Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Guest Post at Bella Remixes!
Howdy, all! I just wanted to let you know that the illustrious Bella was kind enough to ask me to do a guest post on her blog. Please stop buy and check out her guest series on Spring trends - mine is about ORANGE!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
One-Dollar Dailies: 2/22/12-2/24/12
Life has me very backed up these days! Visiting friends, band practice, work, and finally planning for a honeymoon means little energy for outfit posts - so for my tardiness, I apologize!
Since getting my new job, I've been splurging and getting pieces I really love for the office. This week, I really made an effort to integrate my OLD pieces into the new look - which was coined "Urban Warrior Princess" by a lovely friend over on the youlookfab.com forum. We've come to refer to the office version as "Urban Warrior Professional."
I'm still feeling out my professional preferences, but I definitely feel more genuine now. I will get to the bottom of it someday!
One-Dollar wonders:
B/W Talbots Skirt
Red Ann Taylor Sheath Dress (50 cents!)
Silk/Cashmere Gray Express Top
Honorable Mention:
All Saints Gray Trench - $40 via Ebay
B. Makowsky Bag - $90 via Ebay (my first purchase funded by Ebay sales!)
Gianni Bini Black Boots - via Ebay
Watch Neckalce - gift
Cat Blouse - $20 via Wholesaledress.net
Hematite Necklace (as bracelet) - $2 via swap meet
Twisty Bracelet - gift
Gold Buckle Belt - $2 via Salvation Army
Hudson Pinstripe Jeans - $40 via Ebay
Banana Republic Cardigan - via Credit Card Rewards Points
Other
Frye Julia boots - 1/2 off via Dillard's
Since getting my new job, I've been splurging and getting pieces I really love for the office. This week, I really made an effort to integrate my OLD pieces into the new look - which was coined "Urban Warrior Princess" by a lovely friend over on the youlookfab.com forum. We've come to refer to the office version as "Urban Warrior Professional."
I'm still feeling out my professional preferences, but I definitely feel more genuine now. I will get to the bottom of it someday!
 |
| Old skirt paired with new gray trench |
 |
| Old dress paired with new boots |
 |
| Old top and bag paired with new jeans and boots |
One-Dollar wonders:
B/W Talbots Skirt
Red Ann Taylor Sheath Dress (50 cents!)
Silk/Cashmere Gray Express Top
Honorable Mention:
All Saints Gray Trench - $40 via Ebay
B. Makowsky Bag - $90 via Ebay (my first purchase funded by Ebay sales!)
Gianni Bini Black Boots - via Ebay
Watch Neckalce - gift
Cat Blouse - $20 via Wholesaledress.net
Hematite Necklace (as bracelet) - $2 via swap meet
Twisty Bracelet - gift
Gold Buckle Belt - $2 via Salvation Army
Hudson Pinstripe Jeans - $40 via Ebay
Banana Republic Cardigan - via Credit Card Rewards Points
Other
Frye Julia boots - 1/2 off via Dillard's
Friday, February 24, 2012
The End is Nigh: Fashion Signs the End of Civilization
It's official: civilized culture is over and done with. Polite society is completely kaput. Get out your sweatpants, tube dresses, and swim sandals, because that's where we're headed for daily professional wear. Seriously.
My friend Ivan, for whom I recently created a $50 business wardrobe capsule, went to an interview fair at the Discovery Science Center on Tuesday. He's freakishly smart and has a solid background in physics and chemistry, and loves anything related to outer space. He dressed in the $700 suit we found him at Goodwill, a crisp white shirt, and a nice tie. When we went to dinner afterward, he relayed, "Women came to the interview tables in tight skirts cut up to their backsides, see-through tops that showed their bras, and leggings so tight you could tell they weren't wearing underwear... guess which candidates were moved forward."
That's right, friends. Forget your traditional interview attire. Science Centers are now considering job candidates dressed like Jersey Shore rejects. Child-oriented businesses are now staffing people who expose butt crack even in their most professional (and I use that term loosely) attire (I use that term loosely as well, come to think of it). You might think that Ivan is just being bitter, but I've known him for sixteen years, and I know he has a keen eye for women's fashion and favors French and 60s influences. He's not a prude, and he knows his stuff.
What the H-E-double-hockey-sticks is going on here? With unemployment running rampant, companies surely have a large pool of candidates to choose from - thing is, they're choosing the very people I was raised to know would be sent home on sight as having no sense of respect or professionalism.
This isn't even about my friend anymore - for all I know, the company had a valid reason to cut him - but they sure had reason to cut the over-exposed candidates as well. This is about our standards as a society. This is about what we expect and accept from one another. Why are companies accepting this type of dress from their potential employees? Why are mothers, sisters, and BFFs allowing their so-called loved ones out of the house like this? Don't we care about one another anymore? Don't we care about ourselves?
Or is society really so far gone that we no longer know we should care? So far gone that a sexed-up, leggings-as-pants ensemble is considered professional? Is the concept of projecting modesty and self-respect through clothing really dead? Is virility all a woman can advertise through her outfits?
If so, then this is, truly, the beginning of the end.
My friend Ivan, for whom I recently created a $50 business wardrobe capsule, went to an interview fair at the Discovery Science Center on Tuesday. He's freakishly smart and has a solid background in physics and chemistry, and loves anything related to outer space. He dressed in the $700 suit we found him at Goodwill, a crisp white shirt, and a nice tie. When we went to dinner afterward, he relayed, "Women came to the interview tables in tight skirts cut up to their backsides, see-through tops that showed their bras, and leggings so tight you could tell they weren't wearing underwear... guess which candidates were moved forward."
That's right, friends. Forget your traditional interview attire. Science Centers are now considering job candidates dressed like Jersey Shore rejects. Child-oriented businesses are now staffing people who expose butt crack even in their most professional (and I use that term loosely) attire (I use that term loosely as well, come to think of it). You might think that Ivan is just being bitter, but I've known him for sixteen years, and I know he has a keen eye for women's fashion and favors French and 60s influences. He's not a prude, and he knows his stuff.
What the H-E-double-hockey-sticks is going on here? With unemployment running rampant, companies surely have a large pool of candidates to choose from - thing is, they're choosing the very people I was raised to know would be sent home on sight as having no sense of respect or professionalism.
This isn't even about my friend anymore - for all I know, the company had a valid reason to cut him - but they sure had reason to cut the over-exposed candidates as well. This is about our standards as a society. This is about what we expect and accept from one another. Why are companies accepting this type of dress from their potential employees? Why are mothers, sisters, and BFFs allowing their so-called loved ones out of the house like this? Don't we care about one another anymore? Don't we care about ourselves?
Or is society really so far gone that we no longer know we should care? So far gone that a sexed-up, leggings-as-pants ensemble is considered professional? Is the concept of projecting modesty and self-respect through clothing really dead? Is virility all a woman can advertise through her outfits?
If so, then this is, truly, the beginning of the end.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
One-Dollar Dailies: 2/21/12
The debut of my Frye Julia lace-up boots! I'd been searching for light boots to wear in in-between Spring weather for years. All the different shades of tan and taupe and cognac didn't add up. Or they were too baggy in the ankles. Or they were huge in the calves.
These boots were a long shot after so many disappointments, but I managed to find them for about half off the original price, and they are even more perfect than what I'd originally had in mind. The gray color is easy to bookend, goes with most of the my existing wardrobe, and is a great soft color to pair with brights. The laces provide a sleek, fitted ankle and calf. And I kid you not, these boots are so comfy they feel like sneakers on my narrow feet. Jackpot!
The pic below is what I wore today, though I removed the tights at the last moment because I thought they looked too heavy. The pic below that is my initial trial pic with the boots when I was deciding whether or not to keep.
One-Dollar Wonders
Abstract Apriori Pencil Skirt
Honorable Mention
AT Sweater - $11 on clearance
Beaded necklace - $0 as a gift
Makowsky Bag via Ebay
Frye boots 1/2 off via Dillard's
These boots were a long shot after so many disappointments, but I managed to find them for about half off the original price, and they are even more perfect than what I'd originally had in mind. The gray color is easy to bookend, goes with most of the my existing wardrobe, and is a great soft color to pair with brights. The laces provide a sleek, fitted ankle and calf. And I kid you not, these boots are so comfy they feel like sneakers on my narrow feet. Jackpot!
The pic below is what I wore today, though I removed the tights at the last moment because I thought they looked too heavy. The pic below that is my initial trial pic with the boots when I was deciding whether or not to keep.
One-Dollar Wonders
Abstract Apriori Pencil Skirt
Honorable Mention
AT Sweater - $11 on clearance
Beaded necklace - $0 as a gift
Makowsky Bag via Ebay
Frye boots 1/2 off via Dillard's
One-Dollar Dailies: 2/10/12-2/20/12
Yikes, how long has it been since I posted? It's been crazy around here: my FIL was here staying with us, we drove out to Palm Springs, and work has really been working me these past few days. Trying to get caught up!
One-Dollar Wonders
Nickel-Free Necklace
Sheer Tights
Ebby by Farinaz Citron Top
Black AT Slacks
BCX Tweed Pants
Italian Made High-Waist Pencil Skirt
Braided Gunmetal Bead Necklace
AT Engineer Stripe Dress
Honorable Mention
Striped Hudsons - $40 via ebay
Map Bag - $5 via swap meet
Benetton Blazer - $12? via Goodwill NYC
AllSaints Trench - $40 via ebay
Brooks Bros White Shirt - 2/$50 via ebay
F21 Burgundy Blazer - $4 via Goodwill
Brown Perlina Bag - $8 via Goodwill
Brown Belt - $3 via swap meet
Red Anorak - $20 via ON, plus $5 dye
Francesco Biasia Burgundy Bag - $40 via ebay
One-Dollar Wonders
Nickel-Free Necklace
Sheer Tights
Ebby by Farinaz Citron Top
Black AT Slacks
BCX Tweed Pants
Italian Made High-Waist Pencil Skirt
Braided Gunmetal Bead Necklace
AT Engineer Stripe Dress
Honorable Mention
Striped Hudsons - $40 via ebay
Map Bag - $5 via swap meet
Benetton Blazer - $12? via Goodwill NYC
AllSaints Trench - $40 via ebay
Brooks Bros White Shirt - 2/$50 via ebay
F21 Burgundy Blazer - $4 via Goodwill
Brown Perlina Bag - $8 via Goodwill
Brown Belt - $3 via swap meet
Red Anorak - $20 via ON, plus $5 dye
Francesco Biasia Burgundy Bag - $40 via ebay
Thursday, February 9, 2012
One-Dollar Dailies: 2/9/12
I think it may be time to either say goodbye to this jacket or dye it. The color isn't great, the fit isn't great, the material is just so-so. I bought it at Goodwill when I vacationed in NYC, but I just don't think it's flattering me. This was pre-YLF, pre outfit photography, and pre color theory for me. If I had the opportunity to buy this again, I wouldn't, so maybe that's my answer...
One-Dollar Wonders
Navy Button Front Shirt
Honorable Mention
Map Bag - $5 via swap meet
Benstton Blazer - via Goodwill
"Chanel" Belt - $2 via Salvation Army
Other
BR Sloan Pants
DR. Martens Marcie Boots
One-Dollar Wonders
Navy Button Front Shirt
Honorable Mention
Map Bag - $5 via swap meet
Benstton Blazer - via Goodwill
"Chanel" Belt - $2 via Salvation Army
Other
BR Sloan Pants
DR. Martens Marcie Boots
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
One-Dollar Dailies: 2/8/12
Quick post tonight, since we have company through the weekend, but here's my third neutral outfit for the week: a little bit Sky Captain, but maybe that isn't such a bad thing.
One-Dollar Wonders
Donna Karan Cashmere Midi
H&M White Blouse
Faux Fur Collared Jacket
Honorable Mention
Map Bag - $5 via swap meet
Other
Dr. Martens Marcie Boots - via Shoebuy
One-Dollar Wonders
Donna Karan Cashmere Midi
H&M White Blouse
Faux Fur Collared Jacket
Honorable Mention
Map Bag - $5 via swap meet
Other
Dr. Martens Marcie Boots - via Shoebuy
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
One-Dollar Dailies: 2/7/12
Day two of the Neutrals Challenge!
I've managed to wear this jacket every week since I bought it through Ann Taylor's extra-60%-off sale - love it! I will have to price-stalk more of their stuff with double-stretch fabric.
I've managed to wear this jacket every week since I bought it through Ann Taylor's extra-60%-off sale - love it! I will have to price-stalk more of their stuff with double-stretch fabric.
One-Dollar Wonders
Forever 21 Gray Plaid Pants
Honorable Mention
Ann Taylor Jacket - $40 via AT clearance
Ann Taylor Sweater - $11 via AT clearance
Other
Dolce Vita Jayce Boots - via Amazon
Specialchoice Bag - via Ebay
Monday, February 6, 2012
One-Dollar Dailies: 2/5/12 - 2/6/12
No Superbowl for Hubs and me! Our TV doesn't get that channel anymore (yep, we're two freakish luddites with NO cable television - horrors!), not to mention the fact that neither of us like football.
However, yesterday was very special in that our band, Bemular, had a song appear in a Lucky Strike Bowling commercial -- plot summary: sexy blonde girl falls down. But it was a pretty good commercial, overall, and was co-produced by Hubs' friend Dennis (also a comedian and Youtube spoof star). The song is called "Down in the Oven," and can be downloaded for free by liking the band on Facebook.
To celebrate, we went out for burgers and a nice walk - the weather was nice enough for shorts, but a little breezy near the beach, so I was able to wear this lime sweater, which is usually either too warm or too cool to wear anywhere.
This week, I am taking part in the Neutrals Challenge over on the YLF forum. I was glad to have this outfit waiting in the wings, which I'd put together while trying to decide whether or not to keep the dress. I'm glad I did end up keeping it - it is very, very comfortable - and it was about 1/4 the price of the near-identical styles at Anthropologie.
One-Dollar Wonders
NY&Co Lime Cowl Sweater
Lucky Brand Shorts
Brown Leather Belt
Honorable Mention
Flyaway Cardi - $12 via Target
Fergie Major Smog Boots - $35 via Overstock, Overstock CC $20-off promo
Francesco Biasia Burgundy Leather Bag - $40 via Ebay
Other
Fergie Major Black Boots - via Nordies clearance
Cha Cha Vente Tiered Striped Dress - via Macy's
Specialchoice Bag - via Ebay
However, yesterday was very special in that our band, Bemular, had a song appear in a Lucky Strike Bowling commercial -- plot summary: sexy blonde girl falls down. But it was a pretty good commercial, overall, and was co-produced by Hubs' friend Dennis (also a comedian and Youtube spoof star). The song is called "Down in the Oven," and can be downloaded for free by liking the band on Facebook.
To celebrate, we went out for burgers and a nice walk - the weather was nice enough for shorts, but a little breezy near the beach, so I was able to wear this lime sweater, which is usually either too warm or too cool to wear anywhere.
This week, I am taking part in the Neutrals Challenge over on the YLF forum. I was glad to have this outfit waiting in the wings, which I'd put together while trying to decide whether or not to keep the dress. I'm glad I did end up keeping it - it is very, very comfortable - and it was about 1/4 the price of the near-identical styles at Anthropologie.
 |
| Bailey 44 Tiered Stripe Dress - $178 |
NY&Co Lime Cowl Sweater
Lucky Brand Shorts
Brown Leather Belt
Honorable Mention
Flyaway Cardi - $12 via Target
Fergie Major Smog Boots - $35 via Overstock, Overstock CC $20-off promo
Francesco Biasia Burgundy Leather Bag - $40 via Ebay
Other
Fergie Major Black Boots - via Nordies clearance
Cha Cha Vente Tiered Striped Dress - via Macy's
Specialchoice Bag - via Ebay
Saturday, February 4, 2012
One-Dollar Dailies: 2/3/12-2/4/12
Ok, so I made a really stupid face in yesterday's pic, so try to ignore the blur. I wore my F21 genuine suede leather jacket yesterday and loved it. Sometimes I think all my work jackets should come from that store - they just fit so much better than most Misses brands.
Also, I think my Siamese cat is now purposefully positioning himself to be included in my outfit photos. I set up my camera today, turned around, and there he was: strutting straight for the picture wall. As you can see, he even sports a very modelesque pout for the shot.
Also, I think my Siamese cat is now purposefully positioning himself to be included in my outfit photos. I set up my camera today, turned around, and there he was: strutting straight for the picture wall. As you can see, he even sports a very modelesque pout for the shot.
One-Dollar Wonders
Old Navy Gingham Shirt
Cropped Denim Jacket
Paint-Spattered Jeans
Three Dots Asymmetrical Tee
Black leather belt (obscured)
Honorable Mention
Rust Suede Jacket - $25 via F21 clearance
Hudson Pinstripe Jeans - $40 via Ebay
Other
Specialchoice Cognac Bag - via Ebay
Francesco Biasia Burgundy Bag - via Ebay
Dr. Martens Marcie Boots - via shoebuy
Thursday, February 2, 2012
One-Dollar Dailies: 2/1/12-2/2/12
Why is it that, once you have a gift card to a store, you can't seem to find anything you want to buy? I've been back and forth to Banana Republic so many times, but I just keep ending up browsing Forever 21 instead. I went in tonight set on buying the BR gold button sweater jacket, but there was too much fabric under the arms for me. I went back to F21 to re-evaluate a jacket I had tried before: real suede leather, gorgeous rust color, fit my shoulders great. I finally decided to get it - lo and behold, it was 50% off! $25 for a rust leather jacket, after I'd been ogling a pimento leather jacket on Peruvian Connection for ages.
Sorry for the crummy phone pics, but I'm sure you'll see more of this baby soon. I even like my color better, because it is more understated for work and works well with brights (like my citron top).
Now, back to the outfits!
One-Dollar Wonders
Ebby by Farinaz Citron top
Olive Italian Wool Skirt
Black Patent Belt
White cropped jacket
BCX Pants
Honorable Mention
Target Flyaway Cardi - $12 on clearance
Lucky Brand Zoe Jeans - $8 via Goodwill
Gray Sweater - $11 via AT clearance
AT Aviator - via AT clearance
Other
Ben Sherman Checkered Shirt - via Ebay
Merona Sweater Tights - via Target
Dr. Martens Marcie boots (2 colors)
Specialchoice Bag - via Ebay
 |
| Peruvian Connection Motocross Jacket - $450 |
Now, back to the outfits!
 |
| 2/1 - work |
 |
| 2/1 - grocery store |
 |
| 2/2 - work |
Ebby by Farinaz Citron top
Olive Italian Wool Skirt
Black Patent Belt
White cropped jacket
BCX Pants
Honorable Mention
Target Flyaway Cardi - $12 on clearance
Lucky Brand Zoe Jeans - $8 via Goodwill
Gray Sweater - $11 via AT clearance
AT Aviator - via AT clearance
Other
Ben Sherman Checkered Shirt - via Ebay
Merona Sweater Tights - via Target
Dr. Martens Marcie boots (2 colors)
Specialchoice Bag - via Ebay
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