Perfect Blue Sweater Vest

White blouse, Mossimo. Blue sweater vest, Karen Scott. Gray, wool flannel pants, Express. Black, round-toe slingbacks, Audrey Brooke. Faux pearl necklace with medallion, Newport News.

I’ve wanted a sweater vest in just this shade of blue for over two years. Back in Fall 04, sweater vests weren’t quite popular yet. When they finally did come into style, I couldn’t find one the right size and color. (They all seemed to be too big and patterned.) Now that the trend has probably passed, I’ve found one (for only $6 at Macy’s). It’s a good thing I don’t care for trends.

By the way, there is no breeze in the den (where I took this picture). My tousled locks are due to bed head and static. I love winter!

Koi Swap

I've put two of the koi keychains/pendants up for swap on the Wardrobe Swap Shop. In keeping in the spirit of the group, I am only willing to swap with other members (but you can join!)

Red Leopard

Wine velvet jacket, Cami. Black, lace-edged camisole, New York & Company. Textured, leopard print camisole, Express. Brown pants, Moda International. Leopard, peep-toe wedges, Steven by Steve Madden. Red bead necklace with gold accents, George ME.

It felt absolutely decadent to wear lightweight pants and peep-toe shoes at the office on a day that we are under a Wind Chill Advisory and Heavy Snow Warning. In order to go outside (and wait for the durn bus), I added leggings (beneath the pants), fleece pants (over the pants), heavy socks, galoshes (but leopard printed!), fleece jacket, wool coat, scarf, and a hat. The precious peep-toes were stowed in my bag.

I now own three pair of leopard print shoes – ballet flats, wedges, and galoshes. I also have leopard print leggings, a camisole, and a scarf. Like plaid, it never seems to go out of style!

Cream, V-neck sweater, American Rag. Cream cami, Cuddle Duds. Blue and green plaid skirt with asymmetrical hemline, Jones New York Country (thrifted). Brown boots, Nine West. Brown corset belt, Newport News. Brown and gold necklace, Target.

I found this “brand-new with tags” skirt at Valley Thrift for just $5 last week! I love the asymmetrical hemline; it looks like I just wrapped a horse blanket around myself.

My first inclination was to wear the skirt with a black top and boots (as I did my other long plaid skirt), but the word “Country” on the label put me in a more rustic frame of mind. Pairing the skirt with a cream sweater and brown accents highlights the gorgeous plaid and fun hemline. I just wish it wasn’t so cold so that I could have posed outdoors to complete the country look.

I’m still unsure as to whether I liked the brown belt over the sweater. Without the belt, the long sweater gave me a low waistline and stumpy legs. With the belt, my middle looked chunky and my chest flat. (It was difficult to take a picture that I didn’t consider “fat looking.”)

Leopard Legs

Black turtleneck sweater, Express. Denim mini, American Standard Tyte. Leopard leggings, Xhilaration. Black boots, Jennifer Moore. Amber Necklace, Ali’s Boutique.

I am totally copying jasminarensmeier today. I loved her leopard leggings so much that, when I spotted them on Target.com, I bought a pair for myself. They were quite a hit with the Gown cast and crew.

Not Frumpy

Black silk blend shrug, INC. Black, cowl neck tank, Apt 9. Plaid skirt, Petite Sophisticate (thrifted). Black boots, Colin Stuart. Earrings with blue beads, World Market.

I wore this skirt last month and hated the outfit. I think I’ve done much better this month.

Today's outifit works better because:
1. Pointy toe boot elongates the leg.
2. Monochromatic layers elongate the torso.
3. Deep cowl neck elongates the neck.

January’s outfit didn’t work because:
1. Round toe shoe made legs look stumpy.
2. Horizontal lines created by cameo choker and strip of pale blue shirt (below cardigan) disrupt the body’s line.
3. Strip of pale blue shirt highlights widest part of the body (hips!)

Koi Necklace

Teal long-sleeved T, Target. Burgundy wrap sweater, Bloch. Blue silk scarf, Thailand. Brown corduroy pants, Gap. Brown booties, Style &Co. Koi necklace, made by me from a Japanese keychain.

Except for the necklace, this isn’t a terribly exciting outfit. It was, though, a comfortable and warm ensemble for my day at the Tri-State Green Industry Expo. I took a vacation day from work and spent the entire day listening to talks on annuals, perennials, and organic gardening. At the end of the day, Marvin, from Marvin’s Organic Gardens, gave away free plants!

But back to the fish necklace. When I lived in Okinawa, I bought four koi keychains, intending to use them as stocking stuffers for my family. I forgot all about them until I saw k_allirhoe’s fish necklace on Wardrobe Remix. As I’ve always thought the fish were a bit delicate for keychains (because of the enamel finish and the articulation), turning them into pendants seemed to be a perfect use for them. For all you wardrobe swappers out there, I’ll be putting two koi up for swap next week!

Swirly Skirt

Red wrap shirt and brown tweedy skirt, Newport News. Beige lace camisole, Moda International. Brown boots, Nine West. Drop earrings with brown crystals, Express.

Woo-hoo. I had fun spinning and taking pictures this morning. It’s difficult to time the spin just right. This was the best photo, but some trick of light gave me scary dark circles under my eyes. (I swear I got 8 hours of sleep last night!) A little photoshopping took care of that, though!

Please, No Cameras

Green satin shirt and gray wool pants, Express. Pink obi belt, Sugadaminka (via Ebay). Black angora hat and pink chandelier earrings, Claire’s Boutique.

I’m loving the green shirt with the pink belt. I’m not loving my saggy butt pants, but they are really warm. Just the thing to wear on a breezy, winter day.

These pants were baggy on me 10 lbs ago. Now they really look like crap, but buying smaller clothes will probably jinx my diet.

Plaid Mad

White, button-down bodysuit, Moda International. Blue plaid skirt with tulle trim, Tulle. Black tights, Danskin. Black boots, Colin Stuart. Black and silver necklace, Target. Earrings with black beads, World Market.

I don’t normally jump on the trend bandwagon, but I seem to have lost my mind when it comes to plaid. I started 2007 with not a single tartan item, and I now own four plaid skirts. (In my fiscal defense, three of them were thrifted.) I’ve actually wanted a plaid skirt since last winter, and it never really seems to go out of style, so I tell myself that I am not being a silly trend slave.

Last night, I dreamt that I found the perfect pair of plaid pumps and I’d love a tartan jumper. Can you really have too much plaid?

Spot of Color

Navy blue sweater, Target. Cranberry, long-sleeved T, Target. Green scarf, Ramayana. Denim mini, Tyte. Black leggings, Target. Black boots, Jennifer Moore. Golden apple watch necklace, Forever 21. Kitty, Mr. Tibbs.

Nothing really special planned for the day. I just felt like dressing in vibrant colors to match my just-touched-up hair (bye-bye grays!)

Mr. Tibbs is our most favorite cat. He has a sweet little stubby tail and a laid back personality. He even lets us vacuum him with the upholstery attachment.

Friday Jeans and Fur

Black, rabbit fur poncho, Christopher & Banks. Red turtleneck, Banana Republic. Dark Jeans, Express. Ugly black boots, Life Strides. Hoop earrings with multicolored beads, World Market.

I seem to be making a habit of jeans on Fridays. Today it was not the result of a desire to be casual, but a lack of any slim bottoms to pair with the poncho. I’ve lost some weight, and all my work pants are slouchy.

Fracas, again

Black wrap sweater, Bloch. Pink silk, button-down shirt with ruffles, Bebe. Black, lace overlay tank, Halogen. Pinstriped pants, Forever 21. Black and white tweed headband, New York & Company. Double strand necklace, Target. Ugly black boots, Life Stride.

I’m dressing like my Fracas bottle again. I just really like black and pink. So far, I’ve worn a black/pink outfit twice in January, three times in December, and once in November. Don’t even get me started on how many times I’ve won black and red. I may claim to be an adventuresome dresser, but I never stray far from my basic color schemes.

Movie Belt, Theater Rehearsal

Black cardigan, Calvin Klein. Cranberry, long-sleeved T, Target. Black A-shirt, Target. Jeans, Mossimo for Target. “Mira” necklace. Silver-tone headband. Movie belt. Ugliest black boots in the world, Life Stride.

I stayed home sick today and wore my pajamas until about 5 p.m. Then, I changed into something a bit more presentable for rehearsal.

I love this belt and don’t wear it enough. It has little movie-inspired vignettes around its length.

Toasty

Gray cardigan with faux fur collar, New York and Company. Wine velvet dress, New York and Company. Black, lace-topped shirt, Moda International. Red beads, George ME. Black boots, Colin Stuart. Black hat with flower, Pangaea.

Today’s outfit was inspired by a spread in the December issue of Lucky. (Which I just got around to reading at the gym.) The monthly article that pictures four or five women wearing an “of-the-moment” item in an outfit of their own creation, featured a very similar dress. One woman paired her red, wrap dress with an oversized cardigan, and I loved the mix of luxe and casual, so I copied it. I felt a little swallowed up in all the layers, but I was very warm.

Mixing Black and Brown

Short-sleeved black velvet jacket, Forever 21. Black lace blouse, Newport News. Brown strapless dress, Newport News. Herringbone tights, Forever 21. Brown boots, Nine West. Drop earrings with brown crystals, Express.

I used to be afraid to mix black and brown, but no longer! The two colors can work very well together. I’ll admit, though, I wish I had a brightly colored accessory, like a teal shoe, to add a bit of “pop.” I had to settle for the red of my hair and lips to brighten up my ensemble.

Winter White Jeans

Cranberry turtleneck sweater, Express. White jeans, Gap. Gold and green scarf, gifted. Golden apple watch necklace, Forever 21. Black boots, Life Stride (?)

Today, I took Lucky’s advice instead of disregarding it. I tried wearing white jeans in the winter, as suggested by The Lucky Shopping Manual. After convincing myself that it wasn’t a fashion faux pas, I quite enjoyed the look. I didn’t enjoy the jean’s summer weight, though. My legs were freezing!

Someday I’ll get a picture of these short black boots without a pant leg hiding the top. They are literally the ugliest shoes I own. They were only $20, and they aren’t so hideous when all you can see is the toe and heel. Trust me, though, they’re dogs.

Vanities Call-Backs

Brown sweater, Express. Turquoise/green/brown dress, Forever 21. Brown tank (beneath dress), Forever 21. Dark jeans, Express. Brown booties, Style & Co. Necklace of stone and silver, Bellis Fair mall. Brown headband, Claire's Boutique.

I was called back to read again for Vanities (the play I was trying to look 25 for). I thought to myself, “What could look younger than a dress over jeans?” I must have succeeded in convincing the director of my youth because I was cast, as Joanne

Breaking Lucky's Rules

Multicolored tweed jacket, The Limited. Pink camisole, Deep Los Angeles. Long, beige skirt, Casual Corner. Brown boots, Nine West. Pink beads and brown headband, Claire’s Boutique.

Here I am breaking two of the rules in The Lucky Shopping Manual. First, I haven’t buttoned the top button of my blazer. I almost never button the top because the result just isn’t flattering on my body type. I fasten the button nearest my waist to define it and then leave the upper button unfastened so that the jacket bows out a bit, giving me the illusion of a larger chest. The result is curvy silhouette. If I buttoned the entire jacket, I’d be shapeless. The second rule I’ve broken is wearing heels with a long skirt. Lucky advises flats. I’m stumped as to why (ha, ha, unintentional pun!) I don’t think I have ever worn flats to work; I need all the height I can get. Generally, I enjoyed the Manual, and found the advice on proportions to be very good. I just happened to dress defiantly today.

Harvest Colors

Black mini-poncho, INC. Green, long-sleeved T, Target. Rusty red cords, J Crew. Golden apple watch necklace, Forever 21.

I had a rare night off tonight – no rehearsals, no auditions and no tech meetings – so we went to dinner and a movie! We ate at Rondo’s in Cheviot/Westwood, which had good food, but a grumpy hostess, and saw Children of Men at the nearby cinema. I cried through most of the movie. (I’m a weeper. For goodness sake, I even cried during Uptown Girls and War of the Worlds.) My turtleneck was full of tears by the end and my husband was thoroughly annoyed. Or maybe he was more annoyed by me constantly offering to tell him the time from my “apple watch!”