Brights Mix Again

Sheer teal shirt with tie collar, New Look (borrowed). Brown strapless dress, Newport News. Red belt, Xhilaration. Brown pumps, Mossimo. Hoop earrings with multicolored beads, World Market.

I’m wearing a borrowed shirt to create another take on the “brights mix” look. I used gray as my base last time, and brown this week. I don’t know if I’ll ever get over the brights mixing trend. I love it!

Lioness

Black shrug with faux fur collar, Takara (borrowed). Brown sweater, Worthington (thrifted). Brown suede skirt with laser cut hemline, Isaac Mizrahi for Target. Brown fishnet tights, No Boundaries. Black, patent slingbacks, Audrey Brooke. Golden apple watch necklace, Forever 21.

I feel like a lion today with my crazy mane and faux fur ruff. Rowrr!

My downtown working girl buddy and I temporarily swapped clothes this weekend. We met at her place. I brought some things that she could just have, and some items to borrow. She also had a giveaway pile and then gave me access to her fabulous closet to pick out a few loaners. Quite unexpectedly, we found that one of the more entertaining parts about the swap was NOT being able to choose what to borrow (as in my friend’s case). I brought her at least one item that she wouldn’t have even thought to try on, but she loved. I can’t wait to see what she brings me next month!

Sweater Girl

Pink shrug, Moda International. Black sweater dress, Melton. Black, lace-edged cami (under dress), New York & Company. Black tights, Danskin. Black pumps, Michelle D. Crystal earrings, Delia*s.

I don’t wear this sweater dress enough! I love it, but I have to carefully fold it over a hanger to keep it from wrinkling or stretching and then it tends to disappear behind everything else in the closet. With spring approaching, I need to make up for lost time and allow it a few more appearances.

I’m always stumped as to what to wear over this. The straps and neckline are too revealing (and chilly) for work. My black shrug didn’t look so good. A white sweater was nice. I think I like this fancy pink shrug best of all.

Thrifted Mossimo Sweater

Black and white cardigan with pockets, Mossimo (thrifted). Orange T, Merona. Jeans, Lucky.

I visited a new thrift store on Saturday morning near the intersection of Colerain and Banning. I found tons of great stuff – so much, in fact, that I had to put some of it back! This Mossimo sweater was one of my scores. It is a very thick, cotton knit with the cutest handwarmer pockets. The best detail is that the buttons go all the way to the top, so it can be worn as a turtleneck or open collar. I love it so much that I slept in it!

Saying Goodbye

Black blazer, Breakin’ Loose. Silver fabric flower brooch, Newport News. Black shirt with white collar, Forever 21. Plaid skirt, Tulle. Black fishnets, No Boundaries, over light toast tights, Danskin. Black pumps, Michelle D. Silver tone earrings with blue beads, World Market.

My friend and I are temporarily swapping clothes this weekend and this is one of the skirts I’m bringing. I thought I’d wear it one more time before it was gone for a couple weeks. I’ll miss you, plaid skirt with tulle trim!

This blazer is half of a skirt suit I bought at JC Penney for $12. This is only the second time I’ve worn it since I began this photography project. (I last wore it on November 1.) I’m starting to think that it either doesn’t look good or just doesn’t photograph well. It makes me look puffy.

I Heart Orange

Orange sweater vest, Cherokee. White lace shirt, Newport News. Orange and brown tweed skirt, Newport News. Boots, Nine West. Beaded necklaces, Body Central.

I have a soft spot in my heart for orange. It is the underdog of colors; so few people like orange that I feel sorry for it. I’ve tried to introduce more orange into the world, but it isn’t easy. I’ve got an orange couch (in a shade described as “persimmon”), but orange clothing is generally in short supply outside of Halloween and Bengals wear. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to see this coral shade show up in the spring palette at Target. I was so tickled that I paid full price for both this sweater vest and a casual tee in the same soft orange. I much prefer this color of the moment over the currently trendy mustard yellow.

I tried to get another swirly skirt picture in this skirt, but it didn’t turn out so well. If you like the skirt (and want to try for your own swirly picture), it is on clearance at Newport News for $14.99 (but only in size 6 and lavender).

Schoolgirl Skirt with Heels

Short-sleeved, black velvet blazer, Forever 21. Sheer green blouse, Forever 21. Plaid skirt, Lloyd (thrifted). Black tights, Danskin. Red pumps, X Appeal. Hoop earrings with multicolored beads, World Market.

The skirt parade continues…

Pairing this skirt with heels is probably a little trashy and Lolita-esque, but I’ve hopefully toned down the effect with dark tights. Nevertheless, today is just going to be one of those days where people see that I have *gasp* legs.

Indian Skirt

Black, turtleneck sweater, Express. Indian skirt, 4th of July flea market in Longview, WA. Black tights, Danskin. Black pumps, Michelle D. Gold coin earrings, Urban Nomad.

I love this skirt, but like my Thai skirt, it is difficult to wear. Nothing seems to match it and the waist is awkward. Although the embroidered and sequined overlay is beautiful, I’m strongly considering putting this up for swap.

By the way, I am celebrating our downright balmy temperatures by wearing skirts all week. Bring on the skirt parade!

Casual Outerwear

Green tweedy, double-breasted coat, Moda International. Orange tweedy hat, Betmar.

I’m wearing another boring weekend outfit of jeans and a sweater, so I thought I’d photograph my casual winter coat and kickin’ new hat instead.

I bought this coat from the Victoria’s Secret catalog last winter. Before that, I had been running around in an oversized, turquoise, ratty fleece jacket from REI (circa 1994). My green coat was definitely a step up. I was a little uneasy about ordering the jacket in such a bold shade, but it turned out to be a good move. I get compliments on it almost every time I wear it. VS still offers the jacket, but not in this color. Maybe next year?

I bought the bucket hat today. It’s been challenging to find a casual hat that can hold its own next to this crazy green tweed. I think crazy orange tweed is just the ticket. I’ve also got a crazy chenille beret, but it isn’t as warm and requires exact positioning on the head.

White Sweater, White Scarf

Cream sweater, American Rag. Green tank, Mossimo. Slim jeans with pin-tucked seams, Gap. Cowboy boots, Playhouse. Cream scarf with pompoms and ribbons, Walmart. Golden paillette necklace (doubled), Body Central. Golden apple watch necklace, Forever 21. Cubic zirconia earrings, my mom. Coffee mug, Mike’s ex-wife.

It was a busy Saturday of running around and fighting the "white death." I fortified myself with multiple cups of Thai tea doped with Splenda and milk. I’m addicted to the stuff.

Fashion Faux Pas

White Blazer, Apostrophe. Hot pink tank, Banana Republic (thrifted). Tweedy trumpet skirt, Newport News. Necklace, Target. Scarf, Jay Jacobs or Maurice’s (I always mix those two up).

What’s wrong with this picture? Look closely and you may notice that the forward boot is black (Michelle D) and the rear boot is brown (Nine West). Yes, I dressed myself, walked around the house, took these pictures, reviewed these pictures, and trudged through the snow and ice to the bus stop without noticing my boots were not a pair. After I had settled myself at the rear of the warm bus, and it was too late to hop off and run home, I finally looked down and spotted the difference.

How could this have happened? Not only are the boots different colors, but the heels are different heights and the toe boxes are different shapes. It is very dark in the shoe closet. However, lack of illumination may not be as much to blame as my native ditziness. (I’m actually a blonde, not a redhead, and I think my roots are showing.)

My husband is bringing my other brown boot to me, but, in the meantime, I must grin and bear the humiliation. I feel like the poor Glamour magazine staffer who has to walk around the streets of New York with an exposed bra, crooked lipstick, or ragged pantyhose and record people’s reaction for the monthly feature. Actually, I doubt anyone will even notice. I won’t mention my predicament to anyone and I’ll keep track of how many comments I get until my husband rescues me.

Brights with Gray

Blue cardigan, Gap. Green blouse with ruffles, Forever 21. Tomato red patent belt, Xhilaration. Silver pants, The Limited. Black, patent pumps, Audrey Brooke. Plaid headband, Forever 21.

This is a popular belt. The Steve Madden version (with a square buckle) is $38. The version done by New York and Company is $28. Target’s version (Xhilaration brand name) is only $19. All the belts are the same shade of tomato-red, with patent at the front and elastic around the back. The only difference is the shape of the buckle (square or round-ish).

Today’s outfit is inspired by all the fearless, brights-mixing girls in Wardrobe Remix (link in right sidebar). I initially planned to pair the brights with black, but a spread in Glamour (or was it Marie Claire?) magazine coupled brights with gray and I liked the effect. It is, somehow, even more dramatic than black.

Predictable Color

Red velvet jacket, Cami. Cream lace top, George ME. Red/orange tweed pants, Moda International. Brown booties, Style & Co. Earrings and necklace, Newport News.

I didn’t plan on wearing red for Valentine’s, it just sort of happened. Other than the coincidence of wearing this color on this day, I think the outfit is boring. So, I spiced it up with a new camera angle! (Sorry about the gum in my mouth!)

Ice Storm

Brown, cowl-neck sweater vest, Worthington. Sheer pink silk shirt, Bebe. Plaid pants, Express. Brown pumps, Mossimo. Pink Indian earrings with beads and rhinestones, girlshop.com.

This outfit was a little lightweight for our current conditions. (Ice storm, anyone?) I normally only wear these pants in the warmer months, but a pair of leggings beneath kept my legs warm enough. My arms, though, were freezing with only the sheerest layer of silk over them. How we women suffer for beauty!

Yet, the cold and ice was beautiful itself. I was glad to have my camera on the walk from the bus stop to my house to capture images of crabapples and magnolia buds frozen in ice.

Red Heels and Fishnets

Black turtleneck sweater, Express. Black and white tweed skirt, Moda International. Black fishnets, No Boundaries, over light toast tights, Danskin. Red pumps, X Appeal. Headband, New York and Company.

I don’t usually take photos sitting down, because I think my outfits generally look better when I’m standing. This was an exception. In fact, I think the outfit is pretty boring from the knees up. From the knees down, the kick pleats, fishnets, and red heels steal the show.

Swapped Sweater

White sweater with faux fur, swap with shivaya07. Green, long-sleeved T, Forever 21. Jeans, Mossimo. Cowboy boots, Playhouse. Green bead earrings, import store in Okinawa, Japan.

I’m wearing my first swap! Shivaya07 traded me this sweater for a couple of my scarves. I couldn’t be happier with the trade.

Carrie or Miranda?

Black, silk-blend shrug, INC. Sheer black top, Mossimo for Target. Strapless brown dress, Newport News. Brown lace leggings, Forever 21. Brown boots, Nine West. Amber necklace, Ali’s Boutique. Leopard obi belt, Sugadaminka (via Ebay).

I had already decided to wear this outfit when my agent called me and notified me of an audition for Friday morning. I’m auditioning for two characters, based loosely on Carrie and Miranda from Sex in the City. I don’t know which character I’m dressed more like, though. Compared to normal Cincinnati-wear, I’m definitely looking Carrie-ish. However, next to some of the outfits Carrie actually wore on the show, I’m dressed quite conservatively. What do you think? Carrie or Miranda?

Working the Hourglass

Gray Sweater, De Rotchild (thrifted). Wine velvet dress, New York & Company. Wide black belt, Xhilaration. Black herringbone leggings, Forever 21, over black tights, Danskin. Black, round-toe slingbacks, Audrey Brooke. Silver hoops with jet beads, Liz Clairborne.

I have a triangular body shape – narrow upper body and wide hips (“birthing hips”). I’ve always hated my body shape and longed to be an hourglass instead. Well, thanks to all the folks at Wardrobe Remix, I’ve learned to fake an hourglass with blousy tops and a cinched waist. I feel like Elizabeth Taylor!

I suppose I should also thank Charlotte Russe for teaching me how to handle the excess length on this sort of belt. Last time I wore it, I used my work ID to clip the leftover length to my waist. Then, at Charlotte Russe, I saw a similar belt cinched around a dummy’s waist. The dresser had pulled the excess back through the buckle to make a faux bow. Chic!


(Did everyone but me already know this trick?)

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!