Black on Black on Black

I was directed to wear black on black to work a couple of events today. My black trousers haven’t yet arrived, so everyone got a good look at my underthings as I lifted heavy objects from a squat position. (Thank goodness for pettipants!) You can dress me in all black, but you can’t make me classy!


Jacket, BCBG Max Azria (consignment). Scarf, souvenir from Holland. Vest, It’s Our Time (thrifted). Dress, Express. Necklace, Serket Jewelry. Shoes, Chelsea Crew.



Ugh, black is the worst for showing pet hair. Especially black velvet. I promise I lint rollered myself thoroughly before these pictures.
Photos by me, the tripod, and a remote.

Faves

Although it will probably make my blog boring, I’m slowly whittling my closet down to just my favorites. I’m wearing a number of them, today.


Vest, Forever 21 (cut from a consignment jacket). Sweater, thrifted. Skirt, Madewell. Shoes, Chelsea Crew. Sunglasses, Toms. Earrings, Girlshop. Bag, Nordstrom Rack.

I have many favorites.


I don’t know if I could pick a favorite agility obstacle for Jasper. He loves to jump over hurdles and through the tire. He loves the teeter, a-frame, and dog walk because he gets treated for contact performance at the end. And every dog loves the tunnel (aka dog cannon). I could only tell you his least favorites: hoops (boring) and barrel (confusing).

Old School Cool

Is there anything more old school cool than a black leather jacket?


Jacket, BCBG Max Azria (consignment). Tee, Loft (thrifted). Skirt, Madewell. Tights, Target. Shoes, Chelsea Crew. Sunglasses and earrings, Charming Charlie. Bag, Aldo.


I feel like I should be driving an old-timey hotrod, not a 2015 Chevy Impala.

Thriller

I was introduced to Dean Koontz in a paperback picked up at a yard sale while on family vacation in eastern Washington. I spent that evening binge-reading Watchers in our tent trailer, barely looking up to drag Fritos through a sour cream and salsa dip. The taste of greasy corn and spicy tomatoes will forever be the flavor of terror. And the scent of the arid desert in which we spent the night will always call to mind a murderous mutant monkey hiding in the shadows.


Shirt, One Star (thrifted). Skirt, Forever 21 (consignment). Tights, Target. Shoes, Chelsea Crew. Necklace, Taneesi. Belt and bag, thrifted.

I still have a penchant for the thrilling tale, whether it be imaginary or true. I have to ration my story podcasts or I’ll listen to them all at once.


When I’m not driving, I’m reading The Cheechakoes: the true story of a family homesteading in southeast Alaska in the mid-40’s. Thankfully, there are no scary monkeys. Just vicious bears.

Stripes and Zigzags

I’ve heard that circle scarves are “out.” I’ll keep wearing this apparently outdated scarf because I love the Missoni-like pattern and colors. Especially paired with black and white stripes!


Blazer, Diane von Furstenberg (consignment). Turtleneck, Gap (swap). Skirt, Bass (thrifted). Shoes, Chelsea Crew. Earrings, street vendor. Scarf, Canvas Boutique.



When I travel, I try to always bring a scarf (especially for meetings in cold ballrooms) and a swimsuit. I LOVE hot tubs!

Gossip Girl

A blazer, button-front shirt, skater skirt, and oxford shoes give off a bit of a schoolgirl uniform vibe. A headband and necktie would have taken it too far. I’ll admit to doing a bit of schoolgirl gossiping. Our sales team only gets together a few times a year. We had a lot of news to catch up on.


Blazer, James Jeans. Shirt, One Star (thrifted). Skirt, Miss Avenue (consignment). Shoes, Chelsea Crew. Necklace, Banana Republic (gift). Umbrella, MOMA.

Horsepower

As a sophomore in college, I heard a radio contest that required the contestant to call in and name five cars named after horses. I never heard the answer and obsessed about what those five cars might be for years. This was pre-Google, so I asked my friends and also scanned every model on the road and in parking lots for a horse name. I finally got to: “Mustang, Pinto, Bronco, Colt, and Pony.”


Tunic (worn under the dress), Wet Seal. Dress, Under Skies (consignment). Shoes, Chelsea Crew. Sunglasses, no label. Bag, Target.


Now, if you Google the list, you’ll see the Mustang, Pinto, Bronco every time. The Colt is often forgotten, and the Pony never appears. I was pretty lucky to spot a Pony, since I don’t think it was ever exported to the U.S. It must have snuck down from the Canadian border, only 50 miles away.

I don’t see many Pintos, either, so I thought it noteworthy and 365-worthy.

Where the Heart Is

One of my acquaintances is on what I can only describe as a “vision quest” in an RV with her new husband. While the thought of the gas required for such a vehicle appalls me, I am otherwise strongly attracted to the mobile home life. If only I could fit my wardrobe in the closet . . .


Shirt, Banana Republic Heritage. Skirt, Madewell. Shoes, Chelsea Crew. Sunglasses, Charming Charlie. Earrings, self-made. Bag, Aldo.


I don't know if it gets more mobile home than this: