Nude...

Just the other day, Sal put up a post about nude shoes. In her post, she commented that while she is developing a love for nude sandals, she does not "love/want/get" nude pumps.
I left her a comment letting her know that as I was reading her post, I was wearing my nude pumps!



Dress: Context, thrifted
Shoes: RSVP via ebay
Earrings: the Limited
Necklace: very old
Belt: Kmart

Closeup:


(apologies for photo quality. note sure what happened -- suggestions?)

By no means do I feel slighted by Sal's preference away from nude pumps, but for me, I love how much longer my legs look with them. Plus, they really do go with everything! I feel that if I'd worn blak or brown shoes with this outfit, my feet/legs would have ended up looking heavy and stumpy. Add in instead the nude pumps, and I get extra height, better posture, a longer visual leg line, and I still get to click-clack down the hallway.

Will my outfit bring Sal to the nude side?
No, not likely.
But that's what's so wonderful about fashion -- I may never want what you have for myself, but I can appreciate (1) that it looks good on you and (2) that you like it. We don't have to all like everything!
And that's ok.

But Sal, if I did convert you, let me know!

Calling All Fashionable Ladies...

Ladies, bloggers, friends, I need some help!
I am on the hunt for some fashionable sneakers, and I'm hoping you all will have some awesome suggestions!
I currently own a pair of Diesel Baffin Grape Red Women's Trainers, pictured here:

What I love about these tennies is that they add some color and flair to an otherwise basic jeans-and-tshirt outfit.
Now I'm looking for another pair or two to do the same thing, only I want different colors. (So that means no more red, since I've got that covered!)

Here are my guidelines:
(1) No red
(2) Must be under $100 (ideally under $75)
(3) Must make the foot look slim when viewed from above or any other angle (yes, I think my feet look fat. let's move on...)
(4) Must have some color (I'm thinking about blues and greens, especially)
(5) But must NOT be crazy with the color
(6) I like sneakers that aren't just one solid color. (Notice that my Diesels have the white stripe along the sides and mix the red and blue in the same shoe.)

I realize this is a long list of guidelines and that I'm super-picky. But see, that's why I need your help!
If you come across something that you think first the bill, please either drop me an email or leave me a comment with the link.
Thanks dolls!

PS: These aren't on my list of shoes to be considered, but seriously, how cute are these?

Fill in the blank!

Na-na-na-na, Hey-hey, Goodbye...

I would apologize for cutting my feet off in the full-body shot, but sadly, my shoes bit the dust when I took them off to travel home, and I had to wear my comfy traveling shoes (aka, tennies) to take the photos. Side Note: I usually try to somewhat match my traveling shoes to my outfit, just in case.



Top: Sweet Pea via Nordstrom Rack
Pants: Old Navy
Jacket: don't recall the brand, thrifted
Earrings: gift
Shoes: very old, via Payless?

Closeup:


I loved this top when I found it at Nordstrom Rack. The colors are very "me" and I love the stretchiness of it -- it will fit through weight fluctuation, but it isn't lycra or spandex or some other material that looks cheap. I love the detailing at the bustline. It is work appropriate, but special enough to wear out for dinner or drinks. I hadn't heard of the brand Sweet Pea when I purchased this top, but being that I'm not a brand snob, that didn't matter much to me. However, I receive daily emails from Rue La La, and imagine my surprise when they featured Sweet Pea. It seems I managed to get me a schmancy brand without even knowing it!

Sadly, in the last 2 weeks, I have lost 2 pairs of jeans. My jeans wardrobe was already sadly tiny, at only 4 pairs (2 casual, 2 trouser style), and it was my 2 casual pairs that bit the dust. What's a girl to do? I've been trying to curtail extra spending, but this was an emergency.
Dear fiance and I hurried to the mall last night (jeans-shopping has never been a hobby of mine, so I like to bring him along for feedback and emotional support). I found many, many pairs to try on -- after all, we gals really do need to try on many pairs to find just one that will work, right?
Magically, I managed to find not one, but THREE pairs that all had promise! The dilemma: save money, or buy up the whole lot?
The solution presented itself like an angel in the light with a choir singing in the background: my darling dear fiance offered to purchase one pair for me, and then reminded me that I still had gift cards left over from Christmas and my Bday. One pair from him and one pair "from Nana" left me just one pair to purchase for myself!
In the end, I've not got a lovely pair of Calvin Kleins, and rockin pair of DKNYs, and a practical pair of Levis.
Ahhh... what won't we do for the perfect pair of denim?

Pop of Blue...

I was so excited to spy this belt at NY&Co for half off. I have really gotten into the habit of belting my outfits in the last few months, and I love having a colored belt that can instantly add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral outfit.



Top: H&M
Vest: H&M
Skirt: Land's End, swapped (actually a skort)
Shoes: American Eagle for Payless
Belt: NY&Co
Earrings: Claire's
Necklace: made by me

Closeup:


I had dear fiance play photographer for me again, as it was late, dark, and raining outside. Between experimenting with Kasmira's tips and directing him better, I think I am getting the hang of having a personal photographer!

I had an evening where I was actually able to pull out some of my jewelry supplies and play around. This necklace was the result. It's not exactly what I had envisioned (my skills are very elementary, so I'm still figuring out how to create when I picture in my mind), but I'm really pleased with how it turned out!

My mom surprised me right before I left work to let me know they were in town, and would I like to meet them for a drink? Why yes, it's Friday, it's been a long week, and I think I will have a drink, thankyou. This was a great outfit to transition from work to happy hour with my parents.

Do you make jewelry? If so, do you plan your creations, or do you let them organically take shape?

Feeling a Little Stepford...

When I saw this dress on a table at a clothing swap I went to last year, I immediately snatched it up. It is so very different from what I think of as my style (though, I've been finding since I started this blog that a lot of what I wear is different from what I think my style is -- perhaps I need to either redefine my style or shop more specifically?) but I thought it would be perfect for slightly dressier events such as summer weddings, date nights, and classy backyard barbecues.



Dress; Nine West, swapped
Cardi: NY&Co
Shoes: Modern Vintage, thrifted
Belt: wrap belt from another dress
Bracelet: gift
Earrings: Laila Rowe

Closeup:


There is something about the fitted bodice and flared skirt that makes me think of this dress as my Stepford Wives dress. Clearly I need pageant hair, strappy shoes, and a plastic face to go full-on Stepford, though...
I admit freely, however, that I caught myself twirling a few times during the day.

Chapter One Says to Love Her, Love Her With All Your Heart...

On the Metro on the ride home yesterday, I ended up having front-row seats to an impromptu doo-wop concert. Normally I just like to read my book on the ride home, and any noise above a whisper would receive a slightly snarky glance from me, but these gentlemen were actually quite good, and it was just the thing I needed to lift my rainy-day-blah mood.



Purple Top: Charlotte Russe
Black Tee: Sears
Charcoal Gray Pants: Lane Bryant
Shoes: Aldo, thrifted
Ring: Laila Rowe
Necklace: made by a friend

Closeup:


(It's kinda hard to tell in these pictures, but the top is really a beautifully rich purple, and while it was a darker outfit, it didn't quite look to depressing in person!)

Because it was so ick outside yesterday, outdoor shots just weren't gonna happen. I figured there was no better time to try out some of Kasmira's advice on how to get better photos indoors. I haven't perfected things just yet, but my pictures turned out remarkably brighter!

I made a point to take some pictures before adjusting my settings per her advice so you can compare:



At least you can see the fun hats I bought dear fiance and myself. He gets the monkey, I'm the bumble-bee!

Well I Never...

When another blogger pointed out weeks ago that pastels are a huge trend for spring, I said that I hardly ever wear pastels because they tend to wash me out, and also because I tend to see them as an overly-feminine style that I don't reconcile with my own style.
Well, color me a liar.



Aqua Wrap Top: Charlotte Russe
Orange Tshirt: H&M
Pants: NY&Co
Shoes: RSVP
Faux Peal Earrings: very old
Orange Pearl Necklace: Laila Rowe

Closeup:


Here I am sporting not just one, but two pastels. At first, I was concerned I would look like an easter egg, but the longer I saw the two tops together the more I liked the pairing, which was initially inspired by the orange pearl necklace.
I bought myself this necklace last spring from Laila Rowe, which is truly one of my favorite stores for accessories. I bought the necklace to add to my more delicate pieces, then I'm fairly certain I never wore it. If i did, it was only once or twice. I could just never quite figure out how to style it. After having already paired the two tops together, the addition of the necklace was purely natural.

Unrelated, I finally got myself a tripod, so I can venture out a little more with my photo locations. Of course, there are still actual, yknow *people* around, so I haven't ventured out very far just yet. Terra often posts about people catching her "in the act," but dare I saw that she is much braver than I am!

Is there a fashion trend of style piece that you once swore you would never take part in, only to find yourself wearing it later?

ETA: BTW, Danielle also has this same top in white. Small world!

Sometimes You Just Know You Look Good...

Sometimes, you just KNOW you look good. And this outfit was on one of those days.



Top: H&M
Skirt: old
Belt: Marshall's
Shoes: Madden Girl via TJ Maxx
Earrings: Claire's?

Closeup:


I just recently bought these awesome shoes at TJ Maxx and I couldn't wait to work them into some outfits. This is actually the second outfit -- the first one never made it to the blog. I felt sexy, and I felt extremely feminine all day long.
It was beautiful outside, and the wind was picking up my hair, my skirt and my earrings -- these earrings are almost like tiny little windchimes. I love hearing the tinkling in my ears all day long, and they always remind me of warm weather.

I really wanted the shoes to be the stars of this outfit, so I went for something simple and ended up with a color blocked outfit that I really felt great wearing!

Do you have any wardrobe items or accessories that you equate with Spring or Summer?

Double Vision...

Since it has been so long since I've posted outfit photos, there were some pictures on my camera that I'm not sure sure how long ago I wore the outfit. I'm fairly sure that I wore the first outfit below on Monday of last week, and I know for certain that the second outfit was worn on Thursday of last week.
Remember how I was complaining of being in a bit of a fashion rut? Here's photographic evidence:



Dress: swapped
Belt: Marshall's
Sandals: Payless
Earrings: made by me

Closeup:


And the second outfit:



Dress: swapped
Belt: Betsey Johnson via Marshall's
Shoes: NY&Co
Earrings: Claire's
Necklace: made by a friend

Closeup:


This jersey dress is just so comfortable that wearing it feels like wearing PJs. It's no surprise that when trying to get back into the swing of things I opted not once, but twice for something that looks good and feels great.

It does make me giggle though, that there are some bloggers out there like Sheila who can go months without wearing an item again, and then there's me, who wears it twice in the same week and doesn't even realize it.
At least I managed to style it nicely both times around!

A Toe in the Water...

I'm dipping my toe back into the fashion waters today.
This post almost didn't happen because I didn't get home until late last night, and when I pulled the camera out, the battery was dead. I almost went to my bedroom to change into my PJs, but then I decided to have the fiance take my photo on my cameraphone. The quality is utter crap, but at least there are pictures!



Striped Sweater: Pretty Good via Marshall's
Yallow Top: H&M
Pants: NY&Co
Shoes: Payless
Earrings: gift from fiance from a stand in the mall
Bracelet: thrifted

Nothing fashion-forward here; this outfit was more for function. My feet have been hurting, and I had a happy hour after work, so I wanted to wear flats. It's been chilly (and with the oncoming of summer, I know my skirts will get a workout) so I decided to wear pants. I love this sweater because it's easy and comfy. A little pop of yellow in the tshirt and accessories.
Easy Peasy.

And because Kristen requested a larger image of the full outfit:



Are there any other changes/features you'd like me to incorporate into the blog?

I Need an Intervention...

My name is Sam, and I am an unfashionable, comfy-clothes addict.
There, I've said it.
And admitting you have a problem is the first step, right?

Despite promising I would have an outfit post for you soon, I just haven't taken any photos of my outfit these last few days. Sure, there had been pieces of them that I've wanted to share with you all, but my overall feeling has been BLAH.
The weather is blah, my outfits feel blah, and I have been feeling kind of blah in my own skin.
This morning, I left my purse at home, which means I have no money and no allergy medicine -- which makes me feel very *ACHOO!* blah.

I'm kinda liking my outfit today, though.
It's nothing super amazing or fashion-forward, but it's comfy and I think it's flattering.
I'll try to snap some photos and hopefully have a real outfit post for you kids soon, but I won't make any promises this time.

What do you do when you're feeling blah? How do you spice up your outfits when you lack the motivation? How long does it take you to snap your outfit photos, and how do you talk yourself into it when you don't feel like taking/making the time? Or do you skip days when you just don't feel up to it?

Giveaway...

Kimberly over at Fab Finds Under 50 is hosting a giveaway for a gift certificate good for one Personalized Self-Inking Stamp in the design of your choice from Three Designing Women.

I have checked out the items over on this site, and they really are adorable!
I have had self-inking address label stamps for several years, and they are SO much easier then writing your address on bills, letters, etc. Plus, I think they add a little class to whatever you are mailing out.

You know I'm entering the giveaway -- this stamp would come in perfect for all the save-the-dates and wedding invitations I'm going to be sending out over the next few months!

Wish me luck, and if you're interested in entering, head on over to Kimberly's blog and check it out for yourself!

And She's Back...

It feels like forever since I have posted here and even longer since I've been able to read your blogs! In reality, it has been less than a week -- can we say "addicted" much?
While I don't yet have an outfit post to share with you, I do have this little number:



Yes, that's right ladies -- you can find Coach shoes at TJ Maxx!
Now, Coach isn't a brand that I am personally likely to buy since it's just not my style, but it's nice to see these designer items for myself as my neighborhood store. Of course, you will still have to shell out a solid $100, even at the discount stores.

I did manage to pick up a pair of Madden Girl shoes for myself, and they were a MUCH more manageable price. You will be seeing them when I post the outfit I'm wearing today.

And now, for a moment of silence...
I lost a favorite pair of jeans last night, when I was vegging out on the couch and saw the the stitching on the inseam had completely busted itself apart.
At least these jeans had a few years of love put into them, but now I supposed it's time to start the hunt again...

MIA...

I am in training this week, and our home computer is misbehaving, so I will have minimal computer access for either posting or commenting.
I plan to be back in full force by next week!

Sunshine Award...

Thanks to fellow blogger Meli22 over at The Daily Insanity of a Fashion Addict for awarding me the Sunshine Award!



Instructions for the award:
1. Put the logo on your blog within a post.
2. Pass the award on to 12 bloggers.
3. Link to the nominees within your post.
4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

I hereby nominate:

1. Clare of Between Laundry Days
2. Audi of Fashion for Nerds
3. Danielle of Fell 4 Fashion
4. Rose of From Sneakers to Stilettos
5. Terra of Stylish White Female
6. Kasmira of What I Wore Today
7. Sheila of Ephemera
8. Marianna of Absolutely Apple
9. Kari of In Kari's Wardrobe
10. Kristen of Low Fat Dressing
11. Kameel of Mrs. Hall in Training
12. Diana of Smiles Go With Everything

These ladies inspire me on a daily basis to look fabulous and step out of my comfort zone.
Bravo, ladies!

Cherry Blossom...

This is my first time wearing this dress, which I absolutely love. How fun that the splotches of pinky-coral remind me of the cherry blossoms!



Dress: H&M
Shoes: Modern Vintage, thrifted
Earrings: Claire's
Bracelet: Claire's
Cami: Kohl's

I have had gray heels on my Want list for quite a while. I found these lovelies while thrifting the other day, and they look like they may have only been worn once! I love that there is both patent and suede on them, which, as Audi would say, makes them special.

Dear fiance wasn't impressed with this dress when I tried it on, but I think it's perfect for me because it has a spring feel to it with the ruffles, floaty fabric, and floral-like print, but it is still in my comfort zone because of the drape and color scheme. While I love pastels and flowers on others, there is something in the inherent "girliness" that just feels awkward when I try it out myself.
I love the versatility this dress offers. I can throw a belt around it to create a more defined waistline. I can class it up with nice heels and jewelry, but at the same time, I can throw on some boots, my leather jacket, and bass-ass accessories and wear it a little more rocker-style, like Erin would do.

No Bullseyes...

Neither of these looks is a fashion bullseye. One is a bit off-target, and one missed the whole target entirely.
But in the interest of full disclosure, I share them with you.

Tuesday, I wore this:


Cardi: NY&Co
Top: Old Navy
Pants: thrifted
Shoes: American Eagle
Scarf: vintage, thrifted
Earrings: (faux diamond studs, unseen) Claire's

While the scarf adds a much-needed pop of color, the outfit felt much like the weather -- drab and dreary. Nothing exciting. Forgettable.
At least I was able to repeat the dot theme in the scarf, the neckline of the top, and the sequins of the shoes?


Wednesday was a bit better:


Top: Faith21
Pants: Marshall's?
Shoes: Payless
Belt: KMart
Necklace: Cato
Earrings: (unseen) Target?
Headband: Claire's or the Icing

The color had returned both to the world, and to my outfit. I wanted to build an outfit around the rarely-worn headband, which I think is just-too-cute.
These pants are definitely up on my wardrobe's chopping block. The fabric just screams 1970's polyester suit to me every time I see them in photos. I have held onto them because I need me some chocolate brown pants, and these keep surviving until I find a better pair.
I *LOVE* the pattern on this top. L-O-V-E. But I think I need some help with how to style it. It is sheer, so it requires a cami underneath, which I have no problem with. Because it is large and blousy, I always feel the need to belt it, so I don't like enormous, but sometimes I feel like the belted look ends up making me look... expecting. As in, several gentlemen on the Metro offered me their seats.

Mission (for myself, and for you, if you choose to accept it!): How to create a shape in this top, without that shape saying "with child."

On the bright side, I picked up this belt at KMart for a mere $2! I have been trying to find a belt this color for about forever, and this one fits both my waist AND my hips, so this is a major score!

The Shape of Fashion...

Last night, while reading Shape magazine (which for some reason gets delivered to my house, despite the fact the I neither ordered it nor pay for it), I was pleasantly surprised to find some decent fashion suggestions. I wouldn't have expected to see style articles in a publication devoted to fitness (other than fitness fashion, that is) but really, I guess it makes sense, since the magazine really is about helping women be healthy AND feel good about themselves -- as we all know, what you wear really does affect how you feel!

There was an interesting double-page layout entitled "10 Classics Every Woman Should Own." Being that I am really not a "classic" dresser and tend to buck both trends and authority (or anyone who tells me what I "should" do), I was interested to see how many, if any of these items I own.

(1) The quilted, chain-strap purse.


Don't own it, never will. Nothing against Chanel, but this just feels very 1980's to me.

(2) The collarless jacket.


Again, tres Chanel. And of course, very Jackie O. I have no issues with this look, but it's just not me. There's something about it that seems... matronly isn't the right word, but just for someone, well, older than me. It's beautiful, but I wou;dn't feel like myself in it.

(3) The statement necklace.


This is something that, not only do I own, but I really think every woman should have. The beauty is that you can pick whichever type of statement matches your own style!

(4) The ruched shift.


I do own a shift dress or two, but I'm not sure I would say they are ruched. While ruching can hide a multitude of imperfections, frankly, not everyone needs it. I do however think that a shift dress is a timeless piece that can be styled in so many different ways. If you have a funkier personality, you can pick a bright color or pair it with spikes, studs, or chains. If you have a more classic personality, you can wear it with pears and the collarless jacket shown earlier. Very versatile.

(5) Strappy metallic heels.


I don't think I actually own a pair of these anymore, unless you count a wedge heel, and I'm not sure that's the intent here. While I would love to have a pair in my shoe wardrobe, I just don't find them to be a necessity nearly so much as, say, a nice nude pump, a great pair of boots, or even a good workout shoe.

(6) The perfect fitting jeans.


You need these, hands-down. Moreover, you need them in several styles: Casual, trouser, skinnies... whichever styles you like, but seriously, more than one. I am still on my quest for the perfect jeans, but I have a few pairs that I really like.

(7) The embellished tank.


Whether you pay top dollar for a tank with diamonds on the collar or DIY a cheapie with some spare fabric rosettes, embellished tanks are the easiest way to literally throw on something comfy with zero effort and still look chic -- even jewelry isn't required! I have a few embellished tanks (and tops) and am trying to add more to my wardrobe.

(8) The pencil skirt.


While pencil skirts have really made a resurgence in the last few years, they really are a classic piece. It might take some time, effort, and a good tailor to find the *right* pencil skirt for you, but this shape can work for any figure and any size. I have a few, and when I wear them, I always feel very va-va-va-VOOM.

(9) Textured flats.


I love that over the last several years, flats have been a huge trend. We all still love our heels, but sometimes, you just need to give your feet a rest. We still want to be stylish, though! Enter the textured flat. Some flats have the potential to look a but little-girlish, but throw in some tweed or snakeskin, and you've still got a shoe with a major statement. I own several pairs of flats with texture, pattern, and embellishment.

(10) The trench coat.


For most of us, when we think of trench coats, we envision the picture above. Khaki, collar, tie belt. It's classic, but to me, BO-RING. Not to mention that I have yet to find a classic trench that actually works with my body shape.
Thankfully, the trench has been redesigned lately.
Try one with a fun pop of color:


Or one with an asymmetrical hemline to change it up a bit:


While the "classic" trench isn't for me, I could totally see myself wearing something with a modern twist to it.


What do YOU think about this list of 10 classics every woman should own?