A Lucky How-To

White oxford body suit, Moda International. Rust skirt with lace panels, Eddie Rodriguez. Wide brown corset-style belt, Newport News. Leopard print wedges, Steven by Steve Madden. Metal and red enamel earrings, World Market. Brown sunglasses, Walmart.

This look is inspired by the May issue of Lucky: “a crisp white cotton shirt is a simple and unexpected counterpoint to an elegant, frilly skirt. To really play up your waist, add a wide leather belt.”

Unfortunately, my wide (p)leather belt broke while I was dressing myself this morning. I substituted a wide, elastic, corset-style belt and was horrified to find that I looked like a peasant girl. I tried to mitigate the costumey effect with leopard wedges. I still hated the outfit, though, because of this awful, bulgy belt. Guess I need to buy a new wide brown belt. I think I’ll spring for genuine leather next time.

Glass Menagerie

Denim jacket, Forever 21. Sheer silk blue blouse with paisley print, Laura Leigh Ltd. White jeans, Gap. Brown sandals, Franco Sarto. Indian silver earrings, Ali’s Boutique. Blue purse, Wilson’s Leather. Headband, Scunci.

I’m off to see The Glass Menagerie, performed by Stagecrafters. I would not have normally gone to this play because I had a bad experience with the movie. When I was young, I watched a lot of AMC and I would mark all the old movies I wanted to see each week in the TV Guide. When I read that The Glass Menagerie would be showing one afternoon, I couldn’t wait to see the movie about the glass animals. Disappointedly, the movie opened with a bitter woman in a gloomy parlor. I waited a few minutes for the animals to appear, enduring endless dull dialogue, and then turned it off. I was afraid that I’d find the play similarly boring (although I no longer expected it to be about glass animals).

I only attended because I was meeting one of my directors at the performance to pick up a script and a dialect CD. I figured it would be too rude to show up and then leave, so Mike and I bought tickets and stayed to watch the show. It was incredible. It could easily have been tedious, in the hands of less competent actors. Instead, it was brilliantly cast and performed. It was easily one of the best pieces of theater I’ve seen all year. And the glass animals played a larger role than I suspected! Now I’d like to give that movie another try.

Floofy

Green cropped jacket, London Jean. White blouse with swiss-dots, Merona. Pink floral skirt, A Byer. Pink patent slingbacks, Wild Diva. Glass bead earrings, don’t remember. Pink beads, Claire’s Boutique.

I feel like an upside down flower today with my stem on top and my colorful blossom below. Silly flower analogies aside, I love the proportions of this outfit. I think it makes me look long and lean.

I have floofy hair today, thanks to sleeping in braids. I spent the night at the hotel. I always sleep poorly away from home and toss and turn as I try to find a comfortable position. The friction of my hair against the pillowcase roughs up the cuticle and I end up with a very bad case of bed head. In an effort to minimize the damage, I French-braided my hair into two pigtails last night. I don’t have bed head, but I do have some serious floof.

Vintage Necklace

Black, lace top blouse, Moda International. Black shrug, INC. White and pink striped pants, Moda International. Black patent slingbacks, Audrey Brooke. Shell and coral necklace, vintage.

I first spotted this necklace at the Mustard Seed in January. I really liked it, but wasn’t ready to plunk down $35. I came back in April and it was still there! This time, I bought it, and got a 10% discount. It is made of black beads, coral beads, a leaf carved from a shell, and a large, foil-covered bead.

Exposed

Black and beige dress, Max Studio. Silver earrings, World Market. Black and silver necklace, Xhilaration. Black patent slingbacks, Audrey Brooke. Small black purse, Liz Claiborne.

I’m presenting at a meeting today, so the adrenaline will keep me warm enough to wear this dress without a jacket or sweater on top. Finally, a chance to show off the cute flutter sleeves!

Nautical, again

Navy and white wrap dress, Mossimo. White sunglasses, George ME. Red beads, Xhilaration. Red pumps, X Appeal.

Working the nautical theme again. I can’t imagine wearing this dress without red accents.

Mod Skirt

Denim jacket, Forever 21. White blouse, Mossimo. Mod print, double-layer skirt, Final Touch (thrifted). Tan slingbacks, Linea Paolo. Blue beads, Xhilaration.

It’s Monday and I’ve already worn my one new thing for the week! (Actually, I have plans to wear another new thing on Thursday; I just can’t resist.) I am going to claim that this skirt doesn’t count because I thrifted it for just $4. I found this in the kids’ section, but I don’t think it belonged there. Score for me!

Summer Pale

Sheer white blouse, Okinawa, Japan. Denim wrap skirt, Bongo(?) Pale wedges, Montego Bay Club. Blue beads, Xhilaration. White sunglasses, George ME.

I love this blouse, but rarely wear it. I bought it at some local teen store in Okinawa, Japan, while I was stationed there. The front is a double layer of fabric, but the back is only a single, so it is sheer from behind. The sleeves are slit from the wrist to the shoulder, along the inner arm. An extra piece of fabric, attached at the left shoulder, adds to the drapey effect.

I seldom have an occasion where it seems appropriate to wear this. It’s got to be warm (no a/c), I have to avoid food (because I am spill-prone), and the event should be just on the formal side of casual. I took a risk and wore this to a housewarming. All the windows were open to admit the breeze and I nibbled cautiously from the buffet. I managed to escape both a chill and stains. I was probably overdressed, but I’m used to that.

Missoni-esque Wrap Dress

Missoni-eque wrap dress, Lipstick. Silk and cashmere cardigan, The Limited. Aqua peep-toe pumps, Wild Diva. Turquoise moth medallion necklace, Anthropologie.

I try to stay away from the mall (and Target and thrift stores) because I cannot resist the urge to buy. Back in February when it was freaking cold, there was nothing else to do but shop, so I brought home all sorts of deals. Most of the clothing was for spring/summer, so it languished in my closet. As the weather warms up, I promised myself that I would only wear one new thing a week. I love the thrill of wearing something new, but hate paying my credit card bill, so I’m trying to prolong the pleasure and keep myself from buying anything else for a long while.

On Tuesday, I wore my new coral shirt, so I was supposed to wear only old things for the rest of the week. However, when I heard that Friday was supposed to hit near 70 degrees, I couldn’t resist pulling out this wrap dress that I bought two months ago. It was a real steal: $7.99 at Body Central! It’s okay that I broke the rules just this once, isn’t it?

Cockatoo

Green and gold paisley scarf, Images (gifted). Sheer cream sweater, Cami. Green, long-sleeved tee, Forever 21. Brown suede skirt with laser-cut hem, Isaac Mizrahi for Target. Herringbone tights, Forever 21. Brown boots, Nine West. Gold hoop earrings with paillettes, Claire’s Boutique.

I never imagined I would wear this in mid-April, but I’d be cold without scarves and sweaters and tights.

I thought my hair looked Medusa-ish in the mirror, but it has a distinct likeness to a cockatoo in the photo.

Metallic Trend

Peacock blue sweater, Gap. White blouse, Worthington (twin of the coral blouse). Black pants, Nine and Company. Silver sequin shoes, Nina. Silver medallion necklace, Nine West. Silver headband.

Ooooh, look! I am all trendy. I’m sporting the “metallic look.” Of course, as counseled by various fashion magazines, I’m not wearing a lamé minidress to work or anything. Instead, I’ve accessorized with silver. Still, I think these sequined shoes are a little risqué.

These shoes have been worn for three events: the 2005 UC Barrister Ball, Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge (the ghost wore them), and Bob Cratchit’s Christmas Quandary (the ghost wore them again, but this time the ghost was me). This is the first time I’ve worn them to work. I’ve already had a number of people look me up and down and pause significantly at my feet. Tee hee hee.

Green Linen Skirt

Beige jacket, Charlotte Russe. Coral blouse, Worthington. Green linen skirt with embroidery and beading, Richard Malcom. Beige slingbacks, Linea Paolo. Silver and turquoise earrings, hippie bead store at the Bellis Fair Mall.

It took me forever to find a top that goes with this skirt. White was boring, black was harsh, and green too monochromatic. Blue would work, but none of my blue tops quite matched the turquoise of the ribbon. I wouldn’t be caught dead with purple near my face. Finally, almost two years after buying the skirt, I found this coral blouse at JC Penney that almost matches the orange stitching on the orchids.

I promise that the entire ensemble was pressed before work. Of course, it wrinkled as soon as I sat down.

Velvet April

White lace blouse with center ruffle, Newport News. Wine velvet faux wrap dress, New York & Co. Brown pumps, Mossimo. Metal and enamel earrings, World Market.

I always have issues lighting my shots. The flash seems so harsh, but I usually need it indoors. In this particular room, at this time of day, a flash doesn’t seem necessary, but the colors are dull if I don’t use it. Additionally, natural lighting tends to highlight my wrinkles and bags, unless I’m facing the source or it is completely diffused. Once again, my vanity won out and I used the flash to erase my age lines. You get a better idea of the dress’ color and texture below (with no flash).

Smocky

Turquoise top, Daisy Fuentes. Brown sweater, Worthington (thrifted). Dark slim jeans, Express. Brown booties, Style & Co. Circular earrings with paillettes, Claire’s Boutique. Golden apple watch necklace, Forever 21.

I was at a total loss on what to wear today so, I flipped through Wardrobe Remix for inspiration. I settled on a 70’s, Euro look with a smock top over a fitted, long-sleeved layer. (Sort of like the sort of thing sjwhidden wears.) For further retroness (but the wrong era), I’m also wearing one of my beloved banana clips in my hair. I love how they make one’s ponytail look so long.

Not Cold, but Tired

Brown cowl-neck sweater vest, Worthington. Cream tissue-thin sweater (under vest), Cami. Plaid skirt, Jones New York Country (thrifted). Brown boots, Nine West. Gold-tone leaf skeleton earrings, Claire’s Boutique.

I froze my ass off yesterday in the hospital dress with bare legs. I vowed not to be cold again today, so I’m wearing sweaters, boots, tights, and a wool skirt.

I’m happy with how not tired I look in this photo. In reality, I am d-r-a-g-g-i-n-g. Between Vanities rehearsals and work, I’m pooped. Tonight is our final dress and we open Friday. Come see it! It’s good! I have 451 lines! Damn, I need some sleep.

Return of the Funky Doctor

White eyelet shirtdress, vintage. Brown strapless dress, Newport News. Brown pumps, Mossimo. Headband, Scunci. Dancing woman hair stick and silver hoop earrings, import store in Okinawa, Japan. Moth medallion necklace, Anthropologie. Brown pleather belt, Xhilaration. Brown purse, Kenneth Cole.

I’m wearing the eyelet lab coat/hospital dress again! It’s just so weird I can’t resist it.

I’m really into big belts around my waist, but I’ve found it difficult to find belts small enough – and I do NOT have a tiny waist. (It looks small from the side, but that is an illusion created by my oddly shaped rib cage.) I guess most belts are designed to be worn low on the hips, so even a size small will often be loose when worn at the natural waist. I’ve got this belt cinched as small as it will go.

Mike hates the big belts. He often tells me that my outfits would be cute if only I wasn’t wearing a belt over my shirt or dress. He especially hated this belt, with the double buckles.

Fake Versace Purse

White V-neck sweater, American Rag. Red oxford bodysuit, Moda International. Pinstriped pants, Forever 21. Super ugly black boots, LifeStrides. Silver hoop earrings, Nine West?

This outfit isn’t avant garde, but I like it. It’s sharp. The proportions are fun. The colors are classic. This will sound really dumb, but I was inspired by one of Alicia Kozakiewicz’s ensembles in this week’s People magazine. How shallow am I? Instead of reading about Alicia’s harrowing abduction experience and how she now speaks to teens about the dangers of internet predators, I analyzed her clothing choices. Her hair looked nice, too.

I bought this purse at a Phai’s House of Jade auction in Okinawa, Japan. It looked cute from the back of the auction tent, so I bid on it. When I went to pick up my items, I got a closer look at the purse and the weird faces on it creeped me out, but I was already committed to buy. I carried it yesterday, just for kicks, and learned from one of my more fashionably knowledgeable friends that it is a Versace knock-off. The creepy Romanesque face is supposed to be the Versace logo. It still freaks me out.

Comfy

Pink sequined sweater, Moda International. Black lace shirt, Newport News. Hot pink tank and gray flannel pants, Express. Ugly black boots, LifeStrides.

After spending the long weekend in my grubbies painting, sewing, and rehearsing, I was ready for a more upscale look today. I also needed to appear my best for an audition as a hostess. I wanted to look sexy, but comfortable. I think I’ve achieved my goal. In fact, I’ve never had an easier walk from my car to my building. These boots may be ugly, but they were made for walking.

Back to Boots

Brown velvet jacket, FANG. Beige lace and sequin cami, Moda International. Rust skirt with lace panels, Eddie Rodriguez. Brown tights. Brown boots, Nine West. Silver necklace with topaz-colored drops, gifted. Headband, Scunci.

I thought I’d seen the last of my tall boots and velvet blazers for the season. It turns out that our warm weather was just a tease. Oh well. I’ve eased the pain by pairing one of my light, summery skirts with my winter boots and jacket.

Easter Sunday Best

Periwinkle blazer, B. Moss (up for swap!) Cream lace tank, George ME. Green tweed skirt, Talbot’s. Beige slingbacks, Linea Paolo. Opal and silver earrings.

I don’t observe Easter, but if I did, I imagine I’d wear something like this to the Sunday services. Instead, I’ll just wear it to work, along with my ridiculously bouffant hair-do.

Daybreak

Pale green, silk blend cardigan, Moda International. Hot pink tank, Banana Republic (thrifted). Pink floral skirt, A Byer. Pink patent slingbacks, Wild Diva. Opal and silver earrings. Green purse charm bracelet, gifted. Tapestry bag, 100 Yen store.

I unwittingly dressed to match the buds of my “Daybreak” magnolia. With the big temperature drop coming tomorrow, I’m afraid I won’t get to see them open at all.

Orange Dress

Orange dress and cream silk and cashmere sweater, The Limited. Tan slingbacks, Linea Paolo. Brown disk earrings, Claire’s Boutique. Amber beads, Body Central. Brown purse, Kenneth Cole.

This dress is unbelievably comfortable. I feel like I am walking around in a giant t-shirt. It’s too bad I didn’t photograph the dress without the sweater because I ended up not needing the cardigan. My fever is keeping me nice and toasty today, despite our chilly office.

Camo Dress

Camouflage dress, Mossimo (swap from fraghag). Pink corduroy jacket, Forever 21 (up for swap – anyone want it?) Wedges, Montego Bay Club. Purse, Nine West.

After wearing camouflage utilities for over four years, I thought I’d never want to wear it again. I guess I’ve finally left the military far enough behind me that I find the pattern appealing again. Even my husband had to admit that a camouflage dress has an ironic appeal.

Fraghag (who is a much lovelier person than her moniker would suggest) swapped this dress to me in return for a belt. I think I got the best end of the trade! When it arrived, it had a matching cord attached to tie around the neck, halter-style. I didn’t like it, so I cut it off and tied the cord around my bust as an empire waisted belt. The modified dress is pictured below, without the jacket (WARNING: Blindingly white skin alert!!!)