Too Short for Comfort

Sweater - Macy's (FREE); Shirt and Earrings - Steinmart; Skirt - Liz Claiborne (thrifted); Teal tights - Old Navy; Black Chevron Tights - Pea in the Pod (maternity); Belt - thrifted; Shoes - Vera Wang

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The OHW here is the sweater. I've had difficulty styling this sweater because of the waistline. It's one of those really blousy with elastic at the bottom type sweaters that I used to gravitate to because I thought they hid a lot, but they really just made me look like I had no shape. I LOVE this sweater's colors and neck and the gathers at the top of the shoulders. But that darn waist....I felt like I had luck with tucking it in, and I think it looks good in these pictures, but all the extra material kept clumping inside the skirt. It was really awkward. And it didn't help that the skirt was obscenely short. Not when standing, but whenever I sat you could see the line on my tights where the chevron's stopped and the control top began.

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Am I willing to give up on the sweater or the skirt?? Not yet. I think I'll be much more comfortable with the skirt if I can add a trim to it..I was thinking some fun Navy lace. And the sweater...well, I'll just have to try it with some other skirts and bottoms and find a way that it works. It's just too pretty to pass on just yet.

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And I just determined that the best tights ever are maternity tights. The legs are about the same as any other, and the material is the same, but the best part is that the waist line went all the way up to my boobs. No annoying tight roll working its way down my belly. I'm in love.

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Rating - Two Thumbs Up (before I left the house... my thumb was halfmast by lunch)

Constructive Criticism

I love constructive criticism. If you see a way that my outfit could be made better or fixed, please share it with me. And don't feel sorry about it. If you aren't being mean, you shouldn't have to apologize. I started the blog to help me figure out what things looked good on my body and to help me figure out new ways to rework my wardrobe. Having the advice of my stylish, darling lovelies only makes the journey better.

THANK YOU!! And keep it coming!!

Tried and True

Shirt - thrifted; Sweater - BCBG (TJ Maxx);

Skirt - Old Navy; Belt and Ring - Steinmart;

Shoes and Pin - Thrifted; Necklace - Premeire

Whenever I have a bad outfit day, I tend to go to a tried and true combo for the next outfit. Since I'm in OHW month, I didn't have a 'Go To' outfit that I hadn't used all of the items a bunch. So....I settled for a tried and true color combo. You can't go wrong with the classic red, white and black.

The OHW of this outfit is the sweater. I bought it for my family Christmas picture of 2008 and hated how I felt in it. The neck was so widely opened that it kept falling off my shoulders and exposing my bra strap. But it was sparkly and red and I couldn't bear to part with it, even though it hadn't seen the light of day. It's very thin, so it didn't occur to me to wear it as a sweater over another shirt. This challenge forced me to think outside of the box, and I'm happy with how this outfit turned out. The striped shirt is an item that I don't think has ever been worn, simply because it was forgotten.

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Rating - Two Thumbs Up

And the best part of my day was when a random stranger in the bathroom complimented my shoes, saying that they were 'Like a suit for your feet.' Couldn't have said it better myself.

Can You Tell Me How to Get?

Sweater Dress - From Mom; Vest - Steinmart; Tights - We Love Colors;

Boots, Scarf and Hat - Thrifted; Earrings - Premeire

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The hat was not a part of the outfit, but I wore it out in the snow and it did a number on my hair, so it became part of it for the rest of the evening. The scarf, vest and boots are all OHWs today. I was told by a co-worker that I was wearing too many colors, and that I looked like I belonged on Sesame Street. I laughed it off, but the truth was that it bothered me a bit. In fact, the conservative engineers that I work with often make comments about my attire, and they are not very often positive. If I didn't have such good self esteem, I'd start dressing as boring as they do. But I like my wardrobe, and I like my choices and outfits, even the ones that don't work. Most of the time I laugh when they joke and jibe, but every once in a while, the insecure little kid that was made fun of for wearing her big sisters' hand-me downs feels the poke a bit too sharply. I was self conscious all day. One day I will truly be able to not let it bother me, but today I am human.

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On another note, this was my first time wearing this sweater dress my mom gave me, and sadly it's not going to remain in my closet. It's a bit too thick and bulky up top and the neck kinda made me feel like I was being choked all day. This dress is being retired not because of lack of imagination, but because of the discomfort I suffered all day wearing it.

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Rating - Two Thumbs Down

Sunshine Yellow

Shirt - Inc (Macy's FREE); Pants - Style & Co (Macy's FREE); Scarf as belt - Jones NY (TJ Maxx);

Ballet Flats - Jessica Simpson (thrifted); Bracelet - Premeire; Necklace - Street Vendor

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The necklace is the OHW here. Normally I wouldn't let myself get off so easily on a challenge, if it weren't for the fact that I've had this necklace for years and have been actively trying to find ways to wear it. So far, it's only been worn with my emerald green maxi dress in the summer. I'm pretty proud of myself for finally figuring out that this scarf has the yellow in it. Duh!! The necklace and scarf gave me the added bit of color I needed to brighten up this navy and gray ensemble. Plus, the whole thing was pretty comfy and casual, which is sometimes nice when you have a 10 hour work day followed by a 3 hour class.

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Rating - Two Thumbs Up

Wrapped Up in Cheetah

Skirt - Liz Claiborne (thrifted); Sweater - Thrifted; Belt - Baby Phat - Thrifted;

Shirt - FREE (from Mom); Bangles and Ring - Steinmart; Shoes - Thrifted

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The skirt here is the one hit wonder. Every time I've tried to wear it, I've paired it with a black shirt, which just bored me. Then, my mom gave me this gold number and an idea sparked. I was happy with this outfit when I left, but there were some issues. First, the skirt is a wrap skirt, so it's got extra fabric in the front which makes me look bigger. Not a problem if I wear a more form fitting shirt on the top, but this blousy number only accentuated the problem. Can't see it in the pic above, but if you took a side view, whoa Nelly. I'm not giving up on the skirt, though. Next time, I think I'll try using the black wrap shirt I always want to pull, but adding lots of color with accessories and see how that goes.

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Rating - Two Thumbs Sideways

Glittery Diva

Sequined T - Macys (FREE); Pants - Style & Co (via Macy's - FREE); Cardi - Style & Co;

Bracelet and Necklace - Premeire; Ring - Steinmart; Shoes - Steve Madden (thrifted)

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I felt like this outfit looked much better in the mirror than it did in the photos. But that's part of what the photos are for. If I could go back and rework, I'd button the sweater and put the belt over the top to give me a bit more shape. I'd hem the pants or cuff them to make them ankle length, cause here they just look too short. And finally, I'd add some brighter shoes or accessories to brighten it up. A little too bland and dark. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. The only OHW in this outfit is the bracelet, and I consider that cheating. I was just too excited to wear my new FREE items that I had to put them together.
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Rating - One Thumb Up (Husby - really liked the sparkly shirt), One Thumb Down (me)

Copy Cat, Before the Fact??

Cardi and Belt - NY & Co; Shirt and Tank (worn as vest) - Steinmart;

Skirt - Macy's; Boots - Marshalls; Jewelry - Premiere
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Please ignore everything above the neck. I had a client workshop this day, which I had to be at by 7:30 am after getting donuts and some brew for the crew, so husby was not awake when I left. 14 hours later, after workshop and school, I was a haggard mess. But I loved this outfit so much I wanted a photo of it for prosperity. Mustard and Purple...it's genius. This outfit is from January 13, before I saw Sonsy use it. I was holding up my purple skirt to various blouses and cardis in my wardrobe before I passed this tank and went VOILA! But....I remembered that the room I would be workshopping in was very toasy and I'd be taking off my sweater most likely and my pits hadn't seen a razor in a few weeks. Solution....tank as vest! I love wearing items for uses other than their intended :-)

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The OHW in this outfit are both the sweater and the tank. And I've NEVER worn them together. Ah...the possiblities that this OHW challenge is presenting me. I LOVE IT!!!

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On the other hand, I went through my closet this weekend and reorganized to put all of my OHWs in the front so that I could see them and focus on building outfits around them. I am almost ashamed to say that the amount means I will be rolling OHW month into February. I'm trying to double up to get through them all, and some of them are quite challenging, but I'm actually kind of excited about it. I guess that's what engineers do. Find a problem, come up with a solution. Execute the task until completion. Even in fashion.

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Rating - Two Thumbs Up

Pay It Forward

Okay,Curvy, here you go.

I promise to send something handmade to the first 3 people who leave a comment here. To be eligible, you must also post this in your blog, offering the same thing to 3 other people. The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent to your 3 people sometime in 2011.

Love, love, love the idea. And have crafts nearly ready for passing on.

Paying it forward from Curvy Everyday.

Please leave your email, if it's not in your profile so I can contact you when the time comes.

Grunge Faux Pas

Vest - August Silk (TJ Maxx); Plaid Tunic - Style & Co (Macy's); Skirt - Old Navy;

Boots - Macy's; Belt - Steinmart; Bracelet - thrifted; Earrings - Premiere
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The OHW for this outfit is the tunic, but this outfit represents a first for me. The first time wearing brown and black together. Also told since childhood that this was a fashion faux pas, I've seen others pairing brown and black lately and have been dying to try it. When I found this tunic at Macy's a few months ago, with brown and black lines making the plaid (it also mixes silver and gold), I found my perfect opportunity. Of course, the first time I wore it I chickened out and wore it with black leggings, sweater and boots. Baby steps.
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While Husby didn't like this outfit because it was too segmented, I absolutely LOVED it for the very same reason. The breaks added interest and made the outfit visually stimulating, while elongating me and taking focus off of my apple shape. I felt long and lean and fabulous all day long.
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And, Style Underdog, I am sporting Sock Tops.....I'll be suprised if I have any whole socks by the end of the winter.... THANK YOU!!!
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Rating - One Thumb Sideways (Husby), One Thumb Up (ME!)

My Evil Twin Donna

Shirt - NY & Co (thrifted); Pants - Steinmart; Vest - August Silk (TJ Maxx);

Shoes - Jessica Simpson Ballet Flats (thrifted); Belt - Baby Phat (thrifted)

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This outfit is not at all in the theme of the month, having not a singe One Hit Wonder involved, but it was an outfit from a few weeks back that I realized I hadn't posted. In the spirit of the blog, I'm including it now.

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I was raised in a very strict catholic home, and lived in both the fear of God and my mother, so I was always a good little girl that followed the rules and didn't do anything bad. But there were times when I wanted to (especially when I got into high school), and while I'd like to say I was too resolved, I was really too chicken shit to stray from the straight and narrow. I imagined that I had an evil twin named Donna who would drink and smoke and make out with boys, shop lift, swear...all of the things that I could never bring myself to try. Probably explains a lot of my rebelling when I moved out on my own...not the brightest period of my life, but I digress.

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When I got to work wearing this outfit, more than one person told me I looked like Donna from That 70's Show. I couldn't help but snicker thinking of my evil twin and all of the naughty things I imagined she'd do.

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Rating - One Thumb Sideways (husby); One Thumb Up (me)

Amendment to the Earlier Resolution

So I started this year saying that in 2011, I would not repeat any outfits without bringing anything new into my closet. I have an amendment to that rule. See, the rule was designed to keep me from shopping and spending money. But I think that clothing swaps or gift certificates are a loophole still in the spirit of the resolution.

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My mom is an itty bitty little thing from whom I get my apple figure. I'm not kidding...here is Mom and I together at my wedding....she's elbow height.

Okay, okay, mabe I'm exagerrating a bit, but she's wearing heels and I'm wearing flip flops in this picture, so add a few more inches to our difference. My mom is very petite. I am very Amazonian. But we do share in common the fact that every pound we gain goes right to our belly-region (All of my extra height comes from my 33-inch-inseam legs). Therefore, it's very easy for us to swap upper body clothing. Any time I'm deciding to retire anything by taking it to Plato's Closet to sell or to go to Goodwill, I let mom peruse my bag first. I'd say half of my mom's wardrobe has come from me. She's the one that taught me the joy of a good deal and that second hand is new to you. Well, on the reverse side, whenever she comes across clothing that's just a little too long in the arms for her or a little to large, she brings them over for me to look at. Today, mom showed up with a few items handed down to her from her sister and I was able to add a dress, a blouse and a skirt to my wardrobe. All neutral and all good layering pieces. YAY!!

I also have a Macy's rewards card that I signed up for before I got married. I get excellent coupons in the mail due to my platinum status, and the card is set up to give %3 back in Macy's bucks for all purchases in-store and 1% of everything else you buy. I started using the card to pay for things that I normally pay for with my check card, and then paying it off at the end of the month. I started also paying my tuition on it (since it only sits on there for two weeks until I get reimbursed and I don't have to pay interest). So, Monday I came home from work to find $60 in Macy's money begging to be spent. I did spend the bulk on Sophie, but you'll be seeing 4 new items from Macy's in the upcoming month with FREE indicating that I didn't break my own rule :-)

Sweater Dress

Sweater Dress - Old Navy; Tee - Steinmart; Leggings - Gift; Shoes - Payless;

Belt - Steinmart; Cuff - Premiere

This sweater is the OHW today. I bought this sweater right after I had my son, wore it to my sister's church Christmas Program last year, and haven't worn it since. I couldn't think of anything to do with it to make it different. Once again, no imagination. And, I felt like it didn't do anything to flatter my apple figure. Just goes to show you how much my fellow bloggers like Kasmira, Jessica, Kinsey, Kendi, Underdog and Curvy (just to name a few) have really insprired me and opened my eyes in the past year. This isn't my favorite outfit, but I was warm and comfy all day and I got quite a few compliments on the belt (definitely my fave part of the ensemble). Of course, it was nice to come home, plop on the couch, and snuggle with my babies without having to change. There is definitely something to say for comfort. Will I get rid of my heels and skirts?? NEVER!!

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Rating - One Thumb Up (husby); One Thumb Sideways (me)

And the Hits Just Keep on Coming

Shirt - Old Navy (thrifted); Sweater - Gap (maternity); Pants - Target (circa 2001); Shoes - Steinmart; Bangle - Old Navy; Earrings - Chicos
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Boring. This outfit was super-de-duper boring. But so very comfortable. I could have put on some tights and heels and really spiffed up the deal, but I knew this was going to be a crazy work day for me and my knee was really hurting from wearing heels the day before (because I fell down the stairs with a huge basket of laundry and landed square on my left knee) and it was going to snow and I just wanted to be comfy. I was very happy, despite looking boring.
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The OHW (one hit wonder) in this outfit is the blouse. I have to be a little careful how I wear it because it is exceedingly short, even for a short-waisted leggy dame like myself. The first time was with a blazer and high waisted skirt.
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Rating - Two Thumbs Sideways

Black & White and Read All Over

Cardi - TJ Maxx; Skirt - JC Penny; Shirt - Steinmart; Necklace and Bracelet - Macy's;

Earrings - Premeire; Shoes - Thrifted

This outfit was prepared around my shoes. Normally I wake up in the morning and I have an idea of an item that I would like to wear, then I build an outfit around it. This is the first time I wore these shoes to work and I found that they are a bit too small for me. I can still wear them on work days, but found that I should carry a pair of backup flats for walking to & from the car and on campus for class. I love the wingtips and the classic black and white style. Next time, I'm going to pair them with some bright accents. I've got a pair of green tights which would look like a dream with them.....

I've found myself getting really bored with the conventional radio stations in my city, so I've been listening to an Oldies's station which has a 'One Hit Wonder' feature. I started to think about my closet. I have many, many items in my closet which have only been worn once. So, this month, I'm trying to feature these 'One Hit Wonders'. Today, it's the shirt. This black wrap shirt with ruffled neckline and sleeves was worn on Christmas Eve, 2009. Then I put it away because I thought it was boring. I was merely lacking imagination. I love this classic look which kinda makes me feel like a 1940's dynamo. I need to find me a gumshoe to do some investigating with.

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Rating - Two Thumbs Up

Bruised Ego

Tank - Lauren Conrad (thrifted); Sweater - TJ Maxx; Skirt - Target; Tights and Belt- NY & Co;

Shoes and Bracelet- Steinmart; Necklace and Earrings - Premiere; Pin - Local crafter

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My big sister always told me to never wear navy and black together cause I'd look like a bruise. I've never even tried it before. I also try to stay away from wearing red and blue together, cause I equate it to 4th of July attire. I'm really happy with how this turned out, however. And despite the roller coaster that I feel my weight has been for the last 3 years, this skirt has been in my closet since before I met my husband (at least 7 years). And this day, I was able to wear it again. That makes me pretty durn happy :-)
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Rating - Two Thumbs Up

GI Goose

Tank - INC (Macy's); Pants - Macy's (gift); Shoes - Nine West (Thrifted);

Cardi and Belt- NY & Co.; Jewelry - Premiere

I loved how this outfit came together. The glitter of the cardi and belt, mixed with the camo tank....just a bit of edgy with the very feminine. This was a fabulous ad fitting way to end 2010, as this was my last outfit of the year.

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Rating - Two Thumbs Up.

Batwings

Sweater - Thrifted; Skirt - JC Penny; Tank - NY & Co (thrifted); Tights - JC Penny;

Boots, Ring and Necklace - Steinmart; Belt - TJ Maxx; Earrings - Premiere

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In retrospect, I should have gotten a picture of me with my arms out to fully show the ridiculosity of this sweater. I bought it months and months ago at a thrift store, but this is the first time I've been able to figure out how to wear it. And even this I wasn't very happy with. See, the sleeves are elasticized around the wrists, but then connect directly to the waistband of the sweater on the underside. I had to be sure not to walk too fast cause I'd get lift off from the wings this creates. Definitely not aerodynamically sound, but I guess that's not really a concern for me or I'd live in Speedos and wet suits. Honestly, the sleeves were so different, they are what drew me to the sweater....but I digress

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The main issue was the fact that the waistband hung really low and the wrap style of the sweater meant it was hanging way open and not really giving me any form. Also, it kept falling off of my shoulders. The only way it didn't drive me crazy was to pair with a high waisted skirt where I could wrap it how I wanted and hide the excess down below.

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Rating - Two Thumbs Sideways

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Sooooo....this sweater is prompting my first ever giveaway. I just don't have the imagination to style this sweater (or the boobs to prperly fill it out), but I'd love to see how others out there could make this piece work. The sweater is an XL. If you want to give it a try, post a comment below showing your interest and we'll work out the best way to set up the transfer. Of course, you'll have to send pictures so that we can compare :-)

Greensleeves

Shirt - NY & Co (thrifted); Vest - Mossimo (thrifted); Skirt - Macy's;

Shoes - Payless; Earrings, Necklace and Pin - Premiere

I wanted a closeup of the accessories here, cause they kind of get lost in the bigger picture. However, the cut of the stones on both the earrings and neclace add lots of sparkle, which I wanted in this Christmas-Week outfit (I am a bit behind on my blogging). When I bought this green skirt, I wasn't exactly sure how to style it, but I'm coming up with lots of ideas for both it and it's purple twin. Hey, if you love something, buy it in multiple colors, I always say. I decided that Christmas was going to be red and green week, so the next two posts will also follow this theme. Since Husby will only photograph me on days I work, there will be no Christmas Eve outfit, and the New Year found me with the flu.

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Rating - Two Thumbs Up