Shiny Pooch

I like a lot of things about this dress: the color, the cut, the futuristic details, the easy layering. I don’t like that, no matter how I suck my gut in, I always seem to have a glossy potbelly in photos.


Shirt, Chrisopher & Banks (thrifted). Dress, Richard Chai for Target. Shoes, Gianni Bini (hand-me-down from Londyn). Earrings, Target. Bracelets, Charming Charlie, Claire’s, and Garden of the Gods gift shop. Bag, Walgreen’s.

I pretend it isn’t so noticeable in real life and go on about my day.

Plight of the Procrastinator

I’m miserly with my disposable contacts…wearing them until they fall apart (instead of until the recommended “replace by” timing). Eventually, though, I run out. I’m down to a single contact. Lopsided vision gives me a headache, so I’m wearing glasses.


Blazer, BSB (thrifted). Dress, London Times (hand-me-down). Blouse, Charlotte Russe. Tights, We Love Colors. Boots, Nine West. Earrings, Julie’s Inspiration. Brooch, swap. Scarf, gift from Londyn. Rings, gift, Puzzrollrings, and vintage. Bag, Fossil (gift).

Save 14th Avenue

Fourteenth Avenue dead ends not far east of Power Inn Road. Along the no-outlet stretch, are signs reading “Save 14th Avenue.” I’m not sure how the plans are going, but, in the meantime, the dead end makes a great place for pictures.


Jacket, The Limited. Dress, London Times (shortened hand-me-down). Tights, We Love Colors. Boots, Nine West. Earrings, Claire’s. Sunglasses, Betsey Johnson. Necklace, thrifted. Rings, Black Hills Gold, Puzzrollrings, and vintage. Bag, Fossil (gift).

The “save” is a proposed extension from the dead end to Florin Perkins Road. That sounds nice, actually. I’d give up this picture spot for the extension.

Under the HR Radar

Today, I celebrate eight years of wearing wacky ensembles to work at the headquarters of the world’s largest consumer packaged goods company. And not once have I been reprimanded for my wardrobe.


Shirt, Christopher & Banks (thrifted). Dress, Mossimo. Belt, thrifted. Bag, Charming Charlie. Pumps, Gianni Bini (hand-me-down from Londyn). Earring, Green Mountain (gift). Bracelets, Target, Claire’s and vintage. Rings, gift, vintage, and heirloom.

This week’s episode of What Not to Wear featured Rebecca, a woman who was counseled for her office outfits. Rebecca was sent home to change at least once and said that her ensembles played a part in her company’s decision to let her go. I really connected with her fearless, colorful, pattern-mixing style, so I had empathy for Rebecca. When she came out in this outfit, I stuck up for her:


I said to Beefy, “If a young, thin, beautiful woman were wearing this outfit, she’d be considered stylish.” In fact, add a blogger bun and she’d probably be on the front page of Chictopia. I felt like Rebecca was being picked on for more than her clothing.

Beefy disagreed, saying that fit was the issue: “If there’s one thing I’ve learned from What Not to Wear, it’s that you can wear anything you want as long as it fits properly.”

Hillary recently left me this comment: “I have learned I can get away with anything at work as long as I am neat, tidy, pressed, washed, hair done and covered up. Crazy dress and shoes? OK as long as they are ironed and my hair looks nice.”

Personally, I believe my secret to wearing the cray cray to the office is that I conduct myself in an extremely professional manner. I’m on time. I don’t gossip. I treat my coworkers well. I’m organized. And I produce excellent work.

I’d love to hear your opinion. What’s the trick to dressing creatively yet remaining employed? Youth? Weight? Beauty? Fit? Modesty? Grooming? Behavior? Results?

Straw Bag

You know it’s summertime when the ladies start carrying straw bags. This one is super summery with stripes of bright orange, hot pink, and the palest yellow.


Shirt, American Eagle (thrifted). Skirt, Side x Side (thrifted, shortened, and embellished). Shoes, Gianni Bini (hand-me-down from Londyn). Scarf, thrifted. Bag, Walgreen’s. Sunglasses, Girlprops. Earrings, Target.



Photos by Beefy Muchacho the Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 35 mm 1:1.8G lens

Our Own Paris

It might be years before Beefy and I get a chance to visit Europe. We’d both like to go, but have other commitments and plans extending through the next few years. In the meantime, I can dress sort of French and pretend this pavilion is in Paris.


Sweater, R and K Knits (thrifted and vintage). Dress, London Times (shortened hand-me-down). Scarf, thrifted. Tights, We Love Colors. Boots, Nine West. Bag, Fossil. Coat (below), Lilli Ann (vintage).




Photos by Beefy Muchacho

Dirty Water

Usually, on business trips, I’m stuck taking my outfit photos in my room, with varying degrees of success. Today marks the first time I ventured outside, alone, armed with a tripod and remote, to take my outfit photo in a strange city.


Blazer, Forever 21 (embellished). Dress, London Times (shortened hand-me-down). Scarf, thrifted. Shoes, Two Lips. Bag, Mossimo. Cuff, Pangaea. Earrings, Julie’s Inspiration.

Behind me is part of the Boston skyline, shrouded in low clouds.


I’m on the roof of the Wang YMCA of Chinatown. I had the whole thing to myself, so I really wasn’t quite as daring as I’ve made myself out to be.

Stir It Up

I’m a day late with my Everybody Everywear pattern mix. I hope it was worth the wait!


Dresses, Jovovich Hawk for Target (on top) and London Times (underneath). Shoes, Gianni Bini. Earrings, Nine West. Bag, Liz Claiborne (gift).



I don't think the girl on the right (above) likes pattern mixing.



Photos by Beefy Muchacho

I may have mixed a pattern a time or two before. These are some of my favorites (and boldest):



My pattern mixing has gotten progressively wilder and more frequent, but my approach has remained the same.