Weather Geeque Chique

March showers

2012-03-02T06:56:00.000-08:00

While yesterday was sunny and in the 70s, today is rainy and in the lower 50s at best. I actually like grey and rainy days, and I especially love dressing for grey and rainy days.

Skirt is via Goodwill ($2.99). The tee and cardigan are from the Talbot's Outlet. The tights were clearance at Kohls, and the boots are from GoJane.com. Happy Rainy Friday!

length challenged

2012-03-01T06:40:00.001-08:00

I bought this White House Black Market skirt off of Ebay, and despite the measurements being posted, I expected this skirt to be shorter than it is. I was anticipating an a-line above the knee. Given the pattern on this skirt, it would look funny shortened, thus I have been putting off wearing this skirt because I think the length is awkward on me.

The cardigan is Ann Taylor ($3.79 at Goodwill 2 years ago) and the t-shirt is Talbot;s (via outlet for $4.21). There is a consignment sale near me in a few weeks that I have been using to help me clean out the closet. Should this skirt go to the consignment sale or stay in my closet?

better late then never

2012-02-29T19:49:00.000-08:00

I had actually taken off this skirt and put on yoga pants when I realized I never snapped a picture of today's outfit. So I got redressed to take a picture.....is that dedication or what? Before you get too impressed by my dedication realize I got back into lounge wear before looking at the pictures and realizing they didn't do justice to this outfit. Oh well, no retakes today.

The skirt is 100% silk from the Talbot's outlet for $5 in the summer of 2009. The sweater is new to me via Goodwill and is originally from J Crew and feels to be silk.

a little blurry

2012-02-28T06:47:00.000-08:00

Today's picture is a little blurry, but I am in a rush. And what do I wear in a rush? My $10 Talbot's wrap dress, comfy heels, and my all purpose black cardigan.

super polka dots

2012-02-23T07:28:00.000-08:00

I love me some polka dots......so why not pattern mix them? Is there such a thing as too many polka dots?

can't go wrong

2012-02-22T20:53:00.000-08:00

Black and winter white.....always a winning combination. This was my Tuesday look.

The sweater is a thrifted Gap sweater. The skirt is Ann Taylor via Ebay.

Blue and grey

2012-02-17T07:32:00.001-08:00

A little navy and grey on a grey and blue day. I woke up to heavy fog today, but that has burned off and we have clear blue skies.

Navy and grey is one of my favorite color combinations. This won't surprise anyone, but both the sweater and skirt are thrifted. On of my favorite things about thrifting is when you find a great piece AND it is in your size. I have been wanting a grey skirt for awhile, and when I saw this one on the rack I knew it was perfect for my style, so I was super excited when I looked at the tag and it was a size 4. The fit is great, I anticipate that you will be seeing this skirt often.

I have worn other things

2012-02-16T18:34:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy that I have not been getting outfit photos in. I wore this cardigan in my last outfit post, but I promise I have been wearing more than just this cardigan lately. Today's outfit was all thrifted...thrifted top, thrifted skirt, thrifted sweater........if it had been just a tad warmer I would have swapped out the boots for some thrifted brown sling backs heels.

I have found this top hard to style, but I think that is because I have tried to pair it with a black or brown cardigan in the past. The coral was a much better choice. I may try teal next time. The skirt is Banana Republic and a recent thrift purchase. I know I said I wouldn't thrift until all unworn clothes were worn, but I was looking for some wall art (I was inspired to find art at Goodwill after finding the painting below for $10 including the frame) and saw this skirt. I own it in khaki (also thrifted) and it is such a great skirt that I couldn't resist it in brown.

go ahead and flatter me

2012-02-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

On one episode of What Not To Wear, Stacy and Clinton told a woman that coral is the color the most women think they can't wear, when in fact it is universally flattering. I don't own much coral colored clothing, so when I found this J Crew cardigan at Goodwill this past weekend, I decided to test the universal flattering theory. Granted, you can't see my face, so just imagine it glowing next to the coral.

These pants are my trusty black pants, a staple every women needs, and while I don't remember what I paid for them, they must be at a low cost per wear. The cardigan and wrap top were thrifted, the cami was found on a clearance rack years ago, and the shoes are a hand me down from my aunt (yay for free!).

boring but easy

2012-02-09T04:08:00.000-08:00

I tried several outfits today, but it just boiled down to me wanting simple, easy and comfortable. Hence a newly thrifted Banana Republic silk/cashmere blend turtleneck and a pair of thrifted glenn plaid pants.

Picture was taken at night....and I was so tired I couldn't be bothered to fix the neckline or my pants leg for a second shot.

what to keep.....

2012-02-07T06:56:00.000-08:00

I am trying to do a closet clean out as there is a large consignment event occurring near me next month. And the ability to make a little cash on unworn items is a good motivation. It is also making me realize I have several items in my closet that have never been worn (at least by me, since the majority are from Goodwill). And I am not talking about casual weekend wear that seldom gets photographed, but does get worn. So I don't know if I will call this a challenge maybe more of a goal.......I am going to try and not buy any new clothing items until I have worn all of the unworn items in my closet. This does not mean I will only wear things I haven't worn before, I will still be wearing plenty of old favorites. But if I feel the need for something new I should look to my own closet. A few weeks ago I pulled on a Ralph Lauren sweater that I bought at the Salvation Army (new with tags) over a year ago but had never worn....and since then it has been in heavy rotation (just not on days I happen to photograph). It reminded me that there was a reason I loved it enough to buy it.

This sweater was a recent Goodwill purchase ($3.99) and is 100% silk. While I don't usually gravitate towards bright colors, the one exception has always been how I love hot pink and black together.

winter at last.....

2012-02-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

It is winter finally in NC.....and by winter I mean overnight low near freezing and daytime high barely hitting 50. Rough, eh? When I lived in Canada, a winter day like this was reason to break out a skirt and enjoy the warm temps. In NC, it is reason to break out pants and layer sweaters! Oh how relative the weather is.

This is a thifted outfit. I got the gap cords from a Goodwill in Fall 2010 ($3.79). The sweaters were both thrifted this weekend. The pink turtleneck sweater is 100% cashmere and was found at Goodwill for $3.99. The cardigan was new with tag still on, and I discovered it at the Salvation Army for $3.99.

Good things come to those who wait....

2012-02-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

I have been stalking this skirt on Ebay for quite some time, but I never bid as the prices seemed just a tad higher than I was willing to pay. My patience paid off when I found this skirt of Goodwill last month. I paid a whopping $3.99 for this Venice scene skirt from Talbots.

Another great thing about thrifting is that I get used to looking at the actual garment to judge size rather than a tag as sizes have changed over the years and some garments have the tags cut out. This skirt was a 2P, so I probably never would have bid on it in that size on Ebay (I am usually a 4P or 6P). But the skirt fits and is just in lovely in person as I imagined it would be.

winter white

2012-01-31T07:16:00.000-08:00

I recently thrifted this cotton and rabbit hair blend sweater at Goodwill. Prices at the Goodwills in my area went up in 2012....skirts, sweaters and tops went from $3.79 to $3.99. Still worth the $3.99 price tag. The sweater is from Gap originally, and is oh so cozy. I bought this Ann Taylor skirt off Ebay over a year ago, and while I love it, I have struggled to figure out the right top to wear with it.

These super cute burgundy shoes I picked up at the Naturalizer outlet when I was in Vegas in December. Just the right punch of color, and at $20 a good steal for heels that feel like they have the cushioning of runners.

Thrift-a-holic

2012-01-31T05:40:00.000-08:00

I realized today that this whole outfit (except for the boots and undergarments) is thrifted. AND I recently found a new-to-me blog that features readers thrifted finds every Tuesday. Considering 90% of my clothes are thrifted, I am super stoked about this.

The sweater is originally Old Navy ($3.79), the top is Banana Republic ($3.79 and has some cool detailing that you can't see in this picture), and the skirt is a Walmart brand ($2.99), but was found with the tags still on it. Not bad for a casual Monday.

crazy times

2012-01-19T05:51:00.000-08:00

I have had a hard time this week getting in pictures....but I promise I have been wear clothes. I pretty much wore this outfit with these shoes on Tuesday, and a variation of this outfit yesterday. This mornings photo isn't very flattering (I promise it looks better in person) but at least I got a picture taken, even if I didn't have time to re-take the picture.

The skirt (Abercromby and Fitch), sweater (Nicole Miller) and the button down (Lee with tags still on) were all thrifted for $3.79 each. yay Goodwill!

drag-a-thon

2012-01-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

This semester has hit me hard. First week and I am already reaching for pieces based on comfort rather than style. I picked up this gray 100% cashmere sweater at Goodwill shortly into new year. 100% cashmere sweater for $3.79....thank you Goodwill!

I paired the sweater with an easy-peasy combo of black pants and a white button down shirt. Boring? yes. Comfy and easy? definitely!

one of those days

2012-01-11T07:24:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those days where I tried on way to many outfits before ultimately deciding on the dress that I kept looking at every time I went in the closet. Why didn't i grab it first? It seemed too early in the semester for all over animal print. Why ideas like that pop in my head I don't know. This dress is super comfy and on a rainy day with lots of meetings and 2.75 hour power lecture comfort is key.

This is a dress I obtained via Goodwill for $4.99. And after my long rant yesterday about how I like a pop of color with black and white, today I just didn't have a pop of color in me.

Revelation

2012-01-10T14:21:00.000-08:00

Today is Everybody Everywear: Black and White. Now this should have been super easy for me. Half my closet is black and white. If I could afford to buy all of my clothes from White House Black Market, I would. But today is also the first day of classes and thus I am trying to set a tone and impression with my new students. I have come to the revelation, as much as I thought I was a black and white girl, I am a black and white girl who needs a punch of color. Pure black and white seems too harsh (not that I haven't done it, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here) But I am coming to love a pop of color with my black and white. (See pops of color with black and white: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here,and here. ) Wow, I really do like my black and white with a pop of color, as I only chose some outfits to link. So today, I was just feeling the need for a pop of color. I added below how it looks without the cardigan, and while nice it seems unfinished to me. I tried a black blazer and a black cardigan but they seemed like overkill on the black.

I have had this shirt for a while (um well over a year) and it has gone completely unworn. I guess it felt like too much a lot of the time. but I got lots of compliments on it today, especially from my students. The skirt is new to me (White House Black Market via Ebay). I must say, whbm pencil skirts are the best. There sizing is very consistent and fits my body shape the right way.

Shoes: Aldo clearance ($39)

Skirt: White House Black Market via Ebay ($12)

Belt: Kohl's clearance ($3)

Tights: Talbot's Outlet ($3)

Shirt: Random Boutique ($19.99)

Cardigan: Moda via Goodwill ($3.79)

What do you think, was the cardigan the right call?

And so it begins.....

2012-01-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

Another semester starts. I am 35 years old, and I still have that back to school in January feeling going on. I wonder if it will ever go away? Maybe when I retire? Luckily, I don't teach today. But I am still on campus with oodles to do. This is how I braved the first dreary, rainy day of the semester:

I am have pretty much worn almost this exact same outfit before.....but why mess with a good thing? (see first wearing here).

casual Wednesday

2012-01-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

I don't often post my casual outfits. In fact I don't post all my regular work day outfits, so the casual ones surely get missed. But I am loving these jeans (despite the muffin top visible with this angle). The flowers on the thigh make me happy.

Favorite Looks of 2011

2012-01-02T17:32:00.000-08:00

So this post is a little late in coming, but I just decided I did want to highlight my favorite looks. It will be fun to look back at them next year and see if I still like these looks. I am going to post them in no particular order. But the following looks are the ones that make me feel great, and put together, and most importantly like ME.

I think it is safe to say that despite how much I try to mix in some color, I feel my best in primarily black and white!

a thrifty winter

2011-12-19T06:44:00.000-08:00

I need another sweater like I need a hole in my head. But sweaters seem to be one of the most easily thrifted items. When I found this winter white, angora blend sweater from J Crew at the Salvation Army for $3.99 it begged me to come home with me. I love it with jeans. But I am looking forward to pairing it with my plethora of black and white shirts this winter.

end semester...end already!

2011-12-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

My grad class has their "final" today. They are actually just turning in a final Op Ed piece and then we are headed to the bar. I am still being thrown by this overcast yet in the 60s weather in December. I don't love today's outfit, but I feel comfy and me in it.

The sweater is Jones of NY via Goodwill, and the skirt is Boden via Ebay. Notice my pop of color with my knee high burgundy socks? yeah, that was not intentional....just they were the top pair of knee high socks in the drawer, and I am so end of semester worn down that I didn't want to exert brain power thinking about which socks would look best.

December? Really?

2011-12-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

I can just not get used to living in the South. It is December and temps will be in the 60s today. I am a cold and snow, sweater wearing sort of girl, so this weather throws me.

Today's dress (Gap), cardigan (Ann Taylor Loft), and belt are all thrifted from Goodwill. This dress is sleeveless, and I think it will make a good year round dress. In the Spring, I think I will pair it will a pink cardigan, as I love grey and pink together, but that color combo feels wrong in December.

so many options

2011-12-13T05:57:00.000-08:00

Today is Everybody Everywear: Sequins and Sparkle. I had so many options for this one, although many are not work appropriate. Bur since we are in finals week, I figured a little sequins and jeans was ok for work.

hem length

2011-11-30T09:45:00.000-08:00

In originally hemmed these pants to go with my black loafers.

But a little extra weight means the pants are sitting more on my waist then hips....so a tad shorter now. I might need to let the hem out a bit, because when I tried to pair these pants with my new grey booties it was high-water flood looking.

Needless to say, i am sticking with the black loafers today.

take two

2011-11-21T07:24:00.000-08:00

I was feeling all proud of my very academic outfit this morning highlighting corduroy and argyle.....and then my doggie decided she needed some loving just as I was taking a sip of a full cup of coffee. Coffee stains resulted, and I had to make an outfit change. I have worn this skirt before, but never posted it on the blog. The skirt is from Anthropologie via Ebay. I kept seeing this skirt on Ebay and would then talk myself out of bidding on it. But then every time someone else won the bid on it, I would feel regret. So finally after months of patience, when one popped up on Ebay in my size I bid and won.

This cardigan from the Talbot's outlet does wicked cool things to my eye color, so gotta love that.

Dark and gloom

2011-11-21T07:18:00.000-08:00

This is what I wore last Thursday. I was not feeling great, and thus cashmere, comfy boots and a black color palette suited me perfectly.

under the weather

2011-11-15T06:53:00.000-08:00

I don`t feel great today. I am dragging. And thus I am not wearing heels even though I teach today. Doesn't happen very often, but I am just not feeling it today. We will get close to 70 today, which is hard to dress for when it is so Fall like in overcast skies and leaves on the ground. Thus a thrifted corduroy skirt, and a cashmere sweater seems like the way to go (with a tee underneath in case I need to shed the sweater).

classic fall

2011-11-14T07:59:00.000-08:00

It is a beautiful Fall day here, and thus I dressed for that. Nothing says fall quite like rich tones and tweed.

These shoes don't get much wear because they are winter/fall colors but are peep toe. I am not a fan of tights with peep toe shoes, so there are not many days when the weather is warm enough for peep toes but the season is still fall/winter. I last wore them here.

Friday uniform of choice

2011-11-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

I've got to admit I love jeans on Fridays. These jeans are a nice wide leg, although they look less flattering in this picture then they do in the mirror. Maybe it was because I snapped this photo at night after a long day?

These jeans are from the Talbot's Outlet. The shoes/booties were a hand-me-down from my aunt, and are perfect with pants/jeans in the colder seasons.

it's that time again....

2011-11-10T06:40:00.000-08:00

It's that time in the semester when we do peer teaching evaluations. For some reason when I have the older tenured males in my department doing my evaluation, I tend to think way to hard about what to wear that day. I don't even want to discuss how many outfits I tried on this morning before settling on this one.

This camera angle makes the front of the skirt look shorter than the back. I promise it is not, but I don't have time to re-shoot this picture.

Hump Day Happiness

2011-11-10T06:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the thing to get thru the mid week hump is a super comfy sweater dress, over black leggings with super comfy boots. Pure happiness.

Colored Tights

2011-11-08T09:45:00.000-08:00

Today is Everybody Everywhere: Colored Tights. I don't do colored tights very often, and usually they are layered under some sort of lace or fishnet tight.

I have gotten several comments from faculty and students about the purple today.... not sure they were compliments per say, but I can appreciate that purple tights are not everyone's cup of tea,

classic but not boring

2011-11-07T06:15:00.000-08:00

I can't seem to get far away from classic looks lately. It doesn't get more classic than a black sheath dress (Old Navy via Goodwill), a cashmere sweater (Talbots Outlet), and a pearl necklace (no idea where this is from....fake pearls because real pearls are wrong length for this neckline). And the bow shoes are just fun.

animal print love

2011-11-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

I am such a fan of animal prints. This wrap dress from Goodwill makes me happy. It is some designer name, but I forgot who and I am too lazy to go look at the tag while I type this (I did look up the brand when the dress first came home with me). I wore this to work last Thursday.

sweater + dress = fall comfyness

2011-11-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

I love sweaters. I love dresses. So it is no surprise I LOVE sweater dresses. And just in case the sweater dress wasn't enough coziness, I threw my black cashmere boyfriend cardigan over the top.

November 1st

2011-11-02T04:16:00.001-07:00

This is what I wore on November 1st:

The dress is Ann Taylor, the turtleneck sweater is Talbots, and both came to me via Goodwill.

October Purchases

2011-11-02T04:12:00.000-07:00

I thought it might be a good idea to start keeping track of monthly clothing purchases. So this is what I bought in October: 1 dress, 1 skirt, 1 sweater, 1 pair of tights, 2 belts, 2 pairs of shoes, and a pair of jeans.

The dress is Gap and I got it at Goodwill for $4.99. I think this will be a good year round dress as I think it will play nice with cardigans and boots, or flipflops and sunglasses.

This skirt is from White House Black Market (one of my favorite stores) and I found it at the Salvation Army for $3.99. There was a slight spot, which a trip to the dry cleaners removed. At the price I found it, I was will to dry a trip to the cleaners.

I found these fun grey and purple plaid tights at the Salvation Army (new in package) for 99 cents.

I picked up two belts this month. The top one is a reversible floral belt I got the last day of a consignment sale for 99 cents (half-off, yay!). The bottom copperish-gold belt I got at teh Salvation Army for $1.99.

The cream shoes came from the same Consignment sale at the floral belt and were a whopping $2. I have already worn them here. The red and white shoes came from the Salvation Army and were the right color tag to be half off, so they came out to be $3.50.

Another consignment sale steal was this sweet cardigan for $3. Yes it is a very girly and very pink, but at $3 how could I resist, even if it is just weekend wear?

These jeans are White House Black Market. I love their jeans, and found these at Goodwill for $4.99. They are regular length (I usually buy short) so they are pretty much only wearable with my highest heeled boots. I love the back flap pockets, they help my non-existent butt look existent.

So grand total:

Dress: $4.99

Skirt $3.99

Belt: $0.99

Belt: $1.99

Tights: $0.99

Shoes: $2.00

Shoes: $3.50

Cardigan: $3.00

Jeans: $4.99

Total: $26.44 plus tax

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

Rather than a costume, decided to just wear a festive fall colors ensemble. But my doggie fully dressed up.

Quientessential

2011-10-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

I have decided that cardigans are my preferred uniform of choice. I wear then year round, as most places, including my office have the air conditioning way too high in summer. In the business casual world, cardigans to a woman are like khaki pants to a man.....you can't go wrong with one.

This outfit was quickly thrown together so that I could take my doggie out for her morning walk and potty break. (Although I threw on different shoes for the walk.) It is pretty much a quintessential outfit for me....classic skirt, top, cardigan and heels. It is not only the pieces combined but the brands and how I purchased them that makes it quintessentially me. The skirt is Banana Republic purchased at Goodwill for $3.79. The top is Ann Taylor purchased at Goodwill for $3.79. The sweater is 100% cashmere from the Talbot's Outlet purchased with a birthday giftcard (Don't remember exact price but under $35). The shoes were picked up on clearnace at a Famous Footwear in 2003 for $7.50. So not only are these pieces from my favorite stores, but out of pocket this whole outfit cost me under $15!

old stand by

2011-10-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

Some days I just want an easy peasey comfy dress with a cardigan on top. I can never go wrong with this combo. I picked up this dress at Target in 2010, and I LOVE it.

See how I have worn this dress before: here, here, and here. The cardigan is from a clothing swap.

the love of consignment

2011-10-25T18:14:00.000-07:00

I not only love thrift stores but also consignment stores. When I lived in Calgary I had one two blocks away from me that I visited regularly. In Charlotte I haven't been making it to consignment stores very often, as they seem so expensive compared to Goodwill. But I do enjoy the occasional consignment sales (empty stores will be turned into a consignment superstore for a weekend). Usually the last day of those consignment sales are 50% off. Picked up these shoes recently at one of those sales on the last day for $2. Yup, $2....take that Goodwill.

I also love to visit thrift and consignment stores when in different cities. I picked up this skirt at a consignment store over the summer when in Boulder, CO. I don't remember what I paid for it.

Stepford wife....front and back

2011-10-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is this semester that keeps bringing out the Stepford wife in me. Today it even included fake pearls.

I got this skirt at the Talbot's outlet this summer, but I needed some colder weather before I would be wearing this wool skirt. The tights were a gift from one of my aunts. I still lecture old school style and write on the chalkboard, so the students spend a lot of time seeing my backside. Thus when buying clothes I spend a large amount of time asking "how does my backside look in this?". I think this skirt does my back half justice.

I got several compliments on this shoes and tights combo today.

too short?

2011-10-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

I convinced myself in the mirror that this dress wasn't too short to teach in. However the pictures have me rethinking that assessment. In fact, I can't promise I will wear this out the door to work. I did however, wear this to the dentist this morning.

What do you think....too short for work?

conference wear

2011-10-17T23:07:00.000-07:00

I am at a 3 day conference in California at Lake Arrowhead. So here are my conference looks for the first 2 days. This first one I traveled in, so pretty proud of traveling many hours in a pencil skirt and still managing to look put together after being up for 20+ hours.

My talk was today, at 8:40pm on day 2 of the conference. This is a fairly casual conference, so I didn't feel the need for a suit.

casual friday with puppy

2011-10-14T06:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, ok a lot of the time, I sneak my dog with me into work on Fridays. She is the perfect accessory for a casual outfit.

yay Red!

2011-10-13T06:45:00.000-07:00

I am all about the red today. It felt like the right fall feel. The skirt is J Crew via Goodwill. The t-shirt is Ann Taylor via Goodwill. The cardigan is from the Talbots Outlet store.

not sure what season

2011-10-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

I love fall! But I hate these warm falls down here. It will be in the 70s today which to me is still "warm weather" but it is October and the trees are starting to change, so I feel like I need a warm color pallet, which doesn't go with my warm weather clothing. This was the best I could do.....it seems off season, but it is too warm to commit to any sweater other than a cardigan.

hello Fall!

2011-09-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite season. And one of the downsides of living in NC is that it takes forever to feel like fall. But temps will start to drop tonight and tomorrow should be nice a crisp and cool this weekend. In honor of that, I busted out an outfit that feels perfect for the summer to fall transition.

The denim pencil skirt and cardigan are from the Talbots outlet. The striped tee was on clearance at Walmart for $3 (that's cheaper than Goodwill!). The boots are from Target and have proven to be a workhorse in my closet.

Black, white, and grey

2011-09-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

Why mess with something that works? Black, white and grey is my color pallet of choice. It is easy-peasy, and was the way to go yesterday.

After I took this picture I added a black flower and white flower pins to the cardigan for a tad more whimsey. I got the skirt at White House Black Market in 2008 and love, love, love it.

can't go wrong

2011-09-27T06:28:00.000-07:00

You, or rather I, can't go wrong with a black and white floral.....whether it is skirt, blouse, cardigan, or dress I always feel like me in a black and white floral print.

Today I get to talk to 140 high school guidance counselors coming to campus to learn about different degree programs at my university. Does this fit the bill of what they expect a college professor to dress like? Who knows.....but I for one love it enough that I could care less.

Pumpkin's Purple-Plum Pick

2011-09-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

This morning I let my little doggie (Pumpkin) pick my outfit. I held up 2 dresses and asked her "which one?", and she seemed certain about this purple/plum dress.

I then gave her a choice of two cardigans and she picked this one. She even picked it twice when i switched which hand they were in. I guess she likes cotton over cashmere....silly doggie. I didn't let her pick my shoes, as the forecasted rain made my purple suede ballet flats a no-go. Plus she pretty much dislikes all of my shoes except for the ones I wear to the dog park and the ones I wear for running.....she has learned those shoes mean fun, and most other shoes mean I am leaving the house soon.

Last week

2011-09-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

I managed to get outfit pictures snapped on two days last week. However, I did not manage to post them. So I am playing a little catch-up today.

Wednesday was a rainy mess with temps all over the place (hence the boots and layering). I don't teach on Wednesdays, but I was going out to dinner with a visiting speaker, so I wanted to look somewhat more put together than my typical Wednesday. The skirt is an Anthropologie find at Goodwill, which I had shortened a few inches. The lace top is a Banana Republic find at Goodwill. The navy cardigan is from the Talbots outlet, and the boots are from Target.

The fo-wrap leopard print dress that I got at Ross 2 years ago for about $12 is one of those items that makes me feel fabulous every time I wear it. I threw it on Thursday for teaching.

double pet appearance

2011-09-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

Both my turtle and dog make an appearance today. Snapped this quick picture before heading to work (hence doggie in crate).

I picked up this cardigan on saturday during my first visit to the Buffalo Exchange with my friend Cynthia of Be Fabulous Daily. It is originally from Ann Taylor.

Keeping with a theme....

2011-09-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore to teach in this past Thursday. Is this fall going to be my fall of Stepford wife dressing? Feels that way. Or maybe it is just because the last 2 outfits I had time to snap a picture of look that way.

The skirt (which has pockets!) was purchased at the Talbot's Outlet using my birthday month discount. The top is Banana Republic via Goodwill. T%he shoes were clearance at Marshall's last spring. Since my dog snuck into the last OOTD picture, I decided my turtle deserved to sneak into this shot.

Stepford wife

2011-09-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

I feel very much like a stepford wife in this outfit. Not sure if it is the pearls or the cardigan and the delicate heels. But I like it despite the costume feel.

Don't mind my little doggie in the foreground. The dress is from Ross. The shoes are from Marshall's and the cardigan is from the Talbot's outlet. Pretty much all discount shopping options.

black and white and red

2011-08-20T16:39:00.000-07:00

The semester is just around the corner....so return to professional clothes.

new or old?

2011-07-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

Not sure if I should call this dress new or old. I have had it for multiple years, but I am not sure I have ever worn it. But I have thought of a ton of different ways to wear it, no not sure why I never do. It is comfy too!

The dress is from the Talbot's Outlet. I got the shoes on clearance at Marshalls. The cardigan is Ann Taylor silk via Goodwill, and the belt is a random Goodwill find.

shorts at work

2011-07-22T11:17:00.001-07:00

I don't normally wear shorts to work. But it is hot, and a friday in summer.....who would give a care?

catch-up

2011-07-22T11:16:00.001-07:00

A little behind, as this is yesterdays outfit. Still hot here, like pretty much most of the country....so easy dresses and sandals are the work uniform.

hot hot hot

2011-07-21T06:39:00.000-07:00

Like the rest of the country it is hot here, so I went with a simple and cool dress yesterday.

cool friday

2011-07-18T06:49:00.000-07:00

We had a break in temps this past Friday, and I took full advantage and pulled out a favorite wool cardigan.

Puppy steals show.....

2011-07-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

My little doggie wanted to be in the pictures today. And who am I to deny her? The skirt is from a consignment store. The cardigan is from a swap. The tank is from Target. The flipflops are old.

Yellow

2011-07-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

Today is Everybody Everywhere Yellow.

I have always loved the yellow flowers of this dress. I love it so much that when I lost 50 pounds it was one of the few clothing items I kept and had my mom alter for me. I just couldn't part with it.

an early yellow

2011-07-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

I know that tomorrow is everybody everyday wears yellow. But I was feeling the yellow today. Hopefully tomorrow I still feel it.

But not a real green dress that's cruel

2011-06-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

I picked up this Ann Taylor dress on Ebay. It is a true wrap and thus requires a slip just in case the wind blows.

The dress is not a petite...but it makes me wonder how short would this dress be on an average height woman. It is about as short as I am comfortable with for work. I think it will be a nice year round dress with a cardigan thrown on top.

Change of Pace

2011-06-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

I decided I needed a new background. Yup, I am living on the wild side. I tried this dress on at Target a long time ago and loved it. So when I recently found it on a clearance rack in my size I happily swiped it up. It is a great light summer dress.

It makes me wish I owned an olive green cardigan. But I know I don't need an olive green cardigan. There is a great one at Target right now, but instead I will be checking Ebay and Goodwill until the right one wanders into my life.

Dress your body

2011-06-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

I am not participating in the Academichic "Dress Your Best", but today's outfit was inspired by that challenge. I feel like this shirt really shows off my hour glass shape.

status quo

2011-06-23T08:44:00.001-07:00

It is summer and dead on campus. So I am just trucking away with my old comfort zone.....black and white patterned skirts and a colored cardigan.

heat wave

2011-06-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

It has been hot, hot, hot here. But offices are always cold, so I am sporting a silk cardigan over an easy skirt and t-shirt.

back from travels

2011-06-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

I have been gone for the last few weeks because I had vacation (yay!) as well as a work trip and a visit to see my family. I love checking out Goodwill and Consignment shops on my travels. This skirt was picked up at a Goodwill in Illinois ($4.99).

full on summer

2011-05-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

I think it is safe to say summer is here. And I am embracing light and breezey clothes and flip flops.

Welcome to the Big Top!

2011-05-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

I am trying the whole midi-length skirt trend. I got this Anthropologie skirt via Ebay. It is longer than I expected. I thought about getting it shortened. But I have already gotten a few compliments on it and feel very 1950s lady like in it with heels.....so maybe I will keep the length.

The skirt reminds me of a circus tent.....not sure if that is a good or bad thing.

too much reading

2011-05-16T04:20:00.000-07:00

I may be reading too many style blogs. I didn't even think twice about this pattern mixing today. But as I look at the pictures it seems to out there for me.

I may switch cardigans (to something solid colored) before I leave the house.

Update: yup, switched cardigans and was much happier and more "me" feeling.

purple people eater

2011-05-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

I love me some purple. This skirt (Old Navy with tags still on found at Goodwill) is becoming a go to piece. It is a happy skirt, and oh so comfy and breezey.

black and white all over

2011-05-10T06:54:00.000-07:00

Finals week, so keeping it simple. Skirt is Old Navy via Ebay.

I totally forgot that today was Everyday, Everybody: Florals. Thank goodness I wear a lot of florals this time of year, because I was out the door before I realized that was today. Not my best floral, but at least it is a floral.

difficult skirt

2011-05-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

I got this skirt at a consignment sale many weeks ago. I think it may be from Anthropologie (brand is Cordelia). I got it for $12. I thought it would go with a lot because of all the colors. But I have really struggled with what to wear it with. Not sure I love this look, but I am tired of this skirt sitting in my closet.

spring flowers

2011-05-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

Spring always makes me want to break out the floral prints. Especially spring days that may turn rainy.

uneven hem

2011-05-05T06:36:00.000-07:00

I got this dress at Target for $20. I guess I got what i paid for in this case, because the pictures made me realize that the hem is uneven. Or rather the stripes were cut unevenly. Now it is all I see. And this dress is soooo comfy, I want it to be perfect!

Hmmm, do I try and get the hem fixed so that it is all on the navy stripe across the bottom? What do you think?

relaxed for hump day

2011-05-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

Super casual today because I'm not feeling great and it is that weird day between classes and finals. So it could be full of students and questions, or complete silence.

On style shows like What Not To Wear the experts are always suggesting structured items especially for girls with a large chest. But I think sometimes really stretchy tings can work well because they can work when waist and bust are different sizes. This top is an example of a stretchy top that I think flatters my figure in the right ways.

simple

2011-05-03T05:28:00.000-07:00

Last day of classes....and easy is the way to go. Can't lose with a black and white combo.

I will probably grab a colored cardigan for over the top in case my office is cold. Lime green perhaps?

Last week

2011-05-02T06:28:00.000-07:00

Last week of regular classes. big sigh. final stretch.

The skirt, belt, and black wrap are all from second hand shops (Goodwill, Consignment, and Salvation Army). Keeping it simple the last few days with my old standbys of black and white with a splash of color. (look familiar? certain looks I wear over and over)

LBD love

2011-04-29T06:32:00.000-07:00

I love a little black dress. This one has become a favorite. I found it at Goodwill and it feels like pajamas and has POCKETS. What is not to love?

Aren't these shoes cute? I have been looking for a comfy pair of grey heels for what feels like forever. I found these at Marshalls on clearance for $20.

really wide legged capris

2011-04-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

These capris are really wide legged....dare I say they may be culottes? I found them at Goodwill. I am now not sure I like the silhouette they create. hmmm, need to think on these.

casual wednesday

2011-04-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

I have lost my mojo....it is that time in the semester. So the fact that I am dressed is enough. Although I did surprise colleagues today with my flats........they are used to being able to hear me coming down the hall in my heels.

forgotten find

2011-04-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

I went looking for a different shirt this morning, and totally found this one is a drawer completely forgotten. Why have I not worn it more? It was a Goodwill find last summer when I was in Madison, WI for work and had an hour to kill between meetings one day. It is originally from Banana Republic.

summer florals

2011-04-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

I love a floral print. Especially in the summer, and especially in the pink family. But sometimes I worry that pink florals are too "young" looking for me. I love that this skirt is summery, and floral, but somehow more sophisticated that bubblegum pink yet is still fun.

The skirt, belt and t-shirt are all thrifted. Just a few more weeks till it is the end of the semester and I will finally feel comfortable sporting sandals and open toed shoes.....but for now red kitten heels.

rainy Good Friday

2011-04-22T09:54:00.001-07:00

Rainy overcast day, so I went pretty casual. The shirt and sweater are both recent Goodwill finds.

back to basics

2011-04-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

At this crazy time in the semester I tend to resort to what are basics for me. And to me basics are black and white patterned skirts, black tops, and hints of color here and there. done. done. and done.

it's not easy being green

2011-04-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

This lime green cardigan is definitely a frequent player in my daily fashion choices. This dress used to be about 4-5 inches longer, and just wasn't getting worn very often. I got it shortened and now it is a great easy dress. It is sleeveless so on the hot, hot summer days here in the south it is perfect.

My fake tan is working! Yesterday one of my students asked if I got some sun over the weekend because my legs looked tanner. Of course it was a male student, so not sure how I feel about him checking out my legs.

polka dots and butterflies

2011-04-19T03:47:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a little pattern mixing on a random Tuesday near the end of the semester. I have been using build a tan moisturizer on my legs....can you tell they are slightly darker than pasty white?

The skirt was a Salvation Army find. I love my black pencil skirt, but sometimes a girl just wants a black skirt with a different silhouette. I love the ribbon and sweet bow on the bottom of this skirt. What a steal at $1.99! The polka dot blouse is from H & M (Fall 2008). The cardigan is Talbots and was bought in 2009 with birthday giftcards.

freezing feet

2011-04-18T06:12:00.000-07:00

I had put these boots in the back of the closet to wait for the Fall, but today they got pulled back out. My feet were too cold for ballet flats or sandals. And I just wasn't feeling heels today.

The skirt is from a consignment store in Calgary when I lived there (I think it was under $12). The tank is from Walmart ($3), the shirt is Banana Republic via Goodwill ($3.79), and the cardigan is Target new with tag found at Goodwill ($3.79). The trouser socks in the boots are from probably 1992 or so, so I ahve no idea how much they were.

accent overload?

2011-04-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

This dress is one of those dresses where I am not sure if it needs a cami or not. When ever I wear a cami I feel like it hardly shows, and when i don't I am paranoid about my bra showing. Today I added a hot pink cami and that lead to a hot pink belt and hot pink cardigan. Is it accent color overload?

giving spring another try

2011-04-13T06:31:00.000-07:00

This outfit is 100% spring. The skirt is a hand me down from my aunt. The cardigan is Ann Taylor via Goodwill. The t-shirt is just a run of the mill plain white tee.

Might not be the most professional look....I look like I am going to a Sunday picnic not a day in the office.....but I'm not teaching today.

rainy morning

2011-04-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

I had plans for a springy floral pencil skirt today. But the pouring rain at 5am changed that plan. Even though it was done raining when I headed to work at 6:30am, I was already in a rainy day dress mind-set.

Nothing special about this outfit. Nothing new. Okay, the cardigan may not be new, but it is pretty special....100% cashmere from Ann Taylor that I got off Ebay with the tags still on for ~$10 including shipping. Yup, that is pretty special, even if you have seen it before.

on the trend bandwagon

2011-04-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

I am not one to normally jump on fashion trends. I tend to do my own thing. And when something I already love becomes a trend I get upset that everyone will think I am part of that trend when I preceded that trend. But this weekend, a pair of wedge sandals found their way home with me. I have never loved wedges. But somehow the comfort of this pair, and the hole of white sandals they would fill in my wardrobe won me over. The $15 price (Target, kids sized) also helped their case. What I wasn't expecting was to like the feel of being with a trend.

The belt is also new....well "new to me" (Talbots via Goodwill for $0.99).

blog avoiding dress

2011-04-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

This dress is a staple that gets a ton of wear, but never seems to make it onto the blog. I think it is because I wear it on chaotic days when I need something easy.....and those are the days my outfit doesn't get photographed. It is hard to see in this picture how figure flattering the shape is.....but today is one of those days where there is no time for a second outfit picture.

Avenue Q

2011-04-07T03:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight after work I am meeting some friends for a little happy hour drinks and snacks followed by seeing the musical Avenue Q. I am pretty excited. Thus I broke out a new dress (Ross for $15.99) and new shoes (Talbot's Outlet....under $20 with tax and were originally $159!).

The cardigan is a 100% cashmere steal from the Talbots Outlet at $11. It is quickly becoming a favorite in my closet.