Inspired by: Erin...

Last week, I inadvertently conjured Hillary in one of my outfits. This week, I have inadvertently channeled Erin.



Top: KMart
Skirt: thrifted
Shoes: thrifted
Earrings: made by me

Closeup:


Now, this outfit isn't nearly as Erin is my Hillary outfit was Hillary. But here are the main connections I saw:
(1) Flowy top with cute detailing
(2) Super-cute piece bought for a super-amazing steal
(3) Mostly pretty and feminine, with a touch of rocker-chic
(4) thrifted gems
(5) DIY

Erin often wears pretty pieces that seem to just float on her. I happened to snatch this top at Kmart (along with that dress I wore last week) for just $10 -- not only is it floaty and gorgeous, it seems to be cut like it was made just for me. Now, I haven't often seen Erin in pencil skirts, but she does wear thrifted items quite a bit, and that's where the skirt ties in. The shoes too -- even though her shoes are normally funkier than a pair of peep-toes, I love these the way she loves her signature pieces.
Now, the earrings are where I really felt like I was channeling Erin. Not only are they DIY, but the little skulls toughen up the outfit just a hair. They are long and dangly, so still quite feminine, and most people probably didn't even notice how tough they truly are. But feeling a little Erin, I loved throwing on something a little edgy and unexpected with this otherwise pretty outfit.

I got a new dress...

I got a new dress! I got a new dress!



Dress: Kmart
Shoes: Vera Wang for Kohls
Cami: Old Navy
Earrings: Claires
Necklace: made by me

Closeup:


Let's jump in the WAY BACK machine for a moment and look at the stuff I was wearing a year ago. OK, i didn't have this blog back then, but trust me, a year ago, dresses and skirts were NOT my go-to look mid summer. Not loving the weight I am carrying these days, last summer I would wear skirts and dresses only on the absolute hottest days, instead preferring to cover myself as much as possible and suffer the consequences (aka sweat and stinkiness).
Seriously, y'all -- what was I thinking?!

This year, I have pulled my head out of my arse and invested as much as I can in skirts and dresses. They are FAR more comfortable, and frankly, much more flattering on my figure! Plus, it's a whole outfit in just a piece or two -- couldn't be easier.

I scored this little number for just a song at Kmart last week. Kmart is one of those stores I wouldn't have thought to look in for clothes, since in my mind they aren't even on-par with other similar retail chains. But I have seen several other of you ladies sporting really awesome pieces you found at Kmart, so when dear fiance and I were there the other day, I decided to pop my head into the clothing section, and I'm glad I did! This little ditty was just a mere $15, and I also snagged a top for only $10. (I'm sure the top will be making an appearance soon.)

This dress does have a self-tie that I would like to remove, but I need to take a closer look before hacking away. I am not skilled at all at sewing -- or even un-sewing, since that's what removing pieces would be! I'm hoping to take a class somewhere (maybe AFTER the wedding) so I can know how to do basic stuff like hemming things and maybe even creating basic little pieces like the ones I have seen other bloggers wear. My mind is creative, so I would love to know how to do this stuff!

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!