I think I'm a snob

Anthro:
Philomene Top
With-a-Twist Henley
Pilcro Zip-Pocket Slims
Lanky Boot Socks
Loft cardigan
Target boots


I went to the mall today. Yuck. My first priority was to return some leggings. I ordered the Pilcro cord leggings at Anthro and I was just sort of grumpy over the $88 price tag for something I'm really planning on wearing as tights. So yesterday I found a similar pair by Hue for $24. They were packed up like tights so I didn't try them on until today. I looked like Peter Pan. The color, fabric, and fit just was not as sophisticated, so those got returned and I will be keeping my original pair.

My other observation today is that just about everything in the mall was total crap. I know everything is fairly picked over post-holiday, but blech. So much polyester and acrylic! I picked up a few things that looked good on the hanger, but I am now in the habit of looking at the fabric label immediately- sort of like reading nutrition facts at the grocery store. Of course, as soon as I touched most of this stuff I could tell it was garbage. I have gotten spoiled by quality (which is why I'm hoping the true Spring line at Anthro is an improvement over the current new releases.) So, I did not come home with any purchases, which is really quite okay with me as I need to flipping cool it anyways.

Anthro Slow & Steady cardi
" Courtship Blooms tank
Loft tank (under)
Gap Perfect Boot jeans
Target boots

Just a Panera and Target day, but I felt like at least making an effort. I am actually lounging around in this outfit right now because my loungewear is all in the laundry, due to the extreme amount of lounging I have been doing lately. This either tells me that I am lounging too much, or I need more loungewear. I think the latter.

On another note, I think I am liking myself with a darker lip color.

Gap gray tank top
Anthro Rational Ruffles t
Anthro Wily cardigan
Old Navy cords

I also managed to get on something other than my gray boots today. I bought a lovely pair of suede wanna-be Uggs from Target in a size and a half too big. They were on clearance for $17, which is well worth having a footwear option. They are certainly not the most elegant thing I've ever put on, but they are a step up from the recovery shoe that I am still contemplating burning once I know I am totally done with it.

Not winning any awards here..

Anthro Shadowsleeve cardi
" Fauvism top
Target jeans & booties

So I am not winning any awards for creativity here. I originally had this belted, but we were going out to dinner. We don't go splurgy very often ( a big night out is Panera woohoo!) and I didn't want to be constrained. Hence, the flowy top and cardi. Still stuck with the gray boots. Fortunately they go with everything. I might try to find something else tolerable later today, if I can drag myself out of the house.

Shoes take 2

Dressing Room Henley
Pilcro Zip-pocket Slims
Treehouse Climber tank
Gap necklaces
Target cardi & boots

Another successful day of getting a shoe on my foot. So far these lovely gray booties are the only thing that doesn't kill my foot. I am walking around the house as barefoot as possible hoping my foot will revert to some form of normalcy.

I originally put this outfit together to participate in Kim's holiday outfit post, but I'm not super thrilled with how this came together. This is another outfit that I felt cute in at the time but didn't photo well. I thought the green cardi was a nice counterpoint so that I wouldn't be overly matchy, but it doesn't mesh. I will probably wear the other pieces together sometime with a different topper.

Shadowsleeve cardi
Lace Over Leather belt
Hue tights in copper
Target dress & boots
Old Navy scarf

So the giant grin on my face was all about actually getting a real shoe on my foot! It only lasted until 10:00, but it is progress! I don't think I am going to try a real shoe again tomorrow, but maybe by the time Christmas Break is over. It is good to have goals...

Mrs. Woodward's camisole
Wish You Were Here cardi
Old Navy cords
Gap necklaces
Simple shoe

So I am trying out some different locales for photographs. I am not thinking the kitchen is going to be a repeat customer. Yesterday was a day where I changed 8,939,381 times before leaving the house, because what I had laid out the night before didn't work. So this is definitely not the most put together look I've ever come up with, but I was dressed, and that is what matters, because going to work naked is frowned upon.

Slow & Steady cardigan
Keep it Simple tunic
Pilcro zip pocket skinnies
Simple sneaker

This was sort of an updated preppy thing going on today. This cardigan makes me giggle. It has sort of a grandpa-sweater cut to it, but with TURTLES! Awesome. It needed something a little edgier to keep it out of extreme dork territory, and these skinnies fit the bill. I might need to order these in multiple colors when they hit sale..

Yes, we have no heads today

Charmeuse Splice cardigan
Palacio Blouse
Floral Muse Cami
Old Navy cords
Simple "D kay" sneaker, laced replaced w/ ribbons by me

I liked my outfit today, but not my expression, so I beheaded myself. It was cold, cold, cold outside but they are keeping the inside pretty blazing, so I needed layers. This works much better than my previous purple pairing with this cardi.

Slow & Steady Cardigan
First Flight t
Old Navy Scarf
Gap Perfect Boot jeans

I tried very hard to get my foot in a shoe today. It did not want to cooperate, and I don't want to overdo it.

Anthropologie Blushing Bouquet cardi
Anthro Diamond Lights tank
Anthro Keep the Change trousers
left foot- Simple
right foot- ....

I felt very cute today, but this did not photograph cute. For some reason pants don't photograph well on me.

Anthropologie Oleandar Cardigan
Anthropologie Mirror, Mirror tank
Gap Perfect Boot jeans (cuffed by me)
Target knee socks
Left foot- Simple
Right foot- $&@(!*#

I have to wear it for another week. Damn, damn, damn!

Truth in advertising

Converse One Star shirt (Target)
Anthropologie Treehouse Climber tank
Anthro/Pilcro Zip-Pocket Slims
Left foot- Dansko maryjane
Right foot- recovery shoe


So the truth part is, this dinosaur on my foot is part of my reality right now. That is not an excuse to completely give up! Putting on a pair of well fitting pants, and a warm-but -fitted shirt made me feel more like myself than I have in a while. Next week, I should get to take this albatross off.

Clusterfudge of online shopping

I need to figure out how to get my husband out of the house Thursday. I have no less than 5 packages that are supposed to arrive that day (1 from The Body Shop and 4 from Anthro- they split 2 orders both into multiple shipments.) I made a comment oh, last week, that I really probably have all the clothes I need and especially with how limited I'm going to be with my foot issue I should just chill...

Then came multiple days of being at home and having to remain in a reclined position. I mean, what was I SUPPOSED to do, really? Play online scrabble? Watch the Food Network? (wait, I have been doing that. I have a LOT OF FREE TIME RIGHT NOW!)

Mr. husband doesn't have a problem with the amount that I shop, but I can foresee the convergence of purchases on our doorstep at least getting me a raised eyebrow. Look, he benefits. He does (I'm going somewhere with this). Fitting into cute clothing is my #1 motivation for staying slim. Vain, shallow, whatevs, it keeps me from puffing up, which would be REALLY easy to do right now! (see aforementioned lack of mobility). So I will continue to selflessly find additional, preferably on sale, reasons to not stuff my face with marshmallows.

YOU'RE WELCOME!

Anthropologie tank (I think it is called bouquet of buttons?)
Anthro Wiley sweater
Gap trouser jeans
H&M necklace
left foot- Dansko maryjane
right boot- recovery shoe
Anthro Prize-Winning Tote

So the husband thought it was a bit strange that I wanted to be photographed today. This is the first time that I have gotten up and out of the house since Wednesday, and dammit, I think I look pretty cute considering the beast on my foot. I only went to the doctor, but having an excuse to get dressed and do my hair and makeup was therapeutic. One tip- do not attempt to put on skinny jeans when your foot is wrapped in 5 inches of bandage. Obviously that did not end up working out.

I am loving this sweater. It is perfect for pattern mixing and the coyote print makes my giggle.

Wardrobe Staples?

So on MSN today is an article about wardrobe staples.

I'm sorry, but capes and leather skirts are not wardrobe "staples". I have gotten along perfectly fine without either of these items, and quite honestly can't imagine a time or place that I would wear either. I am not saying either item is intrinsically bad. I have seen capes worn in a very chic manner, but I would look and feel ridiculous wearing one. And while leather skirts are hot, they would absolutely not fit into my lifestyle.

Anyhow, I love clothing but sometimes I don't get fashion.

Left- Anthropologie With-a-Twist Henley
Loft flower applique tank
Old Navy skinny cargoes
clogs- Kohls

Right- Anthropologie Mirror, Mirror tank & Shadowsleeve cardigan
Gap perfect boot jeans
Simple shoes
necklace-??


This week was blessedly short and I was feeling pretty casual. The only thing that kept me from being a total slob, quite honestly, was parent meetings. I am now sitting with my foot up in the air in yoga pants and a tank- I didn't really think that needed to be featured here! I am probably not going to have much to photograph for a while, what with convalescing (aka sitting on my rump for two weeks).

jeans + t +

Anthropologie Once and Always t
Loft cardi
Gap Long and Lean jeans
Shoes- simple
bracelet, necklace- Tiffany

It was unseasonably warm yesterday (this outfit) and today- in the 70s. The cardigan didn't stay on long. I think this is how to do jeans and t with a touch of style- no mom jeans, no fugly college football shirts. (Sorry, state-mates, but many of you go around looking like shapeless sacks of crimson and orange!)

It is expected to turn cold by Thanksgiving- but- it already did turn cold and then turned back, so who knows. I've thinned out a lot of my true winter clothing, but I am going to be practically homebound for about two weeks anyhow.

A day without Anthropologie!

Long sleeve t- Mossimo/Target
Plaid flannel shirt- Converse One Star/Target
belt- Old Navy
Perfect Boot jeans/brown necklaces-Gap
shoes- Simple

Even though I've been shopping at Anthropologie for less than a year, it has rapidly overtaken my closet. It is rare that I'm not sporting at least one Anthro piece. But today was a pretty casual look, ergo..
I am kind of loving these shoes. Which is good, since they are going to be one of my only options for two months. The ribbons in lieu of laces give them some style. I might even pick up another pair in taupe after I go back to work in a couple weeks.

Anthropologie Rational Ruffles t
Anthropologie Shadowsleeve cardi
Gap trouser jeans
Target boots
belt and scarf, origins unknown

No particular inspiration for today's outfit but I got a million compliments. Sometimes simple works best.

Anthropologie Field Game cardigan
Anthro Bit of Pearls blouse
Old Navy tank (underneath, not really showing)
Banana Republic Logan fit pants
boots, necklace, ??

Yay for my roots being on display with this staring-at-the-ground position I am sporting. Fortunately they are getting fixed tomorrow. I also was able to pick up a new straightening iron on the cheap thanks to a sale plus coupon at Penney's. Who knew that they even sold Chi. Now I do.

It is raining and gray and cold outside right now. It was not this morning when I chose this outfit, but fortunately it didn't really turn until late in the day.

Anthropologie Contrasting Elements tank
Anthropologie Abuzz cardi
Loft skirt
Old Navy scarf
Hue tights
Dansko shoes

So, I kind of look like a rainbow threw up on me today. I actually originally had green shoes on but changed after I took my initial picture. This pencil skirt needed some shoes with a bit more height to them. I tried to tone down the multi colored ensemble with the brown tights, but I'm not sure how it came off. I think a colored tight might have worked better.

Anthropologie:
Count the Waves dress
Wish You Were Here cardi
Checkerboard belt
Baroque sweater tights
necklace- origins unknown
boots- DSW
Bad Hair Day- thanks straightening iron, for choosing to conk out this morning

I am trying to get as many skirts into rotation this week as possible. I personally don't think that sneakers plus skirts work if you are over the age of about 16, so skirts are going to be off limits for two months starting next week. I also, apparently, will be sporting my curls the rest of the week until I have the time and $ to go replace the aforementioned straightening iron. Of course, I am now accustomed to having a professional grade (expensive!) iron, so buying a cheapie cheap at Target is not going to do. Le sigh!

Loft Cardigan
Anthro Horseshoe Falls top
Anthro Organic Blooms necklace
Anthro Fastened & Knotted belt
Gap Long & Lean jeans
DSW boots

I experimented with some outdoor photography yesterday. Obviously, my control of the lighting leaves something to be desired. But, I almost like the flood of light with my light-colored outfit. I look sort of angelic.

Yesterday was all about shoes. I am going to be bound to sneakers for about two months because of a surgery I am having next week. This is necessary, but I don't want it to put a huge cramp in my style. I ended up with two pairs, below, both by Simple. My feet and my sense of fashion will be able to tolerate these.

Anthropologie Once & Always top
Anthropologie Tucked Away Blooms cardigan
BCBG skirt
Simply Vera Vera Wang tights
DSW boots
necklace- Charming Charlie's

Today was a strange weather day. It was raining this morning, misting by lunchtime, and sunny and 70 by the afternoon. Boots plus skirt is usually a fool proof rainy day ensemble. I definitely need to do some hosiery shopping. The right pair of tights can really make an outfit pop.

Ann Taylor Loft cardigan
Anthropologie Rainy Rosettes tank
Old Navy sparkly tank (under)
Banana Republic skirt
Target boots
necklace and tights- origin unknown.

I originally had the Anthro Tucked Away Blooms cardigan picked out to go with this. It did not work. The offwhitish background just looked strange with the gray. So, I grabbed this at the last second. Even thought I am in all solid colors, which I don't usually do, I like the way this all came together. I have been having a hard time styling this particular anthro tank because it is pretty low cut. The Old Navy tank underneath was on my possible list to vacate my closet, but I am glad that I held onto it.

shifting into neutral

Anthro First Flight T
Anthro Wish You Were Here cardi
Anthro Hartley trousers
doc martens
necklace- origins unknown

Today, I basically built my outfit around wearing comfortable shoes. So, this didn't end up being the most exciting look in the world, but I still got compliments on the cardigan. This is a cardi that I didn't really give a second look to when I saw it on the website, but it was in the clearance section in-store and caught my eye. I want to accumulate some more things with whimsical prints.

the rugged side of anthropologie

Anthropologie Tree Climber tank
Anthro Dressing Room henley
Anthro Keep the Change trousers
Kut from the Kloth jacket
Gap necklaces
Dansko shoes

Anthropologie is known for being very flowy and girly, but I'm practically head to toe here and I think I've got a butch look going on. Today was another LONG day and I needed something that would be presentable but that I could live in for 12 hours. I just picked up this shirt Saturday. I am thinking I need some sort of bottom in the red family to pair some things with.

Headless Wonder

Anthropologie First Flight t
Anthro Field Game cardi
Anthro Organic Blooms necklace
Gap perfect boot jeans


So, my head and feet got cut off here. Hubby was getting a little impatient with my photography, so I had to take what I could. I like the whole army/navy vibe I've got going.

We visited Oklahoma's first Anthropologie yesterday. I didn't end up buying a whole lot because I'm on a budget but at least I got to make some returns. Yes, the cost of gas probably was equivalent to shipping the stuff back, but I detest paying to ship returns. The store was quite beautiful. I have mixed feelings about whether I want them to expand further in this region. I kind of like having stuff that not a lot of people around here have, and I think I would have to get a second job there just to support my habit if we had one close.

Anthropologie Rational Ruffles t
Anthro Blushing Bouquet cardi
Bob Timberlake for Bass Pro tank (seriously!!)
Banana Republic Logan Fit pants
Target boots

Yesterday was a LONG day of conferences until 8 p.m. I needed something that I could live in all day but still looked somewhat put together. If these pants don't shrink in the wash they'll need some tailoring. Pairing them with heels probably would have looked better, but alas, I believe my heel wearing days are at an end.

Anthropologie Count the Waves dress
Anthro Foliage Fancy T
Anthro Fastened and Knotted Belt
H&M cardi
Hue wool tights
boots and necklace ??

I originally was going to wear black tights, but I think popping in some brown gave this look a bit more sophistication. I also felt this cardi might have been a bit too matchy, but I think it all came together pretty well.

meh

Anthro Once & Always t
Anthro Charmeuse Splice cardi
Michael Michael Kors houndstooth pants
Naturalizer maryjanes

I felt very meh in this outfit today. Not necessarily bad, just not particularly cute. I was trying to counterbalance the ruffly top with more conservative bottoms, do some subtle pattern mixing with the cardi and pants, AND do a complementary color pairing with the purple t and goldish- cardi but I think the whole thing just ended up looking strange. I think the t and cardi work together, but possibly with the Anthro Gifted Skirt or another a-line.

Anthropologie Oratory dress
Anthropologie Rainbow Trellis cardi
Simply Vera tights (Kohls)
boots DSW

Today the weather definitely decided to shift into Fall mode. We had an extremely mild October- the high was around 80 on Halloween! But today November announced itself. I decided to make this dress work as a transitional piece. This whole look is an example of how things can GO but not MATCH. You see, there is actually not any orange in this cardigan- but the tones are very similar to the dress, so I figured what the hey! The olive green of the tights also aren't duplicated anywhere else, but this color plus the boots are my nod to Fall. I might not loop back to this dress until the weather starts warming up again, but I also think that gray and/or navy could make it work.

Anthropologie Eyeleted Paisley Button-Up
Anthro With-a-Twist Henley
Anthro Organic Blooms necklace
Gap trouser jeans
boots ? ? DSW

I scored both of these tops on sale this past week. I like how this is a relaxed-casual look but just a step above jeans/t. I foresee this button up becoming a regular layering piece.

The Power of Belting

Old Navy tshirt and belt
Ann Taylor Loft tank and cardigan
Anthropologie Hartley trousers


More theme dress up days this week. Today was twin day so a coworker and I got these t shirts from Old Navy on the cheap. It felt like a maternity shirt when I put it on, so I had to put my own spin on it by belting. It felt much more me once I controlled the volume.

Miss kitty has been very interested in my a.m. photo shoots. If she is not careful, I am going to start putting her in little outfits.

Anthropologie Liquid Bouquet tank
Anthro Abuzz cardi
Gap tencel skirt
gray tights ?
Naturalizer green wedges
necklace ??
cat- Sookie

Finally some success in picture taking! I'm particularly happy with how this outfit turned out today. Very drapey and flowy and comfy but still professional looking. I almost didn't keep this tank but I'm glad I did. It goes with a lot of different things!

Anthropologie Contrasting Elements tank
Anthro Field Game Cardigan
Gap Perfect Boot jeans
Naturalizer maryjanes
necklace ??

This tank has been getting a lot of play lately. Because the base pattern is navy and sort of an offwhite, it goes with about half my closet. I also like that it is a tshirt fabric but a somewhat more sophisticated cut, so it toes the line between casual and dressy. Also, I wanted to participate in anthroholic's themed reader outfits with this cardigan, and I like the way these two pieces look together.

Onto other topics. #1 my goofy picture smile. My dear departed grandmother always had a very strange smile in pics and the extended family used to tease her mercilessly. I am seeing the same trait more and more in myself. It is hard to have a genuine smile in pics. #2 but related, my goofy body positions in the pics I have been taking. I am having some issues posing myself in an attractive manner when using the self timer on my camera. I either have 19 chins or some other strange body parts that only seem to be visible on camera, like my right hip here that does not actually exist in reality.

OK. I feel better now!

Anthropologie Bit of Pearls blouse
Anthro Tucked Away Blooms Cardi
Old Navy skinny cargoes
Dansko shoes
necklace ??

I think this came off better in person than in photos.

It's a shame this cell shot didn't come out better- I really liked this look.

Anthro Contrasting Elements tank
Ann Taylor Loft cardi
Gap black tencil skirt
Purple tights (Kohls?)
Shoes- dansko
Purple patent belt- ????

Anthro items:
Chalk and Charcoal Skirt
Horseshoe Falls top
Abuzz cardi

Leather belt- Old Navy?
Ballet flats- ??? DSW
Brown wood bead necklace- Gap

Unseasonably warm weather- bare legs in October! I think I could easily add tights, boots, coat to transition this look.