up and operated well, but right now the paralegal thing is not for me. I'm looking forward to a very nice summer.

-Amy, our guys, and myself went to Gilroy for our impromptu shopping trip, and were met with much success. Amy and her guy nabbed some accessories, while Stephen and I basically built up our wardrobe to a very solid level. We will definitely make it through a few summers.

-I had a very nice Easter and Mother's Day spent with Stephen's and my family. My weekends are starting (er, continuing) to fill up with birthdays, graduations, fundraisers, and other events. Right now, I am pretty much booked until mid-June. Are your weekends looking about the same? What fun activities will you be up to?

-And, in alignment with this post title, I have started a fabulous school-is-ending-so-let's-celebrate book called The Secret Lives of Dresses. It's fairly new and I'd heard some good things about it, so I thought I would give it a shot since I like clothes, vintage styling, and books with potential to become rom-com movies. I am only a couple chapters in, and it is everything I want it to be, and more. If you tend to wait until the movie to see such wonderful tales, I anticipate that you won't be waiting very long. Yeah, it is that good.

Happy weekend everyone!

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Wednesday, March 2, 2011

30 for 30, Day 30: The End

Here it is, people. The last day of this remix.

I wanted to pick something special and impractical out for you, like the diamond studs I've got my eye on. So, this is your "diamond studs."

You're welcome.

Outfit In Theory.


The blue dress, the green cardigan, and the camel boots are all part of my 30 for 30, while the necklace was my grandma's.

Outfit In Practice.


This outfit will be practical on a sunny winter day with some nylons, but not today's overcast weather. However, I gotta be honest: if I get called out for jury duty this afternoon, I am changing into something warmer.*

Alas, it is what we have learned that is most important now.

And what the heck was that?

-I can make a lot of outfits work from what I already own.

-Working with what you already own forces you to realize the items you actually need in your closet, and not just things that you think you need or you want when you are out shopping. I am totally making of list of things I need from now on.

-My lack-of-creativity burden can be aided by linking up with one of the many other remixers, and checking out their outfit creations.

-Including colorful pieces is a crucial part of getting through some dreary winter days.

-It's not just hype: accessories really can make outfits look different.

If I were to do this in the future: I would include an extra set of pants (or at least not lose one of the ones I selected from the start), include one less pair of shoes, and do my hair more often. Oh wait, I think that last one I already promised.

Oops.

Fellow remixers: did you learn anything from this challenge? Readers: did this inspire you to set your own wardrobe challenge? Others: want to grab some coffee sometime?**


*Ooo!--I just thought about how to change this up, too. I could put my white skirt over it. That would be fun. OK, pretend I wore that.

**I wanted everyone to feel included.

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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Day 27, 28 and 29: Cooling (er, Slowing) Down

I am nearing the end of this 30 for 30, and I have to say that I am kinda glad. I miss my other clothes. This was a great experience in frugality and working with what I already own, and I'll have some very insightful reflections tomorrow with my last outfit post, but I am ready to blog about other things again. I hope you are too.

You are? Oh good. We can still be friends then.*

On to the clothes.

Sunday's Outfit In Theory.


The black cardigan, the blue skirt, and the black boots are all part of my 30 for 30 while the tights are extra and the purple is a color pop that I really needed on Sunday. You know, to deal with the lack of snow that was promised by deceitful weathermen.

Sunday's Outfit In Practice.


Boom. Sunday done.

Monday's Outfit In Theory.


The blue button up, the gray paper bag skirt, and the camel boots are all part of my 30 for 30, while the nylons are to keep me from freezing to death.**

Monday's Outfit In Practice.


This shirt is really comfy. I think when this challenge is over that I will wear it everyday for a week.

With jeans.

And slippers.

And occasionally substituting a sweatshirt.

Today's Outfit In Theory.


The brown shirt, the orange cardigan, the jeans, and the khaki heels are all part of my 30 for 30, while the necklace was a gift.

Today's Outfit In Practice.


I like the look, in general. I like my necklace. I felt extremely tall today.

Um. Yeah.

...

How did you feel today?


*I feel like I have been saying that a lot lately. I want you to know that our friendship isn't really in any danger. I am just running low on catch phrases.

**Excessive exaggeration will also return with posts not concerning clothing. Hurray!

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Saturday, February 26, 2011

30 for 30, Days 24, 25 and 26: Catching Up

No cute little intro today--just getting the outfits down for the books.

Thursday's Outfit In Theory.


The black dress, khaki blazer and camel boots are all part of my 30 for 30. Belt is a bonus item.

Thursday's Outfit In Practice.


It worked very well for the office environment I was headed to that day. Will be repeated later in life.

Friday's Outfit In Theory.


The light gray/blue cardigan, the skinny jeans, and the black boots are all part of my 30 for 30, while the purple scarf was a necessary addition (because it was a freezing cold rain all day).

Friday's Outfit In Practice.


What you're not seeing is the black jacket I also added because, again, it was freezing. It worked. As did my umbrella.

Today's Outfit In Theory.


The gray sweater, the white blouse, the jeans, and the heels are part of my 30 for 30, while the belt is keeping it all together.

Today's Outfit In Practice.


I like it, except for the heels which I am going to get rid of after this challenge is over. They are too small for real walking. I have to bring a backup pair of shoes with me whenever I wear them. I guess this was a good part of the challenge: if forced me to realize that some things just don't work, and there is no use keeping them.

The end. Have a great rest of your weekend!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

30 for 30, Days 22 and 23: Winter White and...Wednesday

Thanks for allowing me a temporary delay in getting this 30 for 30 thang all updated. Life comes up sometimes and gets in the way of creative and wallet-friendly challenges.

Here's yesterday's outfit du'jour*.

Outfit In Theory.


The gray cardigan, the white button up, the white skirt and the tan heels are all part of my 30 for 30, but the necklace was my grandma's (as is, upon further examination, a whole bunch of my jewelry).

Outfit In Practice.


This was not a very practical winter outfit, and, in fact, I didn't wear it for part of the day (doing heavy lifting). But it looks good. I'm sure it would look better if my legs were more tan, but hey, they're shaved. That's a victory.

Here's today's look:

Outfit In Theory.


The green jacket, the white blouse, the jeans, and the red heels are all part of my 30 for 30 swag, while the coral scarf is an extra item to give the look a little somethin' somethin'.

Outfit In Practice.


Comfy, easy, and it feels like I've worn this before in this challenge. But I checked and I haven't. I just own a lot of green.

Has a certain color taken over your closet?


*I took Spanish in high school, of which I don't remember a lot. I make no promises to ever put the correct French phrase or spelling. I also do not promise to stop.

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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

30 for 30, Days 19, 20, and 21: Long Weekend

Hello, internetally-active people! Did you have a nice three-day weekend? Did you sleep in, or get your chores done, or do your other preferred method of celebrating?

I did.

Which means that I got to go wine tasting!

Here's the loot I picked up:


All of the bottles are from local wineries except for the last one on the right, which I bought at a local liquor store because it had a really cute label, was all French, and was only $8.59. Did I mention the label was cute? Oh, I did...

On to the 30 for 30 then!

Here's a quick recap of my last three days* outfits.

Saturday's Outfit In Theory.


All of these items are items from my 30 for 30 draw.

Saturday's Outfit In Practice.


I would later regret my lack of tights added to this outfit. Stephen would also regret it, because he had to listen to me complain about being cold all day. Everything else worked, though.

Sunday's Outfit In Theory.


The white sweater, the black skirt and the boots are part of my 30 for 30, while the necklace was my grandma's. I added tights to remedy yesterday's life-altering mistake.

Sunday's Outfit In Practice.


Warmer than the day before, and great for wine tasting.

Monday's Outfit In Theory.


The skinny jeans and the boots are part of my 30 for 30 swag, while the jewelry and belt are added items. The orange cardigan is also part of my 30 for 30, but I wanted to give it its own sentence so that it can know how much I love it for sticking with me all these years. It is the oldest item in my 30 for 30. We have a long history together....

OK, I better stop before I get emotional over a cardigan. That would be uncomfortable for everyone.

Monday's Outfit In Practice.


Perfect for a busy day.

Now, on to the present day! See you on the flippity-flop.

...

Ooo, now everyone is uncomfortable. Sorry folks.


*Today's outfit will be posted tomorrow because it isn't yet loaded on the computer and I'm lamezy. That's "lame" and "lazy" portmanteau'd.

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Friday, February 18, 2011

30 for 30, Day 18: Just Tryin' To Stay Warm

As soon as I woke up this morning, I wanted to remedy how cold I was. However, since I can't go about my day in a sweatshirt, snow pants and 6 pairs of socks, I decided to go with the following outfit.

Outfit In Theory.


The black cardigan, the jeans, and the red heels are all part of my 30 for 30 haul. The black, white and red all over top is a bonus item.

Outfit In Practice.


Now all I need is a coat and some hot chocolate.

And breakfast. I waited way too long to have breakfast.

Happy Friday!

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Thursday, February 17, 2011

30 for 30, Day 17: Going Green

It looks like the rain has cleared up a bit, so today is all about keeping warm on those days that look sunny but are deceivingly cold.

I know you know what I'm talking about.

Outfit In Theory.


The army green striped top, the green cardigan, the jeans, and the khaki heels are all part of my 30 for 30.

Outfit In Practice.


I normally wouldn't have put these two tops together, but I feel like I am now at the point of the challenge where I am running out of options. Somehow, it works.

Oh, I wanted to share something I saw on the way to school (in the rain) yesterday:



The editor side of me smiled, then shook my head in disgust. I don't know what a "forgien" car is, but I don't think I want to know.

For shame, Al. For shame.

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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

30 for 30, Day 16: Rain Ready

So, I know that we were expecting the rain, but given the weather lately, it still feels like it came out of nowhere. Now we are experiencing Fresno's true winter.

Since I'll be out running errands and heading to class this evening, I need to find something in my 30 for 30 that will work well in water.

Outfit In Theory.


The blue button up, the skinny jeans, and the black boots are all part of my 30 for 30.

Outfit In Practice.


I know it only looks like I'm adding a belt and a ring, but as soon as I have to step out of the house, I'm going to add an extra sweater.

And a coat. And maybe a poncho. I get really cold, OK?

Keep dry today!

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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

30 for 30, Day 15: Office Wear

How was your St. Valentine's Day, reader? Mine was very nice: I sat in my class for three hours, then ate ice cream with my husband. Take away the class and you have the ideal holiday.

Oh, and he got me these tulips, which I love.


So yay. :)

I'm doing some work in an office today, then headed to class in the evening. Here's what I thought up.

Outfit In Theory.


The grayish cardigan, the black skirt, and the black heels are all part of my 30 for 30. The pink camisole is an extra item.

Outfit In Practice.


I just realized I'm probably going to get cold today, so I think I'll add some tights. Otherwise, good office wear.

How are you spending your Tuesday?

Monday, February 14, 2011

30 for 30, Days 13 & 14: I Love You (x Infinity)

I love you.

I hope you don't think I'm being too forward. I really do. And today is the perfect day to tell you that.

And, since I love you, here is everything I promised yesterday but didn't do because I was lazy.

Yesterday's Outfit In Practice.


A pic from the church luncheon.


My winnings.


My Southern-style feast for Gone With The Wind (and somebody's husband who drove home for one and a half hours for it--the feast, not Gone With The Wind).


Stephen's St. Valentine's Day gift.


And, speaking of St. Valentine's Day, here's my in-theme outfit for the 30 for 30.

Today's Outfit In Theory.


The white sweater, the jeans, and the red heels are part of my 30 for 30 swag, while the infinity scarf* is a bonus item.

Today's Outfit In Practice.


A good outfit for keeping warm on what looks like a very cold day.

How are you celebrating today?


*Get it? Get it?

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Sunday, February 13, 2011

30 for 30, Day 13 (Part 1): The Outfit Is Coming...

I thought I'd jump on here in between the kitchen cleaning, the term paper writing and the Harry Potter watching (don't judge me) to give you an update:

-I am indeed wearing my thirteenth outfit for the 30 for 30 today, and I did take a picture of it.

-I am being lazy and will post it tomorrow with my St. Valentine's Day outfit.

-I had a great time at the church's fashion show and luncheon. I also won a raffle prize! I won the "At The Movies" gift basket, which had Kettle Corn, Gummi bears, dark chocolate M&Ms, mini chocolate-covered pretzels, and a $10 gift certificate to Blockbuster video. I was super pumped. You'll see the picture of the basket tomorrow. Maybe. You know, if all the food isn't gone.

-My friend, Amy and I watched Gone With The Wind yesterday while we ate our Southern-style food feast (a couple pics to come), and we decided to count how many times Scarlett O'Hara was a decent human being (sweet) versus the times she was awful (sour). Things that went in the sour section included 1) slapping indiscriminately, 2) biting, 3) kissing a married man, 4) murder, and 5) beating a horse to death, among many others. Redeeming qualities were less, um, worthwhile. We gave her points for dressing well and being pretty. Final tally: Sweet=26, Sour=80.

-I feel like there should be a fifth item in this update....

...

Oh! Stephen's St. Valentine's Day gift is now going to be those Gummi bears I won.

What are you doing for the big day of love?

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Saturday, February 12, 2011

30 for 30, Day 12: Ladies Who lunch (And Dinner)

I have a very busy social calendar this afternoon and evening.

First up, in less than an hour, I will be at the annual Women's Guild Fashion Show for my church. A local lady's store has models/parishioners strut their stuff in the latest fashions. Since I spend at least 33 seconds of every day thinking about the latest fashions, I had to attend.

Also, I can't remember exactly from previous years, I think there is tea. So, win-win.

Later today I'll be hanging out with some girlfriends at home. We will be watching Gone With The Wind. Since this is, like, a four hour movie, we will interrupt the Civil War to make fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and peach cobbler.

And drink Southern sweet-tea. Again, win-win.

So, today I need an outfit that ranged from tea to shining tea. Here's what I found.

Outfit In Theory.


The blue dress, the darker blue cardigan, and the black boots are all part of my 30 for 30, while the tights and belt are extra.

Outfit In Practice.


Perfect. I hope to have pictures from my afternoon and even posted for you all soon. What do you think of my look for the day?

Friday, February 11, 2011

30 for 30, Day 11: Orange You Glad It's Friday?

I've been waiting all week to get a little punny.

...

Anyway....

I've got a busy day and a weekend full of activities, so I need an outfit that's ready to move. Also, I'd like an outfit that seems a little silly, because that's the type of mood I'm in today.

Outfit In Theory.


The silk blouse, the orange cardigan, the jeans and the red heels are all part of my 30 for 30 swag.

Outfit In Practice.


I think this will work very well for my Friday of hanging out with my folks and running errands.

I also learned with this outfit that sometimes you just have to say "no." I saw that I had a good base going, but then I started to add scarves, necklaces, and all sorts of other accoutrement. I took a picture, and it looked like a real mess.

So, say "no" kids. Say "no" to too many accessories. Be brave, and wear the base outfit sometimes. The cool kids might tease you, but at the end of the day, you'll know you did the right thing.

...

How I went from an "Orange you glad..." joke to a pseudo-"drug"-free-lesson, I'll never know.

Enjoy your weekend!

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Thursday, February 10, 2011

30 for 30, Day 10: Errands, Etc

Besides my blazers and shoes, this is the first time I've "reused" something in this 30 for 30 challenge.

That's not bad, right, for one-third of the way through?

No? I didn't think so either.

Glad you agree. If you didn't, I'm not sure we could still see each other on this blog, and I really can't fit an emotional friendship discussion into my busy day today. I could fit you in Sunday if think we need it.

Outfit In Theory.


The gray sweater, the gray striped top, the blue skirt and the black heels are all part of my 30 for 30.

Outfit In Practice.


Now that I think more carefully about this outfit, I may need to add some things. I might add the scarf from Tuesday.Oor, I might have to put on some tights because it's cold. Or, I may have to switch to jeans later because it's really cold.

Anyway, I'm running lots of errands today and prepping for my long weekend of activities, a must when Stephen is gone at guard duty. I'm also off to a Partylite Candle Party tonight, and I'm thinking feeling cold at the time I go might result in me buying more than I need (and in this case, "more" would be "anything").

Man, so much to keep in mind when getting dressed.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

30 for 30, Day 9: Cupcakes and Cardigans

Some of my favorite words that start with the letter "c" are cupcakes and cardigans, and today's post will include both of them.

Also among my favorite words that start with a "c" are candles, Chinese food, and credit cards, but outfits and blog posts about those items will have to wait. One might only have to wait until Friday. No promises.

Anyway....

Outfit In Theory.


The purple dress, the black cardigan and the boots are all part of my 30 for 30, while the tights are a bonus item (to deal with the cold, natch).

Outfit In Practice.


A very good outfit for taking my test tonight (bleh), and ....

Frosting some cupcakes!

(I'm sure you'd be just as excited as I am if they were in your house)

Here is my attempt at Valentine's Day-decorated cupcakes for a dear friend's religious education class.



Oh, and my test cupcake was delicious.

Happy "C"-wednesday!

...

No, that doesn't really work. Oh well.

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