Day 17

Fix something in my repair pile.

 

Shirt: Thrifted skirt, Jeans: Loft, Shoes: Gap, Necklace: Express, Earrings: Gift

Once upon a time I stumbled across this post and it was love at first sight. I knew I had to find a skirt just like that, so I could make a dress just like hers. After all, it looked like it was easy as pie to make. Although, have you ever made pie? It's really not THAT easy.

I searched high and low for the perfect pleated skirt at all of the thrift stores around here, and let me tell you, Oklahoma has a lot. But somehow, by the end of the day, I always turned up empty handed.

And then I discovered this skirt:

It was practically perfect, except one thing, it was far too short to make a dress out of it, unless I wanted to look like a hooch, which I did not. Sorry if that's your style. So, the hubs suggested I make a shirt out of it instead.

So that it what I did. I'm kind of kicking myself right now though, I should have just left it as a skirt, it was perfect, and now I'm afraid the whole $2.50 that I spent on it has gone to waste. Such is life.

I guess that just means I'm going to need this dress after all.
I do have a birthday coming up...

Courtesy of Shabby Apple

Don't you hate when you do something that is irreversible? I sure do.

Day 16

Menswear

I figured since I already wore my hubby's shirt to work the other day, I'd leave his closet alone on this one. That is, until it came to accessories...

Here's the Look:

Shirt: Thrifted, Jeans: Gap (similar), Suspenders: Macys, Hat: Wal-Mart (only the best for our wedding)

Say hello to my very first thrift store purchase ever! I got this little gem while living in Hawaii back in 2005. We'd drive a good 45 minutes just to go thrift shopping. We thought it was cool to go to Savers and find island treasures, and this was mine. An Aikahi Titans little league t-shirt. I'm sure it was once some cute little polynesian boys, which would explain why it's always been a little small on me, but I wear it anyway, and every time I do, memories of that summer live on!

And, to give real justice to the menswear in this outfit, and my husband some credit for suppling me with more goods, I threw on this suspenders and hat--both from our wedding and haven't been worn since--to add a little flair.

This outfit is totally out of my element, but like I've said before, pair anything with confidence and heads will turn. Usually that's a good thing.

How do you feel about girls in suspenders? I'm kind of digging it. But I can't say this will be a consistent look for me. 

Day 15

New Hair-Do.

An old coworkers once complimented me for my hair being different every single day. That doesn't ring true anymore, but once upon a time, I really did "do" my hair a different way most days of the week. And not because I'm good at doing hair, in fact, it's the exact opposite. What people thought was me "doing my hair" was actually me not doing my hair. Hence, it looked different all the time. 

It was great. 

Now, I'm pretty much in a rut of having my hair either straight or curly. By the end of the day, it's always in a ponytail because it's so blasted hot out here, I can't take it being down any longer. 

The other day my sister sent me this picture and told me I should do my hair like this. So, I figured I'd give it a try, beautiful, right?

You win some, you lose some. 

I feel like a 25 year old little Swiss girl. 

But whatever, at least it's off my neck. This would be day 60 of it being in the triple digits. Sick!

Here's the look: 

Top: Ruche, Jeans: Express,  Necklace: Gift, Earrings: Gift

I'm off to my yodeling lessons now. Happy Monday everyone! 

Day 14

Be a copycat and get inspiration from someone else.

I'm coping this look I found off of everyone's favorite, A Cup of Jo:

How cute is she?

So, here is my best attempt at being a copycat. Now, if only I had that necklace...

Got to love the Oklahoma wind

Shirt: JCrew (similar), Skirt: Thrifted, Shoes: City Classified (similar), Bangles: H&M, Necklace and Earings: Gift, Belt: Thrifted

Note to self: When the tag on your clothing says dry clean only, it's wise to follow directions. 

I tend to think I can do my own thing a lot sometimes. Oh, it says dry clean only? Eh, please, I'm sure the washing machine isn't going to ruin it. And I was right, it didn't. But this I do know, ironing pleats that disappeared after washing, gets old real fast.

Noted! 

Day 13

Neutral base with a pop of color

Here's the look:

Top: H&M, Pants: Loft, Shoes: Forever Young, Necklace: Express, Scarf: Grandma's (remix item)

I'm kind of in love with these shoes. I've had them forever, but never really wear them simply because I just don't wear them. They're kind of old lady looking, with a hint of vintage flair, and maybe it's that combination that I love? Who knew?

I hope you're all enjoying your weekend, I live for weekends!

Day 12

Jazz up jeans

Here's the Look, and for the record, I'd probably be ok with never wearing this top again:

Jeans: Gap (similar), Top: Forever 21, Shoes: Banana Republic, Belt: Target

So, last tonight the hubs and I decided to hit up the outlet malls. They just opened up not 10 minutes from our house, (that makes me love OK just a smidge), and the last time we went was opening weekend. The place was a zoo.

Who goes to the outlets on a Thursday night? No one. So, I knew it would be the perfect time to go peruse the stores without the hassle of a crowd.

Thank goodness no one was there, because upon getting out of the car, my skirt somehow tucked itself into my undies and I was basically left flashing the world. That's right, my skirt was tucked into my underwear for the whole world to see. I'm sure the few cars that drove by got a good laugh out of that one. I know I did. But like I said, thank goodness hardly anyone was there. That could have been totally awkward.

I had an instant flash back to when I was a sophomore in high school and my friends and I thought we were cool for going to lunch with the seniors. I was cool for all of two seconds. I walked out of the bathroom with toilet paper hanging out of my pants and no one bothered to tell me until AFTER lunch was over. I stood in line with it just dangling there. And the gross thing is, it wasn't even my toilet paper. The person before me had left it around the seat and I was too grossed out to touch it. That's what I get for hovering. Clearly I had true friends back then.

And on that note, TGIF!

Update: Yes, I know my second button is undone, thanks Kristen for being a true friend and informing me of such. If you didn't notice, pretend you never read this. Mornings aren't my thing.

Day 11

Wear a dress or skirt.

I think I do this most days of the week, dresses are my staple for work and play. In this Oklahoma heat, they really are the only thing that is truly comfortable right now.

Here's the Look:

Dress: JCrew, Cardigan: Forever 21, Belt: Thrifted, Shoes: DSW

I thought I should give this dress one last hurrah before it gets shoved to the back of the closet until next summer. Does the whole no white after labor day rule still apply? I'm kind of thinking anything goes these days. That said, I'm sure this dress still won't see the light of day until then anyway. It has summer dress written all over it.

Thanks for all of your fabulous suggestions regarding that odd vest/jacket of mine yesterday. Juries still out on what I'm actually going to do with it. If I turn it into something amazing, you all get credit.

Moving on...

Since coming back from vacation on Monday night I just can't get into the swing of things. Every morning I wake up exhausted and confused, at work I stare blankly at the computer screen for hours on end, and yesterday morning while I was getting ready at the gym, I quickly discovered I left my bra and underwear at home. It was awesome! But today the hubs and I had a dance party in the car on the way into school/work, hopefully that means we're almost over our post-vacation depression.

We'll Never Stop

Has anyone else watched this commercial and thought, wow, I really do NEED an ipad2 in my life?

No, it's just me? I hope not.

Day 10

Today's challenge is to wear a closet orphan. Something that hasn't been touched in a while and is needing to either reenter my wardrobe or be banned forever.

I decided to go a little bold and pull something out of my closet that's been sitting there, untouched, unscathed, unworn for a. long. time. And this is what I came up with:

Here's the look:

Thrifted

Keep or ban? I kind of love it, in a grandma kind of way. And the best part is, I don't have to try to pair a shirt or pants with it, it's all right there for me. Genius!

Ok, ok, flattering and all as it may be, that's not really my outfit, shocker, I know! But when I spotted this baby at the thrift store a few weeks back, I couldn't say no. Just look at it. And look, it was free. That's right, I didn't spend one penny on it. Had it been a penny, I would have left it there, promise. For some reason though, I just couldn't leave the store without it. I mean, I could have, and I almost did, but the moment I realized it was a pant suit ensemble, and not a dress I had to take it. I also had three thoughts in mind for this prized procession (that term is used very loosely here).

1- Hello, halloween is coming up and this has all kinds of awesomeness written all over it (I kid you not when I tell you it gives me a wedgie when I wear it)

2- Free fabric that I'm sure I can put to good use some way or another

3- If I don't take it off the rack, someone else will, and perhaps they'll actually wear it. Really, I'm doing all human kind a favor by taking it out of the store. 

My husband was so embarrassed by the outfit he wouldn't even let me go outside to take a picture. He must really love me! 

So what closet orphan am I really sporting today.

Here's the real look, and then I'm going to ask you all to please tell me how I should wear this, because I'm totally clueless, hence it's been sitting in my closet untouched, unworn, price tag still on, for over two years.

Shirt: Costco (how I love that store) Jeans: Ann Taylor Loft, Vest: Dillards, years and years ago. Necklace: JCrew, Belt: Thrifted

So, what say you, how would you wear this thing? It's so long I almost feel like it looks like I'm wearing a towel from behind. I tried to pair it with a khaki pencil skirt, but seeing that it was longer than the skirt, it just didn't look right.

I've never felt so stumped over an item of clothing before...I probably should have left it in the store for that very reason, but something about it was calling my name. Now, I just need help figuring out how to actually wear the darn thing so I can call it's name. Suggestions and comments are VERY welcomed! If chucking it is your suggestion, that's fine too, because I may or may not be leaning towards that anyway.

Mwah! 

Day 9

Why is it that the moment you get back from vacation it feels like you never left? That's how I'm feeling right now as I sit at work, feeling like I never left this little desk of mine. Thankfully I have, the inbox, full of way too many emails, is proof that I really did go on vacation and leave the cares of work behind. And it was heaven.

Since yesterday I felt like an idiot taking pictures in my front yard, and today I was running late for work (what's new?) I took matters into my own hands to snap a few pictures, in the stairwell of my office building nonetheless. Don't worry, I wasn't worried about getting caught, it's Oklahoma, taking the stairs is the last thing that crosses these people's mind, trust me! Hence, we're one of the largest and most unhealthy states. Go figure!

Day 9's look is monochromatic, i.e. wearing one color or hue.

Here's the look:

Top: Husbands c/o AE, Skirt: Express-like a hundred years ago, Shoes: DSW

I'm totally wearing my husbands shirt today, and not because my baggage got lost AGAIN (second time this trip).

Day 8

Dressy + Casual

Today's post is a little late in getting up, to which I blame Delta for making me fly all day to come back to this sauna that is Oklahoma City. Oh, to be home again and back to reality.

Todays look worked out perfectly for being in transit all day, since I usually dress all comfy cozy for flights anyway, it makes them more bearable. So, I decided what the hey, I'm back east where my wardrobe learned that classy is the next best thing, why not throw a blazer on and call it good.

So, on went the blazer, and upon my arrival home the photo shoot went a little something like this:

Heeey, take a picture of me...

Is this cheesy enough...?

Oh, hey neighbors, don't mind us, we're just out taking pictures of myself.

Do we want our picture taken together? 

No, we're just taking them of me.

Thanks for the offer though.

 Ok, that wasn't awkward or anything.

But maybe next time pictures will be taken in the backyard.

Blazer: Banana Republic, T-shirt: JCrew, Pants: H&M, Flip flops:Rainbows, Necklace: JCrew

I should have just stuck with this picture and called it good before I made a fool of myself...

And to that I say goodnight!

Day 7

Layer accessories

Here's the look:

Pants: H&M, Top: JCrew, Bracelets: H&M and Sno of Sweden, Belt: Target, Headband: Belt, thrifted, Bag: DSW

The past few days have been fabulous, the hubs and I have been on vacation and I'm sad to head back to reality. Sleeping in, good food, being with family and friends, perfect weather, perfect scenery, a near perfect vacation. Although, we could have done without the sketchiness that is Baltimore and the five hour commute, (that should have been two), from Philly to DC. And sadly, it all ends today. Please don't make me go home just yet, I'm not ready to leave.

It really was a practically perfect, in every way, vacation. So long east coast. We'll be back soon.

Don't forget, today is the last day submit your guess for the giveaway. Ends at midnight CST.

Day 6

Get creative, wear an item in an unexpected way.

Remember this post? The one where I mentioned I got hit on at the golf course with my hubby?

Well, here is the look that got me quite the compliment:

Yes, I wore that belt two days in a row. Like I said, sometimes an outfit just needs a little sumpin' sumpin'. And a lot of the time sometimes I wear the same thing multiple days in a row, as if I have nothing else to wear but what I wore the day before. Funny how that works.

So, what am I wearing in an unexpected way? Two dresses as one.
I turned the white dress into a skirt, and the blue dress into a shirt.

So creative.

Not! I steal all my ideas.

The best part of this outfit wasn't getting hit on and making my husband jealous, that was just the funny part, but rather knowing that if I got hot, I could just rip that white skirt/dress right off and I'd be left in nothing but a knee length. Would I actually do that in public? No. But the hubby might like it behind closed doors. Not that I'd know or anything...

Day 5

Wear a belt.
I think I wear belts too much sometimes, but only because a belt can always add that missing touch to an outfit, and I like adding missing touches.

Here's the look:

After yesterday's ensemble, I felt the need to be a little plain jane today.

I can't say that's my favorite belt I own, but when I tell you it only cost me $.50, I become a little more fond of it. Another thrift shopping sucess. Thrift stores really are the best place to find fun, unique, and cheap belts. In fact, I'm off to the thrift store right now to see if I can't score anymore good deals. I love turning others trash into my treasures!

Don't forget to head over here for a chance to win a special delivery package from yours truly.

Happy Friday!

Day 4

Color blocking.

Here's the look:

Yes, I'm fully aware the paint job on our porch looks awesome, and that I look like rainbow Brite. Color blocking and I may have some work to do. Just go with it. 

Those bright blue pants have quickly become one of my favorite articles of clothing. They're bright, they're bold, and they've got some spunk. I love me a good thrift find.

Also, don't forget to head over here and take a guess at what's inside our special delivery packages for a chance to win. Who doesn't love free goodies?

Special Delivery

Who doesn't love getting a good deal on something? Even better, something that's free? I've started couponing simply because it means I can get lots and lots of stuff for free, or close to free at least. Every free sample I see available online, I get. I mean, why not, it's free, right? I'm sure I can put a sample bag of dog food to good use, even though I don't own a dog. But hey, it was free.

Ok, so I've never actually requested a free sample of dog food, I'm not that crazy, and for the record, I'm not a hoarder either. But my husband did request a whole lot of something else.

I decided since there are more people reading this blog right now than usual, I thought it would be fun to do a give away.

Head over here and cast your guess and you may be the new owner of something far better than a free online sample. Trust me, I wouldn't be giving this away if it wasn't worth it.

Day 3

Today is pattern Mixing.

Here's the look:

This skirt is kind of bold in and of itself, which is why I usually pair it with a simple cream or black shirt. But today, I decided this bright blue poke-a-dot shirt could be the ticket to a new look, and I think it worked. I just love this skirt, but I felt so limited in what I could wear with it. Now, the wheels are spinning with possibilities. The rule of thumb these days (at least in my book) is anything can go as long as it's paired with confidence. Isn't confidence generally the key to most things in life?

If this wasn't bold enough for you, just wait until tomorrow's look.