New Additions To My Closet- New Shoes

Yup, it's new shoe season! I bought 2 pair, one is fun, and one is more classic, and I'm stopping there...at least for now.

This fun pair I happened upon while out with Grechen and Sydney, (I hope I spelled your name right!)

They might be a little big but they are so comfortable! Since they were originally marked $149 then reduced to $37 plus tax, I couldn't go wrong! They'll be perfect with a wide legged jean this spring!

The other more classic style is a pair from Aldo...

I had been hunting for a more traditional pair of platform style pumps since October and was even prepared to spend a little more on a certain designer pair, but believe it or not, having a small foot makes it hard to shop for shoes. Since the recession hit stores have cut back on inventory and either carry only one pair of size 5 or none at all...you may have heard me rant about this before. (If I'm going to invest they need to fit!)
Anyway, after finally deciding on black (vs. nude) I decided to just break down and buy something and that something happened to be these. Instead of being encased by the shoe, the open sides make for a longer leg line, (which is something I'll never stop dreaming of.) They seem comfortable so far but they have yet to have a true 8 hour day in them. You have to break them in somehow, right?

What are you planning on buying for spring?
J.

Stepping Out of My Closet Against The Grain

I know I know I know that color blocked is the look for s/ss11. I've been color blocked for a while now, and I'm glad to see that people are getting it. I'm always against the grain. I had a boss that would always tell me that I was "too forward," with my style. So true to my "against the grain" nature, I recently sported a look more patterned, colorful and bohemian than I normally choose.

I sort of feel like I should be part of a gypsy caravan, skipping around with a ribboned tamborine ushering in the new year in this outfit. But I actually like all the elements of the look...

Close up view of the skirt. Small and tiny details and lots of color...what doesn't go with this skirt? The classic pencil shape makes it perfect for a blouse or simple tee on top.

This vintage belt came my way from one of my boyfriend's great aunts. Until now, I have only worn it with a basic black shirt dress. It works perfectly with my boots, which I love but don't wear very often...the heel isn't as high as I like to wear, but yesterday (when I wore this) I had a lot of running around to do and they worked out perfectly.

The knit vest I purchased about 4 years back or so in an attempt to go for the vintage bohemian style and it just hung in my closet until last month...I've been wearing it with a lot of billowy sleeved tops and it's just one extra layer of warmth without having to throw on a coat. The necklace is a bit special to me. The vintage pendant was from my Grandma Grace but the chain it was on was awful so I sewed it onto a black velvet ribbon and used velcro to attach it in the back. I like how it sort of mimics the shapes in the skirt.

I probably won't go too far in this style direction, but I enjoy stepping out of my "box" every now and again...change is good and refreshing.
J.

In My Closet- Clothes to Match My Mood

Weather woes...and I know I'm not the only one. It's been grey, wet and gloomy for the last 2 days and it's supposed to be grey, wet and gloomy for the next week. I really was wanting to put on a skirt but this weather has totally ruined my mood, so as a consolation prize, I'm posting a look as grey as the day.

I'm also posting jeans which I don't do very often. Jeans are often a difficult find for short women, or me anyway. You can shop the junior department, which is cheaper, but the rise is usually lower and my backside baring days are umm, behind me. ( No pun intended.) So I modified this pair by shortening them and taking in the bootcut leg to make them narrow.

This jacket was from Forever 21 last summer. The voluminous 3/4 length sleeves, and the exposed zipper sucked me in. (And the fact that it was something like $22 didn't hurt either.) I loved wearing it in cooler weather with gloves, but I'm also into the mesh or fishnet that's peaking out.

I've also been experimenting with bigger hair. Normally my hair is boring with zero volume, (while my 3 sisters have curls...no fair.) But since I'm also relatively ignorant as to how to go about getting big hair, I just did the braiding-of-slightly-wet-hair-with-gel...all you straight headed girls know what I'm talking about.

Truth is, I really just need a haircut.

J.

In My Closet- Always Worn + Never Worn = New Boho Look

I have again stumbled across a top in my closet that I've never worn.

I'm not sure why this I always bypass this one when digging through my closet because it's actually a very cool shirt. (Unfortunately the tag is ripped out and I'm not sure who the vendor is.) The sleeves are a lacey crocheted fabric while the body is a stretchier knit with corseted detail. It's a great dusty pink with a print that's not quite a floral and looks great with browns and neutrals as well as black. Maybe it's because of the big sleeves...I usually tend to be a bit more tailored and they make the top a bit more boho.

I combined it with one of my favorite skirts-it's from Sears of all places! I was buying a refrigerator with my boyfriend and while he paid for the fridge I dug through their clothing racks for fun and found this for $6.99. It was two sizes to big but after taking in the waist and hemming it up about three inches I had a fun, floaty, flirty skirt that I can wear with almost any of my shoes, and I adore it with my over the knee boots! It ups the boho vibe even more.

I decided that a giant bag was probably enough accessory for me and the neutral brown- gray shade is perfect.

So what do you think? Is this top a keeper? Should I stick to my rules and try to make two more looks with it?

Closet Challenge-Zara Top Outfit 1

The vibe I get from this blouse is Boho, a style I don't normally subscribe to and not really sure how much is too much. I feel like the little bitty Olson Twins can pile on 50 pounds of fabric but the Texas heat just doesn't allow for that.

But I think I could wear this by the end of September and be perfectly comfortable.

The vest used to be a jacket but I removed the sleeves a long time ago. The necklace is vintage (I wore it a couple of posts ago,) and I picked up the leather cuff, wood bangle and ring at various times and various places. You may also remember the sandal/boot, a current summer purchase, which works great for this look. And of course the jeans are from Express with a few alterations.

So far, the top is safe. I like this for a day to night look, but a little funky for work even on the sales floor...maybe that's the next look I need to try...

J.