Strawberry Wine

Shirt - Macys; Skirt - Old Navy; Shoes - thrifted; Ring - Steinmart

I was told that I looked like Lucille Ball at work today.  And within 5 minutes, also told that I looked like a strawberry. While one is clearly more flattering than the other, I love this shirt because of its different polka dots.  It's hard to see here,  but the cherry (or strawberry) red  blouse has black polka dots all over it.  I love the combo.  I guess plaid and polka dots won out today.

This skirt has been in my closet for some time, but I was getting exceedinly bored with the boringness of it.  Joann Fabrics to the rescue.  A couple yards of decorative black lace and I've got a new much more interesting skirt.  I think I'll be doing this to more skirts....

Feedback Wanted!

Dress - TJ Maxx; Shoes - Payless; Bracelet - Premiere; Necklace and Earrings - Me

This dress is one of those items I just can't quite decide on. I remember it fondly, having worn it on my first anniversary, but at the same time, I was also asked if I was prego in it... The pattern is cool, but also kinda dirty looking (covered in vagaygays??)....And in order to wear it where it belongs, with the crossed lines under my post-babies larger boobies, my bra shows. I fought with this dress all day to keep it up...I think I'm talking myself out of it more and more as this post continues. Will it survive?? What do you think??

Farewell Old Friends

Shirt - Gap; Skirt - Old Navy; Shoes - Payless; Belt and Ring - Steinmart; Necklace - Premiere; Earrings - Macy's
Shirt - Gap; Cardi - Kohls; Skirt - JC Penny; Belt - NY & Co; Shoes - Thrifted; Necklace - Me

I couldn't decide in or out today. While my silhouette looked better head on with the skirt inside the high waisted skirt, the pleats on the skirt cause it to pooch out a bit in the area where I actually do have a pooch. So, my profile looked better when the shirt was untucked. I never did manage to decide, switching between the two looks every time I went to the bathroom. Ah, indecision.

Skirt - NY & Co; Shirt - Gap (thrifted); Jacket - Steinmart; Shoes - Payless; Belt - Thrifted

I retired two of the shoes pictured in this post after this week. The snakeskin sandals, while super hot, were a bit too big and the constant rubbing and shifting of my feet inside them was so very painful. The teal lovelies, I actually shed a bit of a tear for. I have loved these shoes for so long and have put up with the excruciating pain that I felt at the base of my big toes because the peep toe scraped the nail beds at just the perfectly horrible spot. I had to finally give up the ghost. I promised Hubs no shoes that couldn't make it through a day at the office, so bye-bye small instruments of podiatral torture. You will be missed. By me, not my feet.

Let the Sunshine In

Dress - Lands End (gift from MIL); Belt - Thrifted; Shoes - Jessica Simpson (thrifted); Necklace - ME; Earrings - Steinmart

This dress was so comfy, it was like wearing jammies to work. I see myself wearing this dress a lot. For my first attempt, went with the red and blue, but I'm excited about adding some yellow, or lime to it for this spring. Thought I'd try safe and toned down for the first wearing. I'm finding that my favorite gifts lately are gift cards. Used to hate them, cause I thought they were the cop out gift for those that lack imagination. Now I love them, cause they let me shop guilt free. Hint, hint Hubs.

Skirt - Spiegel; Sweater - Style & Co (Macy's); Shirt, Necklace and Belt - JC Penny; Shoes - Rampage (Macy's); Earrings - Chicos

This was the first wearing of my long-searched for yellow pencil skirt, but the last wearing of one of my favorite memory pieces. These pumps were purchased when I got engaged to wear to my bridal showers. I was in a very classic black & white phase at the time (with a lot of polka dots) and I wore these shoes to nearly every event for the wedding outside from the actual ceremony. Problem is, they kill my feet. They are a bit too big, not being available in half sizes, and the cut of the shoes is a bit to wide for my average width feet. I spend so much time fighting with them to stay on that they hurt my arches. By lunch time at the office, I was barefoot under my desk, only walking when absolutely necessary, cause the thought of putting them back on made me cringe. Not the kind of shoes to wear when you're trying to get your step count up. I recently gave these shoes to the Lovely LaraTelena. Hopefully she can make them fulfill their shoe destiny. I'll post any pics she sends me. Hint, hint, Lara.

Ode to a Grecian Urn

Dress and Boots - Thrifted; Sweater and Leggings - Steinmart; Belt - TJ Maxx; Necklace - ME; Ring - Steinmart; Cuff - Premiere

There are two color combinations that I try to stay away from; red, white and blue, and red, white and black. One evokes images of fireworks and the other newspapers. Regardless how trendy my red, white and blue attire, I still feel like the schoolteacher with american flag vest or redneck with flag bandana on. Red, white and black, however makes me feel EVERYONE else. It makes me feel like the old me. The me whose idea of being wacky was adding a bit of red to my black and white outfit. The me whose wardrobe consisted of 95% white and black. But I was losing track of what white and black was - Classic. I can wear the color combinations of the general public and still feel like me. I don't have to sacrifice my style. I loved this outfit and what it stood for. Plus, it was super comfy.

Shirt and Pants - Steinmart; Shoes - TJ Maxx; Belt - NY & Co; Ring - Steinmart; Belt - NY & Co; Earrings - Chico's; Necklace and Bracelet - Premiere

I have a serious problem. I went to a jewelry party last night and knew the name of nearly every item that the girls had on or the rep showed us. Without looking at the catalog. I apparently have an obsession with premiere jewelry. It was easy to restrain myself last night as I realized that everything I wanted, I already own.

I love this shirt for its conservative, yet sexy look. Everything of importance is covered, but the sheer sleeves and peek-a-boo shoulders are spicy. I love the flowy sleeves which give it a bit of a Grecian feel. Husby said that my outfit was plum-tastic.

Tealy, Tealy Good

Skirt - thrifted; Shirt - INC (Macy's FREE); Shoes - Stuart Weitzman (thrifted); Ring - Steinmart; Bracelet - Premiere; Necklace - Me

I felt much better of about the brightness of this outfit, probably because I was toning the skirt down with a solid navy shirt, but mostly because I was able to wear my $4 Stuart Weitzman Goodwill shoes (which are incidentally incredibly comfy). I love them and any day that I can wear them is a happy day for me. I actually altered the outfit a bit right before I ran out the door. It was cold so I added a navy cardi, which gave the outfit a bit of 50's flair. I decided to go with it and tucked the shirt into the high waisted skirt and belted it with a navy wide belt. Even happier with it that way.

Rating - Two Thumbs Up

Recycled Ties

Shirt - Steinmart; Sweater - Jones New York (Macy's); Skirt - Kohls; Belt - ME (husby's old ties);

Tights - NY & Co, Shoes - Moda (thrifted); Bracelets - Macy's; Necklace - Premiere

I felt like just standing in the skirt didn't nearly do it justice, so I twirled. The skirt and sweater are both OHW's today. The sweater I bought years ago, before open-front asymetrical sweaters were as widely available or worn, and I've never quite felt that I was stylish enough to do it justice. After re-finding it deep in the bowels of my winter-wear, I am in love. The skirt, however is just awkward. The shape is okay, if it was shorter...the length is okay, if more form fitting. The material is very silky, so wearing it in the summer seems impractical (sweaty + silk = YUCK), but it's so lightweight that it's not really warm in the winter. Overall, awkward. I'll give it another try, maybe in the spring without tights and with some sandals.....

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The belt, I crafted myself, out of my husband's old ties. I saw something like this on an etsy site and thought it was a novel idea. I love obi-style belts because they are both flattering and add a bit of interest with their three dimensionality. I was having trouble finding one in my price range. So, I went through husby's old ties, and took the two ugliest and sewed them together to give it a try. I learned that navy and olive actually make a good looking belt, and that stiff polyester ties are much more useful in this capacity, since silk ties bend too easily. I spent most of the day smoothing the tie back to its original shape cause it was a mushy mess after sitting down. I went to my Mom to see if she had any of Dad's old ties laying around, and she'd already given them to GoodWill. I asked around work and got some of the same responses. So, if anyone has any old polyseter - or equally stiff material - men's neckties lying around that they'd be interesting in sending my way (the louder the print, the better) let me know. I'd love to try this again!

Rating - Two Thumbs Sideways

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

Raspberry Beret

Shirt - NY & Co (thrifted); Sweater - Express (thrifted); Skirt - JC Penny;

Pumps - Nine West (thrifted); Jewelry - Me

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this sweater. I found it in a thrift shop and normally run away from pink (something about growing up in a pepto bismol room), but I couldn't resist the rich raspberry color. I felt so feminine and gorgeous all day.

And these shoes....these $8 metallic thrifted shoes have gotten more wear in the 6 months that I've owned them than most of the shoes in my closet have their entire shoe-lives. What can I wear them with? What CAN"T I wear them with :-)

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Rating - Two Thumbs Up

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I hadn't shopped at NY & Co since it changed name from Lerner NY (mostly because that's around the time I became plus sized and didn't think they could fit me), but I've noticed that I have many thrifted items from there, so I recently took a look. I am in LOVE!! The colors, their belt collection.....I could have done some serious damage. Good thing I had Sophie with me to keep me honest-ish :-) Yes I bought a cardi and a few clearance belts.

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So with the new year comes a new resolution. Since I started blogging in July, this will be my first year blogging from the beginning of the year. My goal is to not duplicate any outfits for 365 days, without doing any shopping. I know, I've said I would stop shopping before, but I found that it was something I couldn't do completely cold turkey. I weaned myself down immensely this past year, but I'm heading into 2011 a bit more determined and with a little more insight into myself.

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I shop to get away from my life, to spend some time not being mommy, student or wife. I knew that. But shopping doesn't have to involve buying. I buy for another reason. I buy because with each new purchase it's another opportunity to bring something into my wardrobe which will make me feel better about myself. This shirt, that belt, that pair of shoes...yes, they make me feel great when I put them on the first time, but it fades and I'm still left with me. I need to like me more - mostly on the outside. But my dislike on the outside is internalizing and it's not healthy. Instead of making good choices and actively trying to make myself look/feel better, I just buy more clothes to cover up my body. And I need to stop.

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So, I thank all of my readers, who give me feedback positive or negative, cause I'm learning how to feel good in what I already have.

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And I thank my Husby for dealing with my crazy on a daily basis, for being my most honest critic, and being my most staunch supporter in making me feel beautiful every day.

Hot for Teacher

Cardi and Shirt - Steinmart; Skirt - JC Penny; Shoes - Vera Wang; Necklace and Bracelet - Me; Earrings - Chico's

These pumps....I tried to sell them to Plato's Closet cause I never wore them. They wouldn't buy them (don't know why). I've worn them about 10 times in the 4 months since them (more than I've worn them in the 3 years I've owned them. I'm so glad Plato's passed. What was I thinking??

I saw these rich green and gold imitation pearls when I was looking for craft beads at Michaels and had to buy them. I put them together into this necklace and earring combo, expecting to only be able to wear it with a white shirt, but loving it anyway. I'm glad I was wrong. As I've started cycling in some of my fall/winter clothes, I realize I have two of these Steinmart tanks...one in green, one in blue. Maybe I was subconsciously buying the beads to have jewelry for these shiny, busty tanks with the sheer bow on the left shoulder that I love so much. Hmm.....trust my instinct? Don't mind if I do....
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I felt like a sexy teacher today. Or a naughtly librarian. Or like I should break out into a samba in the middle of class. :-)

Off the Wagon

Dress - Alfani (thrifted); Vest - One World (Steinmart); Shoes - Payless;

Belt - Steinmart; Earrings - a little boutique in columbus;

Bracelets - Me; Ring - Premiere

So, because I am so short waisted, I can shop in petites despite being 5'-9". I've had great luck with shirts and sweaters, but found out this day that dresses are a nono. While this did fit great in the top area, this petite dress was riding up on me in the leg department all day. I was super duper self conscious, probably because I wore white tights. Next time, it will be black.

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And the title of the post is cause I'm hanging my head in shame. I was having a horribly stressful work/school day and I stopped at goodwill at lunch and did a little shopping. It was thrifted, and I kept it at $20, but I clearly fell off the wagon. As I climb back on I am going to attempt baby steps. Maybe I have to approach this the way I did quitting smoking. Take it day by day until I hit a week, then week by week until I hit a month...then it was easy cause I had gone so long. Sorry Husby. Sorry readers. Day one. Again.

Do It Yourself

Shirt - Style & Co (Macy's); Pants and Belt - TJ Maxx;

Shoes - Steve Madden (thrifted)

Necklace, Earrings and Bracelets - ME; Ring - Premiere

Lots of details I wanted to show off today. I made this Necklace, earrings and bracelet combo last Saturday evening while Husby made me watch Milla Jovovich movies. I found the large balls, which are actually antiqued gold, copper, silver and black colored wire wrapped around and around to look like balls of yarn, at Michael's one day and, although I wasn't sure what I'd do with them, I had to take them home.

I love the color tones and the uniqueness of the pieces. And, I was complemented on how awesome my jewelry was by total strangers. That makes you feel good.

These shoes are everywhere now. I bought them about 6 months ago at Plato's Closet cause I thought they were super cool, and now they are showing up in magazines and all over TV. Glad I had the foresight to not let these babies pass me by. Also glad that there's someone in the area that has size 9.5-10 feet, great taste in shoes, and likes to recycle at Plato's Closet!

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I felt awesome this day. the outfit's shape really made me look long and lean and I felt like a million bucks. My hair, however, looks like a giant fuzzball. Note to self - keep the au naturale hair for more casually attired days.

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Second note to self...these shoes have very high heels. Do not wear again on a day that you have to stop and get groceries on the way home. You will hate your feet.

Veruca Salt

Shirt - TJ Maxx; Cardi - TJ Maxx; Pants - Steinmart; Belt - TJ Maxx;

Shoes - Thrifted; Bracelets and Earrings - ME

A co-worker told me I reminded her of Veruca Salt today. She assured me it was because I was dressed all in blue and not because I was large and round. These gorgeous floral flats are my favorite part. Got them for $10 from Plato's Closet, which I think is my new favorite shoe place. Macys.com said that printed flats are the hot trend this fall. Looks like I'm trendy. The pants were also once full length, but after one 'Wash Cold and Tumble Dry Low' as directed, they ended up as such. Luckily, I have really long legs and look good in ankle length pants!!

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Liking the hair a little better today....but not much. I guess I'll get used to it before I grow the bangs out some more.

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On the diet front.....I'm holding steady at 10 pounds down. After one week with my 'special friend' in town and one week super sick and eating whatever sounded good (which was mostly carbs), I haven't gained anything which makes me happy. Now lets get back on the horse to make me even happier :-)

Green with Envy

Shirt - Thrifted (and technically maternity); Skirt - thrifted; Bangle - Old Navy;

Pendant and Earrings - Premiere; Necklace - ME; Shoes - Shoe Carnival

I hated today. I hate my hair, I hate my outfit. I really hate these shoes. I looked and felt like crap today. I was tempted not to post this, but it wouldn't really be in the true spirit of what I'm doing. I need to look at the bad, too and learn not to do it again. I felt like a frumpy cow all day because the skirt was just too tight in the tummy area....and then I realized that it was a size 10 and felt much better. When I started this, I was a size 16. I can comfortably say that I'm a 14 now, so looking like a wrapped sausage in a 10 is AOK. The necklace I'm pretty proud of, though. The pendant came on a necklace when I bought it 5 years ago, but I lost it. I recently bought some beads at Michael's and made me a new one, which I think turned out pretty well.

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As for the hair....While I was sick, Husby got 500 Days of Summer from the library for me and after watching it twice, I was so in love with Zooey Deshanel that I went and cut my own bangs. Why is it that despite the fact that I regret cutting bangs every time, and spend months growing them out, that I still do it again and again when I see an actress with great fringe? Here we go again.

I Did it My Way

Pants - Style & Co (Macy's); Vest - Thrifted; Tank - Steinmart;

Gladiator Sandals - Simply Vera by Vera Wang (thrifted);

Earrings, Necklace and Bracelets - ME!!

Day two of vest week allowed me to show off my newly discovered jewelry making skills. I had a necklace (from Premiere, who else) which broke. Only item from that line, ever, that I had a problem with, but the design was flawed in that very heavy beads were only held together by string. Instead of returning it, I took the beads that I collected when it broke to Michaels to see if I could find some beads to agument and try to put it back together myself on some clear elastic cord. The results were fabulous, and I found so many beads that I liked and complemented the necklace that I made some earrings and 3 bracelets. I absolutely LOVE the way they turned out. And got quite a few complements from people. Imagine my glee when my response was, "Thanks! I made them!!" I had a grin that lasted all day long. Look for more jewelry experiments in the future. I've got a turqoise bracelet I love that could use a necklace......

Pinky Tuscadero

Dress - Old Navy; Cardigan - Steinmart;

Necklace - Handmade by Vendor at a local festival;

Earrings - Macy's; Ballet Flats - Old Navy

The end of dress week (which probably should have been called 'Maternity Week' finds me in another maternity gem that I just couldn't retire. Mostly because of the awesome color, but the fact that it makes my busom look nice is just a bonus. However, after I discarded the sweater in the 90 degree heat outside, I felt VERY self concsious because of my still slightly poochy tummy. I have lost a total of 3.5 inches in my waist, but I think I won't truly feel comfortable in this dress sans cardi until I lose a few more. Looks like this dress will have to be layered for a while. I think I can handle that.

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This day, Friday, August 6, was the one week mark eating GI. And I lost a total of 7 pounds. In ONE WEEK. Super happy about that. And it wasn't that hard to keep up with. I did, however need a day to eat whatever I wanted cause I was getting kind of tired of cottage cheese and yogurt. And I needed a bit of chocolate. So I'm back on the horse now and can't wait to see where week two takes me!!