Butter Wouldn't Melt

I had three VERY unpleasant meetings this day (ok, fine one was only mildly boring.  but the other two were horrible).

But I looked cute?  Someone told me I looked "very lady-like."

(Cardigan - Banana Republic, Skirt - Halogen via Nordstrom Rack, Shirt - Nordstrom Rack, Necklace - Bloomingdales, Earrings - No idea, Shoes - Coach via Bloomingdales)

This is what I like to call "defensive dressing."  I don't understand how people can be mad at anyone in this outfit.  Unfortunately, they can (and they were)!  

They Call Me Mellow Yellow...

Just kidding.  No one calls me "mellow."  More like "high-strung" and "strangely tense all the time."  

I wore this to work?  This is when you can tell that I have little to no matching skills.  "Wear ALL THE BLUE!  ALL THE YELLOW!" is basically the thought that went into it.

(Cardigan - J. Crew via Hand-Me-Down, Shirt - Nordstrom Rack, Pants - Asos, Shoes - Urban Outfitters)

How do we feel about the length of the pants?  I think they're fun but I also have a tendency to stumpify myself.

About as Authentic as General Tso

This outfit literally took an hour.  I was g-chatting with Angsty the whole time.  It not my best moment.

I saw this shirt on my way to the checkout and didn't even try it on.  I thought the pinks and purples might look nice with my complexion.  In hindsight, I should have tried it on.  It has a peplum that makes me look pregnant (I tucked it into the skirt).  But ehh... live and learn.

(Shirt - Aqua via Bloomingdales, Skirt - Halogen via Nordstrom Rack)

I was meeting with a coworker and told her I was wearing "a pink Aztec shirt and pink skirt."  I hate describing myself to new people.  Also, pretty sure it's not "aztec." And that I'm probably offending someone.  "Aztec-inspired"?  How do you describe things like this?

I wore this with black flats.  I know that didn't work but I'm not sure what I should have worn it with.  Brown heels?  Gold flats?  Thoughts?

Ohhh... Barracuda!

Another work outfit.  I bought this shirt forever ago when I was going through my "bohemian" phase.

I basically kind of love this outfit.   The shirt and necklace are both pieces I used to think were "too much."  I'm not sure if they work with the shoes, but oh well!

(Shirt - ? via Bloomingdales, Pants - Gap, Flats - Sam Edelman via Bloomingdales, Necklace - Bloomingdales, Earrings - I have no idea.)

I've had this necklace for about a year or so, but never felt quite up to wearing it.

I've been getting into buns as well.  They're pretty good for second day hair!

Flats!

General Awesome

I wore this outfit on a tour.  It was arranged by classmate who advised us that dressing up was not necessary.  I heard this and immediately ignored it.  Because let's be honest, I'm kind of big into theme outfits.

(Dress - White House Black Market, Cardigan - Ann Taylor, Shoes - Nordstrom Rack, Pearls - Ann Taylor Loft Outlet [Yeah, they exist.])

I like the softer military look of this (the cardigan has epaulets).  I've worn it with my heels as my "going into battle outfit."  This time it was just for fun.  Although I did try and make friends with the first years.  That's kind of like going into battle?  I wonder why people think I'm weird...

I've worn this cardigan with a blush pink shell and it works really well.  It looks a bit oppressive in this picture.  I think it looked better in person, it's hard to tell where the maroon ends and the black begins.

Oh, but I am...

I can't remember where I wore this, but I can't imagine it was anything special.  

(Shirt - Old Navy, Cardigan - Ann Taylor Loft, Pants - AG via Bloomingdales, Shoes - Sam Edelman via DSW, Earrings - Anthropologie, Necklace - Gift, Bag - Nine West Outlet)

I don't really like the cardigan with this, but it was the best I could do.  I need more colorful cardigans, I think.  A purple might work well.  I have a light coral cardigan, but I don't know how it looks with my skin tone.  And now you're seeing why I rarely wear patterns.  I was pleased, however, that I managed to pull in some coral with my earrings.

(A close up for colors)

But really, no one is THIS boring

This was a "casual summer outfit."  It was around 100 degrees and the A/C never worked.  I finally broke down yesterday and bought shorts.  I haven't worn shorts in...  7 years?  8?  Either way, it's been a while.  I took these pictures as I was getting ready, hence the no accessories in the first picture.  

(Shirt - J.Crew, Shorts - J.Crew, Shoes - Etsy)

I like them?  I realize they could not be any more boring, but that was kind of the point.  If these work, I might get them in a few colors.  They're long enough that they're comfortable, but short enough that they're not bermudas.  I'll probably wear this outfit again on the 4th.  Its got blue?  and I can wear red earrings?  I'm bad at color theme dressing.  

(Sunglasses - Ann Taylor Loft)

(Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs via Bloomingdales, Necklace - Gift)

I actually wore this same shirt and bag last 4th of July.  I can't decide if it's sad or reassuring that I'm so consistent.  I do have one more navy shirt.  Maybe I can wear that?  Oh hell, who cares.  No one but me will notice.  (And this is a classic example of why I would never be a real fashion blogger.)

I think this is an outfit that needs statement jewelry.  Or something.  Because it's putting me to sleep.  I think I'm going to try the shorts with my chambray shirt.  Maybe that will help inspire some creative thinking?  (PS - Never tried the chambray shirt.)

James is My Brother

Have you ever felt like you've accidentally put on a costume?  That's what happened with this outfit.  I teased Angsty that the only difference between an FBI agent and a Secret Agent is the aviators I put on.

Just call me Walter Mitty.

(Collared Shirt - Banana Republic, Pants - Gap, Necklace - Ann Taylor Loft Outlet (Yeah, it exists.  And it's awesome.), Shoes - Nordstrom Rack, Watch La Mer via Bloomingdales, BAMFness - allll mine (just kidding.  Or am I?  I am.))

It probably says something about me as a person that I can't wear a straightforward business outfit without imagining a more exciting backstory.  But oh well!  

Blast From the Past

Long time, no see!  No, I'm not dead.  But my sense of style might as well be.  I've always prided myself on having a relatively low-key, but still stylish and thoughtful wardrobe.  But these days I feel as if I've been in a semi-fugue state.  I'll not bore you with the boring details but I'm trying to get back to normal.

I'm going through the random photos I've already uploaded to flickr first.

This is from over the summer.  Angsty and I found the shirt while wandering at Nordstrom Rack, and I knew I had to try it on.  It was more than I should have spent, but I can't resist a vibrant pink.  Also, totally almost work appropriate.  I say "almost" because it is a bit low cut.  But seriously, how cute is it?!

(Blouse - Nanette LePore via Nordstrom Rack, Jeans - AG via Bloomingdales, Necklace - Gift, Earrings - Kate Spade)

I wore this to work and to the Pie Shop near me.  I happened to run into Cute Pie Boy while I was there.  I swear, he was almost as cute as Ned from Pushing Daisies.  (If you don't know who he is google it.  It's worth it.  I'll wait...)

I could feel my shirt pulling slightly to the side, it may or may not have shown my bra.  I hope it didn't.  Although who knows, maybe that would have helped.  ;)

Belt Me Up, Scotty!

(Cardigan - Nordstrom Rack, Tank top - BP via Nordstrom, Pants - Gap, Boots - Steven Madden via Endless, Earrings - Anthropologie, Necklace - Gift (I think thats the necklace I'm wearing)

I have a confession. It's really embarrassing, so I'll say it really fast, ok? Iboughtleggingjeans! But before you judge, they're black. And black is classy, right? Yeah... They also have all the hardware of normal jeans (zippers, buttons, pockets, etc.). Oh, and the OMG SO COMFY!

There's a danger in buying really comfortable-passably-appropriate clothes though. I find myself justifying them far too often. "But really, its only a casual meeting, right? They totally won't notice!" But really. SO. COMFORTABLE.

(I tried taking these before work, hence the wet hair. I braided it back later that day.)

I originally wore this about two weeks ago. And then I wore it again last week. And I might wear it again tomorrow. Maybe sub out the coral tank for purple?

It was also one of the first times I've tried belting a cardigan. I've done it once before, to create a blazer like effect, but never on something like this. I'm always envious of those who seem able to instinctively know how to add the one accessory that takes it to the next level.

Anyway, this was my attempt at belting. Yay! It's almost like I'm a functional person.

Date Night

So... these are two outfits I wore on dates with a guy over winter break.

The first was a weeknight date that we went on before he left town for Christmas. We went to a local chain bar and burger place. The date was meh, and the outfit was meh.

(Jacket - Miss Sixty via Filene's Basement, Dress - No idea what brand but I got it at Bloomingdale's, Boots - Miss Mooz via Nordstrom, Earrings - Anhropologie, Purse - Banana Republic, Scarf - Kiosk at a mall)

I wore my hair in a semi-neatish bun. What can I say, it was a weekday date? I was also already not quite feeling it, and so I made pretty much minimal effort.

I also sharpened the pictures to show detail. These were taken on my way out, and sent to my actual roommate who was out of town at the time.

The second outfit was after New Years, and he told me it would be a small french restaurant. This was a last-chance date. The less said about this date, the better.

(Dress - Aqua via Bloomingdales, Jacket (same as above) - Miss Sixty via Filene's Basement, Belt - Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack, Tights - Spanx Tight End Tights, Boots - Kenneth Cole Outlet, Earrings - My former landlady, Necklace - Bloomingdale's)

I like it I guess? I think my apathy/annoyance for the date has infected everything. I wear this dress as my default "I need to look pretty, a bit sexy and yet still appropriate for whatever" dress. I'm also not sure how I feel about the belt and jacket. The belt is a bit stiff, which made me feel like it pushed out the jacket.

Thoughts? Sorry this post is a bit... I couldn't sleep last night and my brain is feeling sluggish.

Wiz Khalifa

I'm in black and yellow today so I thought it would only be fitting to pay tribute to Wiz Khalifa (not the Steelers because eww Ben Roethlisberger and football gets a general eye roll all around and exasperated sigh at the Transformers series that refuses to die thanks to the terrible human being that is Michael Bay). I obviously have very strong feelings about pop culture.

Anyways, back to my outfit. It's been in the upper 70s the past few days and I've fully embraced it. Today was the first time since probably October I stepped out without a jacket on. It felt slightly revealing even though I'm completely covered up. I'm also half bracing myself for it to suddenly drop 50 degrees and start snowing. I think I have some winter trauma issues to work through too...

And yes, I am wearing Birkenstocks and yes, I know they're kind of ugly, but they are super comfortable and the only pair of sandals I own now that I have banned the wearing of flip flops for anything other than the beach or dirty campground showering. So! I know you all are now dying to know where my outfit is from, right?

Tank: Old Navy
Sweater: Old Navy
Pants: Gap 5 pocket ponte legging jeans (AKA the most comfortable pants in the universe).
Shoes: Birkenstock Arizona sandal
Necklace: Ann Taylor
Watch: Thrifted Seiko men's watch

Spring Time

I was told today that I looked very "spring-y." I guess it's the scarf and shoes? The color of these flats were in fact called Easter. I wasn't sure if I liked then when I first saw them online, but once I got them in the mail I was sold. They are the perfect greeny-yellow, like the color of new flower buds.

I really like the neckline of the shirt I'm wearing today but it's a little small for me I think. The length is a little short so I have to keep pulling it down, another reason I decided on adding a scarf today. You do whatcha gotta do, right?

Shirt: Urban Outfitters
Cardigan: BP by Nordstrom
Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Mercer flat from Marais
Scarf: H&M
Necklace: gift
Watch: Tissot (gift)