Blue and Brown

Brown linen jacket, Forever 21. Navy sweater, Mossimo. White lace shirt, Newport News. Striped skirt, George (thrifted). Brown boots, Nine West. Beaded necklaces, Body Central.



I suppose it’s gauche of a married lady to talk about old boyfriends, but one of my college beaus had a significant impact on my perception of color. He loved to pair both orange and blue and brown and blue. I’ve worn the blue and orange combination to death, but I less often combine blue with brown. I think it’s tricky to combine a royal or navy blue with brown and not have the result look muddy. This is one of the few times I think I’ve been successful.

Hair today is a messy French twist secured with a hairstick. Londyn’s comment on my last blazer/long skirt/boots combo made me realize that I should wear my hair up when I’ve covered everything else, so that I don’t get lost beneath fabric and hair

Irene Adler

Raspberry beret, Worthington. Corduroy blazer, American Eagle (?) Brown/black/white sweater, Mossimo (thrifted). Red tee, Banana Republic. Denim, Dollhouse. Cowboy boots, Playhouse.

Hat inspiration: Prince’s Raspberry Beret and Irene Adler. You are probably familiar with Prince, but perhaps not Irene.




Check out the rest of Irene’s outfit photos. She often wears a beret as sort of a giant snood.


I bought this beret for the Picasso show art and it has sat, neglected, in my closet ever since. I brought it out this evening for an Irene Adler moment.

Crisp

Pinstriped jacket and pumps, Mossimo. Orange sweater, The Limited. Khaki trousers, Moda International. Orange capiz earrings, Xhilaration. Leather belt, thrifted.

I had lunch with Londyn (aka Fashion Lady) of BlogFashion and, as usual, we were dishing on the fashion blogging life. We complained about the meanies and then talked about the other wardrobe blogs we like. We were in agreement that fdiary of Budget Chic – What I’m Wearing! is one of our favorites. She’s classy and chic without breaking the bank. But, she crops all her photos at the neck. We want to see her head!

When I started this blog, I debated with myself whether or not to conceal my identity. I could have cropped out my head or blurred my face. Some other bloggers and members of Wardrobe Remix do exactly that. Besides protecting your privacy, no head means that you don’t have to do your hair or makeup, you don’t have to smile, and if you catch your face at an unflattering angle, it doesn’t matter. In the end, though, I decided that this blog’s primary audience is myself and I don’t want to look back on it years from now and wish I could have seen my head. I want a record of hairstyles, cuts, and colors as well as makeup choices. I want to see my expression – did I look happy, worried, tired, busy? This is essentially my photo diary.

At times, I’ve regretted my choice. I’ve had to endure comments about my “crazy stare” and apparent age. I wouldn’t have expected it, but criticism of my face has been harder to take than that of my fashion choices. I’ve had bad hair days and still cringe when I look at those photos.

Most of the time, though, I’m happy to post my mug. I’ve come to see my hairstyle and makeup (especially lipstick) as an essential part of the look I share with you. I’m willing to endure unkind remarks and some personal discomfort in order to hold true to my artistic vision.

I’m curious as to your thoughts on the matter. Many of my readers also peruse other “outfit” blogs. Do you like to see the blogger’s head? Would it matter to you if it were cropped off? Does the blogger’s face and hair impact your opinion of their outfit?

Pinch Me, I'm Polish

Pinstriped vest, H&M. Green satin blouse, Express. Gray bubble skirt, Moda International. Gray peeptoe pumps, Bitten ($8.98!) Faux pearl necklace with medallion, Newport News. Black boy’s belt. Gold watch, Raymond Weil.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Despite appearances, I am not a bit Irish. I’m English, German, and Polish. My red hair is courtesy of L’Oreal, not O'Sullivan. I can do an Irish accent for you, but a native would probably find it laughable.

For a while this past fall, I was putting items from my wardrobe on trial to get my readers’ opinions on whether I should keep it, alter it, swap it, or give it to charity. One commenter one had the gall to suggest I put this necklace on trial. Never! I adore it. I’ve found it to be the finishing touch to many outfits, despite Mike’s description of it as “grandma.”

And finally, a word on today’s belt. (No, it isn’t another belt week.) Over the course of the day, I found myself vacillating between liking and not liking the belt. Liked: visually raised waist, highlighted the slimmest part of my midsection, tidied up of the open vest (otherwise it flapped around), and added interest. Didn’t like: fussy look, two waistlines (belt and skirt waist), the way it creaked when I took a deep breath. I don’t regret the choice, I just don’t know if I’d repeat it in exactly this manner.

Free WIFI

Corduroy blazer, American Eagle (I think). Gray cardigan, NY & Co. Yellow tee, Charlotte Russe. Red mini, H&M. Navy leggings, Danskin. Cowboy boots, Playhouse. Gray scarf, gifted. Hummingbird earrings, World Market. Gray headband, Bitten.

I worked both days this weekend. We spent Saturday at the College Hill Coffee Company, using the free wireless. On Sunday, we attempted to change up our location, but Panera and Caribou Coffee weren’t kind to my system. We ended up back at CHCC again.

I used to think wearing a headband with a ponytail was redundant. Now that I have long bangs, it has a purpose. Plus, I like that 60’s effect you can get by teasing the crown and then squishing the front with a headband.

These earrings were only $5 at World Market. (See them closer here.)

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.

Comedy of Errors

Gray sweater, Wet Seal. Striped dress, Mossimo. Green long-sleeved tee, Forever 21. Dark denim, Express. Gray hat, nine west. Bird medallion, Xhilaration. Cowboy boots, Playhouse.

Mike and I sold tickets for Wyoming Players’ production of Comedy of Errors this evening. I am continuing with my resolution to wear my casual dresses, despite the snow.

The Big Event

Orange dress, The Limited. Gray long-sleeved tee, Bitten. Gray tights, Merona. Gray slouchy boots, White Mountain. Orange capiz earrings and gold-tone necklace, Xhilaration.

The weatherpeople predict many inches of snow to fall today and tomorrow. This morning and afternoon, the precipitation will not be heavy and most will melt because of the above-freezing temperatures. This evening, however, The Main Event begins, as one weatherman put it, with accumulation of 8 – 10 inches.






I’ve realized that I have made a habit of winterizing my dresses by adding gray or black layers beneath them. Matching the color and shade of the top and bottom layers keeps the look sleek. I’ve gotten a lot of use out of my black turtleneck/black tights and gray long-sleeved tee/gray tights combinations…and not just on days we had a Big Event forecast.

To Flash or Not

Turquoise velvet blazer, NY & Co. Black, cowlneck tank, Apt 9. Indian skirt, flea market. Black tights, Danskin. Black pumps, Bandolino. Gold-tone mesh necklace.

Generally, I use the flash indoors to photograph my outfits. Occasionally, though, I’m unhappy with the results. Sometimes the flash distorts the colors or textures to such a degree that I don’t feel that I’ve accurately captured the outfit. Today, was one of those days. See for yourself:


With flash on the left, without on the right.

The downside of no flash (even if adequate light conditions) is that my wrinkles are more obvious. Poo.

And I’m afraid I’ve got my skirt on sort of cock-eyed in all the photos!

Brightening

Fuchsia cardigan and navy skirt, Moda International. Navy tank, Merona. Nude fishnet tights, Vera by Vera Wang. Yellow pumps, Victoria Spenser. White beaded necklace, Body Central.



It’s cloudy and cold. I’m trying to brighten the day with my outfit. Whenever I wear these shoes, my coworkers comment on their cheerfulness.

My kitties love to get into my outfit photos. Whenever Monty sees me standing in this corner, he scratches on the closet door until I open it. He may or may not go inside, only to scratch from the inside if I close the door again. I quickly tire of this game. I’ve found that if I grab the offending cat and make him pose for a picture, he usually runs away as soon as I release him and bothers me no more.



By the way, this marathon training is starting to seriously cramp my style. Today's run was 7 miles. SEVEN MILES. Who has time to work full-time and run seven miles? I took an extended lunch to squeeze it in. Next week, Wednesday runs bump up to eight miles.

QOTD

Over at Vox (where my friend Julie has a blog), they have a Question Of The Day for bloggers to answer. I suppose it stimulates “conversation.” It is way cooler than the random questions Blogger puts on one’s profile. My QOTD is: “How many random layers can I put on before Mike is ashamed to be seen with me in Walmart?” Answer: four and counting.

Gray cardigan, Wet Seal. Blue dress, Frederick’s of Hollywood. Burgundy long-sleeve tee and gray leggings, Mossimo. Pleather cowboy boots, Playhouse. Brown purse, thrifted. Indian silver necklace.

Actually, the inspiration for this outfit was more than shock value (besides, Mike is awfully hard to shock anymore). I was trolling through my old photos and came across one of this dress. That’s when I realized I’ve only worn it once. And then I thought of the closetful of casual dresses that have gone unworn for months. I haven’t worn them because it’s been cold, but that’s really no excuse. I hereby resolve to start wearing my casual dresses, layered if need be, whenever I go out in the evenings. I’m sick of jeans anyway.

I’ve been wearing these boots all season (I bought them last January). They aren’t real leather, but they were only $20 and I really wanted cowboy boots. My favorite thing about the boots: the star-shaped cutouts. They look especially neato when you shine light through them in a dark room. Unfortunately, my leg is usually in the way.

Not Like Me

Black cardigan, Moda International. Plum shirt, NY & Co. Green tweed skirt, Talbot’s. Gray boots, White Mountain. Charm necklace, thrifted. Green velvet clutch, Maggi B.

This is so not like me. I usually drape my top in something swingy or cinch my waist. I rarely put on an outfit with this many vertical lines. I feel very Betty.

And now I’ll do something Trish and take pictures of myself jumping.

Fishnets at Work

I’ve got another poll for you. This one isn’t so much about your opinion of an outfit or particular item of clothing, as of the wearing of a particular category: fishnet tights. Are they business casual wear or not?

A few years ago, I would have said they were too sexy to wear except as a costume piece. I don’t remember what changed my mind, probably Wardrobe Remix, because I started wearing them to work in December 2006. I started with brown, thinking black would be to obviously sexy, but later started wearing a subtle black pair too. I’ve since added gray and nude fishnets to my stocking supply.

The thinner the strands of the “net,” the smaller the holes, and the lighter the color, the less noticeable the tight’s pattern. In fact, in most of my photos, you can barely tell I’m wearing fishnets at all. From far away, they appear to be transparent hosiery. Nude fishnets photograph as impossibly even-colored legs, without the stuffiness of pantyhose.

I had my confidence shaken a few weeks ago, though. I was walking home from work, wearing the outfit pictured at left, when two teenage boys asked me if I was a prostitute. It’s 4 p.m. (still daylight), I’m walking in a residential neighborhood (nearly home) and I’m asked if I am a hooker. I’ll spare you the rest of the conversation.



What’s your opinion? Are fishnets acceptable business casual wear?

Fishnets at work - yes or no?
	Yes
	No
	It depends - I'll tell you more in the comments
pollcode.com free polls

From left to right: Nude, Gray, and Brown fishnet tights.

And finally, some other internet opinions on the subject:

Filly.CA
Alphamom