Casual Sunday

Orange cardi, Mossimo. Gray tank, No Boundaries. Denim amd belt, Dollhouse. Boots, Playhouse. Green and gold scarf, Images (gift from Londyn). Necklace, Urban Outfitters.



The day started off warmer than it ended. I felt silly stashing this scarf in my bag when we left the house for food and internet. I brought it only to ward off the A/C chill. However, I was glad to have it when we left Sitwell’s because the temperature had dropped and the rain had started.

This isn’t high fashion or anything, but I really liked the colors and textures of this outfit.

Abby and Tony's Wedding

Gray and white dress, Isaac Mizrahi for Target. Oversize beaded necklace, Xhilaration. Hot pink shoes, Valerie Stevens. Gray clutch, Express.



Although I’ve worn this dress once before, I actually bought it to wear to Abby and Tony’s wedding. Originally, I was going to carry a patent, yellow clutch, but I found this gray one first. I still like the idea of yellow with the gray. Next time…

Glasses

Green and white dress, Ann Taylor. Yellow belt and enamel bracelets, Xhilaration. Green peeptoe platform pumps, Wet Seal. White beaded necklace, Body Central.



I have terrible vision. I’ve worn glasses since 5th grade. I didn’t have a pair I liked until I was 22, so I always chose contacts instead. I like this pair (5 or 6 years old), but rarely wear them because I can’t wear glasses when I teach aerobics (the headset gets in the way) and prefer not to wear them when I run. I’m trying to remember to wear them on days I don’t run or teach. Today, I walked.

My ears are totally crooked. One is higher than the other. I used to get so annoyed that my specs didn’t sit levelly on my face. I always blamed the glasses, thinking I had sat on them or otherwise bent them out of shape. It turns out that I’m the wonky one.

Wardrobe Swap Shop

If you are a careful reader of this blog, you will occasionally see that I note the origin of an item as “via swap” or “swapped.” Sometimes I’ve gotten the item from Fashion Lady (aka Londyn), but most of the time I swapped for it on Wardrobe Swap Shop, a Flickr group.

The group’s premise is simple. Members post a picture and details on a fashion item they no longer want. Then, they either wait for another member to contact them, or actively look through the pooled photos and initiate a swap themselves. Swappers work out details via the photo comments or Flickr Mail and ship the swapped items to one another. It isn’t a perfect system. There is the cost of postage. The actual item may not be exactly as pictured or may not fit. You run the risk of encountering a swaplifter (someone who never sends their item off to you). When it all works out, though, you have the chance to trade clothing items all over the world, develop relationships with perfect strangers, see your unused items go to a new home, and, most of all, HAVE FUN!

Are you interested?

Getting Started
1. Sign up for a Flickr account. (It’s totally free.)
2. Join the Wardrobe Swap Shop group. Using the search page, select “groups” and then enter the name. You should find it easily. Or use the hyperlinks on this page. Check out the latest buzz on the group’s Discussion board.
3. Take photos of your items. The very best photos are of clothing modeled on a body – real or dummy. Second best are clothes hung from a hanger or clothesline. As a last resort, lay the clothing on a table, bed, or floor to photograph. In all cases, you want a clean background and well lit conditions. Take the same care you would if you were to sell the item. It must appeal!
4. Edit your photo. If needed. Do not use image editing software to fix holes, cover stains or otherwise misrepresent the item.
5. Take notes and measurements. I write down the brand, size, and fiber content. I also measure bust, waist, and hip widths. Measure length as well, being sure to note how you measured it (shoulder seam to hem, waistband to hem, etc.) Also note any damage at this time. Be honest!
6. Upload your picture to Flickr.
7. Add a description. Put your notes and measurements in the item description.
8. Add the photo to the group pool. At the top of your photo, you’ll see a “Send to Group” button. Click it and select Wardrobe Swap Shop. (The group will not show up until you join it, as specified in step 2.)
9. Start swapping!

Courting Through Comments
Because initial interest in an item is usually expressed in the comments, be sure you check your Flickr comments daily. On your Flickr home page, new comments are displayed in the Recent Activity section, along with a thumbnail of the photo. Only the last four or five "activities" show up on the home page, so, for a more complete history of comments, click on the More Recent Activity link.

If you leave comments on others’ Wardrobe Swap Shop items, I recommend that you keep your words grammatically correct and clear. I’m always hesitant to swap with someone that leaves comments like “watn swap.” If they didn’t bother to write a complete sentence or check their spelling, I have little faith the package will get in the mail! (Of course, you’ve got to cut any non-English speakers a little slack on the grammar.) In addition to clearly expressing your interest, include a link to your Flickr page (or for the Flickr-advanced, your Wardrobe Swap Shop set). That way the other person can easily find the items you have for swap. For example, “I’d love to swap! Let me know if anything in my swap set interests you.”

If someone expresses interest in your item, but you see nothing of their's you like, leave a comment on your photo. For example, “Thanks Miss Matilda, but none of your items strike my fancy at the moment.” It’s just common courtesy to let your fellow swapper know that you are monitoring your comments, but not interested in swapping at this time.

If you’ve left a comment on someone else’s photo and they respond, the update will show up in the Recent Activity section on your home page (under the default Flickr settings).

Seal the Deal with Flickr Mail
Obviously, all this comment-checking can be a bit tedious. Once you’ve established that you and another swapper want to make an exchange, move your conversation to Flickr Mail.

The easiest way to send Flickr Mail to another user is to click on their icon, select their profile page, and then click the “send Flickr Mail” link. It works like any other web-based email system.
I usually confirm the items with the other swapper (e.g. I’m sending you my green top in exchange for your red skirt) and then give my shipping address. Use caution with giving out your home address to a stranger.

It’s nice to send a second note after you’ve shipped with an expected delivery date and a confirmation number.

Shipping and Receiving
I send all US swaps via Priority Mail. The post office provides free shipping supplies if you use Priority Mail, so I figure the extra postage cost is justified. I also purchase Delivery Confirmation for a small fee so that I (and the receiver) can track the item.

I advise that you wrap any garments in a plastic sack (even a grocery bag will do) before stuffing it in the envelope. It would really be disappointing for your fellow swapper to receive an item ruined by something leaking in the mail truck. Some swappers also include thank-you notes or trinkets. That isn’t necessary, but appreciated.

If you will be delayed in getting to the post office to mail off your package, let your partner know. It’s better to admit that you won’t get there until Saturday than to leave the swapper hanging.

Shipping overseas is expensive. I will do it, but not for heavy items like shoes or leather. Some swappers prefer not to swap outside of the continent at all. If you feel that way, note it in the description of each of your photos (e.g. U.S. swaps only). It may sound harsh, but it’s better than disappointing another swapper by backing out after you’ve learned they are across the ocean.

The Afterglow
One of the most disappointing experiences I’ve had (besides being swaplifted) is expressing interest in an item only to find it was swapped long ago. If you have a swap pending (still in the comment/mail exchange phase), add “Swap Pending” to the item’s title. After you’ve mailed it off, change the wording to “Taken,” and remove it from the pool. You can remove it by going to the pool, locating the photo, and clicking the “x” next to your user name. You can also remove it by going to the photo page, selecting “Send to Group,” and clicking the “x” next to the group name. This is not only courteous, but will improve everyone’s browsing experience.

Discuss Amongst Yourselves
It isn’t required that you read the Wardrobe Swap Shop discussion board, but I recommend it. Start a thread introducing yourself, describing the types of items that interest you and inviting future exchange partners to leave feedback on their experience with you.

When you are interested in a swap, check the board for the threads the user may have started on themself. Have others left positive comments? No comments? Or even bad comments? Also search the discussion group for swaplifters. Search the user name of your intended swap partner and any threads regarding that user should come up. Group members generally look out for one another and swaplifters are soon discovered and banned from the group.

Obviously
Only send CLEAN items to swappers. If an item is damaged, note it in your comments. Be prompt and courteous in your communications.

The Plunder
Just to get you excited about swapping, here are some outfits I’ve worn featuring swapped items:





I hope to see you as a new member to Wardrobe Swap Shop!

Flying Monkey

Black and navy jacket, Forever 21. Black dress, London Times. Patent navy belt, The Limited. Black patent maryjanes, Xhilaration. Stainless steel watch, Gucci. Rhinestone star earrings.

I asked Mike what he thought of my outfit and he said, “It’s cute.”

I said, “No, no, no. Tell me something funny! My readers love to hear what you have to say!”

“Okay, you look like a flying monkey.”

“From the Wizard of Oz?”

“Yes.”

I guess it was the jacket.



When I dressed myself I didn’t feel flying monkey-ish. In fact, I actually felt too formal. I tried to dress down the ensemble by wearing a mannish watch, conservative shoes and tiny earrings. I twisted my hair up into a casual chignon and secured it with a paintbrush to tell the world, “I’m artsy and approachable.” (Or maybe just, “I’m silly.”)

I tried the smokey eye thing again, but used a deep blue-green instead of black shadow and was more conscientious about using a highlighter at the inner corner and along the crease. I liked it better this time, but Mike said it looked as if I had been “playing in Mommy’s makeup box.” What do you think? I’m going to try it again next week, with only browns. (Bear in mind that these pictures were taken at the end of a work day that included teaching a killer aerobics class. I'm kind of smudgy!)


(Sorry the last picture is so awful! I just can’t bear the bright light outside. I squint to matter how hard I try not to.)

Miss Muffet

Black sweater, Moda Interational. Cream lace top, H&M (via swap). Buff slip (visible beneath top), thrifted. Black skirt with cream lace and ribbons, NY & Co. Black patent slingbacks, Audrey Brooke. Cameo earrings, thrifted. Faux pearl cuff, Forever 21. Patent headband, Claire’s.

I feel like a storybook character in this. Maybe I’m Miss Muffet? The ensemble is a bit overly sweet, but garnered multiple compliments, both at work and out and about Clifton this evening. I resisted adding any color with all my might, but gave in to just the slightest bit of coral in my cameo earrings.

Comfy Cozy

Orange hoodie, boy’s section of Target. Denim, Dollhouse. Boots, Playhouse. Headband, Claire’s.

We all have our comfort clothing, right? The garments we reach for when we remove our work clothes and prepare to relax. Our favorite flip flops, sweatshirt, or jeans. These are my current comfortable favorites.

Hooded Sweatshirt. On principle, I detest hoodies. When I filmed cleaning product demos in the role of “young mom,” my wardrobe consisted of khakis and hoodies. Seriously, I think SAHMs can, and do, dress more stylishly. And what’s the point of the hood? You can’t usually pull it up and then expect to move your head around comfortably. I purchased this hoodie out of desperation, when I realized the comfort clothing I was wearing to Panera was so covered in cat hair that I might be mistaken for a cat myself.

Despite the hood, it is my current favorite “snuggly.” I love the color, retro print, and long lean fit. I can’t believe I found this in the boy’s department; it has flowers printed on the front! I imagine running into the intended size Large boy someday, both of us wearing this hoodie. He’ll turn to his mom and say, “SEE? I TOLD you this was a girl’s shirt!”

Jeans. I will probably cry when these jeans become unserviceable. They are so stretchy and comfortable. They accommodate 20 lbs of weight swing and still manage to make my butt look good. They are Magic Pants. Yes, they show plumber’s crack when I bend over, but that’s why I wear them with a long top. I bought them from the Delia*s catalog over four years ago.

Cowboy Boots. Ah, Playhouse boots. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways: (1) you’re cruelty free! (2) you’re waterproof (3) I can wear you all year long (4) you work with skirts and pants (5) you have star cutouts (6) you were only $20 (7) your long toebox makes me look taller and leaner (even if I do tend to trip on it). I can’t help but wax rhapsodic. I don’t care if others don’t fancy these boots. They will have to pry them from my cold, dead body. Believe me, Mike has tried.

I love this outfit so much that I try to wear it to bed (minus the boots). I’ve been wearing the sweatshirt since Sunday afternoon. When I put the hoodie and jeans in the wash this weekend, I’ll probably cry like a toddler who’s seen his blanky disappear into the bowels of the washing machine. In fact, if it weren’t so cold, I might do laundry wearing only my boots so that I can pull the garments right back on, warm from the dryer.

Tell us about your favorite, comfy clothes.

In the Navy

Wrap dress, Merona. Sailor scarf, borrowed from Fashion Lady (Londyn). Slip and earrings, thrifted. Patent navy belt, The Limited. Headband, Claire’s. Beaded bracelet, Bitten. Gold watch, Raymond Weil. Red heels, X Appeal.

I fell in love with this naval themed scarf after seeing Londyn wear it on her blog. She was kind enough to let me borrow it. At first, I was going to tie it cowboy style, the way I’ve seen many girls wearing their scarves lately, but it just made me look as if I were about to commit highway robbery. Instead, I wore it sailor style in homage of the scarf’s print and Mike’s years spent in the Cracker Jack uniform. (How I wish I had a picture of that to show you!) I thought the knotted scarf looked especially precious with my red coat.



I recently received a comment asking if I wore slips with my jersey dresses since the material can be transparent or just plain clingy in the wrong places. Absolutely! I also find them essential for wrap dresses. Slips are considered rather old-fashioned so it’s hard to (a) find them and (b) find cute ones for a good price. It totally grosses Mike out, but I buy all my slips at the thrift store. I guess they come from dead old ladies. I wash them before wearing and don’t give their origin a second thought. Where else can you find such prettily detailed underpinnings for a few bucks?

Pants

Floral blazer, Heart, Moon, and Stars. Coral sweater, Ann Taylor Loft. Pinstriped pants, Forever 21. Black pumps, Bandolino. Cinnabar earrings, Into the Fray.

I don’t often wear trousers to work. I prefer skirts and dresses. However, today’s cold, after last week’s warmth, made me want pants and long sleeves.

Gas Jockey

Shirt dress, Forever 21 (thrifted and dyed). Striped tank and gray leggings, Mossimo. Gray long-sleeved tee, Bitten. Cowboy boots, Playhouse. Gray knit cap, gift from my MIL. Jade pendants, Phai’s House of Jade auction. Movie belt, some department store.

I always find Mike’s reactions to my outfits amusing. He named this one “gas jockey.” I guess the dress’ new color does make it look a bit like a coverall. Fill ‘er up!

I was taking a picture of my striped tank and jade pendants when Mike caught me. He said “no cleavage on the internet!” so here is the censored version of the detail photo.



Edited on 4/14/08 to add belated necklace detail:

A Little Bit of Sunshine

Denim jacket, flower bracelet, and floral purse, Forever 21. Orange jersey dress, The Limited. Orange brooch, thifted. Khaki/cream heels, Mossimo.

A really big smile, a bright orange dress, and flowers for you today. It is forecast to be rainy and even stormy as a cold front moves in. I’m doing my best to believe that winter is not returning. Sometimes I worry that the earth will stop moving around the sun and we’ll be stuck in eternal winter. I suppose if that does happen, we’ll have worse things to worry about than a little rain.








A close up of The Cutest Bag In The Whole World and one of my favorite bracelets.

Walt's BBQ

Corduroy blazer, American Eagle. Blue jersey dress, Frederick’s of Hollywood. Earrings, World Market. Cowboy boots, Playhouse. Skinny brown headband.

It’s freaking amazing. I added a headband, ditched the scarf, and changed jackets and now I’m loving my hair and makeup. I guess it’s all about context.

We went out to Walt’s BBQ for dinner. We took lots of funny pictures and I’ll be writing a review as a guest on Wine Me Dine Me!

Chokey

Striped blazer, Mossimo/Merona. Pink silk scarf, Thailand. Blue jersey dress, Frederick’s of Hollywood. Khaki slingbacks, Linea Paolo. Printed bracelet, Xhilaration. Earrings, Delia*s.

I was quite unhappy with this outfit. I felt like I needed a shot of color near my face, but the scarf looked like it was choking me. I started the day with my hair half up. After teaching aerobics, I pulled it all back in an effort to demonstrate that I do indeed have a neck, but the effect was too harsh.

I also did not like my makeup. After seeing Hillary’s smokey-eye transformation, I tried it on myself. As usual, the heavy eye makeup and pale lip color left me looking like a dead whore. My friend, and former MAC consultant, Julie, suggested I try again, but with shades of brown only.

I did love the color mix in my accessories and clothing.

P.S. Hey Anon - I've got my white hose on again, today! ;)

Classic

Red silk sweater, Moda International. White blouse, Merona. White cami, NY & Co. Tan skirt, Talbot’s (thrifted). Tan belt, thrifted. Khaki/cream peep-toes, Mossimo. Fake Versace bag, Phai’s House of Jade auction. Fake Gucci sunglasses, street vendor in Seoul, Korea. Leaf necklace, Urban Outfitter’s.

This bag continues to freak me out with the creepy little Versace face. Why does he have no eyeballs?

Today was a multiple compliment day. I think the classic combination of camel, red, and white grabs one’s attention.

Today you get to see the magic of outdoor vs indoor photos. The colors are far cripser outside, but I don’t need to wear my sunglasses inside.


Outside vs Inside

Nude Legs

Khaki blazer, Charlotte Russe. Sheer green blouse, Forever 21. Floral velvet skirt, Herman Geist (thrifted and shortened by me). Nude sandals with black piping, Gianni Bini. Cinnabar earrings, Into the Fray. Tapestry purse, 100 Yen store.

I'm always sort of at odds with whether this is a cold or warm season skirt. The black velvet says "winter" but the floral pattern says "summer" (or at least "spring"). I guess that means I can wear it all year round.

Last time I wore this skirt, I paired it with black tights and bright green peep-toes. The shoes definitely “popped” but my legs look longer when they and my shoes are the same shade.

Same Old Fake Missoni

Missoni-esque faux wrap dress, Lipstick. Metallic khaki bolero, No Boundaries. Headband, Claire’s. Blue handbag, Wilson’s Leather. Khaki slingbacks, Linea Paolo. Faux pearl cuff, Forever 21. Cat, Yoda aka Smunch.

Same old missoni-esque wrap dress I scored for under $10 at Body Central and have worn a thousand times:



This is neutral shoe week. You’ve surely noticed my penchant for brightly colored shoes, but I often wear khaki/tan heels in the summer. Worn with bare legs or nude fishnets, the shoes create the illusion of longer, slimmer legs. I consider nude heels as much of a staple as black. I read recently (on a YLF forum post) that some people don’t like a flesh-colored shoe because of the lack of visual impact. I was surprised. Do you own nude shoes and do you wear them?