The Ghost in My Hallway

It took me actually downloading these outfits photos to realize there was some kind of smudge on the camera the entire time I photographed them. That or a ghost lives in my hallway. And if it is a ghost, it's probably the ghost of an old lady who's confused me for someone who stole her clothes. That's what wearing a brown plaid chiffon blouse will get you. Also using words like "blouse." Just call me the Grandma Whisperer.

 

 

 

What I'm Wearing
Printed Chiffon Shirt/Blouse (Old Navy)
Black Minnie Pants (J.Crew)
Tahari Tan Pumps (DSW)

Tortoise Shell Sunglasses (Forever XXI)

Royal Ascot Ring (JewelMint)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

Cinema Americano Bracelet (JewelMint)

Pearl and Beaded Bracelet (Gift from a craft fair)

CND Shellac Nail Polish (One coat in "Strawberry Smoothie," one coat in "Mother of Pearl")

Earning My Laundry

I know it sounds silly, but sometimes I take pride in how often I stain my clothing... mainly because you have to own your flaws, right? As I'm peeling off my clothes at the end of each day, I find myself saying, "Look at all these stains! I really wore the crap out of these clothes. Good job, Jenn!"

However, because I work in an office setting, my stains mainly include coffee and blue pen ink. But today... today, I not only stained these pants with coffee and blue pen ink... I added black printer toner to the mix! Just call me the Indiana Jones of Building C.

What I'm Wearing
White Linen Cascade Top (Madewell)
Navy Blue Blazer (H&M)
Gray Skimmer Pants (J.Crew Factory)
Patent Leather Neon Sandals (Forever XXI)
Neon Bracelets (Bauble Bar)
Neon Yellow Hair Pin (ban.do, purchased at Anthropologie)
OPI Nail Polish in "My Pointe Exactly"

Balance

Hi, everyone -- I missed you all! I'm back blogging after a long hiatus. Mostly, I was held up working, and it's got me thinking how much better I need to be about striking a balance in my life. Even spending an hour working on a blog post, exercising, or reading can make me feel invigorated.

This weekend, I went out to brunch with my fella -- scratch that, fiance! -- and some friends while wearing a sweater and a chiffon skirt, sporting a neutrals and neon. A balance of multiple fabrics and colors.

What I'm Wearing

Leopard Print Sweater (Old Navy)

LC Lauren Conrad Chiffon Front-Tie Skirt (Kohl's)

Patent Leather Neon Sandals (Forever XXI)

Neon Bracelets (Bauble Bar)

Fingers: OPI Gel in "Ink"

Toes: Essie Nail Polish in "Teeny Bikini"

'Tis the Season for White

I knew when I first snatched up this white lace dress at the Texas Style Council's clothing swap, sponsored by LuLu*s and Swap.com, that I would wear it on Easter Sunday... and probably every weekend thereafter. Unlike other lace items I own, this fabric is surprisingly soft and has a slight stretch to it. I can safely say this will be The Dress of Summer 2012. (And it earns bonus points for matching my pale white legs.)

Now I just need The Song of Summer 2012 to play while I dance around in my white dress. Spoiler alert: It will probably be something by One Direction. The Biebs is so 2011.

What I'm Wearing
Dearest One Ivory Lace Dress (c/o LuLu*s via the Texas Style Council)
Navy/Purple Trim Blazer (Old Navy)
Purple Patent Leather Skinny Belt (J.Crew)
Guess Tan Cork Wedges (DSW)

Tortoise Shell Sunglasses (Forever XXI)

Rhinestone Bow Ring (Forever XXI)

Royal Ascot Ring (JewelMint)

Monte Carlo Bracelet (JewelMint)Thin Gold Bangles (Forever XXI)
Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)
CND Shellac Nail Polish (One coat in "Hollywood," one coat in "Hot Pop Pink")

The March Dress

I'm late posting my dress from last month's take on the dress resolution, but better late than never, right? ("Better late than never" has been my motto ever since I learned how to tie my shoes.) And like both the January and February dresses, this one was way under budget at $19 from Forever XXI.

After evaluating my last three challenge purchases, goals for the April dress include: branching out and wearing a pattern or a print; taking advantage of being under budget and springing for a great quality dress... and posting in the same month I purchase the dress. Dreaming big.

What I'm Wearing

Rose-Colored Empire Dress (Forever XXI)

Black Leather Belt (J.Crew Factory)

Mossimo Patent Leather Ballet Flats (Target)

Gold Glasses Necklace (Forever XXI)

Blanc Bomb Ring (JewelMint)

Royal Ascot Ring (JewelMint)

Thin Gold Bangles (Forever XXI)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

Monte Carlo Bracelet (JewelMint)

Pyramid Stretch in Island Coral Bracelet (J.Crew)

OPI Nail Polish in Panda-monium Pink

Last Week's Surprise Giveaway

Thanks to everyone for all your comments on which nude ballet flats I should purchase! I decided on the TOM'S and can't wait to show them off as soon as they arrive!

And congratulations to Laura, who won the surprise giveaway! Laura, e-mail me with your address, and I'll be sending a pair of Dr. Scholl's Fast Flats your way!

 Laura Mar 29, 2012 03:34 PM

the toms- aside from the awesome fact that they help those in need, they are by far the cutest and easiest to match with a lot of different outfits.

Sunday Brunch

There's nothing better than Sunday brunch. If I could bring any food with me to a desert island, it would be Sunday brunch. (I'm sorry. I can't get any more specific than that.)

The fella and I, along with some other friends, went to brunch at Moonshine, and I selected another piece I picked up from Le Garage Sale to join. I like to wear my most favorite pieces of clothes to my most favorite events. Looks like I might have enjoyed brunch too much, judging by the stain on the front.

What I'm Wearing

Soho Tee in Grey/Ivory (StyleMint)

MM Couture Maxi Skirt (Maya Star via Le Garage Sale)

Black Leather Belt (J.Crew Factory)

Mossimo Patent Leather Ballet Flats (Target)

Shanghai Eclipse Pendant (JewelMint)

Black, White, and Gold Bracelet (Forever XXI)

Blanc Bomb Ring (JewelMint)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

Monte Carlo Bracelet (JewelMint)

Black Regal Bangle (Bauble Bar)

Royal Ascot Ring (JewelMint)

Didi Teardrop Earrings (Send the Trend)

Essie Nail Polish in "Absolutely Shore" and OPI Nail Polish in "Cajun Shrimp"



The February Dress

Obviously, it's not February, but I never posted the dress I purchased for my dress resolution last month. This number was a steal at $15 in the STRUT booth during Le Garage Sale. Even though I'm a procrastinator with blogging, I'm thrifty when it comes to shopping. We all have our strengths.

I actually have no clue what I'm going to pick as my March dress. Have any suggestions?

What I'm Wearing

Final Touch Navy Mod Dress (STRUT)

Grey Tights (Forever XXI)

Jolly Suede Wedge Booties (ShoeMint)

Ribbons and Chains Necklace (J.Crew)

Rhinestone Bow Ring (Forever XXI)

Royal Ascot Ring (JewelMint)

Didi Teardrop Earrings (Send the Trend)

Essie Nail Polish in "Absolutely Shore" and OPI Nail Polish in "Cajun Shrimp"

Making Fuzzy Tracks

I'm typically not a huge SXSW participant, because crowds scare me more than curling iron burns, but I got invited to the “Make Fuzzy Tracks” SXSW party, hosted by mixtape marketing and Bearded Pony and decided to go because they were giving out free drinks. Also, I knew some of the peeps behind the scenes. ... The drinks were yummy though.
I came straight from work, so I went with a mix of office casual and bold accessories.

And here are a few other photos I took from the party:

      

1) mixtape marketing and Bearded Pony koozy
2) Bush Baby Beer bartender pouring free samples
3) Lauren Brown of He's My Brother She's My Sister tap dancing on the drums
4) Lots of Sweet Leaf freebies
5) The "free drinks" menu of the night
6) Having fun with the props
7) The Fella double-fisting with samples
8) Craig of Bearded Pony, presumably explaining why he is awesome
9) Random stickers
10) Sweet Leaf-flavored lip balm for the taking

What I'm Wearing
White Oxford Shirt (J.Crew Factory)
Black Marled Sweater Vest (Swapped from Jen of Purse & Clutch via the Swap.com exchange at Texas Style Council)
Cropped Skinny Jeans (Gap Outlet)
Jolly Suede Wedge Booties (ShoeMint)
Shanghai Eclipse Pendant (JewelMint)

Black, White, and Gold Bracelet (Forever XXI)

Blanc Bomb Ring (JewelMint)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

Monte Carlo Bracelet (JewelMint)

Black Regal Bangle (Bauble Bar)

Royal Ascot Ring (JewelMint)

Didi Teardrop Earrings (Send the Trend)

Essie Nail Polish in "Absolutely Shore" and OPI Nail Polish in "Cajun Shrimp"

The Dress Resolution

A few weeks ago, I mentioned a fashion resolution I made, and it's time to introduce the dress that started it all, along with the resolution spelled out.

I bought a knit dress from Forever XXI in the fall, and the intention was to wear it to two upcoming weddings. Since then, I've also worn it to work, during a Saturday night outing with friends, to church (and, most recently, out to a Valentine's Day dinner with my fella). After examining my closet, I couldn't find any other dress that seemed as versatile as this one, but I was hooked on the concept. Thus, the resolution was established, and the rules are below: 

Resolution Rules
1) Purchase one dress each month, to total 12 dresses in 2012. 
2) Each dress must be able to transition easily from day to night. In other words, they must be appropriate to wear both to work and out on the town.
3) Total budget for the dresses is $600, or an average of $50 per dress.

Stay tuned this week for my February dress!

What I'm Wearing

Knit Dress (Forever XXI)
Studded Belt (J.Crew)
Patterned Tights (J.Crew)
Brown Ankle Boots (Old Navy)
Didi Teardrop Earrings (Send the Trend)
Gold Glasses Necklace (Forever XXI)
Black, White, and Gold Bracelet (Forever XXI)
Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)
Gold-Plated Bangles (Luxe Apothetique)
Monte Carlo Gold Bracelet (JewelMint)
Pearl and Beaded Bracelet (Gift from a craft fair)
Blanc Bomb Ring (JewelMint)
Essie Nail Polish in "Brooch the Subject"

Best Love

One of my best friends, Afsan, came into town this weekend. Not only did we drink Ruby Slipper martinis, eat our weight in breakfast tacos, and shop, Afsan also offered to be my photographer. (Luckily, I've had so much experience with the paparazzi that this barely fazed me.)

When Afsan and I were in college, we were part of a women's organization that awarded her the title of "Best Love" one year, meaning she exemplified a loving attitude toward her fellow chickadees. As I got ready for the photo shoot, I kept trying to add accessories to my outfit. And Afsan was always there to offer helpful advice, including the following:

"No."

"Take that off."

"You look stupid."

Thanks, Best Love!

What I'm Wearing
Graphic Tee (Old Navy)

Xhiliration Faux Leather Jacket (Target)

Skinny Jeans (Express)
Tahari Tan Pumps (DSW)
Tortoise Shell Sunglasses (Forever XXI)
Didi Teardrop Earrings (Send the Trend)
Left Hand:
Monte Carlo Gold Bracelet (JewelMint)
Gold-Plated Bangles (Luxe Apothetique)
Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)
Right Hand (all borrowed):
Gold Bangles (Madewell)
Twisted Gold Bangle (Forever XXI)
Beaded Bracelet (Banana Republic)
OPI Nail Polish in "Bullish on OPI"