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

The Outfit That Broke the Rules

Shirt - Steinmart; Scarf - Nordstrom (thrifted); Pants - Target;

Belt - Thrifted; Shoes - Payless; Earrings - Chico's;

Bracelet (really a necklace) - ME; Ring - Premiere

I think this is my new favorite picture of myself. Have I mentioned recently that I love that fall is here because my colors are back? Well, I didn't care that it was 95 degrees the day that I wore this outfit. It was officially fall, damn it!

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This scarf was a super steal with the Nordstrom tag still on it. I paid $3. The shoes I've had from Payless for about 3 years, and they are one of my faves. I was wearing brown shoes when I saw these and had to add them to the outfit. I love how all of these colors work together and will be revisiting this combo again. And, as I was starting to get upset because I haven't lost any weight in 3 weeks (mostly because I haven't been trying too hard) I realized that the pants I was wearing have been in my closet for 8 years. And they still fit. In fact, they were loose by the end of the day (and driving me nuts cause they kept falling down). So, I won't be too hard on myself. I have it on Husby's admission that I look better now that I did when he met me. Maybe he was just saying that cause it's what I wanted to hear, but I feel prettier and more stylish now that I ever have before, so even if the change has only been internal with my level of confidence, I'll still take it. Love you Husby!

Purple People Eater

Sweater- Old Navy; Pants - Steinmart; Shoes - Coach (via TJ Maxx); Tank - Old Navy;

Scarf - Payless; Bangle - Old Navy; Leaf Chandelier Earrings - Steinmart

Yes, these shoes are Coach. The one and only Coach item that I own. No, I didn't pay Coach prices. Listed at $290, I paid $30. I was drawn to them for the rich purple color, and true to form for me, didn't think 'What would I wear these with?" I just brought them home and have found ways to make them work. I love them and they are so comfy. The scarf, a BOGO purchase from Payless is also one of my favorites. It's got gorgeous blues and greens and purples mixes with a little silver and is so versatile. I have about a million scarves adn I'm yearning for the cooler weather to be able to bring them out again. This mornin's 60 degree chill, and the fact that I had no class and would be in my office's air conditioning all day, allowed me to break one out early.