Gray Friday

Turquoise cardi, Gap. Gray tee, Bitten. Rust skirt, Eddie Rodriguez. Gray tights, Merona. Gray boots, White Mountain. Amber necklace, Ali’s Boutique. Brown belt, thrifted.

So….did you notice that there was a theme this week? It was GRAY week. I don’t blame you if you didn’t notice. Gray week is kind of a lame theme. It’s sort of like a black or brown theme – basic colors that I’d wear anyway. It did help me get through Fashion Show on Sunday evening, though.


I’m not afraid of mixing black and navy or black and brown, but I’ve had trouble overcoming my aversion to mixing gray and brown. It looks great in magazines and on the Wardrobe Remix girls. I think I like it on me too. I’m slowly experimenting. (I daringly mixed my gray boots with a brown purse when I visited the dentist last month.)



Oh - and this outfit was inspired by the February issue of InStyle (Fashion 101 - Belts: new ways to cinch the look).

Yay, Orange!

Black mini-poncho, INC. Orange sweater vest, Cherokee. Black sweater, Merona/Mossimo/M-something. Gray skirt, Eddie Bauer. Gray tights, Merona. Orange slingbacks, Gianni Bini. Orange brooch, thrifted.

Yay, orange! I love orange. I don’t care that redheads aren’t supposed to wear orange (or red or pink).

I closed all the doors in the hallway for this shot – trapping Zoro in the basement. Monty then wanted to play “paws” under the door. Here is my orange cat, in the orange hallway, with my orange-accented outfit.

Dark

Gray boobcoat, Forever 21. Black, long-sleeved tee, Merona. Sheer black tank, Merona. Black skirt, from my USMC dress blues uniform. Black fishnet tights, Danskin. Black pumps, Bandolino.

I know you’re shocked to see I’m wearing another colorless outfit. I’ll bring some color back tomorrow (orange!)

I love this sheer tank. It’s a funky basic. Funky because of the sheer material and full, A-line shape. Basic due to the color and relative lack of embellishment. Below, are some other ways I’ve worn it. (This isn’t every outfit with the tank…there were too many!)

(click to enlarge)

All Gray

Gray satin blouse, Forever 21. Gray skirt, Body by Victoria. Gray fishnet tights, Merona. Black patent maryjanes, Xhilaration.

Look Ma, no color! (At least, no color in my outfit.)

I match the skies today. It’s gray and cloudy. Wet and warm. I added my red Bebe coat and my roses umbrella for color and protection outside.















On a completely unrelated note…I want to let local folks know about Cinderella’s Closet in northern Kentucky. They are now accepting donations of new and gently used formal dresses to be given to financially disadvantaged girls to wear to prom. I’m taking my bridesmaid dress from my sister’s wedding, last June.

Weatherbee

Cream jacquard coat, Weatherbee (vintage).

I managed to grab a photo of this vintage coat before we completely lost daylight. It’s made of a cream jacquard, by the Weatherbee company. I’m guessing it’s from the 60’s. Except for a little yellowing along the edges of the shoulders and collar (where dust settled while in storage) and too long lining in the back, it’s in excellent condition.









Bear decided to show you his face (instead of his butt) this time.

Feb Fifties

Gray cardigan, Wet Seal. Pink, cowl-neck tank, NY & Co. Black, pin-striped pants and ivory resin bracelet, Forever 21. Black pumps, Bandolino. Necklace, thrifted.

Wow. It’s February and it’s in the 50’s. Let us all rejoice.

This outfit demonstrates the vagaries of women’s sizing. The sweater is size Large, the tank, Extra Small, and the pants, Medium. Granted, some of the discrepancies are due to juniors vs. misses branding, but it’s still annoying.

Today’s photograph was brought to you by my new REMOTE CONTROL. I’m very excited for the freedom this will bring me to photograph myself with different backgrounds. In the past, I had to find an object on which I could focus the camera, set the timer, and then I’d jump in the frame next to the object. (Inside, this is usually a wall, and outside, the deck railings.) Still, the focus was never perfect and the exposure was sometimes difficult. Now I’m tack sharp – not that you really notice in these little photos.

I’m going to give the remote control a workout later today. I ran out the door this morning before I got to take a picture of my new vintage coat. The indoor lighting wouldn’t have properly highlighted the cream jacquard anyway. I plan to take some al fresco pictures of it this evening, using the remote. Gotta love 50 degree weather in February!

(This picture also brought to you by remote control – although I was usually able to reach the self timer while remaining in the frame for my detail shots)

Red

Red sweater dress/tunic, Forever 21. Dark denim, Express. Tartan clutch, gifted. Tartan shoes, Wet Seal. Amber necklace, Ali’s Boutique.

Yes, the tartan shoes and clutch is a little matchy matchy much. I have no restraint.

The plan was to pre-game at Julie’s place and then go out. I got as far as Julie’s place and then drank enough Lindemans Framboise Lambic to get sleepy. I’m getting so old.







Bear wanted to be in the pictures. Why is it, though, that he almost always turns his butt to the camera? Granted, it’s a cute, fluffy kitty butt, but still, eww.

Jeweled

Turquoise velvet jacket, NY & Co. Lace overlay tank, George. Green tweed skirt, Talbot’s. Nude fishnet tights, Vera by Vera Wang. Green patent pumps, Colin Stuart. Faux pearl and acrylic bead necklace, thrifted.

This blazer was $10, two years ago. What a steal, huh? I like the cut and I LOVE the color. Fashion Lady borrowed and totally rocked it this fall. She is fierce.

This is the second time I’ve paired a jewel-like blue-green with this skirt. You might think the two colors would clash, but they don’t. At least, not in a bad way.

Pink is My Color

Brown jacquard jacket, Apt 9. White blouse, Worthington. Pink sweater vest, Express. Brown and white skirt, Andre Oliver (thrifted). Brown tights. Brown boots, Nine West. Earrings, Xhilaration.

Hot pink is so my color. You’d think that I’d look best in blue or green but I get the compliments when I’m wearing fuchsia. And they’re the best kind of compliments – “You look pretty,” instead of “I like your outfit.” Because, while inventive outfits are fun, some times I prefer looking attractive over original.

I thrifted this skirt last summer with Julie and Abby (she’s going to kill me for that picture). My friends rightfully pointed out that the skirt’s poofy style makes my hips look wide. I don’t mind. The volume camouflages any poochiness and makes me look like I’ve got a great big ass.

Although it’s not so bad from straight on:

Kasmira's Wearing SOMETHING

So…I heard through the grapevine that there MIGHT be this office in which MIGHT work three women (one named, perhaps, Erin?) who MIGHT look at my blog every day, discuss what I’m wearing, and be absolutely devastated when I don’t post. To those girls, I apologize. There is no photo today because I forgot my camera at work last night. (I currently take my photos at home, in the morning.) We have a strict no-camera policy at the office, so you’ll have to wait until tomorrow for today’s outfit.

But look on the bright side – you’ll get two photos tomorrow! And a very bad limerick today:

There once were two girls and Erin
At my blog they always were starin’
I didn’t bring my camera home
So I wrote them this poem
To tell Bernadette I’m wearin’ somethin’

Suddenly Subzero

Red sweater, thrifted. Tweedy waistcoat and apple watch pendant, Forever 21. Black skirt, from my USMC dress blues uniform. Gray, open-weave tights, Merona. Gray slouchy boots, White Mountain. Tweedy headband, NY & Co.

Yesterday, the temperatures were in the 50’s. This morning, it’s below zero with the windchill. I had to add fleece pants to my ensemble for the bus ride in. I am not looking forward to freezing my patootie off during my lunchtime run (5 miles today!)

I am so bored with my poses, so I thought I’d demonstrate my acting skillz for you. Here I am hoping that it won’t be too too cold outside.


And here I am just being crazy. See how well I do crazy? Must be why I’m often cast that way.

Navy Black Back

Navy and black jacket, Forever 21. Navy tank, Merona. Gray skirt, Eddie Bauer. Black fishnet tights, Danskin. Blank pumps, Bandolino. Yellow brooch, Accessorize. Gold watch, Raymond Weil. Gold bracelet, via swap. Navy beaded bracelet, Bitten.

I'm Back!

Sheer blue blouse and black vest, Forever 21. Black pants, Apt 9. Zebra pumps, Delicious. Silver flower pin, thrifted. Stainless steel watch, Gucci.

I had a crazy, money-spending weekend. I purchased my new camera (Nikon D40!) on Saturday morning. Then I went to a Silpada jewelry party and bought a big ol’ cocktail ring. Next, after martinis and appetizers at The Cheesecake Factory, my friend Julie watched as I rang up purchases at Sephora, Lush, and Forever 21. It was an expensive day.

Do you remember me coveting Fashion Lady’s sheer, blue, tie-neck blouse last spring? She bought it at New Look in London and I’ve been searching for one like it since last February. I went in to Forever 21 (to look at the accessories only, I swear!) and saw my holy grail of a blouse hanging there. The shade of blue isn’t as intense as Fashion Lady’s but the color and style is close enough! I also like the tuxedo ruffles, puffed sleeves, and the matching cami.

Done Broke

My Cannon Powershot A95 is dead. I think it’s just been dropped too many times. (Damn kitties knocking over the tripod!) Any suggestions for a new camera?

3 Piece Suit

Blazer, Breakin’ Loose. Pinstriped vest and pants, Forever 21. Pink blouse, Bebe. Black pumps, Bandolino. Pink rhinestone brooch, some department store.

I’ve got suits on the brain. Probably because I’m costuming Picasso at the Lapin Agile and I sorted through men’s suits on Sunday.

My camera is sick again. I’m not really happy with either of these photos, but they were all I could get before it started turning things purple and blurry. I hope it feels better tomorrow.

Presenting

Burgundy velvet jacket, Newport News. Black tank, Mossimo. Mini-herringbone skirt, Banana Republic. Tights, Hue (they are NAVY!). Black pumps, Bandolino. Necklace, thrifted. Purse, Apt 9.

I’m no longer wearing the tights. I got to work and realized that they are navy, not black. You cannot see the blue color in the photo because I worked some Photoshop magic on it.

I’m in a huge hurry because I’m presenting at 8 a.m.

Washington

Brown, cowl-neck vest, Worthington. Green, long-sleeved tee, Forever 21. Brown trumpet skirt, Newport News. Brown boots, Nine West. Silver mesh flower brooch, thrifted. Brown belt, thrifted.

Sorry – no comments today! Other than I miss my native Washington State and this outfit reminds me of the forest there.

Layered Friday

Black and white swing jacket, Apostrophe. Red sweater dress, Forever 21. Black sweater, Merona. Dark denim, Express. Black pumps, Bandolino. Silver hoop earrings, Nine West. Red purse, Target (via swap).

My Bear baby spent the night outside. (He refused to come inside with the other kitties for tuna-time.) I let him in this morning and he wanted to snuggle all through my photo session. I gave in a little. Bear is one of those rare cats that actually enjoys being held. He drools, though.


I don’t know if I like this outfit better with or without the jacket on top. I had a hard time choosing which version to photograph. The nice thing about such a versatile outfit is that I have plenty of options for temperature control. I’ll probably ditch the jacket immediately after lunch (and after teaching aerobics).

And…one more photo for you today. I rarely post photos in which I am not looking at the camera. Looking down or away seems so contrived. I like this one, though. (Despite the funky purple cast from my ailing camera.)

Week of the Owl

Brown velvet jacket with attached brooch, FANG. Green silk-blend sweater, Laura Leigh Ltd. Striped skirt, George (thrifted). Brown boots, Nine West. Topaz drop necklace, gifted. Owl purse, World Market.

Yes, I’m carrying my owl purse yet again. This has turned out to be the Week of the Owl, as I’ve used it three out of four days so far. I actually bought the purse in September, but it languished in my closet until recently.

Military Chic

Black sweater, Charlotte Russe. Olive belt with leaf clasp, H&M. Olive skirt, from my USMC service uniform, altered by me. Black fishnets, Danskin. Black pumps, Bandolino. Gold earrings, thrifted.

I was leafing through my new In Style last night and there are a number of pages devoted to belts. Belts over dresses, belts over shirts, belts over sweaters, belts over blazers, and even a few belts on pants (and through belt loops!) Is it just me, or does this trend coverage seem about a year late? I thought belts were big last spring. Not that I mind if they’re “in” again. I’ll be glad to continue wearing all the belts I purchased over the last year.

Today’s belt:


This detail is lost in the overall photo (and beneath my desk at work), but I think the lace trim against the fishnet tights is very pretty.