Free to Be You and Me!

So by my post title, I actually mean "free to me". Because that's almost what this outfit was! Let's have a gander, eh?

What am I looking at on my floor there? Couldn't tell ya - just go with it.

Twinset: $2 Thrifted Gap. Necklace: Bridesmaid gift. Dress: From sister, Gap. Shoes: $15, don't know brand.

I grabbed this twinset in the thrift shop where I found it because I was looking to split one up for parts. That is, I have seen ultra-fashionable people wear the tanks as sweater vests and rock that, and I can always use another cardi. But this one was a little too 90's. 

Do you know what I mean? I mean both pieces are rather on the short side, and the tank has elastic spaghetti straps. Yup. That's not going over anything, ever. It's also pretty low-cut, so this may be the most of it that you ever see. But I am very happy with my purchase simply for the sweater - I don't often pick up colored layering pieces, so this one has come in handy. 

Another great part of this outfit: the dress! My sister picked it up at the Sidewalk Sale in Lawrence (one of my favorite hometown traditions) and discovered that she didn't like the fit once she got home. Well never fear, little sister! I, your helpful and understanding sister am happy to take it off your hands. Between the floaty and comfortable fit and the pockets, (!) it makes me happy all day. Does anyone else get hand-me-ups from siblings?

Badder than Old King Kong

This outfit is not particularly tough, I'll grant you. But I did feel more than a little baaaaaad in it. I think it's the jacket.

Earrings: $5 Sidewalk vendor in San Francisco. Jacket: $15 Ann Taylor Loft. Necklace: $20 Ann Taylor Loft. Dress: $30 Anthropologie. Shoes: . . . ? Forgot.

I've been on a trip home for about the last week, and I'm heading back tomorrow. I hope this helps explain some of my craziness and lack of posting during that time. As for the lack of posting the rest of the time, well . . . I don't know what to tell you.

While I've been here, I have gone shopping with my little sister (who just graduated high school, WOO!!) twice, and it has been really, really fun! (Pictures to come.) She has such a little model shape, so it's easy to pick up something cute and put it on her - it always looks great! Anyway, it has been great to play stylist. Thank you, other fashion blogs and mine as well, for helping me to figure out what looks good and what doesn't, what constitutes a healthy wardrobe of basics, and what flatters a figure. Much appreciated. Okay, time to go make a quick (hah!) stop at JoAnn's and then to lunch with a friend. Have a great day, all!

P.S. Please excuse the inexplicable blurriness in that first picture, and the crazy-eyes in that last one. 

It is Only a Canvas Sky, Hanging Over a Cardboard Sea

So I have this lovely black sleeveless blouse. It has a button-up front and a tie neckline, it's 100% silk, and (that's a big part of why) you've never seen it. I spent significant money (not tons, but more than on my whole outfit some days) on this beautiful piece, so I don't wear it for many occasions.

Recently, I was thrifting with my mom and sister, and noticed a very similar black top. Now, it is NOT silk. It is 100% polyester, and it is nowhere near as lovely a piece. But it does fit well and it is a fun top, so I bought it. (Also, it was $1. Why not?) The brand is actually so embarrassing that I'm going to always pretend I forgot to check what brand it is, but I DO like this shirt. Plus, I actually get to wear it, rather than just gaining joy from the knowledge that it is captive in my closet. Below is an outfit featuring this new-ish top.

    

 

Top: $1 Thrifted. Belt: $1 Thrifted. (Maybe 50 cents?) Bermudass: $5 Thrifted Dockers. Heels: $20 Target.

So my dog has a pretty leaky mouth, especially shortly after taking drinks. She just lets the last mouthful or so flow right out the sides. So if she comes over and just sniffs me after drinking for a bit, I get wet spots. I promise that's what is on my pants above - NOT something icky I dripped on myself, promise!

Not my strongest outfit. But I am proud of it for happening. For pulling out that potentially-too-fancy for today's situations top, dressing it down, and being excited about whatever is in store for the day. Yay yay yay!

Also, CONGRATS to my sissy and all her classmates as they reflect on their high school graduation and what all that means. And love to you all!

Feel free to chime in about "too-nice-for-this" pieces.  I'd love to hear what you think!

Just an Old-Fashioned [outfit post]

Two outfits.

Jacket: $7 Target. Scarf: $10 TJ Maxx. Shirt: $1 Thrifted. Jeans: $30 American Eagle. Shoes: $15 Penney's.

    

Second:

    

Jacket: $17 Kohl's. Tee: $1 Thrifted Banana Republic. Cami: $??, Loft. Bracelet: $7 Target. Belt: husband's. Skinnies: $30 Old Navy. Boots: $100 Ralph Lauren.

    

Goodness, sorry for the crazy-face pictures! I don't know what that's about. Also, I have no words for you . . . don't know what that's about, either. Anyway, this counts as posting! (Finally.) Woo hoo!

Say Yes to One . . .

I made up my mind! And here's an outfit that resulted.

Jean Jacket; $15 Loft clearance. Shirt: $10 Loft. Skirt: $30 Anthro. Shoes: $25 Chinese Laundry via DSW.

I really felt good in this outfit . . . I'm sorry all the pictures turned out so weird. (You should see the outtakes! Sheesh.)

And now, back to my weekend.

*Jeopardy theme song*

As you may recall, I had a big decision to make recently (Yes you're right, I have a bizarre definition for "big decision".) (If you do not recall feel free to check out the skirt-choice post here.) and a limited amount of time to make it.

So what did I decide? Well, actually, you don't have all the information. The truth is, I had purchased four skirts. The one you didn't see was never part of the decision because I was completely sure that I would love the other one! This was Loft's Pintuck Hem Cotton Voile Skirt, seen here. But when it arrived, I didn't love the way it fit. See for yourself: (My apologies, of course, that the pictures were taken at nighttime. I kept forgetting to take some during the day.) NOW see for yourself:

This is the skirt sitting at hip height, where it naturally fits in the size I purchased. (Based on the size chart.) I really wanted it to sit up high, so I've hiked it up there to show you what I was looking for:

There it is, that's the detail (the pintucking) that I couldn't resist, and got the skirt to my door. Love!

So here it is, hiked up where I want it. The thing is, even in the right place, I only really like the way it looks with a belt. So, sweet as this thin little cotton skirt is (and if you're less hippy than I am, I highly suggest that you go buy yourself one!), I think that it is going back.

WHICH MEANS . . .

I am keeping two Anthropologie skirts.  : P

You all were extremely helpful in leaving comments, the vast majority of which were voting for the Wallflowers skirt. (Thank you thank you! You made this MUCH easier!) And even though I did have one vote that the Picked Plaid was somewhat tablecloth-y (duly noted!) I couldn't find it in my heart to not keep it. I just love the bright red flowers and the fit of it . . . so Picked Plaid and Wallflowers it is.

One more request for you all: many commenters mentioned all the great ways to pair up the Wallflowers skirt, and I actually had some trouble deciding what to wear it with when I modeled it for you. So if you feel so inclined (please please please?) feel free to (read: you better!) leave a suggestion (or five?) of how I could do so! Stripes with it? A color you think would be pretty? All ideas are VERY welcome! Thanks, everybody!

And here they are one more time, folks - the winners!

Wallflowers

Picked Plaid

Now and Later

So I usually take outfit pictures on the way out the door in the morning. It really is on the way - I get dressed and do my bathroom things, get dressed, feed the dog and grab food for my lunch. Very much a straight line from bed to car. But on occasion, I will take them after school. And by "occasion", I mean that rare day every so often, when I come home and do not lay myself immediately onto something soft.

The day I took these pictures, I accidentally did both. (?) I know, weird.

The point is, that's why the first picture is clearly at a completely different time of day from the others. Sorry!

Jacket: $17 Kohl's. Tee: $1 thrifted J. Crew. Necklace: $20 Loft. Skirt: $30 Loft. Shoes: $20 SE Boutique.

 

Are you enjoying that moment where I realize that I'm wearing the "SUBSTITUTE" sticker in my outfit pictures? That clearly had to get posted.

I like this outfit, but I'm trying to figure out one big thing: what's up with the skirt? In some pictures, (particularly the last three, for example) I really like the way it's fitting, and I love it! But in others, like the first, it just doesn't seem to be very good for my hippy shape. Have you any insights on this to share?