Closet Conflict

It's a conflict...I moved from a cold state to a very hot state because I was tired of freezing!  I really don't complain about the heat too much but the clothes just aren't as interesting.  Oh the struggle...

I've had my winter wardrobe out and waiting for me for at least 4 weeks now but the record heat and humidity have had me reaching for sandals and tank tops instead.  (It's been around 85 to 90 degrees+ here with 88% humidity!) While everyone else is enjoying blazers and leggings the thought of throwing on a cardi just makes me sweat...It's not fair!  So on this particular day I decided that I was going to enjoy some of my more autumnal items and just deal with the green house effect I would be putting myself into...

This dress is one of the easiest go to pieces in my closet.  It's perfect for days when I have a lot of running around to do.  If it ever gets cooler here I plan on layering it with button downs and turtlenecks and scarves and leggings...should I even keep going?

Anyway, I wore it with some vintage silver bracelets from my BF's great aunt.  This photo doesn't really do either of them justice, the up-close details on the bottom one are amazing and the shape of the top one when worn is very modern and asymmetrical.

Well, I guess I'm off to hang out at the pool and contemplate my conflict...
J.


  

The Wasted Pants

I had been waiting about 6 weeks and for the hot weather to pass before wearing these pants... 




The night before, I was in bed giddy with my choice to wear the pants the following day, but when I woke up, my right eye was completely swollen shut with allergies...disgusting!  It also made me dizzy and I wasn't so sure that driving to work was a good idea, but that didn't stop me.  Allergy pills and eyedrops for breakfast, trying to clear it up, I was determined to wear the pants.  About 15 minutes before I was actually due at work, I could sort of finally see out of it, and decided to head out.

(I don't know why I wasn't freaked out about how it looked, it was really unattractive to say the least, and it was beet red the entire day.  Seriously, I was gonna wear the pants...)

Anyway, to make a long story short, I wasn't at work very long before I went home.  Enough people had seen me so that I wouldn't be able to wear the pants the following day.  I wasted the pants.  So here they are, weeks later, on a day that I was feeling much better...



J.

Hooray! Shoes!

Shoe update! 


These Sabrina's from the Doc Marten store in Portland are my favorite vacation souvenir.  They are so comfortable!  I've even worn them under a fancy maxi dress that's too long for me and nobody ever knew the difference...except me who wasn't experiencing any foot pain!

 
I found this pair of beauties for about $30!  They were marked as a size 7 but out of curiosity, I tried them on and they fit!  (I wear a size 5.) I can't pull them off too much longer with fall on it's way but they do look great with a black jean and simple tee while it's still warm...

 
You know how it is when you have a vision of something in your brain and that's exactly what you want?  (But never do find?)  Well these come as close to the idea of my dream flat ankle boot.  And at Target of all places!  (Actually I do very well with Target shoes, for some reason their sizing is just right for me...)  Yup, you'll have to pry these off my feet...

Now, if only I can find the perfect black flat...or loafer...both?
J.

Austin Afternoon

I found myself with plenty to do today but no desire to do any of it.  Instead, the BF and I got out butts out of bed and explored some things that we had been hearing about but hadn't yet tried...

We started out at this local deli on campus,



I rarely make it down to the campus area, the usual bad parking if you can even find any, etc, but it being Saturday made it a little easier.  I had the "Quick Lunch Special" with a 1/2 turkey pesto sandwich and pasta salad.  The sandwich had cucumbers and sprouts...mmm...

Afterwards, we went to Antonelli's Cheese Shop and picked up 3 cheeses...

 
 Clockwise from top left:
Moses Sleeper, a brie like creamy cheese
Kunik, Extra extra creamy...need I say more?
Brick, surprisingly soft and buttery
We also picked up 2 different types of salami.  I like cheese (a lot) but I'm not really very knowledgeable about it.  You definitely go for the experience, you get to sample almost everything in the shop.

Then we stopped at Drink.Well. a new joint in our old neighborhood and enjoyed an afternoon beverage...


  The BF declared that he would be here every night if we still lived there...good thing we moved.
But I did have a yummy house made twinkie.
Our last stop was in.gredients, a zero waste, package free grocery store. 


For the most part, everything is sold in bulk and not only are you are expected to bring your own bags but plastic or glass resealable containers for things such as cereal, flour, even laundry soap.  It's a very small selection but you can buy as little or as much as you need.  We picked up the baguette and milk as well as some local tea tree soap.

And now the salami and cheese is gone and my laundry is still all over my dining room table...well, it was almost a completely magical day...
J.

Making The Boyfriend Jean Work

I'm intimidated by the boyfriend jean even though it seems like something innocent and mostly casual.  I never know what to do with them except throw on a tee or tank with a pair of converse and therefore they aren't really work appropriate. 
But Hello Jacket Season!
After rummaging through my overly stuffed closet and trying to narrow down to a more season appropriate wardrobe, I came across my favorite jacket and this unworn floral tee purchased earlier this summer, and thought Voila!  I can wear this to work!

 
I wore a basic black peeptoe heel, an easy choice, but I'd still throw on my converse with this look if I was going to be hanging out with my nephew, much more conducive to scooter riding.  (I am an awesome "ambulance" scooter driver if I do say so myself...I don't get to pick, it's appointed to me.  And I make the noises too.  Think what you want.)

What's in your closet that scares you?

J.

As Short As I Go

And maybe I shouldn't really be going this short, but I love this Ace & Jig tunic/dress anyway.


  Perhaps it's more of a personal risk, since I never wear anything more than 2-3 inches above my knee...sometimes I think this length actually makes my legs look shorter.  (I feel this way about cropped pants too.)  Anyway, I envisioned it with black jeans and a different pair of shoes for fall when I purchased it, but it's so soft and lightweight, it was perfect for our spur of the moment evening of art and ice cream...



Mango rose pistachio ice cream with strawberries...yum!!

How short is too short?  How short do you go?

J.

More Pants In My Closet

Yup, I still want pants.  I admit, it's still really too hot for pants here, and probably will be for at least the next month, but when I look at these, I see possibilities...


  OK, yes, they're linen and they'll probably drive me mad with wrinkles, they need to be taken up at least 4 inches and not to mention the mere thought of chocolate and it's instantly on them, but I couldn't resist!  I can see these in my closet for years to come!  (These pants call for a celebration with my favorite Christian LaCroix red evening sandal...but no chocolate...)

This pair is as close as I can get to a perfect fit in pants off the rack.  Of course I had to have them!  I even like them rolled at the end...perfect for flats!

Well, the obsession continues...
J.