Spectacles

In honor of Sal and Angie's posts about eyeglasses, I thought I would share some pics of mine! I started wearing glasses for distance reading my first semester of college, and by the second semester I need to wear them full time. I've done the contact thing, but pretty much never wear them anymore. Contacts dry my eyes out so they are uncomfortable, and to be honest, I find them to be a real pain. Glasses, on the other hand, are so nice and easy and I think they make lee look quite nice!

A few years ago, when I was buying m y frist pair of frames on my own as an adult, I decided that I was going to make ncie frames a priorety and I woudl be willing to spend a lot on them- if you're going to wear them everyday, it's certainly a sound investment! I chose these blue plastic frames from Gucci, and have always been pelased with my choice. I've had them for several years and they are on their second set of lenses. I will be getting a new set sometime this year, but I'm tempted to get replacement lenses for these again and hold on to them.

They are a dark navy blue, but the inside plastic is translucent. the effect is subtle but nice. When I bought them I was concearned they would be too small on my face, but I think they are jsut big enought o not look off balance. My big hair helps too :P

On to the pics!

Oh, I also have prescription sunglasses- big black plastic frames with dark lenses. Very fabulous.

Attack of the neutrals

Button down: NY & Co; Pants: Old Navy;

Shoes: Nine West; Pearls: gift

The neutrals are attacking!!! Yes, I do realized I'm wearing all sorts of Neutral, but I love the color combo. I'm headed out after work to meet up with an old friend from college I just reconnected with via FaceBook- I haven't seen him in at least 8 years, so it should be interesting! For a frame of reference, this is me on my 21st birthday.

So I look a mite bit different.

Since It's chilly here, or rather I am always cold, I'm actually sporting this Target cardigan, but think I will leave it home. I don't think it so much goes, do you?

I'm wearing my brown croc shoes, which I still need to get fixed. But I must wear them! They work so well and are comfy! I promise you shoes, i will get you fixed soon!

I think pearls cap this outfit off nicely.

Time for a haircut! Or more importantly, time to get my highlights re-done.

Happy Thursday everyone! Just one more day until a relaxing weekend of painting my craft room :P

Wherfor art thou symmetry?

Blouse: Ann Taylor Loft; Cardigan: Target;
Pants: NY & Co; Shoes: Audrey Brooke;
Necklace: Tiffany & Co; Pin: Baltimore Gem & Jewelry Expo

This shirt is taunting me. Taunting me with it's bizarre neckline. It is ruched near one side of the neckline, and once held a big weird flower there, making it's off-kilterness acceptable. It help that flower until this morning. You see, when you have a giant three dimensional flower on your shirt, so far off tot he side as to be practically in your armpit, it is nigh impossible to wear anything over top. That fact made this shirt a barely worn piece, despite it's charming banding at the low waist which made me like it so much in the first place. so this morning, tired of seeing this shirt in my closet and feeling I can't wear it because it's just too cool to be sleeveless inside anywhere, I decided to rectify the situation and mr. seam ripper and I had a little conversation with the flower.

Sot o sum it ll up, I now have a shirt which I can wear more frequently, but because I cut the flower off it's weirdly asymmetric neckline now has no excuse and it just looks like I can't dress myself. I still like it though :)

Here is mister flower:
Vast improvement I say! Yes the flower actually looks that smooshed.

Here is a close up of my pretty pin! I bought this during a random visit tot he Baltimore Gem and Jewelry Expo a few years ago and constantly kick myself for not buying some of the other pins that were there. This little beauty has been prettying up my winter coat for several years now, but I thought it was high time I wear it more.

Comfy shoes!

One of many

Black shirt; J Crew; Cardigan: Old Navy;

Jeans: Old Navy; Flats: Target;
Necklace & mesh ring: Tiffany & Co.

Over the years I have accumulated quite a little collection of black sleeveless shirts. I own 6 or 7 of them- they are the most dominant clothing type in my wardrobe. So I find it quite surprising that this is the first time one is being featured on my blog. I think it's because I've been trying to break free from the rut I was in when dressing for the office on a daily basis- I can't begin to tell you how many times I showed in black top, grey slacks, and black shoes, with silver jewelry. It's a simple look, and one I do still like, but not the most exciting thing out there. It feels good to be back in one of my favorites though!

Here's a close up of the shirt/sweater color, plus my awesome necklace. It was my mom's, but she grew to dislike such short necklace lengths and gave it to me instead of letting it languish in her jewelry box- thanks mom!

I did try lightening up my photos, but then I ended up with this.

Luckily close-up shots always come out with better colors. Here again are my fabulously absurd sparkly zebra print shoes from Target

This ring (yes, I am ringless in the outfit shots- I forgot I had taken them off to dray after a hand washing), is a favorite of mien that sadly gets no wear. It's too big, and it can't be re-sized. I decided to give it a wear today for kicks, but the truth is it is more annoying than any ring should be. It feels like I'm wearing a heavy metal bracelet on my finger.

*Sniff*. I guess I will really have to break down and find it a new home. Or I could forget how annoying it is and wear it again in 6 months :P

Back in the saddle

Cardigan: Target; Sparkly sweater shell: Gap

Back in the saddle. On the wagon. On the straight and narrow. The time for shirts with hoods is gone. There, I like that one best!

Ahem. So I decided it was high time to look like an adult again. Truth be told, I'm *more* comfortable in what I'm wearing today than in previous days. Something about being swaddled in knit softness....

I like this shell (previously seen here) when it's tamed with something else. It's a lot of color and sparkle, and also apparently dangerous to my health as my dog tried to eat some of the sequins while I was wearing it!

See how happy I am that it's Friday??? The biggest stage is tomorrow- essentially it's a grudge match between 4 riders for third place. Can't wait! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

What is this 'Summer' you speak of?

What's that you say? It's summer? Hoods are unnecessary? Well this is what Madison has to say about that.
Seriously, it's cold this morning! I'm in 'fend off cold' mode (cold as in achoo! not brrr. Well I guess both actually), so comfort is essential.

Cozy chenille hoody is from Eddie Bauer and is highly recommended.

Hi, I'm 14

Sweatshirt: Puma; Jeans: ON;
Sneaks: New Balance

Today I look like I'm 14 years old. It's because of the sneakers- I swear I'm not backsliding! Actually, this is by far the nicest sweatshirt I own- It's not 2 sized too big, there are no safety pins involved in it's construction, and all lettering is in pristine condition. It's just that if you're going to be wearing gym shoes all day (must 'break them in'), it seems silly to me to get otherwise gussied up. All in all it's worked out well though- we're in the monsoon season here, I feel yucky, and tonight's stage is a big one so I'll be spending all of my free time this evening planted on the couch waiting for someone to make their move (I'm talking to *you* Evans!).

Some days just call for a sweatshirt. Who am I to disobey? Even though it does cause me to resemble a big red rectangle...

Behold the beauty of my new gym sneakers! I'm willing to look a little rectangular for some purple and grey comfort.

speed post

Cardigan: H&M; Blouse: Target;
Slacks: J Crew; Shoes: Chinese Laundry

This morning I woke up asking myself if it was Friday- the crushing realization that is was Tuesday was a rough way to start the day. Thankfully though, things are going well in spite of the 'extra' 3 days ahead of me.

Today I went with my brown wedges- I didn't particularly want to mix any color with the green- I'm boring like that. You can also see how water gloriously beads up on our freshly stained deck!

How we do it in Kentucky

You'll have to forgive me for not posting an outfit- my clothing today was selected around the idea of breaking in my new gym sneakers, which unfortunately turned out to be too small, so I ran around in socks all day. But that is neither here nor there. To appease the fashion appetites out there, I offer up an alternative. It's fashiony, and I was involved, so I don't feel too bad posting it on my blog. And if nothing else, I know Tina will appreciate it.

I present to you, the king (queen) of the mountains!

We're hoping she can hold on until Paris.

Sweet sassafrass it's Friday!!

I tried lightening this picture because I realize it's pretty dark. I'm not actually clad in black, but rather a purple cardigan and brown graphic T, all of which have been worn before. I've been getting a lot of mileage out of my cardigans and graphic Ts- they turned out to be the perfect replacement for my free t-shirts and grungy sweatshirt. Not sure what we'll be doing this weekend- we're headed out to see the new HP movie and of course will be watching hours of Tour. I'm kicking the weekend off with an easy and comfortable outfit.

Thank the shoes

Cardigan: H&M; Tank: Old Navy;
Shorts: Gap; Shoes: Unlisted

Yes, thank the shoes! You see, these shoes really pushed me towards dressing up more. I purchased them during the time when I was wearing he same crappy jeans, sweatshirt, and assortment of college t-shirt day in and day out. But I had to have these shoes- they were the most glorious things I had seen in awhile. I was hesitant at firs though- when would I wear them? I didn't work in an office anymore, so would they ever be used? Then it really started to dawn on me- I like, no love, high heels. Therefore I was going to have to adjust how I viewed fashion. There's absolutely no reason why I can't wear these shoes when I'm sitting at home on my computer. So what if there's no one but my dog to see them? I love them and they make me happy. See how happy I am in the picture on the right? Happy because of great shoes! There's all that other junk about self esteem and taking care of oneself and blah blah blah, but on a day to day basis, sometimes it's as simple as having killer shoes to brighten your mood. So the clothes followed the shoes.

See how bright and pretty they are?
The pattern is different on each shoe, making them unique from one another.
The best part is the back- see how saucy they are!

They still need some serious breaking in, but I'm committed to showing them the love they deserve. Show your shoes some love today!

This scarf makes me want lemon bundt cake

Scarf: Eileen Fisher; Pants: Old Navy;
Button down; NY & Co; Shoes: Me Too

My mom picked this scarf up for me at the Eileen Fisher outlet- she has it in a few other colors :) I've had it for awhile and had been wanting to wear it, but was never really sure what to do with it- it's a giant Pashmina and very, very yellow! I think this worked out well- the yellow really stands out on it's own and nothing really is competing with it (except maybe my hair- it is a force to be reckoned with some days).

These shoes are both shiny and comfortable, and thus perfect.

Here I am back in my office, which was just too dark for many pictures today!

Welcome to my office!

Shirt: Kohl's; Sweater: target;
Jeans: Old Navy; Flips flops: J Crew;
Necklace: Hecht's

In an attempt to get less fuzzy pictures, I've moved the photo shoot to my office! It's not the brightest room by any means, but it allows me to be closer to the camera *and* provides a plain backdrop. Why I have not done this before you ask? For the simple reason that it currently looks like a typhoon has been through there. To be honest, that is how it often looks as there are several boxes of books and such that need homes. So I shoved the boxes out of the way today and now have extra incentive to get those items to a more reasonable home!

Anywho, I think today's picture is better than the more recent ones, though hopefully not so clear you can see just how wrinkled my shirt is :D

Accents of Redwood

Shirt: Eddie Bauer; Jeans ON;
Shoes: Rocket Dog

Pretty simple outfit today. Amazingly enough, no sign of last night's activity left either! No, nothing wild or illicit, but my husband and I did take on the task of staining our deck. Our very large deck. After work. We finished in the dark. But, today it looks great! We did managed to miss a small spot or two at the very end, but all in all I would say it was quite successful. I also managed to get a fair amount of stain on my skin, but thanks to two showers since then and a pumice stone, I am stain free!

Sheryl hair

Jacket: Old Navy; Top: Target;
Jeans: Old Navy; Shoes: SM New York;
Necklace: Target

I've really loved it the days I've styled my hair so I did it again today! I did it a little differently than the last time and wound up with some little bits sticking up in the back, but I like the way the pouf looks better today (it's pulled to the side, not strait back- huge difference :P ). I love the way this particular style of hair looks and it makes me think of Sheryl's always awesome 50's hair. Expect to be more along this vein. Styling hair is one of those girlie abilities I felt I never really learned, so it's thrilling to me now to actually be able to 'do' my hair.


These earrings came from my grandmother's stash I believe. I don't wear them all that much, but think they're very pretty.

I tried taking today's picture with several different ISO settings on my camera and this one was the best, though I think it's still blurry. Do I just not have a good enough camera you think? Is it an issue of lighting? My outside pictures always come out nice, just the not up close interior ones stink! My camera is an Olympus Stylus 710 and boasts 7.1 megapixels. Despite my mother's amazing photography talents, I know nothing of cameras and have about zero photographic skills. Help me internets- you're my only hope!

Why I'm glad I work form home some days

So my feet and ankles are covered with bug bites and shoes are just not cutting it this week- flip flops for the win! This wouldn't really work in the office, so being home is pretty convenient right now! Ir also happens to be laundry day,a sit has been for several days, so I felt pretty low on options. I wasn't actually out of clothing or anything, but all my favorites are in the hamper it seemed, until I remembered how much I enjoyed this cardigan with a tank underneath! I wound up pairing the same tank with it again, because I think it's the best match of the colors I own.

To spice things up a bit though, I decided to do my hair! Again, I spent way too much time on it this morning, but it looks pretty and has really improved my mood! I blew it out and hit it with the big furling iron. I also sprayed it with some hairspray. I also sprayed my eye, but apparently I purchased the right kind this weekend- the kind you can spry in your eye and feel fine 20 seconds later. Way to go Pantene!

Sorry for the Madison in the picture- she was kind of determined to be in my shot this morning, and a gal can spend only so much time snapping pictures! I have no excuse for the fuzziness.

Fancy Jess

Cardigan: Old Navy; Blouse: Target;
Jeans: Lucky Brand; Shoes: BCBG Girls

I'm not sure what came over me this morning, but I went all out. I not only dressed up, but I did my hair and makeup! It took forever to get ready, but I *love* my hair today! I sadly don't think any of the pictures do it justice, but here's a shot of the back. It involved blowing it out strait, putting int he ponytail and pouf, then curling the pony. I don't know how long it will last as I don't have hairspray, but I'm hoping the curl makes it through the night as I will actually be seeing my husband right after work!
As I was getting ready, I wasn't so sure if I would be able to wear these jeans- I always feel like I have only one or two pairs of shoes that are tall enough to wear them with. I decided to go into my closet and actually count what shoes I have with enough heel height- 13 pair. Yes, a baker's dozen. I apparently need to be spending more quality time with my shoes!

These are a favorite pair- not only do I think they are to die for cute, but they are actually pretty darn comfy for heels!