BB&B: Military No More

Black lace shirt, Newport News. Black shrug, INC. Pink tank, Banana Republic (thrifted). Green skirt, from my USMC service uniform (with lace trim added by me). Green belt with leaf closure, H&M. Black pumps, Bandolino.

I know my white legs are a little jarring in this photo. I was wearing some really neat black, openwork tights, but I snagged them on my stiletto heel. (Because I am apparently SO graceful that I step on my own feet.)

Today’s outfit was sort of a combination of two past outfits:


I think I’ve thoroughly demilitarized this skirt. When I tell people this used to be a Marine Corps uniform skirt, they are always surprised. It looks decidedly un-military-like paired with a hot pink tank and black lace.

And I’m sorry that I’m making such awkward faces today. It’s like some sort of disease. Even when I look away, it’s semi-deformed. I had a full day planned, so no time to mug to the camera all morning.

BB&B: Bright Yellow Belt

Sheer blue shirt and cream bracelet, Forever 21. Yellow belt, Xhilaration. Khaki strapless dress, Newport News. Khaki and cream peep-toe pumps, Mossimo. Nude fishnets, Vera by Vera Wang.

Today’s outfit was inspired by Cheri’s suggestion that I pair my yellow belt with a bright blue shirt. This shirt isn’t “bright” blue, but her idea got me going.

I’m still getting tons of mileage out of this $15 khaki dress!

BB&B: Spring

Yellow sweater, Moda International. Orange tee, Merona. Black belt, Steve Madden. Khaki skirt, Talbot’s (thrifted). Turquoise peep-toe pumps, Wild Diva. Scarf, Xhilaration.

It was a beautiful spring day today. Perfect for peep toe shoes and long, lunchtime runs (but not in said shoes). I ran eight miles and crossed the Ohio river eight times. I’m ready to double that mileage on Sat.

Aside from the run, I worked an 11-hour day today and missed the evening light. I’m afraid it will be indoor photos for the rest of the week. I won’t see my house in the daylight until Saturday.

A goofy photo, because I’m a goofball:

BB&B: Bright Green Blouse

Lime, silk blend cardigan, Moda International. Green ruffled shirt, Forever 21. Wine velvet dress, NY & Co (shortened). Brown floral tights, Merona. Brown boots, Nine West. Woven leather belt, Wilson’s Leather. Brown velvet purse, Lewis (vintage). Green pucci-esque scarf (tied to bag handle).

Today’s “big belt” isn’t so big, but it is a respectable 1.5” wide. And today’s “bright” (the green shirt) isn’t so bright, but I think that is mostly situational. It’s a true, primary green, but muted by the sheer fabric and the pairing with burgundy, lime green, and brown. I promise: your eyes will bleed tomorrow.

This is a vintage purse by Crown Lewis. I feel so ladylike carrying it.

BB&B: Big Red Belt

Trench dress, Forever 21 (overdyed by me). Plaid jumper, Worthington (vintage swap). Gray tights, Merona. Red belt, Xhilaration. Gray slouchy boots, Worthington. Gold droplet earrings, thrifted. Red patent headband.

I have a lot to say today.

First, this week’s theme is Big Belts and Brights. Some days, like today, the belt itself will be bright. On one day I’ll wear more than one bright color together. Tomorrow, I’ll show you how a single bright can be toned down. And every day, I’ll wear a big belt.

Second, this is the first time I’ve layered dresses. This Forever 21 dress reminds me of a trench coat, with the breast flaps and patch pockets and buttons, so I thought I’d wear it as an indoor coat, over this oddly fitting jumper. I’m not sure I’d layer dresses again (because of the bulk), but it is an interesting experiment.

Third, I dyed this dress! I asked you all what color I should dye it back in January. The khaki shade just wasn’t working for me. Although the majority (32%) voted for cranberry red, I decided on midnight blue (22%) because I so love to accessorize this dress with my big red belt. I used the same dye combination I use on my denim (one package each of indigo and black dye). I love how it turned out and really like the new contrast between the khaki buttons and stitching and the dark blue dress.


Before and after dye.
Fourth, I was inspired by a picture on a street fashion website to try braiding my bangs back. I haven’t cut them since November and they are getting a bit out of control. I’m debating whether I want to try a longer bang style or cut them again. In the meantime, I thought I'd try fringeless existence. I feel like it ages me a little (because you can see all my forehead wrinkles). I also feel like my face is freaking huge without the curtain of hair.

Last, Happy Daylight Savings! Yes, I was a total goober and did not reset my alarm clock and woke up an hour late this morning. I hate the way it feels to get up an hour earlier than normal. Now I get to save that special feeling it for tomorrow. On a positive note though, I will now get home early enough to take my pictures out of doors, in the daylight! That means that my readers will have to wait until the day AFTER to see the photos of “what I wore today,” but they will be of a higher quality. Of course, I didn’t think of this until after I’d taken today’s photos, so the new schedule doesn’t take effect until tomorrow. Check back on Wednesday for Tuesday’s outfit.