Flash, Bam, Alacazam, Out of the Orange Colored Sky...

To be honest, I can't even remember when I wore this outfit. My best guess is sometime at the end of February or early March. I know it wasn't recently, but we must have been having a "heatwave" if I want tights-less.

There is not too much to note about this outfit other than the fabulous shoes.



Blouse: Forever XXI
Skirt: thrifted
Shoes: Michael Shannon via Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse
Scarf: Laila Rowe
Belt: Amazon.com
Earrings: gift

Closeup:



These, dolls, are my wedding shoes. And man, were they a biotch to find!
You see, orange heels are tough to hunt down to start with, and when you add a VERY picky bride, darned near impossible! I was just about to give up and resign myself to more traditional shoes when I found these on the clearance rack -- just over $20. Umm, yes please!

I have already posted a few of my wedding photos, but I haven't yet posted one with my shoes -- and how can I not do that?!



Dress: Michelle Roth via Kleinfeld
Shoes: Michael Shannon via Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse
Earrings: Gift from hubby a long time ago
Sapphire Bracelet: shower gift from MIL
Hair Feather: Etsy seller sibodesigns

Our wedding had a "Rustic Elegant" theme, with a strong reliance upon natural elements and autumnal colors. I hadn't told my hubby that I would be wearing these shoes (as they were intended to be a surprise to everyone except my mother and my 'maids), and I was shocked when he decided upon orange ties and pocket squares for all the guys in our wedding party -- could we be more in tune? I went with the flow and had my gals' gorgeous flowers wrapped with orange ribbon. As you can see from the photos I had already posted, our "aisle" brought us down a short flight of steps, and everyone was pleasantly surprised to see my shoes as I descended. I got so many compliments on them!
What I love most about them, though, is that I can still wear them. Had I opted for more "traditional" wedding shoes, I'm not sure that would be the case. But I love that most of the pieces I wore that day (other than the dress itself) are ones that I can still wear.

Something old,
Something new,
Something borrowed,
Something blue,
And a sixpence in your shoe.

Of course, I still have the sixpence taped inside my shoe.

Casual Night Out...

This outfit was worn the same day as my Hillary outfit. After getting home from work, dear fiance and I decided to have a casual night out, so I decided to throw on a top I almost never wear, since it sorta screams 13-year-old teenybopper. Open tie-shoulders and a hole in the back combined with polka dots? Definitely pushing the boundaries, but at least the fiance thought I looked cute!
(Excuse the blurry photo -- I used dear fiance instead of my regular tripod.)



Top: Rue 21
Jeans: Levis
Shoes: Payless
Earrings: made by me

Closeup:


I attempted to do the cute jeans-pegging look that I have seen several other bloggers sport, but alas, on me, it just looks like I rolled up my jeans to go dig for some clams. Methinks I need pants that are actually fairly wide-fitted to get the look right, and frankly, at my size, I'm not about to invest in pants and larger than they need to be.

Me-OW...

Dressing myself has been rather tough in this hot and very humid mid-atlantic summer. It is already warm and muggy when I walk out the door at 6:30 am, and by the time I am coming home, I am absolutely melting.
In the middle, however, is my overly-air-conditioned office where I shiver the day away. I usually run a space-heater under my desk, but thanks to a recurring rash on my ankles, doctor's orders are to use it as sparingly as possible now.
As such, I'm forced to dress creatively, in layers that can be piled on in the office and removed for the commute home, without me fellow Metro riders becoming too concerned that they are traveling with *that* type of working girl.



Cardi: NY&Co
Skirt: thrifted
Shoes: Merona, thrifted
Cami: Macy's?
Earrings: Claire's
Nail Polish: both from American Apparel

Closeup:


Cardigans and camis/tanks/tees have been my go-to so far this summer. Dresses and Skirts all the way. Sure, I have tossed on a pair of jeans for the occasional after-work or weekend activity, but leaving my arms and legs free to feel the wind has been the best plan of action so far.
The challenge I have faced is this: while I can pile on the layers (meanwhile injecting my personality into my outfits) in the office, when I shed the layers outside, I often feel like I am also peeling off the details that make my outfit interesting; that make it ME. Remove the heavy necklace, strip off the cinching belt, get rid of that sweat-inducing cardi. Now I'm just left bare with a plain dress, or a top and skirt.

How do you create interesting outfits with minimal layers and pieces that still feel unique and personalied?

Green with Envy...

This is the last outfit I wore before embarking on the Dress Your Best challenge. Those posts will be coming soon, I promise!



Dress: Anne Taylor Loft
Shoes: Steve Madden
Earrings: Claire's
Bracelet: Old Navy

Closeup:


I saw this dress at Anne Taylor Loft when I went to buy the petal cardigan worn in this post. I loved the color, but also knew there was NO WAY I was going to be paying full price for this dress. (I love Loft's styles, but their prices are rather high for me. Luckily, they have good sales, and often, and they email out great discounts all the time!)
Well, the day after buying the cardi (50% off all sale items!) I got an email about 40% off all non-sale items -- SCORE! I instantly knew I would be swinging back to the store for this little number!

I just LOVE the color (green is my fave!) and the detailing along the straps and waistband a perfect. I can wear this on its own, like I did for its inaugural wearing, or I can throw a belt around it for more waistline definition. I think the options are endless for dressing this baby up or down.

The One that Started It All...

I can probably point to my purchase of this dress as the awakening of my fashion revival. Before buying this dress, I was in a serious rut, buying only things that were comfortable. I was utterly upset over my ever-growing weight and body, and shopping for clothes and looking nice was at the bottom of the totem pole that was my list of priorities.



Dress: NY&Co
Shoes: thrifted
Belt: NY&Co
Necklace: thrifted
Bracelet: gift
Earrings: from a stand in the mall, gift from fiance

Closeup:


When I spotted this dress in the store, I knew it would feel good with its soft, comfy fabric and its lack of waist restriction. I tried it on on a whim, and I totally fell in love with it. Suddenly my perspective on clothing completely changed -- I can buy cute clothes that make me look and feel good!
This was about 2 years ago, and I still really love this dress.

Have you ever had any fashion epiphanies?

Lizzie the Lizard...

While this top photographs a little "expectant mother," in person, it wears beautifully blousy.



Top: H&M
Skirt: D'Rae's Closet
Shoes: NickelsSoft, thrifted
Cami: Forever XXI
Scarf: Icing by Claire's
Earrings: Claire's
Lizard Pins: thrifted, originally earrings, altered by me
Nail Polish: very old

Closeup:


These awesome lizard brooches were originally a pair of earrings. One hung by the head, and the other by the tail. Oh, how I wish I'd snapped a picture of me wearing them as intended before altering them into brooches. Really, they were totally hilarious.
I don't often wear yellow gold. It's not a color of metal that I think suit me. However, while I love metal-mixing on other bloggers, it's not something I've mastered yet myself, so I steer clear for now. Instead, I own just a few yellow-gold-colored pieces, just so I can accessorize with awesome stuff like these brooches.

I decided to give myself a home mani-pedi, since I have been in desperate need of one for months now. In an attempt to save money still for the wedding, I opted to give myself a manicure, and I decided to use this purple polish that has been in my collection for years. Seriously, y'all, I have had this bottle since high school? middle school maybe?
Dear fiance pointed out his concerns about makeup that was that old, but I assured him this rule didn't apply to nail polish. Which of course, got me thinking -- so long as it's still the proper texture to be used, DOES nail polish "go bad?" I was shocked that this bottle was still usable, but until he said something, it never entered my mind that it may be bad for me...
What say you?

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!

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!

They Call me Mellow Yellow...

Only this yellow wasn't very mellow at all!
I find yellow to be a very difficult color for me, and i think I look better in a more muted, mustardy yellow. However do love this skirt, and I don't really have an appropriate brown top to wear with it (which is the color I would normally be more inclined to pair with it).



Top: H&M
Skirt: Anne Taylor LOFT, swapped
Shoes: Mossimo, thrifted
Necklace: very old
Bangles: bought from a friend
Earrings: NY&Co

Hopefully wearing the chunky brown necklace near my face helped to counteract some of the yellow washing me out.

I wore the top tucked in because I thought it looked more pulled-together than an untucked tshirt (because really, that's all this shirt is). But I really don't like the way it looks like I'm carrying a spare tire around my midsection. I think this issue could have been counteracted with a nice wide belt worn where the top and skirt meet; unfortunately, I don't own a wide brown belt -- this has now been added to my shopping list!
I untucked the top when I got home, and I think the proportions were much better for me.

My fiance is at two different soccer practices tonight. I could have anything I want in the world for dinner, and I opted for mac-n-cheese with salsa on it.
What does that say about me?
*facepalm*

Mixing high and Low...

I wore this outfit on Monday, and I must admit, I felt rather smart in it.



Top: swapped
Jacket: Nordstrom Rack
Pants: Marshall's
Shoes: NickelsSoft, thrifted
Earrings: Claire's
Necklace: Laila Rowe
Bracelet: Tiffany

I love the idea of mixing high-end and low-end pieces in one outfit.
I don't recall the brand of this jacket offhand, but I bought it at Nordstrom Rack, and it is definitely something I couldn't have afforded if I would have had to pay full price for it. Likewise, this Tiffany bracelet was a gift from my parents for my 30th birthday. (Every girl needs a little piece of Tiffany, dontcha think?)
However, the pants were purchased at discount retailer Marshall's, the shoes were thrifted, and the top was free via a clothing swap.

This is of of those outfits that proves that you don't have to pay an arm and a leg to feel like a million bucks.

PS: Let me introduce you to Raul Duke. Some people have children, some people have "fur babies," and some people, such as my fiance and myself, have these adorable little monsters waiting for us at home:

A Spring in my Step...

Huzzah! Finally, an outdoor photo!



Yellow Top: H&M
Cardi: TJ Maxx
Brown Pants: unknown
Shoes: Mudd
Earrings: Cato

After having participated in the Wardrobe Capsule Challenge last week, you'd think I would have all sorts of ideas for new outfits I would want to wear, but when I stood in the closet, I was completely clueless. Uninspired. I had no idea. So of course, I turned to Kimberley's Inspiration Calendar. This called for "Neutrals with a Citrus Pop." I think I have more pop than neutral, but with the official start of Spring nosing its way ever-so-near, I don't care!

Not only was it finally WARM enough to attempt an outdoor photo, but after having cleaned out the garage this past weekend with dear fiance, I think I actually have somewhere to take outdoor photos again! See, when we moved, we lost the joy of having a deck, and I really had trouble finding a place where I could snap a few pictures. Of course, I need enough light, but I also like a halfway decent background and a tiny bit of privacy. This location isn't perfect, but it will do for now -- at least you can't see light switches and power sockets in the background!

This weekend we have our first pre-wedding counseling session, and next week is our food tasting. We already have a venue (with a caterer), and I have a dress. We are *thisclose* to having both a photographer and the band I reallyreallyreally want to have -- just need to sign contracts, but they are pretty much good-to-go. I was worried about not doing much wedding-wise for January and February, but March seems to be falling right into place. *Yay!*

A Day Late and a Dollar Short...

I worked from home yesterday because dear fiance dislocated his finger at soccer practice on Sunday, and it took him until yesterday to realize that it might be a good idea to have it checked out by a doctor. Since I was already home, we decided to head over to our new leasing agency and actually sign our lease.
That said, I wasn't really wearing anything blog-worthy.

Yesterday's inspiration calendar called for Color Combo: Coral and Gray. Since today's theme called for Denim Shirt & Skirt and my office frowns upon denim, I decided to go with yesterday's theme instead.



Gray Top: H&M
Coral Cardi: Old Navy
Charcoal Pants: Lane Bryant
Shoes: Steve Madden
Earrings: Claire's
Belt NY&Co

I swear, the cardi and belt match more in real life.
I love wearing these earrings with this gray top because they both have that lace-esque detailing that reflect so well on one another.I love the detailing on the top of this gray top, but often find myself tugging and smoothing out the bottom. I am wondering if maybe I need a little spray starch to give it a little more *umph* so it doesn't get so wrinkly when I wear it.

May not post for a few days, due to moving. Hopefully it won't be too long before our internet us up and running!

Peacock Strut...

Do you have a piece of clothing that you really love, but you just can't seem to make it work right?
That's how I feel about this top -- I love the peacock print, and I even love that it is sheer, but I haven't really figured out a good way to style it. Because it is larger and blousy, I always feel the need to cinch it at the waist, but then I feel it makes my proportions look awkward.
I am thinking this top will be easier to style in the summer when I can just wear a cami or tank under it. I think since it is sheer, my figure will show through and I won't feel the need to belt it. Right now, since I am forced to layer thicker (i.e., *warmer*) layers beneath it, I don't think my figure shows through as well, and it makes me feel frumpier -- hence my constant desire to belt it.



Turtleneck: H&M
Peacock Top: Forever 21 (Faith 21)
Pants: NY&Co
Belt: NY&Co
Scarf: Laila Rowe
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction
Bracelets: various -- Laila Rowe, thrifted, from a friend, gift from mom
Earrings: gift from future MIL

What I love about this outfit is how the orange scarf brings out the touches of orange in the top, which I usually pair with green accessories.
I also love the cluster of bangles that I stacked up on my right arm. Usually I try to go a little more sparingly with my accessories, so as not to look overdone, but this top has sort of a boho feel, so I think the tall stack of bangles works.

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On a side note, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the wonderful bloggers who have already made me feel very welcome in this large community. I am still learning the ropes and gaining a "fanbase," but already I feel like I am carving out my little niche here.
I am grateful for all of the help and feedback that you provide, and most of all, I truly appreciate having the chance to read your blogs and get to know all of you.
You really have created a wonderful community, and I am happy to have finally become a part of it!