Nonfunctional

Let’s be honest: this jacket is a joke. It did nothing to keep me warm in freezing temps, walking around midtown. But it’s really cute, right? And I managed to zip it up. Well, zip it up to my boobs. I relied on this vintage fur from Beefy’s aunt to keep the upper half covered.


Jacket, Xhilaration (thrifted). Sweater, Express (consignment). Skirt, Hauber Sporting Life (thrifted). Tights, Target (I think). Booties, Blondo.

Working Holiday Casual

At this point, I only own two pairs of non-legging, non-denim pants. They are both silk and military inspired. That doesn’t leave me much to choose from when I need to wear pants (to work an event), but need to look dressed up. As I expect to be working more events this season, I ordered black trousers. In the meantime, I formalized olive cargo pants as well as I could to photograph guests at a holiday party.


Sweater, Charlotte Russe. Pants, Lauren Ralph Lauren. Boots, Steve Madden. Necklace, Banana Republic (gift).


I ended up crawling around on the carpet, so pants were a good call. And the flat boots were also a wise choice for 4+ hours on my feet. Jackson (and many of the guests) liked my leopard boots:

On Trial: Rugby Ralph Lauren Dress

It’s been years since I asked your opinion on whether or not I should keep an item of clothing. I’ve been pretty reckless with the donations. I need some help deciding on this dress, though.


Jacket, Mossimo. Dress, Rugby Ralph Lauren (consignment). Tights, We Love Colors. Booties, Blondo. Sunglasses, Earthbound Trading Co. Bag, Steve Madden. Gloves, gift.


I’d simply cull it if I weren’t planning on doing some teaching and professional speaking. It’s one of the few conservative dresses in my closet.

Pros:
warm, modest, well made, tailored, a-line shape, tweed

Cons:
bulky, unflattering(?), drab, frumpy

What do you think? Here’s how I’ve worn it:

Unsuitable

The last time I wore a suit, a bought-as-a-set suit, I was mistaken for a member of the hotel staff. It was my first sales conference and, although we dressed business casual at the office, I thought it would make a good impression to wear a suit to the event. Instead, I was asked to fetch more dressing for the buffet line, directions to the restrooms, and to please turn down the air conditioning in the ballroom. I haven’t worn one since.

Tonight, I was advised to wear a suit to deliver a speech and I responded with the un-suit. The skirt is black, but the jacket is navy, with black leather trim. My blouse is silk, but leopard print. It’s got a tough girl vibe with the chunky necklace and boots. But I still give you directions to the restroom, if you ask nicely.


Jacket, James Jeans. Blouse, FY2 (thrifted). Skirt, Mossimo. Boots, Lauren Ralph Lauren. Necklace, Banana Republic (gift).


Here’s how the un-suit compares to that infamous suit:

Novocain

I have terrible teeth. I can blame genetics or well water or poor flossing habits, but no excuse can rid me of a mouthful of fillings. I see the dentist often and it’s never fun. She treated me to Novocain and a little drilling, today. There is not much smiling in these pics because I still couldn’t move or feel my upper right lip. It sucks, but all I can do is laugh at myself (and floss better).


Jacket, Chaps. Skirt, Outlander (thrifted and gifted). Boots, Steve Madden. Sunglasses, Target. Bag, Nordstrom Rack.



My Novocain smile:


P.S. I did a really good job of putting lipstick on numb lips.

Conference of the Fall

Beefy competed in two contests at this weekend’s District 39 Toastmasters conference. I’m very proud to say he placed third in the humorous speech competition with his speech, Sitcom Husband. (Beefy is a funny guy!) Competition is fierce at the district level as these speakers have already won club, area, and division contests.


Dress, Ella Moss. Dress worn as a slip, Parker (consignment). Boots, Lauren Ralph Lauren. Sunglasses, Earthbound Trading Co. Earrings, self-made. Bag, Aldo.

I’m wearing my leopard Parker dress as a slip underneath the sheer, floral Ella Moss dress. I thought it might look a little weird, but the colors and patterns played nicely together.



Beefy after his big win! (I changed into cocktail attire for the evening competition.)

Lucky Cat

How do you make one outfit work for both a military promotion ceremony and a Halloween-themed speech competition? Black, leopard, and optional cat ears.


Jacket, Xhilaration (thrifted). Dress, Express. Shirt, FY2 (thrifted). Tights, Me Moi. Boots, Lauren Ralph Lauren. Necklace, thrifted. Bag, Nordstrom Rack.



The two events:


My friend’s promotion speech


Beefy won BOTH portions of the Toastmasters Division contest: Evaluation and Humorous Speech!