Little Linen Shorts

I thought a long sleeved top would compensate for ittty bitty shorts and four-inch wedges. Not so. Not so.


Shirt, Okinawa, Japan. Shorts and hat, Charlotte Russe. Shoes, Lela Rose for Payless. Jewelry, vintage and/or thrifted. Sunglasses, Walgreen’s.

Next time: flats.



Photos by Beefy Muchacho the Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 35 mm 1:1.8G lens

June Purchases

Well, so much for buying nothing in June (to save for my August cowboy boots*).

Macy’s
On the morning of The Little Black Dress Event, I got to work, pulled my leopard heels out of my bag, and discovered that they’d suffered a cosmetic injury during my commute. The flocking on the top of the right toe had been scraped away, leaving an ugly blemish. I wouldn’t be home to grab different shoes before the event and was unwilling to wear the marred pumps, so I scooted down to Macy’s.

There, I told the sales associate that I was looking for a closed-toe shoe in nude, turquoise, or coral. She brought me this pair (the very last pair in the store, in my size, and on sale!):

1. BCBGeneration Pimone in Parrot and Honey Brown, $50.68


I LOVE these shoes. I’ve been looking for a pair of turquoise shoes to replace my plastic Wild Diva** pair for a few years. These fit the bill and were comfortable enough for a night of standing, even on their first wearing.

Charming Charlie
It isn’t often that the Muchacho will consent to take me to Charming Charlie. While we were at the Crestview Hills Town Center for dinner, he agreed to 20 minutes in the store.

2. Tribal striped fedora, $14.97
3. Coral crossbody handbag, $34.97
4. Beaded “Moccasin” bangle, $12.97


As you can see, my coral/orange obsession continues.

June total: $113.59

Total spending for the year: $696.46

*I’m looking for a boot with a turquoise accents. Right now, I’m coveting the Ariat Chocolate Presidio Cowgirl Boot.
**Those Wild Diva shoes were so evil: plastic, stiff, and a hair too small. But the color couldn’t be beat. Until now.

Knotted Shirttails

A year ago, I started knotting the front tails of my button-front shirts. It seemed like the perfect solution to the tuck or not-to-tuck conundrum and also highlighted my waist. I was a bit shy about the look at first (was it too casual? could you see too much flesh?), but now I couldn’t imagine many of my looks without the knotted shirt.


It is a casual look, best suited to evenings and weekends. When I do wear a knotted shirt to the office, I ensure no skin is visible at the waistline and that my outfit has no other casual elements.

Angie recently asked her readers what they thought of the knotted shirttail trend. Many were not a fan of the look, objecting to the reveal of skin, the bulk of the knot, or the unsuitability of the style for an apple shaped body or short torso. (I have a short torso, myself, but a slim upper half, so it isn't usually an issue.)

Do you like this look on yourself or others?

Acorn

We’ll be back at The Acorn Theater on Sunday to see Over the Rhine. For now, it was a place to buy Beerhive Tripel Ale and Heavy Seas Siren Noire.


Shirt, Old Navy. Dress, Roundy Bay. Shoes, Lela Rose for Payless. Jewelry, vintage, gift, and/or thrifted. Bag, vintage.


Photos by Beefy Muchacho the Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 35 mm 1:1.8G lens

Go To Updos

I often wear my hair up. In the summer, it’s the simplest solution to humidity hair. In the winter, pulling it back diminishes some of the visual weight I gain from layering (and cookies). My updo arsenal is composed of twists, braids, buns, and ponytails.

Twists

I use my lazy girl’s updo technique for a sleek French twist.


Braids

My simplest braided ‘do is a single French braid with the ends tucked under. Sometimes, I accessorize with a scarf.


If I want to get fancier, I French braid two pigtails and hide the ends.


I have two variations on the side braid: the French side braid and the Katniss side braid.


Recently, I tried milk maid braids. Because my hair isn’t very long, I start the braid above each ear.


Buns

Using my not-so-messy bun technique, I place a big, fluffy bun on the top of my head.


Or I’ll use a bun form inside a bun just behind my right ear.



Ponytails

Everyone does a ponytail, but it’s sassier if it’s pulled to the side.


Sometimes I feel bad about so seldom wearing my hair down. If I’m going to pull it up all the time, why not cut it off? Two reasons: Beefy likes it long and I have fun styling updos.

What are you favorite ways to pull up medium to long hair?

Three Years Different

This morning, I suspected that I may have already worn this blouse and skirt together, but I didn’t confirm it until evening.

Three years ago, I paired this polka dot blouse and micro-striped skirt. Rather than be annoyed at my lack of creativity (and faulty memory), I’d rather be amazed that both items have lasted this long!


Blouse and belt, Forever 21. Skirt, GJ Forbes (thrifted and shortened). Shoes, Nine West. Necklace, vintage. Brooch, family heirloom. Bag, Charming Charlie. Bracelets, Body Central, Tala’s Distant Treasures, and vintage.




Today and three years ago!


Not only do I still have the blouse and skirt, but I have every other element of that 2009 outfit too, except the purse. It didn’t wear out. . . I donated it because it was too difficult to open/close/find things inside.

Ventilator

This is going to sound odd…I wish it had been a hotter and more humid day. I feel like I sort of wasted such a cool and comfortable outfit on a pleasant day that barely broke 80 degrees. I guess I’ll have to put this sheer dress and silk shirt combo on repeat this summer. I call it, "The Ventilator."


Shirt, FY2 (thrifted). Dress, swap. Shoes, Gianni Bini. Necklace, Zad. Bracelets, thrift, Garden of the Gods gift shop, and Mixit. Bag, Target.