Welcome November and Shoes

October was a month of soul searching, stress and deep, meaningful thoughts for me, but I've made it through, no worse for the wear.
I took a lot of internal moments, wondering what my passions and goals in life are, and I'm not sure if I've figured any of that out, but I've made some moves, stepping out of my comfort zones, ready for my next phase in life...sheesh!  Why does living have to be so hard sometimes?

Oh yeah, and I did a lot of hunting and gathering...of shoes!

You know how it goes...you say "That's it!  No more!"  And then, as if by magic, you come across 3 pairs at amazing prices, blowing your whole "no more" thing.  Destiny?  Perhaps...

Jeffery Campbell, hair on hide spots and velcro.  Yeah, like I need to say anything else...but I will anyway.  Possibly one of my more comfortable heels. And goes with everything.

Dolce Vita booties in army green.  Yes, a necessity.  Served up with scratch and large bruise.

Miss Albright brown leather boots.  These were probably the most gluttonous of all since I have another pair of brown boots, but these are different, they have bows!  
Lame Excuse Alert
I didn't need them but I just couldn't walk away from them since they were on super sale and couldn't let anyone else have them.

You gonna back me up on this one?

J.

I Can't Wait To Wear These - Braeburn Boots

Not so glamorous truth: It's my vacation and I've been sick since my first day off.  Summer cold, sinus infection, allergies, I've been hit by it all and I'm down for the count.  My poor nose is so sore and red!  It wasn't like I had anything planned, but I did have a few ideas for my time off and I've ended up spending a good portion of it in bed.

But on the other hand, I did get to dream about these...

And they came in today!  They are the Braeburn Ankle Boot from Free People.  I can't wait to wear them, but I need a nap first...

J.

Trying It Out - Deep V Neck Dress

Well, shoot!
I rarely go without a well padded bra, but if I had known that a lack of chest could equal rocking the plunging deep V, I would have done it much much sooner!

 I have had a love hate relationship with this thrifted ABS dress.  

After altering the heck out of it, I've tried to wear it to work, layering a camisole underneath to make the V more appropriate, but it was just somehow off. 

Then during a closet clean out, I tried it on once again, without a cami, without a bra, and realized that this was the look I envisioned when I first bought it!  (Which makes it not a work dress!)  I wore it to lunch with the hubby.

Yup, sort of inappropriate.  There maybe few, but there has to be some perks to having a small chest....

J.

More Closet Classics

Fashiony people will always have a list of items that they claim are must haves or classics and basics that every gal should have in her closet-a trench, the LBD, the ubiquitous white button down etc.

This look epitomizes closet classics for me...

A Breton style top and leather skirt-is there anything more classic than the 2 of these?  And black and white never goes out of style does it?

My skirt is actually half leather, half fabric, which is great because it is slightly more breathable in the hot Texas weather than all leather would be.

And I can't tell you how much I love these Reiss platforms!  I will wear them until they fall off my feet!  They are so very comfortable!  (I will probably wear them far into autumn when it's really not acceptable to be wearing open toe shoes!)

What are you're closet classics?
J.

Summer is Escaping and I Don't Even Have a Little Tan

I can't believe we've hit mid July-Summer is 1/2 over!!!
I feel like I haven't done enough summer stuff...I actually have a list of things I would love to do this summer, like zip lining, and I've been thinking about taking a hot air balloon ride for a while now.  I guess I'll have to start making some plans.  At the very least, I must get to the pool, I've only been once so far!  My legs are so pasty white!

But when I hide them under the maxi skirt, who would know?

Has summer been sneaking by you too?  What's on your summer to do list?

J.

Black Pants Might Be The Death Of Me

Black pants.
The one "thing" I seem to collect and have a hard time giving up.  I have at least 6 pairs, and I don't even wear them all that often!  I guess I sort of see them as the ultimate basic and I'll never know when I'm gonna need them.
Anyway, I've been doing a closet clean out and some things just have to be worn one more time before deciding if something will stay or go and these black cropped pants are the perfect example of that...

I figured going to the movies would be a good test drive for them.  They were comfortable, they kept me warm enough, (I always freeze at the movies,) but looking at them on me...well, maybe not so good.
And yet I still find it crazy hard to pull them out of my closet permanently!  I wonder what the psychology behind that is...maybe one day they'll find my body buried under my hoard of black pants and declare that the pants were my demise...hmmm...that does not paint a pretty picture, does it?

What do you find hard to kick out of your closet?

J.

I Dressed As The Weather-Yellow Dress

It's finally been lovely here, not near as warm as I prefer it, but it's sunny and it does wonders for one's spirit...

My legs need a tan and less bruises.  (I tend to cut my corners close.)

Anywho, here's yellow according to Color Wheel Pro:

  Yellow

Yellow is the color of sunshine. It's associated with joy, happiness, intellect, and energy.

Yellow produces a warming effect, arouses cheerfulness, stimulates mental activity, and generates muscle energy. Yellow is often associated with food. Bright, pure yellow is an attention getter, which is the reason taxicabs are painted this color. When overused, yellow may have a disturbing effect; it is known that babies cry more in yellow rooms. Yellow is seen before other colors when placed against black; this combination is often used to issue a warning. In heraldry, yellow indicates honor and loyalty. Later the meaning of yellow was connected with cowardice.

Use yellow to evoke pleasant, cheerful feelings. You can choose yellow to promote children's products and items related to leisure. Yellow is very effective for attracting attention, so use it to highlight the most important elements of your design. Men usually perceive yellow as a very lighthearted, 'childish' color, so it is not recommended to use yellow when selling prestigious, expensive products to men – nobody will buy a yellow business suit or a yellow Mercedes. Yellow is an unstable and spontaneous color, so avoid using yellow if you want to suggest stability and safety. Light yellow tends to disappear into white, so it usually needs a dark color to highlight it. Shades of yellow are visually unappealing because they loose cheerfulness and become dingy.

Dull (dingy) yellow represents caution, decay, sickness, and jealousy.
Light yellow is associated with intellect, freshness, and joy.

Interesting....

What color is your day?

J.

Casual (And Cloudy And Rainy) Monday

Yesterday I dressed as the weather...

It wasn't cold, but it wasn't pleasant.  

At the very least, I managed to be comfortable.  Which is something that has seemed more and more important too me.  I'm even into sneakers lately! Sometimes a non fussy shoe and minimal or lack of jewelry is what I want.  

Sometimes...

Anyway, I'm into the extreme hi-low hem of this Deletta top.  The back of the shirt is a much thinner fabric than the front.  I think it's going to be a summer staple...with jeans and Converse...

Is comfort a major factor in how you dress?

J.

I Wouldn't Kick Any Of These Pieces Out Of My Closet-Titania Inglis

I came across the designer Titania Inglis recently in one of my favorite magazines, Zink.  After doing a little google search her, and discovering some of the most lovely minimalist designs and I became obsessed!

Ok, This isn't really minimal, but I thought it was quite dynamic, sort of like armor.  (I'm weirdly into laser cut things right now.)

There are many more amazing pieces on her site, like the Arctic Reindeer Jacket and the Helix Dress- it can be worn backwards!  Genius!  The Cut Away Shell is my personal favorite.

All jewelry is by WXYZ jewelry.   Because geometry rules.

Intriguing.

J.

Ready For The Day-Black and Navy Shirt Dress

I love a navy and black color combination.  It's subtle without being soft.

And I love a good shirt dress, like the one above.  On the day I wore it, I had errands to run, taught some dance classes (well, I didn't teach it, but I wore it over the dance wear,) then had dinner with a friend.

Multi-tasked.
J.

It's Gonna Be Great When It Warms Up- New Bailey 44 Dress

I know I speak for many when I say I'm sick of winter weather.  Well, maybe more like erratic winter weather.  One day it's 37 degrees, the next it's 70+ and it's killing my allergies and sinuses.  Don't even get me started on the headaches and there really isn't any way to make constant nose blowing very glamorous.
It also keeps me guessing at what to wear.  The day I bought this Bailey 44 dress...

it was sunny and beautiful, looking as though our usual Texas spring time weather was here to stay.  But 2 days later, on the day I had planned to wear it, the rain had shown up again, it was about 37 degrees and I had to add tights, weather appropriate shoes and a heavy coat.  Although I'm actually quite happy with wintery look, I can't wait to wear it on a nicer day without all the extras.

The style of the dress is a little different than I'm used to for Bailey 44, I tend to think of them being a little more body con like this one here, (but maybe it's just that I don't fill it out all the way, very possible.) It lives up to usual softness and quality, as does the eco-leather skirt bottom, I'm certain it will become a go to dress for me.

Are you hating winter as much as I am?
J.

Simplicity Revives My Closet

This L.A.M.B. skirt was a gift and has been in my closet, unworn, for a while now.

As much as I like it, I have had a very hard time with it.  I never know what shoes or shirt to wear with it, and because I'm short, poofy skirts tend to make me feel like a cupcake, or on the other hand, I feel like it may be a little too youthful for me.
But....I like it!
I'm into the super high waist and the embroidered print.  So that's why it still hangs in my closet.  Until today...

Solution: A simple pink button down shirt.  Who knew?  And you can't see my shoes-sorry- they just happen to be an old pair (and dirty) of black and white oxfords from Target.  Done.

I haven't been into basics for a while, but I always love a clean, simple look.  It's classic and beyond trendy.  They can take something that seems unwearable and make it work.

What basics do you depend on in your closet?

J.

New Classics In My Closet

I am not going to lie, I can't believe I found these in my size and at an amazing price...

I had been hunting for a pair of heels in a nude shade for a while and have been even considering spending money on a good pair when all the sudden, there they were, right in front of me.  It was more money than I'm used to spending but nowhere near what the name typically gets.

My defenses were instantly down.

I could not pass them up.

We went home together.
J.

I'm Surprised By My Closet

Hmmm...I hadn't gone back to look at my older outfit posts for quite some time until today.  I guess I had been wondering if I have any type of "specific" style. I kind of thought I was eclectic, or maybe sort of experimental, (maybe just mental,) but really, I might be much closer to a preppier style.  Not necessarily in the fabric choices but more so in traditional shape.

Anyway, here's a look with very traditional-ish classic preppy pieces from my closet...

Olive cargo pants and breton striped shirt...well, almost breton stripe.

My shoes are least classic, though they are Docs believe it or not.  (And they sort of blend into my rug...sorry about that!)

I may need to investigate myself further.  I know I have some interesting pieces in my closet, but frankly I'm surprised!  How can I not see my own style?   Am I the only one who doesn't recognize myself?  I don't think I am...

Do you know your style?

J.

New To My Closet-Vizcaino Leopard Print Jeans

I admit, I love a fun printed bottom, whether it's a skirt or pant, and these Vizcaino jeans fit the bill!

  I received them for Christmas and finally wore them on Friday.  The fit is as great as ever, and they're not just printed but have some kind of waxed coating on them that gives them a slight rose gold undertone that's much more noticeable in person.  (Hmmm...That description makes them seem really over the top...)

Anyway, I went preppy with these old oxford/corset heels and Moth knit jacket...I love the buttons, very sweet!

What did you get for Christmas?
J.

They Say Admitting to the Problem is the First Step

And maybe I need to step back and really take a look at the situation...
As I was cleaning my bedroom desk, I was able to pull out no less than 6 tubes of mascara,

(some of them yet unopened) and that was only what was within my reach at that moment.  I'm sure I have some hidden away, stashed in suitcases and purses, bathroom cabinets, etc.  But truth be known, I'm always on the hunt for my "Ms. Perfect," of the mascara world.

Perhaps my expectations are too high-no clumping, but I want volume, no flaking, I can't be allergic to it, (easier said than done,) I don't want skinny long spider leg lashes, but it does need to have a little lift and curl...Ok, so maybe it is too much.

The least expensive ones,  Rimmel Glam Eyes (top) and Maybelline Great Lash actually top my list, Rimmel having the edge in the lift and curl category but the Maybelline gives me good volume, as does the TIGI, but I like the smaller Maybelline brush better, it's easier to use at the edges of my eyes.  I have yet to use the Chanel, and I haven't used the Bobbi Brown enough (2 different kinds) to make an honest opinion.  

There, it's out in the open, I'm obsessed with mascara, and I won't stop until I find my dream mascara!  I know it's out there!  (Any recommendations?)

What makeup do you endlessly hunt down?  Lipsticks?  Glosses?
J.

New Year, New Pants

Happy New Year everyone!
I always look forward to new starts and beginnings...although I tend to fail miserably at follow through.  So that being said, I have a bad habit of starting and ending things rather quickly.
And then starting again.
I really need to be on a schedule...I have a hard time with schedules...
Anyway, here's my first post of the year...

Isn't a cropped sweater itself sort of an oxymoron? Whatever, I still like it.  I dragged my my newly minted hubby to Urban Outfitters on our honeymoon in San Francisco in November to get it after seeing it in an email.  I had to wear a cami on this day, more work and weather appropriate (yet I let my toes hang out,) but with these high waisted pants from Harlyn, I would wear it without the cami (and not be heading to work.)
The pants, themselves are much more interesting in person.  Not only are they high waisted, but pleated and tapered as well.  The fabric is very silky too.  I actually wish they were even more tapered.  The details never show up well on black...

Welcome to 2014.  Any plans for the year ahead for you?

J.

Found In My Winter Closet

Oh winter wardrobe, why do I live in a place that's really only cold for one month?  It's never enough time to really wear all my winter goodies!   I have finally had a chance to sort through some of my closet, storing the strappy summer dresses and sandals, and replacing them with sleeves and tights, though I'm no where near finished with the task.  But the joy of falling in love all over again with these items that I haven't seen since last February is immeasurable!

Two things that I have very rarely worn happen to be this cocoon cardigan thing from Moth and pale blue pleated column dress by Bordeaux, and never have they been worn together.  It just so happened that I needed a little something to keep me warm this morning.  And now that I look at it, the neck line of the dress appears to make me look a lot like a football player…

But weirdly enough I don't mind it…it's a shape thing…the two together make me very happy!

What was once lost but now is found in your winter closet?

J.

Scaring The Pants Off Of Me - White Denim

White denim.  Another of those "iffy" items in the closet.  Am I gonna get them dirty, is it too late in the year to wear "white" white?  The answer to both those questions is probably yes.  Whatever.  I wore them...

And I wore them on a Monday too.  We had just gotten in from San Fran late the night before and they were clean and nothing else was.  (The reason for the sleepy eyes…)  They also remained relatively white, which is not normally the case.  

This pair is by Vizcaino. I love the fit of them, they are 2% elastane, 98% cotton, so they hold their shape very well and don't stretch and sag within 5 minutes of putting them on.  

Haha...I look like I have elf ears in this picture…
But I am beginning to feel that sparkle of the upcoming holidays and a this jewel collared sweatshirt is fun!  (I love sequins etc, but I often feel like I'm wearing a dance costume from back in the day.  This is a good amount for me!)

So whatever, white denim anytime of the year is good for me.  I will, of course, freak out about getting them dirty because that's just the way I am…I'm working to get over this…really, I am….

J.

New To My Closet- Beaded Sash Belt

I know, I'm a hater when it comes to the sash belt.  But this beaded beauty...

was just too perfect for the dress I happened to be wearing on the day I found it....

and after getting it home, it magically seems to work with at least 2 more dresses and at least 1 skirt...

Fun!

Oh yeah, if you can't tell, still no computer, haven't figured out how to take good pics with the iPad yet.  Life.

J.