Surely Inspired

 Shirt - Style & Co. (Macy's); Skirt - Spiegel; Shoes - Mossimo (thrifted); Belt - Target; Necklace, Earrings & Ring (Macy's)

Everytime I think of pairing blue and yellow together, I think of one of Surely Sonsi's first posts.  And, every time I put on this skirt, I definitely think of her, since she recommended this skirt based upon the red one she owned.  If Kate Spade was my inspiration yesterday, I guess Jessica is my inspiration today.

School's Out for Summer

Skirt - Ralph Lauren (Macy's FREE); Cardi - Gap; Shirt - Style & Co (Macys FREE); Belt and Ring - NY & Co; Shoes - Jessica Simpson (TJ Maxx); Earrings - Premiere; Necklace- Thrifted.
I took my last two exams for the spring this week. I aced them both. Now, maybe I can take a moment or two to blog occasionally. I'm really behind.

Comfy Sexy

Cardi and Shirt - Old Navy; Pants - Style & Co (Macy's); Shoes - Steinmart; Belt - Thrifted; Necklace - Premiere; Earrings - Lia Sophia (gift from MIL)

This outfit is pretty basic. Nothing out of the ordinary and super comfy. Great outfit for work and school. That's about it.

Sweater - Steinmart; Skirt and Tights - Old Navy; Boots - Macy's; Belt - Dots; Earrings - Chico's; Necklaces - Premeire

Husby went so far as to call me sexy in this outfit. He told me multiple times that I looked really good. I guess he must like this one :-P This is one of those way-after-winter-on-the-clearance-rack-for-$3.50-becuase-it's-the-last-sweater-in-the-store finds. And it is the only sweater that I didn't pack away for the summer because it's warm yet light weight enough to slap on over a tank while sitting by a fire drinking a beer with my neighbors. This is my new go-to sweater.

Holy Brightness, Batman!

Cardi - Old Navy; Tank - Steinmart; Pants - Style & Co (Macy's - FREE); Shoes - Vera Wang (Kohls); Belt - Thrifted; Necklace - Steinmart

.

When I had to retire my emerald green cardigan because of wear and fading, I searched high and low for a replacement. This old navy cardi was the closest that I could come up with, but when I got it home and started pairing it with things, it's really more limey than emerald. With the weather just starting to warm up, but our city ensconced in rain, I tried to bring some sunshine into my life with this lime/teal combo. My coworkers had to wear sunglasses to be around me.

These Vera Wang pumps are part of a new trend in my life. They are an item that I had in a bag to give to Goodwill cause I hadn't worn them in years. I pulled them out of that Goodwill bag so many times to wear them, that I've decided to keep them. A similar thing happened to the yellow floral cardigan that I wore yesterday for Easter at the In-laws. I packed it in the Goodwill bag because I had only worn it once and just couldn't figure out how to style it. But thanks to my favorite bloggers and their color inspirations, when I was going through the bag to itemize them for the tax man, I rescued it with a 'What was I thinking?'. I guess one woman's garbage can be her own treasure after all :-)

Rating - Two Thumbs Up (if you aren't blinded)

Snakeskin Strappies

Shirt - Loft (courtesy of Shessica's Smashion site); Cardi - TJ Maxx; Pants - Style & Co (Macy's);

Shoes - Thrifted; Necklace - Bakers; Cuff and Ring - Premiere; Belt - NY & Co.

These shoes are my favorite part of this outfit, although I'm quite happy about how the outfit came together. Mother Nature can't quite figure out if she wants it to be spring or winter, so I've found that my best bet with classes and work is to dress in layers. But the fact that it has warmed up enough to be able to wear open-toed shoes is flippin fantastic! These puppies were found at Plato's Closet for $8 if I remember correctly. And worth EVERY Penny. THeya re actually pretty comfy, too. I've worn them to work a couple of times. I struggled for quite some time to find a necklace that mixed metals as well as the fabulous cuff that husby bought me for Christmas last year. This gem was spotted as a co-worker and I breezed through a mall in Columbus to eat at the foodcourt before heading home from work meetings. My company's Columbus office is located within a mall....while I briefly considered relocating there when the office first opened, once I found that out I took my name out of consideration. We'd be bankrupt if I worked that close to shopping all the time!!

I loved my hair so much I made Husby take a side shot.
.

Rating - Two Thumbs Up

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

.

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.

.

Rating - Two Thumbs Up

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)

.
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.
.
Rating - One Thumb Up (Husby - really liked the sparkly shirt), One Thumb Down (me)

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
.

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.
.
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.
.
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!!!
.
Rating - One Thumb Sideways (Husby), One Thumb Up (ME!)

Silver and Shiny

Cardi and Shirt - Style & Co. (Macy's); Skirt - JC Penny; Shoes - Thrifted;
Necklace - Express; Ring - Premiere

.

Although ensconced in varying shades of gray, black and white, I felt awesome and spunky in this ensemble. I love the cardigan with the ruffles and the shiny silver stripes through the cardigan made me feel equally shiny. The 14 hour workday that followed this picture was easy when I looked and felt this good.
.
Rating - Two Thumbs Up

Color My World

Dress - Style & Co (Macy's); Shoes - thrifted; Cardi - Old Navy;

Pin - Steinmart; Cuff - Premiere; Belt - came with the dress

While Husby wasn't fond of this outfit (mostly for my hair), I loved this outfit. The material of the dress was very comfy and stretchy while still being very professional and modest. I liked the colors most of all. I wouldn't have thought to put purple and blue together like this, but was glad to go with it.

.

Rating - One Thumb Up, One Thumb Sideways

Add a third thumb, in the up direction if you count the vote of my mini fashionista, Stinkerbell (shown in her Christmas best). She said I looked 'Bootiful'....I'll credit that to the speech challenges of a 2 1/2 year old and not my booty.

Navy Blue Suede Shoes

Sweater - NY & Co (thrifted); Shirt - Style & Co (Macy's);

Skirt - Liz Claiborne (thrifted); Tights - We Love Colors;

Shoes - Moda; Necklaces - Steinmart, Macy's, Express;

Bangles and Earrings - Macy's

I need you, my followers, to vote in the Great Pose Debate. Husby likes Pose #1, I prefer #2. I think it highlights my gams. What do you think?

This outfit was inspired by Style Underdog. I had forgotten all about my own pair of blue suede shoes until I saw this post.

However, I do have to admit that I like hers better :-) I am a little annoyed with myself that when I wear Navy, I have a tendency to get all blued out. I need to break out and add some more colors to my Navy outfits. Remember this Gem from a few months back?
Boring. Blue, blue, blue, blue, blue. My challenge this week is to break out of my Navy Shell.

Yipes Stripes

Sweater - American Eagle (thrifted); Skirt - Old Navy;

Tee - Style & Co (Macy's); Tights - Old Navy; Boots - Macy's;

Belt - Dots; Necklace - JC Penny

.

I am not an every day blogger. I usually only blog what I wear to work, and only then if my husband is awake and aware enough to take the pictures. You will nearly never see an outfit worn to school, since a Tee, a UC fleece jacket and jeans are not nearly exciting enough (and generally only vary in the color of Tee). Unless, I have to stop in to the office before heading to my all-day classes, like on this particular day. I needed something comfy and easy to move in, since I'd not only be performing a lab experiment in the afternoon, but I'd be heading to campus hours before the near lot opens up to non-pass holders, so I'd be walking about a 1/2 mile from where I park to my class once I got there. But it also had to be appropriate enough for my business casual work atmosphere. This is what I settled on. I really liked how it turned out and I was extremely comfy all day. Plus, I feel great any time I wear olive green since my eyes are olivey and it really makes them pop.

Black & White and Red All Over

Tank as Vest - New York & Co (thirfted); Shirt - thrifted;

Pants - Style & Co (Macy's); Shoes - Thrifted; Bracelets - Macy's;

Belt - Thrifted; Earrings and Flower Pin - Steinmart

When I asked Husby if my pattern mixing was too much, he said 'It's okay." When I probed a bit further, he responded, in an equally nonplussed fashion, 'You look fine.' Fine?? FINE?? I don't want to just look fine. I felt stylish and clever and fashion forward and beautiful. I've got on plaid AND stripes at the same time for Cripes Sake!! You're my husband. You're supposed to feel it too!! The second picture is my reaction to 'Fine' and he thought it was so funny that he took a picture of it.

.

But...the reality is, him saying 'Fine' is his way of saying 'It's not my favorite, but you're still my Goose'. I don't dress for compliments. I don't dress for him (most of the time). I dress for me. And Me liked this outfit. Me felt great all day. Go Me! And I'm in love with my surprisingly comfy, super-pointy, plaid fabric pumps. $8 well spent at Plato's Closet. In fact, with all the thrifted and clearance garb I'm wearing, this outfit - shoes and jewelry included - cost around $40.

2 Suits, 1 Week

Suit - Style & Co (Macy's); Shirt - Steinmart; Necklace - Premiere; Shoes - Steinmart

I had a meeting today with a client. A very important client. And a client whose Project Manager ALWAYS wears a jacket to our meetings. The last few meetings we have had with this client I was pregnant so I tried to dress as nice as I could, so I felt like I should make up for it today with a suit.

.

God, I felt boring today.

.

I tried to make things a little interesting by wearing a colorful shirt, some neck bling and my funkiest flats, my black & white snakeskin loafers, but I still felt boring.

.

But my hair looked fabulous, so I still felt great all day!

Eggplant Parmesan

Shirt - Cha Cha Venti (Steinmart); Pants - Style & Co (Macy's); Shoes - Madden Girl (thrifted);

Necklace - Premiere; Earrings - Chico's

I can't even begin to tell you how sexy, yet classy I felt today. It's amazing what the hint of one shoulder can do. I love this blouse becuase it's made of a light gauzy material with a huge cowl neck and under-tank which allow it to be worn three ways: traditional cowl hanging in the front, one shoulder sleek and sexy, and off of both shoulders. Since I was heading to work, I opted to bear the shoulder sans tatoo. Engineers, especially older ones, tend to scoff at body art. I loved the shirt so much that I bought it in eggplant and olive, so look for more neck possiblities in the future. Also, the skirt is kinda bloused here to hide the lines of the waistband of these pants, but could be left much longer with leggings and some knee high boots. Ooh, I'm getting excited! But that may have to wait a bit since the previously forecasted week of low 70's has been amended to a week of high 80's. Tank weather will be here a little longer.

.

I putzed around more than usual between shower and dressing since my 10 month old woke up and I wanted to snuggle a bit. When I went in to brush my hair, I realized that my unbrushed coiff was mostly dry and wavy all over. I may have to do this non-brushing thing more often, cause it took two minutes to get ready and I got sooooo many compliments on my hair today.

Ruby Slippers

Cardi - Steinmart; Tunic - Steinmart; Pants - Style N Co (Macy's); Shoes - Steinmart;

Necklace & Earrings - Premiere; Bracelets - ME

They do exist. The mythical deep red patent leather Mary Janes. I wear these shoes as much as I possibly can during the cooler weather because they are so stylish AND comfortable. And Sophie calls them my 'Dorofy Shoes'. (ya know, Dorothy...) The shirt didn't photograph nearly as well as it looked. The asymetrical bottom and the floral applique made this shirt too adorable to pass up. I'm a walking Steinmart advertisement.

.
If course, seeing my hair in this photo immediately prompted me to pin back my bangs with a bobby. Still trying to get the hand of making these horrible bangs doable. Try again tomorrow.

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......