Cave Dress

Jacket, Bold Spirit. Dress, Georgio Fiorlani (thrifted). Shoes, Converse. Bag, Nine West. Necklace, Urban Outfitters.

Angie recently urged us all to try the casual day dress. I couldn’t agree with her more. In the summer, I find nothing as comfortable as an A-line dress. I even wore a day dress to tour caves today. I wore the dress with sandals for the car trip and swapped out the shoes and added a light jacket for the caves.




I took tons of photos on the trip. The low light conditions in the caves were challenging. This is the best photo of the trip, taken in Squire Boone Caverns::

Marengo Cave

Blouse, Charlotte Russe. Tank, No Boundaries. Shorts, Old Navy. Wedges, Montego Bay Club (I’m so sad they are falling apart!) Necklace, Urban Outfitters. Sunnies, free from the USMC uniform shop on Camp Foster.

We’re going on our first vacation in a year and a half! Mike and I both love caves, so we’re visiting the caves in Southern Indiana. We are also celebrating our fourth anniversary. We spent a few courting trips visiting the Gyokosendo Cave in Okinawa and saw Jewel Cave (South Dakota) on our honeymoon. Caving on our anniversary is only fitting. To be clear, we are not spelunkers. We’re of the guided tour variety, with the exception of a harrowing, unguided excursion through the Ape Cave with small children.



This pose is for the ladies on the Makeup Alley Fashion Board complaining about my pigeon toe/jgirl poses. When I started this blog, most of my poses were in fourth position, with proper turnout. I quickly bored of the same old pose and started mixing it up by imitating some of the positions I saw on Wardrobe Remix, including a few pigeon toed stances. While I don’t normally stand (or walk or run) with my toes pointed in, it does have a few advantages in photos:
1. It shows off your shoes.
2. It creates interesting leg lines.
3. The position looks more casual, less studied.
4. Some people say it makes one’s thighs look smaller.
There has also been a discussion on turned in toes on Wardrobe Remix.

La Vie Boheme

Blouse, Jovovich Hawk for Target. Vest, Old Navy. Strapless dress, Newport News. Peeptoe pumps, Wet Seal. Bag, thrifted. Earrings, Panagea.

I got one shot before my camera died. I’ll admit, in the past, I’ve hung out in my work outfit, waiting for the battery to charge enough to try a few more shots. This time, I was hot and ready to change. Yes, I'm missing the top of my head...but who needs it?

I used to be a neo-hippie. I wore Birkenstocks and patchouli oil and eschewed hair removal and meat. Now, I’m borderline HM (High Maintenance). An outfit like this reminds me of my more bohemian days (except for the shoes).

To Match a Purse - Revisited

Sweater, Mossimo. Sheer blouse, handbag, and rose ring, Forever 21. Skirt, Moda International. Floral ankle-strap pumps, Miss Me. Brooch and charm necklace, thrifted. Eastern Song necklace, Enve Designs.





Last week, I dressed to match this purse. I thought I’d try it again, but with a bit more subtlety. The colors aren’t an exact match, and the florals clash a bit, but it seems to work. What do you think? Better outfit this time or no?

The second necklace is from Enve Designs. If you purchase something (I’ve been drooling over the Wicked necklace in the Modern section), you can get 15% off by mentioning this blog in the “add message to seller” box. (The owner tells me that the 15% is refunded after you pay.)

Step Right Up

Striped blazer, Forever 21 (via swap). Tank, Merona. Skirt, Eddie Rodriguez. Peeptoes, Bitten. Flower corsage, Newport News. Paillette bracelet (actually a necklace), Body Central. Watch, Raymond Weil. Sunnies, Walgreen’s. Bag, Tommy Hilfiger.

There is something about narrow stripes on a white background that says “carnival barker,” no matter what you do.

Step right up, Ladies and Gentlemen! See the freakishly self-obsessed woman who photographs herself Every Single Day! Sit back and enjoy as she poses for photo after photo. Be amazed at the depths of her Egomania! Watch as she abandons Family, Friends, Career, and Duty to Her Country in favor of the False God of Fashion.

Enough of that nonsense. Let’s get down to the details.

I’m pleased that false flower corsages are making a comeback.
There is something wonderfully girly and whimsical about them.


I was inspired by the latest In Style magazine to wrap one of my necklaces around my wrist as a bracelet.
I like the way it adds a bit more visual impact to my small watch.

New Palette

Wrap dress, Merona. Slip (orange lace visible at neckline), thrifted. Belt, Luxury Divas (via amazon). Slingbacks, Gianni Bini. Bracelet, NY & Co. Bag, Tommy Hilfiger. Sunnies, George. Earrings, H&M (via swap).

I’m bringing back this navy bag for the next two days. I need to haul my laptop and other assorted items in style for a 2-day work event. That also means both outfits need to be navy-friendly.

Today’s palette is navy, white, and orange. I hear that this combo is “in.”

I’m still sick, hence, the sunnies to hide my puffy eyes. I see the doctor on Wednesday, following the event.

Ketchup and Mustard

LBD, London Times. Belt, Xhilaration. Pumps, Victoria Spenser. Bag, Vieta.



I got this bag at the new Designer Handbags kiosk at the Newport Levee. I think it’s supposed to be a knockoff of a designer purse, but I wouldn’t know because I don’t follow “it” bag trends. I was attracted to the bold stripes, fun toggle closure, and luxuriously soft material. (It looks like some sort of lizard but is probably PVC.) I’ve taken “Zebra purse” off my wish list as I like this bag better than any zebra print I’ve seen.

One of my favorite ways to accent black and white is with two brights. I’ve used red and yellow before, and thought I’d give it a whirl again.



(I’ve been sick since last Tuesday, so please excuse the puffy eyes!)

Tuggy

Sheer printed blouse, Mossimo (borrowed from Londyn). Knit tank, Express. Skirt, Side X Side (thrifted and altered). Peeptoe slingbacks, BCBGirls. Opal and silver earrings, Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, WA. Tote, Tommy Hilfiger.


Hurrah for more pattern mixing! (And Londyn’s AWESOME shirt. I want to steal it.)

I bought this bag a few weeks ago to carry my laptop around on the weekend. It also works for the office, on days I don’t need to bring my usual big black bag. I think Angie would approve of this fab flat tote.

I’ve now worn this skirt six times:

How have you liked this skirt best?
	Opposites Attract
	The Real Slim Shady
	I Waited for This
	Navy and Coral
	Squaredance Skirt
	Tuggy
pollcode.com free polls

Bumblebee

Jacket, Heart Moon Stars. Satin cami, borrowed from Londyn. Lace edged cami (beneath the satin cami) NY & Co. Pinstriped pants, Forever 21. Brooch, Burlington Coat Factory. Headband, Bitten. Clutch, Express. Pumps, Bandolino. Watch, Gucci.



I’m bringing home a baby bumble bee.
Won’t my momma be so proud of me?

One of my sisters (nicknamed “Buggy”) used to pet bumblebees. I was never brave enough to follow suit.

Yellow and black always reminds me of bees. My worst “bee” experience happened on a trip to Ecuador. I was hiking through the steamy jungle, eating Jolly Ranchers. I reached into my pocket for another candy and was stung by a wasp attracted to the sticky sweetness. Since then, I’ve been wary of keeping sweets in my pockets.

To Match a Purse

Jacket, London Jean. Silk cami, Deep by Los Angeles. Trousers, Moda International. Slingbacks, Gianni Bini (permanently borrowed from Londyn!) Bracelet, Xhilaration. Cameo earrings, thrifted. Necklace, Urban Outfitters. Purse, Forever 21.




I occasionally get questions from readers on where I get my inspiration. Obviously, magazines (Lucky and In Style) are big sources as are other style blogs (see my blogroll on the right) and Wardrobe Remix. Sometimes, I play a little game with my wardrobe for inspiration. I pick an item that I love but feel is currently underutilized, and then plan an outfit around it. Today’s inspiration was this purse from Forever 21.

I really like the way this outfit turned out. The three brights (orange, yellow, and green) would seem excessive against a purely neutral outfit. However, against a backdrop of rose and brown, the brights lose some of their flash. Some people will no doubt disagree, but I think the ensemble looks good even without the bag to tie it all together.



I had to show you that the blooming trumpet vine matches too!

Belly Bulge

Cardigan, Moda International. Silk cami (visible at neckline), Mossimo. Floral dress, Body Central (borrowed from Londyn). Leaf necklace, Urban Outfitters. Fake croc bag, Wilson’s Leather. Slingbacks, Audrey Brooke.



This is another dress that looks better on Londyn than me. While I adore empire waists, the waistband has to hit in just the right place or one looks pregnant. On my shorter torso, the smocking extends a bit too low and gives me a belly bulge.

Wild

Zebra print dress, Faith Passion (borrowed from Londyn). Blouse, Worthington. Peeptoe platforms, Wild Diva. Purse, Crown Lewis (vintage). Earrings, World Market (old detail shot available here.)

It’s Londyn week! Every weekday, I’ll be wearing something I borrowed from Londyn (or something she outright gave me). This is one of her newer dresses, so I’m grateful she let me steal it for a week. I’ll be honest, though, it looks much better on her than me. I’m eternally jealous of her taller frame and long torso.

Passion for the 'Nati Fashion

LBD, London Times. Zebra pumps, Delicious. Clutch, Apt 9.

Londyn and I went to the Passion for the ‘Nati Fashion event. I’ve never been to a fashion show, so I didn’t know what to expect. It was surprising. First, there were tons of guys there. It turned out that most were either (1) models or (2) models’ significant others, but the nearly 1:1 ratio still caught me off guard. The event was listed from 6 – 9 p.m., so Londyn and I were prepared for three hours of runway. Instead, we were kept waiting for almost 90 minutes and then treated to a 10 minute show. Prior to the show (and during?) the DJ presumably made announcements about the designers and where to purchase, but it was unintelligible. Looking at the entry on Cincy Update, the “designers” listed are Karisma Klothing, Metronation, Nati Involvement, Demin, Bolero, and Mustard Seed. (I put “designers” in quotation marks because Mustard Seed is a resale shop, not a designer. I suspect some of the other names are also boutiques of some sort.) There was a surplus of casual ensembles (i.e. jeans and t-shirts) on the catwalk, but a few presentations made Londyn and I sit up and take notice. I didn’t get photos, but perhaps some will be posted to the event listing at a later date.

I was absolutely intimidated by the thought of dressing for a fashion show. (Honestly, the reason I haven’t seen the Sex in the City movie is because I am afraid I’ll be underdressed, overdressed, or too kookily dressed compared to the other theater goers. I’m shy at heart.) I totally envied Londyn’s story of casually and quickly putting together her outfit. After much thought, I played it safe with a black dress and added flashy shoes and a bright bag.



I’m no hair guru, but this mussed curl look has served me well at events and on stage and even to work (when I’ve got the time!). First, I scrunch my damp hair and let it air dry into its natural waves. (If it’s just washed, I apply a hydrating cream and wave spray first.) Then, with a small, hot iron, I randomly curl pieces throughout, careful to alternate the direction of the roll. I mentally divide my hair into three layers, top, middle, and bottom, and curl bits in each layer. (I LOVE the look of a sleek, fat curl coyly peeking from underneath straighter pieces.) I refrain from combing or even touching the curls; I prefer them to stay in their pretty spiral form. I don’t use any mousse, gel, or hairspray. I have easy to curl hair, so it isn’t necessary, and I like the way the ‘do looks after the curls relax a bit.

The Happening

Dress, Candie’s (borrowed from Londyn). Jacket, London Jean. Cowboy boots, Playhouse.

We went to see The Happening tonight. I really enjoyed it – but I’m enthralled by anything the least bit apocalyptic. I especially liked the ominous ending. I took this picture before the movie. Post-show, it’s a little creepy; if the Happening were happening as I took the photo, I wouldn’t be around to write this.

The following pictures have nothing to do with The Happening. I just “happened” to be in a funny mood and the wacky poses show off the dress and boots nicely.