Footwear Flop

image source

You know what "hot" trend I'm totally over even before it hits the mainstream?  This flat platform bs.  It's chunky and unflattering to everyone.  Just stop already.  That is all.

What I'm Wearing - Welcome Sun!

sources:  shorts, shirt, shades, pendant, shoes, belt

Remember when I bought new shoes?  I finally get to wear them!  The forecast is sunny and dry today, so I'm celebrating!
My office dress code is casual, and my only restriction is no jeans, so here I come with shorts!  ...and a button-up to keep it classy.  The shorts I'm wearing are actually a butter yellow twill, but there is nary a picture on the internet that is appropriate for this post, so I had to settle for tan, which is in the spirit but not quite as flamingly preppy as I am.

Let's hope this warm spell lasts; Lord knows I need it!

What I'm Wearing - Anchors Aweigh!

sources: shirt, pants, shoes, pendant, earrings

It's been a while since I've done one of these.  In truth, my wardrobe hasn't been updated in a looooong time and so most of my outfits you've already seen.  I did, however, recently get a new shirt that I love.  Here's how I wore it today.

What I'm Wearing - Making the Most of It

Those of you who read my other blog know I've been running to work a few days a week, gearing up for May when I release the parking spot I have been leasing in my office's garage.

The plan is to run each way, which gives me a great workout when I'd normally just be sitting on my ass in my car dealing with road rage.  It won't be a piece of cake, but I think it's the best (and cheapest!) solution out there.  I'm trying to lose that last 15 lbs, and I get to do one of my favorite things: multitask!

Running to work takes some planning ahead.  I have to champion a 400-foot hillclimb between point A and point B, so I really don't like to carry stuff on my back -- discovered this one the hard way.  This means I throw a bunch of similar looking things into a bag that will all work with one pair of shoes, the same sweater, and maybe a belt, and drop the bag off at the office over the weekend and just hope to heck it all matches.

This week is a combo of driving and running, so I put together three outfits (that I don't have to iron) to make the most of what I've got.  When I say I put these outfits together, what I really mean is I was frantically running around the apartment Monday morning grabbing anything that was nearby.  Luckily, I keep my clothes pretty basic, because as I have said before, I look stupid in trendy clothes.  Really wishing for some black tights right now, though.  Note to self...

Online Shopping Made Dangerously User-Friendly

Hi there.  Have y'all heard of a little thing called Boutiques.com?  Unfortunately, it's fabulous.  It's an automated personal shopper that surveys you on what you like, and then presents you with options... and then more options... and then more.

I'm obsessed.

Here's a little glimpse of what I just set up for myself:

My store front:

My saved items:

Then they take it a step further:

I'm trying not to waste too much time on this, but it's so much fun!

What I'm Wearing - Hazy Shades of Winter

sources: jacket, slacks, shoes, belt, necklace

I'm doing my best to take this god-awful depressing gloom of winter weather in Seattle and make it work for me... fashion-wise, that is.  We in Seattle love our grays and blacks.  Everything is a neutral shade of something.  You may call it boring - we call it sophisticated.  The grayer your palette, the more sophisticated people assume you are.

Today I am meeting up with a couple of friends for drinks in the bar of a high-end restaurant downtown frequented by rich mucky-mucks, so when I got dressed this morning I wanted make sure I chose something that would make me look nice enough to fit in, but still a little playful.

I decided on tailored gray slacks and built from there, adding the patent leather shoes and belt to keep my outfit from getting too conservative.  Nothing worse than being the least sexy woman at the bar.  I don't have to be the sexiest, but I hate coming in last.

Inspired Fashion

Last weekend I spent some time with Abby as moral support in her project of cleaning out her closet of her uninspired items, a few of which she passed on to me to see if I could make them work.  If so, great; if not, no biggie.

With a bag full of new-to-me clothes, I had a great idea - what if I could take these pieces and mix them in, one at a time, into outfits that make a statement?  Sort of a "turn that frown upside down" project.

Monday
Inspiration: a dandy.  I wanted to work in those shoes I have.
Piece: brown v-neck sweater
I've been looking for a way to make the new houndstooth spectator stiletto booties work.  Still not convinced this was a winner of an outfit, mostly because the teal lace cami seems wrong in retrospect.

Tuesday
Inspiration: 1940s feminine
Piece: black cropped cardigan sweater
I absolutely loved this outfit.  The neck and skirt lines were conservative, but not frumpy, and the black patent leather of my shoes and belt took the look up a notch.

Wednesday
Inspiration: Equestrian chic, a la Ralph Lauren
Piece: blue and white striped menswear shirt
This was a fun one too.  I have been waiting for the right shirt to make these cropped pants and boot combo look both casual and polished.  The one drawback was my gray cropped pants are now comically too large for me, but I made it work anyway.

Thursday
Inspiration: 1950s secretary
Piece: orchid cropped cardigan sweater
I also loved this outfit.  I pulled out my gray wool pinstriped skirt and white ruffle-collared shirt to make this a feminine and sexy, yet still office-appropriate look.  I went to a party straight from work that evening and this outfit transitioned just great.

Friday
Inspiration: June Carter Cash
Piece: chevron summer frock
This is a great dress, and makes me long for summer.  I'm making it (early) spring appropriate with a white sweater shrug and tall boots, which give it a subtle western look.  The studded leather belt I added ties in with the leather boots and round out the look without making it look too costumey.

Do you think this project was a success?  Which one was your favorite?  What would you change?

Bridal Shoes

I'm on the hunt for a shoe.  I'm going to need to have my dress fitted soon and it's important for me to make sure it will fall at the right length, which means having my shoes with me at the tailor.  The dress is a bright white satin with some bling on it.  It's sort of an "old hollywood" look.  I can't show a picture of it because Andrew reads this blog and I don't want to spoil the surprise.  He loves surprises... which is the opposite of me.  That being said, I don't think he'll care whether or not he sees my shoes ahead of time.  Here are some of the options I've come up with that are sort of in the right price range.

Traditional White:

Metallic: Silver/Pewter:

Blue to Coordinate with Wedding Colors:

These last ones aren't navy, but I think the antique blue would match the blue hydrangeas in my bouquet, so they made the list.  Not to mention they are gorgeous.  So there you have it.  Thoughts?

What I'm Wearing - TGIF!

sources: necklace, jacket, pants, shoes

Yeah, I know it's not Friday.  Today we're out and about getting the groomsmen's tuxes fitted.  It's a guy thing, but I've been asked to tag along as the fashion consultant to make sure it looks as good on the real guys as it did in the catalog.  This is a particularly wise move, because Andrew is the type of fellow who is more interested in if it fits than if it looks good.

About a year ago, Andrew went out and bought two new suits to replace the one that he'd had for the last 10 years and no longer fit his now adult frame.  It felt like quite an investment, and he wanted to do it right, so Andrew took his dad along for some father-son bonding time.  They settled on the best two, and he had them tailored so they would look really sharp.  When they were ready, I went with Andrew to pick them up from the tailor and saw them for the first time.  Pleated pants on both of them.  They've been altered, they've been paid for.  I'm keeping my damn mouth shut.  It came out later that I was disappointed his expensive new suits had pleated pants, after we had spent a lot of time in the recent past cleaning out his work wardrobe of the offending and dated article.  He looked at me in disbelief, went to the closet, and exclaimed, "you're right!  They are pleated!  I didn't even notice."  Ahem, what?  

Yes, folks - that was a moment of discovery.  I should take a moment here to say that this was more funny than upsetting.  He doesn't have to look like he stepped out of GQ in order to get my attention.  And as infrequent as it is that he has the occasion to wear suits, it's really not that big of a deal.  Maybe during the next ten years that my husband has these suits, pleats will come back in style.  One can only hope. (Also, every time I see those pants, I'm going to think, "no!  it's the pleats in this pants - they're an optical illusion.  I'm taking them back to the pants store immediately." you know what I'm talking about)

So as a result of that little adventure into the realm of formal wear, I get the last say in the tuxes at our upcoming wedding.  Takes the pressure off Andrew, and I know what to expect.  Win win.

Anyway, I really wanted to share with you my Friday outfit.  This is what I wore yesterday.  I didn't have the guts for the leggings and boots shown in yesterday's post, so this is sort of a test run.  I'm wearing gray (actual) pants and black platform heels.  Sort of casual Friday-ish but still dressed up enough for client meetings.  PS - the text in the graphic is my lipstick color.

Fashion Advice, Please

 

Some of you might know I am obsessed with Fashion Under $100.  I am inherently bad at fashion, so I read this blog all the frickin' time to make sure I don't get stuck in the 90s like I have been in the past. I'm not exaggerating.  Ask any of my friends.  They'll be nice about it, but it's true.  So I'm cruising through Dana's old December 2010 posts when I come across this outfit of Cameron Diaz.  I happen to have all of the pieces you see here, including an improvement on the leggings with a sequin tux stripe running up the side. I love this look, but I'm wondering if I can pull it off.  My two concerns: 1) I do not look like Cameron Diaz, nor do I have her body - I am more of a Christina Hendricks type.  2) I've said this before: I tend to look stupid in trendy outfits.  This leans toward a more classic look, but would I look like I'm trying too hard?  Thoughts??

What I'm Wearing - Minty Fresh

sources: earrings, necklace, shirt, trousers, pumps

As you can see, I'm ready for spring.  I've been all about pastels and colors that call upon fresh blooms with gray Seattle skies.  Today's look is a little old fashioned and sweet with the ruffles and jewelry, but still fresh and crisp by sticking to solid-color fabrics and avoiding patterns.  I'm also totally loving my wool pants and organza top.  Cozy and airy in one.

What I'm Wearing - Feeling Slim

sources: shirt, pants, shoes, pendant

The wii told me this morning I am no longer fat.  Yay!  I decided to bust out my skinny gray pants and new shirt from BR to celebrate.  It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

What I'm Wearing - Say It Loud

sources: necklace, earrings, dress, shoes

For those of you who know me, you already know I like to pair conservative clothing with crazy shoes.  Today was a page right out of that book.  I'm wearing a very conservative sheath dress, crazy red shoes, and then taking color cues from my shoes for my jewelry.  These shoes are oh, so much fun.

Here's the key to wearing sex-pot shoes without looking like you're asking for it: show as little skin as possible and absolutely no cleavage.  Today, I'm even wearing opaque black tights for this reason ...and because it's helping to cut the chill.

What I'm Wearing - Industrial Edition

sources: earrings, dress, shoes

Today I'm giving one of my plain black office dresses an industrial edge with slate gray zipper-toed pumps and hanging chain earrings.  I almost feel like I should be going on a date after work.  But I have a different sort of date tonight - a date with Jillian Michaels on my tv.  She and I have been working together on my wannabe six-pack.  I promised her I'd be there, so a night on the town will have to wait...

What I'm Wearing - Typical Me

sources: earrings, pendant, shirt, trousers, shoes

I'm fighting off an obnoxious cold and I just didn't have time to deal with the whole outfit selection circus today, so I threw on a nice safe black button-up / gray trousers combo, stepped into my spectators, and ran out the door.  I love this outfit because (aside from my feels, which are much taller than the ones picture here) it's comfortable and polished and zero effort.

What I'm Wearing - Office Edition

sources: earrings, brooch, top, jeans, shoes

I haven't done one of these in a while.  I know it's winter here in Seattle, but I felt like wearing a sleeveless shirt today.  I lost 7 lbs this past week (I know, right??) and I wanted to flaunt it.  So sue me.

My Secret Weapon

sources: dress, shoes, earrings, pendant

Most women will admit to owning a secret weapon dress.  This is a dress that makes her look and feel great when she puts it on, no matter what.  She wears it on a first date, revenge date, when she knows she'll bump into a crush, and sometimes to work if she's feeling sassy.  For the last couple years, mine has been a black jersey sleeveless sheath dress with a turtleneck.  It makes me look ten pounds lighter and is appropriate for almost any occasion, provided I wear the right shoes.  However, I think I may have found a new one.  

The new dress, pictured above, is actually navy and it fits like a glove.  Today I'm wearing it with office-appropriate nude pumps, but I did take it for a test drive over this past weekend wearing my new cognac peep toes with the zipper detail.  It drew a lot of attention.  This also may have been due to the fact that I was with my best lady, Abby, who looked amazing and was getting drinks bought for her left and right.  It's hard not to notice two confident ladies in cocktail dresses and stilettos.

Fashion Update: Casual Cognac and Navy

sources: earrings, pendant, boots, dress

I noticed recently that many of the shoes I've acquired this year have been a cognac color.  Shoes I'd normally stroll right by have grabbed my attention in cognac.  It's such a warm casual look - lived in, natural, and comfortable.  I love it.  In fact, the dress I wore today was purchased specifically to work with my collection of warm leather boots and pumps. 

On another note, now that the weather seems to have turned, I'm feeling the urge for classic fall activities;  this morning I baked apple bread with cinnamon and nutmeg.  Once I get a free moment, I'd love to start quilting again.  Now that I have a new laptop (a generous gift from my loving fiance), the dinosaur of a cpu that used to take up over half of my desk can be put into storage and I will have a permanent place to set up my sewing machine.  Maybe I'll brew some pumpkin ale or hard cider this year.  I've been meaning to try that for ages.

Today is a Good Day

sources: dress, pumps, earrings, pendant

I feel great today.  Over the long weekend I got a lot done, including some bargain shopping.  I picked up this sassy little number at one of my favorite discount clothing store for a steal of a deal.  It's actually more of a charcoal gray on a light gray, and the  neckline is a cowl rather than a v, which makes it a fun dress to transition into fall.  Yep, it's rainy here again and I'm feeling the urge to get cozy.  However, it's not really chilly yet, so I can still wear this dress with bare legs and be comfortable.  I paired it with my favorite pair of nude rocha pumps.  Seems simple and maybe even boring now that I'm blogging about it, but because I have curves, it's "bla-dow."  Mama's workin' what she's got, ladies!

Did I Mention I'm a Shoe Girl?

I had to do it.  I needed them.  Few shoes call to me in the way that these did.  They are sexy, a little naughty, and oh, so delicious.

source

It's the zipper on the back that really gets me.  They could *almost* be trashy (and I'll tell you, the black ones cross that line), but I think with the right outfit, they are a great Saturday afternoon shoe.  Here's what I put together:

sources: top, jeans, bracelet

If they're worn with faded jeans, a slouchy casual top, and a funky wood bracelet, they take on a weekend-in-the-city sort of vibe.  Couldn't you see me in this outfit at King's Hardware?  Yep, me too.