Kimono Me

When I was stationed in Japan, I collected furniture and china, but I wish I had thought to buy a kimono or two. Instead, I have this kimono-like jacket that I thrifted in Cincinnati.


Jacket, thrifted. Tee, Mossimo. Skirt, Ann Taylor (thrifted). Shoes, Seychelles. Sunglasses, Charming Charlie. Earrings, flea market. Bag, Aldo.


I did wear a kimono once: posing for a portrait with my mom during her visit to Okinawa.

Orange Blossom

It’s my favorite time of year! The orange trees are in bloom! They flowers aren’t showy and the pollen triggers severe allergies, but I think the scent is just heavenly.


Shirt, Forever 21. Dress, Adrianna Papell (consignment). Shoes, J Crew. Earrings, flea market. Sunglasses, Target. Bag, Aldo.


The bees like orange blossoms, too.

Colette

I think Colette is my friend I most wish I could be like. She has alabaster skin and the softest, dark curls. She sings like an angel and acts like a demon. Seriously, her talent is scary. She was an amazing Mercutio and Abigail Williams and Maggie the Cat. She follows all the zeitgeist comedians and knows all the obscure, British comedies. She is kind and thoughtful and artistic and delightfully quirky. I couldn’t believe it when she wanted to be my friend and I miss her now that we are over 2,000 miles apart.


Jacket, Xhilaration (thrifted). Dress, Banana Republic (consignment). Tights, gift from Colette. Boots, Lauren Ralph Lauren. Earrings, Jack E Oh NYC.


These tights were a gift from Colette and I think of her when I wear them. I also love this custom postcard she made for me combining Logan’s Run, fashion, and a motorcycle.


I miss you, Colette!

Plus Ca Change

My first blog was a home and garden blog (emphasis on the “garden”). Newly transitioned to civilian life, living in a town where I knew no one, married to a man in law school, I spent all my free time digging in the yard, browsing nurseries or leafing through garden books. Eventually, I moved on to other hobbies: theatre, running, swimming, and socializing. Now, I have a whole new set of activities (but I still run and swim).

Wearing older pieces, like this blazer from the beginning of my style blog, prompts me to stop and reflect on how our lives change over the years (and how much I LOVE change).


Jacket, The Limited. Tee, American Apparel. Skirt, Victoria’s Secret. Pumps, Nine West. Sunglasses, Target. Earrings, Super Silver.

This tee is a souvenir from my second half marathon.


Hairstyes, like hobbies, change:


But I still like an animal print pencil skirt!
I haven’t totally abandoned gardening. I planted nasturtium along our walk and I support local farms with my bi-weekly box of organic produce. (You wouldn’t believe the volume of vegetables I consume! Sometimes, it feels like feeding an elephant.)

BFJ and CGB

Boyfriend jeans and cowgirl boots are perfect for a springy, sunny Saturday.


Tee, Ann Taylor Loft (thrifted). Jacket, Chap’s. Jeans, Old Navy. Boots, Ariat. Sunglasses and earrings, Charming Charlie. Belt, thrifted. Bag, Aldo.


After getting my spring haircut, I took my pictures in the lane nicknamed “rape alley” by the stylists at the salon. I wouldn’t want to hang around this alley at night, but it’s pretty quiet during the day. Besides the seclusion, my favorite feature of the alley is it’s proximity to the SMUD power station. It’s quite picturesque!

BoBu

Bohemian Bunnie inspired me to pair my favorite floral skirt with my new hat.


Jacket, London Jean. Tank, Old Navy. Skirt, Carole Little (thrifted). Boots, Vince Camuto (consignment). Hat, Free Press. Sunglasses, Target. Earrings, Francesca’s Closet.


I’ve been throwing the “boho” word around a lot on this blog lately, so let’s talk another “b” word: “ball.” Jasper is so ball obsessive that we have to hide them in the freezer or he will NEVER GIVE UP on a game of fetch. (The freezer is the only place he can’t sniff out the ball and then scratch and whine at the hiding place.) At the risk of creating another ball monster, we’ve been actively working to interest Jackson in the ball. (Because he needs a hobby besides eating and barking for attention.) He’s not do or die, like Jasper, but he’s finally interested in a bouncy, short toss and sometimes even brings the ball back.

Hot and Cold

It’s that awkward time of year when jackets are required for morning and evening, but are a sweaty nightmare in the afternoon. What’s a girl to do when her outfit is dependent on the jacket to add the finishing touch? (Sweat through her silk, that’s what.)


Jacket, INC (consignment). Dress, Equipment. Tights, Me Moi. Boots, Audrey Brooke (consignment). Earrings, street fair. Bag, Steve Madden.


No matter how warm it gets, there are some things I still like hot: morning coffee, green tea lattes (at any time of day), and soup.

Haute Hippie

I’m still trying to make “business boho” happen. My formula is to take a regular (for me) office outfit and add at least one bohemian element. Today I added two: a fringed scarf and an ethnic bag.


Shirt, Forever 21. Dress, Diane von Furstenberg (consignment). Boots, Lauren Ralph Lauren. Earrings, Cuffs. Scarf, TJ Maxx. Bag, SheBoBo.

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I think it worked, because when I walked into The Hippie Hole (ok, it’s really called Garden of Enchantment), one of the staff members complimented my outfit.


Lest you think I’m dismissive of hippies, I’m secretly becoming one by layering patchouli oil under my office-appropriate perfumes.

Old School Cool

Is there anything more old school cool than a black leather jacket?


Jacket, BCBG Max Azria (consignment). Tee, Loft (thrifted). Skirt, Madewell. Tights, Target. Shoes, Chelsea Crew. Sunglasses and earrings, Charming Charlie. Bag, Aldo.


I feel like I should be driving an old-timey hotrod, not a 2015 Chevy Impala.